Heavenly Joy Through the Blood

In the spirit, the Apostle John saw a vision of this great multitude in heavenly glory, “which no man could number,” standing before the throne of God and of the Lamb, clothed with long white robes, and with palms in their hands. All the angels answered their song by falling down on their faces before the throne, to worship God and to offer eternal praise and glory to Him.

One of the Elders, noting the great multitude and the clothing that distinguished them, asked John, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they?” John replied, “Sir, thou knowest” (Revelation 7:13-14). 

Then the Elder said, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple.”

This explanation reveals that not only in this world of sin and strife is the blood of Jesus the one hope of the sinner, but that in Heaven—when every enemy has been subdued—that precious blood will be recognized forever as the ground of our salvation. 

If we clearly grasp this, we shall understand better what a true and vital connection there is between “the sprinkling of the blood” and the joys of Heaven. And that a true, intimate connection with the blood will enable the believer while still on Earth to share the joy and glory of Heaven. Joy in Heaven through the blood comes from three important truths.

1. It is the blood that bestows on us a right to a place in Heaven.

In the question, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence come they?” the Elder desires to awaken attention as to who these favored persons really are who stand thus before the throne and before the Lamb, with palms in their hands. How does he answer? By replying that they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

That is the one thing to which, as their distinguishing mark, he draws attention. This alone gives them the right to the place they occupy in glory. This becomes plain if we notice the words that immediately follow: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them” (Revelation 7:15). It’s because of that blood that they are before the throne. The blood gives the right to be in Heaven.

But can a right to Heaven be spoken of in connection with a condemned sinner? 

God acts always according to law. It is to be feared that there are many who listen to the preaching of “justification by faith” but who have no idea that they cannot have a share in eternal blessedness except by being declared legally righteous. The blood of the Lamb is the ground of that hope. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). 

2. The blood bestows on us our fitness for Heaven.

It is of little use for men to have a right to anything unless they are fitted to enjoy it. To bestow the right to Heaven on those who are not prepared for it would give them no pleasure, but would be in conflict with the perfection of all God’s works.

The power of Jesus’ blood not only opens the door of Heaven for the sinner, but it operates on him in such a divine way that, as he enters Heaven, it will appear that the blessedness of Heaven and he have been really fitted for each other. Nearness to and fellowship with God and the Lamb constitute the blessedness of Heaven. 

3. The blood provides the subject matter for the song of Heaven.

What we have said has been taken from what the Elder stated about the redeemed. But have we anything out of their own mouths concerning this? Yes, they themselves bear witness. In the song contained in our text, they were heard to cry with a loud voice, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” It is as the slain Lamb that the Lord Jesus is in the midst of the throne, as a Lamb whose blood had been shed. As such, He is the object of the worship of the redeemed.

This appears still more clearly in the new song that they sing: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests” (Revelation 5:9-10).

Without ceasing, the blood of the Lamb continues to be the power to awaken the saved to their song of joy and thanksgiving.  

Adapted from The Power of the Blood by Andrew Murray. Work is in the Public Domain.

Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a Dutch Reformed Church evangelist, missionary and pastor in South Africa, a prolific author and the founder of multiple mission organizations.