Revelation 19

The Second Coming of Christ

The final event that occurs in the destruction of Babylon and all it stands for is the coming of the “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16), who is Jesus Christ, to take the beast and cast him out. An account of this event is found in Revelation 19. John first began recording this event in Revelation 11:15–19, but then was shown greater detail concerning the events leading up to it and the significance of the judgments on and destruction of the wicked at the time of Jesus Christ’s coming. From Revelation 19 through the end of the book, John recorded events at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and afterward.

Understanding the Scriptures

Revelation 19

Alleluia (vv. 1, 3–4, 6)Praise to God!

Omnipotent (v. 6)All powerful

Arrayed (v. 8)Clothed

Linen (vv. 8, 14)Smooth cloth made from flax

Vesture (vv. 13, 16)Robe

Treadeth the winepress (v. 15)See the help and drawing in “Understanding the Scriptures” for Revelation 14 (p. 172)

Remnant (v. 21)The ones left over, the remaining ones

Revelation 19:7–9—The Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb

In Revelation 12 we read that the Church is symbolized by a woman. On more than one occasion Jesus referred to Himself as the groom who marries the woman (see Isaiah 54:5; Matthew 22:2–14; Luke 5:34). This symbolic marriage reminds us that we have a covenant relationship with the Lord and that He cares for the Church as a perfect husband in whom we can rely and trust (see Ephesians 5:25).

The marriage supper is a feast celebrating the marriage. The image of a feast reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ satisfies the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical hunger, or needs, of the entire posterity of Adam and Eve. Inviting others and preparing for this great supper is an important message of the latter days (see D&C 27:5–14; 58:8–12; 65:2–3).

Revelation 19:9, 17–21—Two Suppers

Two suppers are spoken of in Revelation 19. They are not the same, although they occur at a similar time in the history of the earth. The first, the marriage supper of the Lamb, is referred to in the preceding section. The other supper, “the supper of the great God” (v. 17), is a symbol that reminds us of the destruction of the wicked. Furthermore, it reminds us that if we put our trust in the things of this world and refuse to believe in life after death, the only future we will look forward to is the same as all other living things on earth—we will die, begin to rot, and birds of prey will eat our flesh. In contrast, the gospel proclaims victory from the grave and the opportunity for eternal happiness.

Revelation 19:15, 21—“Out of His Mouth Goeth a Sharp Sword, … and He Shall Rule Them with a Rod of Iron”

The sword and the rod of iron both refer to the word of God (see Hebrews 4:12; 1 Nephi 15:23–24). Although it may sound harsh, the rule of Jesus is not harsh, but firm, powerful, and cuts to the center of man to help him permanently change or to perfectly know his guilt (see 1 Nephi 16:2; Alma 31:5; 3 Nephi 11:3).

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Revelation 19.

1. Design an Invitation

   1. In your notebook, draw or write an invitation that invites someone to the events described in Revelation 19:7–9. Include every important detail, including what will occur, what they should wear, and what they need in order to get in. Read and use Matthew 22:2–14; 2 Nephi 9:50–51; Doctrine and Covenants 27:5–14; and 58:8–9 as you determine the details of the invitation.

   2. According to Doctrine and Covenants 65:1–5, who delivers the invitation to these great events spoken of in Revelation 19:7–9?

2. Use a Scripture to Answer Questions

   1. One of your Christian friends who is not a member of the Church does not believe in prophets today and wonders how we can say there are prophets in the Church. Use Revelation 19:10 in your explanation about our belief in prophets (see also Numbers 11:29).

   2. Use Revelation 19:10 to explain the source of a true testimony (also consider 1 Corinthians 2:11; Alma 5:45–46).

3. Why Red?

   1. John described Jesus wearing red at the time of His Second Coming (see Revelation 19:13). Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 and 133:46–51, and then explain what His red clothing symbolizes.

   2. What color is the clothing of those who come with Jesus at His coming? What does this color represent? (see Revelation 19:8, 14).