December 30, 2025
Where is the Second Coming of Christ in the Bible?
Revelation 18-20
Morris Johnston
Big Book Idea
In the end, Jesus wins!
Key Verse | Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Revelation 18-20
Chapter 18
The Fall of Babylon
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
3
For all nations have drunk
1
18:3
Some manuscripts fallen by
the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,
“Come out of her, my people,
lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues;
5
for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
and God has remembered her iniquities.
6
Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,
and repay her double for her deeds;
mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.
7
As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,
since in her heart she says,
‘I sit as a queen,
I am no widow,
and mourning I shall never see.’
8
For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,
death and mourning and famine,
and she will be burned up with fire;
for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”
9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,
“Alas! Alas! You great city,
you mighty city, Babylon!
For in a single hour your judgment has come.”
11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 2 18:13 Or and slaves, and human lives
14
“The fruit for which your soul longed
has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendors
are lost to you,
never to be found again!”
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
16
“Alas, alas, for the great city
that was clothed in fine linen,
in purple and scarlet,
adorned with gold,
with jewels, and with pearls!
17
For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.”
And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,
“What city was like the great city?”
19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out,
“Alas, alas, for the great city
where all who had ships at sea
grew rich by her wealth!
For in a single hour she has been laid waste.
20
Rejoice over her, O heaven,
and you saints and apostles and prophets,
for God has given judgment for you against her!”
21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,
“So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,
and will be found no more;
22
and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,
will be heard in you no more,
and a craftsman of any craft
will be found in you no more,
and the sound of the mill
will be heard in you no more,
23
and the light of a lamp
will shine in you no more,
and the voice of bridegroom and bride
will be heard in you no more,
for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,
and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
24
And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,
and of all who have been slain on earth.”
Chapter 19
Rejoicing in Heaven
1 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2
for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 Once more they cried out,
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”
4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying,
“Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
small and great.”
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8
it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said 3 19:9 Greek he said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The Rider on a White Horse
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in 4 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled with blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule 5 19:15 Greek shepherd them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, 6 19:18 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 7 19:20 Or on its behalf had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.
Chapter 20
The Thousand Years
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit 8 20:1 Greek the abyss; also verse 3 and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
The Defeat of Satan
7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven 9 20:9 Some manuscripts from God, out of heaven, or out of heaven from God and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Footnotes
[1] 18:3 Some manuscripts fallen by[2] 18:13 Or and slaves, and human lives
[3] 19:9 Greek he said
[4] 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled with
[5] 19:15 Greek shepherd
[6] 19:18 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
[7] 19:20 Or on its behalf
[8] 20:1 Greek the abyss; also verse 3
[9] 20:9 Some manuscripts from God, out of heaven, or out of heaven from God
Table of Contents
Introduction to Revelation
Timeline
Author and Date
Jesus Christ is the divine author of this “revelation” (1:1). He describes coming events to his servant John. John, son of Zebedee, was the “beloved disciple” who also wrote the Fourth Gospel and 1, 2 and 3 John. Most scholars believe John recorded these visions while imprisoned on the island of Patmos in the mid-90s A.D. Revelation is addressed specifically to seven first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (now western Turkey), but the message is for all churches everywhere.
Theme
The word “Revelation” translates the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “disclosure” or “unveiling.” Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged: the cosmic conflict between God and his Christ on the one hand, and Satan and his evil allies (both demonic and human) on the other. In this conflict, Jesus the Lamb has already won the decisive victory through his sacrificial death, but his church continues to be assaulted by the dragon, in its death-throes, through persecution (the beast), deceptive heresy (the false prophet), and the allure of material affluence and cultural approval (the prostitute). By revealing the spiritual realities behind the church’s trials and temptations, and by affirming the certainty of Christ’s triumph in the new heaven and earth, the visions of Revelation fortify believers to endure suffering. The reader of Revelation is encouraged to stay pure from the defiling enticements of the present world order.
Key Themes
- Through his sacrificial death, Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, the accuser. Jesus has redeemed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in God’s presence (1:5, 18; 5:5–10; 12:1–11).
- Jesus Christ is present among his churches through his Holy Spirit. He knows their trials, triumphs, and failures (1:12–3:22).
- World history, including its disasters, is under the control of Jesus, the victorious Lamb (5:1–8:1).
- God is presently holding back his wrath and preventing his enemies’ efforts to destroy the church. He patiently gathers his redeemed people through their witness for Jesus (6:5–11; 7:1–3; 8:6–12; 9:4–6, 18; 11:3–7; 12:6, 13–17).
- Present disasters are warnings of increasing judgments to come (6:3–17; 8:6–13; 11:13; 16:1–21; 20:11–15).
- Believers will continue their faithful testimony to the death. They will conquer both the dragon and the beast. The martyrs’ victory is now hidden, but it will be obvious when Christ returns (2:10–11, 26–29; 3:11–13; 6:9–11; 7:9–17; 11:7–12, 17–18; 12:10–11; 14:1–5; 15:2–4; 20:4–6).
- Satan attacks the church’s perseverance and purity through persecution, deceptive teaching, and the temptations of wealth and sensual pleasure (2:1–3:22; 13:1–18; 17:1–18:24).
- At the end of the age, the church’s opponents will increase their persecution. Jesus, the triumphant Word of God, will defeat and destroy all his enemies. The old heaven and earth, marked by sin and suffering, will be replaced by the new heaven and earth. The church will be presented as a pure bride to her husband, the Lamb (16:12–16; 19:11–21; 20:7–22:5).
Outline
Revelation contains four series of seven messages or visions. These include letters to churches (chs. 2–3), seals on a scroll (4:1–8:1), trumpets (8:2–11:19), and bowls of wrath (chs. 15–16). There is a general movement from “the things that are” to “the things that are to take place after this.” Yet the visions sometimes return to subjects from the previous sections. The order in which John received the visions does not necessarily indicate the order of the events they symbolize.
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
Fact: Benedictions
Revelation contains seven benedictions, or blessings (see chart). Some other memorable benedictions include Aaron’s blessing on Israel (Num. 6:24–26), 2 Corinthians 13:14, and Jude 24–25. These and other blessings are often used in Christian worship.
Fact: Purity
Purity. In 12:10, “white” symbolizes purity, as in clothing that is clean rather than dirty (see 7:9). “Refined” means purified or cleansed. Revelation similarly pictures saints wearing white clothes (Rev. 4:4; 7:13–14; 19:8).
Fact: Megiddo
Megiddo was the site of many important OT battles. It was a walled city that guarded the main road that linked Egypt and Syria. Its setting made Megiddo a strategic military stronghold. In John’s visions in Revelation, Megiddo represents the global combat zone where the final battle between Christ and Satan will be fought. The word Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” (Zech. 12:11; Rev. 16:16).
Fact: The OT in Revelation
The OT in Revelation. Roughly one-seventh of the book of Revelation consists of quotations from the OT. It is a reminder of just how important it is to read and understand the OT as foundational for the New.
Fact: Babylon
In the Bible, Babylon symbolizes humanity’s ambition to dethrone God and rule the earth. “Babel,” the Hebrew word for Babylon, first appears in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Chapters 17–18 of Revelation describe Babylon’s final defeat.
Fact: The rider on the white horse
The rider on the white horse. Because the color white was associated with victory, military or political leaders often chose white horses. In 19:11, the victorious Jesus rides a white horse.
Fact: The Bride of Christ
Revelation refers to the church as the Bride of Christ (19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17). Similarly, Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the church as an example of how husbands and wives should treat each other (Eph. 5:25–27).
The Setting of Revelation
c. A.D. 95
John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.
Promises to Overcomers
The following images depict ways in which God will “be . . . God” to those who conquer (Rev. 21:7).
| Promise | What Will Happen | Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| 2:7 | will eat from the tree of life | 22:2 |
| 2:11 | will not be hurt by the second death | 20:6; 21:7–8 |
| 2:17 | will be given a white stone | 21:11, 18–21 |
| 2:26–27; 3:21 | will reign with Christ on his throne | 20:4 |
| 2:28 | will be given the morning star | 21:23; 22:5, 16 |
| 3:5 | will be clothed in bright garments | 19:7–8; 21:2, 9–10 |
| 3:5 | name will be in the book of life | 21:27 |
| 3:12 | will be made a pillar in God’s temple | 21:22–23 |
| 3:12 | will participate in the new Jerusalem | 21:10 |
| 3:12 | will have God’s name written on them | 22:4 |
The Seven Benedictions
| Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy | 1:3 |
| Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord | 14:13 |
| Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on | 16:15 |
| Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb | 19:9 |
| Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection | 20:6 |
| Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book | 22:7 |
| Blessed are those who wash their robes | 22:14 |
Doxologies to God and the Lamb
| Ascription | To God/One on the Throne | To the Lamb |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion | 1:6 | |
| Thanksgiving | 4:9; 7:12 | |
| Honor | 4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12 | 5:12, 13 |
| Glory | 4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1b | 1:6; 5:12, 13 |
| Worth | 4:11 | 5:9, 12 |
| Power | 4:11; 7:12; 19:1b | 5:12 |
| Blessing/Praise | 5:13; 7:12 | 5:12, 13 |
| Salvation | 7:10; 19:1b | 7:10 |
| Might | 7:12 | 5:12 |
| Wealth | 5:12 | |
| Wisdom | 7:12 | 5:12 |
The “Bookends” of Biblical Theology
God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history is to create a people to dwell in his presence, glorifying him through numerous varied activities and enjoying him forever. The story begins with God in eternal glory, and it ends with God and his people in eternal glory. At the center stands the cross, where God revealed his glory through his Son.
The biblical story of redemption must be understood within the larger story of creation. First Adam, and later Israel, was placed in God’s sanctuary (the garden and the Promised Land, respectively), but both Adam and Israel failed to be a faithful, obedient steward, and both were expelled from the sanctuary God had created for them. But Jesus Christ—the second Adam, the son of Abraham, the son of David—was faithful and obedient to God. Though the world killed him, God raised him to life, which meant that death was defeated. Through his Spirit, God pours into sinners the resurrection life of his Son, creating a new humanity “in Christ.” Those who are “in Christ” move through death into new, re-embodied life and exaltation in God’s sanctuary, there to enjoy his presence forever.
The “bookends” concept of biblical theology illustrates that in the third-to-last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 20) God removes his enemies—Satan, death, and evil—that entered the story line in the third chapter of the Bible (Genesis 3), thus completing the story of redemption. The last two chapters (Revelation 21–22) don’t simply restore the first two chapters (Genesis 1–2); they go beyond them to a world that is fully ordered and holy, in which God is fully present with his people, completing the story of creation. (Chapter divisions in the Bible are, of course, human contributions, not divinely inspired.)
Rev. 18:1–3 Fallen, fallen. Compare Isa. 21:9. Babylon’s fall will turn the great city into a wilderness inhabited by every unclean spirit, bird, and beast.
Rev. 18:4 The prophets often asked the OT Israelites to come out of (be different than) the cultures where they were exiled (Isa. 52:11; Jer. 51:6–9, 45). Such separation was equally relevant to the NT church and it remains so today (2 Cor. 6:14–18; 1 Pet. 2:11–12).
Rev. 18:6 God is just. He will pay (Babylon) back as she herself has paid back (see Ex. 21:23–25). The double portion (see Isa. 40:2; Jer. 16:18) of punishment is for the violence she inflicted on the saints (Rev. 19:2).
Rev. 18:7–8 Babylon’s boast, I sit as a queen, I am no widow will be silenced in a single day (compare Isa. 47:7–9).
Rev. 18:12–13 The prostitute symbolizes all corrupt economic systems. Even human souls are reduced to cargo. They are traded as slaves to provide cheap labor for greedy merchants.
Rev. 18:9–20 Laments come from kings, merchants, and sailors who profited from Babylon’s power and wealth.
Rev. 18:20 Everyone in heaven (saints and apostles and prophets) rejoice in God’s judgment of Babylon (compare 12:12).
Rev. 18:21 Compare Jer. 51:63–64.
Rev. 18:24 God will judge Babylon and the beast for shedding the blood of his prophets and saints (see 6:10; 11:8; 17:6).
Fact: Babylon
In the Bible, Babylon symbolizes humanity’s ambition to dethrone God and rule the earth. “Babel,” the Hebrew word for Babylon, first appears in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Chapters 17–18 of Revelation describe Babylon’s final defeat.
Doxologies to God and the Lamb
| Ascription | To God/One on the Throne | To the Lamb |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion | 1:6 | |
| Thanksgiving | 4:9; 7:12 | |
| Honor | 4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12 | 5:12, 13 |
| Glory | 4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1b | 1:6; 5:12, 13 |
| Worth | 4:11 | 5:9, 12 |
| Power | 4:11; 7:12; 19:1b | 5:12 |
| Blessing/Praise | 5:13; 7:12 | 5:12, 13 |
| Salvation | 7:10; 19:1b | 7:10 |
| Might | 7:12 | 5:12 |
| Wealth | 5:12 | |
| Wisdom | 7:12 | 5:12 |
Rev. 19:1–2 A great multitude from every nation (see 7:9–10) praises God for his just judgment of the prostitute who murdered the saints. Hallelujah comes from a Hebrew term for “praise Yahweh.”
Rev. 19:4 The worship offered by the elders and living creatures links this celebration with the vision of God and the Lamb in 5:8–10. Amen expresses confident certainty (John 10:7) or strong agreement (1 Cor. 14:16).
Rev. 19:6 The next voice is like that of a great multitude, many waters, and mighty peals of thunder. It comes from a great crowd in heaven (compare 14:2). The Almighty is praised for establishing his unchallenged reign at Christ’s return (see 1 Cor. 15:24).
Fact: The Bride of Christ
Revelation refers to the church as the Bride of Christ (19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17). Similarly, Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the church as an example of how husbands and wives should treat each other (Eph. 5:25–27).
Rev. 19:7–8 The prostitute has been destroyed. Now the Lamb’s pure Bride is announced. it was granted. Her gown of righteous deeds is her groom’s gift (compare Isa. 61:10; Rev. 6:11; 7:14). On the church as bride of Christ, see 21:2, 9; 22:17; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25–27.
Promises to Overcomers
The following images depict ways in which God will “be . . . God” to those who conquer (Rev. 21:7).
| Promise | What Will Happen | Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| 2:7 | will eat from the tree of life | 22:2 |
| 2:11 | will not be hurt by the second death | 20:6; 21:7–8 |
| 2:17 | will be given a white stone | 21:11, 18–21 |
| 2:26–27; 3:21 | will reign with Christ on his throne | 20:4 |
| 2:28 | will be given the morning star | 21:23; 22:5, 16 |
| 3:5 | will be clothed in bright garments | 19:7–8; 21:2, 9–10 |
| 3:5 | name will be in the book of life | 21:27 |
| 3:12 | will be made a pillar in God’s temple | 21:22–23 |
| 3:12 | will participate in the new Jerusalem | 21:10 |
| 3:12 | will have God’s name written on them | 22:4 |
Fact: Purity
Purity. In 12:10, “white” symbolizes purity, as in clothing that is clean rather than dirty (see 7:9). “Refined” means purified or cleansed. Revelation similarly pictures saints wearing white clothes (Rev. 4:4; 7:13–14; 19:8).
The Seven Benedictions
| Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy | 1:3 |
| Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord | 14:13 |
| Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on | 16:15 |
| Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb | 19:9 |
| Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection | 20:6 |
| Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book | 22:7 |
| Blessed are those who wash their robes | 22:14 |
Rev. 17:1–19:10 An extended vision describes the fall of Babylon. This event was announced by an angel (14:8) and portrayed in the seventh bowl (16:18–19). The city appears as a female prostitute (17:1–6). Then an angel explains the meaning of the woman and the beast on which she sits (17:7–18). Finally, a series of voices comment on her fall (18:1–19:10). The “great prostitute” and “Babylon the great” (chs. 17 and 18) are the same. Both portray the beast’s empire.
Rev. 17:16–19:10 The military power that supports Babylon’s pursuit of pleasure will destroy its wealth and social order. This will distress those who idolized and profited from its wealth. But this will delight believers, who have suffered its violent attacks.
Rev. 18:1–19:10 Several speakers explain how the beast and the kings desert the prostitute.
Rev. 19:9–10 Those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are believers who belong to his beloved bride, the church. This “marriage supper of the Lamb” was predicted in Isa. 25:6–9; Matt. 22:1–14; 25:10; 26:29. John is twice corrected (“You must not do that!”) for trying to worship the angel (see Rev. 22:8–9). John is commanded to worship God alone. This confirms the deity of Jesus, the Lamb who is rightly worshiped (see 5:8–14).
Rev. 19:11 The rider of the white horse is already victorious. White is the color of victory (see note on 3:4–5). The rider’s titles, Faithful and True, identify him as Jesus, the faithful and true witness (1:5; 3:14).
Fact: The rider on the white horse
The rider on the white horse. Because the color white was associated with victory, military or political leaders often chose white horses. In 19:11, the victorious Jesus rides a white horse.
Rev. 19:14 The armies of heaven ride white horses, sharing the victory of the Lamb (see 12:11; 15:2).
Rev. 19:15 with a rod of iron. See note on 12:5. Because he operates the winepress of God’s wrath, Jesus’ robe is covered in his enemies’ blood (compare Isa. 63:1–6).
Rev. 19:12–16 The horse’s rider (v. 11) is the Son of Man. He has eyes . . . like a flame of fire and a sharp sword (see notes on 1:14; 1:16). His many diadems (crowns signifying royalty) show his supremacy as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is named the Word of God, for he is the greatest revelation of the Father (John 1:1, 14; Heb. 1:1–2). He also has a name written that no one knows but himself. The greatness of the Son of God can never be fully known (on “name,” see note on John 1:12–13).
Rev. 19:17–18 The angel’s invitation for birds to pick corpses clean at the great supper of God reflects an OT covenant judgment (Deut. 28:26). It also echoes Ezekiel’s prophetic word against Gog and Magog, who oppressed his people (Ezek. 39:17–20; see Rev. 20:8).
Rev. 19:20 The beast and the false prophet, like the great prostitute, represent corrupt individuals and institutions.
Rev. 19:11–21 The climactic battle for which the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet gathered the earth’s kings (16:13–16) is introduced with a description of Christ the victor (19:11–16), then with a grim “dinner invitation” forecasting the battle’s outcome (vv. 17–18). Finally, the conflict occurs (vv. 19–21).
Rev. 19:21 The rest are “the kings of the earth and their armies” (v. 19). Only the Lamb and his army will survive this battle.
Rev. 20:1–3 The dragon will be bound with a great chain and thrown into the bottomless pit, which will be shut and sealed. This symbolizes God’s restriction of Satan’s ability to inflict harm for a long but set period. The nature of this binding of Satan is important to the three millennial views. Premillennialists read this as predicting a complete removal of Satan from the earth during a millennium of social righteousness, international peace, and physical well-being. Christ will reign on earth during this time. Postmillennialists also think this will be a future peaceful millennium, but that Christ will not return until the end of that time. Amillennialists argue that this refers to the gospel’s spread among all nations during the present age. They also think it symbolizes God restraining the church’s enemies until just before Christ’s return (see 2 Thess. 2:3–8).
Rev. 20:4–5 I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Premillennialists argue that “coming down from heaven” (v. 1) and the reference to “the nations” (v. 3) show that these “thrones” are on earth (during Christ’s millennial reign). Amillennialists argue that the echoes in these verses from Daniel’s vision (compare Dan. 7:9, 22) indicate the thrones are in heaven. John sees the souls of those who had been beheaded . . . and those who had not worshiped the beast. These are the faithful believers who came to life. Premillennialists think deceased believers will experience bodily resurrection at the beginning of the millennium, and that is what is meant by this is the first resurrection. Amillennialists think “they came to life” and “the first resurrection” means their souls entered into the presence of God in heaven after they died. Their deaths were their victory over the dragon and beast (Rev. 12:11; 15:2). They will be given new bodies at the final resurrection (20:12–15). Some postmillennialists agree with the amillennial view of “the first resurrection.” Other postmillennialists think it refers to the future victory of Christianity in the world after its earlier persecution. and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Premillennialists think this means that these resurrected believers will assist with Christ’s thousand-year reign as righteous King over the whole earth. Amillennialists think this means deceased believers are “reigning” with Christ from heaven now. Postmillennialists see it as a future triumph of Christianity in the world.
Rev. 20:1–6 These verses, the last of three “interludes” in Revelation (see note on 7:1–17), are among the most controversial in the book. Scholars disagree about the meaning of the “thousand years.” The three main views are: (1) Premillennialists believe Christ will return “pre” [before] the millennium. They think this thousand years (or millennium) is a future time of great peace and justice. They usually consider this to be a literal 1,000-year period that will begin when Christ returns to reign on earth. He will be King, and resurrected believers will reign with him. (2) Postmillennialists believe that Christ will return “post” [after] the millennial period. They think that before Christ returns to earth the gospel will spread and triumph. Societies will be transformed. Peace and justice will reign on earth for a thousand years (or for a long period of time). After this, Christ will return for the final judgment. (3) Amillennialists hold an “a” [non-literal] millennial view. They think this thousand years is the same period as this present church age. They believe there will be no future “millennium” before Christ returns for the final judgment. Each of these views is within the framework of historic Christian orthodoxy.
Rev. 20:6 second death. The wicked are returned to bodily existence and condemned for their evil deeds. They will be cast into the lake of fire forever (vv. 12–15).
Promises to Overcomers
The following images depict ways in which God will “be . . . God” to those who conquer (Rev. 21:7).
| Promise | What Will Happen | Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| 2:7 | will eat from the tree of life | 22:2 |
| 2:11 | will not be hurt by the second death | 20:6; 21:7–8 |
| 2:17 | will be given a white stone | 21:11, 18–21 |
| 2:26–27; 3:21 | will reign with Christ on his throne | 20:4 |
| 2:28 | will be given the morning star | 21:23; 22:5, 16 |
| 3:5 | will be clothed in bright garments | 19:7–8; 21:2, 9–10 |
| 3:5 | name will be in the book of life | 21:27 |
| 3:12 | will be made a pillar in God’s temple | 21:22–23 |
| 3:12 | will participate in the new Jerusalem | 21:10 |
| 3:12 | will have God’s name written on them | 22:4 |
The Seven Benedictions
| Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy | 1:3 |
| Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord | 14:13 |
| Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on | 16:15 |
| Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb | 19:9 |
| Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection | 20:6 |
| Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book | 22:7 |
| Blessed are those who wash their robes | 22:14 |
Rev. 20:7–10 Satan’s release after the thousand years will free him to deceive the nations and to gather them for the last battle. Amillennialists see this as the same battle as the one described in 16:13–16 and 19:17–21. Premillennialists see this as a separate, later battle. The gathered armies are called Gog and Magog, titles of Israel’s pagan oppressors, who would be destroyed by fire . . . from heaven (Ezek. 38:22; 39:6) and eaten by birds (Ezek. 39:1–6, 17–20; Rev. 19:17–18, 21). The saints are attacked by enemies as countless as the sand of the sea (see 12:17), but God will protect them.
Rev. 20:11 The great white throne reflects the purity and wisdom of God, the Ancient of Days (see Dan. 7:9). earth and sky fled away. This removal of the first heaven and earth (promised in Hag. 2:6; Heb. 12:26–28; and described in Rev. 6:12–14; 16:18–21) prepares the way for the new heaven and earth (21:1, 4–5; Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:10–13).
Rev. 20:12 The dead, great and small include God’s saints (11:18; 19:5) and the beast’s worshipers (13:16; 19:18). Books recording their deeds will be opened (Dan. 7:10). The books will provide the evidence on which each is judged (Rom. 2:6–11). another book, the book of life. See note on Rev. 20:13; see 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 21:27.
Rev. 20:13 The sea, Death, and Hades (the realm of the dead; 6:8) will give up their dead as all people return to bodily existence to be judged. they were judged . . . according to what they had done. Unbelievers will be rightly condemned for their sins (20:15). Believers, whose names are in the “book of life” (vv. 12, 15), will enter into “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1) because they are redeemed by “the Lamb who was slain” for their sins (1:5; 13:8). Their recorded deeds give evidence of their trust in Christ and are the basis for determining their rewards (see notes on 1 Cor. 3:14–15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 22:12–16).
Rev. 20:14 Death, the last enemy, will be destroyed when Christ returns and resurrects believers (1 Cor. 15:23–26).
Rev. 19:11–20:15 An opening up of heaven (compare 4:1; 11:19; 15:5) introduces visions that symbolize the last battle between Christ and the forces of evil. This passage fulfills the promise of Christ’s return to reign on earth.
Rev. 20:11–15 All the dead will be raised from the grave and the sea, to be judged either by their deeds recorded in “the books” (v. 12) or by God’s gracious registration of their names in the Lamb’s “book of life” (v. 12; see note on v. 13). This judgment was announced in 11:18.
Fact: Benedictions
Revelation contains seven benedictions, or blessings (see chart). Some other memorable benedictions include Aaron’s blessing on Israel (Num. 6:24–26), 2 Corinthians 13:14, and Jude 24–25. These and other blessings are often used in Christian worship.
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Listen NowDive Deeper | Revelation 18-20
Joyful anticipation. Maybe it's a long-awaited vacation, your first job, your marriage, your first child or grandchild. Whatever you've awaited in life, nothing compares to anxiously waiting for Christ's return and seeing him bringing justice to this sinful and dying world.
Revelation 18-20 provides John's vision of the events that happen, leading to our future hope of the new heaven and new earth where all believers will reside for the rest of eternity. I believe the pinnacle moment of these events is Christ's triumphant return, detailed in Revelation 19:11-21. We see heaven open and Jesus riding out on a white horse as the conquering King wearing many crowns. His return saves the remnant of Israel from being destroyed, making war with the beast (Antichrist), the kings of the earth, and their armies that are assembled for the final battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).
Jesus is named Faithful and True, with his eyes like a flame of fire providing all-knowing judgment. We believers (along with the angels) probably accompany Jesus as his army, dressed in fine white linen on white horses riding with him. We come to provide support because only Jesus has a weapon, the sword in his mouth, which he uses to kill those who are arrayed against him. It would seem that just the spoken words of Jesus conquered all of man's armies, including the beast and the false prophet.
Throughout Scripture, there are numerous prophesies concerning events that will occur before Christ's return. The current conflicts in the Middle East may lead to the fulfillment of many of these prophetic events, making Christ's return more imminent than many may think. Yet even Jesus didn't know the time of his return, stating that only the Father knows (Matthew 24:36).
The longing for Christ's return is summarized in one word that has been used for centuries as encouragement to believers, "maranatha," meaning "O Lord, come!" Since the promise of Christ's return may soon be fulfilled, it is all the more important that we share the word of salvation to the lost world around us, wanting none to perish (2 Peter 3:9).
Maranatha!
This month's memory verse
"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
– Revelation 21:5
Discussion Questions
1. When you hear the words apocalypse or Armageddon, are you filled with fear or dread, or are you joyfully looking forward to Christ's return and the end of this age? (Note: the word apocalypse is derived from the Greek word for revelation.) Why fear or dread? Or why joyful anticipation?
2. Do you and those around you (family/friends/associates) anxiously await Jesus' Second Coming? If yes, then why? How might your response be encouragement to others?
If not, then why not? Is it that you and those around you (family/friends/associates) are comfortable with this world as it is, and they don't want to leave it? Or are there other reasons?
3. How should you respond to those in the world today who say, "We've been hearing of Christ's imminent return for years; why should we be any more concerned today?" (Refer to 2 Peter 3:3-13; Matthew 24:43-44; Ephesians 3:8-10; James 4:14.)