Questions and comments?
Verse 1 – The 144,000
Most agree that these 144,000 are the same as those identified in Revelation 7.
They are marked by/for God.
They are identified uniquely as having a special purpose during a time of tribulation.
Verse 4 – Virgins
As I mentioned on Sunday, these don’t necessarily have to be physical virgins. It could instead refer to spiritual purity.
Compare this to verse 8 where Babylon the Great is said to have made the nations drink the wine of her sexual immorality.
Further, this could refer to a time when they will be physical virgins after a certain appointed time of setting aside, sealing, or redemption from the earth.
Verses 9-10: The mark of the beast
As a reminder, we were introduced to the mark of the beast in Revelation 13.
Don’t forget that the mark of God on the 144,000 was introduced first, in Revelation 7. The mark of the beast is a copycat.
Be assured that you do not need to fear accidentally taking the mark of the beast.
Verse 10 – The cup of God’s Anger
Luke 22:42: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Verse 11 – Forever and ever
The punishment of the wicked seems to go on forever.
This is in contrast to the idea of annihilatism.
Verse 12 – Calls for endurance
Why is hearing about the wrath of God towards those who take the mark a call to Christians to be faithful?
The wrath of God is much worse than the wrath of the beast or the dragon.
Stay faithful; endure. Things will get worse for those who follow the beast and better for those who follow the Lamb.
Verse 14 – Who is the one seated on the cloud?
Is it Jesus?
Reasons to think it is Jesus:
- He’s associated with the Son of Man.
- He’s not called an angel.
- He’s seated in a position of power.
- He’s wearing a crown.
Reasons to think it’s not Jesus:
- He’s not explicitly called the Son of Man, Jesus, the Son of God, or the Lamb.
- He’s given instructions by an angel.
- He has a sickle rather than a sword or rod.
It’s inconclusive, but there’s a strong possibility that this is Jesus.
Verses 14-16 – The first reaping
Some think that the first reaping is a good reaping of Christians being redeemed from the earth.
This may explain why there is a distinction between the two reapings.
It’s inconclusive.
Verse 18 – Angel with authority over fire
Fire is sometimes associated with worship at an altar and with judgment.
This angel comes from the altar, and he’s taking part in a process of judgement.
Verse 20 – Trampled outside the city
Who is trampling the grapes?
Look at Revelation 19:15: A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty.
This section of Revelation 19 is talking about Jesus. So, it’s fair to assume that Jesus is the one who will trample.
The city that is mentioned may be Jerusalem, or it may refer to a place where God gathers those He will judge.
Questions and comments?
