By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Who Are These In White Robes?

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“These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?”
Revelation 7:13b New International Version

All Saints Sunday is today, November 1st.  It is the day after “Hallowed Evening,” and it is the day believers remember those who have died in the Lord, that is, “the saints.”

The Apostle John received a revelation from God where he saw in heaven “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9b)  They were wearing white robes, holding palm branches in their hands, and praising God with all their might.

When John sees the great multitude, he does not know who they are or where they came from, but one of the elders near the throne tells him, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14b)

These are the saints, not made holy by their good works and great righteousness, but made clean and holy through the blood of Jesus Christ, poured out for them on the cross. These are they who have put their trust in Christ’s righteousness and in His sacrifice for them.

All Saints Sunday is a day to remember that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus and witnessed to Him through their words and deeds.  And it was because of those who have come before us that we too, know the Lord Jesus and will worship Him forever and ever.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice for me.  And thank you for the millions of believers who have come before me. Give me courage to follow You.  May all praise and glory be to Your name!  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado