1 Session 6: “The 144,000 & the Great Multitude” Revelation 7

2 How do you feel about the promise in the Bible of Jesus’ return?

3 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Rev 6:17) Revelation says that there are two groups of people at Christ’s second coming: i.Those that are afraid and wish they could hide (e.g. Rev. 6:15-16). ii. Those that stand and welcome their Lord and Saviour. (e.g. Rev. 7:9)

4 1. The Sealing of the 144,000

5 “The seal of the living God” (verses 2, 3, & 4) 1. The Sealing of the 144,000 The seal of the God (See Rev 7:1-4; 9:4; 14:1; 22:4) vs. The mark of the beast (See Rev 13:16-17; 14:9; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4)

6 Where do you see evidence today for this spiritual battle between good and evil?

7 1. The book of Revelation is mainly symbolic (e.g. Revelation 1:20) 2. The link between the 144,000 & the Great Multitude 3. Revelation’s “hear/see” pattern. John “hears” something symbolic, and then sees the reality. 2. The names of the twelve tribes listed in Revelation 7:5-8 are different from the literal twelve tribes in the Old Testament.

8 The message of the 144,000/Great Multitude is that God’s kingdom is available to everyone through His grace. 2. The link between the 144,000 & the Great Multitude Key Point

9 3. Introducing the Great Tribulation at the end of time

10 3. Introducing the Great Tribulation at the end of time Application “144,000” The Symbolic number of God’s “sealed” people (Revelation 7:1-8) “Great Multitude” A number that couldn’t be counted (Revelation 7:9-17) 1. For all believers throughout history (Timeless) Symbolic of all believers “sealed” before Christ’s second coming Those same believers in heaven after the second coming of Christ 2. For believers living just before to Christ’s “second coming” (Specific) Symbolic of those believers “sealed” and protected from harm during the “Great Tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) just before Christ’s second coming - see Revelation 13:11-17 and chapters for more information Those same believers in heaven after coming through the “Great Tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and being rescued by Christ’s second coming

11 Where is God wanting you to “make a stand” today?

12 4. A Look Ahead in Revelation

13 The book of Revelation is arranged as a Chiasm This is an ancient way of arranging a book or poem that helps readers divide the story into different sections and highlight what is important. 4. A Look Ahead in Revelation

14 Revelation’s Seven Sanctuary Scenes 1. Rev 1:12-20 “Holy Place” 2. Rev 4 & 5 “Coronation in Heaven as King ” 3. Rev 8:2-6 “Intercession” 4. Rev 11:19 “Judgement” 5. Rev 15:5-8 “Cessation of Intercession” 6. Rev 19:1-16 “Departure from Heaven as King 7. Rev 21:1 - 22:5 “Most Holy Place”

15 Revelation’s Seven Sanctuary Scenes and the Following Visions 1. Rev 1:12-20 “Holy Place” (Vision of) The Seven Churches 2. Rev 4 & 5 “Coronation in Heaven as King” (Vision of) The Seven Seals 3. Rev 8:2-6 “Intercession” (Vision of) The Seven Trumpets 4. Rev 11:19 “Judgement” (Vision of) The Dragon against God’s Remnant 5. Rev 15:5-8 “Cessation of Intercession” (Vision of) The Fall of Babylon 6. Rev 19:1-16 “Departure from Heaven as King” (Vision of) The Return of Christ & The Millennium 7. Rev 21:1 - 22:5 “Most Holy Place” (Vision of) Eternal Peace

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17 Next session... Seminar # 2 The Heart of Revelation The Core Issues of the Bible’s Final Book (Revelation chapters )