MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
The past two weeks we've reviewed, in Revelation chapters 4-15, the interplay of God’s judgement upon sin, but also protection of His followers and songs in heaven. Many are aware that Old Testament Psalms are a collection of songs passed down through centuries of Hebrew worship. In Revelation it may be surprising to also notice songs, while cataclysmic events are occurring on earth.
A brief summary so far: chapters 5-6 reveal a scroll with seven seals, each of which when opened releases judgments on mankind. They are natural, human, and impersonal, and lead to destruction of one-quarter of the earth. Each offers an opportunity for people to return to God. When the seventh seal is opened in Chapter 8, seven angels with seven trumpets sound warnings, with more calls to repentance through the release of six plagues that impact one-third of the earth. The seventh trumpet in chapter 11 sounds God's glory, and announces His coming kingdom.
Chapter 12 shifts to an overview of rebellion against God in heaven and on earth, and chapter 13 explains tribulation brought by the antichrist and the false prophet. The doom of their followers follows in chapter 14. Last week, we ended with chapter 15, where seven bowls of wrath are successively poured out to warn of a final judgment on those who bear the mark of the beast. Before the final decree is issued, we're shown a vision of the redeemed in heaven, singing another song (Revelation 15:2-4).
It's important to note that the book should not be read as a timeline. John saw unimaginable visions, and tried as best he could to describe them, sometimes layering one upon another. As we read, we keep in mind that Jesus promised to return and establish His kingdom. Apostles Peter and Paul both taught about a second coming, and Jesus' Revelation to John confirms this. The book proclaims the day that the plan of redemption will be completed. Rather than speculate on the time and search for signs, we need to draw ever closer to the Lord, and be ready for Christ's return. Jesus, who knew the Father best, said in Mark 13:32, "'But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.'"
Beginning this week's review, John heard in Revelation 16:1, "...a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God into the earth.'" First there is a deluge on nature, then upon evil human leadership, and finally on the unholy trinity of Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet. A loud voice proclaims from the throne in the temple, "'It is done'" (16:17), reminding of Christ's words from the cross in John 19:30, "'It is finished.'"
Though it may be difficult to understand, God's wrath is the expression of His love for humans. His wrath and love oppose anything that damages spiritual relationships - in other words, sin. Wrath is redemptive, purging evil and rebellion, protecting and preserving those He lovingly created, and those whom Jesus died to save. This final wrath brings an end to tribulations caused by the antichrist.
Revelation chapters 17-18 depict a more comprehensive view of the destruction of Babylon, the evil heart of the rebellion. Ironically, it is the antichrist and the false prophet who turn against her, demonstrating evil's self-destructive tendencies. Chapter 19 gives more detail of Christ's return and the fate of the antichrist and the false prophet. After a thousand-year reign of peace, the dragon (Satan) will be defeated, described later in chapter 20.
The heart of the story of redemption is the return of Christ. In 19:11 John wrote, “I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True.” As God planned, He brings individual redemption from sin, a transformed society, and a new heaven and a new earth.
Four events in Revelation chapter 19 mark the appearing of Jesus. We hear another song, the original “Hallelujah Chorus” celebrating the fall of Babylon and the fact that the Lord Omnipotent reigns (verses 1-6). We observe the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (verses 7-9) and the return of Christ (verses 11-16). The climax is Christ's victory at the Battle of Armageddon, and punishment of the antichrist and the false prophet (verses 17-21).
Chapter 20 of Revelation serves as a bridge for eternity, introducing a millennium. "They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4). Details include Satan being bound and cast into a pit (verses 1-3); and the redeemed of all ages, and martyrs, experience resurrection and reign with Christ (4-6). In other words, we will become kingly. Maybe we'll need a thousand years to make the adjustment. Following this reign of peace and righteousness is the final judgment and then the creation of a new heaven and a new earth.
Next week's study will conclude this overview of God's Revelation of end times, as told to John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos.
