William Nicholson, 1862
 

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Revelation 7:9-10
 

I. The MAGNITUDE of this Magnificent Assembly.

1. The saints are apparently few on earth. There are, however, frequently mistakes on this matter. See Elijah's complaint, 1 Kings 19:10, 18. Selfishness causes this mistake. Many think that salvation is confined to their own sect.

2. They shall be numerous when collected together; "a great multitude." The Gospel shall yet spread and mightily increase the number. "All shall know me," etc. Blessed thought! every dying saint will swell that multitude. Benevolence delights in the multitude of the saved.
 

II. The Component Parts of this Assembly. "From every nation, tribe, people and language."

1. From all nations. A national convention, "a holy nation."

2. From all tribes. We shall know each other there.

3. From all people. Every national distinction will then be annihilated.

4. From all tongues. Yet they will be one tongue in Heaven.

III. The Station They Occupy. "Standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." This is expressive of their . . .
dependence for salvation,
honor,
nearness to God,
happiness and joy.

IV. Their Appearance.

"They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands!" Revelation 7:9

1. White robes are emblems . . .
of purity,
of dignity.

2. Palm branches in their hand. These are emblems of victory and glory.
 

V. Their Employment. "They cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

1. Their theme — salvation.

2. Their holy energy and vehemence, "They cried."

3. Their harmony. They all cried out. All had been saved, and all gave praise.