The Revelation

Revelation 14: The Lamb and the Redeemed
Lesson 25 Bobby Stafford

Revelation 14: The Lamb and the Redeemed

Introduction
(Revelation 14:1–13) — John’s vision of the Lamb on Mount Zion gave persecuted Christians courage and assurance. In the darkest time of Rome’s oppression, God showed them that Christ reigns, the faithful are known by name, and victory belongs to those who die in the Lord.

The Lamb on Mount Zion
John saw the Lamb standing upon Mount Zion—Christ reigning in heavenly majesty. Mount Zion represents God’s dwelling, His spiritual kingdom, and the triumph of righteousness. Though Rome seemed invincible, heaven’s throne was still occupied. The vision reminded suffering Christians that the true King rules from above, untouched by the power of emperors. Their faith in Him was not misplaced.

The 144,000: God’s Redeemed People
With the Lamb stood 144,000 bearing the Father’s name upon their foreheads. This is symbolic, representing all who belong to God—the complete company of the redeemed. They contrast with those who bear the mark of the beast. These faithful ones refused emperor worship and remained pure from idolatry. Their spiritual virginity signifies loyalty to Christ alone. They followed the Lamb wherever He went, even to suffering and death. Their number, twelve times twelve thousand, portrays the full and perfect people of God.

The New Song of Victory
A mighty voice like thunder and rushing water filled heaven as the redeemed sang a new song—a song known only by those washed in the blood of the Lamb. Angels could not learn it, for it is the song of salvation. It celebrates triumph over persecution and sin. The redeemed sing not from fear but from gratitude, rejoicing in the Lord who kept them faithful through trial.

The Everlasting Gospel Proclaimed
John saw an angel flying through the midst of heaven proclaiming the everlasting gospel “to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” The message is timeless: fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him who made heaven and earth. The gospel is universal and unchanging. Even amid judgment, God’s desire is that all people turn to Him. Every soul, whether in the first century or today, is accountable to that gospel call.

The Fall of Babylon
Another angel declared, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” Babylon symbolized Rome—the proud, idolatrous empire that demanded worship and oppressed the saints. Its fall was spoken of as already complete because God’s judgment was certain. When God decrees a thing, it is as good as done. This truth reminded believers that no empire, however mighty, can stand against the will of God.

Warning to the Worshipers of the Beast
A third angel announced the dreadful fate of those who worship the beast and receive his mark: they will drink the wine of God’s wrath and be tormented forever. The language of fire, brimstone, and rising smoke paints a vivid picture of eternal punishment. Those who follow false gods face unending torment because they chose rebellion over truth. This warning strengthened believers to endure persecution rather than compromise their faith.

Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord
Then came the tender voice from heaven: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” What comfort for the faithful! To die in Christ is to rest from labor and enter eternal peace. Their works follow them; their faithfulness continues to bear fruit beyond the grave. They are blessed, not because they died, but because they died in the Lord—redeemed, forgiven, and steadfast to the end.

The Harvest and the Winepress of God’s Wrath
John next saw “one like the Son of Man” seated on a white cloud with a golden crown and a sharp sickle. The sickle represents judgment and harvest. When the time is ripe, Christ reaps the earth—gathering the faithful and executing justice upon the wicked. Another angel casts the clusters of earth’s vine into the great winepress of God’s wrath. The imagery of blood rising to the horses’ bridles—extending for 1,600 furlongs—is symbolic of the complete and severe judgment awaiting God’s enemies. His wrath is real, His justice perfect, and His vengeance certain.

Hope for the Faithful
To the persecuted, this vision was life-giving. It told them that their suffering was temporary, their faith precious, and their destiny secure. To us it declares the same: no matter how fierce the opposition, Christ reigns on Mount Zion. Babylon always falls, but the Lamb and His redeemed stand forever.

Revelation 14 – The Lamb and the Redeemed Sermon Outline

Text: Revelation 14:1–20
Theme: The triumph of the Lamb, the purity of His people, and the certainty of divine judgment.

Introduction
Christians near the end of the first century faced severe persecution under the Roman Empire. Many awoke uncertain if it would be their last day because they refused emperor worship. Revelation was written primarily to comfort and strengthen those suffering under Rome’s oppression. Chapters 12 and 13 were dark, filled with imagery of the dragon and the beasts representing Satan and Rome’s power. Chapter 14 opens as a bright and hopeful contrast, showing victory through the Lamb and the faithfulness of His redeemed people.

I. The Vision of the Lamb on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1–2)

1. John saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, representing Christ reigning in heaven (Acts 2:33; Hebrews 12:22–24).

2. Mount Zion symbolizes God’s dwelling place and ultimate victory.

3. The Lamb is not alone; 144,000 stand with Him, bearing the Father’s name on their foreheads.

4. The contrast is clear: those who follow the Lamb belong to God; those who follow the beast bear his mark (Revelation 13:16–17).

5. The powerful voice from heaven like many waters and thunder signifies God’s majesty and strength.

II. The 144,000: The Redeemed of God (Revelation 14:3–5)

1. They sing a new song that only the redeemed can learn. It is a song of victory, gratitude, and salvation—one angels cannot sing.

2. The number 144,000 is symbolic of completeness and perfection (12 x 12 x 1000), representing all of God’s redeemed people.

3. Their purity is spiritual, not physical: “They are not defiled with women, for they are virgins.” They have kept themselves from spiritual adultery and idol worship.

4. They “follow the Lamb wherever He goes,” showing full devotion to Christ even in suffering.

5. In their mouths is no deceit; they are sincere, faithful, and blameless before God.

6. They stand before the throne without fault, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

III. The Everlasting Gospel (Revelation 14:6–7)

1. John saw an angel proclaiming the everlasting gospel to all nations, tribes, tongues, and peoples.

2. The gospel message is universal and timeless, calling all to repentance and obedience.

3. The angel’s message contains three commands:

   • Fear God – hold Him in reverence and awe.

   • Give glory to Him – honor God through faithful living.

   • Worship Him – recognize the Creator as the only true and living God.

4. Even in times of judgment, God’s desire is that all people turn to Him in obedience and worship.

IV. The Fall of Babylon (Revelation 14:8)

1. Another angel declares, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” Babylon symbolizes the Roman Empire in its idolatry and corruption.

2. The phrase is repeated to emphasize certainty. Though Rome had not yet fallen, its judgment was guaranteed by God’s decree.

3. Babylon caused the nations to drink “of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,” spreading idolatry and moral decay throughout the empire.

4. The message gave persecuted Christians hope—God’s justice would prevail, and evil would not endure.

V. The Warning Against Worshiping the Beast (Revelation 14:9–11)

1. A third angel proclaims the fate of those who worship the beast and receive his mark: they will drink the full measure of God’s wrath.

2. God’s wrath is undiluted—complete and final.

3. The imagery of fire and brimstone signifies the eternal punishment awaiting the unfaithful.

4. “They have no rest day or night” describes the unending torment of those who reject Christ.

5. This warning urged believers not to compromise with evil but to remain faithful to God despite persecution.

VI. The Patience and Faith of the Saints (Revelation 14:12)

1. “Here is the patience of the saints” reminds believers to endure with steadfast faith.

2. The saints are identified as those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

3. True discipleship requires both obedience and faith, even when the cost is great (Hebrews 10:36).

VII. Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13)

1. A voice from heaven declares, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

2. The blessing is not in death itself but in dying in the Lord—faithful to Christ until the end.

3. “They rest from their labors” describes eternal peace and relief from earthly suffering.

4. “Their works follow them” affirms that a Christian’s faithfulness continues to bear fruit even after death.

5. To die in the Lord requires living in the Lord through obedience and perseverance (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3–4).

VIII. The Harvest and the Winepress of God’s Wrath (Revelation 14:14–20)

1. John saw “one like the Son of Man” with a golden crown and a sharp sickle, symbolizing Christ’s authority to judge and harvest the earth.

2. The time of harvest has come; Christ reaps both the righteous and the wicked.

3. Another angel gathers the grapes and casts them into “the great winepress of the wrath of God.”

4. The blood imagery extending 1,600 furlongs signifies the completeness and severity of divine judgment.

5. This vision assures believers that God’s justice is certain and His judgment upon the wicked is final.

IX. Lessons for Us Today

1. God’s people may suffer, but their victory is guaranteed through the Lamb.

2. The Lamb reigns eternally; no earthly power can overthrow His kingdom.

3. Those who follow Christ in obedience will rest in eternal peace.

4. Those who reject God’s will face certain judgment.

5. Our calling remains the same as theirs: Fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him in truth.

Call to Action
Let us be among those sealed with the name of the Father, following the Lamb wherever He leads. Let us remain faithful through hardship and persecution, trusting in the victory of the cross. Those who die in the Lord rest from their labors and await the day when the redeemed will sing that new song before the throne of God forever.

Key Takeaways

• Christ reigns on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1)

• The 144,000 symbolize all the redeemed (Revelation 14:3–4)

• The everlasting gospel is for all people (Revelation 14:6–7)

• Babylon’s fall is certain (Revelation 14:8)

• Those who worship false gods face eternal punishment (Revelation 14:9–11)

• The faithful rest in the Lord (Revelation 14:13)

• God’s judgment is complete and just (Revelation 14:19–20)

Scripture Reference List
Revelation 14:1–20 – The Lamb and the redeemed
Acts 2:33; Hebrews 12:22–24 – Christ reigning from heaven
Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3–4 – Dying in the Lord
2 Timothy 2:19 – God knows His people
Mark 16:15 – The gospel for all nations
Hebrews 10:36 – Enduring faithfulness
Revelation 2:10 – Be faithful unto death
Romans 2:5–6 – God’s righteous judgment

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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