What does Revelation 7:10 mean?

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Revelation 7:10

Explanation

Revelation 7:10 is a verse located in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, more specifically in the apocalyptic book of Revelation or The Apocalypse of John. This book is largely made up of visions and symbolic language and is the final book in the Christian Biblical canon. The verse states, “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” This phrase is part of a larger scene describing a multitude of people from every nation standing before the throne of God and the Lamb (which is a title for Jesus Christ), praising and worshipping. The literal meaning is a proclamation of salvation belonging to God and the Lamb. The deeper meaning suggests a recognition of divine deliverance or rescue achieved through God and Jesus Christ, as well as the acknowledgment of their sovereignty and authority in matters of salvation.

Historical Context

The book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos, traditionally believed to be the apostle John, one of Jesus’ original disciples. The text was likely composed toward the end of the 1st century AD, a time when Christians were facing persecution under the Roman Empire. Revelation contains imagery and language that may have been especially meaningful to people during this period. The book was a communication of hope and triumph to early Christians, encouraging them to remain faithful in the face of oppression. The throne imagery signifies ultimate authority, a contrast to the transient and often tyrannical power of earthly rulers like the Roman emperors.

Theological Insights

From various theological perspectives, this verse encapsulates key themes of Christian eschatology, such as divine judgment, the vindication of the faithful, and the worship due to God and Christ:

• From a Trinitarian perspective, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is acknowledged alongside God, signifying the unity of Father and Son within the Godhead with respect to the work of salvation.
• Dispensationalism views Revelation as a prophecy regarding future events, including the rapture, tribulation, and the second coming of Christ. Thus, this verse might be seen as depicting a future scene in heaven.
• Amillennialists might interpret this scene symbolically, as representing the present reign of the saints with Christ in heaven.

Practical Applications

The verse, Revelation 7:10, can inspire various practical applications in daily life:

• Worship and Praise: It encourages believers to worship God and acknowledge the role of Christ as central to their faith and salvation.
• Unity and Equality: The multitude represents people from all nations and backgrounds, suggesting that salvation and worship of God are inclusive and not limited to a specific group.
• Hope and Assurance: The verse can provide comfort and assurance of God’s sovereignty and control over all circumstances.

Cross-References

Key verses that resonate with the themes in Revelation 7:10 include:

• Revelation 5:9-10 – “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;“
• Revelation 5:12-13 – “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.“
• Revelation 22:1-3 – “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:“

Language Study

• “Salvation” (σωτηρία, soteria): In the original Greek, this word signifies deliverance or preservation. In the Christian context, it typically refers to spiritual salvation provided by God.
• “Sitteth upon the throne” (καθήμενος ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου, kathemenos epi tou thronou): This phrase conveys the authority and ruling position of God. The throne symbolizes the ultimate power and governance.
• “Lamb” (ἀρνίον, arnion): A title used for Jesus Christ in Revelation, indicating His role as the sacrificial Lamb of God, alluding to the Jewish Passover sacrifice and signifying His atoning death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The lamb as a symbol of sacrifice can be found in several religious and cultural traditions. In ancient Judaism, the lamb was used as a sin offering as part of the Temple rituals. The “Paschal Lamb” in Judaism is a significant symbol of God’s deliverance in the Exodus story, which has parallels in the Christian narrative of Jesus as the Lamb who delivers from sin. The imagery in Revelation, therefore, is deeply rooted in earlier religious concepts but is reinterpreted in the Christian context to refer to Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts as it is primarily theological and symbolic in nature. However, modern cosmology’s understanding of the universe challenges literal interpretations of ancient cosmological structures like the firmament and the heavenly throne above the sky. From a scientific perspective, these symbols are understood metaphorically, reflecting the ancient worldview rather than empirical reality.

Commentaries

• Early Church Fathers: They often saw Revelation as a prophetic work filled with deep mysteries. They might interpret this verse as a vision of the Church Triumphant worshiping God after prevailing over persecution.
• Reformation-Era Commentators: Martin Luther, for example, was critical of Revelation’s place in the canon, yet Reformation commentators often agreed on Christ’s centrality to salvation.
• Modern Commentaries: Contemporary scholars focus on the literary and symbolic aspects of Revelation, noting the genre of apocalyptic literature and its function in the original context. Commentators like Craig R. Koester in his “Revelation: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary” provide insights into how the visions in Revelation offered hope to early Christians and continue to inspire believers today.