Celestial Worship: The Lamb and the Redeemed

 

Summary

In the vision of heavenly worship described in Revelation 14:1-3, we are drawn to the image of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, surrounded by 144,000 redeemed souls. This scene is not of an earthly Zion but a heavenly one, symbolizing the ultimate gathering of God's people in His presence. Mount Zion, historically significant to the Jewish faith, represents the pinnacle of spiritual fulfillment and divine communion. The Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the central figure of this celestial assembly, emphasizing that the essence of heaven is found in Christ Himself. The Lamb's presence is a reminder of His sacrifice and victory, and it is through Him that the redeemed find their place in this heavenly chorus.

The worshippers, represented by the 144,000, symbolize a vast multitude of believers, each marked with the Father's name, signifying their belonging to God. This number, while specific, is a metaphor for the innumerable company of the saved, transcending denominational boundaries and earthly distinctions. The emphasis is on the unity and diversity of God's people, all gathered to worship the Lamb.

The song they sing is described as a new song, one that only the redeemed can learn. This song is a reflection of their unique experience of salvation and their intimate relationship with Christ. It is a song of triumph, echoing the victory of the Lamb over sin and death. The sound of their worship is likened to the roar of many waters and the peal of thunder, signifying the power and majesty of their praise. Yet, it is also sweet, like the harmonious sound of harps, illustrating the beauty and purity of their adoration.

This heavenly worship scene challenges us to reflect on our own worship and relationship with Christ. It invites us to begin learning the song of heaven here on earth, preparing our hearts for the eternal praise that awaits us. It reminds us that our ultimate joy and fulfillment are found in Christ, and that our identity is rooted in being His redeemed people.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Centrality of Christ in Heaven: The vision of the Lamb on Mount Zion highlights that the essence of heaven is found in Christ. Our focus should be on Him, as He is the source of our salvation and the object of our eternal worship. In Christ, we find our true identity and purpose. [03:50]

2. Unity Among Believers: The 144,000 symbolize the vast and diverse multitude of believers, transcending earthly divisions. In heaven, our denominational labels fade away, and we are united under the name of our Heavenly Father. This calls us to embrace unity and love among all believers. [24:12]

3. The New Song of the Redeemed: The new song sung by the redeemed is a reflection of their unique experience of salvation. It is a song of triumph and gratitude, learned through a life of faith and devotion. We are invited to begin learning this song now, as we prepare for eternal worship. [27:50]

4. The Power and Sweetness of Worship: The worship in heaven is both powerful and sweet, likened to the roar of many waters and the harmonious sound of harps. Our worship on earth should strive to reflect this balance, combining reverence and intimacy in our praise. [33:08]

5. The Assurance of Salvation: The certainty of the 144,000 being sealed and saved assures us of God's faithfulness to His promises. Our salvation is secure in Christ, and we are encouraged to live with confidence and hope, knowing that we are part of God's eternal plan. [16:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - The Vision of the Lamb
- [00:50] - Mount Zion: A Heavenly Symbol
- [02:39] - The Object of Worship: The Lamb
- [03:50] - The Centrality of Christ
- [05:01] - The Joy of Seeing the Lamb
- [07:09] - The Lamb as a Conqueror
- [08:41] - Encouragement to Approach the Lamb
- [10:57] - The Posture of Triumph
- [13:18] - The Worshippers: 144,000
- [16:47] - The Certainty of Salvation
- [19:20] - The Doctrine of Election
- [23:55] - The Father's Name on Their Foreheads
- [27:50] - The New Song of the Redeemed
- [33:08] - The Sweetness of Heavenly Worship
- [35:15] - The New Song: A Future Reality
- [39:15] - The Final Victory and Eternal Praise

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 14:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion in Revelation 14:1-3? How does this imagery relate to the concept of heavenly worship? [00:08]

2. In the sermon, how is the number 144,000 described, and what does it symbolize about the multitude of believers? [13:18]

3. What is unique about the song sung by the 144,000, and why is it described as a "new song"? [27:50]

4. How does the sermon describe the sound of the worship in heaven, and what does this tell us about the nature of heavenly praise? [27:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon emphasizes the centrality of Christ in heaven. How does this focus on the Lamb shape our understanding of what heaven is like? [03:50]

2. The 144,000 are marked with the Father's name. What does this signify about their identity and belonging to God? [24:12]

3. The new song is a reflection of the redeemed's unique experience of salvation. How might this song of triumph and gratitude be learned through a life of faith and devotion? [27:50]

4. The sermon describes the worship in heaven as both powerful and sweet. How can this balance of reverence and intimacy be reflected in our earthly worship? [33:08]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon highlights the centrality of Christ in heaven. How can you make Christ the central focus of your daily life and worship? What specific changes can you make to prioritize Him more? [03:50]

2. Reflect on the unity among believers as described in the sermon. How can you actively promote unity and love within your church community, especially among those with different denominational backgrounds? [24:12]

3. The new song of the redeemed is learned through a life of faith. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Christ and begin learning this song of triumph? [27:50]

4. Consider the power and sweetness of heavenly worship. How can you incorporate both reverence and intimacy into your personal worship time? Are there specific practices you can adopt to achieve this balance? [33:08]

5. The assurance of salvation is a key takeaway from the sermon. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? In what ways can you live with more confidence and hope, knowing you are part of God's eternal plan? [16:47]

6. The sermon challenges us to reflect on our own worship. What aspects of your worship might need to change to better prepare your heart for eternal praise? [27:50]

7. The vision of heavenly worship invites us to begin learning the song of heaven here on earth. What practical steps can you take to align your life more closely with the values and priorities of heaven? [27:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Essence of Heaven
In the heavenly vision of Revelation 14:1-3, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, stands at the center of worship on Mount Zion, symbolizing the ultimate gathering of God's people. This scene emphasizes that the essence of heaven is found in Christ Himself. His presence is a reminder of His sacrifice and victory, and it is through Him that the redeemed find their place in this heavenly chorus. The focus on Christ as the source of salvation and the object of eternal worship invites believers to center their lives around Him, finding true identity and purpose in His presence. [03:50]

Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

Reflection: In what ways can you make Christ the central focus of your daily life, ensuring that your identity and purpose are rooted in Him?


Day 2: Unity in Diversity Among Believers
The 144,000 in Revelation symbolize a vast and diverse multitude of believers, transcending earthly divisions and denominational labels. This heavenly vision calls for unity among God's people, united under the name of the Heavenly Father. It challenges believers to embrace love and unity, recognizing that in heaven, all distinctions fade away. This unity is a testament to the power of God's love, which binds His people together in worship and purpose. [24:12]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and love among believers in your community, setting aside differences to focus on the shared identity in Christ?


Day 3: Learning the New Song of the Redeemed
The new song sung by the redeemed in heaven is a reflection of their unique experience of salvation and their intimate relationship with Christ. It is a song of triumph and gratitude, learned through a life of faith and devotion. Believers are invited to begin learning this song now, preparing their hearts for eternal worship. This invitation encourages a life of worship and devotion, where the experiences of salvation shape the melody of praise offered to God. [27:50]

Psalm 40:3 (ESV): "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."

Reflection: What specific experiences of God's salvation in your life can you turn into a song of praise today, expressing gratitude and devotion to Him?


Day 4: The Power and Sweetness of Worship
The worship in heaven is described as both powerful and sweet, likened to the roar of many waters and the harmonious sound of harps. This balance of reverence and intimacy in worship challenges believers to reflect this in their earthly worship. The power and majesty of God's presence should inspire awe, while the beauty and purity of adoration should draw believers into a deeper relationship with Him. [33:08]

Psalm 29:3-4 (ESV): "The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a worship experience that balances reverence and intimacy, allowing the power and sweetness of God's presence to transform your heart?


Day 5: Assurance in God's Faithfulness
The certainty of the 144,000 being sealed and saved assures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises. This assurance of salvation in Christ encourages believers to live with confidence and hope, knowing they are part of God's eternal plan. It is a reminder that God's promises are secure, and His faithfulness is unwavering, providing a foundation for a life of trust and obedience. [16:47]

2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV): "But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's faithfulness, allowing His promises to guide your actions and decisions?

Quotes

In the first place then we wish to take a view of the object of heavenly worship, John was privileged to look within the gates of pearl and on turning round to tell us what he saw, observe how he begins. He saith not I saw streets of gold or walls of jasper. He saith not I saw crowns, marked their lustre and saw the wearers that he shall notice afterwards, but he begins by saying I looked and lo a lamb, to teach us that the very first and chief object of attraction in the heavenly state is the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. [00:03:22]

Beloved if we were allowed to look within the veil which parts us from the world of spirits, we should see first of all the person of our Lord Jesus. If now we could go where the immortal spirits day without night circle the throne rejoicing, we should see each of them with their faces turned in one direction, and if we should step up to one of the blessed spirits and say oh bright immortal why are thine eyes fixed, what is it that absorbs thee quite and wraps the up in vision, he without gaining to give an answer would simply point to the center of the sacred circle, and lo we should see a lamb in the midst of the throne. [00:04:16]

Christian here is joy for thee, thou hast looked and thou has seen the lamb, through thy tearful eyes thou has seen the lamb taking away thy sins, rejoice then in a little while when thine eyes shall have been wiped from tears, thou wilt see the same lamb exalted on his throne, it is the joy of the heart to hold daily fellowship and communion with Jesus, thou shalt have the same joy in heaven, there shall thou see him as he is and thou shalt be like him, thou shalt enjoy the constant vision of his presence and thou shalt dwell with him for a. [00:05:29]

Why that lamb is heaven itself, for as good Rutherford says heaven and Christ are the same things to be with Christ is to be in heaven and to be in heaven is to be with Christ, and he very sweetly says in one of his letters wrapped up in love to Christ oh my Lord Christ if I could be in heaven without thee it would be a hell, and if I could be in hell and have thee still, it would be a heaven to me, for thou art all the heaven I want. [00:06:08]

Now you know Jesus in scripture is often represented as a lion, he is so to his enemies for he devoureth them and teareth them to pieces, beware ye that forget God lest he tear you in pieces and there be none to deliver, but in heaven he is in the midst of his friends, and therefore he looks like a lamb that has been slain and wears his priesthood still, why should Christ in heaven choose to appear under the figure of a lamb and not in some other of his glorious characters, we reply because it was as a lamb that Jesus fought and conquered and therefore as a lamb he appears in heaven. [00:07:15]

Our believer we need not be afraid to come to Christ for he is a lamb, to a lion Christ we need fear to come, but the lamb Christ, oh little children were ye ever afraid of lambs, o children of the living God should he ever fail to tell your griefs and sorrows into the breast of one who is a lamb, ah our letters come boldly to the throne of the heavenly grace, seeing a lamb sits upon it. [00:08:43]

I looked and lower lamb stood on the mount Zion and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, this is a certain number put for an uncertain, I mean uncertain to us, though not uncertain to God, it is a vast number put for that multitude which no man can number who shall stand before the throne of God, now here is something not very pleasant to my friend bigot yonder, note the number of those who are to be saved they are said to be a great number even a hundred forty and four thousand which is but a unit put for the vast innumerable multitude which are to be gathered home. [00:11:48]

Why my friends I believe there will be more in heaven than in hell, if you ask me why I think so I answer because Christ in everything is to have the preeminence and I cannot conceive how he could have the preeminence if there are to be more in the dominions of Satan than in paradise, moreover it is said there is to be a multitude that no man can number in heaven I have never read that there is to be a multitude that no man can number in hell. [00:13:05]

It is said of all these worshipers that they learned the song before they went there, at the end of the third verse it is said no man could learn that song but the and forty and four thousand which were redeemed from the earth, brethren we must begin heaven's song here below, or else we shall never sing it above, the choristers of heaven have all had rehearsals upon earth before they sing in that orchestra, you think that die when you may you will go to heaven without being prepared, nasa heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and unless you are made meek to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light you can never stand there among them. [00:26:56]

I heard a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters and as the voice of a great thunder and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps, singing, how loud and yet how sweet, first then singing how loud, it is said to be like the voice of many waters, have you never heard the sea roar and the fullness thereof, have you never walked by the seaside when the waves were singing, and when every little pebble stone did turn chorister to make up music to the lord God of hosts. [00:27:50]

But no next, while it was a loud voice how sweet it was, noise is not music, there may be a voice like many waters and yet no music, it was sweet as well as loud for John says, I heard the voice of harper's harping with their harps, perhaps the sweetest of all instruments is the harp, there are others which give forth sounds more grand and noble, but the harp is the sweetest of all instruments, I have sometimes sat to hear a skillful harper till I could say I could sit and hear myself away, whilst with skillful fingers he touched the cords gently, and brought forth strains of melody which flowed like liquid silver, or like sounding honey into one soul sweet, sweet beyond sweetness, words can scarcely tell how sweet the melody, such as the music of heaven. [00:33:08]

It will be a new song because the saints were never in such a position before as they will be when they sing this new song, they are in heaven now, but the scene of our text is something more than heaven it refers to the time when all the chosen race shall meet around the throne, when the last battle shall have been fought and the last warrior shall have gained his crown, it is not now that they are thus singing, but it is in the glorious time to come when all the hundred and forty and four thousand or rather the number typified by that number will be all safely housed at all secure. [00:35:15]

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Transcript
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