The Coming King

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war”

Revelation 19 v 11

The Coming King (Revelation 19 v 11-21, 20 v 1-6)

From Revelation 19v11, John is given eight visions, each prefaced by the expression “and I saw”. The content of these visions is summarised below.

  1. The revelation of the King (19v11-16)
  2. The announcement of the supper of the great God (19v17-18)
  3. The defeat and doom of the beast and false prophet (19v19-21)
  4. The imprisonment of Satan (20v1-3)
  5. The millennial reign of Christ and the final rebellion (20v4-10)
  6. The throne of God (20v11)
  7. The judgement of the ungodly dead (20v12-14)
  8. The new heaven and new earth (21v1-8)
  1. The revelation of the King (19v11-16)

In this first vision, John sees three things: (i) heaven opened, (ii) a white horse, and (iii) “He that sat upon him”.

The rider of this horse (cf 6v2) is named; He is

  • Faithful and True (v11)
  • His private name known only by Himself (v12)
  • The Word of God (v13, see also John 1v1, 1st John 1v1)
  • The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (v16, see 17v14).

The significance is this; by His names His character and person are revealed.

As we read through, we learn much of the character of Christ at His return as God’s warrior king:

  • His activity- in righteousness He doth judge and make war
  • His eyes – “as a flame of fire” – penetrating and discerning
  • His head- “many diadems” – crowned
  • His private name – the Father’s personal approval of Him
  • His vesture – dipped in blood – the blood of His enemies
  • His public name – “The Word of God”
  • His followers – the armies in heaven (see 12v7-12)
  • His mouth – a sharp sword – to smite the rebellious nations of earth
  • His rule – He will rule the nations with a rod of iron
  • His unquestioned strength and authority
  • His vesture and thigh – the name, King of Kings and Lord of lords
  1. The announcement of the supper of the great God (19v17-18)

We note the following four details

  • The angel’s position
  • The angel’s call
  • The invitation given
  • The purpose indicated
  1. The defeat and doom of the beast and false prophet (19v19-21)

Again, observe the following four details

  • The purpose of the beast (v19)
  • The seizure of the beast and false prophet (v20)
  • The doom of the beast and false prophet (v20)
  • The slaughter of the kings and armies (V21)
  1. The imprisonment of Satan (20v1-3)

Four details are presented

  • The key and the chain (v1)
  • The arrest of the dragon (v2)
  • The imprisonment of Satan (v3)
  • The temporary release of Satan announced (v3)
  1. The millennial reign of Christ and the final rebellion (20v4-10)
  • Raised from the dead (v4-5)
  • Reigning with Christ (v4)
  • Release of Satan (7-8)
  • Rebellion put down (v9)
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