Jesus Avenges the Church’s Blood & Ushers in the End of History
Intro: Well afternoo. My name is Matt Johnson and today in Revelation 19 we come to the end of normal world history. Jesus returns as King of Kings. He overthrows evil, saves his people and ushers in his perfect millennial kingdom.
PRAYER: Well friends, as you know I have just come back from THE UNITED STATES where I conducted a wedding for my nephew. Now I was somewhat surprised when my nephew asked me to conduct his wedding because he is not a Christian. Although – Naomi’s brother and wife are Christians – their THREE BOYS have followed the ways of the world. So I found myself preaching at this wedding to a congregation of about 80 very affluent, educated, secular people – including 1) an unshaven man in a very nice blue dress AND 2) a Mormon bridesmaid who was either lesbian or bisexual. She wasn’t really sure. Suffice to say I was a little bit nervous preaching at this wedding.
But when I agreed to conduct this wedding I did it on the conditions there would be a Bible reading, a sermon, prayers and Christian wedding vows. So in the sermon I explained that God initially designed marriage between a man and woman to reflect, Jesus’ sacrificial, covenantal love for the Christian church. This led into the gospel and a biblical definition of marriage that was interspersed with lots of humour so they didn’t lynch me. I played the card that everyone in Australia has a convict heritage. ANYWAY MY AIM was to remain a faithful witness for Jesus, while being wise, humble and sensitive to the crowd’s preconceived ideas about Christianity. Now sadly, despite my best efforts to be humorous, gracious and respectful some people did take offense at my words. But thankfully, by God’s grace, the sermon also led to three very clear gospel conversations, including a half hour conversation with the Mormon, lesbian, bisexual, bridesmaid at the reception.
MY POINT IS – although our secular world is becoming very hostile to the Christian faith – the book of Revelation calls us to remain faithful witnesses for Jesus – even to the point of death…
Now as you probably heard – DEATH is exactly what happened to Charlie Kirk while I was in America. (Slide 1). This is a picture of Charlie Kirk just seconds before he was shot. Charlie was a young Christian man who engaged in CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS in American Universities. For many years he has been defending the Christian faith on issues such as salvation, Israel, abortion and lgbtqia rights. But on the 10th September 2025 at just 32 years of age – he was shot dead. He became a Christian martyr. Now the response of most Christians was profound gratitude for this young man’s faithfulness and courage. Many young people came forward speaking of how Charlie’s ministry had led them to Jesus. BUT THE RESPONSE of many non-Christians was truly appalling – as some commentators in America dared to suggest that Charlie got what he deserved. THE REALITY is that hatred, hostility and even acts of violence towards Christians seems to be growing in the western world.
But nonetheless – Revelation is calling all Christians to remain faithful, clear, courageous and godly witnesses for Jesus even when the world is hostile – because Jesus is coming back to judge the world. And this is what we see happening in Revelation 19. Jesus coming back…
Point 1: Jesus Returns as King of Kings to Defeat the Antichrist
Show: Rev.19:11-13 (READ)
Explain: Well, this is what Jesus promised while he was on earth. Jesus promised that he would one day return to save his people. Now we know this is JESUS because he is called FAITHFUL AND TRUE. Earlier in Revelation 3 – Jesus is called the faithful and true witness. We also know this is JESUS – because his eyes are like blazing fire. In Revelation 1 – we were told Jesus eyes were like BLAZING FIRE. We also know this is JESUS because he is identified as the Word of God and the King of Kings. These are all titles for Jesus.
Now in Revelation 19 – Jesus is FINISHING the task of treading the winepress of Gods wrath that BEGAN in Revelation 14. As you can see (in verse 13) Jesus’ robe is dipped in blood. This is the blood of Jesus’ enemies. In verse 15 – it says he treads the winepress of Gods wrath. So just as the grape juice used to stain the robes of those who trampled grapes to make wine, so Jesus’ robe is now stained with the blood of those he is CRUSHED UNDERFOOT in the winepress of Gods wrath. The antichrist, the harlot church and the kings of the earth have now spilt the blood of so many Christians, that Jesus is now avenging the blood of his people. Jesus is taking the lives of all those who have taken the life of his people. Life for life.
So last week you saw that Jesus’ judgment began with the household of God (1Pet.4:17). If you have your Bibles open you’ll see in Revelation 19:2 (Rpt) God condemns the harlot of Babylon (the apostate church) and it says he avenged the blood of his servants. TRUE CHRISTIANS have been separated from pretend Christians. So the harlot of Babylon is now gone. Justice has been done and the blood of Gods people is now partially avenged. But the task is not yet finished.
Jesus’ people have not only been spiritually persecuted by the harlot, they have also been politically persecuted by the antichrist. So, first Jesus punishes THE HARLOT – the Queen of Babylon.
Then Jesus punishes THE ANTICHRIST – the King of Babylon. This is what we are NOW WITNESSING in the second half of Revelation 19. Jesus’ is now removing the antichrist King.
But as Jesus comes to WAGE WAR we read the armies of heaven come with him. Look at verse 14 (Slide 5 – Rev.19:14). Now who are the armies of heaven?
Well, let’s put this in the BIGGER PICTURE of Revelation. In Revelation 13 – we saw the Antichrist set up some sort of global kingdom in the last 7 years of world history. AT FIRST, the antichrist presents as some sort of Jesus-like Saviour figure who enters into a covenant with the kings of the earth (Dan.9:27). Perhaps he promises to save the world from global warming. Perhaps, he promises to usher in utopia on earth. Either way, the world is DECEIVED into believing the Antichrist is a good guy and everyone begins to pledge allegiance to him. But then something changes. 1) The Antichrist starts demanding worship. 2)Then he takes control of the world economy with some sort of mark of the beast. 3) Then he starts openly PERSECUTING Christians. This is the beginning of what is called THE GREAT TRIBULATION…
Now references to 3.5 years, 42 months and 1260 days in Daniel 9 and Revelation 11, 12 & 13 suggest that at the half-way point of the Antichrists reign – the period of great tribulation begins. PERSECUTION of Christians gets really bad. Now thankfully – Jesus promises in Matthew 24 that these days of great tribulation will be cut short for the sake of Jesus’ people (Matt.24:22). Somewhere in these final years of persecution Jesus raptures the church and begins to avenge our blood.
Now this seems to happen in Revelation 14. We’re told 1) Jesus comes riding on the clouds of heaven. Then, 2) Jesus harvests his people from the earth wit a giant sickle AND then 3) he begins to avenge our blood. That’s gives us the big picture of what is happening in Revelation 14-19.
Revelation 14-19 then focuses on A) who is safely harvested and taken to heaven AND B) who is thrown into the winepress of Gods wrath. THE LAST ENTITIES to be thrown into the winepress of Gods wrath are the harlot, the antichrist, the false prophet and the kings of the earth.
Apply: Now somewhere in this period of Jesus avenging our blood, we know the church is RAPTURED. The rapture of the church is spoken of in Matthew 24 AND 1 Thessalonians 5. THIS IS A POINT – where all the remaining Christians on earth are suddenly taken up to heaven AND all the unbelievers are left behind. Now a few weeks ago I suggested the rapture of the church seems to happen in Revelation 14 when Jesus harvests his people with a giant sickle.
Now after that sermon David (our chaplain) asked me whether the rapture happened before the days of God’s wrath. But I don’t think it is quite that simple. Revelation 14-19 simply tell us what happens during THE DAYS OF WRATH without giving a strict chronological order. FOR INSTANCE, in Revelation 16 – the church is told to STAY AWAKE because Jesus is still coming like a thief in the night (Rev.16:15). This suggests the rapture has not yet happened. In Revelation 17 we are told the harlot is drunk with the blood of Gods people (Rev.17:6). This suggests the rapture still hasn’t happened. Also, in Revelation 18 – God calls Christians to “Come out of Harlot Babylon and be separate.” (Rev.18:4). So even in Revelation 16, 17 & 18 the church still seems to be present for at least PART OF THE TIME Jesus is avenging our blood.
My point is that Revelation 14 leads us to believe the church is raptured at some point during the final days of wrath – without giving us an exact time. But I do believe that Revelation teaches us that the church is not raptured pre-tribulation, nor even mid-tribulation, but somewhere very close to the end – in the days of wrath. So, I believe Christians must prepare themselves spiritually to survive some very difficult days at the end of the world. But just when we think all is lost – the church will be raptured and the overthrow of the antichrist will take place.
Point 2: Jesus Returns with His Holy Angels (and perhaps His Holy People)
Show: Rev.19:14 (Slide 5)
Explain: Now friends – as we move into the end of Revelation 19 and the beginning of Revelation 20 – there is a LOT OF DEBATE in the church about the exact order of events. The main issue is whether Revelation 20 takes place straight after Revelation 19 OR is Revelation 20 another flashback to earlier events that precede Revelation 19. (Slide 7) Those who believe Revelation 20 follows Revelation 19 are called PRE-MILLENNIALISTS and those who believe Revelation 20 records events that come before Revelation 19 are called AMILLENNIALISTS. Now I will explain this in more detail next year – when we tackle Revelation 20, 21 & 22. But my personal position is more Premillennial and I think events in Revelation 19 naturally lead into Revelation 20.
So look again at verse 14 (Slide 8; Rev.19:14). As Jesus comes down from heaven to earth – we are told the ARMIES OF HEAVEN are following him. Now Christians with an AMILLENNIAL understanding of Revelation – believe this is the point where the church is raptured and taken to heaven. AMILLENNIALIST’S believe that as Jesus returns, the church is raptured and we go up to meet Jesus in the air (1Thess.4:17). Now this is possible and many sincere Jesus loving Christians believe this is the point of the rapture. But I believe there are a few problems with seeing the rapture take place at this point.
FIRST, there is no record of Gods people going up to meet Jesus in the air in these verses. None at all. In fact, Revelation 19:5-6 suggests THE CHURCH may already be in heaven. Let me show you (Slide 7; Rev.19:5-6). So, if the church is already in heaven in Revelation 19:1-10 it means A) the rapture must have already happened before the final battle of Armageddon in Revelation 19:11-21. SECOND, Jesus doesn’t stay on the clouds or in the air in Revelation 19:11-21. THIS IS NOT A PICTURE of the church going up to meet Jesus in the air, but of Jesus now coming down to earth to defeat the Antichrist. So a rapture at this point reverses the natural trajectory of the story.
There is also A BIGGER PROBLEM. The third problem is that verse 14 says – that as Jesus comes down from heaven – the armies of heaven are following him on white horses. So who is this army? Well, first and foremost – we must recognize that the army INCLUDES THE ANGELS. There are many passages in the Bible that tell us that when Jesus returns to earth, he will come with his holy angels. Let me show you just a few passages from Matthew’s gospel and 1 Thessalonians (SLIDE 7). So first and foremost – we must recognize that the army includes Jesus’ holy angels.
But there are also a few verses in Revelation that suggest that the army may include Jewish and Gentile Christians. For starters the army is dressed in fine linen, white and clean, just like the bride of Christ in Revelation 19:7. Let me show you (Slide 10). So the church is in very similar clothes to the army from heaven. Why? Well Revelation 17 says that when Jesus comes to CONQUER THE BEAST, he will come with his faithful followers. Let me show you (Slide 8; Rev.17:12-14). Again Jesus is called King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Its speaking of the same events. But Revelation 17 says that when the King comes to slay the beast, he will come with his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Now the language of called, chosen and faithful followers is clearly referring to Christians. So, the army definitely includes the angels. But Revelation 17 tells us THE ARMY coming with Jesus includes all called, chosen and faithful followers of Jesus. I take this to mean that EVERY Messianic Jew and EVERY Gentile Christian (that has ever lived in the entire history of the world) is now coming with Jesus to witness his defeat of the antichrist. Now this means the rapture has already happened. As per 1 Thessalonians 4 – the dead in Christ must have been raised. They have been UNITED with those who were STILL ALIVE in the days of antichrist AND together we’ve gone up to meet Jesus in the air sometime prior to the battle of Armageddon. But together we are now coming back to earth with Jesus – to witness Jesus’ final victory over evil.
Apply: Now if this is correct – it means THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH is not going up at this point. It’s coming down to witness Jesus’ defeat of the antichrist and perhaps to participate in Jesus’ millennial kingdom. Now I know that some people may be processing THE IDEA of the universal church coming back to earth with Jesus – FOR THE FIRST TIME. Now if this is new thought for you – I would encourage you to be a good Berean and carefully study your Scripture’s. But remember Revelation 17 – clearly tells us that WHEN JESUS COMES to overthrow the beast his called, chosen and faithful followers will be coming with him.
But this raises a further question. If the universal church is COMING from heaven back to earth with Jesus – is it simply A) TO WITNESS the overthrow of the antichrist or is it also B) TO PARTICIPATE in Jesus’ millennial kingdom on earth? I BELIEVE the entire universal church including Abraham, King David, the apostle Paul, you and me come back to earth with Jesus – to participate in THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM recorded in Revelation 20. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM will not be reserved for a select group of super-saints. The Millennial kingdom will include all Gods faithful people from all generations witnessing Jesus perfect rule in this world and for his glory…
Point 3: Jesus Returns and the Victory is Solely His. We are just Witnesses.
Show: Rev.19:19-21 (Slides 14-15)
Explain: Well the first thing to notice is that THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON is a non-event. It’s a fizzer. Although the Antichrist, the false prophet and the kings of the earth (muster their armies and march to war), Jesus simply grabs the key players by the scruff of their necks and throws them into the lake of burning fire. This lake of fire is hell. Despite Satan’s, the antichrists and the false prophets best efforts – Jesus really is in A DIFFERENT LEAGUE altogether. They may all be powerful demonic entities, but Jesus is God.
In the Old Testament the name KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS was reserved for YAHWEH – the Creator of the world. But Jesus also has the name KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS because he is also Creator God. So when CREATED things encounter CREATOR GOD there is no real war. There’s no contest. As you would catch A MOTH and throw it out the window or take your foot and squash A COCKROACH, so Jesus takes the forces of evil and simply casts them into hell.
(GOSPEL). Now remember – this is the same Jesus who died for your sins at the cross. There is penalty for sin. It is death. If you have broken any of Gods command’s you deserve to die. And be assured 1) if like the Antichrist you make yourself king of your life (instead of Jesus) and 2) if like the false prophet you live out lies (instead of Gods truth) – you will eventually be cast into hell with them. BUT JESUS LOVED YOU so much that he died on the cross for your sins. All Gods wrath at your sin and rebellion, fell upon Jesus so that you can be spared. So if you believe Jesus died for you AND you start obeying him as your king – you will be saved. THE GOOD NEWS is that if you accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord – you will one day WITNESS Jesus’ triumph over evil and then you will enter into his millennial kingdom and the new heavens and new earth. It’s your choice.
But the good news is even better. If the Jesus who loves you enough to die for you, is also powerful enough to take evil by the scruff of the neck and throw it into hell – what do you have to worry about? THE FACT IS – the Jesus who loves you enough to die for you, is way more powerful than any evil in your life. So if Jesus is on your side (and you faithfully trust in him) you can overcome all the evil you face in life. There is nothing, nothing, nothing in all creation that Jesus can’t help you overcome. Addiction. Child abuse. Broken marriage. Persecution. Demonic oppression. REMEMBER, Jesus is bigger than it all and he loves you that much he died for you. So the answer is zero fear of evil and complete faith in Jesus. Choose faith, not fear.
Apply: Now Revelation 19 is the end of what I would call normal history. When Jesus returns there are no more chances. Your either in or your out. For those who are in – the trajectory is now heaven. For those who are out the trajectory is now hell. IN THE NEW YEAR we will come back to finish Revelation 20, 21 and 22 to see what God has install for those who are faithful witnesses to the very end. Let’s pray…
