The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. The earth is to be the
battle field. Today we are knowingly or unknowingly taking sides...
Looking back over the drama in Daniel & the Revelation.
We see Christʼs bride in Babylon because of her unfaithfulness - Daniel 1.
We see her coerced into false worship in Daniel 3 but she remains faithful.
We see the fall of Babylon in Daniel 5 as predicted in the Daniel 2 dream.
We see her delivered from Babylon by Cyrus, a type of Christ.
We see her in her purity in apostolic times in Revelation's 7 churches.
We see her torn & persecuted by Papal Rome, during the Dark Ages.
We see her revival in the Protestant Reformation.
We see her lapse into formalism.
We see her rise again expecting her Groom's return in the Advent Movement
We see her lapsing again into a lukewarm condition in the tarrying time.
We will see her coerced into false worship through the Mark of the Beast.
We will see her persecuted by Papal Rome in the conflict just before us.
We see her with the character of Christ in the final hours of earth's history.
Finally the King returns to take her home as promised in John 14:1-3.
REVELATION 19
1. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2. For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
And after these things
That is after seeing the scenes of Revelation 17and18.
Continuing from chapter 18 the saints rejoice that Babylon is destroyed.
The Great Whore, that apostate system of pagan idolatry in the form of Papal Rome masquerading as Christianity which corrupted the inhabitants of earth, persecuted and put to death God's people, now herself suffers the same fate (Rev 13:10)
For true and righteous [or “just”] [are] his judgments [doubtless the seven last plagues cf. Rev 16:7] : for he hath judged [past tense] the great whore [Rev 19 evidently describes events after the execution of the judgement of the whore, i.e. Babylon, described in Rev 17-18.
According to TM p432 the singing of the much people follows immediatelly upon the completion of the seventh plague.
It appears that Rev 18-20 are recorded in chronological order], which did corrupt [or “was corrupting.” Her evil activities covered a period of time] the earth with her fornication [Uniting with the State in order to gain power. See on Rev 17:2], and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
A transliteration of the Heb. halelu-Yah, “praise be to Yahweh [God].” From halal, “to shine,” “to boast,” “to celebrate,” “to praise,” and Yah, a shortened form of “Yahweh.” Alleluia, like Amen has been adopted into the English language almost unchanged.
Alleluia is found only four times in the N.T., and they are all in Rev 19:1, 3, 4, 6.
Verses 1-7 form an antiphonal choral arrangement compossed of two anthems and two responses:
(1) v 1-3 a great voice from heaven leads with the theme of the song ascribing honour and justice to God for having punished Babylon.
(2) v 4 the beasts and the elders respond in affirmation.
(3) v 5 a voice from the throne summons all loyal subjects to join in recognition of the truth of the theme
(4) v 6-7 all loyal subjects unite in acclaiming the rights of God to universal sovereignty.
This paean (song of praise or triumph) stands in contrast to the dirge of death in Rev 18:10-19.
The motif of this antiphonal hymn of praise is similar to the that of Ps 24:7-10, which is likewise composed of two anthems and two responses. This responsive chorus was first used during the triumphal procession marking the return of the ark to Jerusalem (PP 708), and centuries later at Christ’s resurrection (EW 187) and ascension (DA 833; EW 190-191).
As the great controversy was fought over the character of God and His law this anthem's similarity to the return of the ark of God bearing His law and Christ resurrection and assension is highly significant.
“Her smoke rose up forever and ever.” Does not this language imply eternity of suffering? The language is borrowed from Isaiah 34 where a place called Idumea burned and the smoke went up forever. Now Idumea either represents a particular country or the whole earth and in either case the language must be limited. Three times this expression of smoke going up forever is used: Isa 34; Rev 14; Rev 19. In Isaiah 34:10 it clearly refers to a limited duration.
The term “for ever” (Greek “Aion”) does not always mean without end. Elsewhere we read of “the END of the world [Aion].” Matt 13:39. Christ has been exalted above “every name that is named, not only in this world [Aion], but also in the world [Aion] to come.” Eph 1:21. Two everlastings? No. We cannot have one everlasting which ends only to be followed by another everlasting.
Aionios is the adjective form of Aion. In Jude 7 we read that Sodom suffered “eternal [aionios] fire.” The fire has gone out. Perhaps the best English word for aion would be “age.”
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says of Aionios, “The adjective tends to mark duration as long as the nature of the subject allows...”
Babylon is not to exist as a burning ruin on the new earth for all eternity. As the wicked will “consume away,” (Ps 37:20) “be as though they had not been,” (Ob 1:16). “shall not be” (Ps 37:10) be “even as Sodom and Gomorrha.” aion must, in reference to their destruction, mean a limited period.
4-9. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
The church is often called Christʼs bride but here the bride is said to be the Holy city, New Jerusalem. The church is represented as guests invited to the wedding supper. The holy city is spoken of as a woman who has readied herself. She is adorned with the righteousness of saints.
4* And the four and twenty elders [See on Rev 4:4] and the four beasts [See on Rev 4:6-8] fell down [cf. Rev 4:10] and worshipped God that sat on the throne [cf. Rev 4:2] , saying, Amen [meaning “so be it”]; Alleluia.
5* ¶ And a voice came out of the throne [either God speaking or one speaking on His behalf], saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him [reverence in awe. See on Rev 14:7], both small and great.
6* And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice [or “even as the voice”] of many waters, and as the voice [or “even as the voice”] of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia [See on v 3]: for the Lord God omnipotent [all powerful] reigneth [It is at the close of the investigative judgment, but before Christ leaves the Most Holy place, that He receives His kingdom and begins to reign as King of kings.
“Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.”
7* Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready
[THE BRIDE, THE LAMB’S WIFE AND THE MARRIAGE
“The bride, the Lamb's wife,” is “the holy city, new Jerusalem...prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Rev 21:2, 9, 10. The marriage of the Lamb here referred to is his reception of this city and His coronation as King at the close of His ministry as our High Priest. It is to occur just before the seven last plagues are poured out. When Christ receives the city, He receives it as the glory and metropolis of His kingdom; hence with it He receives His kingdom, and the throne of His father David.
By the figure of personification, which attributes life and action to inanimate objects, the city is said to have made herself ready. (cf. Ps 114)].
8* And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints [cf. Isa 54; Gal 4:21-31. The goodly apparel of this city consists of the hosts of the redeemed].
9* And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [happy] [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb [Though Christ is already the Husband of the church (Eph.5:23; 2Cor 11:2), as guests called to the marriage supper the church cannot be the “bride” described in v7. The church are called as guests to this wedding and all are to attend by faith.
The investigative judgment preceeds the wedding to see if all those called are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Those who are found wanting are excluded See on Matt 22:2-13. cf Luke14:16- 24]. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God [At the marriage supper we shall eat bread in the kingdom of God, when we are recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke14:12-15. It is the time when we shall drink of the fruit of the vine new with our Redeemer in His heavenly kingdom. Matt 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18. It is the time when we shall sit at His table in the kingdom (Luke 22:30), and He will gird himself, and come forth and serve us. Luke12:37. Blessed indeed are they who have the privilege of partaking of this glorious feast].
10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Created beings are not to be worshipped. Comparing Rev 19:10 and 22:9 shows that those with the spirit of prophecy are the prophets. “It is the voice of Christ that speaks to us through the Old Testament. ʻThe testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.ʼ” E.G. White, Patriarchs & Prophets, p 366. Jesus gave the messages to the seven Churches. e.g. “These things SAITH THE SON OF GOD...” (Rev 2:18) and each message ends, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT SAITH unto the churches.
10* And I fell at his feet [a typical Oriental gesture of worship] to worship him [This is the first time John responded thus to the angel. It was probably a result of the profound joy and emotion at the thought of Christ finally triumphing and experiencing the joy of the marriage supper]. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not [“Worship” Gr. proskuneo. In Matt 4:9 Satan tempted Christ to sin saying “...All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship [Gr. proskuneo] me.” Jesus replied “...Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship [Gr. proskuneo] the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matt 4:10. Only God is to be worshipped. Like the angel, Peter refused worship [Gr. proskuneo]. See Acts 10:25-26. Notice that Christ may be worshipped [Gr. proskuneo].” See Heb 1:6]: I am thy fellowservant and of thy brethren [Some understand that this angel was a departed saint. However the dead sleep in the grave and there is no direct evidence that a translated human being ever acted in the role of an angel. As a fellow servant and not John’s Lord, the angel was not a proper object for John to worship. cf. Rev 1:1] that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy [See Rev 12:17].
11- 14. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The beginning of the Christian Era is represented by a rider on a white horse (See the first seal Rev 6:2). It ends with Christ returning on a white horse. This is evidently symbolic Conquerors rode on white horses. In Scripture horses always symbolize war. Christ and the armies of heaven ride to the battle of Armageddon. There Christ will defeat the kings of the earth who oppose Him and threaten to destroy His church.
11* ¶ And I saw heaven opened [a new scene is introduced], and behold a white horse [In Scripture horses are always associated with war with perhaps one exception. There are two white horses in Revelation, one at the beginning of the Christian era (the first seal Rev 6:2) and the other here, at its end (Rev 19:11) which corresponds with the last seal, “ silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” Rev 8:1. The silence is because ALL the angels accompany Christ when He returns (Matt 25:31). They are represented as those who followed Him “on white horses.” (Rev 19:14)]; and he that sat upon him [Christ] [was] called Faithful and True [cf. Heb 3:1-2 Christ introduced Himself to the Laodicean church as “...the faithful and true witness” Rev 3:14 ], and in righteousness he doth judge [Laodicea means a people judged] and make war.
12* His eyes [were] as a flame of fire [cf. Rev 1:14; 2:18], and on his head [were] many crowns [Christ is the “King of kings.” “Crown” is from the Greek diadema, which is never applied to the reward of the saints. A diadema is always a crown of royalty. In addition to the daidema He also wears the crown of victory, Gr. stephanos, because He like the saints overcame Satan]; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself [in scripture a name is usually associated with character. e.g. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he had prevailed with God. (Gen 32:28). At Christ’s first advent the world beheld His mercy, when He returns all will behold a side of Christ which no man had previously experienced; His absolute justice.
Rev 2:17.“To him that overcometh will I give...a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].”
Isa 62:2 “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.”
Isa 65:15 “And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name.”].
13* And he [was] clothed with a vesture [garment] dipped in blood [The blood stains are not those of Christ but those of His enemies. Isa 63:1-4 speaking of God’s enemies says, “Their blood shall be sprinkled on my garments and I will stain all my raiment.”]: and his name is called The Word of God [Christ, John 1:1-14].
14* And the armies [“And ‘the armies which were in heaven" (Rev 19:11, 14) follow Him. With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way.” GC 641. These armies may have a double application to the saints wearing “the whole armour of God” (Eph 6:11-13) AND the angels] [which were] in heaven followed him [“Which were” has been added and is not in the original. Perhaps “written in heaven” would be better. Luke 10:20 “...rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” When adopted into God’s family we are registered on the heavenly church role withthe angelic host above.
The church is the family of God and includes all things in heaven and in earth:
Eph 1:22-23 “And hath put all [things] under his [Christ’s] feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
“The church of God below is one with the church of God above. Believers on the earth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen constitute one church.” 6T 366
The church on earth follow Christ spiritually, and the rest of the church in heaven, the angelic host (See Matt 24:31; 25:31), will literally follow Christ as they ride to save their brethren (cf. Rev 12:10; 19:10). Praise God, what a wonderful picture of unity in Christ!
Rev 14:4 “These [the 144,000] are they which...FOLLOW the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. And in their mouth was found NO GUILE: for they are without fault before the throne of God..”
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should FOLLOW his steps: Who did no sin, neither was GUILE found in his mouth:” 1Pet 2:21-22.
Like Christ they will follow Him in His fidelity to God’s law even unto death (Rev 13:15) though Christ will not suffer them all to be executed. The last generation of saints, like those who preceeded them, will love not their lives unto the death. (Rev 12:11)] upon white horses [a white horse is the symbol of a conqueror. Rom 8:37 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Such conquering is more applicable to the saints than the angelic host], clothed in fine linen, white and clean [“...fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” Rev 19:8. cf. Isa 13:1-3.
Rev 3:18 “ I counsel thee [the members of the last church - Laodicea] to buy of me... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed...”
The beast and the kings of the earth unite in purpose to make war against Christ and His army (v19).
Rev 12:17 “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make WAR with the REMNANT OF HER SEED which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” This indicates that the army spoken of is the saints].
15* And out of his [Christ’s] mouth goeth a sharp sword [His word, the sword of the Spirit “the spirit of His mouth.” 2Thess 2:8. “sharper than any twoedged sword.” Heb 4:12. The Word God can create and destroy], that with it he should smite [literally “smite once for all.” Christ will “dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Ps 2:9] the nations: and he shall rule [“rule” is from the Greek poimaino, literally, “to shepherd.” The expression, “shall rule them” may be better translated, “that is, shall rule them.” because the smiting and the ruling are the same thing] them with a rod of iron [The ancient shepherds rod had a double function. The crook helped guide the sheep and rescue lambs, while a heavy metal cap or ring on the other end made it a weapon that was used to repel or kill wild animals that threatened the flock. At the time of Christ’s return on the white horse His ruling or smiting the nations with the rod of iron results in their extermination not their government during the millennium as some claim.
Ps 2:8-9 “Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
“But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” Isa 11:4]: and he treadeth the winepress [treads down the wicked. cf. Isa 63; Rev 14:18-20] of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God [Christ’s return will bring death to the wicked. God’s wrath is filled uup in the 7 last plagues which conclude with Christ’s return. See Rev 15:1].
Literally “smite [once and for all].” Rule, Gr. poimaino, literally “to shepherd.” The expression “and shall rule them,” may better be translated, “THAT IS shall rule them,” because the smiting and the ruling are the same thing. Rod of iron = The shepherds rod had two functions. The crook could guide and save the sheep, the other end was metal and was used to smite and kill wild beasts which threatened his flock. The verse describes the time for the Good Shepherd to use the rod of iron against the nations which threatened his flock. His ruling or smiting the nations with the rod of iron results in ther EXTERMINATION, NOT their government during the millennium. “And he shall RULE them with a ROD OF IRON; as the vessels of a potter shall they be BROKEN to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” Rev 2:27 Ps 2:9 “Thou shalt BREAK them with a ROD OF IRON; thou shalt DASH them in pieces like a potterʼs vessel.” cf. Rev 12:5. Winepress = The same figure of the de- struction of the enemies of Godʼs people is here expressed. Fierceness of His wrath = Rather “which is the fury of His anger.” Almighty. See on 1:8.
Vesture = Clothing. In verse 13 figurativelly dipped in the blood, of His slaughtered enemies. Compare Isa 63:1-6 describing the glorious victory of Christ over His enemies. Note that 'name' may mean 'title'. Jesus is the Lord of all things, King of kings and Lord of lords.
16* And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, [Why the thight? At times the hand was placed under the thigh of the person to whom a solemn oath was made (See Gen 24:2). This was equivalent to a promising loyalty to the wishes of the one to whom the oath was made and also, in the case of his death, to his posterity. The Hebrew word yarek, “thigh” is also translated “loins” as in Gen 46:2; Exo 1:5; Num 5:21-27 where it refers to the reproductive organs. The thigh is therefore associated with ones posterity. Christ’s children are the redeemed whom He has made kings] KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS [Universal supremacy. Christ “hath made us kings and priests” (Rev 1:6). He is the saints King].
17 & 18. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
17* And I saw an angel standing in the sun [An angel in the position of that which is seen by all the world, like the sun, witnessed world-wide. Descriptive of the brightness of Divine presence (cf. 2Thess 2:8-9; Rev 6:15-17). This angel is standing in the dazzling brightness of Christ, as in ancient combat an armour bearer would stand near his lord]; and he cried with a loud voice [so all will hear], saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God [the gruesome alternative to being at the marriage supper of the Lamb (v 9) is to be eaten by the fowls at the “super of the great God.” Those who do not voluntarily attend the one will be certainly find themselves at the other. The language is typical of the ancient oriental phraseology (cf. 1Sam 17:44-46)];
18* That ye may eat the flesh [literally “flesh pieces.” cf. Rev 17:6] of kings, and the flesh of captains [leaders in command of military forces assembled to carry out Satan’s aims], and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond [slaves], both small and great [This is a picture of total annihilation. At Christ’s return ALL the wicked will persish and become carrion for the birds to eat.
“all men both free and bond small and great” are those who received the mark of the beast
Rev 13:16 “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:”].
As there is a marriage supper of the Lamb so there is a supper for the wicked. At the supper of the great God the fowls are the guests and the wicked will be the supper. In the final events the wicked will turn on each other.
19-21. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
19* And I saw the beast [Papal Rome], and the kings of the earth [the image of the beast. All the nations of the earth which will use their civil power to enforce the religious observances of the corrupt church], and their armies, gathered together [united in purpose] to make war against him that sat on the horse [Christ], and against his army [His people. Rev 12:17 “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”].
20* And the beast [Papal Rome] was taken [captured], and with him the false prophet [apostate protestantism, See on Rev 13:11-17; 16:14. A prophet speaks on behalf of another. The false prophet speaks on behalf of the first beast of Rev 13 in connection with the healing of its deadly wound] that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast
[THE FALSE PROPHET
The False Prophet parallels the two horned beast of Rev 13 which performed deceptive miracles. cf. Rev 13:13-14.
Two horned beast | False prophet |
Works deceptive miracles. Rev.13:14. | Works deceptive miracles Rev 19:20. |
Miracles deceive nations into worshipping beast | Miracles deceives nations into receiving beast’s mark. |
Rev 13 describes his origin | Rev 19 describes his end Rev19:20; |
20:10. Contemporary with the first beast | Contemporary with the first beast |
Satan has used Paganism and Papalism as instruments of oppression and deception and he will yet make use of Apostate Protestantism for the same purpose.
Apostate Protestantism will claim to be speaking for God when in reality it will be the voice of the dragon (Rev 13:11). See on Rev 16:13; Rev 19:20; Rev 20:10
Apostate Protestantism already teaches the false prophecy of a thousand years of peace and prosperity before the day of wrath. True prophets teaches otherwise: 2 Tim 3; Dan7; Matt13; 2 Thess 2.
Apostate Protestantism teaches the false prophecy that one may knowingly continue to sin and still be saved. True prophets teaches otherwise: Rom 3:23.
Apostate Protestantism teaches the false prophecy that the wicked will be tortured for all eternity. True prophets teach otherwise. See Study on Death & Hell], and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive [the beast and false prophet both exist at the time of Christ’s coming] into a lake of fire [or “the lake which is fire.” See Rev 20:10] burning with brimstone [Rev 19 describes events BEFORE the 1000 years described in Rev 20. The term, “these both were cast alive in to the lake of fire,” may thus be considered parenthetical (an added thought out of context) describing the ultimate destruction at the END of the one thousand years. cf. Rev 20:5-13-14. cf. Dan 7:11.
THE LAKE/S OF FIRE
Alternativelly this phrase turns the reader’s attention to the exact same phrase in Rev 20:10 suggesting that these phrases refer to the same event, namely the destruction of the wicked at the end of the thousand years. However as Rev 19 is discussing events in connection with the Second Coming understanding this phrase to refer to events at the end of the millennium lifts it out of the contextual sequence. It is always bettter, if possible, to find an explanation that allows any statement to maintain its historical sequence. As regards Rev 19:20 this is possible on the premise that there are fiery judgments at either end of the millennium. This is reasonable and presents no inconsistency or contradiction. James White wrote, “So, if you please, there are two lakes of fire, one at each end of the one thousand years.” RH, Jan. 21, 1862].
21* And the remnant [The remaining wicked which had not been killed by the plagues] were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse [Christ rides the horse (v 11). There will only be two classes when Christ returns: “all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [the beast] whose names are not written in the book of life.” (Rev 13:8). It is evident therefore that all will be slain at Christ’s return except those who withstood the beast, i.e. those written in the book of life], which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth [“the spirit of His mouth,” & “the breath of His lips,” Isa 11:4; 2 Thess 2:8. Christ’s word]: and all the fowls [birds] were filled with their flesh [Rev 19:18].
The Beast is the Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 - Papal Rome. The False prophet which wrought miracles is the second beast of Revelation 13:11-17 - Protestantism of the USA. The Remnant is the wicked who are alive at the second coming of Christ.
The War.
The war is the battle of Armageddon. The wicked oppose Christ by threatening to destroy His people. The beast & the image powers exist when Jesus returns and He will destroy them by the Word of God. The wicked remnant are also slain by Christʼs return.
Two unions Babylon fornicates with the world Rev 17, 18.
The city of New Jerusalem marries Christ. Revelation 19 is the climax of the great controversy.
As the wicked rise to slay Christʼs church He returns to deliver her and take her home as promised in John 14:1-4
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
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