Revelation Session 11
Notes
Transcript
Who can Stand?–The Sealed People
Who can Stand?–The Sealed People
I. Recap & Literary Flow
II. Historical and Geographical Background
III. Exposition of Revelation 7
IV. Theological Reflections
V. Eschatological Views Compared
VI. Application
Recap:
The Fifth Seal (6:9–11) revealed the souls of martyrs crying out for justice.
The Sixth Seal (6:12–17) unleashed cosmic disruption—earthquake, darkened sun, falling stars, and terror among all classes of humanity.
The chapter ended with the climactic question:
17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Revelation 7 does not advance the timeline. It answers the question.
This chapter is an interlude—a pastoral pause—designed to assure God’s people that:
• Judgment does not fall indiscriminately
• God knows His own
• His people are preserved, not forgotten
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.
2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,
3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the slaves of our God on their foreheads.”
4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed, 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
5 from the tribe of Judah, 12,000 having been sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin, 12,000 having been sealed.
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
12 saying, “Amen, the blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These, clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?”
14 And I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His sanctuary; and He who sits on the throne will dwell over them.
16 “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of the water of life. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
II. Historical & Geographical Background
II. Historical & Geographical Background
A. The original audience and their world
Do you remember the difference between who was the book of Revelation written to and who was it written for?
It was written for the edification of the church, the whole church
I was written to the Believers in Asia Minor. Their churches are mentioned by name.
Believers in Asia Minor were facing:
Political pressure to honor the emperor as lord
Social exclusion for refusing pagan worship
Economic consequences for non-participation in guilds/idolatry
Imprisonment and death in some cases
So for these churches the question “Who can Stand?” was a real personal question.
B. The meaning of “sealing” in the first-century world
The imagery of a seal would have been immediately understood.
In the Greco-Roman world, seals represented:
Ownership (this belongs to someone)
Authenticity (this is genuine)
Protection/authority (tampering invites judgment)
Slaves were marked. Documents were sealed. Property bore identifying marks. So when John speaks of God sealing His servants:
• This is not mystical novel, it is recognizable covenant language
• God is publicly claiming His people as His own
The seal does not mean “no suffering.” It means no ultimate loss.
C. “Four corners of the earth” — symbolic geography
Ancient audiences did not hear this as a map reference.
• “Four corners” was a common idiom for totality
• It communicated: Nothing outside God’s control
• Judgment restrained by divine command
• Protection that is comprehensive, not regional
This matters because the churches felt small and vulnerable, but Revelation reminds them: God’s authority extends everywhere—even where Rome claims power.
D. Israel, tribes, and covenant memory
The listing of the tribes would have carried deep covenant weight:
For Jewish believers: This affirmed continuity with God’s promises
For Gentile believers: This affirmed inclusion into God’s redemptive plan
Either way, the message was clear: God has not forgotten His people—and He never loses track of them.
E. Why this background matters pastorally
For the first hearers:
Rome claimed ownership – God says, “They are Mine”
Caesar demanded allegiance – God seals allegiance
The empire threatened life – God promised eternal security
Revelation 7 would have sounded like oxygen to suffocating believers. And that’s how it should still sound today.
III. Exposition
III. Exposition
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.
2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,
3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the slaves of our God on their foreheads.”
John sees 4 angels holding back the winds of Judgment. They exercise restraint for the purpose of identifying, marking the people of God. Ezekiel had a similar vision
4 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering.
5 But at the evening offering I arose from my affliction, even with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to Yahweh my God;
6 and I said, “O my God, I am ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have multiplied above our heads and our guilt has become great even to the heavens.
Those marked are spared; those unmarked face judgment. Look at that happened to Lot
22 “Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Judgment on Sodom could not proceed until Lot was removed.
This is consistent with God’s character
2 O Yahweh, I have heard the report about You, and I fear. O Yahweh, revive Your work in the midst of the years; In the midst of the years make it known; In rage remember compassion.
Biblical principle:
God never unleashes judgment without first identifying and securing His own.
The angel’s command in Revelation 7 is not new theology—it is covenant faithfulness on display.
The seal as covenant ownership, not removal
The seal is placed on the forehead, signaling visible allegiance. It is drawn directly from:
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Ezekiel 9 – The mark distinguishes the faithful from the rebellious.
19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His...”
This sealing does not promise exemption from suffering: The martyrs of Revelation 6 were clearly sealed, yet slain.
The Seal Promises:
Final security
Divine ownership
Irrevocable belonging
But we already know this is the case:
28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish—ever; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
The numbered people of God (144,000)
John hears a precise number. This reflects Old Testament census theology:
4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed, 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
5 from the tribe of Judah, 12,000 having been sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin, 12,000 having been sealed.
What does the number itself mean?
144,000 = 12 × 12 × 1,000
Each component is loaded with biblical meaning:
1. Twelve (12) – the people of God
12 tribes of Israel
12 apostles of the Lamb
→ Twelve consistently represents God’s covenant people
2. Twelve times twelve (12 × 12) – continuity and fulfillment
Old Covenant people of God (Israel)
New Covenant people of God (the Church)
→ Not replacement, but fulfillment and expansion in Christ
→ This fits Revelation’s consistent pattern of unity, not separation, of God’s redeemed people.
14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups one and broke down the dividing wall of the partition
15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might create the two into one new man, making peace,
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having in Himself put to death the enmity.
The 144,000 represent the complete people of God, fully known, fully sealed, and fully preserved.
They are:
God’s covenant people
Marked out as His own
Protected spiritually in the midst of judgment
This is why the tribal list is highly irregular:
Dan is missing
Ephraim is replaced by Joseph
Levi is included (normally excluded from censuses)
That alone tells us John is not describing ethnic genealogy, but theological identity.
One thousand (1,000) – fullness or completeness
In Scripture, “thousand” regularly functions symbolically:
10 “For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills.
9 “You shall know therefore that Yahweh your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
→ The idea is completeness, not a literal headcount.
Eschatological views of the 144,000 chart
1. Dispensational Premillennialism
1. Dispensational Premillennialism
The 144,000 are understood as literal ethnic Jews
Taken from the twelve tribes of Israel, understood ethnically
They are usually seen as future believers sealed during a literal seven-year tribulation
Often described as evangelists or witnesses whom God preserves during end-time judgment
Key emphasis:
Literal numbers, future fulfillment, and a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.
2. Historic Premillennialism
2. Historic Premillennialism
Interpretations vary within the view
Many see the 144,000 as ethnic Jews who come to faith in Christ
Others allow for a symbolic reading, representing faithful believers preserved during tribulation
Less rigid separation between Israel and the Church than dispensationalism
Key emphasis:
Future suffering and perseverance, with flexibility on symbolism.
3. Amillennialism
3. Amillennialism
The 144,000 are understood symbolically
The number represents the complete people of God
The tribal language is read theologically, not ethnically
The 144,000 and the great multitude are typically seen as the same group, heard and then seen from different perspectives
Key emphasis:
Covenant fulfillment, symbolic numbers, and assurance for believers throughout the church age.
4. Postmillennialism
4. Postmillennialism
Often aligns closely with the amillennial symbolic reading
The 144,000 represent the full number of God’s redeemed people
Emphasis is placed on the expansion and success of the gospel
The multitude from every nation highlights the growth of God’s kingdom in history
Key emphasis:
Symbolic completeness and the progressive triumph of Christ’s reign.
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
John hears a numbered people; but then sees an uncountable multitude.
Genesis 15:5 – Abraham’s offspring promised as innumerable.
Genesis 17:4–6 – Abraham as father of many nations.
Isaiah 2:2–3 – Nations streaming to the Lord.
Psalm 67:4 – “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy.”
What was promised in covenant is now revealed in glory.
White robes and palm branches
These images are not accidental.
Isaiah 61:10 – Garments of salvation, robes of righteousness.
Zechariah 9:9 – Palm branches as symbols of victory and kingship.
John 12:13 – Palms waved at Jesus’ triumphal entry.
This multitude is not defeated survivors. They are victorious worshipers.
10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
12 saying, “Amen, the blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These, clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?”
14 And I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Jesus uses this language tribulation language:
Matthew 24:21–22 – A period of great tribulation, shortened for the sake of the elect.
John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation.”
15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His sanctuary; and He who sits on the throne will dwell over them.
16 “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of the water of life. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7 is not isolated symbolism.
It is the Bible harmonizing with itself.
Ezekiel → Isaiah → Psalms → Gospels → Revelation
IV. Theological Reflections
IV. Theological Reflections
1. God’s judgment is never uncontrolled or impulsive
1. God’s judgment is never uncontrolled or impulsive
Before a single wind is released, judgment is restrained.
This tells us something vital about God:
His wrath is not reactive
His judgment is not chaotic
His justice is always measured, purposeful, and governed by His will
Revelation 7 reminds us that even when judgment is terrifying, it is never reckless. God is always acting with intention and moral clarity.
This guards the church from caricatures of God as either:
Harsh and impatient, or
Passive and indifferent He is neither
2. Divine sealing affirms ownership, not immunity
2. Divine sealing affirms ownership, not immunity
The sealing of God’s people does not mean:
Freedom from suffering
Escape from persecution
A promise of earthly safety
The immediate context proves this:
The martyrs of chapter 6 were sealed—and slain
The great multitude came out of tribulation, not around it
Theologically, this teaches:
God does not promise exemption
He promises preservation
Believers belong to God in life and in death, and that belonging cannot be revoked by suffering.
3. God knows His people with precision and care
3. God knows His people with precision and care
The numbering of the sealed servants emphasizes intentionality.
This is not mass salvation.
This is not vague inclusion.
This is covenant knowledge.
The theological point is simple but profound
God’s people are not anonymous to Him.
Every believer is:
Known
Counted
Accounted for
No suffering saint is overlooked.
No faithful believer is forgotten.
No life is lost in the crowd.
4. Redemption produces a unified but diverse people
4. Redemption produces a unified but diverse people
The vision of the great multitude reveals a crucial theological balance:
Unity: one people, one salvation, one Lamb
Diversity: every nation, tribe, people, and language
This corrects two errors:
Ethnic exclusivism
Cultural erasure
God does not save people out of their identities—He redeems people within them.
Salvation does not flatten humanity; it reconciles it.
5. Suffering does not contradict victory—it precedes it
5. Suffering does not contradict victory—it precedes it
The multitude standing before the throne is not a group that avoided pain.
They are a people who endured.
This reframes Christian victory
Victory is not the absence of hardship
Victory is faithfulness through hardship
The Lamb does not merely rescue at the end—He redeems the entire journey.
This protects the church from a shallow triumph and prepares believers for endurance.
6. The Lamb stands at the center of both judgment and salvation
6. The Lamb stands at the center of both judgment and salvation
One of the most theologically important truths in Revelation 7 is this:
The Lamb is associated with wrath (6:16)
The Lamb is the source of salvation (7:10)
The Lamb becomes the Shepherd of the redeemed (7:17)
This destroys any attempt to divide Jesus into:
Gentle Savior vs. harsh Judge
He is both—perfectly, righteously, consistently.
7. Assurance flows from God’s action, not human performance
7. Assurance flows from God’s action, not human performance
Everything in Revelation 7 points away from human effort:
God seals
God shelters
God wipes tears
God leads His people home
Theological assurance rests not in:
Strength of faith
Endurance metrics
Spiritual resilience
God’s covenant faithfulness through the Lamb
So who will be able to stand? the redeem
V. Eschatological Views Compared (Revelation 7:1–17)
V. Eschatological Views Compared (Revelation 7:1–17)
1. Dispensational Premillennialism (DP)
1. Dispensational Premillennialism (DP)
144,000
Taken literally as ethnic Israelites (12,000 from each tribe).
Sealed for physical protection during a future, seven-year Tribulation.
Great Multitude
Distinct group from the 144,000.
Primarily Gentiles who come to faith during the Tribulation.
Strengths
Takes the tribal list at face value.
Strong distinction between Israel and the Church.
Tensions
Difficult to reconcile physical protection with martyrdom elsewhere.
Risks fragmenting the redeemed into parallel peoples of God.
2. Historic Premillennialism (HP)
2. Historic Premillennialism (HP)
144,000
Often viewed symbolically as God’s faithful people.
Emphasis on endurance through tribulation, not removal from it.
Great Multitude
The totality of the redeemed who persevere in faith.
Strengths
Aligns well with persecution themes.
Preserves continuity between suffering and glory.
Tensions
Less clarity on the specific function of the numbered tribes.
3. Amillennialism (A)
3. Amillennialism (A)
144,000
Symbolic number representing the complete people of God (12 × 12 × 1,000).
“Hearing” the number (7:4) and “seeing” the multitude (7:9) are two perspectives of the same reality.
Great Multitude
The church triumphant—believers from all nations.
Key Emphasis
The seal is spiritual security, not physical immunity.
The church lives in the overlap of suffering and victory throughout the present age.
Strengths
Strong literary coherence (hearing/seeing pattern).
Integrates suffering, assurance, and perseverance consistently.
Tensions
Requires symbolic interpretation of tribal language.
4. Postmillennialism (P)
4. Postmillennialism (P)
144,000
Symbolic of God’s covenant people.
Emphasizes expansion and success of the gospel in history.
Great Multitude
Evidence of gospel victory as nations are discipled over time.
Strengths
Highlights global mission and Christ’s present reign.
Strong optimism about gospel advance.
Tensions
Hard to square with Revelation’s repeated emphasis on persecution and martyrdom.
Shared Ground Across All Views
Shared Ground Across All Views
Despite differences, all four views affirm:
God knows His people
God marks His people
God preserves His people
God redeems His people through the Lamb
No orthodox view teaches that believers are abandoned in judgment.
Pastoral Anchor (What Must Not Be Missed)
Pastoral Anchor (What Must Not Be Missed)
Revelation 7 was not written to settle charts.
It was written to steady suffering saints.
Regardless of eschatological framework, the answer to the question from Revelation 6 remains unchanged:
Who can stand?
Those sealed by God and washed in the blood of the Lamb.
VI. Application
VI. Application
1. God’s people are secure, even when the world is not
Revelation 7 assures believers that chaos and judgment never cancel God’s care. Those who belong to the Lamb are known, marked, and kept.
2. Suffering does not mean God has abandoned you
The sealed still face hardship, and the redeemed come out of tribulation. Faithfulness does not eliminate suffering—but it is never meaningless
3. Endurance flows from identity
God seals His people before judgment continues. We do not endure to become God’s people; we endure because we already belong to Him.
4. The church is bigger than our context
God is redeeming people from every nation and culture. This should cultivate humility, unity, and a global vision for the gospel.
5. Victory is faithfulness, not comfort
The redeemed are pictured standing in worship, not escaping difficulty. The Christian life is measured by perseverance, not ease.
6. The Lamb who saves will shepherd you home
Jesus is not only the Lamb who was slain, but the Shepherd who leads His people, wipes away their tears, and brings them safely into God’s presence.
The answer to “Who can stand?” is clear—those who belong to the Lamb
