Sermon Summary: A Great Multitude
Revelation 7:9–17
Main Idea:
In answer to the haunting question from Revelation 6—“Who can stand?”—John is given a glorious vision. Not only will some stand, but a great, global multitude will stand—washed in the blood of the Lamb, worshiping before God’s throne, forever safe in His presence.
1. Context: A Pause with a Purpose
- Revelation 6 ended with devastation and a question: “…who can stand?” (6:17)
- Chapter 7 begins with the sealing of the 144,000—Jewish believers marked by God.
- Now, John sees another group: not just 144,000—but a great multitude from every nation.
2. The Multitude Before the Throne
(vv. 9–10)
What do we learn about this group?
- Innumerable – So vast, no one could count them.
- International – From every nation, tribe, people, and language.
- Unashamed – They stand before the throne, unlike those in chapter 6 who hide in fear.
- Clothed in white – Symbol of righteousness through Christ.
- Holding palm branches – Symbol of joy and victory, like at Jesus’ triumphal entry.
- Crying out in worship – “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
This is a heavenly celebration of the gospel. They are not saved by merit or by ethnicity—but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Who Are They?
(vv. 13–14)
One of the elders asks John who they are, and then answers:
“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation.
They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
- These saints endured the Great Tribulation—an intense period of global suffering and persecution before Christ’s return.
- They did not escape suffering—they came through it, faithful to the end.
- They were cleansed by the blood of Jesus, not by their deeds, but by trusting the Lamb.
“They have washed their robes…”
This stresses personal faith and repentance—the gospel received, not inherited.
4. What Awaits These Believers?
(vv. 15–17)
Their reward is eternal and glorious:
- They serve God day and night – Not idle harp-playing, but joyful worship and service.
- They are sheltered by God’s presence – He “tabernacles” over them, a picture of intimate protection.
- They experience no more suffering – “They shall hunger no more… nor thirst… nor be scorched…”
- They are shepherded by the Lamb – Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is also their Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10).
- They are eternally comforted – “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
This is not just a future hope for the tribulation martyrs. It’s the destiny of all who are in Christ.
5. Application & Invitation
The question from chapter 6 still echoes:
“Who can stand?”
Answer: Those who have trusted in Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Whether we live to see the Great Tribulation or not, the way to salvation is the same:
- Repent of your sin.
- Place your faith in Jesus alone.
- Be washed in His blood.
- Follow Him with joy and confidence.
This isn’t about religion. It’s about relationship—being sealed, secure, and saved through Christ.
Let me ask you plainly:
- Have your sins been washed away?
- Will you be among the great multitude?
- Or will you be like those in chapter 6—hiding from the face of the Lamb?
Today, Jesus is not hiding from you. He is inviting you—
To come, to be cleansed, and to stand with joy in His presence.
Key Takeaway:
The only ones who can stand before a holy God are those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Will you stand with Him, or hide from Him?
The decision is yours—but the invitation is open.
beyond the sermon 
Leave a comment