Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on: Yes, said the Spirit… If the threatenings of judgment upon the worshippers of the false are motives to patience and fidelity, how much more is the promise of a blessed reward! Between these two the tried and persecuted Christian disciple is hedged in. This blessedness is (1) assured by the heavenly proclamation: "a voice from heaven." It is (2) confirmed by the Spirit's testimony: "Yea, saith the Spirit." It is (3) promised to them who are spiritual: "in the Lord." It is (4) the reward of fidelity maintained to the end of life: they "die in the Lord." The reward is (1) a state of felicity: "blessed" are they. (2) It consists in a state of repose after toil, danger, and exposure: "They rest from their labours." (3) It is exhibited as the consequence of and acknowledgment of their diligent, obedient labour: "Their works follow with them." Here is the encouragement to (1) self denial; (2) patient labour; (3) undying devotion. - R.G. Parallel Verses KJV: And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. |
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