Torment or Rest

"Then another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a mighty voice, Whoever pays homage to the beast and his statue and permits the [beast's] stamp (mark, inscription) to be put on his forehead or on his hand, He too shall [have to] drink of the wine of God's indignation and wrath, poured undiluted into 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 ascends forever and ever; and they have no respite (no pause, no intermission, no rest, no peace) day or night--these who pay homage to the beast and to his image and whoever receives the stamp of his name upon him. Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep God's commandments and [their] faith in Jesus. Then I heard further [ perceiving the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, Write this: Blessed (happy, to be envied) are the dead from now on who die in the Lord! Yes, blessed (happy, to be envied indeed), says the Spirit, [in] that they may rest from their labors, for their works (deeds) do follow (attend, accompany) them!" (Revelation 14:9-13 - Amplified Bible)

Verses nine to eleven directly link the mark of the beast to the worship of the beast. To receive the mark of the beast during the Tribulation will only be possible if you worship him. It will be a mark of allegiance and submission to the Anti-Christ.

Those who worship the beast will drink of God's wrath. “Without mixture” means undiluted. It was common in New Testament times for people to add water to their wine as it become fermented to reduce the alcoholic content. However, God's wrath will be poured out in its full strength.

Those who accept the beast and reject Jesus will be tormented for eternity in the Lake of Fire. This is an awful warning. Yet so many ignore it and will ignore it.

What allows those who suffer and die because of their faith to endure their trials with patience, hope and faith? It is the knowledge that God will judge the wicked and will reward his servants. This knowledge should cause us to keep God's commands.

During the Tribulation, those who die for their faith in Christ will be blessed. They will then have rest from their troubles. They will then be rewarded for what they did for the Lord.