“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had.”

Revelation 6:9

There have been countless people killed for there fact that they love Christ and refuse to recant the doctrines of the faith that they hold dearest to them than their own lives. They are purposefully put the death for believing in the Lord and standing by the truth of the Word of God. This picture we have here, in the vision shows us the waiting souls who have suffered in this way and who’s lives have been stolen from them by evil.

These souls are crying out for justice, for they have experienced no justice on earth, but have been unfairly treated and lost their very lives for their faith. They cry out to God for justice. This is a godly mindset. Justice is so important and we must tend that tender plant with great care. The flame of justice must burn in the human heart and we do all we can to keep it alive and burning. God will work out justice for all in the end, even these who have died for His sake so unjustly and with such a loss.

The comfort of the martyrs is the purity of Christ which they now enjoy. All their sins are covered over and fully dealt with and they are free from the taint of their sins. They wear the white robes of righteousness and enjoy the close and constant fellowship of the Lord. They are instructed to rest, for God is working out His purposes for them and for the glory of Himself and His kingdom here on earth. All the elect people of God must be gathered in and the martyrs wait for that glorious time when the daughters and sons of the kingdom are fully revealed. Then God will carry out vengeance against those who have opposed Him and have caused His precious people to suffer and be so denied their right to living. H will bring about all justice with all mercy and according to His eternal purposes.

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. The things that are to come on them shall make haste.”

Deuteronomy 32:35

God will work out the justice for every living soul. Everyone will have the due recompense for their souls and mindset. This is fearful for those who are not the beloved and who refuse Christ, but the offer of mercy still stands, even for those who murder His servants. The door of mercy is so wide, and is easily accessible. We are sorry for what we have done and repent of it and turn away. God is willing to forgive all those who come to Him in humility and faith.

But justice will be served on all who refuse God and the provision of grace. All who have opposed His gospel and carried out acts of violence against Him will suffer the result of their deeds and lack of faith.

The truth of this is clear and the Apostle Paul instructs us in our attitude to vengeance. Vengeance does not belong to us but to the Lord and we wait patiently for the outworking of that vengeance, carried out in mercy and love towards those who love Him.

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”

Romans 12:17-19

We are not to wish evil for anyone, but wait for the grace of God to be revealed. We do not understand God’s ways and they certainly are not our ways, but we trust in Him to work all things out for the good of those who love Him.