John 19:17-27, Revelation 14, Job 36:16-33, Nahum 1-3

Revelation 14:

In this section from Revelation 12 to 14, John is using signs and symbols to reveal the cosmic battle (Revelation 12) and the earthly battle in language drawn from Daniel chapters 7 to 12 (Revelation 13).

Now as he comes to chapter 14, John shows the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and his people, real Christians, and their witness and testimony in the midst of all these challenges and opposition. There is attack from Satan himself, the “serpent,” and there is attack from the military and economic might of nations in opposition to Christ. But in the midst of this, the Lamb of God and his people praise and worship God, and hold out the gospel of God to all nations. The “eternal gospel” (verse 6) is proclaimed to all those who live on the earth.

But at the same time, judgment is coming: a “harvest.” John is presenting the consequences that come from rejecting the gospel. The harvest of grapes is ripe, and there is a “great winepress of God’s wrath,” and judgment and eternal death will come on those who do not repent and trust in God and his gospel.

The seven churches who originally received this letter are then being presented with a warning and a choice. Will they be faithful to God and reject the temptations to compromise coming from the beast of Babylon (Rome); or will they reject God and turn to Babylon and the beast and therefore experience eternal condemnation?

The same choice stands before each of us. Will we repent and trust in the gospel, or we will reject the gospel and accept the earthly compromise of the beastly powers of nations and authorities in opposition to Christ? The “eternal gospel” is proclaimed to all those who live on the earth. Make haste and repent and believe!