| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

 

Revelation Chapter Fourteen

 

Revelation 14

In chapter 14 we have the dealings of God with the evil, only first owning and setting apart the remnant. The remnant belongs entirely to the renewed earth: they are seen on that which is the centre of dominion and glory in it-Mount Zion where the Lamb shall reign. They had His and His Father's name on their foreheads; that is, by their open confession of God and the Lamb they had been witnesses of it, and suffered as Christ had suffered in His life in owning God His Father: only they had not suffered death. It was a new beginning, not the assembly, not heavenly, but the blessing of a delivered earth in its firstfruits in those who had suffered for the testimony to it. Heaven celebrates it with a voice of many waters, and as of thunder, but with joy. This voice was the voice of harps. A new song is sung before the throne and beasts and elders. Here the fact is the important thing. There had been a song in and of heaven, in chapter 5 in connection with redemption; but those who were redeemed there were made kings and priests. Here it was redemption in connection with earthly blessings, not with the kingdom and priesthood on high; and it is sung before the heavenly company and throne. Heaven however is directly connected with the song. It was connected with triumph over the power of evil by patient endurance of suffering.

What specially characterised them was purity from the contamination that surrounded them. This passing through sorrow and overcoming connects them directly with the heavenly conquerors. It was not the new song of heavenly redemption; still it was victory when down at the gates of death, though not actually in it. It was "as it were a new song." This none could learn but those who had shared the earthly sufferings of the Lamb, and would now be His companions in His earthly royalty; they had followed Him, they would follow Him whithersoever He went. They are the firstfruits of the new scene. They had not corrupted themselves where all did. They were not of those who loved or made a lie, or gave in to it. Corruption and falsehood they had been kept free from, openly confessing the truth. They had not the heavenly place, but they are without fault, and they share the Lamb's earthly place and glory, accompanying Him whithersoever He goes, in the manifestation of that glory. All that led to these privileges had no place when once the kingdom was set up. It was then too late to shew faithfulness in this way. There is a connection with the heavenly saints which is not in chapter 7. The white-robed multitude stood before the throne and the Lamb. They are before the throne of God, they worship in His temple, and the Lamb comforts them. Here there is special association with the Lamb on earth, in their path and in their consequent place. It is the remnant of the Psalms (especially 1---41). But, though on earth with the King, they are redeemed from among men before Christ comes to earth; and the song they learn to sing is sung before the elders and living creatures. They are not with them, but they sing the song sung before them; that is, the Gentile multitude are admitted to special privileges before God and the Lamb; the Jewish remnant are associated with the Lamb on earth, and, in a certain sense, with heaven.

The progress of God's ways follows-warning to the earth to leave idolatry; for the hour of God's judgment was come. The everlasting gospel is the testimony of Christ's power, from paradise onward, as in contrast with the special announcement of the assembly, and glad tidings connected with it. Babylon is announced to be fallen; threats and warnings to any that should own the beast; but the time is now come when dying in the Lord was to cease; only their blessedness remained henceforth. Dying and tribulation were over. They are looked at as one whole body; and while any remained yet to die, they were diers in the Lord, not rested and blessed. Now their rest is come and their reward.

Christ then reaps the earth-separating, gathering, and judgment; and treads the winepress, exercise unmingled vengeance on the wicked. Hence in this last judgment it is the angel who had the power over fire who calls for it; it was full divine judgment. This judgment was not within the limits of Babylon--was not in the sphere in which man had formed and ordered his organization in opposition to God. This closes the whole scene of that which the history had begun by the catching up of the Man-child to heaven. He has returned in vengeance. An interesting question here arises-What is the vine of the earth? It is that which is the fruit bearing organization, or what should be so (that is the idea of it), in professed connection with God, as His planting in the earth. Israel has the vine brought out of Egypt. Christ on earth was the true vine. It is not connection with Him in heaven. There we are looked at as perfect, not to bear fruit and be pruned. But analogously it went on after He had ascended on high, and professing Christians are the branches. But here it is the vine of the earth, that which has its character and growth therein, but with the pretension to take the religious place by succession on the earth. The true saints are gone on high, or are a persecuted individual remnant. I have no doubt the Jews will be the centre of that system then, but they will be mixed up with Gentiles, have turned to idolatry, and have seven spirits worse than that; and the apostate Gentiles will be fully associated with it all. (See Isaiah 34, 63, 65, 66)

── John DarbySynopsis of Revelation

 

Revelation 14

Chapter Contents

Those faithful to Christ celebrate the praises of God. (1-5) Three angels; one proclaiming the everlasting gospel; another, the downfal of Babylon; and a third, the dreadful wrath of God on the worshippers of the beast. The blessedness of those who die in the Lord. (6-13) A vision of Christ with a sickle, and of a harvest ripe for cutting down. (14-16) The emblem of a vintage fully ripe, trodden in the wine-press of God's wrath. (17-20)

Commentary on Revelation 14:1-5

(Read Revelation 14:1-5)

Mount Sion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church, and in the midst of her in all her troubles, therefore she is not consumed. His presence secures perseverance. His people appear honourably. They have the name of God written in their foreheads; they make a bold and open profession of their faith in God and Christ, and this is followed by suitable actings. There were persons in the darkest times, who ventured and laid down their lives for the worship and truth of the gospel of Christ. They kept themselves clean from the wicked abominations of the followers of antichrist. Their hearts were right with God; and they were freely pardoned in Christ; he is glorified in them, and they in him. May it be our prayer, our endeavour, our ambition, to be found in this honourable company. Those who are really sanctified and justified are meant here, for no hypocrite, however plausible, can be accounted to be without fault before God.

Commentary on Revelation 14:6-13

(Read Revelation 14:6-13)

The progress of the Reformation appears to be here set forth. The four proclamations are plain in their meaning; that all Christians may be encouraged, in the time of trial, to be faithful to their Lord. The gospel is the great means whereby men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to him. The preaching of the everlasting gospel shakes the foundations of antichrist in the world, and hastens its downfal. If any persist in being subject to the beast, and in promoting his cause, they must expect to be for ever miserable in soul and body. The believer is to venture or suffer any thing in obeying the commandments of God, and professing the faith of Jesus. May God bestow this patience upon us. Observe the description of those that are and shall be blessed: such as die in the Lord; die in the cause of Christ, in a state of union with Christ; such as are found in Christ when death comes. They rest from all sin, temptation, sorrow, and persecution; for there the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest. Their works follow them: do not go before as their title, or purchase, but follow them as proofs of their having lived and died in the Lord: the remembrance of them will be pleasant, and the reward far above all their services and sufferings. This is made sure by the testimony of the Spirit, witnessing with their spirits, and the written word.

Commentary on Revelation 14:14-20

(Read Revelation 14:14-20)

Warnings and judgments not having produced reformation, the sins of the nations are filled up, and they become ripe for judgments, represented by a harvest, an emblem which is used to signify the gathering of the righteous, when ripe for heaven, by the mercy of God. The harvest time is when the corn is ripe; when the believers are ripe for heaven, then the wheat of the earth shall be gathered into Christ's garner. And by a vintage. The enemies of Christ and his church are not destroyed, till by their sin they are ripe for ruin, and then he will spare them no longer. The wine-press is the wrath of God, some terrible calamity, probably the sword, shedding the blood of the wicked. The patience of God towards sinners, is the greatest miracle in the world; but, though lasting, it will not be everlasting; and ripeness in sin is a sure proof of judgment at hand.

── Matthew HenryConcise Commentary on Revelation

 

Revelation 14

Verse 1

[1] And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

And I saw on mount Sion — The heavenly Sion.

An hundred forty-four thousand — Either those out of all mankind who had been the most eminently holy, or the most holy out of the twelve tribes of Israel the same that were mentioned, Revelation 7:4, and perhaps also, Revelation 16:2. But they were then in the world, and were sealed in their foreheads, to preserve them from the plagues that were to follow. They are now in safety, and have the name of the Lamb and of his Father written on their foreheads, as being the redeemed of God and of the Lamb, his now unalienable property. This prophecy often introduces the inhabitants of heaven as a kind of chorus with great propriety and elegance. The church above, making suitable reflections on the grand events which are foretold in this book, greatly serves to raise the attention of real Christians, and to teach the high concern they have in them. Thus is the church on earth instructed, animated, and encouraged, by the sentiments temper, and devotion of the church in heaven.

Verse 2

[2] And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

And I heard a sound out of heaven — Sounding clearer and clearer: first, at a distance, as the sound of many waters or thunders; and afterwards, being nearer, it was as of harpers harping on their harps. It sounded vocally and instrumentally at once.

Verse 3

[3] And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

And they — The hundred forty-four thousand-Sing a new song - and none could learn that song - To sing and play it in the same manner.

But the hundred forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth — From among men; from all sin.

Verse 4

[4] These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

These are they who had not been defiled with women — It seems that the deepest defilement, and the most alluring temptation, is put for every other.

They are virgins — Unspotted souls; such as have preserved universal purity.

These are they who follow the Lamb — Who are nearest to him. This is not their character, but their reward Firstfruits - Of the glorified spirits. Who is ambitious to be of this number?

Verse 5

[5] And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

And in their month there was found no guile — Part for the whole. Nothing untrue, unkind, unholy.

They are without fault — Having preserved inviolate a virgin purity both of soul and body.

Verse 6

[6] And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

And I saw another angel — A second is mentioned, verse 8; a third, verse 9. Revelation 14:8,9 These three denote great messengers of God with their assistants; three men who bring messages from God to men. The first exhorts to the fear and worship of God; he second proclaims the fall of Babylon; the third gives warning concerning the beast. Happy are they who make the right use of these divine messages! Flying - Going on swiftly.

In the midst of heaven — Breadthways.

Having an everlasting gospel — Not the gospel, properly so called; but a gospel, or joyful message, which was to have an influence on all ages.

To preach to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people — Both to Jew and gentile, even as far as the authority of the beast had extended.

Verse 7

[7] Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come — The joyful message is properly this, that the hour of God's judgment is come. And hence is that admonition drawn, Fear God and give glory to him. They who do this will not worship the beast, neither any image or idol whatsoever.

And worship him that made — Whereby he is absolutely distinguished from idols of every kind.

The heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and fountains of water — And they who worship him shall be delivered when the angels pour out their phials on the earth, sea, fountains of water, on the sun, and in the air.

Verse 8

[8] And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

And another angel followed, saying, Babylon is fallen — With the overthrow of Babylon, that of all the enemies of Christ, and, consequently, happier times, are connected.

Babylon the great — So the city of Rome is called upon many accounts. Babylon was magnificent, strong, proud, powerful. So is Rome also. Babylon was first, Rome afterwards, the residence of the emperors of the world. What Babylon was to Israel of old, Rome hath been both to the literal and spiritual "Israel of God." Hence the liberty of the ancient Jews was connected with the overthrow of the Babylonish empire. And when Rome is finally overthrown, then the people of God will be at liberty. Whenever Babylon is mentioned in this book, the great is added, to teach us that Rome then commenced Babylon, when it commenced the great city; when it swallowed up the Grecian monarchy and its fragments, Syria in particular; and, in consequence of this, obtained dominion over Jerusalem about sixty years before the birth of Christ. Then it began, but it will not cease to be Babylon till it is finally destroyed. Its spiritual greatness began in the fifth century, and increased from age to age. It seems it will come to its utmost height just before its final overthrow. Her fornication is her idolatry; invocation of saints and angels; worship of images; human traditions; with all that outward pomp, yea, and that fierce and bloody zeal, wherewith she pretends to serve God. But with spiritual fornication, as elsewhere, so in Rome, fleshly fornication is joined abundantly. Witness the stews there, licensed by the Pope, which are no inconsiderable branch of his revenue. This is fitly compared, to wine, because of its intoxicating nature. Of this wine she hath, indeed, made all nations drink - More especially by her later missions. We may observe, this making them drink is not ascribed to the beast, but to Babylon. For Rome itself, the Roman inquisitions, congregations, and Jesuits, continually propagate the idolatrous doctrines and practices, with or without the consent of this or that Pope, who himself is not secure from their censure.

Verse 9

[9] 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,

And a third angel followed — At no great distance of time.

Saying, If any one worship the wild beast — This worship consists, partly in an inward submission, a persuasion that all who are subject to Christ must be subject to the beast or they cannot receive the influences of divine grace, or, as their expression is, there is no salvation out of their church; partly in a suitable outward reverence to the beast himself, and consequently to his image.

Verse 10

[10] 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:

He shall drink — With Babylon, Revelation 16:19.

And shall be tormented — With the beast, Revelation 20:10. In all the scripture there is not another so terrible threatening as this. And God by this greater fear arms his servants against the fear of the beast.

The wrath of God, which is poured unmixed — Without any mixture of mercy; without hope.

Into the cup of his indignation — And is no real anger implied in all this? O what will not even wise men assert, to serve an hypothesis!

Verse 11

[11] 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.

And the smoke — From the fire and brimstone wherein they are tormented.

Ascendeth for ever and ever — God grant thou and I may never try the strict, literal eternity of this torment!

Verse 12

[12] Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Here is the patience of the saints — Seen, in suffering all things rather than receive this mark.

Who keep the commandments of God — The character of all true saints; and particularly the great command to believe in Jesus.

Verse 13

[13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

And I heard a voice — This is most seasonably heard when the beast is in his highest power and fury.

Out of heaven — Probably from a departed saint.

Write — He was at first commanded to write the whole book. Whenever this is repeated it denotes something peculiarly observable.

Happy are the dead — From henceforth particularly: 1. Because they escape the approaching calamities: 2. Because they already enjoy so near an approach to glory.

Who die in the Lord — In the faith of the Lord Jesus.

For they rest — No pain, no purgatory follows; but pure, unmixed happiness.

From their labours — And the more laborious their life was, the sweeter is their rest. How different this state from that of those, verse 11, Revelation 14:11 who "have no rest day or night!" Reader, which wilt thou choose? Their works - Each one's peculiar works.

Follow — or accompany them; that is, the fruit of their works. Their works do not go before to procure them admittance into the mansions of joy; but they follow them when admitted.

Verse 14

[14] And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

In the following verses, under the emblem of an harvest and a vintage, are signified two general visitations; first, many good men are taken from the earth by the harvest; then many sinners during the vintage. The latter is altogether a penal visitation; the former seems to be altogether gracious. Here is no reference in either to the day of judgment, but to a season which cannot be far off.

And I saw a white cloud — An emblem of mercy.

And on the cloud sat one like a son of man — An angel in an human shape, sent by Christ, the Lord both of the vintage and of the harvest.

Having a golden crown on his head — In token of his high dignity.

And a sharp sickle in his hand — The sharper the welcomer to the righteous.

Verse 15

[15] And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

And another angel came out of the temple — "Which is in heaven," verse 17. Revelation 14:17 Out of which came the judgments of God in the appointed seasons.

Verse 16

[16] And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Crying — By the command of God.

Thrust in thy sickle, for the harvest is ripe — This implies an high degree of holiness in those good men, and an earnest desire to be with God.

Verse 18

[18] And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

And another angel from the altar — Of burnt offering; from whence the martyrs had cried for vengeance.

Who had power over fire — As "the angel of the waters," Revelation 16:5, had over water.

Cried, saying, Lop off the clusters of the vine of the earth — All the wicked are considered as constituting one body.

Verse 20

[20] And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

And the winepress was trodden — By the Son of God, Revelation 19:15.

Without the city — Jerusalem. They to whom St. John writes, when a man said, "The city," immediately understood this.

And blood came out of the winepress, even to the horses' bridles — So deep at its first flowing from the winepress! One thousand six hundred furlongs - So far! at least two hundred miles, through the whole land of Palestine.

── John WesleyExplanatory Notes on Revelation

 

Chapter 14. Three Harvests

Rest in the Lord
They Are Blessed

I. Offered as Firstfruits

  1. Choir of the Lamb
  2. New Song of Heaven
  3. Follow the Lamb

II. Angels with the Message

  1. The Angel of Gospel
  2. The Angel of Ruin
  3. The Angel of Reward and Punishment

III. Reap the Harvest and the Grapes

  1. Two Sickles
  2. No One Escapes
  3. Blood Flows Far and Deep

── Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament

 
Chapter Fourteen General Review
                             
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To examine the series of scenes depicted in this chapter
 
2) To appreciate how they would have provided comfort to the Christians
   of John's day
 
SUMMARY
 
Following the troubling description of the beasts in the previous
chapter, this chapter provides scenes which appear designed to reassure
the saints to remain faithful to God.
 
First there is the Lamb and 144,000 having the Father's name written on
their foreheads, standing on Mount Zion.  Singing a new song before the
throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, the great company is
described as male virgins, redeemed from the earth as firstfruits to
God and to the Lamb.  They follow the Lamb wherever He goes, and are
without fault before the throne of God (1-5).  I suggest this is a
picture of the saints triumphant in heaven.  Both the number and
descriptive terms are symbolic, illustrating the blessedness promised
for those who will persevere in their faithfulness to God.
 
Next comes three angels and their proclamations.  The first angel and
his proclamation may indicate that the gospel will continue to be
spread (despite the efforts of the dragon and the beasts).  People
should therefore fear God and worship Him (not Caesar), for the hour of
God's judgment has come (6-7).  The proclamation of the second angel
announces the fall of Babylon, described later in great detail (8).
The third angel proclaims the terrible judgment and eternal torment to
befall those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark
(9-11).  The three proclamations are then followed by an explanation
that the patience of the saints consists of keeping the commandments of
God and the faith of Jesus, with a voice from heaven telling John to
write of the blessedness of those who die in the Lord (12-13).
 
The chapter concludes with a depiction of two harvests.  The first
shows the Son of Man on a white cloud reaping the harvest of the earth
(14-16).  The second depicts an angel reaping the grapes of the vine of
the earth, which are then thrown into the great winepress of the wrath
of God, producing a river of blood almost two hundred miles long
(17-20).  These two harvests may be different ways of describing the
same judgment about to come upon those who follow the beast, or the 
first may depict that Jesus will safely harvest His own while God's 
wrath is being poured out on His enemies.  I do not believe either
represents that which will occur when Jesus comes at the end of time
(though they may certainly foreshadow that great event).  Instead, like
the angelic proclamations they reassured the Christians of John's day
that God's hour of judgment was soon to come upon their enemies (e.g.,
the Roman empire).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. THE 144,000 ON MOUNT ZION (1-5)
 
   A. STANDING WITH THE LAMB (1)
      1. 144,000 together with the Lamb on Mount Zion
      2. With the Father's name written on their foreheads
 
   B. SINGING A NEW SONG (2-3)
      1. John heard a voice from heaven
         a. Like the voice of many waters
         b. Like the voice of loud thunder
      2. John heard the sound of harpists playing their harps
      3. The 144,000 sang a new song
         a. Before the throne, the four living creatures and the elders
         b. Which none could learn except the 144,000 redeemed from the
            earth
 
   C. DESCRIBED MORE FULLY (4-5)
      1. They are virgins, who had not defiled themselves with women
      2. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes
      3. They were redeemed from among men, the firstfruits to God and
         to the Lamb
      4. They are without fault before the throne of God, with no guile
         in their mouths
 
II. THREE ANGELIC PROCLAMATIONS (6-13)
 
   A. THE FIRST PROCLAMATION (6-7)
      1. By an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the 
         everlasting gospel
         a. To preach to those who dwell on the earth
         b. To every nation, tribe, tongue, and people
      2. Saying with a loud voice...
         a. "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His 
            judgment has come"
         b. "Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs
            of water"
 
   B. THE SECOND PROCLAMATION (8)
      1. By another angel which followed the first
      2. Saying...
         a. "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city"
         b. "Because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the
            wrath of her fornication"
      
   C. THE THIRD PROCLAMATION (9-11)
      1. By a third angel which followed the first two
      2. Saying with a loud voice...
         a. "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives
            his mark on his forehead or on his hand..."
         b. "He himself shall also drink of the of wine of the wrath of
            God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His
            indignation"
         c. "He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone..."
            1) "In the presence of the holy angels and in the presence
               of the Lamb"
            2) "The smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever"
            3) "They have no rest day or night"
            -- "Who worship the beast and his image, and whoever
               receives the mark of his name"
 
   D. A WORD OF WISDOM AND A BEATITUDE (12-13)
      1. Here is the patience of the saints:  those who keep...
         a. The commandments of God
         b. The faith of Jesus
      2. A voice from heaven saying...
         a. "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now
            on."
         b. "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their
            labors, and their works follow them."
 
III. THE TWO HARVESTS (14-20)
 
   A. REAPING THE EARTH'S HARVEST (14-16)
      1. The Son of Man sitting on a white cloud
         a. With a golden crown on His head
         b. With a sharp sickle in His hand
      2. An angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice...
         a. "Thrust in Your sickle and reap"
         b. "For the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of
            the earth is ripe"
      3. He who sat on a cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and
         it was reaped
 
   B. REAPING THE GRAPES OF WRATH (17-20)
      1. An angel came out of the temple in heaven, also having a sharp
         sickle
      2. Another angel, having power over fire, cried with a loud voice
         to the angel with the sickle...
         a. "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of
            vine of the earth"
         b. "For her grapes are fully ripe"
      3. So the angel...
         a. Thrust his sickle into the earth
         b. Gathered the vine of the earth
         c. Threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God
      4. The winepress was trampled outside the city
         a. Blood came out of the winepress
         b. Up to the horses' bridles, for 1600 furlongs
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The 144,000 on Mount Zion (1-5)
   - Three angelic proclamations (6-13)
   - The two harvests (14-20)
 
2) What does John see standing on Mount Zion? (1)
   - The Lamb and 144,000 with His Father's name on their foreheads
 
3) What does John hear? (2)
   - A voice from heaven, like that of many waters and loud thunder
   - The sound of harpists playing their harps
 
4) What were the 144,000 singing, and where? (3)
   - A new song
   - Before the throne, the four living creatures and the elders
 
5) Who could learn the song? (3)
   - Only the 144,000 who were redeemed from the earth
 
6) How are the 144,000 described? (4-5)
   - They were not defiled with women, i.e., they were virgins
   - They follow the Lamb wherever He goes
   - Redeemed from among men, they were the firstfruits to God and to
     the Lamb
   - In their mouth was no guile, for they are without fault before the
     throne of God
 
7) What did the first of three angels have?  What did it say? (6-7)
   - The everlasting gospel to preach to those on the earth
   - Fear God and give Him glory, for the time of His judgment has
     come; worship Him
 
8) What did the second angel say? (8)
   - Babylon is fallen, because she made the nations drink of the wine
     of the wrath of her fornication
 
9) What did the third angel say? (9-11)
   - Those who worship the beast and his image, and receives the mark
     on his forehead or on his hand, shall drink of the wrath of God
     and be tormented with fire and brimstone forever
 
10) What does John say is the patience of the saints? (12)
   - Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus
 
11) What did a voice from heaven say?  What did the Spirit say? (13)
   - "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now.'"
   - "Yes, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow
     them."
 
12) In the first of two harvests, who did the harvesting and what was
    reaped? (14-16)
   - One like the Son of Man sitting on a white cloud, with a golden
     crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand
   - The earth
 
13) In the second harvest, who did the harvesting and what was
    reaped? (17-18)
   - An angel which came out of the temple which is heaven
   - The vine grapes of the earth
 
14) What was done with the grapes?  What was produced? (19-20)
   - They were thrown into the great winepress of the wrath of God and
     trampled
   - Blood came out of the winepress, up to the bridles of horses and
     for 1600 furlongs

 

--《Executable Outlines

 

Three harvests

Rest in the Lord

They are blessed

 

I.  Offered as firstfruits

1.    Choir of the Lamb

2.    New song of heaven

3.    Follow the Lamb

II.Angels with the message

1.    The angel of gospel

2.    The angel of ruin

3.    The angel of reward and punishment

III.       Reap the harvest and the grapes

1.    Two sickles

2.    No one escapes

3.    Blood flows far and deep

── Chih-Hsin Changan Outline of The New Testament