[:en]144,000 SEALED (vs. 1-8)
There are 4 angels holding back the 4 winds of judgment until God’s people are sealed as His own. There is another angel coming from the east who had the seal of the living God. The seal was placed on God’s followers guaranteeing His protection over their souls. This seal is the exact opposite of the mark of beast. These 2 marks identifies two distinct categories – those owned by God and those owned by Satan. God seals these believers either by withdrawing them from the earth (called rapture) or by giving them special strength and courage to withstand the time of great persecution. The seal does not guarantee free from physical harm but God will protect them from spiritual harm and brought them reward of eternal life.
The number 144,000 (12 x 12 x 1000) symbolized completeness. They were the faithfuls who will remain true to Him until the end. It is not the usual listing of the 12 tribes in the Old Testament but it is a symbolic list of God’s true followers.
THJE GREAT MULTITUDE IN WHITE ROBES (vs. 9-17)
The was a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne in front of the Lamb. These are people who remained faithful to God throught all the generations. They praise God saying that slavation belongs to God. The only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ – the Lamb. All of the angels standing around the throne and around the elders and the 4 living creatures felt down to worship God.
Those wearing white robes were people who had came out of the great tribulation. Their robes were made white in the blood of the Lamb. They were before the throne of God serving God day and night in the temple. They will never hungry nor thirst. The sun nor the scorching heat will not beat upon them. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. Their tribulation and sorrows are over. No more tears or suffering because God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
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