What Shall I Do To Be Saved?

By Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparambil

Question 107. What is the state of those who died in Jesus Christ?

Let us see, where the living Christians are?

But you have come near mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the innumerable multitude of angels. To the general assembly and church of the first born who are registered in heaven to God the judge of all, to the Spirits of just men made perfect. To Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel (Heb 12:22-24). Who are these first born? See the verse below.
These are the ones who were not defiled with for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to Lamb. (Rev 14:4).
In Rev 7:13 - Then one of the elders answered saying to me Who are these arrayed in white clothes and where did they come from? And I said to him Sir you know. So he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Again see Rev 6:9, 10, 11. -"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. When they cried with a loud voice saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on earth'."
In Rev 8:3, 4 - "Then another angel, having a golden censor, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar, which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand."
Again in Rev 22:3, 4 - "And that which withers shall be no more, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him. And they shall see his face."
Rev. 14:4 - "They will follow The Lamb where ever He goes."
Blessed are the ones dead who die in the Lord from now on. That they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. (Rev 14:13) As sequence St. Paul talks about the rewards of the work that follows. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Tim 4:8)

In short St. John who received his revelations from God has taught us the following:

One who has died in Jesus Christ is arrayed in white clothes and will be protected and shepherded by Him and will praise Him.
They will know the happenings in this world.
They will be with Jesus Christ and will see Him every day and will follow Him wherever He goes.
They will rest and wait for the rewards for their works in this world.

Polycarp (AD 69-155) was a disciple of St. John and the bishop of Smyrna. He was martyred. At that time, the church in Smyrna sent a letter to the Christians in Philominon. Here is a quote from his letter:

He was not only a famous teacher, but also an outstanding witness, and thus gained the imperishable crown. Now with the apostles and all the just, he is glorifying God and the Father almighty, and he is blessing our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls, the Helmsman of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world. (81a)

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