Revelation 14:9–13
The Third Angel’s Warning
A third angel follows with a loud warning. Anyone who worships the beast and its image, and receives its mark on the forehead or hand, will face God's wrath.
John then calls for the endurance of God's people: those who keep God's commandments and their faith in Jesus.
Understand the warning
The angel describes God's wrath as wine poured at full strength into the cup of his anger.
The warning speaks of torment with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb.
It describes smoke rising forever and ever, and no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, and anyone who receives the mark of its name.
These are serious words of judgment. Christians differ in how they understand the nature and duration of the punishment described. The exhibit presents the warning without graphic depictions.
A promise of rest
John hears a voice from heaven telling him to write that those who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.
The Spirit affirms that they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.
This promise concerns those who die in the Lord. It is not a promise that faithful people will never suffer or die.
Pause and notice
What does verse 12 call God's people to practice? What rest is promised in verse 13?
Look back at the passage
Verse 12 calls for endurance, keeping God's commandments, and faith in Jesus. Verse 13 promises rest from their labors to those who die in the Lord.
Explore the Scripture and artwork
The cup, fire, and smoke draw on the passage's judgment imagery. Their placement in this landscape is an artistic choice.
The people illustrate endurance. The resting figure suggests rest, but does not literally depict the promise to those who have died. Their appearance and location are not specified by John.
Read Revelation 14:9–13 ↗Scripture opens in a new tab.
Continue · Revelation 14:14–16
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