Commentary on Revelation, Lecture 4
LECTURE IIII.
Vers. 9.
After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands:
10.
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
THe Lord, having described to Iohn and discovered to him, in the beginning of the Chapter, the hazard the Church was in by a coming storm, He laieth two grounds for confirming the Faith of His people. The first, is, the care of the Elect under that storm, to vers. 9. The second, is, the happie estate the Church should be in after that storm should be over.
For clearing the meaning of this part of the Chapter, we are to enquire in these particulars, 1. Who are to be understood by these that are here mentioned and left innumerable? 2. To what time it relateth, or what state of the Church, whether Militant or Triumphant? 3. What is the scope of it, and the reason of setting it down in such expressions? Then we shall particularly open the words, which have two parts, 1. What generally Iohn of himself saw and heard concerning the happy and comfortable state of that great company, to vers. 13. 2. What further was taught him by one of the Elders, inviting him to enquire further concerning them.
For the first, what this company, that have palms in their hands, is? we say, 1. They differ from the hundred fourty and four thousand mentioned before, 1. in number, being moe than they. 2. In extent, their reckoning was out of Tribes, as it were, of one Kingdom; these are out of all Nations, Kindreds, &c. 3. In respect of postour or place, the hundred fourty and four thousand are sealed ones on the earth, secret and hid; this company, is seen openly professing, standing before the Throne, and it is not said on them they were marked. 4. The former are sealed for a coming storm, to shew the danger they were to be in, and as having no commerce with others. Therefore it is said (Chap. 14.3.) no man could learn their song but themselves. This great company have palms in their hands, as an open sign of Victory, therefore are they said (vers. 14.) to be come out of great tribulation, and their song is publick, with a loud voice. Beside, that by that transition, after these things, I saw, is particularly holden forth a different company to represent a different thing relating to a subsequent state of the Church in respect of its numerousnesse and prosperity, opposite to the former.
This company then being different from the sealed ones spoken of before, we say they belong not to that time, but they follow it. Which appeareth, 1. (as we hinted at before) by that transition, after these things, I saw, importing not only an order in what he saw as to his seeing, but as to the things seen, that is, after a sealed company succeeded a great innumerable company, for liberty and publicknesse of profession, not needing to be sealed. 2. They are come out of great tribulation, vers. 14. but the former sealed ones were under it. The sealed ones were strivers; these are victors, Therefore must succeed them, as victory doth to fighting. 3. More particularly, by these sealed ones are understood the hundred fourty and four thousand mentioned, Chap. 14. vers. 1, 2. Which belongeth unto and is contemporary with the prophesie of the trumpets, as appeareth by Chap. 9, 4. and 13.8. and 14.3, 4. But, by this innumerable company, we conceive, are to be understood the same who stand on the sea of glasse, having gotten victory over the beast, having Harps in their hands, Chap. 15.1, 2. The properties, exercise and case agree to both; which number are after the everlasting Gospel is preached through the earth, Chap. 14. vers. 6. and the cry of Babylons begun ruine is proclaimed, and so belongeth to the prophesie of the vials.
Out of all which then, we conceive, that here is hinted at and held forth the increase and liberty of the Church after the darknesse of Antichrist shall be over and the Gospel of new, as it were, sent through the earth, Saints then shall be innumerable, and full victors and conquerours in comparison of their paucity and restraint under Antichrists growth and height.
The second Question, is, To what time or state of the Church it relateth? Ans. For the time, it is signified before to belong to the vials, which hold forth the enemies ruine and the Churches rising, yet, because there are three steps or degrees of the Churches victory, 1. From Antichrists begun ruine, till by degrees it be fully consummated. 2. From his ruine to the end of the world, in the Churches trials with Go… and Magog, &c. 3. The Churches entry into the new Ierusalem: all which degrees, are begun, continued and perfected under the vials. It may be asked to which of these degrees, or if to all of them, this belongeth? We think indeed it looketh to all these, holding forth the happiness of Gods people in their victory over Antichrist, and, in their outgate from these troubles and trials, shewing how happy they should be when these storms should be over, which in part is begun here; but leaveth them not till it put them in Heaven, and Glory there. 1. Because that compleateth their victory; and victories here, are but parts, types, and earnests of their victory there. 2. Because that victory is the main and common consolation of all fighters; and so suiteth well and best with the scope, as taking in all. 3. Because all those steps of victories belong to the vials, and are one continued and pursued victory from its beginning to its close. Neither, secondly, do we exclude, but include the Churches happy and flourishing condition on earth, not only for the former reasons, whereby it is clear they cannot be separated; but also because of its scope, which is to shew the Churches estate here in time; and the other characters of its being subsequent immediately to the sealed company, as succeding to them, as also its being contemporary with the vials in their rise and progresse, confirm this.
For the third Question, What is the reason that the temporal and flourishing condition of the Church-militant, is set down under such noble expressions as agree to the Church-triumphant? Ans. 1. Because it is one continued victory, the begun happinesse and flourishing condition of the Church and their happy condition in Glory hereafter being divided in so many parts, and Heaven is the last, longest, and fullest part of it. 2. Because it is ordinary in this Book to describe and stile the Church-militant, by Heaven; and the Beauty and Glory of the Church, by that of Heaven; the happinesse of the Church here, by the happinesse of Heaven hereafter. 3. The expressions of the Prophets speaking of the Gospels flourishing, or of a flourishing estate of the Jewish Church after the captivity, are thus large, as, Isa. 25.8. and 35.10. and 47.10. and 51.11. which expressions may be borrowed (as many other) from the Prophets in this Book; and are both to set forth the excellent estate of the Church in it self during that time; and also being compared with its former obscure condition, it is like heaven in respect of what it was. 4. The outward judgement on persecuters (Chap. 6.) was described by hell and the last judgement, the one being to them the beginning of the other: so, upon the contrary, this happy estate of the Church, is described by heaven in opposition thereto, as is suitable.
More particularly the words hold out the begun happinesse of the Church here, after Antichrists begun fall, and her growing in that happy condition, never to be so darkened again as formerly, till it be perfected in heaven. The consolation hath two parts, (as we shew before,) 1. What Iohn saw and heard, from vers. 9. to vers. 13. 2. A more particular explication of the former, from vers. 13. to the end.
The generall description of what Iohn saw and heard, hath two parts, suitable to Chap. 4. and 5. One is of the redeemed Church preceeding. The second is of the Angels going alongst with them. The former, vers. 9, 10. The latter, vers. 11.12.
The first of them, is set out in these three circumstances, 1. In the order as they stand, After this I beheld, and lo a great multitude, to put difference betwixt one thing and another in time, yet immediately following it: the meaning is, when the former strait of the Church was over, and the hidden ones keeped secret under Gods stamp, I saw a great multitude come out and publickly avow and professe Christs Gospel. 2. They are described by their number, it was great and innumerable, not to God, who hath them all written by name in His Book; known to Him are all from the beginning: 2 Tim. 2. the Lord knoweth who are his. But, 1. It was a great multitude in it self, that no man could number, as the stars and sand of the sea are called innumerable and Abraham's seed. 2. Comparatively, or in comparison of the little number that was before under Antichrists dominion; that might have been within mens reckoning, but this was hugely beyond it. 3. They are described from their extent, of all Nations, Kindreds, &c. in opposition to the former paucity of Tribes, which might be in one Kingdom when the Church was as shut up, now there shall be an enlargement as observable, as at the Gospels first spreading, to point at the spreading that the rise of the Gospel should have after Antichrists begun ruine, it should be such as was after Christs Ascension. 4. They are described from the place where, and the postour wherein, they stood; they are before the Throne of God, and they stand there. 1. Before the Throne, that is, in the Church; here they are brought in, that were strangers before, and in Heaven they shall be compleated hereafter: for we understand the Throne here, (as Chap. 4.) as representing either the place of Glory or Gods favourable presence to His Church. 2. They stand there: which pointeth at two things, First, Their dependence on God and Christ; they stand as servants attending their Master, as vers. 15. presenting themselves before Him after their victories. Secondly, Their publick owning and acknowledgeing of Him for their victory and liberty. Thirdly, They stand in white robes, well adorned, and palms in their hands: with white robes, a signe of Glory, Chap. 3.4, and a sign of innocency (Chap. 14.4.) and victory, 19.8. having a more beautifull luster upon them than before; with palms in their hands, a signe of victory and joy in a full measure, suitable to these who had gotten their heads above all difficulties, Mat. 21.8. 5. They are described from their work and exercise, which is set down, (vers. 10.) in the matter and in the manner. 1. In the manner, they cry out with a loud voice: To shew, 1. the good reason they had to blesse Him. 2. The goodwill and heartinesse they had to do it. 3. The publicknesse of their profession, and the spreading of it, whereas the Song of the hundred fourty and four thousand was secret; none could learn their Song, Chap. 14. this is publick and avowed, they care not who hear their Song. 2. The matter of their Song, is in few words, but very materiall. In generall, it is to ascribe to God the glory of their victory, as to the author of it, and to Christ as Mediator, as the great mean and procurer of it. It taketh in the rise, progresse, and perfecting of their happinesse spiritual and temporall, it is all Salvation, and Salvation from all things that may hurt His people. More particularly, this Salvation is ascribed to God, as the fountain and efficient cause, in whose Counsel the work of salvation bred, and was concluded; and it is ascribed to Christ; as the meritorious cause and procurer of it. To point out, 1. That their Salvation is in Him, and belongeth to Him. 2. That their Salvation is no where else to be gotten: Isa. 43.1. and 21. appropriateth it to God, so as it excludeth all others. 3. It is an attributing not only Salvation in the general to God, but this same particular delivery from Antichrists sin, snares, his idols and ignorance, Psal. 3.8. 4. It is the giving or ascribing the Glory to Himself alone, and so an acknowledging of the freenesse of it, that is was for no deserving or worth in them. 5. Christ is joyned with God, because all Grace and Salvation is given in Him, and for Him to the Church, He is not misknown in the administration of Grace, therefore neither should He be in His Peoples thanksgiving. 6. His Salvation is mainly as He is a Saviour to save from sin, Mat. 1.21. therefore this loud cry in uttering and attributing Salvation only to God and to the Lamb, is not in respect of the outward delivery alone, but in respect of the Doctrine of Justification, which was before obscured and divided amongst many merites and Mediators: now it is vindicated, and they publickly and openly confess it, and ascribe it to God only, as the fountain and efficient cause; and to Christ alone, as the meritorious, laying the weight and the honour of their eternall Salvation on God and Christ alone, without parting them among any other, or mixing in merit, purgatory, pennance, or any other thing of that kind, as formerly had been done.
This then is the first part of this general description, which is Iohn's describing the happy condition of the redeemed Church; Or, our Lord, to strengthen the faith of His People, revealeth the happy outgate ere ever the storme come on. Hence, Observe,
1. The most sad and sorest storms of the Church and people of God, have a rest and a victory at the back of them: The most sad estate of the Church, hath a happy and glorious victory following it. There was a storm spoken of before, and what a glorious outgate is here… This is a truth that holdeth good, whether we expound the words of their temporall or eternal Salvation, it is a comfortable conclusion laid for the comfort of Gods People, and fully proven, Heb. 4.9. that there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God; and let it be fixed in us, the best estate of Gods people is ever hindmost; their last estate is their best, just contrary to that the wicked have to expect: when the temporal happinesse of the wicked shall turn in a curse, then sighing and weeping shall passe away from the people of God. 2. Gods proposing this outgate before-hand for their comfort, sheweth, That there is no solide way to bear a triall well without the faith of the outgate, and that the eying of the outgate of a storme, while folks are under it, or, their thinking on the happy estate that followeth difficulties, is the best way to moderate one under difficulties; therefore when the Lord threatned the captivity, He gave them many promises in Isaiah concerning their return from it, ere ever it came on, to arme and guard the faith of His people from sinking under it. This sustained also Moses, Heb. 11.25. and Paul, 2 Cor. 4.17, 18. There is an amiable sight beyond all straits, if we would by the right prospect view them. 3. Heaven and Glory is the compleat outgate of Believers trials, and should be Believers main consolation while they are under trials; for, though the temporall happinesse of the Church be holden out here, we seclude not, but include (as we shew in the exposition) their happinesse in Heaven, where their victory is perfected: If in this life only we had hope, of all men we were the most miserable. 4. Heaven and Glory must be an excellent thing, a very happy, satisfying, comfortable condition; a brave life, 1. Excellent company, God and the Lamb, the congregation of the first-born. 2. An excellent place, before the Throne, beholding His Glory and sharing of it; and if a place in Heaven be more Glorious, this is it. 3. Though many Angels and Saints be with them, yet they are mainly taken up with beholding God, shining in the Lamb. 4. Their adorning and ornament, they are alwayes walking in white; pure, clean, and constantly victorious; their vile bodies made conform to the glorious body of Christ. 5. They have palms in their hands, triumphing and rejoycing. 6. Their work and task, is, alwayes to be singing; the song of free Grace maketh Heaven ring, and they weary not in it, but are alwayes praising God, as there is alwayes ground; by praising, enjoying; and by enjoying, praising Him: If ye would have a happy life, is there any life like this? Better stand here and look on, than sit on the Thrones of the World. Look if ye have the faith of enjoying it. Is there not a possibility of it? Or, think ye all this is spoken for nought? No, believe it, they are the true and faithfull sayings of God; Iohn's testimony, is, that he saw it in the spirit, and it is left on record to the Church for confirmation of her Faith; and, if there be not a happinesse beyond it, nor comparable to it, choose it; it were begun happinesse to be brought this length. There are many of you who hear me that will misse this brave life; if God help you not to stand before Him here, and here to begin your song, you will not stand nor sing before Him hereafter; and a wofull misse will it be. 5. Folks in Heaven are not silent; as many as are there, are praising; dumb Christians are not Heaven-like, They that dwell in thy house will be still praising thee, and it is a part of their blessednesse so to be exercised, Psal. 84. as the Saints enjoy God, so they praise Him; they speak to His praise, and honour Him in their conversation; they have good matter of a song, and good will to sing; and it is an ill token when folks presume to come to Heaven, and yet have no good will to honour God here. 6. As this company representeth the Church Militant, Obs. That the enlargement of the Church and its thriving, even in externall profession, is a beautifull sight. To see a Church, 1. in Doctrine, pure. 2. In the number of professours, many. And, 3. publick in their liberty and boldnesse. And, 4. In their Authority, weighty; It is like the company of two Armies, and that with Banners, to see many professours and a suitablenesse in their practice, pure Doctrine, and pure Ordinances, powerfull and fruitfull: though folks call them forms, there is much of Gods beauty that shineth in them; and if it be a beautifull sight to see a Church thriving in purity of Doctrine and Ordinances, and Discipline in order and decency, it should be as sad a sight to see the carved work pulled down, Antichristian darknesse, or that which is no better, coming in, and confusion in stead of order; as the one should refresh us, the other should weight us. 7. A flourishing condition of the Church for number and liberty in profession, often go together, as we may see by comparing this estate under the vials with the former. The one is the ordinary mean of engageing men to the other, and the marring of the one cannot but mar the other. 8. From the matter of the song, It telleth us what is to be gotten in God and Christ, even compleet Salvation of all sorts, and from all fears and dangers. Needeth any Believer then to fear, seing God and the Lamb have Salvation? Salvation belongeth not to Armies of men, to men of high place and power, nor to men of riches, wit and policy, but to God, it is His peculiar property and prerogative; and what lesse then have Gods people at one time nor at another, since He hath Salvation at command? and He can give it Commission when He will, and when He commissionateth it, it will come, Psal. 68.20. Our God, is the God of salvation: Salvation holdeth of Him, and to whom but to Him belongeth the issues from death? Let none then ascribe it to any other, nor seek it elsewhere, nor let any be discouraged, when they desire it, it is in a good hand, Isa. 43.11. He will not give His Glory to another; He bestoweth it, and the Lamb purchaseth it. 2. Let it comfort Gods People in an anxious time. The Faith of Gods having Salvation in His hand, may guard the heart and keep from much perplexing anxiety that folks are put to under difficulties, Psal. 3.8. Salvation belongeth to the Lord, thy blessing is upon thy people. 9. Salvation to our God and to the Lamb: They ascribe it to Him, that hold it of Him, Obs. That nothing is more Heaven-like, than a humble holding of Salvation of God, and ascribing to Him the glory of it. This is Heavens Song. Heaven is full of it, to denude our selves, and hold all of free Grace, to ascribe Salvation freely to God and to the Lamb. And as this becometh Glory well, so it glorifieth God, while folks are labouring under a body of death, to say, it is not to them, but to Him, that the glory of their Salvation belongeth; to wash their hands of any good given them, or that they may expect; to acknowledge His freedom in that which they are to get, as well as His riches in that which they have gotten, This is the likest life to Heaven, to be still praising free Grace. 10. Heaven, and the song that will be in Heaven, may comfort Gods people, even in time, under these difficulties they meet with here; the hope of what is coming, may alley and only can alley the bitternesse of what is present.