Sermon 206

📖 SERMON 206 — THE FIVE VISION-PICTURES OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Date: May 23, 1951
Text: Revelation 7
Subject: THE FIVE VISION-PICTURES OF GOD’S PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION:

Revelation 7 forms a parenthesis between the sixth and seventh seals. Before the final judgment continues, John is shown five comforting vision-pictures of God’s people — their safety, preservation, and final glory.

I. THE FIRST PICTURE — THE FOUR ANGELS HOLDING BACK THE WINDS (vv. 1–3)

A. The scene.
1. Four angels stand at the four corners of the earth.
2. They hold back the four winds so they cannot blow.
3. Another angel rises from the east, carrying the seal of the living God.

B. The meaning.
1. The winds represent destructive judgments.
2. God restrains judgment until His servants are sealed.
3. Nothing can touch God’s people until His purpose for them is fulfilled.

II. THE SECOND PICTURE — THE SEALED SERVANTS OF GOD (vv. 4–8)

A. The number: 144,000.
1. Symbolic — the complete number of God’s covenant people.
2. Listed by tribes, though not identical with literal Israel.
3. Signifies God’s ownership and protection.

B. The seal.
1. Marks them as belonging to God.
2. Guarantees preservation during coming judgments.
3. Represents the work and seal of the Holy Spirit.

III. THE THIRD PICTURE — THE GREAT MULTITUDE (vv. 9–12)

A. A multitude that no one can number.
1. From every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.
2. Standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
3. Clothed in white robes, palms in their hands.

B. Their worship.
1. They cry loudly: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
2. Angels, elders, and living creatures join them.
3. A universal anthem of praise rises to heaven.

IV. THE FOURTH PICTURE — THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE SAINTS (vv. 13–14)

A. The elder questions John: “Who are these, and whence came they?”

B. The explanation.
1. They came out of great tribulation.
2. They washed their robes.
3. They made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

V. THE FIFTH PICTURE — THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE REDEEMED (vv. 15–17)

A. Their position.
1. Before the throne of God.
2. Serving Him day and night in His temple.
3. He who sits on the throne dwells among them.

B. Their blessings.
1. No more hunger.
2. No more thirst.
3. No more scorching heat.

C. Their Shepherd.
1. The Lamb in the midst of the throne is their Shepherd.
2. He leads them to living fountains of waters.
3. God wipes away all tears from their eyes.

CONCLUSION:

These five pictures show the church in her sealing, safety, triumph, identity, and everlasting joy. They assure us that God’s people are eternally secure in His care.