In Revelation 7 John’s vision brings us to the throne of God in heaven, where, in the midst of a glorious throng of angelic worshippers, a great innumerable multitude assemble, dressed in robes of righteousness, having received the salvation for which they give all thanks and praise to God (Revelation 7:9-10).

It would do well for us to remember, as we read the words of this prophecy, to whom it was originally written and for whom it has been long preserved. This entire prophecy is for the suffering and persecuted church, for the troubled times during which the apostle John encountered these visions, and in all subsequent church ages.

The seventh chapter of Revelation offers a fascinating insight, through its graphic imagery and powerful symbolism, into how God’s plan for his people and for the world at large will unfold. As the winds of judgement are held back by angelic forces (v.1), there is, of necessity, a sealing of God’s elect; the seal is the name of the Father and of the Lamb written on their foreheads (Revelation 14:1), marking them out as God’s very own possession (v.3), though the grace of God will extend beyond the trumpeting judgements to all who will eventually call upon the name of the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:13). The apostle John hears the number of this multitude given and it is a symbolic number signifying completeness, the totality of all the redeemed in Christ (Revelation 14:3). 

When we come to Revelation 7:9-17, the apostle looks again and the vision with numerical symbolism is substituted by a vision of a great multitude from every nation and people on earth, declaring the universal nature of the company of God’s people: that God “…accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:35), or, as the Apostle Paul further elucidates, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).

However, there is an important message for the persecuted church in the vision of this seraphic scene, where hosts of angels, elders and celestial creatures surround the throne of the Triune God. As if to press home this heartening message, one of the celestial creatures tantalisingly inquires of the apostle: “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” (Revelation 7:13). John is far too wise to venture a speculation but the answer provided for him is telling: ‘These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (v.14 KJV). The Lamb is the author of their salvation (v.10) and it is the Lamb who is in control of all events described in this prophecy, even, ultimately, of those forces which, for the present time and to a limited degree, trouble and oppress the church. Tribulation is the one thing Christians can be assured of in this world, but it is the Lamb who has overcome the world (John 16:33).

The redeemed are with Christ always, even in martyrdom and death. The Lamb is not only their Saviour but is also their constant shepherd and, though the harrowing winds of trouble billow and blow about them, he will lead them on to springs of living water and will wipe away every tear from their eyes so that none remain nor will any return (Revelation 7:17).

Local congregation:
Grace Communion Peterborough
Farcet Village Hall                                                    
Main Street
Farcet
Peterborough
PE7 3AN

Meeting time:
Sunday 11.00 am

Local congregational contact:
Richard Dempsey
Email:  richard.dempsey@btinternet.com
Local church website: GRACE COMMUNION CHURCH PETERBOROUGH – Landing Page

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church