The Return of the Lamb
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The Return of the Lamb
1. The Description of the Lamb
In Revelation 19, heaven opens and we see Jesus arriving on a white horse, a symbol of victory and power. He is described with four names that reveal his character and mission.
Faithful and True
Jesus is called "Faithful and True." He is unwavering in keeping his promises and completing his mission. When he says he will never leave or forsake us, we can have absolute confidence. When he promises to forgive, we can know he will. He is faithful to complete the good work he has started in us.
A Name No One Knows
He has a name that no one knows but himself, emphasizing that no one has authority over him and that we can never fully comprehend God or put him in a box. He is beyond our total understanding.
The Word of God
Jesus is called "The Word of God." Just as the written word communicates truth, Jesus came in the flesh to reveal God to us. From his mouth comes a sharp sword, representing the power of his word to judge and to bring truth. One word from him is enough to overcome any enemy.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
On his robe and thigh, it is written: "King of kings and Lord of lords." This repetition emphasizes his supreme authority. He is not merely a king but the ultimate King. When he first entered Jerusalem, he came on a donkey in humility. But at his return, he comes on a white horse in majesty and power, signaling that no one can stand against him.
2. The Destruction of Evil
An angel calls birds to feast on the flesh of those who oppose God—a graphic image meant to awaken us to the horror of rejecting Christ. This is contrasted with the beautiful wedding supper of the Lamb for believers.
The Beast and the false prophet gather armies to wage war against Jesus. But before any battle begins, Jesus captures them and throws them into the lake of fire. The rest are struck down by the sword from his mouth—his powerful word. This shows that Jesus’ victory is complete and total, achieved not through traditional battle but through his spoken authority.
The text reminds us that the ultimate battle against evil has already been won at the cross. The robe dipped in blood points to his sacrifice; he has already secured the victory.
3. The Deliverance of the Saints
The saints are described as armies in heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, riding white horses. They aren’t dressed for battle but for victory, because Jesus has already won. This echoes the wedding feast imagery, showing the church united with Christ forever.
Throughout Revelation, we see the forces of evil appear and are ultimately defeated: the woman (Israel), the son (Jesus), the dragon (Satan), the beasts (Antichrist and false prophet), and Babylon (worldly corruption). One by one, they are destroyed or cast into the lake of fire.
In the end, it is Jesus and his bride—the church—standing in victory. This final picture calls believers to examine where they stand. We are invited to move from darkness to light, from rebellion to surrender, and to be part of the bride that will be united with the returning Lamb.
We are urged not to gamble with eternity but to bow our knee to Christ now, accepting his forgiveness and love. With this, we can have the assurance of an eternity spent with him, secure and victorious.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Return of the Lamb
Date: Jul 28, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 19:11–21
Revelation 1:5
John 1:1, 14
Matthew 8
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