We are in a section of Revelation that gives us short glimpses of what is to come at the end.  Chapter 12 let us see Satan’s fury towards the world at being cast out of heaven.  In chapter 13 we were given a glimpse of what is to come for the lost.  We saw the havoc that will be poured out on the earth during the 7 years. 

      We also saw how antichrist and the false prophet maneuver the world and its people.

Have you ever thought about how God’s people will exist during this evil time on the earth?  Can they remain faithful to the Lord to the end with the overwhelming odds against them? 

      Chapter 14 gives us the answer to these questions.  This chapter is taken out of context – out of chronological order.  No time frame here.  We’re looking now at the beginning of the millennium.  John is given the ability to see scenes that no one else will see except through his eyes.

 

 

                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  v. 1-2

 

    1. Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.

 

     “I looked” i.e. “I saw” – indicates that John is actually seeing these events. The “Lamb” which John sees is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Mt. Zion, or in some versions it is Mt Sion.  They are one and the same and are in Jerusalem.  Many years ago when I was in Jerusalem, I had the privilege of going to Mt. Zion which houses a building dedicated to the remembrance of King David.  All around the walls of the room are crowns, gold crowns, with jewels in them, magnificent crowns of all sizes and shapes.  It is said that a new crown is made each year and added to the collection in hopes that the King will return to the throne during that year.  The Lord Jesus Christ is going to reign from Jerusalem.  It will be the capital of the world, with the throne room sitting on Mt. Zion.  Psalm 2:6 “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion”. Many believe He will reign from the temple, but that’s not possible.  He will reign from the throne of David which is located on Mt. Zion.  The 144,000 that John sees are those sealed in chapter 7 and have come through the tribulation like the Hebrew children through the fiery furnace. Remember, God started with 144,000, and He didn’t lose a single one.

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      v. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder.  The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.

 

     “I heard”.  John not only sees but hears.  What did he hear? – First – a voice from heaven.  God’s voice.  Great, powerful, thundering voice of God the Father.  2nd He hears harps playing – beautiful music from heaven.  A worship service in progress.  The 144,000 join the heavenly chorus in song.

 

      “which were redeemed from the earth” means that they have been purchased by the blood of Jesus to enter the millennium on earth.  They are not taken to heaven.  They are joined on the earth by the heavenly hosts.  This is the millennium, remember, and these will live on the earth for a thousand years.
 

      v. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.  No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

 

      Why is this a new song? And why can’t the others learn it? The Old Testament saints could not sing this song because they did not know of Christ’s death and resurrection for their sins.  Even though we sing our song of salvation, we have not experienced the sustaining power of Jesus and His power over Satan as the tribulation saints will, so the church can’t sing this song either.

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      No one can sing praises to God but the redeemed.  Don’t ask an unsaved person to sing Amazing Grace, because he hasn’t experienced it.  He may be able to sing it but God will not honor it.

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      The Psalmist said in Ps. 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy”

Heaven and earth are out of harmony right now – but in the millennium all will be in harmony.  What a contrast with chapter 13 where the earth is in rebellion against heaven. 

 

      Rev. 14:4-5

 

      4. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure.  They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 

      5. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

 

      Now, what does all that mean “not defiled with women; for they are virgins”.  In the Old Testament, idolatry was classified as spiritual fornication.  An example is found in Ezekiel 16 where God pronounced punishment on Israel for Fornication and adultery – which was idolatry. 

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      Another example is in 2 Corinthians 11:2 – “for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” These are Spiritual virgins, not physical virgins.  They have remained true to Christ -not fooled by the “Harlot Religion” the corrupt religious system under the false prophet.             

 

     “from among men” – from among humans

     “first fruit” – First saved in the tribulation.  First means there are more to come.  First fruits has a definite reference to the nation of Israel.  This would be the 144,000.

       “In their mouth was found no lie” – They didn’t fall for Antichrist’s lies.  Didn’t participate.  Remember Jesus said that if it were possible to deceive the very elect, they would be deceived.  But they will not be. 

        “without blemish” – Does this mean they have never sinned?  No, Are you pure without spot or blemish? Yes you are!!! – Why?  Because of the Blood of Jesus.  So are they.  Because they are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  They had to trust God and not themselves.  This will be total faith and trust.  No place to turn.  No place to run and hide.  What a lesson this is for us.  One reason God allows trials and tribulations is to teach us to trust Him more.

 

        The real issue during the tribulation is to stay clear of antichrist and his worldwide religious system.  It consumes the souls of men.  It will be like prostituting the souls of men.  This is why they are called virgins.  They were not used by the system.  They did not sell themselves out.

 

        Let me stop here and explain something.  Antichrist needs support of the worlds religious leaders.  Christians are gone.  Antichrist and the world government system will support organized religion; build it up as if it is of high importance (much like Rome and the Catholic church.)  This is the coalition of church and state.  It sounds so right – each supporting the other.  Be careful of any laws which support any form of this union, even though it might sound good for religion.   Organized religion of the tribulation will be practicing witchcraft, Satan worship, worship of mother earth, etc. In fact, just the other day, I read an article which stated that Satanist were demanding recognition from the government so that they could apply for the tax benefits like Christian organizations.  There is also a cleric minister, who happens to be an atheist, who has been hired as a chaplain with a branch of the armed forces.  You can look for more like these in the months to come as we draw closer to the coming of Jesus Christ. 

 

        Midway through the tribulation, antichrist gets tired of the system.  He feels he doesn’t need it any more.

 

        Next week we will look at a series of 3 angel messages given during this same time period.  The times are so intense in the great tribulation period that only angels can get the messages of God through to the world.  Angels are indestructible.  This is supernatural – visible – God allows all to hear – no one can say they were ignorant of God’s messages.

 

        Look ahead, there’s more to come.

   

        God bless you, dear ones.  Stay faithful.  It won’t be long now until we hear the trumpet blast from heaven. Will you hear your name called? Or will your number be up?  It is your choice.  Make it quickly as there isn’t much time left.

 

Come Lord Jesus,

                 Maggie.