Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

16 December 2025

Reading From Revelation 7

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

‘Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.’”

—Revelation 7:9-10

     Remember in chapter six we read of the saints under the altar who were waiting for the rest of their brothers and sisters to be martyred so they could join them at the Throne?  This multitude in white robes praising the Lord in chapter seven are all those who were saved during the Great Tribulation.  We see them here all united as one.  The scene is reminiscent of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, but most of those ancient people waving palm branches and shouting “Hosannah!” would turn on Him shortly thereafter and beg for Barrabas the murderous zealot to be released to them rather than their own Savior.  This future multitude consists of those who will be faithful forever and ever. 

     It is in chapter seven that we also see the 144,000 who will be sealed.  Religious groups have differing interpretations as to who this will be, but the Scripture is very plain.  “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.”[1]  These are believers descended from the twelve tribes of Israel who will be saved at this moment in the apocalyptic narrative.  It does not mean that only 144,000 people from all human history will go to Heaven. 

We need to get back to the Bible and read it for what it says.  Sure it’s fun to speculate about possible answers to questions that are not clearly answered or to connect the dots in order to form a systematic theology from biblical truths and principles, but we need to interpret Scripture with Scripture in a fair, balanced, and faithful manner.  Ask yourself as you read, “what is the original, ancient context?” “who was the original audience for this passage?” “what is the genre?” “what are the principles and methods presented?”  Methods are often dispensational (meant for a certain historical season), but principles are timeless.  It is vital that we rightly divide the Word of Truth.[2]

“Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom and knowledge as I search the Scriptures.  Thank You for the plumbline of Your Word that I can use to measure all truth with.  Give of Your Holy Spirit to me that I might be found a faithful and enlightened student of Your principles.  Show me how to apply Your truths in my everyday life.  I am grateful for Your guidance.  Be with my brothers and sisters as they study with me.  Lead us all into a deeper understanding and life-changing revelation of who You are and all that You do for us.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
    who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes
    and seek him with all their heart—
they do no wrong
    but follow his ways.
You have laid down precepts
    that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame
    when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.

—Psalm 119:1-8

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[1] Revelation 7:4

[2] II Timothy 2:15