“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see! When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.” John Newton

How do you respond to the promise of the Lord’s return? John’s last chapter can help you take inventory...

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1–5 (ESV)

“In the new Jerusalem will be the tree of life, off-limits to people since Eden but now available for nourishment and healing. The city’s glorious light will proceed not from the sun but from the very person of God himself. Heaven will be a place of energetic commercial and social activity, whose gates will never close.The Millennium will last for 1,000 years, but the new Jerusalem will last “forever and ever.” (Dr, Harold Wilmington, Bible Handbook)

“And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” Revelation 22:6–9 (ESV)

The angel restated the purpose of the visions John had seen. Christ once again declared he was coming soon and pronounced a blessing on those who would keep his Word. And John, for the second time, tried to worship his angel guide but was prohibited from doing so.

“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” Revelation 22:10-12 (ESV)

Are you doing the work He has called you to do? He promises to reward faithful servants.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 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. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:13-17 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Our Lord’s own validation of John’s prophecy. As the Root, Jesus established God’s plan to send the Savior through David’s descendants and created David’s ancestral line beginning with Adam. As the Offspring, He brought that plan to fulfillment. From the beginning to the end He is our Savior. As the Morning Star, He is our full reward. When He comes, darkness flees.”

Are you treasuring His Word and obeying it? This is His message to you, and it must not be altered. There is a special blessing for the obedient.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:18–21 (ESV)

John ended the report of his visions with the warning not to add to or take from what had been revealed and stipulated a severe penalty for doing so. While John intended his warning only for this one book, it unquestionably applies to the entire Bible as well. Finally, one last promise from the Lord: “Yes, I am coming soon!”

Do you really want Jesus to return today? Do you “love His appearing?” If Jesus were to come today, would you be disappointed and your plans be upset?

“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

Are you urging lost sinners to trust Him and be ready for His coming? The Holy Spirit works through the church to bring lost people to the Savior.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV)

Who are you praying for to become a new creature in Christ and ready for the new heaven and earth.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
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Will you invite them to receive Jesus?

​“The hope of heaven under troubles is like the wind and sails to the soul.” Samuel Rutherford

For those who believe in Jesus Christ, the future means “all things new;” but for those who reject Him, it means the same old sins for all eternity.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:1–8 (ESV)

“When God dwells with humanity, He Himself will tenderly remove every sorrow and pain just as He promised. These evils are so much a part of this world that to remove them God must make all things new. He will do this because His promises are true and faithful. (Dr. Tony Evans, Study Bible)

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “John now saw “a new heaven and a new earth” and the new Jerusalem, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. God will now dwell with his people forever and will banish all sinners, all sin, and the terrible results of sin, such as illness and death. The present heavens and earth, incurably tainted by sin, will have been destroyed by now. The new heaven and earth is the place Christ is now preparing for believers.”

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1–4 (ESV)

“Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:9–21 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes in his Word Commentary, “Human history begins with a garden (Gen. 2:8–17) and ends with a city that is like a garden. However, the most important thing about the heavenly city is not the absence of sin but the presence of God in all His glory, for His presence makes “all things new.”

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:21–27 (ESV)

He is the temple and the light; and His presence means there is no more sin, pain, death, sorrow, or crying, and no more curse. Heaven is so wonderful that the only way John can describe it is to tell us what will not be there! Its beauties and blessings are beyond human words to describe or explain.

Why did Jesus give John this preview of eternal glory? To encourage His people who go through testing and persecution.

“And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1–6) is the best medicine for a broken heart and the best foundation for wavering feet.

“No man ought to look for anything in heaven but what one way or another he has some experience in this life.” John Owen

John saw the Judge of the universe seated behind His great white throne in Revelation 20, sentencing all the unsaved to the lake of fire forever. Understand that faith in Christ would have placed their names in the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” and they would have been saved for all eternity. The only other possible avenue of salvation was to be judged “according to what they had done,” but the Bible is clear that no one can be saved on this basis for all our works are like filthy rags... besides, if our works could save us, then why did Jesus have to die?
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For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 (ESV)

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:1–3 (ESV)

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:7–10 (ESV)

Since Satan’s rebellion, God has permitted him to work on this earth, but He has always kept him in control. How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!
​How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 ​You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 ​I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 ​But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Isaiah 14:12–15 (ESV)

We see this in the life of Job. Satan will exchange his throne for a bottomless pit, and his final destiny will be the lake of fire where he will spend eternity with the Beast and the false prophet—and with those who choose to follow Satan instead of Jesus Christ.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 (ESV)

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4–6 (ESV)

The first resurrection takes place before Jesus ushers in His kingdom and involves only those who have trusted Christ (John 5:24–29; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:24–29 (ESV)

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (ESV)

They will reign with Him and have responsibilities commensurate with their faithful service while living on earth.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes, “This judgment involves only the lost and follows the second resurrection, the resurrection to condemnation. Sinners who rejected Christ will face Him (John 5:22) and hear Him say, “Depart from Me!” (Matt. 7:23; 25:41).

Know today that this solemn scene ought to move us to pray for the lost and witness to them and thank the Lord for His grace in saving us!

How does this passage move you? Are you compelled to share the Gospel with those in your circle of influence? Who are 3 people you can pray for, pursue, and persuade to follow the One who sits on the Throne?

Oh, tell me the story!
God’s banner exalted shall be;
The earth shall be filled with His wonder and glory,
As waters that cover the sea. Anonymous

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 ​for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” 6 Then 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. Revelation 19:1–6

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Sinners cry “Alas!” but saints shout “Hallelujah!” at the fall of the godless world system called Babylon. Sin has been judged, God’s servants have been vindicated, God has been glorified, and Christ is about to usher into His kingdom. Even as you anticipate these victories, by faith you can shout “Hallelujah!”

Just as the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures worship the God who created the world and the Lamb who provided redemption and restoration for all who have sinned, so they worship the God who finally destroys the evil of the world. “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; 8 ​it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 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.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:7–10 (ESV)

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.” Revelation 19:17–21 (ESV)

Wiersbe continues, “Two contrasting suppers are named in this chapter: the marriage supper of the Lamb, which brings blessing, and the “supper of the great God,” which brings judgment. The bride makes herself ready at the judgment seat of Christ where her “spots and wrinkles” are taken away and she receives rewards for faithful service. In contrast, the godless armies of earth are defeated by the Lord and become food for the birds.” This is the battle of Armageddon mentioned in Revelation 16:16 which states, “And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25–27 (ESV)

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV)

The conquering Christ comes with His armies and defeats all His enemies! Contrast this with His ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matt. 21:1–11) and the Fathers Promise in Psalm 2 which is much different. It is also quite different than the ride of the Antichrist (6:1–2).

This revelation encourages us to know that our Savior is today King of kings and Lord of lords, and that the future is secure because He is reigning. Do you believe and trust the Savior Jesus Christ with your today and your future?

“In our well-intentioned identification with the world, we do not mold it—it molds us. We are not to be isolated but insulated, moving in the midst of evil but untouched by it.” Vance Havner

During the tribulation period and in the first appearance of Christ’s return; from John’s pen in Revelation 18, we see judgement being poured out. The heavenly city of Jerusalem will be the bride’s home for eternity, but Babylon will be destroyed by God. Flames will engulf the land—everything and everyone. We see the governments destroyed and the world’s economy will be ruined.

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3 ​For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living. 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues, 5 ​for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 ​Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 7 ​As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ 8 ​For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” Revelation 18:1–8

John certainly had Rome in mind when he wrote this chapter, but his imagery means much more. Babylon symbolizes the whole godless world system that caters to the appetites of sinful men and women.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

True believers have nothing in common with the harlot and her city and should be separated from them. In every age, the church has had to identify its Babylon and separate from it.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (ESV)

“And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” 11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 14 “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” 15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
​16 ​“Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 ​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 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” 19 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. 20 ​Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 22 ​and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 23 ​and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 ​And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” Revelation 18:9–24 (ESV)

While the kings and merchants of the world mourn the city that made them rich, the saved in heaven will rejoice that their persecutor has received divine justice. When God judges sinners, earth laments and heaven rejoices.

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1:15

Most people are concerned primarily with satisfying their physical desires; they are not concerned about things spiritual or eternal. They live for the temporary and the immediate, not the eternal.

Are you praising God for your salvation when you read these passages of the intensifying destruction and wrath of God? Today, thank Him for His Glory, redemption, and for eternal life. Thank Him for hope today.

Though Christians must be good citizens and seek to influence government for the Lord, the church must not marry political systems. It is this idolatry that we see with Babylon throughout Revelation 17. The systems will only use the church to promote their own plans and then abandon it much like Pilate did when he washed His hands with Jesus and those wishing to crucify Him. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and the enemy is spiritual. We must use spiritual weapons to fight spiritual enemies.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” 2 Cor. 10:3–6 (ESV)

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” Revelation 17:1–6 (ESV)

John saw a blasphemous prostitute sitting on a seven-headed, 10-horned beast, wearing costly clothes, drunk with the blood of the believers she had killed. She had had “immoral relations” with the “rulers of the world,” which has an intoxicating effect on all people. The beast, who will cause the world to marvel because he “was alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up,” is the Antichrist, whose miraculous recovery will cause the world to marvel. He will proceed from the bottomless pit and eventually go to “eternal destruction”

Dr. Tony Evans has much to say on Revelation 17, “The Holy Spirit transports John into the wilderness (a deserted, lonely, desolate wasteland), perhaps to give him a better understanding of the vision. The woman is the harlot or Babylon. Scarlett or The Antichrist, who for a time will support and use the false religious system to effect world unity. Then he will assume political control. Scarlet is the color of luxury, splendor, and royalty. This pictures the extent of Antichrist’s political alliances. The colors of royalty, nobility, and wealth. The woman is portrayed as a prostitute who has plied her trade successfully and become extremely wealthy. Prostitutes often dress in fine clothes and precious jewels to allure their victims. The religious harlot Babylon is no different, adorning herself to lure the nations into her grasp. Still another evidence of the harlot’s great wealth; but the pure gold is defiled by the filthiness of her immorality. Just as a prostitute might first get her victim drunk, so the harlot system deceives the nations into committing spiritual fornication with her.


Dr. Evans writes, “It was customary for Roman prostitutes to wear a headband with their name on it parading their wretchedness for all to see. The harlot’s forehead is emblazoned with a 3-fold title descriptive of the world’s final false religious system. A NT mystery is truth once hidden, but in the NT revealed. Spiritual Babylon’s true identity is yet to be revealed. Thus, the precise details of how it will be manifested in the world are not yet known. This Babylon is distinct from the historical, geographical city of Babylon (which still existed in John’s day). The details of John’s vision cannot be applied to any historical city. All false religion stems ultimately from Babel, or Babylon... Some see the first group as OT saints, and the second as NT saints—an unimportant distinction since this pictures the “witnesses,” or martyrs, of the Tribulation. John’s point is that the harlot is a murderer. False religion has killed millions of believers over the centuries, and the final false system will be far more deadly than any that preceded it."

“When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.” Revelation 17:6–8 (ESV)

Each person must identify with either the harlot or the bride; there can be no compromise. The woman represents the ultimate in godless world religion. She is joined with government (carried by the Beast) and corrupts everything she touches. The bride is the true church of Jesus Christ, cleansed by His blood and destined for glory.

“This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:9–14 (ESV)

It is agreed upon that the harlot or prostitute mentioned in this passage represents the worldwide false religion that has always existed and that the Antichrist will turn toward worship of himself during the Tribulation. Participating in false religion is like committing adultery: you are unfaithful to the one to whom you pledged your love.

Dr. Tony Evans continues, “Representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). Daniel’s image in Daniel 2:37–45. five have fallen, one is, the other. When John wrote, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence; Rome still existed; and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come. When it does, it will be brief and he will end in perdition.”

“And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:15–18 (ESV)

The harlot was popular for a time, but then her “lovers” turned on her and destroyed her. The Antichrist will use a world church to get himself into power and then establish his own religion.

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist—with the help of his 10 sub-rulers—will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself. They will be carrying out God’s will."

“In righteousness God reveals chiefly His love of holiness; in justice, chiefly his hatred of sin . . . Neither justice nor righteousness . . . is a matter of arbitrary will. They are revelations of the inmost nature of God.” Augustus Hopkins Strong
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“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. 3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. 4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Revelation 16:1–7 (ESV)

Despite what you hear, or the unbelieving world says or believes, no one can accuse God of being unfair. His judgments are always righteous. As hard as it is to accept , sinners reap what they sow. Because “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Ps. 97:2).

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.” Revelation 16:8–11 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes in his Word Commentary, “God’s judgments do not change men’s hearts. God judges sinners not to reveal His grace but to uphold His holiness. Sinners in the last days will be like Pharaoh in the days of Moses; they will harden their hearts more as God’s judgments increase.”

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” Revelation 16:18 (ESV)

Against the dark background of judgment shines the promise of God. Jesus Christ is coming soon, and we must watch eagerly and walk carefully, so that we will be ready to meet Him.

“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 1 John 2:28 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe defines Armageddon in his Word Commentary like this: “Armageddon is Hebrew for “the hill of Megiddo”; and Megiddo means “place of slaughter.” It is the plain in the Holy Land where Barak defeated the Canaanites in Judges 5:19 and Gideon the Midianites in Judges 7. King Saul fought his last battle there in 1 Samuel 31. One of the greatest natural battlefields in the world, it is where the Antichrist will gather the world’s armies to fight against Jesus Christ (Isa. 24; Joel 3; Zech. 12–14). Revelation 19:11–21 records the outcome.”

“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” Revelation 16:17–21 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes in his Study Bible, “It is done.” This bowl will complete God’s wrath (except for final judgment on the rebellion at the end of the Millennium; 20:7–10) and immediately precedes the second coming of Christ. It will usher in the worst calamity in the history of the world. The voice from the temple in heaven is undoubtedly that of God Himself. “It is done” is best translated, “It has been and will remain done” (cf. Jn 19:30). God will punctuate the completion of His wrath with a devastating earthquake—the most powerful in earth’s history.”

Dr. Evans continues his interpretation of this horrific and cataclysmic event, “Jerusalem will be split into 3 parts (Zec 14:4), not as a judgment (cf. 11:13), but as an improvement. The additional water supply (Zec 14:8) and topographical changes (Zec 14:4, 5) will prepare the city for its central place in the millennial kingdom. Jerusalem is the only city to be spared the judgment and will be made more beautiful (Ps 48:2), because of her repentance (see 11:13). cities of the nations. God’s purpose is very different for the rest of the world’s cities—they are to be destroyed. Babylon. The capital of the Antichrist’s empire will receive a special outpouring of God’s wrath as prophesied in Is 13:6–13. Chapters 17, 18 give details of its destruction... every island fled … mountains were not found. This powerful earthquake will radically alter all the earth’s topography, preparing it for the coming millennial kingdom. The huge size of the hailstones indicates unparalleled atmospheric convulsions. Such massive chunks of ice will cause unimaginable devastation and death.”

Know today that God’s judgment will one day be finished. God’s long-suffering will finally end, and His wrath will be revealed. What holds Him back today?
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance... And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,” 2 Peter 3:9, 15 (ESV)

As Moses sang in triumph after Israel’s Egyptian enemies had been swallowed by the Red Sea, followers of Christ from the tribulation will sing at the prospect of Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet being overwhelmed with judgment.

This song will be even more glorious than that of Moses, though, because the judgment will be carried out by the Lamb of God. Jesus was active in Moses’s day, following Israel through the wilderness. But he was not yet openly identified as the incarnate Messiah and Redeemer, as he is here in Revelation 15. The worship song celebrates God’s awe-inspiring … works, which are never unfair, but just.

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. 2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
​​“Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
​​Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations!
​4 ​Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
​​For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
​​for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.” Revelation 15:1–8 (ESV)

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “As seven angels prepare to pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath, a great choir composed of victors over the Antichrist will sing the song of Moses, commemorating God’s bringing his people out of Egypt, and the song of the Lamb, celebrating his bringing them into his millennial Kingdom—the first and last songs in Scripture. Then, heaven’s Temple will be opened, and the seven angels will prepare for judgment as God’s glory fills the Temple.”

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “In all likelihood, this is a body of water that is utterly smooth. The calmness, however, does not indicate serenity, for the sea is mixed with fire, an indication that the calm is merely a dramatic pause before a display of God’s burning wrath. Standing on the sea are believers who presumably have been martyred because they are in heaven rather than on earth.”

The temple’s filling with smoke hearkens back to two Old Testament scenes. The first occurred in 1 Kings 8:10–11, in which Solomon dedicated the temple and God’s presence was manifested as a cloud that filled the building.

The second scene occurred in Isaiah 6:4. In both instances, the cloud/smoke signified God’s manifest presence. That’s the point of the smoke in Revelation as well. God wants all to recognize him as the source of the fierce judgments to ensue.

The two specific reasons for which God is worshiped are His character and His works. What is the most worshipful moment you have ever experienced? Why? Do you ever remind yourself of this moment when you meet with the Lord? Are you compelled to breakout in song?
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Despite the mass chaos and struggle in this phase of the tribulation period, know that many will continue to worship in song and praise before the final judgment when Christ returns.

Even while judgment and persecution are being poured out on the earth, widespread evangelism will be occurring. Who are you are praying for, caring for, and sharing the Gospel with today?
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In Revelation 14, John, who was stuck on the island of Patmos, meaning “rock,” used agricultural images to remind us that this time in the tribulation period was ripe for judgment. In this chapter, Warren Wiersbe unpacks the chapter by pointing out the firstfruits, the wine, and the reaping.

“Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.” Revelation 14:1–5 (ESV)

Wiersbe says, “God takes the best for Himself before the harvest begins. We met the 144,000 in chapter 7, God’s sealed servants who come through the Tribulation and sing the praises of the Lamb. The description in here should be taken in a spiritual sense: they did not commit fornication by worshiping the Beast or his image.”

“lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice,” Exod. 34:15 (ESV)
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes in His Study Bible, “These 144,000 are Jewish evangelists, whose job is to announce the gospel worldwide during the tribulation to lead many more to faith in Christ. They will prepare the way for the return of Jesus. The name on their foreheads contrasts with the mark placed on nonbelievers by the false prophet... As Jesus is the “firstfruits” of the resurrection (see 1 Cor 15:23), the 144,000 Jewish evangelists are the firstfruits of those to be saved during the tribulation. There will be a multitude saved at that time, but these are presented to God the Father and God the Son as the initial harvest redeemed from humanity.”

“But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:23–28 (ESV)

“Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” 8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” 9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:6–13 (ESV)

The “cup of wrath” is an image borrowed from Jeremiah 25:15.

“Thus the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 They shall drink and stagger and be crazed because of the sword that I am sending among them.” Jeremiah 25:15 (ESV)

God pours out His wrath on those who follow the Beast and reject God’s truth.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

Although this verse may be applied to all believers who die, it will have a special meaning to the martyrs of that evil day.

The worship of God as Maker of heaven and earth marks a stark contrast with the false worship of Satan and the antichrist.

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.” Revelation 14:14–20 (ESV)

Here, God is allowing the seeds of sin to grow and produce a harvest. One day, the world will reap what it has sown. John also uses the grape harvest to illustrate the coming judgment. The “vine of the earth” is ripening, and one day God will apply the sickle. Meanwhile, the branches in the True Vine should be bearing more and more fruit.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:1–8 (ESV)

The sickle here is an instrument to inflict judgment and death on those who reject God. It is mentioned six times in five verses to underscore the impending doom for those who reject him during the tribulation. In general, a sickle is a tool used to harvest crops.

The angel’s declaration that the harvest has ripened is a reminder that God does not pour out his wrath on people at the first hint of their sinful rebellion, though that would be entirely justified. Instead, he provides extended opportunity for repentance and strikes with the sickle of judgment when rebellion has matured into an unmistakable pattern.

Dr. Evans writes, “When God brings final judgment against the nations who attack him at Armageddon in chapter 16, the bloodletting will be so severe that blood will splatter up to the level of a horse’s bridle for approximately 180 miles.”

Are you bearing fruit today? Are you frequently sharing the Gospel with those around you? Are you looking for opportunities to share the hope and future with those who do not know the promise and security in Christ alone?

Today, invest in someone in your circle of influence by starting a Gospel conversation. Encourage them in the hope that we possess in the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ who is God. Who is God laying on your heart right now... who is the Holy Spirit reminding you that needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope of your future?

“Even if someone can call down flames and raise the dead, he is an instrument of Satan if he does not also point people to Jesus.” Dr. Tony Evans

The beast from the sea in Revelation 13 is Satan’s final and greatest masterpiece—Antichrist, who towers above all the tyrants and dictators of world history. This man accepts the offer that Satan gave to Jesus.

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” Matthew 4:8–10

Warren Wiersbe write that Revelation 13 is divided by the worship, the warfare, and the wealth. The world worships the Antichrist as a god, but heaven sees him as a beast described in Daniel 7. The counterfeit Christ is now on the scene!

“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Revelation 13:1–10 (ESV)

The Beast fights God by speaking blasphemous words and by persecuting the saints. It may seem strange that God should permit His people to be defeated, yet this is part of His plan.

“Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” Heb. 11:35–40 (ESV)

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Revelation 13:11-17 ESV

In every age, God’s people have had to battle some satanic beast.

“Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. “Revelation 13:16-18 ESV

Warren Wiersbe continues, “The Beast’s “prime minister” leads the world to worship the Beast by controlling all the wealth. It was a matter of life or death! When you combine political power with economic power and all religion, you have a formula for controlling the whole world. But the lost world worships money and power, so the task will not be too difficult.”

Dr. Tony Even ends his conversation on this chapter by stating that “such a mark may take the form of a chip embedded under the skin. The mark will contain the number of the antichrist, which is 666. Six is the number of man; it contrasts with seven, which is the number of God. The numeral six is repeated three times, once each for Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet.”

One of the biggest questions raised in connection with chapter 13 is whether the first or second beast is the Antichrist. Basically, the argument for the first being the Antichrist is that he insists on being worshiped as God. Those who hold that the second beast is the Antichrist point out that no Jew would ever accept a Gentile as Messiah, and that since the second beast is a Jew, He must therefore be the false messiah.

Know today that the centralized, governmental control of trade is the economics of the antichrist.