Divine Protection in the Book of Revelation

Convinced as I am that the church does not exit planet earth during that time of trial described (highly symbolically of course!) in the book of Revelation, I've been mercifully convicted and encouraged by the book's three interludes (7:1-17; 10:1-11:13; 12-14) that sketch the situation of the church in the midst of the time of trial. It is a mistake to argue that, because God's wrath is poured it out in judgment during this time, the church must take its leave. These interludes compellingly speak of God's sovereign care and protection over his people in the midst of the trial. In short, we don't face God's abandonment but rather receive his protection even if (and when) we face hostility from the unbelieving world.

In chapter 7 John writes that God "seals" us on our foreheads as a sign of divine ownership and protection. (Hence we are obliged to put off worrying about whether or not we Christians could somehow inadvertantly receive the "mark of the beast" on the forehead in chapter 13.) In chapter 11 we find the church (as the temple of God) measured off by God as another sign of his protection, though the rest of the chapter describes the real danger in proclaiming the gospel to a fallen world. In chapter 14 we envision the redeemed saints with the names of the Lamb and God the Father written on their foreheads and singing before the throne of God.

I confess that I've never really encountered deep suffering, much less deep suffering on account of being a Christian. But I hope that these passages will help equip all of us to remain faithful if that time should come.