REVELATION 19 and 20 – THE RETURN OF THE KING
What Does the Bible Say about the Second Coming of Christ and His Millennial Reign?
A Brief Summary
People are often surprised to learn that references to the Second Coming outnumber references to the first coming by a factor of eight to one. Scholars have identified 1,845 different biblical references to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, Christ’s return is emphasized in no less than 17 books, and in the New Testament authors speak of it in 23 of 27 books. Furthermore, the New Testament mentions His return in 7 out of every 10 chapters. In other words, 1 out of every 30 verses in the New Testament proclaims that Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth.
One day Christ will return to earth in all His glory as the Judge who will right every wrong in our world. This event is mentioned throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. It will occur after the Tribulation, when Christ defeats the Great Dragon, and before His one-thousand-year reign on earth. Beginning in Revelation 19, The Lord reveals to John, several details about His return. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about the Second Coming.
For starters, just to add to the above references regarding the second coming of Christ, The Lord Himself referred to the Second Coming 21 times. Even more significantly, the very last lesson that Christ taught His disciples prior to His sufferings, was the Mt Olivet discourse in which He shared with them a detailed outline of the events that will lead up to and include His second coming.
As they were leaving the Temple Mount, one of the disciples remarked about how beautiful the buildings were with the rich adornments from gifts given. Jesus replied that not one stone would be left on another (Matthew 24:1-3). This answer staggered them to the core. They thought that He was talking about His return at the Second Coming, so they asked Him as to what sign would be given them to recognize the timing of His coming. However, Jesus in this particular instance was referring to the destruction of the temple that happened in 70 A.D. However, in His reply to their question as to what sign will precede His Second Coming, He proceeded to prophesy not just about the destruction of the temple, but He also gave them a detailed lesson regarding His return as the King of Kings.
Now if this is not evidence enough to convince every believer about the importance that the Scriptures place on the second coming of Christ, then consider the following: Not only was Christ last sermon prior to His suffering was about His second coming, but the very last thing that the disciples heard as Christ was ascending back up into heaven, was two angels admonishing them about their Lord’s return.
As they were staring in absolute amazement as they watched Christ being supernaturally transported back to heaven, two angels stood by and said to them that “this same Jesus that you see go up into heaven, will one day come back in like manner” (Acts 1:11).
Amazingly, this small group of Christ followers, would eventually be responsible for going from a small group of scared and confused individuals, to going out and “turning the world upside down,” and literally changing the course of history.
In just over thirty-years, in spite of unimaginable persecution and suffering, they was able to begin the total and complete transformation of western history, in large part, because of the promise and anticipation of Christ eventual return.
Furthermore, the prominence of Christ’s return in Scripture is an indication that this event is important to God, and as a result, it should be equally important to believers of all ages. In addition, the second coming of Christ is predicted throughout the Bible wherever you look. In fact, it’s even prophesied in the book of Genesis. Did you know that Enoch predicted the Second Coming of Christ? “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 14-15).
This verse is interesting for providing a quote from one of mankind’s earliest patriarchs, Enoch. Jude relates a statement made by Enoch concerning the fate of the ungodly apostates. Although Enoch was not a writer of Scripture, the Holy Spirit guided Jude to quote from Enoch, who lived before Noah’s flood (2 Peter 1:21). Genesis 5:24 credits Enoch with walking with God before God took him away from earth, apparently without dying, to be with the Lord. Enoch’s prediction is quoted in verses 14 and 15 as a prophecy that is fulfilled. Enoch predicted that the Lord will return to earth with a myriad of “holy ones.” This seems to refer to angels and raptured Christians (Matthew 25:31; Colossians 3:4).
Jude reminds his readers in verses 14 & 15 that Enoch had prophesied judgment would come upon apostates. This quote was taken directly from the Book of Enoch: Enoch 1:9 And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones to execute judgement upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly: And to convict all flesh of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. The bible does not record this prophecy of Enoch in any other place, but the fact that Jude was inspired by the holy spirit to write this down indicates that it is the truth.
REVELATION 19 SUMMARY
In Revelation Chapter 19, the world is beginning to prepare for both the wedding of the Lamb and the battle against evil. Rev 19:1 After these things, I heard a great voice (singular: Heb. Equivalent – Kol) in heaven, a multitude (plural) were shouting, Hallelujah (Shine out Praise to the Lord) Salvation and k’vod (glory), and honor and power be unto HaShem (YHVH: Merciful) our G-d (Elohim: Judge). John’s vision regarding the power of God was so overwhelming and righteous that the four beasts and the 24 elders prostrate themselves before the His throne, who has already slain the whore of Babylon. John heard voices as great as thunder praising God with endless “amens” and “alleluias” as the bride of the Lamb readied herself with immaculate raiment.
SUMMARY OF Revelation 19:
1. The Lord praised for His great victory over the powers of darkness (Rev 19:1-6)
Revelation 19 begins with a universal rejoicing among the heavenly host and the set apart ones at the destruction of the great harlot Babylon, the resurrected ancient city at the centre of the beast’s empire (19:1-10). “After these things” means after the events of the city of Babylon’s destruction recorded in chapter 18. Immediately following the defeat of the powers of darkness, we see a heavenly scene of praise and honor being given to the Lamb for His great victory. During this time of praise, all the saved and the angels of heaven have a part in rendering songs of praise to the victorious Lamb. Their songs include the greatness of the Lord, the reasons for His judgments with a great emphasis on His holiness in judging those who were rebellious against Him.
2. The Lord’s relationship to His people – The Marriage Of The Lamb (Rev 19:7-10)
The scene next shifts to the Marriage of the Lamb, which is a symbolic representation of the Lamb and His people being prepared to spend eternity together. We are told that the saints (the wife of the Lamb) have made themselves ready. This is speaking of the saints continuing faithfulness to Christ during the time preceding the second coming of Christ.
Christ gives to His bride robes of white symbolizing His righteousness being placed on their account, as well as their lives of faithfulness on His behalf. Perhaps these robes also symbolize the visible representation of His righteousness, their newly received glorified bodies which will be the visible proof Christ’s righteousness.
Much like a marriage is the beginning point of the groom’s and bride’s intimate lifelong relationship, this marriage between Christ and His bride symbolically signals the beginning of their eternity together.
3. The Lord’s relationship to the lost – His return and The Battle Of Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21)
In this section of Revelation 19, the initiation of the Lord’s relationship to lost mankind is presented. We see Christ at His second coming described in great detail. The symbolism of His appearance and actions reveals that Christ is faithful, holy, ultimate authority holder, righteous, revealer of God to man. Although all of these truths, and others, are presented in His description, we are also told that it is impossible to come to a complete understanding of His greatness which is shown by the name He possesses that no man can know.
Christ, at His second coming, is seen returning with His saints, who are described in this vision as “armies” which are in heaven.
Keep in mind, as Christ first appears in heaven, He will take His saints up to be with Him, graciously give them glorified bodies and then begin His descent with them following Him. As Christ continues His descent the fowls of heaven are invited to prepare for a feast which will be made up of the corpses of the enemies of Christ which will be available to them following Christ’s complete victory over them. Their death is symbolizing the completeness of their defeat, while their bodies lying unburied points to their shameful lifestyle they have lived.
Those opposing Christ are the powers of darkness made up of Satan, His kingdom (both political and religious aspects), demons, and lost mankind. They all are found being opposed to Christ and in rebellion against Him at His coming. As Christ simply speaks they are defeated (His words are the sword that is seen coming out of His mouth bringing them to defeat). At their defeat, Satan’s kingdoms are cast into the Lake of Fire which will be their dwelling place throughout eternity. The remaining lost are seen being brought to death by Christ. Their bodies are consumed by the birds as a declaration of shame and their rebellious rejection of Christ, leading to their eternal separation from Christ.
What Is the Battle of Armageddon?
The last part of Revelation 19 is devoted to the Battle of Armageddon, or “the supper of the great God” (vs 17). In short, Revelation 16:16 describes what happens after God pours out the sixth bowl of wrath (one of the many plagues that permeates the Revelation narrative). The antichrist gathers “kings” in a placed called Armageddon. These kings, loyal to the antichrist, will gather their armies to wage war against the people of God.
The word “Armageddon” occurs only once in Scripture. It is the name of the place where the greatest battle of all time will be fought. We see hints of this war in Revelation 16:14 and in Revelation 20:7-9, where Satan gathers enemies from the four corners of the earth (in essence, everywhere). They’ll surround the armies of Israel and their remaining allies, but fire from heaven will consume them.
Next comes the description of the white horse and its rider Who is Faithful and True (19:11-13). Then the hostile powers (enemies of G-d and His people) gather to fight against the conquering Messiah (19:19). Finally comes the defeat of the opposing forces, the casting of the beast (Seat of power of the evil empire) and its false prophet (Anti-Messiah) into the lake of fire (eternal punishment) and the slaughter of those who remain (19:20-21).
John’s amazing vision in this section that describes the long-awaited second coming of Jesus Christ, represents a moment of incredible triumph and a culmination of all of the prophecies pertaining to God’s ultimate plan of restoration of humanity back to God’s original plan prior to the fall. Jesus’ first arrival on earth was humble (Luke 2:7) and involved His sacrificial death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
His return on the other hand, is neither humble nor meek. Christ is described as a royal conqueror, wearing a robe dipped in the blood of His enemies, at the helm of the armies of heaven. Now displayed as the “King of kings and Lord of lords,” Jesus will single-handedly obliterate the earthly armies which have amassed against Him (Isaiah 63:3). This results in the damnation of the Antichrist and False Prophet, who become the first two beings cast into the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 19:11–21).
These events mark the end of the tribulation, and the beginning of the millennial kingdom: a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. Chapter 20 details this era of the end times. This will be followed by a last-ditch Satanic rebellion, a final victory, and the last judgments on mankind.
Introduction
Revelation 20:1-10 says, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
The events of chapter 20 logically follow those of chapter 19 in that it begins with a continuation, or to be more precise, the concluding or climatic scene of the Battle of Armageddon. At the end of chapter 19, Christ has returned to utterly destroy all those who had opposed Him. In particular, we saw God deal with the two human members of the unholy trinity, (1) Antichrist and (2) the False Prophet. Now, chapter 20 begins with God dealing with the final member, Satan himself. This is the natural result of Christ’s victory over sin, as He begins His undisputed reign on earth with the Millennial Kingdom, which will conclude with the final judgment of sin. In Revelation Chapter 20, John saw an angel come down to earth from Heaven. In his hands, the angel held a great chain. With the chain, the angel bound the devil and kept him captive for 1,000 years. The devil was then thrown into the great abyss where he was to remain locked and sealed away. The devil would not be able to cause mischief for 1,000 years. But when the millennium is finished, the devil will be set free for a short period of time. John then saw those persons that were given the ability to judge. He also saw the souls of the many martyrs for God. In the afterlife, these martyrs took their place beside Christ and they were able to reign with Him for 1,000. As I just mentioned, according to John in Revelation Chapter 20, Satan will be released at the end of the 1,000 year prison sentence. He will be allowed to deceive and bring havoc among the nations of the earth. He will amass an army from the numbers of people that he has deceived. Satan will also march his army towards the people of God and surround the city in which they live. God will protect the city by raining fire down upon the army of Satan. The devil will then be thrown into a lake of burning sulfur. He will be tormented there for all eternity along with the false prophets.
The resurrection and judgment of the wicked dead people will follow at the great white throne judgment of God (Revelation 20:11-15). At the beginning of the Millennial kingdom, all the righteous people have been raised from the dead, and those living, both Gentiles and Jews, who survived the great Tribulation period will enter the Millennium in their natural bodies and will perform natural functions in that Millennial kingdom. Only those who are wicked will still be in the grave and not resurrected during the Millennial kingdom period. Indeed, the Millennium (also known as the Millennial Kingdom) is the 1,000 years reign of King Jesus Christ on Earth after the great Tribulation period and before the great white throne judgment of God (Revelation 20:11-15). Lord Jesus Christ will reign as king over Israel as well as all the nations of the world (Isaiah 2:4; 42:1).
The world will live in peace (Isaiah 11:6–9; 32:18), Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3) and everyone will worship God (Isaiah 2:2–3). The purpose of the 1,000-years reign of King Jesus Christ is to fulfill promises God made to the world that cannot be fulfilled while Satan is free and human beings have political authority. Some of these promises, called covenants, were given specifically to Israel. Others were given to Lord Jesus Christ, the nations of the world and creation of God. All of these will be fulfilled during the 1,000 years reign of King Jesus Christ on Earth.
The millennium is a literal period of one thousand years that will follow the return of Jesus Christ as Messiah. It has to do with a literal millennial reign of Christ and the saints that will accompany Him from heaven to earth. The millennium will witness the final fulfillment of the hopes and dreams of humanity. When Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace rules from the Throne of David, we will finally enter into the Age of Redemption.
After the glorious Rapture of the Church (“Bride of Christ”), after the seven years worldwide tribulation period, and after the second coming to Earth, Lord Jesus Christ will reign in His Millennial kingdom. The coming literal kingdom of King Jesus Christ to this Earth will be the most blessed time this world has known since the Garden of Eden. Many Edenic features will characterize this Millennial kingdom. All the unrepentant rebels who rebelled against God and Lord Jesus Christ during the great Tribulation period will be gone. Antichrist and the False Prophet will be languishing in the terrible lake of fire and sulfur. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years in the fiery bottomless pit so he cannot tempt people during the Millennial kingdom period.
This will enable King Jesus Christ to enforce His worldwide 1,000 years reign of peace and righteousness. Together with His holy Angels, King Jesus Christ will have the glorified Saints (Raptured and Resurrected Saints) in their new glorified bodies to help Him enforce His worldwide 1,000 years reign of peace and righteousness. It will be illegal for potential law breakers, criminals and other people who may want to corrupt society to ply their evil trades in the Millennial kingdom. Therefore, the coming Millennial kingdom will be a time of unprecedented prosperity, when everyone will have his or her home. The curse on the Earth will be lifted by King Jesus Christ and the ground will bear incredible harvests. Cheating and war will be non-existent, so people will enjoy the fruits of their labors.
SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 20:
1. The Binding of Satan (Rev 20:1-3) – John sees an angel sent from God proceed from heaven. This angel possesses control over the bottomless pit and a great chain that will be used to bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit (Lake of Fire). Satan’s imprisonment would last for the length of the 1000-year time period. Satan and his work is revealed through the use of 4 titles. Satan’s temptations are used to fascinate and mislead mankind (Dragon), he knows mankind’s weaknesses and shortcomings (Serpent), he accuses God’s people of wrongdoing seeking to bring them under the condemnation of God (Devil), he is the enemy of God constantly opposing Him (Satan).
2. The 1000 Year Reign (Rev. 20:4-6) – With the imprisonment of Satan completed, John sees the saints enjoying the 1000 years with God.
3. The Great White Throne Judgement (Rev 20:7-10) – After the 1000 years are completed, John then sees Satan released from the bottomless pit. Even after his imprisonment, Satan continues to have a desire to rebel and oppose the works of Christ. In this case, he desires to lead mankind in a worldwide war against the Lord. John then jumps ahead and sees the end result of their judgment… fire devours them, removing them from the New Earth, and then Satan and the lost are committed to the Lake of Fire for an eternity.
Who Will Be Judged?
The following will be judge at the Great White Throne Judgment: 1. The Unsaved Dead of All Time. 2. Satan 3. The Fallen Angels.
The Judgment of The Lost Symbolized by A Court Trial (Rev 20:11-15)
A second set of symbols that are used to describe the final judgment of the lost is presented as a court trial where guilt and punishment are decided. The Lord Jesus glory is shown as He sits on a shining white throne. Jesus’ identity is confirmed when we are told the One of the Throne is the same one “from whose face the earth and heaven fled away.”
Next, John sees the lost stand before the Lord awaiting judgment. We are told that Christ will use “the books” (the 66 books of the Bible) and the book of life to complete the judgment process. The books of the Bible will be used to judge men’s works, thereby assigning guilt to them, and the book of life will be used to see if Christ’s blood has covered those sins and paid their price.
Of course, all the works of the lost will be found sinful, which will render them guilty in God’s sight. Then their names will be missing from the book of life, clearly revealing they owe the sin debt that they have accrued. This will result in all of them being sent to the Lake of Fire for an eternity. We are told that the sea will give up the lost who were lost at sea, emphasizing that, no matter what may happen to the physical body, whether lost at sea, eaten by a sea creature, or decaying in the depths, the Lord is still quite capable of resurrecting the body and reuniting it with the spirit.
We are also told that “death and hell” gave up the dead and then were ultimately cast into the Lake of Fire. This would appear to teach us that, following this resurrection of the lost, no longer will the bodies and spirits of the lost be separated from each other. As complete beings, made up of both body and spirit, they will stand before the Lord in judgment and be consigned to the lake of fire for an eternity.
Results of Final Judgment The following are the results of God’s final judgment upon His creation:
1. God Accomplishes His Plan God’s plan for time and eternity will be finally accomplished. All things that He planned and purposed for humanity on this earth are now completed.
2. Justice Is Finally Served Every wrong will now be righted. The justice that did not take place here on earth will finally occur. 3. Christ’s Ministry Is Complete The ministry of Jesus Christ will have been completed. All things which He set out to do are now accomplished. When He came the first time, He completed the work that God the Father had given Him. There are still things that are to happen before this final judgment. All these are accomplished at the Great White Throne.4. The Goal Of History Is Met Paradise lost in Genesis will be regained. Sin will be eradicated, and righteousness will flourish. History will reach its goal.5. All Humans Are Held Responsible for Their Actions Humans will be held responsible for the deeds committed in this life. Everyone will be fairly.
Finally, we are told that this represents those who have partaken of the second death, which is the eternal separation of man from God’s presence throughout eternity.
Summary
We can conclude the following about the Great White Throne, or final judgment:
After the thousand-year period of peace the Millennium there is a final rebellion against God. Once the rebellion is crushed there is a final judgment of the wicked.
Those at the Great White Throne judgment include all the unbelievers from the beginning of life here on the earth.
Satan will be judged at this time as well as his fallen angels.
The final judgment will culminate God’s plan for this earth.
After this judgment eternity begins.
Although the Book of Revelation is founded upon historical circumstances in the Roman Empire, addressed to seven particular historical churches (Revelation 1-3), there is wisdom and encouragement for all the saints in every period of the last days before Christ returns. In the Book of Revelation, we not only see the triumph of God’s purposes and power, but the great and powerful coming of our Lord and King Jesus Christ- – this is the church’s great hope!
The book powerfully lifts the eyes of the saints to see above the problems and afflictions of this world. In order that we may know God’s perspective on circumstances in our lives; that is, to see God and his sovereignty; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; the saints who have been bought with the precious blood of Christ are now ruling with Christ; to see the devil, sin and death are conquered ultimately, and the Lord Jesus Christ is lifted upon his throne and all his enemies are made to be his footstool (1 Peter 1:3-18) (1 Peter 1:3-18; Revelation 4-5). This book is a blessing for those who read it (Revelation 1:3; 22:7,14).
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