In the sermon titled "The Harvests," Don Bell addresses the theological doctrines surrounding death, resurrection, and the final judgment as depicted in Revelation 14:13-20. He emphasizes that those who die "in the Lord" are blessed, highlighting the importance of a vital union with Jesus Christ for a believer's eternal status. Bell supports his arguments by referencing Scripture passages, such as Paul's assertion in Philippians 1:21 that "to die is gain," and explicating the two-fold harvest depicted in Revelation — one for the righteous and another for the wicked, as seen in verses 14 to 20. The practical significance of this sermon lies in the comfort and hope it provides to believers regarding their final resting place, contrasting it with the dire prospects for the unredeemed and reinforcing the Reformed theology of God's sovereignty in salvation and judgment.
Key Quotes
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
“We will actually see Him face to face. And I tell you what, we'll see Him who conquered sin.”
“Our Lord says, 'Gather the wheat into the barn. Throw the chaff away and burn it.'”
“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 states that blessed are those who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors and their works follow them.
Revelation 14:13 declares, 'Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.' This signifies that those who have a vital union with Christ and die in faith are bestowed with a special blessing. Paul affirms this by noting that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21), encapsulating the joy of believers who depart in faith. Their passing is not one of despair but a transition to rest and eternal fellowship with God.
Revelation 14:13, Philippians 1:21
The harvest symbolizes God's final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.
In Revelation, the harvest represents the culmination of God's salvific plan where believers are gathered to Him, while the wicked face judgment. Jesus often spoke of the harvest as the time of recompense, where the wheat is separated from the tares (Matthew 13:30). This harvest is critical as it indicates that every human life and action is held accountable before God. It reassures believers of God's sovereignty and justice, and underscores the urgency of the Gospel as the harvest is described as ripe, calling for immediate action.
Matthew 13:30, Revelation 14:14-20
The concept of the first fruits is affirmed in Scripture as a picture of God's selected people redeemed for Himself.
In Revelation 14:4, the believers are described as the first fruits, indicating they are the initial recipients of God's grace among humanity. This notion is rooted in the Old Testament, where the first fruits were offered to God as acknowledgment of His provision and blessing (Exodus 23:19). The first fruits are symbolic of both a divine claim and a promise of future harvest. It emphasizes that God's elect, who are redeemed by Christ, are set apart and consecrated to Him even before the final harvest is celebrated.
Revelation 14:4, Exodus 23:19
Rest signifies a complete reliance on God's finished work through Christ, promising believers peace from their labors.
In Revelation 14:13, it declares that the dead in Christ rest from their labors, signifying the end of earthly struggles and sin. This rest reflects a deeper spiritual reality where believers cease from their own works, acknowledging that salvation and sanctification come from Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). It serves as a foretaste of eternal rest in glory, where believers will no longer experience the burdens of this world. God's rest is fundamental to the Christian faith as it points to the sufficiency of Christ's work and the hope of everlasting communion with Him.
Revelation 14:13, Ephesians 2:8-9
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