The Bridge

The visions recorded in Revelation 14 fall into a category we might call an overture of the final judgments – brief vignettes like a teaser trailer for an upcoming movie. In this thematic preview of coming attractions, we step closer to the end of the Great Tribulation, but the judgments aren’t over. We’ll see the full wrath revealed in chapters 15 and 16, but before that, the Lord interjects several snapshots of hope. In this way Revelation 14 ties the whole book together, reminding us of its major message and pointing us forward to the ultimate vengeance of the glorious Redeemer. - Swindoll

After a glimpse of the remnant of Israel standing with Christ on Mt. Zion, the stage clears and the backdrop changes as we read of another series of climatic announcements. Keep in mind, these proclamations do not appear in chronological order. Instead they deal with themes and events that stretch across the Tribulation period and find their ultimate climax in its final days. – Swindoll

First announcement: the gospel (6-7) The first angel proclaims “an eternal gospel,” calling all people to worship God the Creator rather than Satan, who will soon be judged.
Second announcement: judgment (8) The second angel proclaims in advance the ultimate destruction of “Babylon the great,” the Antichrist’s massive evil empire.
Third announcement: doom (9-11) The third angel pronounces judgment on all who fail to believe the eternal gospel and enter a right relationship with God through faith alone in Christ alone.
Fourth announcement: blessing (12-13) “The stern warning addressed to all worshipers of the beast isalso an encouragement to those who put their trust in Christ in the time of the great tribulation. Though some of them will face martyrdom and others will need to go into hiding, they are assured that their lost is far preferable to those who accept the easy way out and worship the beast. – Walvoord

Warren Wiersbe says that God’s love is a holy love rather than a love based on sentimentality. What does that mean? In what ways should our own love be like God’s?

The hour is fast approaching when Jesus Christ will return from heaven with power and glory. All the misconceptions about who Jesus was and is will be dispelled at that time, and the whole world will stand face-to-face with the one true Christ. The one-sided meek and mild Jesus of Sunday School songs will give way to the fuller picture of Christ and Judge and conquering King. In that day the true but incomplete picture presented in “Jesus Loves Me” will be fulfilled by the Christ of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” –
Swindoll

What thoughts do you have about this quote from Chuck Swindoll?
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What do you think John wants his readers to understand about these two harvests?

God’s justice holds every person accountable. Many Christians believe that because they’re eternally saved by grace, they are no longer subject to the scrutiny of God. This represents a distortion of the biblical teaching regarding Christians and judgment. It is true that there will be “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1) and believers will be spared from suffering the wrath of God (1Thes. 5:9) But Scripture is just as clear that “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom. 14:10). – Swindoll

Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and summarize what Paul is writing. How does that apply to you?

In Revelation 15:1 we discover two important facts. First, the bowls represent seven plagues concentrated near the end of the future seven-year Tribulation period. Second, the seven bowl judgments will be the final expression of God’s wrath toward the inhabitants of the earth. These judgments will climax at the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Christ. – Swindoll

The song of Moses was sung at the Red Sea, the song of the Lamb is sung at the crystal sea; the song of Moses was a song of triumph over Egypt, the song of the Lamb is a song of triumph over Babylon; the song of Moses told how God brought His people out, the song of the Lamb tells how God brings His people in; the song of Moses was the first song in Scripture, the song of the Lamb is the last. The song of Moses commemorated the execution of a foe, the expectation of the saints, and the exaltation of the Lord; the song of the Lamb deals with the same three themes. – Phillips

Revelation 16 describes the final round of ever-increasing judgments on the people who will stubbornly take the side of evil and oppose the Lord in spite of countless warnings throughout the seven-year Tribulation period.

Read Joel 2:12-14 and Romans 1:21 - write how these addresses what it is happening in chapter 16.

This is the final reference to their unwillingness to repent. The first five plagues were God’s final offer-and humanity’s final opportunity-for repentance. There will be no more…This leads to the sixth bowl of wrath, which sets the stage for the infamous Battle of Armageddon. At the very end of the seven-year Tribulation, whatever is left of the military forces of the entire world will gather for war at a place called “Har Megiddo”. – Swindoll

What do you understand about Armageddon? Where is it? What is its purpose?

Revelation 16 reminds us that God’s judgment is inescapable. The same is true today. It may appear that the wicked get off scot-free, but one day there will be a reckoning. God has made it clear that the present world system, which rewards evil and punishes good, will come to a tragic end. The images of Revelation 16 can be distilled into two key truths to remember as we navigate the injustices of the present world system. 1) Justice in this world will always appear to be distorted. 2) Escaping the reality of God’s judgment is impossible. Just as God will hold the Tribulation rebels accountable for their wickedness, He will hold every person accountable for his or her own life. – Swindoll

Is this statement more encouraging to you or more challenging? Why?