Topical Bible: Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Multitude Praising

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Vision of John on the Island of Patmos, specifically the scene of the multitude praising, is a profound and vivid depiction found in the Book of Revelation. This vision is part of the apocalyptic literature that reveals the ultimate triumph of God and the Lamb over evil. The Apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos for his testimony of Jesus Christ, receives this revelation, which is both a source of hope and a call to perseverance for believers.

Scriptural Context

The scene of the multitude praising is primarily located in Revelation 7:9-17. This passage follows the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and presents a vision of a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

Description of the Multitude

Revelation 7:9 states: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands." This imagery signifies the universality of the gospel and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18).

The white robes symbolize purity and righteousness, granted through the sacrificial blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The palm branches are reminiscent of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:13), symbolizing victory and peace.

The Praise of the Multitude

The multitude's praise is a central element of this vision. Revelation 7:10 records their cry: "Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" This acclamation acknowledges the source of their salvation and the sovereignty of God and the Lamb. It is a declaration of the redemptive work accomplished through Jesus Christ.

The angels, elders, and four living creatures join in this worship, as described in Revelation 7:11-12 : "And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell face down before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever! Amen.'"

The Identity and Reward of the Multitude

An elder explains the identity of the multitude to John in Revelation 7:13-14 : "Then one of the elders addressed me: 'These in white robes,' he asked, 'who are they, and where have they come from?' 'Sir,' I answered, 'you know.' So he replied, 'These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'"

This explanation highlights the perseverance and faithfulness of the saints through trials and tribulations. Their robes are made white by the blood of the Lamb, emphasizing the atoning sacrifice of Christ as the basis for their righteousness.

The reward for this multitude is described in Revelation 7:15-17 : "For this reason, 'They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"

This passage promises eternal protection, provision, and comfort for the redeemed. The Lamb, as their shepherd, leads them to eternal life, fulfilling the promises of God to His people.

Theological Significance

The vision of the multitude praising in Revelation underscores the inclusivity of the gospel message and the ultimate victory of God over evil. It serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance believers have in Christ, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith amidst trials. The scene is a foretaste of the eternal worship and fellowship with God that awaits all who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

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Revelation 19:1-9
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, to the Lord our God:
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