1. Chapter 7 An interlude in the seals The scene moves back to heaven 5 Major Character Groups 5 - 24 Elders & 4 Living Creatures (vs. 11) 1 - Five angels (vs. 1-2) 2 - 144,000 Jews (vs. 4-8) 3 -The tribulation saints (vs. 9 & 14) 4 - All the angels (vs. 11)

2. “to contrast the preparedness of the church for the coming end with the panic of the unprepared world” Chapter 7 serves …

3. Four are holding back the wind Winds may represent ______________ that could effect the church. Notice that the winds are held back until the sealing of the saints is completed Fifth angel is responsible for the sealing of the saints 1) The five angels false teachings

4. 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel Multiple Interpretations Literal: ______________________ Symbolic: ____________________ Past: _______________________ _______________________ 2) The 144,000 sealed saints End time Jewish converts The whole “Church” Jews saved at the destruction of Jerusalem

5. I will posit that literal interpretation is best Literal interpretation leads to a belief in a major revival among the Jews at the end times Note vs. 9 (tribulation saints)

6. Lists of the 12 tribes Genesis 29 Reuben Simeon Levi Judah Dan Naphtali Gad Asher Issachar Zebulun Joseph Benjamin Numbers 1 Reuben Simeon Judah Issachar Zebulun of Joseph –Ephriam –Manasseh Benjamin Dan Asher Gad Naphtali Revelation 7 Judah Reuben Gad Asher Naphtali Manasseh Simeon Levi Issachar Zebulun Joseph Benjamin

7. Revelation list may be indicative of level of faithfulness of tribes to God –Judah – tribe of Christ – is listed first here –Dan and Ephriam are missing completely –Levi is listed as tribe only in this context

8. Countless in number From every nation, tribe, people & language White robes and palm branches Saved out of the Great Tribulation Part of Heaven’s Praise Team 3) The Tribulation saints

9. Serve God continually God shelter’s them with His presence (the Lamb is their shepherd) Never hunger or thirst again (springs of living water) Not effected by problems of earth No more sorrow – God will wipe away every tear from their eyes Note the joys of heaven - vs. 15ff

10. Part of Heaven’s Praise Team (vs. 12) 4) All the Angels 5) 24 Elders and 4 Living Creatures