“These are the ones who come out of the Great Tribulation…” (Revelation 7:9-17, NASB)

Will the church go through the Tribulation? This is a topic that Christians have debated for many years. In today’s reading, John’s vision prompts us to revisit and further discuss its implications. It says,

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’ And one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?’ And I said to him, ‘My lord, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes.’”

I will repeat the angel’s question, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” Is this the church or some other group of believers? Some people believe these are the ones left behind when the Church is raptured and become believers during the Tribulation. Others believe that they are unfaithful Christians who will remain on the earth and go through the Tribulation. What do you think?

Based on the context of this passage, it is more reasonable to say they are not the Church but people who will be redeemed during the Tribulation Period. In verse 9, John beheld “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands.” And we know that they are people who were saved out of the Great Tribulation because one of the elders actually say in verse 13, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The key words are that they “come out of the great tribulation.” The Church existed before this Tribulation Period. It was born during the first century. Furthermore, Jesus commanded John to write to the seven churches in Asia, which existed at that time. Therefore, if this group is the Church, then it is part of the Church, and not the whole. In other words, the “great multitude” here refers to the part of the Church that survives the Tribulation. This is not a good practice of interpretation. It is more plausible to say that this group refers to people who will be saved during the Tribulation.

However, since there are no 100% clear statements that support either, we must assume that both scenarios are possible. One of my seminary professors said it best when he said, “Believe that you will be raptured, but at the same time be prepared to go through the Tribulation.” Now, whether you believe that the church will go through the Tribulation Period or not, it is encouraging to know that God will be faithful to His people. The gospel of Jesus Christ will still be available during the Tribulation (v.14b), there will be faithful servants proclaiming it, and the power of God will be available to overcome sin and death.

So whether you serve God faithfully before or during the Tribulation, the rewards to the faithful remain the same. Whether you suffer here or suffer there, God will be with you. Whether you suffer this way or that way, God will help you to overcome. They will be given “white robes” to wear. They will worship God continuously, both day and night, in His temple for eternity. They will never hunger and thirst. They will never be beaten down by the sun or any other earthly elements. The Lamb of God will be their Shepherd, and they will drink from the springs of the water of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. It will be a great relief if the church is taken up before all this happens. However, what does it matter if the church remains and goes through the Tribulation, as long as the Lord is with us to sustain us? We must confess like Daniel’s three friends, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not… we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan.3:17-18). If the church is raptured, praise God! If the church remains, praise God! We are to be salt and light, no matter where we are or what situation we are in.

• Who do you think this “great multitude” represents?
• Do you believe that the Church will go through the Great Tribulation? Why or why not?