Revelation Chapter 7 Lesson 18
The Redeemed of the Tribulation
Intro:
The action is frozen here, as if we hit the pause button, and for the
period of this chapter another subject is picked up and detailed and then in
8:1 the action is once again picked up.
This is not the only break in the action so to speak that we will
discover as we go thru the book.
Ch-10 Consolation and encouragement of believers, especially John.
Ch-11
Points out God's 2 special witnesses.
Ch 12-13
Will detail the forces of evil that are dominant in this period.
Ch 17-18
Destruction of evil end time powers, both political and religious.
Chapter 7 answers the Question, Who is able
to stand? Is their an opportunity for
salvation in the
tribulation?
This chapter
indicates one of the means of fulfillment of Mt 24:14.
- This was the
announcement of the good news that the kingdom was near.
There are two separate and distinct aspects of
salvation presented in the Gospel of the Kingdom: individual and national.
- The gospel of
the kingdom as preached by these 144K Jewish believers in the Tribulation will have 2 main emphases.
#1 It will
announce the good news that the Messiah's advent is near, at which time He will introduce the promised
Messianic age of blessing.
#2 It will also
offer salvation by grace thru faith based on the Cross work of Jesus
Christ!
> Outline:
- 7:1-8
Remnant of Israel, redeemed, saved Jews
(14:1-5)
- 7:9-17
Converts, Saved gentiles from all over the world!
7:1-3 Suspension of judgment
1. vs:1 "After
this" after the vision of the 6th seal judgment and all of the horrors
experienced, the terror induced by the wrath of God;
The response to grace is noted by 2 groups; #1 the 144K Jews and #2 in vs:9 the response of the multitudes
from around the world.
2. vs:2 Another (Gr. allon,
another of the same kind) angelic messenger appeared in the East.
This angel possessed a seal from "the
living God," the title adding solemnity and vitality to the seal.
3. In vs:3 the
phrase, "until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their
forehead."
- This vision
coming after the first 6 seals is logical, we have passed the time of the
"birthpangs" therefore several years of the Trib have passed;
- With the sealing
of this group begins the process of spiritual restoration of
They are the first of those who will be a
part of the millennial reign of Christ.
4. And the angels
who are to carry out the next phase of judgment are told to hold up until this
special group of bondservants dou/loj are
"sealed"
5. Sealing: This would have connoted at the time several
things;
- The basic idea
of sealing is to indicate ownership and a guarantee of protection, security.
7:4-7 Selection and sealing of
the Remnant. Read vs:4
1. This context tells us that there is
clearly a future for
- Their purpose is
to witness to a rebellious world!
- They are sealed
and protected not only from the GWD but also from the judgments that are being
poured out.
2. They,
3. These verses refute several false ideas
or views held by some.
#1 That the tribes of
#2 That the lost tribes are perpetuated in
the English world, the Anglo-Saxon world.
7:9-17 The salvation of the
great multitude 7:9-17
- "white robes" =
righteousness = indicative of salvation
- "palm
branches were in their hands"; what do you associate with palm
branches, the triumphal entry of Jesus; What was the statement being made by
the people as they waved the palm branches?
> In vs:10 -12 we see their praise. As
always true praise is Theo-centric.
The angelic host assembled joined these
Tribulation saints in prostrating themselves before God in worship.
>
7:12 contains one of many doxologies in Revelation. (glorify God)
"Blessing" or "praise" (Gr. eulogia)
is what God deserves because of what he has done for these people (cf.
"Glory" (doxa) is the honor due Him because of
His good reputation, His character
"Wisdom" (sophia) speaks of God's infinite knowledge (OmSc)
displayed in His plan of deliverance (cf.
"Thanksgiving" (eucharistia) literally means
"well" and "to give freely," but it denotes an expression
of gratitude for a favor rendered (4:9).
"Honor" or "esteem" (time) is
what God deserves because He has planned and provided this salvation (
"Power" (dynamis) reflects God's omnipotence,
the inherent power that enables Him to overcome all opposition. (
"Might" or "strength" (ischys)
refers to God's power that enabled Him
to deliver this multitude from their enemies (
God is worthy of this worship throughout eternity - forever and ever.
"Amen" underlines the truthfulness of this sevenfold
ascription (cf.
> In vs:13 a question is raised!
> Vs:15 "For this reason they are
before the throne of God"
What is the reason? vs:14 tells us
They have a righteousness based on the blood
of the Lamb; that is on the Cross work of Christ!
> The washing qualifies them to serve,
day and night in the temple, the nao,j
Last Phrase: vs:15
* "He who sits on the throne shall
spread His tabernacle over them."
It pictures the Presence of God with the
believer as a protection for them.
> vs:16 gives
some details on what they experienced on earth before death.
> Vs:17 Not
only does God spread His tent of protection over them, but the Lamb is their
shepherd and guide.
> The main
message of ch-7 is that even in the midst of the greatest judgment of all of
human history the grace of God is present and operative in a very real way!
God is concerned to see that the Gospel is
spread during this time of great negative volition and rebellion against God.
Also that God is not through with