Day 351 – Glory in Heaven

Today’s reading for study: Revelation 19

In today’s reading, we see what happens in heaven after the beasts, the whore and Babylon have been vanquished.  There is much singing and rejoicing.  Then we read this:

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Rev 19:6-8.

Here we see Angels in Heaven stating clearly that your “righteous deeds” (i.e., good works) are with you in heaven.  In Heaven, the linen garment you wear will be fashioned from your good deeds.  This is one of the clearest indications of the role of good works in salvation.  Stated again, good works don’t earn you heaven, but they go with you to heaven.  You wouldn’t want to be naked in Heaven, would you?

Then we read this phrase:

 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” …  Revelation 19:9

I love verses like this because this verse is quoted in several Catholic Masses. 

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, “King of kings and Lord of lords”.

Rev 19:11-16

We see Christ, returning in Glory.  He no longer as a helpless infant but now as a mighty king.  His legions of angels do not stand back singing as they did at his birth but now follow him on horses like a wave, a vast infinite army sweeping over creation.  He easily defeats the forces of the evil.  The sword he uses comes from his mouth and is the Gospel.  Thus, this first victory will be the triumph of the gospel over the world.  We see Jesus bringing justice to His enemies and the enemies of the faithful are plunged into the lake of fire.

One should never despair, for we know the ending.  In this world, dark forces will rise.  Secularism, corruption and false gods will make their way through the world but ultimately this darkness will be vanquished.  Christ is risen and the gospel is being preached, it will ultimately have victory over the enemy.

Tomorrow: Revelation 20