Seriously Heeding the Three Angels' Messages

A Study of Revelation 14:6-13

By Nab B. 

September 11, 2022

Updated March 2026

Verse By Verse Series©

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Revelation 14:6

“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.” (NKJV)

"I saw another angel flying."

This is the FIRST of three angels or messengers. The Greek "aggelos" means messenger. Only the context determines whether a messenger is human or heavenly. 

Could this be an angel influencing people's minds with the gospel message? I think not! The "angel" represents Christ's followers, who were assigned to preach the gospel, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

"In the midst of heaven."

This heaven symbolizes a spiritual state (realm) where true believers dwell. (See Eph 2:6; Phil 3:20) From this realm, Christ's messengers, serving as lights to the world, spread the gospel

"Having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth."

The first messenger begins with a new message, "The everlasting gospel," to all people on earth. This was the case in the early beginning of the Church age. By the year 60 AD, the gospel had spread widely. Note how Paul, in his day, attested to this fact: "The gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister." (Col 1:23; also Rom 10:18)

The word 'everlasting' is the word 'aióios' in the Greek. It means 'age-long'. The gospel message is unique to this final age, the church age, but not forever!. 

Revelation 14:7

“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.'” (NKJV)

"Saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to Him."

A "loud voice” denotes a message heard and must be acted upon by all. Similarly, Christ's shouting with the voice of the archangel (1 Thess 4:16). The essence of the gospel message is to "fear God and give glory to Him." While institutionalized churches have watered down the gospel message, Christ's true followers loudly and powerfully declare God's unadulterated messages.

"For the hour of His judgment has come."

John marked his era time as "The last hour" (1 John 2:18). The entirety of the last age is called "The last hour." The word "judgment" is krisis, meaning to separate, distinguish, or judge. It does not refer to physical torment, but rather a time when God, through Christ, separates and distinguishes between believers and unbelievers.

Revelation 14:8

“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.” (NKJV)

"Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city." 

This second messenger likely comes after a sufficient time has elapsed to spread the gospel widely. It allowed for the "apostasy," or "falling away," to enter the churches. Near the end of the Apostolic era, "Babylon the Great," or "the Man of Sin," was already at work, as pointed out by the apostles: “Apostasy comes first…the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” (2 Thess 2:3,7) “Many deceivers have gone out into the world . . . the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7)  “The spirit of the antichrist . . . you heard was coming and now is already.” (1 Jn 4:3)

How did Babylon fall? The answer is in Revelation 18:2, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The fallen churches in Babylon the Great fell prey to every unclean and deceiving doctrine of "devils, foul spirits, and unclean birds." Paul prophesied that the "falling away" would appear throughout most of the church age. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Tim 4:1)

"She has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath (passion) of her fornication." 

Many of Gentile believers have been deceived into drinking the "Wine of Babylon's fornication." More on this is revealed in detail in Revelation chapters 17 and 18.

Revelation 14:9-10

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if any man worships 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.” 

"The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark in his forehead, or in his hand."

The third messenger sounded the last warning! It is loud to notify all and to confirm God's judgment against those who worship the beast within the fallen church system. Jesus uses members of his true church to utter these warning messages.

"Shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God full strength into the cup of His indignation." 

Because Babylon deceives many with her wine of spiritual fornication, God, in return, will make her drink the wine of His wrath.

"And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone." 

The Greek word for torment is básanos, a stone used to test the purity of metals. "Torment" is not physical. It is God's judgment to chastise, warn, correct, and help God's people "come out" of the false church system called "Babylon the great." It is God's severe mercy, desiring to purify many by fiery tests, in the hope of leading some to repentance.

Scripturally, “fire and brimstone” does not refer to real fire or fiery hell! It is a severe form of spiritual purification like fire. Note  Jesus' fiery warning to the church of Thyatira and Paul's words to the Corinthians:

“I gave her time to repent of sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed, I will cast her into a (spiritual) sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation (great test) unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with (spiritual) death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”

“Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” (1 Cor 3:13; see also 2 Thess 1:6-9) 

"In the presence (sight) of the holy angels and the Lamb." 

This does not mean that Jesus and his angels (messengers) watch the physical torture of those who worship the beast. Sadly, this nonsense is taught in many churches!

"In the presence" or "in the sight of" simply means that God's judgment will be carried out by Christ and his messengers. Christ uses "his mouth," or "word," as fiery messages to purify and cleanse those who are deceived in all the churches. Torment, fire, and brimstone in the book of Revelation signify severe rebukes, discipline, trials, and tests. The following passages prove the point:

“Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.” (Rev 3:19)

“Because you have kept my word, I will keep you from the hour of trial.” (Rev 3:10)

“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.” (Psa 66:10)

“The tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold … tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 1:7)

Revelation 14:11

“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.”

"The smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever."

Smoke is a visible sign of their ongoing torment, which are fiery tests for purification. The phrase “forever and ever” is not in the Greek text. Believing in endless torture, the translator imposed this on the text. The original reads “to the ages of ages”. So, this judgment is exacted in this age, not forever and ever!

"And they have no rest day or night."

Having "no rest" or no comfort is a form of spiritual torment, not physical torture. Their unrest is according to their choice, “reaping what is sown.”

Christ's judgment is not torturous! It can be for or against, to give spiritual sight or take it away, to forgive or condemn, “And Jesus said, For judgment, I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. . . Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (John 9:39-41) 

Having "no rest" or "no comfort" is God's ongoing judgment against those who love "Babylon." Similarly, it was the case with the rich man (ecclesiastical rulers), and the Church in Thyatira, which had to "suffer intensely" (Rev 2:20-23)

Revelation 14:12

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (NKJV)

Patience is needed to endure tribulation and tests! The saints' hallmark is this:

1. 1. 1. Keeping God’s commandments, which are delightful, refreshing, and protective.

1. 1. 2. Having the faith “of Jesus” and not just “in Jesus”. The believer progresses from putting "faith in Jesus" to having "the faith of Jesus" being “Conformed to the image of his Son.” (Rom 8:29)

Revelation 14:13

“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 labours, and their works follow them.” (NKJV)

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

This does not point to a physical death. Other scriptures unlock the meaning.

“But whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

“You too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 6:11)

“But if a grain dies [old-man], it [new-man] bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

“He must increase [the new man], but I must decrease [the old man].” (John 3:30)

Clearly then, the "dead" meant here are those who have died to self (ego), and their blessedness is not future, but is promised to be "From now on."

"Yes, says the Spirit, they may rest from their labours."

This rest is not death. It's rest and comfort in Christ Jesus (Lord of the Sabbath). It points to a rest from the demands of our old nature, sin, death, false doctrines, anxieties of life, etc. This verse contrasts the beast worshippers who have "No rest day or night" (verse 11) with those who "Die in the Lord" and "Rest from their labours."

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest.” (Matt 10:28-29)

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” (Heb 4:9-10) KJV

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free [from sin]. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32-36)

"Their works follow them."

Our labour is not in vain. Christ assured us of our spiritual rewards. He said, "To him that overcometh will I,"

1. "Give to eat of the tree of life.” (Rev 2:7)

2. "Eat of the hidden Manna.” (Rev 2:17)

3. "Give power over the nations.” (Rev 2:26)

4. "Not blot out his name out of the book of life.” (Rev 3:5)

5. "Make a pillar in the temple of my God.” (Rev 3:12)

6. "Grant to sit with me in my throne.” (Rev 3:21)

Final Words!

The three angels’ messages span the church age, from John's time until now. They form three periods or phases in progress:

1. 1. 1. 1. An early church period of spreading the everlasting gospel to all nations.

1. 1. 1. 2. Next, the falling away of the church—the fall of Babylon.

1. 1. 1. 3. A period of warning against believers who receive the mark of the beast.

From the Day of Pentecost, I believe the churches have experienced all three phases. After centuries of apostasy, deceived believers have been put on notice, via the third message, to not receive the mark of the beast. 

How long will this go on? How long will the age last? No one will ever know for Jesus said, “It is not (good) for you (everyone) to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority." (Acts 1:7) Obsession with eschatological events, times, and dates can be a snare; it can hinder us from serving the Lord with a pure heart. Whether the end of the age is near or far is of no importance to true believers, for they live to "Fear God and give him glory" regardless of time.

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