Revelation 07

19/04/2023 Wednesday
The Revelation
Study of John’s Revelation
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 – A Pause
Chapter seven appears to be a parenthesis or pause.
It is not necessarily in chronological sequence.
It seems to be an overview of the whole Tribulation.
It especially gives us information about those saved during the tribulation.
It identifies God’s 144,000 witnesses.
It gave John (and us) a glimpse of those saved during the Tribulation and God’s care for them.
Chapter 7 – A Pause
Calm Before the Storm (Re 7:1-3)
The chapter opens with angels serving God.
Four angels on the four corners of the earth hold back the wind.
Ironside: It is very evident that they are restraining the last wild beast from making his appearance. In chapter thirteen, the beast with seven
heads and ten horns, the Roman Empire in its last form, comes forth from the sea, symbolizing the nations in unrest.
They were also appointed to hurt the earth in some way.
Another angel gives a command to postpone judgment until he sealed the servants of God. This will protect them from harm.
Some think the seal may be a special anointing of the Holy Spirit for their specific service to God (cf., Jn 6:27; 2Co 1:22; Eph 1:13).
It may be a visible brand. “This seal is probably the name of the Lamb and His Father.” Constable, Re 14:1
Chapter 7 – A Pause
The Angel Seals God’s Servants (Re 7:4-8)
The number of the sealed is 144,000 (Compare Re 14:1-5)
They are sealed for identification servants of God (Re 7:3) ,for authentication Father’s name (Re 14:1), and for protection (Re 7:3). They are virgins (Re
14:4).They are firstfruits of more to come (Re 14:4). By Re 14:5, they are faultless. They are not actually called witnesses, but
assumed to be as the great multitude of believers follows next.
The sealed were all Jews, not JWs or the church.
Twelve thousand from each of twelve Israeli tribes.
Some teach that Israel really means the church in this passage. J. Vernon McGee sets the record straight. “‘Israel’ means Israel. If God had
wanted to call Israel the church, I think He would have just said ‘church’ because He was able to say ‘church’ when the time came.” (McGee 953)
Dan is excluded, perhaps because of idolatry (Walvoord)
Chapter 7 – A Pause
John Saw a Multitude of Believers (Re 7:9-17)
They were a great multitude (v.9).
No one could count them.
They were from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue. “This group appears to be the same as the one referred to earlier in 6:9-
11 (cf. v. 14).” Constable
These believers died during the Tribulation.
They stood before God’s throne and the Lamb (v.9-10).
This is obviously in heaven.
They were clothed in white (justified and immortal).
They had palms in their hands (for celebration).
They praise God for their salvation.
Chapter 7 – A Pause
Around the throne are ALL the angels, 24 elders, and four living creatures (v.11-12).
They all fall on their faces before the throne.
They worship God.
Their words of praise and worship begin with “Amen!” as they agree with the praise of the great multitude of Tribulation saints.
Each of the accolades (i.e., blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power, might) attributed to God reflect His supreme worth
and His limitless abilities.
Chapter 7 – A Pause
One of the elders asks John to identify the multitude (v.13-17).
He asks, “Who are these?” and “Where did they come from?”
He then proceeds to tell John the answer.
They came out of the great tribulation
They have washed robes, made white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore, they are honoured, especially for their suffering.
They are before God’s throne.
They serve God day and night.
They will never again hunger or thirst or suffer from sunlight or heat.
The Lamb will feed and lead them to living water.
God will wipe away their tears.
Practical Application
We may rest in God’s sovereign control.
Nothing ever happens without God’s approval.
As God will seal 144,000 to serve him, He has also sealed believers today that they might serve Him.
In what ways are you serving him?
God will allow multitudes of believers to die.
God does not promise that the Christian life will be easy.
But, God will honour those who honour him.
Life is about being washed in Christ’s blood, serving Him, and living for eternity with Him.