The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

I find it amazing that everyone with whom I come in contact gives a great deal of time to making plans for the future in this life. Plans for college , plans for marriage, plans for the family , and even plans for retirement .

A number of years-ago, was discussing the future with a young law. student. “What. are your plans for the future?” he asked. "Graduate from law school. "said the young man. “Then what?” Then came the reply. "Practice Law" was the answer. "Then what?". "Get rich!" "Then what?" 'Retire." "Then what?. "Die!" "Then What?”

The answer came, "The Judgement." The young man left hurriedly to a wooded area. There he gave his life to the Lord.

My friend, What plans have you made for eternity?

The future for the believer is filled with joy. In our text is only part of the story.

I- The Praise of the Saints (Revelation 19:1-6)

Revelation 19:1–6 (NLT)

1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

2 His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.”

3 And again their voices rang out: “Praise the Lord! 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!”

5 And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear 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! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

A- This praise is an expression of the joy felt by the saints. (Revelation 19:1)

Revelation 19:1 (NLT)

1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

1- They have been released from the sorrow and pain of their earthly lives.

2- They have entered into their eternal reward.

3- They are entering into their wedding to their heavenly groom, Jesus Christ.

a- Weddings are events of great joy.

1) Israelite weddings were times of joy and festivities.

2) My own wedding was a time of great personal joy.

3) The wedding between the Lord and his bride will outshine them all.

B- There are good reasons for this outburst of praise.

1- Salvation. (Revelation 19:1)

Revelation 19:1 (NLT)

1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

a- The salvation He provides is proof of His love for His bride (thee church).

(Romans 5:6)

Romans 5:6 (NLT)

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

1) You and I were already condemned to die.

a) He proved his love by dying our place.

2) The scene of the crucifixion:

a) The beatings and shame

b) Forsaken by men and His Father

c) The brutal death by crucifixion

3) He willingly laid down His life for us.

(John 10:15-18)

John 10:15–18 (NLT)

15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again.

18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

2- His supremacy (Revelation 19:1b)

Revelation 19:1b (NLT)

1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.

a- Jesus is the all-powerful one who has overcome all enemies.

(Matthew 28:18)

Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

1) death

2) The Antichrist

3) The world … He is the victor!

3- His sure and true judgment (Revelation 19:2-4)

Revelation 19:2–4 (NLT)

2 His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the murder of his servants.”

3 And again their voices rang out: “Praise the Lord! 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!”

a- He has made retribution on the harlot.

1) Those who oppose and persecute God’s people will not get away with it.

b- Jesus will exact retribution for the world’s rebellion.

1) This is cause for both comfort and concern.

a) Comfort for those who are obedient

b) Concern for those who are disobedient

4- His sovereignty (Revelation 19:5-6)

Revelation 19:5–6 (NLT)

5 And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear 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! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

a- The call to praise the sovereign Lord. (Revelation 19:5)

Revelation 19:5 (NLT)

5 And from the throne came a voice that said, “Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest.”

1) His servants and those who reverence Him are to praise Him.

b- He reigns! (Revelation 19:6)

Revelation 19:6 (NLT)

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! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

1) He is the sovereign Lord of the universe.

a) Do you recognize His sovereignty in your life?

II- The purity of the bride (Revelation 19:7-10)

Revelation 19:7–10 (NLT)

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 has prepared herself.

8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.

9 And the angel said to me, “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, don’t 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.”

A- The bride has prepared herself in purity for her bridegroom. (Revelation 19:7)

Revelation 19:7 (NLT)

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 has prepared herself.

1- Prepared through a right relationship with God.

a- Through salvation. (John 6:28-29)

John 6:28–29 (NLT)

28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

1) No one will be allowed to take part in that wedding who has not been born-again.

(John 3:5)

John 3:5 (NLT)

5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.

b- Through surrender to His Lordship. (Revelation 19:10).

Revelation 19:10 (NLT)

(Philippians 2:10-11)

Philippians 2:10–11 (NLT)

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1) Christ must be given His proper place in our lives.

a) Notice that the one who addressed John pointed out that he was to only worship Jesus…He alone is Lord!

b) Is there anything or anyone in your life that is a rival with Jesus for first place?

B- The bride is awaiting the coming of Her bridegroom.(Revelation 19:8-9)

Revelation 19:8–9 (NLT)

8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.

9 And the angel said to me, “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.”

1- Heed the warning in the story of the wise and foolish virgins.

(Matthew 25:1-13)

Matthew 25:1–13 (NLT)

1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,

4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.

5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.

8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

a- The bridegroom could return at any time.

Conclusion:

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