Worship Without Borders
Introduction
In our world of divisions and boundaries, we often find ourselves separated by nationality, language, culture, and countless other distinctions. These separations have, at times, even infiltrated our worship. We create churches that cater to specific demographics, styles that appeal to particular age groups, and gatherings that reflect our cultural preferences. Yet, when we turn to Scripture, particularly to the magnificent vision in Revelation 7, we discover a profound truth: in God's eternal plan, worship transcends all borders.
The Apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, was given a glimpse into heaven itself—a preview of the ultimate worship gathering. What he saw was not a homogeneous assembly of like-minded, similar-looking individuals, but rather an expansive, diverse multitude unified in their adoration of the Lamb. This vision challenges our earthly conceptions and invites us to embrace a more inclusive, borderless understanding of worship.
Jesus had a conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-24 (LSB), “…believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” People can worship the Lord in spirit and truth wherever they are. No Boundaries is there.
Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:8(LSB) that he, “want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” Wherever people can pray to God.
Today, we'll explore this heavenly scene described in Revelation 7:9-17, unpacking how it serves as both a future reality and a present model for our worship. As we journey through this passage, I invite you to imagine yourself standing among this great multitude, joining your voice with theirs in praise of our God and of the Lamb.
1. Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue United
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9)
John begins his description with a stunning observation: the worshippers were innumerable and incredibly diverse. This wasn't just a gathering of Jewish believers or Greek converts—it was a comprehensive assembly representing every corner of human society. The phrase "every nation, tribe, people, and language" is a fourfold expression emphasizing complete inclusivity.
Consider for a moment the significance of this diversity in John's context. He lived in a world sharply divided between Jews and Gentiles, Romans and non-Romans, slaves and free. These distinctions created deep social barriers that even affected the early church, as we see in conflicts recorded in Acts and addressed in Paul's letters. Yet here, in God's throne room, those distinctions fade into insignificance.
Throughout history, mighty movements—like Pentecost, the Reformation, and the Great Awakening—have drawn countless souls to faith. Soon, a global revival will surpass these past harvests, sweeping the world in mere years and redeeming people from every nation.
This future resurgence is rooted in God’s inherent desire to save all, as highlighted in 1?Timothy 2:4 and 2?Peter 3:9. In 1?Timothy 4:10, He is called the “Savior of all men, especially of believers”—maintaining sinners on earth while offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Even in the midst of unprecedented tribulation—a time marked by Satan’s fury, Antichrist terror, and divine judgment—God’s saving power will shine. His work will be twofold: Israel’s national salvation, as prophesied by Zechariah and Paul, and the rise of 144,000 Jewish evangelists who will proclaim the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
I'm reminded of a powerful story from the mission field. A missionary in Papua New Guinea was working with two tribes who had been bitter enemies for generations. Blood feuds had created seemingly impenetrable walls between these communities. When members from both tribes began to follow Christ, they initially formed separate worship gatherings. But after studying Revelation 7 together, something remarkable happened. During a regional gathering, elders from both tribes approached the communion table together, served one another the bread and cup, and embraced as brothers. The missionary reported that many wept as they witnessed a picture of Revelation 7 coming to life before their eyes.
This heavenly vision doesn't erase cultural distinctives—it celebrates them. Notice that John could still identify different nations and language groups. Each brought their unique expression to the worship gathering, yet without division. This teaches us something profound: true unity isn't uniformity. In God's economy, diversity isn't a problem to solve but a beauty to embrace.
Jesus himself pointed toward this reality when he said, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd" (John 10:16). From the beginning, God's redemptive plan was never limited to one ethnic group. In fact, when God called Abraham, He promised that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).
This echoes the prophetic promise that “many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day” (Isaiah 56:6–8) and Peter’s declaration at Pentecost that God “shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34–35).
The implications for us are significant. If heaven's worship includes every nation, tribe, and tongue, shouldn't our worship communities reflect this diversity to whatever extent possible? When our churches become comfortable enclaves for people who look, think, and live just like us, we're missing something of God's vision for His people.
What steps might we take to begin breaking down the borders that limit our worship? Perhaps it begins with learning songs from other cultures, incorporating diverse leadership, or intentionally building relationships across cultural barriers. These actions, however small, can help us better reflect the borderless worship John witnessed.
2. One Cry, One Salvation
"And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7:10)
Despite their diverse backgrounds, this multitude spoke with one voice. Their cry wasn't fragmented or divided but unified around a central truth: salvation comes from God and the Lamb. In the midst of their diversity, they found perfect unity in the source of their redemption.
This single focus is remarkable. In our world, we often allow secondary matters to become primary, creating division where there should be unity. A pastor friend once told me about visiting different churches around the world. In Southeast Asia, he worshipped with believers who met secretly in homes, singing quietly to avoid detection. In Africa, he joined exuberant celebrations with dancing and drums. In Europe, he experienced centuries-old liturgies in ornate cathedrals. The expressions varied dramatically, but in each place, believers proclaimed the same truth: "Salvation belongs to our God."
The Greek word for "salvation" here is "soteria," which encompasses deliverance, preservation, and wholeness. This diverse multitude recognized that everything good in their existence—their rescue from sin, protection through trials, and ultimate healing—came from the same source. This common experience transcended their differences.
Consider the story of the woman at the well in John 4. When Jesus engaged her, He crossed significant social boundaries—gender, ethnicity, and moral standing. Their conversation eventually turned to worship, with the woman raising the divisive question about where proper worship should occur. Jesus responded by pointing to a time when true worshippers would worship "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23), moving beyond geographic and cultural restrictions to focus on the essence of worship.
The Apostle Paul reinforced this unity in Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Our unity doesn't come from identical practices or preferences but from our common connection to the one God.
In practical terms, this means that while we may express our worship differently, we should recognize and celebrate our shared foundation. When I visit churches with practices different from what I'm accustomed to, I try to focus not on what makes us different but on what unites us—our common salvation through Christ.
This unity in diversity creates a beautiful harmony. Much like an orchestra where different instruments play distinct parts yet create one magnificent sound, our diverse expressions of worship can blend into a powerful testimony to God's redemptive work across humanity.
3. Washed for His Presence
"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence." (Revelation 7:14-15)
What qualified this diverse multitude to stand before God's throne? Not their nationality, not their language proficiency, not their cultural heritage—but their cleansing through the blood of the Lamb. This equal requirement and provision for all worshippers established a profound equality before God.
The imagery here is powerful. White robes in Revelation often symbolize purity and righteousness. Yet these robes weren't naturally white; they had been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. This paradoxical image—blood that cleanses rather than stains—points to the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice.
This purification was their entrance ticket to God's presence. The text says, "Therefore, they are before the throne of God." This word "therefore" carries significant weight. It's because of this cleansing—not because of their ancestry, achievements, or affiliations—that they could stand before God.
I'm reminded of the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. As a prestigious Syrian general, he expected special treatment when seeking healing from his leprosy. He was indignant when told to wash in the Jordan River, considering it beneath his status. Only when he humbled himself and followed the simple instructions did he experience healing. His position and nationality provided no advantage; healing came through obedience and faith.
Similarly, before God's throne, there are no VIP sections or preferred seating. Each person stands equally cleansed by the same blood. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
This truth dismantles any spiritual elitism or hierarchy we might construct. I once attended a conference where attendees were given different colored badges based on their donation level, with certain areas restricted to top-tier donors. While common in our world, such stratification has no place in God's kingdom. Access to God isn't determined by spiritual achievement, theological knowledge, or position but by being washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Furthermore, this cleansing enables not just presence but also service. The text states they "serve him day and night in his temple." Their worship wasn't passive but active and ongoing. Being cleansed by Christ doesn't just give us access to God; it empowers us to serve Him continually.
For us today, this means recognizing that our standing before God depends entirely on Christ's work, not our credentials or background. Whether we've been believers for decades or days, whether we come from a long Christian heritage or are the first believers in our family, we stand equally before God through Christ's blood.
This shared foundation can help us overcome the divisions we create. When we recognize that none of us earned our place before God—that we all stand as recipients of the same grace—how can we elevate ourselves above others?
4. Shepherded into Unity
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'" (Revelation 7:17)
In this final section, we see a beautiful paradox: the Lamb becomes the Shepherd. The same Jesus who was sacrificed for us now leads and guides us. This shepherding creates and maintains the unity of God's diverse flock.
The image draws on rich biblical tradition, particularly Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." It also echoes Jesus' own words in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
Notice that the text emphasizes the Lamb's position "at the center of the throne." Christ occupies the central place, drawing all eyes and hearts toward Himself. When He is properly centered, all other distinctions fade into perspective.
I once visited a church that was experiencing significant conflict between traditional and contemporary worship advocates. The disagreements had grown so heated that division seemed inevitable. The wise pastor called for a special service focused entirely on Jesus Christ—His birth, life, death, resurrection, and return. For that evening, they set aside their preferences and united around extended readings of Scripture about Christ, prayers focusing on His attributes, and songs from various traditions that exalted Him alone. By the end of the evening, many had tears in their eyes as they recognized how their focus had shifted from their preferences to peripheral issues. With Christ at the center, healing began.
The text also emphasizes the Shepherd's care: "He will lead them to springs of living water." This recalls Jesus' offer to the Samaritan woman: "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst" (John 4:14). All members of this diverse multitude receive the same sustenance from the same source. The Shepherd doesn't provide premium water to some and basic water to others—all receive the living water that truly satisfies.
Finally, we see the intimate care of the Shepherd: "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." This tender image reminds us that members of God's family have experienced various sufferings. Some may have endured persecution, others poverty, still others discrimination or loss. Yet God personally attends to each one's pain.
This shepherding creates what theologians call the "already but not yet" tension. The full experience of tearless existence awaits us in eternity, yet even now, the Shepherd leads, refreshes, and comforts us. As we submit to His guidance, we experience foretastes of the unity and harmony depicted in Revelation 7.
For our worship communities today, this means keeping Christ central in all we do. When our focus shifts to traditions, preferences, or personalities, division inevitably follows. But when the Lamb remains at the center of our attention, we find ourselves naturally drawn into unity with others who are similarly focused.
Conclusion
The vision of Revelation 7:9-17 provides both a destination and a journey map for our worship. It shows us where history is heading—toward a diverse yet unified multitude worshipping before God's throne. And it shows us how to move in that direction now—by celebrating diversity, focusing on our common salvation, recognizing our equal standing through Christ's blood, and keeping the Lamb at the center.
This borderless worship isn't just a future reality; it's a present possibility. When we gather to worship, whether with thousands in a cathedral or a handful in a living room, we join with the angels and elders and the great multitude in heaven. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, we have come "to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23).
The barriers that separate us—nationality, language, culture, socioeconomic status—are temporary. They belong to the passing order of this world. In Christ, we glimpse and begin to experience the coming reality where worship truly has no borders.
As we leave today, let's commit to practices that reflect this heavenly vision. Let's embrace diversity rather than fear it. Let's focus on our common salvation rather than our differences. Let's remember our equal standing through Christ's blood. And above all, let's keep the Lamb at the center of our worship and lives.
In doing so, we not only prepare for our eternal destiny but also offer the world a compelling witness—a preview of God's ultimate purpose to unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). In a world fractured by division, such borderless worship speaks powerfully of the God who "so loved the world" and the Lamb who was slain for people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9).
May our worship increasingly reflect the borderless reality John witnessed. And may we, with one voice, join the heavenly chorus in proclaiming: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE:
Your feedback matters!
If this message resonates with you, please take a moment to rate it on Sermon Central. Ratings help me know what's working and inspire me to keep creating fresh content.
Here's how to rate:
Look for the star rating system above the sermon text. Click the number of stars that reflects your experience (5 being the highest).
Thank you for your time and support!
In addition to ratings, feel free to leave a comment to share what impacted you or ask questions.
Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
