The Revelation of Jesus Christ | Victory Declared – Revelation 14:1-13
by Daniel Burton
Read Revelation 14:1-13
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God reigns over all things and His victory is forever secured.
Throughout chapters 12 and 13, the church seems to be almost on the defensive the whole time. As the dragon pursues they, the church flees into the wilderness, is persecuted by the anti-christ, and has their influence striped from them and their ability to participate in economic transactions and other parts of society. Throughout this, it seems almost as if the church is losing the battle against the devil. Many people during this time will fall away from God in the process thinking that Satan has won the victory. Yet, chapter 14 presents an incredibly different picture. Despite what appears to be no change in situation, the 144,00 elders we see from chapter 7, praise the victory of God as being complete.
The Song Of The Elders
Though they have been mentioned previously in Revelation, we gain a better understanding of the elders from this description. Their song originates in the Gospel that only those who find their identity in Jesus Christ and His victory over all things can sing. While the dragon and his beasts worked tirelessly to destroy the church, the elders set themselves apart amidst the chaos of the world. They are described in various ways. First, they are virgins, having not defiled themselves with women meaning they are pure in their person, not giving in to their fleshly desires that lead to death. While some claim this implies a literals virginity, other feels this speaks more of their purity and avoidance of the type of relationship that would defile them, physically and spiritually. Second, they follow the Lamb wherever He goes, obeying God in every aspect of their lives and trusting in the sovereignty of God to guide their every step. During the time that the dragon persecuted the church, the elders held fast to the word of God to sustain them when even food became unavailable. Third, they have been redeemed as a first-fruit giving their lives as sacrifices to God. Their identity is given first to God out of worship rather than to other things first. They gave everything to God, not the leftovers. Finally, the elders are honest in their speech boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel in their thoughts, words, and deeds. During the time when the beasts tempted the church to recant and take hold of a lie, the elders stood strong in their witness, being blameless in the eyes of God. The elders represent the faithful members of the church. Despite the persecution and pain the church felt during the previous two chapters, by setting their eyes on God and His eternal victory, the elders were not only safe but declared rulers over the world.
The Words of The Angels
Then, three angels come declaring the eternal Gospel that will surpass time itself. This Gospel, which rings true with the song of the elders, represent the foundation of life in this age and in the age to come. Even in our eternal home of heaven, the Gospel will continually resound with our souls in the understanding that we have our home in heaven by the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this message is for all people. It does not restrict itself to a particular racial or ethnic boundary. The Gospel is given to all nations, tribes, tongues, and peoples with no division being afforded to the full body of Christ. Where the dragon sought to isolate and destroy the church, those who put their hope in Jesus Christ find a unity with one another, bonded by the grace of Jesus Christ.
The first angel proclaimed loudly, “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.” (Revelation 14:7 ESV). The message reminds all creation that God remains sovereign over all. He is the beginning of all things, the creator and ruler overall. Where the dragon and the beast mascaraded as kings, the True King will not be overthrown. Even for the church, this angels’ message came as a timely reminder that God reigns from heaven. The second angel depicted the fate of the dragon and the beast who set up the false kingdom of Babylon; “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” (Revelation 14:8 ESV) While the enemy has not been fully defeated at this point, the angel speaks with such certainty that the words are given as declared realities. There will be no hope for Babylon. For people, the third angel declared the consequences of those who gave up to follow the temptations of Satan; “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.” (Revelation 14:9-11 ESV)
Those who follow Satan will unite themselves with the consequences and eternal torture that the Lord reserves for Satan. The kingdom of Babylon will not stand in the battle against thenKingdom of Heaven. Whatever temptation Satan throws at the believers or ways the church becomes cut off from the culture, our God has set apart a great home and greater reward. Even death will not be any consequence to the believer. For those following Christ, death means nothing as Christ conquered death and the cross. We, then, will not find death but rest from our labor. As the church, as long as we have breath we will praise the Lord and proclaim the unending Gospel to all who will hear, until we are called to rest from our labor and rest in the presence of God. The Lord’s victory is secure, despite whatever we may face. Our strength to persevere comes from the King who sits on the Throne.
Discussions Questions
What qualities of the elders does chapter 14 describe?
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How do you evaluate your dedication according to the qualities of the elders? Which is an area of strength? Which is an area for growth?
What is the message of the three angels? What qualities of God do they proclaim and represent?
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How does God reveal his glory during the end days? What does it mean that God’s judgment is poured out on the earth?
What does the character of god reveal to us during times when we are persecuted for our faith?
Where do you need to trust more in the person of God and who He says He is? What areas of the faith are you able to endure the persecution and what areas are you weaker in? How does the character of God shine in our weakness?
What does it mean to trust God in the difficult circumstances? When have you needed to trust God and how did things turn out?
