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Third Example: An Innumerable Host of Gentile Martyrs up in Heaven (Rev. 7:9-17)
Introduction:
The question was asked, "Will anyone get saved during the Tribulation
period?" The answer to that question is a firm YES. The previous example we gave was of the the 144,000 Israelis
sealed for special ministry (Rev. 7:1-8). This final example speaks of
an innumerable crowd of Gentiles praising God and the Lamb up in
heaven. They were converted to become believers in Christ during the
Tribulation. They were murdered on account of their faith. Now their
spirits and intermediate bodies are in heaven being shepherded by the
Lamb, the Great Shepherd (Rev. 7:9-17).
(1) After these thing, John looked up in heaven, and he saw an innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language clothed in white robes. They were standing before the throne in heaven and the Lamb (Jesus) (Rev. 7:9). (2) They cried out loudly, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Rev. 7:10). (3) One of the 24 elders asked John who these individuals were. John had no idea (Rev. 7:13-14). (4) The elder informed John, “These are the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14). (5) For this reason they are standing before the throne of God, and they are serving Him night and day in His temple (Rev. 7:15). (6) They will no longer suffer any pain or discomfort (Rev. 7:16), for the Lamb will be their shepherd and will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Rev. 7:17). (7) My belief is that this vast multitude consists of people whom the 144,000 were instrumental in leading to faith in Christ during the Tribulation period. They were murdered for their faith in Christ and now appear in heaven praising God and finding comfort. They are Tribulation Saints who, when the time comes, will be murdered for their faith in Christ. |
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