Revelation 14: Summary
SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER:
After looking at Satan and his earthly kingdoms and their opposition to Christ and His spiritual kingdom (Rev 12: & 13:), we now begin a new vision. Our review of Satan’s kingdoms on earth has been brought to completion now we look at the very next event that will take place in time… the second coming of Christ.
In this look at His second coming, we will see Christ being praised for the redemption of His people; the protection of His people; and His wrath that will destroy the kingdoms of Satan…
- The Redeemed of God singing a song of praise to their Redeemer, the Lamb (14:1-5)
- The Messages Of The Three Angels (14:6-13)
- The Two Reapings Of The Earth (14:14-20)
SUMMARY OF EACH DIVISION OF CHAPTER:
- Revelation 14:1-5 – The Song Of The 144,000
This vision opens with John seeing Christ, the Lamb of God, standing in heaven (Mt Sion) with the 144,000 who represent the Old Testament and New Testament servants of God. John hears these servants singing a wondrous song of praise before God, the One sitting on the throne.
This song was only able to be learned by the redeemed in heaven immediately before the second coming of Christ. It was a song that praised God for the coming deliverance of His people at His second coming. Although the redeemed of God understand the very basics about His second coming and the deliverance of His people from wrath to come, those in heaven have a much more clear understanding of the great event that was about to take place. This is why only those in heaven can come to a knowledge of this great song of praise.
The redeemed of God are described as virgins and followers of Christ, who are found without guile and fault, pointing us to their righteous standing and their faithfulness to Christ, their Lord and Savior. They are also described as the firstfruits unto God and Christ, helping us to understand they are taken out of this all mankind and sanctified for His use and glory.
- Revelation 14:6-13 – The Messages Of The Three Angels
John’s attention is now pointed towards three angels who deliver unique messages from the Lord:
The first angel declares the gospel message to the lost and dying world. They also emphasize the need for the lost to believe in Him by telling them to “fear God and give glory to Him and worship Him” as their Creator. This helps us to understand that prior to the second coming of Christ, we will see the gospel message permeate the world going to every nation on the globe.
The second angel announces the imminent fall of the kingdom of Satan. This includes the fall of both the religious and political aspects of the Devil’s kingdom. Although this message is presented prior to the second coming of Christ, it is presented in the current tense “Babylon IS fallen”. Emphasizing the certainty of the fall of the Satanic kingdom which was decreed as fallen before time began in the eternal counsels of God.
The third angel announces the coming judgment of anyone who is a member of this demonic kingdom. He pictures the deliverance of God’s wrath as a cup of wine that is poured out upon their heads. Along with this message, he emphasizes their eternal judgement which takes place in the presence of the Lord and His angles. It involves torment in everlasting fire and brimstone in the Lake of Fire.
Finally, we have explained that the saint’s patient service to Christ while on earth is based upon these three messages. They understand the need of the gospel message by the lost, the certainty of the defeat of Satan and his Kingdom, and the promised recompensing of the lost who have abused God’s people throughout time. They are also reminded of the wonderful eternal blessings awaiting them… eternal rest (“they may rest from their labors”) and rewards for their faithfulness (“their works do follow them”).
- Revelation 14: 14-20 – The Two Reapings Of The Earth
In the final section of this chapter, John sees the second coming of Christ pictured as two reapings of the earth. The first reaping represents the Lord’s taking home of His people prior to the falling of His wrath. The second reaping symbolizes the wrath of God falling upon lost mankind.
The first reaping which is called “the harvest of the earth” begins with a vision of Christ sitting upon a white cloud. This helps us to understand Christ is the sinless God. His authority over all is pictured by His crown, while the upcoming reaping of His people is shown by the sickle in His hand.
God, the One who has sovereignly decreed the time of the reaping, sends an angel to tell Christ that the time has come for His people to be reaped from the earth. Christ then proceeds to reap His people from the earth, glorifying the bodies of the redeemed, and taking them to security in His presence in heaven
The second reaping of the earth is described as gathering “the clusters of the vines of the earth”. It is symbolic of the Lord sending His wrath upon fallen mankind on earth following the taking of saved to heaven.
In this harvest, an angel that has control of fire from the altar, delivers the message to begin the sending of God’s wrath. This reminds us that it was the sacrifice of Christ that not only secured the salvation of His people, but also secured His role as judge of lost mankind. Also, the wrath of God that falls in the last days will consist of fire falling from heaven.
A different angel, one from the temple, is the one that actually sends the wrath upon the earth. Coming from the temple reminds us that he is an angel that is simply delivering God’s message and doing the work of God. It is God’s wrath that is falling, the angels will simply be used as instruments of delivery. They are not working under their own authority or power.
God’s wrath is shown coming upon the lost in stages. The initial stages begin with cutting, then gathering, and finally casting them into a “great winepress”. This pictures all of the “preliminary” judgment that falls prior to the Battle of Armageddon, which is the concluding stage of God’s wrath upon lost mankind. This final stage is symbolized by the treading of the winepress of God which releases blood that rises to 4 foot over a 150 mile area. This pictures the greatness of torment and death during this last phase of God’s wrath.
WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN THIS SERIES?:
In our next section of Revelation, we will be looking at chapter 15. In this chapter, we find the contents of the seventh trumpet that was blown in 11:15-19.
Please keep in mind, we saw the contents of trumpet judgments 1-6 revealed in Revelation 8: and 9:. Then in Rev 11, we saw the seventh trumpet being blown. Following this, additional background information was given to us in Revelation 12:-14:. The background information explained in more detail what would be taking place during this 7th trumpet judgment.
Now, in Revelation 15:, the contents of trumpet 7 is being prepared. It will be presented to us in a series of 7 bowls (vials) of wrath being poured out upon lost mankind on the earth. Then in Revelation 16:, the 7 bowls will be poured out upon lost mankind and God’s wrath against the lost on earth will be brought to completion.
I. Revelation 15:1-8
A. Preparation For Seven Last Plagues (15:1-4)
B. The Seven Vials Of Wrath Revealed (15:5-8)
II. Revelation 16:1-21
A. Command To Pour Out Vials (16:1)
B. Vial One (16:2)
C. Vial Two (16:3)
D. Vial Three (16:4-7)
E. Vial Four (16:8-9)
F. Vial Five (16:10-11)
G. Vial Six (16:12-16)
H. Vial Seven (16:17-21)
May the Lord bless us as we seek to see Jesus in the pages of the book of Revelation.
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Christ Was A Man, He Was “Like” A Typical Man, But So Much More… He Was God Himself!
Rev 14:14 KJV – “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “like unto the Son of man”
Rev 14:14 KJV – “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.”
In this verse, we see Christ being described as “like unto the Son of man”. The very same title is also given to Christ in Rev 1:13. What can we learn about Christ from this title?
First of all, let’s look at the title “Son of man” and then we will look at “like unto”…
- “The Son of Man”
The title “son of man” refers to human beings. In Numbers 23:19 we are told that “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:…” This is clearly equating the titles “man” with “the son of man”. The equation of these titles also takes place in Psa 8:4 and Jer 49:18 among several others.
So, when Christ is referred to as “the son of man” it is pointing to the humanity of Christ. Jesus was truly a human being “made of a woman, made under the law” (Gal 4:4). He was truly the seed of a woman and a part of the human race. (Gen 3:15, Luke 1:31, Luke 2:7) He was a man. It is for this reason, Christ gave Himself the title “the Son of man” in many places in the NT (Matt 8:20, Mark 8:38, etc etc etc)
- “Like Unto”
However, in our text Christ is said to be “like unto” the Son of man. What is meant by this? According to some false teachers, these verses prove He was not a man, but simply similar to a man. They have fallen into grave error and heresy.
This title isn’t saying He is not a man, it is saying He is MORE than just a man. He is God Himself (John 10:30-33), He is sinless (1 John 3:5), He is our Creator (Col 1:16-17). Although He is a man and appeared “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He is so much more!
We should never look at Christ as simply the descendent of human beings (the Son of man). He was human, and He was “like” a typical human being, but in actuality, He was God Himself revealed to men in the flesh (“manifest in the flesh”) (1 Tim 3:16, John 14:9-11). This is why He is said to be “like unto the Son of man”
As the people of God, may we all praise our Lord for coming to the earth as a man and graciously living, ministering, dying, and arising among us. In doing so, He revealed His Father and Himself to us, redeemed us from our sins, and now sits as King of Kings and Lord of Lord over us!
May we serve our Lord with renewed strength knowing that God was among us and will someday return to get us and live with us eternally.
Mat 1:23 KJV – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
Did You Know That All You Do For Christ Will Follow You Through Eternity?
Rev 14:13 KJV – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Revelation 14:14-20 “The Reaping Of The Earth”
THE TEXT:
Rev 14:14-20 KJV
(14) And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
(15) And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
(16) And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
(17) And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
(18) And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
(19) And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
(20) And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
THE INTRODUCTION:
After looking at Satan and his earthly kingdoms and their opposition to Christ and His spiritual kingdom (Rev 12: & 13:), we now begin a new vision. Our review of Satan’s kingdoms on earth has been brought to completion now we look at the very next event that will take place in time… the second coming of Christ.
In this look at His second coming, we will see Christ being praised for the redemption of His people; the protection of His people; and His wrath that will destroy the kingdoms of Satan…
- The Redeemed of God singing a song of praise to their Redeemer, the Lamb (14:1-5)
- The Warnings Of The Three Angels (14:6-13)
- The Two Reapings Of The Earth (14:14-20)
THE EXPOSITORY STUDY:
Please note that in our text, two will be taking place:
- Revelation 14:14-16 – The “harvest of the earth” which symbolized the Lord taking His people, from the fallen world, to be with Him just prior to the sending of His wrath upon the lost.
- Revelation 14:17-20 – The “gathering of the vine of the earth” which symbolizes the Lord sending His wrath upon lost mankind which remains on the earth.
Please pay special attention to the terminology used in these two events. To “harvest” means to gather and bring to oneself… to “gather” simply means to bring together it does not imply bringing to oneself.
Rev 14:14-20 KJV
- The harvest of the earth…
(14) And I looked,
John now begins to see another related, but separate vision. This is a vision of two great reapings of the earth.
and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man,
A white cloud appears. The color white throughout the Bible represents purity (Isa 1:18) and wisdom of elders (Provs 16:31). Many times a cloud is seen in relation to the Lord, His presence and His glory (Deut 31:15). This symbolism makes perfect sense when we understand that Christ is the One that is seen on this cloud… Christ is sinless and wise, God Himself and the perfect revelation of God’s glory.
This vision is taken from Daniel 7:13-14, where Daniel sees Christ as the coming King of Kings.
Why is Christ described as One “like unto” the Son of man? He is similar to all humans, but not in every way a human … He is God Himself come in the flesh. He was sinless. He was virgin born. In these ways, although He was truly human, He was “like unto” the descendent of man.
having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
Christ continues to be described as:
- wearing a crown of gold, picturing His great authority as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When Christ came to the earth the first time, He came as a humble servant. When His second coming takes place He will be coming as the Sovereign over all that perfectly protects His people from harm and perfectly judges lost mankind for this sinfulness.
- possessing a sharp sickle, describing the work He is about to undertake. Christ is pictured as a farmer who is prepared to reap the crop He has sown and gather it to Himself.
(15) And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud,.
John now sees “another angel”. Just as in other portions of Revelation, this angel is carrying a message from the Father to Christ.
Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe
His message is the “go ahead” from God the Father that Christ should begin to reap “the harvest of the earth”.
His instructions include:
- thrust in thy sickle – Christ was to actively intervene in the earth, personally performing this reaping.
- reap – Christ was to take His people to Himself, much like a farmer reaps the crops and gathers them to himself.
These principles are clearly seen in Paul’s account of Christ’s second coming…
1Th 4:13-17 KJV – “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Two reasons why He was to do this:
- the time is come – The time for Christ to return, which was appointed by God the Father in eternity past, has finally come (Matthew 24:36-37).
- the harvest of the earth is ripe – In other words, the elect of God have now come to Christ by faith. All whom are chosen to salvation have now been saved… the crop is now ready to be reaped… it is time for Christ to take them home.
Keep in mind, once Christ comes there is no other chance for individuals to be saved. That is why in the counsels of God, the time of Christ coming takes place after all His people have been saved.
The harvest that takes place at Christ’s second coming is the second of two harvest of believers… the first harvest affecting believers is described in John 4:35-36…
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
In this harvest, we have:
- whitened fields – lost mankind ready to receive the gospel message and come to faith in Christ.
- he that reapeth – Christians taking the gospel to the whitened fields (lost mankind prepared to receive the gospel)
- the harvest – Men accepting Christ by faith. This then separates them from the lost world and to Christ as they are made a new member of His family and His kingdom.
This first harvest of men, the lost being saved and spiritually united with Christ, will result in the second harvest (at His second coming) when they will be physically brought into the presence of Christ for an eternity.
(16) And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
We now see Christ, at His second coming, reaping the earth by bringing those who are saved into His presence. In doing so, He is separating the saved from the lost, by taking the saved and leaving the lost behind on the fallen earth. In a sense, this is the firstfruits of the harvest, in other words, the portion of the harvest that is reserved for Him and His glory.
This takes place immediately prior to the remaining portion of the harvest, His wrath being sent to the earth, falling upon lost mankind. This is the second harvest we will be looking at in detail in the following verses…
- The gathering of the vine of the earth…
(17) And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
John now sees another of the same type of angel (a representative of Almighty God) holding a sharp sickle.
This part of the vision is taken from Joel 3:12-14 and Isa 63:3.
Perhaps, this angel could symbolize Christ Himself, the One who ultimately sends wrath upon lost mankind. However, because “another” is the Greek word meaning “another of the same type”, it seems to be saying this angel is the same type of angel as previously seen by John in Rev 14:15. That would tell us that it is a representative of God being used to send the wrath of the Lord upon lost mankind on earth.
This fits perfectly with other accounts of Christ’s wrath being accompanied by angels…
2 Th 1:7-8 KJV – “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”
(18) And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire;
John sees another of the same type of angel (a representative of God) coming out from the altar.
The word translated altar is the Greek word “sacrifice” which helps us to understand it is the brazen altar being talked about. This is the altar where animals were slain and their blood was shed. Their blood pictures the shed blood of Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, that was shed on the cross.
This angel is said to control the fire from this altar. Keep in mind, one element of the wrath of God that falls upon the lost will be “fire” (2 Thess 1:7-8, 2 Pet 3:10-12 etc) We will see in the following verses, this angel will be initiating God’s wrath upon lost mankind.
and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
The angel at the altar now cries out to the angel with the sickle. He commands him to begin the initial phases of God’s wrath to fall upon the lost:
- Thrust in thy sharp sickle – This is a picture of cutting the clusters of ripened grapes (lost mankind) from their vine.
- gather the clusters of the vine of the earth – This is a picture of, once they are removed from the vine, the grapes are taken and gathered together.
Why now?
- her grapes are fully ripe –
All the necessary prerequisites to God’s wrath falling have taken place. All the elect of God have been saved. And the saved have been taken safely home to be with the Lord. Nothing else stands in the way of God’s wrath falling upon man.
Why are grapes used to describe lost mankind? Grapes emphasize the sinful condition of lost mankind. In Deut 32:32 grapes represent sinful acts while in Isa 5:2 they represent a rebellious, wicked attitude.
(19) And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
The angel with the sickle fulfills the will of God which was delivered by the angel of the altar. He brings the initial stages of God’s wrath coming upon lost mankind. Following the cutting off of the grapes from the vine and gathering the grapes together, casting them into a “great winepress” is the final stage before the wrath is meted out upon them.
Please note, these “initial stages of God’s wrath” do not picture all of His wrath but simply the first, less intense parts to it. Many believe it is possible that these initial stages may represent the wrath revealed in trumpets 1-4, with the treading of the winepress (see vs 20 below) picturing trumpets 5-7 (the three woes) which includes all 7 vials of Rev 16:. I believe this is possible but not probable.
I believe that the initial stages more likely refer to everything leading up to the Battle Of Armageddon. The Battle of Armageddon is the final phase of His wrath and brings the period of God’s wrath upon the lost to a close. If this is the case, then the initial stages His wrath would include trumpets 1-7 and vials 1-6. These we have seen symbolized in the previous few verses (vs 17-19) The final stage of His wrath, the Battle of Armageddon (vial 7) is symbolized by the actual treading of the winepress in the following verse (vs 20).
(20) And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
The city where this takes place is New Jerusalem, where God dwells and is worshipped by His people eternally. To have His wrath fall outside the city is teaching us that His wrath is falling against those who are restricted from entering His presence, His place of worship, and His holy eternal dwelling place. It is saying these have been cast out of my presence and are now facing my wrath, in comparison to His people who have been taken home to be with Him for an eternity and are protected from His wrath.
This is the final stage of God’s wrath falling upon mankind. It is described as the Battle of Armageddon and is revealed to us in vial 7 and later in chapter 19 of Revelation (Rev 16:17-21, 19:11-21). Please note in Rev 19:15 the Battle of Armageddon is linked to Him treading a winepress of wrath. This fits perfectly with our vision here. Also, throughout the Bible God’s wrath at Armageddon is described as treading of His winepress (Isa 63:2-3, Joel 3:13, Lam 1:15, Rev 19:15)
We can see from the symbolism that a trodden winepress seems to be describing a much more intense type of judgment than the cutting and gathering of the clusters of grapes into the winepress. This would make perfect sense, because Armageddon involves Christ PERSONALLY warring against Satan, the beasts, and the lost defeating them and consigning them to the Lake of Fire. Prior to this the Lord’s wrath (fire etc) is sent from heaven, however Christ will not be personally present as the lost are judged.
The enormity of the destruction and harm to the lost is symbolized by the blood of the grapes flowing out of the winepress as high as the horses’ bridals (approx. 4’ deep) covering a space of 1600 furlongs (140-200 miles). Please keep in mind that the number 1600 is 4x4x1000. Four is the number of the earth and 1000 is the number of completeness or totality. This last harvest is the completion, totality, ending of God’s wrath falling upon the earth.
CHRIST REVEALED:
In these two harvests, we saw Christ portrayed as both the Savior and Judge of mankind. He can only do both of these because He is perfectly sinless.
As Savior, it took the sinless One to pay the price for the sins of His people. He was the sinless substitute for those He has chosen to save.
2Co 5:21 KJV – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
As Judge, He must be sinless to be a perfectly just and fair judge. Being sinless, He is the only One who can render a perfectly unbiased and selfless judgment.
Rom 2:5-11 KJV – “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION (SUMMARY)
May we all find great comfort in the fact that our Lord is a perfectly sinless Lord. As such, He is absolutely trustworthy, keeping every promise He makes to us. Both the promises concerning our salvation and His upcoming judgment of the world will take place. May we all praise Him and serve Him out of appreciation, knowing that He is the perfectly sinless One.
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The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “their works do follow them”
Rev 14:13 KJV – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
“Their works do follow them”. What a wonderful blessing it is to know that the Christian’s acts of service to Christ will follow them into their eternal dwelling place! Our good works will be remembered and rewarded by Christ in eternity!
Previously, we have said that because God is a holy God, He must judge sin. Likewise, we are told that if God is holy, He must remember the service that is done in His name…
Heb 6:10-11 KJV – “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:”
This judgment will take place in the first stage of our eternity, which is called the thousand year reign…
Rev 20:4 KJV – “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
This judgment will discern works that are done SINCERELY with THE RIGHT MOTIVES that are IN ALIGNMENT WITH the commands of God found in His Word…
1Co 3:12-15 KJV – “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Once rewarded, the people of God will place the rewards back at the feet of Christ in an act of praise and worship…
Rev 4:10-11 KJV – “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Why will we do this? Because we understand that we could not be faithful in our service without His constant enabling intervention. It is only by His grace, that we can serve Him in a way that is pleasing to Him. Our service is truly Christ working in us to bring forth lives of obedience to Him!
Joh 15:5-6 KJV – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”
2Co 3:4-5 KJV – “And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”
Php 4:13 KJV – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Laying our rewards at His throne is an act of recognition of this principle and praise to the One who enabled us.
May we all be thankful for the Lord’s promise of eternal rewards and eagerly await the privilege of placing those rewards back at His feet. In doing so, we will be praising and honoring Him for His great enabling grace during our times of earthly service to Him!
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
The Eternal Rest Of The People Of God…
Rev 14:13 KJV – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “they may rest from their labours;”
Rev 14:13 KJV
(13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
The eternal rest of God’s people is in view…. “that they may rest from their labors”. What type of rest will God’s people experience throughout eternity? this text answers that question using the term “labors”. The Greek word translated “labors” carries with it the ideas of “fatigue, grief, sorrow, or pain”.
When we enter into our eternal rest, we will no longer face the trials, struggles, oppostions, weaknesses, and hurts of this fallen world. We will be able to enter into a peaceful rest with our Lord!
The first stage of our eternal rest begins at our physical death…
Job 3:13-19 KJV “For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, … There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.”
The final stage of our eternal rest is a rest for our entire being (spirit and body). This begins at the second coming of Christ. At that time we will receive our resurrected, glorified bodies…
2Th 1:6-7 KJV “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,”
Knowledge and appreciation for this eternal rest should be a great motivational force in our service to Christ and need for self-examination…
Heb 4:9-11 KJV “here remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
(Please note the phrase “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest”, does not teach us that our labors on earth will gain us this rest. It is simply instructing us to labor to be certain that we have been saved by God’s grace. This same principle is found in 2 Peter 1:10 – “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”)
May we all take this exhortation very seriously and take great pains to make certain that the Lord has intervened in our life and brought us to a saving knowledge of Him! May we use this wonderful promise of our eternal rest motivate us to search our hearts immediately, seriously, and honestly.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
Eternal Torment Is Not A Myth, It Is An Eternal Truth From God’s Word…
Rev 14:10 KJV – “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone”
Rev 14:10 KJV
(10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
God’s eternal punishment for sins is described in our text as “torment” which is translated from the Greek word “basanizo”. In the KJV, the same Greek word is also translated “pain”, “toil”, “toss”, or “vex”. Based upon its meaning and usage, it is clear that “torment” is describing the great pain, misery, and sorrow that lost mankind will experience in the Lake of Fire.
To further explain the great agony of eternal damnation the phrase “with fire and brimstone” is added to the description. (see also Rev 19:20; 20:10, 21:8) Both fire and brimstone are earthly examples with which we are all familiar. They are given to us, to help explain sufferings that are yet to come and cannot be experienced, nor fully understood, in the here and now.
“Fire” – the eternal wrath of God involves excruciating pain…
We have all experienced the great pain that that we feel when we are burnt in a flame or touching a hot burner on the stove. This is a very faint, earthly picture of the great pain that awaits those who enter the Lake of Fire for an eternity.
“Brimstone” the eternal wrath of God is agonizing and, in every aspect of it, destructive to mankind…
Brimstone (aka burning sulfur) emits an extremely hot (500 degree) blue flame and a gas (SO2) that is poisonous to man. It is found in abundance during volcanic eruptions. When we think about the devastating heat and catastrophic effects of a volcanic eruption, we can see the great pain and continuing destruction that awaits lost individuals. From the perspective of the unsaved, there is absolutely no beneficial aspect to the eternal judgment that awaits them.
Christ, Himself, links fire and brimstone to the punishment for sin (Sodom and Gomorrah) in Luke 17:29…
“But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.”
The relationship between fire and brimstone and the judgment of sin is clearly declared in Psalm 11:6…
“Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.”
May we never take the phrase “tormented with fire and brimstone” lightly.
It was given to us in the Word of the Lord to illustrate to lost mankind the horrible eternal judgment that awaits them. Likewise, it was given to the people of God, to help them understand and appreciate His gracious deliverance from this eternal judgment and to remind them of the need to share the gospel with the lost who are still facing this horrible torment.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
The Pride, Selfishness and Humanism Of The World Awaits Certain Defeat!
Rev 14:8 KJV “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “Babylon”
Rev 14:8 KJV “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
In this verse, and other verses in Revelation (Rev 16:19, 17:5, 18:2, 18:10, 18:21), we find the kingdoms of Satan described as “Babylon”. One of the most important keys to understanding the relationship between Babylon and the kingdoms of Satan can be found in the account of the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). It was this event that marks the beginning of the kingdom of Babylon.
The relationship between Babylon and Satan’s kingdoms centers upon the motives behind the building of the tower which are reflected throughout the history of the kingdom of Babylon. Note the following verses that are taken from the Tower of Babel account:
Gen 11:1,4 – “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech… And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
In these verses, we are told that mankind, prior to the tower incident, spoke the same language and dialect. This allowed them to be a unified group of men who could clearly communicate with one other. In all likelihood, this would have fostered a spirit of oneness between them giving them the ability to achieve many great accomplishments, a sense of security, and a heart filled with pride at all they had accomplished. This basic principles seem to be born out in Gen 11:4.
In verse four, we can see the two great prideful motives at work in the building of their tower:
- a desire to remain unified – “lest we be scattered upon the face of the earth”
By building a tower that reached high in the clouds, they would be able to see it from great distances on the earth. This would allow them to have a universal meeting place, allowing them to retain their unity, security, and strength while spreading out and traveling great distances upon the globe.
- a desire to be exalted in their own eyes – “let us make us a name”
By building such a tremendous feat of engineering (an incredibly tall ornate tower) it would be a display of their great strength, abilities, and knowledge. They would become famous among the people throughout the generations, thus creating a lasting name for themselves.
Put another way, the Babylon empire was based upon selfishness, pride, and humanism… so too, the kingdom of Satan….
Satan’s fall was the direct result of His prideful, rebellious, selfish attitude, as he desired the worship, praise and honor deserved by God alone. Those who are members of his kingdoms share in these three same life characteristics… They refuse to submit to their Creator and Lord, which is an issue of selfishness and pride. Also, they believe they can better themselves, better society and avoid the results of their sinful condition through their good works and self-reformation, these beliefs are prideful and represent humanism at its finest.
These similarities between the beginning of Babylon and the basis of Satan’s kingdom is one of the great reasons why the kingdoms of this world are described as “Babylon” and “Mystery Babylon”.
As Christians, may we all see our need to flee from these “Babel” characteristics (pride, selfishness, and humanism) that are commonly seen in the lives of the lost around us. In opposition to these, may we seek to live holy lives that bear the fruits of the Spirit in the eyes of all around us. In doing so, we will be showing the characteristics that were seen in the life of our Lord, which lie in direct opposition to the characteristics seen in the life of Satan.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
The Good News About Christ Holds Many Eternal Blessings For Us!
Rev 14:6 KJV And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “The Everlasting Gospel”
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “The Everlasting Gospel”
Rev 14:6 KJV And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
For most Christians, the gospel message is very familiar… it is the death, burial, resurrection and its proofs:
1Co 15:1-8 KJV… “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
And most of us also understand that this gospel message is powerful… it is the tool used by God to save members of fallen mankind from the penalty, power and presence of sin:
Rom 1:16 KJV … “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
But not as many of us, I am afraid, understand that it is the everlasting gospel message. It is perpetual, without end in two different aspects…
- Its EXISTANCE is everlasting:
Eph 3:11 KJV… “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:”
Heb 13:20 KJV… “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”
It was a part of the eternal purpose of God, Who made this everlasting promise to all His people.
- Its EFFECTS are everlasting as well:
2Th 2:16 KJV – “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,”
Tit 1:1-3 KJV – “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;”
It results in God’s people being given everlasting comfort and good assurance of eternal life.
May we all bow before our God this day and praise Him for His great eternal purpose that included Christ’s sacrificial work on behalf of His people. It is this very work that is declared plainly in the everlasting gospel message. It is this everlasting message that gives us access to His work of grace!
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
God’s People Are Firstfruits Brought To Him For His Use!
Rev 14:4 KJV – “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Revelation 14:6-13 “The Warnings Of The Three Angels”
THE TEXT:
Rev 14:6-13 KJV
(6) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
(7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
(8) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
(9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
(10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
(11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
(12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
(13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
THE INTRODUCTION:
After looking at Satan and his earthly kingdoms and their opposition to Christ and His spiritual kingdom (Rev 12: & 13:), we now begin a new vision. Our review of Satan’s kingdoms on earth has been brought to completion now we look at the very next event that will take place in time… the second coming of Christ.
In this look at His second coming, we will see Christ being praised for the redemption of His people; the protection of His people; and His wrath that will destroy the kingdoms of Satan…
- The Redeemed of God singing a song of praise to their Redeemer, the Lamb (14:1-5)
- The Warnings Of The Three Angels (14:6-13)
- The Two Reapings Of The Earth (14:14-20)
THE EXPOSITORY STUDY:
Please note in the following passage the messages of the three angels are related and should be taken as one unit. We can see this when verse 9 says “the third angel”. This points us to the fact that these three angels present a series of three warnings that refer to the same basic event…. The wrath that falls during the second coming of Christ.
Also, please remember these warnings of coming judgment are being proclaimed prior to the second coming of Christ.
When these warnings are delivered, both lost and saved still dwell on the earth. It will be in the immediate future that Christ appears, takes His children to be with Him, and begins to release His wrath upon fallen mankind that remains upon the earth…
Rev 14:6-13 KJV
I… Warning Of God’s Wrath That Is Ready To Fall Upon All Mankind
(6) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven,
John says that he sees another similar angel flying in heaven. “Another” implies that there was a previous angel that John has seen. Which angel is he referring to? The last angel that delivered a message was the angel written about in Revelation 11:15, the angel that announced the final stages of wrath that would bring God’s punishment upon mankind to a conclusion.
The angel we are reading about in this verse is a similar type of angel. He, too, is delivering a message of the impending wrath of God that is ready to fall upon lost mankind.
having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
This angel possesses the everlasting gospel message (death, burial, resurrection) of Christ that he will be proclaiming to the entire world giving the lost one last chance to repent before the judgment falls upon them.
This angel and his message is symbolic of the gospel being proclaimed throughout all the world during the last days prior to Christ’s coming. Christ said that this would take place…. Mat 24:14 KJV – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
The gospel, in actuality would be proclaimed by the Lord using nature, His people and, especially, His local churches. This is shown to us by the symbol of the “angel” (the gospel proclaimed by a “messenger” of God).
(7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
The angel, in the context of the gospel message, proclaims mankind’s need to “Fear God and give glory to Him”. This is describing mankind as coming to salvation and honoring and worshipping their Lord. Why should they act immediately? “for the hour of judgment is come”.
The angel also reminds mankind that the God they are to worship is their Creator… the One that holds the ultimate authority over them (Roms 9:19-26).
II… Warning Of Certainty Of God’s Wrath
(8) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
The second angel now explains that God’s wrath has already been accomplished in the eternal counsels of God. it is as good as done. That is why he makes the statement “Babylon IS fallen, IS fallen”. This fall is prophesied in Isaiah 21:7-10 and Jeremiah 51:6-10.
Please note: “Babylon” is a term that is being used to describe Satan’s kingdom(s). This would include the religious and political aspects to that kingdom. We will see this in much greater detail in Rev chapters 17-18.
Why does “Babylon” to refer to his kingdom? Babylon finds it beginning with the tower of Babel event of the Old Testament (Gen 11:1-9). The tower of Babel was mankind’s first attempt at organized rebellion against the Lord. It is mankind wanting to pridefully “make us make a name (for ourselves)” and seek to always remain united in their rebellion “lest we be scattered abroad”. This is the epitome of Satan’s kingdom. Both the political and religious aspects of his kingdom seek to rebel against the Lord, relying entirely upon themselves (their knowledge, strength, and abilities) instead of humbly recognizing their need of God and submit to His worship and service.
Babylon’s fall comes upon her because she has corrupted lost mankind to commit acts of uncleanness (fornication) with her. Therefore she must partake of the fitting results of her sins and corrupting of the lost. She entirely deserves the wrath that is about to fall upon her. Her certain fall brings a just end to her sinful ways.
III… Warning Of God’s Wrath That Is Ready To Fall Upon Satan’s Kingdoms
(9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
The third angel now delivers his warning to those who are members of Satan’s kingdom.
He describes these members of Satan’s kingdom as those who “worship the beast”, “worship the beasts image”, and “receive his mark in his forehead or his hand”. These descriptions mirror the description of lost mankind found in Rev 13:11-18. Those who follow the political, religious kingdoms of Satan show themselves to be:
- worship the beast – those who honor and submit to Satan and his kingdoms
- worship his image – those who worship themselves, their abilities, their works, their knowledge etc
- receive the mark in his forehead or in his hand – bear fruits of sinfulness in their thoughts, desires, and outward works
(10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,
Anyone with these above marks will face God’s wrath at Christ’s second coming…
which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation;
God’s wrath pictured as being undiluted and based upon God’s “indignation” (violent passionate anger). Sin angers God, especially when that sin is propagated through methods of deceit and enticement of the lusts of the flesh….
Rom 1:18-19 KJV – “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.”
and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: (11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night,
The wrath of God being poured out involves being “tormented” (tossed and pained) with fire and brimstone. This symbolism comes for the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:23-28, 2 Pet 2:4-6)
This torment begins at Christ’s second coming when His wrath falls upon sinful mankind on the earth (2 Peter 3:10-12, Luke 17:29-20, Psalm 11:4-6, 2 Thess 1:6-9) and then continues for an eternity in the Lake of Fire immediately following their time of judgment before God (Matt 25:41, Mark 9:43-48).
When both of these punishments take place, at the second coming and the final judgment of the lost, the Lamb and the angels of God will be present (Mrk 8:38, Lk 12:9).
Verses that teach the existence of an eternal punishment:
Isa 33:14 KJV – “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?”
Isa 66:23-24 KJV – “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.”
Dan 12:2 KJV – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Mat 5:29-30 KJV – “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
Mat 7:23 KJV – “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Mat 10:28 KJV – “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Mat 25:41 KJV – “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
Mar 9:43-48 KJV – “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Luk 8:30-32 KJV – “And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.”
Luk 16:19-31 KJV – “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
2Th 1:6-9 KJV – “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
Heb 6:1-2 KJV – “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
1 Pe 3:19 KJV – “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;”
Based upon these verses, we can see the teaching of eternal punishment is found in both Old and New Testaments, in a multiplicity of verses and texts.
who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Who are the recipients of God’s wrath? Those who are followers of Satan and members of his political and religious kingdom.
IV… Summary Of Above Warnings
(12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Knowledge of the coming judgment of the Lord against the abusers of His people is a source of great patience for His people. There are the people whose lives are characterized by an obedience to the commands of the Lord and continuing proclamation that hands down to others the truths of God’s Word.
(13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
After seeing the horrible end of the wicked, John is now prompted to emphasize the great blessings of the saved who are kept secure in Christ and pardoned from sin’s penalty.
What a drastic difference between the lost and saved! The lost are destroyed at His coming, and sentenced to an eternal punishment. While the saved, on the other hand, enter into a Godly rest from their earthly labors (Hebs 4:8-9. Isa 57:1-2) and gain rewards for their obedient works (2 Cor 5:10, 1 Tim 5;24-25).
CHRIST REVEALED:
In this text, we find a four-fold revealing of Christ…
- In the message of the first angel, we can see the GRACE & GREATNESS of Christ revealed as He consistently presents the gospel message to the lost up to His second coming. This gives lost mankind every possible opportunity to repent and come to faith. In this message He is also revealed as the True God and Creator of all mankind illustrating His greatness in comparison to fallen mankind.
- In the message of the second angel, we can see the SOVERIEGNTY and VICTORY that He has won over Satan and His kingdoms. His victory is an absolute certainty, being won at the cross and manifest at His second coming.
- In the message of the third angel, we can see His WRATH and His JUSTICE on display as He clearly displays His victory over the powers of darkness.
- In the angels’ instructions to John, we can see the FAITHFULNESS of Christ, as He remains faithful in keeping the promises of future blessings for His people to enjoy.
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION (SUMMARY)
Servants of the Lord, may we all find encouragement to continue to take the gospel into the lost and dying world around us.
We have learned of the great need of the lost to come to Christ before they face their eternal punishment, the blessings awaiting each one of us, and the Lord’s promise of future victory and retribution in Him.
May we allow these truths to burden our hearts and motivate us to greater service to Christ!
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The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
Rev 14:4 KJV – “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
The 144,000, symbolic of all who are saved, are described as being “the firstfruits of God and to the Lamb” here in Revelation. The same title is also given to God’s people in James 1:18…
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
What is meant by the term “firstfruits”?
The firstfruit was the early portion of a crop that was given back to the Lord as an act of worship and thankfulness for His gracious supply…
Pro 3:9 KJV – “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”
Some of the basic priniciples of the firstfruits involved:
- a separation TO the Lord for His use
- a separation FROM the other portion of the crop
- a separation MOTIVATED BY thankfulness
- a separation RESULTING IN bringing honor God
What can we learn about God’s people from these truths concerning His firstfruits?
- God’s people are brought to Himself – John 6:44
- God’s people are brought out of fallen mankind – Romans 5:8-9
- God’s people serve Him out of thankfulness/appreciation of heart– Col 3:17
- God’s people serve Him resulting in God being glorified – 1 Peter 2:12
Are we living as firstfruits for our Lord and Savior?
After all He has done for us by graciously bringing us to Himself, removing us from the bondage of sin, and making us new creatures in Him, how can we not live as if we were offerings given to Him for His glory and praise?
May we all be firstfruits for His glory and grace!
Heb 13:15-16 KJV – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
Do We Follow Our Lord Or Expect Him To Follow Us?
Rev 14:4 KJV – “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”
Rev 14:4 KJV – “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
The saved that have died and gone to heaven are described as “these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” One of the great hallmarks of the life of a child of God is their willingness to follow their Lord in every area of their lives. Christ Himself explained this principle to us when He said ….
Joh 10:27-29 KJV – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
WOW. What a wonderful passage for us this morning. In this text, our Lord relates to us three characteristics of those who have turned from their sins and, by faith, accepted Christ as the Lord of their life and Savior from their sins…
A genuine believer will:
- My sheep hear my voice, – be able to understand God’s Word, and recognize His will for their life
- and I know them, – the Lord recognizes and accepts them, forming a relationship with them
- and they follow me: – will willfully submit to His desires and calling for their life.
We need to be honest with ourselves. Do these three marks characterize our life? If so, then we can know that we have been given spiritual life and eternally secure in Him….
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
Folks, these are the people that John saw standing before God’s throne in heaven. Will we be found there as well?
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation:
Are We Spiritually Faithful To Christ ?
Rev 14:4 KJV – “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Settled In Heaven Blog 