HALLELUJAH!

Revelation 19

Salvation And Glory And Power Belong To Our God

This chapter begins with the voice of a great multitude responding to God’s judgment on Babylon. They are praising God for his judgment which is irrevocable. John describes hearing the loud voice of a great multitude singing a song which begins with Hallelujah which appears only here in the New Testament. It is a transliteration of a Hebrew expression that means praise God. Salvation, glory, and power all belong to God. Justice has been accomplished, and God's judgment is always right. Babylon corrupted the earth and shed the blood of God's servants; therefore she had to be held accountable for her sin. The praise continues to rise because God's judgment is final. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall down in worship. Heaven celebrates the judgment of God. The creatures closest to God join in worship as they bow before the throne declaring amen and hallelujah. Another voice then urges all the servants of God and those who fear him to join the chorus. 

The Marriage Of The Lamb

John hears the voice of a great multitude once again and describes its timbre as the roar of many waters and thunder. It is powerful, and it echoes the Hallelujah and proclaims the reign of the Almighty. It calls for the throng to rejoice, exult, and give glory to God because the marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride is ready. The Bride was given bright, fine, and pure linen to wear and explains that the linen is the righteousness deeds of the saints. This celebration leads to rejoicing over the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His bride, the church, is clothed in righteousness enjoy the blessing of participating in this wonderful event. When the angel explained this, John fell at his feet to worship him, but he refuses the worship and identifies himself as a fellow servant. Angels cannot receive worship because only God is worthy of worship. The angel speaks of the blessed call extended to those who participate in the supper. The words that John hears are the words of God. John falls before the angel, but the angel quickly rebukes him declaring to be a fellow servant with John and those who hold to the testimony of God. The angel directs John to worship God only as the first command echoes reverberates. 

He Judges And Makes War

The vision of the Bridegroom gives way to the vision of a Warrior as John sees heaven opened and the vision of a rider on a white horse with the names Faithful and True. Christ is in his final triumph, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. He is coming for war with his eyes like fire which see everything. Jesus comes in majesty with crowns that represent his dominion. Christ will never be completely understood by his creatures, so he has a name that only he knows. Jesus wears a robe that is dipped in blood because his victory is by his blood. He is The Word of God, and he leads the armies of heaven to follow him riding white horses as well. The king bears a sharp sword that comes out of his mouth with which he will strike the nations and rule over them. He has an army, but Christ will conquer the nations and rule them. He treads the winepress of God’s wrath and fury. He will crush and trample the wicked like grapes. Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. An angel calls for birds to gather for supper. They will gorge themselves on kings, captains, mighty men, horses, riders, and all men. All the enemies of God come together in a fierce rebellion against Christ and his army. Jesus' victory over his enemies is swift, and the beast, as well as the false prophet, are thrown alive into the lake of fire. 

Things To Consider:

• Why do salvation, glory, and power belong to the Lord?
• Why does God judge sin?
• How will God accomplish perfect justice?
• Why is worship continual in the presence of the Lord?
• Why should we fear God?
• How is the fear of God commendable?
• What does that teach us about the nature of fear?
• Why is the bride completely dependent upon Jesus?
• Why do angels refuse worship?
• How are we fellow servants with angels?
• Is it difficult to think of Jesus as a warrior? Why or why not?
• Why does Jesus make war?
• Why is blood necessary for sin and judgment?
• How does Jesus judge and save by his word?