Revelation 19
Heaven Praises God and Rejoices
1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!" 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Observation:
What did John hear?
1a After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven,
What did the loud voice say?
1b saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
Why are they praising and rejoicing?
2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
Where did the voice come from?
5a Then a voice came from the throne,
What did the voice say?
5b saying, "Praise our God,
Whom this voice addressed?
5c all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!"
How many responded to this voice?
6a And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying,
What is their response?
6b "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
Whose marriage has come?
7a Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
Who is ready for the marriage?
7b and His wife has made herself ready."
What was granted to Lamb's wife?
8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
What this Angel asked John to write?
9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
What is John's response?
10a And I fell at his feet to worship him.
What is Angel's response?
10b But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Interpretation:
What did John hear?
1b After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven,
After what things John hear this loud voice?
(JC) Chapter 19 takes place after the destruction of Babylon—the political and commercial epicenter of the world.
Rev 19:2-4 answers this.
What did the loud voice say?
1b saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
What does Alleluia mean?
The word "Alleluia" or "Hallelujah" (from Hebrew הללויה), which at its most literal means "Praise Yahweh" (Yahweh means the name of God in the Bible. In English it is translated as the LORD) or “Praise Ye Jah/Yah (Jehovah/Yehovah)’.
In Old Testament especially Psalms and Judges we can see Praise Ye the LORD but Praise is one separate Hebrew word halal (Strong's: H1984) and Ye the LORD is separate Hebrew word Yahh (Strong's: H3050 Yĕhovah in short form) or Yĕhovah (Strong's: H3068). Alleluia means Praise Ye the LORD or Praise the LORD.
(JC) “Amen” means “so be it.” “Alleluia” means “praise the Lord.” Interestingly, “Amen” and “Alleluia” are the only universally known words. That is, they are understood in every language, by every culture. The elders—or mature ones—are those who say, “So be it. Praise the Lord.”
How many times the word Alleluia referred in the Bible?
Only 4 times in the entire Bible in this chapter Rev 19:1,3,4,6.
In Old Testament it is transliterated as "Praise Ye the LORD" and it appears 25 times in 24 verses .
Application: Why does Salvation belong to God? Does it not belong to us?
Eph 2:8-9 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Rev 2:13 - 12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
Read Hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith in Rev 2:13 for more details.
What are all things God is doing to bring humanity to His Kingdom? or How God draws people to Himself?
or How and When God gave this mustard seed like faith to humanity?
Even though we are dead because of our sins God has implanted the basic capacity (mustard seed like faith) to believe in Him while He formed us in our mothers womb. We are born sinners with instinct knowledge to know and believe/trust in true and living God.
Rom 1:18,19,24,2528 - 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened... 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.... 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Adam & Eve's sin introduce the knowledge to identify the good and evil:
Gen 3:22 - Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"--
Acts 17:26,27 - 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Rev 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Phil 1:6- being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Heb 12:2 - 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls
(JC) The world says there’s an alternative to salvation. They call it optimism. “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow,” they sing. “Inch by inch, anything’s a cinch,” they say. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me,” they declare—not realizing that nothing short of salvation will truly alter the tribulation that threatens them daily.
Why are they praising and rejoicing? or What are the three main reasons they are praising God?
Praising and rejoicing for True and righteous are His judgments
2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"
They are praising God in response to the angel's request in Rev 18:20.
Rev 18:20 - Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"
They are praising God for true and righteous judgments.
(WW) The song emphasizes God's attributes. which is the proper way to honor Him. We do not rejoice at the sinfulness of Babylon, or even the greatness of Babylon's fall. We rejoice that God is "true and righteous" (Rev. 15:3; 16:7; 18:6) and that He is glorified by His holy judgments.
As we discovered in Revelation 8:1-6, God's throne and altar are related to His judgments.
Revelation 19:8 should be compared with Revelation 14:10-11, and
Revelation 19:4 with Revelation 5:6-10.
How can anyone escape from His true and righteous judgment?
Rom 1:17 - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
How long the great Babylon's smoke rises up?
3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!"
This is going to be a monument in the earth during the Millennial reign of our Lord Jesus Christ and it stays forever and ever.
Why heaven is rejoicing when earth going through pain and suffering? Why loving God pour out His wrath on those who are in earth and allowing the people in heaven to rejoice?
(JC) The people on earth wail following the destruction of Babylon. But heaven rejoices. Why? Because, although the natural tendency of people is to say, “Wasn’t that a bit brutal, Lord? Did You really have to drop hundred-pound hailstones? Wouldn’t thirty-pounders have done the job? What are You doing, Lord? Why do You allow such difficulty, tragedy, pain?” chapter 19 shows us there is no such questioning in heaven. It’s not because there’s a “No Questioning Allowed” sign in heaven—but because in heaven, the full picture becomes clear. And that which seemed to be so terrible, painful, and unnecessary on earth will seem brilliant, perfect, and righteous from the vantage of heaven.
The same is true regarding trials in our lives presently. Why doesn’t the Lord just show us the whole story now? Because He is teaching you and me to walk by faith and not by sight. Why? Because He knows that developing faith in you and me is absolutely necessary in light of what we will be doing throughout eternity.
How to worship our God?
Read article about Worshiping our God that answers following questions ...
What is Worship means?
How often we need to Worship?
Why we need to Worship?
What Posture we need to use to worship?
Is this Posture is must/mandatory/important? Why today's church and we are not following if this or especially the fall down posture is must? Is it possible to worship continuously with these positions?
How we should not worship?
How to worship continuously?
Have you learnt to cast your crowns at the Savior’s feet already and experiencing the Lordship our Lord Jesus Christ? Is Jesus is just a friend or Lord?
Praising and Worship only Our Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ because our Lord God Omnipotent reigns
5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
Where did the voice come from?
5a Then a voice came from the throne,
What did the voice say?
5b saying, "Praise our God,
To whom did this voice address?
5c all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!"
Whose voice is this?
Since this voice coming from throne and asking to Praise God so this voice could be Jesus Christ asking His followers to Praise our God the Father.
Or this voice could be one of the four living creature, Cherubim, Seraphim, the twenty four Elders or Angels serving God near/around the throne.
How many responded to this voice?
6a And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude,
How their voice sounds like?
6b as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying,
Whose voice sounds like many waters and loud thunder? or Did you hear similar sound anywhere else in the Book of Revelation?
Jesus Voice
Rev 1:15 - His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
Rev 14:2 - And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
What is their response?
6c "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
What does Omnipotent mean?
Omnipotent means Almighty.
Read the topic The Almighty in Rev 1:8.
(Greek - pantokrater - which literally means “the one who has his hand on everything.”) - God’s sovereignty - All Powerful – Infinite in Power.
Almighty appears 10 times in New Testament. Only in Rev 19:6 it is translated as Omnipotent. Except 2 Cor 6:18 all other references are in Revelation (Rev 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22)
What does "For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" mean?
(Warren Wiersbe) The literal translation is, "The Lord God omnipotent has begun to reign."
This does not suggest that heaven's throne has been empty or inactive, because that is not the case.
The Book of Revelation is the "book of the throne," and the omnipotent God has indeed been accomplishing His purposes on earth.
This burst of praise is an echo of Psalm 97:1—"The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice!"
God has been reigning on the throne of heaven, but He is now about to conquer the thrones of earth as well as the kingdom of Satan and "the beast."
In His sovereignty, He has permitted evil men and evil angels to do their worst; but now the time has come for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Today/Now Our Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings reigning from Heaven.
(Warren Wiersbe) However, we must not incorrectly assume that our Lord is not reigning today, because He is...
According to Hebrews 7:1-2, Jesus Christ is "King of Righteousness" and "King of Peace."
He is enthroned with the Father (Rev 3:21), and
He will reign until He defeats all His foes (1 Cor 15:25).
Today, He rules over a spiritual kingdom; but
In that future day, He will reign over the nations of the world and rule with a rod of iron.
In future Jesus will start His reign literally during the middle of Great Tribulation i.e. middle of last 7 year period just before His 2nd coming, continue reign forever and ever after He comes back 2nd time to the Earth.
Rev 11:15 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Rev 19:6 - And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
Rev 19:16 - And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Rev 11:15c - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Read Kingdom of this World Vs Kingdom of God topic to understand better by getting answers to questions such as
To Whom this kingdom of world belongs to now?
Is it not the kingdoms of this world now belongs to our Lord?
Is it not Jesus Christ now reign this world forever and ever?
To Whom God delivered this world?....
(Warren Wiersbe) Domitian was emperor of Rome when John was on Patmos. and one of his assumed titles was "Lord and God." How significant it must have been, then, to John's readers that he used the word alleluia four times in the first six verses of this chapter—truly, only Jehovah is worthy of worship and praise.
Does this verse reminds you a popular/famous song?
Handel’s inspired and glorious Hallelujah Chorus draws from this text Revelation 19:6; 11:15; and 19:16
Rev 19:6 - And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
Rev 11:15 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
Rev 19:16 - And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Handel's Messiah (HWV 56)[1] is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the Psalms
Hallelujah Chorus Hymn
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Application:
How is your Praise and worship life?
(DG) This is obviously loud, enthusiastic praise. While it is certainly possible to make praise and worship a self-indulgent focus on our feelings or a disorderly expression of the flesh, there is nothing wrong with loud, enthusiastic praise. And while there is something precious and irreplaceable about quiet times alone with God, there is also something absolutely thrilling about a large number of Christians worshipping God with sincere enthusiasm.
(Spurgeon) “We ought not to worship God in a half-hearted sort of way; as if it were now our duty to bless God, but we felt it to be a weary business, and we would get it through as quickly as we could, and have done with it; and the sooner the better. No, no; ‘All that is within me, bless his holy name.’ Come, my heart, wake up, and summon all the powers which wait upon thee! Mechanical worship is easy, but worthless. Come rouse yourself, my brother! Rouse thyself, O my own soul!”
(Spurgeon) “All Christian duties should be done joyfully; but especially the work of praising the Lord. I have been in congregations where the tune was dolorous to the very last degree; where the time was so dreadfully slow that one wondered whether they would ever be able to sing through the 119 Psalm; whether, to use Watt’s expression, eternity would not be too short from them to get through it; and altogether, the spirit of the people has seemed to be so damp, so heavy, so dead, that we might have supposed that they were met to prepare their minds for a hanging rather than for blessing the ever-gracious God.”
(Spurgeon) “Heaven is always heaven, and unspeakably full of blessedness; but even heaven has its holidays, even bliss has its overflowings; and on that day when the springtide of the infinite ocean of joy shall have come, what a measureless flood of delight shall overflow the souls of all glorified spirits . . . We do not know yet, beloved, of what happiness we are capable.”
Is He reigning in your heart now?
Are you allowing Him to reign your heart?
Are you enjoying His reign?
(WW) No matter how difficult the circumstances might be, or how defeated God's people may think they are, Jesus Christ is still King of kings and Lord of Lords, and He is in control. One day, we shall triumph!
Shall we praise Our Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ by listening and/or singing Alleluia Chorus?
Praising and rejoicing for the marriage of the Lamb has come
7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
To understand this passage better we need to know and understand the Jewish Marriage Customs.
What is Jewish Marriage customs? or Explain the Jewish Marriage customs or Explain how Jewish Marriage happens?
Read Jewish Marriage Customs by Dr. Renald Showers and The Wedding Feast by John Courson and understand following details.
Engagement
Boy's and Girl's Parents fix the marriage at their age of 2-3.
Betrothal
Around young ladies age of 12-14 bridegroom meets the bride,
Parents finalize the purchase price for the bride (mohar) (Bridegroom father pays dowry to bride's father)
Jacob chose his own bride, he paid for her himself with seven years’ labor (Genesis 29:18). “He who marries my daughter must conquer the enemy city of Kirjath-sepher,” declared Caleb. Othniel took the challenge and won (see Joshua 15:16, 17).
A Gentile named Shechem who fell in love with Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, was informed her price would be the circumcision of himself and all of the men in his city as a sign of identification with the Jews (Genesis 34:15, 16).
A portion of the bride price would go to the bride to use as security in the event she was widowed or divorced. This explains why Rachel and Leah accused their uncle, Laban, of “devouring their money” (see Genesis 31:15).
1 Cor 6:20 -18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was thereby established, and the young man and woman were regarded to be husband and wife.
As a symbol of the covenant relationship that had been established, the groom and bride would drink wine from the same cup over which a betrothal benediction had been pronounced.
From that moment on the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified, set apart exclusively for her bridegroom. For any reason if they want to separate it will happen only by divorce only if any unfaithfulness act such as sex before betrothal with some one else (fornication) - Matt 1:19.
For the following year, the couple would not drink of the vine nor live together - Matt 26:29.
The bride would begin to wear a veil, signifying that she was “taken.”
From this point onward bride and bridegroom will not meet until their marriage for one year. This is called the period of separation. - 2 Thes 2:13; 1 Cor 6:18-20
During this time bridegroom goes to build a room in his fathers house – John 14:2-3.
During this time bride goes to prepare the wedding garment and get ready to leave their parents to join with her groom.
Bride knows the season but did not know the exact hour when bridegroom will come and pick her up for the wedding.
Marriage/Wedding
Once the bridegroom finishes his building project and at the end of the period of separation the groom would come to take his fiancé/bride to live with him.
The taking of the bride usually took place at night. The groom, best man and other male escorts would leave the groom's father's house and conduct a torch light procession to the home of the bride.
Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the exact time of his coming.
As a result the groom's arrival would be preceded by a shout. This shout would forewarn the bride to be prepared for the coming of the groom.
Upon hearing this shout the bride has to leave the home and go with bridegroom - 1 Thes 4:16,17; Matt 24:36-44 (Rapture)
Bridegroom takes the bride to his father's house where their wedding guest are waiting for their arrival – John 14:2-3; Is 26:20-21; Rev 4; Rev 5; Rev 6:10-11.
Shortly after arrival the bride and groom would be escorted by the other members of the wedding party to the bridal chamber (huppah).
Prior to entering the chamber the bride remained veiled so that no one could see her face.
While the groomsmen and bridesmaids would wait outside, the bride and groom would enter the bridal chamber alone.
There in the privacy of that place they would enter into physical union for the first time, there by consummating the marriage that had been covenanted earlier.
After the marriage was consummated, the groom would announce the consummation to the other members of the wedding party waiting outside the chamber – John 3:29.
These people would pass on the news of the marital union to the wedding guests.
Upon receiving this good news the wedding guests would feast and make merry for the next seven days.
During the seven days of the wedding festivities, which were sometimes called "the seven days of the huppah," the bride remained hidden in the bridal chamber – Is 26:20-21; Rev 6:10-11; Rev 6-19:9.
At the conclusion of these seven days the groom would bring his bride out of the bridal chamber, now with her veil removed, so that all could see who his bride was.
Then they have the big feast called Marriage Supper - Rev 19:7-9.
Whose marriage has come?
7a Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
Who is the Lamb?
Jesus Christ is the Lamb.
Read Who is the Lamb? topic in Rev 5:6.
Who is ready for the marriage?
7b and His wife has made herself ready."
Who is the Lamb's wife?
Does Lamb's wife include all the saints from the creation (Adam) till the destruction of the Babylon the great (Rev 18:4)?
It is easy to say that Lamb's wife includes all saints but when you closely observe then you will able to differentiate.
It is very important for the further study.
Read Who are all those invited or called for the marriage supper of the Lamb? topic below for more details.
Let us dig into this in detail:
The New Jerusalem is called as the Lamb's wife - Rev 21:9,10
Rev 21:9-10 - 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
The New Jerusalem come to existance after this marriage event so here Lamb's wife is not New Jerusalem.
Here it is clear says that these are humans and also saints:
Rev 19:8 - 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Before Jesus Christ 1st coming in the Old Testament, the believers in God, Saints or Israel are presented as God’s wife, who is often unfaithful (Hosea 2:19-20, Isaiah 54:5, Ezekiel 16).
These are called Old Testament Saints, God's wife or God's elect.
After Jesus Christ 1st coming in the New Testament, the believers in Christ are presented as the fiancé of Jesus, waiting for this day of marriage (2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:25-32).
The believers in Christ during this time are called the Church or the bride/fiancé of the bridegroom Jesus Christ.
Once the Church is taken up or raptured to heaven as referred in 1 Thes 4:16-17 there are many accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during this Great Tribulation period.
These are not called the church but they are called saints during the Great Tribulation period or in general called the Great Tribulation Saints.
Rev 13:9 makes it clear that Church is not there during the Great Tribulation time because the same phrase used in Rev 2 & 3 refers to the churches but the saints during Great Tribulation are not referred as Church.
Rev 13:9- If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
Rev 2:7- He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '
Therefore here since the wife is referred to be saints so the Lamb/Jesus wife is the believers in Christ or the Church. In other words the Church is the fiancé/bride/wife of the Lamb/Jesus Christ.
(WW) The bride, of course, is the church (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-33); and Jesus Christ, the Lamb, is the Bridegroom (John 3:29).
At a wedding, it is customary to focus attention on the bride; but in this case, it is the Bridegroom who receives the honor! "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him."
Read Who are all those invited or called for the marriage supper of the Lamb? topic below for more details.
(Spurgeon) On that day, everyone will see the church for what she really is: the precious bride of Jesus. “The Bride of Christ is a sort of Cinderella now, sitting among the ashes. She is like her Lord, ‘despised and rejected of men’; the watchmen smite her, and take away her veil from her; for they know her not, even as they knew not her Lord. But when he shall appear, then shall she appear also, and in his glorious manifestation she also shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of the Father.”
2 Cor 11:2 - For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
John 3:29 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
Eph 5:22-33 - 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
When did the Lamb's wife get betrothed with the Lamb?
Jesus betrothed all the believers in Christ or the Church when He came to this earth 1st time and establish the new covenant by His blood through communion.
Luke 22:14-20 - 14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
Matt 9:15 - And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Why does this marriage supper event happens after a long period?
After the Church raptured and taken into heaven as the Lamb's wife the Church will be in heaven very close to Jesus Christ for 7 years.
Church will rest in Heaven with the Father and Jesus Christ and watch all that happens in earth:
Rev 6:10-11 - 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Is 26:20-21 - 20 Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. 21 For behold, the Lord comes out of His place To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain.
Where does this marriage supper event happens?
Marriage supper happens in heaven. Only after this long waited marriage supper they all come to this earth to rule and reign with Jesus Christ.
Rev 19:14 - 11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Jude 14 - Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,
When does this marriage supper event happens?
In heaven just before they come to earth with Jesus Christ to rule and reign with Jesus Christ.
Rev 19:14 - And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Who are all those invited or called for the marriage supper of the Lamb?
9a Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'
(WW) Certainly the bride is not invited to her own wedding! This invitation goes out to the guests, believers from the Old Testament era and the Tribulation. During the eternal state, no distinctions will be made among the people of God; but in the Kingdom Age, differences will still exist as the church reigns with Christ and as Israel enjoys the promised messianic blessings.
Why this marriage supper of the Lamb is blessed or important?
9a Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'
In general the Marriage Supper is the grand occasion/event in the Jewish Marriage Customs.
This is also the long waited occasion even Jesus long waited for this as in Matt 26:29.
(DG) Blessed indeed; Jesus Himself eagerly anticipates this marriage supper. He spoke longingly of the day when He will drink of the fruit of the vine again, with His disciples in the kingdom (Matthew 26:29).
In Jewish culture, the marriage supper was the best banquet or party anyone knew; it always was an occasion of tremendous joy. According to Rabbinical teaching, obedience to the commandments was suspended during a wedding celebration if obeying a commandment might lessen the joy of the occasion.
(WW) Revelation 19:9 contains the fourth of the seven "beatitudes" found in the book.
Read List all Blessings in the Book of Revelation for more blessings.
Application:
Are you betrothed with Jesus Christ by just believing and entering into His new covenant relationship?
John 3:5 - 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
John 3:16 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Are we ready to meet with the Lord in the air in His trumpet sound?
(DG) Paul spoke of his desire that Christians would be presented before the Lord pure: For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2) This should be the desire of every Christian worker.
1 Thes 4:16,17 - 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
What was granted to Lamb's wife?
8a And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright,
(Johnson) In this perfect union with Jesus, His people will be clean and bright before Him. “Clean (katharos) reflects purity, loyalty and faithfulness, the character of the New Jerusalem . . . Bright (lampros) is the color of radiant whiteness that depicts glorification.”
What is the color of this fine linen?
Its color is white.
NLT: Rev 19:8 - She is permitted to wear the finest white linen." (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)
Rev 19:14 - And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Is this fine linen is earned or given to saints as gift? or Who gave this fine linen?
NIV: Rev 19:8 - Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
Rev 6:11 - 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Rev 16:15 - "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
What does fine linen represent here?
8b for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
What righteous acts these saints did to receive this fine linen?
Go through following Application and Summary that provides more detail answer to this question What righteous acts these saints did to receive this fine linen?.
Application:
What to do to enter the Kingdom of God? or What to do to become a Christian?
or What righteous act the saints did to become His bride or to receive this fine linen?
(JC) In the Book of Isaiah, we see what “the righteousness of saints” is.… I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 It’s not my righteousness that saves me, for Isaiah goes on to say that my righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). No, it’s the robe of righteousness the Lord places around me that affords me entrance to the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.
John 3:5 - 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
John 3:16 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 6:28-29 - 28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
How to continue or live a Christian life?
Do you need to start obeying God given law or commandments to keep/protect the Salvation?
or Just relax and enjoy God's blessings by just claiming the promises?
Let us see what the Bible says about this in detail:
Receive God's Righteousness by Faith and continue in your Faith to maintain God's Righteousness.
NLT: Romans 1:17 - This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Word of God says walk by faith:
James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2 Cor 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Why to live or walk by faith?
God Saved believers with specific/unique purpose for each one of the believers.
Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
NLT:Eph 2:10 - For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
2Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
God expects us to complete this task with His help:
NIV: Revelation 3:2 - Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God
To accomplish this God's purpose for us we need to walk in faith.
How to live or walk by faith?
God is not expecting us to fulfill or complete this purpose by our own strength but with the mighty power, leading/guidance of our God:
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
Galatians started the Christian life by the power of the God's Holy Spirit:
Gal 3:3 - 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Start the Christian life in the Holy Spirit and continue walk in the Spirit:
Gal 5:16-26 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
How to live or walk in the Spirit?
Deny our self.
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Fill the self less heart with the knowledge of Almighty God Jesus Christ. Know Jesus personally and develop the love relationship to understand His communication:
Matt 11:29 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
2 Peter 1:2-10 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
How our Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ help us to stay/continue live in faith?
Allow our Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ to work in us:
(DG) There is much for us to do, but it is ultimately a work God does in us (Ephesians 5:25-27). This point is emphasized when John notes, to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright.
Believers are created for divinely prepared good works. These “righteousnesses” (righteous acts) are what fill the “hope chest” of the bride of Jesus.
Eph 5:25-27 - 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Yield/listen to the Holy Spirit. Train yourself to listen to the voice of our God.
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
Obey the Holy Spirit leading by faith with the power and help of God or Allowed God to work in them.
Gal 5:16-26 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
NLT: Gal 5:24,25 - 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
2 Cor 3:17-18 - 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Rom 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Heb 13:20-21 - 20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Summary:
What righteous acts these saints did to receive this fine linen?
Following are the righteous acts/deeds Lamb's wife or Saints did while they are in the earth:
Believed in Jesus Christ and received the Holy Spirit.
Walk by the Holy Spirit or Continued the Christian life as per the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Denied their self. Once they emptied them self they they have any plan to proceed further in their life. So they did the following:
Filled their self less heart with the knowledge of Almighty God Jesus Christ. Know Jesus personally and develop the love relationship to understand His communication.
Yield/listen to the Holy Spirit leading/voice.
Obeyed the Holy Spirit leading by faith with the power and help of God or Allowed God to work in them..
Are these sayings are True?
9b And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
Rev 21:5 - Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
Rev 22:6-7 - 6 Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 7 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Who is the author of this book?
God -> Jesus Christ -> Angel -> John -> 7 Churches in Asia Minor - Rev1:4,11, -> All Believers Rev 2 & 3
Rev 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."
Application:
Does the whole Bible has true sayings?
Yes.
Relative truth are such as winter is very cold in northern region of the earth such as place like Chicago at the same time winter is not very cold in Southern region of the earth such as place like Houston.
The Bible has truth not only of Jewish but to whole humanity in the earth. So, it is a absolute truth.
Why Jesus came to this world?
The main reason Jesus came to this world is to testify the truth:
John 18:37 - 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." 38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all.
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 1:1-3 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
What truth Jesus testifies?
God is Real! He proves by revealing the nature of the Father God.
John 1:1,14 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men......13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:7-11 - 7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." 8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Read "The faithful witness" section in the Rev 1:5 notes
Rev 1:5a - and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
Is there any name Jesus has that relates to this fact "faithful and true"?
Yes. Since Jesus reveals the truth and faithfully came to proves/testifies so, Jesus is called Faithful and True.
Rev 19:11 - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Jesus is the Faithful and True Witness, and this is a contrast to the Laodiceans, who will be shown to be neither faithful nor true.
Rev 3:14 - "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Who is the author of the Bible and who compiled/edited the Bible?
The Bible we use is not compiled by people it is straight from God through the prophets and apostles.
God is the author and He inspired the believers of Christ while they read by the power of His Holy Spirit. History proves that even the order of the books in the Bible are ordained by our Almighty God Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 3:16-17 - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Pet 1:20-21 - 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Rev 19:9b - And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
Rev 22:6-7 - 6 Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 7 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Did God revealed every truth to all believers in all period (OT believers, the Church and Tribulation Saints)?
God didn't reveal the Good News/Gospel to the Old Testament saints/believers but He has revealed to us:
1 Cor 2:9-12 - 9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
God didn't explain the End Time Prophesy to Daniel and the OT saints/believers but He has revealed to us:
Dan 12:1-4,8,9-13 - 4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.".
... 8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?" 9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Rev 22:10 - And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
God still didn't reveal certain truth to any believers. These are kept as suspense so that we can see and understand when we meet with Him face to face in heaven.
Rev 10:4 - Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."
We know our God is the Triune God (i.e. God in three person). In New Testament God provided enough truth to believe in this Triune nature of God but God didn't provide us details to understand/comprehend the Trinity.
Genesis 1:26 - Then God (means Elohim in Hebrew - 2 or more - Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. It is plural form of El means God) said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
John 1:1-3 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Col 1:16 - 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Are we capable of identify the truth? Does human beings has capacity to identify the truth after fall?
Adam and Eve's sin opens their eyes to know the good and evil:
Gen 3:4 - Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Gen 3:22 - 22 Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"-- 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.
God also put this capacity within us to identify the truth some they suppress the truth by their self/unrighteousness.
Rom 1:18,19,21 - 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened
Is there any error in the Bible especially very old version King James Version?
There is no single error in the Bible because God is the author of the Bible. Even in initial English King James translation there is now error.
How many books are in the Bible?
66 Books (39 Old Testament + 27 New Testament books).
How many chapters are in Isaiah?
66 Chapters. Isaiah is the miniature Bible:
Chapter 1-39 mostly covers the History
Chapter 40 starts with John the Baptist prophesy prepares the way of the LORD.
Is 40:3 - 1 "Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" Says your God. 2 "Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord's hand Double for all her sins." 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God
Chapter 40-66 mostly focuses on the Prophesy to be fulfilled.
Signature of God: In Hebrew original manuscript God's name Yahweh spelled out one character at a time in equi distance in the entire book of Isaiah.
What verse is the center of the Bible?
Ps 118:8 - It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.
Do you believe in the Bible because it is truth or Do you believe because you born on brought up that way or Do you believe because you had experienced the supernatural work of God?
Your answer make lot of difference in walk with the Lord.
For any reason if you are not sure that the Bible is true then meditate on these verses and dig into resources provided by God that provides the validity and authenticity of the Bible.
Make sure you believe in the Bible because it the TRUTH.
What are the advantage of learning and understanding all the truth in the Bible for Christians? or How the Word of God helpful for Christians to grow in the Lord?
2 Peter 1:2-10 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
NLT: 2 Peter 1:2-11 - 2 May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. 3 As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! 4 And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature. 5 So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. 6 Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. 7 Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away. 11 And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Warning: Do not worship the Angel or any human being but only God
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
NLT: 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, "No, don't worship me. For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus."
What is the response of John upon hearing all these mega Praise and Worship?
10a And I fell at his feet to worship him.
(WW) John was so overwhelmed by all of this that he fell down to worship the angel who was guiding him.
Did John repeats this again?
Yes, John repeats this again in Revelation 22:8-9
Rev 22:8-9 - 7 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." 8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
Is falling on the feet is the worship posture?
God sees our heart...
1 Sam 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Posture varies from culture to culture. Bible also talks about few postures. For more details read this Worshiping our God article that covers...
What is Worship means?
..... The time that we spend on anything that takes away our personal time with the Lord means that we worship that thing.....
How often we need to Worship?
Why we need to Worship?
What Posture we need to use to worship?
Is this Posture is must/mandatory/important? Why today's church and we are not following if this or especially the fall down posture is must? Is it possible to worship continuously with these positions?
How we should not worship?
How to worship continuously?
Have you learnt to cast your crowns at the Savior’s feet already and experiencing the Lordship our Lord Jesus Christ? Is Jesus is just a friend or Lord?
What did Angel say to John not to do? or Is it ok to worship Angels?
10b But he said to me, "See that you do not do that!
NLT: 10b but he said, "No, don't worship me.
(WW) Of course, worshiping angels is wrong (Col. 2:18) and John knew this. We must take into account the tremendous emotional content of John's experience.
Col 2:18 - 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
Why? or Who is angel to the saints?
10c I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus.
NTL: 10c - For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus."
(DG) There are important differences between humans and angels, but both are servants of the same Lord.
(WW) Like John himself, this angel was only a servant of God (Heb. 1:14).
Is there any more responsibility angels has in relation to us?
Angels are not only servants of God they also server the saints/believer.
Rev 22:9 - 8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, "See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
Heb. 1:14 - 13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
NLT: Heb. 1:14 - 13 And God never said to an angel, as he did to his Son, "Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." 14 But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation.
What did Angel say to John to do? or Whom we need to worship?
10d Worship God!
Application:
How this is practically applicable to us in our daily life? or Examine yourself how you are worshiping something other than God?
What is Worship means?
..... The time that we spend on anything that takes away our personal time with the Lord means that we worship that thing.....
For more details read this Worshiping our God article...
We may not worship explicitly any idol but....
Worship worldly heroes
Worship boss/manager to secure the job. We need to submit to boss but should not worship.
Worship job to secure the job. We need to be sincere, committed, trust worthy,... in our work but should not worship.
Worship preacher/prophet.
Worship loved ones....
Worship loved things...
Is it ok to worship God's Servants/Ministers?
No, we should not worship God's servants/Ministers.
Is it ok for the believers in Christ to accept worship? or Is it ok for any human beings to accept worship?
No we should not accept worship because we are not worthy of worship.
Acts 10:25-26 - 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."
Acts 14:11-15 - 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.
Who is worthy to worship among human beings?
No one except Jesus Christ.
Only Jesus Christ is worthy to worship because He is God.
Did Jesus accept worship while He was in the earth?
Matthew 15:8,9, Mark 7:6-7 - 6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
Matt 2:11 - And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matt 8:2 - And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
Matt 9:18 - While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live."
Matt 14:33 - Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
Matt 15:25 - Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!"
Matt 28:9 - And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.
Matt 28:17 - When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
Luke 5:8 - 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men."
John 20:28 - 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Read Jesus Accepted Worship topic for more details.
Is it ok to worship anything other than God?
We should not worship anything other than God.
Only God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) alone we should worship.
Exodus 20:3-7 - 3 You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. 7 "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
What more did the angel say to John? or
What is the spirit of the prophecy means?
10e For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
NLT: 10e For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.
New Living Translation translates this as the essence of prophecy.
The Living Bible translates this as the purpose of prophecy.
So, this means "goal/essence/purpose of prophecy"
Why did the angel tell this to John?
10e For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
NLT: 10e For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.
What is the main purpose/essence/goal of the prophecy?
The purpose of any prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
John 5:39 - 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
(Hocking) The true spirit of prophecy always shows itself in bearing witness to Jesus. “Any teaching of prophecy that takes our minds and hearts away from Him is not being properly communicated.”
(Walvoord) “This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
What is this called?
This is called forth telling. Telling forth the word of God or message from God.
What is the difference between forth telling and foretelling?
Actually, foretelling and forth telling are two different things. To foretell is to tell something of the future, yes. But to forth telling is to give a message from God; not specifically about the future; just something from God. i.e., Jonah and the Ninevites; John the Baptist telling people to repent.
Does foretelling "testify of Jesus"?
Yes, Jesus reveals His future plan to us.
NIV: Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Both forth telling and foretelling is called Prophecy because both testify Jesus Christ.
Where the Prophesy originates from?
Prophesy never originate from people/us. If it originate from us then it is not prophesy.
Jer 27:14-15 - 14 Therefore do not listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon,' for they prophesy a lie to you; 15 for I have not sent them," says the Lord, "yet they prophesy a lie in My name, that I may drive you out, and that you may perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you."
Prophesy always originate from our God.
2 Pet 1:21 - 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Daniel 2:47 - The king answered Daniel, and said, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret."
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
Because this angel reminding John that do not worship me because I didn't prophecy this but God is prophesying through me.
This angel didn't prophecy by his own will but prophecy originates from God and the prophecy is always about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Why can't God do things without revealing to His people? Or
Why God Prophesy/Reveal things to believers/saints before He accomplish/fulfill/perform it?
For our benefits. Due to His love towards us......
By this way He keep on proving that He is God and we are not.
He keep on reveals His Nature/Attributes such as
Omnipotent/All Powerful/Almighty/Sovereign Power,
Omniscient/All Knowing
That is why He is God we are not.
Does God do anything without revealing to His people?
NO.
Amos 3:7 - Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
NLT: Amos 3:7 - Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
These are few more reasons our God alone is worthy to be Praised and Worship
Who alone are worthy to be praised and worshiped?
Only Our God alone is worthy to be worshiped.
Rev 4:11 - 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created."
Rev 5:9,10,13 - 8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
"You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth."
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice:
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!"
13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
"Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
14 Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
Jesus 2nd Coming
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Observation:
What did John see?
11a Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.
How was the man who sat on the white horse called?
11b And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True,
How was the man who sat on the white horse described?
12a His eyes were like a flame of fire, and
12b on His head were many crowns.
15a Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
13a He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood,
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
What are all the names referred to the man who sat on the white horse?
11b And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True,
12c He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
13b and His name is called The Word of God.
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Who are all following the man who sat on the white horse?
14 And the armies in heaven,
What are the armies in heaven wearing?
14b clothed in fine linen, white and clean,
How the armies in heaven are coming to this earth?
14c followed Him on white horses.
What are all things He will do?
11c and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
15a Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
15c He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
15b And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.
Interpretation:
Answer the following questions with valid references/proof:
Why this passage is so important that we need to answer with valid references/proof?
Since this is prophesy given to John some believe most of these events are already fulfilled, some believe these are fulfilling right now, some strongly believe based on many scriptural evidence that these events are yet to be fulfilled.
Here Jesus coming to this earth is literal. It cannot be spiritualized or symbolized.
The Millennialism article explains following four main eschatological systems in detail.
Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, Dispensational Premillennialism
So, always read through the Bible and look for valid references that helps you understand God and His overall plan. Do not try to interpret based on what you believe. Allow God to work in you and may God enlighten you and teaches you through His Holy Spirit.
Who is He who rides on the white horse?
Based on His names, the Crowns He wear, the deeds He is doing, the place from where He is coming and the horse color that He rides there is no doubt that He is Jesus Christ.
Let us see few important references that points to Jesus Christ:
Where He is coming from?
11a Now I saw heaven opened, and
Does the white horse signifies anything? or Is there any significance to the White Horse?
(DG) When Jesus comes, He comes on a white horse. In Biblical times, especially among Israel, most soldiers were foot soldiers. To have a horse in battle was a significant advantage. A horse spoke of honor, of power, and of speed; the color of this horse speaks of victory.
What is He wearing on His head?
He wear many crowns on His head:
12b on His head were many crowns.
In what material these crowns are made up of? Who wears this in general?
It is made up of gold and also wore only by kings so it is called as Royal Diadem.
(DG) The ancient Greek word used for crowns here is the diadema, the crown of royalty and authority, not the stephanos, the crown of achievement.
Greek Word used for crown is diadēma (Strongs: G1238) and in English it is diadem or crown.
a blue band marked with white which Persian kings used to bind on the turban or tiara
the kingly ornament for the head, the crown
This is referred 3 places in the New Testament Bible. All the three references are in Revelation:
Rev 12:3 - And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems (KJV: crowns) on his heads
Rev 13:1 - Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name
Rev 19:12 - His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
Isaiah 28:5 - In that day the Lord of hosts will be For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty To the remnant of His people,
Isaiah 62:3 - You shall also be a crown of glory In the hand of the Lord, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God.
His name is "The Word of God"
13b and His name is called The Word of God.
(WW) "The Word of God" is one of the familiar names of our Lord in Scripture (John 1:1-14). Just as we reveal our minds and hearts to others by our words, so the Father reveals Himself to us through His Son, the incarnate Word (Rev. 14:7-11). A word is made up of letters, and Jesus Christ is "Alpha and Omega" (Rev. 21:6: 22:13). He is the "divine alphabet" of God's revelation to us.
John 1:1-3;14,17 - 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made............................ 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth...................... 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Rev 19:15a Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
What is this sharp sword that comes out of His mouth?
13b and His name is called The Word of God.
(WW) The sharp sword is a symbol of God's Word (Rev. 19:21; see also Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12: Rev. 1:16).
Heb. 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
His name is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS:
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
(WW) Christ's most important name is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:16). This is His victorious name (Rev. 17:14), and it brings to mind references such as Daniel 2:47 and Deuteronomy 10:17. Paul used this same title for our Lord Jesus Christ in 1 Timothy 6:15. The title speaks of Christ's sovereignty, for all kings and lords must submit to Him. No matter who was on the throne of the Roman Empire, Jesus Christ was his King and Lord!
Rev 17:14 - These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
Dan 2:47 - The king answered Daniel, and said, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret."
Deut 10:17 - For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe
1 Tim 6:15 - 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate (Sovereign), the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
NIV: 1 Tim 6:15 - 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
Rev 11:15 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
(Seiss) “It does not mean the leavening of existing governments with Christian principles, the spiritual conversion of countries and empires, leaving them in existence, and simply Christianizing them so as to exhibit something of Christ’s spirit in their administrations; but the total displacement of all this world’s sovereigns and governments, the taking of all dominion and authority out of their hands and putting it in the hands of Christ, as the true and only King of the world.”
He will rule them with a rod of iron:
15b And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.
(WW) We have met with the "rod of iron" before (Rev. 2:27; 12:5) a symbol of His justice as He rules over the earth.
Rev 12:5 - She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
All the believers in Christ and God will also rule and reign with Jesus Christ. He gave this promise to Thyatira believers:
Rev 2:27 - 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
(DG) Jesus comes to rule and to reign in triumph, to rule the nations with a rod of iron as predicted in Psalm 2. He comes as King of Kings to displace every king reigning on this earth.
Psalms 2:8, 9 - 6 "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." 7 "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.'"
Is there anyone came in white horse to conquer?
Yes, one person rides the white horse and conquering people in Revelation 6:2
Rev 6:2 - And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Find out the major difference by comparing these two persons who rides on the white horse:
Jesus Christ wears many crowns/diadem, the crown of royalty and authority, whereas Antichrist wear the stephanos, the crown of achievement.
Jesus Christ comes with the Word of God to conquer the world, whereas Antichrist conquer the world with bow without arrow.
Jesus Christ rule and reigns forever and ever, whereas to Antichrist limited time has given to rule/deceive the world.
(WW) The rider on the white horse (Rev. 6:2) is the false/Anti Christ, but this Rider is the true/Jesus Christ.
Where Jesus is coming 2nd time?
To Earth based on details provided in What two main things Jesus will do after His 2nd coming?
Didn't Jesus come already? or Did He not come already?
Yes, Jesus came first time to preach the Good News (Gospel), Save, deliver, heal and to proclaim the everlasting Kingdom to those who believe in Him and God.
What are all the major things Jesus did in His 1st coming? or Provide a reference that summarizes His work.
Luke 4:16-21 - 16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Is 61:1,2 - 1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn
What are all the major prophesies Jesus yet to fulfill?
As Jesus read He initiated the fulfillment of these prophesies while He was in this earth and it continued fulfilling through His disciples to the ends of the earth. At the same time Jesus also keep proclaiming about the Kingdom of God and His 2nd coming.
Is 61:2b-4 - 1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." 4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.
Dan 2:34-35,44 - 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 36 "This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king................ 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold--the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure."
Dan 9:24 - "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy. (NLT: Holy Place)
Are the prophesies given during OT period and the prophesies given here in Revelation matches or shares the same matter?
Yes. Both talks about the God's Wrath/Vengeance/Judgment and establishment of God's Kingdom hear in this earth. For more details read What two main things Jesus will do after His 2nd coming?
Will Jesus fulfill these events/promises after His 2nd coming?
11c And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True,
Yes, as Jesus has promised about His 2nd coming He is faithful and True to fulfill His promise. For this reason Jesus is called Faithful and True.
(DG) This glorious title shows Jesus is the keeper of promises, including His promises of judgment.
(WW) Note the emphasis on Jesus' names (Rev. 19:11-13, 16). He is "Faithful and True" (see Rev. 3:14), in contrast to "the beast" who was unfaithful (he broke the covenant with Israel) and false (he ruled by means of deception and idolatry).
Application: (WW) Suffering saints need to be reminded that God is faithful and will not desert them, because His promises are true.
When will Jesus come and fulfill these events/promises?
In the above list of Old Testament prophesies we are sure Jesus will come and establish His Kingdom in this earth to rule and reign this earth.
Among these prophesies Dan 9:24 is time bound prophesy. Which means that the prophesy will be fulfilled only if the given time is reached.
When the list of prophesies in Dan 9:24 fulfilled? or Is Dan 9:24 is fulfilled?
All those prophesies will be fulfilled only when the Seventy week years ie 490 years completed as details given in Dan 9:25-27.
Dan 9:25-27 - 24 "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. 25 "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. 26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood (NIV: like a flood), And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
God gave this 70 week year prophesy to Daniel. In this 69 week years (483 years) has been already fulfilled from the day decree to rebuild Jerusalem till the coming of the Messiah.
After this Messiah will be crucified, Jerusalem city and Temple/sanctuary will be destroyed as given in Dan 9:27.
Only one week year ie 7 year is yet to be fulfilled. Once that fulfilled then all the list in Dan 9:24 will be fulfilled.
In other words all the promises in Dan 9:24 will not fulfill until all 70 week year (490 years) are prophesies are fulfilled.
So, in this prophesy Dan 9:27 is yet to be fulfilled.
When this 7 year period will come to pass or fulfilled?
Now we are grace period where Jesus opens to door for Gentiles to enter into His Kingdom. Later Jesus will pour out His grace among Jews/Israelites and draw them closer to Him during the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer 30:7) just before His 2nd coming. This clearly referred in OT that the day of the Lord starts with trouble (Joel 2:11; Dan 12:1-4; Zech 12:10) and then the Lord comes. Dan 9:27; Dan 12:11; 2 Thes 2:1-12; Matt 24:15 talks about Daniels prophesy about the Antichrist sitting in the temple and claim himself as God.
Jer 30:7 - Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.
NLT: Jer 30:7 - In all history there has never been such a time of terror. It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel. Yet in the end, they will be saved!
Joel 2:(1-)11 - The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?
Dan 12:1-4,8-13 - 1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. 4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.".............................8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?" 9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days."
We do not know the exact time when this 7 year Great Tribulation period starts.
Matt 24:42-44 - 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Jesus has given us some more clue about the seasons:
The Church/believers in Christ will be taken up (Rapture) to heaven - Rev 4, 5; 1 Thes 4:16-17, Matt 24:36-44
Matt 24:36-44 - 36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
After the church has taken up this world will be ruled and reigned by Antichrist for 7 year period - Rev 6 - 18; 2 Thes 2:1-12.
Earth will go through seal, trumpet and bowl judgments for last 7 year of Great Tribulation or Jacob's Trouble.
After that Jesus will come to judge, rule and reign this earth. - Rev 19; 20.
This is clearly explained in the Book of Revelation.
Rev 1:19 - Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this
The things which you have seen: Jesus asked John to write the things he had seen so far that Jesus revealed Himself to John – Rev 1.
The things which are: Jesus asked John to write about the things of his present day, the things regarding the seven churches which covers the entire church period until the Church is taken up to heaven – Rev 2 & 3.
The things which will take place after this: Jesus asked John to write about the things that would happen after the Church has taken up to heaven – Rev 4 – 22.
Application: Is anything too hard for our Lord?
No, nothing, nothing absolutely nothing. Nothing is too difficult for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gen 18:14 - 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?' 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."
Jer 32:27 - 25 And You have said to me, O Lord God, "Buy the field for money, and take witnesses"!--yet the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.' " 26 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? 28 Therefore thus says the Lord: 'Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it. ............................................ 37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. 38 They shall be My people, and I will be their God; 39 then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. 41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.' 42 "For thus says the Lord: 'Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them. 43 And fields will be bought in this land of which you say, "It is desolate, without man or beast; it has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans." 44 Men will buy fields for money, sign deeds and seal them, and take witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will cause their captives to return,' says the Lord."
What is happening in the earth while Jesus and saints are getting ready to come back to this earth?
The Dragon/Satan, the Beast/Antichrist and the False Prophet are gathering all the kings in the place called Armageddon to fight with Jesus Christ when he comes second time to this earth. This place Armageddon (Har Megiddo) is 135km/85 miles North of Jerusalem as a part of sixth bowl judgment.
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
At this time the entire city the Babylon the great is destroyed completely and as in Rev 16:17-21 all the nations are fallen due to massive earthquake as a part of seventh bowl judgment.
Rev 16:19 - 17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
At this terrible time they see Jesus in heaven (Rev 6:15-17)
Rev 6:15-17 - 12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Now the same Jesus whom they saw in heaven comes to this earth with his saints (Rev 19:11-16).
Rev 19:11-15 - 11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
In what part of the earth Jesus will first land/come from heaven?
Zechariah 14:4a - And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
Acts 1:9-11 - 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
What could be the effect when Jesus lands/comes back to this earth 2nd time?
Big earthquake and the Mount of Olives split into two:
Zechariah 14:4b - And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
Ezekiel 38:20 - 18 "And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord God, "that My fury will show in My face. 19 For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: 'Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, 20 so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.'
NLT: Isaiah 64:1 - 1 Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! 2 As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!
(JC)
People all over the world will see bright light continuously when He comes:
Zech 14:6-7 - 6 It shall come to pass in that day That there will be no light; The lights will diminish. 7 It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord-- Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light.
NLT: Zech 14:6-7 - 6 On that day the sources of light will no longer shine, 7 yet there will be continuous day! Only the LORD knows how this could happen! There will be no normal day and night, for at evening time it will still be light.
Matt 24:26-30 - 26 Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Erupt new river:
Zech 14:8 - And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur.
(JC)
Who are all in that place/city where Jesus lands/comes back 2nd time? On behalf of whom Jesus is landing/comes back to that place/city?
Zechariah 14:2-5 - 1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You.
Where were the Israelites during these time of Great Tribulation?
During the first half of Great Tribulation ie inital 3.5 years of last 7 year period Antichrist made the covenant with Israelites to the build temple in Jerusalem. They did that and live in Jerusalem under the protection of Antichrist.
During the middle of Great Tribulation ie middle of last 7 year period Antichrist break the covenant and try to occupy the Jerusalem but he has given access to Jerusalem for limited time ie last 3.5 years until Jesus Christ comes back to this earth.
Rev 11:1-2 - 1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
(Warren Wiersbe) What John did was especially significant because the Gentiles had taken over Jerusalem. Antichrist had broken his agreement with Israel (Dan 9:27) and now he was about to use the temple for his own diabolical purposes (2 Thes 2:3-4). All of this will be elaborated in Revelation 13. "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles," said Jesus, "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). The "times of the Gentiles" began to devastate Judah and Jerusalem, and it will continue until Jesus Christ returns to deliver the Holy City and redeem Israel (Zech. 14).
For more details read Rev 11:1-2 notes
From this point onwards the Antichrist and Dragon/Satan tried to wipeout Israelites completely. But God protected Israelite believers in the Petra city for the last 3.5 years from Satan and Antichrist's persecution. For more details read Rev 12:13-17 notes under topic What did this dragon do once he cast to the earth?
Rev 12:13-17 - 13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
At the end of last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming Israelites occupy the southern part of Jerusalem may be coming out of Petra after the Antichrist left Jerusalem to gather all the kings to battle against Israelites and God. This happens in parallel just after the 5th and during the 6th and 7th bowl judgment.
Rev 16:10-11 - 10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
What Jesus will do for them?
Zechariah 12:10 - "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
Ezekiel 39:29 - And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord God."
Rev 1:7 - Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
Mat 24:30 - Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Are these are new plan of God?
No, these are not new. God has already prophesized to His people Israelites. Most of the above references are from Old Testament which God gave to Israelites long before but yet to fulfilled by God.
(DG) This prayer for deliverance will be on the lips of the Jewish people surviving through the Great Tribulation. Unlikely as it may seem now, they will cry out to Jesus their Messiah for deliverance, and as a whole, they will embrace Him as their Savior. As Jesus said in
Matthew 23:39 I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Hard pressed by the terrible persecution of the Antichrist, Israel as a whole will turn their hearts towards Jesus, and He will deliver them at this late hour.
God re-gathers all Israelites from all over the world and form as the Israel Nation:
Israel reborn on 1948 May 14th.
Is 66:8 - Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.
Eze 37:21-28 - 21 Then say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; 22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again. 23 They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. Then they shall be My people, and I will be their God. 24 "David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them. 25 Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children's children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 28 The nations also will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore." ' "
God restores/saves Israel from their enemies:
Ezekiel 39:21-29 - 21 "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward. 23 The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them." ' 25 "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name-- 26 after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, 28 then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. 29 And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord God."
God Rules from the temple in the midst of the Israelites:
Eze 43:5-7 - 5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 6 Then I heard Him speaking to me from the temple, while a man stood beside me. 7 And He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. No more shall the house of Israel defile My holy name, they nor their kings, by their harlotry or with the carcasses of their kings on their high places.
Paul again reminds us that God didn't forgot Jews/Israelites in Romans 9 - 11.
Rom 11:25-26 - 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
Application: Did you figure out Him completely?
Is 55:8-11 - 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Do not limit God to your capacity or your understanding.
What two main things Jesus will do after His 2nd coming? or Why Jesus comes back to this earth 2nd time?
Then Jesus will come back again to judge the nonbelievers and rule and reign this earth.
(WW) He is not coming in the air to take His people home (1 Thes. 4:13-18), but to the earth with His people, to conquer His enemies and establish His kingdom.
(WW) First, John described the Conqueror (Rev. 19:11-16) and then His conquests (Rev. 19:17-20:3).
(DG) There is a sense in which all previous in Revelation has been an introduction to this revelation (unveiling) of Jesus Christ. Now He returns to earth in power and glory.
To Judge this Earth
11d and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Is 61:2b - To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn
Joe 1:15 - Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.
The Greek word used for Judges is krinō (Strongs G2919). It means to condemn to eternal punishment.
Rev 6:10 - 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Rev 19:2 - For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her."
Rev 20:12-13 - 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Why God is judging/condemning?
God is not judging because He is Omnipotent (All powerful, Almighty, Sovereign) but because He is righteous.
Application:
John3:17-18 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Rom 1:18 - 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness
Either we receive righteousness of God through faith in Jesus or go through righteous judgment by not putting/having faith in Jesus.
God's righteousness is available for those who realize their unworthiness/unrighteousness and God's righteous judgment (wrath of God) is available for those who not realize their unworthiness/unrighteousness (or those who think that they are righteous because they are self righteous).
No one go to hell out of their ignorance but because of their arrogance, self righteousness, pride,
How furious/serious Jesus is to judge this earth?
We can see this in his eyes....
12a His eyes were like a flame of fire, and
(WW) The greatness of Christ is seen not only in His names, but also in John's description of the conquering King (Rev. 19:12-16). The eyes "as a flame of fire" symbolize His searching judgment that sees all (Rev. 1:14).
Application:
(Spurgeon) “Why are they like flames of fire? Why, first, to discern the secrets of all hearts. There are no secrets here that Christ does not see. There is no lewd thought, there is no unbelieving skepticism, that Christ does not read. There is no hypocrisy, no formalism, no deceit, that he does not scan as easily as a man reads a page in a book. His eyes are like a flame of fire to read us through and through, and know us to our inmost soul.”
Mal 3:16 - 16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him."
(JC) Based on 1 Corinthians 3:12, 13, I used to think there would be a great big oven in heaven, a kiln of some sort into which all my works would be shoveled. The wood, hay, and stubble would burn while the gold, silver, and precious stones would remain. But in light of our text, I no longer expect an oven. Instead, I expect Jesus will just look at me, and everything in my life that is worthless will ignite and disappear. I’ve got cords of wood, bales of hay, truckloads of stubble—and I’m so thankful that with one look from my Lord, they will all go up in smoke.
“Take your only son to Mount Moriah,” God commanded Abraham (see Genesis 22:2). God didn’t even acknowledge Ishmael as Abraham’s son because, while Isaac was the product of God’s faithfulness, Ishmael was a product of Abraham’s flesh. I love this because most of us have a bunch of Ishmaels running around—things we’ve done in our flesh, trying to help God. But God doesn’t even acknowledge them. Glorious, indeed, will be the day when He’ll look at me with His eyes of fire, warming my heart and melting the junk.
Who are all following the man who sat on the white horse?
14 And the armies in heaven,
Jude 14 - Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,
Zech 14:5 - Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You.
What are the armies in heaven wearing?
14b clothed in fine linen, white and clean,
How they are coming to this earth?
14c followed Him on white horses.
(WW) Jesus is not alone in His conquest, for the armies of heaven ride with Him.
Who are they?
(WW) Certainly the angels are a part, of this army (Matt. 25:3.1: 2 Thes. 1:7): but so are the saints (1 Thes. 3:13; 2 Thes. 1:10). Jude describes the same scene (Jude 14-15). The word saints means "holy ones" and could refer to believers or angels.
In What the robe of Jesus dipped with? or What is the color of His robe?
13a He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood,
Why His robe dipped in blood?
15a Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
15c He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
(WW) The vesture dipped in blood speaks of judgment and probably relates to Isaiah 63:1-6 and Revelation 14:20, the conquest of His enemies. It is not our Lord's blood that marks His vesture, but that of His toes.
Read How did God fights with this army? topic in Rev 19:17-21 notes.
When God is going to judge this earth?
This will be fulfilled by Jesus Himself as a first task on His 2nd coming:
Rev 19:21 - And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
To Rule and reign this Earth
15b And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.
Read He will rule them with a rod of iron topic for more details.
12b on His head were many crowns.
(WW) The many crowns (diadems) indicate His magnificent rule and sovereignty.
Read What is He wearing on His head? topic for more details/
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Read His name is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS topic for more details.
What is the suspense Jesus has for the believers in God?
12c He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
(WW) Perhaps the "secret name" (see Rev. 19:12) is the same as the "new name"" (Rev. 3:12). Not knowing what this name is. we cannot comment on it; but it is exciting to know that, even in heaven, we shall learn new tilings about our Lord Jesus!
More detail are in Revelation 20:4-6; Ezekiel 40-48.
Application:
The Final Armageddon War
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Observation:
What did the angel do? or What did John see?
17a Then I saw an angel standing in the sun;
To whom this angel addressing?
17b and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven,
What did this angel say?
17c "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,
What the birds will eat in the "Supper of the Great God"?
18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
Why did this army gather together?
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
How did God judge/condemn the beast and the false prophet? or What happens to the beast and the false prophet?
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
How did God judge/condemn rest of the army? or What happens to the rest of the army?
21a And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
Did the birds really get the supper of our great God?
21b And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Interpretation:
What did the angel do? or What did John see?
17a Then I saw an angel standing in the sun;
To whom this angel addressing?
17b and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven,
What did this angel say?
17c "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,
(JC) Here is Dinner Number Two. If you don’t want to take part of the Marriage Feast of the Lamb, you’ll be part of this horrendous “supper of the great God.”
(WW) The first half of Revelation 19 describes the marriage supper of the Lamb: the last half describe the "supper of the great God".
(Newell) Points to four different suppers described in the Bible.
The supper of salvation, alluded to in Jesus’ parable (Luke 14:16-24)
The Lord’s supper, a commemoration of Jesus’ sacrifice
The marriage supper of the Lamb
The supper of the great God
If you reject the first supper, the second supper will mean nothing to you. Then you will not be present at the third supper, but will be present at the fourth supper. Everybody gets to attend at least one of these suppers, but some will eat and others are eaten at the suppers.
Ezekiel 39:17-20 - 17 "And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, 'Speak to every sort of bird and to every beast of the field: "Assemble yourselves and come; Gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal Which I am sacrificing for you, A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, That you may eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, Drink the blood of the princes of the earth, Of rams and lambs, Of goats and bulls, All of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 You shall eat fat till you are full, And drink blood till you are drunk, At My sacrificial meal Which I am sacrificing for you. 20 You shall be filled at My table With horses and riders, With mighty men And with all the men of war," says the Lord God.
What the birds will eat in the "Supper of the Great God"?
18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
(WW) The word flesh occurs six times in this paragraph. While John's immediate reference is to the human body eaten by the vultures, there is certainly a deeper meaning here: man fails because he is flesh and relies on flesh.
The Bible has. nothing good to say about fallen human nature. Recall the Lord's words before the Flood: "My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh." (Gen. 6:3). (See also John 3:6: 6:63; Rom. 7:18; Phil. 3:3.) "All flesh is as grass" (1 Peter 1:21) and must be judged.
How big the army is?
(JC) The armies of the world gather in the plain of Jezreel, the valley in northern Israel called the Valley of Megiddo—the place we know as Armageddon. Two hundred million men have come from the East; Antichrist is storming into Jerusalem to secure his power base. According to Daniel 11, the South, which would include the Pan African nations and the Arab states banded together, also head toward Israel, to which the Northern armies come from Europe.
Rev 9:16 - 13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm. 20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Why this army gathered together?
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
(WW) Those warriors have assembled to fight "against the Lord and against His anointed" (Ps. 2:1-3), but their weapons prove futile. The battle turns out to be a slaughter—n "supper" for the scavenger birds!
(WW) This is the account of the well-known "battle of Armageddon." which was anticipated earlier (Rev. 14:14-20; 16:13-16).
(DG) This is just the logical extension of man’s constant war against God since the fall. It is no more unbelievable than the idea that God came to earth and men murdered Him.
Who gathered this army to make war against Jesus?
The Dragon/Satan, the Beast/Antichrist and the False Prophet are gathering all the kings in the place called Armageddon to fight with Jesus Christ when he comes second time to this earth. This place Armageddon (Har Megiddo) is 135km/85 miles North of Jerusalem as a part of sixth bowl judgment.
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Nothing happens without the knowledge of God. All these things are happening as God prophesized/fore told:
Zechariah 14:2 - 1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Ezekiel 39:2 - 1 "And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal; 2 and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the far north, and bring you against the mountains of Israel.
Rev 17:17 - For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
Who fights for the Israelites?
Rev 19:11c - and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Rev 19:15a - Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
Rev 19:15c - He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Zechariah 14:3 - 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle.
Zechariah 14:12a - And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.
Ezekiel 38:21-23 - 21 I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains," says the Lord God. "Every man's sword will be against his brother.
Ezekiel 39:21 - "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.
How did God fights with this army?
(WW) All that our Lord has to do is speak the Word, and "the sword of His mouth" will devour His enemies.
The Word of God:
Rev 19:15a Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.
Rev 19:21a And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
What is this sharp sword that comes out of His mouth?
13b and His name is called The Word of God.
Heb. 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(WW) The sharp sword is a symbol of God's Word (Rev. 19:21; see also Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12: Rev. 1:16). This is in keeping with the fact that Christ will consume the enemy "with the spirit of His mouth" (2 Thes. 2:8: note also Isa. 11:1).
(WW) Just as the Word was the Father's Agent in Creation (John 1:1-3) so the Word is His Agent for judgment and consummation.
(WW) The Word of God is "living and powerful" (Heb. 4:12); what's more, it fulfills His purposes on earth (Rev. 17:17; note also Rev. 6:11; 10:7; 15:1). Jehovah Himself says. "l am watching to see that My Word is fulfilled" (Jer 1:12 NIV).
(WW) All that our Lord has to do is speak the Word, and "the sword of His mouth" will devour His enemies.
(Barnhouse) This is an entirely one-sided affair, more of a simple act of judgment than an actual war. “The battle of Armageddon is the laughter of God against the climax of man’s arrogance.”
What is the effect?
The Blood bath/Bloodshed:
Rev 19:15c - He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
(WW) The image of the winepress must be associated with the judgment at Armageddon (Rev. 14:11-20: see also Isa. 63:1-6).
Isaiah 63:1-6 - 1 Who is this who comes from Edom (descendent of Esau type of flesh), With dyed garments from Bozrah (another type of flesh), This One who is glorious in His apparel, Traveling in the greatness of His strength?-- "I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save." 2 Why is Your apparel red, And Your garments like one who treads in the winepress? 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone, And from the peoples no one was with Me. For I have trodden them in My anger, And trampled them in My fury; Their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, And I have stained all My robes. 4 For the day of vengeance is in My heart, And the year of My redeemed has come. 5 I looked, but there was no one to help, And I wondered That there was no one to uphold; Therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me; And My own fury, it sustained Me. 6 I have trodden down the peoples in My anger, Made them drunk in My fury, And brought down their strength to the earth."
NLT: Isaiah 63:1-6 - 1 Who is this who comes from Edom, from the city of Bozrah, with his clothing stained red? Who is this in royal robes, marching in the greatness of his strength?"It is I, the LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, the LORD, who is mighty to save!" 2 Why are your clothes so red, as if you have been treading out grapes? 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; no one was there to help me. In my anger I have trampled my enemies as if they were grapes. In my fury I have trampled my foes. It is their blood that has stained my clothes. 4 For the time has come for me to avenge my people, to ransom them from their oppressors. 5 I looked, but no one came to help my people. I was amazed and appalled at what I saw. So I executed vengeance alone; unaided, I passed down judgment. 6 I crushed the nations in my anger and made them stagger and fall to the ground."
Ezekiel 38:21-23 - 21 I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains," says the Lord God. "Every man's sword will be against his brother. 22 And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord." '
This is how Jesus robe dipped in blood:
Rev 19:13a - He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood,
(WW) The vesture dipped in blood speaks of judgment and probably relates to Isaiah 63:1-6 and Revelation 14:20, the conquest of His enemies. It is not our Lord's blood that marks His vesture, but that of His toes.
We may be wondering and asking question Is there really going to be so much blood? Yes
Rev 14:20 - 17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." 19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs. (approximately 200 miles)
Application: Do you want to washed by Jesus blood or bathed by our own blood?
If we didn't washed by Jesus blood then we will bathed by our own blood.
Nuclear Radiation effects similar to Nuclear Bomb blast:
Zechariah 14:12b - And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.
Ezekiel 39:14-15 - 11 "It will come to pass in that day that I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel, the valley of those who pass by east of the sea; and it will obstruct travelers, because there they will bury Gog and all his multitude. Therefore they will call it the Valley of Hamon Gog. 12 For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land. 13 Indeed all the people of the land will be burying, and they will gain renown for it on the day that I am glorified," says the Lord God. 14 They will set apart men regularly employed, with the help of a search party, to pass through the land and bury those bodies remaining on the ground, in order to cleanse it. At the end of seven months they will make a search. 15 The search party will pass through the land; and when anyone sees a man's bone, he shall set up a marker by it, till the buriers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon Gog. 16 The name of the city will also be Hamonah. Thus they shall cleanse the land." '
How did God judge/condemn the beast and the false prophet? or What happens to the beast and the false prophet?
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
(WW) He will defeat "the beast" and false prophet (v. 20). Since Satan's "henchmen" are the leaders of the revolt, it is only right that they be captured and confined. They are cast into the lake of fire (see Rev. 20:10, 14-15) the final and permanent place of punishment for all who refuse to submit to Jesus Christ. "The beast" and false prophet are the first persons to be cast into hell. Satan will follow 1,000 years later (Rev. 20:10), to be joined by those whose names are not recorded in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15).
Today, when an unbeliever dies, his spirit goes to a place called hades, which means "the unseen world"—that is, the realm of the dead. When believers die, they go immediately into the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:19-23). Hades will one day be emptied of its dead (Rev. 20:13), who will then be cast into hell to join Satan, the beast, and the false prophet.
(DG) The lake of fire is what we normally consider Hell. It is real, and there is nothing more important than avoiding it.
How did God judge/condemn rest of the army? or What happens to the rest of the army?
21a And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
The rest will be killed with the word that comes from our Lord Jesus. Read How did God fights with this army? topic in Rev 19:17-21 notes.
Later these non-believers will come back to life after 1000 years to receive punishment in the Final Judgment. Read The Final Judgment topic in Rev 20:11-15 notes to know more details about what happens to these non believers of God.
Did the birds really get the supper from our great God?
21b And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Matt 24:28 - For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Who did win the war?
God Won the War as He prophesized.
Rev 17:14 - 12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
What Jesus will do to Israelites?
Is 61:2b-3 - 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."
Application:
(DG) Jesus comes as a judge and a general, to make war. The world that rejected Him before rejects Him again, but this time Jesus judges those who reject Him.
(Torrance) “The world likes a complacent, reasonable religion, and so it is always ready to revere some pale Galilean image of Jesus, some meager anemic Messiah, and to give Him a moderate rational homage.”
(Mounce) “Any view of God which eliminates judgment and his hatred of sin in the interest of an emasculated doctrine of sentimental affection finds no support in the strong and virile realism of the Apocalypse.”
This is a Jesus we can’t control. Here we see Jesus as someone who demands not only our attention, but also our submission.
It’s good for us to remember that this dramatic display of judgment comes only at the end of a long time of grace, patience, and mercy. This is no “rush to judgment.” Jesus has amply displayed His nature of mercy, forgiveness and grace to this fallen world. He comes now to judge a world hardened and totally given over to their rebellion against Him.
(Walvoord) “All of these passages point to the sad conclusion that in the day of judgment it is too late for men to expect the mercy of God. There is nothing more inflexible than divine judgment where grace has been spurned. The scene of awful judgment which comes from this background is in flat contradiction of the modern point of view that God is dominated entirely by His attribute of love.”
(Clarke) Remember that He does it all in righteousness. “The wars which he wages are from no principle of ambition, lust of power, or extension of conquest and dominion; they are righteous in their principle and in their object. And this is perhaps what no earthly potentate could ever say.”
(Spurgeon) “Jesus is the only king who always wars in this fashion. There have been brilliant exceptions to the general rule, but war is usually as deceitful as it is bloody, and the words of diplomatists are a mass of lies. It seems impossible that men should deliberate about peace and war without straightway forgetting the meaning of words and the bonds of honesty: War still seems to be a piece of business in which truth would be out of place; it is a matter so accursed that falsehood is there most at home, and righteousness quits the plain. But as for our King, it is in righteousness that he doth judge and make war. Christ’s kingdom needs no deception: the plainest speech and the clearest truth — these are the weapons of our warfare.”
(JC) It used to be that man would walk with God in the cool of the day, talking to Him without having to break through, press in, or hold on. Everything was right. Then came the Fall, and nothing was ever right again. There is a solution, however. It’s called salvation. And nowhere is salvation more clearly framed than at the table of Communion.
I believe Pastor John was warning his people that even in the midst of their own tribulation, if they ate of the marriage feast as seen in the first half of chapter 19, they would be able to navigate the Armageddon of the second half. David said the same thing when he said, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (Psalm 23:5).
So, too, even though you may be surrounded by disappointments, pain, and the presence of enemies—there’s a table set before you that will restore your soul and allow you to face tribulation without being shot down or wiped out. Many Christians are unable to navigate tribulation well because, although they have knowledge of the Word, they lack the intimacy with the Lord that takes place at the Communion table.
While the techniques of teaching and ways of worship have changed, one thing has remained constant for all believers throughout church history: communion. Century after century, the church has understood that the Eucharist is vital for survival. Presently, however, we come dangerously close to substituting Bible study for the Lord’s table.
The solution to catastrophe is not optimism. It’s salvation. And the way to salvation is not through intellectual understanding. The way to salvation is through spiritual intimacy, illustrated most clearly when we eat and drink of Jesus—the most intimate kind of worship possible.
Whether you partake of the Lord’s table with your family at home or at the church, don’t ignore Communion, dear saint. Being one with Jesus is that which will see you through any Armageddon that lies right around the bend.
In due season, our Lord will, indeed, come again, and there will be no more battle whatsoever. In the meantime, He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.