THREE ANGELS

(Revelation 14: 6- 13)

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

On December 31, 2019, an outbreak named “Coronavirus” occurred in Wuhan, China, first time the world has heard of its name. Since then, the number of the infected and the dead rapidly increase in Wuhan; then the news got much worse as Wuhan’s citizens were ordered to staying at home and to not travel to other provinces or its surrounding; they were isolated from the outside world and then there were news of mass cremation, etc. By mid-February 2020 the coronavirus epidemic had spread to other countries around the world, causing panic to many; and countries closed their border with China and mainland Chinese were banned from entering to their countries. In late February, Professor Ian R. Mackay of the University of Queensland - Australia stated that it is difficult to control and stop the Coronavirus epidemic, and the whole world should be prepared to face a critical situation. At the same time, he also expressed that in the future everyone would be infected with this virus. It was a devastating news for the world and especially for those who are living in Australia.

 

However, may I remind you that there is a more devastated news than the Coronavirus, which was announced by the three angels and was recorded in Revelation 14: 6-13. We are so frighten of the Coronavirus and exchange information with each other often; but we disregard or forget the warning messages of these three angels.

 

I. THE ANGEL PROCLAIMS THE GOSPEL

 

“Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, with an external gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth- to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, “ Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

 

The heavenly view of the Lamb standing on Mt Zion with the 144.000, the redeemed, which was described in chapter 14: 1-5 now changes to an opposite one, the view of those who rejected their redemption and destiny “Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, with an external gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth.” This is not angel who proclaims grace or angel who proclaims the Gospel so that the listeners may receive salvation for the last time; but an angel who proclaims judgment, because the grace’s period has come to pass. The angel's message emphasizes the judgment aspect of the Gospel; it is different from the redemptive one of the Gospel that has been preached since Christ descended to earth until the final day. The angel did not proclaim another Gospel; but continue to spread the Gospel of Christ Jesus, except to pronounce the condemnation of those who reject His Gospel, which, the apostle Paul once proclaimed. In his letter to believers in the Roman capital, Paul recorded “But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgement will be revealed. For he will repay according to each one’s deeds.” (2: 5-6).

 

The phrase “Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, with an external gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth” means that everyone on earth has heard “the everlasting Gospel” message. The phrase “to every nation and tribe and language and people” does not mean those who live on earth; but it refers to those who do not believe that Christ Jesus lived on earth. The Gospel of Christ Jesus gives us eternal life and has eternal value, so it is called “everlasting Gospel.” This Gospel is not given to a specific nation; but for “to every nation and tribe and language and people.”  In the last day the angel will proclaim “the everlasting Gospel”; at present time if we do not proclaim the “the everlasting Gospel” then who else does?

 

The angel called those who do not believe in Christ Jesus “Fear God and give him glory, for the house of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” as God’s judgment is near. In Scripture, this call often addressed to God's children; but in this context, it is the message for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. We might ask the question why those who do not believe in Jesus Christ were exhorted “fear God and give him glory”? When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the Babylonian empire, who had regained his health after he was punished for being arrogant, spoke out, “When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason return to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is and everlasting sovereignty and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34). The King “fear God and give Him glory” although he did not worship Him.

 

In southern Vietnam, a place where it was famous for Christian’s persecution, where many pastors had difficulties in conducting their ministries, many Christian groups were not allowed to be active, where many church activities were prohibited, ... But shortly after, local officials who persecuted Christian were dead, they were in either traffic accident or were electrocuted, so that the local authorities were afraid and the people knew what had happen. An authorised official expressed his opinion to a local pastor that “your God killed four of our comrades.” Although this official has not yet worship God; but in a way, this statement indicated, “fear God and give him glory.

 

The word “worship” in the phraseworship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” means prostrating with awe. Those who do not trust God were called to worship God, the Creator, instead of worshiping created creatures like idols or rivers, mountains, animals.

 

The “everlasting Gospel” will not be good news for those who reject Christ Jesus. What can we do to proclaim the “everlasting Gospel” to families, relatives, friends, neighbours who are unbelievers while we still have the chance?

 

II.THE ANGEL PREDICTS THE PUNISHMENT

 

“Then another angel, a second, followed saying, “ Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

 

In a crowded meeting, if a person came inside the room with a light, gentle steps to inform a person who was sitting there that someone wanted to talk to him on the phone. The listener appeared hesitant to leave the meeting room to answer the phone. But, if this person rushes into the room with an anxious face informing that a police is on the phone wanting to have a quick chat with him then, the listener will quickly get out of the room to answer the phone. Therefore, depending on the attitude and content of the words of the messenger, the listener will respond accordingly. In addition, my family, every time I heard the phone ring, that my grandchildren in Canada wanted to talk to us, then everyone rushed to my phone including grandfather, grandmother and their uncle. Therefore, it depends on the subject that how we will respond to.

 

Then, another angel appeared, announcing the judgment in more details: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” The word, “Babylon the Great”, was first mentioned by King Nebuchadnezzar when he was looking at his city (Daniel 4:30). So, “Babylon the Great” means that the social structure, political, military, economic, and even religious belief were hostile toward God, just as the capital of Babylon against Israel, God’s chosen nation long ago. The book of Revelation was written during the time when the Roman Empire ruled the world, and of course the apostle John could not identify it, so he used the name “Babylon the Great” to refer Roman Empire in his time. Therefore, when we read the book of Revelation today, we must understand that “Babylon the Great” is the social structure, political, military, economic and religious of the present world.

 

Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” Why is it fallen? Because “She has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication”. The word “fornication” was used in Scripture to refer worshipping pagan gods instead of worshiping God the Creator. Hosea 4: 11-12 states: “Whoredom. Wine and new wine take away the understanding. My people consult a piece of wood and their diving rod gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have played the whore, forsaking their God.” The phrase “She has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” should understand that the world hostile toward God because peoples drink “the wine of the wrath of her fornication”, an inevitable event.

 

We need to know when the worldly social structure, political, military, economic and religious are inimical toward God then the greater the issue of worshipping idols will be elevated. Do not be surprised when the Vietnamese government promotes sacrificial days from country villages to cities. Do not be surprised when the greed for position, power, and money is the “idol” of young people today where they easily sell off the intimacy of husband and wife, family, friendship, etc. They also reject spiritual and moral values.

 

Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.” The verb “fallen” is used to describe future events, but they are happening in the present; meaning the social, political, military, economic and religious structures that are hostile toward God is fallen and will be totally fallen, destroy when Christ Jesus returns to earth to establish His kingdom. The word “fallen, fallen” was repeated to emphasize that the worldly power against God will surely collapse.

 

Our world situation is like Coronavirus epidemic, from Wuhan, China to many other countries in the world. The Coronavirus epidemic is not only lethal in mass fatalities; but it creates the downturn of worldwide economy, and when China’s economy is depleted, the political situation will change, and who knows what will happen? In fact, the serious issue is not that the world we live in will end, but that everyone will stand before God's judgment. We have been deceived and will be deceived to only fear that we will face suffering and hardship in the current worldly condition and disregard the time we will face God, the Creator.

 

III. THE ANGEL ANOUNCES JUDGEMENT

 

“Then another angel, a third, followed them, crying with a loud voice, “Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their forehead or on their hands, they also drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger and they will be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image and for anyone who receives the mark of its name. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying; “ Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes” say the Spirit, “they will rest from their labours for their deeds follow them.”

 

The third angel appeared, continuing to pronounce God's judgment; but in more details. The words “worship” and “receive” in the phrase “Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their forehead or on their hands” were written in the present tense, indicating that even though the two previous angels pronounced the consequences of their unbelief toward God and the consequences of worshipping idolatry; but the people of the earth still worship the “beast” and unite with the “beast”. If the people of the earth “drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” of the “beast,” they would “they also drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger.” The word “unmixed” in the verse “they also drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger” means strong brandy, or the great, the furious wrath of God. The effect of “drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” is only in a short period; but the aftermath of “the wine of God’s wrath” lasts forever.

 

What is the consequence? They will “they will be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Those who worship the beast and its statues, and those who bear the sign of his name shall never rest in peace, both day and night.” The phrase “fire and sulphur” in the phrase “they will be tormented with fire and sulphur” expresses extreme pain for they had rejected the Savour, Christ Jesus and now must stand before Him.

 

Today, devils deceive man by sowing in his mind a lack of respect for the holy life as well as the moral value, and to downplay sin; man don't dream of living in heaven, and they despise hell. Needless to say, when we watched the homosexual parade at the end of February in Sydney (the Mardi Gras), we could see they have had the support of significant members of society; we could easily see their views on living which similar to the one we have mentioned above. But there are always consequences of sin in this world and in eternity; just like if there is heaven, there must be hell. If there were no punishment for sinners, why would Jesus Christ die for us on the cross?

 

Verse 12 refers to two things that God's children continue to “endure” amid persecution until the end; it is “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus.“The commandments of God” refers to His covenant written in the Old and New Testaments; and "faith of Jesus" refers to the doctrine of the Gospel. “Endurance” here means the ability to accept persecution without accepting the pressures of the world that opposes God. This endurance also includes wisdom so that God's children will not be deceived and will not take revenge on those who persecute them; but wait for God’s judgment.

 

The apostle John knew that if God's children continue to “keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus” in a world hostile toward Him, they would be persecuted and martyred. Therefore, verse 13: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying; “ Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes” say the Spirit, “they will rest from their labours for their deeds follow them” often used in the funeral ceremonies for God's children. This verse shows the great difference between those who accept Jesus Christ and those who reject Him: those who believe in Jesus Christ have “rest” eternally and those who reject Him “endure” forever. Therefore, it is better to suffer persecution for a short time and then rest, than to suffer “There is no rest day or night”; and would rather rule with Jesus Christ forever, than to reign with the one who opposes Christ for a short time on earth. Those who follow the worldly power which oppose God can have “rest” in this life; but certainly will not be “rested” in eternity. It is “Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.”

 

We all know, of course, that everyone needs money and asset to live and enjoy; but when they die, no one can bring money and possessions with them. Still, the Scripture indicated that people who believe in Jesus Christ when they die “for their deeds follow them”; that is, what we faithfully serve Him and in His name serving others amidst a hostile world, will remain.

 

How do we view our own death? Sad? Fear? Or rest? Reward? A new life?

 

CONCLUSION

 

In 1982, Great Britain and Afghanistan were in war over Falkland Island, the British destroyer HMS Sheffield was sunk by an Afghanistan fighter jet. Thereafter, the British military tried to find out why this modern destroyer could be sunk so easily. They discovered that the destroyers' computer system recognized the incoming French’s missile, Exocet; but the British army believed this came from a “friend”, a friendly missile, it is not from an “enemy” so they did not fight back, therefore it sunk.

 

In the old days, Moses declared to the Israelites: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” (Deut. 30:19). Nowadays, there are those who do not consider heaven a “friend”, nor do they consider hell an “enemy”, so they do not choose for themselves heaven; but the message of the three angels was clear and strong: Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come.”