Matthew Henry Commentary Revelation 14:6-13

"And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters. And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand, he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment goeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them." — Revelation 14:6-13 (ASV)

The progress of the Reformation appears to be set forth here. The four proclamations are plain in their meaning, so that all Christians may be encouraged in the time of trial to be faithful to their Lord. The gospel is the great means by which people are brought to fear God and to give glory to him. The preaching of the everlasting gospel shakes the foundations of antichrist in the world and hastens its downfall.

If any persist in being subject to the beast and in promoting his cause, they must expect to be forever miserable in soul and body. The believer is to venture or suffer anything in obeying the commandments of God and professing the faith of Jesus. May God bestow this patience upon us.

Observe the description of those who are and will be blessed: those who die in the Lord; die in the cause of Christ, in a state of union with Christ; those who are found in Christ when death comes. They rest from all sin, temptation, sorrow, and persecution; for there the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest. Their works follow them: do not go before as their title or purchase, but follow them as proofs of their having lived and died in the Lord. The remembrance of them will be pleasant, and the reward far above all their services and sufferings.

This is made sure by the testimony of the Spirit, witnessing with their spirits, and the written word.