The Great Soul Harvest
What in the World is Going on? • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Church, find your place in Revelation 7 with me. We are moving right along in our study of Revelation, continuing to ask the important question, “What in the world is going on?” How many times have you asked yourself that very question this week?
Listen Satan may have our world in his grip, but God has us in His hand!
In Revelation 7 we are in an interlude. God is giving us a chance to catch our breath. Our focus in chapter 6 was on the earth, in chapter 7 it is back in heaven, in the future might I add, after the tribulation period. How do we know that? Revelation 7:14
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The 144,000 have done in seven years what the church has failed to do in 2,000, they have taken the gospel to every corner of the earth. These 144,000 are directly responsible for reaching an innumerable multitude of people for Christ. Are you listening? I’m talking about a time when Satan has total, unbridled, control over the earth, these are able to lead countless people to a saving knowledge of Christ!
God is good!!! John Phillips says of these Gentiles that they are “…saved to deny the totality of Satan’s spiritual dominion.”
Satan would love to convince us to quit today. To give up today. To stop today. But God shows us this number of saints to remind us that He is in control! Consider with me, first...
Where They are Standing v. 9, 13-17
Where They are Standing v. 9, 13-17
This is significant, notice they are standing...
Before the Throne
Speaks of Sovereignty
The tribulation period will be the darkest days this world has every seen; but God is still in control!
Church the next time you feel all hope is gone I want you to remind yourself that God is still on the throne and still in control!
The next time Satan whispers his lies in your ear, remind him God is on the throne!
The next time Satan tempts you give up, remind him God is on the throne.
The next time the enemy attacks you, tempts you to sin, tries to cause you to doubt, remind him God is on the throne!
Not only does the throne speak of God’s sovereignty, but it...
Speaks of Power
The throne is really the seat of power
God is on the throne of the universe.
Its interesting the word throne is used 7 times in this section
Six times we see the definite article attached, “the throne”
Once we read the full phrase, “the throne of God”
Listen, there is only ONE God and only ONE throne!
I’m thankful to see these saints standing before the throne, but notice they’re also standing...
Before the Lamb
In Righteousness
The angel tells John they have washed their clothes in the blood of the Lamb
My friends, the only hope a sinner has is to come to Jesus Christ who’s shed blood can wash away their sins, making their clothes white and pure
If you try to go to heaven in your righteousness you are going to be sent away
The only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ, it is true today and it will be true in the tribulation too.
Not only are they standing before the Lamb in righteousness, but...
In Victory
The Palms speak of victory
No more does Satan have power over them!
Revelation 7:16-17 “16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
They have endured famine, disease, poisoned water, inflation, scorching heat…but no more!
Interesting, the word “lead” in verse 17, is akin to “shepherd”. The Lamb shall shepherd them in this day.
Psalm 23:1 “1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
There will be no more pain, suffering, no death - Because they will be with Jesus!
Aren’t you glad to know today that when this life is over, you will be with Jesus! We’re looking into the future and we see these saints standing in front of the throne and with the Lamb, next we pay attention to...
What They are Saying v. 10
What They are Saying v. 10
Praising God for His...
Grace
Notice they first mention salvation
They’re not saying God needs to be saved, but rather salvation only comes from God.
Their praise of God comes from the very fact that they are saved and in His presence.
Some have wondered how they are saved, but this should be obvious
There is now, there has only ever been, and only ever will be one method of Savlation
Ephesians 2:8-9 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
God’s grace is extended the moment you believe Jesus died for you John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
These saints are saved by God’s grace as evidenced in Revelation7:14 “14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Next they praise God for His...
Government
They mention that God “…sitteth upon the throne...”
Keep in mind that these Saints are saved at a time when Satan will have enthroned himself on earth.
Notice the definite article “the throne” - there is only ONE throne and it belongs to God!
Notice also the present tense of the verb “Sitteth” - Satan may occupy a throne, but its only for a little while. God is on the throne today, and tomorrow, and for eternity!
These saints had a lot to praise God about! Church, so do we!
Every day you wake up you ought to praise God for the breath in your lungs! You are going to be spending all eternity in praise to God, why not get a head start! Satan is trying hard to defeat us and discourage us, we MUST remember, God is in control!
We’ve seen where they were standing, we’ve heard what they were saying, lastly, notice...
Who They are Stirring v. 11-12
Who They are Stirring v. 11-12
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
The group mentioned in these verses, the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures, are in heaven right now, and in heaven they never stop praising God! But, in the presence of these tribulation saints, when they see their white robes, bought with Jesus’ blood, see the palms of victory in their hands, they cry out to God “Blessing”! The angels fall on their faces, the elders and creatures praise God for His never ending, ever abounding, never ceasing, love!
They worship God because they have witnessed the tribulation and seen the devastation. They worship God because in His mercy He has extended His grace to these saints.
They praise God because of His saving work. They call on God because even in the darkest of days, He can save such and innumerable multitude.
Conclusion:
This entire section speaks of just one subject: Hope.
If these who entered and endured the darkest days that will ever occur had hope, then there is hope for you. I don’t know what you have done in your life, but I know that God loves you. I know that He sent His Son Jesus to die for you, on the cross in your place. I know that if you will call on Him right now, He will save your soul.
Let’s bow for prayer…as Gwen begins to play softly, I will ask only one question: Today as you’ve heard the message has God spoken to your heart? Has the Spirit of God shown you that you have never put your trust in Christ alone for salvation? Right where you are you can put your faith in Him. “How can I do that?” By admitting your sin, believing what the Bible says, and calling on Him. Will you do that now>