2 SECONDS AFTER DEATH
Revelation 14:6-13 (NKJV)
The Proclamations of Three Angels
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Intro:
In ancient Greece, the theater was very important to the people. However, things were different for them than that for us today. In our day, the action never stops. Then in ancient Greece, they had to change the scenes and the props. When the curtain fell, it was customary for people to come onto the stage and preview the upcoming scene.
That is exactly what we see here! The scenes are changing and the angelic messengers (the three angels) are here to tell of the upcoming scenes in heaven. In these verses, we are allowed to look around the curtain of time and take a little peek at eternity.
What we see is that there is a vast difference between the eternity the sinner can expect and that which awaits the saints of the Lord, Matt. 25:46. This passage, in it’s context, it mainly for those who bear the mark of the Beast.
However, there is application for our day and for everyone on earth. I want us to think on the thought, “2 SECONDS AFTER DEATH!”
I. v.6-11 THE FUTURE OF MISTER SINNER
A. v.6-7 Their Rejection Is Confirmed – (Ill. Angels preaching – Not in our day!) In the Tribulation, there will be no one else to do it, the angels will have to! Ill. The obedience of the angels! (Ill. The everlasting Gospel – Gal. 1:8) (Ill. The Hour of His judgment – Ill. How He has spoken to men and people have rejected, they will then also!) (Ill. These are the “Earth Dwellers”.)
1. There is no response to the Gospel from the dead! There are no second chances! Ill. Luke 16:31! They will not repent anyway! Ill. Analyse the Churches and the world of our day!
B. v.8-9 Their Fornication Is Concluded – (Ill. Babylon is a type of the world! This is a picture of a harlot enticing victims!) Babylon will fall! Ill. After death, the entire world will be taken away from the sinner! No more bottles, needles, or brothels! (Ill. People who live for the world will have nothing after this life!)
C. v.10-11 Their Condemnation Is Continued – (Ill. This is the most frightening!) (Ill. Condemnation of sinners – Jn 3:18; 36) (If you drink of the cup of this world, you will drink of the cup of God’s wrath! – Ill. Wrath = “Thumos”, (Thermonuclear, Thermos, etc.); Ill. “Orge” = To become red-faced, Ill. A Dam and water! (Ill. There is a choice between two cups, if the cup of grace is refused, then the cup of wrath must be drunk!) (Ill. Brimstone – “Theion” – The fire from God – Ill. See Sodom and Gomorrah!)
(Ill. Is Hell literal? Do you believe it? (Ill. Matt. 13:42) (Ill. The difference between reality and symbolism; reality is always worse than the symbol! You better hope Hell is real! Ill. Hell forever – chains, demons, fire, pain, no rest – forever!) (Ill. There is no such thing as Hell on earth! Hell is hell, it’s real!)
II. v.12-13 THE FUTURE OF MISTER SAINT
v.12 – The hope of the saved!
A. A Blessed Release – There are only two ways to die! (Ill. Jesus took the sting of death – 1 Cor. 15:55-57!) Death is only victory for the saint – Phil. 1:21!
B. A Blessed Refreshment – (Rest = A pause to reflect, implies activity without labor!) (Ill. Finally get to serve God and not grow weary in the work!) Ill. We will be more alive in Heaven that we are here on earth!
C. A Blessed Reward – Everything done for the Lord will be rewarded! (Ill. Works will also follow the lost!) – Rev. 22:12
Conc:
It won’t even take two seconds for any person to realize where they have ended up.
When the saints get to Heaven, there will be glory and praise and the
face of the Lord Jesus Christ!
For the sinner, there will only be misery and screams and eternal separation from the only One who ever loved him enough to give Himself for him on the cross.
Where will you be 2 seconds after death?
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Flaming the Revival Fire In Christ 