190. REV 7:9-10. THE HEAVENLY COMPANY

Rev_7:9-10. The Heavenly Company

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude. which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands," &c.’97Rev_7:9-10

Religion has a thousand advantages by which it is recommended to us. It is profitable to all things pertaining to this life; and it is profitable in relation to all things connected with the life which is to come. Its brightest joys, and its fulness of pleasures, are reserved for the future. Eternity will consummate their felicity. Then they shall appear with the glorified company, who stand "before the throne of God. and the Lamb."

Let us consider, I. The Character of the Company. This is not left to the uncertainty of conjecture; but is fully and clearly stated. Ver. 14.

1. They were once depraved and polluted.

Ungodly’97far off’97aliens’97enemies’97children of wrath.

2. They have been renewed and sanctified.

Washed their robes, &c. Delivered from the condemning and polluting influence of sin. "Obtained redemption through his blood," &c.

3. They have endured the sufferings of the Christian’s life.

Passed through "great tribulation." Thus conformed to Christ. "If we suffer with him," &c. Suffered in Christ’s cause’97for Christ’s sake’97patiently to the end Consider, then,

II. Their glorious appearance

"Clothed with white robes," &c. indicating,

1. Their spotless purity.

The robe of righteousness; obtained by faith in Christ. The robe of holiness fully and entirely sanctified; without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Completely conformed to the image of Christ. Indicating,

2. Their joyful triumph.

"Palms in their hands." Weapons abandoned’97conflict over’97warfare completed’97triumph complete and eternal. "More than conquerors," &c. Notice,

III. Their exalted Station.

"Stood before the throne," &c. This denotes,

1. Distinguished honor.

Admitted to the foot of the divine throne. Stand in God’s immediate presence.

2. Peculiar favor.

None but his favorites thus privileged.

3. Glorious vision.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they now see God. "Behold the King in his beauty," &c.

4. Unspeakable felicity.

Fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore.

5. Affectionate obedience.

They stand there, to worship, to adore, to serve him; to fulfil his will, &c. Rev_22:3-5. Observe,

IV. Their countless Number.

"A great multitude which no man could number."

1. A great multitude.

Heaven is a densely populated city. Thousands upon thousands! Christ’s seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand on the sea shore.

2. A diversified multitude.

Of all nations, kindreds, people, and tongues. Of every age, and grade, and color, and country.

3. An innumerable multitude "No man can number." None but God shall know the greatness of the glorified company. They are individually and collectively known of him. What a desirable place heaven is! How we should examine and see if we are meet for its society, employments, and blessedness! What an incentive to Christian patience, exertion, and perseverance!

"For all who to the end endure

The cross, shall wear the crown."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS