Please explain Revelation 14:12.
Revelation, chapter 14 deals with events that take place during the seven year Tribulation Period that begins after the rapture of the church.
Verses 1-5 tell us about a lamb and the 144,000 thousand who have the lamb’s “Father’s name written in their forehead.” (Verse 1) This is in contrast to chapter 13, where we read of a company of people who have the mark of the beast in their forehead or right hand. Here we have a company of men who are virgins and “were redeemed from among men.” (Verse 4)
Verses 6-7 speak of an angel who comes with “the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth.”
Verse 8 tells of another angel who speaks anticipatively of the fall of Babylon.
Verses 9-11 tell us of a third angel who pronounces God’s judgement upon all those who worship the beast and receive his mark on their foreheads or hands.
Now, let’s read Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Here is a time when the faith of the true Christians will be tried and proved. As I said at the outset, these events take place AFTER the rapture of the church, so these are saints living in the Tribulation Period. Three characteristics of these saints are mentioned:
PATIENCE – These people will be called upon to be patient and endure the viciousness of the beast. They will most likely be called upon to suffer for the name of the Lord, some will even die a martyr’s death. Their patience will be manifested by their believing in and waiting for the coming of the Lord to set things right. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:25, “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
OBEDIENT – These saints were obedient to the Lord’s commandments and did not worship or receive the mark of the beast. Neither did the have any other idol. It was to the church of Philadelphia that the Lord said in Revelation 3:8, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and HAST KEPT MY WORD, and hast not denied my name.” The Lord is very aware when we are obedient to Him and his Word.
FAITHFUL – These saints were steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Surely, during this terrible time, trials will manifest those who are truly the Lord’s and those who are false in their profession. The Apostle Paul is certainly a wonderful example of one who remains firm in his faith for the Lord. He said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”
The need for the redeemed of the Lord to be faithful, obedient, and faithful is not limited to the Tribulation Period. It is so important today that we display these characteristics in this day of great declension from the Lord and His truths. May we endure. May we abide faithful. May we remain steadfast in our faith of our blessed savior. Even today, when many will witness the hatred and persecution of the Lord’s people, the day will come when they see shall witness that patience, obedience, and faithfulness commended and rewarded by our Lord. (226.2)