Now before we start with this seventh chapter we should review the last verse of chapter six.  Remember the question that was asked?  "Who shall be able to stand?" Rev. 6:17. In the next seventeen verses of Revelation 7, will be the answer to that very question.  Heaven is eager to inform us of those who shall stand.  It is the 144,000 who remain alive to be translated at Jesus' return.  And a great multitude of people who must pass through the grave and be resurrected. (Either at the Voice of God, or at Jesus' Second Coming).

    Both groups have passed the judgment in heaven, and for the 24 elders their job as jurors is over.  Verse one tells of the four angels "standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth" Rev 7:1 ("winds" mean strife) mankind is eagerly waiting to engage in the pending destruction.  Verse 2 tells us the reason for the delay, the sealing angel has his work to do. "Angels were uniting with Him who had broken the seals and taken the book.  Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their forehead.  The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels.  When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish..." 7A Bible Commentary 967.

    Verses one through eight tell of the last generation of names to appear for judgment in heaven, 12,000 from each tribe. If you think of yourself not having the correct blood type flowing in you veins (as the twelve tribes have) do not worry, heaven knows who you are. "If ye be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heir according to the promise."  Galatians 3:29. That tells me that if some pigmies out in Timbuktu, accept Christ as their Savior, they are as safe to save as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

    Before leaving this seventh chapter and because of so much confusion taught from the pulpit about the great multitude, we must let the Bible explain itself.  Verses one though eight tell of a group that John did not see, he only "heard the number" (verse 4), they were all sealed, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes.  Then in verse nine, another group is introduced, the great multitude and he saw them, he understood exactly who they were, standing before the throne in heaven (not on the earth).  There were so many from every "nation", "tongue", "kindred", and "people" that no man could number them. (Why I thought that man could do everything with computers today.)  No, they cannot be numbered by man.  That is what heaven says, because that group is all those who must pass through the grave in all ages to be awakened at the last trump. Soon I will put into print the words of Jesus when He is talking to His Father on His return to heaven in AD 31.  But first, back to Scripture.  Verses 13 through 17 apply to the 144,000, the group he only "heard" (not the great multitude.)  Verses 9 through 12 apply to the great multitude that he saw and understood.  Especially when "amen" is said twice in verse 12, that subject is ended.  Now the Elder wants John to understand more about the group that he only "heard", so he asked John a question "What are these which are arrayed in white robes?  And whence came they?"   John was smart enough not to talk on a subject that he knew little about.  So he said "Sir thou knowest," verse 14.  Then the Elder proceeded to tell John much about the 144,000 in verses 13 to 17.  Now that is Bible truth, plain and simple.  However, someone reading these words may prefer plain 1998 English.  Lay this book aside right now and read Great Controversy 649, and see for yourself that verses 14-17 apply to the 144,000 alone.  On this page in Great Controversy 649, there are 22 pronouns describing the 144,000 alone, these 22 pronouns are not describing the great multitude.  Anyone not having that book, "The Great Controversy",  please let me send you one at no cost to you.  You pay the postage only.

    Now what did Jesus say to His Father on His return?  Did He mention anything about a great multitude?

    Psalms 24:7-10 should be read first to get the setting as Jesus, resurrected saints, and speeding angels begin to approach heavens gate, on their return in A.D. 31.  All heaven is assembled and every unfallen world has a representative there.  They are eager to celebrate Jesus' triumph and to glorify their King. "But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe.  He enters into the presence of His Father.  He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails.  He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming." Desire of Ages 834.   Yes, the great multitude must all pass through the grave!  Heaven knows best every time.  Even if the desire of our heart was granted, and we could have things our own way, we would only foul up where there is now harmony, and create chaos against a plan laid out with divine wisdom.