The Sealing of the Great Multitude in Revelation 7

Revelation 7

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9 After this I beheld, and, see, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.

11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and from where came they?

14 And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb which is in the middle of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

The great multitude mentioned in Revelation 7 receive the same seal of God as the 144,000 at the same timeARSH July 3, 1856, page 76.16+1. This sealing is the final work of grace performed for God's servants before they stand in the great day of His wrathARSH July 28, 1859, page 77.15+1.

🕊️ The Nature of the Seal

The seal is not a physical mark but a spiritual transformation and a sign of divine approvalChS 73.1+1.

• Immortality: In a literal sense, the seal represents the gift of immortality bestowed upon the faithfulARSH July 3, 1856, page 76.16+1.

• Character: Figuratively, it is described as the Father’s name written in the forehead, representing a character that is without guile or fault Revelation 14:1, 5ARSH July 3, 1856, page 76.16+1.

• The Sabbath: The seal is inseparably connected to God's law, specifically the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, which serves as the sign of His authorityRH July 13, 1897, par. 6+2.

🌍 Two Groups, One Seal

While both groups are sealed, they represent different aspects of the redeemed hostEVRR492+1.

• The 144,000: This is a definite, countable number of Christians who are alive on the earth at the second coming of Christ and are translated without seeing death Revelation 7:4ARSH July 28, 1859, page 77.15+1.

• The Great Multitude: This group is an innumerable throng from all nations and ages who have been raised from the dead or gathered at the second advent Revelation 7:9EVRR492+2.

• Uniformity in Glory: Both groups stand before the throne clothed in white robes and carrying palms, signifying their shared victory over sin and their common standing as the sealed of God Revelation 7:9EVRR492+2.

⏳ Timing of the Sealing

The sealing work is currently going forward and must be finished before the four angels release the winds of strife upon the earth Revelation 7:1-3BDOC 32.41+2.

• A Work of Preparation: It prepares the servants of God to stand firm through the time of trouble and the seven last plaguesARSH July 28, 1859, page 77.15+2.

• Criteria for Receiving the Seal: The seal is placed only upon those who are seeking for the truth, reflecting God's image, and sighing and crying for the abominations done in the landEze 9:4+3.

• Unity: Just as the disciples were of one accord before the Holy Spirit was poured out, perfect unity among God's people is a prerequisite for the final sealing and the latter rainCCh 98.4+2.