Surviving Tribulation

Revelation 7:9-12

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”

Will people still be able to receive salvation through Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation?  Many have asked the question, and many have different answers.  I read in Revelation 7 that there is a “great multitude” that will make it through.  The large group from all nations, tribes, people and tongues tells us that even through the tribulation, the 144,000 (discussed previously) having been marked with God’s seal, will be actively spreading the good news to all people during the tribulation.  

This great multitude, referred to as gentiles, are dressed in white garments and standing before the Lamb, crying out that salvation comes from the Lord and the Lamb.  They are claiming salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  Later in Chapter 7 and elder tells John just who these people are.  (v14)“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.”  Around these people are ALL the angels (thousands upon thousands), elders, and the creatures near the throne fall to their faces before the throne and lift up their worship to the Lord.

Can you imagine the scene?  An uncountable multitude, all of the angels and elders before the Throne of God, worshipping Him.  This is heaven.  If you envision heaven as sitting around on puffy clouds, relaxing, chilling, while playing your harp, you’ve watched too many cartoons.  Heaven in God’s presence is endless worship, praise, and recognition of His glory.  No pain, no suffering, no anxiety, no greed, no anger, no war, no sin, no evil will exist in His heavenly realm.  You will be there to glorify Him in all that you do.  

I believe that those who have given their life to Jesus Christ prior to the tribulation will be removed before the wrath of God comes upon the earth.  Just as God removed Noah from the great flood, and just as God removed Abraham and Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah before the great destruction from fire, I believe He will remove His children as well.  But this chapter in Revelation gives hope to those left behind during the tribulation.  Hope for salvation still exists for a great multitude of people.  This may include Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Atheists, and yes, even some pseudo-Christians who were acting the part, but not really saved.  

God tells us in several verses that He wants none shall perish, and through His 144,000 sealed, He will make one final attempt to soften the hearts of the angry, confused, and misinformed.  They will suffer through tribulation, though, and many will be martyred as a result.  But His plan of salvation does not end just because His wrath is poured out.  Continue praying for those whom you know do not have a relationship with Christ.  Pray for their salvation to come before the days of wrath are poured out.