5. THE MEANS OF Revelation 7:13-17 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and whence came they?--The text says one of the elders "answered," which probably means that he was explaining an inquiry that was in John's mind, but not expressed. The elder did not ask the question to be answered by John, but to give the occasion for explaining why the white-robed multitude were in God's presence. Telling how they happened to be before God in the symbolic picture would show how they would finally be in his presence in heaven. That would settle the questions, Who will be saved? and how will they be saved? 14 And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.--John recognized the fact that the elder did not ask the question to be answered, and so he said "thou knowest." Two things are expressed as the reasons why they were in God's presence--faithfulness in tribulation and having their robes washed in Christ's blood. The logical order is here reversed; being washed in the blood of the Lamb comes first and then meeting tribulation in following him. "Washing" is clearly used figuratively, for washing in the blood of Christ does not occur, if it means his literal blood and literal washing. This is only a figurative expression that means one's sins are forgiven through Christ's blood. The word "washing" is used figuratively and the word "blood" is used literally. Another proof that symbolic expressions or sentences may contain words used in both meanings. "Great tribulation" shows that only those will be saved who are faithful "unto death" (2:10) in spite of all difficulties and persecutions. Paul expressed the same thought in Acts 14:22. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.--For the two reasons given in the preceding verse they are before the throne in the vision John was viewing. That, however, was a guarantee of God's approval, and the assurance that they would serve him day and night (continually) in his temple. Since the Jews served God in the temple, and Christians serve him in the church (called the temple of God, 1 Corinthians 3:16), it is perfectly appropriate that the saved in heaven finally should be said to serve him continuously in his temple. God's spreading his tabernacle over them implies that he would approve of their service by dwelling among them. Their appearance in the symbolic picture was proof that they would dwell in that eternal temple. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:--This pictures the final blessings for the faithful, and is the same as expressed in Revelation 21:3-5. The troubles, pain, worry, and burdens incident to living in the flesh here will all be gone when the redeemed dwell with God. 17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. --The Lamb that stood before the throne in the vision, and was able to break the seals and reveal the future, would, like a shepherd guides his sheep, bring them to fountains of joy. Omitting the figurative language, it means that through his redemptive work they would enjoy all the blessings of heaven. God's wiping away every tear means that he will enable us to forget all the sadness that wrings our hearts in this sin-troubled world. What a joyous anticipation! No one who properly appreciates the blessings of sins forgiven, to say nothing about the inexpressible happiness that awaits in heaven, will fail in trying to meet the obligations which the Christian life imposes. The terms upon which pardon is secured are too plain and easy to obey to allow any excuse for disobedience. Tribulations, naturally, are not pleasant experiences, but the reward of eternal life is too important to be lost. Great favors do not come without cost. Christians should be the last to complain or try to justify neglect. Additional Note: The purpose of the visions in this chapter must have been for the encouragement of the seven churches to whom the letters were sent. The hope of such glorious rewards would stimulate them in the struggles against persecutions, suffering, and death that had been pictured in the seals. In the same way such promises should encourage all saints to meet faithfully any trials they are called to face. So used, the lessons in Revelation are of great value to Christians in all ages. LESSON 13. THE VISION OF THE Read Rev. 7 1. Between the opening of what two seals does the vision of this chapter appear? Ans. Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1. 2. How many redeemed companies did John see? Ans. Revelation 7:4; Revelation 7:9. 3, Tell of the four angels that John saw. Ans. Revelation 7:1. 4. From where did another angel ascend? Ans. Revelation 7:2. 5. What did this angel say to the four angels? Ans. Revelation 7:2-3. 6. Where were the servants of God to be sealed? Ans. Revelation 7:3. 7. What was the total number that were sealed? Ans. Revelation 7:4. 8. Name the tribes of Israel and tell how many were sealed from each tribe. Ans. Revelation 7:5-8. 9. From whom did these tribes derive their names? Ans. Exodus 1:1-5. 10. How many were in the second company that John saw? Ans. Rev. 7: 9. 11. From what nations and tribes had this company come? Ans. Rev. 7: 9. 12. Describe them. Ans. Revelation 7:9. 13. What was their song? Ans. Revelation 7:10. 14. Then what did all the angels do? Ans. Revelation 7:11-12. 15. What question did one of the elders ask John and what was John's reply? Ans. Revelation 7:13-14. 16. Who did the elder say they were? Ans. Revelation 7:14. 17. Describe the great white-robed multitude: State the position they occupy, Ans. Revelation 7:15-17. State the work they do, Ans. Revelation 7:15-17. Describe how and from what they were protected. Ans. Revelation 7:15-17. Tell how they were shepherded and guided. Ans. Revelation 7:15-17. FOR CLASS I. Discuss the eternal rewards of the redeemed.