Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
The cross of Christ is the symbol of His victory over death, sin and Satan. On the cross, He was also glorified as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. But when He comes again, Jesus will be glorified as King who will physically reign in His kingdom on earth.
I. Jesus’ Second Coming as glorified King.
Revelations 20:1-3, “And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.”
Jesus will come again to start the literal millennium reign.
After the tribulation, Christ will come again.
Jesus will bound Satan into the Abyss for a thousand year.
The bottomless pit is a place of isolation and torment, a place of punishment for Satan and his demons.
In the millennium, He reigns in His physical kingdom on earth.
Today, Jesus reigns to transform our lives. He reigns to unite all believers to do His work of evangelizing the whole world.
II. Jesus will reign as glorified King to fulfill His Abrahamic covenant.
Genesis 12:1-3. “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
The Abrahamic covenant is the solemn agreement that God made with Abraham.
Abraham partially saw its fulfillment. His children became the nation of Israel.
The great nation consists of all people who came to faith in God.
“9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” 1 Peter 2:9
Revelations 19:6-9, “6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Great multitude of angels, praising God. v.6
The angels were unanimous in glorifying the Lord. v.7
The angels were celebrating the Lamb and the bride in a wedding ceremony.
The bride was given fine linen, bright and clean to wear for her wedding with the lamb, as a symbol of purity. v.9.
In the ancient Hebrew’s culture, wedding consisted of three phases,
Betrothal – engagement. This happens often when the couple were still children (like arranged marriage).
Presentation – this is the festivities stage that can last days.
The ceremony – which is the actual exchange of vows.
Thus, if we apply this to the church, we have been chosen to be betrothed to Christ from eternity past, we are to be presented to Him in the rapture, then here in Revelations 19:9, is where the actual wedding occurs.
III. Jesus reigns and glorified in our life.
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26
Here’s my challenge for all of us.
Make it your goal to give glory to God in all that you do.
Don’t forget who you are and to whom you belong to. So, live a life worthy for Him.