Revelation 14:12-16

The blessedness of those that die in the Lord Revelation 14:12-16: The fourth headline statement has to do with those that have kept the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. This statement says, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” “Blessed are those who meet death in spiritual union with Jesus Christ.” The faithful are blessed, they rest and their works follow them.

To be “in Christ,” is to be in spiritual union with Him. The Bible teaches that we are baptized into Christ. (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27) No one can die in the Lord who has not been baptized “into Christ.” To be in Christ is to be in His spiritual body, the church. Therefore it is false to believe that one could go to heaven without being a faithful member of the church. We must remember that the same obedience that puts us in Christ put us in His spiritual body. No one can die in the Lord without first being in the Lord.

This text provides a wonderful picture of God's judgment on the righteousness. It is like gathering ripe grain into the barn. “Going home” for the Christian is a very peaceful time. There is “a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man.” It is like gathering the ripe grain into the barn. It is a time of joy and victory.