The 144,000 and the Great Crowd - Paul M. Williams

Revelation 7 We come again in this teaching to another interlude (the second of a number that is found scattered throughout the Book of Revelation).  Chapters 4 and 5 both served as an interlude to bridge the gap between the events following the letters to the Seven Churches, in order to prepare the reader for the opening of the Seven Seals in chapter 6.  Six seals have thus far been opened, with the seventh seal yet still to be opened.  Seals 1-5 had as their focus, Antichrist and his wrath upon the earth.  Seals 6 & 7 by way of contrast, have as their focus, God and His wrath upon the earth which is poured out upon rebellious man and the 666 Antichrist system. This seventh chapter that is before us this evening (the gap-stop) serves then as an interlude which will allow for commentary on two events before rejoining the seal events of chapter 8 which record the opening of the seventh and final seal, and the terrifying trumpet judgments that issue forth out of it. What then are these two events contained within this interlude?  Firstly, a group of a special class of people, numbering 144,000 who shall be on the earth during this time of Great Tribulation.  Secondly, a great multitude of Saints in heaven which no man can number who have come out of Great Tribulation.  In this teaching, we look at both and try to understand what is taking place.