Revelation: The Last Battle

Revelation 19:17-21

Life as we know it comes to an end in today’s passage. Revelation 19:17-21 appears to describe the same battle discussed in Revelation 16:12-16, when the sixth angel poured out his bowl of judgment. Today’s account depicts the end of the battle of Armageddon. The gruesome consequences of all wars are evident in this final conflict. 

At the start of Revelation 19, John saw a vision of Jesus coming to earth on a white horse to bring judgment. The battle is now over. John saw an angel “standing in the sun” and loudly calling out to all the birds, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both great and small” (Rev. 19:17-18).

Bible scholar Bob Utley describes this invitation to the birds as an allusion to two Old Testament passages depicting battle scenes in which birds are drawn to the bodies (1 Sam. 17:46; Ezek. 39:17-20).[1] While all believers are experiencing the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9), the birds partake of the “great supper of God.” This is the supper of God’s wrath against all who oppose him, despite his many warnings and invitations to trust in him and enjoy eternity in his presence. God’s wrath is real!

In his classic book, Knowing God, J. I. Packer devotes an entire chapter to God’s wrath. Packer notes that this subject is often ignored in the Christian world, which tends to focus on God’s loving kindness. But Packer reminds the reader that there are more passages in Scripture about God’s wrath than about his love and tenderness.[2] Ignoring God’s wrath discounts the awful price Jesus paid for us on the cross. God’s wrath is countered by his incredible love shown to us, for while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Rom. 5:8).

God’s judgment throughout the end times will serve as a warning, prompting people to turn to him. Those mentioned in today’s passage continually rejected God and persecuted followers of Jesus. God’s judgment is not arbitrary. Packer puts it this way:

The unbeliever has preferred to be by himself, without God, defying God, having God against him, and he shall have his preference. Nobody stands under the wrath of God except those who have chosen to do so. The essence of God’s action in wrath is to give men what they chose….[3]

The warnings have been evident throughout our study. In Revelation 6:15-17, leaders hid themselves, fearing the wrath to come, yet continued to rebuff the Almighty God. Now the day for God’s final victory has come. 

As the vultures gathered in the sky, the armies gathered on earth to make war against Jesus, “who was sitting on the horse” leading his heavenly army (Rev. 19:19). The beast, that is, the Antichrist, led those opposing Jesus. Joining him were the kings of the earth and their armies. It seems the battle was over in short order. The beast and the False Prophet were captured (Rev. 19:20).

The Antichrist and the False Prophet will sell their souls to Satan. They will kill a significant number of believers. In the end, the beast and the False Prophet, “who deceived those who had received the mark of the beast,” were defeated (Rev. 19:20). Their punishment is both dreadful and decisive. They “were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20).

The remaining unbelievers who died in the battle were left for the birds (Rev. 19:21). Their final judgment will come later.

A.W. Pink wrote a comprehensive book on the Attributes of God. He emphasizes that God’s wrath is something we need to consider often. First, it reminds us how much God hates sin. Pink said that we are prone to take sin lightly until we ponder God’s “vengeance upon it.”

Second, Pink says that contemplating God’s wrath cultivates a healthy, godly fear and reverence. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that our God is a “consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28, 29). Recognizing his hatred of sin makes his love, grace, and forgiveness more appreciated and treasured. 

Finally, reflecting on God’s wrath against sin should move us to a deeper love and service of Jesus. He was the One who took on God’s wrath for us. He is the One who delivers us from “the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10). Pink says,

Our readiness or reluctancy to meditate on the wrath of God becomes a sure test of how our hearts stand affected toward [Jesus].[4] 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 19:17-21.

Talking to God: How does the reality of God’s final judgment shape the way you view sin, repentance, and obedience today?

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