In the sermon titled "The Harvests," Don Bell addresses the theological concepts of divine judgment and the blessedness of those who die in the Lord, drawing extensively from Revelation 14:12-20. He emphasizes that the final harvest represents a significant separation of the righteous from the wicked, with Christ as the ultimate judge wielding a sharp sickle to gather His people and cast the unrepentant into judgment. The preacher points out that those who die in union with Christ are blessed, as their death leads to eternal rest from their labors and suffering, highlighting the Reformed doctrine of the perseverance of the saints and the assurance of salvation. Scripture references throughout the sermon support this understanding, including 2 Corinthians 5:8 and the analogy of separating wheat from tares, emphasizing both the hope of believers and the severity of God's wrath against sin.
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”
“When we get there, we're going to rest. We'll never have another labor. Never have another labor.”
“Oh, blessed are they that die in the Lord... The only people worth dying that's blessed of God is those that die in the Lord.”
“If we rest in Him here, if you rest in Him here, and you know Him here, you'll rest in Him there, and you'll know Him there.”
The Bible describes the harvest as a time of separation, where the righteous are gathered to God and the wicked face judgment.
In Revelation 14, the harvest symbolizes the culmination of God's judgment where the righteous are reaped and brought into eternal rest while the wicked face severe judgment. The imagery used shows Jesus as the one on a white cloud ready to reap the harvest, a depiction of His authority and the finished work of redemption. He will gather His people, referred to as the firstfruits, and separate them from the wicked who are destined for His wrath. This concept of harvest reminds believers of the eternal significance of living in Christ, as those who die in the Lord are blessed and welcomed into His presence.
Revelation 14:12-20, Matthew 13:30
To die in the Lord is blessed because it signifies a vital union with Christ, leading to eternal rest from our labors and the promise of being with Him forever.
The phrase 'blessed are the dead which die in the Lord' reflects the deep spiritual truth that those who are united with Christ in this life will experience His presence in eternal glory after death. According to Revelation 14:13, such individuals are assured rest from their labors and the weight of sin that burdens them in this life. The believer's identity in Christ signifies a transition from temporal struggles to eternal peace and fulfillment in the presence of God. Therefore, the promise of being 'blessed' upon death is rooted in the assurance of salvation and reward for those who have believed in and followed Christ.
Revelation 14:13, Philippians 1:21
Salvation is assured through scripture where it is emphasized that faith in Jesus Christ leads to eternal life and that our works do not secure this salvation.
The doctrine of salvation emphasizes that it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone that we are saved. In Revelation, the assurance of salvation is linked to our union with Christ and the transformative work He accomplishes in believers. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, it is clear that our works cannot earn salvation; instead, it is a gift from God. This truth is essential for believers to understand, as it's not about our merit but Christ’s righteousness that secures our eternal status before God. Therefore, the testimony of scripture collectively affirms the reality and truth of salvation for those who are in Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Revelation 14:13
Separating the wheat from the chaff symbolizes God's judgment, where the righteous are gathered and the wicked are discarded.
The imagery of separating the wheat from the chaff signifies God's ultimate judgment as described in various biblical texts, including Matthew 3:12. The wheat represents the true believers who are secured in Christ, while the chaff symbolizes those who are ultimately rejected due to their rebellion against God. This separation occurs at the end of times when Christ returns to gather His people and execute justice upon the unrepentant. The belief in this separation serves as both a warning and a comfort; it warns the unrepentant of the coming judgment while affirming the security of the believer's hope in eternity with Christ.
Matthew 3:12, Revelation 14:14-20
Understanding God's wrath is crucial as it highlights His holiness and justice, reminding believers of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of salvation.
The doctrine of God's wrath emphasizes His righteousness and justice against sin, which is vital for a sound understanding of His character. In Revelation, God's wrath is depicted vividly to illustrate the consequences of unrepentant sin, demonstrating that He will not overlook iniquity (Revelation 14:19-20). This awareness drives home the seriousness of sin and the desperate need for salvation through Christ. For believers, understanding God's wrath enhances their appreciation for His grace, as they recognize that they are saved from that wrath through faith in Jesus. Furthermore, this doctrine should compel believers to share the gospel, reflecting God's love and desire for redemption.
Revelation 14:19-20, Romans 1:18
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