After documenting the faith of integrity keepers of ancient times. The apostle Paul said: "And yet all these, although they had witnesses borne to their faith, did not get the fulfillment of the promise, as Gid foresaw something better for us in order that they might not be made perfect apart from us" (Hebrews 11:39, 40) What is that something better" that Paul and other anointed Christians anticipate? John sees here in a vision: "And a white robe was given each of them; and they were told to rest a little longer, until the number was filled also of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were about to be killed as they had also been." (Revelation 6:11) Their receiving "a white robe" has to do with their resurrection to be immortal spirit creatures. No longer do they lie as slaughtered souls underneath the altar, but they are raised to be part of the group of 24 elders that worshp before the heavenly throne of God. There, there themselves have been given thrones, showing that they have entered into royal priveleges. And they are "dressed in white outer garments," signifying that they have been adjudged righteous, worthy of an honored place before Jehovah in that heavenly court. This is also in fulfillment of Jesus' promise to faithful anointed Christians in the congregation in Sardis in Sardis: "He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments."- REVELATION 3:5; 4:4.
All the evidence indicates that the heavenly resurrection began in 1918, After Jesus' enthronement in 1914 and his riding forth to start his kingly conquest by cleansing the heavend os Satan and his demons. Yet, those resurrected anointed ones are told that they must "rest a little longe, until the number . . also of their fellow slaves" is filled. Those of the John class still on earth must prove their integrity under trial and persecution, and some of these my yet be killed. Finally, though, all the righteous blood shed by Babylon the Great and her political paramours will be avenged. In the meantime, resurrected ones are doubtless busy with heavenly duties. They rest, not by relaxinf in blissful in activity, but in that they patiently await the day of Jehovah's vengeance. (Isaiah 34:8; Romans 12:19) Their rest will end when they witness the destruction of false religion and, as "called and chosen and faithful" ones, they accompany the Lord Jesus Christ in executing judgment on all other parts of Satans wicked seed here on earth. - REVELATIONS 2:26, 27; `7:14; ROMANS 16:20,
Next time: Slaughtered Souls' Rewarded - "Those Who Are Dead Rise First
From the jw.org publications
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