“After these things I looked and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (vv. 9-10)
In verses 4-8 we are given a picture of a multitude which could be numbered. They speak of the 144,000 "Jews" who will be sealed at the beginning of the Tribulation and represent the passover of the church. These twelve thousand men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, will have a ministry of "evangelism" during the "Great Tribulation.” And every person on earth (all seven billion), will have an opportunity to hear the "gospel of the Kingdom” (Matthew 24:14), and many will be saved.
The “great multitude” (here in our text) which could not be numbered, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues” are those who came to the faith as a result of their (144,000) ministry. These Tribulation Saints are those who would not take the mark of the beast and became martyrs for their beliefs in God. For their faith, they will sit before the throne of God and dwell with Him (v.15), and rule and reign in His Kingdom to come (Revelation 20:4).
This last minute opportunity of hearing and accepting the gospel during the “great tribulation" is proof that, "He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to salvation “ (2 Peter 3:9 ) - and is paralleled by the conversion of the thief on the cross by Jesus just before His death, again showing His compassion for mankind.
So why wait, why continue to put off what you know in your heart of hearts is right? Accept Him now and insure your place in heaven, don't be left outside the gates.
The Truth: "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
