Revelation 7: The Sealing of God’s People

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Revelation 7 reveals God’s divine protection over His people amid coming judgment. The chapter highlights the sealing of God’s servants—144,000 from Israel and an innumerable multitude from every nation—who stand victorious before the throne, worshiping the Lamb. This powerful vision assures believers of God’s preservation, redemption, and eternal comfort. Through the sealing of God’s people, we see His faithfulness to guard His chosen, even in tribulation. The chapter culminates in heavenly worship, declaring salvation belongs to God alone. Revelation 7: The Sealing of God’s People offers hope, security, and a call to enduring faith.

Revelation 7 Overview

The Sealing of God’s Servants (1-8)
The Multitude Before the Throne (9-12)
The Identity and Destiny of the Redeemed (13-17)

The Sealing of God’s Servants

1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.

2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Don’t harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!”

4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: 5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The Multitude Before the Throne

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

The Identity and Destiny of the Redeemed

13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?”

14 I told him, “My lord, you know.” He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them.

16 They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 7:1-8

In the figurative language of Scripture, the blowing of the four winds together, means a dreadful and general destruction. But the destruction is delayed. Seals were used to mark for each person his own possessions. This mark is the witness of the Holy Ghost, printed in the hearts of believers.

And the Lord would not suffer his people to be afflicted before they were marked, that they might be prepared against all conflicts. And, observe, of those who are thus sealed by the Spirit, the seal must be on the forehead, plainly to be seen alike by friends and foes, but not by the believer himself, except as he looks stedfastly in the glass of God’s word.

The number of those who were sealed, may be understood to stand for the remnant of people which God reserved. Though the church of God is but a little flock, in comparison with the wicked world, yet it is a society really large, and to be still more enlarged. Here the universal church is figured under the type of Israel.

Revelation 7:9-12

The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to God and the Redeemer, with triumph. In acts of religious worship we come nigh to God, and must come by Christ; the throne of God could not be approached by sinners, were it not for a Mediator.

They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used to appear in their triumphs. Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation.

Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.

Revelation 7:13-17

Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God.

Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean.

They are happy in their employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it is a praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under all his troubles.

As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour is their element; his presence and favour complete their happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace; and to him let them offer all praise and glory.

Sermon Themes

How does the sealing of God’s people in Revelation 7 strengthen your faith amid trials? Reflect on God’s promise to preserve and comfort His own. Dive deeper into this chapter by studying its themes and applying its truths to your spiritual journey.

Divine Sovereignty Over Chaos: God holds back destructive forces to accomplish His will (Revelation 7:1). This highlights God’s ultimate control even in times of turmoil, offering believers assurance of His overarching plan.
The Protective Seal of God: Believers are marked by God for preservation and belonging (Revelation 7:3). This emphasizes the security and identity that believers have in Christ, a divine guarantee of His care.
Triumph Through Tribulation: Endurance in trials leads to ultimate victory and standing before God (Revelation 7:14). This offers encouragement that suffering in this life can lead to eternal reward and fellowship with God.
Worship as the Heart of Redemption: The redeemed respond to God with fervent praise and adoration (Revelation 7:10-12). This emphasizes that gratitude and worship are the natural response to God’s saving acts.
The Shepherd’s Care for His Flock: The Lamb tenderly leads and provides for those who have been redeemed (Revelation 7:17). This portrays Jesus as the loving shepherd who meets all the needs of His people and offers comfort.
Identity in Christ – Let God’s mark define you, not the world. (Revelation 7:3-4)
Faithfulness in Trials – Endure hardship, knowing God preserves His people. (Revelation 7:14)
Worship in Every Circumstance – Praise God now as heaven does eternally. (Revelation 7:9-12)
The Erasing of Tears: God promises ultimate comfort and the end of all sorrow for His people (Revelation 7:17). This provides a powerful image of the final state of believers, free from pain and suffering.
Finding Peace in God’s Control: Even when life feels chaotic, God is holding back the winds (Revelation 7:1). Reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty amidst personal and global uncertainties.
Living Marked by God’s Grace: Knowing we are sealed provides confidence and purpose (Revelation 7:3). Encourages believers to live with the assurance of their identity and security in Christ.
Embracing the Global Family of Faith: We are part of a vast community of believers from every corner of the world (Revelation 7:9). Calls for unity and appreciation for the diversity within the body of Christ.
Making Worship a Daily Response: Our hearts should overflow with praise for God’s goodness (Revelation 7:10-12). Encourages a lifestyle of gratitude and intentional worship in everyday life.
Trusting the Shepherd’s Guidance: Jesus leads us through life’s journey, providing all we need (Revelation 7:17). Invites us to rely on Jesus for direction, comfort, and provision in our daily lives.
Looking Forward to Eternal Comfort: God will ultimately wipe away all our sorrows (Revelation 7:17). Provides hope and solace in the face of grief and pain, reminding us of the future joy in God’s presence.

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.