Bible Pathway - Dec. 28, 2011
Read Revelation 14
Highlights:
The people of God sing a new song at the throne (Rev. 14:1-5; Ps. 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Is. 42:10). A special offering of firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb (Rev. 14:4). What to preach and to whom (14:6-7). The wrath of God (14:9-20; 15:1,5-8; 16:1-21). Victory over evil (15:2-4). Be ready (16:15).
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who should be predominant in the worship services of our churches. The angel having the everlasting Gospel (Rev. 14:6) proclaimed: Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters (14:7). John records: I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth (from that moment on): Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (14:12-13).
The dead which die in the Lord are believers — those for whom Jesus prayed: They have kept Thy Word. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17: 6,16). They are the ones who willingly take up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial (Luke 9:23). In striking contrast, our Lord drew aside the veil of the unseen world and revealed the horror of the inevitable, fiery torment that awaits those whose worship, adoration, and desires are upon worldly attainments — those who live in rebellion against Christ and refuse to worship Him as God.
We may dislike the thoughts of hell and its eternal torment — for ever and ever (Rev. 14:11) — but Christ explained very clearly the everlasting destiny of both the saved and the lost in His One Book. That Book which He provided tells how believers can gain the Lord's best out of this life. It also tells about the heavenly rewards He has provided for all who love Him. In His earthly ministry, Jesus used the same word "everlasting" to explain the duration of the punishment of the lost — those who will be cast into everlasting fire (Matt. 18:8) — as He did to explain the duration of the blessings of the saved — those who will inherit everlasting life (19: 29; comp. 25:41-46 with Mark 3:29; Luke 18:29-30).
We dare not disregard what God has revealed. Eternal separation from God is the inevitable consequence of refusing to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. In contrast, there is a wonderful place beyond compare that is prepared for those who receive the crucified Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 14:2).
There shall in no wise enter into it (new Jerusalem) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).
Thought for Today:
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him (John 3:36).
Cross References:
For Rev. 14:7: See Ps. 146:6. Rev. 14:8: See Is. 21:9. Rev. 14:10: See Jer. 25:15; 51:7. Rev. 14:15: See Joel 3:13. Rev. 14:20: See Is. 63:3. Rev. 15:1: See Lev. 26:21. Rev. 15:4: Ps. 86:9; Is. 66:23; Jer. 10:7. Rev. 15:8: See I Kin. 8:10-11.
Word Studies:
14:5 no guile, no lie or deception; 15:7 vials, bowls or cups.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Gov. Mike Beebe (AR), Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA), and Sen. Tim Johnson (SD) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matt. 6:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:4
