What the 144,000 means is 12,000 decedants of each of the original 12 tribes of Isreal. At the time of the 2nd coming of Jesus our Lord and Savouir, all 144,000 will be gathered once again in Isreal. The time is near because the 144,000 have already started making their way back to Isreal. Recently, a lost tribe of the 12 was found to be living in Ethiopia and was broght back to Isreal to live and welcome the coming of Jesus.....so it is happening as we speak. These 144,000 decendants have lead a pure life according to the old testament, the first convenant of the Lord. After Jesus resurrection and asent into Heaven, modern day Christians live under God's new convenant. The Bible is the truth and the way, and there are no mistakes in the Bible....the will of God is being done today....read Revelations over and over again and get a study guide to help with the understanding.....it is very imperative that we all understand what is about to happen.