Christ’s Martyrs Wait in White for Judgement

Revelation 6:9-11 

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

When John saw the fifth seal broken and the scroll unfurled a bit more, he witnessed Christ’s witnesses killed for the gospel’s sake.  They were under the altar, fitting for the sacrifices made for His sake in dying for the good news of God’s work on the cross which makes enemies of all opposed to Him and to reconciliation from their sinful state.  Then they shouted to God and for all witnesses of this scene asking the Lord how much longer until the final judgement for His vengeance, not theirs.  This cosmic rebellion of sin leads to witnesses (martyrs) for speaking the truth, and reflects the hatred of the creature for the Creator.  Their punishment is certain and will be swift when His time comes, yet the yearning to see it finished is only equaled by the desire to continue to bear witness as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) to the gospel of Jesus the Christ.  Yet vengeance will come by God for those opposed to Him and us, and He will avenge the blood spilled in His name.  In the end we also who suffer for Christ will be clothed in white robes of Christ’s righteousness and find eternal rest in Him.  We must be patient until the fullness of the nations (Romans 11:25) is gathered as wheat into His barn (Ephesians 1:10, Luke 3:17).  When God brings all He has called to Himself and all witnesses give their lives for others in their testimony of God’s wrath and grace, then their patient endurance will see justice meted out.  God knows exactly how many must sacrifice themselves before He finishes His work in the end and brings His will to bear against the rebellion of sin forever.  We patiently wait and trust as these clothed in white.