Read or listen The Book of Revelation, chapter 14 online (ESV, YouVersion)

I am with you 14:1-5

Verse 1 speaks of 144,000 people with whom Jesus is. The same group was mentioned in chapter 7. We noted then that the 144,000 sealed ones likely represent the church of God that is fighting on earth.

The previous chapter told of the beast that rages in the world and fights against God's people. The vision of the Lamb on Mount Zion encourages and comforts the church living on the battlefield: Jesus is with us. He doesn't leave his own. Even though the battle rages, God's enemy and his servants attack, and God's own are afraid, there is no need to worry. God is near us. When the devil attacks, we can say, like Paul:

"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31)

In verse 2 John's gaze shifts to heaven. The heavenly hosts sing a new hymn and thus praise God. In verse 3 the struggling church is given another great promise: God's own, now in distress, will one day be in heaven and there they too will learn the song that is already being sung in heaven.

Verses 4 and 5 describe the group that has entered heaven. They are said to have not defiled themselves with women, but are pure as virgins. This is not about celibacy. Impeccability probably refers to the relationship with God – whether God has been served faithfully or whether idols have replaced the living God.

The Old Testament often speaks of adultery, referring to the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel to God (e.g. Hosea 2:1-7, see also Numbers 25:1-5). Paul uses the same image and says that Jesus' people are like a bride who waits faithfully for her bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2).

So those who have served Jesus, remained faithful to him, followed him even though it has led to difficulties, and waited for him to come will enter heaven. Those who make it to heaven are also said to be pure and flawless. The book of Revelation tells how a sinful person can be clean and without blemish: only by having his robes washed clean in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14).

Three Angels 14:6-13

John sees three angels. The first is said to proclaim the everlasting gospel. The angel's speech is a warning of God's judgment that is about to begin. The gospel is that God warns people just before the judgment begins and calls them to himself. He wants everyone to be saved. That is why he sends his servants into the world to call for repentance. There is still a chance to avoid judgment because God's grace is still available - that is the first angel's message.

The second angel announces the destruction of Babylon. This is not an ordinary country or city. Babylon in the Book of Revelation probably represents the kingdom of the Devil. When the day of judgment comes, the power of God’s Enemy will fall—this is what the second angel announces. The destruction of Babylon is described in more detail in chapter 18.

The third angel warns of hell and encourages God's people to hold on to what they have received from God. Although they are now in trouble and the world seems to be doing great, one day a complete change will occur: the wicked world will be in the worst trouble and God's people will be in the greatest joy. Therefore, under no circumstances should they begin to worship the beast. That would mean moving to the losing side. Even if serving God meant death, it would be better to accept that than to start serving the beast. Martyrs are promised rest after death, while those who renounce their faith are promised the torment of hell.

Trial begins at 14:14-20

The chapter ends with a description of the end of the world and the final judgment. "Like a son of man" - apparently Jesus himself - throws his sickle on the earth and the angels start to move. They gather all people before God and the trial begins. The judgment is terrible. The world is full of wickedness and therefore it is met with the full force of God's wrath.

John’s description of the last day is shocking. Many have been offended by it and have wondered how a God who claims to be love could judge the world in this way. Yes, God is love, but He is more than that. He is Holy and hates sin. This description also proves that. When we realize God's holiness, our own wickedness, and what we have deserved because of our sins, we begin to understand how immense God's love is and what the Bible's promise means:

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
(Romans 8:1)

God has loved us so much that he has arranged for us to be saved from judgment. He offers it as a gift to everyone. It would be the greatest foolishness if we rejected this gift of God.