Hi Marilyn,

 

First, I want to say that I am sorry for your recent loss, but we can take comfort in knowing that we will soon be reunited with our dearly departed.

 

You said: Notice the difference between the two groups that are raptured. Those in the first group do not have to wash their robes in the blood of Christ. The second group has to do it. Those in the first group become "kings and priests" (Rev 5:100. The second group is to "serve Him day and night in His temple" (Rev 7:15).

 

So, lets look at these two Scriptures:

 

Revelation 5:10

"And have made us kings and priests to (serve) our God."

Revelation7:15

"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."

 

I believe that there is no distinction described between these two groups at all. Both Scriptures are describing the same exact group. Yes, we have been made "kings and priests", but for what purpose ? Our purpose is "to serve Him day and night in His temple".  We are not equal with God, but rather we "serve Him" as "kings and priests" "in His temple" as He dwells among us.

 

WE ALL must "put on the new man" which means to be "born again" by washing our robes in the blood of Christ. No human-born sinner, which we ALL are, may enter the Kingdom of Heaven without FIRST washing our robes in the blood of the Lamb.

 

YBIC, Bruce Warner