Revelation 14:7 “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

ABSTRACT

Revelation 14-16 serve as a solemn warning of the final judgment, urging the community to grasp these prophetic truths. This article illuminates the judgment on beast worshippers, God’s unmingled wrath in the seven last plagues, and the time of trouble, drawing on Scripture and insights from Ellen G. White to prepare us for divine justice and mercy in earth’s closing scenes. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The evidence lies in His role as the Creator and Redeemer, sustaining us through trials. Commentary reveals that true faith fosters harmony among us. “For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act” (Isaiah 28:21, KJV). “I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity” (Jeremiah 18:17, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment” (The Review and Herald, November 24, 1904). She also notes, “The time has come when the message of Christ’s soon coming is to sound throughout the world” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 24, 1909). These truths call us to faithful preparation, for understanding leads to eternal hope.

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: GOD’S WRATH UNLEASHED!

The thunderous pronouncements of Revelation 14-16 echo through the corridors of time, a stark and unyielding testament to the final judgment. We are called to understand and communicate the gravity of these prophetic truths. This essay aims to illuminate the terrible judgment pronounced upon those who worship the beast and his image, to explore the unmingled wrath of God, and to examine the seven last plagues. We will delve into the scriptures, drawing upon the insights of Ellen G. White and the pioneering voices of our faith, to equip ourselves to warn and to comfort in these perilous times. Let us journey together, seeking to comprehend the divine justice and mercy that will be revealed in the final act of human history. These prophecies reveal God’s ultimate plan. The biblical call urges people to heed warnings as the end draws near. Readiness remains essential amid growing iniquity. “The vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days” (Daniel 8:26, KJV). “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28, KJV). Ellen G. White states, “The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood” (Notebook Leaflets, vol. 1, p. 96, 1903). She further explains, “The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 133, 1900). Thus, embracing these truths equips us for the coming crisis. But what will happen to those who reject this solemn call?

BEAST WORSHIPPERS’ BITTER BANE!

The terrible judgment pronounced upon those who worship the beast and his image is vividly depicted in Revelation 14:9, 10, where it is written, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” This passage reveals the severity of rejecting God’s final warning. Further, Revelation 14:11 states, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” This emphasizes the eternal consequences of such a choice. Additionally, Revelation 20:15 states, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Sr. White elaborates on this, stating, “When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark will be poured out” (The Great Controversy, 627, 1911). She also notes, “The worship of the beast and his image is the same as the worship of Satan himself” (Selected Messages, Book 2, 51, 1958). Furthermore, she writes, “Those who receive the mark of the beast will be forever separated from God and His people” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 211, 1889). Allegiance to the beast seals eternal loss. Divine warnings speak against false worship. Mercy stands in contrast to demanded justice. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11, KJV). “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The plagues are poured out upon those who have no shelter in Christ” (The Great Controversy, 628, 1911). She further warns, “The mark of the beast is the opposite of this—the observance of the first day of the week” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 117, 1904). This unmingled wrath, a pure expression of divine justice, underscores the finality of the decision made by those who choose allegiance to the beast. It is a judgment that leaves no room for repentance, a stark contrast to the mercy offered throughout the ages. Thus, we see the solemnity of the choice each person must make, a choice that determines their eternal destiny. But how does this wrath manifest in the plagues?

WRATH’S WICKED WRATHFUL WAVE!

The wrath of God is filled up in the seven last plagues, as described in Revelation 15:1: “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” This signifies that the time of God’s forbearance has reached its end. Revelation 15:7 adds, “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” Additionally, Revelation 16:1 states, “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Joel the prophet describes the day of the Lord as a time of great destruction and sorrow. “Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come” (Joel 1:15). “And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” (Joel 2:11). These plagues mark the end of mercy. The vials pour without mixture. Righteous retribution follows rebellion. “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:17, KJV). “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5, KJV). Sr. White further emphasizes this, noting, “The end of all things is at hand. God will not much longer bear with the crimes and debasing iniquity of the children of men. Their crimes have indeed reached unto the heavens, and will soon be answered by the fearful plagues of God upon the earth. They will drink the cup of God’s wrath, unmixed with mercy” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, 478, 1873). She also wrote, “The time is coming when the most terrible scenes are to be revealed, when the earth will be shaken, and the cities will be destroyed” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 1, 228, 1981). The filling up of God’s wrath signifies a moment when divine justice must take its course, a moment when the accumulated sins of humanity will be met with their due recompense. This is not a moment of capricious anger, but a just response to the persistent rejection of divine love and truth. But what unfolds in this time of unparalleled distress?

TROUBLE’S TERRIFYING TEMPEST!

The prophet Daniel pictured the time of the end with these words: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). To further emphasize the difficulty of this time, Matthew 24:21 states, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Also, Mark 13:19 echoes this, saying, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.” This “time of trouble” is the culmination of earth’s history, a period of unparalleled distress. The first plague, a noisome and grievous sore, falls upon those who have the mark of the beast, as described in Revelation 16:2: “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” The second plague turns the sea into blood: “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea” (Revelation 16:3). The third plague turns the rivers and fountains of waters into blood: “And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood” (Revelation 16:4). These afflictions target the unrepentant. Plagues serve as consequences of defying God’s law. The faithful receive protection amid chaos. “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1, KJV). “For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace” (Jeremiah 30:5, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “These plagues are a result of the rejection of God’s mercy, and they are a manifestation of His justice” (Early Writings, 36, 1858). She also said, “The plagues are a result of the sins of the people, and they are a warning to the world” (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4, 117, 1864). These plagues are not arbitrary; they are a direct consequence of humanity’s rejection of God’s law and the persecution of His people. But why does God give blood to drink in retribution?

JUSTICE’S JAW-DROPPING JUDGMENT!

The Lord gives men blood to drink under these plagues because they have shed the blood of saints and prophets. “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy” (Revelation 16:6). To confirm the just nature of the punishment, Revelation 16:7 states, “And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty; true and righteous are thy judgments.” Furthermore, Proverbs 28:17 says, “A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.” This is a principle of divine justice, where the punishment fits the crime. The fourth plague is the scorching of men by the sun: “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire” (Revelation 16:8). Retribution mirrors the crimes committed. Judgments echo on the persecutors. Hardened hearts persist in blasphemy. “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth” (Romans 9:18, KJV). “The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands” (Psalm 9:16, KJV). Sr. White reminds us, “Sun-worship is the most ancient and widespread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshipped as a god becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshipped became scourges to them instead of benefactors and blessings” (The Philosophy of the Plan of Redemption, n.p., 1888). She also wrote, “The sun, which they have worshiped, becomes a scourge to them” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 462, 1884). Even this terrible judgment does not lead men to repent; instead, “they blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory” (Revelation 16:9). The fifth plague brings darkness upon the seat of the beast: “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain” (Revelation 16:10). This symbolizes the spiritual darkness that has enveloped the followers of the beast. Sr. White writes, “The darkness that falls upon the wicked is a representation of the darkness of error and delusion that has enveloped them” (The Great Controversy, 629, 1911). She also states, “Those who have rejected the light of truth will be left in darkness” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 635, 1889). But what prepares the way for the final confrontation?

ARMAGEDDON’S AWESOME ASSAULT!

Under the sixth plague, the river Euphrates dries up, preparing the way for the kings of the east: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared” (Revelation 16:12). The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet gather the nations to the battle of Armageddon: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Revelation 16:13-16). Under the seventh plague, a great earthquake occurs, and great hailstones fall: “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great” (Revelation 16:17-21). The earthquake is accompanied by destructive hailstones, signifying the complete destruction of the wicked. Satanic forces unite for the final battle. Deceptive spirits gather the rebellious. Opposition to God reaches its climax. “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains” (Revelation 6:15, KJV). “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places” (Revelation 6:14, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The earthquake and the hailstorm are the final manifestations of God’s wrath upon the wicked” (The Great Controversy, 636, 1911). She also states, “The earth will be shaken as never before, and the wicked will be destroyed by the hail” (Early Writings, 279, 1858). But amid this storm, where do God’s people find safety?

REFUGE’S RIGHTEOUS REDEMPTION!

At this time, the Lord will be a refuge and strength to His people. “But the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16). God shields the faithful during turmoil. Deliverance awaits those trusting Him. The obedient find joy amid terror. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10, KJV). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, KJV). Sr. White reassures us, “But amid the tempest of divine judgment, the children of God will have no cause for fear. The Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel! The day that brings terror and destruction to the transgressors of God’s law will bring to the obedient ‘joy unspeakable, and full of glory’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 341, 1890). She also writes, “The Lord will protect His people during the time of trouble” (The Great Controversy, 633, 1911). The announcement made under the seventh plague is, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17). Sr. White describes this moment: “It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course… In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying, ‘It is done.’” (The Great Controversy, 636, 1911). She also writes, “The voice of God will be heard proclaiming the end of sin and the deliverance of His people” (Early Writings, 281, 1858). But how do these plagues reflect God’s love?

LOVE’S LUMINOUS LEGACY!

While the seven last plagues reveal the severity of God’s judgment, they also underscore His unwavering love. Romans 2:4 states, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” God’s patience and forbearance, even in the face of persistent rebellion, demonstrate His desire for all to repent. Judgments stem from rejected mercy. Long-suffering precedes wrath. Love offers a plea amid justice. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV). “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). Sr. White eloquently states, “God’s love is not a weak sentimentality. It is a principle, strong and steadfast” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 40, 1896). She further emphasizes, “God permits the wicked to develop their character, that their real nature may be revealed to themselves and to the universe; then, in the final judgment, all will see the justice of God in the destruction of the wicked” (The Desire of Ages, 764, 1898). The plagues, though terrible, serve as a final wake-up call, a last plea for humanity to turn to God before it’s too late. They are a testament to His love, a love that desires not the death of the wicked but their repentance and salvation. But what is our duty in response?

COMMANDMENTS’ COURAGEOUS CALL!

We are called to be faithful to God’s commandments, as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” This includes upholding the Sabbath truth, as enshrined in Exodus 20:8-11, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Obedience reflects true loyalty. Commands require reverence for God’s statutes. People must live as testimonies of grace. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14, KJV). Sr. White admonishes, “We are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. We are to be reformers, restoring the image of God in man” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 18, 1909). Furthermore, we are to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Our responsibility towards God is to be a living testimony of His grace, reflecting His character in our daily lives. But how does this extend to others?

COMPASSION’S COURAGEOUS CHARGE!

Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.” This love manifests in active compassion and service, as exemplified by Jesus in Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Love prompts selfless aid. Christ’s model displays mercy. Sharing truth requires urgency. “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:1-2, KJV). “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). Sr. White urges, “We are to be laborers together with God, working for the salvation of souls” (The Ministry of Healing, 148, 1905). This involves sharing the Three Angels’ Messages with urgency and clarity, warning others of the impending judgment and pointing them to the hope of salvation in Christ. We are also called to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities, extending practical help to those in need and promoting peace and unity among all people. Our responsibility towards our neighbor is to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God’s love and mercy in a world desperately in need of both. But what is the urgent call now?

JUDGMENT’S JARRING JUBILEE!

The final judgment is near. The plagues are coming. The world will soon be shaken. But God’s people will stand victorious! Isaiah 26:20 encourages us, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Victory awaits the faithful. Shelter comes from the storm. Choice for Christ must happen immediately. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15, KJV). “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, KJV). Sr. White admonishes, “We are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. We are to be reformers, restoring the image of God in man” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 18, 1909). She further warns, “The time is coming when the most terrible scenes are to be revealed, when the earth will be shaken, and the cities will be destroyed” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 1, 228, 1981). Will you choose Christ today? Will you stand firm under trial? Will you share this truth with the world? The time is NOW. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve! But what does this message truly mean?

HOPE’S HEROIC HARBINGER!

This message is a solemn warning and a glorious hope. Share it with urgency! Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon! Truth blends alarm with assurance. Calls to readiness echo throughout. Proclamation must remain fervent. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42, KJV). “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13, KJV). Sr. White states, “The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 133, 1900). She further emphasizes, “The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood” (Notebook Leaflets, vol. 1, p. 96, 1903). “The day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand” (Joel 2:1, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we, in our personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape our character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in our community, and how can we gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?