Blessed are the Dead who Die in the Lord

Revelation 14:13

Revelation 14:13 NKJV

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

God’s Judgments Against the Wicked are a Comfort for the Righteous.

The context of Revelation: Intense persecution of the saints.

Smyrna and Pergamos: Revelation 2:9-10, 13

Souls slain for the word of God under the altar: Rev 6:9-11

Victory against the devil in suffering for the word of their testimony: Rev 12:11

The beast given power to make war with the saints, and overcome them: Rev 13:7

The whore of Babylon drunk on the blood of the saints: Rev 17:6

The souls of those beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast, nor his image, nor received his mark, who lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years: Rev 20:4

These sufferings are real and involved, but the resultant victory in the book is made that much more satisfying.

Rev 14:1-13 - Notice the lead up to this. It is a proclamation of victory against sinful Babylon. Regardless of whether you believe Babylon in this passage to be Rome or Jerusalem, the moment should impress upon us the need to rejoice in the achievements of Jesus, and even in the failures and destruction of the wicked.

As people say, “if earth was without suffering, we wouldn’t need heaven.”

C.S. Lewis (“The Problem of Pain”) “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

The suffering of the saints in Revelation makes the victories of God brighter, more relieving, and more encouraging. If He saved them, surely He can save us!

By extension, the suffering of saints in the 1st century applies to all saints facing adversity and trials.

This is actually a wonderful blessing that we get to share in the kingdom. We can suffer the way they suffered, and experience the same victories they enjoyed.

However, the reality of the struggle is undeniable, often leading to discouragement. Factors influencing our perception include:

The apparent success of the wicked.

The perceived unfairness of our circumstances.

The insensitivity or feigned concern of onlookers.

Our personal struggles to cope.

Uncertainty about outcomes.

These trials have a purpose.

James 1:2-5 describes how trials work patience and wisdom, aiding in our spiritual completion.

The end result: James 1:12 assures us of the crown of life for those who endure temptation.

The message of Revelation imparts patience and faith, depicting through vivid imagery the eternal conflict between good and evil.

Despite the temporary triumphs of evil, the ultimate victory is clear—saints will triumph. Toward the book’s end, the end result of the righteous and the wicked are explicitly outlined, providing hope for those who follow God’s commandments.

Scripture Prepares Us for Death.

The Parable of the Tares holds a valuable lesson!

In Matthew 13:36-41, it illustrates that both good and evil coexist until the end times when all nations will be judged, and the righteous separated from the wicked.

This separation begins in life through the choices one makes, culminating at death.

Death is universal, marking a profound transition for all.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 suggests that the day of death is better than the day of birth, urging reflection on mortality.

Hebrews 9:27-28 affirms that death is followed by judgment, with Christ’s sacrifice providing salvation for those who await Him.

Death is more of a transformation than an end.

1 Corinthians 15:48-53 - we are changed from earthly to heavenly, from corruption to incorruption.

Even as our physical selves decay, our inner selves are renewed, as noted in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, focusing our gaze on eternal rather than temporal things.

Death clarifies the distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

In life, both the righteous and the wicked follow their own paths. At death, the distinction becomes stark:

For the wicked:

Probation is past – 2 Cor 5:10

The things done in the body will be received at the end.

Preparation is past – Mt 25:1-14

Like the foolish virgins who did not buy enough oil, we will be without excuse when we face God.

Pleasure is past– Eccl 9:6

All they have done is ended, only the result of their wickedness is left - separation from God.

Torment is beginning – Lk 16:24

If a finger dipped in water is all you are thinking about, then you are in serious trouble.

In contrast, BLESSED are the righteous dead.

Psalm 116:15 NKJV

Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.

BLESSED are the dead who die in the Lord...

Blessed implies happiness or favor, a state of joy as highlighted in numerous scriptures like Psalm 1:1, 32:1-2, Matthew 5:3, Luke 1:42, Romans 4:6, 8:17 and 1 Peter 3:8-11.

Another facet of this concept is the idea of being “spoken well of”. What does it mean when God speaks well of us? Gen 6:9

Genesis 6:9 NKJV

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Being “blessed” means that I am right with God. I am righteous. I am accepted in the beloved and a saint in His Kingdom.

Blessed are the dead who die IN THE LORD...

In the Lord signifies a union with Christ, essential for true joy and fulfillment, as seen in John 15:4-7, Romans 16:13,22, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 7:39, Philippians 1:14, and Colossians 4:7.

This union in Christ brings redemption, no condemnation, liberty, spiritual blessings, a new creation, unity, sanctification, and comfort, as detailed in various epistles.

Indeed, being “in the Lord” makes all the difference.

Justified freely by His grace through Redemption – Rom 3:24

No condemnation in Christ Jesus – Rom 8:1

Blessed with all spiritual blessings – Eph 1:3

We are a new creation – 2 Cor 5:17

One body in Christ – Rom 12:5

Sanctified – 1 Cor 1:2

Sit together in heavenly places – Eph 2:6

Blessed are the DEAD who die in the Lord...

“The dead” suggests an immediate transition to consciousness, dismissing erroneous notions of unconsciousness or purgatory.

If these are BLESSED (happy), how can they be so in such conditions?

The blessedness begins at death, transforming from earthly toil to heavenly rest, supported by Luke 23:39-43, Luke 16:19-23, and Philippians 1:21-24. 2 Thess 1:6

That they may REST from their labors...

This “rest” is promised to the faithful, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 4:8-11, which speaks of a rest that follows our earthly labors.

TIME OF THE REST – John 9:4

REST FROM:The good works he has been doing – Eph 2:10; Titus 2:7,13-14, 3:1

Our life’s work, though often unseen, has eternal significance, following us into the afterlife, impacting others, contributing to divine rewards, and shaping our character for eternity, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Their works FOLLOW them.

These works are carried on in lives of others.

They provide the qualification for the rewards.

They have shaped their character.

As ministers to their joy:

At being able to work for Him

Of knowing their fruit

The Blessing of Death

Death is NOT the end of life!

Those “in the Lord” have less to dread about death.

In the Scriptures, God gives us strength to endure patiently to the end.

Understanding death changes our views on the dead, gives hope for our future.

Death reminds us of the total care of our eternal, loving God.