Mark of the Lamb

We are in an interlude here between the Trumpets in chapters 12, 13, and 14, and John is using past, present, and future to communicate his message here:

Chapter 12 in 1st century perspective (and ours) is past, chapter 13 in 1st century perspective is present, and here in chapter 14 we will be talking about a future event, involving the 144,000 and one of the descriptions of Jesus' Second Coming that we see in Revelation multiple times.

So let's get a running start at 14. We finished last week with the mark of the beast, and I walked you through how John means that the number 666/616 is the name of the beast and what that meant for the loyalty of those who are his.

Revelation 13:16–14:1 NLT

He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666. Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.

We have two distinct people groups set up against one another here. This is why it is important to ignore chapter/verse divisions that the Scripture writers did not insert. They did not put them in. Ignore them.

John didn't go: "Okay, , this is going to be a doozy." And that's why I gave you a copy of Revelation without chapter and verse divisions. Because everyone stops at and come up with all these fanciful ideas about what John's trying to do with the mark of the beast and all of that, but if you just read a couple of verses later, you see that the name of the Lamb is written on the heads of the 144,000. He's contrasting two groups: the followers of the beasts, bearing his name, and the followers of the Lamb, bearing his name.

Mount Zion is a the presence of God in the OT. Eschatologically, this is by necessity the end of time- Yahweh has returned to dwell with his people. Do you see this?!? This verse here is the fulfillment of what describes:

Revelation 21:4 NLT

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

And that is SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

Revelation 14:2–5 NLT

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. They have told no lies; they are without blame.

“Sound” is the same word as “voice”. Because these people belong to God, they sound like God.

Interesting that these people who would have been prohibited from purchasing or participating in commerce have been purchased BY THE LAMB in - the ways of the beast are different than the ways of God. The beast cares about materials, and focuses his energies on material goods. God cares about people and expends his own blood, his own suffering to purchase them.

Remember the question: "Who can stand?" and the 144,000 was the answer. Remember we defined them as the church on earth? But now, they're where? With Jesus. What conclusion would you draw from that?

Jesus has come back for his bride OR they’ve died and gone to heaven. I think the rest of this chapter shows a heavenly scene and it makes more sense to say these saints are dead and are in heaven. And the number is the same because if you are in Christ, you WILL NOT BE LOST. The blood and righteousness and the sovereignty of God will sustain you! AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SING THIS NEW SONG.

They sing a new song. This is all over the Psalms (, , , , , and ).

And the song always describes the relationship between the singer and the one to whom they are singing. Sort of like happy birthday.

[Purpose of worship]

There is an intimate relationship being talked about in these songs. Also, the idea of a new song is attached to the concept of liberation. Usually liberation from oppression.

What oppression would the 144,000 be liberated from? They're out of the world, no longer subject to the oppression of the beast, not being conquered any more, etc.

“First fruits” (special offering!?! *face palm*) the whole harvest belongs to Yahweh and there’s more to come. The first harvest is a promise- there’s more to come. Jesus is called the firstfruits from among the dead.

“First fruits” (special offering!?! *face palm*) the whole harvest belongs to Yahweh.

“They are Virgins” (pure as virgins) indicates they have not committed idolatry. They have remained faithful to the Lamb through the end of their lives. They did not whore themselves out to other gods like the people of Israel did. They are a pure bride prepared for her groom. Idolatry in the OT is often referred to as harlotry.

No falsehood is found in their mouths.

Isaiah 53:7–9 ESV

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Do you see where John is borrowing this phrase? Isaiah is talking about Jesus, and yet, John takes the same language and applies it to you. Because if you are part of the Body of Christ, you are blameless.

You are without blame. If you are in Christ, you are without blame.

You are without blame. If you are in Christ, you are without blame. That means that whatever you did this week- whatever lie you told, whoever you hated, when you lusted or coveted, or had a bad attitude- you’re forgiven.

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Revelation 14:5

The expression of the saints’ guilelessness is also an allusion to Zeph. 3, which itself may be an allusion to Isa. 53 (see Fekkes 1994: 191–92):

Isa. 53:9: “he did not do lawlessness, nor was guile in his mouth”

Zeph. 3:13: “and by no means was a deceitful tongue found in their mouth”

Rev. 14:5: “and a lie was not found in their mouth”

In addition to the parallel language with Revelation, Zeph. 3:11–14 speaks of God in the last days saving a remnant, who are identified with his “holy mountain” and “Zion.” This prophecy has become reality in the faithful Christian remnant. Also relevant is Ps. 15:1–3 (14:1–3 LXX), where those fit to dwell on God’s holy mountain are the “blameless” (amōmos) who speak truth in their hearts and do not lie with their tongues. Those who maintain a faithful witness will live with God.

The expression of the saints’ guilelessness is also an allusion to , which itself may be an allusion to (see Fekkes 1994: 191–92):

: “he did not do lawlessness, nor was guile in his mouth”

: “and by no means was a deceitful tongue found in their mouth”

: “and a lie was not found in their mouth”

In addition to the parallel language with Revelation, speaks of God in the last days saving a remnant, who are identified with his “holy mountain” and “Zion.” This prophecy has become reality in the faithful Christian remnant. Also relevant is (14:1–3 LXX), where those fit to dwell on God’s holy mountain are the “blameless” (amōmos) who speak truth in their hearts and do not lie with their tongues. Those who maintain a faithful witness will live with God.

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Revelation 14:5

The expression of the saints’ guilelessness is also an allusion to Zeph. 3, which itself may be an allusion to Isa. 53 (see Fekkes 1994: 191–92):

Isa. 53:9: “he did not do lawlessness, nor was guile in his mouth”

Zeph. 3:13: “and by no means was a deceitful tongue found in their mouth”

Rev. 14:5: “and a lie was not found in their mouth”

In addition to the parallel language with Revelation, Zeph. 3:11–14 speaks of God in the last days saving a remnant, who are identified with his “holy mountain” and “Zion.” This prophecy has become reality in the faithful Christian remnant. Also relevant is Ps. 15:1–3 (14:1–3 LXX), where those fit to dwell on God’s holy mountain are the “blameless” (amōmos) who speak truth in their hearts and do not lie with their tongues. Those who maintain a faithful witness will live with God.

“I can’t forgive myself” is pride. You’re not wiser than God. If God declares you forgiven, don’t try to contradict him.

Zion- Some writers take it as the earthly site of a millennial reign, but the entire scene is one of praise before the throne of heaven.... In chapter 7, 144,000 were sealed against the woes that lay ahead (7:4–8). Now the same number stands secure beyond that final ordeal. The repetition of the number is not to ensure an exact identification between the two groups but to point out that not one has been lost. John’s symbols are fluid, and, in fact, the number 144,000 of chapter 14 corresponds with the innumerable multitude found in the second vision of chapter 7. Both portray the full complement of the redeemed throughout history. On their foreheads are written the name of the Lamb and the name of his Father. In this context the mark is primarily a symbol of basic allegiance. (Mounce)

The Book of Revelation F. The Redeemed and the Lamb on Mount Zion (14:1–5)

Some writers take it as the earthly site of a millennial reign, but the entire scene is one of praise before the throne of heaven.

In Christ, you are blameless. The old has gone, the new has come.

The Book of Revelation F. The Redeemed and the Lamb on Mount Zion (14:1–5)

Some writers take it as the earthly site of a millennial reign, but the entire scene is one of praise before the throne of heaven.

There is hope in Jesus.

The Book of Revelation F. The Redeemed and the Lamb on Mount Zion (14:1–5)

In chapter 7, 144,000 were sealed against the woes that lay ahead (7:4–8). Now the same number stands secure beyond that final ordeal. The repetition of the number is not to ensure an exact identification between the two groups but to point out that not one has been lost. John’s symbols are fluid, and, in fact, the number 144,000 of chapter 14 corresponds with the innumerable multitude found in the second vision of chapter 7. Both portray the full complement of the redeemed throughout history. On their foreheads are written the name of the Lamb and the name of his Father. In this context the mark is primarily a symbol of basic allegiance.

Only salvation in Jesus on the menu. Nothing will ever change about that. Give your sin to Jesus. Give your worry to Jesus. Give your burdens to Jesus. Give your anger to Jesus. Give your struggle to Jesus.