The Revelation

Revelation 19 – The Marriage of the Lamb and Heaven’s Rejoicing
Lesson 31 Bobby Stafford

Revelation 19 – The Marriage of the Lamb and Heaven’s Rejoicing

Introduction
(Revelation 19:1–10)
This passage records the rejoicing of heaven and earth after the downfall of the Roman Empire—the great persecutor of God’s people. It serves as God’s divine answer to the martyrs’ cry in Revelation 6:10, “How long, O Lord, until You avenge our blood?”

The Cry for Justice Answered
Earlier in Revelation 6, the souls under the altar pleaded for God to avenge their deaths. In chapters 14 through 18, we see His answer unfold: the complete fall of “spiritual Babylon,” representing the pagan Roman Empire. This powerful government had tortured, imprisoned, and executed Christians for refusing to worship the emperor. Yet, through divine providence—moral decay, foreign invasion, and natural disasters—God caused its downfall. This judgment was not random; it was righteous retribution from the Almighty against those who had persecuted His saints.

The Fall of the Great Harlot
The Roman Empire is called “the great harlot” because she seduced the nations with idolatry, immorality, and political corruption. In Revelation 18, the vision of a millstone cast into the sea symbolized her total destruction. In chapter 19, heaven celebrates this victory: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God, for true and righteous are His judgments.” The saints rejoice, not because others suffer, but because truth and righteousness have triumphed. The smoke of her burning rising “forever and ever” signifies that her destruction was permanent—Rome would never rise again as a persecuting empire.

God’s Righteous Judgments
The twenty-four elders and four living creatures fall before God’s throne and worship, declaring, “Amen! Hallelujah!” They glorify God for His perfect justice. A voice from heaven then calls all His servants, both small and great, to praise Him. These scenes remind believers that God alone judges rightly. Human vengeance is often unjust, but divine justice is flawless. Romans 12:19 reinforces this truth: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

The Omnipotent God Reigns
John hears a sound like mighty waters and thunder, proclaiming, “Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns.” This reveals God’s unlimited power. Earthly rulers have limits, but the Almighty’s strength knows none. Daniel 4:32 affirms that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses.” The Roman emperors once claimed divine power, yet their reigns ended in ruin. The eternal God remains sovereign, ruling over all creation and history.

The Marriage of the Lamb
John then hears the call: “Let us be glad and rejoice, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” The “Lamb” represents Christ, and His “bride” is the church—pure, faithful, and adorned in “fine linen, clean and bright,” which symbolizes “the righteous acts of the saints.” This stands in stark contrast to the defilement of the harlot. The faithful church is pictured as holy, clothed in righteousness, and united to her Savior in love.

Blessed Are the Called
The angel declares, “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Every Christian who answers the gospel invitation shares in this blessing. Those who obey Christ and remain faithful to the end will enjoy eternal fellowship at that marriage feast. This blessing reminds us to cherish the privilege of being part of the church—the bride of Christ—and to live in purity and devotion as we await that eternal union.

Worship God Alone
When John falls before the angel in awe, he is told, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant … Worship God!” All worship belongs only to God. The angel’s correction underscores that even heavenly beings are servants, not objects of worship. The angel concludes, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” affirming that all revelation centers on Christ.

Revelation 19 – The Marriage of the Lamb and Heaven’s Rejoicing Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Revelation 19:1–10)

  • Context: God’s answer to the cry for vengeance (Revelation 6:10).

  • Background: The destruction of spiritual Babylon (Revelation 18).

  • Theme: Heaven’s rejoicing over God’s righteous judgment.

   

• I. The Cry for Justice Answered

  • The martyrs’ question: “How long, O Lord?” (Revelation 6:10).

  • God’s response through the fall of Rome (Revelation 14–18).

  • Divine justice fulfilled through providential means.

   

• II. The Fall of the Great Harlot

  • Symbol of corruption, idolatry, and oppression (Revelation 17–18).

  • The finality of judgment—“Her smoke rises forever and ever.” (Revelation 19:3).

  • Heaven rejoices at righteousness prevailing.

   

• III. God’s Righteous Judgments

  • Elders and living creatures worship before His throne (Revelation 19:4).

  • A universal call to praise (Revelation 19:5).

  • Romans 12:19 – Vengeance belongs to God alone.

   

• IV. The Omnipotent God Reigns

  • The voice of many waters—symbolizing God’s power (Revelation 19:6).

  • The Lord God omnipotent reigns eternally.

  • Daniel 4:32 – The Most High rules the kingdoms of men.

   

• V. The Marriage of the Lamb

  • Christ as the bridegroom; the church as the bride (Ephesians 5:25–27).

  • Fine linen = the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8).

  • The church’s purity contrasted with the harlot’s corruption.

   

• VI. Blessed Are the Called

  • Invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

  • Those who obey the gospel share in eternal joy (Matthew 22:1–14).

  • A reminder of the blessing of being in the Lord’s church.

   

• VII. Worship God Alone

  • John’s attempted worship corrected (Revelation 19:10).

  • True worship is reserved for God.

  • The spirit of prophecy centers on the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Call to Action
This passage reminds us that God’s justice is certain. The downfall of Rome demonstrates that no power can stand against Him. As Christians, we must remain faithful, pure, and ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The gospel invitation is open now, but it will not remain open forever. The door of grace will one day close. Let us respond to that call today while we have the opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• God avenges His people in His perfect timing (Revelation 6:10).

• The fall of Rome shows that no empire can defy the Almighty (Revelation 18–19).

• The Lord God omnipotent reigns over all rulers and nations (Daniel 4:32; Revelation 19:6).

• The church, as the bride of Christ, must remain pure and faithful (Ephesians 5:25–27).

• Worship belongs to God alone, and every true prophecy points to Christ (Revelation 19:10).

• Those who accept the gospel invitation will share in eternal joy at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

Scripture Reference List
Revelation 6:10 – The martyrs cry out for justice.
Revelation 18–19 – The judgment and fall of spiritual Babylon (Rome).
Romans 12:19 – God alone repays vengeance.
Daniel 4:32 – The Most High rules the kingdoms of men.
Ephesians 5:25–27 – The church as the pure bride of Christ.
Revelation 19:9–10 – The blessing of the called and the call to worship God alone.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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