Heaven Opens: The Glorious Return of Jesus Christ
A Detailed Biblical Article on Revelation 19 By: Junior Tate Revelation chapter 19 is one of the most powerful and glorious chapters in the entire Bible. It shows the moment when heaven opens and Jesus Christ returns to the earth in power, glory, righteousness, and judgment. This is not Christ coming in humility as He did at Bethlehem. This is not Christ standing silent before His accusers. This is not Christ being mocked, beaten, and crucified by sinful men. Revelation 19 reveals Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. The first coming of Christ was marked by humility. He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. He came to die for sinners, shed His blood, and provide salvation for all who believe. But His second coming will be marked by majesty, authority, and divine judgment. He will return as the conquering King. Revelation 19 takes place near the close of the Tribulation period. The world has followed the beast, embraced rebellion, rejected God, worshipped the image of the beast, and gathered itself against the Lord. The Antichrist has deceived the nations. The false prophet has promoted false worship. Babylon has fallen. Heaven now rejoices because God’s righteous judgment has come. This chapter reveals several major truths. Heaven worships God for His righteous judgment. The marriage of the Lamb is announced. The true Bride is seen clothed in fine linen. John is reminded to worship God alone. Then heaven opens, and Jesus Christ rides forth on a white horse to judge and make war in righteousness. This is not symbolic of human government. This is not the church gradually improving the world. This is the literal, visible, glorious return of Jesus Christ as described in Scripture. Heaven Rejoices Over the Righteous Judgment of God Revelation 19:1-2 (KJV) “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.” The chapter begins with worship in heaven. The phrase “after these things” connects Revelation 19 with the events that came before it. Revelation 17 and 18 described the judgment of Babylon, both religious and commercial. Babylon represented spiritual corruption, false worship, rebellion against God, and the world system that opposed Christ. Heaven does not mourn the fall of Babylon. Heaven rejoices because God’s judgment is true and righteous. This is important because the world often questions the judgment of God. Men may accuse God of being too severe, but heaven declares that His judgments are true and righteous. The word “Alleluia” means praise ye the Lord. Heaven praises God because salvation, glory, honour, and power belong to Him. The world had glorified itself, but now heaven gives glory to God. The kingdoms of men rise and fall, but the kingdom of Christ is eternal. God judged Babylon because she corrupted the earth. False religion and worldly rebellion had led multitudes away from the truth. The blood of God’s servants had been shed, and now God avenges them. This shows that God does not forget the suffering of His people. The martyrs who cried out earlier in Revelation are now answered by divine justice. Revelation 6:9-10 (KJV) “9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Revelation 19 shows that God’s answer comes in His time. He may delay judgment, but He never forgets righteousness. The Lord sees every act of persecution, every drop of innocent blood, and every injustice done against His people. The Smoke of Babylon’s Judgment Rises Forever Revelation 19:3 (KJV) “3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.” Heaven says “Alleluia” again. The judgment of Babylon is final. Her smoke rises up forever and ever. This language shows complete and irreversible judgment. The world system that exalted itself against God will not rise again. In the Old Testament, the destruction of wicked cities was often described with smoke rising as a testimony of judgment. When God judged Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham saw the smoke of the land going up. Genesis 19:28 (KJV) “28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.” Just as Sodom became an example of divine judgment, Babylon’s fall becomes a final witness that God will overthrow wickedness. The world may boast for a season, but sin never has the final word. God does. The Elders and the Living Creatures Worship God Revelation 19:4 (KJV) “4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.” The twenty-four elders and the four beasts fall down and worship God. Throughout Revelation, these heavenly beings are seen around the throne, giving worship to God. Their response is simple but powerful: “Amen; Alleluia.” “Amen” means truly, so be it, or let it be established. Heaven agrees with God’s judgment. Heaven does not argue with God. Heaven does not question His justice. Heaven worships. This is a reminder that true worship agrees with God. True worship does not try to correct God, soften His Word, or explain away His judgment. True worship bows before His holiness and says, “Amen.” All God’s Servants Are Called to Praise Him Revelation 19:5 (KJV) “5 And a voice came out of the throne, … Read more
