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…in my opinion.

Book of Revelation – Chapter 22

We are at the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation. Only those folks that repent of their sins, expressing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternity, will be admitted into the new Jerusalem. 

From verses 1 & 2: We read of a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, flowing out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Its very transparency allows for the reflection of the glory of God. The river flows pure and unobstructed, symbolizing everlasting life’s constant flow from God’s throne to God’s people. It seems to flow down the center of the street with the tree of life on either side of the river bearing 12 types of fruit with a fresh yield each month. Hence, there will be an infinite variety that will fill heaven. Even with glorified bodies, we can enjoy the habit of eating. We will enjoy the best drink possible – the pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. There is no pollution with this water. The full delights of glory remain unrevealed until the right moment. The leaves of the tree of life are for the health of the nations. Life in heaven will be fully energized and exciting. 

In verse 3, there is no more curse on humanity. This curse started in the Garden of Eden, was partially removed during the Millennium, and is now permanently obliterated. It means the end of sorrow, pain, and especially death – the most terrible aspect of the curse (Genesis 2:17) – forever. 

In verse 4, we will observe the beauty of our Savior’s countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever. There we will spend all eternity carrying out the infinitive variety of tasks that the limitless mind of God can conceive. There is nothing beyond His face in terms of bliss once we have seen Him (John Phillips commentary, page 257).

Then in verse 5, there is no night to experience there in heaven (the new Jerusalem). You will not need a candle, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God gives the residents light, and they shall reign forever and ever. It is the glory of Christ that illuminates the city and its inhabitants.

Now comes the closing remarks as the Book of Revelation concludes with verses 6 through 21.

In verse 6: God-breathed. Everything written, said, and shown was to show God’s servants and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that these things must happen shortly. The angel proceeds to tell John why God has allowed him to experience this vision of the Revelation. He says, “The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily.” So, “we see that God’s Word is accurate and its truths have been transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved exactly as God had in mind.” (John Phillips commentary, page 258).

In verse 7: Now, Jesus speaks, “Behold, I come quickly,” indicating that once a series of events start, they will proceed in rapidly increasing succession. Van Impe adds, “In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily – one after another – that a state of preparedness should be maintained.”

What should we do then to be ready? To be prepared for the Lord’s return, an individual “should keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Meaning: we are to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. “After reading Revelation, Christians should love Christ more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies, and anticipate their eternal rewards.” John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 330.

Again, John falls before the angel in verses 8 & 9 to worship him in light of all these revelations. He shouldn’t, nor should we worship anyone or anything but God only! The angel sets John straight again on this issue.

From verse 10, we read that the angel speaks to John once more, saying, “Don’t seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Therefore, neither should we seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these times, they will understand God’s program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will be prepared. 

In verse 11, there is a choice to be made. Each individual must choose what they shall be; unjust and filthy in hell or righteous and holy in heaven. We are to choose wisely! A person’s response to the exclamation of the prophecy of Revelation will fix their eternal destiny.

In verse 12, the prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass as written. The Lord says, “When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began.”

In verse 13, God says, “For I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of the faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

Verse 14: 

  • “Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life.” Dr. C. I. Scofield.
  • “Blessed are they that wash their robes in the Lamb’s blood that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.” Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironsides, Dr. J. A. Seuss

From verse 15: a list of those not allowed into the city: dogs (people of a vile & harmful character), sorcerers (those that practice occult activities and those who use drugs), whoremongers (those engaged in illicit sexual activities), murderers, idolaters (people who worship false gods), liars (people who love and practice lying). Listed are those who lack the “new birth” experience and who love and habitually practice any such sins above and continually refuse Christ’s invitation to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this crowd is also listed in Revelation 21:8.

In verse 16, the message of the Revelation is valid (true) because Christ inaugurates (initiates) and guarantees it. God extends the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Jesus is the root and offspring of David and the bright & morning star. 

“COME” is the call in verse 17. The Holy Spirit and the Bride plead, “COME!” If you hear this call, let your voice join the chorus. God compassionately declares, “Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life.” The first part of verse 17 is a prayer addressed to Christ for Him to “Come” by the Holy Spirit and the Church. The second part of the same verse is addressed to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. It is the last call for unbelievers to repent.

The Bride of Christ says, “COME!”
Clink this link: https://youtu.be/lkqB2hth4rA

Verse 18 and 19: We are to take the Book of Revelation seriously. One must not meddle with or handle lightly the truths that mean so much to the God of heaven and earth. God’s wrath abides on those who tamper with His Word, cutting out the parts that offend them and adding their own ideas to it. 

The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. In verse 20: Surely I come quickly. With Revelation’s promises given over 2,000 years ago, the history we trace seems like a long time. When you see the beginning of these events and their rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come soon or suddenly. Remember, it has only been two days since Christ left to prepare a place for us and His promised return (refer to 2 Peter 3:8). The response of His people is AMEN (or so be it). 

Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity. The Lord of glory offers heaven to those who accept His glorious invitation and return to Him in light of His inevitable return. AMEN.                                             

FINAL COMMENTS:

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope you have received encouragement about the future and that your faith has increased in His promises. I recommend that you read the Book of Revelation for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to understand His word. May you find courage in living a faithful life before Him.

April 21, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 21

After the Great White Throne Judgement of chapter 20, the heavens and the world move toward another judgment; chapter 21 is the eternal state with new heavens and a new earth. This chapter and the next present a fantastic future that awaits every believer of all dispensations and ages. Without warning, the heavens disappear with an earsplitting noise. All heavenly bodies or planets burn up and be destroyed. The world we know as earth with everything in it will vanish. The noise of this destruction will be deafening. Refer to 2 Peter 3:7-13.

In verse 1, we read of a new heaven and new earth with no sea. New is not merely new as to time but also as to kind. Therefore the sky will look similar, as will the world, but also different. For example, the new earth has no sea. The first earth and the first heavens are purged with fire and regenerated. This purging is necessary because Satan defiled both spheres, and God makes them anew and fresh. All of this occurs at the end of the Great White Throne Judgment. 

  1. Old Jerusalem exists today. It is historic, the City of David.
  2. In the exact location as the first, a second Jerusalem becomes the center for Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth and the earthly nations’ capital city. Also, during this thousand-year reign, a satellite city (the new Jerusalem) hovers above this planet. This celestial city is home to all believers during this period and eternity.
  3. Finally, the new Jerusalem descends to the new earth at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. It serves as heaven’s capital city on the new earth eternally.

Verse 2 speaks of a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, a new capital city. People in the new Jerusalem will live in peace and harmony. 

Then we come to verse 3, where God dwells with His people. Before the Fall in Eden, God came and walked with Adam in the cool of the day, so God shall live with men forever and delight in His abiding presence. Presently, the location of God’s Tabernacle is in heaven. He descends to earth with His heavenly entourage, settling in the new Jerusalem to begin global operations from this satellite city. The redeemed in their glorified bodies live in the new Jerusalem.  

In verse 4: God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain; for the former things pass away, such is this land of eternal life. No more cancers, diseases, heart attacks, automobile accidents, or wars. What is declared is the absence of anything to be sorry about. There is no sadness, no disappointments, no pain, no tears of regret, no loss of loved ones, no more funerals, no more graves, no more hospitals, no more broken homes, and no more broken hearts. And sin has ceased because Satan forever remains incarcerated in Gehenna, the lake of fire.

In verses 5 and 6, God adds that he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All creation began without sin, and now it has ended without sin. Our spiritual thirst will be satisfied forever. 

From verse 7, we learn the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4) is an overcomer; he shall inherit all things, and God will be his God, and he shall be His son.

Verse 8 speaks about those sinners who miss this eternal paradise upon the earth. Where are they now? They are in the lake of fire (the second death) with no second chance, no reprieve, no commuted sentence. This list should be read as a description of eternal character. Who did not make it?

  1. The fearful; are those who rejected Christ to escape the ridicule of men.
  2. The unbelieving; are those who rejected the doctrine of Christ’s deity and shed blood as the only means of obtaining eternal life.
  3. The abominable; are those who engage in corrupt practices, speaking the language of Christendom but never living it. They profess that they know God, but in their works, they deny him. They are described as being an abominable (hateful & obnoxious), disobedient (unruly & disorderly), and unprincipled (immoral, unethical, & corrupt) rogue (or SOB) Titus 1:16.
  4. The murderers; are those who carry hatred within their hearts and minds for others (1 John 3:15).
  5. The whoremongers; are those who engaged in fornication (premarital sex), adultery (extra-marital flings), or perverted sex.
  6. The sorcerers; are those who practiced drug usage for “kicks” and “highs.”
  7. The idolaters: are people who worship or revere anyone or anything other than God, living and trustworthy, or using idols in worship. (1 John 5:21).
  8. All liars; are those who deceived others, distorted the truth, and destroyed humanity by lies.

Verse 9: Now John is shown the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. She is the one who made herself ready in fine linen, clean and white (chapter 19:7-8), and who returns with Him (Christ) for the 1,000-year honeymoon (chapter 19:11-16).

In verse 10: The great city, the holy (heavenly) Jerusalem, descends out of heaven from God. John is impressed by the city’s brilliance, the size of the municipality, and the city’s beauty. The new Jerusalem reflects its people, the redeemed or the Bride. 

From verses 11 thru 14, we get a description of the new Jerusalem in more detail. The city was clear as crystal, with a great wall, 12 large gates, and 12 foundations. 

  • A great high wall surrounded the city. It is an eternal memorial of our hidden life with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) until we appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4). It reminds the believers that God loves His people and protects them while on earth.
  • Twelve angels staff the 12 gates. These gates remain open, and the angels welcome those possessing the right and privilege to enter the city. Each gate has the name of the twelve tribes of Israel. 
  • The city sets on 12 foundations, each named after each of the twelve apostles of Christ. 

In verses 15 thru 17, the size of the new Jerusalem gets revealed.

  • The city forms a perfect cube of tetragonal shape. Its width, length, and height are equal (at 12,000 furlongs or 1,5000 miles). This distance would cover a geographic area in the USA, extending from Maine’s northernmost point to the southernmost point of Florida and from the eastern seaboard to Colorado. A city of this size could house every person ever born, plus billions of additional people. Remember, from verse 3, this city comes down from heaven and orbits earth during the millennium reign before coming to rest upon the new earth as eternity begins.
  • The walls surrounding the city extend 216 feet high by the measure of a man. The wall is relatively low compared to the city’s walls, reflecting no need to ward off an attack.

In verses 18 thru 21, we see a further description of the wall, foundations, and gates. 

  • The wall of jasper represents Christ, in His radiant glory, surrounding His saints.
  • The city was pure gold, like transparent glass, which typifies the righteousness of God’s holy nature. The transparency allows God’s glory to shine through to every aspect of the city and beyond.
  • The various foundation stones – brilliant – picture the Lord’s attributes and various aspects of His redemptive work.
  • A single pearl composes each gate that never shuts. Each immense pearl symbolizes the tremendous sufferings of Christ.
  • Streets made of pure gold appear as transparent glass.

Verse 22 tells us that there was no temple in the city (new Jerusalem) for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple because God has chosen to dwell with His people.

In verse 23, there is no need for the sun or moon since God and the Lamb lighten everything. No wonder there shall be no night there, for the night is an impossibility since Christ’s splendor, and glory shines brilliantly.

Verses 24 thru 26: These verses picture the multitudes who came through the Millennium as born-again, regenerated believers. These did not follow Satan in the final rebellion upon release from the bottomless pit. Therefore, they entered the eternal state in bodies of flesh. Their rulers, kings, and presidents are also born-again and still living in earthly bodies. They bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem as well. They come to praise Him, who is all in all. Security is needless in the land of an eternal day with no night.

In verse 27: The warning flag is again lifted as John writes, “But nothing impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of the living will enter the city.” GNT

April 21, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 20

The Millennium, the golden age some call this time, has come! The Bible teaches a 1,000-year reign by the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. What would changes look like in a millennium kingdom? 

  • The Antichrist and the false prophet are in the lake of fire. Those deceivers are out of the way. Satan is chained and locked in the bottomless pit, for God is not yet through with him. 
  • Since man will not practice war again, the earth’s armies are no more. Fallen into ruin and decay are all the military academies. Melted down is much of war’s machinery, now converted to useful implements for peace. 
  • Jerusalem becomes the world’s capital from which Christ rules the earth. The nations come there to worship the living God. 
  • Prosperity becomes evident from all points of the globe. Poverty becomes unknown as everyone has all the heart desires. 
  • There are no prisons, no hospitals, no mental institutions, no barracks, no saloons, no brothels, no casinos, or retirement or nursing homes. 
  • The bloom of youth is on everyone’s cheek, even at a hundred years of age. Cemeteries are relics of the past. Tears are rare.
  • The wolf, lamb, calf, lion, cow, bear, child, and scorpion all are at peace. 
  • Jesus rules as King. His reign is righteous, and the nations obey. Infractions or violations of the laws of His kingdom are not allowed. Sin is dealt with swiftly, with proper judgment. 

Verses 1 thru 3 tell us that Satan no longer has the key to the bottomless pit; an angel does. This angel comes down from heaven, armed with authority and power from God. He binds Satan with a chain, throws him into the bottomless pit (FYI, this is not the lake of fire), and seals the door. No more deception of the nations for a thousand years. But God still has a reason to keep Satan available. We will see God’s reason later toward the end of the Revelation.

In verse 4, John sees several thrones occupied for judgment. Those who sit on these thrones are members of the first resurrection – which include the Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:1-2), Church Age saints (1 Thess. 4:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:15-54), and Tribulation saints (Titus 2:13). These saints are entitled to sit upon thrones because they are members of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Christ has made them kings and priests (chapter 5, verse 10). The Lord Jesus Christ deposes (or removes) two different classes of rulers:

  1. He punishes the host of the high ones in the heavenlies where Satan’s angelic princes once ruled, where the Church will judge from, and
  2. He punishes the kings of the earth upon the earth, where a redeemed Israel will rule.

Don’t miss an essential point in verses 5 and 6. The rest of the dead remain in their graves until the end of the millennium kingdom period. They await the 2nd resurrection to appear before the Great White Throne Judgment. But blessed and holy are those that are part of the 1st resurrection. The second death is powerless against them. 

Verse 7 explains that Satan, once released from the bottomless pit after 1,000-years, will deceive the nations (verse 8) all over the globe. They will gather together to battle Christ the King and the saints. Their number is like the sand of the sea. They do not recall the destruction of the earth’s armies when Christ came to set up His kingdom a thousand years ago. Nor are they remember Russia’s disaster though some may. Gog and Magog symbolically lend their names to the dissidents of earth. So, they march onward. Verse 9 tells us that this massive army surrounds the saints and Jerusalem (the beloved city). Knowing what is happening and what is planned by those following Satan, Christ patiently waits. Then suddenly, at the appropriate time, fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them all. There is no battle and no war, just ashes left.

Only ashes left of this final rebellion.

Why did Christ allow this to happen to those that were children of the Millennium? During the millennium reign of Christ, humanity bore children, many of them. These children had the exact sinful nature that all people have. The release of Satan was to test their free will. Many of these children accepted Christ as their Savior, but many did not! Satan’s departure from the pit tried their love and loyalty to Christ. Was their love for Christ genuine, or were they submissive simply because He ruled with a rod of iron (chapter 19, verse 15)? The truth revealed that millions followed the devil, bringing to light the hidden world of darkness of the human heart. 

In verse 10, Satan has deceived men and women for the final time. His punishment is already known. Immediately, he gets thrown into the lake of fire, where he joins the Antichrist and the false prophet, tormented day and night forever. Notice that Satan does not enter Hell until after the Millennium.

Immediately in verse 11, we see the Great White Throne for the judgment of the wicked. How terrible is the fear gripping every ungodly heart? Emptiness and torment without end await them. King Jesus sits as the Judge. So brilliant is His face that earth and heaven have fled away, defiled or marred by sin.

Great White Throne Judgment

The Great White Throne Judgment (verses 12 thru 15) is history’s gloomiest period. All people not in the book of life stand before God in condemnation. Only the names of those saved through faith in Christ are in the book of life. The other book has a record of the unbeliever’s works for which they will give an account. All without Christ as their Savior have no hope. 

  • White represents the purity, justice, and holiness of God. It also symbolizes INTEGRITY for Christ. He is the truth. 
  • The Great White Throne pictures a decisive judgment about to fall on those who rejected the gospel. A solemn scene of unregenerate humanity comes face to face with God for the investigation of all their evil deeds. 

SUMMARY:

Here are a few final points to make about the White Throne Judgment.

  1. God knows where every speck of human dust is hidden, and at His word, it will all come scurrying back to make the departed form again.
  2. In our English Bible, two Greek words – Hades and Gehenna- are translated as Hell. There are two words because there are two places.
  3. When Jesus used the word Hades, he referred to the “local jail” where the sinner remains bound until the Great White Throne Judgement. On Judgment Day, the sinner comes out of the local jail (Hades) and stands before the Judge (the Lord Jesus Christ). The sinner is found guilty and gets transferred to the final prison of souls (Gehenna). The lake of fire is usually synonymous with Gehenna. 
  • Death (the grave) and Hell (also Hades) deliver up the dead in them. Death delivers up the body. Hades delivers up the soul. Every man receives judgment according to his works which is the trial. Then Death (the grave) and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, Gehenna – the final prison.
  • Those who trust in the merits of Christ’s shed blood stand exempt from the Great White Throne Judgment, good news!!! Those trusting in Christ have passed from death to life (John 5:24). There is no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

April 21, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 19

The return of the King is the topic of this chapter. We have waited for a very long time, and now it is upon us. The rejoicing in heaven sets the stage for what is about to happen:

  • Christ will remove sinners from the world.
  • God will be appropriately honored.
  • King Jesus receives His earthly throne.
  • Earth restored to its lost glory.

Reasons for heaven’s joy:

  • Verse 1: The joy expressed by an angelic choir occurs after Babylon’s destruction and before Christ returns to earth to set up the millennium kingdom. Complete salvation has come for God’s people. We see that:
  • Evil has run its course,
  • The Tribulation hour is concluding,
  • Christ is preparing to return with His saints to earth,
  • The world armies are about to be demolished, and their weapons remade into useful implements of peace per Isaiah 2:4.
  • Christ soon establishes His millennial kingdom upon the earth with its capital in Jerusalem.
  • Verse 2: God’s judgment is both proper and righteous, as evidenced by the destruction of Babylon. He has avenged the blood of His servants on her (Babylon). No amount of legislation could root out the evil so entrenched in society; the rot had gone too deep. Has entrenched corruption become a problem in our day? Is it too late for us to do something about it?
  • Verse 3: Rebellion has ended. The destruction of Babylon marked the end of human rule on earth. There is no more false religion or injustice.
  • Verses 4 thru 6: God is clearly in control. The 24 elders and the four living creatures (cherubim) now join the angels in the praise and rejoicing, then the redeemed in heaven join in to praise God for all He has done. With everyone in heaven singing, John heard it as the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters, like mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!”
  • Verses 7 thru 10: The Marriage of the Lamb is Completed. Now is the hour of Christ’s return to earth with His Bride (the Church). His honeymoon launches the 1,000-year reign on earth. A few notes:
  • The marriage takes place in heaven, not on earth.
  • The Bride prepares herself at the Judgment Seat of Christ in heaven before the wedding. Our lives on earth receive an in-depth review in the light of the Judgment Seat. Both events are time-consuming, taking 7-years during the Tribulation on earth.
  • At the moment of one’s conversion, they are adopted into the family of God and espoused to the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to live in the new believer as an engagement ring or earnest on Christ’s promise to return. For centuries, we have experienced a postponed wedding while the Bridegroom is preparing a place for us in heaven. We have the assurance that He will come again to rescue us during the Rapture from the Tribulation period.
  • Then the Bride returns to earth from heaven with her lover (the Lord Jesus Christ). The Savior is the Bridegroom because He is the Lamb of God.
The Bride and the Bridegroom Marriage

What is meant about the Bride preparing herself?

FIRST, the Bride is the Church which comprises those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ is the Bridegroom who sacrificially and lovingly chose the Church to be His Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). During this church age, the Bride remains separated from Christ, longing to be with Him in heaven. But for now, the Church is to remain faithful to Him until ushered into heaven. At the Rapture, the Church unites with the Bridegroom.

SECOND, the Bride “made herself ready.” During the Tribulation period, the Church has been preparing for the wedding in heaven. This preparation has been by God’s gracious work. She is a flawless, blameless virgin. God desires to give gifts to those that are His. The Bride has made herself ready in the power of God, by the grace of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12-13 and Colossians 1:29). Purged from all sin & impurity, she is flawless and blameless—John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 285.

THIRD, the Church must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, before the wedding, where one’s deeds or works get investigated. A person’s faith is not in question. Everyone receives the things done in their body, whether good or bad; refer to 2 Corinthians 5:10. Then in the fires of testing, all the works of Christians get evaluated. If the deeds remain through the fire, then a reward results. If any work burns, that person suffers a loss of rewards. Eternal salvation is never in question, for there is no condemnation for the believer. It is not a determination who will enter heaven. The sins of believers will not be an issue. Those who have trusted Christ now possess eternal life. Therefore, the judgment seat of Christ determines rewards for faithful service performed while on earth. 

The marriage of the Lamb will include a reception with many guests who join them to celebrate. The Bride and the Bridegroom are not the guests. Who, then, are the those in attendance at the Marriage Supper?

  • The guests include all believers before Pentecost and those following the Rapture (Tribulation saints).
  • The Bride (the Church) is composed of believers from the Day of Pentecost until the Rapture.
  • Jack Van Impe points out that the marriage occurs in heaven. But, the supper happens on earth, as portrayed by the ten virgins’ parable.

Once again, John is so overwhelmed by the prophecy that he bows his knee to the angel (or created creature) giving him the revelation. The angel quickly says, “Don’t do it. Angels are but ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). So we need to beware of any religion that honors or reveres angels – including the angel Moroni of Mormonism. We are only to worship GOD.

Verses 11 thru 16: Portrays the coming of Christ to earth, not the Rapture, but Christ coming with the saints. When the Lord reveals himself to the planet’s inhabitants, many will be confused by what they see and hear. 

  • Heaven opens, and John sees a white horse. The Lord Jesus Christ is seated on the white horse and has the title of “Faithful and True.” He is coming to earth to judge and make war on evil. He comes as a Conqueror and not as a servant. The white horse symbolizes the Rider’s spotless, unblemished, and absolute holy character. This opening of a door in heaven is the second opening that John records.
  • His eyes were “as a” flame of fire to pierce the darkness and purge the evil from the earth. Nothing escapes His notice. He sees through the sham and hypocrisy of men. He wears many crowns of royalty. He has a name written that no man knows but Himself. Only at the hour of His return will the unknown name be known. Until then, He alone knows this name and its meaning.
  • Christ, clothed with a vesture (or clothing) dipped in blood (a picture of the judgment He is bringing to earth), with the name “The Word of God.” The blood on His vesture is from previous battles. The Lord is a man of war! The war of Armageddon is His last one. He speaks, and His enemies are smitten where they stand.
  • The armies of heaven followed Him to earth. There are four divisions: the Bride (the Church), Tribulation saints, Old Testament saints, and the holy angels. These armies also ride on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. They carry no weapons. This army numbers in the millions upon millions. They are privileged to stand with Christ as He comes to execute judgment upon all the ungodly. Armageddon is their destination as they follow Christ. The time of reaping has arrived.
  • Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword. This sword is the Word of God. Christ and His Word alone smash the nations at Armageddon. Any rebellion is dealt with swiftly during His reign, representing ruling with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. The armies of heaven only observe as He immediately takes total control. Governing of the whole world is promised to believers as they represent Christ’s rule in the kingdom.
  • On Christ’s vesture and His thigh, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” is written. The thigh, which displays this title, symbolizes power. It is obvious who He is. But is the name on His thigh part of the garment He wears or a tattoo? We will know when we get there.
The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords

In verses 17 and 18: we hear of the results of Armageddon. An angel calls all the birds to come and feast upon the dead. There, on the plains of Megiddo, lay kings, captains, mighty men, horses, and those that sat upon them. Even after the birds have their fill, it takes months to bury the remaining bodies. So before the Marriage Supper of the Lamb becomes a reality, the supper of the great GOD occurs (i.e., the birds). 

In verses 19 and 20: All these people gathered together to make war against Christ and His heavenly armies. They failed swiftly in this attempt. We see Satan chained and placed into the bottomless pit for 1,000-years. The beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 

In verse 21, all those gathered at Armageddon get slain by the King; none spared. The battle has ended.

April 21, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , | Leave a comment