The verse in question: Revelation 6:9-11 NKJV 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. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Seeking vengeance is for God to do, not people. When people seek, want, and do vengeance, then sin.
B1 Hebrews 10:30 NRSV For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people.
B2 Romans 12:19 NLT Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD.
Thus some say the believes in Revelation 6 are sinning.
They are seeking justice, not necessarily revenge.
Revenge
B1 The action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. (Source)
B2 ISBE: The same Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the idea of “to avenge” and “to revenge” (נקם, nāḳam, or derivative; ἐκδικέω, ekdikéō, or derivative). In English these words are synonymous in that they are both used to express the infliction of punishment upon the wrongdoer, but “to take revenge” may also imply a spiteful, wrong or malignant spirit. In the latter case, the Revised Version (British and American) preserves “revenge” (compare Jer 20:10; Eze 25:15; Eze 25:17 is an anthropomorphism), but, wherever it is synonymous with “avenge,” this word is used (compare Num 31:2, Num 31:3; Psa 79:10; Nah 1:2; Judith 13:20; Rom 13:4; 2Co 7:11; 2Co 10:6 the Revised Version (British and American); the King James Version has “revenge” in all these cases).
B3 Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Whether in Old or New Testaments, the Bible teaches that people are not to take personal revenge for what they consider to be wrong done to them. They should forgive the offender and allow God to deal with the person as he sees fit (Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Revelation 5:9-11; see WRATH)...Although individuals have no God-given right to pay back wrongdoers, civil governments have. They are to execute judgments fairly, and not give a light punishment for a serious offence or a heavy punishment for a minor offence. The punishment must be in proportion to the crime – ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a bruise for a bruise, a scratch for a scratch’ (Exodus 21:22-24; Romans 13:4;
Bible verses showing the principle
B1 Not for people to seek their own revenge:
C1 Leviticus 19:18 NIV Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
C2 Romans 12:19 NIV Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
B2 God has ordained the government to do so. Most do not obey God’s rules regarding vengeance. Romans 13:1-4 NIV Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
B3 God will do correct vengeance whenever He wishes:
C1 Hebrews 10:30 ESV For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."
C2 2 Thessalonians 1:8 ESV in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Seeking justice against those who have broken God’s laws against us is not wrong. God has ordained law enforcement for this work. We must report it to them to stop the evil person from hurting others.
B1 Isaiah 1:17 NKJV Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.
B2 Leviticus 19:15 LEB You shall not do injustice in judgment; you shall not show partiality to the powerless; you shall not give preference to the powerful; you shall judge your fellow citizen with justice.
The Tribulation believers who have been killed are asking God to punish murders, which He will do at the correct time. They are not sinning. It is no more than reporting a crime to law enforcement.
Psalm 101:1 NLT A psalm of David. I will sing of your love and justice, LORD. I will praise you with songs.
Isaiah 61:11 NLT The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.
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