The Joyous Service of the White-robed Throng
No nation has a monopoly of saints. No tribe is unrepresented. No language is so rude that its children may not learn the speech of heaven. The theology of heaven attributes salvation to God as its source through Jesus as its medium. Palm branches symbolize victory and the white robes, transfiguring purity. “His raiment became white and dazzling,” Luke 9:29, r.v. Thus it was spoken of the transfigured Christ. Notice that sevenfold doxology! The visions of the saved shall awaken new joy in the angelic hosts, but how much more in the heart of Christ!
When we stand face to face with an inexplicable mystery, how comforting it is to be able to say in perfect faith, Thou knowest! Tribulation, whether it stands for our private afflictions or for some great crisis of martyrdom, is left behind forever. It should never be forgotten, however, that we are not saved by our sufferings but by His. The blessedness of heaven consists in the unveiled presence of God, in unbroken service, and in safety because God will spread His tabernacle over us. This exquisite description of the future life consists largely of negatives, because the positive defies human speech. No scorching trial, no fear, no want, no finality, because the Lamb will conduct our eternal progress deeper and deeper into heaven.