Revelation: The God Who Keeps His Promises

Revelation 14:1-5

Today, we will examine Revelation 14:1-5, which acts as a powerful pause amid the tribulation judgments. Before we delve into these verses, let’s take a moment to review where we’ve been and to preview where we're headed. 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ originates from Jesus and is about Jesus. He conveyed the message of Revelation to an angel, who then shared it with the apostle John. One of the first images John saw was a vision of Jesus in all his glory and majesty (Rev. 1:12-16). This sets the stage for the rest of the book. 

After placing the prophecy in its historical context by addressing letters to seven existing churches (Rev. 2-3), John begins to reveal what the future holds, starting with an open door to heaven, where God is on his throne. What we learn about in the book of Revelation is all directed and governed by the sovereign Creator God (Rev. 4). 

The account of end-time events is recorded on a scroll that only Jesus is worthy to open (Rev. 5). John describes Jesus as a “Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (Rev. 5:6). He alone opens the seven seals, which trigger the seven trumpet judgments and the seven bowl judgments.

While I believe Christians will escape the tribulation period through the rapture, these judgments will bring a devastating time on earth. Satan, knowing his time is short, will wreak havoc, using the Antichrist and False Prophet to establish a one-world government where those who accept Christ during this time will be killed. But the death of a believer is simply a transition to eternal life. The Revelation shows us a picture of heaven and eternity, worshiping the One who redeemed us.  

This book serves as both a warning and a promise. For those who don’t know Jesus, the warning is clear—trust in him before it’s too late. For those who do know him, the promise is definite—ultimately, victory belongs to us! 

Our study of Revelation is not for end-time enthusiasts who spend hours debating when and how it will happen, but never share Jesus with family or friends. This book should motivate us to passionately share Jesus because peoples’ eternities depend on him alone. 

Now—let’s look at Revelation 14:1-5. The main message of this passage is: 

God always keeps his promises.

John “looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads” (Rev. 14:1). We were introduced to the 144,000 in Revelation 7. I believe this group of Jews was hand-picked by God to be missionaries during the tribulation. 

God promised to protect this group, and he has kept his promise. This appears to be a preview of what will happen in the later chapters. The 144,000 are gathered on Mount Zion—which I believe is the New Jerusalem—with the Lamb, who has returned to establish his kingdom. They are singing a “new song” of praise before the throne of God. John said, “No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth” (Rev. 14:3). This is a song of praise for God’s mercy, grace, and protection through the tribulation. It’s a song of deliverance.

All believers can sing the same song. Jesus promises that he will protect us all the way to heaven. He said, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:39 NIV). 

God always keeps his promises.

Not only were the 144,000 physically protected, but they were also spiritually protected. 

John observes that they had “not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins” (Rev. 14:4a). In Scripture, adultery is used both in a physical and spiritual sense. Not committing spiritual adultery and remaining “virgins” means they had not turned to other gods; God protected them, kept them pure, and they were loyal to him alone. 

The apostle states that, “in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless” (Rev. 14:5). While many others had followed the Antichrist, these believers upheld the truth. There was no trace of false religion coming from their words or actions. 

The apostle Paul assures us that God is faithful to keep believers strong until the end so that we will be “guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:8-9).[1] 

God always keeps his promises.

These believers understood they had been “redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb” (Rev. 14:4b). They recognized they had been “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). They love the One who purchased them with his blood (Rev. 5:9).[2] Therefore, they “follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev. 14:4). What a beautiful picture of the genuine believer—we follow Jesus wherever he goes.  

This past week, I learned of two individuals who went home to be with the Lord. Gary faced many difficult times, but his faith in Christ never faltered. Connor, a college student, had a tattoo of Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  

Life isn’t guaranteed to be easy or free of pain, and believers aren’t exempt from struggles. But what we're going through now can't compare to what God has planned for us. And we know this for certain—

God always keeps his promises.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 14:1-5.

Talking to God: Where do you need to trust God more fully with the promises he has made to protect and keep you?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're glad to help as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll get back to you soon. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.