Zion (v1) is another name for Jerusalem and here it speaks of heaven. The 144,000 represents the complete church of the Old and New Testaments. In chapter 7 the 144,000 were on earth, sealed for their protection, here the 144,000 are now in heaven with Christ, not one of them has been lost.

The 144,000 are filled with praise to God (v2-3). They sing a song that only the redeemed of God can sing as only the redeemed can sing to the Lord in their hearts and with all their hearts.

Regarding the undefiled (v4-5), describing the 144,000 as virgins speaks of them being spiritually faithful to Christ. Others cannot point the finger in regards to their commitment to Christ.

The three angels (v6-13) bring messages from God and speak of what God is doing. The first angel (v6-7) brings the eternal Gospel. The second angel speaks of Babylon (v8) which represents all that is opposed to God.

The third angel speaks of God’s wrath (v9-11). Those who live for this world, those who live not for God, will suffer the torment of fire and sulphur.

This is very serious and why there is this call for endurance (v12-13). It is therefore crucial to die in Christ, to die holding on to Christ in faith.