Discuss Revelation 19 Page 5

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Though there is no mention of the anti-Christ in this chapter, it is understood that he has already been revealed & is raining his terror on any who disobey him (as in Revelation 13:4-8). But when God's Wrath is poured on Earth's inhabitants, the anti-Christ's days are also numbered ( Revelation 19:17-21).

And finally, 1 Corinthians 15:52, "at the last trump". I realize that it is commonly understood that the reference is to the last trumpet sounding in Revelation 15:20-19 & some others even connecting this phrase to the last of the trumpet blasts at the Jewish Feast of Trumpets (i.e. after all the trumpet blasts of various types/sounds are made, the final (LAST) long blast is sounded at the end). And yet, the 1 Corinthians 15:52 rendering in Greek, shows it as, 'the trumpet after which no other will sound'. It might then be that it isn't the seventh trumpet sound by the angel being referred to in Revelation 15, but it is at the final trumpet blast from the series of the other angelic blasts throughout that time of God's Wrath poured out. We might never come to a consensus on that one.

Anyway Jimbob, those are my thoughts: some in agreement with what you read in the Word, some not. There are several possibilities in all that we have presented & all these have value, but ultimately, it's where are understanding lies concerning the Church's departure to be with the Lord Jesus. Each person, holding their various Tribulation/Rapture positions, can certainly find Scriptures to support their belief; I wonder whether the Lord places great value on our exercises in studying the Word, but to leave the final interpretation & outcome to Him, He Who has all the right answers. Thank you again Jimbob.

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I agree with you Jimbob, on 2 Thessalonians 2:8, that those verses refer to the Anti-Christ. As well as your Revelation 19:19,20 reference to the beast (= antichrist) & his connection to the false prophet.

Then you referenced Revelation 11:7 to this beast (the anti-Christ). But Revelation chapter 11 speaks of the two witnesses prophesying on Earth for 1,260 days (or 3.5 years), which is the one half of the Great Tribulation period (whether the first or second half?). These witnesses are killed after their work is done by the beast that comes out of the bottomless pit (v7). Can this beast be the anti-Christ, who would actually still be on Earth during that time of the witnesses, or reference to the different manifestations of the 'beast'. And out of interest, when checking on this 'beast' classification, we find that it can also apply to the anti-Christ spirit (as in Revelation 13:1), i.e. that spirit that is found in the nations representing the "ten horns". But the dragon (Satan) gave power to the beast (13:4). Without expanding this passage, we can see that this beast isn't the anti-Christ, because verses 11 to 18 show this second beast arising from the Earth (not the sea), clearly doing the work of THE anti-Christ.

Then further into Revelation chapter 11: as you wrote, the two witnesses are taken into heaven (though there's no mention of anyone else going with them). And as we know, the Rapture events surround the Lord's physical appearing in the clouds & the raptured go to be with Him in the clouds; not so with the Witnesses - Jesus is not present - they ascend into Heaven. As well, if the two witnesses satisfy the verse, "he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way", then I feel that would be in the wrong time frame. According to Revelation 11:7, the beast ascends out of the bottomless pit & is the one who kills the witnesses.

Thanks for taking the time to respond in great detail. God is dealing with me. I've come to realize that sometimes I question things that don't need to be questioned. But on the other hand He tells us in (Mathew 24:4) to Watch out that no one's deceives you. So I know this trait I have of questioning someones statements is good. But I also must realize if I'm wrong I must quickly come to God for repentance.I'm saved by Gods love and grace for His creation.

Have a great weekend God Bless

I read Richard Priday's post quite simply as 'angels are not to be worshipped'; this he stated at the first. And he goes on to state that God, in the past, has used angels to carry out His requirements. We see this at Mt. Sinai, at Sodom, at Jacob's encounter with the Angel, in the Revelation given to John, & other places. Richard of course, mentioned these theophanies (an appearance of God, or a perceived appearance of God, to man); Genesis 32:24-30 being a good example of this, when Jacob exclaimed, "I have seen God face to face". Of course, it was God's Angel that Jacob saw & wrestled with, but his encounter with this Being & the blessing he received (which may have been extensive & with accompanying Glory), brought him as close to God on Earth as humanly possible. That of course was in the OT days. Those "in Christ" now, have God, by His Holy Spirit, residing in our being 24/7.

And Richard's last sentence, "Such things would not be done by saints of God with created beings", I read it as a summary of his belief that such encounters, as we read in the Bible, can only be had with God & His angelic messengers, not with sinful man. So the belief is still strong: angels are not to be worshipped, but when God sent His angelic messenges, due reverence must be given to God alone, receiving the message or act from His angel as it were from God Himself. I hope I remained true to Richard's comment & this has helped you to come to grips with it.

My response was meant for the post after yours from Richard H Priday. I'm having a hard time interpreting his post. Maybe look at his post and let me know what you think. Please reference my original response, maybe I missed something but I feel it doesn't make since.

Hi Tupperdan. I think you are responding to me, since I quoted Revelation 22:8,9,16.

Yes, John would have done wrong by falling at the Angel's feet to worship. How he perceived this angel, we are not told & to make guesses about this would then be unfruitful. But am I doubting the passage? I only shared the applicable verses to show that it was angel directly before John at this point & not Jesus. But when we read the whole passage, vv 8-11 reveal the angel before John & speaking to him. Then vv 12,13 & 16, show Jesus speaking (the verses 14 & 15 are not in red, but this being man's highlighting does not give us certainty of who is speaking). More than this, I don't understand where my doubt exists. If you could clarify please.

I'm confused. All humans are sinners, John sinned when he worshipped at the angel's feet. The only perfect person was Jesus. It sounds as if you're doubting Rev 22:8,9,16.

Hello Deborah. If you look at the following verses, your query should be answered: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:8,9,16; which then answers Revelation 19:9,10.

One could compare this to the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai ( Deuteronomy 33:2), when the LORD God came down upon the mount with ten thousand of His saints (angels), of whom it was said (in Acts 7:53), were present & used of God in some way in that delivery. There are various interpretations of this verse, but it can be seen that angels, at least certain angels, played an important part in the impartation of God's Message, which were actually voiced & given by the LORD & the risen Savior.

The previous verse mentions an angel. Men are not to worship angels; which is also synonymous with servants as they are there to serve the saints under Christ and also are messengers. God is in no way diminished by using angels as there are many instances in Revelation where that is the case. Deity always has a capital A in the word angel; as we see with the one who talked with Moses when the other two went to Sodom; as well as when Jacob worshipped the one who he wrestled all night; as well as asking a blessing. Such things would not be done by saints of God with created beings.

Deborah Phillips:

Revelation 19:10 And I (John) fell at his (Jesus) feet to worship him, and he (Jesus) said unto me (John), See thou doeth it not, I (Jesus) am thy (John) fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony (words) of Jesus: worship God (the father of ALL, including Jesus, Ephesians 4:6), for the testimony (words) of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.

Jesus is our full brother.

Romans 8:29 For whom he (the Father) did foreknow, he (the Father) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his (the Father's) SON, that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn of many BRETHREN.

We are also servants to Jesus, as Jesus is a servant to his Father. Just as Jesus, the servant, worships his God and Father, we are not to worship Jesus; but God our Father, we are fellowservants and sons and daughters to God our Father, and are to worship the Father.

Jesus told his disciples as he washed their feet he was SENT to be a SERVANT, a servant does the WORK for his master; therefore, Christ does EVERYTHING for us.

Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery ....Christ in you ....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God that WORKETH in you both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

John 15:5 I AM the vine, ye are the BRANCHES .....without ME (immortal LIFE) ye can do NOTHING.

God Bless YOU!

Hello and thank you for your assistance today regarding Rev. 19:10.

My question is who is the person who fell at Jesus' feet.

Its confusing to me because if its John why would Jesus tell him not to worship him and that he was of his brethren.

Was it the Spirit that was showing John what John needed to know?

(Part 2)

Jimbob,

In Acts 1:10-11, when the Lord ascended up into Heaven, the angel said why do you disciples look up into heaven? Why are you gazing up there? This same Jesus will come in like manner. He will come in the clouds. The actual event recorded is in Revelation 19:11-16, the second coming of Christ. He comes with power and great glory. Revelation 24:31 tells us that when He does come, He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet.

I am going to get technical for a moment, just to show how good this passage really is. He is going to send His angels out with a great sound of a Shofar. It's a ram's horn. In the Greek text, the word "sound" is in brackets, which means it has been added to the text by some unseen person who doesn't understand the fact that the word "great" modifies the trumpet. It is called a great Shofar. The prophecy is in Isaiah 27:12-13. It says the great Shofar will blow, and the Lord will gather His people from the four corners of the earth.

So that is very important because that's a prophecy that the Jews looked for. It says He is going to gather them together, (his elect), that would be the Jews, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other, north, south, east, and west.

This is my understanding of this section of Matthew.

The Lord in verse one is the King of glory in verses 8-10. Who is also the King of King's and Lord of Lord's in Revelation 19:11-16. He is the One riding on the white war horse. He is the Great Creator and Controller of all things. He has a name no one knows but he, himself. His name is, (not was), called the word of God. This is His knowable name. The sword that proceeds from his mouth is His holy word, empowered by His Holy Spirit, will destroy His enemies and brings these rebellious nations under His eternal rule. Praise God, I am on His winning side through Christ, my Lord!

Jimbob:

I agree Matthew 24 is PROPHECY, but it's meaning is HIDDEN in a PARABLE

Psalms is also a PROPHECY.

Psalms 49:4 I (the spirit of Christ wrote Psalms) will open my mouth in a parable .....

Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....

The whole bible is written by the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, the whole bible is a parable, the meaning is HIDDEN from the physical eyes.

Job is a PROPHECY, but it's meaning is hidden in a Parable, the physical eye can't see the truth of the parable.

Job 27:1 Moreover Job CONTINUED his PARABLE ...

Job 29:1 Moreover Job continued his PARABLE ...

If Job is continuing his parable, it has been a parable from the beginning.

Ezekiel is a Prophecy, but hidden in a parable.

Ezekiel 17:2 Son of Man, put forth a riddle, and speak a PARABLE to the house of Israel of Israel.

Ezekiel 24:3 Utter a PARABLE unto the rebellious house .....

Ezekiel, through the spirit of Christ, is PROPHESYING that the words of God are a PARABLE, and can't be understood without the spirit of Christ revealing it to you.

Micah 2:4 In that day (the day he is speaking the words of Matthew 24) ONE (CHRIST) shall take up a parable against you ....

Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables, and without a parable spake he not to them.

You know ALL of God's words a Parable, because his word says so.

Mark 4:34 But with a parable spake he not to them, (the disciples never understood a word he was saying) and when they were alone, he expounded all things to them.

You have to be alone also, and the spirit of Christ will expound all things to you.

Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.

You need to rethink the abomination of desolation, the rapture, and a single anti-christ.

God Bless YOU as HE reveals his words to you.

Jennifer:

The word of God is like a great treasure hunt, one scripture is the key to another scripture, and so on. The scriptures put together are the KEYS TO THE KINGDOM.

Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, HERE A LITTLE, and THERE A LITTLE:

BUT NOTICE; since the spirit of Christ wrote the words, the spirit of Christ must teach your what the words mean.

Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to his people.

Most of God's words are HIDDEN in parables and dark sayings.

Psalms 78:2 I (the spirit of Christ) will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.

For your questions, has words been twisted by man's carnal mind, YES.

Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest (twist) my words ........

Are God's words being fulfilled? YES

Psalms 90:9 ...we spend our years as a tale that is told.

Hebrews 4:3 ... the works (WORDS) WERE FINISHED from the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my words be that goeth forth out of my mouth, they shall not return unto me void, but it MY WORD shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and IT (the WORD) shall prosper in the thing where unto I sent IT (the WORD)

The four winds of prophecy; a symbol, of the spirit of Christ.

John 3:8 the wind bloweth where it listeth (where God CAUSES it to blow), and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whether it goeth (it's the WORK of God): so is every one that is BORN OF THE SPIRIT.

Daniel 7:2 ....the four winds of heaven strove upon the great SEA (water)( Revelation 17:15) ....

Do I believe in miracles and wonders? YES, what greater miracle than creation:

Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, THEY ARE CREATED, ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) thou renewest the face of the earth.

The mark of the beast requires a post of its own, I will send a second post.

God Bless YOU!

God wasn't created. He's always been. This includes Jesus, who has always been as it says in John 1:2. Jesus wasn't created, but is the creator as the Bible says. Some falsely assume begotten means something other than what it means. Jesus chose to become a man and be born in the flesh and lived and died among us for the forgiveness of our sins. The Bible says Jesus is the King of Kings and Alpha and Omega and Almighty God. Revelation 1:8, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 19:15-16.

Ezekiel 17:3 ...and a GREAT EAGLE with great wings, long winged, and full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Revelation 12:15 And to the woman was GIVEN two wings of a GREAT EAGLE ....

Job 39:30 Doth the EAGLE mount up at THY COMMAND, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on THE ROCK, upon the crag of the ROCK, and the strong place. From thence (the ROCK) she seeketh the prey (FLESH and BLOOD) and her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, THERE IS SHE.

1 Corinthians 15:50 ....flesh and blood cannot inherit the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ......

Revelation 19:17 .....and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven (the children of the GREAT EAGLE) Come and gather yourselves to the supper of the Great God;

Revelation 19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of great kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men ....and the FLESH OF ALL MEN ----FLESH and BLOOD CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God ----

Some WORDS OF GOD TO MEDIATE ON

Hello Peggy. You could look up the following Scriptures on Jesus Christ's Deity (i.e. God's fullness found in Jesus ( Colossians 2:9) & in His Holy Spirit). Jesus' Deity is proved by:

a. His Names: Hebrews 1:8, John 20:28 (God); Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:61-65 (the Son of God); Matthew 22:41-46 (Lord); Revelation 19:13 (Word of God); Revelation 19:16 (King of kings and Lord of lords).

b. His Characteristics: Matthew 28:18 (Omnipotence: all powerful); Luke 6:8, John 2:24,25, John 13:11 (Omniscience: all knowing); Matthew 18:20 (Omnipresence: present in any place); John 1:4 (Life); John 14:6 (Truth); Hebrews 13:8 (Immutability: unchanging); 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-14 (God manifest in the flesh in Jesus).

c. His Works: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 (creates); Colossians 1:17 (sustains); Luke 7:48,49 (forgives sin); John 11:41-44 (raises the dead); John 5:27 (judges); John 15:26 (sends the Holy Spirit).

d. His receiving Worship: Hebrews 1:6 (from angels); Revelation 5:11-13 (from other heavenly beings); Matthew 14:33 (from men); Philippians 2:10 (from all).

e. His equality within the Triune God: John 14:23, John 10:30-33 (with the Father); Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 (with the Father and the Spirit).

I hope you can see from these few Scriptures that Jesus was not just a special Man or Prophet sent by God, but truly was "God manifested in the flesh". No other man before Jesus' coming, during, or after His leaving this Earth, could ever fully reflect God's Glory, Wisdom & Power. Only God could - and He did this by sending us His Word, made Him a Man, so that He could give His Life as full payment for our sins - but only to those who believe this & place their trust in Him. To some, the 'Trinity' teaching is abominable. But man's salvation depends on the Divine Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - that God could accept no other Sacrifice to redeem & secure people to Himself - only by giving fully of Himself, which is true love for all.

The Lord will come whether you believe or don't believe. Halelujah. Your denial will not stop Him, the King of Kings, the Name above all Name, He who sits at the right Hand of the Most Sovereign God, the Great I am. He is Eternal.

Reflections on heaven part 3 Our experiences

Today's sermon discussed aspects such as the verse saying that there is no more marriage in heaven. ( Mark 12:25). That seems cut and dry but everything else seemed to drift too much into what we enjoy here on earth (such as recreation; endless delicious meals etc.) My earlier comments reflected on service in heaven; which most believers in Christ should acknowledge (unlike those who don't look into the scriptures and think we are all floating on clouds someplace).

My issue is not that we won't have those pleasures in heaven; but again reflects what I said earlier that all the focus is on serving Him and rejoicing in Him. Christ surely has anticipated sitting down and drinking the "fruit of the vine" which He will do no more until He is in heaven with us ( Mark 14:25). That would presumably be at the Great supper of the Lamb but certainly could occur at other times as well. That surely does indicate that there will be fellowship among saints and Christ as well as with each other. There are also such things as unique names given to us that no one else knows but God and that person ( Rev. 2:17); and Revelation 19:10 also states the same for Christ Himself.

While it isn't necessarily wrong to reflect on what enjoyment of heaven will be like in our new Resurrection bodies; we shouldn't be so enamored with it that we drift away from rejoicing in the harvest; as well as the attributes of God. We also will be ruling and reigning on the earth; but won't be overtaken by all the unprecedented riches that the kings of the earth bring as tribute to the Lord. Heaven; of course will be ON earth (in terms of the heavenly city itself; that is). For God to restore His creation that surely also will be a thing to behold. Again; without salvation men's minds still won't be able to dissuaded from eventual rebellion despite 1000 years of material blessings on earth; since sin will still be present until the new earth.

Sally Quinn,

Great you're reading the Bible! Romans 10:17, 2Timothy 2:15,

James 1:5,

Genesis 1:26,27, compare to; John 1:1-4, Job 38,

One GOD: 1Timothy 2:5, Galatians 3:20,

Food in Heaven = Psalms 78:24,25, Revelation 22:2, Luke 22:16, Matthew 26:29, Revelation 19:9, Luke 14:16-24,

Hopefully these are helpful

Matthew 24, Mark 13, Revelation 16:13, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10,

Numbers 12:6-8,

Hopefully these are helpful

John 14:6 kjv, Psalm 12:6-7 kjv, Psalm 119:140 kjv, John 1:1-3,14 kjv,

John 6:63 kjv, Isaiah 40:8 kjv, Matthew 24:35 kjv, Revelation 19:11-16 kjv,

1 Peter 1:23 kjv, John 8:58 kjv.

God bless you Brenda. In Jesus name.And

Hi Gigi.

Part 4.

In Revelation 19:17-21 you see the parallel verse " Where the eagles gather as mentioned in

Matthew 24:28.

No mention of the removal of saints. If the saints were raptured and everyone else cast into hell and this is the last day on earth as you presented Who's going to populate the Millennium?

In Revelation 20 you see the Millennium reign of Christ and the great white throne judgment.

Let's use Daniel 12:13 you provided to see who the elect is in these scriptures.

Daniel 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time THY PEOPLE shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Who's Daniels people? Israel.

Who's gathered from the four corners of the earth? Israel.

Isaiah 11:9-12.

Ezekiel 34:11-14.

Daniel is not talking about the Church.

The tribulation will drive Israel to their Messiah.

Hosea 5:15. I will go and return to my place, TILL THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OFFENCE, AND SEEK MY FACE: IN THEIR AFFLICTION THEY WILL SEEK ME EARLY.

Matthew 23:37-39 (KJV) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

For I say unto you, YE SHALL NOT SEE ME HENCEFORTH, TILL YE SHALL SAY, BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

This means when they behold him as a nation.

God bless.

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

"mighty God" = Jesus as a baby is called God.

Titus 2:13-14 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

"God and our Savior Jesus Christ"

Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us"

1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

"God was manifest in the flesh" = this is Jesus, who was manifest in the flesh. John 1:14

Revelation 19:13-16

"his name is called The Word of God" = Jesus.

"and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." = Jesus

"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." = Jesus

John 1:1 clearly says the "Word was God."

"Lord" also means deity or God.

"But Jesus prayed to God so how can He be God?"

Because the Bible says He is. Jesus has always been Jn 1:2 and relegated Himself to become a temporary man in the flesh prayed to God the Father. Just because He prayed as a temporary man does not automatically mean He wasn't God, the Son. 1 John 5:7

Philippians 2:9-11

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Addendum

The literal aspect of horses as stated here and in other passages allows us to consider whether many advanced weapons are either destroyed (as part of Antichrist's original peace deal); or rendered useless with the fires and possible geomagnetic disturbances and/or God's judgments (such as the beast's kingdom being plunged into darkness at the 5th vial). The descriptions in Ezekiel 38 have been described by some as a certain type of wood that may be used as a sort of composite in advanced weaponry.

It should be noted that the mobility of Asiatic troops and those in Muslim campaigns in mountainous terrain (such as those coming from areas around Turkey such as Ararat and into the mountains of the north from Syria) could certainly be something to consider here. Remember that Israel is said at that time to be a land of "unwalled villages" in Ezekiel 38:11. This verse describes people not suspecting such an invasion; which may be due to their continued retention of advanced weapons; or not searching out those who would attempt to invade with such a primitive method. These animals may not be detected going through narrow mountain passes; or deep gorges and not be taken seriously in a multi pronged campaign especially by multiple nations as indicated. The unwalled villages at the very least probably show the immediately surrounding nations conspicuously absent here; are taken care of in the prophetic Psalm 83. In any event; Israel is captured and has their walls of protection removed (interestly such a proposal occurred recently with the ongoing Middle East peace proposals). It would seem the endless rockets of the Palestinians and their backers would have to be eliminated completely for such a scenario to come to fruition; thus indicating the Gulf nations would have procured a successful and prosperous trade with the nation for some time; again as indicated by the final "Babylon" city that surely would affect Israel.

Rest of Revelation 19

The rest of the book discusses the return of Christ with His saints; and the capture of the Beast; False Prophet and Satan (without stating who places them in their respective places of punishment although the next chapters show an angel has sealed the bottomless pit).

There is a feast prepared for the birds of the air (v. 17-18; v. 21). God has in Isaiah 34:11 and other verses clearly considered the unclean beasts and provided for them richly (despite being unfit for man's consumption). Those who are animal lovers may not appreciate the fact that they will either be present at the wedding feast of the Lamb or themselves be part of the supper of wild beasts. No doubt these creatures will be starving themselves by this time and God isn't going to let a good meal go to waste. We should ponder this; those who are evolutionists and realize that in light of Ecclesiastes 3:19 that unregenerate men are no better than animals as to our fate. The soul of animals may go down into the earth (see verse 21 two verses later); but man is the only creature subject to eternal damnation and suffering as we see again in the same chapter; verse 11 where "eternity is put in their hearts."

The last verse in this chapter; verse 21 shows the rest of man in the battle slain with the sword (see Malachi 4:1; Psalm 2; etal). They will be placed in Sheol; the "holding place" for the damned until their turn for the lake of fire. Undoubtably their involvement in this battle and enticement by demons means that they have taken the mark of the Beast. If for some reason someone is missing arms and or has a head injury and can't take the mark the image will be worshipped which basically amounts to the same punishment.

In God's Providence He shortens the days or no flesh would survive (or be saved); see Matthew 24:22. There are interesting studies as to the mention of horses (verse 18) which also are seen in Ezekiel 38. I prefer to take that literally.

The first few verses describe as chapter 18 did the destruction of the city of Babylon "the great whore" (v. 2). Verse 7 talks about the marriage of the Lamb; with the wedding supper in verse 9. The scene in front of the throne here as well as the timing seem almost identical to what we see in Revelation 5. We need to keep in mind that not everyone will be present wearing the garments of white until the last saint appears in heaven; so this likely shows the Resurrection of all the Tribulation saints along with the church who were raised 7 years before. This brings in mind the parable of the Ten Virgins and associated verses as to the reference both to the Second Coming and Rapture. We need to remember that Israel itself isn't as a nation going to repent until the final destruction on Israel where half of the city is taken in Zechariah 14:2. Just because the Tribulation saints aren't in the dispensation of the church where the Spirit works within the Body as at present; that doesn't exclude the rest of the believers from being members of a corporate Body who all need white garments of righteousness. (Verse 8). All true saints; therefore must bring forth fruit. God may deem martyrdom necessary to procure that; particularly in the days when Christ will be known to all and seen by the world (once again; indicated by the scene in Rev. 6:16-17. John 20:26-29 shows those who have NOT seen are blessed; and the Rapture certainly would be a reward in that sense.

Verse 10 also brings up a theme repeated in Revelation 22:9 where he tries to worship someone other than God (in the other case an angel). This should cause us to take pause to realize that the glorified bodies of the saints will be quite overwhelming.

The rest of the chapter; of course relates to the Second Coming of Christ and the immediate victory He has over the armies of the earth. More on that in the next post.

Hi Marsha. There are many verses that speak of, or allude, to the Triunity of God, i.e. God manifesting Himself to us in three Persons. But if you're looking for a single verse, then 1 John 5:7 fits the bill: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." Of course, the Word given here is Jesus, Who is the Word of God made flesh for the suffering of death ( John 1:1-14; Revelation 19:11-13).

Usually I believe the Believe states when it's wrong & when it's worship.

Exodus 34:14, Matthew 4:10, John 4:23,24,

Daniel 8:17,18, Daniel 10:9, Daniel 10:15-19,

Wrongly : 1Kings 12:30, Acts 18:13, Revelation 19:10, Revelation 22:8,9,

Hopefully these are helpful