Read Revelation 17:1-20:15.

At the end of Revelation 16, we see God take a wrecking ball to the universe with the seventh bowl of judgment. Then He turns His cleansing power toward the false religious system, the prostitute, Babylon (see Revelation 17-18), who represents all religions that reject Christ and His Word. The Antichrist will use the false teaching of universalism to present himself as a tolerant man of peace.

Even though Babylon appears to be riding or controlling the Antichrist, the beast will ultimately destroy the harlot to unify the whole world in worship of himself. After the fall of Babylon with its death and calamity (see Revelation 18), the light of heaven breaks through. Roaring praise echoes through heaven over the destruction of the harlot (see 19:1-3). This is the sovereignty of God: Even the treachery of the Antichrist serves God’s righteous purpose. Finally, our Messiah has the government on His shoulders (see Isaiah 9:7). And finally, the marriage supper of the Lamb—that feast of rejoicing as Christ brings His Bride, the Church home to heaven—begins with our Groom’s coronation day (see Isaiah 9:7; Revelation 19:4-5).

Riding a white horse, Jesus is called Faithful and True and Logos—the Word of God. His blazing eyes see everything—our hearts, motives, thoughts. His many crowns symbolize His authority over the whole universe. His robe is dipped in His own blood, representing His sacrifice for us—His righteousness given to us. And we see the fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer: “. . . your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), and Satan, that ancient adversary, is thrown into the lake of fire forever (see Revelation 20:10).

Then, God opens the book of life and the dead are judged. Those whose names are written there in the indelible blood of Christ have nothing to fear. I know my name is written in the book of life because I came to Jesus as a repentant sinner and gratefully received His righteousness imparted to me. Is your name written there? There’s no room for “I hope so.” Here and now, make sure that the moment you close your eyes in death, you will see Jesus face to face because of what He did for you on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, You are awesome in power, and Your love is astounding. Thank You for writing my name in the book of life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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’” (Revelation 19:9).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon An End-Times Warning for the Modern-Day Church, Prepare for His Coming: LISTEN NOW

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