Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Chapter 6 ends with a question: “who can stand?”

It comes at the conclusion of a litany of disasters both natural and man-made.

Who can stand in a world filled with injustice, poverty, greed, and warfare?

Who can stand in a world on the brink of natural collapse?

Today is Earth Day and there is a slow, but growing recognition among all people, including Christians, that we have so mismanaged this planet that we may have done irreversible harm.

Some are even calling for the development of a new planetary abode if our species is to survive.

Indeed “Who can stand?”

gives us a two word answer: We can.

Rev 6:

Analysis

Note the parallel here with the seals that were broken in chapter 6

In that case the seals were negative whereas in this case they are positive.

Chapter 7 is a chapter of contrasts

Who are the 144,000?

There are a number of possibilities:

A remnant of Jews

Jewish Christians

Martyrs

The number 144,000 (12 [tribes] × 12 [apostles] × 1000) is a Christian symbol for the fullness of the new people of God, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, constituting the remnant of Christians who survive the eschatological woes.

They form, as it were, an eschatological army of those who keep the commandments of God and follow the Lamb.

They are not martyrs, for they have received divine immunity from all forms of suffering and death

Rev 7:9

This is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham

Note the contrast with the previous list.

It was exclusive - this is inclusive

It was limited - this is innumerable

Note the palm branches.

This is the true Palm Sunday

The white robes symbolize purity but we are being set up for what is coming - How did they become pure?

Rev 7:10-

Salvation is God’s not ours.

It is the mystery of grace.

A mystery not because it is hard to comprehend, but because it is unexpected and unmerited.

Rev 7:12-

Rev 7:13-14

The Amen here functions almost like a Greek chorus.

It is a response, probably from the angelic beings, to what the multitude is crying.

Who is the elder?

Hard to say, but it really doesn’t matter.

It is a rhetorical question.

Why did he ask it?

To make John confess that these are believers from every tribe and nation.

We need to make the same confession.

The multitude have endured tribulation because of their faith.

Note the paradox that there robes are white because they are washed in blood.

Rev 7:15-

This is the ultimate beatific vision.

No more hunger.

No more thirst.

Nor more desert.

These should be taken both literally and spiritually.

The Lamb who is also the lion of Judah is also the Shepherd of God’s people.

The whole point of creation is for God to dwell amongst His people in His creation.

This is summed up well in the Westminster confession: What is the chief purpose of man?

To love God and enjoy Him forever.

These verses are worth memorizing and reminding ourselves of everyday.

They are meant to be taken proleptically.