“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” NASB
CATCH PHRASES AND EMPTY BOASTS
There are some terms we’ve all been hearing much of in recent months and even over the past couple of years, starting at a low pitch and growing to a crescendo until as with other overused words and phrases of the past, we’ve all begun to equate these terms with certain men and even a certain political party.
I do not intend for my comments here to take a political direction whatsoever; only to focus on the emphasis of these terms and how they relate ultimately to our passage of study today.
We’ve heard the word ‘change’ and people have preached and promised change in our society that would come as a result of the vote of the citizenship of our nation. We have heard the word ‘hope’ used in contexts that defy any distinct lines of definition.
In addition, we have heard the claim chanted, sung and shouted from podiums across our land, ‘we can do it’!
The claim, of course, cited over and over again, is that as a nation we the people can join together, one in mind and national spirit, and bring about change and a new sense of hope in a country that has, according to these well-meaning folks, long needed change and gone long without something or someone to hope in. But hang in there, they would encourage us, because together, ‘we can do it’.
Now we all know who these people are and I am not decrying the right of those with political goals and ambitions to saturate the media with slogans and catch-phrases that will help the general populace to remember the names and ideals of the person running for office.
This is an exercise older than “I Like Ike” or “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”. I’m not a student of political history and I don’t know when this sort of sympathy-generating tactic was first used to help the voter identify with the candidate. For all I know, buried out there somewhere there may be a button reading, “Get A New Start With Bonaparte”, or a plaque that says, “Caesar: Not Just a Salad Anymore”.
In all seriousness however, these more recent slogans have shown us that people aren’t just getting behind a person anymore; they’re getting behind ideals that at best are vague and illusive. They’re desperate for something that is missing in their lives and they are afraid. We only need to watch the daily television news programs or stay abreast of the printed press to observe that people have no hope and the reason they wish for major change is because they hope against hope that change, any kind of change, will bring them something to hope in.
As the days drag on however, they will see, probably in retrospect, that just as history has proven over and over, ultimately we can’t do ‘it’.
Of course we who know the Bible understand that out of the sea of humanity will one day rise a man who seemingly brings the change they’re looking for and giving them the hope they have so desperately desired.
And all the world and national developments of recent years are coming together at a rapidly accelerating rate and serving to prepare people’s minds and hearts for the coming of that one so that they will readily receive him when he arises.
Unfortunately, he will bring false hope to them and lead them down a hope-less road to destruction. He will be the embodiment of the spirit of Antichrist; the one the Bible tells us will arise in the last days to deceive the nations.
Fortunately, these times also herald the soon coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His glory, to rule and reign for a thousand years as King of kings and Lord of lords; as the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ. Rev 11:15
In light of the inundation to our eyes and ears of these terms as used by human men, and in light of the growing evidence as the months drag on that they are helpless to bring about the promised change and hope, the potential of which so raised the expectations of a waiting world, I would like for us to look closely today at the One who is able and has promised to come to the world a second time, having already furnished everlasting hope to all who believe, and bringing change that will be eternal in scope because it is in His authority and power and according to His own promise that He will do it.
JOHN SEES HEAVEN OPENED
In the 18th chapter of Revelation we stand with the Apostle watching the final destruction of the great harlot, Babylon, and the end of the apostate church, the end of immorality and lust and greed. We watch as she is thrown down in violence to be found no more, and in the space between the end of chapter 18 and the beginning of chapter 19 we are taken from earth to Heaven, where in a sense we watch ourselves, if we are true followers of Christ, in the midst of the multitudes of glory, singing Hallelujahs and praises to the Lord Almighty who reigns forever. We hear the great invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb and see ourselves clothed in fine linen, bright and clean.
Now another transition takes place between verse 10 and verse 11 and I want to stop and absorb what an amazing transition it is.
Read verse 10 with me:
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And He said to me, ‘Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy’.”
Now think about this. John has been standing in his vision with this angel who has been showing him all these amazing things, but now that they are in Heaven and seeing the throngs of glorified saints singing around the Throne, John is strongly tempted to worship this creature.
I don’t think it was the appearance of the angel alone, but John’s ecstasy at seeing the final outcome for which he and all believers have waited so long.
Now before I go farther with that thought, I want to take a side track for just a minute and draw your attention to this word of the angel that transitions from this view of Heaven and the glorified saints, to the majestic glory of the returning King.
He says to John, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”.
Listen to what John Walvoord wrote in his commentary in reference to the end of verse 10:
“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the present age, therefore, the Spirit of God is not only to glorify Christ but to show believers things to come as they relate to His person and majesty. Christ is not only the major theme of the Scriptures but also the central theme of prophecy.” THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST – John F Walvoord, Moody Press, 1966
So the angel, acting as he has indicated with the words ‘I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus’, once more testifies of Jesus saying, ‘Jesus is the spirit of prophecy’.
And immediately, John looks and he writes, “And I saw heaven opened…’
Can you just imagine this? With this pronouncement still ringing in his ears; “Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” or as Walvoord put it; Jesus is the central theme of prophecy… ‘and I saw Heaven opened’.
This is the day Isaiah longed for when he prayed:
“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence— 2 As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil— To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence!” Isa 64:1-2
Friend, only Jesus can open Heaven to men, and He has done so by the shedding of His blood for the propitiation of sin. He received in His body the full cup of the Father’s fiery wrath against sin and He did it for all who will believe on Him for eternal life.
The religions of the world and the spirit of worldly religion even in visible Christianity, which is the apostate church, long to see Heaven opened in some way that does not testify of Jesus. They want to earn it or they want it done for them by a weak, coddling God who will hold no man to account for sin. But it will not be done and they will never see Heaven opened, nor will they ever see Jesus except in judgment.
But here in this Revelation of the Apostle we stand with him and see Heaven opened. We, for whom Heaven has been opened as the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom; we, who are now welcome to come in, watch as Heaven is opened for the glorious returning of the King in His splendor and majesty, going forth to conquer the nations.
And we will be behind the returning King, coming back with Him after being raptured and enjoying the seven year celebration of the Bridegroom as His glorified bride.
So John looks and sees Heaven opened. And what does he see? Oh, what a blessing this must have been in the heart of this dear Apostle who loved Jesus so much.
He sees his Master and Friend, crowned with glory and honor, appearing as the Victor and about to make His descent to the earth to tread ‘the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.
What a thrill! I dare to speculate that if not for the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit John’s poor heart wouldn’t have been able to bear it.
So here we are, taken from chapter 18 verse 24 on earth to 19:1 in Heaven, then from 19:10 to 19:11 where the gate of Heaven opens wide, and from here on it’s all about Jesus. So let’s just focus on Him in the way He is revealed to us here today; no longer the suffering servant, no longer the humble Man, spit upon, scourged, beaten, humiliated, crucified, mocked and buried in the ground; but the glorious beautiful vision for which we eagerly wait, in faith and certain hope.
THE NAMES OF THE COMING KING
As you can see in the outline, we’re going to be talking about these names that are given and what they mean, and also the garments John saw on the returning Christ and their symbolism.
Before we enter into that though, I’d like to say a few words about the symbolism itself.
John was not necessarily seeing these future events in the way they will actually take place, but by the symbolism he is defining the nature of the way they will transpire and who is represented in each.
An example of what I’m talking about is in the picture of the white horse upon which the King sits. Now I don’t want to destroy anyone’s theology here unless it is blatantly wrong theology; if you want to believe Jesus is coming back on a white horse and we’ll all be on horses behind Him, then by all means, you may keep that vision and I doubt any harm could come from it.
Personally, I believe this is symbolism that would have resonated well in the minds of the first hearers of this revelation, who knew of the tradition – some perhaps even have witnessed it – of conquerors returning from battle and entering the city this way to celebrate victory.
I’ve always enjoyed the works of Merrill C. Tenney, especially his commentary on the Gospel of John which is very helpful to the serious Bible student. If you’re interested and can find it the title is “John: The Gospel of Belief”. Tenney also wrote a commentary on the book of Revelation, and in it he said in reference to 19:11 that Christ in His second coming is following ‘the pattern of a Roman triumphal procession. When a general returned from a successful campaign, he and his legions were granted the right to parade up the Via Sacra, the main street of Rome that led from the Forum to the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. Mounted on a white horse, the general rode at the head of his troops, followed by the wagonloads of booty that he had taken from the conquered nation, and by the chained captives that were to be executed or sold in the slave markets of the city. The chief captives or rebels were remanded to the Mamertine Prison, where they were usually executed, while sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered in the temple.” The Book of Revelation pg 94
Now in light of this historical illustration in addition to other Biblical references to the nature of the judgment that is to come on the earth, and considering Jesus’ own words when He described His own coming in this way:
“For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
I am inclined to think that the vision of the returning Christ on a white horse is to signify His triumph over sin and death and over a rebellious world.
It is my expectation that when He comes, and we with Him, it will be more like Jesus described it. We won’t need transportation, whether two-winged, four-footed or four-wheeled.
According to Jesus in Mark 13:24-27, the sky will be darkened for the sun will not give its light, and stars will be falling from the sky. Then we’ll just appear in the sky with the glorious King at the fore and those on the earth will look toward where they saw the flash, and they will ‘see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory’.
Therefore, moving on to look at these names and these garments described, it is more important that we understand their meaning than that we have an accurate mental image of what the event will look like.
First, He is called Faithful and True. This indicates that the One coming is able to judge and make war in righteousness. John in the first chapter of his Gospel said that Jesus came to earth the first time in ‘fullness of grace and truth’. Men despised grace and they rejected truth. But where men are unfaithful and every man a liar, He is faithful and true and in that character will subdue and judge those who rejected.
Then John writes, “And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems”. This speaks again of His righteous judgment against sin; the crowns signifying His sovereignty over all.
Then John says, “…and he has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself”.
I believe this is simply a reference to the fact that Christ is much more than any man can ever have comprehended. Jesus said, “…no one knows the Son except the Father…” Matt 11:27, and the symbolism of this unknown name being ‘written on Him’, which simply means that it is His and no one else’s, is that He is ultimately unsearchable and unfathomable, such is His grandeur and His might and the very nature of His eternality.
In verse 13 He is called the Word of God. Well this is not new to our ears, is it?
This is the way John opened his Gospel, which, by the way, was written after the book of Revelation, so John was probably reflecting upon this vision as he wrote that “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God”
This title indicates His incarnation. He was the incarnate Word of God. Incarnate means ‘become flesh’. And referring back to John 1, we are reminded of verse 14 which says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
And finally, down in verse 16 He is introduced as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, establishing His sovereign rule over all. As a song from the ‘70’s set to Handel’s music, entitled “Behold The Man” says it, “Behold the Man! King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Through all creation, Jesus Christ is Lord!”
THE RAIMENT OF THE COMING KING
Let’s look now at the description of the clothing He wears.
John speaks of Him as wearing a robe dipped in blood. This anticipates the bloodshed to come when He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God the Almighty.
Compare this visual with Isaiah 63:2-3
Why is Your apparel red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press?” asks the prophet; and the answer he receives is,
“I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My raiment.”
And in Revelation 14:20 this imagery is employed again: “And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.”
My friends and family, I hope you’re not distancing yourself from these words today and thinking of them as a story told, or a myth, or something so distantly future that they don’t apply to you.
This Jesus who is represented in the Gospels as the Man of sorrows and the suffering servant, when He comes back will come to shed blood!
Those who have been identified with him in regeneration, whose sins are paid for and cast away forever, will be one day very soon caught up to meet this glorious Lord in the air and thus we shall ever be with the Lord.
But when He returns it will mean absolute devastation for those who stand on the earth and watch His appearing. He comes with a sword! He comes with fire! He comes to tread the grapes of the wrath of Almighty God and it is going to be a battle scene unmatched by the goriest, bloodiest field of battle in the history of man. If you doubt this, go past our text verses and read verses 17 and 18.
You need to be really sure that you belong to Him; that you have truly repented of sin, acknowledged His Lordship and received His grace in salvation and living faith. Because trust the Word that you study today – you don’t want to be on the receiving end of the righteous judgment of the One who on His robe, signifying His authority, and His thigh, signifying His power, has written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
THE GLORY OF THE COMING KING
This is the glory of the coming King, fellow saints. He will rend the heavens and come down. With a sword proceeding from His mouth, meaning His word, He will defeat the kings of the earth. He will defeat the false prophet and the beast. He will defeat Satan. There is none who can stand against Him and so mighty and great is He that His armies coming with Him, we and the angels of Heaven, won’t even have to fight.
‘One little word shall fell them’
The glory of the coming King is that He will return as He really is. Men saw Him the first time in the guise of a humble servant and a man capable of dying. Not so, the returning Christ. He is ‘risen in glory and coming to reign; by the Father exalted, crowned with glory and honor’.
And His foot will touch down on the Mount of Olives at precisely the spot from which His foot left when He ascended in the presence of His faithful Apostles. And the Mount will split as though bowing to make way for its arriving Maker.
And every knee will bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In closing I want to read Psalm 2. Please hear it with this vision of John in your thoughts.
“Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, 6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” 7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’ ” 10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. 11 Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”
Is He your refuge? Do you ever think about Jesus in that way? Do you think of Him as your Savior, as your Provider, as your Helper?
Well He is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS who is soon going to call His church up to meet Him in the air and take her to her final place of refuge.
Will you be one of those comprising the true spiritual church? It is a question that cannot be avoided, and you need to get it settled quickly for no one knows the hour or the day of His coming. But it is imminent; it will happen as the Scriptures make so clear in so urgent a message.
The returning King is coming in glory, and you will return with Him to reign on earth or you will be either already in Hell or watching as He comes to judge. Those are the only options, and as the Psalmist said, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him”.
Today is very important. It could be the day you leave this world without Christ. It could be the day He calls up His church. It could be the day you get things settled between you and Jesus and forever find refuge and never judgment.
When the day comes, how will you look upon the glory of the coming King? Watching in terror as He comes as a bloody conqueror? Or coming in behind Him as one of His Redeemed ones, to rule and reign with Him over a Redeemed world for a thousand years? It is still the time to choose. Once you leave this world the choice will be made for you.
Today is the day of salvation, and blessed are all those who take refuge in Him!
