The Conquering King
12/23/25 Bible Thought (Revelation 19)
The end of the story for the Christian is filled with good news.
While much of Revelation details the horrors of the dragon’s wrath and the beast’s influence throughout the world, what matters most is how the story is finished.
A Look at Revelation 19
In the previous chapter, we saw the judgment of Babylon the great. Now, in chapter 19, we see the warrior-king descend from heaven in triumph.
Let us not be confused, Jesus Christ is not merely the meek carpenter from Galilee—He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Many people have this view of Jesus merely as the friend of sinners. “He gets us,” they say. While He certainly extends grace, that doesn’t mean that He isn’t just too.
The same Jesus who got religious people to set down their rocks also said, “Go and sin no more.” He is both Savior and Lord. As the Father is both gracious and just, so it goes with the Christ.
In His first advent, He came to extend an offer of salvation. In His second advent, He will secure salvation for those who have trusted in Him against those still in rebellion.
He will not return atop a humble donkey, but upon a white war-horse from heaven. His coming conquest is sure. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Rev. 19:15a) and “He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Rev. 19:15b).
One scholar has said so powerfully, “There is no refuge from Him. Only in Him.” The sure victory of Christ is a cause for celebration for those who are on His side.
The beast and false prophet who deceived the nations into worshipping the beast’s image will have their eternal destiny in the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20-21). They were given their brief period of authority by permission of Almighty God, but their reign from the beginning was destined to come to an abrupt conclusion.
Every king or powerful authority that had set up their little kingdom against Christ’s will one day be consumed by the birds of the air (Rev. 19:21), and Christ will reign forever and ever.
Bringing it Home
This passage should fill us with joy as we look to the end.
No matter what one’s position is on eschatology, if you look far enough ahead, we can all agree that eschatology is fundamentally optimistic.
Rebelling against God’s established king is utterly futile (Ps. 2:1-3). The One enthroned in the heavens laughs (Ps. 2:4).
Whether it’s the dragon, the beast, the false prophet, any of their minions, or rebel-sinners here on the earth, their attempts to deny Christ His rule are laughable.
There is a day coming when every knee will bow, and tongue will confess (Phil. 2:10-11).
These things should fill our hearts with joy as we anticipate the end. Evil will have its day. Some battles might be lost, but the war is ours.
Challenge for Today:
When I think of Jesus, what picture comes to mind? Let us always remember we cannot divorce Jesus the Savior from Christ the King.