On Sunday, we looked at Revelation 7:1-8:1 to consider how believers can be certain of their belonging to Jesus, standing safe and secure on the final judgement day. Having seen God’s judgement unfold through the previous six seals, John provides an interlude to show what will happen to God’s people amid the storm of God’s wrath against His enemies. We heard how God holds back His judgement until His servants are sealed with His mark, protecting them from judgement. The symbolism of numbers show us that the complete number of God’s people will escape His judgement. The sealed and protected people of God are a multinational multitude, the true Israel and fulfillment of God’s promises. They are washed by the blood of the Lamb and secured in His presence for eternity. The seventh seal fills heaven with silence, signaling the end of the first cycle of visions and preparing us for what comes next. There is no other hope of salvation or standing on judgement day; only the cross of Jesus can rescue us. Those belonging to Jesus can be assured that we have been sealed. Let us be grateful, having been washed and saved by Christ’s work; let us be hopeful for the day when all sorrows will end and we can rest in His presence; and let us be missional in proclaiming His Gospel of salvation.
