Revelation 14. Our sneak peek into the cosmic war in the spiritual world enters its final section (Revelation 10-14). The symbolic revelations in Revelation 12-13 presented the dragon and two horrid beasts which represent the forces of evil behind various empires and entities. Now, in Revelation 14, John shifts from the forces of evil to the forces for good.

Standing opposed to the evil forces of previous chapters is a king – the Slain Lamb and his army of people who have given their lives to follow him.  The Slain Lamb King stands on Mount Zion, the holy hill. (Fun fact: In 14:1 the Lamb King stands on the mountain top, but in 12:17 the dragon stands only on shifting sand.) There is a new song sung before the Lamb on the throne, the song of the redeemed. Remember our discussion of the 144,000 (here) where we noted that it is simply a number of completion – representing all of God’s people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. They are the redeemed, washed clean and blameless in their white robes, those who have not worshipped idols or false gods (that’s the virgin reference) (14:3-5).

The redeemed stand worshipping the Slain Lamb King and then John sees angels (seven angels, of course) proclaiming messages and taking action on what is the final day and the end of the earth. This is a vision of Judgment Day.

The first angel (14:6-7) has an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. This eternal gospel is for all – the call is to fear God and give Him glory and worship Him.

The second angel (14:8) announces that Babylon the great has fallen. Symbolically, Babylon represents the great empire(s) built by human pride and opposed to the things of God. Babylon is a type – an empire (like Rome or others) – and the end of the empire has come. The third angel (14:9-11) declares a judgment of eternal torment for those who are opposed to God.

Two angel pairs then complete the reaping of the earth in judgment. If you wondered where the modern “grim reaper” symbolism is from, it’s Revelation 14:14-20! The time has come, the vision is of final justice. Angels reap those who follow God as good grain gathered to the Lord (14:14-16), and angels reap those opposed to God who are crushed in a bloodbath (14:17-20).

As we reflect on this vision of judgment day, note that John pauses for a moment to offer a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (14:12, a repeat of 13:10). There are many complex and awful things in the symbolic visions John shared and it was important to remind his readers (and us) that the Lord will bring about justice one day. John also reminds the persecuted churches that those who die in the Lord (as martyrs) are blessed indeed (14:13).