Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.… I. WHAT IT IS TO DIE IN THE LORD, AND WHO MAY BE SAID TO DO SO. 1. What is supposed to be necessary to it, as to their state, whilst they live. And here it is plain, they that die in the Lord must first live in Him. That is, as to the principle of their life, they must be quickened and made alive by Him: As to the work of their life, they must walk after Him: As to the scope of their life, they must live to Him. 2. That this includes, as to their temper, when they come to die. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord"; that is, that die — (1) In submission to His will; He having the fullest right to dispose of them as He pleases. (2) In a dependence upon Him, for life and immortality after death, as what He hath purchased and promised, and will assuredly bring His people to. (3) Dying in the Lord includes a sincere desire to be with Him, as far better than to be here. II. THAT HENCEFORTH BELIEVERS ARE BLESSED INDEED. III. CONSIDER THEIR BLESSEDNESS. IV. FOR WHAT REASON IT IS SO SOLEMNLY PROCLAIMED BY A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, AND ORDERED TO BE RECORDED, THAT THE DEAD ARE BLESSED THAT DIE IN THE LORD. 1. To let it be known in this world how it fares with the friends of Jesus in another. 2. To assure believers that death is no bar to their happiness, but the sure, though awful way to it. 3. To leave it on record to the end of time, and assure those that live in every age, that here is not their rest. (D. Wilcox.) Parallel Verses KJV: Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.WEB: Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." |
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