The
Sealing of the 144,000 - Revelation 7:1-8
This
chapter acts as an interval between 6th and 7th seal.
Here we see the sealing of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists.
They will minister during the final three and half years.
Their ministry starts immediately after the Rapture.
John sees four angels holding back the winds.
A fifth angel appears from the east.
In his hand is the seal of God.
This is like a brand / signet to mark the 144,000.
He commands the four angels not to release the winds and storms.
The 144,000 must be sealed first, then God's wrath is unleashed.
We know the Beast will use a mark too (666).
The devil never has anything new.
He copies the work of God to deceive.
How many fall for the counterfeit!
Both marks seal for eternity.
144,000 come from the twelve tribes of Israel.
They are unmarried Jewish men.
Unmarried because of the horrific times.
Servants of God:
Teaching,
Witnessing, Encouraging others.
Firstfruits unto God.
First part of the restoration of Israel (Romans 11:25-26).
A precise number and nationality.
It is foolish to spiritualise anything here.
Unbelief makes God out to be a liar.
Twelve tribes are listed.
Dan is replaced by Joseph.
Dan was completely cut off because of wickedness.
The Vision of the Redeemed - Revelation 7:9-17
John now focuses on
the redeemed in Heaven.
These are the raptured saints of all ages.
John had not noticed them before.
They had only recently been raptured.
They come from all nationalities, whereas the 144,000 were from Israel.
They wear robes of righteousness.
They worship the enthroned Christ.
Rapture just prior to the outpouring of God's wrath.
They worshipped with a loud voice.
They praised God for salvation.
Their praise inspired to elders and angels to worship also.
They could not help shouting 'Amen!'
God is worthy of all blessing, glory, wisdom, thanks, honour, power and might.
One elder questions John about the great multitude.
Who were they?
Where did they come from?
John did not know.
They remained faithful despite persecution.
They were sinners saved through the Blood.
They were the raptured saints of all ages.
Notice John does not see any pre-trib saints!
These will always have direct access to God.
They will serve Him in the Heavenly Temple.
God will be with them in a very special way.
They are His special people, for they trusted in His Son.
They will never suffer again.
The majority will suffer during the tribulation period.
God will feed, protect and guide them forever.
Every bad memory and experience will be forgotten.