2. A STUDY OF REVELATION Chapter Seven

3. Seven seals are seven are seven future events or more specifically judgments that are to be poured out upon the earth. Jesus now begins to reveal things which had been hidden to a great extent. "Come and see" is not in the original. It just simply says, "Come." It was the introduction of a panorama, a scene as it were to be flashed on a screen or on a stage. There is nothing read from the portion that's unsealed, but the seals are broken one at a time. Instead of reading what is in the book, it's acted out or demonstrated as an act upon a stage. So the word "Come" just means to come forth. This panorama and this scene is to be shown and notice is given for it to start.

4. Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

5. 4 Angels – Ministering Spirits acting on the direction of God. Destruction and judgment of God is pictured as being held back. Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Holding the four winds—Preventing evil from every quarter. Earth—sea, nor on any tree; keeping the whole of the land free from evil, till the Church of Christ should wax strong.

6. By sealing we are to understand consecrating the persons in a more especial manner to God, and showing, by this mark of God upon them, that they were under his more immediate protection, and that nothing should hurt them. It is worthy of remark that not one Christian perished in the siege of Jerusalem; all had left the city, and escaped to Pella. Eph 1:13

7. Rev 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Rev 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

8. 1. Obvious Jewish Reference 2. Not Defiled with women – Refers to the pagan idolatry which involved immoral acts of ungodliness 3. Redeemed from among men – Saved under the NEW dispensation of Christ (NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS) 4. Firstfruits unto God - The choice product of a crop harvested first and dedicated to God. In accordance with Mosaic law, individual Israelites brought to the house of the Lord “the first (that is, “the best”) of the firstfruits of thy land” (Ex. 23:19; 34:26) 5. The saved remnant of Israel in the New Testament Church is described as “firstfruits” (Rom. 11:16)

9. Not a literal 144,ooo only to be saved (whole scene is symbolic) Not a group who get saved in a futuristic tribulation period Not a literal restoration of the Jews

10. The 10 Northern tribes of Israel were lost when the Assyrian armies invaded Israel. They were completely annihilated and intermingled with the Assyrians and the bloodline was lost. Amos 9:8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD. Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

11. Great multitude is in contrast to the early Jews and the ushering in of the Gentiles Great tribulation is once again a direct reference to the martyrs. Daniel spoke of this time as being more severe than any other on earth… Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

12. Many argue that the scripture predicts a futuristic time of tribulation lasting seven years after the return of Christ. The bible does not teach a literal time of tribulation at the return of Christ nor does it attach a specific time frame. Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,