Revelation 7:1-17
So far there have been six judgments upon the
people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the
Messiah (Revelation 6). The first four judgments will take place during
the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period
(6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the
church from earth which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18. No time frame is given as to when all this would
happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a
personal glimpse of future events on earth and God wanted all
generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.
The fifth and
sixth judgment (6:9-17) ushers in the second half of the tribulation
period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the
earth are hiding in caves and rocks of the mountains wishing they could
die (6:15-16). The sixth judgment has produced a great earthquake, the
sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon
turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky
disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous
events cause men to fear for their lives and at this point, they will
recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17).
Following the sixth seal being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at
the four corners of the earth who will send a temporary respite upon
the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "having the seal
of living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has
"sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears
that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This
group is obviously people who have received Jesus Christ as the true
Messiah during the tribulation period. In other words, they missed the
removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in
Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they
accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from
each of the tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ
during the second half of the tribulation period and will receive
special protection from the judgments. These Israelites will spread the
glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternal hell
during this time of tribulation.
In fact, the next group of
people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the
tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ. John writes, "After
these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could
number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before
the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying
out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on
the throne, and to the Lamb!'" One of the twenty four elders tells John
that "these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and
washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).
Although
this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of
great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the
tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth and
finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of
judgment. He is truly not desiring anyone to face the wrath of God but
desires all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
Dear God, thank You
for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are
undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.