Through Many Tribulations (7) - Tribulation Ended Forever
On Sunday 26th May, Rev James Maciver completed his study series, ‘Through Many Tribulations’, with a focus upon the conclusion of tribulation forever, as laid out for us in Revelation 7: 9 – 17.
Believers frequently muse upon whether we will recognise one another in heaven – the answer to which is surely that we will. However, Mr Maciver posed what is a much more pertinent and pressing question: will everyone gathered to hear this sermon meet again in heaven?
There is a need to take particular care in the study of Revelation because of its use of symbolism and the representative nature of much of the imagery used throughout the book. Much of it is clearly not intended to be taken literally. For example, the reference to the 144, 000 – 12, 000 from each of the tribes of Israel – in this passage has been the cause of frequent debate. It does not, however, say that this is the number of people that will be in heaven; rather, it is intended as a symbolic emphasis on the completeness of the occupancy of heaven. Put simply, it brings home to the reader that not one who God intends for heaven will be absent; and not one unrepentant sinner will be present.
We should not, however, mistake the use of symbolism for a lack of factual accuracy. Revelation brings us fact to face with events as they will unfold in God’s providence.
Indeed, the book contains a vivid description of the state of heaven. It also makes it abundantly clear that these are the people who have emerged from the great tribulation. This does not seem to be in reference to a particular event, or set of events, but refers to the sum total of the suffering endured through the ages by the Christian church. The tense used, in fact – ‘coming out’ – indicates the constant nature of this process, of emergence forever from the tribulation endured by followers of Christ in this world.
In examining this passage, Mr Maciver looked particularly at the conjunctive adverb, ‘therefore’, in verse 15, and the conjunction, ‘for’ in verse 17. ‘Therefore’ is used to convey the qualification for admittance to life in heaven; ‘for’ is connected to the quality of life in heaven.
The qualification is very succinctly summed up in the reference to those who have washed their robes to make them white in the blood of the Lamb. This is the application of Christ’s death, restoring their purity of life. Of course, the need for purification presupposes the existence of a defilement, reminding us of our spiritual guilt as we come into this world. Paul lays this out for us in 1 Corinthians 6: 9 – 11, where he lists the type of sin into which the world has fallen, concluding with ‘such were some of you’.
We must be careful, however, not to single out one particular lifestyle, or sin for opprobrium more than any other. The emphasis, regardless, has to be upon our total reliance on God, and what he did for us. That does not release us from the responsibility detailed in Revelation 7: 14, to ensure that we are cleansed, by going to Jesus in our need.
The reference to those emerging from the tribulation bearing palm branches in their hands takes us back to the Old Testament and the Feast of Booths. It was traditionally a time of great rejoicing for a safely ingathered harvest. Here in Revelation 7, the people are no longer in temporary dwellings but before the throne of God in his temple. That is, of course, the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament holy of holies. Therefore, those who have attained heaven, in fulfilment of Christ’s atoning work, have access to the presence of God in perpetuity. This is indeed a harvest, but one of redemption, with God as our sheltering canopy forever.
For our present comfort, God is telling us that our tribulations are ended. No matter what we endure in this world, these sufferings are ended completely the moment we enter his presence in heaven.
In leaving the tribulation behind, therefore, believers will enter into a whole new quality of life. This ending of all our suffering is not something that we can experience in this world, though the anticipation of it should be a strength and comfort for now.
John tells us here that the life enjoyed in heaven will be abundant. The glimpse afforded the reader in this passage shows that there will be neverending worship and adoration of God, with nothing to distract or curtail that glorious experience.
We are shown, also, the Lamb in the midst of the throne: the same Lamb who was an unblemished sacrifice for us is now the loving Shepherd, placed right where God rules. His was the hand that took and opened the scroll and so, we have this confidence that our sacrificial Lamb, who has become our loving Shepherd is governing over all. Our atonement is in him, and he is in the midst of the throne; therefore, we can worship endlessly this Christ who is both our advocate and our propitiation. He is both those things ceaselessly, and so presents our eternal security.
Quality of life is widely accepted by people everywhere as being important, but our ultimate quality of life is in heaven, being shepherded by Jesus. Does meditating upon that thought not make you want to be in heaven?
In this passage, the Shepherd is inviting us to peek through the curtain separating us from eternity, to glimpse his beauty, and the eternal refreshment offered by the everlasting springs of living water.
And who could fail to be drawn by the promise that God will wipe every tear from the eyes of those emerging from the great tribulation? The picture presented here is redolent of a hurt or frightened child reaching out to its parent, and receiving that comfort which no other can give. In the atoning Shepherd, then, we have an assurance that those trials are ended forever.
Having seen this, then, there only remains that one question for you to answer:
Are we going to all be together in heaven?
Image by Dan Fador from Pixabay
