28/06/2023 Wednesday
The Revelation
Study of John’s Revelation
Chapter 14
Chapter 14

Introduction

Having closed chapter thirteen with its doom and gloom, we open chapter fourteen with the tune of victory.
Christ, not the devil, will have the last say.

This chapter views the every end of the tribulation period when God’s final judgment begins to fall and the
victory is claimed.

This chapter contrasts the discouraging facts of chapter 13.
Chapter 14

Introduction

Alan Johnson states, “Chapter 14 briefly answers two pressing questions: What becomes of those who refuse to
receive the mark of the beast and are killed (vv. 1-5)? What happens to the beast and his servants (vv. 6-20)?”
(quoted in Constable’s Notes)

This chapter identifies six scenes from heaven.

Robert Gromacki views these as six announcements.

John Walvoord calls them “a series of pronouncements and visions assuring the reader of the ultimate triumph of
Christ and the judgment of the wicked.”
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene One: The Lamb and the 144,000 saints (v.1-5)

They all stand on Mount Zion (perhaps in heaven, v.3) (v.1)

These saint God’s name on their foreheads.

John heard a voice from heaven and the voice of harpers (v.2)

This was as loud as thunder and torrents, yet peaceful as a harp.

A new song is sung in heaven (v.3)

The description of the 144,000 (v.4-5)

Morally undefiled virgins. * They follow the Lord faithfully. * They were redeemed as first fruits. * They speak no guile. * They are
without fault.

These are an example for us to imitate.
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Two: The Everlasting Gospel is Preached (v.6-7)

John saw an angel flying in heaven.

The angel had the everlasting gospel

This everlasting gospel is for everyone on earth.

This gospel is not the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for our eternal salvation. It is described in v.7.

The gospel was “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.”

This is good news to the believers on earth, but bad news to unbelievers.
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Three: Babylon is Fallen (v.8)

John saw a second angel that made an announcement.

He announced the fall of Babylon.

“This proclamation anticipates the events of Revelation 18… ‘Babylon’ is God’s name for the world system of ‘the beast,’ the entire
economic and political organization by which he rules.” (Wiersbe 607)

Babylon’s sin was that of leading people into immorality.
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Four: Doom of the Beast Worshippers (v.9-11)

A third angel makes a terrible announcement.

The announcement was to all who worship the beast (antichrist) or his image, and receive his mark (666).

They will drink of God’s wrath (v.10).

They will be tormented with fire and brimstone (v.10).

The smoke of their torment will ascend up forever and ever (v.11).

They will have no rest day nor night (v.11).

God’s judgments are always fair and right. If we view them as too harsh, it is because we fail to see how much sin offends our holy God. May God open our eyes!
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Five: The Lord Blesses His Martyrs (v.12-13)

Again we read of the “patience of the saints.”

This verse contains John’s word of encouragement to believers in the Great Tribulation (cf. 13:10b, 18; 17:9). It is better to
experience the beast’s punishment, even martyrdom, than God’s punishment. (Constable)

This announcement is addressed to those who keep God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus.

God blesses those who will become his martyrs.

They will rest from their labours.

Their good works will be remembered by God.
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Six: God Reaping and Treading “Grapes” (v.14-20)

John saw one like the Son of man sitting on a white cloud (v.14). This appears to be Christ Himself.

An angel came out of the temple urging the one on the cloud to begin harvesting (v.15). What is a sickle?

The one on the cloud reaped the earth (v.16).

Another angel came out of the temple in heaven with a sharp sickle (v.17)
Chapter 14 – Six Heavenly Scenes

Scene Six: God Reaping and Treading “Grapes” (v.14-20)

Yet another angel came out from the altar urging harvest (v.18). [We find several heavenly angels working here.]

He had power over fire. This may be authority to execute judgment.

The angel harvested the “grapes” (people) and cast them into God’s press (v.19). This is at the end of the
Tribulation.

The “grapes” were smashed and much blood flowed (v.20).

This is likely symbolic of a battle or destruction. God is not going to smash his enemies in a huge grape press.

It seems probable that blood will literally flow up to the height of horses’ bridles (about four and one-half feet) in some places in
that valley. Obviously many people will have to die for this amount of blood to flow. Constable
Personal Application

The six scenes of this chapter are a heavenly perspective of the end of the Tribulation in contrast
with the earthly (antichrist) perspective in chapter 13.

God and his people will be the final victors.

God will honour his faithful children.

No one can reject God and win.

If you have not received Christ, please do it today!