Revelation 14: The
Lamb and the Redeemed
Introduction:
(Revelation 14:1–5)
Revelation 14 opens with a vision of triumph and victory for
God’s faithful people. After the dark scenes of persecution
in chapters 12 and 13, John reveals the Lamb standing on
Mount Zion surrounded by the redeemed. This is a message of
courage and eternal hope for those who remain steadfast in
their faith.
The Vision of the
Lamb and Mount Zion
John’s vision begins with the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, a
symbol of God’s dwelling place and victory. In the Old
Testament, Zion referred to Jerusalem, but in the New
Testament, it symbolizes the spiritual kingdom of Christ—the
church and ultimately heaven itself. The Lamb, Jesus Christ,
stands victorious, reigning from heaven as King and Lord.
This vision reminds Christians that even when the world
seems overcome by evil, Christ still reigns supreme and His
followers will share in His triumph.
The 144,000: God’s
Redeemed People
John sees with the Lamb 144,000 who have the Father’s name
written on their foreheads. This seal identifies them as
belonging to God. The number is symbolic, representing
completeness and perfection—twelve times twelve
thousand—symbolizing all the faithful redeemed from every
age. They are contrasted with those who bore the mark of the
beast in the previous chapter. These faithful souls refused
to bow to Rome’s emperor or idols, choosing instead to honor
Christ even at the cost of their lives.
The Song of the
Redeemed
John hears a voice from heaven, “like the voice of many
waters and like the sound of loud thunder,” accompanied by
the melody of harpists playing their harps. The redeemed
sing a new song before the throne, one that only they can
learn. This song belongs exclusively to the redeemed because
it is a song of salvation—a song angels cannot sing. It is a
song of victory for those washed in the blood of the Lamb,
redeemed from sin and persecution.
The Spiritual
Purity of the Saints
The redeemed are described as those “not defiled with women,
for they are virgins.” This language is symbolic, describing
spiritual purity. They refused to commit spiritual adultery
by worshiping idols or bowing to the emperor. These
spiritual virgins remained faithful to God in the midst of a
corrupt world. They “follow the Lamb wherever He goes,”
showing total commitment to Christ. Their loyalty was
complete and unwavering, even unto death. They are
“firstfruits to God and to the Lamb,” symbolizing the
faithful who have remained true and pure.
No Deceit Found
Among Them
These saints are also described as having “no deceit in
their mouths,” meaning they are sincere, truthful, and
unblemished before God. They refused to compromise, even
under pressure to confess Caesar as Lord. Because of their
honesty, integrity, and faithfulness, they stand “without
fault before the throne of God.” What a comforting picture
for persecuted Christians—to know that those who stay true
to Christ are honored before God’s throne forever.
The Everlasting
Gospel
John then sees another angel “flying in the midst of
heaven,” proclaiming the everlasting gospel to every nation,
tribe, tongue, and people. The message is clear and
universal: “Fear God, give glory to Him, and worship Him who
made heaven and earth.” This simple threefold command sums
up the Christian life. To fear God is to hold Him in
reverence. To give Him glory is to honor Him in all we do.
To worship Him is to offer our hearts and lives in obedience
and praise. The gospel message of salvation and faithfulness
is timeless—it applies to all people in every generation.
The Fall of
Babylon
A second angel declares, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that
great city.” Babylon, representing the Roman Empire, is
condemned for spreading idolatry and immorality throughout
the world. Although Rome still ruled in John’s day, its fall
was so certain that it was spoken of as already
accomplished. God’s judgment on the wicked is always sure,
even if delayed. This promise would have strengthened
persecuted Christians—reminding them that evil will never
prevail forever.
The Fate of Those
Who Follow the Beast
A third angel follows with a solemn warning. Those who
worship the beast and receive his mark will “drink of the
wine of the wrath of God,” poured out in full strength.
Their torment is described as “fire and brimstone,” a symbol
of eternal punishment and separation from God. For people
living in the volcanic regions of the Roman world, this
image was vivid and terrifying. It represented the choking,
suffocating reality of eternal suffering. The smoke of their
torment rises forever—they have no rest day or night. This
is the destiny of all who reject Christ and follow Satan’s
lies.
The Patience and
Faith of the Saints
In contrast, John points to the faithful: “Here is the
patience of the saints; here are those who keep the
commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Perseverance
through trial defines the saints. Though they may suffer in
this life, their suffering is temporary, while the reward is
eternal. Faith and endurance will always triumph over
persecution and evil.
Blessed Are the
Dead Who Die in the Lord
John hears a voice from heaven declaring, “Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord from now on.” What comfort this
gives to Christians of every generation. Those who die in
the Lord rest from their labors, and their works follow
them. Their faithfulness in life secures their peace in
eternity. Their influence and example continue long after
they are gone. To die in the Lord means to live faithfully
in the Lord—to remain steadfast, obedient, and loyal to
Christ until death.
Call to Action:
The message of Revelation 14 calls every Christian to remain
faithful, pure, and steadfast. Though the world may
persecute, mock, or tempt us to compromise, victory belongs
to those who follow the Lamb. Our calling is to fear God,
give Him glory, and worship Him in spirit and truth. Let us
live and die in the Lord so that we may rest from our labors
and one day join the redeemed in singing that new song
before His throne.
Revelation 14: The Lamb
and the Redeemed Sermon Outline:
Introduction
Revelation 14:1–13 lifts our eyes from persecution to
victory: the Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the redeemed.
This chapter calls Christians to faithfulness, worship, and
endurance.
I. The Lamb on Mount
Zion
(Revelation 14:1; Hebrews 12:22; Psalm 2:6)
-
A. The Lamb
stands—Christ reigns, not cowers.
-
B. Mount Zion
signifies God’s dwelling, safety, and triumph.
-
C. Comfort for the
persecuted: sovereignty precedes suffering.
II. The 144,000
Identified as God’s Own
(Revelation 14:1–3)
-
A. Sealed with the
Father’s name—ownership and protection.
-
B. Symbolic number of
completeness (12×12×1000): the whole redeemed community.
-
C. Contrast with the
mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17).
III. The New Song of
the Redeemed
(Revelation 14:2–3; Exodus 15:1; Revelation 5:9)
-
A. Voice like many
waters and loud thunder—heaven’s authority and joy.
-
B. Only the
redeemed can learn it—experience of grace births the
song.
-
C. Worship as
witness: heaven’s praise strengthens earth’s pilgrims.
IV. The Character
of the Saints
(Revelation 14:4–5; 2 Corinthians 11:2)
-
A. Spiritual
purity: “virgins” = no idolatrous compromise.
-
B. Following the
Lamb wherever He goes—costly obedience, constant
loyalty.
-
C. Firstfruits to
God—pledge of a greater harvest.
-
D. No
deceit—truthful lips, blameless walk before God.
V. The Everlasting
Gospel Proclaimed
(Revelation 14:6–7;
Matthew 24:14)
-
A. Universal
scope—every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.
-
B. Triple summons:
fear God, give Him glory, worship the Creator.
-
C. Gospel produces
reverence, repentance, and right worship.
VI. Certain
Judgment on Babylon
(Revelation 14:8;
Isaiah 21:9; Daniel 2:44)
-
A. “Babylon is
fallen”—prophetic perfect: as good as done.
-
B. Rome’s moral
corruption spread like wine—nations made to drink.
-
C. Hope for
sufferers: God topples persecuting powers.
VII. Warning to
Beast-Worshipers
(Revelation 14:9–11; 2
Thessalonians 1:7–9)
-
A. Marked by
allegiance to the beast—head/hand = belief/behavior.
-
B. Full-strength
wrath—no dilution, no appeal.
-
C. Eternal
consequences—fire, brimstone, unending unrest.
VIII. The
Endurance of the Saints
(Revelation 14:12;
Luke 21:19; Romans 8:37)
-
A. Definition of
faithfulness: keep God’s commandments and the faith of
Jesus.
-
B. Perseverance is
the battlefield virtue of the church.
-
C. Victory is
certain for those who endure.
IX. Beatitude for
the Faithful Dead
(Revelation 14:13; 1
Corinthians 15:58)
-
A. “Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord”—secure rest.
-
B. Their works
follow them—faith bears lasting fruit.
-
C. Comfort the
living; honor the fallen faithful.
Applications for
Today
-
Follow the Lamb
in daily obedience—word, prayer, assembly, service
(John 10:27).
-
Hold the gospel
publicly—reverence God, give Him glory, worship Him
(Romans 1:16).
-
Endure with
hope—our suffering is temporary; Christ’s reign is
eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Teaching/Preaching
Helps (Transitions & Emphasis)
-
Contrast chapters
12–13 (dark conflict) with 14 (bright victory).
-
Emphasize “where He
stands, we stand”—Mount Zion security.
-
Tie “mark” vs.
“seal” to allegiance: we all bear someone’s name.
Conclusion
Stand with the Lamb today; sing the new song tomorrow.
Persevere in holiness, proclamation, and worship until rest.
Key Takeaways:
-
The Lamb reigns
victoriously from Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1).
-
The 144,000
symbolize the complete number of the redeemed
(Revelation 14:1–3).
-
Spiritual purity
and faithfulness define God’s people (Revelation
14:4–5).
-
The everlasting
gospel calls all nations to fear, glorify, and worship
God (Revelation 14:6–7).
-
Babylon’s fall
represents the certainty of God’s judgment (Revelation
14:8).
-
Eternal punishment
awaits those who follow the beast (Revelation 14:9–11).
-
The saints overcome
through patience and faith (Revelation 14:12).
-
Those who die in
the Lord are blessed, resting from their labors
(Revelation 14:13).
Scripture
Reference List:
-
Revelation 14:1–13
— The Lamb and the Redeemed
-
Revelation 12–13 —
The dragon and the beasts
-
Galatians 3:26–27 —
Baptized into Christ
-
Luke 21:19 — “In
your patience possess your souls.”
-
1 Corinthians 15:58
— “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord.”
-
Romans 8:37 — “In
all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us.”
Prepared by Bobby
Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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