< Revelation 19 >

The early church was soon corrupted and two communities calling themselves “Christian” emerged, one represented by a whore who had defiled herself in adultery and the other by a virgin. This imagery is used throughout the Book of Revelation, which symbolises the history of Europe through the last 1900 years, with the whore gaining the ascendancy and persecuting the saints. But the righteous judgments of God will come upon this unfaithful community vs.1-3Waiting for response for Revelation 19:1-3 to the rejoicing of the resurrected saints, many of whom were tortured and murdered by this apostasy. At that time of judgment upon the nations, the saints will rejoice because the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife, the virgin community which has remained faithful and pure, has made herself ready vs.5-7.Waiting for response for Revelation 19:5-7 They will be clothed with righteousness v.8.Waiting for response for Revelation 19:8 The truly blessed will be those who are called to this marriage supper of the Lamb v.9.Waiting for response for Revelation 19:9

John also saw in vision the judgments of God executed by the Lord Jesus upon his enemies vs.11-21.Waiting for response for Revelation 19:11-21 The events do not take place in the literal heaven v.11Waiting for response for Revelation 19:11 but in the political heavens, and Jesus will fight against the nations who oppose him and be established in the earth as KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS vs.15-16.Waiting for response for Revelation 19:15-16

The rulers of many nations will make war against Christ v.19Waiting for response for Revelation 19:19 because they will not want to lose their power and position, but they will all be defeated. We may wonder what will motivate these nations and their rulers to go to war against Christ after he has defeated the armies of Russia and her allies, saved Israel, and proclaimed himself king of Israel and ruler of the world to bring righteousness, peace, and blessing to mankind (Revelation 17:14).Waiting for response for Revelation 17:14 The explanation is in the doctrine of many Christian denominations. They teach that a supernatural “Devil and Satan” will come to the promised land and make a treaty with Israel and that it will be this evil being who defeats the invaders. They will tell their congregations that the great power in Israel is “the Antichrist” and that they should join together to fight him, which many will do fatally. It will be a great test for the people of the earth, but not to Christ’s true disciples because they will already be with him. The gospel will again be proclaimed throughout the earth and men and women will need to choose whether to obey Christ or oppose him. Those who survive this “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation” (Daniel 12:1)Waiting for response for Daniel 12:1 will live as mortal individuals during the reign of Christ and have the opportunity to obtain eternal life to be given at the end of his thousand year reign.