I'd read it in light of Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

So God has prepared in advance that all who love him will be molded by him to people who can do good works and they will do them, because God gets what he wants.

So then you have Revelation 14:13

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!”

Now those people who in life did good - but perhaps by the skin of their teeth, with lots of fighting their old nature - get to rest. Yes there's a resting that happens for Christians before they die, because salvation is through Christ alone (like 09:30 wrote). But the working out of our salvation in fear and trembling because God is at work in us is still real work and can be really hard. In heaven it won't be hard any more. In heaven we get to really rest. No sin nature to fight. No sadness. No pain. No trials. Just eternally wanting the good and being able to do it and glorying in God's presence and love. Heaven is, after all, a world of perfect love and we'll all get to bask in that forever, just like the Trinity does right now.

-Presbyterian / Anglican

It reads to me that a person's good works are a credit to them and their salvation recognized good works.


My belief system is expressed in Ephesians 2:8
For by Grace are ye saved...

I believe we are saved by faith, as a gift from God, not that it's earned by deeds.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you find it to be a comforting verse? I am working on a prayer card of sorts in memory of my father and I do like this verse. However, I’m curious how other denominations interpret it and its meaning? (I am Quaker; he was Missionary Baptist)

According to Google, Revelation 14:13 says: "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds follow them.'" This verse speaks of the blessedness of believers who die in faith, emphasizing their eternal rest and the recognition of their good works.

Based on my beliefs, I think you should use whatever brings you comfort. I believe that funerals are for the living. Make that clear at the funeral, then do whatever you want.

Anonymous wrote:Do you find it to be a comforting verse? I am working on a prayer card of sorts in memory of my father and I do like this verse. However, I’m curious how other denominations interpret it and its meaning? (I am Quaker; he was Missionary Baptist)

According to Google, Revelation 14:13 says: "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds follow them.'" This verse speaks of the blessedness of believers who die in faith, emphasizing their eternal rest and the recognition of their good works.

It’s appropriate for what you are looking for.

Sorry for your loss. Based on the context, I interpret this to be about the end times/final judgement. Just like a lot of Revelation, there are probably myriad theological views on it. Use it if it brings you comfort.

Do you find it to be a comforting verse? I am working on a prayer card of sorts in memory of my father and I do like this verse. However, I’m curious how other denominations interpret it and its meaning? (I am Quaker; he was Missionary Baptist)