Meaning of Revelation 7:14

This verse, spoken by one of the elders to John in the vision of Revelation, identifies a vast multitude clothed in white robes, who are declared to be those who have come out of "the great tribulation." The elder clarifies that their purity is not inherent but is achieved through a profound spiritual cleansing: they have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This signifies a redeemed people, distinct from the persecutors and the unrighteous, who have experienced salvation and purification through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Their white robes are a symbol of their righteousness, which is imputed to them by God through faith in Christ's atoning work, rather than any merit of their own.

Context and Background

The vision in Revelation 7 unfolds after the opening of the sixth seal and before the seventh. It presents two distinct groups of people: first, the 144,000 sealed servants of God from the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:1-8), and second, the innumerable multitude in white robes described here (Revelation 7:9-17). The question posed by John, "Sir, you know," indicates his humility and recognition of the elder's superior knowledge and divine insight. The "great tribulation" refers to a period of intense suffering and persecution, a common theme in apocalyptic literature that often signifies God's judgment and the refinement of His people.

Key Themes and Messages

• Salvation through Atonement: The central message is that redemption and purity are solely accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, symbolized by the "blood of the Lamb."
• Purity and Righteousness: The white robes represent a state of spiritual purity and righteousness, not earned by human effort but granted by God through faith in Christ.
• Victory over Tribulation: This multitude has emerged victorious from severe trials and persecutions, demonstrating the enduring strength and faithfulness of believers.
• Universality of Redemption: The "innumerable multitude" signifies that salvation is available to people from every nation, tribe, people, and language, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage offers profound encouragement to believers facing hardship. It assures them that their suffering, though intense, is not in vain and that a glorious future awaits them. The cleansing in the blood of the Lamb is a constant reminder of the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice for forgiveness of sins and the imputation of His righteousness. It calls believers to maintain their faith and purity, knowing that their ultimate reward is in God's presence, free from suffering and sin.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Revelation 7:14 is a powerful culmination of Old Testament prophecies and New Testament teachings regarding atonement and salvation. The concept of sacrificial blood for cleansing is present from the earliest Levitical offerings. Isaiah 1:18 speaks of sins being made "as white as snow" through repentance. The New Testament consistently emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ's atoning death (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8-11). This verse visually depicts the ultimate fulfillment of these promises.

Analogies

• A Royal Robe: Imagine a king bestowing a spotless, royal robe upon a servant who has been through a perilous journey and is now recognized for their loyalty. The robe signifies their new status and acceptance, not their own doing.
• A Purification Ceremony: Think of an ancient ritual where an individual, stained by sin or impurity, undergoes a ritualistic cleansing with a precious substance that renders them pure and acceptable for sacred service.
• A Soldier's Uniform: After a fierce battle where they have fought valiantly and suffered greatly, soldiers are often re-uniformed and honored for their service. The clean uniform symbolizes their victory and renewed status.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 1:18: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows the cleansing power of Christ's blood.
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the foundation of God's love and the requirement of belief for salvation, which is then symbolized by the white robes.
• Hebrews 9:14: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" This passage directly connects Christ's sacrifice to the purification necessary for serving God.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19: "knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." This verse echoes the theme of redemption through Christ's blood, emphasizing its immeasurable value.