Revelation 7:1-2. The sixth seal has been opened, and the people of the earth have tried to hide from God, saying, ‘Who can stand?’’ Just when all hope seems lost, four angels hold back the four winds of judgment until God’s people are sealed as his own. Only then will God open the seventh seal. A seal on a scroll or document identified and protected its contents. God places his own seal on his followers, identifying them as his own and guaranteeing his protection over their souls. This shows how valuable we are to him. Our physical bodies may be beaten, maimed, or even destroyed, but nothing can harm our souls when we have been sealed by God, for the seal of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 7:3. God’s seal is placed on the foreheads of his servants. This seal is the exact opposite of the mark of the beast explained in 13:16. These two marks place the people in two distinct categories, those owned by God and those owned by Satan.
Revelation 7: 4-8. The number 144,000 is 12x12x1000, symbolizing completeness, all God’s followers will be brought safely to him, not one will be overlooked or forgotten. God seals these believers either by withdrawing them from the earth (This is called the Rapture) or by giving them special strength and courage to make it through this time of great persecution, the seal does not necessarily guarantee protection from physical harm, many will die, but God will protect them from spiritual harm. No matter what happens, they will be brought to their reward of eternal life. Their destiny is secure. These believers will not fall away from God even though they may undergo intense persecution. This is not saying that 144,000 individuals must be sealed before the persecution comes, but that when persecution begins, the faithful will have already been sealed and they will remain true to him until the end.
This is a different list from the usual listing of the 12 tribes in the Old Testament, because it is a symbolic list of God’s true followers, 1. Judah is mentioned first because Judah is both the tribe of David and of Jesus the Messiah. 2.Levi had no tribal allotment because of the Levites work for God in the temple, but here the tribe is given a place as a reward for faithfulness. 3. Dan is not mentioned because it was known for rebellion and idolatry, traits un acceptable to God’s followers. 4. The two tribes representing Joseph are here called Joseph and Manasseh because of Ephraim’s rebellion.
Revelation 7:9-10. Who is this great multitude? While some interpreters identify it as the martyrs described in 6:9, it may also be the same group as the 144,000 just mentioned. The 144,000 were sealed by God before the great time of persecution, the great multitude was brought to eternal life, as God had promised. Before , they were being prepared, now, they are victorious. This multitude in Heaven is composed of all those who remained faithful to God throughout the generations. Not true believer ever need worry about which group he or she will be in. god includes and protects each of us, and we are guaranteed a place in his presence.
People try many methods to remove the guilt of sin, good deeds, intellectual pursuits and even casting blame on others. The multitude in Heave , however, praises God, saying that Salvation comes from him and from the Lamb. Salvation from sin’s penalty can come only through Jesus Christ. Have you had the guilt of sin removed in the only way possible?
Revelation 7:16. God will provide for his children’s needs in their eternal home where there will be no hunger, thirst, or pain, and he will wipe away all tears. When you are suffering or torn apart by sorrow, take comfort in this promise of complete protection and relief.
Sometimes we need to swallow a spoon of sugar to dilute the bitterness we hold inside.
Image reference:Steps.org.au
GZ/KZ
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