“And he (the angel) said to me (John), ‘Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy’” (Revelation 11:11).
Jesus said in response, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12).
“Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.”
“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”
“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them” (Revelation 14:9-13).
Observations
We carry our temporal character into eternity, whether good or bad. Our character is not “transformed” at the entering into heaven, but confirmed. The Law of the Harvest is faithful to the eternal; “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).
Following the third angle’s rendering of what will happen to those who worship the beast and his image, the perseverance and faith of the saints is again sited, as previously in Revelation chapter 13. An encouraging voice from heaven calls those saints who will die “blessed” and follows with the promise of rest and reward.
Interpretation
Even in the last days, especially in the last days, for the Christian, “to die is gain.” The deeds of of the saints “follow with them” in the last days just as do the deeds of a believer who dies these days. Perseverance is the mark of the saints of today, just as it will be for the saints in the last days.
Cross-reference
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better (Philippians 1:21-23).
Application
As I “persevere” in this life with heaven in mind, I am to engage in “fruitful labor for me” that I may pass the time profitably, knowing that, when Christians “rest from their labors,” “their deeds follow with them.”
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