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Revelation Study

By Rev. Richard Puckett

Text and Reference from Parson's QuickVerse and there helps, Pictures from through out the Internet not for resale!

Chapter 7

144,000 Sealed

(Rev 7:1 KJV) And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Jer 49:34 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,
Jer 49:35 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Jer 49:36 And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
Jer 49:37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:

Verses 34-39. The Elamites were the Persians; they acted against God's Israel, and must be reckoned with. Evil pursues sinners. God will make them know that he reigns. Yet the destruction of Elam shall not be for ever. But this promise was to have its full accomplishment in the days of the Messiah. In reading the Divine assurance of the destruction of all the enemies of the church, the believer sees that the issue of the holy war is not doubtful. It is blessed to recollect, that He who is for us, is more than all against us. And he will subdue the enemies of our souls.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Seems to me as the time comes to hand that God allows the destruction to began to place and adds to the other things a stilling of the wind.

Verses 1-8. In the figurative language of Scripture, the blowing of the four winds together, means a dreadful and general destruction. But the destruction is delayed. Seals were used to mark for each person his own possessions. This mark is the witness of the Holy Ghost, printed in the hearts of believers. And the Lord would not suffer his people to be afflicted before they were marked, that they might be prepared against all conflicts. And, observe, of those who are thus sealed by the Spirit, the seal must be on the forehead, plainly to be seen alike by friends and foes, but not by the believer himself, except as he looks stedfastly in the glass of God's word. The number of those who were sealed, may be understood to stand for the remnant of people which God reserved. Though the church of God is but a little flock, in comparison with the wicked world, yet it is a society really large, and to be still more enlarged. Here the universal church is figured under the type of Israel.

Rev 7:1: 7:1-17 LAST THINGS, Heaven-- The 144,000 and the great multitude are identified in accordance with the various millennial views. The 144,000 (12 x 12 x 1000) refers to Israel of the Old Testament or the Israel of the end time. Some believe the numbers symbolize all the Old Testament saints. Others believe the numbers represent all believers as spiritual Israel. Yet others take the 144,000 as a literal number of Jews called to faith in Christ and to a unique ministry of witnessing during the end times. There is no basis here for a belief that only 144,000 will ever be saved. The great multitude refers to the believers in Christ. Much discussion surrounds the precise reference of vv 15-17 whether to saints out of a literal tribulation period at the end time, martyrs, or whether in a general way to all who enter heaven. In either case, the scene is a heavenly one. Those in heaven in some way serve God continually while enjoying unending, direct fellowship with God (21:3). Hunger and thirst are fully satisfied. Discomforts from nature's elements are not experienced. Christ nourishes those in heaven. All tears are wiped away by God Himself. Heaven can be described in terms of what will not be present, as well as of what will be there. See note on Rev 21:9--22:15.

(Rev 7:2 KJV) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

The angel stops or holds up a part of the destruction, as you will see in the next verse until Gods people (Israel) have been sealed. The question then becomes what does it mean to be sealed? The word means to be joined or bonded, this was often done by the emblem on a ring placed in wax then stamped on a letter. Here I think they are sealed by the Spirit of God and the evidence of the Seal (Spirit) is shown in their lives just as it is in the churches life by the fruit that is produced. God does not leave his people to face the evil around them without the comforter. 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. IN these following verses it would appear to me that this not our church of today being that all the reference is to the house of Israel. After the death and resurrection of Christ the church is called Jew but never are they referred to as the house of Israel. I believe that there were in the times of Christ as well as today many of the tribes of Israel that repent and come to know him as their Lord. Yet there are thousands just as in the rest of the world that will not believe.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.
Job 14:18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.
Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Rev 7:2: 7:2 GOD, Living-- God is the living God, not an inanimate object or an impersonal force or principle like gravity. Living also suggests personal, with the particular characteristic of awareness of what is going on in the lives of His people who are enduring suffering.

(Rev 7:3 KJV) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

We cannot have the Spirit of God in us without it showing in the way we think, love and live. Thus here it says the mark in the forehead or the mind. Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Rev 7:3: 7:3-17 ELECTION, Protection-- God has promised to protect His elect.

(Rev 7:4 KJV) And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Seals imply possession and ownership. The 144,000 individuals sealed during the Tribulation are the possession of God. Attempts to represent them as the church are futile in light of their reappearance in the midst of the 24 elders in ch. 14. The text is to be taken as it naturally reads. God still has for Israel a program to which He will be faithful. Israel is loved and treasured by God because of God's faithfulness to His promises. The Lord has marvelous last-day purposes for Israel. The 144,000 Jews (12,000 from each tribe) will be wonderfully converted to Christ during the Tribulation after the exodus of the church. Not only does the text clearly maintain this, but also the care in listing each of the tribes adds validity to the interpretation (vv. 5-8). The peculiarities of the listing are these: (1) inclusion of Levi (v. 7), doubtless because of the cessation of O.T. priesthood; and (2) the substitution of Manasseh for Dan (Rev. 7:6), the latter omitted possibly because of its idolatrous history.

(Rev 7:5 KJV) Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

(Rev 7:6 KJV) Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

(Rev 7:7 KJV) Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

(Rev 7:8 KJV) Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The Great Multitude in White Robes

(Rev 7:9 KJV) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Here stand the church of God that had the oil in their lamps, the Spirit in their hearts, with the robe of righteousness and a palm to worship our King.

Verses 9-12. The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to God and the Redeemer, with triumph. In acts of religious worship we come nigh to God, and must come by Christ; the throne of God could not be approached by sinners, were it not for a Mediator. They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used to appear in their triumphs. Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.

(vv. 9-14) Gentiles are also among those converted during the Great Tribulation. John now sees an innumerable multitude from among all nations, arrayed in white and standing before the throne. Were they the church, John would have no reason for perplexity. He would certainly have recognized some of them. He is informed by one of the elders that they are those who had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). Further, they had come out of the Great Tribulation.

Here the writers of the commentaries call it the great tribulation. This terminology is based on passages such as those that follow, If you're the one facing the tribulation all of it seems great. Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 2 Cor 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 2 Cor 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Rev 7:9: 7:9-12 PRAYER, Worship-- The praise here is ascription for God's intrinsic worth. The second song is noteworthy in that it begins and ends with "Amen.''

7:9 EVANGELISM, Universality-- The gospel is for all. Here is the consummation of the grand truth that all peoples can taste of salvation through Jesus Christ. He died and rose again for all. He will clothe all who come to Him in repentance and faith with the white robe of righteousness and give them the palm branch of eternal peace and rest. Tell all people that, for that is our evangelistic responsibility.

7:9 MISSIONS, Results-- This wonderful apocalyptic vision of worshipers before the throne of God gives us a deep abiding sense of gratitude and praise. Although the worshipers are from every nation, tribe, language, and people, they are not wearing the typical clothes of the various lands. Their white robes identify them as belonging to God. God desires that men, women, and children from every nation belong to Him. But the contemporary churches must be faithful to the missionary vision for God's plan to be carried out.

(Rev 7:10 KJV) And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Jesus came and died for this purpose to bring us salvation.

John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Rev 7:10: 7:10 GOD, Trinity-- Salvation is the point of focus for God the Father and the Lamb, Jesus the Son. Salvation comes only from God's throne. This expresses the unity of the Father and the Son in the trinitarian understanding of God. See note on Mt 3:16-17. It also stresses that God is Savior. Calling God Savior tells us what kind of God He is.

(Rev 7:11 KJV) And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Rev 7:11: 7:11-17 WORSHIP, Praise-- True worship moves from praise for God to service for God. See note on Isa 6:1-8.

(Rev 7:12 KJV) Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Amen = a statement to express approval, an expression of conviction,

Blessing = to make holy by religious rite: sanctify, to invoke divine favor upon, to honor as holy: glorify: to confer well-being or prosperity upon, bring happiness,

glory = to give great honor or praise, Highly praiseworthy, adoration and praise offered in worship, Majestic beauty and splendor, to rejoice triumphantly

wisdom = understanding of what is right, true or lasting, good judgment,

thanksgiving = an act of giving or showing gratitude, an acknowledgment of thanks or gratitude,

honor = esteem or respect, reverence,

worshipped = the reverent love and allegiance accorded a deity, a ardent, humble devotion,

These are all things, which should be apart of our worship and praising God.

(Rev 7:13 KJV) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Rev 6:11 KJV And white [1] robes were given unto every one of them [2]; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled [3].

1 "WHITE": <Righteousness> (garment): vv. 9 - 11; Rev 7:9. (Gen 3:21; Rev 19:8)

2 "THEM": <Remnant:> vv. 9 - 11; Rev 7:3. (Isa 1:9; Rom 11:5, note)

3 "FULFILLED": Cp. Heb 11:40

Verses 13-17. Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it isa praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour is their element; his presence and favour complete their happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace; and to him let them offer all praise and glory.

Rev 7:13: 7:13-17 EVIL AND SUFFERING, God's Future Help-- Martyrs are assured their suffering will be eliminated in the new world. See note on 6:9-11.

(Rev 7:14 KJV) And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

To each of us as we except Christ in our Savior our sins are forgiven us. (Isa 1:18 KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: Mat 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. As we overcome the world and the tribulations that are in this life we are given a robe of white, just as Jesus was raiment was made white as snow on the mount of transfiguration so is our spiritual robes here and our physical robes there made clean. Not by our works but by the blood of Jesus. It is only his blood that can cleanse use. Jer 2:22 For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Mal 3:4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. Mal 3:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

(Rev 7:15 KJV) Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Those who have found forgiveness for their sin will one day be able to stand before the thrown but not without the robes of white, 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Cor 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. He took away our sins and in return we get the honor of serving him. Be assured that no unrighteous shall be there. James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. 1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. A key word here is Therefore, it implies that there is a reason that these are allowed to be here, and the reason is apparent in that they have met the condition needed to wear the white robe. Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

(Rev 7:16 KJV) They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

(Rev 7:17 KJV) For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Here we have received the promise of no more hunger, no thirsting, the temperature will always be just right, no tears or suffering. So we endure a little down here to inherit more blessing in return. I also want to point out, is this not the very things promised in the earlier letters to the churches just worded a bit different. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God? He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father, and I will give him the morning star. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev 7:17: 7:17 JESUS CHRIST, Shepherd-- Jesus will be the Shepherd King protecting and directing God's faithful who "come out of the great tribulation'' (v 14).