The Hour of His Judgement Is Come — Bakht Singh

Revelation 14’s Six Scenes and the Announcement of Judgment

In this chapter, we have six scenes, six different pictures, and by these six scenes, we can give a brief survey of the chapter and then return to the first scene in particular. The first picture is verses one to five.

Here we are shown a company of 144 ,000 on Mount Zion with the lamb. We shall return to consider that more carefully a little later. That's the first thing that is shown to John in this chapter. Then the second scene is verses six and seven.

And in this scene, we see the judgment announced. The hour of God's judgment is announced. The hour of God's judgment is announced. Verse seven. The angel said with a great voice, fear God and give him glory for the hour of his judgment has come.

The angel said with a great voice, fear God and give him glory for the hour of his judgment has come. Connected with that announcement of the beginning of judgment is a call to repentance. There is a fresh, more earnest proclamation of the gospel.

An angel is seen flying in the heaven having an eternal gospel to proclaim to the men that dwell on the earth. An angel is seen flying in the heaven having an eternal gospel to proclaim to the men that dwell on the earth.

There is a renewed call to those that are on the earth to fear God and to render him worship. There is a renewed call to those that are on the earth to fear God and to render him worship. Then the third scene is given to us in verse eight.

Then the third scene is given to us in verse eight. Here we are told of the overthrow of all false religions. Here we are told of the overthrow of all false religions. Here we are told of the overthrow of all false religions.

So this is the next step, and the next picture shown to us, the overthrow of Mystery Maryland, all this false religion. Fuller details of that are given to us in Chapter 7. This chapter is providing an outline of events.

And then the fourth picture or scene is from verse 9 to 13. Here the campaign of the beast or Antichrist comes into view. That's the solemn time we were thinking a little of yesterday. His campaign is not fully described here, but it appears again.

In this section is given a solemn warning about worshipping him, giving worship to the beast or Antichrist. There are very solemn consequences to any that have his mark anywhere upon them. The end of this scene concludes with verse 13, announcing how blessed it is that we did not have to live through that period.

Then the fifth scene, verses 14 to 16. Here the Lord appears on the cloud. Here he comes to reap the harvest of the earth. His angels go forth to gather his leg from the four corners of the earth. His harvest is reaped and has ripened.

Now to reap has come. I believe this passage goes along with 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. There in that passage, 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, 13 to 18. We have fuller details given or other details given that are not given here.

But it's reaping time. The harvest has come. It says verse 16 here in Revelation 14. He that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth, and the earth was reaped. Then the final scene of this chapter, the sixth picture given to us.

Verses 17 to 20. This picture of the Lord on the earth, treading the wine press. The Lord has descended from the clouds with his own to the earth. And the judgment of his enemies has come. Now the details of this are given to us in chapter 19.

Verses 11 to 16. Verses 19 to 16. These are judgments seen. The Lord and his angels making war against his enemies. The Lord and his angels making war against his enemies. It's the treading of the wine press.

It's reaping of the grapes. It's the treading of the mouth. Judgment of the wicked. Now I believe that this chapter and these six pictures sets forth the progress of events. The verses, what we have in verses 1 to 5, tells us what happened just before the commencement of the events.

The commencement of the events. And the five scenes that follow are in the order put here. I'm not proposing to deal in detail with the last five pictures. But I think we should look at these first five verses.

The 144,000 Before the Events of Judgment

To learn what we can from this vision that was given to John. The last two mornings we have been thinking of those who should prevail to escape those things that shall come to pass on the earth. And to stand before the Son of Man.

And it is such that are here presented to us in these first five verses. We should be able to learn who they are by what is said about them. Sufficient details are provided that we could identify them.

We should be able to relate to them. There is a lot to be said about them. Pay attention to what is written in the first verse. And I saw and behold the Lamb standing on the Mount Zion. And with Him a hundred, fourteen, four thousand.

Having His name and the name of His Father written on their forehead. I don't think we are called upon to take that very literally. That if this comes to pass, we should be able to understand it. There is not one less and not one more.

This number occurs in another place. In this book we read of the number of Israel that are sealed, 144 ,000. And there it says, 12 ,000 from each tribe. I don't think we need to take that literally. I say that exactly that number.

For the company there can be numbers. Such are seen here on Mount Zion with the Lamb. And we should notice three details given to us in this verse. Where they are? They are on Mount Zion with the Lamb.

They are not on the clouds. They have not met Him in the air. They have not met Him in the air, nor in the clouds. They are in the place where the thrones of justice are held. We have been reminded again and again of those thrones of justice.

We have been educated in favour of the Lamb and His company. We have been educated in favour of the Lamb and His company. In Psalm 122, verse 5, we are reminded that it is the feature of Zion. We find the shape of Zion here.

Verse 5. For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. So these 144 ,000 have reached the heavenly Jerusalem, Mount Zion. So these 144 ,000 have reached the heavenly Jerusalem, Mount Zion.

The Name of the Lamb and the Overcomers

And the second thing that is said about them, they have His name, the name of the Lamb. And they have the name of His father. These are three details that help us to identify the company. We can see that in the third chapter, in the twelfth verse.

Here the same details occur in relation to the Old Testament. Chapter 3, verse 12. He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. He shall go out thence no more. I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.

He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. He shall go out thence no more. I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.

Here he describes and at least three details compare with what we have read in chapter 14, verse 1. In chapter 14, verse 1, and in chapter 24, we can see three things in relation to him. The new Jerusalem, the name of God, and the Lord's name also.

Remember, it is in verse 10 of this message to the church in Philadelphia that the Lord spoke of keeping some from the hour of trial. And the Lord said to the church in Philadelphia, I will keep you safe from the hour of trial.

So in chapter 14, verse 1, these three details provided help us to identify the 144 as overcomers. In chapter 18, verse 3, these Notes of help to the 4 ,000, help us to remember that they are overcomers.

In chapter 4, verse 2, we see a next description These were purchased from among men to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb. So here we have another word. The firstfruits. Another word for the overcomers.

The Firstfruits Belonging to God and the Lamb

They are the firstfruits. The first to be riped. The first to be reaped. The first to appear before the throne of God. That's what we read about the firstfruits in the Old Testament. That as soon as there was a riped sheep in the field, it was to be cut and taken to the sanctuary and presented to God.

And the firstfruits to be harvested in the fields were to be taken to the sanctuary. Exodus 23 and verse 19. Exodus 23, verse 19. The first of the firstfruits of thy crown thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God.

And see a little fuller description in the Pentecost 23. Verses 9 to 14 is the passage. We will read just verses 9 to 12. Leviticus 23, verses 9 to 14, the passage. Leviticus 23, verses 9 to 14, the passage.

Let us read responsibly as far as verse 12. The firstfruit sheep was taken to the sanctuary. The firstfruit sheep was taken to the sanctuary. Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ is the firstfruits from one point of view.

Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ is the firstfruits from one point of view. We read that in the 1st letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15. Verse 20. But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.

And verse 22, 23. For as in Adam all dies, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order, Christ the firstfruits, then they that are Christ's at his coming. He could not be his own firstfruits.

He is the Father's firstfruits. But here in the Revelation 14. It says the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb. And in that passage we have just seen in 1st Corinthians. Christ the firstfruits unto God.

Then they that are Christ's. The 144 ,000 are thus described as firstfruits. They are with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They are described or shown to be overcomers. The first to be ripened, the first to be breathed.

The first to be ripened, the first to be breathed. The first to be presented unto God. But they are further described in verse 4. Two more things are said about them. These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.

Purity, Marriage, and Exclusive Devotion to Christ

Now I don't suppose that means that they were all unmarried. And although it says not defiled with women, I don't suppose it means they were all men. Do not have to rely on marriage to be a man. Do not have to rely on marriage to be a man.

Do not have to rely on marriage to be a man. It is true that the Lord Jesus did point out an excellency in the matter of those who did not marry. It is true that the Lord Jesus did point out an excellency in the matter of those who did not marry.

It is true that the Lord Jesus did point out an excellency in the matter of those who did not marry. It is true that the Lord Jesus did point out an excellency in the matter of those who did not marry.

For there are eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb. There are eunuchs which were made eunuchs by men. And there are eunuchs which made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.

For there are eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb. And there are eunuchs which were made eunuchs by men. And there are eunuchs which made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.

But we are not to gather from that that the marriage union in any way defiles if it is according to God. But we are not to gather from that that the marriage union in any way defiles if it is according to God.

Now this is a divine ordinance. Now this is a divine ordinance. It is wonderful when it is according to God's word. It is to be held in honour, then there should be no defilement in it. That's before us in Hebrews chapter 13 and verse 4.

Let marriage be held in honour among all and let the bed be undefiled. So marriage according to God is not defiling. And I believe we are not to suppose that this 144 ,000 because they are called virgins and defiled have never been married.

But it surely does indicate this. That the union pre-eminent in the life of this 144 ,000 is the union with Christ. Nothing should interfere with the purity of that. Paul the apostle was greatly exercised about that.

Comes out in his second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 11. Verses 2 and 3. For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I espouse you to one husband that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled even his craftiness, your mind should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. Here the apostle is writing to all the believers in that corrupt city of Corinth.

It was in the city of Corinth that the temple of Aphrodite was. The temple of the god Aphrodite. And in that temple there were a thousand women dedicated to a life of shame. The atmosphere of the city must have been very immoral.

It would be a fact for any believer to remain in simplicity and purity toward Christ. What is it that makes a virgin, one who is pure and undefiled? It is not just abstaining from immoral acts. It is being kept from immoral thoughts.

Espouse to our husband, to that heavenly husband, our Lord Jesus Christ. How important when we have such a husband, we should be without thought undefiled. That our souls should be maintained in virgin purity toward him.

We see Paul was terribly exercised over these believers in Corinth. He shows Satan's activity would continue unabated to corrupt their purity and simplicity toward Christ. And if we should maintain separation from defiling acts, we have got to be more watchful about defiling thoughts.

The battle for purity, the maintenance of purity is a ceaseless one. Satan does all he can to entice us to go to Christ. How many of us had to admit the first law of heaven? Well, these are the first fruits.

This is now a description of those who overcome. These are those who were not defiled with women. Then a further detail that identifies us is given here. These are those who follow the Lamb with us wherever he goes.

Following the Lamb Wherever He Goes

These are the Caleb type of people. That was what was said of Caleb to a preacher. He wholly followed the Lord. Well, here he is speaking about dispensation. Of course, they are following the Lamb with us wherever he goes.

These are those who have measured up to the inflexible standard of discipleship. We can learn about that if we turn to Luke chapter 14. Luke chapter 14, we will read 25 to 27. We were reminded of that so clearly on Monday night.

If there is no cross, there will be no crown. If we are not willing to suffer with him, we shall not enjoy the honor he bestows. If we are not willing to suffer with him, we shall not enjoy the honor he bestows.

Here the Lord is telling us those who follow the Lamb with us wherever he goes. He hates his own life, his father, his mother, his wife, his children, his brothers and his sisters. He hates his own life, his father, his mother, his wife, his children, his brothers and his sisters.

So therefore, whosoever he be of you, the pronouncers know all that he has. He cannot be my disciple. So therefore, whosoever he be of you, the pronouncers know all that he has. He cannot be my disciple.

Here the Lord is shifting the company that follows. He is using the fan to separate the chaff from the corn as John Selly would. It is better to be shifted by Christ than shifted by Satan. It is better to be shifted by Christ than shifted by Satan.

If we are not shifted by Christ, we may be shifted by Satan. If we are not shifted by Christ, we may be shifted by Satan. The object of the two shiftings is different. The object of the two shiftings is different.

If the Lord shifts us, it is in order to get rid of the chaff. If the Lord shifts us, it is in order to get rid of the chaff. But if Satan gets a chance to shift us, it will be in order to get rid of the wheat and the chaff left.

But if Satan gets a chance to shift us, it will be in order to get rid of the wheat and the chaff left. But if Satan gets a chance to shift us, it will be in order to get rid of the wheat and the chaff left.

We must be shifted. We see in John chapter 6, the Lord doing a great shifting of those that were following him. We see in John chapter 6, the Lord doing a great shifting of those that were following him.

We see in John chapter 6, the Lord doing a great shifting of those that were following him. The multitudes were following him at that time. They wanted to make him their king. They wanted to make him their king.

That we read in verse 15. Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.

The Lord knew the purpose for which they had come to make him king. So he withdrew. But then from verse 24, they catch up on him again. Then he begins this great discourse. And he is shifting them. And you see verse 41, Jews begin to murmur.

And then verse 52, they begin to strive among themselves. And then verse 60, the disciples begin to crumble. And then verse 66, many of the disciples walk no more with him. And then verse 67, they begin to fight among themselves.

And with what has the Lord, is the Lord left. He is left with the twelve of them. They have all disappeared. They could not stand the safety. They could not stand the safety. Verse 67, Peter said therefore unto the twelve, would you also go away?

Verse 68, Peter, Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? We've got no alternative but you. Who else should we go to? That's a good point to reach in our relations with the Lord. When we got to that point, we said, Lord, we've got no alternative but you.

At that point, then we can follow the Lamb with us wherever he goes. So many have other alternatives to Christ. My parents, or my children, or my land, this is what hinders so many, are only following the Lord.

I count the cost of this side for you. Luke chapter 14, Sometimes it's the cost of wife, or children, or land. And that means renouncing ourselves. Of course, if you don't love your wife, you say, oh, I can do without her, all right?

But if you find your children are an encumbrance, oh, I'll go off and serve the Lord. Some among the sisters, they like to be free of their home responsibilities. Oh, I'll go off and serve the Lord. There's only cost in wholly following the Lamb, when it's leaving those things to which we are deeply attached, with affection.

But if we don't want to serve the Lord fully, then we don't have the opportunity to serve the Lord fully. If we have no affection, no attachment to any of these things, we're going to have to leave for Christ's sake.

Then there's no cost. If we have no affection, no attachment to any of these things, then we don't have the opportunity to serve the Lord fully. So the first proof to describe is those who follow the Lamb, with us wherever He goes.

Truthfulness and Blamelessness Among the Firstfruits

And in verse 5, Revelation 14, verse 5, we have another detail which helps us to identify them. And in their mouths was found no lie. In their mouths was found no lie. High standard for the present time, isn't it?

What is one of the characteristics of our time? It's lying. It's quite a victory if you never tell a lie. It's quite a victory if you never tell a lie. This is a very searching standard. I don't tell many lies.

I don't tell many lies. Do you speak the truth as it is in Jesus? In His mouth was found no lie. In His mouth was found no lie. This is a very challenging time for us. This is a very challenging time for us.

Oh, everybody touches. How can I do it? I do my job if I open my mouth. I do my job if I open my mouth. Which is the best to lose? The favor of men or the approval of God? Better to lose the favor of men and retain His favor.

There's a lot of disturbance in families these days. Why? One reason is that the parents have not escaped this rebellion. One reason is that the parents have not escaped this rebellion. The child does it again, you turn your head the other way.

The child does it again, you turn your head the other way. Instead of doing what you said, you turn your head the other way in green. We promised our children things, but we do not fulfill our promise.

We promised our children things, but we do not fulfill our promise. So we forfeit our children's confidence. Please, the Lord here on earth, all those in whose mouth there's no lie. That's a very solemn test.

That's a very solemn test. Have we overcome that? And then finally, there are many letters. Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, He chose us first.

Now it is before Him, we have to appear before Him. That's why we must be without blemish. That's why we must be without blemish. That was required in every sacrifice offered, must be without blemish.

That was required in every sacrifice offered, must be without blemish. That was required in every sacrifice offered, must be without blemish. Absence, complete absence of any outward blemish. That's why there was neither entrance to the sanctuary.

That's why there was no entrance to the sanctuary. That's why there was no entrance to the sanctuary. Well, from these details, of those that were the first fruits, we can learn,. Well, from these details, of those that were the first fruits, we can learn, I conclude with reminding you of three things.

The Firstfruits, the Harvest, and the Lord’s Return

I conclude with reminding you of three things. First, there is the gathering of the first fruits. There is no reference to the Lord Jesus descending to gather them. There is no reference to the Lord Jesus descending to gather them.

But when he comes with the sound of the trumpet in the clouds of heaven,. But when he comes with the sound of the trumpet in the clouds of heaven, it is to harvest that which remains. But that harvest is not taken to the sanctuary, taken to the clouds.

But that harvest is not taken to the sanctuary, taken to the clouds. You bring your first fruit to the sanctuary. But you don't bring your full, petty harvest here, do you? But you don't bring your full, petty harvest here, do you?

But you don't bring your full, petty harvest here, do you? The Lord does not require that. Only the first fruit to the sanctuary. The rest of the harvest to the granary. The rest of the harvest to the granary.

When the Lord harvests the earth, When the Lord harvests the earth, the treading of the wine press, that's in the field, that's not in the clouds. When the Lord harvests the earth, the treading of the wine press, that's in the field, that's not in the clouds.

Isaiah chapter 5 and Matthew 21 shows us where the wine press is. Isaiah chapter 5 and Matthew 21 shows us where the wine press is. That's in the field. The treading down of the wickage is when the Lord comes to the earth.

So I grant we might be accounted worthy to be among the first fruit. But not with thoughts of what we shall get. But not with thoughts of what we shall get. But not with thoughts of what we shall get.

But with the praise that will be released to him. But with the praise that will be released to him.