The Final Battle

Isaiah 66:15-16

These last verses have been given this title “Final Judgment and Glory of the LORD” by the ones who translated the English Standard Version Bible. 

In that Isaiah tells us first about the final judgment, let’s look at those verses: “For behold, the LORD will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.  For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many.  (Isaiah 66:15-16 ESV)

Remember this, the apostle John the one God gave the Revelation of what was to come, that John tells us it is later than we think in 1 John 2:18.  This writer is of the opinion that the last days began at the resurrection, and that we are living in the time of grace from a Holy Father who loves us and desires that none perish, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)  It is again my opinion that many get what the Bible teaches about the end time confused with the “Final Judgment.” 

As we look at the end time, you must understand men of great knowledge have studied this and have different opinions of how this will play out in time.  So lets not be foolish but just deal with what is very clear, John saw these things; heaven open and a person sitting on a white horse who is called “Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  And John goes on to say on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and LORD of lords.  And in the battle that is about to happen an angel in a loud voice calls to all birds that fly, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” (Rev. 19:17b-18)   And John sees the armies and their kings and the one called the beast gathered to make war against the one sitting on the white horse and against His army.  And this should get your attention: “And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.” (Revelation 19:20)

Now this is on the long side but it is very important: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.” (Rev. 20:1-3)  Now we have the thousand year reign of Christ on the earth and who came to life and who did not come to life at this time, it is a great read but then Satan is released from his prison and will deceive the nations and they gather for battle, the final battle, the one I believe Isaiah has been shown.  This is what John was shown by God the Father: “And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (REV. 20:9-10)

Who is right and who is wrong on their opinion is of no eternal importance but what Jesus who tells the Truth 100% of the time should awaken you to that it is later than you may understand.  “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice