Before John moves on to his third and final set of 7s (7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls) he finishes up this interlude reminding his readers (the 7 churches of Asia) of what's at stake. Ultimately, Revelation is about the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ is to come in judgment (hence the many warnings in the book), but even more crucially, Jesus will return to bring salvation to his people. And he desires that the number of his people will grow far and wide to the very ends of the earth. The good news of Jesus Christ is for any and all who would receive him.
Revelation 14:6-13 - An Eternal Gospel
John sees an angel flying in the middle of the sky, shouting out to all - every nation, tribe, language, and people that God's offer of rescue is universal. One will only face God's judgment if they reject his offer of salvation. Another angel then proclaims that Babylon (Rome) is fallen. Rome is the power who had forced its conquered nations into idolatry and immorality, and it will pay the price for its wickedness. Then a third angel declares that those who worship Rome (and her emperor) will also face judgement. John then pauses to remind his readers that they must continue to endure so that they won't get swept away in Rome's condemnation. All will face death, a voice from heaven (The Spirit) declares, but those who die in the Lord are blessed and will enter into God's rest as their faithful service to God will make an impact, even in the age to come.
Revelation 14:14-20 - The Harvest and the Vintage
John next sees one like the Son of Man sitting on a cloud with a sickle in his hand, a clear echo of Daniel 7:13-14 where the Son of Man ascends to God the Father and receives an eternal, universal kingdom. Here, the Son of Man (Jesus) reaps the harvest of the earth with his sickle. The text doesn't say if this is reaping for salvation or judgment, but it could be either or both.
Following this, another angel uses a sharp sickle to gather the vintage, and the grapes are thrown into the wine press of the wrath of God. This reaping certainly seems to be for judgement, as blood flows as high as a horse's bridle for 200 miles. It's clear these two images are metaphors for the final judgment when Christ will receive those who have accepted him and reject those who have rejected him.
Revelation's Message Taking Shape
We are two-thirds through Revelation and the book's message is clearly taking shape. John, writing to the 7 churches of Asia Minor is encouraging his readers to remain faithful and press on despite the increasing pressure of the culture around them to conform to the pagan idolatry of the Roman Empire. If they remain faithful unto death, they will be welcomed into Christ's eternal kingdom in the renewed creation. But if they abandon Jesus, they, like those who have aligned themselves with the beasts of Rome and the dragon (the Satan) will suffer judgment. And the good news of Jesus Christ assures them that God's offer of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation is open not only to them, but to all from every tribe, people, language, and nation. John still has more to say about Rome and about God's final plan for the universe, it's basically the same message that we've already received, but with far greater detail, so read on! - Shay
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