Big Idea: God will condemn wicked power centers along with their leaders and followers but will reward his people with eternal blessings.

Understanding the Text

Following the glorious portrayal of the Lamb standing with his people on Mount Zion celebrating their victory, we encounter a series of judgments on those who follow the beast: three angelic messages of judgment (14:6–13) followed by two visions of judgment (14:14–20). In 14:6–13 three angels issue proclamations of coming judgment (14:6–11) with the first one being more of a warning to worship God or else. These angelic messages are followed by a call to endurance for the saints and the announcement of blessing on those who die in the Lord (14:12–13).

Outline

c. Proclamations of judgment and reward (14:6–13)

i. First angel: Pr…