Tuesday, March 4, 2014

THE THIRD MESSENGER ANGEL WARNS AGAINST TAKING THE MARK OF THE BEAST


We are still in the section of scripture that is preparing us for the final outpouring of God’s vengeance, the seven vial judgments, that will culminate in the return of Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth. 

Revelation 14:9–11 “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

The third and final messenger angel loudly declares a warning to men that anyone that receives the mark of the beast in his forehead or hand is destined for eternal torment in the lake of fire.  The choice is either-or; there is no other option.  This tells me two things:  1) That no one can be forced to take the mark; and 2) no one will be able to say, “But I did not know.”  Each angel is following the lead of the first, and we were told in verse 6 that the message was being declared “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” 

I think it is interesting that the phrase “without mixture” is used.  This indicates to me that although the time of judgment we call the great tribulation will be terrible, God’s mercy will still be available for those who will choose to turn to Him in faith.  His wrath is poured out without mixture on those who choose to accept the antichrist as their lord. 

We will learn that after Jesus has ruled for 1,000 years on earth in a time of unequalled peace and justice, Satan will be allowed one last opportunity to gather a following.  Amazingly, he will be able to recruit quite an army, “the number of whom is as the sand of the sea” (Revelation 20:8).  When Jesus crushes this last opposition, the time of grace and mercy will be over.  Each individual’s fate will be sealed forever.  Those who have rejected Him will suffer the wrath of God “without mixture.”

David Guzik made an important point.  “The wine in the cup is associated with wrath (the ancient Greek work thymos), which describes a passionate anger….This is the idea behind the cup that Jesus wanted to avoid if possible. 

Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Jesus willingly took the cup of the Father’s wrath that we deserved; here the enemies of Jesus have no choice—the cup is forced upon them.” 
[end Guzik quote]

I have to admit that it was comforting to me to know that the Lord and holy angels are identified as those that witness the punishment of those who reject God as Lord.  I know we will rejoice that sin is being judged, but it is hard for the human side of me to imagine that we will rejoice at watching friends and/or loved ones suffer that judgment.  These people will be tormented (tortured, in pain) that is relentless, without relief.  The smoke will be a continual reminder of their judgment. 

It is important to understand the totally opposite positions of believers and unbelievers for eternity.  Those in the presence of God are at rest; those separated from Him will never know rest.

Revelation 14:12 “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

The announcements of the angels are also to serve as encouragement to the saints on earth to persevere in their faith and obedience to God.  I believe that everyone that is saved at any time past, present or future is saved by faith.  We in the church today are indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 

Ephesians 1:13–14 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

In Old Testament times that was not true.  David feared having the Spirit of God taken from him. 

Psalms 51:10–11 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

It makes sense to me that this 70th week of Daniel is an extension of Old Testament times (as were the first 69 weeks).  I tend to think (and I most certainly could be wrong) that the seal of the Spirit is unique to the church age. 
  
It is for this reason that I think John is inspired to add these words of encouragement for people of faith to hold on to their faith—just as he did when it was revealed that the Antichrist would be allowed to overcome the saints.  The troubles of that time will be so bad that one would be tempted to give up and/or question God’s word.  God is so gracious; He supernaturally provides for the gospel to be declared throughout the world with a warning of the dire consequences of worshipping the Antichrist and with extra encouragement for people of faith to hang on and persevere to the end—because there will be an end and the reward is great!

“keep the commandments…..and the faith” - Works and faith go hand in hand.

(to be continued…)

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