Revelation, Part 13 — Seven Notable Figures

After sounding of the seventh trumpet John is shown seven notable figures that bring great changes on the earth. 

Several notable figures are introduced during this period of time.

We have studied the first four of these notable figures.

• The sun clothed woman (12:1-6)
• Her Manchild (12:4-5)
• Michael and his angels (12:7-8)
• The great dragon (Satan) (12:7-12)
• The beast from the sea (13:1-10)
• The beast from the earth (13:11-18)
• The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1-5)
• Three angels proclamations (14:6-13)
• Reaping earth’s harvest and grapes of wrath (14:14-20)
• The seven angels with seven bowls of God’s wrath (15:1-16:21)
• The Scarlet Woman and the Scarlet Beast (17:1-18:24)
• Christ on a white horse with the armies of heaven (19:11-16)
• Defeat of the beast and his armies (19:17-21)

After Satan (the red dragon) is cast out of heaven, John saw a beast rising out of the sea and a second beast coming out of the earth.

Revelation 13:1 NKJV Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

The beast who comes from the sea in the image, nature, and likeness of the red dragon (Satan) is the antichrist.

He has seven heads and ten crowns on his horns just like the red dragon. The seven heads are identified as mountains and rulers, (Revelation 17:8-10). In Daniel 2, mountains are a symbol for a kingdom. The seven heads could be Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Persia, Rome, and the restored Roman empire. The ten horns may signify the power to rule, which is given by Satan and ten nations. The beast from the sea receives his power and authority from the red dragon.

This marks the revelation or incarnation of the antichrist.

Antichrist comes from two Greek words: christos meaning “Christ” or the “Anointed One”, and anti  means “against.” The antichrist is the one against Christ or God’s anointed One. Many anti-christian leaders have appeared throughout history, such as: Nero, Napoleon, Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and others. They were motivated by Satan and the spirit of the antichrist worked in them. They worked against Christ and God’s people.

1 John 2:18 NKJV Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

Although many have appeared with a spirit of antichrist, the Antichrist person has not yet been revealed. He appears on the scene in Revelation 6:2 as a white horse rider and is given a crown.

Revelation 6:2 NKJV And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

For the first three and a half years, as a man of peace he promotes world peace and the revival of religion in Israel, (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). He has a deceptive entrance and brings many under his control. Many will be convinced that he is the answer for the troubles of the world. During the first half of his reign, he will promote peace and safety.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 NKJV For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

Daniel 9:27 NKJV Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

The antichrist man will be given power by Satan.

This should be enough to warn the world of his ultimate goal. This beast out of the sea is the same beast that the harlot or Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots, and the abomination of the earth sits upon, (Revelation 17). This is the same beast as Daniel’s the fourth beast, (Daniel 7:23-24.) He will appear after the rapture of the church and at the beginning of the Tribulation or the seventieth week of Daniel. He will make a covenant of peace with Israel and allows the Jews to restore daily sacrifices, (Daniel 9:24-27). It appears obvious that his treaty with Israel will be the catalyst behind the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem.  After three and a half years, he will break the covenant with Israel, stop the daily sacrifice, and begin persecuting the Jews. At that time he will set himself up to be worshipped as god in the Temple of God and will set up the abomination of desolation, (Daniel 12:11). This abomination will defile the temple of God. The beast out of the sea, the antichrist will sponsor the Great Harlot who represents apostate religion. Ultimately in Revelation 17, this false religion will be destroyed by Satan’s inspired and empowered antichrist.

Daniel 7:8 NKJV I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

There is much speculation about the identity of the antichrist man. His identity will not be revealed until the ten kingdoms are formed inside the region of the Revised Roman Kingdom, (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 7:8). His domain will be limited to the nations he rules, but the extent of his control will be global. He will arise from one of the four divisions of Greece. He will subdue Greece, Turkey and Egypt of the ten nations and the remaining seven will submit to his control.

Satan will give him great power and authority,

Titles of the Antichrist

The White Horse Rider — (Revelation 6:2)

The Beast from the Sea —  (Revelation 13:1-4; 15:2; 17:8; 19:19; 20:4, 10)

The Little Horn — (Daniel 7:8; 8:9) He shall arise from among the rulers of the revived Roman Empire.

The Man of Sin / The Son of Perdition — ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3) He will be the tangible visible form of rebellion and sin, a perfect representative of Satan. He will be Satan’s tool to deceive and lead people into perdition.

The Wicked One — (2 Thessalonians 2:8) “Wicked” means “the lawless one.” He opposes everything that God’s law commands.

The Willful King — (Daniel 11:36-45) He will be in total harmony with Satan and will oppose God in every way and inspire people to rebellion.

Revelation 13:2 NKJV Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

The beast is like a leopard, his feet like a bear’s, and his mouth like a lion’s. The mixture of his appearance shows his diverse appeal and influence over many nations and peoples. In Daniel 7, the leopard represents Greece, the bear represents Medo-Persia, and the lion represents Babylon. Thus his kingdom, the Revived Roman Empire combines the vile features of preceding world empires. The Antichrist will receive his throne and supernatural power and authority from the Red Dragon. Although he will rule in this region, his influence will be worldwide.

Revelation 13:3 NKJV And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

One of the Beast’s heads receives a fatal wound.

Some see the beast as a government or cultural system. Others believe the beast is a person, the Antichrist, who leads a worldwide rebellion against God. This is best understood as a combination of both of these, a modern government with one head that rules with Satanic inspiration. The Antichrist will be the prefect representation of the government or cultural system. Some assume that Satan will take possession of this man and will give him exceptional power and abilities. Some presume that the deadly wound is to a specific ruler or man who will be brought back from the dead. It is important to know that Satan does not have the power to give life or resurrect the dead. Only God has the power and authority to bring the dead back to life. This fatal wound is most likely inflicted upon one of the empires or kingdoms under the Antichrist’s rule. Revelation 13:14 says “the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” The “deadly wound” is no doubt a cunning deception of Satan. When the “deadly wound is healed” the empire will revive with great influence with the Antichrist as its emperor.

Revelation 13:4 NKJV So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

When the world sees the reviving of the kingdom, nation, and political entity, they will worship the beast (Antichrist) and the Red Dragon (Satan). A new world religion will be established, this religion is later called the Great Harlot. The people of the world will be so deceived that they will not know or care that they are worshipping Satan.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

It is important to remember that when the Antichrist appears he will come as a white horse rider and will speak deceptive words of world peace. The world will be convinced that there is none like him and that no one would be able to successfully make war against him. Both the man the Antichrist and the government will have great world wide power, influence and authority.

Revelation 13:5-6 NKJV And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

During the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation, the Antichrist will sit himself and his kingdom against God and everything that is good. During that time he will blaspheme God and His name, and all who dwell in heaven and defile the temple of God. It must be remembered that God and Satan, Light and darkness cannot agree.

Revelation 13:7 NKJV It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

When Satan is confined to the earth and the Antichrist is given rule and authority, the attack on any who profess God and His Christ will be intensified. His wrath will ultimately lead to the battle of Armageddon.

Revelation 13:8 NKJV All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The Antichrist will demand and be given worship from all peoples on the earth. Those who worship the Beast and Satan do not have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They have no part with Christ. Everyone who worships the beast will be excluded from the hope of heaven or redemption.

Revelation 13:9-10 NKJV If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

The only hope during times of great delusion, blasphemy, persecution and martyrdom is perseverance in faith. Even when believers face these hours of severe persecution and martyrdom, their faith is not in vain in the Lord. God will take vengeance on Satan and the Antichrist, and will vindicate his saints.

The Beast from the earth is the False Prophet.

Revelation 13:11 NKJV Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.

This beast out of the earth will come in a similar manner as the beast out of the sea. He will be different in appearance from the first beast: he has two horns like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon (Satan). Since his appearance is harmless, mild, meek, and attractive, people will be pulled in to embrace his cunning messages. The false prophet emerges from among the population of the earth. As a prophet, some will assume that he comes as a religious leader and a messenger from God. The world will assume that he would do no wrong. His appearance will be deceptive to the world but his message will bear the characteristics of the first beast and the dragon. He “spoke like the dragon” is an indication that his message, power and authority comes from Satan. His association with the dragon and the first beast becomes clear, (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The activity of the beast out of the earth is described in verses 12-17.

Revelation 13:12 NKJV And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Although his appearance is disarming, the beast out of the earth (false prophet) exercises all of the authority of the first beast. This Satanic-inspired prophet leads the world to worship Satan, the Antichrist and his religion and government. This worship of the Antichrist and the setting up of his idol in the Temple of God is the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel (9:27; 11:31; 12:11) and repeated by Christ (Matthew 24:15-24). It is noteworthy that Satan’s substitute anointing that is upon the Antichrist and False Prophet empowers them to deceive. Jesus indicated that many false christ and false prophets would arise, show great signs and wonders to deceive. The beast from the sea and the beast from the earth are the ultimate fulfillment of His prophecy, (Matthew 24). He will lead people into a total loyalty and devotion to the state and its leader, the antichrist. Ultimately, those who follow his lead will willingly take the mark of the Antichrist’s name and will be rewarded with the ability to buy and sell.

Revelation 13:13 NKJV He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

Jesus said “false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive,” (Matthew 24:24). His lying signs and miracles are similar to the activities of the magicians of Egypt with their enchantments, (Exodus 7:22; 8:7). Pharaoh’s magicians turned water to blood, turned their staffs into snakes and brought up frogs on the land. Satan has historically promoted and given lying signs,  miracles, and divinations. One of the great signs that the false prophet performs is making fire come down from heaven in the sight of men.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 NKJV The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

Revelation 13:14 NKJV And he deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

These deceptive signs will persuade those who dwell on the earth to worship the Antichrist and make idols of his image. With many of the signs and wonders that Moses and Aaron performed, Pharaoh’s magicians did enchantments to mimic God’s signs. The false prophet’s power, signs, and lying wonders, such as calling fire down from heaven, seems to be a response to the actions of the two witnesses who will be active at this time, (Exodus 7-9). There are supernatural powers that are against God that support Satan and evil with signs and wonders. From the beginning, two supernatural powers have been working in the world.

Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Signs and wonders are not enough to prove the presence of God or a right relationship with Him. The deceptive power of great signs performed by the power of Satan will lead many into error and damnation.

Matthew 24:24 NKJV For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Due to the deception that will arise in the last days, it is imperative that believers ask for and receive the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Holy Spirit will guide into all truth and give the gift of discerning of spirits. As believers, we should not believe every spirit, but try the spirits to see if they are of God, (1 John 4:1-3).

Revelation 13:15 NKJV He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

The animation of the image of the beast from the sea will convince many to worship the image. Those who refuse to worship the image of the beast will be killed.

The Mark of the Beast — 666

Revelation 13:16-18 NKJV He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The mark of the beast is introduced by the False Prophet (the Beast out of the earth) when he causes as many as would to worship the Antichrist (Beast out of the sea).

There has been much speculation about the mark of the beast that will be given in the right hand or forehead. This mark is in stark contrast to the seal of God that was placed upon the 144,000 to protect them during the great tribulation.

Many have attempted to unscramble the meaning of the number of his name.

All kinds of numerological formulas have been presented in an attempt to identify the Antichrist. According to scripture, he will not be revealed until the time he arises from the sea. Many have attempted to provide solutions for the meaning of the mark. Numerology has failed to identify the Antichrist person. In early church history, some believed 666 identified Caesar Nero. At the same time others proposed it was the six Roman numerals ( I, V, X, L, C, D) added together to make 666. The belief that the Antichrist would be a Roman supported this. Later, people supposed that the mark was a worldwide social security number with three groups of six digits. Recently some proposed that the mark would be an electronic device, identification card, or a computer chip imbedded under the skin. Much fear has been generated against modern technology around the mark of the beast. As you can see, much speculation has brought about fear, confusion and has produced no real answers or identity of the Antichrist.

Several things must happen before the mark of the beast.

The rapture of the church and the events of the first half of the tribulation must take place before the unveiling of the Antichrist. The mark of the beast will be introduced after the sounding of the seventh trumpet at the middle of the tribulation. The Antichrist must arise in power before his name and worship will be introduced. The sign of the mark of the beast will be part of the worship of the Antichrist. Those who are marked will be identifying themselves as worshippers of the Antichrist and Satan.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NKJV The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

In Revelation 14, three angels give proclamations.

The third angel proclaims a judgment on all who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark on their forehead or hand (Revelation 14:9-11). We will discuss this later in chapter 14.

The Lamb and the 144,000

Revelation 14:1 NKJV 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.

In Revelation 7, the 144,000 Jews were sealed by God out of every tribe of the children of Israel. The seal of God provided protection for them throughout the judgments of the great tribulation. Now, they appear with Christ (the Lamb of God) on Mount Zion or Jerusalem.

There are two views about their appearance on Mount Zion.

Some believe this is the earthly Jerusalem and others believe it is the heavenly Mount Zion. Those who believe this is the earthly Jerusalem think that their survival through the tribulation is a sign of their victory over Satan. Those who believe this is the heavenly Mount Zion believe this represents the rapture of the 144,000 at the end of the tribulation. Either way, their appearance with the Lamb is a declaration of victory over Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet. This is also a testimony that God’s people will not be completely destroyed by Satan and the beasts.

From the context of the next verses, it appears that the 144,000 are caught up to the throne of God.

Revelation 14:2-3 NKJV 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. 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. 

Their new song in heaven is a song of victory and rejoicing. This verse clearly states the 144,000 were redeemed from the earth. Therefore, their appearance with the Lamb is in heaven.

Revelation 14:4 NKJV 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. 

Their dedication to Christ is demonstrated through their devotion, spiritual purity and refusal to worship Satan, the beast or false prophet. These redeemed and sealed believers do not compromise with evil, but were blameless in their devotion to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Being “firstfruits” refers to their being the first in the harvest of believers who will follow them in the faith.

Revelation 14:5 NKJV And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Their purity before God is related to the blood of Christ that cleanses from all sin. They were dedicated to God and Christ and persevered without participation in the falsehoods presented by the beasts.

“They were without fault before the throne of God.”

There are two things being addressed in this statement. First, the blood of Christ is sufficient. Second, they were blameless in their devotion to the Lamb.

The Messages of Three Angels

The messages of the three angels proclaim the arrival of judgment, the fall of Babylon the Great, and hope, reward, and rest for those who die in the Lord.

The message of the first angel offers a final opportunity for salvation.

Revelation 14:6 NKJV 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—

John has seen several angelic messengers throughout the revelation. This is the first time he sees these three angelic messengers.

This first angel is proclaiming the everlasting gospel.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ is the Savior. His strong declaration provides the possibility that people can still be saved at this late date. This may be the last summons for repentance that is given to the world. His message is given to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” The opportunity for repentance that this presents is very short. Included with this message is the declaration that the time of God’s judgment has come.

Revelation 14:7 NKJV 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.” 

The angel’s message gives the final opportunity for people to worship God.

The hour of God’s judgment has come.

The angel is appealing to humanity to fear God and worship Him. It is noteworthy that the angel identifies God as the maker of heaven and earth. Satan’s descent to earth and the introduction of the antichrist and false prophet was with deception and destruction. The Lord God almighty is the Creator of heaven and earth. The truth is one day they will give glory to God.

Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV 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.

This final appeal gives humanity the opportunity to turn to God and worship Him. The end of anti-God and antichrist worship is at hand.

The second angel brings a declaration of judgment on Babylon.

Revelation 14:8 NKJV 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.” 

This declaration is in anticipation of what will happen in Revelation 17 and 18. Babylon is depicted as the opposite of the 144,000. They were pure virgins before God and Babylon is full of fornications and adultery. Babylon is a representation of a religious and political system that is organized in rebellion against God.

The third angel announces judgment on all who worship the beast.

Revelation 14:9-10 NKJV 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, 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.

This proclamation comes as a warning and judgment on any who will worship the beast, his image, and receive his mark. The introduction and worship of the antichrist (the beast from the sea) and the false prophet (the beast from the earth) will ultimately bring God’s judgment. Any lying promises or privileges provided by receiving the mark of the beast (666) will be short lived and end in God’s wrath and judgment.

Four things are said about God’s judgment.

First, the ungodly and evil will drink the wrath and anger of God.

Everyone who receives the mark on his forehead or hand will drink of the wrath of God. God’s wrath will be poured out at this time without mixture. The full strength of God’s wrath is described in the next sentence. No grace, mercy, love or compassion will be blended with this judgment or wrath.

Second, the ungodly and evil will be “tormented with fire and brimstone.”

This is the same judgment that awaits the devil, the beast and the false prophet, (Revelation 20:10).

Revelation 20:10 NKJV The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 21:8 NKJV But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The punishment by Satan, the beast and false prophet for not receiving the mark of the beast cannot be compared with the eternal judgment and wrath of God.

Third, they will be tormented in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

Every unbeliever and those who take the mark of the beast and worship him will be judged by Christ and the holy angels will carry out His orders. They will know the truth that Jesus is the Christ and that He is exactly Who He claimed to be. Everyone who has rejected and denied Christ will be made to realize and know the truth. They will behold the glorious Christ and His holy angels.

Fourth, their torment will last forever and ever.

Revelation 14:11 NKJV 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.” 

The duration of their judgment is eternal. The extent of their torment is never ending without rest day or night. It is most difficult for many to understand this. The duration of their judgment and torment will never find relief or end.

Revelation 14:12 NKJV Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 

The word “saint” (hagios) refers to those who have been set apart from the world and separated to God. They have dedicated and given their lives to God and have been made holy. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The “patience of the saints” is the endurance of their faith.

If when believers face persecution and tribulation they endure, they shall escape God’s judgment and wrath.

You do not have to fear hell or the lake of fire if you have truly dedicated your life to God. Your labor is not in vain in the Lord, (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

“Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

The real proof that we love God is our obedience. We must walk in obedience to the faith. The good news is, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 John 5:4-5 NKJV For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

The patient endurance of the saints is found in this fact that the troubles and trials of this world will pass. The persecutions and tribulations of this world are not eternal. God has something better prepared for us. Your faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ is not in vain.

Revelation 14:13 NKJV 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 blessing that is coming is “from now on,” or eternal. The things we endure for Christ have an eternal weight of glory. It will be worth it all. All of the grief, woe, distress, and suffering will be worth it. The suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us, (Romans 8:18). These words are probably specific to those who suffer for their faith in Christ during the tribulation. However, the message resonates to every believer. There remains a rest for the people of God, (Hebrews 4:9). A blessed time is coming when we will no longer exist on this earth. This is why we have patient endurance in the face of trials and tribulations. We know that a blessed eternal day of rest is coming. The word “the dead who die in the Lord” refers to all of the believers who have lived and died with in faith in Christ. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,” (Hebrews 4:11). This is great news for every believer. Your labors and works will follow you. What you have done for the Lord is not in vain.

The Harvest of the Earth Announced (Armageddon), Revelation 14:14-20

John is shown a picture of God’s judgment on believers that is immediately followed by the final judgment on unbelievers. The extent of God’s judgments and the battle of Armageddon are introduced in the next verses.

Joel gave a prophecy about this terrible day.

Joel 3:13 NKJV Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow— For their wickedness is great.”

This will be a time of separation of the wicked from the righteous. The text focuses on God’s judgment on the remaining population on earth. Jesus spoke of this time when the tares would be separated from the wheat.

Matthew 13:30 NKJV 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.”

Matthew 13:38 NKJV The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.

After Satan is cast out of heaven and the Antichrist and False Prophet arise, the earth appears to be hopelessly under the sway of evil. The scene appears to become increasingly dismal when the 144,000 sealed Jews are raptured. As God watches over the earth, the time of His wrath and judgment on the wicked has come. Jesus Christ is going to be victorious over all of the ungodly and evil of the world. The day of harvest is coming and the Lord is going to reap the earth.

Revelation 14:14 NKJV 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. 

This is the Lord Jesus Christ coming in power to harvest the earth. When He appears on a white cloud here, He has a golden crown on His head. He appears as the King of Kings Who is coming to rule in sovereign power. He is coming in power to take His rightful place and to conquer all of the evil and ungodliness of the world. He is going to judge the ungodly and evil, and reap the harvest of those who believe in him, and take them to heaven. In Revelation 14:4, the 144,000 were the firstfruits to God. Now, the Lord is going to bring in the remainder of believers on the earth. They will be taken home to heaven to live with God and Christ.

Revelation 14:15 NKJV 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.” 

Some think it strange that an angel comes out of the temple telling Christ to thrust in His sickle and reap, for it is time to reap the harvest. Jesus made the declaration that the times are in the Father’s hands. This angelic messenger came out of the temple with a message from God the Father, “For the time has come…”

Matthew 24:36 NKJV “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Even at the last minute, time is in the Father’s hand. Jesus is sitting on a glory cloud ready to reap the final harvest of the earth and bring judgment on the wicked world. When every eye shall see Him the righteous will rejoice, but the wicked will fear

Revelation 14:16 NKJV So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

This harvest reaping is the gathering in of believers who have been redeemed during the last half of the tribulation. They will be taken out of this world and away from the ungodly and evil. They will be with Christ forever and ever. This will be the final gathering of believers who have trusted in Christ and stood against the antichrist and the wicked society that is promoted by Satan. They will be joining the believers of all time in celebration around the throne of God.

The Grapes of Wrath

The whole world will be judged and no one will escape. A day is coming when all ungodliness and evil will be judged. This is similar to what happened in Noah’s day when the imagination of men’s hearts was only evil continually. As it was in Noah’s day, the wickedness of the world will be judged. After Christ reaps the final harvest of believers, two angels come out of the temple in heaven to administer God’s judgment.

Revelation 14:17-18 NKJV Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 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.” 

This cry is filled with terror on the ungodly. The evil of the world will be filled up or “fully ripe.” God’s judgment from the temple in heaven will be executed on a wicked world. There is a symbolism being given between harvesting grapes and executing judgment on the wicked.

Joel 3:13 NKJV Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow— For their wickedness is great.

Isaiah 63:3 NKJV I have trodden the winepress alone, And from the peoples no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, And trampled them in My fury; Their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, And I have stained all My robes.

Revelation 14:19-20 NKJV 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. 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 Battle of Armageddon is presented in greater detail in Revelation 16:12-16 and 19:11-21. The city refers to Jerusalem and the place of the battle is outside the city. The carnage of the Battle of Armageddon is so great that blood flows like a river for 1,600 furlongs or nearly 200 miles up to a horses’ bridle. The armies of the Antichrist will gather in war and will be destroyed by the word of Christ’s mouth. This will be an unparalleled collection of human armies and slaughter of life.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 NKJV And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.