In the description of the sealing given, twelve thousand were selected from each of the twelve tribes.  Some have supposed this to have reference solely to salvation work among the Jewish nation; but that would be adopting the literal mode of interpretation, thus destroying its symbolic character.  The twelve tribes are chosen from the proper department to represent the church or “Israel of God” in this dispensation, irrespective of nationality.  The twelve gates in the wall of the heavenly city are named after the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (chap. 21:12), showing that it is only through “Israel” that any one can enter the New Jerusalem.  Since the gospel is given to all nations, this can not signify literal Israel.  “The children of the promise are counted for the seed.”  Rom. 9:8.  “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”  Gal. 3:29.  Since the vision is symbolical, we are to consider the numbers given as symbolical also, the definite number of twelve thousand from each of the tribes showing that the church of God was complete and perfect, no part being omitted.

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.

    11.  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about
    the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on
    their faces, and worshipped God,

    12.  Saying, Amen:  Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and
    thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God
    for ever and ever.  Amen.

    13.  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are
    these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14.  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.  And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

    15.  Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him
    day and night in his temple:  and he that sitteth on the throne
    shall dwell among them.

    16.  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither
    shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

    17.  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed
    them, and shall lead them unto living mountains of waters:  and
    God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.