The Revelation of Jesus Christ | Christ Returns in Victory – Revelation 19:11-21
by Daniel Burton
Read Revelation 19:11-21
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Christ’s return defeats evil in the fullness of His strength and by the power in His word.
Since early on in Revelation, Jesus Christ’s role has been largely limited to actively participating in the activities of the throne room of Heaven. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the Sacrificial Lamb that took the punishment of our sins as a propitiation of the consequences. On the day of His ascension He promised he would return to finalize the defeat of evil. During the previous section, the wedding guest sit at the table waiting for the groom to arrive. Finally, in Revelation 19, the groom, Jesus Christ, arrives to inaugurate the party and celebrate His marriage to His bride, the church. This moment represents the consummation of the defeat of evil as Jesus Christ returns His people to Himself and acts in the fullness of justice. Christ’s return deafest evil in the fullness of His strength by the power in His word.
The Rider on The White Horse
As John describes the coming of the rider on the white horse, the imagery paints a picture of not only the Savior, but the one who reigns supreme above all. The rider on the horse is called Faithful and True. Furthermore, the power and might of Jesus is displayed through the depiction of His eyes like flames of fire and the diadems encrusting the crown on His head. Beyond power His gaze pierces the soul of a person and His words cut nations to their core. Furthermore, the robe He wears is soaked in blood. Throughout human history, there are two judgments in which blood is spilt; first the judgment poured out on Jesus Christ on the cross and second, the judgment that Jesus brings on humanity. At the core of each, Christ stands as the centerpiece as the one who gives grace by His blood and sheds blood by His justice. He stands in might and strength as the rightful heir of creation and ruler on the throne of Heaven.
Despite the descriptions of Jesus Christ, there is a name that no one can know or understand but Him. Likely, this is not that Jesus is concealing His identity but rather a testament to the vast and eternal nature of Jesus Christ. God has no end and our minds will never truly comprehend the fullness of an eternal God. Yet, for those who put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ, they will have an eternity to grow closer to God. We will find ecstasy in the perfection and celebration that comes from our connection with a loving and grace-filled Lord. The judgment Jesus brings only sets up an eternity without the imperfections and decay of sin so that His bride might enjoy the fullness of God’s glory, forever.
The Armies of Evil
As Christ appears, the coming judgments is remarkably swift. Where the dragon had previously summoned the beast and the false prophet, Christ stood in judgment over the world. The judgment for those remaining intensified throughout. The armies, who were gathered by the beast and the prophet were struck down the words from the mouth of Jesus Christ. In the same way that creation came from the voice of God ringing throughout all creation, also the undoing of the enemies of God comes in largely the same fashion. The word of God represents a power to both bring life or death, judgment or grace, condemnation or salvation. Christ alone is our saving grace by His sovereignty to speak life into the death and decay that plagued us through our sin.
The armies, though, were merely deceived by the beast and the false prophet. These two are, by their nature, qualitatively different than the people of the world (although no less guilty). The beast and false prophet actively sought to deceive mankind into abandoning the King of Kings and waging war against Him. Now, where the people were killed by the sword from the mouth of Christ, the beast and the false prophet are taken captive and thrown into the pit of burning sulfur. Their punishment fits the crimes of those who actively and intently masqueraded as gods to deceive people from worshipping the One, True God. Thus, with the defeat of evil, the birds enjoy a feast of the dead, speaking to the magnitude of Christ’s judgment cast on those who rebel against God.
The focus of scripture has never been evil or even the defeat of evil. The final battle is largely anti-climactic in Revelation 19. Scripture merely states that evil is defeated as if any other outcome is not even possible. The whole of scripture, specifically Revelation, rests on the idea that Jesus Christ is victorious over all creation and reigns as the King of Kings. While the armies of evil thought they had mustered a formidable force, ultimately the power of evil showed itself to be rather powerless. While Christ could have very well employed the might of all the angels, archangels, and spiritual forces, they were not needed. Their presence merely presented the glory of God who reigns over the armies of evil.
Discussions Questions
What is the focus of Revelation 19:11-21? What is the main idea of this passage and how can you tell?
Describe the qualities do you see of Jesus Christ in this passage? How does this reveal the person of Jesus Christ? What does this tell us about His nature?
Which person is missing from the judgment throughout this chapter? Why do you supposed this is? What significance is this?
How does the anti-climactic nature of the defeat of evil demonstrate the true nature and power of God?
Christ reigns victorious over all creation whether we give Him permission to or not. What does it mean to make Jesus Christ the Lord of Lords and King of Kings of your life personally?
