Study No. 15. Revelation 14 Harvesting
THIS chapter has two main sections.
The first is an update on the 144,000 and the second is a description of the Final Harvest
Part One: 144,000 update.
In an earlier chapter is was noted that prior to God's bringing judgments upon the earth, He first proceeded to seal, and thereby protect 144,000 Jews so that His judgments would not affect them. What is implied there, is that the judgments of God were only going to affect unbelievers.
The sealing of the 144,000 must imply their salvation. They come to Christ near the beginning of the last 42 months. This coincides with the ministry of the two witnesses who seem responsible for bringing the trumpet judgments on the earth.
So, how do these Jews come to faith in Christ? Who leads them to Christ?: Is this the work of the two witnesses? Perhaps. It could be that the two witnesses lead these Jews to Christ in the first part of their ministry and then their ministry reaches further to bring gentiles to Christ and finally is supplemented by their striking the earth with various judgments of God.
Are the 144,000 exempt from torture or death at the hands of wicked people? Does their 'sealing' protect them from Satan's deadly intentions? In the chapter before us it would appear that they can be killed ... unlike the two witnesses who are 'invincible' until their ministry is complete at the end of the 42 months.
That being said ... we are all invincible until our ministry for God is over. So why are the 144,000 seemingly 'dead' and in heaven? I think the answer is clear ... as each one died for their faith, very simply, God makes it evident that their ministry was over here.
Right at the outset of our chapter we see the 144,000 in heaven. So to get a proper picture of where this fits in the seven year time frame, we have two choices.
It does not tell us here. But from other passages we will see that about 30 days1 are set aside for things to happen in heaven and on earth before Jesus descends with believers (his bride) to earth, to take up his reign here.
During this 'month' the 144,000 are enjoying the presence of JESUS.
During this month (I would think at the very beginning) all believers have appeared before the judgment seat of Christ and have received their rewards.
During this month the 'marriage supper of the Lamb' has taken place in heaven.
During this month ... on earth, God has judged mystery Babylon.
So, I believe what we are seeing in the first 5 verses is a description of the 144,000 in heaven for a 30 day period of time.
Part Two: the final harvest.
Verse 6 John begins, 'And I saw'. This appears to be a change of subject and might as well have been a new chapter break. Before we try to place any of this in our seven year time frame, let us just examine the components listed in these verses.
A seemingly rapid succession of angels make announcements.
1. An angel makes an announcement regarding the gospel.
2. A period of time referred to as 'an hour' of judgment is mentioned.
3. A first mention of Babylon is made ... and the message is, 'Babylon has 'fallen'.
4. warning is given to believers and others to not receive the mark of the beast that is about to enforced.
5. A recognition of the fact that many believers will die in the next short while is brought to our attention ... along with a heavenly perspective. The time frame would be the final 42 months.
6. Mention is made of the final harvest.
We will now examine each announcement individually.
1. The Everlasting Gospel. It looks like verse 6 goes back to the beginning of the last 42 months. I say this because in the next verse the angel says that the hour of God's judgment is just around the corner. This is the final push to reach the lost. The mark of the Beast is about to be introduced. His political platform will be very enticing. A great effort will be made to reach people before it is too late. The two witnesses will help in this. This is probably the time that 144,000 Jews come to Christ. And yet the influx of new souls seems to be disappointing, because after certain of the trumpet judgments are inflicted on the earth we read this comment: The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent Re 9:20 .
2. The Hour of His judgment has come. This refers to the 'time is up' call which happens at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. This warning says ... the hour 'has come'. Relatively speaking they have 3 1/2 years in total, once the witnesses begin their preaching. But it is right around the corner. When the unbelievers see heaven opened (seal 6) it is too late. Time is up at that point.
3. The First mention of Babylon This very likely is not the Babylon in Iraq. This is bigger. This is something that has affected the entire world with its 'fornication'. We will have much more to say about this in chapter 17.
4. Warning concerning the 'mark of the beast'. 9-12. The warning is, if anyone worships the beast and takes the mark ... they will end up in the lake of fire. And then a note to believers saying that this will really be a test of their faith. There are a couple of questions to ask about this;
a) If an unbeliever takes the mark ... is that it? Can he not repent of this?
The scripture clearly says ... if any man takes the mark ... he will drink of the wrath of God. But before we decide to quickly, we need to look at other similar statements in the Word.
1John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.
If a believer were to take the mark ... and then later wish to repent ... there would not be such a strong caution if such a thing were possible. What it appears like, is that for a believer to take the mark he commits spiritual suicide. Hebrews 6 tells us that it is impossible to get re-saved if we should ever lose it. Heb 6:4 For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. These are very serious verses. This is one of the reasons it is so important to be informed concerning the revelation. We may be responsible for encouraging a fellow believer to 'hang in there.'
5. Many believers die during this period of time The scripture says, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ... that they may rest from their labours. This is referring especially to the final 42 months. What would have to change in our present circumstance for us to consider death to be a blessing? The tribulation saints will find death to be a relief.
6. The Final harvest. There are two parts to the harvest.
All of this should underscore the importance of 2Co 6:2 ...behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. And also Heb 3:7 ¶ So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,(8) do not harden your hearts ...”
1Daniel 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. (1290)
Re 11:3 ¶ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (1260)
Re 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. (1260)
The difference between these two figures is 30 days. The person who sets up the abomination of desolation has 1290 days until its all over. The 'woman in the wilderness' only needs protection for 1260 days. Why? Because they are in Jesus' presence from that time forward. During the final 30 days, with the witnesses and 'the woman in the wilderness' gone ... and with all believers also gone, there is nothing but judgment happening on earth to the 'great whore', Mystery Babylon.
The first is an update on the 144,000 and the second is a description of the Final Harvest
Part One: 144,000 update.
In an earlier chapter is was noted that prior to God's bringing judgments upon the earth, He first proceeded to seal, and thereby protect 144,000 Jews so that His judgments would not affect them. What is implied there, is that the judgments of God were only going to affect unbelievers.
The sealing of the 144,000 must imply their salvation. They come to Christ near the beginning of the last 42 months. This coincides with the ministry of the two witnesses who seem responsible for bringing the trumpet judgments on the earth.
So, how do these Jews come to faith in Christ? Who leads them to Christ?: Is this the work of the two witnesses? Perhaps. It could be that the two witnesses lead these Jews to Christ in the first part of their ministry and then their ministry reaches further to bring gentiles to Christ and finally is supplemented by their striking the earth with various judgments of God.
Are the 144,000 exempt from torture or death at the hands of wicked people? Does their 'sealing' protect them from Satan's deadly intentions? In the chapter before us it would appear that they can be killed ... unlike the two witnesses who are 'invincible' until their ministry is complete at the end of the 42 months.
That being said ... we are all invincible until our ministry for God is over. So why are the 144,000 seemingly 'dead' and in heaven? I think the answer is clear ... as each one died for their faith, very simply, God makes it evident that their ministry was over here.
Right at the outset of our chapter we see the 144,000 in heaven. So to get a proper picture of where this fits in the seven year time frame, we have two choices.
- This is NEAR the end of the tribulation and at that point they are all in heaven.
- This is after trumpet seven and they have all been raptured up to heaven, and perhaps many, or at least some of them did not die after all.
It does not tell us here. But from other passages we will see that about 30 days1 are set aside for things to happen in heaven and on earth before Jesus descends with believers (his bride) to earth, to take up his reign here.
During this 'month' the 144,000 are enjoying the presence of JESUS.
During this month (I would think at the very beginning) all believers have appeared before the judgment seat of Christ and have received their rewards.
During this month the 'marriage supper of the Lamb' has taken place in heaven.
During this month ... on earth, God has judged mystery Babylon.
So, I believe what we are seeing in the first 5 verses is a description of the 144,000 in heaven for a 30 day period of time.
Part Two: the final harvest.
Verse 6 John begins, 'And I saw'. This appears to be a change of subject and might as well have been a new chapter break. Before we try to place any of this in our seven year time frame, let us just examine the components listed in these verses.
A seemingly rapid succession of angels make announcements.
1. An angel makes an announcement regarding the gospel.
2. A period of time referred to as 'an hour' of judgment is mentioned.
3. A first mention of Babylon is made ... and the message is, 'Babylon has 'fallen'.
4. warning is given to believers and others to not receive the mark of the beast that is about to enforced.
5. A recognition of the fact that many believers will die in the next short while is brought to our attention ... along with a heavenly perspective. The time frame would be the final 42 months.
6. Mention is made of the final harvest.
- First harvest – could be called a grain harvest.
- Second harvest – is a grape harvest.
We will now examine each announcement individually.
1. The Everlasting Gospel. It looks like verse 6 goes back to the beginning of the last 42 months. I say this because in the next verse the angel says that the hour of God's judgment is just around the corner. This is the final push to reach the lost. The mark of the Beast is about to be introduced. His political platform will be very enticing. A great effort will be made to reach people before it is too late. The two witnesses will help in this. This is probably the time that 144,000 Jews come to Christ. And yet the influx of new souls seems to be disappointing, because after certain of the trumpet judgments are inflicted on the earth we read this comment: The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent Re 9:20 .
2. The Hour of His judgment has come. This refers to the 'time is up' call which happens at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. This warning says ... the hour 'has come'. Relatively speaking they have 3 1/2 years in total, once the witnesses begin their preaching. But it is right around the corner. When the unbelievers see heaven opened (seal 6) it is too late. Time is up at that point.
3. The First mention of Babylon This very likely is not the Babylon in Iraq. This is bigger. This is something that has affected the entire world with its 'fornication'. We will have much more to say about this in chapter 17.
4. Warning concerning the 'mark of the beast'. 9-12. The warning is, if anyone worships the beast and takes the mark ... they will end up in the lake of fire. And then a note to believers saying that this will really be a test of their faith. There are a couple of questions to ask about this;
a) If an unbeliever takes the mark ... is that it? Can he not repent of this?
The scripture clearly says ... if any man takes the mark ... he will drink of the wrath of God. But before we decide to quickly, we need to look at other similar statements in the Word.
- Re 21:8 "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."
- Did you notice that it says ALL liars will have a place in the Lake of fire? Have you ever told a lie? Does that not make you a liar? Does that mean that you will end up in the lake of fire? Quickly we would say, No! I have repented of that. I have received forgiveness for that. But one thing is missing in the above verse ... it does not say, and ALL Liars ... unless they repent. We understand that repentance makes all the difference from reading other passages like ... Mt 12:31 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. So EVERY kind of sin can be forgiven ... It is very possible that the warning is more to believers than it is to unbelievers. Perhaps unbelievers who have taken the mark can still be saved.
1John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.
If a believer were to take the mark ... and then later wish to repent ... there would not be such a strong caution if such a thing were possible. What it appears like, is that for a believer to take the mark he commits spiritual suicide. Hebrews 6 tells us that it is impossible to get re-saved if we should ever lose it. Heb 6:4 For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. These are very serious verses. This is one of the reasons it is so important to be informed concerning the revelation. We may be responsible for encouraging a fellow believer to 'hang in there.'
5. Many believers die during this period of time The scripture says, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ... that they may rest from their labours. This is referring especially to the final 42 months. What would have to change in our present circumstance for us to consider death to be a blessing? The tribulation saints will find death to be a relief.
6. The Final harvest. There are two parts to the harvest.
- The first harvest. - the grain (?) harvest. John sees what appears to be Jesus on a cloud coming to reap. This is going to be the rapture. Look at this verse in Matthew. Mt 24:30 and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
- The grape harvest. - This not a nice harvest. The grapes that are trodden down are called the Grapes Of Wrath. Blood flows as high as a horse's bridle. I realize we are getting a little ahead of ourselves to read the following verse but it refers to this same grape harvest. Re 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
All of this should underscore the importance of 2Co 6:2 ...behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. And also Heb 3:7 ¶ So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,(8) do not harden your hearts ...”
1Daniel 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. (1290)
Re 11:3 ¶ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (1260)
Re 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. (1260)
The difference between these two figures is 30 days. The person who sets up the abomination of desolation has 1290 days until its all over. The 'woman in the wilderness' only needs protection for 1260 days. Why? Because they are in Jesus' presence from that time forward. During the final 30 days, with the witnesses and 'the woman in the wilderness' gone ... and with all believers also gone, there is nothing but judgment happening on earth to the 'great whore', Mystery Babylon.