Bible Discussion Thread

This is another reference to the 144,000 who appear to be translated or raptured as they appear before the heavenly Mt. Zion. They have the seal of God on their foreheads which they were given earlier to prevent the plagues from God to affect them ( Rev. 9:4). They are mentioned as "firstfruits" and they would be the last of a whole train of people in heaven from Christ ( 1 Cor. 15:23) until now. Those who will be with Him at His coming will include all the rest of the martyrs who would not take the mark of the Beast (see v. 9-11). There were general admonitions given by angels to worship God who created all things; as well as the fall of Babylon (the great city) which would be the ECONOMIC part of Babylon (i.e. the city running everything) which some say is Rome; others New York City; or possibly a future one in the Middle East. Since the term "is fallen" is stated twice in verse 8; it indicates that the spiritual Babylon system of false religion ALSO is overturned by the Beast at this time (as we wee in further detail in Revelation 17 and 18.

The warnings in verse 9 about not taking the mark of the Beast and eternal damnation also is preached by an angel. Verses 12 and 13 show those who will still die; and the "patience" of the saints. They will rest after their labors.

The rest of the chapter shows the judgment of the nations at Armageddon; and perhaps in the bigger picture with the bloodbath to come. Various angels are seen with sickles (v. 16 and 17) who are given instruction by the angel in verse 15. Verses 18 and 19 show those that are grapes; those who will be trodden by the wrath of the winepress of God ( Isaiah 63:3). It seems unclear if the angels in v. 15-17 are gathering the righteous (as it would seem from preceeding verses); or the wicked. There is the possibility that it would be those who will not fight in battle who are the tares. God isn't mentioned specifically or a heavenly view of saints; in general Matt. 13:30 will occur.