The Salvation of the Lamb
Revelation 7:9-17
INTRODUCTION
A. Illustration about man using his body to rescue men from a fire, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations,
#5231.
1. Just as those men were saved through the actions of a man, we, too, have been saved through the
actions of a man--Jesus Christ.
2. Let's examine and learn about the salvation of the Lamb.
B. When this was written, the church was facing severe persecution.
1. Many saints were being killed for their faith, and they needed some hope that enduring was really
worth the price.
2. God intends to display hope by showing heaven to these Christians.
THE LAMB BROUGHT SALVATION FOR ANYONE, v. 9
A. John looked and saw a great multitude no one could number.
1. Those in this multitude came from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.
a. People from every nation, tribe, and language can be saved by the Lamb.
b. God did not specify one group to receive salvation and another group to be lost.
c. Anyone who desires to be saved can be, because salvation is for all people.
2. Those in this multitude are standing before the throne and the Lamb--Since God's throne is in
heaven (4:2), this multitude is standing in heaven.
3. These individuals are clothed with white robes.
a. Since white denotes purity, these individuals are pure.
b. Nothing impure or unclean will enter heaven (Rev. 21:27).
4. This multitude carried palm branches in their hands.
a. Palm branches were often used in celebration, e g., when Jesus triumphantly entered
Jerusalem, many laid palm branches in front of him (Jn. 12:13).
b. This group is celebrating their salvation.
B. Salvation is a gift which can belong to anyone--Anyone who chooses can be saved.
1. The Great Commission was to make disciples "of all the nations" (Mt. 28:19).
2. "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and
works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35).
C. God will save anyone who comes to him. Has God saved you?
THE LAMB BRINGS SALVATION FROM THE ALMIGHTY, v. 10
A. This great multitude cried out, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the
Lamb."
B. Salvation originates with God.
1. "Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly,
in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel" (Jer. 3:23).
2. "The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble" (Ps.
37:39).
C. Salvation comes through the Lamb, Jesus.
1. There is no other name besides "Jesus" by which people can be saved (Acts 4:12).
2. "Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved" (Acts 15:11).
D. Salvation's belonging to God has some practical applications.
1. God is able to set the requirements for salvation--God can determine who is and who is not saved.
2. Only God can save--Money, power, and the like cannot save from sin.
E. Illustration about interview with astronaut, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, pp. 310-11.
THE LAMB'S SALVATION BRINGS ADORATION, vv. 11-12
A. As the redeemed praise God, the heavenly beings begin praising him as well.
1. All the angels, the 24 elders, and the four living beings assemble around God's throne.
2. They worship God by ascribing to him blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and
might.
B. God's salvation of man causes the heavenly beings to worship.
1. "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just person
who need no repentance" (Lk. 15:7).
2. "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Lk. 15:10).
C. If these heavenly beings worship over man's salvation, man surely should worship God for salvation.
1. "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation
say continually, 'Let God be magnified!'" (Ps. 70:4).
2. "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation" (Ps. 95:1).
D. Are you praising God because of your salvation?
THE LAMB'S SALVATION IS FROM HIS BLOOD, vv. 13-14
A. One of the elders asked John where this multitude came from, v. 13.
B. John confesses that he does not know.
C. The elder answers that they came from the great tribulation and washed their robes in the Lamb's
blood.
1. These saints endured great tribulation.
a. When Revelation was written, the saints were enduring great persecution-These Christians
had to endure in spite of these persecutions.
b. We may suffer persecution because of our salvation-"All who desire to live godly in Christ
Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).
2. These saints had made their robes white in the Lamb's blood.
a. When the Lamb first appears in Revelation, he appears as though he had been slain (Rev.
5:6).
b. Salvation is impossible without the Lamb's blood.
1) "Without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Heb. 9:22).
2) "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7).
D. Illustration about Martin Luther, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, p. 311.
E. Have you been cleansed by the Lamb's blood?
THE LAMB'S SALVATION BRINGS BLESSING, vv. 15-17
A. John portrays the blessings of heaven.
1. Those in heaven are before God's throne, v. 15.
a. They are with the Lord.
b. "We shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).
2. The saved serve God day and night--In heaven, we will worship and serve God.
3. God will make his home with us, v. 15.
4. We shall have no need--we shall not hunger, thirst, nor have any heat, v. 16.
5. The Lamb shall shepherd us, v. 17.
a. "Shepherd" carries the idea of "to care for;" Jesus will take care of us.
b. The Lamb will lead us beside waters of life--We shall live eternally.
6. God will wipe every tear from our eyes--There will be no cause for sorrow.
B. Do you have these blessings to which you can look forward?
CONCLUSION
A. Illustration about Satan holding a strategy session, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, pp. 312-13.
B. Are you waiting? Are you delaying?