Revelation 19:1-21
Q.1. What is the theme of praise of the multitude in Heaven? How can they rejoice over the destruction of so many people? Who joins in the worship? – (Rev.19:1-6)
After all the destruction of the world and its systems, John hears an enormous heavenly choir of redeemed saints singing – Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God (Rev.19:1). Their earthly labours and trials have ended, and they enter into the glory of their Lord. They clearly see that – … His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her (Rev.19:2). They understand the perfect justice that God has exercised throughout history, and His – patience toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9). They rejoice that the great harlot that caused so much misery and bloodshed has been put out of business (Rev.19:3). They join the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures in worshipping God, Who sits on the throne (Rev.19:4). A rallying cry comes from the throne – Give praise to our God, all you His bondservants, you who fear Him, the small and the great (Rev.19:5). The hosts of Heaven proclaim with thunderous applause – Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns (Rev.19:6). What John described is utterly awe-inspiring. It has never been more apparent that the saints are on the victory side.
Q.2. Who qualifies for the marriage supper of the Lamb? Why is it such a blessing to be part of this feast? What is prophecy all about? – (Rev.19:7-10 c.f. Mt.22:1-14; Eph.5:32)
The only ones who gain entrance into the marriage supper of the Lamb are those who are washed in His blood and dressed in His robe of righteousness (Rev.19:7-8 c.f. Mt.22:11-14). However, the bright and clean linen cannot be counterfeited. It gives proof that they really belong – for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Rev.19:8 c.f. Eph.2:8-10). The fact that God chose any sinners at all, will forever remain a mystery. This act of grace is underscored by the angel’s message to John – Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev.19:9). John was completely overcome by this revelation and wanted to worship at the angel’s feet. However, he reminded John that all creatures in Heaven and on earth have been called to draw attention to Jesus … and not to themselves – For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev.19:10). Peter summed up the role of all the prophets in exactly the same way -10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven–things into which angels long to look (1 Pet.1:10-12). It is all about the Lion and the Lamb – Jesus.
Q.3. How awesome will Christ’s return to earth be? Who will accompany Him? What amazing names describe His character and dominion? – (Rev.19:11-16)
Jesus linked His public return to the events of the tribulation, with which John heartily agreed – 29 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory (Mt.24:29-30 c.f. Rev.6:12-17). This is the most dramatic vision in the whole Bible – 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God (Rev.19:11-13). History reveals the heart of God breaking for His rebellious creatures. He constantly takes the initiative to save rebel sinners, and His patience is amazing. However, now John sees the peerless Lord of glory in a threatening light – 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev.19:15-16). A study of the names He carries reveals how far He is above all others. The armies of heaven will follow Him – the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses (Rev.19:14). We will be part of the greatest victory parade in the history of the world.
Q.4. What makes a clean-up necessary? What led to the carnage? Where will the beast and false prophet end up? – Rev.19:17-21 c.f. Rev.16:13-21)
John had already reported unimaginable carnage on the worshippers of the antichrist – the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came up from the winepress of the wrath of God up to the horses’ bridle for a distance of 200 miles (Rev.14:20). Zechariah described a horrible plague (Zech.14:12). How will such a mess be cleaned up? Some of the nature documentaries of birds and animals on their migratory journey support what John was told -17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.” (Rev.19:17-18). It is hard to fathom the utter foolhardiness of the beast and the commanders of the nations, as they make war against Christ and His army (Rev.19:19)!? Their defeat is comprehensive – the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone (Rev.19:20). All the rest of His opponents were killed by the sword of His mouth, and their bodies provide a banquet for the birds of the air (Rev.19:21). However, this is not the end of the rebels of earth.