The fall of the kingdom of Antichrist has been confidently foretold in Scripture (Daniel 2:31-45; 7:1-14; II Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 13 - 19). Our study now brings us to Revelation chapter nineteen: The end of the seven years of the Great Tribulation and the end of the kingdom of Antichrist.

Wonder and Worship - Revelation 19:1-10

Wonder and Worship have been a constant undertone throughout the whole book of Revelation (See Revelation 1; 4-5; 7:1-17; 8:1-4; 11:15-19; 14:1-13; 15; 18:20 - 19:10; 22:6-9). This is a good example for us to follow in life and in our handling of the subject of prophecy in general and the book of Revelation specifically.

Revelation 19:10 is very insightful. An angel had directly spoken to John many times during the various visions and signs that John had witnessed (Revelation 1:1; 17:1,15; 19:9-10; 21:9-10,15,17; 22:1,6,8-10,16). Twice John was so moved by the things which he saw and heard that he bowed himself down to the angel and worshipped (Revelation 19:9-10; 22:8-9). Each time the angel corrected John and told him to worship only God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5,13-14; 10:20; 13:4; Matthew 4:8-10; Colossians 2:18). In Revelation 19:10 the angel further added, "…for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." We must beware of the many emotional sidetracks that present themselves when the topic of "end times" is being handled. Anything from mere curiosity to pride and anger can be a false motivation in this area.

The book of Revelation must be handled with reverence - causing us to draw near to God in humility and prayer, seeking to live more godly lives. The book of Revelation also exalts Christ and is useful in the work of the Gospel, to persuade others to not be conformed to this world; to flee from the wrath to come; to prepare to meet our God. See Titus 2:11-14; II Peter 3:10-14; II Corinthians 4:14 - 5:11; Matthew 3:1-8; Revelation 1:5-8.

Wonder and a White Horse - Revelation 19:11-21

This moment is not actually a war. It is an execution. The Lord's people return with Christ as He claims His rightful kingdom on earth. We are not assisting the Lord in battle. We are His honor guard. The place is Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-21). The view from below will look something like Joel 2:1-11. The view from above will look something like II Thessalonians 1:6-10 & Jude 14-15.

Note these contrasting thoughts:

• In Revelation 19:11 Christ, Faithful and True, is on a white horse. In Revelation 6:2 Antichrist was on a white horse but is unfaithful and untrue - blaspheming God and breaking his covenant with Israel.
• Christ is not coming in the air to take us home (as in I Thessalonians 4:13-18) but coming to earth to conquer "them" (I Thessalonians 5:1-3) and establish His Kingdom (Isaiah 11; 61).
• This is not Jesus, "meek and lowly" (Matthew 11:28-30). This is Jesus, "…KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16). Note: The rod of iron (Revelation 2:26-27; 12:5; 19:15).
• "The Word of God" first came to create the world and then, much later, to communicate and consecrate himself for the salvation of the world (John 1:1-14). Finally, "…The Word of God" will come in the flesh to conquer and claim the world, consummating the will of the Father (Revelation 19:13-16; 19:17 - 21:8 cp. I Corinthians 15:24-28). Christ Himself, with the power of the Word, will be the weapon which destroys His enemies (II Thessalonians 2:8; Isaiah 11:4).
• Revelation 19:9 focuses on "the marriage supper of the lamb." Revelation 19:17-18 focuses on "the supper of the great God" - a feast for birds to eat the flesh of the fallen kings and their armies. God has been warning the kings of the earth for thousands of years (Psalm 2).