REVELATION 14:6-11
by Mako Kato
Read Revelation 14:6-11
Three angels come bearing three messages. The first comes to proclaim an “eternal gospel.” It was a call to follow God. The angel says to “fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.” (Rev. 14:7) We know that the word “gospel” means good news. God’s judgment has come. Is that good news? It is for those who believe in Him. It is like Jesus’ warning in Matthew 4:17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (ESV) For those who do fear God, for those who have repented, the hour of judgment is good news.
The second angel says that Babylon is fallen. Babylon is probably symbolic of the worldly rejection of God. We will read more about the fall of Babylon in Chapter 18.
The third angel says that worshippers of the beast will be tormented. “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (Rev. 14:11 ESV)
These messages are tied together. I don’t understand all the symbolism of Babylon, but in the first message we see the call to give God glory, and in the third message we see the torment of those who do not follow God. When the hour of judgment comes, woe to those people who worship the beast. Woe to those who do not follow Christ.
Hell is not fun and it lasts forever. A scary picture of it is given in these verses. It’s enough for us to be reminded to take our own faith more seriously and look for opportunities to share our faith with others. God can use us to share his good news with people who are on the path that leads to destruction.
There are a whole lot of people on that path. I’d encourage you to click on this link to watch a Casting Crowns music video that encourages us as Christians to reach out. Think about it. How can Christ be displayed in us to people on the road to hell?
