Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper explains that the marriage supper symbolizes the public announcement of Christ’s union with the church, which is depicted as the Lamb’s wife, already made ready by righteousness granted and prepared by God. Those called to the marriage supper are blessed, but participation requires responding to the invitation and being clothed in the righteousness of saints, emphasizing both God’s grace and the believer’s readiness and response.
More messages by Delbert Young
Two key points from this lesson:
1. The rider on the white horse represents Jesus Christ
2. The chapter emphasizes Christ’s ongoing present reign and judgment
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST – The Stone Cometh
By Pastor Delbert Young
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
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Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
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The first section of this chapter includes four uses of the word “Alleluia.” The word is used in no other place in the New Testament. It is another allusion link to the Old Testament uses of “Praise” (halal) the “Lord” (Yahh). The Hebrew word halal means, “to be clear; shine; make a show; rave.” The word Yahh is pronounced “Jah” and is one of the sacred Hebrew names for “Lord.” Thus, “Alleluia” is a “running together” of two Hebrew words, halal and Yahh, to say “praise the Lord!” King James writes it as “Alleluia”. More recent translations render it as “Hallelujah.”
Revelation 19:1-2
Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
v. 1-2 After these things is referencing the visitation by the great angel in chapter 18. That great angel gave light to the earth, showed John the destruction of Jerusalem, and the desolation of the house of Moses. After that desolation, John heard a great voice of much people in heaven.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
John heard much people. It was as a single voice, but was much people. They were all saying the same thing. The attempt to understand the actual location of heaven has been studied in 13:5-6 and 12:6-7. It would not be Biblical to say that heaven is only for when I die (Eph 2:6; Phi 3:20; Heb 12:22). Dwelling in heaven is actually for the believer to experience now and today.
Scripturally, heaven relates to the throne of God (Isa 66:1; Act 7:49). Heaven is where His kingdom abides, and the kingdom is within us (Luk 17:21). When a person enters the kingdom, they enter heaven. That person is translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear Son (Col 1:13).
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Approaching this verse from that perspective, we find the people in heaven are those experiencing the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
These “were dead in sins” but now “quickened together with Christ” (Eph 2:5). These were saying, Alleluia! They recognized that the answer to their prayers had come. Salvation, which is God’s deliverance, execution of vengeance upon His enemies and the enemies of His people, the plunder of those enemies, and His expecting us to rejoice over those enemies.
This salvation had come. They halal (praise in a rave) ascribing to the Lord our God all glory, and honor, and power! Once again, the definition of halal is, “to be clear; shine; make a show; rave.” They were not giving a little thanks under their breath. There was a raving display of joy and gladness, and John heard a great voice of much people in heaven.
The reason for this raving praise was given next. The reason was because, he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servant at her hand. The great whore was judged. Jerusalem, the Babylon of Revelation, is judged. The wife of God did fornicate with the whole earth. The biblical judgment for an unfaithful wife (or husband) under the law of Moses was death.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Leviticus 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
This chapter will pursue this thought. First, the great whore is put to death. Then the Lord will mount the white horse and execute judgment upon the nations who fornicated with her.
Another reason heaven was rejoicing was that the Lord God hath avenged the blood of his servants. It was her hand that caused the Lord’s servants to be martyred. Vengeance was executed. The church did not mourn for the whore. They rejoiced in her desolation and destruction — Alleluia! The Lord God was free from her adulteries and wickedness. He avenged His servants, and the church rejoiced!
Rejoicing over the enemy is not a familiar lifestyle to many today. However, Biblically it is a part of God’s salvation. When the enemy was defeated, even annihilated, God’s people would rejoice. A few examples of this are the Red Sea crossing (Exo 15); Hannah rejoicing in the Lord (1Sa 2:1); the defeat of Goliath and the Philistines (1Sa 19:5); rejoicing over the death of wicked queen Athaliah (1Ki 11:20); Jehoshaphat and the people rejoicing over the enemies annihilation (2Ch 20:27, 28).
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The Scripture has much to say about this. It is foreign to Western thinking, but is, in fact, biblical (see also Ps 13:5; 20:5; 21:1; 40:16; 118:15). Biblical salvation is the expectation, by God’s people, that our God will execute vengeance upon our enemies. At this execution, we should rejoice:
Psalms 68:2-4
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. (emphasis added)
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The voice of the heavenly people were saying, Alleluia for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. This is the way heavenly people are to respond when the wicked are judged.
Revelation 19:3
And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up forever and ever.
3The phrase smoke rose is an allusion of God’s judgment upon a city and the victory of His people. Below are a few verses showing this.
Genesis 19:28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
Joshua 8:21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai.
Judges 20:40 But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven. (emphasis added)
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The difference here was that the smoke rose up forever and ever. The point the verse attempts to make is the duration of this Alleluia. First, John says, again they said Alleluia. Natural Israel, or Judah, or Jerusalem, will never be the “heart throb” of the Lord again. Her smoke is forever and ever. This Alleluia is forever and ever. To be told that God owes natural Israel anything more than He owes any other nation today is simply not true.
He terminated that covenant in A.D. 70 for ever and ever. He burned it in A.D. 70, and it continues to burn to this day. He will work through natural Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, today, just as He will through any other nation. That work will only be through His Church and the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other door and no other way! Alleluia! Selah.
Revelation 19:4
And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshiped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
4 Now the elders and four creatures entered into the Alleluia. The elders are no less than the represented church, encompassing both the Old and New Covenants (see discussion 4:4). They could well be more than this, but at the very least, they represent the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles who formed the congregation of God in both Testaments. They gathered to form “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (21:9) as twelve are pictured as gates (21:12) and twelve are pictured as foundations (21:14). All four and twenty pieces are necessary to properly picture the Lamb’s wife, the New Jerusalem, the church (Eph 5:25, 26; Heb 12:22-24).
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Also, the four beasts (creatures of chapter 4) entered the Alleluia! Once again, noting the meaning of halal is inclusive of praise in a rave. The elders and the beasts were in a rave of praise! The four beasts and the elders fell down, overwhelmed by their state of worship. The four beasts are, as Ezekiel 1:10 tells us “the likeness of a man.” The faces of the beast – man, ox (calf), eagle, and lion – are depicted scripturally in different and unique temperaments, which every individual has a combination of (see discussion 4:6). All humanity, combined, makes up the church and enters the Alleluia. The church was expected to praise in a rave over the destruction of Babylon.
The elders and the beasts use the Amen.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
This linked the praise with the judgment of the curses of Deuteronomy. This is when the people said “Amen” to the curses (see discussion 6:7, 8) in their vows to the Lord (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15-26). Jesus said “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev 1:18).
Revelation 19:5
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
5As all this raving praise was happening, then, a voice came out of the throne. This is the way true heavenly praise should build. First, the multitude of voices began in Alleluia and continued in Alleluia. Then all the elders around, and within the area of praise, fell into the worship of Alleluia. Then the Lamb speaks out of the throne to those saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him. The praise builds and continues pointing out everything, small and great, to our God! The congregation heard from heaven as they heard a voice out of the throne.
Revelation 19:6-7
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
v. 6, 7 The fourth Alleluia came from the voice of a great multitude which included all those involved in the prior three Alleluias. All the heavens rejoiced. All the elders, creatures, and people sang and said, Alleluia. The sound was as the voice of many waters and mighty thunderings.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
This was the voice of the great multitude. They have taken on the sound of their Lord’s voice. Revelation 1:15 said the Son of man had a voice like many waters. The sounds of thundering constantly come from the voice of the throne (4:5; 6:1; 8:5). The voice of the Lord became the voice of the great multitude in the earth.
The great multitude was given the authority of the Son of man. “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (LUK 10:19). “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations” (REV 2:26).
They said the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
They said, let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him. The reason for rejoicing and giving honor is that the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Chronologically, Babylon–Judaism–has burned. There has been tremendous rejoicing in the heavens because of that event. Now we are told the marriage of the Lamb is come. According to our study, the event would have occurred between A.D. 70 and 73. The New Testament church has now been in existence for some forty years. The church was already the “heavenly Jerusalem” (Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22) and already the “mother of us all” (Gal 4:26) as taught in Galatians and Hebrews.
The book of Galatians was written no later than A.D. 56. The book of Hebrews was written around A.D. 68. The point is, scripturally, the church was already the bride and the Lamb’s wife. This is observed easily in the following scriptures.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Prior to the crucifixion, John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the “bridegroom.”
Notice that John the Baptist said “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom.” John recognized that Christ already had his bride. The wedding had already happened.
John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Jesus referred to Himself as the “bridegroom” prior to His crucifixion. And spoke of His spiritual children that would fast when He was taken from them.
Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Mark 2:19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Not only had the marriage happened, but “children of the bridechamber” were born. The Greek word for “bridechamber” is numphon (Strong’s #3567), meaning “the chamber containing the bridal bed, the bridal chamber.” The marriage had taken place, and children were already being conceived in the “bridechamber.”
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The New Covenant began prior to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Thus, the marriage had begun:
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Paul explains to the Romans of A.D. 55-56 that if they would die to the law, then they could be married to Christ:
Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (emphasis added)
Paul teaches that the marriage union has previously taken place. The Corinthians were already “joined” to Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Paul used the marriage relationship between Christ and the church to teach the proper marriage relationship between a man and a woman to the Ephesians in 62 A.D. The context is that men should love their wives as Christ loved his wife, the church:
Ephesians 5:25-28, 32
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Paul had already espoused the Corinthian believers to their husband. The Greek word translated as “espoused” is harmozo (Strong’s #0718), which means “to join, to fit together.” He had already presented them as a chaste virgin:
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
In contrast to the harlot, she is a chaste virgin presented to Christ. Of Course, she refused to fornicate with the beast. By all means, she refused to be a daughter of the great whore, the religious system. However, She made herself ready. Scriptures clearly teach that the marriage had taken place. The New Jerusalem was the church and the mother of us all. The New Jerusalem was already the Lamb’s wife (Rev 21:9-10). What are we being taught in Revelation 19 about the marriage and the marriage supper?
Obviously Judaism (the great whore Babylon) had done everything to hinder the marriage. It killed the bridegroom. Indeed, it martyred and persecuted the children of the bedchamber. Undeniably, it encouraged Rome to martyr the children of the bedchamber. She had now been burned and destroyed, Alleluia! There is no doubt that the church is the Lamb’s wife. She was ready to come forth before the public and display her place of influence. This is exactly what the Greek word erchomai (Strong’s #2064) translated come means. Following is the word study.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
2064 erchomai {er’-khom-ahee}
(1) to come
(1.a) of persons
(1.a.1) to come from one place to another, and used both of persons arriving and of those returning
(1.a.2) to appear, make one’s appearance, come before the public
(2) metaph.
(2.a) arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence
(2.b) be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto
(3) to go, to follow one (emphasis added)
The previous Alleluia’s show this is the meaning of the context
Revelation 19:2-3
2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up forever and ever.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
With Judaism destroyed, the church was to come into the place of prominence. She was ready. She had not defiled herself with Babylon.
If a person is of the Dispensational persuasion, they await the marriage and the marriage supper. If we allow the scriptures to lead us, then we know the marriage has already taken place. Clearly, we know from the Scriptures that the wife of the Lamb is the church. Dispensational teaching projects that the church is not the bride, yet. In their doctrine, the church will not become the bride until the tribulation is over. Then in heaven, just prior to the third coming of the Lord (first coming as an infant; second at the rapture; third after the tribulation), the marriage takes place. What do the scriptures teach?
The marriage supper was the time that the father invited relatives and friends to the public announcement of the marriage (Mat 22:2-3). Our interpretation is contextually correct. This is the time of public announcement. Judaism (Babylon) is judged and will burn forever and ever. It is time to bring into the public eye the church, the wife of the Lamb. A marriage supper is given to make that declaration. We learn this from the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 22.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Matthew 22:2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. (KJV)
Matthew 22:3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. (NIV)
Some would say, “If the church is now the wife of Christ then when did the wedding take place?” My answer is from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
We want a specific time. Let me ask a question. None have problems that natural Israel was the wife of the Lord in the Old Testament (Eze 16:8, 32; Jer 3:8, etc). When was the wedding between the Lord and Israel? Is there a specific time given? No, it was simply that way. It was from the foundation.
Revelation 19:8
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
8Once again we are shown that the book of Revelation is not to be interpreted from a literal posture. It is “signified” (1:1), meaning it is given in signs (see discussion 1:1). Here, fine linen is the sign given, which is to be interpreted as the righteousness of saints. In verse 14 of this chapter, the army that follows the King is also wearing fine linen, clean and white. The bride’s fine linen is to be seen in contrast to the great whore who “was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls” (Rev 17:4). Cares of the world are not of interest to the Lamb’s wife. She clothes herself with righteousness.
Both are seen here, that his wife hath made herself ready, and that to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen. The true wife functions from two perspectives: clothing herself. Yet, understand, it must be granted that she should be arrayed. The bride, wife, understands that grace, for salvation, is given by God as a gift. However, she must also prepare herself! There are things we must do to be a part of the wife.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
9The marriage supper was the time of public announcement of the marriage of a couple. This is when the relatives and friends of the family came to meet, greet, and bless the couple. We see contextually that our interpretation is correct. This is the public announcement that the wife is the church.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary says of “Marriage,”
“Among the Jews the ‘marriage supper’ took place in the husband’s house and was the great social event in the family life. Large hospitality, and resentment at the refusal of an invitation, are indicated in <Matt. 22:1-14>. The “marriage” in Cana exhibits the way in which a “marriage feast” was conducted in humbler homes.”
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
New Unger’s Bible Dictionary says of “Marriage Ceremonies,”
“Before the time of Moses, when the proposal was accepted, the marriage price paid, and the gifts distributed, the bridegroom was at liberty to move the bride at once to his own home <Gen. 24:63-67>… Usually the marriage took place at the home of the bride’s parents and was celebrated by a feast to which friends and neighbors were invited….” (emphasis added)
The point is this: the marriage supper announced the marriage publicly. If you were invited, came, received the couple’s union, and blessed it, then the father of the husband blessed in return. Thus, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. New Unger’s Bible Dictionary says,
“At the house a feast was prepared, to which all the friends and neighbors were invited <Gen. 29:22; Matt. 22:1-10; Luke 14:8; John 2:2>, and the festivities were protracted for seven or even fourteen days (<Judg. 14:12>; Tobit 8:19). The guests were provided by the host with wedding clothes <Matt. 22:11>, and the feast was enlivened with riddles <Judg. 14:12> and other amusements. The bridegroom now entered into direct communication with the bride, and the “friend of the bridegroom… rejoices greatly” at hearing the voice of the bridegroom conversing with her <John 3:29>, which he regarded as a satisfactory testimony of the success of his share in the work.”
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
“Among the Jews the ‘marriage supper’ took place in the husband’s house and was the great social event in the family life. Large hospitality, and resentment at the refusal of an invitation, are indicated in <Matt. 22:1-14>.”
Jesus told the parable of the kingdom using this marriage (Matthew 22:1-14). We have studied that passage previously. The king prepared a great marriage supper for his son. He invited many, “But they made light of it, and went their ways” (Mat 22:5). The king sent his armies and destroyed those who would not come and burned their city (an accurate picture of what happened to Judaism). He told his servants to go and find guests. They did.
Matthew 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
There is an obvious calling to the marriage supper. Jesus said His elect would be gathered by the angels (Mat 24:31). The Lord Jesus was very clear on this. He said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him” (Joh 6:44). Contrary to some doctrines, there is a personal invitation given to every member of the wife. These are the true sayings of God. It is a frightening thing when someone rejects the invitation. The devil has developed a doctrine that convinces people they can decide when they want to attend the marriage supper.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The Scriptures teach there is a calling, but there must be a response. The person called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb is blessed by the calling. However, without attending the marriage supper the blessing is annulled. There is an obvious blessing when invited. The invitation must not be taken lightly, and to be a part, we must wear the wedding garment of fine linen, which is the righteousness of the saints.
The marriage supper is not only a past moment when Judaism (Babylon) was destroyed and burned.
The passage says, “And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up forever and ever” (Rev 19:3). Judaism is burning today, thus the marriage supper continues today. The invitation continues to be sent out by the servants. Every week we enjoy the marriage supper announcing that the church is the wife.
When considering the marriage supper, Holy Communion should not be forgotten. As we come together as His wife and partake of the elements, we enjoy the individual intimacy we have with the Lord as the wife. There is also interaction with Him in praise and listening to Him speak to us through His Word. Our covenant vows are renewed and we dance and sing with Him and to Him. This is the marriage supper. It did not only happen once for eternity. Guests come as the Father invites them. Blessed are they.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
So, what is the marriage supper of the Lamb? Many have attempted to envision it. There are paintings such as those that portray a long table extending into heaven with plates and silver set on either side. Of course, the chairs are always empty, showing the supper waiting to be enjoyed. Do you await it or enjoy it?
He says These are the true sayings of God.
Matthew Henry says,
“The promises of the gospel, the true sayings of God, opened, applied, and sealed by the Spirit of God, in holy ordinances, are the marriage-feast.” (emphasis added)
It truly will not matter what is on some great table in the sky, if we cannot eat and digest His promises, sayings, ordinances, and commands right now (Mat 28:20).
Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
10This angel joined John in Revelation 18:21. He was a mighty angel and appears to be a different angel than the one described in 18:1-2. This angel is not the Lord, but best seen as His Body and ministries who have been given authority as they are sent out by Him with His message. This is made clear as John fell at his feet to worship him. The angel would not allow that, but rather pointed to who is to be worshiped, and that is God. The angel said, I am thy fellowservant, and thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus.
Who has the testimony of Jesus? The answer must be the redeemed. Angels, as we think of angels, with wings and feathers, etc., are not redeemed. This angel must be redeemed, for he is a fellowservant. He is a brother in Christ. He told John I am… of thy brethren. Can a brother be an angel? This angel, brother, had the testimony of Jesus.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Prophecy (propheteia in Greek) means “to predict.”
The testimony of Jesus is far more than a prediction. Tracing the word down into its roots to discover its weight and thoughts the word carries, we find it includes “a foreteller, which includes being an inspired speaker; fore; in front of; to show or make known one’s thoughts; luminousness; to lighten; to show.”
The angel is clearly saying, “Do not worship me. I am one with the testimony of Jesus. My appointment is to bring you illumination and to show you things to come.” Is this not what John told us in 1:1? The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.
Ministries that have the testimony of Jesus function this way. They will never allow themselves to be worshiped, but always point worship to Jesus. Without a doubt, they will always illuminate, helping others see what lies ahead by sharing or making known their thoughts. Without reservation, they point to pure and true worship:
“This plainly condemns the practice of those who worship the elements of bread and wine, and saints, and angels; and of those who do not believe that Christ is truly and by nature God, yet pay him a sort of worship.”
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Revelation 19:11
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
11This section has been interpreted as the second coming or Advent of the Lord. As will be shown, the section will speak of His coming, but not His Second Advent. The Advent thought is drawn from the vision of heaven opened. However, the aspect of heaven opened is not unusual in the Scriptures.
Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
Psalms 78:23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,
Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened (Mat 3:16; Mark 1:10)
John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
The opening of heaven is either the blessings of God (Deu 28:12; Psa 78:23; Mal 3:10) or the judgment of God (Gen 7:11); coming upon a people. It also is the experience of a prophet allowed to look (Eze 1:1; Luk 3:21; Joh 1:51; Act 7:56; 10:11; 4:1) into perfection (throne Isa 66:1; Act 7:49). The question must be asked, is this opening showing the Second Advent or is this showing what other Scriptures have shown about heaven being opened?
Why would all the other Scriptures speaking of heaven being opened not talk of the Advent, but then suddenly this one does? It is obvious that here John again used an allusion from the Old Testament to show his readers a portrait.
John was allowed to look into an open heaven. He saw a white horse. The white horse was already introduced in 6:2 (see discussion). It is the horse of the conquer and of Him who wears the crown. White always speaks of the Lord, His saints, and the great white throne of judgment! Whitepoints to judgment. The saints are in white because they made themselves ready by righteous acts. They judged themselves. The Lord is the true and righteous judge (John 8:16; 2Ti 4:8).
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Revelation 1:14; 2:17; 3:4; 3:5; 3:18; 4:4; 6:2, 11; 7:9, 13, 14; 14:14; 15:6; 19:8; 11, 14
1:14 …his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes…
1:14 …like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of…
2:17 …give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written,…
3:4 …with me in white: for they are worthy.
3:5 …be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name…
3:18 …be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and…
4:4 …sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads…
6:2 …and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and…
6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was…
7:9 …Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
7:13 …are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
7:14 …and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
14:14 …and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto…
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
15:6 …in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with…
19:8 …linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness…
19:11 …and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called…
19:14 …followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white…
19:14 …in fine linen, white and clean.
20:11 …saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose… (emphasis added)
John linked righteous judgment (white), war, and conquering (horse). John described the one that sat upon the white horse as the one was called Faithful and True. Then John said, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. White connected righteousness and judgment.
No one argues who this conqueror is. It is none other than the Son of man, our Lord Jesus Christ. The description is similar to the one given of the Son of man in 1:13-16. What must not be missed is in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Your school of theology will determine how this is interpreted.
If one is of a dispensational school, then the Lord cannot, and does not, judge and make war until the Advent. If one is from a position of an existing kingdom, then this, in righteousness he doth judge and make war is ongoing. It has been happening since the destruction of Jerusalem, which was the sign that the Son of man was in heaven.
Revelation Chapter 19 Pt 1: How to Join the Marriage Supper
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (emphasis added)
If that was the sign, and of course it was, then this is interpreted as an ongoing judgment. If the kingdom of Jesus Christ is from His resurrection till our resurrection (1Co 15:20-28); and if this is the time in which “he must reign” (1Co 15:25); and if this is the time He is putting “all enemies under His feet,” then this is an on-going war. If one awaits His Advent to experience His reign, that person will actually miss the reign of Christ. At the advent, resurrection occurs (1Th 4:16, 17; John 6:39, 40, 44, 54). Resurrection Day is the last day.
At this time, Christ will deliver “up the kingdom to God, even the Father” (1Co 15:24). War does not begin at the Advent. War will end at the Advent, for “He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1Co 15:24). At the Advent, the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and war implements will be made farming equipment (Isa 2:4; 11:6-8). From the destruction of Jerusalem until the resurrection, there will be nothing but war. The last enemy to fall will be death (1Co 15:26). This passage must be interpreted as ongoing rather than futuristic.