An Introduction to End Times.

Part 4 The Tribulation and On (cont’d)

The Millennial Kingdom – Section 4f

Revelation Chapter 19

In verses 1 to 5 we have the rejoicing in heaven at Babylon’s fall followed by the announcement of the wedding of the Lamb in verses 6 to 10. Those called to the wedding supper (v.9) include friends as well as the bride (the church). Friends include OT saints, Abraham through to John the Baptist (see Jn 3:29), and Tribulation martyrs. John is so overwhelmed by this scene (v.10) that he wants to worship the angel!

In verses 11 to 16 we see the armies of heaven (saints, martyrs and angels) accompanying Jesus (Faithful and True) to earth. His name is ‘The Word of God’ (v.13) and as such he has the right to come and rule the earth as God and Creator-Redeemer (Jn 1:1,3,14; Eph 1:13-14; Rev 5:1-7). The battle of Armageddon ensues.

Initially, in verses 17 to 19 the forces of the East (c. 200 million) have been fighting against those of the Antichrist (c. 100 million) (see Rev 16:12-14) but then both sides turn against the Lord, to their downfall.

Verse 20. The Antichrist and the false prophet are thrown alive into the fiery lake and, in verse 21, at a word from the Lord, all those, world-wide, bearing the ‘mark of the beast’, die.

The Lord has returned, as he always said he would and after 2000 years of leaving his increasing number of followers to subdue the earth he, Jesus, finally arrives to take control and complete the task.

At this point it is probably useful to remind ourselves of what Zechariah chapter 14 says about this event. Please read it.

Revelation Chapter 20

As we move into the Millennium the first thing to note, from verses 1 to 3, is that Satan is not yet eradicated. He is cast into the Abyss until later. Jesus has plans for him.

Verses 4 to 6 now tell us who John saw in his vision and we note that he does not mention the mortals who survive the Tribulation as described above and in Zec 14:4-5 and Rev 12:6. It would seem that the essential difference is that John, in this vision, is seeing only spiritual beings, although they would now be with the Lord on earth in their resurrection bodies.

Those who were given authority to judge sat on thrones (cf. 1Cor 6:2-3) and they would reign with Christ for 1000 years. According to Matthew 25:31-46 this would also be the time when the nations are judged. (For a further discussion on who might actually be present in the Millennium and how it might operate please see End Note c) – to follow in the next section.

From verses 7 to 10 we see that at the end of the millennium Satan is released and allowed to entice all those who truly still do not believe in Christ, and gather them for a final showdown around Jerusalem. Needless to say, they do not survive.

In verse 11 to 15 the spiritually dead are confirmed by the non-appearance of their names in the ‘book of life’, and then the degree of their punishment is determined according to the record of their lives. In any case they are thrown into the lake of fire for ever (Isa 33:14, Isa 66:24, Mk 9:48, Jude 7). Death (holding the body) and Hades (holding the soul) are no more. (Jn 5:24-27).

Revelation Chapter 21

In verse 1 God reveals his new heaven and earth, and the earth as we know it has gone (see 2Pet 3:10).

In verses 2 to 5 we read that everything will always be new as God comes to earth to live permanently with his sinless people, those made perfect through Jesus, in the new heaven and earth. Death and pain and distress are no more. The former things will pass away. Verses 6 to 8 go on to confirm that God is the Beginning and the End and that all who overcome (see 1John 5:4-5) will inherit all this and drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. On the other hand the place for those who do not, will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur.

Verses 9 to 11 give us a glimpse of the New Jerusalem. The description is breathtaking. Note its size; 1500 miles long, wide and high – about the size of a cube occupying all of Europe! The outlook is glorious for those who have been faithful to the Lord.

Revelation Chapter 22

In verses 1 to 6 we have a description of life in the New Jerusalem and in verses 7 to 21 we get the essential final message to keep this whole prophecy alive and not seal it up, for the time is near.

Next time: End Notes