THE SCENE IN HEAVEN CHANGES
Revelation 19:11-12:17
1. The bride of Christ now becomes soldiers of Christ. “Now I saw heaven opened . . . He judges and makes war” (19:11). “And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses” (19:14).
2. Who were these following Christ?
a. Some teach these are angels.
b. Others teach these are believers
c. B. R. Lakin said, “He and Dr. Towns would ride mules!”
A. THE RETURN OF CHRIST TO EARTH
1. Christ comes triumphantly from heaven. “Every eye shall see Him” (1:7). But, the rapture is secret, “As a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2).
2. John sees the future return in prophetic visions. “I saw heaven open” (19:11).
a. “White horse” (v. 11) – war leader.
b. Called “Faithful and True” (v. 11).
c. “His eyes were as a flame of fire” (v. 12) – omniscience, knows all.
d. “Many crowns” (v. 12) – authority.
e. “Name . . . no one knew” (v. 12) – unknowable.
f. “Blood” (v. 13) – basis for saving people.
g. “Called the Word of God” (v. 13) – He communicates.
h. “Armies follow Him” (v. 14) – angels or saints.
i. “Out of His mouth . . . two edged sword” (v. 15) – wrath.
j. “Treads the winepress” (v. 15) – judgment.
k. “KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS” (v. 16) – ultimate dominion.
3. The world gathers in corporate rebellion against God and the believing Jews. “Went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God” (Rev. 12:17).
4. The enemy is drawn to Palestine by demons. “For they are spirits of demons . . . gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (16:14).
5. God is providentially drawing them to battle. “I will gather all nations (inhabited people groups) against Jerusalem to battle” (Zech. 14:2).
6. The battle is on the plain of Jezreel, i.e. Armageddon. “Gather them together . . . Armageddon” (16:16).
7. Tremendous slaughter. “Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes” (Zech. 14:12).
8. Armageddon is flat and known for great floods in the past (Judges 5:21), so the blood of horses flows, “Even unto the horses’ bridles” (Rev. 14:20).
9. The Jerry Falwell National Forest on Mount Tabor overlooks Armageddon. Why am I not surprised Jerry has a stake in Jesus’ return!
10. Happens at sundown. “Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light” (Zech. 14:7).
11. Jesus touches the ground on the Mount of Olives. “His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives . . . shall be split in two, from east to west” (Zech. 14:4). This is the location Jesus left for heaven. “Then retuned . . . from the Mount of Olives” (Acts 1:12).
12. Jerusalem became the spiritual and political center of the world.
B. APPLICATION
1. One of the eternal plots of the ages involves hatred against the Jews. “The dragon (satan) . . . persecuted the woman (Israel) who brought forth the Man Child (Jesus) . . . went to make war with the remnant of her seed” (Rev. 12:13, 17).
2. God loves the land of Israel and it is involved in the final consummation of time as we know it. The world calls it the crossroads of civilization.
3. God loves Jerusalem and will make it His home on earth.
4. There is a coming time when it’s too late to repent and call on God.
5. Now is the time of salvation and the hour of opportunity.
6. God loves people and sent Jesus to die for them (John 3:16).
7. But we don’t know when that hour is up. “Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh” (Matthew 24:44).
8. There was never a doubt that satan and evil would win or God would lose.
9. Just as God makes weak fallible people winners, in the future, so He can do it today (2 Cor. 2:14; 1 John 4:4).
10. People want personal and political peace, but it only comes through Jesus Christ.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
