“…I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “HALLELUJAH! FOR THE LORD OUR GOD THE ALMIGHTY REIGNS. Let us rejoice and exult and GIVE HIM THE GLORY, FOR THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB HAS COME, and His Bride has MADE HERSELF READY; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is THE RIGHTEOUS DEEDS OF THE SAINTS. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are INVITED to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And He said to me, “These are the TRUE WORDS OF GOD.” (Revelation 19:6-9)
To this point in Revelation, earth has been subjected to a series of judgments by God. These were first described as seal judgments (Revelation 5—8), then through the trumpet judgments (Revelation 8—11), and finally the bowl judgments (Revelation 12—16). The last two chapters gave a poetic description of the FALL OF “BABYLON,” both as a corrupt religious system and as the political empire of the Antichrist (Revelation 17—18). Here, John witnesses prayers from heaven “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste. REJOICE OVER HER, O HEAVEN, AND YOU SAINTS AND APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, for God has given judgment for you against her!” (Revelation 18:16-20) which precede a great celebration, followed by the TRIUMPHANT RETURN of Jesus Christ to earth.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham