‏ Revelation of John 7

* A pause between two great periods. (1-3) The peace, happiness,

and safety of the saints, as signified by an angel's sealing

144,000. (4-8) A song of praise. (9-12) The blessedness and

glory of those that suffered martyrdom for Christ. (13-17)

1-8 In the figurative language of Scripture, the blowing of the

four winds together, means a dreadful and general destruction.

But the destruction is delayed. Seals were used to mark for each

person his own possessions. This mark is the witness of the Holy

Ghost, printed in the hearts of believers. And the Lord would

not suffer his people to be afflicted before they were marked,

that they might be prepared against all conflicts. And, observe,

of those who are thus sealed by the Spirit, the seal must be on

the forehead, plainly to be seen alike by friends and foes, but

not by the believer himself, except as he looks stedfastly in

the glass of God's word. The number of those who were sealed,

may be understood to stand for the remnant of people which God

reserved. Though the church of God is but a little flock, in

comparison with the wicked world, yet it is a society really

large, and to be still more enlarged. Here the universal church

is figured under the type of Israel. 9-12 The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the

Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to

God and the Redeemer, with triumph. In acts of religious worship

we come nigh to God, and must come by Christ; the throne of God

could not be approached by sinners, were it not for a Mediator.

They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and

victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used

to appear in their triumphs. Such a glorious appearance will the

faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the

good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud

voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great

salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless

both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with

fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to

begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for

that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be

made perfect. 13-17 Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we

should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must

not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The

way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how

great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God.

Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is

not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that

can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight

of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes

the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their

employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of

suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it isa

praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many

tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with

his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with

them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under

all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly

to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour

is their element; his presence and favour complete their

happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may

all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace;

and to him let them offer all praise and glory.