Revelation Chapter 7

1 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.  

This chapter acts as an interval between the sixth and seventh seal. It reveals two important details. [1] The calling of the 144,000 Jewish male evangelists who will minister on earth during the beginning of the final three and half years. It is likely that the Rapture takes place just prior to their sealing. [2] We are presented with a vision of the redeemed in Heaven - the Raptured saints of God. John begins by stating that he saw four angels. Each one was standing at one of the four corners of the earth and holding back the winds and storms for a season.

2 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, A fifth angel appears out of the east. He had the seal of God with him. This seal (different from the seven seals on the scroll) is for the sealing of the 144,000. This angel spoke directly to the four angels holding back the four winds. [Four corners = points of compass N.S.E.W.]
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

He commanded them not to release the four winds and storms until God had set His mark upon the 144,000. Notice: the antichrist will mark his followers. The devil never has anything new, he simply counterfeits the truth - how many fall for the false! In fact, the Beast's marking system may be based upon God's mark. Those who receive either mark are sealed for all eternity. The 144,000 will be sealed upon their foreheads.

 
4 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. The 144,000 come from the twelve tribes of Israel. It is a precise number. They are a precise people (Jews). It is utterly foolish to spiritualise these into any kind of Gentile believer. They are literal unmarried men from the twelve tribes of Israel. To suggest otherwise makes a mockery of God and Scripture. These represent the first of latter day Israel's restoration (Romans 11:25-26). This is why they are called First Fruits. God will especially use these unmarried male converts because they will not be hindered by family ties during these horrific days. They are called servants of God, for they will teach, witness and encourage others.
5 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.

12,000 from Judah, 12,000 from Reuben, 12,000 from Gad.

6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.. 12,000 from Asher, 12,000 from Nephtali, 12,000 from Manasseh..
7 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.  

12,000 from Simeon, 12,000 from Levi, 12,000 from Issachar.

8 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. 12,000 from Zebulun, 12,000 from Joseph, 12,000 from Benjamin. Note: Joseph replaces the original tribe of Dan. Dan became too wicked for God to use, so He cut them off completely. These make up the 144,000 and ONLY these! Not even you Mr. Jehovah's Witness!
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;   John's vision now focuses upon the redeemed in Heaven. These come from all nationalities whereas the 144,000 come only from Israel. Therefore we can clearly see that they are two distinct groups, and that we must not confuse the texts that relate to them. The redeemed appear in robes of righteousness. They stand before the Throne of God worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ. Since John had not noticed this great multitude before, it is legitimate to assume that these are the recently raptured believers. This in turn would place the rapture around mid-way through the seven year period.
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. The glorified saints sand loudly before the Throne of God. Their song declared their thanks and praise for the wonderful salvation received through Christ. Salvation cannot come by any of means but by faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, This majestic declaration caused the angels, elders and the four living creatures to fall down before the Lord in worship. We must remember that redeemed sinners have an understanding of salvation that angelic beings can never experience.
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. They added their heartfelt 'Amen' to the praise of the redeemed saints. This 'Amen Chorus' includes the fact that God is worthy of all blessing, honour, wisdom, thanksgiving, power, and might for ever.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? The elders question John about the great multitude dressed in white. Who where they? Where did they come from? It is not that they did not know, they simply wanted John to try to explain it for himself.
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. John did not know the answer. one of the elders explains to John who they are. They are the ones who have faithfully served Christ despite having to live through persecution and torment. They kept the faith. They have been washed through the Blood of Christ. These are certainly they who have been raptured from the earth prior to God pouring out His wrath. They must include all those who have died in Christ since the days of the apostles. Notice that John does not see another group of Christians who had been raptured before the years of Antichrist.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. These Blood-bought saints always have direct access to God. They will serve Him day and night in the Heavenly Temple which will decend upon the New Earth. God will always be with them. This is a special promise, for God is always with the angels, but with the redeemed He has a better relationship - these were washed through the Blood of His Son.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Never again will they suffer. This means that the tribulation of the saints will affect the vast majority of believers living at that time.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The Lord will feed, protect, and guide them throughout eternity. All of their bad memories and experiences will be forgotten forever. Whether this great multitude spend eternity on the New Earth or in Heaven itself, they will remain God's very special people.

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