Page 37 - C063_Revelation 4-The Return

The Return of Christ

Chapter 19 in the book of Revelation is unparalleled in drama. It
vividly describes the physical return of Christ to earth and his

execution of the justice of God against the Antichrist, the False
Prophet, their armies, and all the enemies of God.
The timing of his return is after the destruction of Babylon at the

end of the Tribulation period, just prior to the millennial kingdom of
Christ being established on the earth. The Bible indicates that a vast
crowd in Heaven roars in praise and hallelujahs that Christ is
returning. John described it “like massive crashing waves or the
rolling of mighty thunder” as saints of all ages, representatives of
the church, and angels, roar their approval as Christ returns to earth
to defeat the enemies of God.

Hebrew weddings had three parts. First, the betrothal when the
couple was very young. Next was the presentation of festivities
before the actual ceremony, many times this lasted seven days.
Then came the actual ceremony and the exchanging of vows. This
ceremony is also re ected in the marriage of the Lamb. The church
was betrothed to Christ in eternity past, is presented to him at the

rapture, and the nal supper will mark the end of the ceremony. This
symbolic meal will take place at the beginning of the thousand-year
reign of Christ on the earth and will include the redeemed of all the
ages.

At the rapture, or gathering of his church, Christ meets his own in
the air and there is no judgment. When Christ returns to earth,
judgment will be rendered. When Christ came to earth, he came as
a helpless baby. When he rode into Jerusalem it was humbly on the
colt of a donkey. But when Christ returns to the earth it will be with
regal might and splendor. In triumphal Roman military processions,
the victorious general would ride his white horse up the main road
of the capital. In the same manner, John records that Christ returns

on a white horse as the conquering king. The army that
accompanies him consists of the church, tribulation saints, Old
Testament believers, and angels.