"Who Gets In?"

Revelation 7.13-14 NIV

“These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?”

“Sir, you know.”

“These are they who… have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Heaven posed a question, “Who are they?” John was smart and refused to answer. He dared not impose his intellect or insert his opinion. Instead, the author of the book of Revelation wisely deferred to the questioner: “Sir, you know.”

It’s not mine to determine who does and does not get into Heaven. That’s God’s choice. While all are welcome “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7.9), only a few will actually respond in faith and wash their robes “in the blood of the Lamb.”

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus, Matthew 22.14 NASU

Who gets in? Is Heaven an exclusive club? Of course not. All are welcome. God wants everyone.

“God… wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

Paul, 1st Timothy 2.4 NIV

There is, however, a condition. We must wash our robes “in the blood of the Lamb.” No other expanded version, broadening definition, all-inclusive application, or universalistic interpretation of this simple truth will do. I cannot turn to “a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all” (Galatians 1.6-7).

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel

other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”

Paul, Galatians 1.8 NIV

Anyone can get in. It’s not difficult. A simple prayer of faith will do... “Jesus, wash me with your blood. Cleanse me from my sins. I believe in You.”

“…you who believe in the name of the Son of God… may know that you have eternal life”.
1st John 5.13 NKJV

___________________

The excellent "Washed in The Blood" image above was painted by Chris Dare and posted here with the artist's permission. In Chris' words: "I hope that the universal Biblical themes expressed in my art will bring unity in the church and inspire appreciation in the secular community."