Revelation 19 “Christ’s Return”

“And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” (v.11)

The time has now come for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself to return in power and great glory and establish God’s kingdom upon the earth - the “Day of the Lord” as described by the prophet Isaiah in which, “man will hide from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty” (Isaiah 2:19-22).

Throughout time, history has been dated, by the life of Jesus Christ - B.C. (before Christ), and A.D. (after His death). So, world history as we know it is really “His story,” recorded for us in the ancient scrolls which became the Bible. In the 260 chapters of the New Testament, there are 318 references to the second coming of Christ—an amazing 1 out of every 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 New Testament books refer to this great event. And, for every prophecy in the Bible concerning the Messiah’s first coming, there are 8 which look forward to His second!

For centuries satan has been working through man to try and discredit God’s Word. Some going so far as trying to predict what the Bible says, “no man knows” and have failed miserably. However, even though no man knows the day or the hour of Christ's return, we can know the story. We have the road map, we’ve been given prophetic insight to the signs of His coming. Therefore, "we are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Thess. 5:4), "nor are we appointed unto wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:9). Hallelujah!

In this we have great hope looking for His return not fearing the Day of the Lord, for we will be with Him. But, Wow to those who stand against Him or His Word, for they will experience His righteous judgment and great wrath (Matthew 25:31-41).

The Truth: “He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4b)

Revelation 18 “The Overthrow of Commercial Babylon”

“And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her (Babylon) will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” (vv. 9-10)

Rulers throughout history have lived in luxury at the expense of others by waging war on them, enslaving them, taking their spoils, burning cities to the ground, and have not batted an eye at their plight. Babylon had not only acquired great wealth, but had deceived many through her false doctrines. She also had the blood of the saints and the prophets in her ledger, as well as all who were slain on the earth during the tribulation period (v.24).

Seeing these kings then so concerned about their economic loss (by weeping and wailing, throwing dust on their heads, because all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth v.19), is not to surprising, for they had been deceived as well. And while the earth mourns over the destruction of this economic center, heaven rejoices saying, “Alleluia!” (Revelation 19:1), "For true and righteous are His judgments, for He has judged the great harlot who captured the earth with her fornication; and God has avenged the blood of His servants shed by her.” (Revelation 19:2). Meaning, they rejoiced in the righteous resolution God’s judgment brought, not in the destruction.

This speaks to us on many levels; that God is a righteous judge, that He will avenge His servants, that He is mighty in power and none can stand against Him, and that we should rejoice and give Him glory, "for He alone is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals."

The Truth: "Therefore behold, the days are coming that I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon; Her whole land shall be ashamed, And all her slain shall fall in her midst. Then the heavens and the earth and all that is in them Shall sing joyously over Babylon; For the plunderers shall come to her from the north,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:47-48)