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OK, first, yes, REST is what Jesus said was Heaven too.

There are over 200 verses to this one and in no way can I do that justice in one post.

However, the strongest and most direct cases are Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4. (excerpt) Hbr 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

In Heaven there will be MANY roles: Not every one in Heaven is equal. Not everyone in Heaven is even “Saved”. This gets very complicated, so I will only brush across it and leave the detailed searching of matters to whomever so chooses to explore further.

There are at least 4 different “ranks” in Heaven. What we call the old testament saints, the new testament saints, the tribulation saints and the angels. There is doctrine for more, but these are enough for the proof of concept.

These are in Heaven by 4 different means: Justified by Faith, Justified by Grace, Justified by Martyrdom, and created beings who did not side with Satan in rebellion.

Read all of Romans Chapter 9: (Excerpt) Rom 9:21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

And 2Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

So let me place this into a context of babies and “others”. The mentally feeble and last minute sinners.

In Heaven, you will be whatever is left of Christ, that is tried by fire, the old you will be burned away. Some verses also say cleaved or cut away. Many examples. The gist is, if you are 90% selfish sinner and 10% saved, you will be a small thing in heaven. Forever. Unable to grow, change, eternal as is. Perhaps a wooden spoon in the kitchen, while someone else is a gold flower vase in the dining room? Follow that analogy?

So, a baby, did not make many or any choices, they get to go to heaven, they will not be cast out into eternal darkness and shame, but they also will be must more than a baby either.

Same for the guy who repents on death row. He might actually go to heaven, but he may be a chamber pot under a bed. Better than HELL, but surely NOT the eternal glory he could have chosen.

As for the population of hell and that 144,000 number, most outside of the Jehovah’s witnesses, believe that to be Jews “saved” during the tribulation. If they get counted as tribulation saints, or old testament saints, or one of the “other” classifications is simply unknowable. 144,000 do get “saved” in the generic sense, but what of them eternally beyond that? It does not say directly.

As for the “saved” or “church” that will be millions. And the tribulation saints, billions. But only the Church is the bride of Christ in role.

Hope that gives you so fun and interesting thoughts to seek out.

Be blessed.