1. Revelation 19:6–10 (ESV)
  2. Application

The centrality of union with Christ

Revelation 19:6–10 (ESV)

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

The Lord had created marriage to reflect the union between Christ and his church (Ephesians 5:31–32). The great deceiver put forward a prostitute to act as a counterfeit bride. Because of Christ’s victory over Satan (and hence the prostitute), the church can rejoice that the marriage of the Lamb has come (Revelation 19:7), that is, her union with Christ (John 14:23; Romans 8:9). This union with Christ is a blessed reality throughout the new dispensation, though its fullness awaits the day of Christ’s glorious return.

The theological concept of union with Christ is so profound and rich—Christ in us and we in him—as to be easily doubted or subconsciously cast into the realm of wishful thinking. Hence the additional words of the angel to John in the closing verses of this section (Revelation 19:9–10): this glorious news about union with Christ may not be doubted but gets to the heart of all that God has done. How wonderful this God!