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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