Revelation 7:9-17 – The enormous salvation

As we read this passage, we must bear in mind that the communities of believers that this book was sent to were facing an impending setback. Persecution was on the way and they must be prepared for what’s coming. What John was offering to them at this point was his continuing vision of the reality of the realm of heaven, with the worship of Him Who sits on the throne and the Lamb. What he was offering to them was the reality of heaven so that they could measure whatever they would soon encounter in the light of that realm.

The 144,000 described in verses 4-8, comprising the multiples of 12,000 times the 12 tribes of Israel, actually embody the whole company of believers. That number John heard concerning the 144,000, he now looked and saw was a great multitude of people that could not be counted. They comprised people from every nation, tribe and tongue standing before the throne of the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes, signifying victory and holding palm leaves, a symbol of victory celebration. These people could not contain their delight and joy so they expressed their praises and thanks in joyful jubilation, in worship to God and the Lamb. For it was God through the Lamb who have brought them the victory and had rescued them. So they joyfully acknowledged that their salvation came from the One who sits on the throne and through the Lamb. As they celebrate their rescue, the angels that were around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, all fell down and worshipped God. They all echoed in agreement that indeed “…blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Verse 13 contains a question that the communities of believers, including us today, want to hear. It was a question that one of the elders asked John: “These who are clothed in white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” John’s immediate response to that question was, “My lord, you know.”  And immediately he was told that they were those who had come out of the great suffering. They lived through the horrendous nightmare and now have awaken into a fresh new glorious morning. Their white cloths were given not because they had lived a pure and holy life. They were given because the blood of Christ, their surficial Lamb had washed them and brought them out of the slavery of sin, and enabled them all at once to stand in the presence of the Living God. To the early believers and to us, John is saying that the moment death strikes, the redeemed will at once be transported into the very presence of God. Yes, without any delay! In saying that “…they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them” is to say that they would forever be sheltered by God’s very own presence. 

At his closing of this short interlude, John gives all believers (then and now) a glimpse of the things that we will be experiencing ultimately. Firstly, we will have the presence of God continually and will be given the privilege of worshipping Him forever. Secondly, we will be free from all trouble again. No more will we suffer any hunger, thirst nor scorching heat. Thirdly, there will also be a reversal of role. The Lamb who gave His life for us will become our Shepherd, guiding us to springs of refreshing water. And God Himself will also wipe away every tear from our eyes. What a joy! What a hope! Let us be faithful and wait with joyful expectation!