Just as God will 'remember' and 'reward' the sins of Babylon, so He

will 'remember' and 'reward' the martyrs who withstood her evil doctrines and

pernicious practices even unto death.  Again notice both passages are limited

in their scope.  Their 'works' were a matter of great concern, as we can see

by reading Revelation 2 and 3, where the words, 'I know thy works' come seven

times, or once for each church addressed.  These 'works' come up for

attention at the Great White Throne, (when 'the rest' of the dead who make up

the one company of which the overcomers of Revelation 20:4 who live and reign

for a thousand years are a part), whereas 'the rest' await the decision of

the Great White Throne.  The words, 'that they may rest from their labours'

(Rev. 14:13) link these overcomers with those spoken of in chapter 6:

'And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said

unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their

fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they

were, should be fulfilled' (Rev. 6:11).

Thus does this 'blessing' enforce the key position of

the overcomers upon our attention.  Balancing Revelation 14:13 is Revelation

20:6.  In connection with those who die in the Lord, we have those who take

part in the 'first resurrection'.  These are seen not only living but

reigning, and specific reference is made to the Beast and his image.  In the

first reference, we learn that their works do follow them, i.e. for reward,

in the second we see that award being enjoyed.

The pair of blessings (Rev. 16:15; 22:14) again focus our attention on

the martyrs of this antichristian period, the white robes and white garments

being expressly used in connection with such overcomers (see the article

White on page 90).  Right to the tree of life and entrance into the city is

theirs, as distinct from the healing property of the leaves of the tree which

is for 'the nations'.  Further, a distinction is made between those who enter

into the city and those of the nations that walk in the light of it (Rev.

21:24 -27 and 22:14,15).

The focal point, the central blessing, is that which rests upon those

who are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).  It is

important to remember that those thus 'called' cannot be the wife, but refers

to those who will have the honour to attend that great day of the Marriage of

the Lamb.  Those who were called, it will be remembered in Matthew 22:1 -4,

refused to come, even after a second invitation had been sent them, and

consequent upon the burning of their city, the call went outside the confines

of Israel 'and the wedding was furnished with guests' (Matt. 22:10).  The

opening blessing (Rev. 1:3), and its echo in Revelation 22:7,8, stresses the

prophetic character of this book, and moreover by its emphasis upon reading,

hearing and keeping the sayings of this Prophecy, bears a testimony to the

intensely practical purpose for which this and all other prophetic portions

of the Scripture were written.

What God has blessed, let no man treat with indifference.