Revelation 14:6-13

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.  And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”  Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”  And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”  Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

As we approach the return of Christ and the final judgments on the earth, pronouncements are sent from heaven to earth.  These celestial messages provide an opportunity to hear the Gospel, warnings of coming judgment, and encouragement for believers.  These are all demonstrations of the mercy of God.  He wants all men at all times to have every opportunity to repent and trust Christ.  The promises of God are true.  He promises to judge those who reject and rebel against Him.  He promises to save those who have placed their faith on the Lord.  It is vital that these messages of God be heard.

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE: Angels are messengers.  As a rule, the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been given to believers to proclaim and not to the angels.  However, at this late stage of the history of the world, God sends an angel to proclaim an eternal gospel.  This message is one that goes out to all nations in every language to all people.  The content of the message will be a call to fear God and give Him glory.  It will be a warning of the coming judgment and an invitation to worship the one true God.  This supernatural means of communicating this message is another demonstration of God’s grace.  Throughout the tribulation, there have been a variety of opportunities afforded to the people in the tribulation including the ministry of the 144,000 and the two witnesses.  God longs for people to turn from their sin and becoming worshipers of Him.

THE DECLARATION OF DESTRUCTION: The second angel pronounces the fall of Babylon.  This is a representation of the world system that is against God and His Word.  Babylon promotes an immoral and idolatrous lifestyle.  This way of living seems to permeate the history of the world.  It stands in opposition to the instruction of God and His call to the nations.  As successful and influential as Babylon has been at turning people from God; it is the object of God’s judgment.  This system will fall and come under the judgment of God.  Injustice has been a reality in the world for a long time.  The wicked often prosper and the followers of Christ often suffer.  This is a temporary and partial reality that will come to an end.

THE WARNING OF WRATH: The third angel warns the inhabitants of the earth about the consequences of receiving the mark of the beast and worshiping the beast.  The wrath of God will be poured out upon them.  God’s anger will be revealed against all who rebel against Him and pledge allegiance to Antichrist and Satan.  It may seem that the world and its leaders have great power and are in control of things, but that is a delusion.  Their power will be stripped away, and their control will be lost.  Those who follow the world and give their loyalty to it will suffer judgment in what is described as fire, sulfur and smoke.  God’s wrath may not be evident in the present, but it will become evident in the future.

THE BLESSING OF BELIEVERS: In the midst of this judgment and warning, there is a call for believers to endure and stand steadfast in their faith.  There will continue to be persecution, and some will even die.  However, those who die in the Lord will be blessed for eternity.  They will be welcomed into the presence of the Lord.  We will find rest in the Lord from all the work and suffering that is faced on the earth and the works we have done to honor the Lord in the power He has supplied will be recognized and rewarded.

APPLICATION: Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace demonstrated in all generations.  Don’t fear or be deluded by the powers of this world, remain faithful to the Lord.  Warn others of the impending judgment that is coming on all who reject Christ.  Stand firm in our faith and have hope and joy because of our position in Christ.

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