The Book Of Revelation (Revelation 7)

The reason we have this interlude in chapter 7 is because chapter 6 closed with this question Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

In Chapter 7 we have this interlude answering that question.

We are told the only ones who can survive the wrath of God will be the 144,000 jewish missionaries that must be sealed by God.

It is interesting to note:

• That the anti-christ will seal his followers with the mark of the beast in their right hand or forehead.

• But the only ones who can survive the wrath of God are the 144,000 missionaries who the Lord seals.

The reason this is interesting is because the devil always copy God when it is possible.

In Revelation 8 before the wrath of God is going be poured out in the SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS God has to seal the 144,000.

The reason we know the 144,000 are jews is because the Word of God clearly states this is the situation.

We have listed here the tribes that the 144,000 come from. Let us compare the tribes of literal Israel to the list found here.

Literal Israel Revelation 7

Judah Judah

Rueben Rueben

Gad Gad

Asher Asher

Naphtali Naphtali

Manassah Manassah

Simeon Simeon

Issachar Levi

Zebulun Issachar

Benjamin Zebulun

Ephraim Joseph

Dan Benjamin

The difference between the two lists is that, the names of Ephraim and Dan have been left out and the names of Joseph and Levi being added in.

• The reason for excluding Ephraim is that they were heavily into idolatry. (Hosea 4:17)

• Dan was regarded as backbiters (Genesis 49:17) and there will be no backbiters/gossipers in heaven. (Romans 1:28-32)

There are two classes of saved: Jews and Gentiles. Both are called saints. But notice, never is the word “church” used in conjunction with them because the church has been raptured and no longer on earth.

• The opening of the first vision in chapter seven (Rev. 7:1-7) shows the 144,000 who represent Israel mission in the great tribulation.

• The opening second part of the vision in (Rev, 7:8-17) shows a great multitude of martyred dead in heaven. They died as a testimony to their faith. They represent every kindred, language and nation of the earth.

Chapter 6 has revealed that judgments are about to be unleashed. The four horsemen revealed war, famine, and death. The souls of the slain believers are crying out how long until God brings justice and righteousness.

They are told to rest a little while longer and that more are going to die before judgment is unleashed.

Revelation 6:12-17 showed us that a nation is about to fall. We have not been told specifically what nation is the object of God’s wrath at this point. There have been many clues, but nothing definitive yet.

The point thus far is that it will be “lights out” for this nation and the rest of the earth is to see God’s wrath and learn from it.

Many theologians believed that nation is Israel. Look at Ezekiel 9:1 records that judgment is coming against the city of Jerusalem. “Bring near the executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand” (Ezekiel 9:1).

Before this judgment is brought against the city, the people of God are to be sealed first.

This brings our study into Revelation 7.

In the last part of Revelation 6 we are asked in verse 17, "For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

Yes, who WILL be able to stand? The 144,000 jewish missionaries will be able to stand.

In Rev. 7 we will be looking at two visions:

1) In this first vision John takes this opportunity to introduce us to the 144,000 missionaries that we will be hearing a lot in chapters to come.

2) In the second vision in this chapter we will see where many will be saved during the tribulation.

While the anti-christ will be putting pressure on the inhabitants of the earth to take his mark for food, these 144,000 will be preaching DO NOT TAKE THE MARK!!!

Let’s look at the two groups that Revelation 7 talks about…

I.THE FIRST VISION (Rev. 7:1-8)

Revelation 7:1-8 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.