Will there be more people in heaven or in hell?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Although the Bible does not give us numbers, it makes clear that more people will likely go to hell than to heaven. This is not God’s desire, though, as He wants everyone to come to salvation (1 Timothy 2:34). Jesus described the path to destruction as wide and the path to life as narrow (Matthew 7:1314). However, this does not mean that only a few will be saved; there will still be a vast number of people in heaven, representing every nation and people (Revelation 7:9). The key is how individuals respond to Jesus and accept His offer of salvation—those who truly know Him and follow His teachings will go to heaven (John 14:6 Acts 4:12). The message of salvation is open for all to respond, and we are invited to share this message wherever we go (John 3:16; Matthew 28:1820).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Whether more people are in heaven or hell is not recorded in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus taught in Matthew 7:1314, "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 28:1820).
• 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 do not know Him by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:89).
• 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). How a person responds to Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins determines if he or she goes to heaven or hell.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

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).

UNDERSTAND

• More people will likely go to hell as the path to destruction is broad, but all who go to hell have chosen to go there by rejecting Christ.
• Salvation is available to all, but only those who respond to Jesus in faith will enter heaven.
• Heaven will be populated by a vast multitude, representing all nations.

REFLECT

• How are you challenged by the truth that the road to destruction is broad but the road to eternal life is narrow?
• What steps can you take to share the message of Jesus and the hope of salvation with those around you who may not know Him?
• How does the urgency of making a decision for Christ impact the way you live out your faith daily?

ENGAGE

• There are only two options after death—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. How can we help others understand this?
• What are some barriers or reasons people might have for not choosing the narrow path to salvation? How can we help address these challenges?
• How can we support others in faithfully sharing the gospel, knowing that not everyone will accept it?