The contrast between their condition on earth and in heaven is full of wonder to us as we muse upon it. How was the change wrought? What must we learn concerning this from what is here revealed?
They were prepared _here_ for the state beyond. The life of heaven is the continuation and the result of the earthly life. "They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," and they "came up out of great tribulation." Here we have the process of the cleansing, "the great tribulation" being comprehensive of the whole discipline by which God purifies human souls. Here we have also the purifying element, "the blood of the Lamb," the atoning power to wash out all stains, the stimulating power to inspire to all holiness. And we also have the final result--"white raiment." So, doctrinally, the "robes" stand for the whole character, the tribulation for the process of purification; "the blood of the Lamb," for the cleansing element in its justifying and sanctifying effects. Their holiness is not merely passive. There is a righteousness which is imputed; but there is also a righteousness which is acquired--acquired in the might of the Saviour, and through the influences of His Spirit. Those who do not aspire to the latter have no hope from the former, except a hope which must make them ashamed. But inasmuch as both aspects of salvation are to be referred to the Lamb, they give to Him the glory. It is all His from beginning to end. "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Thus their salvation was effected on earth. Heaven has introduced no new moral element into their condition. Heaven is essentially the full realisation of what a Christian expects and hopes this side the grave. It is the inheritance of the man who has the kingdom of God _within_ him.
There is one part of the description which requires a little explanation, and all the more so as it bears upon the aspects given to us of heavenly blessedness. The redeemed are represented as standing before the throne with palms in their hands. Many explain this by the heathen use of the palm as the emblem of victory, and they quote the declaration: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." I would rather, with some, refer this emblem to a much sweeter and holier reminiscence. The figure seems to be taken from the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated two things--God's care for, and protection of, Israel during their wanderings in the wilderness, and His continued Providence in the supply of the fruits of the earth in their season. It was held at the close of the year's out-door labours, and with it the season of rest began. And so with the ransomed above, the troubles of the wilderness are ended, and the harvest-home has come.