Chapter 5 – Time of the Sealing
As we come to chapter 7 of Revelation we now come face to face with the 144,000 those who are sealed just before human probation closes. This is the moment in time promised 2,000 years earlier by Paul in Ephesians 1, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:13-14). This ultimate sealing of God’s people is necessary due to this time of trial and difficulty often called the time of trouble.
Items that were sealed in Biblical times were to preserve evidence, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days” (Jer. 32;14). God’s people have been brought to this moment in history, they take center stage, their sealing will protect and preserve them through the time of trouble, they are the evidence of the power of the Gospel over temptation and sin. They stand faithful during earth’s darkest hour, and are sealed and protected through the 7 last plagues.
Jesus himself provided a glimpse for His follows of the 144,000, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (Jh. 6:27). This small remnant have one goal, one aspiration; to reflect the character of Christ, they would rather die than then fall short. Commentators over the ages have voiced numerous questions, ones that gain more relevance with each passing decade:
Let the inquiry go forth from sincere hearts and trembling lips, ‘Who shall be able to stand?’ Have you, in these last precious hours of probation, been putting the very best material into your character-building? Have you been purifying your souls from every stain? Have you followed the light? Have your works corresponded to your profession of faith? Is the softening, subduing influence of the grace of God working upon you? Have you hearts that can feel, eyes that can see, ears that can hear? Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been made concerning the nations of the earth? The question concerning the 144,000 is not who are they? But will they be able to survive?
The 144,000 are strengthened by the knowledge that Christ is their righteousness. As their faith rest upon this foundation, they will stand fast forever. Christ was not only righteous but Holy, to all Christians His admonition is; Be ye Holy, as I am Holy, Holiness is agreement with God and the 144,000 are in full agreement with their Savior no matter the circumstances.
Not everyone at the end who claims to be Christian will be sealed; Jesus said, “not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. The ultimate fulfillment of the trumpets and the last plagues will eliminate not only billions of the wicked, but millions of others; those who claim to be Christian and those who are faithful, but could not survive the peril of these plagues. God knows which are His and will lay many to rest in mercy to prevent them from hardship and trial.
The close of probation is a work of separation, that of truth verses error, and it begins at the house of the Lord. This process was prophesied in the book of Ezekiel, “And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house” (Eze. 9:4-6).
The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who align themselves with the world becoming infected with careless and indifferent behavior will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1 Pe. 3:12)
Our own choices, decisions, and actions will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already several drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, probations door will close and then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No longer will mercy plead as Christ will end His intersession and prepare to come a second time as, King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. (Rev 19:16). This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth and darkness, make God their only defense.
It is sad indeed to think that even among those who teach the truth to others that many will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They possessed an understanding of truth, believe in the promises of God, but had not corresponding works. Theirs should have been a living action faith that was reflected in their lifestyle. To hear is not enough, to believe is not sufficient for these end-time sentinels of true faith, they must know in whom they trust, and it will be obvious in their behavior. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-disciplined family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the sinful as well as the regenerate heart.
Jesus is the only true pattern. We must be diligent to present ourselves approved unto God, a worker that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, (2 Tim. 2:15). We must be humble, teachable, possessing the heart of an innocent child, if we would know what the Lord requires of us. Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. We must allow the Spirit of God to work in us a work of reform, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.
We are too content with our current condition and efforts. Jesus pictures us as “lukewarm” rich and increased with goods not even aware of our true condition, “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Now is the time to heed the counsel of the True Witness: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” (Rev. 3:17-18)
If we are to be sealed when this evil day comes upon the world, we must heed God’s warnings and allow Him to work in our lives as never before, receive the latter rain of His Spirit, bringing glory and honor to His Holy Name.