The Concept of Erga and Dikaiomata in the context of Euaggelion aionion in Revelation 14:6-13 : an exegetical study

Abstract

The terms <iayyl,vov ui"tivvov (Rev L4t6-'t) , (pyo (Rev L4:a3) anddLrcaLurpatu (Rev 15:4; 19:8) have been variously understood, debated, and interpreted by theologians depending on their approaches. Some see no gospel of grace in erSayy()"tov u'vtivtov; tpya and 6urcau<lpara are seen as obedience, imputed righteousness and/or righteous deeds produced by the indwelling Spirit of Christ. What then, is the concept of eiayy()'uou a'v<ivuov and that of tpyu and SurcrLdp"wa in the conLext of eriayy€),r-ou a'tdvnv? A balanced exegetical analysis of Rev L4:6-13; 75:2-4 and t9:'t-B shows these terms are thematicarly and structurally rerated. Eriuyy€)"tov uLtivtov is the gospel of grace announcing the arrivar of God's judgment hour and urgentry appealing to arI mankind to repent and worship God. The (pyo that follow the dead saints (Rev 14:13) are their righteous deeds produced by the indwel-1ing spi-rit of Christ. God uses them in judgment as a testimony of their faith and fidelity. The phrase tb y&p BriooLuov r& 5urcaLo,para u)v dyiav bti,v (Rev 19:B) shows a predicat.e nominative, with a convertible proposition; meaning that t& SurcaLolpuru r6v &yLr;rv is equivalent in meaning to piloouuoui"aprnpbv rca0ap6u, meaning that. the clot.hing of the saints, "the dazzl-ing pure linen is their justified deeds," and equally, ,.their justif ied deeds are the dazzring pure 1inen. " Crothing is associat.ed with the status and identit.y of someone and t.he white coror with purity of character. This means that SurcaLopato, ,.the justified deeds of the saints,, refer to their status, values, and identity, that is, being perfect before God. Coupled wit.h both t560q, a divine passive, and rlroipaoev iauriu, a ref lexive phrase, this means the saj-nts, God given pure status and identity, dependant upon God's grace and their cooperation/preparedness to be saved. The saints, '(pyo havefollowed them into judgment and they have been declared pure. In Rev 75 4, SLrcaLripars ref ers to f uIf illed salvif ic 1egal requirements. These are God's "verdict.s in judgment,, which have been revealed by saving and vindicating the saints, and condemning the devil and his agents. Eiuyy€),Lou aLavrcv, (pyo and SLru,Lcopara are thematically and structurally related. salvation and judgment.