God’s Salvation

May 15, 2011

Lesson: Revelation 7:9–17

Key Verse: Revelation 7:10

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Introduction

John’s vision on the Isle of Patmos revealed those who were slain for the Word of God, “and for the testimony which they held” (Rev. 6:9). These saints cried out with a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on earth” (6:19). However the seal had been opened and heaven’s promise was seen, “rest yet for a little season, unto their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (6:11).

The church was warned by their Lord that there would be persecution. Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). However, we claim the victory with the apostle Paul: “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:9). The Christian’s character is revealed in these words of our Lord, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).

Those who have gone on before are wearing the white robes of the righteousness of Christ. They wait for others to come. They are being fed and comforted by their risen Lord. We too are fed by the good Shepherd. He is the Savior who leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He directs our paths through the valley of death. However, we come daily to the mount called Zion, to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to “an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:22–23).

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A Loud Voice: Revelation 7:9–10

John’s vision is greater than any other thought we may have of heaven. It is mixed with symbols and the reality of angels, and of the risen Lord Himself. His conversation with the Lord is real. The Lord reveals the mighty power of His Word, of His promises. We see that vision through the written Word, and by the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Let us be the Church that remains anchored upon the Word, written and preserved for us through the ages. The author is God. He will interpret His Word, writing it clearly upon our hearts and lives.

John looks and sees “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The gates of hell will not stand before His Body, the congregation on earth in every nation, and in every generation. We are not only great in number, but great in the strength of our Savior. This multitude stands before “the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palms in their hands.” They are pure in spirit, and have seen God! Christ placed His righteous robes upon the sin scarred backs, and they were soothed with balm of Gilead. Taste, today, and see that the Lord is good. Earthly blessings come from the hands of a gracious God.

Their cry before the throne is one of worship and praise with much thanksgiving. With a loud voice, they testify, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (see John 3:16). Have you read the Great Commission lately? It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord. We are to be discipled by the Word of God; we are to disciple others, the Spirit teaching others by His Word. It is our joy to tell others that Christ Jesus is our Savior. It is our privilege to claim Christ as the King of kings, the one rule in our hearts, our homes, His church, and in this world.

Discussion: Do we know much about Christ and His Word that we can shout His praises with a loud voice?

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The Throne: Revelation 7:11–12

The throne of God is central to John’s vision. All the angels stand around the throne, along with the elders and the four beasts. They all fall before “the throne on their faces, and worshiped God.” They worshiped God with these words, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.” The angels are God’s messengers. The elders are His prophets. The four beasts have the honor to be the protector and proclaimer of God’s glory (Rev. 4:6–8; 5:8, 14; 15:7–8). They had the privilege to announce the coming of the King of kings upon His white horse (Rev. 6:1–2). And they are all in agreement “Amen” as to who should receive the worship, glory, and honor (see also Rev. 19:4–6).

Discussion: What agreements with these words of praise do you express in the worship of God as a gathering of God’s people?

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The Lamb: Revelation 7:14–17

One of the elders speaks to John, saying, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” The question directs John’s eyes to the multitude, saying, “Sir, thou knowest.” They answered, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Every child of God, and sheep of the Lamb slain, had only garments of filth. We were guilty sinners whose wages were eternal death. “It was like a garment with the leprosy in it. Some stained with blood, …some with adultery; some with disobedience to parents; with pride, falsehood, evil-speaking, all were stained. Everyone was convinced that he could not make himself clean. …Jesus was revealed to him, and His precious blood shed for sinners, even the chief, saying to the heavy-laden, ‘Come to me. …All are washed in blood.’ It is their only way of standing. Have you been washed in blood? You will find not one in heaven who went there in any other way. You think to go to heaven by your own decency, innocency, attention to duties. Well, you be the only such one there: all are washed in blood. Come and let us reason together” (R. M. McCheyne).

The saving grace of God, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is what delivers the saints from tribulation. Therefore the saints that have gone on before stand before the throne of God, serving Him day and night in His presence. The tears have been wiped from their eyes, their lips are no longer dry, their stomachs no long growl, they no long depend upon the sun for light or heat. For the Lamb who is the Shepherd of Psalm 23 will feed them and “lead them unto living fountains of waters.”

Discussion: Have your filthy robes of unrighteousness been cleansed by the precious blood of Christ? (1 Peter 1:18–22)

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2011 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.