Revelation #13 The End of the Beast & the False Prophet Revelation 19

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 Chps. 19 & 20 have long been the playground of religious snake oil salesman and fanatics- probably more so than any other passage of the Bible (especially chp.20). So much is seen in them which is not there that what is there is often overlooked or ignored. If we’ve done due diligence on the previous 18 chapters, they really are just a culmination of all that has come before. Sure there are difficult questions, but whatever answers are given must agree with the rest of the book and must not contradict other texts.

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Saints Have Much Cause for Rejoicing -They were told to do so in 18:20 because the destruction of Babylon, the Great Harlot Rome, would be cast down as a millstone in the sea. -She was judged for the blood of the prophets and saints whom she slew and will be given double according to her deeds. -And now the destruction is about to be complete….

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 This Prompts Four Hallelujahs from Heaven, vv.1-6 -The beginning of the final end there is this interlude of praise to the Lord- great certainty coupled with jubilant rejoicing. -The great multitude of heaven shouts “Hallelujah!” v.1 Hallelujah means “praise Jehovah”. Surprisingly enough, this is the only place (chp.19) in the entire Bible in which it is found! -They also acknowledge His true and righteous judgments in judging the great harlot and avenging the blood of the martyrs, v.2.

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 This Pomp's Four Hallelujahs from Heaven, vv.1-6 -A second time they shout, “Hallelujah!” v.3 For the smoke of the great harlot rises forever! -The 24 Elders and the 4 Living Creatures also join in and add “Amen” (so be it or so let it be), v.4. They were first introduced in chp.4- the beginning of the apocalyptic portion of the book. -Then the command comes from the throne for all bond- servants to give praise to God, v.5. -And they do! The great multitude of heaven resounds like thunder with “Hallelujah!” for the Lord God. v.6

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Marriage of the Lamb has Come, vv In the times of the Bible, espousal (engagement ) was described as, and even considered as, marriage- cf. Matt.1:18,20. -Thus, the Church then and now is espoused, 2Cor.11:2. -The final consummation of the marriage is yet future. This accords with the marriage parables, cf. Matt.22:1- 14 & 24: The completed union with Christ, the Bridegroom of the faithful, is more fully described in chps.21,22. -In awe, John fell & worshipped, but was told to rise, v.10.

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Appearance of the Great Warrior, vv The Faithful and True is riding upon a white horse and coming to judge and make war, v.11. Obviously, this is Christ because He is also called: >the “Word of God”, cf. v.13 > John 1:1-2, 14 >and “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” v.16 > 1Tim.6:15 -His eyes are a flame of fire- penetrating & consuming, v.12a -He wears many diadems (crowns) upon His head, perhaps representing His many victories, v.12b.

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Appearance of the Great Warrior, vv He also wore a name, which no one knows, v.12c. Perhaps this signifies characteristics too wonderful for humans to comprehend, cf. Matt.11:27. -He comes prepared for battle: >wearing a white robe dipped in blood, v.13; perhaps reminders of the blood of the saints He comes to avenge. -with the armies of heaven, v.14 -with a sharp sword in His mouth, v.15 > Matt.10:34 -and with a rod of iron to rule, v.15b > Psa.2:9

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Battle of the Great Day of God, vv Victory is so assured that all the birds of heaven are called from heaven to feast upon the flesh of all the fallen, vv The opposition makes ready for the great battle as well, v.19. -We have been preparing to see a great and epic struggle- but one brief sentence contains the outcome: “the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet…. these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.” v.20

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 The Battle of the Great Day of God, vv Though Rome looked invincible, there was no great struggle; it was quickly seized and thrown into destruction. -Not only Rome, but the arrogant and proud followers of this beast were also killed, v.21a. -And the prophecy came true…. “all the birds were filled with their flesh.” v.21b

Revelation #13- The End of the Beast & the False Prophet, 19:1-21 Let’s recap: >Satan tried from the beginning to thwart God’s plan to save mankind. >But he and those with him were defeated and cast down. >So he decided to do the next best thing: make war with the Woman and Her Children (the faithful of God). >He utilized the Beast of Rome- her political power and the False Prophet of emperor worship. >Now that the Great Harlot, the Beast, and the False Prophet have all been defeated by Christ…. >all that remains is Satan himself. That’s chp.20!