Revelation 14:1-13

Introduction
 
Chapter 14 takes a turn from the gloom of the Antichrist and the False Prophet and refocuses on the reward for the readers and their endurance by giving them glimpse of the final blessings during the judgment.  Chapter 13 was a somber reminder of the impending doom of what lays ahead for the immediate future, thus a little encouragement is in order for the recipients of this letter.  John now sees the vision of of the triumph of the followers of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.
 
Vs 1: This scene is intended to be an evident difference of the vision of the two beasts in the previous chapter.  The followers in chapter 13 are stamped or marked with the mark of the Beast (666) on the right hand or forehead.  It is in this new vision John sees the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion.  This is appropriate because Mt. Zion had long been associated with divine deliverance.  The mountain, however, in this vision is not the physical earthly mountain, it is the heavenly Zion because as we will see this is a scene that of praise that happens before the throne of God in heaven.

The 144,000 has been interpreted many ways, but some suggest that if we look forward to verse 4 it seems as though they are a select group of super saints that are consecrated to God.  But others interpret the 144,000 as the entire body of the redeemed.  When we compare the 144,000 of chapter 7 with the 144,000 in chapter 14, we see the saints in Ch. 7 as sealed against the woes that lay ahead, and the group in Ch. 14 are those who stand secure beyond the final torment. Once again, the number is not necessarily exactly or literally 144,000 and both most likely represent the full set of the redeemed throughout history.

The mark or the names on the forehead is a symbol of loyalty and allegiance to the lamb.  Those who are sealed or marked have committed themselves to the Lamb.  They are the overcomers whom Jesus has written his own name on them.
 
Vs 2 – 3: John hears a great voice that sounds like the roar of rushing waters, thunder, and a harp that is singing a new song. One would think this is a singular voice, but we find that it is the choir of the 144,000 singing the anthem of redemption.  The voice is actually many voices because John writes that “they were singing”.   This song is the new song of Revelation 5:9 and it is sung by those who have been purchased by the Lamb. This is a song reserved only for those who have experienced deliverance; thus they are the ones who are able to sing it.  
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These 144,000 had been redeemed from the world.  This does not necessarily mean that they were taken physically out of the world but instead they were detached from the evil ways of the world and its false beliefs.
 
Vs 4 – 5:  The 144,000 are now described as three characters

1. Virgins who have not defiled themselves.  They are pure and unadulterated.  
   1. Some believe that this means they were and elite group of saints who attained the highest spirituality because they were unmarried, celibate, and virgins. The problem with this interpretation is that it suggests sexual relations within the confines of marriage is defiling.  This is contrary to NT teaching.
   2. Others hold to the words being more figurative and that the 144,000 have kept themselves adultery and fornication.  They are virgins in the sense that they never had illegitimate sex or immoral relations. Some have even stated that the verses refer to those who did not enter into sexual relations with temple prostitutes.
   3. The more likely interpretation, in my opinion, is that there is symbolism in describing the church as virgins.  In the OT Israel is referred as a virgin.  So the 144,000 could be pictured as the promised bride of Christ who are awaiting the day of marriage, and are keeping themselves pure from defiling with the pagan world system.  They have resisted the temptations of the great harlot Rome with whom many rulers have fornicated with.
2. Those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.  This is not a mere following the Lamb as he wanders around heaven.  Instead, they follow his life and commandments while He was still on the earth.  They are disciples of Christ.
3. Have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God.  This speaks of the sacrificing themselves for God.  They offered themselves to God freely and they belong solely to him. They are an offering to God.

In their mouth was no deceit because they are blameless.  Romans 1:25 tells us that the pagan world has “exchanged the truth about God for a lie.” These 144,000 have not compromised their faithfulness and allegiance to the claims of the Antichrist.
 
Vs 6 - 11: The Lamb and his followers are standing victorious on the heavenly Mt. Zion is then followed by three angelic decrees.  

1. The first decree is referenced as an eternal gospel, but this is not the gospel of grace, but instead is a directive to fear God, give Him glory and is a call to worship the one who made heaven and earth.  This is the final appeal to all humanity to acknowledge and recognize the one and only true God.  
2. The second decree announces the fall of Babylon the Great.  The symbolism of this announcement is assumed to be understood by the readers.  The city pf Babylon had become the religious and political epicenter of the world.  It was renowned for its luxury and corruption.  Babylon was known to be the enemy of the people of God.  A judgment is falling on this pagan city and world system and God’s wrath is being determined.  
3. The third decree is a warning and judgment to all who have taken the mark of the beast or pledged allegiance to the Antichrist.  They are going to drink the wrath of God and face eternal torment in fire and sulfur.  This warning is targeted to the pagan population AND those who are in the Christian community who are tempted to renounce their faith in view of the coming persecution.  The angel is declaring that those who defect to emperor worship will drink the wine God’s wrath poured out in full strength.

 
Vs 12:  Here John encourages the believer to endure and keep their faith in Jesus
 
Vs 13:  Another voice from heaven proclaims a blessing to those who are going to be martyred from this point on.  The command to write emphasizes the importance of the message that follows.  A blessing is upon those who faithfully give their lives for God will enter victorious into their rest.