The visions of judgement throughout Revelation are frightening to say the least. If you find yourself feeling scared by the prospects of all this judgement you should note what happens here in Revelation 7. In this vision we see four angels holding back the winds of judgement. They are told to hold back the judgement until the full number of God’s people are sealed. Yesterday I noted how this evokes the imagery of the Passover during the judgement on Egypt. Then we see these people in heaven wearing white robes and celebrating their salvation. From what were they saved? They are saved from the judgement portrayed here. They are not saved because they are worthy to be saved. They were saved because, as we saw in chapter 5, the lamb is worthy to take away their sins. This is what the white robes symbolise. Their blackest sins have been covered over; they are clothed in purity. That is why they are celebrating, and this is exactly what we see them celebrating here in 7:12. They are celebrating the fact that God and the lamb have saved them from the judgements which they are witnessing upon the earth. You will suffer hardships in this life. Jesus said we would (John 16:33). But if you have trusted in Jesus, you are not being judged for your sins. Your guilt has been taken away by Jesus’ sacrifice once and for all. So, never interpret hardship and misfortune as God’s judgement on you. That’s just the way the world is, it isn’t the way God is. He has marked you for salvation and he keeps his promises.
Celebrate God’s salvation with God’s people in heaven
Read Revelation 7:1-11
