The 144,000 are evidence for a
Rapture before the
Tribulation. If there were hundreds of millions of Christians on earth, then they would be called to serve. Since Christians are caught up in the Rapture, God selects 144,000 Hebrews to be His preachers to Jews and all nations.
The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Revelation is a time of justice and judgment but mercy and grace are available. God has given everyone plenty of opportunities to know and accept Him. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and calls to salvation. But everyone comes to Jesus Christ by their own free will. Each person must respond, acknowledge our sin and accept God's perfect gift to be a Christian.
During the Tribulation, we see God's mercy and grace. People have the opportunity to repent and follow God. Some who accept Christ stand strong through severe persecution. Despite astonishing events and terrible judgments, many people still reject God but mercy and grace are available until the end.
I the Lord have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles (
Isaiah 42:6).