The Return

We come to the climax of the book of Revelation! The glorious return of Jesus Christ & His Church in Revelations 19

The church is before the throne of grace rejoicing over God’s judgments upon Mystery Babylon. The church is clothed in fine white linen which represents the righteousness of the Saints. The announcement is given for the marriage supper of the lamb which will begin the millennial reign of Christ.—19:1-10

Armageddon

Christ returns with the armies of heaven, (the Church and angels) to fight at the battle of Armageddon.—19:11-21

Satan will work through the Antichrist and the False Prophet to lead all nations to the battle of Armageddon.

I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, who go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.—Revelation 16:13-14 MEV

The Lord descends and fights the Nations at the battle of Armagedon where a river of blood will flow 186 miles down the River Jordan from Mt. Hermon to the Dead sea. This event is referred to as treading the grapes of wrath.—14:14-20

The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.—Revelation 14:19-20 MEV

The Marriage Supper

The concept of the marriage supper is better understood in light of the Jewish wedding customs in the time of Christ. The wedding had three major parts. First, the betrothal, a marriage contract was signed by the parents of the bride and the bridegroom, and included a dowry. Second, the fetching of the bride and consummation of the marriage. This custom is illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Third the celebration, the marriage supper itself, which might go on for days like the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-2.

When John writes the announcement in Revelation 19:6,7 the implication is that the first two phases have already taken place. The betrothal (phase 1) takes place when one enters into a covenant relationship with Jesus by faith. The consummation (phase 2) will take place at the rapture of the church. The marriage supper (phase 3) will commence the millennial reign of Christ on Earth. Believers from the tribulation (Revelation 20:4) and the Old Testament (Daniel 12:1-2) will be resurrected at this time to participate in the Marriage Supper.

Remember what Jesus told His disciples when He instituted the New Covenant, “I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” —Matthew 26:29 MEV

The Millennium

God’s Kingdom upon the Earth will bring peace and prosperity for 1000 years. Satan is bound for 1000 years. The Church will rule with Christ for 1000 years. The millenial Reign of Christ begins bringing peace, prosperity and the fulfillment of all the promises God made to Abraham’s posterity concerning the land of Israel. Jerusalem will become the center of worship for all nations throughout the millennium. Israel will be the head of all nations and the Gentiles will bring their wealth and glory to Israel.— 20:1-6

Much has been said by the Old Testament Prophets regarding the Kingdom Age a time of peace and prosperity for Israel and the nations.

After 1000 years of peace, Satan will be loosed to tempt nations once more and the nations will be judged and Satan cast into the lake of fire.—20:7-10

Then the Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers takes place at the close of the millennium.—20:11-15

Eternity

John is then given a glimpse of eternity. God renovates with fire heaven and earth. A new Heaven and Earth is prepared for the Saints.—21:1-8

The New Jerusalem comes to the New Earth, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life can enter. The city is described as a cube 1400 miles in width, length, and height and is filled with the glory of God.—21:9-27

The River

John sees the River of Life coming from the Throne.—22:1-5

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.—Psalm 46:4 (read the entire chapter)

Watch

We have a clear admonition in view of the revelation of JESUS CHRIST to watch for His soon return.—22:6-21

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”—Revelation 22:7

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.—Revelation 22:12

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.—Revelation 22:17