13 Then one of the elders answered , saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes , who are they, and where have they come from?" 14 I said to him, "My lord , you know ." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation , and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb . 15 "For this reason , they are before the throne of God ; and they serve Him day and night in His temple ; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 " They will hunger no longer , nor thirst anymore ; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat ; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd , and will guide them to springs of the water of life ; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 7:13-17
Commentary on Revelation 7:13-17
(Read Revelation 7:13-17)
Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it isa praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour is their element; his presence and favour complete their happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace; and to him let them offer all praise and glory.