The Elect Among the Elect - Revelation 6-8:5

The seals of the scroll which only the Lamb can open (6:1) bring political domination, death, devastation and disease.  This is all developing as time flows purposely toward the great day of God's wrath (6:17).  But wait! What of God's people?

 “And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”” (Revelation 7:2–3, NLT)

Prior to the seventh seal the Apostle sees again the scene in the throne room.  Included now he sees some clothed in white.  Who are they?“And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.” (Revelation 7:14, NLT).    They are now forever in the Presence of God and “. . . And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”” (Revelation 7:17b, NLT).

Prior to that during the outpouring of the fifth seal, John saw a group under the altar calling.  These are martyrs.  The full number were not there yet. “Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.” (Revelation 6:11, NLT).

The Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate hand behind all events that take place on the earth.  Even the number of martyrs is numbered.  There is an elect among the Elect.  Yet through this whole scene from the first seal through to the coming wrath, there is worship and praise in Heaven.  God's people martyred in the Tribulation are safe with Him.

Lord I find the events confusing.  It is hard to read these events and have it all clear in my mind.  Are they in the future?  Are we within the midst of them?  This I know that none of these events take place without Your sovereign permission.  And through all this, Your people are preserved.  Even the the martyred heads are ultimately not touched.  

 

"Silence is appropriate in anticipation of the Lord’s coming judgment (Zeph. 1:7–10; Zech. 2:13)." [1]

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1.  Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2474). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.