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.
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