Revelation 7 – The Interlude

The Revelation of Jesus Christ Revelation 7 – (The Interlude)

Introduction – John has been transported into Heaven during the tribulation and is invited to observe the Revelation of Jesus. Chapter seven is a break between the sixth and seventh seal. Many would argue this should be closer to Chapter fourteen as it explains this a little more. Others contend this is an attempt to answer the question posed at the end of Chapter six – “Who is able to stand?” During the great tribulation from beginning to end, we are afforded the opportunity to see the great wrath of God as well as the great depth of His mercy. Lamentations 3:22-24

Two Visions

1. I saw (v1)
2. I looked (v9)

I Saw (verses 1-8)

1. Four angels

   1. Standing at the four corners of the earth
      1. Not an argument of the Flat Earth Theory
      2. Idiom – not literal corners
      3. More like points on a compass or map
         1. North, South, East, West
   2. They control the winds of the earth
      1. Winds are often referred to as the judgements
         1. They are to withhold the winds/judgements

2. Fifth angel

   a. Many believe it could be Jesus i. Most likely not b. Typical angel with more authority than the four i. Loud voice ii. Commanded

Seal of the Living God

1. Sphragis – usually a signet ring by which a king gave official validity to various documents
   1. Authority
   2. Protection
2. Charagma – “mark” of the beast
   1. This is not the word used here
3. What is it specifically?
   1. No one knows
   2. Rev 14:1 suggests the name of God
      1. Is it internal?
      2. Is it external?
   3. Indicates
      1. Ownership (Ephesians 1:13)
      2. Security (Ephesians 4:30)
      3. Inviolability - can’t be touched (Matthew 27:66)

Group One – 144,000

1. Some would argue this represents the church age
2. Others believe a more literal sense
   1. Literally this is a group of Jews
      1. Rev 12:1-17 – Woman represents Israel with the Jews being the offspring
   2. Others believe Israel represents Jacob, which God changed his name to
      1. Never was used to represent Gentiles
      2. 12 tribes of Jacob
      3. Dan is left out
      1. First to forego their territory and dive into idolatry
      2. Some believe because of their small size they were absorbed by the tribe Naphtali
      3. Others believe it is because the antichrist will come from this tribe (Genesis 49:16-18)
      4. Joseph is in the place of Ephraim
         1. Same connection
         2. Could be because of their idolatry as well
      5. Levi
         1. Not usually mentioned as they were taken care of by God
         2. This time they are
3. How could this happen
   1. Little to no record of where the tribes are at
   2. Doesn’t matter, God knows
4. Servants
   1. Receive some type of seal
      1. Sealed on the foreheads
      2. Servants of God
      3. All from the tribe of Israel
5. They are saved to be a witness to those left behind
   1. There has to be a showing of God’s great strength and mercy somehow
   2. If the Holy Spirit is no longer present as He is now, who will show them?
      1. He will still be present, as He always has been
      2. Jesus said, I will be with you always
   3. Separation and protection
      1. Noah
      2. Rahab

I Looked (V9-17) Group Two – Innumerable

1. Saved/converted Jews and Gentiles
2. Martyrs of the tribulation period
   1. For their faith in God
   2. Resistance to the antichrist
   3. Rev. Chapter six – martyred saints
3. All kinds of people
   1. Nations (ethnos) – ethnic groups
   2. Tribes (phule) – family groups
   3. People (laos) – people groups
   4. Tongue (glossa) – language
4. White garments
   1. Glowing (illuminated)
   2. Righteousness
   3. Blood usually stains but not this blood
      1. Bleaches white as snow
5. Palm branches
   1. Triumphant entry
   2. Victory
6. They are celebrating the victory which has been secured for them because of Jesus
7. The angels, the elders and the four living creatures fall to their face in adoration of what God has done!
8. Who are these people?
   1. Martyred during the great tribulation
   2. They are to serve God, day and night
      1. Simply means forever; never ending
9. Provisions of God for them
   1. Protection and fellowship
      1. Separation and torment
   2. Food and water
      1. Starving, thirsting
   3. No more tears/sorrow
      1. Desolation and destruction

The converted martyrs or saints, whoever they truly may be, will experience the caring touch of our savior as He relieves them of the emotional, physical, and spiritual battles as He continues to shepherd them in Heaven.

Chapter seven is to help us see not only the judging of Israel which will take place but also the great compassion and mercy of God that He will show in how He goes to great lengths for the hearts of man.

Post millennial • 1,000-year reign is happening now; the church age • Satan has his power banned by the message of the Gospel • The church is to conquer unbelief, convert the masses and govern society by the mandates of biblical law • Then Christ will return announcing His kingdom has now been realized

A-millenial • No millennial reign on Earth • All fulfilled in eternity • Symbolic of time • Church age ends with return of Christ o Judge o Usher in eternity • Promises of Israel are fulfilled in the Church (Bride of Christ; NT – new covenant) • No specific future for Israel • Church age o Era of conflict between good and evil o Ending with the return of Christ

Pre-Millennial • Christ will return at the end of the Church age • Set up His kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years • Will be a great tribulation period (Seven years) • Post-tribulation Rapture – end of the tribulation o The church there all seven years • Mid-tribulation Rapture – (3.5 years) o The church will experience the first half of the tribulation o Not the hardest part • Pre-Tribulation Rapture – church is gone at the beginning o We are taken before it all starts • Future restoration of Israel • Conversion of the Jews to Christianity