1. Revelation 14:13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the phrase “from now on” refer to?

Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

This is still part of the vision John saw as a result of the blowing of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). The centre point of this entire vision was the glorious proclamation of Revelation 12:10–11, detailing Satan’s expulsion from heaven and the victory of Jesus Christ as Lord (Revelation 11:15). That expulsion from heaven triggered Satan’s rage on earth against the seed of the woman. Yet even if Satan and his beasts on earth may from time to time kill those who love the Lord, these saints from now on are blessed in their dying, for then they experience no more tears or grief or pain anymore (Revelation 21:4). As Paul put it, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).