Revelation 7

The Sealing of the 144,000

7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so no wind could blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.

The Greek for "after this" is Μετὰ τοῦτο (meta touto), meaning after these things, or after the events of the six seals. The question asked at the end of chapter six was "who can be saved?" Chapter seven will answer this question.

The Greek word for I saw” is ὁράω (hoao), meaning to see on the horizon. John is receiving a panoramic view of the future.

The Greek word for “angel” is ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning messenger. The four angels are supernatural messengers of God. God is the Lord of the hosts, or the Lord of the angelic army. These four angels are part of Jehovah’s supernatural angelic army.

The Greek word for "earth" is γωνία (gonia), meaning corners, secret places, and angles. Skeptics falsely use this verse to demonstrate that the Bible teaches a flat earth. However, they usually do not know enough Greek to defend their attacks on the Bible. The four angels came from the four directions of the earth, meaning east, west, north, and south. 

2100 years before Columbus lived, Isaiah 40:22 taught that the earth was a sphere, “He is the one who sits on the earth's horizon; its inhabitants are like grasshoppers before Him. He is the one who stretches out the sky like a thin curtain, and spreads it out like a pitched tent.”  The Hebrew word for “horizon” is חוּג (chug), meaning a sphere.

The Greek word for “holding back” is κρατέω (krateo), meaning to mightily hold back. The Greek word for “wind” is ἄνεμος (anemos), meaning a wind with gusting storm-like force. Some angels have enough mental and physical power to hold back these powerful supernatural winds. This also means that Satan could have sent the storm upon Jesus while He was sleeping. However, Jesus had more power than Satan, so He silenced the winds.

If there are no families on the earth who will ever turn to Christ, then there is no reason for the world to continue. God might as well speak the world out of existence. However, millions will be saved out of the devil's world during the Great Tribulation. Therefore, these four angels will hold back the winds of the Great Tribulation so that the earth will not be completely destroyed.

Notice that God controls the weather. Jesus stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee. God kept Catholicism out of America by blowing apart the Spanish Armada. Cold Russian winds kept Napoleon from conquering Europe and becoming the next one-world ruler. God calmed the winds on D-Day so that Adolph Hitler could not become the next one-world ruler.

7:2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He shouted out with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given permission to damage the earth and the sea:

The Greek word for “saw” is ὁράω (horao), meaning to see with the mind. The Greek word for “another” is ἄλλος (allos), meaning another of the same kind. A fifth angel “of the same kind” will be introduced. He will command the other angels to accomplish a task, meaning that he must be a higher rank than the other four angels. According to the Book of Daniel and Ephesians, all of the angels and demons are organized and placed into military ranks.

The Greek for "east" is ἀπὸ ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου (api anatolas haliou), meaning from the rising of the sun, which is the east. This angel ascended from the east. This means that the last verse was speaking about directions and not a flat earth.  

The Greek word for "seal" is σφραγίς (sprigs), meaning an engraved object that is pressed into the wax that seals the document. There are three types of seals in Scripture. First, a stamped seal would be an impression into a soft object, such as clay. Second, a cylinder would roll a two-dimensional signature or image upon clay. Third, a scarab seal or signet ring would be used by governmental officials to authorize legal documents. It would also be used to protect from encroachments from other enemies. For example, the lion’s den of Daniel and the tomb of Jesus were sealed by governmental officials. If anyone broke these seals, then the Persian and Roman governments would inflict capital punishment upon the lawbreaker.

Seals were also used to brand possessions, such as cattle or slaves. The angel is carrying an engraved seal which comes from the living God. This seal is a branding iron. Since God is the Great Shepherd, He is going to brand all the sheep that belong to Him so that He can protect them. Later in the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist will mimic God and seal his people with the mark 666.

The Greek word for “shouted out” is κράζω (krazo), meaning an extremely loud shrieking cry. A higher-ranked angel will shout out a shrieking command to the four other angels who have been given permission to damage the earth and the sea. They are not to do so until after the sheep are branded.

7:3 “Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

These four angels will eventually damage the earth and sea, but first, a seal must be placed on the foreheads of the servants of God. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself mentioned this in Matthew 24:21–22: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” For the sake of these who have been sealed, this terrible time will be shortened. This seal will protect them from being damaged by the destructive winds, the Antichrist, and from death itself. The seal will mark them as servants of God. These servants of God will be immortal until they accomplish their task.

God has always protected His remnant during the past. He protected Cain from revenge of the Sethite family. He protected Noah and his family from the judgment of the flood. He protected Lot and his children from the judgment at Sodom and Gomorrah. He protected Rahab from the judgment upon Jericho. He protected the Jewish remnant from the onslaught of the Babylonians who would invade Jerusalem. He will protect the believers during the Great Tribulation by rapturing them out of “the wrath to come.” During the Great Tribulation, God will protect the Jewish remnant in Petra.

7:4 Now (Καὶ) I heard (ἤκουσα-AAI-1S) the number (τὸν ἀριθμὸν) of those who were marked with the seal (ἐσφραγισμένων=PPP-GMP), one hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed (ἐσφραγισμένοι=PPP-NMS) out (ἐκ) of all (πάσης) of the tribes (φυλῆς) of the sons (υἱῶν) of Israel (Ἰσραήλ):

The Greek word for “sealed” is  σφραγίζω (spragizo), a perfect participle, meaning to seal in the past but the sealing continues into eternity. God will seal 144,000 Jewish evangelists for special service. They will be proclaiming the message of the Messiah during the Great Tribulation.

 Amillenialists, postmillenialists, and other cults and isms have attempted to spiritualize this verse into the church or into their cult or ism in order to further their agenda of replacement theology. Replacement theology falsely teaches that the church has replaced Israel in all of its promises, but Israel must still experience the curses. However, the Holy Spirit made it very clear that these 144,000 are Jewish people from all the tribes of Israel. Israel means Israel. It does not mean the church. God says what He means. It is wrong for cults and isms to spiritualize this passage and make it fit their own selected philosophy.

The Greek word for "all" is πᾶς (pas), meaning each and every part that applies. There will be one tribe who does not apply.

7:5 Out of the tribe (ἐκ φυλῆς) of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Gad, twelve thousand, 7:6 Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Asher, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand, 7:7 Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Levi, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand, 7:8 Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand, Out of the (ἐκ φυλῆς) tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand,

The Holy Spirit divinely anticipated heresy, so He specifically named the exact twelve tribes who would be sealed for service and protection. They will not be Jehovah Witnesses, British Israelites, followers of Armstrong, or Mormons. If read literally, these are 144,000 Jews from all of the tribes of Israel. 

Many commentators point out that there are two tribes missing, namely Ephraim and Dan. However, Ephraim is not missing, because he was a half-tribe which came from the tribe of Joseph.

Dan is missing in this list, but the reason is not given in Scripture. Many commentators will falsely teach that Dan will be missing, because the antichrist comes from the tribe of Dan. However, the Antichrist does not come from the tribe of Dan. According to Daniel 9:24-27 the Antichrist will come from a Gentile woman of Roman origin.  However, Scripture does not inform from which tribe the false prophet arises. He may be Jew or Gentile. Also, these commentators are claiming that God is punishing an entire tribe because of one individual. According to Ezekiel 48, the tribe of Dan will receive their land allotment during the Millennial Kingdom.

Why did God choose the Jews to evangelize the world? The Jews were called to be "priests to all of the nations." They are currently scattered all over the world. They do possess all of the languages of the world. Most Jews (except those in America) know multiple languages, or at least they are bilingual. Jews in Israel and all over the work (except for America) are taught the Old Testament as part of their high school graduation requirements. 

It takes a Christian missionary four years of seminary and two or three years of extensive language training in order to share the gospel in a foreign language. The 144,000 Jews already possess the language skills and Old Testament doctrine to become effective witnesses immediately. It only takes 27 days of training to effectively study the New Testament. Therefore, the Jews have already been groomed for this task.

It is interesting to note that Satan used anti-Semitism to persecute the Jews. This satanic persecution caused them to migrate into all of the nations of the world.  Satan attempted to exterminate them, but instead, He scattered them with the language and Biblical skills to evangelize the Gentiles.

The important concept in this chapter is that the church has not replaced Israel. God is still watching over Israel. He will fulfill all of the promises that He made with His covenant nation. 

7:9 After these things (Μετὰ ταῦτα) I looked (εἶδον-aai-1s), and behold (ἰδοὺ) there was an enormous crowd (ὄχλος πολύς) that no one could count, made up of persons out of every nation (ἐκ παντὸς ἔθνους), tribe (καὶ φυλῶν), people (καὶ λαῶν), and language (καὶ γλωσσῶν), standing (ἑστῶτες-rpp-nms) before the throne (τοῦ θρόνου) and before the Lamb (καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Ἀρνίου) dressed (περιβεβλημένους) in long white robes (στολὰς λευκάς), and with palm branches in their hands.

The Greek for “after these things” is Μετὰ ταῦτα (meta tauta), meaning after the evangelization of the 144,000 Jews.

The Greek word for “I looked” is ὁράω (horao), meaning to look across the horizon. It is Aorist Active Indicative, meaning that it is a completed action of the past and it is a 100% statement of fact.

The Greek for “enormous crowd” is ὄχλος πολύς (oklos polus), meaning a crowd of multitudes. This crowd of saved individuals will be uncountable. There are more people living on the earth today than all of those who have died through history.

The Greek for “every nation” is παντὸς ἔθνους (pantous ethos), meaning all Gentiles. The 144,000 will be taking the good news to Gentiles from all of the tribes and languages of the world.

The question asked at the end of chapter six was "Who can be saved?" Now, this question will be answered. John will see the results of Jewish evangelization. The number of converts will be so large that John cannot even estimate a number. At the time of John in 90 A.D., the gospel had spread past the borders of the Roman Empire. In this vision, there are converts from every tribe and nation on the earth. 

The 144,000 Jewish evangelists will be extremely successful in their ministry. They are going to do what the church could not do in 2000 years. Postmilleniallists currently boast that the church will bring in the kingdom of God. This verse teaches otherwise. All the church will do is evolve into the Laodecian church, which will deny the deity, atonement, resurrection, and second coming of Christ.

Many of these Great Tribulation converts will be martyred. When they go to heaven, they will be wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. The white robes typify the righteousness of Christ. Since they are wearing robes, this means that they will have a temporary physical body in heaven. They will later receive their glorified bodies at the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom.

Palm branches are the symbols of victory. Many of the Jews laid palm branches at the feet of Jesus during His triumphal entry. One day later, this same fickle crowd crucified Him. The real triumphal entrance of the Messiah will occur on the first day of the Millennial Kingdom. Since these martyrs are holding palm branches, this means that there are plants in heaven that are similar to those on earth. Also, these martyrs are not just spirits because they can hold an actual plant in their hands.

7:10 And (καὶ) they were shouting (κράζουσιν—present active indicative 3rd singular) in a loud voice (φωνῇ μεγάλῃ) saying (λέγοντες—present active participle nominative masculine singular), “The Salvation to our God (Ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν) to the one seated on the throne (τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ), and to the Lamb (καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ)!”

The Greek word for "shout" is λέγω (legos), meaning to lay an argument to rest. Notice that these redeemed men did not sing, but they used words in a loud voice to offer praise to God. They understood what many Arminians do not understand.  These martyrs did nothing to gain their own salvation. All of salvation belongs to God and His efforts, not man and His efforts.

Notice that there is a Greek article added to salvation (Ἡ σωτηρία, ha sotaria). The Holy Spirit knew that man would teach many different salvation plans to God. The Greek article points out specifically that there is only one way to salvation. The Apostle Paul said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Notice also that there is no verb in this indicative statement. Therefore, “the salvation” is equal to “the one seated on the throne and (equally) to the lamb.” The only way to salvation is through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Religion is man seeking God. Christianity is God seeking man. Satan establishes counterfeit religions in order to lead man astray from the one and only true method of salvation. There is always some kind of work to be done. The works of religion takes one away from the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Angels were not redeemed, so this was the combined voice of the martyrs who were redeemed by simply believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. These martyrs did not have to repent, walk down an aisle, say a sinner’s prayer, change their life, tithe, join a church, be baptized, take mass, or any other work. All they had to do was to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.”

7:11 And (καὶ) all the angels (πάντες οἱ ἄγγελοι) they stood (εἱστήκεισαν—pluperfect active indicative 3rd person plural) circling the throne (κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου) and  the elders (καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων) and the four living creatures (καὶ τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων), and they fell (καὶ ἔπεσαν—aorist active indicative 3rd person singular) with their faces to the ground before the throne (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν) and they worshiped (καὶ προσεκύνησαν—aorist active indicative 3rd person plural) to the God (τῷ Θεῷ),

All of creation worshipped God at the throne. There is never a Scripture that mentions angels singing. The Greek word for “worshipped” is προσκυνέω (proskuneo), meaning to kiss face to face. Whenever a subject met his king or pope, then he knelt and kissed his hand as an act of reverence.

What is worship? It is not what modern Christian churches are doing today. Worship is the human believer’s expression of personal love toward the God that he has not seen. The only way to express personal love to God is through study of the entire counsel of the Word of God. One cannot understand the mind of Christ unless they study the written Scriptures.

John 4:24 says that “God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Under the Mosaic Law, rituals and holy days were practiced which pointed to Christ. Those rituals and holy days have been fulfilled, so they are not a part of true worship today. Many baby Christians will perform rituals, but refuse to study their Bible. Many baby Christians will attend church on Christmas and Easter, but not the rest of the year. This is not worship. Worship is studying and applying Bible doctrine at the deepest level.

Those who worship God “must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Truth is divine viewpoint. One must learn all of the Scriptures to apply divine viewpoint. 

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments. Those who love God will keep His commandments. His commandments are Bible doctrine.  Those who love God will apply Bible doctrine.  Therefore, God is worshipped by applying Bible doctrine. 

7:12 saying (λέγοντες), “Amen! (Ἀμήν) Praise (ἡ εὐλογία) and glory (καὶ ἡ δόξα), and wisdom (καὶ ἡ σοφία) and thanksgiving (καὶ), and honor (καὶ ἡ τιμὴ) and power (καὶ ἡ δύναμις) and strength (καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς) be to our God (τῷ Θεῷ) ἡμῶν) for ever and ever (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων). Amen (ἀμήν).!”

John recorded the exact words of the angelic worship in heaven. The Greek word for “amen” is Ἀμήν (aman), meaning to “let it be true.” 

The Greek word for praise is ἡ εὐλογία (ha eulogia), meaning to give good words to God. It is prosperous for man to give good words to God, because it blesses man as well. When a person gives the blessings at his meal, he is praising (or giving good words to God) for providing the food so that one can apply Bible doctrine in his life. Food is given to man by God. The food is to give man energy so that he can serve God. Liberals will falsely claim that God is vain for demanding worship. The purpose of worship is to humble man so that he can take the time know the mind of God. The only way to understand the mind of God is to study the Bible at the deepest level.

The Greek word for “glory” is δόξα (doxa), meaning brightness, shining, and light. Light illuminates Bible doctrine and exposes evil. One brings glory to God by studying and applying Bible doctrine. Jesus glorified God the Father by “finishing the work” which God the Father had given Him to do. This is the entire goal of the Christian life.  

The late Dr. John Danish, the pastor of Berean Memorial Church commented, “And remember you’re going to stay on this earth while it is possible for you to fulfill the mission. When you do something or when you get to the point where you cannot fulfill that mission, you will immediately be taken to heaven.” 

The bottom line for the believer is to find his mission and complete it. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, the believer is to do “all things to the glory of God.” Man is to breathe, eat, and live to glorify God. When man glorifies God, then he begins to enjoy life. When a man does not glorify God, then he is not fulfilling the task in which he was born to do. He will become unhappy and depressed about his life. 

The Greek word for “wisdom” is  ἡ σοφία (with a Greek article), meaning the specific insight into reality. The only way to gain insight into reality is to master and apply Bible doctrine. According to 1 Corinthians 3:19, the wisdom of the world is foolishness. Human beings without Bible doctrine are really just a bunch of fools. They think they are smart, but God will catch them in their own foolishness. 

Wisdom can only be found in the written Word of God. Those who study the entire counsel of the Word of God via the Holy Spirit will find wisdom. Those who do not study the entire counsel of the Word of God will remain fragmented. They will mix divine wisdom with human wisdom. According to Isaiah 65, human wisdom is dirty menstrual rags to God. Human wisdom is unclean and should be flushed down the toilet. 

God’s wisdom solved man’s sin problem. No human viewpoint could have come up with God’s solution to sin. God became a man and died for the sins of man. The best solution of sin that human viewpoint can come up with is man working out his own salvation. A man who is totally depraved and evil cannot work out his own salvation, because he does not understand God’s high standards. He does not seek God to find out His standards. He lives a life as though God does not exist. Living as a secular humanist, an atheist, or an agnostic is foolish living, but these men think that they are wise.  Any man who elevates his own human opinion above the written Word of God is a fool. 

There are seven characteristics of wisdom. The first inner quality of wisdom is purity, meaning to be undefiled or unclean. The second inner quality is peace. Those who are wise attempt to bring peace and not division to an argument. The third inner characteristic is gentleness. Those with strong Bible doctrine are considerate, patient, courteous, reasonable, and kindly. The fourth inner characteristic of wisdom is the willingness to yield. They are easily approachable and willing to teach others divine viewpoint. The fifth inner characteristic is compassion. Those with strong Bible doctrine feel for the lost and desire to see them saved. The sixth characteristic of wisdom is being without partiality, meaning to stay away from arguments. The seventh characteristic of wisdom is to be without hypocrisy. Hypocrites claim to have wisdom, but they cannot have it unless they study and apply Bible doctrine.

One can gain wisdom by “seeking for it as silver” (Proverbs 2:4-5). One must search the Scriptures. One must also seek wisdom from God Himself (Proverbs 2:6). One should ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). If one does not ask for wisdom, then he will become seasick from riding the waves of the satanic world system (James 1:6). He will live his life vomiting up his teachings of the satanic world system.

The Greek word for “thanksgiving” is εὐχαριστία (euharistia), meaning gratitude and giving of thanks.  There are ten basic reasons why Christians should give thanks to God. First, God gives food to the believer. The purpose of food is to give one energy to perform service for God. Famine is a judgment from God. Nations who turn away from God will usually experience famine. India is starving to death, because they are giving thanks to the gods of Hindu. Hinduism teaches that rats and cows are reincarnated people. The rats eat all of the grain. The cows cannot be used as meat. The people of India often reject missionary work. Therefore, the Hinduism belief system is causing the famine in India.

Second, believers should thank God for answering prayer. Third, believers should give thanks to God for healing. Fourth, people should be thankful for receiving Bible doctrine.  No one can understand Bible doctrine unless God allows it. Fifth, believers should be thankful when they see others making process. Sixth, believers should thank God for the grace which is given to them. Seventh believers should thank pastor-teachers who are teaching Bible doctrine. Eighth, believers should thank God for opportunities to Christian service. Ninth, believers should be thankful for victory over death. Tenth, believers should trust God for the zeal and service of other Christians.

Believers should express gratitude for what God has done for the individual. It is good for the believer to give thanks to God, because it reminds the believer of who he is and what he can become. God does not need praise or thanksgiving, but humans do need to give thanks to God. Therefore, giving thanks to God helps the individual.

Those who do not thank God will become arrogant and self sufficient. Man loses his knowledge and application of Bible doctrine. Man becomes more shallow and begins to compromise more with the satanic world system. 

Man should use his mouth in thanking the Lord instead of using unfit words. Believers are commanded to thank God. Studying Bible doctrine helps one to give thanks to God.

The Greek word for “honor” is τιμὴ (tima), meaning to express high regard to the position in which one holds. God should be honored, but so should parents, spouses, elders, employers, teachers, pastors, political leaders, one’s body, one’s possessions, one’s money, and all people. Peter commanded to “honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17 ) Every person is made in the image of God, so he should be honored. Believers are to show a special agape love to other believers. Only believers possess the ability to express agape love. Fearing God enables the believer to possess agape love for others. Fearing God does not mean to be afraid of God. It means to be in awe of God. If one is not keeping God’s commandments, then he is not in awe of God. Keeping God’s commandments means understanding and applying Bible doctrine from the entire counsel of the Word of God. The king (or government) is also to be honored. Peter wrote this command when evil Nero was the Roman emperor. He was persecuting and killing Christians in the Roman arena.

The Greek word for “power” is δύναμις (dunamis), meaning the inherit divine capacity to fulfill a task. God spoke and the whole universe came into existence out of nothing. Divine power can sustain the universe, raise the dead, and send people to the Lake of Fire.  

The Greek word for “might” is ἰσχὺς (ischus), meaning physical health and strength. Jesus was not a wimpy, skinny, long-haired, girly-looking man how modern artists often portray him. In the Mosaic Law, it was a disgrace for a man to have long hair. Only the Nazarenes possessed long hair because they humbled themselves so that they could become closer to God. Jesus was God, so He did not have to grow His hair and become a Nazarene. When an artist draws Jesus as a Nazarene, then he is using his artistic talents to attack the deity of Christ. Jesus was a man of physical and mental strength. He walked all over Israel. He overturned the tables of the money changers. He voluntarily gave His back to the whip. He voluntarily gave His beard to be pulled. He was punished more than any man, yet He still had the strength to carry His cross. He carried His cross without complaint until His human strength gave out.

7:13 Then (Καὶ) one of the elders (εἷς ἐκ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων) asked me (ἀπεκρίθη εἷς λέγων μοι), “These dressed (οἱ περιβεβλημένοι) in long white robes (τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς)– who (τίνες) are they (εἰσὶν) and where (καὶ πόθεν) have they come from (ἦλθον)?”

An elder asked John if he knew the identity of these martyrs. These elders cannot be the twelve apostles, because John would have known the identity of his fellow apostles.

7:14 So (καὶ) I said to him (εἴρηκα αὐτῷ), “My lord (Κύριέ μου), you know (the answer) (σὺ οἶδας).” Then (καὶ) he said to me (εἶπέν μοι), “These are the ones (εἰσιν οἱ ἐρχόμενοι)  who have come out (οἱ ἐρχόμενοι) of the great tribulation (ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης),. They have washed (καὶ ἔπλυναν—aorist active indicative 3rd person plural) their robes (τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν) and (καὶ) made them white (ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς—aorist active indicative third person plural) in the blood of the Lamb (ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου)!

Amillennialists and Post-millennialists claim that this is the church. This cannot be. John knew members of the church, because he was an elder over all of the churches and a pastor at Ephesus. If these people shouting to the Lord were the church, then John would have recognized at least some of them. He did not know any of them. Therefore, the church will not enter into the Great Tribulation. These martyrs represent unbelievers who entered the Great Tribulation, but became believers after listening to the testimony of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses.

The clothes of the unbeliever are dirty menstrual rags to God (Isaiah 64). In Zechariah 3:3-5, Joshua’s filthy rags were replaced with brilliant white robes. In Exodus 19, all of the Israelites at Mount Sinai were commanded to cleanse their clothes before they could approach God and receive the Ten Commandments. These martyrs will be wearing robes which were similar to those of Exodus 19. The paradox is that the dirty rags of clothing can only be cleansed with the blood of Christ. The red blood of Christ makes the robes of the believer brilliantly white. The brilliant white of the robes may represent the Shekinah Glory of God. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. It is possible that they were clothed with a brilliant light which was similar to the Shekinah Glory. They may have possibly lost this clothing of light at their fall. They both proclaimed that they were naked. Where did their clothes come from, if there was no animal death until after the fall?

Satan will be very active during the Great Tribulation. He will send many martyrs directly to heaven, because they are a threat to his kingdom. However, the Holy Spirit will be very active as well.

It is interesting to note that there are more people living today on the earth than all of the people who have ever lived and died throughout all of the rest of history. It is possible that more people will be saved during the Great Tribulation than in all of the rest of history combined. During Satan's most intense persecution, millions will be saved. 

7:15 For this reason (διὰ τοῦτό) (εἰσιν) (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ) (καὶ) (λατρεύουσιν αὐτῷ) (ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς) (ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ) (καὶ) (ὁ καθήμενος ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου) (σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς) they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them.

Notice the temple. The church is never identified with the temple. There will be a temple in the Millennial Kingdom on earth. There is no temple mentioned in heaven. There will be no temple in the New Jerusalem. 

There will be service in heaven. Believers will not be in heaven sprouting wings, sitting on clouds, and playing harps. Everyone will work a job that they love.

7:16 They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat,

The martyrs experienced all of these calamities when they were living on Satan's earth. In heaven, they have escaped these terrors.

7:17 because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Jesus told the Jewish nation that He was the source of the springs of living water that lead to eternal life. At this time, the martyred believers of the Great Tribulation will be drinking from these very waters.

7:13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These dressed in long white robes – who are they and where have they come from?”

An elder asked John if he knew the identity of these martyrs.

7:14 So I said to him, “My lord, you know the answer.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!

Amillenilliasts and Postmillenialists claim that this is the church. Not so. John knew members of the church, because he was an elder over all of the churches and a pastor at Ephesus. If these people shouting to the Lord were the church, then John would have recognized at least some of them. He did not know any of them. Therefore, the church will not enter the Great Tribulation. These martyrs represent unbelievers who entered the Great Tribulation, but became believers after listening to the testimony of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses.

Satan will be very active during the Great Tribulation. He will send many martyrs directly to heaven, because they are a threat to his kingdom. However, the Holy Spirit will be very active as well.

It is interesting to note that there are more people living today on the earth than all of the people who have ever lived and died throughout all of the rest of history. It is possible that more people will be saved during the Great Tribulation than in all of the rest of history combined. During Satan's most intense persecution, millions will be saved. 

7:15 For this reason (διὰ τοῦτό) they are (εἰσιν) before the throne of God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ Θεοῦ), and (καὶ) they serve him (λατρεύουσιν αὐτῷ) day and night (ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς) in his temple (ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ), and (καὶ) the one seated on the throne (ὁ καθήμενος ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου) will shelter them (σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς).

Notice the temple. The church is never identified with the temple. There will be a temple in the Millennial Kingdom on earth. There is no temple mentioned in heaven. There will be no temple in the New Jerusalem.

There will be service in heaven. Believers will not be in heaven sprouting wings, sitting on clouds, and playing harps. Everyone will work a job that they love.

The Hebrew word for “shelter” is σκηνώσει (skanosei), a future active indicative verb, meaning Shekinah Glory. The Antichrist will not give food, shelter, or clothing to the saints during the Great Tribulation. In heaven, the tribulation saints will be covered by the Shekinah Glory in heaven.

7:16 They will never go hungry (οὐ πεινάσουσιν), or be thirsty again (ἔτι οὐδὲ διψήσουσιν ἔτι), and the sun (ὁ ἥλιος) will not beat down on them (οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα), nor any burning heat (οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς),

The martyrs experienced all of these calamities when they were living on Satan's earth. Since they refused the mark of the beast, they were not able to buy or sell food, clothing, or shelter. In heaven, they will have escaped these terrors.

How will the believers survive during the Great Tribulation? Other Gentile believers will provide them with food, shelter, and clothing. These martyrs will never experience hunger, clothing, or shelter again.

Many of the saints may be martyred by exposure to the sun. For centuries, leaders have tied their  enemies to the ground and allowed heat stroke to kill their captives. The saints living in heaven will no longer face this kind of heat exhaustion. 

Jesus is the bread of Life. If anyone thirsts, then they can come to Christ.  Jesus is the light of the world. He is the One who extinguished darkness. He is the Shekinah Glory who places a canopy over His people. 

7:17 because the Lamb in the middle of the throne (ὅτι τὸ ἀρνίον τὸ ἀναμέσον τοῦ θρόνου) will shepherd them (ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς) and lead them (καὶ ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς) to springs of living water, (ἐπὶ ζώσας πηγὰς ὑδάτων) and God will wipe away (καὶ ἐξαλείψει ὁ θεὸς)—future active indicative 3rd person singular) every tear from their eyes (πᾶν δάκρυον ἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν).”

Jesus is “the Lamb” who is in the middle of the imperial throne of God the Father. He will shepherd the martyred saints through the Great Tribulation. Jesus will personally lead the martyred saints by guiding them through the Great Tribulation into heaven itself. Jesus will lead the martyred saints to living springs of water. This living water will sustain the martyred saints for eternal life. Jesus will wipe away all of the tears of the martyred saints. The martyred saints will be very happy to be in the throne room of heaven. 

 

Will believers feel sad for their loved ones who did not make it into heaven? The answer is no, because there will be no tears in heaven.