Revelation 7:9,10 - Before me was a great multitude

7:9

We then see a great multitude from every tribe, people and tongue. Now this could be seen as additional to the 144 000, or as expanding on the vision of the 144 000. So the 144 000 is purely symbolic, with God then showing that this means there will be many, many people saved from all over the world. This line would seem to be consistent with the whole teaching of Scripture. They were all standing before the Lamb, and wearing white, and waving palm branches (reminiscent of Palm Sunday). So we see three things. First they are all praising the same God. Then they are all purified (by the blood of the lamb), and they worship Jesus. I believe physical Israel and Jerusalem are still important, but both Israel and us Gentiles are saved by the same gospel through faith in the same Lord Jesus Christ.

7:10

Everyone in the multitude cried out “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”. Now remember that this vision is given to John at a time of persecution, and is given to all of us for times of persecution. In those times it can look as though all is lost, as though the whole world is against (as it may well be). Whatever the situation, the end result is that multitudes of people will confess the Christ is Lord.