Today, we began our journey into events that occur after the rapture of the body of Christ, looking specifically at the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16:13-21, also described as the invasion of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 39, as well as the sharp sickle and the wine press of God's wrath in Revelation 14:18-20. All of these events paint a picture of what happens when Messiah King Jesus returns to earth avenging all of the murderous activity and rejection of God's grace even up to the moment of His incredible return as described in Revelation 19:11-21 and Isaiah 63:1-6.
All of the events we discussed occur after the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:6-9. The betrothed Bride transitions to the beloved wife who has made herself ready. Please read 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:25-32, Revelation 5:9-10, and Romans 7:4-6. The body of Christ has received its reward based upon each individual's faithful stewardship as described in 1 Corinthians 3:8-15
The Old Testament saints and tribulation saints alike have been called to the wedding and are witnesses to this incredible union of Christ and his Bride. See Matthew 22:1-10.
Ezekiel 39 reveals clues and events that could only be associated with the battle of Armageddon at the 2nd Advent. V.1-8 matches Revelation 14:18-20, Revelation 16:13-21, and Revelation 19:11-16 V.9-16 reveals what will be going on in Israel during the first seven years of the millennium. It will take seven months to bury the dead of the battle of Armageddon, and the weapons of the battle will be gathered and burned for seven years. V.17-20 matches Revelation 19:17-18
Comparing scripture with scripture in order to bring prophecy into focus is critical to faithful Bible study. The issue of studying “things to come” in the “ages to come” is what strengthens our inner man and comforts us in these uncertain times. Remember, God is never taken by surprise by anything Satan does, or nations do, or individuals do. We live in the most exciting times in human history!
