Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, "Blessed are the dead--those who die in the Lord from this moment on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them."
And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write
This phrase indicates divine revelation, a common theme in apocalyptic literature. The voice from heaven signifies authority and truth, often associated with God's direct communication. The command to "write" underscores the importance of preserving this message for future generations, similar to other instances in Scripture where prophets are instructed to document divine revelations (e.g., Jeremiah 30:2).

“Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.”
The term "blessed" reflects a state of divine favor and happiness, often used in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). "The dead—those who die in the Lord" refers to believers who have remained faithful to Christ until death. The phrase "from this moment on" suggests a specific time of increased persecution or tribulation, possibly linked to the events described in Revelation. This blessing assures believers of their eternal reward and contrasts with the fate of those who reject God.

“Yes,” says the Spirit
The affirmation by the Spirit emphasizes the certainty and truth of the blessing. The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity, is often depicted as a comforter and guide for believers (John 14:26). This agreement by the Spirit highlights the divine endorsement of the message and the assurance of rest for the faithful.

“they will rest from their labors
The promise of rest is a recurring biblical theme, symbolizing peace and relief from earthly struggles. This rest is reminiscent of the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10) and the ultimate rest in God's presence. The "labors" refer to the trials and efforts of living a faithful Christian life, often marked by persecution and hardship, as seen in the early church's experiences.

for their deeds will follow them.”
This phrase indicates that the actions and faithfulness of believers have eternal significance. It echoes the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-9, where good deeds done in faith are rewarded by God. The idea that deeds "follow" suggests that they have lasting impact and are remembered by God, aligning with the concept of rewards in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives visions and messages from God while exiled on the island of Patmos.

2. Voice from Heaven
A divine voice, possibly an angel or God Himself, instructing John to write down the message of blessing for those who die in the Lord.

3. The Spirit
The Holy Spirit, who affirms the blessing and provides assurance of rest and reward for the faithful.

4. The Dead in the Lord
Believers who have died in faith, specifically from the time of this proclamation onward, who are promised rest and reward.

5. Heaven
The place from which the voice speaks, representing the divine realm and authority.
Teaching Points
Blessed Assurance
The passage assures believers of the blessed state of those who die in the Lord, emphasizing the hope and peace found in Christ even in death.

Rest from Labor
The promise of rest highlights the relief from earthly struggles and toil, encouraging believers to persevere in their faith and work.

Eternal Rewards
The mention of deeds following believers underscores the importance of living a life of faith and good works, knowing that they have eternal significance.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit's affirmation in this verse reminds us of the Spirit's role in comforting and guiding believers, especially in times of trial and uncertainty.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
This verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promises of God and the ultimate rest and reward in heaven.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of blessing for those who die in the Lord impact your perspective on life and death?

2. In what ways can the assurance of rest from labor motivate you to persevere in your current struggles?

3. How do the deeds that follow believers relate to the concept of storing up treasures in heaven, as mentioned in other scriptures?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life as a source of comfort and assurance, especially in difficult times?

5. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, focusing on the promises of God and the hope of heaven?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
This passage offers comfort regarding those who have died in Christ, emphasizing the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Hebrews 4:9-11
Discusses the concept of rest for God's people, paralleling the rest promised in Revelation 14:13.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, which connects to the promise of rest for the faithful in Revelation.

2 Corinthians 5:10
Speaks of the judgment seat of Christ, where deeds are evaluated, aligning with the idea that deeds follow believers.
Heaven's Description of the Satiated DeadD. Thomas Revelation 14:13
The Approval of the SpiritJ. Wilbur ChapmanRevelation 14:13
The Blessed DeadS. Conway Revelation 14:13
The Blessedness of the Departed FaithfulR. Green Revelation 14:13
A Song of FreedomJ. M. Hoppin.Revelation 14:1-13
Absolute Obedience to the Guidance of ChristBp. Woodford.Revelation 14:1-13
Angelic IncompetencyT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 14:1-13
Devotion to ChristR. Forgan, B. D.Revelation 14:1-13
Man Training for HeavenHomilistRevelation 14:1-13
Music in HeavenG. Kingsley.Revelation 14:1-13
Musical Art in its Relation to Divine WorshipJ. W. Shackelford, D. D.Revelation 14:1-13
The 144,000J. A. Seiss, D. D.Revelation 14:1-13
The Church God's FirstfruitsW. Milligan, D. D.Revelation 14:1-13
The Communion of SaintsArchdeacon Manning.Revelation 14:1-13
The Followers of JesusT. Kidd.Revelation 14:1-13
The Followers of the LambC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 14:1-13
The Followers of the LambW. Dyer.Revelation 14:1-13
The Greater SalvationS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 14:1-13
The Music of HeavenS. D. Hillman.Revelation 14:1-13
The Name on the ForeheadPreacher's Portfolio.Revelation 14:1-13
The New SongJames Kidd, B.A.Revelation 14:1-13
The New SongT. G. Selby.Revelation 14:1-13
The New Song in the SoulFred. Brooks.Revelation 14:1-13
The Song of the RedeemedR. Watson.Revelation 14:1-13
The Sublimest Human DistinctionHomilistRevelation 14:1-13
The Unlearned Song of the RedeemedC. A. Bartol.Revelation 14:1-13
TruthfulnessRevelation 14:1-13
UndefiledW. Milligan, D. D.Revelation 14:1-13
A Glance into the World to ComeH. Monod.Revelation 14:12-13
A Letter from HeavenD. Roberts, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
A Voice from HeavenC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 14:12-13
Blessedness in DeathJohn Lyth.Revelation 14:12-13
Death in the LordA. T. Pierson, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
Heaven's Description of the Sainted DeadHomilistRevelation 14:12-13
No Monday in HeavenRevelation 14:12-13
Patient Waiting Upon GodJ. A. Alexander, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
Rest in HeavenPresbyterianRevelation 14:12-13
The Blessed DeadJ. B. Brown, B. A.Revelation 14:12-13
The Blessedness of Dying in the LordT. Gibbons, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
The Blessedness of Dying in the LordThomas Allin.Revelation 14:12-13
The Blessedness of the Dead in ChristJohn Cairns, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
The Blessedness of Them that Die in ChristD. Wilcox.Revelation 14:12-13
The Christian's DeathT. Guthrie, D. D.Revelation 14:12-13
The Faith of JesusCanon Gough.Revelation 14:12-13
The Triumphs of PatienceW. Jay.Revelation 14:12-13
The Two VoicesW. A. Gray.Revelation 14:12-13
People
John
Places
Babylon, Mount Zion, Patmos
Topics
Blessed, Blessing, Dead, Deeds, Die, Dying, Ears, Follow, Follows, Goes, Happy, Heaven, Henceforth, Indeed, Labor, Labors, Labours, Onward, Rest, Saying, Says, Sorrowful, Speaking, Spirit, Troubles, Verily, Voice, Works, Writing, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 14:13

     5057   rest, physical
     5059   rest, eternal
     5386   leisure, nature of
     5535   sleep, and death
     5636   work, and rest
     6705   peace, experience
     7429   Sabbath, in OT
     9022   death, believers
     9105   last things
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed

Revelation 14:9-13

     4113   angels, agents of judgment

Library
The Approval of the Spirit
TEXT: "Yea, saith the Spirit."--Rev. 14:31. The world has had many notable galleries of art in which we have been enabled to study the beautiful landscape, to consider deeds of heroism which have made the past illustrious, in which we have also read the stories of saintly lives; but surpassing all these is the gallery of art in which we find the text. Humanly speaking John is the artist while he is an exile on the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. The words he uses and the figures he presents
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
"When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" That the coming of the Son of man, is here intended of Christ's coming at the commencement of the latter day glory, hath been alleged in the preceding discourse, and several considerations adduced in proof. Additional evidence will arise from a view of the prophecies relative to the great declensions which were to take place in the church, during the gospel day. These, we observed, are of two kinds, one, a corruption of religion,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Heavenly Worship
"Up to her courts, with joys unknown, The sacred tribes repaired." Between the wings of the cherubim Jehovah dwelt; on the one altar there all the sacrifices were offered to high heaven. They loved Mount Sion, and often did they sing, when they drew nigh to her, in their annual pilgrimages, "How amiable are thy tabernacles O Lord God of hosts, my King and my God!" Sion is now desolate; she hath been ravished by the enemy; she hath been utterly destroyed; her vail hath been rent asunder, and the virgin
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

20TH DAY. Bliss in Dying.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."--REV. xiv. 13. Bliss in Dying. My Soul! is this blessedness thine in prospect? Art thou ready, if called this night to lie down on thy death-pillow, sweetly to fall asleep in Jesus? What is the sting of death? It is sin. Is death, then, to thee, robbed of its sting, by having listened to the gracious accents of pardoning love, "Be of good cheer, thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee?" If thou hast made up thy
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Wherefore Also the virgins of God Without Blame Indeed...
49. Wherefore also the virgins of God without blame indeed, "follow the Lamb whithersoever He shall have gone," both the cleansing of sins being perfected, and virginity being kept, which, were it lost, could not return: but, because that same Apocalypse itself, wherein such unto one such were revealed, in this also praises them, that "in their mouth there was not found a lie:" [2205] let them remember in this also to be true, that they dare not say that they have not sin. Forsooth the same John,
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Let the Inner Ear of the virgin Also...
24. Let the inner ear of the virgin also, thy holy child, hear these things. I shall see [2284] how far she goes before you in the Kingdom of That King: it is another question. Yet ye have found, mother and daughter, Him, Whom by beauty of chastity ye ought to please together, having despised, she all, you second, marriage. Certainly if there were husbands whom ye had to please, by this time, perhaps, you would feel ashamed to adorn yourself together with your daughter; now let it not shame you,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Letter Xlix to Romanus, Sub-Deacon of the Roman Curia.
To Romanus, Sub-Deacon of the Roman Curia. He urges upon him the proposal of the religious life, recalling the thought of death. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to his dear Romanus, as to his friend. MY DEAREST FRIEND, How good you are to me in renewing by a letter the sweet recollection of yourself and in excusing my tiresome delay. It is not possible that any forgetfulness of your affection could ever invade the hearts of those who love you; but, I confess, I thought you had almost forgotten yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Whether virginity is the Greatest of virtues?
Objection 1: It would seem that virginity is the greatest of virtues. For Cyprian says (De Virgin. [*De Habitu Virg.]): "We address ourselves now to the virgins. Sublime is their glory, but no less exalted is their vocation. They are a flower of the Church's sowing, the pride and ornament of spiritual grace, the most honored portion of Christ's flock." Objection 2: Further, a greater reward is due to the greater virtue. Now the greatest reward is due to virginity, namely the hundredfold fruit, according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Glory of the virgins and Religious.
Here are two other bright throngs that present themselves. They are the holy Virgins and the Religious. Let us first contemplate the bright glory of the virgins. I quote again from the Apocalypse: "And I heard a great voice from heaven. . . . And the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers, harping upon their harps. And they sang as it were a new canticle before the throne. . . . And no man could say that canticle but those hundred and forty-four thousand. These are they who were not defiled
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ripe for Gathering
'Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. 2. And He said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon My people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more. 3. And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. 4. Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Which Sentence Dishonoreth the Holy Martyrs, Nay Rather Taketh Away Holy Martyrdoms Altogether. ...
3. Which sentence dishonoreth the holy Martyrs, nay rather taketh away holy martyrdoms altogether. For they would do more justly and wisely, according to these men, not to confess to their persecutors that they were Christians, and by confessing make them murderers: but rather by telling a lie, and denying what they were, should both themselves keep safe the convenience of the flesh and purpose of the heart, and not allow those to accomplish the wickedness which they had conceived in their mind.
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Letter Lii to Another Holy virgin.
To Another Holy Virgin. Under a religious habit she had continued to have a spirit given up to the world, and Bernard praises her for coming to a sense of her duty; he exhorts her not to neglect the grace given to her. 1. It is the source of great joy to me to hear that you are willing to strive after that true and perfect joy, which belongs not to earth but to heaven; that is, not to this, vale of tears, but to that city of God which the rivers of the flood thereof make glad (Ps. xlvi. 4). And in
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appendix the Daughters of Jerusalem
The question is frequently asked, Who are represented by the daughters of Jerusalem? They are clearly not the bride, yet they are not far removed from her. They know where the Bridegroom makes His flock to rest at noon; they are charged by the Bridegroom not to stir up nor awaken His love when she rests, abiding in Him; they draw attention to the Bridegroom as with dignity and pomp He comes up from the wilderness; their love-gifts adorn His chariot of state; they are appealed to by the bride for
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

Vanity of Human Glory.
"The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."--1 John iii. 1 Of St. Simon and St. Jude, the Saints whom we this day commemorate, little is known[1]. St. Jude, indeed, still lives in the Church in his Catholic epistle; but of his history we only know that he was brother to St. James the Less, and nearly related to our Lord and that, like St. Peter, he had been a married man. Besides his name of Jude or Judas, he is also called Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus in the Gospels. Of St. Simon we only
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

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