Revelation, Part 36
Revelation 19:1-8
Introduction
Last week, we witnessed the preparation for the return of Jesus Christ as He descends on this world, and tonight we begin Chapter 19 which concludes the tribulation period and leads us to the final battle between the armies of Satan and Christ.
It is very important to understand that this promise can ONLY happen once the Tribulation is concluded, and Jesus returns.
Therefore, the application to the church is to ensure that we are prepared, and qualified (able) to teach others what the bible says about end times prophecy.
Pray
Point 1 – Celebration in Heaven
Read Rev 19:1-3
John is hearing the shouting of the great multitude, which are the voices of all those who have given their lives during the Tribulation. This shouting is one of triumphant readiness – they are prepared to do battle with Satan on behalf of Jesus Christ.
They are also cheering the destruction of Babylon, which for most of them was the cause for their death (remember that Satan has setup camp in Babylon).
The great harlot represents the religious system that was setup by Satan, and her destruction is a time of rejoicing for those in Heaven.
Also, note that her actions will be avenged by God and the smoke of the destruction of Babylon will be instantaneous – but the smoke of those who were destroyed is still yet to come.
Those that lived in Babylon and were destroyed were obviously loyal to Satan – and their final destruction awaits for them at The Great White Throne of Revelation 20.
Of special notice – we see the 24 elders from Revelation 4 worshipping at the throne, and this is the representation of the church. They are celebrating the majesty of Jesus Christ, and again John is being shown this vision.
This is where all those who were raptured from the Earth will be, at the Throne for all eternity. This worship is what it happening now, and will continue until Jesus returns to rule on this Earth.
This is what we wait for – this is what we need to focus on. This morning we talked about being loyal to God in our dealings with this world, and this vision of worship ought to inspire us to look toward the throne.
Point 2 - The Throne
Read verse 5
Pay special attention to the voice from the Throne.
This is voice of the One we worship today. This is Jesus Christ!!
He is leading the worship of the Father. Can you imagine that service?
Imagine attending a worship service of God the Father and King Jesus is the Music Director!!
Today there is praise going on around the Throne and toward the Father in Heaven – can you imagine it? Can you picture the revelation of your loved ones who have gone before us waiting to show this to you?
If ever there was a reason to finish the race, this worship service is the reason. It is what we wait for, it is the reward for our faithfulness – church… we have got to get serious about this life and the calling to show others the Gospel.
Point 3 – The Marriage of the Lamb
Read Rev 19:6-8
The Lamb is the suffering Messiah who died as a sacrifice for you and I.
King Jesus is celebrating with the bride, who is the church and those who are faithful to follow Him.
This bride is the entire church – from Adam to Revelation. Each who has lived his/her life in constant obedience to Christ are part of the Bride who has been prepared for Him.
Tonight, I want you to take away that you are part of the bride, but the revealing of the Bridegroom has not yet happened.
We believe because we have not seen, and because of that we are blessed.
John 20:29, “Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
The church is prepared to meet the Bridegroom through the Mercy Seat, which is the Throne that Jesus is on now.
The Judgment Seat is what will be revealed at The Great White Throne in Revelation 20 – but the Mercy Seat (or Bema seat) is where we will meet Jesus when we die, provided we are not raptured first.
Those who go before the Bema Seat will be to receive the just rewards mentioned in the Scriptures, which are one of five crowns.
The incorruptible crown – given to those who master the flesh, who overcome what you once new as life.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
The crown of rejoicing – given to soul-winners
Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.”
1 Thess 2:19, 20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
The crown of life – given to those who successfully endure temptation.
James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Rev 2:10, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Ask yourself, does sin rule you?
The crown of righteousness – given to those who especially love the doctrine of the rapture
2 Tim. 4:8, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
The crown of glory – given to faithful preachers and teachers.
Acts 20:26-28, “Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
2 Tim 4:1-2, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
1 Pet. 5:2-4, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
At this same seat, the Saints will be rewarded for their persecution.
The church will be purified in Heaven – and those who are faithful will be rewarded.
The rewards are gifts from the Father – and they are something that we desire, and need to continue to desire!
Conclusion
Can you imagine the fine linen because we were faithful to Christ?
The Word says that our righteousness will be made complete – can you picture it? Do you desire it?
It is the promise of Christ if we are faithful … Can we remain faithful to obey and continue to stay focused?
That is the challenge for this church today.
Pray
