March 12 - The Three Angels (pt. 3)

March 12 – The Three Angels (pt. 3)
Revelation 14:9-12

“A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”

This may sound awful, but it’s worse than it sounds. There are two components to this punishment. 1) the wine of God’s fury – in full strength, and 2) the cup of God’s wrath. One or the other would destroy any man, but combined they bring torment.

The word ‘fury’ is the Greek ‘thumos.’ This is angry passion and suggests a wine that when drunk will either kill a man or drive him mad. The word ‘wrath’ is the Greek ‘orge,’ a violent emotion of anger used for punishment.

Wine was a common beverage at this time, but was always diluted with water. This wine will be poured out at full strength. There is no mercy to dilute this wrath.

“In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down it its very dregs.” (Psalm 75:8)

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: ‘Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it.’” (Jeremiah 25:15)

Anyone who worships the beast and his image and receives his mark will be forced to drink this wine from God’s cup. There is no option. This is the judgment to come.

After the wine is drunk comes torment in burning sulfur with angels and the Lamb looking on. This is eternal! Forever! As long as we are standing in the throne room there will be people suffering. Burning sulfur equals fire and brimstone … forever. And while they are suffering, they will be surrounded by holiness.

But, even at some point that will be taken from them. “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

Again, we must be patient and faithful. These things are coming. We must endure and remain faithful.