This week's Bible Study - July 20, 2008

What's Up with Christ Coming Down?

Background Scripture: Revelation 19

Quote of the Week:
"I shall return"
-- Douglas MacArthur

When people start talking about the end of the world, many people start rolling their eyes. I can recall seeing many signs along the sides of roads saying that Christ is returning soon. The signs have been there for many, many years and show signs of age. Many people have predicted the end of the world, and so far, they've all been wrong. When people start throwing dates out there, their credibility will be lessened. I recall teaching youth in the late 80s and two young men had decided to forego college, because they read a book and the world was going to end shortly after they were out of school. I also remember hearing of groups of people who sold all they had to go stand on a mountain, waiting for the end of the world. It would make a fascinating 'Where are they now' show, wouldn't it?

In the light of what some may see as failed predictions, people begin to start turning to really weird places for truth and guidance. Some will examine history, knowing that history tends to repeat itself. Some will align themselves with culture. I know of folks who have become enamored with what a tribe may do and how they worship the gods of animals and trees - thinking that they have found truth. Some look to philosophy, astrology or some form of spiritualism as their source of truth. There are many invalid sources. The only true source is the Bible, and I've found some smaller towns that do not even sell Bibles - but they sell plenty of the other.

Admittedly, much of Revelation is hard to understand, but just because it can be hard to understand does not make it any less true. Most people don't understand how electricity works or how the internet works - yet they use their computers daily (which use electricity and the internet). It is clear in scripture that there will be persecution in the end times; that Satan will reign through the antichrist and that Christ will return. There are differences of opinion on the order of events, but I suppose we'll all begin to understand as they happen. And, one day, some people are going to have a change of heart about the validity of the book of Revelation.

( Revelation 19:5-9 )

John, the writer of Revelation, shares the dreams and visions that the Lord gave him. He wrote of the scene in heaven as one of great joy, with a great multitude worshipping and praising God. They sang of his salvation and glory and power. For generations upon generations, they had seen the wicked prosper in many ways and now they were beginning to see the judgment that was coming upon them, and the avenging of the blood of martyrs. There was great rejoicing among the elders and the living creatures, as they fell down and worshipped God, who was seated on the throne. The heavenly mood was certainly one of anticipation. They had seen judgments that had come, and they knew the end was near.

What will be the scene when God's judgment starts to come on earth against those who have stood defiantly against him and his people? Will believers worship God or will they become bloodthirsty? When we've been wronged, it is natural to want some sort of revenge, but this is not the example set by Christ. The mood of believers on the earth who would be awaiting the return of Christ will also be one of anticipation. As more things begin to happen, the excitement level will increase among the believers. Are you seeing the signs that have been coming, even now? Are you excited or are you fearful?

A voice came from the throne, telling all who serve and fear God, from the great to the small, to praise him. There is no adequate analogy that can really hit this, but on a very small scale, you can sometimes see this on earth - even if not directed towards God. Living in St Louis, professional sports teams have had world championships in football and baseball over the past several years. After each championship, there have been large parades downtown. When the Cardinals won the World Series a couple of years ago, the streets of St Louis were decked out with thousands upon thousands of fans in red. There were young and old, rich and poor, black and white and all other types of races. There were people of all different walks of life - people who otherwise had very little in common, but for that day, they were Cardinal fans. Granted, this in no way reflects what it will be like to praise God with all of creation, but you can begin to see how different people can come together.

A large sound, resembling the roar of rushing waters and loud peals of thunder, was heard. All creatures in heaven were told of the impending wedding of the Lamb. The bride had been made ready - in fine linen, bright and clean. John was instructed to write of the wedding supper of the Lord. The Lamb is Jesus Christ and the bride is the church of Christ. The bride is not a building, nor a denomination. The bride is not a group of people who meet on Sundays. The bride represents believers, those who truly worship Christ. They are said to be wearing fine linen, bright and clean.

As you may have encountered weddings (your own or others), you likely have seen many problems that are encountered all the way up to the wedding. Some of them fade, but some of them make brides and grooms to be nervous wrecks. A lot of planning must take place - the wedding doesn't just happen, even in the simplest of weddings. Similarly, we as believers have to take steps to prepare. Becoming a Christian is more than just assenting to facts - sometimes we are so hopeful that a loved one or friend will just 'say the words'. It's more than just the words. It's an acceptance of belief and a change of direction in life. We grow in our faith and become more and more like Christ, although we never really attain our own righteousness on our own.

Have you looked at the church recently? Would you say we are wearing fine linen, bright and clean? I see many problems that have been in my life, as well as in the lives of other believers. We are not what you would call squeaky clean - none of us. Can God really look at his people and see righteousness? Some people think of themselves as being righteous, but truly, we can't approach the holiness of God, even on our best day. Jesus indicating that our motives in what we do are as important as what we actually do. This being true - Who isn't guilty? Our righteousness is not the righteousness of our acts, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We should praise God that he prepared a way for us, because without that, we are doomed.

( Revelation 19:11-16 )

John saw heaven standing open, with access that he had not seen before. Before him, there was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. This rider is Christ. This isn't the first instance of a white horse in Revelation. In chapter 6, verses 1 and 2, there was a white horse that seemed to represent military might, as a conqueror, but as one who was controlled.

There are many things that describe Christ in this passage. He judges with justice and makes war. You can rely on Christ - he never misspeaks or is wrong and is completely truthful and just. His eyes are like blazing fire - he can see truth wherever he looks - he can perceive the true nature of a person. On his head are many crowns, indicating his royalty. He had a name written on him that nobody knew, but himself. There is still a mystery that surrounds Christ. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood - this is the Savior of the world, who spilled his blood for God's people. Following him were the armies of heaven, riding white horses and dressed in spotless linen. He comes in power and authority - with his words as a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He comes with the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. His name is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Christ is the true King of Kings. Many leaders throughout history have tried to gain that title. Many of them you have never heard of, although they may have been wildly successful during their time. Where are they now?

On the other hand, there was the antichrist, also known as the beast. He relied on military force and compliance to create a following. He controlled others, by authority and commanding obedience. This is similar to the impact of sin in our lives. Perhaps it didn't seem to start out so bad, but eventually it controls a person - their thoughts and their actions. Christ relies on truth. He doesn't control - He conquers and defeats the enemy. We do not have to be slaves to our sin, although this is what many people choose to do. We can turn to Christ and he can conquer the thing that always besets us. Surely you've learned that the Christian life is impossible on your own. We may have temporary successes, but it becomes very exhausting. When we try and 'will' things to happen - to get rid of sin in our lives, we find ourselves struggling and losing more than we win. This likely explains those sins in our lives that continue to haunt us. At times, we truly want so much to be obedient, but Christ wants to give us true life. What have you tried to do to change areas of your life? Some have tried to change their environment - but the problem is wherever you go, you go (and you take your problems with you). Some have tried to dig up their past to explain why they do what they do. This may explain something, but it solves nothing. Some have tried to discover themselves. Some have become legalistic and monastic. Some have tried to become more intellectual. On our own accord, we can't shake sin. Sin can be conquered through Christ, but we will never achieve perfection. Our human nature sticks with us throughout our lives. But, Christ is truly capable of conquering sin and allowing us to move forward.

( Revelation 19:19-21 )

As John looked before him, he saw the beast (the antichrist) and the kings of the earth and many armies gathered to make war against the rider on the white horse and his army. The armies of the earth likely had the best weaponry known to mankind and assumed that they could withstand any attack. Similarly, today, we put a lot of trust in the weapons that we may have as a nation. There have been major advances in technology that makes us feel invincible, but nothing can provide complete protection. Our protection truly comes from God, not the weapons of warfare. There are many causes that will bring people together. Sometimes, it is a common interest or a tragedy. The beast would pull people together based on a hatred of good, despising God. He would display many amazing signs, which still impress many people. People are easy targets. We've seen today that loyalty can become blind. We've seen people that will put up with just about anything, in the hopes of a large return on an investment. Similarly, people will look past some issues and fall for the beast.

The beast was captured, along with the false prophet. These had deluded many millions of people who had taken the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. There was utter destruction, as the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, while the rest were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse. Although it seemed that the beast would conquer all, to the surprise of many, he was no match for the Son of God.

As we go through life, we become accustomed to seeing people get away with a lot - and not get what they deserve. In fact, they may even seem to thrive. At times, they may receive temporary setbacks, but generally there seems to be a lot of up and down. However, in the battle between Christ and the beast, there is a total victory and the beast is utterly defeated.

Closing

I believe if we're all honest, we sometimes wonder about whether or not Christ will return. I know in my own life, I really felt strongly that it might happen in the past few years, yet the world continues to move forward. Whether or not Christ will return should not be the real question for believers. We need to realize that he will return and we should know what he will do when he returns. Christ will claim His children when he returns, but you really don't have to wait for that to happen. Eternal life can start right now.

Don't wait until that final day to turn, thinking you are 'getting away with it'. You never know when that final day will be. There are people that die seemingly premature deaths in all sorts of accidents, through illness and in other sudden manners. You can't bank on having clarity of mind to make a choice in your final hours of life. Christ can conquer sin in your life and make you a new creation - and he can do that today, even now. We would all do well to admit our failures and turn our problems over to God, asking to be made into a new creation.

If you've made it here, you surely know what it means to be saved. But, assuming that at least one person does not truly understand, here are the basic points. It's not just saying the words, but it is truly understanding and believing - and allowing Christ to change your life.

The wages of sin is death. There is a payment that is required for sin. Sin separates you from God and the payment is death and eternal separation from him. Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Even though we deserve death for our sins, God provided his Son, Jesus Christ as a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was a real person who lived on this earth without sin, yet was crucified for the sins of the world. This is a free gift, which you can't earn, but you must receive. Ask God to forgive you and save you.
It doesn't stop there. You can't just believe the facts. You must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead.
There is certainly more to living the life that just understanding and accepting. However, this is the first step to faith in Christ. I would encourage you to share your faith with others and help them to be ready for that glorious day when Christ returns.

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