The Book of Revelation - Part 9 by Ps Michael Podhaczky

Here we will continue to follow on with one of the numerous themes, intertwined throughout Revelation. Let me ask you, “So, if someone was quite fearful concerning chapters 19-20, and were to ask you what you know about them, what would you tell them?” There are an overabundance of theories out there that deal with these chapters. However, I will suggest only one a here that we can ponder. I am not asking you to agree with it, but simply see it as an alternative.

A theme of this section deals with the contrasting subjects of the celebration of the fall and judgment of Babylon the prostitute (in Rev 17-18), and the marriage of the Lamb of God. following on after two dismal chapters, the whole message of the coming marriage is a timely occasion here. The reason being, the bride of Christ, has made herself ready to be married. John recorded what he saw and heard here. That is, a voice coming from the throne say amongst other things,

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7 NASB; see also Rev 21:9 where John saw the bride now as the wife).

John recorded the contrast between the prostitute (Babylon) and His bride (His people). The things that he tells us he saw and heard are interesting,

Concerning the prostitute:

·         She was wearing riches and jewels gained through her trade: Rev 17:4.

·         A prostitute with a name on her forehead, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Rev 17:5 NASB).

·         She was drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus: Rev 17:6.

·         She rode on the back of a seven-headed beast with 10 horns that came from the bottomless pit: Rev 17:7-8.

·         In the end, she will be hated by her followers and they will make her desolate and naked and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire: Rev 17:16.

Whereas concerning the bride of the Lamb:

·         She will be made ready and remain ready: Rev 19:7.

·        She will be clothed in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints: Rev 19:8.

·         The wedding of the bride to the Lamb of God will carry a blessing: Rev 19:9.

This is an interesting comparison and overview of things from God’s perspective.

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…