Those who acknowledge the blessing and affirm it and who do what it requires of righteous deeds are the ones on whom Allaah bestows His blessing to the exclusion of those who are not grateful for Allaah is wise and He does not place His bounty with one who is not qualified to receive it. 

Just as there are many verses and ahaadeeth which speak of their virtue and high status, so too there are texts which state the reasons why they deserved this high status, such as the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers and merciful among themselves.You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Tawraat (Taurat). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)”[Al-Fath 48:29]

Among the greatest reasons for the high status of the Sahaabah is that to which Allaah bore witness of their purity of heart and sincere faith. That, by Allaah is a mighty testimony from the Lord of mankind which no human being can attain after the cessation of the Revelation.