Will there be more people in heaven or in hell?
The Bible does not indicate the exact number of people who will be in heaven or hell, but it does give a ratio. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." There will evidently be far more people in hell than in heaven.Does this mean very few people will be in heaven? Certainly not! Revelation 7:9 observes, "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands." Millions and millions of people will be in heaven. Further, they will be from all parts and peoples of the world. In the end, the Great Commission will have been fulfilled, that disciples will be made from among all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
Several observations become clear from these passages. First, not everyone will go to heaven. Matthew 7:21 states, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Even many who claim to follow the Lord truly do not know Him by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Second, there is only one way to heaven—Jesus Christ. Jesus taught, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). The apostle affirmed this message, teaching, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Third, there are only two options—heaven or hell. Reincarnation, annihilation, universalism, purgatory, or soul sleep are not biblical alternatives. Instead, each person will end this life and immediately enter eternity in the presence of the Lord forever or apart from Him forever.
Fourth, urgency is needed in both accepting salvation and sharing it with others. Because life can end at any moment and there are only two options, each person urgently needs to come to faith in Christ as soon as possible. This begins with personal salvation and continues with sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Not every person will accept this message; some will even persecute those who speak out about Jesus. Regardless, the good news must be shared for more people to believe and have eternal life (John 3:16).
Will everyone go to heaven? Who will go to heaven?
How can I make sure I'm going to heaven?
Is heaven real?
Is hell real? Is hell really forever?
What happens after death?
Truth about Eternity
