Final Judgment

¹ Then I (John) saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit (Abyss) and a heavy chain in his hand. ² He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. ³ The angel threw him into the bottomless pit (Abyss), which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while.

⁴ Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded (martyred or killed) for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the Word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) ⁶ Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ (Messiah) and will reign with Him a thousand years.

⁷ When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison (confinement). ⁸ He will go out to deceive (seduce, lead astray) the nations—called Gog and Magog—in every corner of the earth (four corners of the earth). He will gather them together for battle (war)—a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore. ⁹ And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people (saints) and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. ¹⁰ Then the devil, who had deceived (seduce, lead astray) them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (brimstone), joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

¹¹ And I saw a great white throne and the One sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide. ¹² I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave (Hades) gave up their dead. And all were judged (cases tried and determined) according to their deeds (motives and works). ¹⁴ Then death and the grave (Hades) were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:1-15 (NLT)

Revelation 20 reveals God’s final destruction of Satan and God’s final judgment of humanity. As mentioned previously beginning at Revelation 17:1 and ending with Revelation 20:15, John describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 17:15-18; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10). Having defeated the wicked woman in chapter 17 and the beast (antichrist) and the false prophet in chapter 19, John now turns to the ultimate enemy who has deceived the nations – the dragon. The Holy Scriptures identify our ultimate enemy by four sinister names: the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, or Satan (Revelation 20:2; see also Genesis 3:1; Job 1:7; Revelation 12:9).

Revelation 20 consists of three parts. The first verses of Revelation 20 describe the millennium (see Revelation 20:1-6). The second part of Revelation 20 reveals the dragon and his armies final battle against God’s people and God’s utter defeat and judgment of dragon’s and his evil alliance (see Revelation 20:7-10). The third part of Revelation 20 reveals the final judgment of humanity (see Revelation 20:11-15).

Revelation 20 begins with John, the human author of Revelation, seeing an angel coming down from heaven with a heavy chain in his hand and the key to the bottomless pit also called the “Abyss” (Revelation 20:1). The “bottomless pit” is not the same as hell, also called the “lake of fire” (see also Revelation 9:1-2, 11; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 17:8). The lake of fire is the final “prison” for Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), the false prophet), and everyone who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:10, 15). Rather, the Abyss is part of that hidden underworld under God’s authority for the confinement of evil spirits awaiting the final judgment (Revelation 9:1; see also Luke 8:31; Jude 6).

This heavenly angel seized the dragon—that old serpent who is the devil, Satan—and bound the dragon for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2). Then, the angel threw the dragon into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so that the dragon could not deceive the nations any more until the thousand years were finished (Revelation 20:3). After the thousand years, the dragon will be released again from the bottomless pit for a little while or short time (Revelation 20:3). First, the dragon was cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:9), and now he is cast out of earth for a thousand years!

During this thousand-year period, John saw thrones in heaven and sitting on these thrones were those who were given the right to judge (Revelation 20:4; see also Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3). Also, John saw the souls of those who had been martyred or killed for their faithful testimony about God’s Son Jesus and for proclaiming the Word of God (Revelation 20:4; see also Revelation 6:9-11). These faithful believers had not worshiped the beast (the antichrist) or his statue and neither did these faithful believers accept the beast’s mark on their foreheads or their hands (Revelation 20:4; see also Revelation 13:16-18). John saw these faithful believers coming back to life again and reigning with Jesus in this millennial blessedness (a thousand years) (Revelation 20:4). This is the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5). The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended (Revelation 20:5). John proclaimed, “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6, ESV).

Interestingly, John identifies these faithful believers as “priests of God and of Christ” (Revelation 20:6; see also Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5). At Mount Sinai, God promised the Israelites that if they would obey His voice and keep His commandments, they would be to Him a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6; see also 1 Peter 2:5, 9-12). These faithful believers, by remaining true and obedient to Jesus in the final trial with the beast (antichrist), are thus priests of God and Jesus (see also Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10).

When the thousand-year imprisonment end, the dragon is released from his prison and permitted to lead one last revolt with his evil army (Revelation 20:7-9). The when who, and why the dragon is released from his prison is an undisclosed mystery of Revelation. The dragon will resume his evil ways of deception and dishonesty and go out to deceive the nations of the world just like the false prophet (Revelation 20:8; see also Matthew 7:15-20; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 19:20). Even more, the dragon will gather his evil alliance from the four corners of the world—Gog and Magog—for battle with his propaganda (Revelation 20:8).

The two mysterious figures “Gog and Magog” are obedient tools of the dragon participating in the final battle with the dragon (Revelation 20:8). The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel refers to “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of the Meshech and Tubal,” who will come from the north against God’s people living peacefully in the land (see Ezekiel 38:2). Whereas in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel Magog is the territory of which Gog is the ruler. In the book of Revelation, Gog and Magog are parallel names, used together of the world powers or nations opposed to the true and living God and His faithful people.

Many scholars have tried to identify the Gog and Magog. However, Bible interpreters disagree on Gog and Magog’s identity. More than ordinary enemies, Gog and Magog are a personification of evil – evil that has fought God’s people from the very beginning. Interestingly, Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 reveal God also delivering His people by destroying Gog with fire from heaven (see Ezekiel 38:21-22; Ezekiel 39:6).

The dragon’s evil army will be as numberless as sand along the shore (Revelation 20:8). The dragon and his evil army will go up across the broad plain of the earth and surround God’s faithful people, the city He loves (Revelation 20:9; see also Revelation 21:2). The camp of God’s people is also His beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. Interestingly, John does not describe the actual battle. Fire from God in heaven will flash down on the dragon and his attacking armies and completely consume them (Revelation 20:9). The Lord God Almighty defeated all the evil forces (Revelation 20:9-10; see also Deuteronomy 28:7; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:5-6). If you faithfully follow and obey God, you will experience victory!

Following the dragon’s defeat, the dragon who had deceived the nations will once again be captured and thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where his evil cohorts the beast and the false prophet were (Revelation 20:10; see also Revelation 19:20). The unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet) will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). God has defeated utterly evil!

The phrase “thousand years” occurs six times in Revelation 20:1-7. This period in history is known as “the millennium.” The account of the thousand-year period in chapter 20 is the only place in the Holy Scriptures that mentions the millennium, and these verses are among the most controversial in Revelation. Over centuries, biblical scholars have interpreted the thousand-year reign in a variety of ways. Postmillennialism believes that the church itself will bring about a time of peace and prosperity in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ through its expanding influence. This view was far more popular in the 19^th century when people were optimistic about progress and the future. Premillennialism believes that Jesus Christ will return to earth and reign here in person, ushering in a period of great peace. During this period, Satan the dragon will be bound up, but he will lead a final revolt at the end of the thousand years. Amillennialism interprets the thousand-year passage much less literally. Some amillennialism holds that the millennium has already been going on, but the reign of Jesus Christ is taking place in heaven, not on earth. Others believe the church is establishing the kingdom of Christ, now, between Jesus’s first and second coming. Because the Holy Scriptures provides so little information on the millennium, no one can be completely sure the meaning of the “thousand years.” The “thousand years” period itself may be symbolic, standing for a very long period of time. These holding each view read John’s millennial vision in terms of their understanding of other biblical texts and their approach to prophetic literature as a whole. Regardless, all positions agree that ultimately this world will end. Each of these interpretations affirms the central truth: Jesus will return as promised (see John 14:3), and will destroy the forces of evil and establish God’s eternal kingdom.   

Then, John saw a great white throne and One sitting on His great white throne (Revelation 20:11). From One’s presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for the earth and sky (Revelation 20:11). Also, John saw all the dead, great and small, standing before God’s throne and the books were opened, including the book of life (Revelation 20:12). THIS IS THE FINAL JUDGMENT AND EVERYONE WILL BE PRESENT!

There is some question about the identity of the One sitting upon throne (Revelation 20:11). The New Testament generally teaches that judgment has been committed to God’s Son, Jesus Christ (see e.g., Matthew 25:31-33; John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1). Yet Revelation 20:11 present God the Father as the judge. Elsewhere in Revelation the One seated upon the throne is God the Father (see e.g., Revelation 4:2, 9; Revelation 5:1, 7, 13; Revelation 6:16; Revelation 7:10, 15; Revelation 19:4; Revelation 21:5). The ease with which the New Testament speaks both about the judgment seat of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:10) and the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10) implies unity of God the Father and His Son, Jesus (see e.g., Revelation 11:15). In his Gospel, John records that statement of Jesus, “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30; see also Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:9; John 17:11, 22). Jesus is God (see e.g., John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6)

In John’s vision, God judged all the dead small and great according to the things written in the books, each according to the deeds he or she had done while living (Revelation 20:12; see also Daniel 7:9-10; Romans 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The seas also gave up the bodies buried in them as well as the earth and the underworld gave up the dead in them (Revelation 20:13). Everyone was judged according to his or her deeds (Revelation 20:13). John makes clear that the One sitting on the throne will judge everyone “according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:13). The opening of the books suggests that our earthly lives are important and meaningful, and are taken into account at the end. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). Death and Hades are personified as the last great evil enemies of humanity (see also 1 Corinthians 15:26). Death entered the world as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin and disobedience in the Garden of Eden (also known as the “Great Fall”) (Genesis 3; see also Romans 5:12). As result of Adam and Eve’s sin, all humanity not only become subject death (see Hebrews 9:27) but also enslaved by the fear of death (see Hebrews 2:15). This is the second death—the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). If anyone’s name was not found recorded in God’s book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of eternal fire (Revelation 20:15; see also Matthew 25:41). The final judgment clears the scene for the establishment of the new heaven and the new earth, from which sin and death are banished forevermore (Revelation 21:1-5; see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13). The true and living God will judge and condemn evildoers for their evil and wicked deeds, and they will be cast eternally into the lake of fire.

That books will be consulted in the final judgment is an idea found in many ancient traditions – Biblical and nonbiblical. Besides nonbiblical sources, the conception of a heavenly register is mentioned in various parts of the Old Testament (see e.g., Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 7:10; Malachi 3:16). Divine judgment that takes account of works is spoken of also in Psalm 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:6; and 1 Peter 1:17. The issue is not salvation by works and deeds, but our good works and deeds are overwhelming evidence of a person’s genuine relationship with God (Ephesians 2:10). In addition to the record of people’s earthly deeds, there is another book to be opened called the “book of life.” John mentions the book of life five times throughout Revelation (see Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:12, 15; Revelation 21:27). The Holy Scriptures also speak of the “book of life” containing the names of God's faithful people at Luke 10:20 and Philippians 4:3 (see also e.g., Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Hebrews 12:23). The relationship between the record of people’s deeds and the book of life is not clear. In any case, judgment proceeds on the evidence supplied by both the record of deeds and the book of life.

Moreover, many people reject the biblical doctrine of hell or the eternal fire as being “unchristian.” However, Jesus clearly taught of hell’s reality during His public ministry on earth (see e.g., Matthew 18:8; Matthew 23:15, 33; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:46). However, the true and living God has given everyone an opportunity to avoid the eternal lake of fire by sending His one and only begotten Son to save us from our sins (see e.g., Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-18; Acts 4:12; Acts 13:28). Everyone who faithfully BELIEVES AND OBEYS Jesus as God’s Son will be saved from the lake of fire and adopted into God’s family (see e.g., John 1:12-13; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; John 12:44-50; Galatians 3:26). Thus, the true and living God who is merciful and kind has graciously given everyone an opportunity to avoid and escape the eternal lake of fire by ACCEPTING, BELIEVING, AND OBEYING His Son, Jesus and REPENTING (TURNING) from their sins and wickedness. Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation (see e.g., John 5:24; John 14:9; Acts 4:12). The true and living God takes no pleasure in the death of people (see e.g., Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). Therefore, let everyone turn from wickedness and evil and wholeheartedly turn to God with love and obedience to God and His ways so you can live (see e.g., Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Ezekiel 33:11-20; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 3:2, 8; Matthew 4:17). For the wages of sin is death, but God gives the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23; see also e.g., Proverbs 10:16; Ezekiel 18:4). The true and living God will judge everyone according to his or her ways and deeds (see e.g., Ezekiel 18:30-32; Romans 2:6-10). If anyone turns from his or her sins and turn to God and His Son Jesus, God is gracious to forgive them of their sins. While good deeds will not save us, our salvation must lead to righteous actions (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:14-17; see also Ezekiel 18:5-9, 30-32). Our wholehearted love for God and genuine love for others (good and kind deeds) attest to our genuine trust in Jesus (see Matthew 22:34-40; see also e.g., Exodus 20:3–17; John 13:34-35; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-14). The soul who continually sins and fails to repent and turn from wickedness shall die (Ezekiel 18:20-22). However, when anyone turns away from evil and does what is just and right, he shall save his life (see e.g., Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:27-28, 30-32).

THEREFORE, LET EVERYONE REPENT! Turn away from evil, wickedness, and disobedience and get a new heart and a new spirit by faithfully, wholeheartedly, and genuinely turning to God and obeying His ways (Ezekiel 18:30-31; see also Isaiah 1:16-20). Repent and live (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; see also Ezekiel 18:32)!

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Arrival of Jesus

¹ After this, I (John) heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the LORD (Hallelujah)! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. ² His judgments are true and just. He has punished (judged) the great prostitute (wicked woman) who corrupted the earth with her immorality (idolatry, evil). He has avenged the murder of His servants.” ³ And again their voices rang out: “Praise the LORD (Hallelujah)! The smoke from that city ascends forever and ever!” ⁴ Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, “Amen! Praise the LORD (Hallelujah)!” ⁵ And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all His servants, all who fear (reverence) Him, from the least to the greatest.” ⁶ Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: “Praise the LORD (Hallelujah)! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. ⁷ Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride (wife) has prepared herself. ⁸ She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds (righteous deeds) of God’s holy people (saints). ⁹ And the angel said to me (John), “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” ¹⁰ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, do not worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” ¹¹ Then I (John) saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its Rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. ¹² His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns (diadems). A name (title) was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. ¹³ He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title (name) was the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. ¹⁶ On His robe at His thigh was written this title (name): King of all kings and Lord of all lords. ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: “Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. ¹⁸ Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and strong warriors; of horses and their riders; and of all humanity, both free and slave, small and great.” ¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the One sitting on the horse and His army (troops). ²⁰ And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. ²¹ Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the One riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies. Revelation 19:1-21 (NLT)

Revelation 19 changes the setting of John’s vision to heaven, where John (the human author of Revelation) sees the celebration of God’s people. God’s people were celebrating because of the defeat and destruction of the wicked woman, also known as “Babylon.” As mentioned previously beginning at Revelation 17:1 and ending with Revelation 20:15, John describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 17:15-18; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10, 15). Essentially, John assures faithful believers of Jesus that God and the Lamb will defeat evil! God really is in control and righteousness will reign eternally supreme.

Revelation 19 consists of three parts. The first verses of Revelation 19 describe the celebration and rejoicing of faithful believers for God’s destruction of the wicked woman in chapters 17 and 18 (see Revelation 19:1-10). The second part of Revelation reveal the arrival of Jesus the Lamb and His faithful army (Revelation 19:11-18). The third part of Revelation reveals the total destruction of the beast (also known as the antichrist) and his false prophet along with their evil army (see Revelation 19:19-21).

Revelation 19 begins with John hearing great crowds in heaven celebrating and shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of His servants” (Revelation 19:1-2, ESV). Heaven is breaking out in praise! God has avenged the blood of His servants (saints) (see Revelation 6:10; see also Deuteronomy 32:43). God has judged the wicked woman who also represents moral and spiritual corruption. Then, the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures, which are around God’s throne, fell down and worshiped the true and living God sitting on the throne and they declared, “Amen. Hallelujah!” (Revelation 19:4, ESV; see also Revelation 4:2-8). Then from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear (reverence and honor) Him, small and great” (Revelation 19:5, ESV).

At that moment, John heard once again what sounded like the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like the sound of mighty rolling of great thunder, triumphantly shouting:

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Revelation 19:6-8 (NIV)

Interestingly the bride of the Lamb wore the cleanest, whitest, and finest of linens, which represented the good deeds or righteous actions done by His people (saints) (Revelation 19:8; see also Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10). True, the Holy Scriptures teaches that the true and living God saves us by His grace when we believed in Him and His Son, Jesus (Ephesians 2:5, 8; see also Romans 3:21-26). We can never take credit for our salvation because our salvation is a gift from God. However, the Holy Scriptures also equally teaches that God and His Son will judge everyone by his or her righteous deeds or works (see e.g., Psalm 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:6). The issue is not salvation by righteous works or deeds but a person’s righteous works and deeds are overwhelming evidence of one’s genuine faithfulness and obedience to God. Salvation is by faith (see e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), but our genuine faith in God and His Son Jesus are revealed by the good and righteous works and deeds our faith produces (see e.g., Matthew 7:15-23; Romans 13:13-14; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 5:1-21; Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:14-26).

The imagery of the relationship between God and His people (His bride) as a marriage or wedding goes back into the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the prophets repeatedly spoke of Israel as the chosen bride of God (see e.g., Isaiah 54:1-8; Ezekiel 16:7; Hosea 2:19-20). This same symbolism occurs in the New Testament (see e.g., Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 25:1-13; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 12:36; 2 Corinthians 11:2). In the New Testament, the church represents the bride of Christ consisting of both Jews and Gentiles that acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Jesus loved the church so much that He gave Himself up in her behalf (see Ephesians 5:25, 32).

Then, the angel said to John to write down this sentence, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9, NLT). The angel also told John, “These are true words that come from God” (Revelation 19:9, NLT). Then, John fell down at the angel’s feet to worship him, but the angel said to John:

“Do not worship me! I am a servant like you and your brothers and sisters who have the message of Jesus. Worship God, because the message about Jesus is the spirit that gives all prophecy.” Revelation 19:10 (NCV)

AT THAT MOMENT, John saw heaven opened and a white horse standing there (Revelation 19:11). The One sitting on the white horse was named Faithful and True, and John added that in righteousness He judges, punishes, and makes war (Revelation 19:11). The One sitting on the white horse is the living and resurrected Jesus! This time Jesus is coming not as the Baby in a manger but the great Warrior-Messiah-King. This passage portrays the physical second coming of Jesus predicted at Acts 1:9-11.

John declared that Jesus’ piercing eyes were like flames, and on His head were many crowns or diadems (Revelation 19:12; see also Revelation 1:14). Jesus had a name written on His forehead that no one knows the meaning but Himself (Revelation 19:12). Amazingly, John noticed that the conquering Jesus was clothed with garments dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13; see also; Revelation 5:6, 9). John called Jesus the “Word of God” (Revelation 19:13; see also John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:1-2). The armies of heaven, dressed in finest linen, white and clean, also followed Jesus on white horses (Revelation 19:14). Interestingly, Jesus’ army wore fine linen, white and pure, instead of wearing armor. In Jesus’ mouth, He held a sharp sword to strike down the nations (Revelation 19:15; see also Revelation 1:16). Then, John declared the living and resurrected Jesus will rule (shepherd) the nations with a rod of iron or iron scepter and tread the winepress of the fury of God’s ultimate wrath (Revelation 19:15; see also Revelation 2:27; Revelation 12:5; Psalm 2:9). On Jesus’ robe and thigh, Jesus had a title written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).

Then, John saw an angel standing in the sunshine, shouting loudly to all the vultures flying in air, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great” (Revelation 19:17-18, NIV). This revolting scene is based on the visions of the Old Testament prophet of Ezekiel where God commanded the birds of every kind to gather for a feast on the warriors and princes of God (see Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, especially Ezekiel 39:17-20).

At that juncture, John saw the beast, the kings or government of the earth, and their armies gathered to make war against Jesus and His faithful army (Revelation 19:19). Interestingly, John does not describe the actual battle. Instead, the beast was captured and with him his false prophet who had performed the miraculous and deceptive signs on the beast’s behalf (Revelation 19:20). Both Satan (also called great dragon, ancient serpent, and the devil) and the false prophet are portrayed in Revelation as deceivers, tricksters, and liars who lead the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9; Revelation 13:14-15; Relation 19:20; Revelation 20:3, 10). With these deceiving and miraculous signs, the false prophet and the beast had deceived and mislead those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his evil image (Revelation 19:20). Together, the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (lake of fire) (Revelation 19:20). The rest of the evil followers of the beast and the false prophet (their army) were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of Jesus (Revelation 19:21; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:8). Then, all the birds of the air gorged themselves on the evil followers’ flesh (Revelation 19:21).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wicked Woman

¹ One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven bowls came over and spoke to me (John). “Come with me,” he said, “and I will show you the judgment (doom, sentence) that is going to come on the great prostitute (harlot, idolatress), who rules (seated) over many waters. ² The kings of the world have committed adultery (idolatry, fornication, immorality) with her, and the people who belong to this world have been made drunk by the wine of her immorality (idolatry, adultery).” ³ So the angel took me in the Spirit into the wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns, and blasphemies (names, titles) against God were written all over it. ⁴ The woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold and precious gems and pearls. In her hand, she held a gold goblet (cup) full of obscenities and the impurities of her immorality (vices, adulteries). ⁵ A mysterious (with a secret symbolic meaning) name was written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World.” ⁶ I could see that she was drunk—drunk with the blood of God’s holy people (saints) who were witnesses for Jesus. I (John) stared at her (wicked woman) in complete amazement.

⁷ “Why are you so amazed?” the angel asked. “I will tell (explain to) you the mystery (secret symbolic meaning) of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. ⁸ The beast you saw was once alive but is not now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit (abyss, underworld) and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed (astonished) at the reappearance of this beast who had died. ⁹ “This calls for a mind with understanding (wisdom): The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills where the woman rules (sits). They also represent seven kings. ¹⁰ Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief. ¹¹ “The scarlet beast that was, but is no longer, is the eighth king (ruler). He is like the other seven, and he, too, is headed for destruction. ¹² The ten horns of the beast are ten kings (rulers) who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment (one hour) to reign with the beast. ¹³ They will all agree to give him (beast) their power and authority. ¹⁴ Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat (triumph over, overcome) them because He is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And His called and chosen and faithful ones will be with Him.” ¹⁵ Then the angel said to me (John), “The waters where the prostitute (harlot) is ruling represent masses of people of every nation and language. ¹⁶ The scarlet beast and his ten horns all hate the prostitute (idolatrous woman). They will strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her remains with fire. ¹⁷ For God has put a plan into their minds (hearts), a plan that will carry out His purposes. They will agree to give their authority to the scarlet beast (antichrist), and so the words of God will be fulfilled. ¹⁸ And this woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world.” Revelation 17:1-18 (NLT)

Revelation 17 begins another section of the book. Beginning at Revelation 17:1 and ending with Revelation 20:15, John describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil. First, John reveals the destruction of the wicked woman in chapters 17 and 18. John describes this wicked and adulterous woman as “Babylon,” and she is in alliance with the evil beast.

Revelation 17 begins with one of the seven angels who had poured out the seven last plagues in chapter 16 coming over and talking with John, the human author of Revelation (Revelation 17:1). The angel told John, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters” (Revelation 17:1, NIV). Sadly, the kings and rulers of the world have committed wicked and idolatrous acts with the great prostitute, and the great prostitute has made the people of the earth drunk by the wine of her utter sin, adultery, and wickedness (Revelation 17:2; see also Revelation 14:8). Often, the Holy Scriptures interlink sexual immorality and spiritual unfaithfulness to God (see Revelation 2:20-23; see also Ezekiel 16:15-43). Here, John is speaking of spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to the true and living God.

So, the angel took John in Spirit into the wilderness (Revelation 17:3). In the wilderness, John saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:3). Blasphemous names and titles against God covered the beast’s body (Revelation 17:3). The scarlet beast is either Satan the dragon of Revelation 12:3 or the beast from the sea from Revelation 13:1. Some biblical scholars see the beast as the antichrist that supports Babylon. Together, the dragon and the beast along with the false prophet are evil powers and the supreme enemies of Jesus and His church.

This wicked woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold, precious gems, and pearls (Revelation 17:4). This wicked woman adorned in gold, jewels, pearls and fine linen is the opposite of the Bride of Christ, adorned in bright and pure white with righteous acts (see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 21:2, 9; see also Proverbs 31:10-31). Despite her surface or outward beauty, this woman’s inner being was complete evil and violence. Moral corruption, dishonesty, adultery, destruction, and death are what this wicked woman offers (see also Proverbs 5:3–14, 20; Proverbs 6:24–32; Proverbs 7:6–27). In her hand, the woman held a golden cup full of sin, obscenities, and the filth of her adulteries (Revelation 17:4). The prostitute had a mysterious title written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and of Idol Worship Everywhere around the World” (Revelation 17:5, TLB). This wicked woman was drunk with the blood of God’ faithful people (saints) who bore witness and testimony to Jesus in the world (Revelation 17:6). John stared at the wicked woman with amazement and astonishment (Revelation 17:6).

Who is Babylon? Many people believe Babylon was a coded substitute for Rome, the city set on seven hills (Revelation 17:9). John wrote Revelation to encourage believers of Jesus to remain committed and faithful to the true and living God despite persecution from harsh Rome emperors, such as Nero. Scholars who see Babylon as Rome sometimes try to identify the kings mentioned here as specific Roman rulers. Yet, some scholars see Babylon as representative of all powerful political and economic world systems that persecute and kill faithful believers of Jesus and seduce believers into adultery against God with their allurement of material prosperity and pleasure. The modern-day nations of Iran and Iraq are the site of ancient Babylon. Nevertheless, Revelation 18 reveals John’s vision of Babylon’s destruction predicted at Revelation 14:8 and portrayed in the seventh bowl judgment at Revelation 16:18-19. In Revelation 18, God avenges the wrongs and hurts of His faithful people (saints) and prophet (Revelation 6:10; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 17:6) and all who have suffered undeserved violence on earth (Revelation 11:18).

Then, the angel said to John, “I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 17:7, NIV). The angel told John, the beast, which you saw, once was alive, now is not, and the beast will come up out of the bottomless pit (abyss) and go to eternal destruction (Revelation 17:8; see also Revelation 13:12-14;  Revelation 19:17-21). The people of earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began and gave allegiance to beast, will be astonished when they see the reappearance of the beast after being dead (Revelation 17:8). These evil worshipper too will be judged by God and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). This beast is an imitation of Jesus, who dead and rose from complete death (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 2:8; see also Matthew 28:1-10). Then, the angel said to John, “This calls for a mind with wisdom” (Revelation 17:9, NIV; see also Revelation 13:18).

Next, the angel said to John the beast’s seven heads represent a certain city built on seven hills where this woman has her residence, and they also represent seven kings (Revelation 17:9-10). The angel told John that five of the kings have already fallen, the sixth king now reigns, and the seventh king is yet to come, but his reign will be brief (Revelation 17:10). The beast that died is the eighth king, having reigned before as one of the seven (Revelation 17:11). After the beast’s second reign, he too will go to his doom and eternal destruction (Revelation 17:11). The beast’s ten horns are ten kings who have not yet risen to power to receive a kingdom (Revelation 17:12). These ten kings will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast (Revelation 17:12). Also, these ten kings will all sign a treaty giving their power and authority to the beast (Revelation 17:13).

Efforts to identify in history the five fallen kings or kingdoms, the sixth (current) king, a seventh (future) king who would reign briefly and the eighth that belongs to the seven have yielded conflicting conclusions. Some scholars have proposed several Roman emperors, several world empires, or simply numerical symbols standing for all worldly kingdoms that culminate in the beast. Even if scholars cannot identify the identity of these kings or kingdoms, Revelation reveals that the dragon and the beast’s time is “short” for the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet) will come to eternal destruction (Revelation 17:9-11; see also Revelation 12:12; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10).

Together these ten kings and the beast will wage war against Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). However, Jesus the Lamb will conquer and overcome the ten kings and the beast (Revelation 17:14). Jesus the Lamb is now the reigning and ruling Lord of lords and King of kings, and His people are the called, chosen, and faithful followers (Revelation 17:14; see also Revelation 19:16). Jesus’ title “Lord of lords and King of kings” emphasizes His sovereignty and but also His union with the true and living God (see Deuteronomy 10:17; John 14:8-11).

Then, the angel said to John, the waters (oceans, lakes, and rivers) that the wicked woman sits are the masses and multitude of people of every race, language, and nation (Revelation 17:15). However, the satanic alliance of the wicked woman and the beast will collapse revealing the self-destructive power of evil! As Professor Loyd Melton once taught, “There are no friends among crooks!” The beast and his ten kings who will reign with him all hate the wicked woman (Revelation 17:16). Together the beast and the ten kings will attack the wicked woman and leave her to ruin (Revelation 17:16). God will put a plan into the beast and his ten kings’ minds and heart to carry out His purposes and plans (Revelation 17:17).

The true and living God controls the entire universe including evil (Revelation 17:17). God sovereignly uses even His enemies to carry His purposes and fulfills His Word. Revelation 18 reveals God’s destruction of this wicked woman with her seductive allurement (Revelation 18:8-9, 20). Then God reveals the Bride of Christ in her beauty and true righteousness (Revelation 19:7-8). Finally, the angel told John the wicked woman John saw in his vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18).

Significantly, the book of Revelation climaxes with a vision of two women: one, the wicked woman who seeks to seduce the world with all manner of evil (Revelation 17), and the other, the Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 7, 9-11).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd D. Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Day of the Lord

¹ Then I (John) heard a mighty (great, loud) voice from the Temple (sanctuary) say to the seven angels, “Go your ways and pour out on the earth the seven bowls (vials) containing God’s wrath.” ² So the first angel left the Temple and poured out his bowl (vial) on the earth, and horrible, malignant sores (ulcers) broke out on everyone who had the mark of the beast and who worshipped his statue (image). ³ Then the second angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse (dead man). And everything (living) in the sea died. ⁴ Then the third angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the rivers and springs, and they became blood. ⁵ And I heard the angel who had authority (charge) over all water saying, “You are just (righteous), O Holy One, who is and who always was, because You have sent these judgments (judged). ⁶ Since they shed the blood of Your holy people (saints) and Your prophets, You have given them blood to drink. It is their just reward.” ⁷ And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, Your judgments are true and just.” ⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the sun, causing it to scorch (burn) everyone with its fire (heat). ⁹ Everyone was burned (scorched) by this blast of heat, and they cursed (blasphemed) the Name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give Him glory. ¹⁰ Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the throne (seat) of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects (people) ground (bite) their teeth in anguish, ¹¹ and they cursed (blasphemed) the God of Heaven for their pains and sores (ulcers). But they did not repent of their evil deeds (works) and turn to God. ¹² Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl (vial) on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. ¹³ And I saw three evil (unclean, loathsome) spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. ¹⁴ They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. ¹⁵ “Look (said Jesus), I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” ¹⁶ And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon. ¹⁷ Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl (vial) into the air. And a mighty (great, loud) shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” ¹⁸ Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. ¹⁹ The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and He made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of His fierce wrath. ²⁰ And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. ²¹ There was a terrible (huge) hailstorm, and hailstones weighing seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed (blasphemed) God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm. Revelation 16:1-21 (NLT)

Revelation 16 is God’s third and final judgment against sinful and disobedient humanity. The end has come! On this day, the sovereign God repays evildoers and the unrighteous for their sins and injustices (Revelation 16:5-7; see also Isaiah 49:26; Galatians 6:7). God has given everyone an opportunity to repent and turn to Him with the seal judgments (Revelation 6) and then with the trumpet judgment (Revelation 8-9). Sadly, some people decided to accept the mark of the beast and worship the evil forces of this world (see Revelation 13:16-18).

Revelation 16 reveals that the Lord God Almighty is clearly in control and will take His vengeance upon evil! Similar to the trumpet judgments, the final bowl judgments draw heavily for their symbolism on the ten Egyptian plagues from the Old Testament. God’s judgments are neither vengeful nor impulsive, but an expression of His righteous and holy nature (see Psalm 119:137). God will bring judgment upon individuals and nations that violate His moral commands (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Revelation chapter 16 opens with John, the human author, hearing a mighty voice from the Temple to seven angels saying, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God” (Revelation 16:1, ESV). So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores or ulcers came upon everyone people who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image (Revelation 16:2; see also Exodus 9:9-11; Deuteronomy 28:27, 35; Revelation 13:16). The first bowl judgment is God’s justice against those who give allegiance and worship to sinfulness and evil (Revelation 16:2; see also Revelation 14:9-10). Then, the second angel poured out his bowl upon the oceans, and the oceans became like the watery blood of a dead man. Everything in all the oceans died (Revelation 16:3 see also Exodus 7:19-21). Afterwards, the third angel poured out his bowl upon the rivers and springs and they became blood (Revelation 16:4 see also Psalm 78:44).

Then, John heard the angel of the waters proclaiming: 

“Holy One, You are the One who is and who was. You are right to decide to punish these evil people. They have poured out the blood of Your holy people and Your prophets. So now You have given them blood to drink as they deserve. . . . Yes, Lord God Almighty, the way You punish evil people is right and fair.” Revelation 16:5-7 (NCV)

At that point, the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun causing the sun to scorch and burn everyone with its fire (Revelation 16:8). The Holy Scriptures often connect fire with God’s judgment (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:22; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Peter 3:7). The people burned by this blast of heat do not responded by repenting and giving glory to God. Instead, these heathens resorted to blasphemy and cursed the Name of the living God (Revelation 16:9). Then, the fifth angel poured out his bowl on beast’s throne and his kingdom was plunged into supernatural darkness (Revelation 16:10; see also Exodus 10:21-29). People bearing the beast’s mark gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of Heaven for their pain and sores. Once again, these evil followers refused to repent of all their wicked deeds revealing their depravity (Revelation 16:10-11). Instead, these heathens gave faithful allegiance to their evil master, who continually blasphemes God and His faithful followers (see Revelation 13:1, 5-6; Revelation 17:3).

After that, the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great Euphrates River and the Euphrates River dried up so that the kings from the east (rising of the sun) could march their armies westward without hindrance (Revelation 16:12). The “kings from the east” have been widely interpreted, yet no one knows with certainty the identity of these kings. More importantly, the sixth bowl prepares for the battle on “the great day of God the Almighty,” commonly called “the battle of Armageddon” (Revelation 16:14, 16). In preparation of the battle, John saw three evil or foul spirits disguised as frogs leap from the mouths of the unholy trinity – the dragon, the evil beast, and the false prophet (Revelation 16:13; see also Exodus 8:2-14). These diabolical and evil spirits performed signs and miracles (Revelation 16:14; see also Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12), and they gathered the kings of the whole world for the battle (Revelation 16:14, 16). Then Jesus declared, “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for Me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed” (Revelation 16:15, NLT; see also Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). God’s people are encouraged to be spiritually prepared and ready!

The evil forces and spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Revelation 16:16 is one of the most puzzling and difficult verse of Revelation. No one knows what the name Armageddon means. In some Greek manuscripts of Revelation Armageddon can also be translated Harmagedon which means “the Mountain of Megiddo.” Megiddo is one of history’s famous battlefields, having witnessed major conflicts by Tuthmosis III in 1468 B.C to that of Lord Allenby of Megiddo in 1917. In biblical history, Megiddo is a city with famous biblical battles such as where Deborah and Barak crushed the Canaanites and where Judah’s good King Josiah died in battle against Pharaoh Neco III (see Judges 5:19-21; 2 Kings 23:29). However, “the Mountain of Megiddo” does not exist on the world’s map. Thus, some biblical scholars have concluded that Armageddon represents the battle site on “the great day of the Lord God Almighty” where the forces of good and the forces of evil battle. Yet, the book of Revelation never describes a battle. When evil and their forces gathered a mighty army for battle against God’s people, the true and living God sent fire from heaven down on the attacking armies and consumed them. The Lord God Almighty defeated all the evil forces (Revelation 20:9-10; see also Deuteronomy 28:7; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:5-6). If you faithfully follow and obey God, you will experience victory!

Then, the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air and a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” (Revelation 16:17; see also Revelation 21:6). These are the same last words Jesus said on Calvary’s Cross (see John 19:30). God’s final judgment falls upon the entire earth. At that moment, God’s divine proclamation is accompanied by thunder crashing, lightning flashing, and a great earthquake of a magnitude first time in human history (Revelation 16:18; see also Exodus 19:16-18). Then, the great city of “Babylon” split into three sections, and cities around the world fell in heaps of rubble (Revelation 16:19). “Babylon” is representative of satanic power and oppression against God’s people. God remembered all of “Babylon’s” sins, and He made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of His fierce wrath (Revelation 16:19).

Afterwards, islands vanished and mountains flattened out and there was an incredible hailstorm from heaven (Revelation 16:20-21). God’s divine wrath reaches its climax with a bombardment of massive hailstones weighing a hundred pounds falls from the sky onto the people (Revelation 16:21). In the Old Testament, God repeatedly punished His enemies with hail (see e.g., Exodus 9:18; Joshua 10:11; Ezekiel 13:11-13). Hail is part of God’s arsenal of divine retaliation. However, the plague of hail produced no change of evil heathens, and they continued to curse and blaspheme the sovereign God of Heaven (Revelation 16:21).

Many people may wonder and doubt if the predictions of Revelation will happen and if Jesus will return (see 2 Peter 3:4). John wrote the book of Revelation approximately AD 90. In writing the book of Revelation, John was describing things that “must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1). However, some 2,000 years have happen and the “end” has yet to come.

The Holy Scriptures remind all people that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and question if Jesus will return (2 Peter 3:3-4). We must not forget that “a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8, NLT; see also Psalm 90:4). The true and living God is not slow about His promises (2 Peter 3:8). Instead, God is being patient because He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to reach repentance and be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9, 15). As Jesus promised, the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (Revelation 16:15; see also 2 Peter 3:10). The Day of the Lord is surely coming (see 2 Peter 3:10-12)!

After the “Day of the Lord,” God promises to usher in a new heaven and a new earth with a world filled with God’s righteousness (Revelation 21:1-5, 27; see 2 Peter 3:13). As we await the Lord’s Day, believers must continue to live holy, faithful, peaceful, blameless, and godly lives (e.g., love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) (2 Peter 3:11, 14; see also Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus’ second return can happen anytime!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Final Warning

¹ Then I (John) saw in heaven another marvelous event (sign) of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion. ² I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. ³ And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb (Jesus): “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. ⁴ Who will not fear (reverence) You, Lord, and glorify (honor and praise) Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous (just) deeds have been revealed.”

⁵ Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God’s Tabernacle, was thrown wide open. ⁶ The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen with gold sashes across their chests. ⁷ Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. ⁸ The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues. Revelation 15:1-8 (NLT)

Beginning with Revelation chapter 15, God has reached His climax! John, the human of author of Revelation, introduces God’s final series of judgments against unbelievers (heathens). God had previously sent seven seal judgments that destroyed one-fourth of the earth (see Revelation 6). Then, God sent seven trumpet judgments that destroyed one-third of the earth (see Revelation 8 and 9). These previous judgments were not vengeful but God’s merciful attempt to bring sinful humanity to redemption and repentance. With each passing judgments, God has given everyone an opportunity to repent and turn to Him as the true and living God. The time of God’s wrath against the unbelieving world has finally come. Revelation chapters 15 and 16 reveal God’s final wrath against the wicked and unbelieving world. The seriousness of the situation calls for words of assurance that God’s ways are “righteous and true” (Revelation 15:3, HCSB).

Revelation chapter 15 begins with John seeing another great and amazing sign in heaven (Revelation 15:1). John saw seven angels with the seven last plagues representing God’s final wrath (Revelation 15:1). The wicked and unbelieving world is about to “drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:10). Then, John saw what appeared like sea of glass mingled with fire and standing on the sea of glass where all Jesus’ faithful followers who had conquered and overcome the beast, its image, and the number of its name (Revelation 15:2). The sea of glass is the transparent pavement surrounding God’s throne (Revelation 4:6; see also Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:22, 26). These faithful followers were holding harps of God in their hands (Revelation 15:2), and they were the overcomers (see e.g., Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 21:7).

These faithful followers sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of Jesus the Lamb and they sang: “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:3-4, ESV). This song of praise expresses confidence that all nations will worship the living God and celebrate His greatness (see also Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 45:22-23; Malachi 1:11). The living God is worthy of praise and glory because His ways are righteous and true (Revelation 15:3).

This entire scene is reminiscent of the ancient Israelites’ great Exodus from Egypt. God had miraculously delivered the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery by the blood of the sacrificial lamb. Then, God destroyed the Egyptian army pursuing the ancient Israelites at the Red Sea. In thankfulness to God, the ancient Israelites stood by the sea and sang “the song of Moses” (see Exodus 15:1-18; see also Deuteronomy 31:30-32:43). However, the song of Moses is fulfilled in the song of Jesus the Lamb, which tells of a greater redemption through His sacrificial blood (Revelation 5:9-10; see also Romans 3:25; Romans 5:8-9).

Afterward, John looked and saw the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened, also called the “the Holy of Holies” or God’s inner chambers (Revelation 15:5). Out of the Temple came seven angels with the seven final plagues (Revelation 15:6). These angels coming from the very presence of God were clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests, a preview of the Bride of Christ’s holy beauty (Revelation 15:6; see also Revelation 19:7-8). Then, one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever (Revelation 15:7). The living God is the eternal King (Revelation 4:9; see also Genesis 21:33). The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power, and no one could enter the Temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed (Revelation 15:8; see also Exodus 19:18; Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Ezekiel 44:4).

The stage is set! The seven bowls complete God’s final judgment and mark the end of human history (Revelation 16:1-21). Revelation chapter 16 begins a time of upheaval and suffering for unrepentant evildoers.

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Harvest Time

¹ Then I (John) saw the Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mount Zion, and with Him were 144,000 who had His Name and His Father’s Name written on their foreheads. ² And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. ³ This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. ⁴ They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering (first fruits) to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ They have told no lies; they are without blame (spotless, without blemish).

⁶ And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News (Gospel) to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. ⁷ “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to Him. For the time has come when He will sit as Judge. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.” ⁸ Then another angel followed him through the sky, shouting, “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen—because she made all the nations of the world drink the wine of her passionate immorality (idolatry).” ⁹ Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand ¹⁰ must drink the wine of God’s anger (fury). It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur (brimstone) in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”

¹² This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying His commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. ¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

¹⁴ Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. ¹⁵ Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the One sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is (fully) ripe.” ¹⁶ So the One sitting on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested. ¹⁷ After that, another angel came from the Temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. ¹⁸ Then another angel, who had power to destroy with fire, came from the altar. He shouted to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sickle now to gather the clusters of grapes from the vines of the earth, for they are ripe for judgment.” ¹⁹ So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and loaded the grapes into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Revelation 14:1-19 (NLT)

Revelation 14 opens with a time of hope and triumph for God’s faithful people. John, the human author of Revelation, saw Jesus the Lamb standing victoriously on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1; see also Psalm 2:6). Standing with Jesus the Lamb were His 144,000 faithful followers who had Jesus’ Name and His Father’s Name written on their foreheads (Revelation 14:1; see also Revelation 7:3-4; Revelation 17:14). Some biblical commentaries see the 144,000 as a symbolic number representing all of Jesus’ faithful followers – His redeemed church. These faithful followers refused to worship the beast and accept his evil mark (see Revelation 13:16-18), and instead they gave complete allegiance and faithfulness to God and His Son Jesus. Everyone’s destiny is determined by his or her allegiance and faithfulness to God or to Satan.

Then, John heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder that sounded like harpists playing on their harps (Revelation 14:2). This great choir sang a new song before God’s throne (Revelation 14:3). No one could learn that glorious song except Jesus’ 144,000 faithful followers who had been redeemed from the earth (Revelation 14:3). These 144,000 were spiritually clean as pure virgins faithfully following Jesus the Lamb wherever He went and obeyed His teaching (Revelation 14:4; see also John 14:15, 21-23; John 15:10; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Revelation 21:9). Even more, these 144,000 had no lies or falsehood in their mouths and were blameless and spotless (Revelation 14:5; see also Zephaniah 3:12-13; Romans 1:25-31; Revelation 21:7-8; Revelation 22:14-15).

Then, John saw another angel flying directly overhead (midair), with the eternal Gospel to summon to the whole earth – every nation, tribe, language, and people to honor and worship the true and living God (Revelation 14:6-7; see also Deuteronomy 6:13-14; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8). The angel declared with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory (honor), because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7, ESV; see also Acts 17:24-28; Revelation 4:11). The true and living God has revealed Himself in nature so that all people will know His existence (see Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-20; Acts 14:15-17). To “fear God” mean to honor, respect, and reverence Him. The reverence and respect for God are the beginning of wisdom and understanding (see Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10).

At that time, a second and a third angel flying midair announced two additional declarations. The second angel declared: “It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen who made all nations drink the wine of her sexual immorality, which brings wrath” (Revelation 14:8, HCSB). Revelation chapters 17 and 18 describe Babylon’s fall in detail. “Babylon” is a symbol of the spirit of godlessness and lawlessness that in every age lures people away from the worship of the true God.

After that, a third angel followed saying with a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath . . . And he will be tormented with fire and sulfur. . . . And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name” (Revelation 14:9-11, ESV; see also Revelation 19:20-21; Revelation 20:10, 14-15; Revelation 21:8). The third angel’s fierce warning is addressed to believers and unbelievers deceived to worship the beast and accept his evil mark and continually deny God’s love found in His Son, Jesus Christ.  

Then John declared, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, ESV). John wrote Revelation to encourage God’s people to endure patiently every trial and persecution (Revelation 14:12; see also Revelation 13:10). During Jesus’ public ministry, Jesus declared that those who endure to the end will be saved (see Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13). God’s eternal blessings come to those who faithfully endure and obey God’s commands for their good deeds and good fruit will follow them to heaven (Revelation 14:13; see also Titus 2:14). The Holy Scriptures declare that God saves us and gives us eternal life by His wonderful grace when we believed and accepted His love found in His Son, Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9; see also John 3:16-18; Romans 3:24; Acts 15:11). Our continual faithfulness and obedience to God and His Son Jesus are evidence of our true salvation (see Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17).

Afterwards, John looked and saw Jesus sitting on a white cloud with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand (Revelation 14:14; see also Daniel 7:1-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Mark 14:61-62; Revelation 1:7, 13). Another angel came out of the Temple declaring with a loud voice to Jesus who sat on the cloud, “Take your sickle and harvest from the earth, because the time to harvest has come, and the fruit of the earth is ripe” (Revelation 14:15, NCV). Jesus swung His sickle over the earth, and He harvested the earth (Revelation 14:16; see also Matthew 13:31-43; Mark 4:26-29). Then, another angel came out of the Temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle (Revelation 14:17). Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe” (Revelation 14:18, NIV). The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes, and threw them into the great winepress of God’s eternal wrath (Revelation 14:19-20; see also Lamentation 1:15; Joel 3:12-13; Revelation 19:15).  

Revelation 14 reveals the certainty of God’s coming judgment on the unbelieving world. Some people are offended by the “fire and brimstone” judgment of those who persistently reject God and His Son, Jesus and give allegiance to the unholy trinity – Satan the dragon and his two evil beasts, the antichrist and the false prophet. Yet, the book of Revelation has revealed the ultimate consequences of those who persistently reject God’s love in Jesus and His moral commandments.

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993). 

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).