We noted going into this chapter, that between the opening of the 6th seal, and the 7th, that God through angels brought an interlude or pause to the terrible events happening on the earth, to seal 144,000 Jews. ( We mentioned yesterday or so, that these now saved Jews, would be used by God to proclaim the gospel, and see many come to faith in Jesus Christ )
Now, in the second half of chapter 7, the scene shifts back to heaven where a great, can't be numbered multitude were standing before the throne, and before the Lamb etc. They were declaring that Salvation belongs to our God etc. And, they were saying and many other things, and all of heaven as it were started worshipping the Lord.
In 7:13-14 one of the elders asked John who were these people, and where did they come from? John responded by saying to the elder, "Sir, you know" and then the elder said, "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. Therefore they are before the throne of God etc.
So, what does all of this say to us?
1. The tribulation period will begin with only unbelievers present on the earth. Because all believers will be taken to heaven at the rapture of the church.
2. Following the departure of the church, multitudes will come to faith in Christ as the tribulation period continues to unfold.
3. Many of those who have come to faith will also wind up dying, being killed because of their faith.
4. Those who die in Christ during the tribulation period, will wind up going directly to heaven just as Christians today, go to heaven when they die.
5. Rev 7, is a look at these who were killed for their faith during the tribulation.
6. It's no doubt true that those who come to faith in Christ during the tribulation will not all be killed, but could die from what we call natural causes.
7. As we continue in our study of Rev, we will see the tremendous satanic opposition to and against Christians through the rule of the anti-christ.
Some thoughts in reflection.
1. Even in the worst of times, people can come to Christ.
2. In fact, difficult times serve to bring humility and an more of an open heart to God.
3. If your a christian, you will be taken in the rapture before the tribulation begins.
4. In the meantime, may our lives be useful to God as He seeks to save people from their sins.
5. The gospel, the Word of Truth, the message of Jesus Christ, His death, burial and being raised from the dead, is God's message to the world.
6. May we pray for our pastor's who teach, and preach the Word of God.
7. Not all who come to church are really open to and receptive to the Word of God,
8. In fact, there are many who are out and out opposed to the Word of God, and they are in the church.
9. We are living in the last days, and may very well be that generation that are taken up in the rapture to meet Jesus Christ. Let's live with that possibility in mind.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
