LESSON AIM

1. We will gain further understanding of the eternal punishments and rewards that await those who choose to reject and those who choose to hear and obey the COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

2. We will also be encouraged to carefully consider the importance of remaining faithful to THE WORD.

KEEP IN MIND

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, and the FAITH OF JESUS” (Revelation 14:12).

In this vision, John saw three angels, each with a special message. The first angel proclaimed the Gospel and exhorted people to honor GOD, the CREATOR, because judgment had now come. The second angel announced that Babylon had fallen. The third angel declared that those who worshipped the beast would receive eternal punishment.

By way of background, in reference to the Babylon of Revelation, so often and so vigorously did the Old Testament prophets denounce the literal Babylon that it became a byword for human pride and vainglory. For John and his readers, Babylon, the luxury-loving prostitute, was Rome, the pampered, decadent city of seven hills, where Christians were thrown to the lion and burned alive as public entertainment. However, every age has its “Babylon,” the personification of all greed and luxury and pleasures which entices men away from GOD—the things that promise so much and give so little. Babylon, the epitome of all that cheats, is doomed.

The preceding chapters in Revelation have described the war that will take place on earth and in heaven. Satan has been revealed as the murderous and destructive creature that he is. We are also given the gruesome details of a three-and-a-half-year period of tribulation.

In the heavenly realm, the archangel Michael (the only angel in the Bible to be assigned this rank) and his armies battle with Satan and his legions. During this battle, Satan is defeated and cast out of heaven and onto earth. It is announced that Satan is confined to the earth with a limited amount of time to wage war before he will be defeated again and cast into the lake of fire to remain forever.

1. HOPE PROCLAIMED (Revelation 14:6-7)

Chapter 14 opens with John’s vision of Zion, or the heavenly city. The 144,000 are no longer on earth; they are now seen in heaven, which perhaps signals that their evangelizing work on earth has been completed. The 144,000 are in the presence of the LAMB, standing before the throne of GOD. Verse 6 begins with an angel’s proclamation of an “everlasting gospel” to everyone that lives on the earth. The exact meaning of the phrase “everlasting gospel” is debatable. Some scholars believe this is a reference to a final evangelistic appeal that will be heard throughout the world. Still others believe that the people of the world have already been given ample opportunity to hear and heed the Gospel. While some have heard and believed, others have rejected THE WORD. It is on this latter group that the angel is pronouncing judgment. In either case, the sacrificial death of JESUS CHRIST is the key to everlasting life for the believer.

In verse 7, the Greek word for the command to “fear” is phobethete (pronounced fah-BAY-thay-the). From it, we get our modern word “phobia.” The type of fear urged with reference to GOD is not cringing terror, but reverential awe.

The Greek word for “glory” is doxan (pronounced DOX-ahn). From it, we get the word “doxology.” Perhaps the most familiar doxology begins, “Praise GOD from WHOM all blessings flow.”) When we have reverence for GOD we act in accordance with HIS ALMIGHTY AWESOMENESS.

When we glorify GOD, we express HIS ALL-SUPERLATIVE EXCELLENCE. WHAT A GREAT GOD WE HAVE!

Interestingly, the specific word for “judgment” appears here for the very first time in the Book of Revelation—although the idea is evident throughout the Book. The Greek term for “judgment” is kriseos (pronounced KRISS-eh-ose). From it, we get our word “crisis.”

The angel declares that GOD, who now stands ready to issue final judgment, must be feared, glorified, and worshipped. Earlier in Revelation, GOD is frequently referred to as ONE who sits on the throne (4:2, 9-10; 5:1, 7, 13). In Revelation 14:7, the angel stresses the omnipotence of GOD, identifying HIM as THE CREATOR of the “earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Our daily prayers ought to include this recognition of GOD as our CREATOR and JUDGE.

2. DESTRUCTION PREDICTED (v.8)

Revelation 14:8 anticipates the amplified version of this announcement in Revelation 18:2. (Chapters 17 and 18 cover the subject of the fall of Babylon.) Most Bible scholars assume that something more than literal Babylon (the ancient city) is meant here. In Revelation 17:1-5, a great (symbolic) prostitute is seen who, for a while, maintains a cooperative relationship with the “beast” (17:3). Her name is “Babylon.” She “sits” on the beast; in other words, the beast supports her. Usually, sexual adultery is used in the Old Testament as a metaphor for false religion; thus the prostitute of chapter 17 may represent the false religious system which persecutes those who cling to the true revelation of GOD (see 17:5). Similarly, the word “fornication” used here probably refers to participation in false religion.

The announcement that Babylon has fallen is particularly significant. The use of the past tense (“fallen”) indicates the certainty of the proclamation of destruction of an evil and seductive world order. The reference to “all nations” drinking Babylon’s wine indicates that the responsibility for the spread of worldwide sin and immorality is being charged to Babylon. Her sins have caused other nations to sin against GOD. We would do well to remember that our actions, godly and ungodly, have an effect on those around us.

3. EVIL PUNISHED (vv.9-11)

t this point, yet another angel appears and issues a warning that a sign will be placed on those who choose to worship the beast. The angel states that unlike the “mark” which will be placed on the forehead to seal believers, the mark of the beast may be placed on either the forehead or the hand. Some scholars have speculated that the mark on the hand may allow those so marked to hide their mark temporarily.

The metaphor for GOD’S wrath is undiluted wine, symbolizing the strength and potency of GOD’S anger. There will be no mercy shown to those who have the mark of the beast. The unbelievers, in the presence of those they have rejected—the holy angels and THE LAMB—are condemned to a lake of fire for all eternity, and there will be no relief from their agony. Their suffering will continue day and night. While it often appears that sin goes unpunished, here it is clearly shown that all sin is recognized by GOD and will be reckoned with at the appointed time.

4. PATIENCE REWARDED (vv.12-13)

The narrative now returns to the fate of the saints who, in spite of persecution, have remained faithful to the commandments of the LORD. The phrase “the dead which die in the LORD” very likely refers to those Christians who are martyred for their faith. John is told to memorialize these saints as blessed. Present-day saints should be reassured that GOD does indeed keep account of the fruit of our labors and that they do not go unnoticed by HIM, and that their ministry efforts will be rewarded.

The Book of Revelation gives the reader insight into some of the horrifying things that will occur during the end times. Because of this, many Christians admittedly avoid reading this book. Is it possible that the basis of this fear is uncertainty about their own salvation? While some of the images presented in Revelation may be shocking to us, many of them should be a source of relief and encouragement for the believer. GOD clearly intends to reward believers for their faith and endurance. This reward includes an eternal dwelling place in GOD’S PRESENCE, where the hardships, cares, and concerns that burden us now will be wiped away forever. Rather than frighten us, the Book of Revelation assures us that GOD WILL ultimately triumph, evil will be punished, and the faithful will be rewarded and reign in GOD’S presence for all eternity.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

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