Revelation chapter 14

Revelation 14:1-5

1) The Beast/Anti-Christ is triumphant on earth. He is in total control. In the midst of this evil/destruction/persecution/fear/anxiety/pain/death happening on earth, what’s going on top of Mt. Zion? The Lamb, Jesus, and the 144,000 are holding a worship service. Mount Zion – reference to the heavenly dwelling of God. End time commentators believe the events in verses 1-5 will take place in Heaven. References to the throne of God, the four living creatures, and 24 elders seen in Revelation chapters 4 and 5.

2) How would you describe the atmosphere surrounding the event in chapter 14:1-5?
Celebration. Joyful worship. 144,000 are worshipping the Lamb. The world is coming to an end and they are worshipping Jesus.

3) What did the 144,000 have stamped on their foreheads? The names of the Lamb and his Father. Jesus and God. What did it signify? They were servants God. Protection from God’s wrath being poured out on the world.

4) What kind of song were the 144,000 singing? A new song. In Scripture, a new song is associated with a major event … a turning point in one’s life. Person’s response to mark the occasion by singing a new song. Major event – The 144,000 had been redeemed from the earth. Redeem – to purchase for a price. They will not experience the terrible events to come.

5) Why were the 144,000 the only ones singing? Why couldn't the four living creatures and 24 elders?

The four living creatures and the 24 elders could not relate to the unique experience of the 144,000. Redemption experience. None of the heavenly creatures know what it means to be redeemed/saved. Only those redeemed by the Lamb do.

6) How did John describe the 144,000 in verses 4-5? Give a description of 144,000 using your own words.

Virgin, holy, righteous, dedicated followers of Christ, chosen by God, the best of the best of humanity. One can look at this description through a spiritual eyes. In Scripture, a person or group of people who pursue wickedness/sin are often referred to as prostitutes. They have abandoned their husband, God, to pursue adultery with other gods. Their bodies are polluted. A person/group of people who pursue righteousness/holiness are referred to as a virgin. They have kept themselves pure for their husband, God. Their bodies are not tainted. The 144,000 have gone through Hell on earth. They have been walking through a world where evil and immorality reign. Through it all the 1440,000 have maintained their purity. They refused to worship the Beast or take his mark. If one refused to worship the beast, they were slain. Here in chapter 14, the 144,000 receive the reward for their faithfulness.

Revelation 14:6-13

7) In 14:6-12, what are the messages of the three angels and to whom are they proclaiming them?

First angel - the gospel (Greek – good news): What was the news? Fear God - Give him glory - judgment is near – worship God. Who was it good for? Followers of God. The end is near. God is about to pass judgment on the wicked.

Second angel - Proclaims fall of Babylon - What is Babylon? City in ancient world. Capital of a couple of empires. Associated with tyranny (Babylonian captivity) and SIN - set standard for sin - (idolatry, astrology, sexual immorality, drunkenness, you name it, they did it). A city that led the world to sin including the Jewish people. For early Christians, the word Babylon had the same connotation as Jezebel. Hear the name immediately awful things come to mind. Early church referred to Rome as Babylon. Here in Revelation Babylon is believed to refer to the capital of the Anti-Christ’s kingdom. God identifies that city with immoral Babylon of the ancient world. This city will lead the world to sin/encourage immorality. This city is portrayed as a prostitute. Opposite of the 144,000.

Name a city today that you would connote with Babylon.

Third angel - Words of warning for anyone who receives the mark of the Beast. They will receive the full measure of God’s wrath. It will not be pretty. Imagery is similar to how God poured out His wrath upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis chapter 19)

8) What does verse 12 mean to you? These verses give credence to commentators who teach that the Church will go through at least half of the 7 year Great Tribulation. Hang in there a little while longer.

9) In verse 13, what was John told to write? What do you think it means?

Read verses 14-20

John sees a preview of God’s judgment upon the just and unjust.

Man on white cloud (Jesus) - Harvest of the followers of God.

Second angel – Harvest of the wicked who will experience the wrath of God.

1600 = about 185 miles