Chapter X
A Kingdom Won
But seek you first the Kingdom of God
and His righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
Over one hundred years after the nation of Israel was routed by Assyria, the southern kingdom of Judah met with a similar fate. They were defeated and led into captivity by the great Chaldean empire under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. During this captivity, certain young Jews were taken to Babylon to serve at the pleasure of their new king. These men were chosen because of their extraordinary knowledge and wisdom (Dan. 1:3-4). This “Babylonian captivity” is described extensively in the book of Daniel.
A Troubling Dream
At one point while these captives were in Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar had a very troubling dream, causing him considerable distress. To remedy this problem, he summoned the leading magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers throughout his kingdom and demanded that they explain what his dream meant. In order to be sure this religious “brain trust” wasn’t simply guessing at their interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar would not disclose what the specific dream was. He actually informed his religious advisors that the dream was “forgotten.” However, despite this lapse in memory, he insisted that these wizards conjure it up again and explain its significance. In other words, the king wanted these men to explain what the dream WAS, as well as what the dream MEANT. Failure to accomplish this task would constitute a capital offense and would result in their death.
Suffice it to say, sheer panic filled the heart of virtually every soothsayer in Babylon. If they couldn’t figure out what Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was, they would find themselves on the wrong end of an execution. These men knew all too well that their king was not simply issuing an idle threat. He was serious--“dead” serious.
King Nebuchadnezzar
When word of the king’s decree reached the Jewish captive Daniel, he appealed to Nebuchadnezzar to be patient and promised that shortly he would tell the king both the dream and its meaning. But how would he do such a thing?
Clearly, this was going to be a daunting task. But Daniel had extraordinary resources, not the least of which was God Almighty. He immediately informed his fellow Jewish exiles of the king’s decree, and appealed to them to ask God to reveal his dream, so that they would not suffer at the hands of the royal executioner (Dan. 2:17-18). The scriptures indicate that God heard their prayers and made known the king’s secret to Daniel in a dream of his own. Daniel then acknowledged God as the Source of all wisdom as well as the One who reveals every mystery.
. . Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: And He changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and He sets up kings: He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He reveals the deep and secret things: He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. I thank you, and praise you, O thou God of my fathers, who has given me wisdom and might, and has made known unto me now what we desired of you: for you have made known unto us the king’s matter. (Dan. 2:20-23)
Shortly after his prayer, Daniel appeared before Nebuchadnezzar and informed him that only the true God could do what the king had demanded. He then told him that such a God does exist and that He would now make known to Nebuchadnezzar both the dream and its meaning.
At this point, Daniel described the kings dream in striking detail. He began by informing him that the dream was prophetic and revealed a picture of world events that would come to pass down through the centuries.
As for you, O king, your thoughts came into your mind upon your bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and He that reveals secrets makes known to you what shall come to pass. (Dan. 2:29)
Nebuchadnezzar must have been stunned as he listened to Daniel reconstruct every facet of his vision. No detail was omitted, including where the king was when the dream first came to him. The precision of Daniel’s words left no doubt that his God was real and that He was aware of man’s most private thoughts and intimate secrets.
First, Daniel explained that in this dream, the king saw a great image. When describing this image, Daniel indicated that its head was made of gold, its breast and arms were silver, its belly and thighs brass, while its legs were made of iron and its feet consisted of part iron and part clay (Dan. 2:32-33). Daniel went on to explain that this image was utterly destroyed by a very unique rock. This rock would then become a great mountain and fill the entire earth. Notice Daniel’s words as he describes this part of the vision.
You saw (the image) till a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. (Dan. 2:34-35)
With these words, Daniel informed the king of exactly what he had been dreaming. Imagine how you would feel if someone could tell you your dreams without ever hearing about them. But that is exactly what God did through Daniel. Such power is unimaginable. And Daniel stood as undeniable proof that his God had that power.
The image in the king's dream
The Meaning of a Dream
Despite the miraculous nature of Daniel’s revelation, what would happen next was simply monumental. Daniel would then do something so unbelievable that it continues to mystify many scholars to this very day. He would provide the king with the meaning of his vision.
However, unlike the generic interpretations Nebuchadnezzar must have heard throughout his rule, the one he was about to hear was going to be very specific. He was going to learn from this Jewish captive God’s pronouncement regarding how human history would ultimately play out. Furthermore, so accurate was Daniel’s interpretation of this dream, that many modern scholars believe it wasn’t even given by Daniel at all, but was rather told centuries later and attributed to him. However, Jesus Christ Himself attributed the prophecies recorded in the book of Daniel to the young Jewish captive who spoke to Nebuchadnezzar about his troubling dream (Mt. 24:15).
Daniel began by explaining that the image in the king’s dream symbolized a series of kingdoms that would rule the earth. The first kingdom, pictured by the head of gold, was Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon. In Daniel’s words, “You are this head of gold” (Dan. 2:38). He then informed the king that other rulers and nations would follow the great Chaldean empire. These kingdoms would be inferior to Babylon, but would nevertheless be great in their own right.
And after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: for as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. (Dan. 2:39-40)
History reveals that God’s word, through Daniel, had pinpoint accuracy. Great world-ruling empires fell just as he had predicted. The Babylonian empire was ultimately conquered by a less sophisticated Medo-Persian kingdom under the leadership of Cyrus the Great and King Darius. However, this kingdom would also fall and eventually be supplanted by the Greco Macedonian empire under the rule of Alexander the Great. His empire would extend its influence to all the known world, just as Daniel had said. Finally, as powerful as Greece was, it too would fade into the pages of history and be replaced by the Roman Empire under the rule of the Caesars.
Octavian [Caesar Augustus]
63 BCE - 14 CE
The Greatest Kingdom
But Daniel wasn’t finished interpreting the king’s dream. He would now reveal the true identity of the rock that would destroy the last generation of these kingdoms. This generation was symbolized by the feet of this great image. These feet were made of a mixture of iron and clay and were an extension of the Roman Empire. This “resurrected” Roman Empire would exist in the very last days of man’s reign on earth and exert tremendous influence throughout the world.
Daniel explained that at this time, God Himself was going to subdue all the kingdoms of the earth and set up a Government that would be presided over by a Great Deliverer. Furthermore, this new Government would never be destroyed.
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God has made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter... (Dan. 2:44-45)
The stone that was “cut out without hands,” is none other than Jesus Christ. The scriptures reveal that it is He who will subdue all the nations of the earth when He returns to establish God’s Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 11:15). At that time, the misery and suffering created by a world that believes it can decide for itself what is “good” and what is “evil” will be replaced by a Government that will judge righteously. This was the message Daniel proclaimed to this “head of gold.” However, there was one more thing he would declare.
“The Dream is Certain”
At the end of his meeting with the king, Daniel made one final pronouncement concerning what he had just spoken regarding Nebuchadezzar’s dream. The words that would follow leave no doubt that Nebuchadnezzar’s nocturnal vision was inspired by none other than God Himself – for it would reveal how the Great Creator and Sustainer of the universe would accomplish a critical part of His Plan for man. As Daniel prepared to leave, he indicated that what Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed in the privacy of his bedchamber would play out publically for all the world to see. He then informed the king that the dream was a one hundred percent certainty. It was going to happen and nothing was going to stop it.
“And the dream is certain and the interpretation thereof is sure.” (Dan. 2:45)
Here, God is revealing a profound truth through His servant Daniel. He is declaring that the Great Kingdom He envisioned before the world began is an absolute certainty. No power in the universe can stop it from coming into being. God was not speculating when He inspired Daniel to utter these words. Every syllable reflected His intention concerning how human history would play into His hands.
The Bible reveals that God does not speak idle words. Every one has meaning and strength. The prophet Isaiah understood this truth and expressed this understanding.
So shall My word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isa. 55:11)
The point here is that when God makes a pronouncement, His word goes forth and makes it come to pass. In other words, God’s word CANNOT be thwarted. With this in mind, consider the implication of Daniel’s declaration. Imagine all the things that would have to come to pass in order for this dream to play out just as Daniel had said. Not only would these great nations have to rise and fall, but Jesus Christ Himself would have to succeed in His mission on earth. He would have to overcome the world and live a sinless life. While man may argue if Jesus risked failure when He walked the earth as a man, God clearly never considered that as a possibility. His words through Daniel are unqualified: “the dream is CERTAIN and the interpretation thereof is SURE.”
A Great Kingdom
The Kingdom of God that Daniel said would one day fill the whole earth is the central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. It is spoken of prolifically throughout the Bible. In a very real sense, the Bible is a story of man’s journey to a world God had envisioned long ago in the vast expanse of eternity. It is the history of a nation called Israel and how that nation will one day touch all the people on earth. The Old Testament describes the physical nation of Israel and its quest for a land of promise. The New Testament describes the spiritual nation of Israel and its pursuit of an eternal realm. Wherever one looks in God’s word, the Kingdom is there.
The Wonderful World Tomorrow
Today, we live in a world of great suffering. One only has to turn on a television set to see the ravages of man expressing his own moral independence. Societies in all parts of the globe have clearly rejected the Great God of Heaven as the true Source of morality and virtue. As a result, man violates every tenant of decency, and while doing so, he proclaims himself “good.”
However, this will not always be the case. The Bible reveals that a time is coming when a new world will replace the scarred wreckage of the one man has produced. It is then that Jesus Christ will establish a Government that will be above all governments. The prophet Micah described what this world of tomorrow would be like.
But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Mic. 4:1-3)
The Bible describes a time when the world will be filled with great peace and prosperity. The prophet Isaiah wrote that “Israel will blossom and fill the face of the world with fruit” (Isa. 27:6). He would later write that the earth “will be fat and plenteous”(Isa. 30:23). Imagine such a world!
Today, man battles hunger and despite his best efforts, hunger seems to be gaining the advantage. In the world today, more people die of starvation than perish in war. But that will not always be the case. The Great God of Heaven has promised that the time is coming when hunger will be a distant memory. It will be a time of such abundance that the reaper will not be able to keep pace with the one who plows (Amos 9:13). In this world there will not be one square inch that shall not be able to bring forth fruit. Even “the desert shall blossom like a rose” (Isa. 35:1). Notice the powerful words Isaiah used when describing this world.
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons (lizards) where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. (Isa. 35:7)
A Time of Great Health
The wonderful world tomorrow will not simply be a place of immense prosperity and abundance. It will also be the home of health. Imagine a world where vibrant health is the rule and not the exception. That world is soon to be a reality, and you have God’s word on it! The time is coming when the ravages of disease that fill our world today will be replaced with strength and vitality. When describing this time, Isaiah said there would be no blindness and all the deaf would hear (Isa. 35:5). Furthermore, the lame would throw down their crutches and actually leap like deer (Isa. 35:6).
In the world today, man is constantly waging war against diseases that cripple, maim, and kill. There are virtually thousands of hospitals and tens of thousands of physicians. Tragically, however, there are countless millions who suffer from an endless stream of plagues that wreak havoc on man’s health and his hope. But once again, this will not always be the case. The time is coming when a Great Physician will rule as King (Mk. 2:17). At that time, all who suffer will be healed.
The Knowledge of God Will Proliferate
This is only a small glimpse of a Wonderful Kingdom that will one day fill the earth. It will be governed by the most moral Being in existence. The Great King who will preside over this Government will nurture and sustain it in righteousness, and His influence will be felt everywhere. The Bible reveals that in this Kingdom, the knowledge of the true God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isa. 11:9). As a result of God’s presence, optimism and hope will stretch from one end of the earth to the other. There will be no more anguish, and the Bible even promises that “sorrow and sighing” shall actually “flee away” (Isa. 35:10).
Wild Beasts Will Be Tame
The presence of peace and harmony under the leadership of the King of kings will be so pervasive, it will even touch the animal world. The prophet Isaiah captured this truth with words that may only seem like a fantasy today.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like an ox. And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the cockatrice’ den. (Isa. 9:6-8)
God’s Great Kingdom described by the prophets of old is the same everlasting Kingdom Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar over twenty-five centuries ago. It will begin with a great physical realm and grow into an incorruptible spiritual Kingdom that will last forever. And as distant as this Kingdom was to Daniel’s generation, it may seem even more distant to the generation of today.
Subduing the Nations
With this in mind, how will God establish such a Kingdom? How will He “break in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold” as Daniel declared He would do, so very long ago (Dan. 2:44-45)? In other words, how will God conquer the great governments that rule the world today, and replace them with His Everlasting Kingdom?
The answer to this question is powerfully proclaimed in the pages of your Bible. It describes a point in time in which God will correct the nations – and He won’t be employing His psychotherapy skills when He does. His judgment will be direct and very forceful. It won’t contain one ounce of ambiguity. When it comes, man will know that its Bearer means business.
A Great Warning
Two thousand years ago, Jesus of Nazareth walked the countryside of Palestine and preached a powerful warning message. It was a message about a Great Kingdom that was going to come to this earth and restore peace and order to a world bent on its own destruction. This gospel was the central theme of Jesus’ ministry, and it would also be the focal point of the apostle’s work throughout their lives.
During the final week of His life on earth, Jesus was approached by His disciples and asked a question regarding “the end of the world.” They did this because they were all too familiar with the numerous prophecies describing the victorious return of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth – a Kingdom that Jesus spoke about so frequently. These men were clearly anxious for that Kingdom to come. There was great anticipation in their words. Notice what they said.
And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Mt. 24:3)
A Great King Answers
Jesus responded by explaining to these founding fathers of the New Testament Church that certain events would have to take place prior to His return. As he described the last chapter of man’s rule on this planet, Jesus painted a picture that has a striking resemblance to the world of today. Included in this picture is a proliferation of wars, famines, diseases, and even natural disasters. Additionally, Jesus indicated that there would even be a great religious deception perpetrated by those who actually asserted a loyalty to Him (Mt. 24:5). Furthermore, He declared that because God’s way would become so abhorrent to mankind, His end-time Church would suffer horrible persecution and even death (v. 9).
The Last Days
The words Jesus spoke to His disciples were bleak indeed. This is because He knew that before a Kingdom of great hope could be restored to earth, mankind would have to witness history’s darkest moment. He knew that moment would be a time of unspeakable depravity and lawlessness. Jesus also knew that Satan would play an active role in man’s defiance against his Creator. At this time, the devil would influence governments and the leaders who preside over them.
The Bible declares that man will be so far from God in the last days that sin will literally fill the earth. Jesus characterized this time as being similar to the days of Noah (Mt. 24:37-39), and the Bible states that at that time, man’s thoughts were “only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). When writing to the evangelist Timothy, the apostle Paul characterized the end time this way.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. (2Tim. 3:1-4)
According to God’s word, every despicable act imaginable will define our world during the last days. Furthermore, the level of violence around the world will be so great that God will have to intervene in order to save the planet from total annihilation (Mt. 24:22). When He does, He will not come as an agent of peace, but rather as the Commander of a great army.
God is Not a Pacifist
At this point, it is important to understand that God is NOT a pacifist. He is fully capable of waging war under the appropriate circumstances. During the last hours of His life, Jesus even informed Pontus Pilate that His servants were prepared to fight on His behalf, when those circumstances presented themselves (Jn. 18:36). The Messiah was not simply advancing a hypothetical situation when He spoke these words. His end-time return to earth will graphically bear this out.
The Bible reveals that the time is coming when great voices in heaven will proclaim: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15). At this moment, a powerful army under the leadership of the Savior of the world will prepare to make war with the nations. When that time comes, man will witness firsthand the compelling force God will use to conquer this world. When Daniel spoke to Nebuchadnezzar about a “rock” breaking in pieces all the great kingdoms of the earth, he wasn’t using hyperbole. This is exactly what that “rock” is going to do. It will utterly destroy the nations – and God’s word provides striking proof of this fact.
The Day of the Lord
The Bible speaks of a time when great distress will come upon the earth. This time is called “the Day of the Lord” as well as “the Day of God’s wrath.” This period represents the last year of man’s reign on this planet. It will be a time when man will experience firsthand how serious God is about defiance to Him and His law. The prophet Joel characterized this period as a time of such devastation that few would survive.
And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? (Joel 2:11)
Joel was not the only one to describe “the Day of the Lord” in such terms. The apostle John said it this way.
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev. 6:17)
John also stated that this would be a time when even the mightiest men on earth would be consumed with fear.
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. (Rev. 6:15-16; Isa. 2:19)
Imagine the level of terror that would have to beset battle-tested soldiers (mighty men), causing them to take flight into the mountains to save themselves. But that day will come, and it will only get worse. The scriptures reveal that during this time, the world will be so filled with terror that mankind will actually seek death, but death will be denied them.
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Rev. 9:6)
The Day of the Lord will be a time when no one on earth without God’s protection will be able to escape. There will be no place to hide, nor will man be able to buy his way out of the distress that will come upon him.
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. (Zeph. 1:18)
The prophet Isaiah described the overwhelming strength of God’s judgment on a world totally defiant to Him. His words are compelling and leave no doubt as to how serious God is about the state of a world so totally immersed in evil.
For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. (Isa. 66:15-16)
The prophet Hosea referred to this time of God’s judgment as “the day of rebuke” (Hos. 5:9). During it, God will chastise His people with great strength. When describing this correction, God says, “I will pour out My wrath upon them like water” (verse 10).
The magnitude of God’s judgment on a rebellious planet is inconceivable but real. It is a time that will see seven trumpet plagues unleashed with unimaginable force and conclude with seven vial plagues, the power of which will make absolutely clear that God is in charge of His creation.
It Begins with Silence
The Bible goes into considerable detail when describing this period called the “Day of the Lord.” The eighth chapter of the book of Revelation indicates that it begins with silence.
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. (Rev. 8:1)
The Bible does not say why this silence takes place. However, it is possible that God may be reflecting on what He is about to do. At this point, it is important to understand that God is a God of love and mercy, and the action He is about to take must cause Him great sadness. However, the scriptures also reveal that there is a time when the Creator will delay no more His judgment on man. Notice what the apostle John was inspired to write when recording the book of Revelation.
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Rev. 10:5-7)
The force the Eternal will unleash at this time will graphically demonstrate that He is a God of great strength, the likes of which no power in the universe can overcome. During this time, fire will literally rain down from heaven, seas will become blood, and vegetation will be consumed (Rev. 8:7-8). And this is just the beginning.
At one point during this year of judgment, a massive military attack and subsequent counter-attack will take place involving a 200 million man infantry (Rev. 9:15-16). To put this number in perspective, it is over 1000 times greater than the total forces used in the war against Iraq and over 150 times greater than the entire military machine of the United States. This massive conflict will bring greater death and destruction than any war in human history. The casualties will number in the billions!
Seven Trumpet Plagues
The Bible reveals that during “the Day of the Lord,” God will pour out seven trumpet plagues. Each of these plagues will be delivered by a great angelic being charged by God to administer His judgment on the earth. This judgment will span a period of one year.
This period in human history is pictured by the fourth of God’s seven annual holy days, the Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23:24). This holy day takes place in the fall and precedes the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. Furthermore, It is very possible that the timing of this year of judgment will directly coincide with this feast. In other words, it is possible that both the first and the seventh trump will be blown one year apart on this special “high day.”
The Last Trump
The Bible reveals that at the sound of the seventh and last trump, something remarkable takes place. This trump begins another series of intense plagues poured out by seven angels. These particular plagues will be so devastating that their duration will be very short. In all likelihood, they will last less than two weeks.
However, this last trump also initiates a great step in God’s Plan for man. The scriptures reveal that at the precise moment it is sounded, a special community of believers will experience a dramatic change. They will literally be born into God’s Family. At that time, they will no longer be made of corruptible matter, but rather of incorruptible spirit. Notice what the apostle Paul writes concerning this first generation of God’s eternal Family.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1Cor. 15:51-52)
These words express an extraordinary hope that has been shared by all of God’s people down through the ages. They describe the precise moment when the first phase of mankind will enter into another realm. They will be born into a spiritual dimension where death has no power. Those who are a part of this “first resurrection” have come to a point when they no longer desire to be their own moral authority. These “firstfruits” have striven to reject the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and have instead embraced the tree of life.
Paul also described what would happen to those who were a part of this resurrection to the Church at Thessalonica. He indicated that they will share eternity with Jesus Christ.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with Lord. (1Th. 4:15-17)
Here, Paul is stating that when Jesus Christ returns, the firstfruits of God’s Family will be changed into spirit and meet Him in the air. But what will they do when they meet Him? Furthermore, what happens to those who are not changed? What about the millions of people who are left behind?
The Bible identifies several key events that will take place once the last trump is sounded. First, there will be the resurrection of the saints who have died throughout history. Immediately after that, God’s people who are alive at this time will be changed and join their resurrected brothers and sisters in the clouds (1Th. 4:16-17). Once this takes place, seven last plagues are dispensed by angels carrying seven vials (Rev. 16). These plagues are often referred to as “vial plagues,” and are not to be confused with the “trumpet plagues” which begin at the start of the “Day of the Lord” (Rev. 8 and 9). As was mentioned earlier, these vial plagues encompass a very short period of time. At the conclusion of these plagues, Jesus Christ will lead an invasion of earth and subdue the nations.
But what will Jesus and the saints do while these “vial plagues” are being poured out upon the earth? The answer is extraordinary and reflects another defining moment in history.
The Marriage of the Lamb
The Bible reveals that after the resurrection of the saints – but prior to an invasion of earth – Jesus Christ will be the groom in a great wedding. Although the scriptures do not identify the location of this wedding, it is very likely that this spectacular event will take place at the home of God the Father in the third heaven. Additionally, the bride of Christ is identified as His church and is comprised of the community of believers who were resurrected at the last trump.
It is hard to imagine an event possessing greater beauty and joy than the marriage of God’s Son and His church. Additionally, it is clear that to attend such an event is a distinction of unimaginable honor. The splendor and majesty of this wedding is captured in part in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Revelation.
Throughout the scriptures, the relationship between Jesus and His church is characterized as that of a groom and His bride. Even John the Baptist saw Jesus as a bridegroom and rejoiced at that fact.
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and heareth him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. (Jn. 3:29)
The apostle Paul also understood the significance of this relationship and used it to encourage God’s people. When writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted husbands and wives to use the love and devotion of Christ and His church as a model for their marriages.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:22-27)
Today, these words have been rejected by the vast majority of people in the western world. To them they smack at male dominated sexism and violate every tenant of equality. But Paul saw it much differently. Under the inspiration of the holy spirit, he would go on to say that the institution of marriage, which was created at the very beginning (Gen. 2:24; Mt. 19:4-6) was designed to picture a divine relationship between Christ and His church. As you read these words ask yourself: who should be the head of Jesus’ marriage?
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Eph. 5:32)
Paul’s words make it clear that marriage is a divine institution with profound significance. With this in mind, it should be easy to understand why Jesus once defended marriage with the words: "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mt. 19:6). Clearly, Jesus saw the connection between marriage and the relationship He would ultimately enjoy with His church. The great wedding described in the book of Revelation which takes place shortly after the resurrection of the saints stands as one of the greatest moments in the history of the universe. But there is more...
A Great King Returns
The scriptures reveal that after the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus Christ prepares to return to the earth with power and glory. At this time, the heaven opens, revealing the Lamb of God sitting on a white horse (Rev. 19:11). Although He is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), He is now returning to earth as a great Warrior.
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. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. (Rev. 19:11-13)
The Bible reveals that when Jesus returns in power and great glory, He will not be alone. The book of Revelation indicates that He will be accompanied by a powerful army clothed in fine linen, clean and white. This army will also be riding on white horses and will follow the King of kings as He seizes control of the earth. The scriptures indicate that this conquering army consists of His resurrected saints (Jude 14) as well as a contingent of angels (Mt. 25:31). Notice what this army prepares to do under the leadership of the Messiah. Clearly, they are totally focused on VICTORY.
And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:14-16)
As Jesus and His saints descend, the great armies of the earth prepare to fight against them. These defiant troops are influenced by a great political leader known as the “beast,” and an apostate religious figure, known as the “false prophet.” For several years these two men have been empowered by Satan himself (Rev.13:4) to destroy God’s Plan for man.
During their rule, they deceive the vast majority of people on earth into worshiping them and the system (both religious and civil) they espouse. Their contempt for God will be so great, they will actually make war with His people on earth (Rev. 13:7) and even prevail against them (Dan. 7:21). But now it is the saint’s turn – and these children of God will return with the Messiah to seize a kingdom, just as Daniel said they would (Dan. 7:18).
When Jesus and those servants accompanying Him descend upon the earth, the strength they will bring is overwhelming. The book of Zechariah indicates that Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives and the mount will literally break apart (Zech. 14:4). At this point, a great battle ensues. However, it will be the most one-sided conflict in history.
Virtually all the prophecies describing this battle declare that every facet of it is nothing short of a rout. By all accounts, the entire earth is subdued in a matter of days. The apostle John describes this invasion of earth by its rightful Owner this way:
And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the Great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him That sat on the horse, and against His army. (Rev. 19:17-19)
At this point, Satan’s two greatest agents on earth are removed and destroyed. Their grip on a God-rejecting world is now over. In a very real sense, all the power and influence they exerted over the earth is going to go up in flames, LITERALLY!
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Rev. 19:20-21)
Jesus Christ has now subdued the nations, but before He can establish His millennial Kingdom, one thing remains. Furthermore, by all indications, it will take place on the Day of Atonement.
Satan is Bound
The twentieth chapter of the book of Revelation begins with John recording an event in which an angel comes down from heaven with a special key and a great chain. With these items, the angel lays hold of Satan and binds him up. He then casts this prince of demons into a bottomless pit where he will be restrained and cannot influence mankind.
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Rev. 20:1-3)
A New Hope
In the previous chapter you were asked to imagine a world where there is no hope. That world is the very one Satan the devil has ruled for six thousands years. But now things are different. This great enemy is imprisoned in a pit. He is cut off from the human family he has tried to destroy. The hopelessness he spent a lifetime creating is now gone. Imagine that! Imagine a world where the architect of evil and misery has been removed. Imagine a world where hope has been restored, a world where hope is everywhere.
Think for a moment what the world would be like without the devil. His influence on mankind has been so overwhelming that it has touched every human being in history. Jesus Christ Himself bears the scars of Satan’s impact on the human family. Consider just some of the “accomplishments” the Bible attributes to him. The scriptures declare that Satan has deceived the whole world (Rev. 12:9). God’s word also certifies that he is responsible for snatching the word from hearers (Mt. 13:19), sowing tares among the wheat (Mt. 13:38), and working in disobedience (Eph. 2:2). He has been called a deceiver and a perverter of scripture. The apostle Paul labeled Satan as the one responsible for blinding the minds of unbelievers (2Cor. 4:4).
While in the Garden of Eden, he seduced Adam and Eve to reject God’s Moral Authority over their lives (Gen. 3:1-20). Additionally, he moved David to number Israel (1Chr. 21:1) and caused Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2Cor. 12:7).
This once-beautiful archangel became so consumed with himself that he actually thought his wisdom was greater than that of God’s. As a result, he waged a rebellion so filled with hate that his entire character became immersed in evil. The apostle John once called Satan a murderer and a liar (Jn. 8:44) and his influence on society throughout history has been so devastating that at the end of man’s reign on earth, the evil and violence he has spread will be so horrible that God will have to intervene, or man will literally destroy himself (Mt. 24:22).
Satan, who is called the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4) and the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), has done everything he can to destroy God’s Plan for mankind. He put betrayal in the heart of Judas Iscariot (Jn. 13:2), and will one day give power to a God-rejecting beast and a false prophet (Rev. 13:4).
This evil creature has sought to destroy everything that shows God as merciful and just, and he has perverted society into actually rejecting its Creator and Sustainer. The apostle Peter called Satan the great adversary and compared him to a roaring lion (1Pet. 5:8). The apostle Paul indicated that Satan fashions himself as an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14). As a result, man has been deceived from the beginning, and that deception has not let up for six thousand years of human history. Now imagine a world WITHOUT such an adversary.
The words recorded by John in Revelation 20, which describe Satan being cast into a bottomless pit, stand as one of the most powerful declarations of hope ever uttered. The day will come when the great enemy who has enslaved this world with every imaginable evil will be removed, and a new King will come who will restore a Government driven by mercy, judgment, and faith. Today, that Kingdom is the hope of not only every believer, but of every non-believer as well, even though they do not know it.
A Final Thought
At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He gave what is commonly referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount.” The theme of this message is God’s Kingdom. At the beginning of this sermon, Jesus explains how to enter into and flourish in this Kingdom. He identified its blessings and the specific actions it will take to be the recipient of those blessings. Later, He identified potential threats that could prevent a person from becoming one of its citizens. He even warns those who claim to be doing His work that they could find themselves on the wrong end of His judgment if they fail to honor His law (Mt. 7:21-23).
At one point, Jesus even exhorts His followers to dedicate all of their energies in the pursuit of this great Realm – one that will be presided over by the Holy One of Israel. Jesus said, “...seek you first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mt. 6:33).
God’s Kingdom should be the number one priority of all believers. It certainly was the number one priority of Jesus Christ and His Father. Furthermore, it continues to be so to this very day. Virtually every promise in the Bible points toward God’s Kingdom and its Great King. The question we should ask ourselves is: Are we?
When Daniel appeared before Nebuchadnezzar and revealed the meaning of a dream that so vexed the king, he was a captive slave. However, the instant he spoke, he became an Ambassador of the greatest Government in history. That Government represents the fulfilled promise of the King of the universe – a promise that was envisioned before the world was even fashioned.
The Great God of hope has never lost sight of His Kingdom. He knows what it will require to bring it into being, and He is totally prepared to pay its price. Every person who considers himself a true believer should look to that Kingdom with great hope and remember what its King once revealed to Daniel so very long ago:
“The dream is certain and the interpretation thereof is sure.”