This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 12th June 2016 is the 20th in our verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation.
Chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation arguably details the most anticipated event in all of history. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
For every prophecy in the Bible concerning Jesus’ first coming, there are eight that speak of His second coming! In fact, the very first prophecy in the Bible uttered by a prophet is a prophecy about Jesus’ second coming. It was by Enoch, and is recorded in the book of Jude: “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 14-15). This gives a good summary of one of the key aspects of the Second Coming, namely the judgment on this unbelieving world.
Throughout scripture there are actually three distinct reasons given for the second coming:
- To deliver Israel in the midst of her darkest hour
- To judge the ungodly nations of this world that have survived the Great Tribulation
- To re-establish the throne the throne of David
In this study we look at the rejoicing in Heaven following the destruction of the false religious system that we saw in chapter 17 & 18 (verses 1-5). This is then followed by the announcement that Christ’s wedding day has arrived! Weddings are almost always a great time of celebration, but this is the ultimate wedding, for the Groom’s Father has speared no expense! In fact, marriage itself only exists for this reason, for Christ to be joined to His bride. Paul tells us this much in Ephesians chapter 5.
It appears that the saints who were delivered out of the Tribulation (albeit as martyrs) are the ones who give the announcement that everything is now ready, and there is the reminder that those invited to the wedding as guests are indeed very blessed. But just stop for a moment! For if you are a Christian now, you are not to be a wedding guest, for you are part of the bride! It is you whom Christ died for and shed His blood that you might be presented to Him, without spot or blemish!
The chapter then moves on and we begin to look at the return of Christ, accompanied by His bride.
May this study encourage you and deepen your love for God and His Word!
To aid your personal study, the Powerpoint slides used in this teaching are available for download here, and a verse-by-verse text commentary of Revelation Chapter 18 is also available in the Pastor’s Blog section of this web site entitled: “The Second Coming Pt1”
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry.
