1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
What John Saw?
1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
Who is this Lamb?
Lamb hear refers to Jesus Christ
John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:36 - And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"
Rev 5:6 - 5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." 6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Where He is standing?
1b a Lamb standing on Mount Zion
Who is standing with the Lamb?
1c and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand
Who are these 144,000?
3d the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
Rev 7:3-4 - 3 saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
(David Guzik) The 144,000 are like the young Jewish men who survived the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:19-25. They prove God’s ability to preserve His people.
Where is Mount Zion?
Since the biblical era, the term "Zion" has been a figure of speech referring to the entire city of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. In general it is also referred as Promised Land.
Psalm 51:18 - Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem
Psalms 69:35 - For God will save Zion And build the cities of Judah, That they may dwell there and possess it.
Mount Zion is an elevation west of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Today the term refers to a hill outside the Old City.
According to the 2 Samuel 5:4-7 it is Jerusalem called city of David.
2 Sam 5:4-7 - 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. 6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, "You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you," thinking, "David cannot come in here." 7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David)..
Is this represent the Jerusalem in this earth? Does this mean that these 144,000 meet Jesus here in this earth during His 2nd coming?
In Future after Jesus 2nd coming, Jesus will rule and reign this earth from this place Jerusalem called Zion. These 144,000 are also rule and reign with Him.
(David Guzik) Why are they gathered on Mount Zion? Zion - the ancient name for the hills that make up Jerusalem - is the place where the Messiah gathers His redeemed and reigns over the earth (Psalm 48, Isaiah 24:23, Joel 2:32, Obadiah 17 and 21, Micah 4:1, 4:7).
Before that happens they will taken up to heavenly Mount Zion located in heaven.
Hebrew 12:22 - 18 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow." 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.") 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
NLT: Galatians 4:26 - 22 The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave-wife and one from his freeborn wife. 23 The son of the slave-wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God's promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God's own fulfillment of his promise. 24 Now these two women serve as an illustration of God's two covenants. Hagar, the slave-wife, represents Mount Sinai where people first became enslaved to the law. 25 And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery. 26 But Sarah, the free woman, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. And she is our mother. 27 That is what Isaiah meant when he prophesied, "Rejoice, O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other women!"
Galatians 4:26 - 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children-- 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
(Warren Wiersbe) The 144,000 are standing with Christ on Mount Zion, but which Mount Zion: the heavenly one (Heb. 12:22-24) or the earthly one? I personally believe that this is the heavenly Mount Zion, and that the scene anticipates Christ's coronation and the establishment of His kingdom when He returns to earth (Zech. 14:4ff). Christ today is enthroned in the heavenly Zion (Ps. 2:6l) and we are enthroned with Him (Eph. 2:6). The scene in Revelation 14 is the assurance to God's people that He cares for His own and finally will take them to glory.
Before God pour outs His wrath on the earth dwellers who has the mark of the beast through bowl judgment, He wants to take away from this earth.
This may happen like another rapture to heaven or they might have martyred and then gone to heaven.
Revelation 14:3 shows that they are in heaven:
Rev 14:3 - They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
What do they have in their foreheads?
1b with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
Whose father's name is this?
Jesus' Father name i.e. our father God's name.
What is His Father's name?
What is our God's Name in Old Testament?
KJV: Exodus 6:3 - And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
Exodus 6:3 - I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name LORD I was not known to them.
KJV: Psalm 83:18 - That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalm 83:18 - That they may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.
Isaiah 42:8 - I am the LORD (Yĕhovah), that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
Jeremiah 16:21 - "Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know My hand and My might; And they shall know that My name is the LORD (Yĕhovah).
Our God is referred as Yĕhovah God in most of the places:
Genesis 2:4 - This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Genesis 2:5 - before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground;
Genesis 2:7 - And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
God's name also referred by his attribute or character:
KJV: Genesis 22:14 - And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen
Genesis 22:14 - And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The Lord it shall be provided."
KJV: Judges 6:24 - Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Why Yĕhovah (Jehova) called as Yahweh?
The word Yahweh is a modern scholarly convention for the Hebrew יהוה, transcribed into Roman letters as YHWH and known as the Tetragrammaton, for which the actual pronunciation is disputed. There are many theories and none is regarded as conclusive.
For more details read Jehova
Is this seal on forehead with the Father's name is only for them or to other belivers?
Rev 3:12 - He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Rev 22:4 - 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
New Name for us:
Rev 2:17 - He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '
What it means? When did they got these seals?
This seal is the protection from God and used as a guarantee/assurance until God meets them on the heaven. They got this seal at the end of 6th seal judgment in Rev 7:3-8.
For more details read from What do this seal contains? topic in the Revelation 7:3-8 notes.
What John heard?
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
2a And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder.
Where this voice came from?
2 And I heard a voice from heaven
How is this sound like?
2b like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder
Whose voice is this?
Revelation 1:15 - His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
It is clear that this voice is voice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What Jesus is saying?
May be welcoming these 144,000 Israeli saints.
Matt 25:21,23 - 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
2b And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
Who are these harpists?
May be few from 144,000 Israel saints.
(David Guzik) We remember that the elders of Revelation 5:8 have harps. Perhaps this is where their music is heard, to accompany the worshipful singing of the 144,000 as they sing a new song, unique to them.
3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
From where they sing?
3a They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders;
What this song all about?
May be praising & thanking our God for redeeming them.
Is this song easy to learn by others?
3b and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
(Warren Wiersbe) Not only are the 144,000 standing, but they are also singing (Rev. 14:2-3). Because of the special experiences they had during the Tribulation, they have a new song to sing that others cannot share (see Pss. 33:3: 40:3: 96:1: 98:1: 144:9: 149:1). They are accompanied by heavenly harps and other heavenly voices. It is encouraging to know that one day our sorrows will be transformed into songs!
Describes 144,000 Israel saints characters/deeds:
4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
What are the three main characters that describes them?
Not Defiled because they are called to be Virgins.
4a These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.
Follow Jesus Wherever He goes.
4b These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
No Deceit from their mouth because they are faultless.
5a And in their mouth was found no deceit,
5b for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Read below for more details....
How they obtain/achieve these qualities/character?
God were redeemed (What God did to them?)
4c These were redeemed from among men,
3b the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
What is redeemed means?
Purchased by His(Jesus) blood from the ruler of this world (Satan).
Eph 2:2 - 1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
NLT: Eph2:2 - 1 Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. 2 You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, 5 that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms -- all because we are one with Christ Jesus.
Eph 1:7 - In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Gal 3:13 - 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Purchased for His own purpose and for our own benefit:
(Warren Wiersbe) John also pointed out their separation (Rev. 14:4-5). The 144,000 did not belong to the earth because they had been redeemed out of the earth. They were not earth-dwellers, but citizens of heaven. Believers today do not belong to tins very special group but, like them, we have been redeemed and are not part of this world system (see John 17:14-19: Phil. 3:17-21).
Eph 2:6 - For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms -- all because we are one with Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:17-21 - 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere.
John 17:14-19 - 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. 15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16They are not part of this world any more than I am. 17 Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours. 20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. 21 My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father -- that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.
How God Redeemed them?
What are all the steps God did to redeem them?
God loved them so much.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
So at the start of Great Tribulation after the 6th seal many Israelites are called by God by knocking at their hearts.
Rev 3:20- Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
What is their response?
Only these 144,000 Israelite men responded to his call through their faith and committed their life to God.
What happens first when God redeemed them?
Declares them faultless before our God the Father
5b for they are without fault before the throne of God.
How they are faultless before the throne of God? What is required to be without fault before the throne of God?
Because they responded to our God's call through their faith and approached God by the God's Righteousness given to them.
NLT: Romans 1:17 - This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Romans 1:17 - For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
2 Cor 5:21- For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 16:8,10 - 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
God also protected them from stumbling and presented them faultless:
Jude 24 - 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
God seals these 144,000 on their forehead.
Rev 7:3-4 - 3 saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
Rev 14:1 - Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
Eph 1:13,14 - 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
This serves as guarantee until this point when they meet with Jesus in heaven.
2 Cor 1:22 - 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Why God redeemed them?
They are uniquely called to be Virgins...
4a These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.
(David Guzik) Many take the virginity of the 144,000 as simply a symbol of their general purity (as in 2 Corinthians 11:2). But Paul recommended celibacy in distressing times (1 Corinthians 7:25-35), and Jesus spoke of woes upon those with children and families in that day (Matthew 24:19-21). It isn’t hard to see that God would specially call 144,000 to a literal celibacy for the kingdom’s sake during the time of the great tribulation.
Some most commonly apply the term virgins to women, not men. So does the use of virgins here mean that all the 144,000 are women? Not at all, according to the great Greek scholar A.T. Roberston: “Parthenos can be applied to men as well as women.”
If the term virgins is a picture of purity in general, it reinforces the identification of the 144,000 with Israel. “Israel is referred to frequently in the Bible as ‘the virgin the daughter of Zion’ (2 Kings 19:21; Isaiah 37:22), as ‘the virgin daughter of Zion’ (Lamentations 2:13), and as ‘the virgin of Israel’ (Jeremiah 18:13; 31:34, 21; Amos 5:2).” (Walvoord)
(Warren Wiersbe) The phrase "defiled with women" does not imply that sex within marriage is evil, because it is not (Heb. 13:4). It merely indicates that these 144.000 Jewish men were unmarried. In the Bible, fornication and adultery are pictures of idolatry (Ex. 34:15; James 4:4). While most of the world bowed down to the image of "the beast," the 144,000 were faithful to the true God. While others lied to get what they needed, the 144,000 were without guilt and blemish.
Heb 13:4 - Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge
Why God called them to be Virgins?
Like Church age believers God commissioned them with Great Commission:
Matt 28:19-20 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Commanded them to follow the Great Commandments:
Matt 22:37-40 - 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
To utilize them 100% of their life for the furtherance of His Kingdom or to reach out the lost:
1 Cor 7:7, 32-35 - 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. ....
32 But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world--how he may please his wife. 34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband.
Matt 9:11-12 - 11 But He said to them, "All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."
Read Why these many are called to be virgins? topic below for more details.
God declare them as Firstfruits:
Since these are the once responded first at this time so they are called firstfruits. (How they become firstfruits to God and the Lamb? or Why they are called as firstfruits to God and the Lamb?)
4d being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
What is firstfruits?
(Warren Wiersbe) The term firstfruits means "the very finest." But it also carries the idea of an expected harvest. On the Feast of Firstfruits. the priest waved the sheaf before the Lord as a sign that the entire harvest belonged to Him (Lev. 23:9-14).
Exodus 23:16 - and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.
Exodus 23:19 - The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk.
Proverbs 3:9-10 - 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Col 1:18 - And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
1 Cor 15:20-25 - 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
Romans 8:23 - Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
Rom 16:3-5 - 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.
James 1:17-18 - 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Like this these 144,000 also firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
(Warren Wiersbe) The 144.000 may be the first-fruits of the harvest yet to come; they may be the nucleus of the coming kingdom. However, it would seem difficult for a heavenly company such as this to establish an earthly kingdom.
(David Guzik) Because they are described as firstfruits, many have thought that they themselves will be instrumental in God’s plan for bringing in a great harvest during the tribulation. Revelation 7:9 describes an innumerable company saved out of the Great Tribulation, and these 144,000 described as firstfruits, may be used to preach the gospel to those who will be saved in this period.
Not only that these the God's servant and evangelist during this period God uses to bring rest of the Israelites to His Kingdom as we see mass conversion in Revelation 11 and 12th chapter.
After these are take up to heaven Angels are preaching the gospel in Revelation 14:6-7.
God made them to follow Jesus. (What is their response?)
4b These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
How they follow the Lamb? Where the Lamb goes?
Jesus set an example while He lives in this earth:
John 5:19,20 - 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
John 5:30 - I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
How do they know where Jesus goes?
Provided them strength and guidance by filling us with His Holy Spirit:
Zechariah 4:6 - So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts.
Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
NLT: Acts 1:8 - But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
When they lead by the Holy Spirit and they abide with Him and follow wherever He leads and whatever He asked them to do. This produces these fruits:
There is no deceit from their mouth:
5a And in their mouth was found no deceit,
Eph 5:3,4 - 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Application: How to give thanks always without doing the above list?
Eph 5:18-20 - 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
They will not defile our body but glorify our body.
4a These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.
1 Cor 6:18-20 - 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Why these many are called to be virgins?
God's Timeline and Priorities:
God blesses us with His promises and sets priorities to those in His own timeline:
From Adam to Jesus Christ Birth: Time to subdue or establish the earth.
In Genesis God asked Adam to subdue this earth
Genesis 1:28 - Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
After Jesus Christ till Church is raptured/taken up (Church Age): Time to prepare, draw and equip people to and for His Kingdom.
Now the priority is not to subdue or establish this earth by storing up treasures in this earth but the priority is to seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Paul recommended celibacy during this time - 1 Corinthians 7:7-9,32-34
After Church taken up till Jesus 2nd Coming (during the Seven year Great Tribulation Time): Time not to subdue or establish this earth by given into marriage, having baby...
Jesus spoke of woes upon those with children and families in that day
Matthew 24:19-21 - 15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
This is the reason Jesus calls these 144,000 men to be virgins.
Are these applicable to us?
Yes.
How?
What happens once you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
God seals believers in Christ by His Holy Spirit
Eph 1:13,14 - 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
2 Cor 1:22 - 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
2 Cor 5:5 - Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
John 14:16-18 - 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
2 Cor 13:5 - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.
Commissioned us with Great Commission:
Matt 28:19-20 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Commanded us to follow the Great Commandments:
Matt 22:37-40 - 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Provided us strength and guidance by filling us with His Holy Spirit:
Zechariah 4:6 - So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts.
Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
NLT: Acts 1:8 - But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Eph 5:18-20 - 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
John 14:23 - Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
What should we need to do once you accepted Jesus Christ?
Understand God's calling and stay in that calling:
NLT: 1 Cor 7:17-24 - 17 You must accept whatever situation the Lord has put you in, and continue on as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God's commandments. 20 You should continue on as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don't let that worry you -- but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, the Lord has now set you free from the awful power of sin. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world. 24 So, dear brothers and sisters, whatever situation you were in when you became a believer, stay there in your new relationship with God.
1 Cor 7:17-24 - 17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
Renew your mind by reading the word of God.
Matt 11:28-30 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Rom 12:1-2 - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2 Peter 1:2-4 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Always be ready to share your Faith to God given opportunity:
1 Peter 2:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Follow Jesus Wherever He leads through His Holy Spirit.
We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and follow as per the Holy Spirit's leading.
To do that we need to deny our self and allow God to put His desires in our heart.
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Ps 37:4-5,23-24 - 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass......23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
NLT: Ps 37:4-5 - 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. 5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you
In the above verse God is not fulfilling our desire but giving His desires to us. Following are the verses that God fulfills our desire of our hearts:
Psalms 20:4 - May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
NLT: Gal 5:24,25 - 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Heb 12:2 - 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Eg: We can see this in Paul's life once accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
NLT: Gal 1:16-18 - 14 I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age, and I tried as hard as possible to follow all the old traditions of my religion. 15 But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! 16 Then he revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When all this happened to me, I did not rush out to consult with anyone else; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. No, I went away into Arabia and later returned to the city of Damascus. 18 It was not until three years later that I finally went to Jerusalem for a visit with Peter and stayed there with him for fifteen days. 19 And the only other apostle I met at that time was James, our Lord's brother. 20 You must believe what I am saying, for I declare before God that I am not lying. 21 Then after this visit, I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn't know me personally.
Gal 1:16-18 - 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
Acts 13:1-4 - 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus
Acts 16: 6-14 - 6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.
What should be your out come?
When we lead by the Holy Spirit and abide with Him and do whatever He leads then...
We always approach our God by our Faith through God given Righteousness (not approach God by our own self righteousness) and God will declare us as faultless.
NLT: Romans 1:17 - This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Romans 1:17 - For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
We will be protected from stumbling and God will present us faultless:
Jude 24 - 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
We will not defile our body but glorify our body.
1 Cor 6:18-20 - 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,, which are God's.
We will complete the task with the help of God which is prepared long before the foundation of this world.
NIV: Revelation 3:2 - Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Heb 13:20-21 - 20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God has unique plan/task for each one of us. He has created and saved for this purpose.
Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
NLT:Eph 2:10 - For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
2Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- 7 saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
What did John see?
6a Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven
(David Guzik) Some today like to identify their ministry or technology with this angel flying in the midst of heaven. One prominent television ministry named the satelite they use “Angel One” in a hoped-for fulfillment of this verse. The desire to connect contemporary technology or events with this angel is nothing new. Adam Clarke, writing from the late 18th century says, “But the vision seems truly descriptive of a late institution, entitled The British and Foreign Bible Society, whose object it is to print and circulate the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, through all the habitable world, and in all the languages spoken on the face of the earth.”
What did the flying angel have?
6b having the everlasting gospel
Why here Gospel is called everlasting?
(Seiss) John says this is the everlasting gospel, and it may sound different that the gospel we hear preached today. It isn’t all that different, but it is preached to a different, specific time - to those in the latter part of the great tribulation. “Hence still something of a Gospel message sounds . . . It is Gospel, but it is the Gospel in the form it takes when the hour of judgment has set in. It is one of the very last calls of grace to an apostate world.”
Why? or For What? or To Whom?
6c to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people
After the 144,000 Israelite Evangelist has finished their task and gone to heaven (Rev 14:1-5) here God sent His angels to preach the Gospel and reaching out those people in the earth during last 3.5 years before Jesus 2nd coming.
(David Guzik)
This can be a valid fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel would be preached to all the world before His second coming.
But this can never be a valid excuse for neglecting the urgency of missions. God has not given the responsibility for spreading the gospel to angels, but unto His people.
However, this is the only place in the New Testament where we see angels preaching the gospel. In God’s sublime wisdom, He has chosen to give that responsibility to people alone, apart from the rarest of exceptions.
(Warren Wiersbe) During the present age, the angels are not privileged to preach the Gospel. That responsibility has been given to God's people.
What did they say/preach?
7 saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
What are the two important points they preached?
"Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and
Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
If they didn't fear God and glorify and worship Him then they will be forced to do so later.
(David Guzik) It is certain that one day all will give glory to God. Philippians 2:9-11 says, Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Kiddle) “Here is the bitter irony of their lot: though they damn themselves eternally by their refusal to face the truth, one day they will be forced to face it. Sooner or later the ‘glory’ they refuse to ‘give’ the Creator willingly will be torn from them by the spectacle of His wrath.”
(Warren Wiersbe) While the nations will fear "the beast" and give honor to him, this heavenly messenger will summon them to fear and honor God alone. It is a reminder that God is the Creator and He alone deserves worship. This is not the Gospel message as we know it (1 Cor. 15:1-4); rather, it is a return to the message of Romans l:18ff. what theologians call "natural theology." All creation bears witness to God's existence as well as to His power and wisdom. Nonetheless, "the beast" will convince men that he is in charge of the world, and that their destinies are in his hands. The message of the angel calls men back to basics: God is Creator—worship and serve Him. The fear of the Lord, not the fear of "the beast." is the source of wisdom (Prov. 9:10).
Application: Read article about Worshiping our God that covers...
What is Worship means?
How often we need to Worship?
Why we need to Worship?
What Posture we need to use to worship?
Is this Posture is must/mandatory/important? Why today's church and we are not following if this or especially the fall down posture is must? Is it possible to worship continuously with these positions?
How we should not worship?
How to worship continuously?
Have you learnt to cast your crowns at the Savior’s feet already and experiencing the Lordship our Lord Jesus Christ? Is Jesus is just a friend or Lord?
8 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
What did John see next?
8a And another angel followed,
What did the second angel say?
8b saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Who is this she refers to?
Babylon, that great city
What is Babylon means here?
(Jon Courson) Two Babylons are spoken of in Revelation: religious Babylon and commercial Babylon—the false religious system and the oppressive economic system. The second angel declares both are powerless.
(Warren Wiersbe) "Babylon" is God's name for the world system of "the beast." the entire economic and political organization by which he rules. "The harlot" (Rev. 17) is the religious system that "the beast" uses to help build his organization. When Antichrist establishes his own religion (Rev. 13:11-15), he will destroy the "harlot"; but it is God who will destroy Babylon.
(David Guzik) More on Babylon will come in Revelation 17. For now, it is enough to see it representing mankind in organized rebellion against God.
(Walvoord) “Prophetically, ‘Babylon’ sometimes refers to a literal city, sometimes to a religious system, sometimes to a political system, all stemming from the evil character of historic Babylon.”
What happens to the Babylon?
8b saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city,
Why? What she does?
8c she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
What it means? Or What it means that "she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication"?
(David Guzik) When we are told that Babylon has led all nations into fornication, the main idea is spiritual fornication - the worship of other gods. However, we are never surprised to see spiritual fornication accompanied with literal immorality.
the wrath (Greek: thymos, S2372)
passion, angry, heat, anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again
glow, ardour, the wine of passion, inflaming wine (which either drives the drinker mad or kills him with its strength)
NASB: Rev 14:8 - And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."
NIV: Rev 14:8 - A second angel followed and said, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries."
NLT: Rev 14:8 - Then another angel followed him through the skies, shouting, "Babylon is fallen -- that great city is fallen -- because she seduced the nations of the world and made them drink the wine of her passionate immorality."
Rev 16:17 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Rev 18:1-3 - 1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
Why the angel says Babylon is fallen twice?
Rev 18:6 - 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. 7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
When this will happen?
This happens end of last 7 year just before Jesus 2nd coming. We can see the details how this happen in Rev 16:18-19 and Rev 18.
(Warren Wiersbe) This proclamation anticipates the events of Revelation 18 (see also Rev. 16:18-19).
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
What did John see next?
9a Then a third angel followed them
What did the third angel say?
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Where will the wrath of God poured to?
10b the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation.
Poured out into the cup of God's wrath/Anger/Indignation.
NLT: Rev 14:10 - must drink the wine of God's wrath. It is poured out undiluted into God's cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb.
NASB: Rev 14:10 - he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger ; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Sample version of this during the Bowl Judgment at last 3.5 years before Jesus 2nd coming. For details read When this will happen? topic below.
For more details read The Wrath of God article.
To whom this message is for? or Who will drink God's cup of wrath/indignation?
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
What it means drinking the wine from the cup of God's indignation/wrath?
10b He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night
God warns, warns,... and then judges if those who ware warned didn't repent. He is patient/longsuffering in dealing with difficult unmanageable people. At the same time He will judge them if they didn't respond to Him. He does this in His own timing. His ways are way higher than our ways.
(Warren Wiersbe)
"Drinking the cup" is sometimes used as an image of judgment (Jer. 25:15ff; 51:7ff; note also Rev. 14:8). God's final judgments on mankind will be "vials of wrath" poured out from heaven (Rev. 16). God will not mix mercy with this judgment (Ps. 75:8; Hab. 3:2), but will pour out His undiluted indignation on a rebellious world.
Images like "fire and brimstone" (Rev. 14:10) and "smoke" (Rev. 14:11) upset some people. They ask, "How can a God of love actually permit His creatures to suffer eternal torment?" But we must keep in mind that God's love is a holy love, not one based on sentimentality, and therefore He must justly deal with sin.
We may not like the word torment, but it is here just the same (Rev. 14:10; see also 9:5; 11:10; 20:10). We must also keep in mind that God has repeatedly warned sinners and given them opportunity to repent. The first angel in this series invited sinners to turn to God, and the second one warned that the whole "Babylonian" system would be destroyed. If people persist in their sins even after God sends judgments and warnings, then they have only themselves to blame.
When this will happen?
They will experience the wrath of God in during the Bowl Judgment at last 3.5 years just before Jesus 2nd coming.
Or It starts in first bowl Judgment:
Rev 15:7-6:1 - 5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." 2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
It ends/completes in final or seventh bowl judgment which actually completes in Final Judgment for the unbelievers.
Rev 15:1 - Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
Rev 20:11-15 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
What did John hear next?
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
Who delivers this message to John?
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
The Spirit here refers to God the Holy Spirit one of the person of our Triune God-head.
God the Holy Spirit delivers the message from Jesus:
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
To whom this message is for?
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Read List all Blessings in the Book of Revelation for more blessings.
What it means that "they rest from their labors"?
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
What it means that "their works follow them"?
Their work is not forgotten. God remembers them and rewards them in heaven.
(David Guzik) The patient endurance and work of these saints is remembered in heaven. Our work for the Lord goes with us into heaven, giving dignity and significance to all work here below.
1 Cor 3:8-15 - 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Rev 11:18b - 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
Rev 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
When this will happen?
We can see another group of believers in heaven in Rev 15:1-4 and later in Rev 18:4
Rev 15:1-4 - 1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."
Rev 18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Application: (Warren Wiersbe) John intended for his readers to see the contrast between Revelation 14:11 and 13: no rest for the wicked, but eternal rest for the saints (see 2 Thes. 1:3-12).
Better to reign with Christ forever than with Antichrist for a few short years!
Better to endure persecution patiently now than to escape it and suffer throughout eternity!
2 Thes 1:3-12 - 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." 19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
Observation:
What did John see first?
14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.
How was the Son of Man described?
Where does He sits?
14b on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man,
What does He has in His head?
14c having on His head a golden crown,
What does He has in His hand?
14d and in His hand a sharp sickle.
What did John see next?
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
From where did he came out?
15a And another angel came out of the temple,
To whom did this Angel cry out in the loud voice?
15b crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud,
What did this Angel cry out in the loud voice?
15c "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
What did the Son of Man do?
16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
What did John see next?
17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
How this angel described?
From where did he came out?
17a Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven,
What does He has in His hand?
17b he also having a sharp sickle.
What did John see next?
18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe."
How this angel described?
From where did he came out?
18a And another angel came out from the altar,
What does he has power over?
18b who had power over fire,
To whom did this Angel cry out in the loud voice?
18c and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle,
What did this Angel cry out in the loud voice?
18d saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe."
What did the second angel who has the sharp sickle do?
19a So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth,
Where does this vine of the earth thrown to?
19b threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God
What happens to the vine of the earth?
20a And the winepress was trampled outside the city,
What came out as a result of trampling?
20b and blood came out of the winepress,
How much blood came?
20c up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
one thousand six hundred furlongs is approximately 200 miles
Interpretation: What these means?
Who is this Son of Man?
14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.
Rev 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Read Rev 1:7 notes under topic Coming with clouds – 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus
Rev 1:13 - 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
First reference in OT is Dan 7:13 and in NT is Matt 8:20 - Here Jesus himself calls as the Son of Man.
Dan 7:9-14 - 9 "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; 10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. 11 "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.
Matthew 8:20 - 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." 20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
(Warren Wiersbe) The Person pictured here on the white cloud is undoubtedly our Lord Jesus Christ (see Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 1:13).
(David Guzik) Many have difficulty identifying Jesus as the one harvesting here. They have a hard time with Jesus responding to another angel who came out of the temple. But it is unlikely that anyone called the Son of Man, and wearing a golden crown is anyone but Jesus.
(Walvoord) “These allusions seem to indicate that the angel is acting in response to the prayers of the saints for divine judgment on wickedness.”
(Jon Courson) What a tragic sight it must have been for the Jews to see the glory of God leave the temple, the city of Jerusalem, the land of Israel because of their sin (Ezekiel 9:3). But wait. God is never through with Israel. The cloud reappears in Israel when Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5) and again when He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9).
(Spurgeon) “How different it will be to see him with a crown of gold upon his head from what it was to see him wearing that terrible crown of thorns which the cruel soldiers plaited, and thrust upon his brow! The word used here does not usually refer to the diadem of power, but to the crown won in conflict; and it is very remarkable that it should be said that, when Christ comes to judge the world, he will wear the garland of victory, the crown which he has won in the great battle which he has fought. How significant of his final triumph will that crown of gold be about those brows that were once covered with bloody sweat when he was fighting the battle for our salvation!”
What does the Son of Man reaping?
15b "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Some ripe grain on the earth which is not given in the text.
What did the second angel who has the sharp sickle reap?
18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." 19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
This angel thrusting the earth with his sickle and gathered the vine of the earth.
Are these real grain/grapes?
No, because the outcome of the winepress of the vine is blood not grape juice.
Who are these?
Let us find out with given fact in this passage:
Where does this vine of the earth thrown to?
19b threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God
What happens to the vine of the earth?
20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
The third angel throws the the vine of the earth into the great winepress of the wrath of God and the trampling of this grapes produces blood instead of grapes.
This proves that these are not real vine/grapes and gives us clue that this vine of the earth represent those who deserve for the wrath of God. This shows that they are not believers/followers of our Lord Jesus.
Romans 1:18 clearly says that wrath of God is revealed and waiting for those who not believe and receive His Righteousness. God's Righteousness is received only by Faith as in Rom 1:17, Rom 10:9-10.
Romans 1:18 - 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
Who tramples this vine of the earth?
Rev 19:15 - Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
(Walvoord) Fully ripe “pictures grapes fully grown in the prime almost bursting with juice . . . The spurting of the grape juice from under the bare feet of those treading the grapes in the winepress is compared to the spurting of blood and speaks of the awful human carnage.” (carnage -> the slaughter of a great number of people, as in battle; butchery; massacre.)
(Seiss) “It must be remembered that evil has its harvest as well as good. There is a harvest of misery and woe, - a harvest for the gathering, binding, and burning of the tares, - as well as for the gathering of the wheat into the garner of heaven.”
“What strength have grapes against the weight and power of a man when he comes to set his feet upon them? And the riper they are, the more helpless . . . The heel of Omnipotence is upon them, and they can only break and sink beneath it.”
Clearly, the vine of the earth are Non Believers who deserve God's wrath as a judgment.
(Warren Wiersbe) The grape harvest is often a picture of judgment (see Joel 3:13ff, which anticipates the Day of the Lord).
What happens to the other group of grain whom the Son of Man reaps?
16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
There is no any details given. But we know for sure that Jesus Christ reaps these group of people.
The other group whom the Son of Man or Jesus reaps with His sickle represent Believers in Christ.
Jesus knows the true believer's heart so no one could cheat Him.
Jesus reaps to keep them with Him forever and ever.
We can also gather some more details from the Jesus teachings in the Gospels:
Matt 13:24-30 - 24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' "
Matt 13:36-43 - 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
(David Guzik) The image of the Second Coming of Jesus as a harvest is also communicated in Matthew 13:24-30 and 13:36-43, with the parable of the wheat and the tares. The implication is that true believers will not be separated from those who merely go to church until the final harvest.
This ancient Greek word for ripe has a negative sense, “to become dry or withered.” The idea is of something that is over-ripe. This means that God will judge the earth only when it is over-ripe for judgment. He doesn’t rush into judgment.
(Warren Wiersbe)
We have had the image of the cup, and now we have the image of the harvest, both of the grain (Rev. 14:14-16) and of the grape (Rev. 14:17-20). Again, this anticipates the final judgment of the world.
God permits the seeds of iniquity to grow until they are ripe, and then He judges (Gen. 15:16).
In actuality. Scripture portrays three different "vines." Israel was God's vine, planted in the land to bear fruit for God's glory; but the nation failed God and had to be cut down (Ps. 80:8-16; Isa. 5:1-7; see also Matt. 21:33-46). Today, Christ is the Vine and believers are branches in Him (John 15). But the world system is also a vine, "the vine of the earth" in contrast to Christ, the heavenly Vine; and it is ripening for judgment. The wicked system—Babylon—that intoxicates people and controls them, will one day be cut down and destroyed in "the winepress of the wrath of God."
While winning lost souls to Christ is sometimes pictured as a harvest (John 4:34-38). This image is also used of God's judgment (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; Luke 3:8-17).
How & When does God and Angel reaps this earth?
Matt 25:31-46 - 31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' 44 Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' 45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Based on above passage it seams like these happens immediately but in Revelation 15-19 these are described clearly in detail.
Believers are reaped:
Rev 15:1-4 - 1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."
Rev 18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
Non-Believer or earth dwellers who receive the mark of the beast are poured out by the wrath of God:
Rev 15:1 - Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
Rev 16 - Seven bowl Judgments
Rev 16:17 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
Rev 18 - Babylon is fallen
Rev 18:1-3 - 1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."
This also include the battle of Armageddon.
Why the winepress produces blood instead of wine/grape juice?
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Rev 19:15 - 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
(David Guzik) This probably describes blood splattering up to the horses’ bridles, a picture of tremendous carnage in the battle of Armageddon described in Revelation 16:16 and 19:11-19. It is not likely a description of a river of blood running the length of the Promised Land and as high as a horse’s bridle is. This would be an almost incomprehensible river of blood
(Walvoord) In ancient times, a battle area extending one thousand six hundred furlongs (approximately 200 miles) was incomprehensible - but not in modern warfare. “The area covered, 1,600 furlongs, is approximately 200 miles, and specifies that the area within a 200-mile radius from Jerusalem will be gathered at the time of the second coming of Christ.”
(David Guzik) But this vivid, powerful description shows how complete the judgment of God is. Revelation 14 is the perfect answer to Revelation 13. At the end of Revelation 13, it almost seemed like Satan and the Antichrist might win. But Revelation 14 shows who is really triumphant, powerful, and in control: God, His Messiah, and His people; not Satan, his messiah (the Antichrist) and his followers.
(Warren Wiersbe) Some see in this image an anticipation of the "battle of Armageddon," when the armies of the world will gather against Jerusalem (Zech. 14:1-4; Rev. 16:16). Certainly, John is using hyperbole when he describes a river of blood four feet deep and 200 miles long (see also Isa. 63:1-6)). Today, God is speaking to the world in grace, and men will not listen. One day hence, He must speak in wrath. The bitter cup will be drunk, the harvest of sin reaped, and the vine of the earth cut down and cast into the winepress.
Is there any more significance in this reaping passage?
This is the fulfillment of Lord's promise given to the Martyr's request in Rev 6:10-11.
Martyrs are requesting the Lord to go and Judge those who persecuted them but they are requested to wait:
Rev 6:10-11 - 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord to judge and to rule forever and ever. Elders are announcing in Rev 11:18.
Rev 11:15,18 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,17 saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
Here the first angel announcing that time has come to reap the believers and judge the non-believers.
Rev 14:15 - And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
Martyrs in Christ who have not received the mark of the beast are proclaiming that our Lord's judgments has been in action:
Rev 15:3-4 - 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."
This is the fulfillment of Lord's promise given to us in the Gospel according to Matthew:
Matt 24:31 - 29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Application:
God waits to reap until believers become ripe.
Why God waits until believers become ripe? What it means?
God expects us to complete task that He has given to us or fulfill the purpose that he prepared for:
NIV: Revelation 3:2 - Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God
Col 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete(Gk: pleroo) in all the will of God.
We need to accomplish/fulfill/complete this God given task/work with His help.
2 Thes 1:11 - Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill (Gk:pleroo) all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
Heb 13:20-21 - 20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Rom 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Rev 12:11 - 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
God wants His children to get a great reward:
Matt 25:21,23 - 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
(Jon Courson)
According to this passage, it would seem that there comes a point in the Tribulation when salvation is no longer possible. The 144,000 have been called to heaven. The angels have made their proclamation. And now there will be a separation between those who become Christians in the Tribulation and those who don’t. So, too, in your own tribulation you need to understand there comes a time when your own heart—even as a believer—can become hardened. The Bible speaks of a root of bitterness that can take hold in the soil of a man’s soul (Hebrews 12:15). I’ve seen believers go through tribulation, and rather than allow the Lord’s work of grace to take place in their hearts, they choose, instead, to be bitter and unforgiving. Don’t let that happen. Don’t be unforgiving. Don’t be cynical. Don’t be bitter. Don’t play that game because if you let bitterness and unforgiveness continue, there will come a point in your own tribulation when it will become an irreversible part of who you are.
At this point, the harvest of separation has begun; the end of the world is at hand. “The city” in Scripture always referring to Jerusalem, it is fitting that the grapes are pressed “without the city,” for it was “without the city” that the True Vine, Jesus Christ, was pressed to the Cross for our sin (John 19:17).
And now I begin to understand that I have two options: I will either drown in the horrific bloodbath of Armageddon, or I will bathe in the gracious Blood of the Lamb. Truly, the greatest bloodshed in all of history took place not in a world war, but when Jesus died on the Cross in order to wash us in His blood.