Revelation 7: The Assurance of God’s Protection

As Revelation 6 ends, our powerful Lord and Savior, the Lamb of God, breaks the sixth seal. Revelation 6:12 describes a great earthquake, where the sun turns black and the moon becomes blood red—an unimaginable horror. Yet this is only the beginning. Stars fall from the sky like figs from a tree. Revelation 6:14-16 (NLT) vividly depicts the scene: “The sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places. Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.””

The future reality of Revelation 6 paints a scene where chaos reigns and the world faces judgment. One might expect that such calamity would lead even the staunchest atheist to acknowledge the power of God and turn to Jesus Christ. Yet, astonishingly, even as the unbelievers cry out to the mountains and rocks, the majority will still refuse the salvation that God offers through Jesus Christ. Through His infinite mercy and grace, God will still provide the world with more time to repent and turn from its wickedness, even in that dark hour.

The Sealing of God’s Servants

Chapter 7 opens with four angels holding back the winds, waiting for God’s servants to be sealed. Revelation 7:3 (NLT) tells us that another angel, carrying God’s seal, shouted to the four, “Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of His servants.” This sealing isn’t just about physical safety; it represents a mark of divine ownership and protection. God is making it clear that His faithful followers, those that have given their lives to Christ after the Rapture, will be shielded during these times of trouble.

The 144,000, sealed from the tribes of Israel, are all Jewish men who will accept the Lamb of God as their Lord and Savior. They will receive salvation, begin to teach about the blood of the Lamb, and do amazing things for God’s Kingdom during this time of great peril and tribulation. Revelation 14:4 (NLT) tells us that these 144,000 men “have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.” God protects them from the wrath that will be unleashed upon the earth. Their sealing shows us that God’s promises endure, even when everything around us seems to crumble.

A Multitude in White Robes

Then we are introduced to a breathtaking vision in heaven of a multitude that no one can count. Revelation 7:9 (NLT) describes this: “They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.” The white robes signify the righteousness and victory of Jesus Christ, and the palm branches symbolize their triumphant joy and celebration as they praise and adore our glorious God. They were martyred for the sake of the Gospel and will stand in the presence of Jesus Christ before our Heavenly Father’s throne. This diverse crowd—composed of people from every nation, tribe, and language—demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of God’s grace.

Revelation 7:10 (NLT) tells us that as they stand before the throne, they shout, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” This proclamation is a powerful reminder of our salvation and the sovereignty and faithfulness of our God. Revelation 7:11 (NLT) continues, “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God.” As many Biblical scholars have noted, this is perhaps the greatest worship service we can imagine, directed toward our Most Magnificent Heavenly Father, with everyone in heaven participating.

The Comfort We Find in Christ

Those who give their lives to Christ after the Rapture will receive protection for a time but ultimately will witness and face unimaginable persecution for standing firm in Christ. Many will experience starvation, some will succumb to sickness and disease, and others will be murdered because they refuse to worship the antichrist. Though they may lose their lives, in Christ, death is not defeat. Through their unwavering commitment to God through Christ, they will triumph over satan and the antichrist. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) tells us: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

In Revelation 7:16-17 (NLT), we read, “They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd.” In the presence of the Lamb, who stands in the midst of God’s throne, the Tribulation Saints will feast from the tree of life. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, all suffering will cease, and every need will be met. Their faithfulness will be rewarded, and like us, they will forever dwell with our precious Lord.

The Call to Stand Firm

Philippians 1:29 (NLT) tells us, “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” Earth is indeed rocky terrain, and most of us face trials and tribulations in our lives. We have an enemy, the devil, who seeks to pull us down and lead us astray. However, God did not place us on this earth to live in fear or to be crushed under the enemy’s weight. Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are more than conquerors in Christ, and all our strength comes from him. Through our struggles, we can lean on his power, knowing that each challenge we face strengthens our faith and draws us closer to our Blessed Lord. Because of him, we are equipped to overcome, as we patiently endure and become strong in our faith.

Revelation 7 serves as a reminder that while judgment is real, God’s mercy and grace shine even brighter. This chapter calls us to stand firm in our faith and trust in God’s protection. It reassures us that, despite the trials we face, we are never alone. God is actively watching over His people, providing comfort and strength in times of distress. Our hope lies in His promise of eternal life and the assurance that, by His grace, we can overcome any challenge. We must cling to this truth and encourage one another to remain steadfast, knowing that His love surrounds us always and prepares us for the glorious hope of the Rapture.

As we reflect on Revelation 7, let’s embrace the truth that we are part of that uncountable multitude, redeemed and cherished by our Savior. The world may be chaotic, but God is sovereign, and His plans will unfold perfectly. So, let’s walk boldly in our faith, knowing that we are covered by His grace and destined for eternal joy. This is the hope we cling to—a hope that inspires us to live with purpose and urgency, sharing the Good News of salvation until the very end! ■

4TheChristianMan

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Revelation 7: The Assurance of God’s Protection

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