Bride of Christ

¹ Then I (John) saw a new heaven (sky) and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. ² And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ I heard a loud (mighty) shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home (tabernacle, dwelling, or abode) is now among His people! He will live (tabernacle) with them, and they will be His people. God Himself (personally) will be with them. ⁴ He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these (former) things are gone forever.” ⁵ And the One sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then He said to me (John), “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy (faithful) and true (genuine).” ⁶ And He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷ All who are victorious (overcome, conquer) will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be My children. ⁸ But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt (vile), murderers, the immoral (adulterous, fornicators), those who practice witchcraft (magic arts, sorcerers), idol worshipers (idolaters), and all liars (false ones)—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

⁹ Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ So he (angel) took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. ¹¹ It shone (clothed) with the glory of God and sparkled (radiance) like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. ¹² The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. ¹³ There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. ¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ¹⁵ The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick (rod) to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. ¹⁶ When he measured it, he found it was a square (foursquare), as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. ¹⁷ Then he (angel) measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel). ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. ¹⁹ The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid (adorned) with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. ²² I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. ²⁴ The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. ²⁵ Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. ²⁶ And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. ²⁷ Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty (falsehood)—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:1-27 (NLT)

Revelation 21 begins the final section of the book and returns God’s faithful people back to Eden! Chapters 21 and 22 provide a magnificent climax of Revelation. In Revelation chapters 21 and 22, John gives details on the promise God had long before given the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that He would “create new heavens and a new earth” (see Isaiah 65:17), which would endure forever (see Isaiah 66:22). Even more, chapters 21 and 22 describes the New Jerusalem also described in the Old Testament by the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. In these final chapters, the true and living God makes all things new, and He comes to make His home with His faithful people (church) (Revelation 21:3, 5; see also Matthew 19:28-29; Romans 8:19-25)!

Revelation 21 begins with John, the human author of Revelation, seeing a new earth (with no oceans or seas) and a new heaven or sky, for the present earth and heaven had disappeared or dissolved (Revelation 21:1, see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13). Interestingly, John tells us that there are no more seas or oceans (Revelation 21:1). For the Jewish people, the seas or oceans symbolized separation, chaos, restlessness, evil, and storms (see e.g., Job 38:8-11; Psalm 89:9; Isaiah 57:20). Moreover, Revelation 13 reveals the sea bringing forth the beast that embodies enmity and opposition against God and His holy people (see Revelation 13:1, 6-7).

At that point, John saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2, 10). The New Jerusalem was a glorious sight, beautiful as a bride at her wedding (Revelation 21:2; see also Revelation 19:7). Truly, this city is beautiful beyond all comparison, and Revelation 21:11-21 gives in detail the city’s beautification. Revelation 19:7 presents God’s faithful people as a bride (church). In the New Testament, it is “the Jerusalem that is above” (Galatians 4:26), whose “architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10, 13-16; see also Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14; Philippians 3:20). Scholars differ as to whether this “new earth” is entirely new (newly created) or is the old earth transformed in a new way analogous to the transformation of believers’ resurrection bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; Philippians 3:21).

Then, John heard a mighty and loud shout from the throne saying: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home with men and women! They are His people, He is their God.” (Revelation 21:3, MSG; see also Leviticus 26:11-12; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 8:8). John describes the true and living God personally living (tabernacle) among His people like the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Revelation 21:3; see also Genesis 3:8-10). Now, God’s holy people will see the true and living God’s face, and His name will be written on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4; see also Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 12:14). Even more, John describes the benefits that come to God’s people when He takes up His eternal dwelling in their midst (Revelation 21:4). God will wipe away ALL tears from His people’s eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (Revelation 21:4; see also Genesis 3:17-19; Isaiah 65:17-19). Abolished forever are the debilitating effects of sin. Sadly, death and suffering entered the world as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God (see Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Revelation chapters 21 and 22 reveal God’s reversal of the original curse from the Great Fall of Genesis 3. Amazingly, during Jesus’ public ministry on earth, Jesus gave ALL WHO BELIEVED a taste of heaven (see e.g., Matthew 8:13, 16-17; Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:42-44; Luke 5:20; John 4:49-50). Matthew’s Gospel said,

The news about Jesus spread all over Syria, and people brought all the sick to Him. They were suffering from different kinds of diseases. Some were in great pain, some had demons, some were epileptics, and some were paralyzed. Jesus healed all of them. Matthew 4:24 (NCV)

Then for only the second time in Revelation, the true and living God breaks His silence (see also Revelation 1:8). The One sitting on the throne declared, “See, I am making all things new!” (Revelation 21:5, TLB; see also 2 Corinthians 5:17). Then, Almighty God declared to John:

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers (overcomes) will have this heritage, and I will be His God and he will be My son (daughter). But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable (corrupt), as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:6-8 (ESV)

Very appropriately, God’s divine name is mentioned to underscore the completion of everything that God began: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6). In Revelation chapter 22, John once again reveals God the Father and Jesus the Lamb’s unity and oneness by declaring that Jesus is also “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13, NIV; see also Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 17:11, 22). As the Beginning and the End, the true and living God promised to give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life—as a free gift (Revelation 21:6, see also Isaiah 55:1). Here, John describes God’s beautiful salvation by the symbolism of a spring and river (see also Revelation 22:1; see also John 4:10, 14; John 7:38-39). God loves the world (see John 3:16), and He offers everyone salvation and eternal life through faith and obedience to Him and His Son, Jesus the Lamb (see John 3:17, 36; John 14:1-7).

Interestingly, the citizens of the new heavens and new earth are overcoming people as God’s sons and daughters (Revelation 21:7-8; see also John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26). “To him who overcomes” is a key phrase in Revelation (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). As John pointed out in his first epistle, all true believers are overcomers (see 1 John 5:4-5). These faithful overcomers will inherit God’s eternal blessings (see also Matthew 5:1-12). In contrast to the overcomers, God reaffirms that no “cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” will be present in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8, RSV). These evil and faithless offenders will go into the lake of eternal fire, which is the second and final death (Revelation 21:6-8; see also; Romans 1:29-32; Revelation 20:11-15). God’s redeemed people do not participate in the second death awaiting those who renounced their faith in God because of their cowardice and compromise with idolatry, sexual immorality, and sorcery.

Thus in the new heaven and earth, sin, suffering, and death are forever banished. The true and living God will reverse the curse that entered the world through Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3). The old heaven and earth are in “bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21), “groaning . . . in pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22). All of creation is waiting the day when God will set “the heavens on fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. . . . Looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness (2 Peter 3:12-13, NLT). The new heaven and earth represent the specific fulfillment of the prophecy given to Isaiah (see Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22).

Then, one of the seven angels who had emptied the bowls containing the seven last destructive plagues in Revelation 16 came and said to John, “Come with me and I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9, TLB). In a vision, the angel took John to a towering mountain peak, and from the mountain John watched that wondrous city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of the skies from God (Revelation 21:10, see also Ezekiel 40:2). God’s beloved is both the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9) and the magnificent city (Revelation 21:10-14). The holy city is not only the home of the bride; it is the bride of Christ! Also, John draws attention to the contrast between the wicked woman (also called Babylon) and the bride of Christ (also called New Jerusalem). The wicked woman is of the earth, symbolizing evil, and the bride of Christ descends from heaven, the epitome of all that is holy and beautiful.

The holy city was clothed with God’s glory and glowed like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper (Revelation 21:11; see also Isaiah 60:1-2, 19). The holy Jerusalem’s walls were broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels (Revelation 21:12). Moreover, the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates (Revelation 21:12, see also Exodus 28:21; Ezekiel 48:30-35). There were three gates on each side—north, south, east, and west (Revelation 21:13). Furthermore, the holy Jerusalem’s walls had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). In the holy Jerusalem, united will be the saints of the Old Covenant (twelve tribes of Israel) and the New Covenant (twelve apostles of Jesus) indicating a continuity of God’s faithful people – the New Testament church and the Old Testament people of God (see also Ephesians 2:19-22).

Then, the angel held in his hand a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls (Revelation 21:15). When the angel measured the city and its gates and walls, the angel found it was a square as wide as it was long. In fact, the holy city was in the form of a cube (foursquare), for its height was exactly the same as its other dimensions—1,500 miles each way (Revelation 21:16). Amazingly, the city’s equality on all sides indicates the perfection of God’s eternal city–nothing is out of order or balance. Moreover, the holy city with the dimensions of a perfect cube is like the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament Mosaic tabernacle (see Exodus 26:33-34) and the Most Holy Place of the Temple (see 1 Kings 6:16-22). At that moment, the angel measured the thickness of the walls and found them to be 216 feet across (Revelation 21:17).

The holy Jerusalem itself was pure, transparent gold like glass and its wall was made of jasper (Revelation 21:18)! Even more, the holy Jerusalem was built on twelve layers of foundation stones adorned with every kind of jewel (gems) (Revelation 21:19). The first layer with jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst (Revelation 21:19-20). The twelve stones generally correspond to the twelve gems set into the breastplate of the high priest which suggests that the privileges reserved for the high priest alone under the Old Covenant are now freely given to all God’s faithful people (see Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 28:17-20; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). The city’s twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single huge pearl, and the main street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass (Revelation 21:21). The pure beauty of the bride of Christ (holy city) puts to shame the prostitute’s tawdry and cheap ornaments (see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16).

Most importantly, the holy Jerusalem had no temple or sanctuary because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:22; see also John 4:21-24). Unlike the Old Testament book of Ezekiel who spends four chapters in a detailed description of the new temple, John says, “I saw no temple in the city” (Revelation 21:22; see also Ezekiel chapters 40 through 43). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul declared that God’s faithful people were in fact the temple of the living God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5). The immediate presence of God is no longer in a reserved place, entered only by the high priest once a year because now God is available to ALL saints for continual fellowship in the holy city. In the holy city, there is no separation or barriers between God and His faithful people. God the Father and the Jesus the Lamb are always present with their people.

Finally, the holy city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for God’s glory gives it light, and its lamp is Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:23; see also Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 4:16; John 1:9; John 8:12). By its light, the people of the world will walk, and the kings (rulers) of the earth will bring their glory into it (Revelation 21:24). The holy city’s gates never close as they stay open all day long—and there is no night (Revelation 21:25)! There will be no wickedness or night to assist hostile invaders. The glory and honor of all the nations are brought into the city (Revelation 21:26). Once again, John reaffirms that nothing evil will be permitted into the holy city—no sin, wickedness, or dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27; see also 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 22:14-15). In the holy city, God welcomes all faithful people and nations as there is no separation of people.

God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history has been to create a people to have a close fellowship with Him, glorifying, and enjoying Him forever. Amazingly, the Holy Scriptures reveal God has repeatedly sought a close and obedient relationship with humanity – first with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, then the ancient Israelites at Mount Sinai and the Promised Land, and by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus. The Holy Scriptures begin with God’s fellowship with Adam and Eve (see Genesis chapters 1 through 3) and ends with God’s faithful believers in eternal fellowship with Him (see Revelation chapters 21 and 22).

References

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

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).