The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

well as ecclesiastical authority over the hearts and consciences of men; and furthermore, it
is still recognized by millions all over the world as having this authority, and these bow,
even at the present time, in submission to its decrees, in both temporal and ecclesiastical
matters. "Papacy," says Mr. Guinness, "is served by an extensive sacerdotal organization,
embracing about a thousand bishops and half a million of priests. This organization
controls the convictions and actions of two hundred millions of persons, belonging to
more than thirty nations." Its adherents, both of clergy and laity, have increased to much
larger proportions since these words were written.
Concerning the punishments described in the vision to be meted out to the worshipers of
the beast and the image of the beast, the older commentators are inclined to interpret these
symbols to mean eternal torment. Mr. Barnes, commenting on the expression, "the smoke
of their torment shall rise up forever and ever," said:
"This does not indeed affirm that their individual sufferings would be eternal--since it is
only a declaration that the 'smoke of their torment ascends'; but it is such language as
would be used on the supposition that they would suffer forever, and as can be explained
only on that supposition."
Thank God, the true knowledge of God's Plan enables us to see clearly the symbolical
signification of these and the contextual words. A later comment on this verse, also Rev.
19:3, where the same expression is used, and others referring to the same time and same
occurrences, is perfectly reasonable and harmonious with the Scripture teaching on this
much misunderstood subject:
"Of Rev. 14:9-11 we remark, incidentally, that all will at once concede that if a literal
worshipping of a beast and image were meant in verse 9, then few, if any, in civilized
lands are liable to the penalty of verse 11; and if the beast and his image and worship and
wine and cup are symbols, so also are the torments and smoke and fire and brimstone.
"Rev. 19:3, speaking of one of these systems, says: 'Her smoke rose up forever and ever.'
That is to say, the remembrance ('smoke') of the destruction of these systems of deception
and error will be lasting, the lesson will never be forgotten--as smoke, which continues to
ascend after a destructive fire, is testimony that the fire has done its work.--See also Isa.
34:8-10."
We conclude our consideration of this vision of the third angel and his message with the
inquiry, What is meant by the expression "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the
presence of the Lamb"? (Ver. 10.) The meaning evidently is that the judgments that will
destroy the anti-Christian systems will be in the days of the presence of the Son of Man,
and will be witnessed by all the holy messengers of the harvest period, some on the other
side of the veil, and others, the much smaller number, on this.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"