Blessed are those Who Do His Commandments
The Seven Beatitudes of Revelation – Part 7 – Blessed are Those who Do His Commandments
Jesus speaks this seventh blessing also. The text for the King James Version is, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” The American Standard Version says, “Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” The two translations come from two different Greek textual traditions. Some have suggested that the “commandments” translation is wrong because it does not admit of grace. This is a false evaluation. There are plenty of other scriptures that emphasize obedience to God’s commandments such as Hebrews 5:8-9, 1 John 5:2-3, and John 14:15. Whether the text says to wash one’s robes or do his commandments, both are things that Jesus desires.
Revelation 7:14 also talks about washing robes. “Do you know who these are and where they come from?” John replies “My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” What is that symbolism? Where is it that one is so washed? Ananias said to Saul in Acts 22:16, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.” Baptism is where the alien sinner washes his robes, makes them white in the blood of the Lamb, and contacts the blood of Christ.
The tree of life is at stake: the restoration of eternal life to mankind through Jesus Christ. The gates of the city give access to the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation 21. This is eternal fellowship with God and Christ, every Christians goal.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley