Revelation 19. A Study of Christ s Return. Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 07/05/18 Draft File: Rev19

Transcription

1 Revelation 19 A Study of Christ s Return Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 07/05/18 Draft File: Rev19

2 Relationship with Christ The Most Important Understanding about our Salvation: We believe eternal life is a gift from God in Christ Jesus and we are justified by His grace and His faith who paid the price; death, for our transgressions Romans 3:21-26; 4:4-5,25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7 (Is 53; Eze 36:25-27; John 3:3-8,16; 16:8; Rom 5:6-10; 8:1-4, 14-17; 1Cor 15:3-4,20-22; 2Cor 5:14-15,19-21; Gal 1:4; 3:13-14,26; 4:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Col 1:13-14; Heb 8:7-12; 1Pet 1:23; 2Pet 1:3-4; 1John 2:2; 4:10) God sent his angel to show his servants the future (Rev 22:6) Do not despise prophecies. 1Thess 5:20 Purpose: To share the vital necessity of a character transforming relationship with Christ, namely the Gospel of His sacrifice for all who call Him Lord and Savior (Ps 1:1-2; Matt 20:25-28; Luke 19:17-20; John 20:21; Rom 12:2; 2Cor 3:17-18; Gal 5:22-25; Eph 5:19-21; 6:12-18; Phil 3:7-14; Col 2:6; 1Thess 5:16-23; Heb 10:25; 2Pet 2:9; 3:18; 1John 4:4) 7/4/18 2

3 Principles of Bible Study Paul s counsel to Timothy: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Tim 3:16-17 (Ps 119:105; Prov 30:5-6; Is 8:20; John 17:17; 1Thess 2:13; Heb 4:12) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2Pet 1:21 Bible versions: Use versions with the closest translation to the original language Recommend comparing NKJV (used here), NASB95, KJV, and ESV Concordance sources: Use of Expository study methods (versus Thematic study) This method explores the literal meaning of each word in Scripture and its relationship to other words in its context (exegesis) 7/4/18 3

4 Principles of Interpretation It s important to be consistent by using the same principles, pattern, and understanding of the Book of Daniel for the prophecies in Revelation (Num 12:6; 2Chron 20:20; Joel 2:28-29; Amos 3:7; Acts 2:14-21; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8-9) Every word deserves careful consideration For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little. Is 28:10,13 Like Daniel s visions were to Daniel, Revelation is future to John s time I will show you things which must take place after this. Rev 4:1 to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Rev 22:6 Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 (Isaiah 42:9; Hosea 12:10) The Historicist method of interpretation alone provides consistent meaning with the Biblical theme from Genesis to Revelation Much in Revelation is symbolic; identified based on context Look for definitions and correlations elsewhere within Daniel and Revelation first, then the Bible as a whole; then in history 7/4/18 Like Daniel 2,7,8,9 & 10-12, the principle used is repeat and enlarge 4

5 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3 7/4/18 5

6 Revelation (AD95-96) The Apostle John received the Revelation visions while on Patmos John was exiled in AD95 during the reign of Emperor Domitian. His exile ended upon the accession of Emperor Nerva in AD96. Jerusalem had been destroyed 25 years earlier in AD70 Revelation is written using chiastic structures: a chiasm is a repetition of similar ideas in the reverse sequence Events in Revelation are built by progressive repetition adding detail like Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, & The visions were not given in chronological order 7/4/18 6

7 Overview The Book of Revelation Revelation 1-14 is mirrored! Rev 1:1-8 Introduction! Rev 1:9-3:22 7 Churches! Rev 4:1-8:1 7 Seals! Rev 8:2-11:18 7 Trumpets! Rev 11:19-14:20 Cosmic Controversy by Revelation 15-22! Rev 22:8-17 Conclusion! Rev 21:9-22:7 New Jerusalem! Rev 19:11-21:8 1,000 Years! Rev 15:1-16:21 7 Plagues! Rev 17:1-19:10 Fall of Babylon 7/4/18 7

8 Overview The Book of Revelation Revelation contains 7 Throne scenes that provide a view of the Sanctuary in Heaven: 1. Introduction of the 7 seals (Rev 4:1-5:14) 2. Introduction of the 7 trumpets (Rev 8:2-6) 3. Introduction of the cosmic controversy in Rev 12 (Rev 11:19) 4. Introduction to the 7 plagues (Rev 15) 5. Introduction to the fall of symbolic Babylon (Rev 16:17-17:3a) 6. Introduction to the Second Advent (Rev 19:1-10) 7. Introduction to the New Earth (Rev 21:5-11a) 7/4/18 8

9 Introduction The Second Coming Revelation 19:1-10 describes rejoicing in heaven after Christ resurrects the faithful of all ages and returns to heaven with these, and the faithful remnant alive at His coming Revelation 19:11-16 provides a description of Christ in heaven, preparing for the second coming (a scene that takes place before Rev 19:1-10) Revelation 19:17-21 describes the wicked still living at the Christ s return 7/4/18 9

10 Revelation 19 Rejoicing in the Throne Room And The Return of Christ

11 Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! From his vantage point in vision on earth, John hears all the redeemed saints praising God (after arriving in heaven with Christ) This vision is a continuation following that of Babylon s destruction (Rev 18) Alleluia: Literally praise God 1) Salvation: Comes through Christ alone (Matt 10:32; Luke 12:8; Acts 8:37; Rom 8:34; 10:9-10; 14:9; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 9:24) 2) Glory: He is the ruler of the angels (2Thess 1:7-8) 3) Honor: God is above all, alone deserving worship (Deut 10:20; Josh 24:14; Matt 4:10; Luke 4:8) 4) Power: God is the Creator (Ex 20:8-11; Deut 6:13,17; 10:12-13,20; Ps 146:6-7; Rev 14:7) 7/4/18 11

12 Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her. True and righteous: God s character is true (right thinking) and righteous (right behavior) in contrast to Satan s character (Ps 19:9; Rev 14:12; 15:3; 16:5-6) Great harlot: The papal system (Rev 17:1-6,18; 13:1-10) Corrupted the earth with fornication: The kings of the earth unite with the papacy for common cause; control (Eze 16:15; James 4:4; 1John 2:15-17) (6 th of 6 references: Rev 2:21; 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3; 19:2) Blood of His servants: God is the Judge who takes vengeance on the harlot and all those who follow her (Lev 19:18; Deut 32:35; Ps 94:1; Rom 12:19; 1Thess 4:6; Heb 10:30) The second coming is the answer to the souls that cry out in Rev 6:9-10 (Eccl 9:5-6; Is 38:18; Heb 11:4; Gen 4:10) Shed by her: In tribulation #1 ( ) and #2, martyrs (Rev 17:6; 18:24) 7/4/18 12

13 Revelation 19:3 Again they said, Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever! Alleluia: Literally praise God Notice unlike Rev 19:1, this praise is NOT done with a loud voice Smoke rises forever: Like what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah when Abraham saw the smoke of its destruction. A description of finality, until entirely consumed NOT ongoing punishment (Is 34:10) This verse describes the same event as Rev 14:9-11: 9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 7/4/18 13

14 Revelation 19:4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, Amen! Alleluia! 24 Elders: Representatives of the unfallen worlds (Job 1:6-7; 2:1-2; Rev 4:4; 5:5-6,8-10; 7:13-14; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4) 4 living creatures around the throne: These having 6 wings each (Rev 4:8); are the Seraphim of Isaiah 6:2-4 (Rev 4:6-11; 5:8,11,14; 14:3; 15:7) Ezekiel (1:5-21; 10:1-22) provides a description of another class of angels having 4 wings plus 2 hands, each called Cherubim The 144,000 will sing a new song before the throne, 4 living creatures and the 24 elders (Rev 7:4; 14:3) The worship and praise celebrates the culmination of the pre-advent investigative judgment (Dan 12:1a) 7/4/18 14

15 Revelation 19:5-6 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great! 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Voice from the throne: The place of judgment (1Ki 22:19; Is 6:1; Eze 1:26; Dan 7:9-10; Rev 3:21; 4:2,9) Praise from all those resurrected, the 144,000, including those translated alive at Christ s return (a great multitude ) (Rev 7:4-9,13-14; 14:1-5; 15:2) Many waters, Mighty thunderings: May represent mercy and justice (Ex 19:16-20; Num 20:1-12; Ps 89:14; 2Pet 3:9-11; Rev 14:2) Fear Him: Our Creator, announced by the 1 st angel of Rev 14:6-7 Small and great: A description of the saints in Rev 11:18 Thunderings: 7 th of 7 thunders in Revelation (John 12:29; Rev 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; [10:3-4]; 11:19; 14:2; 16:18; 19:6) Omnipotent: Almighty, ruler of all 7/4/18 15

16 Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. Alludes to the parable of the marriage of the King s Son in Matt 22:1-14 Inspection of the guests represents the pre-advent judgment (Rev 11:1) The marriage occurs at the close of probation, when Christ is declared King of kings, and Lord of lords and given His kingdom (Dan 12:1a; Rev 14:14-16; 15:8; 19:16) Christ will serve us as we eat and drink in the kingdom (Luke 12:37; 14:14; 22:18; Matt 26:29; Mark 14:25) Wife has made herself ready: These are the 144,000, those translated alive at Christ s coming, the great multitude of Rev 7:9,13-14 as well as those of the special resurrection of Daniel 12:2. These go through the preparation process for the sealing in Rev 7:2-4 (Rev 21:9-10) The 144,000 make a voluntary and determined choice to put sin out of their lives and by faith, accept Jesus robe of righteousness (John 6:27,29; Phil 2:12-13; 2Pet 1:10) 7/4/18 16

17 Revelation 19:8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. her : The bride is the pure church, Christ s Kingdom, the Holy City, New Jerusalem Fine linen is defined as the righteous acts of the saints, empowered by Christ (Prov 31:22) This is referring to the close of the pre-advent investigative judgment after which Jesus stands up (Dan 12:1) " The papal church also had fine linen for a short time (Rev 18:16; 2Thess 2:7) after the 7 heads of Rev 17:10 had all fallen (02/28/ xx) Refers to Pope Frances addressing sexual immorality and financial improprieties Clean: Signifying sanctification; Christ s work in us (Lev 16:30; Is 1:16-17; Gal 2:20; 1John 1:9; James 2:17; 2Pet 3:13-14) Bright: Signifying justification; Christ s work for us (Ps 51:7; Is 1:18; 43:25; Rev 7:14) Saints: Notice the righteous acts don t make one a saint; it is Christ who prepares us, transforming our characters with His attributes (John 3:5; Eph 5:24-27) 7/4/18 17

18 Revelation 19:9 1 of 2 Then he said to me, Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God. Blessed: One of the 7 blessings in Revelation (Rev 1:3; 14:12-13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:6-7; 22:14-19) Note the chiasm they form: A Blessing for hearing and keeping the words of the book (1:3) B1 Blessing for righteous who die during the time of the three angels (14:13) B2 Blessing for those who watch, I come as a thief (16:15)» Blessing for those who are called. The words are true. (19:9) B1 Blessing for the dead who are raised in the first resurrection (20:6) B2 Blessing for those who keep the sayings, I come quickly. (22:7) A Blessing for doing the commandments and entering the city (22:14) 7/4/18 18

19 Revelation 19:9 2 of 2 Then he said to me, Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God. Those called: All are called; these are they who accept Christ s righteousness (Matt 20:16; 22:14; Rom 8:28; 2Tim 1:9) Marriage supper: The celebration of Christ and His church (Matt 22:1-14; 25:1-13; John 14:3) The wedding ceremony started 10/22/1844, ending when Jesus rises from judgment (the close of probation) and is given His kingdom, the true church. (Luke 12:36) Jesus resumes consumption of the Passover supper (Ex 12:14,17: Lu 22:16) with His disciples (1Cor 5:6-8) who commemorate the spiritual deliverance from Egypt and the Lord s death till he come. 1Cor 11:26 KJV Lamb: Christ (Is 53:7; John 1:29; Rev 5:6 [used 28 times in Revelation]) True sayings: Jesus is Truth (Is 40:25; Hab 3:3; Luke 1:35; John 1:14,17; 4:24; 8:32; 14:6; Acts 4:27; Eph 6:14; Rev 3:7; 6:10; 15:3; 16:7; 19:2,9,11; 21:5; 22:6) 7/4/18 19

20 Revelation 19:10a And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship: John had mistaken the voice of the messenger in Rev 19:5 for God (Rev 22:8-9) Of your brethren: Brethren include Enoch, Moses, Elijah and those raised with Jesus (Matt 27:50-53; Eph 4:8; Is 26:19; Rev 19:5) 7/4/18 20

21 Revelation 19:10b Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Testimony of Jesus is given by the influence of the Holy Spirit through human messengers (Ps 119:1-3; Rev 1:2; 12:17; 1John 5:10; 1Cor 1:6) Spirit of prophecy: Prophecy is a spiritual gift (Eph 4:11) and the saints understand and proclaim the three angels messages of Rev 14:6-12 (1Chr 25:1-5; 2Chr 20:20b; Joel 2:28-31; Mal 3:1-4; 2Pet 1:19) The true church of the time of the end must possess the prophetic gift Satan will counterfeit the prophetic gift at the time of the end, deceiving Bible scholars and church leaders (Jer 23:1-4; Eze 34:1-8; Matt 24:24; Deut 13:1-4; 2Thess 2:9; Rev 13:13) The parable of the Ten Virgins indicates when Sunday legislation is initiated, it s too late for those who have had the truth to get prepared (Eze 7:26) 7/4/18 21

22 Revelation 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Heaven opened: This sequence started in Rev 11:18-19, the sounding of the 7 th angel trumpet The king of the south initiated (Dan 11:40a) (9/11/2001) The king of the north responded (Dan 11:40b) (8/07/2014) White horse: The pure, righteous church Christ established (the 1 st seal of Rev 6:2) He: The Rider is Jesus Faithful and True: The character of Jesus, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God Rev 3:14 (Is 40:25; Hab 3:3; Luke 1:35; John 1:14,17; 4:24; 8:32; 14:6; Acts 4:27; Eph 6:14; Rev 3:7; 6:10; 15:3; 16:7; 19:2,9,11; 21:5; 22:6) In righteousness: We are saved by Jesus righteousness (Job 29:14; Is 61:10) Judges and makes war: Jesus rides before His wife (the saints) are 7/4/18 presented 22

23 Revelation 19: His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. Eyes like flames: Christ s penetrating gaze causes the wicked to cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them (Deut 4:24; Is 2:19-21; 30:37; Dan 10:5-6; Rev 1:14; 2:18; 6:16) Many crowns: Representing Christ s anointment as King at the close of the pre-advent investigative judgment (Dan 7:14; 12:1a; Rev 5:9) Name that no one knew: Jesus is unique in all the universe as the sacrificial Lamb for humanity. His name is the Word of God. (John 1:1-3; Rev 1:2) Robe dipped in blood: Those who refuse His gift of salvation stain His robe as He treads the winepress (Is 63:1-6; Joel 3:13; Rev 5:6; 14:19-20; 19:15) 7/4/18 23

24 Revelation 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Armies of heaven: Angels (Rev 12:7; Is 14:12-19; Gen 3:15; 2Ki 6:16-17) Fine linen: Denoting righteousness (Eze 16:10; Rev 15:6) The angels of heaven follow Christ on white horses to earth (Matt 24:31; 25:31a; 1Thess 4:15-17) " Christ s second coming (Eze 34:11-31) 7/4/18 24

25 Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. Sharp sword: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Hos 6:5; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12-13; Rev 1:16; 11:5; 19:21) Rod of iron, literally to feed as a shepherd : The Shepherd s rod of iron is used to destroy all who would hurt His sheep (Num 24:17; Ps 23:4; Rev 12:5) Winepress: Alluding to the punishment of the wicked described in Rev 14:17-20, during the plagues of Rev 16 (Hab 3:12; Rev 11:18b) The wicked that are alive at Christ s return will be punished twice (Rev 18:6); again after the 1,000 years. This is merited as these have made an informed decision against God, His Law, and His prophets. The following refer to a spiritual fulfillment: The Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:12-13), valley of God s judgment Edom red and Bozrah a vintage (Is 63:1-6) 7/4/18 25

26 Revelation 19:16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Robe: Reference to the robe dipped in blood as Jesus faithfulness (Rev 19:13) Thigh: Possible reference to the justice of Jesus as He tread the winepress (Is 11:5; 63:1-6; Joel 3:13; Rev 14:19-20; 19:15) Name: God the Father has given Christ this Name indicating His authority over the earth (Rev 17:14) This title is given at the close of judgment before the 7 plagues (Dan 12:1a) 7/4/18 26

27 Revelation 19: Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great. Standing in the sun: Perhaps showing the error of sun worship as an object, or the day of the sun The brightness of Christ s coming will destroy the wicked (2Thess 2:8; Matt 16:27) Midst of heaven: Earth s atmosphere Feast of the birds: Just as there is a symbolic marriage supper for the bride (the pure church) (Matt 22:1-14; Luke 14:15-24; Rev 19:7), there is a symbolic feast involving the wicked (Deut 28:26; Is 34:5-11; Jer 4:25-27; 25:30-33; 46:10; Lam 2:21-22; Eze 39:4-5,17-21; Zeph 1:1-3,7-8; Matt 24:28; Luke 17:37) 7/4/18 27

28 Revelation 19:19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Beast: The persecuting religious authorities represented by the miry and brittle clay of the Daniel 2 image (the papacy and apostate Protestant systems) (Dan 2:41-43 KJV) Kings of the earth and their armies: The civil leaders of all the earth who have provided the enforcement to the beast and his image (Rev 13; 17) War: The final battle of Armageddon, a spiritual battle between God and Satan (Rev 16:14,16) Him: Jesus (Rev 6:2; 19:11) His army: Countless heavenly angels, resembling a cloud (Dan 7:13; Acts 1:9; Rev 14:16) 7/4/18 28

29 Revelation 19:20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Beast: The individual leader of the papacy known as the man of sin, the lawless one, 666, the 8 th of the 7 (2Thess 2:3-12; Rev 13:18; 17:10-11) The papal system will be destroyed after the pre-advent investigative judgment has closed, during the 6 th plague (Dan 7:11; 11:45; 16:12; 17:16) False prophet: United States/apostate Protestants performing miracles (Rev 13:11-17; 16:13; Dan 7:12) Mark of the beast: The 3 rd angel of Rev 14:9-12 defines the mark as those who do not keep God s Ten Commandments (Rev 13:15-17; 16:2; 20:4) Worship his image: U.S. Sunday sacredness, copied from the papacy These two: Individuals; the pope numbered 666 (the 8 th king who is one of the 7), and a leader who represents the earth beast (Rev 17:10-11) Lake of fire/brimstone: The first lake of fire at Jesus second coming is symbolic of God appearing as a consuming fire (Deut 4:24) 7/4/18 29

30 Revelation 19:21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. The rest: All the wicked (Rev 14:11) The saints receive the seal of God on their foreheads, representing their transformed characters (Rev 7:2-4) Killed with the sword: Referring to the brightness of Christ s coming (2Thess 1:7-8) Feast of the birds: Symbolic for all the wicked being destroyed, none survive (Deut 28:26; Is 34:8-15; Jer 4:25-27; 16:4; 25:33; Eze 39:17; Zeph 1:1-3; Matt 24:28; Luke 17:37; Rev 19:18) The condition of the earth after the righteous leave with Christ is total desolation, a bottomless pit (Is 24; Jer 4:23-29; 17:27; 25:32-38; Luke 17:28-30) 7/4/18 30

31 Our Mission as the Remnant Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10) The understanding of prophecy is a call to action; to share the gospel of everlasting life through a relationship with Jesus, proclaiming the 3 angels message of Rev 14:6-12 obey God s commandments (Rev 12:17) and Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water. (Rev 14:7) Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. (Is 56:6-7) Be holy blameless (1Pet 1:16-19; 2Pet 3:10-14) 7/4/18 31

32 He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 7/4/18 32

33 Additional Information I am indebted to Tim Roosenberg who has studied Daniel since the early 2000 s and has dedicated his ministry to providing people with knowledge of the times that we live through seminars and his website; I am also indebted to two individuals whom have dedicated their lives in a study of Revelation 17 since the late 1990 s. Their website, provides significant depth on the many related Bible passages and prophecies that correlate completely to the prophecies of Daniel For an excellent verse by verse commentary see: For a deep perspective of how Revelation represents the spiritual fulfillment of much of the Old Testament see: Louis F. Were, The Certainty of the 3 rd Angel s Message, 1945 Ellen Gould White was a prolific author and an American Christian pioneer. Along with other Sabbatarian Adventist leaders such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, she formed what became known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Smithsonian magazine named Ellen G. White among 100 Most Significant Americans in an acknowledgement of her influence on religion. 7/4/18 33

34 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:6 " Now God s creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing. Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. The voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, is heard, saying: Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Revelation 19:6. While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. {GC } 7/4/18 34

35 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:7-9 " The church is the bride, the Lamb s wife. She should keep herself pure, sanctified, holy. Never should she indulge in any foolishness, for she is the bride of a King. Yet she does not realize her exalted position. If she understood this, she would be all-glorious within. {Lt } " The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25. {GC 426.1} " In the parable of Matthew 22 the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. {GC 428.1} 7/4/18 35

36 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:7-9 " In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed one class who looked with joy to the Lord s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called the bride, the Lamb s wife. [Revelation 21:9, 10]. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, dominion, and glory, and a kingdom; He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the 7/4/18 36 Lamb. {GC 426.2}

37 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:8 " It is while men are still dwelling upon the earth that the work of investigative judgment takes place in the courts of heaven. The lives of all His professed followers pass in review before God. All are examined according to the record of the books of heaven, and according to his deeds the destiny of each is forever fixed. By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ s true followers will possess. To the church it is given that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Revelation 19:8; Ephesians 5:27. The fine linen, says the Scripture, is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19:8. It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour. {COL } 7/4/18 37

38 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:8 " By the wedding garment... is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ s true followers will possess. To the church it is given that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. The fine linen, says the Scripture, is the righteousness of saints. It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour... This robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us... When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness... Righteousness is rightdoing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. {ML } 7/4/18 38

39 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:9 " The proclamation, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut. They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding. Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage. {GC 427.1} " Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob at His table in His kingdom, to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. {ML } 7/4/18 39

40 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:9 " Upon us has shone great light in regard to the last days of this earth s history. Let not our lack of wisdom and energy give evidence of spiritual blindness. God s messengers must be clothed with power. They must have for the truth an elevating reverence that they do not now possess. The Lord s solemn, sacred message of warning must be proclaimed in the most difficult fields and in the most sinful cities in every place where the light of the third angel s message has not yet dawned. To everyone is to be given the last call to the marriage supper of the Lamb. {7T 54.2} " Today the remnant people of God are to glorify His name by proclaiming the last message of warning, the last invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The only way in which they can fulfill God s expectations is by being representatives of the truth for this time. {8T 153.2} 7/4/18 40

41 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:10 " The ceremonial law was given by Christ. Even after it was no longer to be observed, Paul presented it before the Jews in its true position and value, showing its place in the plan of redemption and its relation to the work of Christ; and the great apostle pronounces this law glorious, worthy of its divine Originator. The solemn service of the sanctuary typified the grand truths that were to be revealed through successive generations. The cloud of incense ascending with the prayers of Israel represents His righteousness that alone can make the sinner s prayer acceptable to God; the bleeding victim on the altar of sacrifice testified of a Redeemer to come; and from the holy of holies the visible token of the divine Presence shone forth. Thus through age after age of darkness and apostasy faith was kept alive in the hearts of men until the time came for the advent of the promised Messiah. {PP 367.2} 7/4/18 41

42 Ellen White Comments Rev 19:10 " In a recent dream I was brought before an assembly of people, some of whom were making efforts to remove the impression of a most solemn testimony of warning that I had given them. They said: We believe Sister White s testimonies; but when she tells us things that she has not directly seen in vision in the particular case under consideration, her words are of no more account to us than the words of any other person. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I arose and rebuked them in the name of the Lord. if they continue to do the very things they were warned not to do, they show that they despise the counsel of God, and the result is just what the Spirit of God has shown me it would be injury to the cause of God and ruin to themselves. If you feel just as safe in following your own impulses as in following the light given by God s delegated servant, the peril is your own; you will be condemned because you rejected the light which heaven had sent you. While at -----, the Lord came to me in the night season and spoke precious words of encouragement concerning my work, repeating the same message that had been given me several times before. With regard to those who have turned from the light sent them, He said: In slighting and rejecting the testimony that I have given you to bear, it is not you, but Me, your Lord, that they have slighted. {5T } 7/4/18 42