Book of Common Prayer

The Lamb stands upon mount Zion, and the undefiled congregation with him. The angel exhorts to the fear of God, and tells of the fall of Babylon.

14 And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on mount Zion, and with him 144,000 having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. ² And I heard a voice from heaven as the sound of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the sound of harpers harping with their harps, ³ and they sang as it were a new song before the seat, and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn that song except the 144,000 who were redeemed from the earth. ⁴ These are they who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from mankind, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And in their mouths was found no guile. For they are without spot before the throne of God.

⁶ And I saw an angel fly in the midst of heaven, having an everlasting gospel to preach to those who sit and dwell on the earth, and to all nations, kindreds, and tongues, and people, ⁷ saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give honour to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the springs of water.

¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die hereafter in the Lord, as the Spirit affirms, that they may rest from their labours; but their works shall follow them.

¹³ You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has lost her saltness, what can be salted with it? It is thereafter good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot by men.

¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

¹⁷ Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. No, I have not come to destroy them, but to fulfil them. ¹⁸ For truly I say to you, till heaven and earth perish, not one jot or one tittle of the law shall escape, till all be fulfilled. ¹⁹ Whosoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, he will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever observes and teaches them, the same will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.