Revelation 19 : The ominous shadow of Armageddon

Revelation 19 : The ominous shadow of Armageddon

Mark Creech

Read or hear the word, Armageddon, and most people are struck with a sense of fear, dread, and anxiety. This is primarily due to its association with the apocalyptic imagery in the Book of Revelation. Additionally, popular culture and movies have contributed to the intense emotional response that this word elicits.

What is “Armageddon”? The term “Armageddon” is derived from the Bible, where it is associated with the final battle between the forces of good and evil (Revelation 14:14-20; Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:17-21). It marks the culmination of the apocalyptic events described in the Book of Revelation, and it leads to the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ on Earth.

In chapter 19 of Revelation, there is a vivid and majestic portrayal of the return of the Savior. It depicts him as a triumphant supreme world figure with divine authority, riding on a white horse, and with the armies of Heaven following him. He is dressed in a robe stained with the blood of his enemies. He is identified as the “Word of God,” and named “King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.”

After the apostle, John described what he saw concerning Christ’s Second Coming in verses 11-16 of Revelation chapter 19, the subsequent verses in 17-21 foretell the following events:

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: “Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and strong warriors; of horses and their riders; and of all humanity, both free and slave, small and great.”

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast — miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies.

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