Sermon Tone Analysis

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:

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.

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:

And that is SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

“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?

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 ).

They sing a new song.

This is all over the Psalms (, , , , , and ).

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.

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

“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.

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.

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”