The Bible doesn’t give us an exact number of people who will be in heaven, but it does tell us that there will be an enormous crowd—so big that no one can count it.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
A Crowd Too Big to Number
Revelation 7:9 describes this scene in heaven:
“I saw a great multitude, which no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
This means that heaven will be filled with people from all over the world who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible also describes an uncountable number of angels and heavenly beings worshiping God. In Revelation 5:11, John says:
“I heard the voice of many angels, numbering ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.”
The phrase “ten thousand times ten thousand” comes from the Greek μυριάδες μυριάδων (myriades myriadon), which literally means “countless thousands” or “an innumerable multitude.” In the ancient world, “ten thousand” (a myriad) was the largest common number, so this phrase simply means too many to count!
This same idea appears in Daniel 7:10, which describes myriads upon myriads of heavenly beings standing before God’s throne.
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
What Does This Mean for Us?
- Heaven is big enough for everyone who believes – In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going to prepare a place for you.” This means there is plenty of space in heaven for all who put their faith in Him.
- No one is left out – Heaven will include believers from every nation, tribe, and language (Revelation 7:9). This shows that God’s salvation is for people from all backgrounds.
- The focus isn’t on numbers, but on God’s greatness – The Bible’s descriptions of myriads of angels and countless worshipers show us that heaven is beyond what we can imagine. The real question isn’t how many people will be in heaven, but will you be there?
Heaven is not limited by numbers. The Bible tells us that a vast, uncountable multitude will be there, worshiping God forever. Jesus has prepared a place for all who trust in Him. The invitation is open. So, the real question isn’t how many people will be in heaven—but will you be there? Heaven is waiting, and Jesus has made the way for us to enter!
Digging Deeper
- What is the gospel? – The gospel was proclaimed by the prophets, lived by Jesus Christ, preached by the apostles, and spread through all the world. What is such good news?
- The Sinner’s Prayer – Every sinner’s prayer involves repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, confession of sin, surrender to God, and humility.
- Embracing God’s Word by Hearing, Hiding, and Heeding – Embracing God’s Word by hearing with all readiness, hiding it in our hearts, and heeding it in our daily lives.