Hi, continuing our study into Revelation 7 and the great multitude before the throne of God.
Revelation 7:13 ‘Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes – who are they and where did they come from?’ I answered, “Sir, you know.”
This seems like an awkward sentence structure – the elder asking a question that he knows the answer to – but I believe it is a way of highlighting the importance of this question.
Revelation 7:14a ‘And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’
We have already looked at the idea that this great multitude is the fulfilment of the promise that God made with Abraham.
Genesis 15:5 ‘He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness.’
However, the subject verse – Revelation 7:13 – seems to indicate that this great multitude have been through the great tribulation and indeed have been martyred for their faith.
Revelation 7:14a And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’
The washing of their robes in the blood of the Lamb could possibly speak of martyrdom therefore.
Revelation does not shy away from the subject of martyrdom. The rise of the end-time beast and his empire will certainly have a profound effect upon the Middle East and elsewhere.
I certainly do not wish to glorify martyrdom for one moment, but as we shall see in other places, the martyred will be simply ushered into the very presence of God.
Revelation 14:13 ‘Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit,”for they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.”
More tomorrow!
- Revelation 22:20 Our cherished hope
There will be a unity of heart when everyone calls out for his glorious return. There will be a spirit of grace upon God’s people that will bring us all together in unity and brotherhood. - Revelation 22:16 God’s Word
No-one has a monopoly on the truths of this magnificent book, and we will all have our struggles and misunderstandings on our journey, but God is demanding that we treat Revelation with the utmost respect that it deserves. The truths that were sealed in Daniel’s time will be opened up according to God’s direction. This will need purified and refined souls to understand and teach, in the midst of immense confusion and mistruths. Please pray for those who are called to understand and teach. - Revelation 22:11 In or Out…
Even at this late stage, a reference to the polarity of mankind, between the righteous and the unrighteous. One thinks of Noah’s Ark, and the obedient who were safe inside and those who chose to ignore Noah’s call for righteousness and stayed outside. - Revelation 22:7 The time is near indeed
Having taken us to the very highest of heights, surveying the Holy City that is beautiful beyond words, John brings us back to our ordinary lives, waiting with a cherished expectation for our Lord to return and keeping the words of this prophecy, with all its encouragements, admonishments and warnings. - Revelation 22:3 No longer any curse
Peter praised his contemporaries for their faith in Christ Jesus although they had never met him in real life and had only heard of him through Peter. Imagine though, what it will feel like, approaching the throne and gazing into the eyes of the Divine, to reach out and touch the very hem of his garment. It will be beyond belief…
Revelation 34 