Three thoughts about eschatology:

1. Our salvation is not dependent on our view of eschatology.

2. Our view of eschatology doesn’t change what is true about God.

3. Our view of eschatology doesn’t change our daily pursuit.

Two unifying truths from Revelation 7:

1. God protects his people – not for safety but for salvation.

John 16:33 (ESV) - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2 Thessalonians 1:4 (ESV) - Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

The seven churches of Revelation 2-3

2. Eternal worship of our heavenly Father and the Lamb is the essence of heaven.

Revelation 7:1–4 (ESV) - After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

God chooses the number and God seals them for his glory.

Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV) - In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Revelation 7:9–12 (ESV) - After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

The population before the throne includes people from all over the earth.

The purpose of those in heaven is the eternal worship of our heavenly Father and the Lamb.

Revelation 3:5 (ESV) - The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Revelation 7:13–17 (ESV) - Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth of chapter 7 deepen your understanding of God’s sovereignty (i.e. that He controls all things)?

2. What stands out to you in this chapter (words, phrases, concepts, themes) and why?

3. Do any of these words, phrases, concepts, or themes remind you of other Bible passages? It’s ok if you can’t remember a specific reference, just describe what you recall and the group can do a search to find it.

4. How do the themes of divine protection and salvation provide you with hope in today’s troubled world?

5. In what way does Revelation 7 emphasize the unity of God’s people?

6. What can we learn about worship from this incredible scene?

7. How will the truths discussed affect your daily life in Christ?

Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth of chapter 7 deepen your understanding of God’s sovereignty (i.e. that He controls all things)?

2. What stands out to you in this chapter (words, phrases, concepts, themes) and why?

3. Do any of these words, phrases, concepts, or themes remind you of other Bible passages? It’s ok if you can’t remember a specific reference, just describe what you recall and the group can do a search to find it.

4. How do the themes of divine protection and salvation provide you with hope in today’s troubled world?

5. In what way does Revelation 7 emphasize the unity of God’s people?

6. What can we learn about worship from this incredible scene?

7. How will the truths discussed affect your daily life in Christ?