REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 14.9

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Fourteen

The Great Tribulation

A Parenthesis

The Seven Trumpets

Trumpet Number 7: Woe Number 3

 

 

Overview

Angels play a dominant role in Chapter 14. Especially from verses 6 through 11, three angels engage in three distinct actions:

1. By proclaiming the everlasting Gospel (verses 6-7)

2. By predicting the fall of Babylon the Great (verse 8)

3. By pronouncing punishment on the world (verses 9-10)

 

The following verses continue the narrative from the previous study…

 

 

(Verse 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,

(Verse 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:

 

In an exceedingly loud voice, a third angel, unlike the prior two, is heard by John giving a dire warning that anyone who received the mark of the beast, either on their hand or forehead, and worshipped the Beast will drink the wine of the wrath of God.

 

The wine of the wrath of God is a figure of speech for God’s anger and fury. In Old Testament times, wine was not diluted. However, wine in antiquity was commonly mixed with water and or spices for banqueting purposes. But in this instance, the mixture is undiluted so that its fermentation reached full strength. Such examples in Old Testament recordings include:

Psalm 75:8 – For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and He poureth out of the same: but the dregs (sediment, residue, sludge) thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.

 

Isaiah 51:17 – Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

 

Jeremiah 25:15 - For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at My hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

 

So, the character of punishment in Revelation prophecy is indeed graphic. Notice:

 

The wrath (unrestrained passionate anger or rage) of God, which is poured out without mixture (in full strength) into the cup of His indignation (violent abhorring vengeance)

 

Interestingly, the Hebrew book of Nahum also painted this picture beforehand:

Nahum 1:2 - God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies.

 

The Cup

Figuratively, the cup is being used as a vessel of fate. Only one human in history drank from that cup and survived. In the Garden of Gethsemane, God’s only begotten Son took this cup in exchange for ours when the sin of the world was poured out upon Him. At that point, God’s fury was so intense that Luke the physician recorded Jesus was sweating drops or clots of blood, so much so that an angel had to come and strengthen Him. Jesus cried:

Luke 22:42-44 – [Jesus] Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

Most interestingly, angels will be witnesses to those who reject the Gospel being cast into fire and brimstone.

 

And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb

Everyone who refuses God’s final offer will be eternally doomed to Hell. The phrase shall be tormented indicates a surety of coming to pass. In His parable of the weeds, Jesus foretold:

Matthew 13:41-42 - The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 

Paul also addressed this warning earlier in a letter to the Thessalonians:

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 – 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;

 

Not only will God’s holy angels be witnesses to the tormenting, but more importantly, it will occur in the presence of the Lamb! The message: If people persist in their sins, they have only themselves to blame.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

Unlike Sodom and Gomorrah, fire and brimstone will be a continuous torment unto ages and ages. The smoke of Antichrist’s allies ascendeth forever and ever.

 

No Rest

The demise of the lost will have no rest from Satan, their sin, terror, or torment. Now contrast the above unsaved to the four living creatures of Revelation as they, without ceasing, praise and worship the Lamb.

Revelation 4:8 - And the four beasts (living creatures) had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

 

Consistent with Hell, verse 11 confirms its eternality. Said figuratively by John the Baptist:

Matthew 3:12b - He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

 

Commentary

The ultimate result of sin is separation from God. No one is forced to be eternally separated. One chooses by will. Jesus invites all to open the doors of their hearts for eternal fellowship with Him. Recall:

Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

 

Three angels deliver God’s last call for repentance to the remaining unsaved world before the final vials of judgment are loosed. But God’s gracious warnings go unheeded by most of the sinful unregenerate world, thus supporting the former words of Jesus:

John 3:18-20 - He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved (rebuked, convicted).

 

Hence, the choices people make in this life will irreversibly chart the course of their eternal destiny. The two choices substantially remain:

A. Eternal punishment

B. Eternal bliss

 

All men’s souls are entrusted to God’s Son Jesus. His voice will quicken the dead. In substantiation, John’s Gospel confirms only two universal resurrections for all mankind:

John 5: 28-29 - Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves (including the sea, and those cremated) shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Note: There are no other alternatives. At this point, the dispensation of mercy will reach its conclusion.

 

 

(Verse 12)

 

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

 

With all the warnings of God’s righteous indignation, some final words of encouragement are given to the saints who have been waiting for God’s justice to be served. Here is the patience of the saints:

 

Patience (hupomonē) is a continuance and consistency in waiting. Its secret is trusting in and obedience to the Lord. Those who keep God's commandments, have faith in Jesus Christ, and follow Him can endure their sufferings. The Holy Spirit confirms this promise:

Isaiah 66:24 - For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain (endure).

 

Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Matthew 24:13 - But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

 

In the succeeding study, a voice from Heaven pronounces the second of seven beatitudes of Revelation. And, the identity of the One who sat on a white cloud is revealed.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   What are the missions of the three angels in verses 6-9?

2.   Explain the wine of the wrath of God.

3.   What is the significance of the cup?

4.   Explain torment without rest.

5.   State the Gospel from John 3 and 1 Corinthians 15.

6.   What are the two eternal choices given to mankind?

7.   What is the patience of the saints?

 

 

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REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 14.6

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

                                                                           

Chapter Fourteen

The Great Tribulation

A Parenthesis

The Seven Trumpets

Trumpet Number 7: Woe Number 3

 

 

Preface

While the former studies of Chapter 14 are related to Israel, this portion of Scripture principally addresses the remaining pagan Gentile nations who inhabit the earth. Since God is always a longsuffering patient God of second chances (cf. 2 Peter 3:9), the earth’s inhabitants are given one final opportunity to decide whether to accept or reject Jesus Christ.

 

There appear many Old Testament precedents. Some major ones incorporate:

1. God gave 120 years of Noah's preaching before the deluge

2. God gave Israel time to repent before the Babylonian captivity

3. God gave Christians space before Jerusalem’s destruction

 

Creator God’s ultimate judgment is imminent. To the inhabitants of the earth, His wrath upon the heathen is reversible, however, it is clearly stated by Jesus so no one is without excuse or exemption:

Romans 1:20 - For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

 

John 5:22 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

The Proclamation of the Everlasting Gospel on Earth

Appearing in the midst of the second heaven and before the fall of religious, political, and economic Babylon, this is the first time an angel is commissioned by God to preach the Gospel. Initially, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was to be preached by men:

1. To go out into the world to all creation (cf. Mark 16:15)

2. To the world during Tribulation by The 144,000 (cf. Revelation 7:4)

3. To Israel specifically by two witnesses (cf. Revelation 11:3)

 

Now, God purposely employs a special angel to preach the Gospel one last time to anyone who has an ear to hear before His concluding fury engulfs the earth.

 

The Everlasting Gospel

In a final worldwide appeal to proclaim allegiance to Jesus Christ, the everlasting Gospel is preached. The message is declared to everyone. No one will be excluded from its hearing. Again, it is all-inclusive:

a.  Every nation

b.  Every kindred

c.  Every tongue

d.  Every people

 

The word Gospel (Greek: Evangelion) is defined as glad tidings, a good message, or good news. To preach (euaggelizō) means to declare, announce, or evangelize the good news. This everlasting Gospel comprises several elements incorporating:

1. The Gospel of Grace (cf. Acts 20:24)

2. The Gospel of Salvation (cf. Ephesians 1:13)

3. The Gospel of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:14)

4. The Gospel of God (cf. Romans 1:1)

5. The Gospel of Peace (cf. Ephesians 6:15)

6. The Gospel of the Kingdom (cf. Matthew 4:23)

7. The Gospel of Eternal Life (f. John 3:16)

 

Like Christ, the everlasting Gospel is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, eternal in the sense that its substance was settled before the world began - In Eternity.

Note: [For additional information research the Doctrine of Election]

 

The Gospel

1 Corinthians 15:1a, 3b-4 - Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel...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.

 

Accordingly, it will be good news for all creatures oppressed by Antichrist. On the other hand, there is a severe warning pronounced by the Apostle Paul if any other gospel is proclaimed:

Galatians 1:8 - But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

 

End Time Angels

Angels are involved in multiple aspects during Tribulation events. They will be performing several duties, some include:

1. In gathering the elect

2. In speaking

3. In praising God

4. In ministering His Word

5. In delivering messages from God

6. In fighting demons

7. In enacting judgment

 

Selected for a specific purpose, angelic duties significant to the first half of Chapter 14:

1. They preach an everlasting Gospel from God (Verse 7)

2. They proclaim God’s message, Babylon is fallen (verse 8)

3. They announce judgment, drinking God’s wrath, on those who worship the beast and receive his mark (verses 9-11)

 

But then, the good news is: God will establish His righteousness and sovereignty over the world, most likely an antecedent of Michael’s angelic army.

Revelation 12:7 - And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his (Michael’s) angels.

 

In anticipation of Tribulation’s aggressive intensity, only angels, because of their indestructibility, are selected and capable of proclaiming God’s message to the world.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

With an exceedingly great loud and mighty voice the angel is suddenly heard by John annunciating three specific mandates:

1. Fear God

Fear God

To fear God or the fear of the Lord is to give oneself a certain sense of respect, awe, and reverence for Him. Included are also loving, serving, and walking in His ways.

 

Many Scriptures annunciate this premise:

Proverbs 1:8 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy {One} is understanding.

 

Proverbs 23:17 - Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

 

1 Peter 2:17 - Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

 

2. Give Glory to God

Give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come

God certainly deserves honor, praise, and dignity because He is a just God. Extolling His attributes (holiness, majesty, sovereignty, etc.) means to unconditionally love, serve and walk in His paths or ways.

1 Chronicles 16:28 - Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

 

Judgment: This is the first of two times judgment (krisis) is used in the Book of Revelation, meaning God’s damnation or condemnation. It is at hand.

 

3. Worship God

Worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters

Worshipping God indicates an adoration, bowing, or prostrating (proskuneō) oneself before Him because of His creation and sovereignty. God alone receives and enjoys one’s selfless manner of praise and thanksgiving. David exhibited this holy reverence:

Psalm 63:5 - My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips.

 

 

(Verse 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.

 

After hearing the everlasting Gospel proclaimed by an angel in verse 6, another angel emerges and predicts the fall of Babylon before its rise. This passage is in anticipation of Revelation 18.

Revelation 18:2, 10 - And he (an angel) cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird… They (the ungodly) will stand far off in fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in a single hour your judgment has come.

 

Here in verse 6, the word Babylon has its first mention in Revelation. The phrase Babylon is fallen is in the Greek prophetic aoristic tense (i.e., speaking as if the event has already taken place in history). Even though the second angel is making this prediction, this major event has been previously foretold by Old Testament prophets:

Isaiah 21:9 – And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he (someone) answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

 

Jeremiah 51:8 - Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

 

Babylon

From its inception, Babylon symbolizes evil and rebellion against God. After the flood, in ancient Mesopotamia on the plain of Shinar, King Nimrod (son of Cush, grandson of Noah), its founder (cf. Genesis 10:9-10), also a great warrior organized a building project to erect a ziggurat tower at Babel (Hebrew for confusion) that reached the heavens.

 

Nimrod methodically formed a false system of religion at the site of Babel (cf. Genesis 11: 1-9). In doing so, Nimrod caused the nations to drink the wine that seduced men to fornication and bring with it the consequences of the wrath of God. This rebellious act caused God to diversify the languages of the known world.

Genesis 11:1-9 - The whole earth was of one language, and of one speech…as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there… And they said...Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven...And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded… And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do…Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

 

It is believed the area of Babel in modern times is situated in the Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers near ancient Babylon (present-day Iraq). However, during the Tribulation Period, Babylon (the false church, the Harlot), is believed to be the place of Antichrist’s throne – The City of the Devil. Antichrist's completely false political, economic, and religious system will have engulfed the whole world, primarily because he has made the nations fornicate with his counterfeit organization.

NOTE: Further discussion on Babylon (The Great Harlot) will be in Chapters 17 and 18 studies. For an interesting read: Lake, Dr. Michael. The Shinar Directive; Preparing the way for the Son of Perdition. Crane, MO: Defender, 2014.

 

 

 

 

In the succeeding study, a third angel will make another pronouncement in the judgment narrative.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.   How patient is God?

2.   What is God's remedy before judgment?

3.   Name some elements in the everlasting Gospel.

4.   To whom and why is this Gospel preached?

5.   State the Gospel?

6.   Why are we to fear, give glory, and worship God?

7.   What does the city of Babylon represent in Tribulation?

 

 

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