The Multitudes in the Tribulation Period

Rev. 7:9-17

Theme:  God addresses and identifies who the multitudes are in the Tribulation Period

Introduction:  Jesus showed in His prayer “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” that God has a plan for this earth.  God teaches us the way in which He is working on the earth.  We are now in the middle of the Tribulation Period.  The first half of this chapter, God has sealed the Jews and now here we find where God will deal with the Gentiles. 

In this chapter God will address the multitudes and who they are in this passage.

I. The vision of the multitude vv. 9-13

A. The audience v. 9a

1.  This great multitude is different from the 144 K Israelites.

2. This composed of all nationalities-God wants us to reach the world.

3. The gospel is to be taken worldwide-Mark 16:15-go ye into all the world.

4. This innumerable company reminds us that this group is without man’s ability to know who are all the believers.

B. The activity vv. 9b-10

1.  These are standing before the throne and the Lamb—accepted at the heavenly altar.

2. White robes speaks of cleansing-redemption  6:11-white robes are given to martyr

3. You cannot stand before God in your own robes of righteousness only in the righteousness of Christ.

4. The palms in their hands denotes rejoicing and praise given to the victorious Lamb over the sin of the world John 12:13

5. In the heaven before the Lamb of God is a recognition and celebration of the what Christ did for us on the cross-tonight God is pleased when we recognize what He did for us on the cross.

C. The effect vv. 11-13

1.  Those around the throned fell down and worshipped God.

2. The message focused around the Lamb-blessing-multiplied happinesses, glory-shining on the light on the Lamb, wisdom-He is the fountain of wisdom-strange how many trust man’s wisdom over God’s wisdom, thanksgiving-all thanks goes to Him,  honor-give praise and respect to Him, power-no strength without His strength-He is the Giver of the strength, and might-all authority goes to Him

Matt. 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

3.  This fold ascription of praise can only be given to the One who is worthy.

4.  Who are these and where did they come from v.13—the multitudes.

II. The identification of the multitude vv. 14-17

A. Their martyrdom v. 14

1. Ways they died

a.  Some as martyrs

b. Some by earthquakes, war, and pestilence .

c. Some will be persecuted

2. Came out of the great tribulation-very specific.

3. Given robes as faithful witnesses to the Word of God and testimony to the Lamb.

4. Only way sins are washed away is through the blood of Christ. Rom. 5:9 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

B. Their message v. 15

1.  Kept before the throne of God-a place of prominence and honor.

2. The most comforting place is in the presence of the Lord.

3. This group will serve God unceasingly in heaven.

4. God will dwell among them.

C. Their remuneration vv. 16-17

1.  God will provide for food, drink, and shelter v.16

2. God is their total sufficiency and security v.17

3. He wipes all tears way for the suffering in life-no sorrow, tears, or death.

4. Tears are wiped away at the end of the Tribulation Period, after the Judgment seat of Christ, and Rev. 21:4 after the Great White Throne judgement.

Conclusion:  God draws our attention to these great believers who suffered and died for Christ.  They lived in difficult times yet salvation v. 10 Salvation is possible for them.  God shows us the object, the motivation, and the center of their life is the Lamb of God.  We should live for Him daily.