THE COMING OF CHRIST AS KING IN ALL HIS GLORY

REV. 19:1-16

Lesson 23

Introduction - The book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ has been building toward the revealment of the Lord Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Much as Handel’s Messiah builds toward the Hallelujah chorus, so unfolds the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The 19^th chapter is the bridge that takes us from the great tribulation to the millennium reign of Christ on earth.  Apostate Christendom as set forth in Rev. 17 under the term, “Babylon the Great, the notorious prostitute, has been destroyed. Spiritual fornication has received its full payment. Satan’s world church has met its destruction. Political Babylon in chapter 18 is destroyed as the tribulation comes to a close.  As the fires of God’s judgment burn those who have trusted in power and riches are seen weeping and in mourning at the devastating effect of God’s judgment.  As chapter 18 closes, the blood of God’s prophets and saints has been avenged.

         I.      The heavenly scene in view of what has taken place on earth. (Vs. 1-6)

a.       An anthem of praise to God (Vs. 1)

1.       The term “Hallelujah” means “Praise Jehovah.”

a)  Many people speak out with a loud voice.

b)  This is the true “Hallelujah Chorus.”

2.       Their praise to God is expressed in three key words.

a)  Salvation refers to His deliverance

b)  Honor to moral glory in judgment

c)  Power to His might displayed in execution of His judgment on Babylon in chapter 17 and 18 (Vs. 2)

d)  Praise is given for avenging the blood of His servants.

b.       A second hallelujah and worship is seen coming from those around the throne of God. (Vs. 3-6)

1.       It is interesting to note that praise is a continuing theme around the throne of God.  (It might be a good idea for some of us to get our attitudes ready for Heaven.)

2.       In verses 4-6 we have a scene that has become quite familiar to us in our study of this book.(Vs. 4:10)

a)  Joining the praise of the tribulation saints, the twenty-four elders and the four creatures are a voice of an angel. 

b)  “All ye His servants” says J. B. Smith, who includes every true servant of God all praising Him, the omnipotent one who reigneth.

       II.      The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Vs. 7-10)

a.       Here the bride of Christ, the Church, assumes her full position.(Vs.7)

1.       This takes place in heaven.

a)   The Jewish marriage consists of the engagement, and the groom comes at an unknown hour and takes his bride to a special place, (I Thess. 4:13-18) and then the wedding feast.

2.       “Wife made herself read.”

a)  Judgment Seat of Christ (I Cor. 3:11-17)

b)  The Holy Spirit now presents us to Christ as a chaste virgin. (II Cor. 11:2)

b.       The wedding dress (Vs. 8)

1.       The term “righteousness” of the saints is plural and refers to “righteous deeds.”

a)  This refers to human works and goes back to the rewards given out at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

2.       May I suggest, all of the church saints will be given white and clean linen which refers back to (II Cor. 11:2 and Eph. 5:26-27)

a)  Possibly the gold, silver, and precious stones from I Cor. 3:12 adorn the garments of these faithful.

b)  Jesus’s parable in Luke 19:11-27 reveals faithfulness and authority are linked.

c.       Those who are invited guests are distinguished from the Bride. (Vs. 9)

1.       Those who lump all saints of all ages into same group or class should take a close look at this.

a)   There is the Bride, the Groom, and those who are invited guests.

b)   Israel and the Church are not the same, and the position of each is separate.  (Think of it, in eternity we will be closer to the Lord Jesus than Moses, Elijah or David.)

d.       In verse 10 we have an important lesson on worship.

1.       John the Apostle at age 90 blows it and bows to worship an angel as he is overwhelmed and is rebuked.

2.       Only the Lord Jesus Christ is to be worshiped.

a)   The term “Worship God” means that only God should be worshiped.

3.       The closing term, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”

a)   Means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

b)   Means Christ is the central theme of prophecy.

      III.      The coming of Christ in power and glory (Vs. 11-16)

a.       Before us is one of the most outstanding pictures of the Second Coming of Christ found in the Bible.

1.       The pattern followed here is that of a Roman triumphal procession of a general returning from a successful campaign.

2.       Our Lord is here called faithful and true.

a)   Notice He comes to judge and makes war.

b)   Keep in mind Christ second coming in Rapture for the Church in I Thes. 4:13-18 had none of this as far as purpose in coming.

c)   This scene fits with what is promised in Zech. 14:3-5.

d)   In Matt. 24:27-31, we see this same event.

e)   This is the fulfilled prophecy of Isa. 64:1-5.

b.       Christ coming in power and glory (Vs 12-18)

1.       From Rev. 1:14 we now fit it together with Rev. 19:12.

a)   There is no doubt as to which we are speaking about, our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14).

b)   In verse 13 Chris’s name is given as the word of God.

1)       He is the creator; He is the judge and the slain lamb which speaks of His redemptive blood.

2)       Here blood represents divine judgment upon wicked men.

2.       The host of heaven comes with Him to reign, (Vs 14) all white and clean on white horses.

3.       His judgment is sure and swift. (Vs 15)

a)   The sword from His mouth

b)   He will smite and destroy all who oppose Him.

c)   Isa. 63:1-6 reveals the prophet clearly foresaw this same day.

4.       His name written on his thigh, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”

a)   Here at last is the one who has the right and authority to rule the earth and bring lasting peace that all men look for.

b)   Peace is the result of His placement in His rightful position.