Transcript NT Survey I

The Slaves of God
Revelation 7:1-17
Outline of Revelation
Publication of the Prophecy: Its Future
Expectation (4:1 – 22:5)
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Opening of the Seven-Sealed Scroll (4:1 –
8:1)
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The Source of the Scroll (4:1-5:14)
The First Six Seals, “The Beginning of Birth
Pangs” (6:1-17)
The Slaves of God (7:1-17)
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Those on earth: the 144,000 (7:1-8)
Those in heaven: the innumerable multitude (7:9-17)
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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The last line of chapter 6 asks the question,
“who is able to stand” the outpouring of God’s
wrath, implying that no one can.
However, chapter 7 provides two visions to
correct this assertion and to show that those
who belong to God will indeed be protected
from His wrath. These visions are inserted
before the breaking of the seventh seal.
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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Those on earth: the 144,000 (7:1-8)
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The angels stand at the four corners of the earth
(indicating the universal nature of these judgments),
restraining the winds of “elemental fury.” These
winds symbolize the judgments to come under the
seventh seal.
They are told by another angel arising in the east not
to release these winds until they have sealed the
bond-slaves of God.
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Ezekiel 9:4-6 is the background for such sealing.
Though it protects from the plagues sent by God, it does not
protect them from martyrdom (Rev 13:15).
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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Those on earth: the 144,000 (7:1-8)
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There is no reason to take the 144,000 as symbolic for as a
larger group. This is a select group of witnesses for God during
the tribulation period who will be protected from His wrath while
they witness. Their witness will include being martyred.
Judah heads the list, since the Lion from that tribe is the
prominent one in this book.
There are two omissions from the list of twelve tribes:
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Dan - A possible explanation is Dan’s forsaking of his inheritance,
when he moved north and practiced idolatry (Judges 1:34; 18:1431). Deut 29:18-21 requires the blotting out of the name of anyone
who introduces idolatry into Israel. Though Dan is included in the
future distribution of land (Ezek 48), it appears that this tribe will be
excluded from the protective sealing of the trumpet judgments.
Ephraim was foremost in the defection from the house of David (2
Sam 2:9; Isa 7:9, 17) and was an ally of the enemies of Judah (Isa
7:2, 5). Ephraim was also connected with idolatry (Judg 17:1-13;
18:2, 30, 31; 1 Kings 12:25-29; Hos 4:17). In spite of these
unpleasant things, the inclusion of Joseph’s name in the list
probably includes the tribe of Ephraim.
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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Those in heaven: the innumerable multitude (7:9-17)
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This is a vast throng which has turned to God during the period
of the 6 seals and passed immediately into His presence through
death.
Notice the differences between this group and the first one:
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A definite number versus an indefinite one
Tribes of Israel versus those from every nation, tribe, people, and
tongue
144,000 on earth versus the innumerable multitude in heaven
144,000 who need a seal of protection versus the victory and
security of the multitude
The persons in this multitude are dressed in white robes and
carry palm branches in their hands. Both of these are symbols
of victory. The white robe also indicates the righteousness
obtained through Christ’s death.
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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Those in heaven: the innumerable multitude
(7:9-17)
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This multitude is worshipping the God who sits upon
the throne and the Lamb, recognizing that salvation
(i.e. victory) belongs to God!
They are joined by the 4 living beings, the 24 elders,
and all the angels around the throne, who fall down
on their faces in worship.
As John is observing all of this, one of the elders
approaches and asks him, “Who are these who are
clothed in white robes and from where have they
come” (7:13)? What is John’s response?
The Slaves of God
(Rev 7:1-17)
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Those in heaven: the innumerable multitude (7:9-17)
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The elder gives a full description of their identity:
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They have come out from the Great Tribulation (the latter part of
Daniel’s 70th week), having washed their robes in the blood of the
Lamb (i.e. received forgiveness of their sins).
They now serve in the temple of God’s heaven without interruption.
Note: this is not the eternal state!
They will receive three specific future provisions:
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God will dwell with them – As He did with Israel via the Shekinah.
They will hunger and thirst no more – either physically or spiritually.
This is especially significant in light of the recent difficulties they have
experienced.
The sun will not beat down on them, nor any heat – as it will on the
earth-dwellers under the 4th bowl judgment.
These will be possible because the Lamb will shepherd them,
leading them to and refreshing them with the water of life. He will
eliminate the sorrow of their earlier experience.
These future provisions will find their fulfillment in the eternal state,
described more fully in Revelation 21-22.
Those Coming Out from the Great
Tribulation
Rapture of
the Church
Multitude coming out of the
Great Tribulation
Return of
Christ
Abomination of Desolation
3.5 Years
3.5 Years
Beginning of Birth
Pangs
The Great Tribulation
Next Week: The
Seventh Seal & the First Four
Trumpets (Rev 8:1-13)
Read Rev 4 – 8