What is the meaning of Revelation 7:14? “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” John defers to the elder, admitting that heavenly insight belongs to the one sent to reveal truth. - This humility mirrors Ezekiel’s response to the Lord in Ezekiel 37:3: “Sovereign LORD, You alone know.” - Zechariah responds the same way when confused by a vision (Zechariah 4:5). The pattern reminds us that trustworthy understanding of the future comes from God’s revelation, not human speculation. “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation” The elder identifies the multitude as believers who endure the climactic period of distress foretold in Scripture. - Daniel 12:1 speaks of “a time of distress such as has never occurred,” echoed by Jesus in Matthew 24:21. - Revelation 6 describes the unfolding seal judgments that unleash this unparalleled trouble. - The phrase “have come out” shows completion and victory: they do not remain under wrath but emerge safely into God’s presence. “They have washed their robes” Robes signify one’s standing before God. These saints actively appropriate salvation by turning to Christ. - Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life.” - Isaiah 1:18 assures, “Though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” - Ephesians 5:26 notes that Christ cleanses His people “by the washing with water through the word.” The cleansing here is spiritual, not ceremonial; it comes through personal faith. “And made them white in the blood of the Lamb” Purity is achieved only through Christ’s sacrificial death. - 1 John 1:7 states, “The blood of Jesus His Son purifies us from all sin.” - Hebrews 9:14 declares that His blood “cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God.” - 1 Peter 1:19 calls it “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” Whiteness symbolizes complete forgiveness and righteousness credited to believers. Even in the horrors of the tribulation, the gospel remains the sole means of salvation. summary Revelation 7:14 reveals a victorious multitude who endure the coming tribulation and stand pure before God. Their triumph is grounded not in their suffering but in the cleansing power of Christ’s blood, personally applied by faith. God’s revelation assures that, whatever trials arise, those who trust the Lamb are eternally secure, clothed in righteousness, and welcomed into His presence. |
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