The last study of Revelation left off in chapter 19. This is part 2 of the last chapters of Revelation. If you have ever wanted to study Revelation but are scared (like me) I encourage you to go back and read through the book and follow along with my notes. I breakdown the symbolism into simple terms and shed a light on this last book of the Bible.

Let’s finish up the wild vision that is Revelation and take it chapter-by-chapter. 

Scripture: Read and color-code Rev. 19. Try not to get caught up on all the symbolism and what it means for the end times. Instead, focus instead on color-coding and marking the number of symbols and names.

I am using the study guide “Revelation: A 12-week study” by Stephen Witmer as well as online sources to fully understand Revelation. Bible I use is The Jesus Bible and my Bible Study Journal. I encourage you to look up anything that you don’t understand, as I did. Research is the key to true understanding. I am not a Bible scholar, just a woman who wants to draw closer to God and understand the Word. Lord, forgive me if I misunderstand any of you word. Amen.

Rev. 19 Observation:

• The “great multitude” is also referenced in Rev. 7:9-14.
• “Hallelujah” is translated in some Bible versions as this word, but in New King James Version it is stated as “Alleluia!” which is Hebrew for “Praise the Lord.” This version of “Alleluia” is mentioned nowhere else in the Bible except 4 times in Revelation 19. If your Bible says “Hallelujah” mark it as “Alleluia”. I believe it is important to have the correct translation of the words. There is an important distinction here. Alleluia! embodies the rejoicing of all the blessings of heaven. It means more than Hallelujah.
• In 19:2 the word “immorality” is also translated differently in NKJV. The word is actually “fornication” which is associated throughout the Bible with idolatry and religion that appears attractive and spiritual but is in fact false religion. I am talking to you feel-good-watered-down-scripture pastors!
• Rev. 19:4 we see the appearance of the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures again.
• Rev. 19:6 “the voice of a great multitude” is loud and enthusiastic, as the cheering fans at a football game.
• Rev. 19:7 “for the marriage of the Lamb has come…” This represents the church as the precious bride of Christ.
• 19:8 God’s people are made clean, pure, and bright.
• Rev. 19:9 Circle “Blessed”. This is number 4 of 7 blessings.
• Rev. 19:10 John falls on his knees to worship the angel but is instructed not to do that. Why? Because angels and human beings are both servants of the Lord. We must not worship angels as Christ or God.
• Rev. 19:11 In Biblical times to have a white horse in battle was a symbol of honor and power; the color of a white horse is victory. Diadems symbolize the crown of authority and royalty. “Many crowns” means Jesus is the ultimate royalty and authority. Amen.
• Rev. 19:13 The blood on the robe reminds us of Christ’s blood on the cross. His robe is white because he is pure.
• Rev. 19:14 The statement “armies of heaven” is God’s people. The true believers. We will be part of His army.
• Rev. 19:15 The term “from his mouth comes a sharp sword” is not a literal sword. It represents a sharp tongue and the power to slay with His word.
• There will be a great supper (like the last supper) and the beast, false prophet, and the kings fighting against God will be captured and thrown in the lake of fire. And the rest will be slain.

Scripture: Rev. 20: The Thousand Years. Read and color-code chapter 20.

Observation:

• The angel bounds Satan with chains and throws him in the bottomless pit for ten thousand years. The pit is sealed so that he cannot deceive anyone until the ten thousand years are done. Why will he be released for a short time, you ask? We’ll get to that shortly.
• Rev. 19:4 All the souls who died for Christ and did not worship the beast or did not receive that mark (mark of the beast) came to life and lived happily ever after for ten thousand years…but not exactly.
• Rev. 19:6 Circle number 5 of 7 “Blessed”. Blessed are those who share the first resurrection and live with Christ for ten thousand years. Yes, we will be blessed.
• Rev. 19:7 The one thousand years are up and Satan is released on parole. Why would God do that? I feel it is to prove a point that sin is still in our hearts. Even after one thousand years there are still people, even though it’s heaven on earth, who have greed buried deep in their soul and think they know better than God. Yep, these people seemed to be Christ-centered but their true colors start to show because ultimately we are sinners. When Satan is released those people will show their true hearts and try to follow him instead. This rebellion demonstrates the problem has always been within us, not our environment, which is what we tend to blame it on. We say, “It’s the world we live in,” but really it’s not or there would not be a rebellion during Christ’s 1000-year reign on earth. Satan will be defeated quickly (praise the Lord) and thrown in the lake of fire forever. This will be the second death of those who rallied in the uprising and they too will be thrown in the lake of fire forever.
• In Rev. 20:8, the references to Gog and Magog are used to related to people during John’s day. They are examples of prophetic enemies of Israel (See Ezekiel 38-39).
• The ten thousand years is also known as the Millennium during which Israel will become the super-power. People will submit to Christ (mostly). There will be no war. Animals will be gentle. Imagine snuggling with a lion. King David will be given a high place on Earth. There will be blessings for all nations. It will be a time of purity and devotion to God. We will rebuild the temples. Saints will be given responsibilities on Earth. It will be like Christmas all the time.
• Book of Life in Rev. 20:12 refers to those who did not come to God by faith (and are not in the Book) who will be judged by their works, such as those who have never heard of Jesus Christ. The sea gives up its dead which means unburied bodies, those who have not had burials. Death & Hades will be the last remnants of sin.

Scripture: Revelation 21. A new heaven and new earth. Read and color-code Rev. 21.

Observation:

• Rev. 21:1 The old Earth, heaven, and sea have passed away. There is a new Jerusalem which comes down from heaven from God. The bride (the church) is ready to wed her husband (Christ).
• Rev. 21:3 God will live with us on earth with us; new earth. We will be His people.
• There shall be no tears, pain, or death. Sounds wonderful!
• Rev. 21:5 “I am making all things new.” It’s a brand new day!
• Rev. 21:6 “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”  Notice the statement “It is done!”, like the final words of Jesus on the cross, “It is finished.”
• The New Jerusalem described in Rev. 21:9-27: one of the seven angels invite John to come with him to see the holy city. It is bright and radiant with precious jewels. There are 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes guarded by 12 angels all representing the original 12 tribes, and 12 foundations with the names of the 12 apostles. Twelve is repeated to say it is completely holy and as it should be.
• Rev. 21: 15-21 describes what the temple will look like and provide the measurements. It will be a square holy place 1380 miles. The jewels described are a reference to the gems on a Priest’s robe that we read earlier in Revelation.

Scripture: Read and color-code Rev. 22.

Observation:

• Rev. 22 describes the river of life. A river is an expression of richness, provision, and peace. It’s going to be spectacular with bright crystals flowing from God and Jesus’ throne. It will flow into the streets for all to admire. Alongside the river with be the tree of life with 12 kinds of fruit (representing the original 12 tribes or apostles) and it will bear fruit every month. It will be delicious. The tree of life points to the restoration of all things referenced in Genesis 3:22-24.
• Rev. 22:2 The word “healing” is translated from the Greek word meaning health-giving or therapeutic.
• Everyone will worship God and the Lamb. We will see His face and there is no need for a sun because His light will shine on us. You will see the sun, day and night.
• Rev. 22:7 mark number 6 of 7 “Blessed”, “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Blessed are those who have read it and listen to the warnings. Stay faithful, my friends.
• Rev. 22:8 Again, John falls to his knees to worship the angel that showed him all of this, and the angels told him not to do that. Angels and humans are both servants of the Lord. “Worship God.”
• The angel goes on to tell John not to “seal up the words of the prophecy of this book.” Read them and remember them for those who don’t will be judged and will not be part of His holy plan. In Rev. 22:16 we read the angel was sent by Jesus to speak for him.
• Rev. 22:14 is the seventh “Blessed”. If you missed any, here are all seven: Rev. 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immortal and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

~Rev. 22:14

The final paragraphs urge everyone who hears these words to hed the warnings. Stay true and faithful. Remember the promises of God. Stay wise and alert to false prophets.  He is coming soon.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

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And that concludes this study on Revelation. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a few things. I am open to discussion. Drop your comment below.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me follow you, not the world. Always Christ, only Christ, forever Christ. Give me discernment to stay faithful to you, Lord. Keep my eyes clear to see and my ears open to hear what is true. Help me put on the armor of faith to battle Satan’s deceitful ways. In God’s name, I pray, amen.

I love this line from Christianity.com so much I made a Free Printable Bible Bookmark as a reminder for you. Just click on the image below.