Pre-Introduction

The Old Testament reading for today is from Hosea 2:14-23. The sermon text is again Revelation 21:9-27 where we will again consider the bride of Christ in all her glory.

The book of Hosea is interesting. In it the prophet uses a number of images from family life and from nature to depict Israel’s unfaithfulness and stubbornness towards God, and God’s faithfulness to fulfill his promises to Israel. The most well known image in this book is that of the prophet’s unfaithful and promiscuous wife. She represents Israel’s idolatry. But the prophet is gracious to her and continues to pursue her to win her over. He represents the faithfulness of God. Let us read now from Hosea 2:14-23.

Old Testament Reading: Hosea 2:14–23

God speaks concerning his people when he says, “‘Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more. And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.’ ‘And in that day I will answer’, declares the Lord, ‘I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth, and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel, and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’; and he shall say, ‘You are my God’” (Hosea 2:14–23, ESV).

New Testament Reading: Revelation 21:9-27

“Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:9–27, ESV).

Introduction

As many of you know, I preached through this same text last Sunday. We are back to it again because after I was finished I continued to reflect upon it and it seemed to me that there was so much more to consider than what we were able to consider in that one sermon.

This vision that was shown to John is truly magnificent.

It paints a picture of the end result of the redemption accomplished by Jesus the Christ.

Indeed we do, even now, enjoy the benefits of the redemption accomplished by Christ through his life, death, resurrection and ascension. We, having been graciously and effectually called to faith enjoy the forgiveness of sins. We have been adopted by God as sons and daughters. And we have been and are being sanctified daily, being made more and more into the image of Christ. Add to this the assurance we have of God’s love, the peace of conscience, the joy in the Holy Spirit, the continual increase of grace, and the promise that God will indeed preserve us to the end, and it is clear that we are rich in Christ Jesus. Truly, we do enjoy the benefits of Christ’s finished work of redemption even now! But we should never forget that these are but a foretaste of much better things yet to come.

This is what Paul spoke of in his letter to the Romans when he said,

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:18–25, ESV)

Have we benefitted from Christ’s finished work on the cross? Have we tasted the heavenly gift? Have we seen something of the glory of God? Have we experienced the rest that is found in Christ Jesus? Indeed, we have! But is this all? No! For “according to [the] promise [of God] we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, ESV).

So marvelous will the new heavens and new earth be that this current order of things will hardly be remembered! For the word of the Lords says, “behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness” (Isaiah 65:17–18, ESV).

The text here in Revelation 21 provides us with a glimpse of what we will experience in the new heavens and new earth, and it is most glorious. As we consider it, it should whet our appetite for the world to come. It should help us to say, along with Paul, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us [or in us].”

Brother and sisters, I’m convinced of it – you will not begin to live well as a Christ follower in this world until you come to truly believe what God’s word says to us concerning the glory of the new heavens and earth, and to set your heart and your hope there. For the Christian is to live, not for this world, but for the world to come. And so long as you make much of this world and little of the world to come you will not live well as a follower of Christ in this world. We must live in this world, but not for it. We must sojourn in this land, but store our treasure elsewhere.

The book of Revelation helps us greatly in cultivating this heavenly mindset. One, it shows us the true character of the world as it now is. The world is like a harlot who, on the surface, may look look beautiful and appealing, but inwardly is filled with all manner of filth, darkness and death. Two, the book does also provide us with a glimpse of the true and everlasting glory of the world to come.

Brothers and sisters, my prayer is that our appetites and affections would change. May the Spirit of God use the word of God to transform our minds and hearts so that our love for the world and things of this world is diminished while our love for God and this things of God does grow.

You Are The Bride Of Christ

In the previous sermon on Revelation 21:9-27 I provided an overview of the passage. I attempted to demonstrate that the vision John saw of the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven with walls and gates, roads and a foundation is not to be taken as a literal description of the place where those in Christ will dwell for all eternity, but as symbolic for the people of God who for all eternity will enjoy God and Christ dwelling in the midst of them in a most intimate, immediate and glorious way.

Why this symbolic interpretation is difficult for people to except, I do not know.

We are in the book of Revelation, are we not? This book communicates truth vie symbol from beginning to end,

Also, remember that the people of God – that is to say, the church – has already been symbolized by physical objects. Indeed, we encored symbolism of this kind in the opening vision when Christ was seen walking in the midst of seven lamp stands. The seven lamp stands symbolized churches who were and are filled with the people of God. The meaning there was clear. It is not that Christ walks in the midst of lamp stands, but that he walks in the midst of his people – this was the truth that we were take away from the text! And we could only get at that truth if we interpret the text symbolically, as was clearly intended to be interpreted. The same is true here in Revelation 21. The new heavens and earth will not look like the city that John saw coming down out of heaven just as churches do not look like lamp stands. But lamp stands the new Jerusalem do function as wonderful symbols for the church. The church, just like lamp stands, are to shine forth as lights in the darkness. And the church, just like the new Jerusalem that John saw coming down from heaven, will, in the new heavens and earth, be filled with the glory of God and of Christ, will enjoy his glory, and will reflect it, just as she was created and redeemed to do.

That this city is symbolic for the church in glory is clear for before John was shown the vision the angel said to him, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9, ESV). The bride of Christ is not the city of Jerusalem, but it is the church. The bride of Christ is the total number of the elect whom Christ did redeem by his shed blood.

To the church in Corinth Paul wrote, “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2, ESV). This is how Paul viewed his ministry. He proclaimed the gospel so as to unite men and women to Christ. He proclaimed the gospel and when one believed he viewed is as the start of an engagement or betrothed. The job was not done, for the marriage would need to be consummated. Christian ministry, therefore, is about preparing the bride of Christ for her wedding day. The minister of the gospel labors to present the bride of Christ – that is, the church – to Christ pure and mature when he returns.

The same concept is communicated in Colossians 1:28 but without the marriage metaphor. There Pauls says, “[Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28, ESV).

It is in Ephesians 5 that Paul spells things out most clearly. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:25–32, ESV)

Christ is the groom. The church is his bride.

Christ gave himself up for her.

Christ is now sanctifying her, “having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” He “nourishes and cherishes” her.

And Christ will one day, “present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

This is the event that is here symbolized in Revelation 21 by the sight of the “holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:10, ESV). In Paul we are told of a day when the church will be presented to Christ in radiant glory. In Revelation it is shown to us, for John saw “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb… coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:9–11, ESV).

Brothers and sisters, do you understand that the thing symbolized here by the “holy city Jerusalem” is you. And by “you”, I do not mean “you” in the singular, but “you” in the plural. And by “you” in the plural, I do not mean “you” only, but all of the elect from Adam onward to the end of time. It is they that Christ redeemed! He shed his blood for all who ever did or ever will believe upon him. They are the church of the Old and New Covenant. They are the true Israel. They belong to the Jerusalem from above. They are the true temple of God. They are the bride of Christ, given to the Son by the Father from before the creation of the world (see John 17).

Friends, if you are in Christ, then you are his bride. If you have turned from your sins and beloved upon him, then you are betrothed to him, united to him by faith and seated with him in the heavenly places. He is sanctifying you now. He is cleansing you “by the washing of water with the word.” He “nourishes and cherishes” you so that he might present you ”to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that [you] might be holy and without blemish” before him. That is the event symbolized here in Revelation 21. The consummation. The wedding day where Christ is united to his bride made glorious for all eternality.

You are the bride of Christ. Have you thought much about that?

You are precious to him. He laid down his life for you. He washed you. He is sanctifying you.  And he has gone “to prepare a place for you” in his Fathers house. And he “will come again and will take you to [himself], that where [he is] you may be also” (John 14:2–3, ESV).

I hope that this brings comfort to you. But may it never cause you to be puffed up with pride, thinking to yourself, “how lovely I must be that God and Christ would take me as their own.” For the love of God shown to us in Christ Jesus is unmerited and unconditional. He did not love you and I because he found us lovely. He loved us to make us lovely. His love bestowed upon us was an act of free grace. He determined to love us by his grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV). Remember, brother and sisters, that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV). “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV).

God and Christ did not love us because we were by nature lovely. Their love for us was a sheer act of grace. And having loved us, Christ does then make us lovely. He gave himself up for us. He washed us. And he is now sanctifying us to “present the [us] to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that [we] might be holy and without blemish”, before him.

This is not a sermon on marriage so I do not want to get too far off on this subject. But husbands and wives would be wise to think about the marriage relationship in light of what has just been said. According to Paul the marriage relationship exists, in part, to reflect something of this relationship between Christ and the church. Much can be said about this, but for now I want to emphasize that the marriage relationship should be accentuated by unconditional love.

Husband, do not say in your heart, “I will love my wife when she is lovely.” But instead say, “I will loving lead my wife so as to be used by God to make her more lovely. I will lay down my life for her good.” And wife, do not say, “I will love my husband when he is lovely.” But instead say, “I will loving submit to my husband so as to be used by God to make him more lovely” I will lay down my life for his good.” When Christian husbands and wives live with one another in this way, God and Christ are honored in the marriage relationship, and the man and woman are blessed, as are the children. This kind of love is possible if we know the love of God in Christ Jesus, for this is how he loved us.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:7–11, ESV)

You, brothers and sisters, are the bride of Christ. He loves you, not because you were by nature lovely, but to make you lovely by his love. He “gave himself up for [you], that he might sanctify [you], having cleansed [you] by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present [you] the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that [you] might be holy and without blemish.”

This is what we see portrayed in Revelation 21:9-27 –  You – the church, the bride of Christ in glory –  finally ready to be presented to Christ the groom, so that you might dwell together for all eternity.

Consider two things about the bride of Christ in glory.

Consider How Protected You Will Be

First of all, consider how protected you will be.

The high walls of the city symbolizes this reality. You will be kept perfectly secure by God.

Notice also that angels stand guard continuously at the twelve gates. No evil thing will pass by them (vs. 12).

Indeed, “nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27, ESV).

In this way the new heavens and earth will be far better than what Adam and Eve experienced in Eden. That place was left vulnerable to attack for it was a place of testing. Adam was to guard it, but he proved unreliable. The serpent slithered in unchecked. Adam fell and the couple were expelled from that place, an angel being set to guard the way to the tree of live. In the new heavens and earth paradise will be secure, having been made secure by the second Adam, who is Jesus the Christ.

Indeed, if you are in Christ you are protected even now, but not in the same way that you will be protected in the new heavens and earth.

In this present evil age the people of God do suffer tribulation.

This age is marked by battle. The kingdom of light is intruding upon the kingdom of darkness, and darkness does fight back.

And remember that in this age the people of God are being prepared for glory. God refined his people. This he often does through trial and tribulation. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

But in this present evil age the people of God are spiritually protected and preserved. Remember, they are sealed by God. If you are in Christ – if you have faith in him – then you have “his name and his Father’s name written on [your forehead]” (Revelation 14:1, ESV). God knows who are his. He sees them and promises to preserve them spiritually in the midst of the battle.

This simultaneous vulnerability and security of the church in this present evil age was symbolized by the measuring of the temple in Revelation 11. There we read,

“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:1–3, ESV)

Here is a picture of the church in this present evil age. She is measured and secure, and yet she is left vulnerable to “the nations” who will “trample” her “for forty-two months”, which symbolized the time between Christ’s first and second coming.

But in the new heavens and earth all is temple. All is city. All is measured. All will be kept secure. “Death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things [will] have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV).

Christ will protect his bride for all eternity.

Consider How Radiant You Will Be

Secondly, consider how radiant you will be.

John was struck by the radiance of the bride. In verse 10 we read, “And he [the angel] carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:10–11, ESV). The city, which symbolizes the bride of Christ, will be radiant.

She will be radiant because she will be holy. No more sin.

Indeed, you are holy now. You have been made holy by the shed blood of Christ. Your sins have been forgiven. They have been washed away. God sees you as righteous because Christ has clothed you with his righteousness. But you do still sin. You and I still “fall short of the glory of God.” “When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he frees him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so as that by reason of his remaining corruptions, he doth not perfectly, nor only will, that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil” (LBC 9.1). This is the state that we are now in. We have been forgiven by God and adopted as his children, but we still struggle with sin. We are being sanctified.

But in the new heavens and new earth there will be no more sin. For then the “will of man [will be] made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the state of glory…”

The church will be radiant because she will be holy. But she will also be radiant because she will perfectly reflect the glory of God as God intended.

Did you notice how everything in this city seems to be highly reflective. You almost get the impression that the thing was designed to reflect and refract light. Everything is adorned with precious jewels or is paved with gold so refined that it is clear like glass. The city is constructed this way so that it might most beautifully reflect and refract the glory of God in the midst of her.  The city does not produce it’s own light. God is its light. But it will shine with radiant beauty as it reflects the glory of God that fills her.

This is the end for which you were created. You were created for God. You made in his image to correspond to him. You were made in knowledge, righteousness and holiness to know God, to live in obedience to him, and to reflect his glory. Sin messes all of that up! To sin is fail to give glory to God. But in the new heavens and new earth sin will be know more. And because of this we will be able to glorify God as we were designed to, as we walk forever in perfected knowledge, righteousness and holiness.

We taste a little of this in this world when walk in knowledge, righteousness and holiness. We taste a little of the joy of the Lord and his peace when we obey his commandments. How good it will be to no longer struggle with sin. How good it will be to only obey our God, to have our wills “made perfectly and immutably free to good alone in the state.” This is called the state of glory for we will be glorified and we will be made suitable to reflect his glory as he intended at creation.

Conclusion

Pre-Introduction

The Old Testament reading for today comes from Ezekiel 40:1-6 and 43:1-12. When we read the sermon text for today, which is Revelation 21:9-27, you will quickly recognize that the Ezekiel passage and the Revelation passage are connected, for the visions that Ezekiel the Prophet and John the Apostle received were similar. The vision of Revelation 21:9-27 shows that the vision of Ezekiel chapters 40-48 will find its ultimate fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth.

Ezekiel was a sixth-century B.C. prophet who ministered to Judah during the Babylonian captivity. Judah and Israel were taken away from their city and temple, but Ezekiel was shown a vision of the temple and city of Jerusalem rebuilt with such glory and spender and tremendous size that the message was clear – though Israel and Judah had been taken captive, God was not done with them, but would accomplish his purposes through them. God would accomplish his redemptive purpose, which was to, through Israel, redeem a people from every tongue, tribe and nation, so that he would be their God and they his people. He would dwell in the midst of them for all eternity in a most immediate way. The glory of the Ezekiel 40-48 temple and city pointed to the fact the Lord would do something far greater in the future than anything Israel had seen before.  This vision and prophesy that we are about to read from in Ezekiel 40 and 43 found its original and inaugurated fulfillment in the first coming of Christ. The prophesy will be fulfilled supremely and consummately at Christ’s return, when all things will be made new, and all will be temple, the new heavens and earth being filled with the glory of the Almighty, as Revelation 21:9-27 shows.

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 40:1–6; 43:1–12; 48:35

“In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city was struck down, on that very day, the hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me to the city. In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south. When he brought me there, behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand. And he was standing in the gateway. And the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.’ And behold, there was a wall all around the outside of the temple area, and the length of the measuring reed in the man’s hand was six long cubits, each being a cubit and a handbreadth in length. So he measured the thickness of the wall, one reed; and the height, one reed. Then he went into the gateway facing east, going up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate, one reed deep” (Ezekiel 40:1–6, ESV).

The measuring continues through chapter 42. When we come to chapter 43 we read, “Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face. As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. While the man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple, and he said to me, ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoring and by the dead bodies of their kings at their high places, by setting their threshold by my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger. Now let them put away their whoring and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst forever.’ As for you, son of man, describe to the house of Israel the temple, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and they shall measure the plan. And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances, that is, its whole design; and make known to them as well all its statutes and its whole design and all its laws, and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe all its laws and all its statutes and carry them out. This is the law of the temple: the whole territory on the top of the mountain all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the temple” (Ezekiel 43:1–12, ESV).

In Ezekiel chapter 45 the focus of the vision shifts away from the temple to the land of Israel and to the city of Jerusalem. The last verse of Ezekiel is 48:35 and it says, “And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35, ESV).

New Testament Reading: Revelation 21:9-27

“Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:9–27, ESV).

Introduction

There have been times in our study of the book of Revelation that a passage feels overwhelming to preach. This is because many of the visions shown to John are complex. The visions shown to John and recorded for us in the book of Revelation are interconnected. Many of the visions found early in the book of Revelation anticipate later visions, and visions found later in the book of Revelation harken back to earlier visions, so that the individual visions of the book of Revelation are interwoven. And the same thing can be said concerning the relationship between the book of Revelation and the rest of scripture. The visions shown to John constantly connect with Old Testament texts, showing how the prophecies, types and shadows of Old Testament find their fulfillment in Christ during the church age or at the end of time. When I think of the book of Revelation I think of a rich tapestry. The closer you look at it the more aware you become of the complexity of its parts and its interconnectedness. The further back that you stand from the book the more simple, clear and beautiful the picture appears. Here is one of those passages where the interconnectedness of the book of Revelation is most apparent.

I’ve already mentioned that Revelation 21:9-27 shows the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel 40-48. In both visions the Prophet and the Apostle were taken in the Spirit to a high mountain and were shown a vision. Ezekiel saw a temple and then a city. John, the city of Jerusalem. Both the Prophet and Apostle were instructed to measure. So much more could be said concerning the meaning of Ezekiel 40-48, but now is not the time. For now it is sufficient to say that the vision recorded for us in the Ezekiel 40-48 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth. This will become even more apparent as we consider Revelation 22:1-5 next week, Lord willing. The imagery of Revelation 21:9-27 is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly Ezekiel chapters 40-48.

But the text that is before us today is also interconnected with other portions of the book of Revelation. Here in Revelation 21 the elect of God are symbolized by “the holy city, new Jerusalem, [which John saw] coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2, ESV).

Notice from the outset that this vision is not about a literal city, but it is about God’s people gathered and kept secure in the new heavens and new earth with the glory of God dwelling in the midst of them. Remember where we are. We are in the book of Revelation which communicates truth via symbol. In this vision John saw the  “holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” and this city, we are told, symbolizes God’s people gathered and kept, with God himself dwelling in the midst of them. Remember what Ezekiel said that the name of this new Jerusalem would be: “And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35, ESV). In verse 2 of Revelation 21 we were explicitly told that when John saw the city “coming down out of heaven”, what he was seeing was, the “bride [of Christ] adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2, ESV). Beginning in verse 9 everything comes to focus on this bride: “Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb’” (Revelation 21:9, ESV). This new Jerusalem clearly symbolizes the church in her glorified and consummated state. The new Jerusalem represents the bride of Christ.

This should not surprise us to find a physical thing, such as a city, representing people in the book of Revelation. Did not the city of Babylon represent all who were opposed to God and to Christ? The new Jerusalem is to be contrasted, then, with Babylon. Babylon was made desolate, but the Jerusalem from above is eternal. And do you remember how the church was represented by the temple in Revelation 11? The temple and the alter and those who worship there were measured, but the courtyard was left exposed and given to the trampling of the gentiles. Symbolized there was the church, not in her glory, but in present condition. The elect of God are indeed measured and kept secure even now. But there is more to the story. The elect of God are also given to trials, tribulations, persecutions and sufferings. There in Revelation 11 the temple stood for the church of God in this present evil age. Here in Revelation 21 the city of Jerusalem symbolizes the church of God in glory. She is the bride of Christ. She is what Christ redeemed with his blood: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25–27, ESV)

And notice that the bride of Christ of Revelation 21 is meant to be contrasted with another woman in the book of Revelation, namely the harlot of Revelation 17. Just as earthly Babylon and the heavenly Jerusalem are to be contrasted, so too Christ’s bride and the dragon’s woman are to be contrasted.

Listen again to verse 9: “Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb’” (Revelation 21:9, ESV). And compare that to what we read in 17:1: “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters’” (Revelation 17:1, ESV). In 17:3 we read, “And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness [or a desolate place], and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 17:3, ESV). Where as in 21:10 we read, “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God…” (Revelation 21:10, ESV). The language introducing the vision of the harlot and the vision of Christ’s bride is almost exact.

The meaning of the contrast is hard to miss. Thought the godless pleasures of this world might seem to be so appealing at first, they are rotten to the core and their end is desolation. And though the things of God might on the surface seem so unappealing, to belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ is in the end, most glorious. It is infinitely better to chase after to Christ and to belong to God than to chase after the harlot and  to belong to the Evil One.

Let us consider for a moment the bride of Christ in her glory.

In verse 10 John says, “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:10–11, ESV).

The first thing that John is struck by is the radiant light of the glory of God which fills the whole of the new Jerusalem.

In Revelation 4:3 John describes a vision that he saw of God on his heavenly throne. He said,  “And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald” (Revelation 4:3, ESV). Now John says that the whole city is filled with this glory. Indeed, when all is made new heaven and earth will become one and God will dwell in the mist of his people.

In verse 12 John describes this symbolic city as having “a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates” (Revelation 21:12–13, ESV).

This city is perfectly secure. Its walls are great and high. Angels guard its gates. The gates are only for the elect of God to enter in. Remember that earlier in the book of Revelation the twelve tribes of Israel did clearly symbolize all who are in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. These twelve gates have “the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed” on them.

In verse 14 we read, “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14, ESV). The foundation this city is the Apostles of Christ. Those who belong to this city belong to it because they have built their life upon the testimony of Christ’s Apostles. The word of Christ and his Apostles is their foundation. Entrance into this city depends, therefore, not upon ethnicity, but upon belief in the word of Christ.

Indeed, this is how Paul speaks of the church in Ephesians 2:18 and following: “For through [Christ] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you [Gentiles] are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18–22, ESV).

In verse 15 we read, “And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls” (Revelation 21:15, ESV). The allusion to Ezekiel 40 and following is impossible to miss. What Ezekiel the prophet saw finds it ultimate fulfillment here.

Verse 16: “The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal” (Revelation 21:16, ESV). And so the city that John saw was shaped like a cube.

Here is the size of it in terms that we can understand: 1,365 miles wide from north to south and east to west and also tall. The city is massive.

The number 12,000 is undoubtably significant. It should remind us of the numbering of the twelve tribes of Israel in Revelation 7: “12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad” (Revelation 7:5, ESV), etc., the number totaling 144,000 sealed by God. This city 12,000 stadia cubed because it is the place where all of those sealed by God will dwell for all eternity.

The cubed shape is also significant. Cities are not typically measured like this – length times width times hight. We might describe the length and width of a city, but not the hight. The cubed shape is probably meant to remind us of the most holy place which housed ark of the covenant in the tabernacle and temple (see for example 1 Kings 6:20). The meaning is this: whereas the glory of God was once confined to the most holy place in Israel’s tabernacle and temple, in the new heavens and earth all will be “most holy place” for God’s glory will fill all.

In verse 17 we read that John “also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement” (Revelation 21:17, ESV). Notice again the multiple of 12 with signifies the walls purpose – to create an eternally secure place for the people of God. 144 cubits is roughly 216 feet. Some commentators believe this to be the hight of the wall where as others believe it to be the width. I am of the opinion that it is the width for two reasons. One, in Ezekiel 40 the prophet begins by measuring the width or thickness of the wall of the temple that he saw. Two, a 216 foot high wall hardly seems appropriate for a city that has been described as having a hight of 1,365 miles. Either way, the point is that the place is secure, which signifies that God’s people will be kept secure for all eternity.

In verse 18 we read, “The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass” (Revelation 21:18, ESV). Now that the size and security of the city has overwhelmed us, we are confronted with the beauty of the place. Dr. Johnson remarks, “The gold that John’s hearers and we are familiar with is lovely and can be highly reflective, but it in no way resembles the transparency of glass. The vision stretches and even breaks the paradigm of our experience in order to covey the precious value and purity that distinguishes the bride-church’s beauty in the eyes of her husband” (Johnson, Triumph of the Lamb, 313).

Verse 19: “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst” (Revelation 21:19–20, ESV).

It is likely that these stones are the same as the ones that were embedded within the breastplate of the high priest who would enter into the most holy place once per year on the Day of Atonement as a representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. 8 of the stones match the description of the gems on the high priests breastplate in Exodus 28:17-20 as listed in the Septuagint. The other four are probably John’s translation equivalents, given that he is not following the Septuagint exactly.

The meaning is this: Under the Old Covenant one man, the high priest, did enter the most holy place once per year as a representative for all Israel. Under the New Covenant all have access to the throne of grace through faith in Christ Jesus, who is our great High Priest. In the new heavens and new earth all of God’s people will dwell forever in the most holy place which will be filled forever with the glory of God Almighty.

Verse 21: “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21, ESV). Again, the beauty and unimaginable spender of the place is emphasized. We should remember that we are encountering visions which communicate truth via symbol. I’m not sure that we should expect literal streets of gold or pearly. But by no means should that diminish the value of the new heavens and earth in our minds. Far from it! Indeed, our desire to enter this world should grow as we see John straining to describe what he saw. So precious will that place be that even the humble pavement will be guided in gold, metaphorically speaking.

Verse 22: “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22, ESV). Here again is the principle that we have encountered time and time again. In the new heavens and new earth God’s glory will fill all. God will dwell in the midst of his people immediately, that is, without mediation or barrier. Under the Old Covenant the temple “housed” God. There the people would go to worship God and to have fellowship with him. Also, the temple did “veil” God so that the people would not be consumed by his glory. In the new heavens and earth the people of God will enjoy God’s glory having been made suitable for it by he shed blood of Christ. Indeed, the people of God will enjoy what Adam and Eve did enjoy in the garden. Better yet, they will enjoy the kind of consummate and eternal life that was offered to them, but was forfeited when they chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil over the tree of life. Christ succeeded where the first Adam failed. And if we are in him we will enjoy the fruit of his labor. We will dwell with God and he with us by virtue of Christ’s work for us and in us.

Verse 23: “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23, ESV). Notice that the text does not say, there will be no sun or moon, but that their light will not be needed within the city given the glory of God. Notice also that is God the Father who is the source of the light, and Jesus the Christ the Lamb of God who is the lamp or agent who mediates the light. This has been the relationship between Father and Son throughout the history of redemption. The Father is the source, and the Son does reveal the Father.

Verse 24: “By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations” (Revelation 21:24–26, ESV). This is the end goal of God’s redemption, to redeem a people for himself from every tongue, tribe and nation. The earliest chapters of Genesis reveal it. The rest of the Old Testament makes it plain. God’s purpose was to bring salvation to the nations through the Christ. Listen, for example, to Isaiah 49:6 where God speaks to his servant saying, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6, ESV). The book of Revelation has provided multiple perspectives on the end result. In Revelation 7 John saw “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…” (Revelation 7:9, ESV). Here in 21:24 people and kings from all nations are present in the new heavens and earth and they do flock to the city of God to offer up gifts to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Verse 27: “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27, ESV).

Brothers and Sisters, it is the grace of God that makes the difference. It is those who are holy and pure who enter into this city, and none other. And these are holy and pure because they have believed upon Jesus the Christ who died to cover their sins. And these are able to believe because God has made the able and willing by the working of the Holy Spirit. This he determined to do from before creation having written their names in the Lamb’s book of life.

Conclusion

Friends, as we conclude we must remember that the image shown to John of “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God”, is not about a place, but it is about God and his people.

This vision, like most everything else in this book of Revelation, is not to be interpreted in a strictly literal fashion, but as symbolic, for this is clearly the intent of the author. What it says is real and true. What it describes will certainly come to pass. But the description is symbolic so that what we see stands for something else.

When John saw “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God”, it was not so that we might understand something of what the place will look like, but so that we might understand something about the relationship between God and his people.

This entire vision, remember, was from the beginning said to be a description of “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” For the angel did first say to John, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb”, and then what did John see except, “the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God” – the city symbolizes the bride, who is the church, with God in the mist of her.

If after reading or hearing this text your mind goes only to the “pearly gates” and “streets of good” then I’m afraid you’ve missed the point, for the point is not the place, but God dwelling in the midst of his people. Here is what makes the new heavens and earth heavenly – it is the enjoyment of communion with the God who made us and the Christ who redeemed us. He is the groom, we the bride. Just as the you would expect a bride and groom to look forward to life together more than the place where they dwell, so to our supreme longing should be for communion with God and Christ, and not the place.

Christ himself did speak about the place which the book of Revelation here portrays. But listen also to his emphasis – it is not about the place, but it is about the relationship between he and his people. To his disciples he said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1–3, ESV).

Brothers and sisters, I do hope that you long for heaven. I hope that you long for the new heavens and new earth. And while it is true that there is much to look forward to in that place, may your love for God be such that communing with him and the Christ whom he has sent be thing that you anticipate the most.

After Christ told his disciple about the place that he would prepare for them so that he might be with them and they with him, he did also tell them how to get there. One of his disciples named “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:4–6, ESV).

Friends, it is only those who have faith in Christ who will come into the new heavens and new earth, the new Jerusalem and into the house that God has prepared for his people. Let us be found trusting only in him.

Old Testament Reading: Daniel 12

“‘At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.’ Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream. And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, ‘How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?’ And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, ‘O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?’ He said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”” (Daniel 12, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Revelation 20:11-15

““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. 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. 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. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11–15, ESV)

Introduction

About a week ago our family was driving across town and we were listening to some bluegrass music. That’s probably not how you expected this sermon to begin. Also, I should probably explain why we were listening to bluegrass. Kalia and David are taking guitar lessons, McKenna is working on the ukulele, and I’m toying around with the mandolin. Bluegrass music is a good choice if you want to hear some inspirational finger picking. But as we were enjoying the music a song came on with some disturbing lyrics. In this song the artist was complaining about his upbringing within the church, and he was most direct about it. He was recalling how as a boy he heard often of the flames of hell while in church. He was hardly tall enough to see over the pew, he said, but to him the flames of hell seemed to be so high. According to his lyrics (whether it is true or not, I do not know) the threat of hell was used in that church to inspire good behavior in the children. Truth be told, the song was so cynical and negative towards the church that my first impulse was to turn it off, but instead I encouraged my kids to listen to the lyrics so that we could talk about them.

It seems to me that there is a ditch on both sides of the road when it comes to the subject of hell.  Read the rest of Sermon: The Great White Throne Judgement: Revelation 20:11-15 »

New Testament Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10; Revelation 16:12–16; 19:17–21; Revelation 20:1-10

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–10, ESV)

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (‘Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!’) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:12–16, ESV)

“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, 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, both small and great.’ 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. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 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. 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.” (Revelation 19:17–21, ESV)

“And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 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. 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 and consumed them, 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.” (Revelation 20:7–10, ESV)

Introduction 

The question that we have been asking over the past couple of weeks is, when will the events described here in Revelation 20:1-10 happen in relation to the bodily rerun of Christ? It is an important question, for it here that the pre-, post- and a-millennialists disagree. The pre-millennialists say “after”, the post-millennialists (speaking generally) say, “before, but mainly in our future”, and the a-millennialists say, “before, but in the past, present and future”.

I know that some (and by some, I don’t mean some of you) are tempted to avoid this topic after being exposed to these differences of opinion. I’ve heard some say, “I’m not an a-, pre- or post-millennialist. I’m a pan-millennialist. I believe that it will all pan out in the end.” And while I do understand the temptation to avoid this complex issue and to remain undecided, I cannot commend that approach for two reasons:

One, eschatology matters. What believe concerning the future will inevitably have an impact upon how we live in the here and now. Eschatology (the study of what the Bible has to say concerning the time of the end) produces more than theological banter. It is practice. It effects how live today. It effects what we value. It impacts our priorities. Our view of the end does indeed set our life off on a particular trajectory.

The practicality of eschatology is not hard to prove. What if there were no resurrection and, therefore, no judgement? What if men and women simply went to the grave, returned to dust, and were no more. Imagine that this is what you believed concerning the future. Would it impact the way that you live today? Without a doubt it would! Indeed, there are many in this world who think this way, and it does, without a doubt, have an impact upon their morals and their ethics. No resurrection. No judgement. No ultimate authority. No accountability. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.

For all that has been said over the past couple of weeks concerning the differences between the pre-, post- and a-millennial positions, it should be remembered that we do agree upon a lot. We do believe in the same God and in the Christ whom he has sent. We believe in the resurrection of the dead. We believe in the judgement of the wicked and life in the world to come for those washed in the blood of Christ. While considering the differences between the pre-, post- and a-millennial positions it would be very foolish to loose sight of our common ground. But it would also be foolish to think that the difference don’t matter. They do.

I wonder if you could take some time to think about what impact holding to a pre-, post- or a-millennialist position would have upon your life today. And when I say “holding” I mean really believing it to be true, and not mindlessly or heartlessly holding to the position. Indeed, all three positions hold much in common, what difference would their distinctive’s make in your life today. I say the differences would be rather profound.

Is Satan bound from deceiving the nations today, or his he not? Put differently, what kind of authority did Christ receive when he rose from the grave? Is Satan under his thumb, or is he not? The answers to these questions are immensely practical, for they do effect our ability to walk courageously in this world in face of difficultly.

And where are things headed? Will everything return to a focus upon ethnic Israel in the future, with a rebuilt brick and mortar temple in Jerusalem and the resumption of animal sacrifices. You do know that some dispensational pre-millennialists send lots of money to organizations that are preparing for the rebuilding of this temple in Jerusalem. Why? Because they really believe their view. They really believe that in order for Christ to return and to usher in their millennium the temple must be rebuilt. They see it as kingdom work.

I wonder, what would you think as a follower of Christ if the temple in Jerusalem were rebuilt and animal sacrifices were resumed today? I am not asking, how would you view this politically?, but how would you view it theologically? How would you interpret that action in light of the Holy Scriptures? Would you applaud it as something good and God-honoring? Or would you condemn it as something idolatrous and false? The New Testament scriptures clearly condemn it. For the Jewish people to continue on with the Old Covenant forms of worship means that they are persisting in their rejection of Jesus as the Christ.  The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the Christ and that he has fulfilled the Old Testament. He himself said, “believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him” (John 4:21–23, ESV). I could go on and on demonstrating that New Testament condemns the rebuilding of a brick and mortar temple, the confutation of blood sacrifices, and the ongoing distinction between Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God, for in Christ we are one! But I wonder, how would you interpret a rebuild temple in Jerusalem today? Would you approve of it, theologically speaking? I think that a lot of Christians today would applaud it! Dispensational pre-millennialists have had such an impact upon our culture with their fiction books and their movies, and they have made a mess of our eschatology. They have introduced so much confusion, and I would not be surprised in the least to see the evil one use this confusion to severely divide the church in the future, when many will be found applauding that which God has clearly condemned. Did not Christ himself say to the Jewish people concerning the temple, “See, your house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:38, ESV)? Was not the writer to the Hebrews clear that Christ fulfilled these Old Covenant forms of worship, and thus they have been taken away.

The point is this: eschatology matters. What you believe concerning the trajectory of things will determine how you live now. I know the example is extreme, but there are some dispensational pre-millennialists who, when they think of “kingdom work”, they think of temple building. But for those of us who are a-millennialists, we know that the kingdom of God advances in the world when the gospel is proclaimed, and when the church, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, is built up strong and true.

I’ll say much less concerning how the post-millennialist view would impact the way that we live in the hear now only because the post-millennial view is less prominent. But it should come as no surprise that there are some post-millennialists who act as is the mission of the church is to promote the transformation or Christianization of culture. Indeed, we all agree that when the gospel spreads and when churches thrive, cultures are sometimes impacted for the better. But is it the mission of the church? We would say no. But if your view is that in the future a golden age will come where the cultures of the earth are Christianized so that Christ does then rule and reign, it is not surprising that you might make this – the Christianization of cultures – your mission.

But the a-millennialist says, no, the church is to proclaim the gospel. She is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching those disciples all that Christ has commanded. She is to do this no matter the condition of the surrounding culture. She is do this expecting opposition, and boldly, knowing that Christ does rule and reign even now, all authority in heaven and earth having been given to him. 

So much more could be said concerning how our eschatology impacts the way that we live today – our values, our priories, our confidence in Christ, producing either to boldness or fear. The point is this, eschatology matters. Whatever you believe, you should believe it sincerely and from the heart. But know that getting it wrong has consequences. Eschatology matters.

The second reason that I cannot commend the dismissive attitude of the, so-called, pan-millennialist, is that God has revealed things concerning the end to us in his word. Friends, we are not free to simply dismiss that which God has revealed in his word because we find it difficult. We are to humbly receive God’s inspired, inerrant, clear and authoritative word, and we are to live by it. If the matter is not clear to us, it is not due to some defect in God’s word, but in us. God speaks clearly, but we do not always listen well.

The Partial Judgement of Satan

Here in Revelation chapter 20 everything has come to focus upon the judgement of the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. The two beasts and the harlot have been introduced and have been judged by the end of Revelation 19. Now we are shown the judgement of the dragon, who was first introduced to us in Revelation 12.

Notice that the judgement of the dragon comes in two stages. Initially he is bound, but eventually he will be “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur… [where he will be] tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10, ESV).

When was Satan bound? When was he judges initially?The answer is that he was bound at Christ’s first coming.

He was then bound, not entirely, but specifically “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended….” (Revelation 20:3, ESV). Satan was partially judged at Christ’s first coming. He was defeated and detained then. He was restrained so that the church might carry out her mission to take the gospel to the end of the earth. No longer does Satan have authority over the nations to keep them in darkness, for the nations have been given to Christ as his “heritage, and the ends of the earth [his] possession” (Psalm 2:8, ESV). Indeed, Christ is King, and his kingdom was at hand (inaugurated) at his first coming, and it will be here in fulness (consummated) as his second. Satan has not been eliminated, then. He has not been rendered absolutely powerless. Indeed, he is alive and he is ferocious, like a rabid dog on a chain. He does still “[prowl] around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV). As true as this is, we must not ignore what the scriptures say, that he is also already judged, defeated, detained and restrained.

This will be his condition throughout the period of time signified by the “1,000 years” of Revelation 20. Call it “the church age”, call it the age of “the age of the Spirit”, call it “this present evil age”, call it “the millennium” – whatever you call it, it is the period of time between Christ’s first and second coming. It is during this time that people experience the first death, that is physical death. And it is during this time that those who die in Christ do then experience the first resurrection – they do rule and reign with Christ, not in body, but in soul. “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death [that is, the final judgement after the return of Christ] has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6, ESV). It is during this age that Satan is bound. He has already been partially judged. He is defeated, detained and restrained.

The Final Judgment of Satan

When the 1,000 years are ended Satan will be fully and finally judged. He will be removed entirely from the world. He, along with everyone else who opposes God and resists his rule, from among both angels and men, will be be “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” (Revelation 20:10, ESV).

This will happen at the same time, or shortly thereafter, as what was described in Revelation 19:20:, where we read, “And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 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” (Revelation 19:20, ESV).

If you assume that the book of Revelation is organized chronologically you will think that the two beasts will be judged, then a thousand years will pass after which the dragon will be judged. It is far better to recognize that the book is organized thematically. First it describes the judgement of the two beasts, but now it focuses upon the judgement of Satan. In the book of Revelation the judgement of Satan comes 10 verses after the judgement of the beasts, but in fact these events will transpire on the same day. Both will happen at the end of this present evil age when Christ returns bodily to judge the living and the dead.

You see where things are going in the book of Revelation, don’t you? God’s creation is being progressively purged of all that is evil. It is being purged of all the darkness that did enter into it by the fall of man. The light is being separated now from darkness, the wheat from the chaff, the sheep from the goats. And what will remain at the end of time? God will abide with his people in the new heavens and the new earth. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV). God and Christ and his people will remain, along with his elect angels. Everything that is evil will be relegated to the lake of fire. This including the dragon himself, that ancient serpent who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He is here in Revelation 20:10 removed from the scene, not to be mentioned again.

The Release of Satan

Not only does Revelation 20 speak of the binding of Satan at Christ’s first coming, and the final judgment of Satan at his second coming, it also says something about the releasing of Satan. This we must consider.

Satan’s release was first mentioned at the end of verse 3. Picking up with verses 2: “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 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” (Revelation 20:2–3, ESV).

So Satan was bound from deceiving the nations at Christ’s first coming, but he will at the end of time be released. And what do you think he will do when he is released? Undoubtably, he will do that which he was restrained from doing while bound.

Verse 7 picks up where verses 3 left off and describes it to us: “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 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” (Revelation 20:7–8, ESV).

When will this happen?

It will happen at the end of the end of the thousand years and immediately before Christ returns.

What will Satan do when he is released?

He will again deceive the nations.

Notice that it is not one or two nations that he will deceive, but “the nations that are at the four corners of the earth.” This is another way of saying, “the nations throughout all of the earth”, or “all nations. They are here called “Gog and Magog”, not because only two nations are in view, for that would contradict what has just been said concerning the nations being gathered from the four corners of the earth, but so that we might see this end time event in light of what was said in Ezekiel 38 and and 39 concerning Israel’s pagan oppressors under the Old Covenant. Gog and Magog oppressed God’s people, and God judged them. The same thing will happen at the end of time, but on a universal and climatic scale. Furthermore, we are told that those gathered for battle are like the sand of the sea. They are so numerous, they cannot be counted.

What will these nations do, once they are again deceived at the end of time?

Certainly they will be given to unbelief and to rebellion against God and Christ. More than that, they will cooperate to ferociously oppose and oppress God’s people living throughout the earth, so as to destroy them.

Verse 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 and consumed them…” (Revelation 20:9, ESV).

So will there be a “great tribulation” at the end of time?

Not if you have in mind the “great tribulation” of the pre-tribulational pre-millennialists. No, there will not be a great tribulation that lasts three and one half years that begins after the Christians are secretly raptured out of the world, all others being left behind. That story is a myth.

But yes, there is reason to believe that at the very end of time the church – that is to say, the true church – will find herself under assault, as the nations of the earth come against her to seek her destruction.

I read from 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10; Revelation 16:12–16; 19:17–21; Revelation 20:1-10 at the

beginning of this sermon in order to demonstrated that the New Testament in general, and the book of Revelation in particular, portrays the days immediately preceding the return of Christ as difficult days for the people of God. False teaching will abound. Political powers will persecute. Indeed, the Antichrist, who is also called the lawless one will himself be present, “whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8, ESV). The nations will be gathered to war against Christ and his people. When all is considered it is evident that the church will find herself under an organized and worldwide assault before Christ comes. It is to this situation that the Lord will return to rescue his beloved bride.

Revelation 16: 12-16 describes the last day as a day when the “kings of the whole world [will be assembled] for battle on the great day of God the Almighty” (Revelation 16:14, ESV).

Revelation 19:17 John “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, 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, both small and great.’ And [John] 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. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 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” (Revelation 19:17–20, ESV).

And here in Revelation 20:9 we read, “And they [that is the armies of the nations of the earth who are like the sand of the sea in number] 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 and consumed them…” (Revelation 20:9, ESV).

Notice a few things about this passage.

One, it is yet another perspective on the last day which has been described to us already in 16:12ff. and 19:17ff.

Two, it is symbolic. No, all of God’s people will not literally be gathered together in the beloved city of Jerusalem. And no the nations will not literally surround that city with their armies. Jerusalem symbolizes God’s people living throughout the earth. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit, remember. In this age the holy place is protected (measured) by God while the outer court and the holy city is left exposed (unmeasured) and is given over to the nations to be trampled (see Revelation 11). Though on the visionary level we do see hoards of soldiers rushing swiftly and unhindered across open plains towards the city of Jerusalem, on the historical level the church will be indeed by scattered across the whole earth just as she is now. But the nations will conspire together to persecute her to the point of inhalation. That is the meaning of the vision.

Three, notice that God is sovereign even over these nations as they assault the bride of Christ. It is God who allows them to gather against his people. He permits it. It is his decree that by assembling them in this way, he will then judge them. I think this must have been a great encouragement to the Christians who originally received this letter in the first century A.D. who were experiencing persecution. From the human perspective they would have been tempted to say, “where is God?” as they suffered at the hand of the Romans. But what does the book of Revelation reveal? That God is sovereign still. He is seated on his throne. And so is Christ. They see all, they have all power, and they are able to keep those who belong to them. If it true of the great persecution that will come upon the church at the end of time, it also must be true of the temporary and limited persecutions experienced throughout the world even today. God is not asleep at the wheel. All that happens is according to his decree. That evil that he permits is not by a bear or purposes permission. No, there is a reason for it, and our God is infinitely wise, and fiercely faithful to those upon whom he has set his love.

Four, notice how quickly our Lord makes an end of the dragon. In verses 10 we simply read, “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” (Revelation 20:10, ESV).

The brevity of the description of Satan’s destructions is quite astonishing especially when you consider how much trouble he has caused throughout history beginning with his first appearance in the garden when he did tempt the first woman and the first man. By the looks of things you expect the battle to be great, Christ and his army fighting against Satan and his. By the looks of things – as we look out upon the world and observe the power of the nations and the forces of darkness – and also as we consider the vision of Revelation 20 and see Satan and his hoards as numerous as he sand of the sea – you would think it would be quite an epic battle. But the Lord makes quick work of the evil one. He is slain by the word of Christ, “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.” On that day the enemy of God and of the people of God will no longer threaten.

Conclusion

Let us expect conflict to the very end.

Christ told his disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation…” (John 16:33, ESV).

Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, ESV).

Let us not loose heart when we face of tribulation.

Christ said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV).

Peter said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12–13, ESV).

Let us remember where God and Christ are now and truly believe that they are all powerful and able to bring us safely home.

New Testament Reading: Revelation 20:1-10

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 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. 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. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 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. And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 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. 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 and consumed them, 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.” (Revelation 20:1–10, ESV)

Sermon

I am well aware of the fact that Revelation 20 verses 1 through 6 is perhaps the most hotly debated text in the book of Revelation.

The question before us today is, when will the things that are described in this passage happen in relation to the second coming of Christ? More specifically, when will the “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, [be] bound?” 

The post-millennialists and the a-millennialists both agree that this binding of Satan as described here in Revelation 20 comes before the second coming of Christ. In other words the so-called millennium, or the 1,000 year reign of Christ as described here in Revelation 20, precedes Christ’s return, according to the post and a-millennial positions. Put yet another way, when asked the question, when will Christ return in relation to the so-called millennium, both post-millennialists and a-millennialists respond saying, “after! Christ will return after the millennium”. First the 1,000 reign of Christ, and then his second coming. This has been the majority position held throughout the history of the church.

Now, while these two positions (post- and a-) agree on the chronology of things, they disagree as to the starting point of the millennium and also the nature of it.

Stated simply, the post-millennialists believe that millennium is still in our future. According to their view, the kingdom of God will continue to advance on earth so much so that an idealistic millennial age will be ushered in, where Christ reigns in a pronounced way, where Satan is bound and the cultures of this world will be so Christianized that the church will enjoy great peace and prosperity. Some postmillennialists take the number1,000 literally, whereas others take it as symbolic for a long period of time. But all post-millennialists agree (as far as I know) that the millennium is yet in our future, and then after that, the return of Christ, the final judgement, and the new heavens and new earth.

Though many good and godly men have held to this view, it is problematic for a number of reasons. My simple and very brief critique of the position is this: the scriptures say plainly that the whole time between Christ’s first and second coming will be marked by tribulation for the people of God. The kingdom of Satan will always be hostile to the kingdom of God. This is what Christ plainly taught, and this is what the book of Revelation has plainly described – a church ever under attack in this age. And if there is progression communicated in the book of Revelation concerning the relationship between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of Christ, it is not in the direction of ever increasing peace between the two, but in the direction of ever increasing hostilely, so that when Christ returns, he will return, not to a Christianized and saved planet, but to save his people who are under assault like never before.

Now please hear me. I agree with our post-millennial brothers and sisters that the kingdom of God will indeed advance in this world. Indeed, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, ESV). But I do not believe that the advancement of the kingdom of God will lead to a time of peace on earth for the church in some ideal earthly millennial age. In fact, the opposite seems to be true – as the kingdom of God advances in this world the church will find herself under ever increasing pressure.

And so we who are a-millennialists agree with our post-millennial friends that the 1,000 year reign of Christ and the binding of Satan described here in Revelation 20 will come before the second coming of Christ, But we disagree about the starting point and also the nature or character of this so-called millennium.

So when did this reign of Christ begin? When was Satan bound as Revelation 20 describes? The a-millennialist answers the question saying, “at Christ’s first coming! It was when Christ first came, and particularly at his death, burial, resurrection and ascension that Satan was bound!” 

And what is the nature of this millennium? What is it like? Well, it is not an idyllic age; one that is free from all hostility; one where all conflict between the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of God has ceased. It is not that. But it is one where Christ does indeed rule and reign, for he has taken his seat at the Father’s right hand, has he not? And it is an age where Satan has indeed been bound, not entirely as if he were rendered completely powerless and inactive, but bound, as the text so clearly says, “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended.”

I will present the a-millennial interpretation of this passage more thoroughly in a moment. For now recognize that while the post-millennialists and a-millennialists agree that Christ will come again after the millennium, we disagree rather significantly over the nature or character of that millennium and also the starting point of it.

As you probably know the popular view today is that of pre-millennialists. The pre-millennialists say, “the things described in Revelation 20 will happen after Christ returns.” Stated differently, the pre-millennialists say, “first Christ will return, and then he will reign for a thousand years as this text describes.” That is why they are called “pre-millennialists”, for in their view Christ will return before (pre) the millennium.

This is the popular view today. If you read popular books or watch movies about the end times it is probably the pre-millennial scheme that is being presented. This view has not always been the popular view, but it has taken root in modern times.

I used to be a pre-millennialist, being raised in a pre-millennial church and attending pre-millennial schools for ministry preparation. But now I am, as you know, an a-millennialist, believing that the things described in this text are present realities, having begun at Christ first coming.

It was probably 7 or 8 years ago now that I started to really question the pre-millennial system. I will not spend to much time here explaining the process that eventually lead to my abandonment of it, but I did begin to question the complexity of that system of doctrine.

I began to wonder why the New Testament never mentions a millennium following the return of Christ but instead always speaks with utter simplicity concerning the last days. In the time between Christ’s first and second coming there will tribulation. Christ will return suddenly. On that day he will rescue those who belong to him and pour out wrath upon his enemies. There will be a bodily resurrection on that day. The righteous (those in Christ) will go to eternal life, the unrighteous (those who remain in their sins) to judgement and to everlasting destruction. And then the final state – the new heavens and earth. This is the way the New Testament consistently speaks concerning the last days. Nowhere in the Gospels nor in the writings of Paul or Peter or the other Apostles is a future, earthly millennium mentioned.

Of course the pre-millennialists will say, “but you have forgotten Revelation 20:1-6! That text teaches that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years after he returns, and that at the end of that time Satan will be released again to deceived the nations. And then Satan will be judged fully and finally!” I’ve heard pre-millennialists say, “even if Revelation 20:1-6 be the only place in the whole Bible that tells us about this future, earthly reign of Christ, then we must believe it!” And hear me now: with that premiss I whole heartedly agree! If the word of God says something, even if it only says it once, then we are bound to believe it, for it is God’s word, and God cannot lie.

But wouldn’t you agree that it is valid to at least ask the question, if indeed there will be a millennium following the return of Christ – one where the physical temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt, and animal sacrifices resumed – why is the New Testament so silent about this? Why didn’t Christ ever mention it? Why didn’t the Apostles ever say anything about it? Certainly Christ and his Apostles had a lot to say concerning the end of time, and yet they never mention a millennium like this, with the exception, perhaps, of this one text in Revelation 20, according to the pre-millennial interpretation of it.

But does Revelation 20:1-6 teach that there will be a literal, earthly reign of Christ that lasts for a 1,000 years following Christ’s returns for his bride? Not at all. In fact, a careful consideration of this text reveals that the period of time signified by the number 1,000 is not future to us, but it is here now.  This I will demonstrate today and on the next two Lord’s Days.

Friends, it is far better to see that Revelation 20:1-3 describes, not something future, but the time between Christ’s first and second comings.

The book of Revelation recapitulates. It repeats. It provides for us different camera angles, as it were, upon the same period of time, and it does do over and over again. You experience something like this when you watch football on TV. One play will be shown again and again from different angles, and at different speeds. And with each view you gain a better and more complete perspective on what happened. How many times when watching football have you yelled at the TV saying, “that wasn’t a fumble!”, only to sit back in your chair in shame after watching the reply over and over again. That is what Revelation does for us. It provides us with different perspectives on the same periods of time so that we might see things clearly, as the title of the book implies.

Beginning in Revelation 12 the enemies of God and of the people of God were introduced to us one at a time – the dragon, then the beast from the sea, then the beast from the land, who is called the false prophet, and then the harlot, who’s name is Babylon.

Beginning in chapter 18 we were shown the judgement of the harlot, and then the judgement of the two beasts. So which of the four enemies of God is left to be judged? Only the dragon remains! He is the one who has motivated and empowered all of the opposition to God and the people of God. Now in chapter 20 everything finally comes to focus upon him, his binding, and his judgement.

In verses 1 through 3 we read, “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 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” (Revelation 20:1–3, ESV).

The pre-millennialist assumes that the word “then” in verse 1 indicates chronological sequence in relation to historical events. They read the text as if it said, first the events of chapter 19 will happen, then (or after that) the events chapter 20 will happen in human history. But the text does not say that. Instead the word then pertains the sequence of the visions that John received. What John actually says is, first I saw the visions as described in chapter 19, and then (or after that) I saw this vision, which I am about to describe to you.

In other words, the vision that John describes in chapter 20 came to him after the visions that he described in chapter 19. First he saw the one and then the other. But when we consider the order of things historically, they are reversed, for Revelation 19:17-21 describes the second coming of Christ, whereas Revelation 20:1 describes things that happened at Christ’s first coming, upon his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to the Fathers right hand.

If you are surprised at this, then you haven’t been paying attention in this sermon series, for the same thing has happened over and over again in the book of Revelation. If you need another example I would say go and read the end of chapter 11 and then the beginning of chapter 12 again. For chapter 11 clearly takes us to the last day when “the kingdom of the world [will] become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15, ESV), and then chapter 12 clearly takes us back to the time of Christ’s birth. So there in the transition between Revelation 11 and 12 we move forward in the book of Revelation, but backwards in human history to consider the church age from yet another perspective. This is what we call recapitulation, and the book of Revelation does it often.

So when was Satan bound?

Will it be after Christ returns, as the pre-millennialists say? No.

Will it be before Christ’s return, but in our future as the post-millennialists say? No.

The answer is that Satan was bound at Christ’s first coming, particularly when he rose from the dead and ascended to the Fathers right hand.

Notice that the text does not describe Satan as bound completely, but as bound “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer” (Revelation 20:3, ESV). This is a crucial observation that is often overlooked. This passage does not describe Satan as bound completely so that he be utterly inactive, but bound specifically “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer” (Revelation 20:3, ESV).

The words “any longer” at the end of verse 3 indicate that before this moment (whenever it was) Satan did have the power to deceive the nations, but after this moment, that power he once had was taken from him. He was at this moment bound or restrained from doing what he one freely did, namely, keep the nations in darkness and in deception.

When, in the history of redemption did this (or in fairness to the other views, will this) take place? The answer is that it took place at Christ’s first coming. Before Christ came the nations were in darkness, the gentiles, with very rare exceptions, did not have access to the promises of God. But after Christ came the gospel of the kingdom was preached to the Jews first but then to the Gentiles.

Listen to the way that Paul speaks concerning this transition. When writing to the predominantly Gentile church in Ephesus he said, “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:11–13, ESV).

What marked the change that Paul speaks of here? What was the event that prompted Paul to utter the words, “but now”? Was it not the arrival of the Christ, and the proclamation of the Gospel to the nations?

Friends, the binding of Satan corresponds to this. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). The Gospel is for the world. Christ is the Savior, not of the Jew only, but of the world. He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Satan was bound at Christ first coming so that kingdom of God might spread amongst the all the nations of the world. And indeed this is what has happened. Under the Old Testament the gospel of the Christ was confined to Israel, under the New it has spread throughout the whole world. Why? In part because Satan was bound when Christ first came at his death, burial resurrection and ascension to his throne on high.

This is what Jesus himself taught.

Do you remember how in the book of Matthew the unbelieving Jews began to say that Jesus was casting out demons in the name of Satan, or by the power of Beelzebul. That he was casting out demons and hearing the sick the could not deny. They came to a crossroads, therefore. That had to either admit that he did so by the power of God, or by another power, and the chose the wrong road. How did Jesus answer them? “Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house” (Matthew 12:25–29, ESV).

What did Christ mean by this? He was saying to the non-believing Jews, Satan’s kingdom is not divided against itself, but instead you are witnessing before your very eyes the in-breaking of the kingdom of God up on the kingdom of Satan. Jesus was saying, when you see me cast out demons, and when you see your sons do it (those Jews who were disciples of Christ), it is a demonstration of the fact that the kingdom of God has come with power. Jesus said, in other words, I have come to plunder Satan’s house (this world of which he is prince), and what you are witnessing is a demonstration of the fact that he is being bound so that I might plunder it. Just as a robber would bind a homeowner before proceeding to steal the homeowners possessions, so too Christ bound Satan at his first coming so that he might steal what once belonged to him.

The binding of Satan at Christ’s first coming corresponds to the Great Commission given by Christ to his disciples. Listen it to it carefully with this topic in mind:“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV). The disciples of Christ obey the Great Commission confidently, in part, because they knew that authority had been taken from Satan, and given to Christ. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”, he said. Satan was bound at Christ’s first coming.

And do you remember Jesus’ words from our study of the Gospel of John, when he said to his disciples, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:31–32, ESV). He again we have reference to some binding of Satan that did happen when Christ first came. And do you notice the connection between this casting out of Satan and the world missions? Again, “now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

And this concept, that Satan was bound at Christ’s first coming, also matches what has been communicated already in the book of Revelation concerning the restraint of the Satan during the time between Christ’s first and second coming. I have in mind Revelation 12, the barring of Satan from heaven as the accuser of the brethren and the preservation of the women and her offspring in the wilderness.

And so when was Satan cast down from heaven, restrained, and bound? The answer is at Christ’s first coming – not prior to the second coming but in our future, and certainly not after Christ’s second coming – but at Christ’s first coming.

So what are we to make of the fact that the text says he will be bound for 1,000 years, given that is now 2018?

Put simply and briefly, the number 1,000, like every other number in the book of Revelation, is symbolic.

The burden of proof is upon the literalist to prove that it is to be taken literally when every other number in this book has symbolic force.

Notice the obvious symbolism surrounding the mention of 1,000 years. Satan is said to be a dragon and a serpent. This is symbolic, for Satan is not a dragon or snake, but is a spiritual being, a fallen angel. And when he is bound he said to be bound with a chain and shut up in a pit which is locked with a key. Is this to be taken literally? Clearly not.

Brothers and sisters, it is far better to see that the number 1,000 is symbolic for a long and complete period of time.

Do you remember how Christ told the Christians at Smyrna that they would “be tested, and for ten days [would] have tribulation” (Revelation 2:10, ESV)? Did that mean their tribulation would last ten days, literally? No, it meant that they would suffer persecution for a relatively brief and limited time. God had set the beginning and end of it. They were to be faithful, therefore, to the end.

And the same is true of the time between Christ’s first and second comings. God knows the beginning and end of it. Though it may seem open ended to us, not to him! The difference here is that the time is long. It is a long but complete period of time during which Satan is restrained by God, and his people preserved.

If the 1,000 year period begins at Christ’s first coming and ends at his return (which it does) then it cannot be literal, for Christ made it plain that no one knows the hour of his return.

Application

Two points of application come immediately to mind.

First of all, these truths should produce boldness in world missions.

Secondly, these truths should drive out all fear.

Fear is not becoming of a child of the King.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 63:1–6

The Lord’s Day of Vengeance: “Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? ‘It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.’ Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? ‘I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.’” (Isaiah 63:1–6, ESV)

Sermon Text: Revelation 19:11-21

“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. 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. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 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, 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, both small and great.” 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. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 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. 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.” (Revelation 19:11–21, ESV)

Sermon

Brothers and sisters, you notice that we are rapidly approaching the end of our study of the book of Revelation. I have mixed emotions about this. I do look forward to what’s next (a carefully study of the book of Genesis), but I’ve grown to love this book that, at one time, seemed intimidating and impractical to me. Now when I think of the book of Revelation I think of a book that is relatively clear, and immensely helpful to the people of God. The thought of the book of Revelation warms my heart and encourages my soul. That is something that I could not say five years ago.

I hope to finish our study of the book of Revelation strong. These last two and a half chapters are most glorious, in my opinion. But they are also often misinterpreted (this is especially true of chapter 20, I think). And so we should not let off the throttle as we come into the homestretch of this prolonged study, but we should finish strong – concentrating; handling the book with great care; and laboring to apply the text to our own lives through to the very end.

I wonder if you would allow me to remind you of the 7 principles that have helped to guide us in our interpretation of this book over the past year. These principles were introduced to you in sermons 2 and 3 of this series (this is sermon number 55). I have reminded you of some of these principles along the way. A couple of them I have mentioned numerous times. But I would like to quickly list them for you now to remind you of them so that they might continue to be a help to us as we approach the finish line of Revelation 22:21. These principles are drawn, remember, from Denise Johnson’s commentary, “Triumph of the Lamb.”

One, we must remember that the book of Revelation is given to reveal. The name itself suggests that it’s purpose is to take things that are mysterious and to make them clear. If the book only makes mysterious things more mysterious, then perhaps you have the wrong approach.

Two, we must remember that Revelation is a book to be seen. This book communicates truth via symbol. It’s literary genre is prophetic and apocalyptic. To take the book literally whenever possible is to ignore it’s genre. Indeed, John was shown what would take place, as the first two verses of the book indicate. John saw visions, and those visions are filled with things symbolic.

Three, we must remember that numbers count in Revelation. In other words, the numbers that we encounter in this book are also symbolic. This we have seen with the numbers 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12 and their multiples, 24, 666, and 144,000. This we will encounter again in the closing chapters with the mention of the numbers 1,000, 12, and 144. Numbers function symbolically in Revelation. We should strive for consistency in our handling of the numbers found in this book.

Four, remember that the book of Revelation makes sense only in light of the Old Testament. Put another way, the key to understanding the symbolism of the book of Revelation is the Old Testament. So no, we are not free to take the symbols of Revelation and to interpret them any way we please, but we are to allow scripture to interpret scripture. The Old Testament, and in many cases the New Testament also, functions as a key and a guide to our interpretation of this symbolic book. To look to current events as the key is foolish. To look to the rest of scripture is wise, for it is clearly what the author intended.

Five, do not forget that Revelation concerns what must soon take place. And this statement is to be understood, not from our vantage point, living now in 2018, but from the vantage point of those who originally received the letter in the first century A.D., for it was to them that John wrote, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place… Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:1,3, ESV). And remember that the same thing is repeated at the end of the book: “‘These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.’ ‘And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book’” (Revelation 22:6–7, ESV). Any interpretation that pushes the fulfillment of the majority of the prophesies contained within this book way off into the future from the perspective of the first century audience should be met with suspicion given that it contradicts what the book says about itself. Indeed, some things in this book are about the time of the end – the second coming of Christ, the final judgement, the arrival of the new heavens and the new earth – but these reference to the time of the end are easy to identify. Most of the book describes how things will be in the time between Christ’s first and second coming. So indeed the words of Revelation 1:1 are true. This book did reveal, and does reveal, “things that must soon take place”, for, more often than not, it describes how things will be in the here and the now leading up to the consummation.

Six, remember that Revelation is written for a church under attack. The objective of the book, as you have seen, is to urge the Christian to persevere in the midst of tribulation. How sad that most preachers today say that “the church will not be here to experience tribulation.” I can hardly imagine a more backwards and unbiblical teaching. No, the book of Revelation reinforces the words of Christ when he spoke to his disciples, saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33, ESV). The book of Revelation portrays the church as being under constant assault. The type and the intensity of the assault will vary from time to time and from place to place, but the church will always experience pressure. And the book of Revelation says, persevere! Conquer! Overcome! Remain faithful in Christ! And it shows why we should by providing us with the heavenly perspective on the things we experience in this world.

Seven, remember that Revelation shows above all else that the victory belongs to God and to his Christ. And this is the source and foundation of all of the encouragement that we receive in this book. Though it looks as if evil has won, though it looks as if our enemies are too strong, though it looks as if Christ has been defeated and the dragon has won, the truth is that Jesus the Christ has conquered and is bring all things to their God ordained end.

These seven principles were presented in sermons 2 and 3 of this series. They have been helpful up to this point in our interpretation of this book, and I pray they remain as a help to us up to the very end.

In sermon 4 I presented seven observations concerning the structure of the book of Revelation. All of them were important. I’ll remind you once more of the seventh, which was that the book of Revelation repeats. I’ve also put it this way: the book of Revelation recapitulates. In other words, the book is not ordered chronologically, as if the order of events in the book corresponds to order of events in human history. Instead, the book is ordered thematically. It provides us, time and again, with different perspectives on the same event. It provide us with different perspective on the same period of time, be it the time immediately preceding the last day, the last day itself, the consummate state, or the church age. The book repeats. Now that we are in chapter 19 I can I ask the question, “how many times has the return of Christ and the final judgement been shown to us in the book of Revelation?” I don’t have the number for you. The point is that you know we have been brought to the time of the end again and again throughout this book, the earliest picture of it being found way back in 6:12 with the opening of the sixth seal:

“…behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?’” (Revelation 6:12–17, ESV)

That’s Revelation 6:12-17. It describes the day when the wrath of God and the Lamb are poured out. It’s a description of the last day. And it is found, not in the closing chapters of the book – not in chapters 19, 20, 21, or 22 – but in chapter 6! And there are many other passage like this one peppered throughout the book which provide us with a different perspective of that last day. The book is not ordered chronologically, but repeats. This you have seen clearly in our study.

So why the prolonged introduction? And why the all of the review? It is so that we might finish strong. We are coming to portions of the book of Revelation – indeed we are in one now – where it is necessary to remember these things, lest we interpret them badly.

Let’s consider what is happening here now in the book of Revelation.

Notice that there is a a lot of repetition found here in chapters 18 through to the end of 20. We are, again and again, shown something of the last day when Christ will return to rescue those who are his, to pour out his wrath upon his enemies, to judge those not in him, and to make all things new. Indeed, we were shown something about this last day way back in 6:12, but here in this section references to the last day are concentrated and they are detailed.

Remember that in chapter 18 it was the judgment of the harlot, who is called Babylon, that was described to us. Ironically she is said to be judged, not directly by Christ, but will be devoured by the beast upon whom whom she once so happily sat and the kings symbolized by the ten horns of the beast. I will not here rehash the meaning of that in detail. For now recognize that at the end of time the great cities and cultures of the world, which do seduce men and women to worship the things of this world instead of their Creator, will be judged, not directly by God, but as God does permit their self destruction. The beast (and all that he symbolizes) will turn on the harlot (and all that she symbolizes) to devour her (Revelation 17:15-18). These two, who ever since the fall have worked so happily together, will in the end self destruct. This is the judgement of God poured out upon the harlot. Revelation 18 has described it to us.

Now notice that here in chapter 19 we find a description of the judgment of two other figures. Look at verse 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. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence 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. 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.” (Revelation 19:19–21, ESV)

And so here we have a description of the judgement of the two beasts that were first introduced to us in Revelation 13. The beast is captured. He is the beast that John saw rising from the sea in Revelation 13:1. And so too the false prophet is captured. He is the same as the beast that was seen rising out of the earth in 13:11. This is the one who deceived men and women to receive the mark of the beast and to worship its image.

These two will be captured by Christ and his army, and they will be “thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.” And those who belong to them and follow them will be “slain by the sword that [comes] from the mouth of him who [is] sitting on the horse”, that is to say, Christ.

And so do you see that by the end of chapter 19 the return of Christ has again been described to us. When he returns he will pour out his wrath upon all of his enemies. All will be slain who do not belong to him.

The beast, symbolizing political powers that persecute – symbolizing nations and kings and their armies who oppose Christ and all who belong to him – will be judged – thrown into the lake of fire.

The false prophet also, who symbolizes those social and religious and economic institutions that the evil one uses to urge the worship, not of Christ, but of the beast, will also be judged – thrown into the lake of fire, we are told.

And all who follow after these two will also be slain. In verse 21 we read, “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” (Revelation 19:21, ESV).

You do understand that this passage describes the judgement that will come upon people at the end of time, don’t you? This passage refers to the judgement of people – that is to say, all not in Christ.

Yes, in the vision we see two beasts and the multitude of people that follow them. But we should remember that these beasts symbolize people – people who have positions of power within governments. People who are kings. People who are governors. People within armies. People who teach false things. People who use powers of many kinds to turn the screws on God’s people.  These are the once who have listened to the false prophet themselves, who have bowed before the beast from the sea, and who now do their bidding. Put another way, these are the ones who have taken the mark of the beast who, at the end of time will be judged personally by Christ. This is what is symbolized here in Revelation 19.

Isn’t that what the announcement of the angel of verse 17 tells us. He cried out and “with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, ‘Come, gather for the great supper of God, 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, both small and great” (Revelation 19:17–18, ESV).

And so notice that by the end of chapter 19 we are taken yet again to the end of time and we are shown something of what will happen when Christ returns. When he returns that harlot Babylon will have been ravaged. When he returns he will slay the beast from the sea, the beast from the land, and all who have followed after them, trusting, not in Christ, but in this world.

Who is left then to be judged? Who is left to be judged in the narrative of the book of Revelation? The beast, the false prophet, and the harlot have been judged. Who is left of the enemies of God? What other loose end need to be tied up before the new heavens and new earth can come in fulness?

The answer is that the dragon must be judged. The dragon, that ancient serpent is still roaming, as far as the narrative of the book of Revelation is concerned. Put differently, have been made to rejoice by the end of chapter 19 as the enemies of God and his people fall one by one – the harlot, the beast, the false prophet and all who belong to them and serve them – but the reader should also here stop and ask, what about the dragon who did motivate them all? What about the dragon, that ancient serpent, whom the beast, the false prophet and the harlot did serve?

Look ahead with me briefly and see that that is what chapter 20 describes. Chapter 20 does not follow chapter 19 chronologically, but it repeats and provides for us another persecutive on the dragon, his career, and his judgement. Verse 7 of chapter 20:

“And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 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. 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 and consumed them, 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.” (Revelation 20:7–10, ESV)

When will this happen? It will happen when Christ returns. It will happen on that last day when Christ returns. It will happen on the same day when the beast, the false prophet, and all who belonged to them will be judged. It will happen when Christ returns. He will return to do many things – to rescue those who belong to him who are under assault, to pour out his wrath upon the enemies of God, and to cast the devil himself into the lake of fire to “be tormented day and night forever and ever”. When Christ returns he will judge, after which he will make all things new.

If we assume that the book of Revelation is organized chronologically we will be very confused. Indeed, we will be confused throughout (not knowing what to make of all of the reference to the end peppered throughout, nor knowing what to make of the mention of the birth of Christ in 12:1), but we will be especially confused here in chapters 18, 19, and 20 as we try to fit this all on a timeline. It is far better to see that the book is organized thematically and it that it does recapitulate, providing for us different perspectives on the same period of time, in this case, the last day when Christ returns.

More broadly, the book of Revelation describes to us how things will be in the whole time between Christ’s first and second comings. It tells a story. It paints a picture, telling us about the challenges we will face in this world, and how things will go in the end. It exposes our enemies. It shows their true character. It shows their end.

Go with me to Revelation chapter 12. And notice how Revelation 12:1 all the way through to Revelation 20:10 tell a story.

In Revelation 12:1 we were introduced to a women with child. Who is this woman? Remember, she symbolizes Mary the mother of Jesus. More than that she symbolizes Israel who was indeed “pregnant” with the Christ until he did come. Even more than that she symbolizes Eve, who heard the promise of God when he spoke to the serpent who deceived her, when he said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15, ESV). So even Eve was “pregnant” with the Christ as she carried within her womb the promise of God concerning a Redeemer who would come from her seed.

This woman of Revelation 12 – who is Eve, Israel, and Mary – was pregnant with a child. And she was being harassed even before the child was born. And who was it that harassed her? “A great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems” (Revelation 12:3, ESV). In 12:9 we were told that he is, “that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9, ESV).

This dragon pursued the woman. But she was kept by God, being preserved by him in the wilderness.

This dragon sought to devour the Christ child, the “one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5, ESV).

But the battle between the dragon, the woman and her child was not over. “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea” (Revelation 12:17, ESV).

So there is a conflict, then. There is a battle that rages between the dragon, who is Satan, and Christ. The dragon was confined to the earth at Christ’s first coming when Christ was caught up to heaven where he is now enthroned.

On earth the people of God find themselves under assault, then. They are pursued by the dragon even still. But the dragon uses the beast from the sea (political powers that persecute), the beast from the land (false prophets), and the harlot who rides upon the beast from the sea (the seductiveness of the world), to war against the people of God. These three were introduced to us successively in chapters 13 and chapter 17.

Now notice what we have here in chapters 18, 19 and 20. Each of these enemies of God are removed from the scene in the reverse order they were introduced.

First the harlot is made desolate. The beast that she once road turned on her to devour her, and the people of the hearth lamented her fall. This is what chapter 18 describes.

Secondly, the beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire. This is described in chapter 19.

And thirdly, the dragon himself who did motivate these three is also judged. This is described in chapter 20 with the words, “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” (Revelation 20:10, ESV).

Friends, the book is ordered thematically, and not chronologically.

The enemies of God and his people are introduced:1, 2, 3, 4.

The promise is that God will preserve those who belong to him even as they are pursued, tempted, and assaulted on earth by these enemies.

And then the enemies are swiftly removed from the seen having been judged by God and his Christ: 4, 3, 2 and 1.

Do you see, then, how everything comes to focus upon Christ who is our Champion and our King?

The enemies of God seem, at first, to be so powerful, so terrifying, so ferocious. They are the seven headed and ten horned dragon, the seven headed and ten horned beast, the beast who speaks like the dragon, and the harlot who’s seductiveness made even John the Apostle to marvel at her.

And indeed, Christ seems to us to be distant. He was, long ago, caught up to heaven – crucified, buried, raised and ascended. We do not see him now. We see our enemies! We feel their power! And indeed they do look so intimidating to us! But what does God word reveal? Our Lord will one day return. And when he does he will slay all of his and all of our enemies with the word of his mouth.

John “saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse”, the kind of champion war horse that a Conquering King would ride.

“The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war” (Revelation 19:11, ESV). This is Christ our King!

“His eyes are like a flame of fire”, because he sees all and will judge with purity in the end.

“And on his head are many diadems” which put the ten counterfeit diadems warn by the dragon and his beast to shame.

“And he has a name written that no one knows but himself” (Revelation 19:12, ESV), for though we know Christ truly, we cannot comprehend his power and glory fully.

“He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood”, for his is the one who will tread out the “great winepress of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19, ESV).

“The name by which he is called is The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13, ESV). It is God’s word that will stand in the end, friends.

And this great warrior King is not alone, but has “the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure… following him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14, ESV). Who are these? They are his people, redeemed from the earth, who have been caught up with him to meet him in the air on that last day (1 Thessalonians 4:17). They are the Bride of Christ. She “has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure’— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:7-8, ESV)”. These redeemed of the Lord now return with the Lord to conquer with him.

Verse 15: “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15, ESV).

This is in fulfillment to that great Messianic Psalm, Psalm 2, which says,

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’ He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, ‘As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.’ I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2, ESV).

Lastly we read that, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16, ESV).

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, this is the story that followers of Christ the world over need to hear.

These truths are the ones we need if we are to stand up in the face of persecution, false teaching, and the seductiveness of the world.

Look at the end of the matter, friends.

The things of this world that seem so attractive to you – look at their end! Do not go the way of the harlot. Her end is destruction; her path leads only to death.

Think also of the end of the false prophet who’s words seem so pleasant to your ears. The false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire. Pay no attention to his smooth and flattering speech! Listen instead to God’s word which stands forever. Look to Christ and trust in him, for he is the Word of God; he is the one who will slay his enemies with the double edged sword which proceeds from his mouth. Give heed to God’s word. Obey the word of Christ if you wish to have life. Reject the words of the false prophet. His end is destruction; his path leads only to death.

And what about those who persecute you? Think of their end. Think of what Christ will do to those who have assaulted his beloved Bride when he returns for her on that last day.

It is popular today to only talk of the love and mercy of God. And indeed God is loving and merciful, but he is also holy and righteous and just. If you do not believe in a God who will judge in the end, then you do not have the God of the scriptures, but an idol that you have erected for yourself in the mind and in the heart. If you do not believe in a Christ who will judge in the end, then you do not have the true Christ, but a false Christ who is the product of your worldly imagination. Friends, God and Christ will judge in the end. Concerning this the scriptures are clear.

And this is a comfort to the people of God, particularly those who have experienced persecution. True, we are to pray for our enemies. True, we are to love them. And it is the knowledge that God and his Christ will set things right in the end which enables us to do so. It’s not ours to take vengeance – that is God’s job. It is not ours to pour out wrath – Christ will. Indeed, it is this knowledge that enables to love even those who persecute us.

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV).

How comforting it is for the people of God to know that if we suffer in this world our Savior, who has himself suffered, will set it right in the end.