Will anyone be saved during the Great Tribulation?

 Read Revelation 7.

This chapter answers the question, "Will anyone be saved during the Great Tribulation?"  Two groups are mentioned.  Some bizarre teachings have come from those who try to spiritualize chapter seven or to take it out of its sequential context.  There is absolutely no justification for treating this passage in any way other than a literal one.  The language is very specific.

1. Group One
God will sovereignly set apart 144,000 Jews; 12,000 from each tribe.  We are not told how or why these 144,000 were selected.  One thing is for sure, the 12 tribes of Israel are not lost.  God knows who and where they are.  

2. Group Two
Meanwhile, back in heaven, another song breaks out.  This will be an innumerable multitude from every people group on earth, Gentiles and Jews not in the 144,000.  The timing is significant in that "these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation" (v.14).  Even as God's judgment is being unleashed on the world, He will make known the message of escape through faith in Jesus.  With loud voices they will declare, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"  And, because they were martyred for their faith, this also would indicate that the hatred of Christians will be like the world has never seen.

In this revelation of things to come, the Apostle John had a brief conversation with one of the 24 elders.  In the closing verses, this unnamed elder delivered a gracious and tender message about this vast number of people and about Jesus.  Jesus will be their--
Provider
Protector
Shepherd
Leader
Comforter

Whether during the days of the Old Testament, during this present time, and in the midst of the Great Tribulation, the good news remains the same.  Forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven comes by one means.  "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  Only by personal faith in that singular price that was paid on the cross may we join this family of God.

 

When there is no place to Hide

 Read Revelation 6.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him." (John 1:11)  There is coming a day when all will know Him and every knee will bow in submission to Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11).  In preparation of the appearance of the Creator and Owner of this world, there will be some painful days for those who rebel against Him. 

The Lamb of God alone is worthy to take the scroll and unleash judgments upon the world.    The scroll has seven sections and each one is separately sealed.  With the breaking of the first seal, the time referred to as The Great Tribulation will begin.  While all nations shall experience His wrath, a primary target of this seven-year period is to bring Israel to accept Jesus as their Messiah.  "Alas!  That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it." (Jeremiah 30:7)

The first four seals release what is often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  The rider on a white horse appears to be a good and powerful ruler.  But instead of bringing peace, this one will only be out to conquer.  The second rider will throw the world into unimaginable war and death.  The rider of the black horse follows the war with world-wide famine.  The fourth will bring death by "pestilence and wild beasts" to kill 25% of the world's population.

Meanwhile, what good thing will God be doing?  Though the word "church" does not appear after chapter three, in some manner people will be receiving the good news of Jesus.  Many will die as martyrs for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Once killed, their spirits will ascend to the throne of God to cry out for justice.  But verse 11 indicates that there will be even more martyrs to come.

The sixth seal needs little explanation.  The prophets (Joel 2:30-31, Isaiah 13:9-11) predicted these events centuries before Christ was born.  Those unbelievers remaining on earth would rather die than face anymore of the wrath of God.  The question at the end of the chapter says it all.  "Who can stand" against almighty God and His judgments?  The answer is "No one." 

That is why faith in Jesus is called good news.  Those who personally receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord need never fear the wrath of God.  He saves us from our sin and the judgment to come.  He is our hiding place of safety against that day.  "Enter into the rock and hide in the dust from before the terror of the LORD, and from the splendor of his majesty.  The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." (Isaiah 2:10-11)

 

O Come Let Us Adore Him

 Read Revelation 5.

The stage is set.  God, the Father is on the throne in heaven.  Jesus, the one and only Son of God is at His right hand.  In addition, John saw a scroll.  The document had been written on both sides and rolled up in seven sections.  Each was sealed for the one with proper authority to open the sealed document.

An angel cried out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"  The search throughout heaven and earth proved to be in vain.  No one was found.  Since the Apostle John was being given information to write down "the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this" (1:19), the news broke his heart.  But then, one of the 24 elders spoke up and pointed to Jesus.

The book of Revelation reveals who Jesus is and what He has planned for the future.  The unnamed elder, provided several descriptions of the identity of the One seated at the right hand.
1. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:9-10)  Jacob promised that such a powerful ruler would come from Judah's family tribe.
2. He is the Root of David.  (Matthew 1:1)  Jesus was born into the family of Joseph who "was of the house and lineage of David" (Luke 2:4).  
These are the human credentials for Jesus' right to the throne of Israel and to one day rule as the King of Kings over all the earth (Revelation 19).
3. He is the Conqueror.  What did He conquer at this point in history?   First came the eternal spiritual victory "by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.  This he set aside, nailing it to his cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." (Colossians 2:14-15)

At the mention of those declarations of identity, something else was revealed about Jesus.
4. He is the Lamb of God.  That was how Isaiah described the Messiah in Isaiah 53:7.  John, the Baptist, identified Jesus as God's Lamb in John 1:29.  This Lamb was slain on the cross and "the precious blood of Christ" paid our sin debt (1 Peter 18-19).  But there is more.  This is not the meek and mild Jesus, as some would have Him to be.  In preparation for His second coming, Jesus is pictured here as the most unusually powerful ram that anyone has ever seen.  With seven horns, the Lamb of God has perfect strength to put down any and every foe.

5. He is the Judge of the Universe.  Only Jesus is worthy to open the multi-part document containing the predetermined judgments to come.  ''The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father." (John 5:22-23).

The response to these declarations overwhelmed everyone.  With an attitude of prayer and the representation of the prayers of believers in Jesus (v.8), spontaneous and humble worship broke out.  It is good for us to read verses 9-14 aloud, while picturing this scene.  In doing so, we may join them in this worship experience.  To Jesus be the glory!  "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

 

What does heaven look like?

 Read Revelation 4.

The Apostle John was caught up into the very throne room of heaven.  Isaiah and Ezekiel were given similar experiences.  What John saw and heard sets the stage for chapter five and, indeed, sets the tone for the rest of this book. 

1. The Calling. (v.1)
It was a personal, commanding voice from heaven that sounded like a trumpet blast.  According to 1 Thessalonians 4, one day all who have placed personal faith in Christ will hear the real one and be caught up "to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

2. The Throne. (vv.2-3)
The appearance of the King of Kings was visually breathtaking.  The vivid colors alone would cause one to stand in absolute awe. 

3. The 24 Elders. (v.4)
We are not told in this passage who these 24 are.  The strongest answer seems to be found in Revelation 21:10-14.  The New Jerusalem will have 12 gates for the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 foundation stones for the 12 Apostles.  These then would represent the leadership of both the Old and New Testaments.

4. The Spirit. (v.5) The person of the Holy Spirit is often described in terms of His various empowerments.  He is one person of the Godhead, yet He manifests Himself in different ways.  Isaiah 11:2 foretells of His multiple ministry to Jesus.  This also is consistent with Revelation 1:4 and 5:6.

5. The Living Creatures. (vv.6-8a)
These unusual heavenly beings resemble what was seen before in the visions of Isaiah 6:1-3 and Ezekiel 1:1-14.  "Day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"

6. The Response. (vv.9-11)
With such a glorious presentation of sight and sound, there could only be one acceptable response.  The 24 elders fell down in humility to worship the One on the throne.  He alone is worthy.  We are given two eternally valid reasons for such worship and worthiness of Jesus.  The first is here and the second is in chapter five.

He is worthy of universal worship because He created all things.  Those who relegate creation to an argument of process in Genesis 1, fail to deal with the truth.  It is not a process but a person.  Jesus is the Creator (Colossians 1:15-17).  And, in Revelation 21, He will reveal a new heaven and a new earth.  In this glimpse of heaven, acknowledging His power, glory and honor in creation is the first act of worshipping Jesus.

More from Jesus about Church

 Read Revelation 3.

Jesus continued His evaluation of these seven real congregations in Asia Minor.  It reveals to us that the very omniscient and omnipresent Son of God is also omnipotent.  He is in full and firm control of the future.

To Sardis. (3:1-6)
This church was alive and active with lots going on.  It was the place to be.  But in their busyness they were dead spiritually.  Using the symbol of the church being a lamp stand (1:20), shining forth the light of the gospel, Jesus said, "Your light went out."  His admonition was to "Wake up!" and get back to completing their mission and reason for being as a church.

To Philadelphia. (3:7-13)
As the One who ultimately controls opportunities, Jesus gave this church the mission of reaching their city with the gospel.  In doing so, they faced satanic opposition and persecution.  There are no words here of correction to them.  Instead, Jesus made two promises.  First, they would one day see their antagonists humble themselves to the truth of the message preached by this congregation (Philippians 2:10-11).  Second, Jesus promised that they would be spared from the world-wide tribulation to come.  In the meantime, they are told to "hold fast" to their faith.

To Laodicea. (3:14-22)
Like a cup of hot coffee left to sit, these believers had become spiritually lukewarm.  They were planted there with the mission of setting the city on fire with their faith in Jesus.  Instead, they sat and adapted to their environment.  What made the situation even worse was the sense they were prospering, while spiritually they were bankrupt (v.17).  Strong words from Jesus followed this assessment.  It is interesting to note that He was harsh with them because He loved them.  This was the disciplinary correction of a committed parent.  If they would listen and respond to Him their fellowship with God could be restored. 

So, how am I, and how is my local church, doing in comparison to these seven messages from Jesus?

- Am I, and are we, actively implementing our gospel mission or are we just busy?
-While living in an opposing culture, am I, and are we, encouraged by our faith and the guaranteed promises of Jesus?
-Am I, and are we, fired up about our personal relationship with Jesus and the ministry reason we are here?

 

Jesus goes to Church

 Read Revelation 2.

As this book reveals Jesus Christ (1:1), chapters two and three reveal the very presence of Jesus in local congregations.  The best interpreter of the Bible is the Scripture itself.  Revelation 1:20 clears up the imagery concerning these seven actual churches that existed in Asia Minor.

The format of these seven messages follows a simple pattern.  Dr. Henry Morris in his classic book on Revelation outlines them in the following manner.
1. The Salutation.  The specific address from Jesus to them.
2. The Identification.  The specific description of Jesus from chapter one.
3. The Assertion.  The specific knowledge of Jesus about that local church.
4. The Exhortation.  The specific words of comment to that church.
5. The Expectation.  The specific words of warning or promise to that church.
6. The Admonition.  The specific action Jesus wanted them to take.
7. The Culmination.  The specific reward for faithfulness from Jesus.

To Ephesus (2:1-7)
While they were commended for a list of good things--good works, hard work, endurance, and doctrinal purity--something was missing.  They no longer practiced a personal, love relationship with Jesus.  In simple terms, they were told to remember, repent, and return to their "first love".

To Smyrna ((2:8-11)
These folks stood strong against the persecution of their faith.  But even more severe suffering was to come.  Jesus urged them not to fear and to brace themselves.  All suffering, even martyrdom, is temporary.  Real life and the Crown of Life await.

To Pergamum (2:12-17)
The culture in which they lived was Satanic.  Evil influenced everything and everyone around them.  False teaching and immorality had even crept into the congregation.  The single word from Jesus was to repent.

To Thyatira (2:18-29)
Their faith, their service, their patient endurance were all acknowledged.  But, at the same time, the church people tolerated a sinful influencer among them who reminded Jesus of Jezebel.  This was an ungodly woman, who had been allowed to teach, spouting false doctrine and leading people into sexual immorality.  Note that Jesus gave her plenty of time to repent and she refused.  Judgment would come on her and her followers.

In reading about these historic churches, we must use these messages to examine our own lives and congregations.  Is our affection for Jesus better than ever?  Is our perspective on this life overcome by our perspective of eternity?  Are we seeking to influence our culture or is our culture influencing us?  Does our local congregation tolerate teaching contrary to the Bible and immoral behavior among its members?

6 keys to understanding Revelation

Read Revelation 1.

1. Many have shied away from this book thinking that it was full of hidden truth and too hard to understand.  The opposite is true.  Revelation means to reveal, to expose, or to unveil.  The title is "The Revelation", singular.  When someone adds an "s" on the end of the title, it is because they view the book as being about events.   

2.  The focus is of the book is found in the opening five words: "The revelation of Jesus Christ".  This book reveals who Jesus is.  While reading and studying The Revelation, we should never lose sight of Jesus; what is He doing, and what He will be doing in the future.

3. John wrote down what "God gave him", "by sending his angel" "to bear witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ."  These chapters and their descriptions are not the Apostle's opinions but the very word of God.  People who ignore this book do so at their own peril.

4. It is the only one of the sixty-six books of the Bible with a promised blessing for "the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy" to others in preaching or teaching.  In addition, it also promises a blessing to those who listen and take heed to what is written.

How many Christians and churches have missed out on this blessing for failing to read, study, and communicate this book!

5. While seeking to understand these 22 chapters, one must maintain consistency in Biblical interpretation.
-Every passage has a historical context.  John received this content about 95 A.D.  The initial readers were seven actual churches of Asia Minor listed in chapters 2 and 3.
-The people, places, and future events are to be taken literally.  Jesus is real.  The seven churches were real congregations.  The things that John was allowed to see in the future will literally take place.  The promised return of Jesus Christ is guaranteed.
-Grammar is crucial to understanding Revelation.  Words have meaning.  God does not waste words.  John's descriptions of what he saw was written in the best way he could, given his first century context.  In chapter one, he used comparative words to describe the appearance of Jesus.  That does not diminish the literal facts at all.  And, how would a person in John's day communicate seeing a jet plane, missiles, or drones in a world war?
- Error and much false teaching has resulted from lifting verses out of context and trying to spiritualize or even dismiss what the word of God states.  

6. The point of the book is this: God has a plan for this world and He will fulfill His plan.  Revelation is not a separate book but a culmination of the Bible.  Jesus will return to put down all His enemies and establish His earthly kingdom.  There will be rewards for those who faithfully follow Jesus.  There will be accountability and eternal judgment for those who reject Jesus.  One day, "every knee should bow and, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)