Chapter Seventeen/'Slaughtered Souls' Rewarded - A White Robe

 After documenting the faith of integrity keepers of ancient times, the apostle Paul said: "And yet all these, although they had witness borne to them through their faith, did not get the fulfillment of the promise, as God 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? "And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told to rest a little while 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 worship before the heavenly throne of God. There, themselves have been given thrones, showing that they have entered into royal privileges. 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 congregations in Sardis: "He that conquers will thus be arrayed in white outer garments." - REVELATION 3:5; 4:4; 1 PETER 1:4.

Next time: Chapter Seventeen/'Slaughtered Souls' Rewarded - A White Robe - Conclusion

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