Maysville church of Christ Column
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QUESTION: In Revelation 14:14 in referring to one “like unto the Son of Man,” some commentaries say this refers to an angel of the Lord, and others believe it is Jesus Christ. Which view is the correct one?
ANSWER: Let’s look at the text: “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud One sat like unto the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” (Revelation 14:14).
There are several clues to help to identify the one of whom the author speaks. The Scripture mentions bright clouds, thick clouds, a dark cloud, a swift cloud and a great cloud. But this is the only time in the Bible that we read of a “white cloud.” Notice please, that “white” is the symbol of purity and holiness in apocalyptic literature, cf. Revelation 1:14. Clouds are often used to indicate the judgment of God. God came upon Egypt riding “upon a swift cloud” (Isaiah 19:11). God “came up as clouds against wicked Jerusalem (Jeremiah 4:13). Christ came against Jerusalem “on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30; 26:64; cf. the account of Mark and Luke). Some aspect of judgment is involved with the white cloud of our text. Consider please: “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him…” (Revelation 1:7a).
The expression “like unto the Son of Man” is found in Daniel 7:13 and Revelation 1:13. Since Revelation 1:17- 18 clearly present that One as being Jesus the Christ, it is my conviction that all three references point to the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ even referred to Himself as “Son of Man” in Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 11:19. I am unable to find a single reference in the New Testament where the expression “Son of Man” was ever applied to an angel of God. The expression is found 89 times in the New Testament, 80 of those are found in the Gospel narratives, and always indicates Jesus Christ.
Then, let us consider the crown and the sickle. Upon His head is the “crown” (in the Greek, it is “stephanos”) and always refers to a crown of victory (Revelation 6:2- ff). The “sickle” is seen in His hand. The sickle is often used to describe a symbol of judgment. The word sickle is found one time in Mark 4:29 and seven times in Revelation chapter 14. John writes: “And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man” (John 5:27). God has given to Christ the authority to judge all mankind (Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philemon 1:10; 2 Peter 3:10). This section of the Revelation is a vision given to John of the final judgment day! It will not be left to the hand of any angel, but to Jesus Christ, the “Son of Man.”
Please know that a warm and cordial welcome awaits you and your family at all the services of the Maysville church of Christ. The building is located at the corners of Main and Ash streets. We have worship Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bible classes are offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. A free Bible Correspondence course is available, and we invite your Bible related questions. Leave a message by calling 405-867-4807, by mail at P.O. Box 562 in Maysville, or by email at jessandterr@ yahoo.com Come and “worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2) with us, as our guest, this Sunday.