**This response is concise yet thorough. It guides the questioner in how to appropriately understand context and provides him with a direct answer to the question posed, all with a friendly tone. **

Question:Are the multitude that John saw in Revelation 7:9 in heaven, or on earth?

Profile: Male, North America, 46—60

Answered by: Joe Ford, who has been a volunteer with us since February, 2013.

Answer: Thank you, sir, for your question. If we go back to chapter 4, we see that John is viewing his vision in Heaven as he was taken there “in the Spirit” and he sees God on His throne (Revelation 4:2). God’s throne in this chapter is referred to twelve (12) times and we know His throne is in Heaven. Continuing the thread, Revelation 5 concerns Jesus as the Lamb who is the only One worthy of opening the scroll that He takes from the Father’s hand who is on the throne (v1). In Revelation 6, Jesus, still in Heaven, begins to break these seals and release the wrath of God onto the Earth. Each seal is opened in Heaven, but the action of that seal happens on the Earth. In Revelation 7, verses 1-8 happen on the Earth because the Twelve Tribes are there, while verses 9-17 are in Heaven because it shows this “great multitude” before God’s throne (v9).

As with every book of the Bible, context is key, and especially in Revelation as things are happening both in Heaven and on the Earth at the same time, so it is important to find these keys to understanding where things are going on. Hope that helps!

Grace and peace to you,
Joseph

The Gospel: God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, is holy and perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:31; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). We, His creation, are criminals (sinners) in His sight (Romans 3:23). How many lies have you told? How many things have you stolen (no matter its value)? How many times have you looked at someone with lust in your heart? How many times have you used God’s name as a cuss word? All of these are violations of God’s law (Exodus 20:3-17; Romans 1:29-32; Ephesians 4:26-31; Colossians 3:5-9; 1 Peter 2:1), and as such makes us criminals before a Holy Judge. Are you ready for Him to judge you? If you died right now and went before Him, would you get Heaven (for perfectly following His laws) or Hell? Violation of one law is a violation of all (James 2:8-13). Breaking His laws makes you a sinner; wretched, naked, poor, and blind (Isaiah 64:6; Revelation 3:17). Do you want to be judged in this condition? Would you like to know what you can do to have your sins forgiven and avoid Hell? God loves us so much and doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell (2 Peter 3:9) that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to take our punishment upon Himself (Matthew 27:15–28:20; Mark 15:1-16:20; Luke 23:1-24:12; John 19:1-20:31). To receive His free gift of grace (Romans 6:23), you must ask Him for mercy for (repent of) your crimes (sins) against Him (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30). You must accept that Jesus died to take your punishment on the cross, and have faith that His sacrifice was sufficient to commute your sentence and save you from God’s righteous wrath (Romans 8:1-11). Thank Him for His grace (receiving what we don’t deserve) and mercy (not receiving what we do deserve). Start reading the Bible and learning what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and tell others about Him. Join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church and fellowship with other Christians. Look forward to Christ’s return. May God richly bless you and prosper you in Him.