The Glory of the King

Rev. 19:1-10

Introduction:  Mankind in his limited capacity has asked “how did the world begin?”  and “how will it come to an end?”  Historians and philosophers have tried to figure out these matters, but God’s Word shines a bright light in a sin darkened world.  Chapters 19 through 22 give us a wrap up of the future events.  These events will take place and God is in charge.

Chapters 6-18 have given us details of mankind in his future because of his sinfulness.  God teaches us in chapter 4 the rapture takes place and the seven year Tribulation Period begins.  The church is in heaven where we will have the judgment seat of Christ and the marriage supper of the Lamb.  Here on earth, the seals, the trumpets, and the vials are preparing the earth for God’s judgment.  Now we turn our study from the events on earth to God in all His fullness. 

When Babylon fell on earth, a command by God was given to rejoice 18:20.  Here we see haven’s response to that command.  They are to rejoice and God gives three reasons why in these first 10 verses.

I. The defeat of His enemies vv. 14

A. The crowd

1.  After these things refer to the judgment of the Babylon and its destruction.

2. Great voice of much people-this voice comes from heaven

a.  The elders of chapter 4

b. The church more than likely included in this heavenly crowd.

c. The uncounted number of angels

d. Tribulation Saints

e. The beasts from chapter 4

3.  The entire throne of God rejoicing over the work of God.

B. The cry

1.  Alleluia is a word for Praise the Lord-all praise belongs to Him because He is the Author, the Sustainer, and the Completer of these things.

2. This word is used in victory at this point.

3. Salvation is given only by Him-because of that, He is to be praised-this refers to His finished work on the Cross.

4. Glory, honor, and power refer to His attributes of strength and might.

5. Verse 2 proves that God’s severe judgment is right-He brought judgment on the ungodly

a.  The source of evil and wickedness in the Tribulation Period is overthrown.

b. The whore refers to the corrupt system of the Antichrist who has been controlling the minds of people.

c. The blood of the saints is avenged which is cause for rejoicing.  

6.  The smoke is God’s judgment on sin which is the final victory v. 3

7. The elders proclaim Alleluia v. 4.

II. The reign of His kingdom vv. 5-6

A. The exaltation v. 5

1.  The throne recognizes and exalts Him.

2. Notice that He is our God- a personal God.

3. Every being in the universe inspired by a love of God, from the humblest saint to the highest of the cherubim, joins in the swelling chorus.

B. The proclamation v. 6

1.  All of creation now begins to praise Him for His reign.

2. The devil has had his day and now God is reigning on the throne.

3. The devil has been reigning on the earth for a time and now God is going to regain the earth back for Himself.

4. The sound of the thundering reverberates with praise unto God who is the King.

III. The marriage of His bride vv. 7-10

A. The bride described vv. 7-8

1.  The principle of the wedding according to the Jewish culture.

2. When the public ceremony is enacted, the groom would got to the bride’s house for the wedding supper-sometimes it would last for a week.

3. The church is engaged to Christ and in this marriage the emphasis is on the groom not the bride.

4. The joyous occasion of the marriage feast meant now the union would be fulfilled.

5. The church will be raptured and judged at the judgment seat-all judgment will be over and now they will ready for the marriage.

6. At the judgment seat all the blemishes will be removed and now we will stand in the righteousness of Christ.

7. Righteousness is symbolized by white which is purity.

B. The banquet described vv. 9-10

1.  The bride is not invited to her own wedding but friends of the Bride or groom.

2. In come the guests which are the redeemed from other ages: patriarchs, prophets, princes, priests, seers, scribes, and saints who are believers from all other ages.

3. In heaven the distinctions are obliterated in Christ at this point.

4. John was so taken away by all this that he falls v. 10 at the feet of an angel and worships him but he is rebuked.

5. This angel is described as a fellow servant.

6. The testimony of Jesus refers to the time when all of creation will bow and recognize Jesus as Lord Phil 2:9-11.

7. Jesus is the exalted King and they are to recognize His position.

Conclusion:  When Jesus steps into the situation, He makes all things right.  This is also true in our own lives.  When we try to run things on our own, we will have problems.  Not only will things go wrong, but also there will be a lack of peace, a lack of contentment. The religious system has been defeated and Jesus is to be given glory and praise for who He is.