God always cares for His children, and He dedicated a chapter in the Book of Revelation to describe the saints in the heavenly realm when the Great Tribulation takes place on earth. In Revelation 7:9-17, two groups of saints in the heavenly realm are described.

1.  The Saints of Today (Rev 7:9-12)

The saints of today in the heavenly realm (during the Great Tribulation on earth) will be from “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues” (Rev 7:9), from past, present and future up till the time of the first resurrection and the rapture. They have received salvation on earth and will have the glorified body. With “white robes” (Rev 7:9, symbolising holiness), they will stand before the throne and the Lamb of God. With “palms in their hands” (Rev 7:9, symbolising celebration, deliverance and joy), and filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, they will praise the Lord with one song: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (Rev 7:10). This will be our future.

There, in the heavenly realm, the angels will also praise the Lord, but differently from the saints. According to Revelation 7:12, they will worship God by focusing on the following seven aspects of praise:

(a) “Amen”: truly what a wonderful God He is, and a Saviour to the saints,

(b) “Blessing”: God is the only One whom we bless, and from Whom we receive blessings,

(c) “glory”: glorious like the Lord Jesus Christ,

(d) “wisdom”: application of knowledge and obedience of God’s Word,

(e) “thanksgiving”: sign of the deepest gratitude,

(f) “honour”: giving honour to God as He is the only One who deserves praise and adoration,

(g) “power, and might”: power to deliver the saints from the bondage and penalty of sin.

The angels’ praise will “be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Rev 7:12).

2.  The Saints of the Great Tribulation (Rev 7:13-17)

In Revelation 7:14, we see that the saints, who will believe, suffer and die during the Great Tribulation, will also be found in heaven with all the other saints. They will no longer experience the sufferings of earth.

John, given a glimpse of the heavenly realm, must have been much encouraged. Today, we must be sure of our salvation, and live and die for our Saviour. Otherwise, we will not be part of this “great multitude” (Rev 7:9) in heaven.