Revelation 19-22
Psalm 47
These Words are Faithful and True
In Chapter 18 we read of the fall of Babylon. The kingdom imploded as a result of God’s wrath but the beast has made an alliance with ten kings who will wage war against the Lamb.
In Chapter 19 we read of the preparations for the marriage of the Lamb as the bride has made herself ready. John does not see a lamb though. What he does see is the Lord who is called Faithful and True. He is seated on a white horse and on the thigh of his robe says, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. The beast and the kings with their armies march out to make war against the Lord but it is over in two verses. There is a great slaughter and the antichrist and the false prophet become the first residents of Hell.
In Chapter 20 we read that Satan is bound with chains and put in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. King Jesus then set up the millennial kingdom where He will reign as King. I see this as a perfect fulfillment of Deuteronomy 4:1-8. This kingdom will be so blessed that the surrounding nations will flock to it wanting to have the same peace and blessing as those dwelling in the new kingdom. But not everyone will receive it. Jesus will reign in power. His rule will be just and righteous but there will be some who will feign allegiance because they have no choice but to fake it. At the end of the thousand years Satan will be released and he will deceive the nations of people who do not want Jesus as king. Deceived by the devil, they will gather to make war but fire will fall from Heaven and devour them. The devil will be captured and thrown into Hell. Following that there will be the white throne judgement where the dead will be judged according to what is recorded in the books regarding their deeds, but the book that makes all the difference is the Book of Life. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are thrown in the lake of fire.
In Chapter 21 John sees a new Heaven and a new Earth. God is making everything new. He also heard a voice that said God is dwelling with man. When Moses was given the pattern of the tabernacle the pattern was modeled after what was in Heaven as was the layout of the camp. The tabernacle was in the center of the camp of the twelve tribes. In between the tabernacle and the camp of the tribes was the camp of the Levites who ministered to the tabernacle and the people. One of the seven angels that carried the wrath of God took John to a high mountain where he saw the holy city of Jerusalem coming down from Heaven. There is a wall around the city built on twelve foundation stones having the names of the apostles on them. There were also twelve gates, each gate with the name of a tribe of Israel on it. The gates were always open and thus inviting.
Inside the city there was no temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple.
There was no need for the sun since the glory of God illuminated the way for nations and kings to walk.
Israel was given the Law to bring to the world inviting the world to follow the Law and be blessed. The Church was to demonstrate God living in His people by the Holy Spirit and to spread the gospel. Jesus said He is the Light of the world. We see all of these fulfilled as God makes everything new.
In Chapter 22 we see within the city the tree of life planted by the water of life bearing fruit for the healing of the nations. There is no longer the curse. God’s bond-servants will see Him face to face and His name shall be on their foreheads for they have been redeemed.
This is the hope that God has put before us. Based on this hope the invitation is extended to each and every one of us. In verse 14 we read that those who accept the invitation will be blessed and live forever with the Lord. However, there is a second choice which is found in verse 15. You really don’t want to stay there.
Verse 17 declares, “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” NASB
“These words are faithful and true.”
Psalm 47 is included in this study and is a good Psalm for the conclusion of this study. Psalm 47 is considered an enthronement Psalm that looks forward to the coming of the King of Kings.
It was sung seven times before the trumpet was blown signifying the coming of the New Year. No doubt it will be sung when our Lord is seated on His throne. I plan to be there singing it.
How about you?
Pastor Dave