Semon 236

SERMON 236 – THE BATTLE THAT WILL END THE WAR

Text: Revelation 19:11–21
Date: August 31, 1941
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The phrase the war that will end all wars was used in the First World War. Yet today another world war has come, and more may still come. But there will be a battle that truly ends all war. Scripture describes it. It is the final battle that ends all war.

Subject: The Battle That Will End the War

I. THE ARMIES THAT WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS BATTLE

A. They are indicated at the beginning of Scripture
1. God declared war in Genesis 3:15.
2. The woman and her seed, seen also in Revelation 12.
3. The serpent, the old dragon, and his allies, the two beasts.

B. The captains of the armies
1. The glorious Christ
a. Seated upon a white horse.
b. Having a name no man knows but Himself.
c. Bearing titles: Faithful, True, The Word of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
d. Eyes like a flame of fire; many crowns on His head.
e. Wearing a garment sprinkled with blood.
f. A sharp sword proceeds out of His mouth.
2. The beast
a. Not yet the dragon, the true commander.
b. Represents antichristian world power and false religion.

C. Their designation here
1. The hosts in heaven upon white horses.
2. The kings of the earth and their armies, all the ungodly gathered together.

II. WHAT THE LORD ASKS THE CHURCH TO DO ABOUT IT

A. She must discover the truth of Jesus’ accusation
1. Not ignore or deny it, but examine herself.
2. By remembering her former zeal and love.
3. She must see from where she has fallen. To lose love for Jesus is to sink lower than before conversion.

B. She must repent
1. Confess her sin and turn away.
2. Return to her former works.
3. A true change must take place.

C. The punishment if she does not repent
1. The Lord is a jealous God who cannot endure half-hearted love.
2. He will remove her candlestick; take His love from her.
3. This holds for individuals and churches.
4. The question: where is the church of Ephesus now?

D. The gracious promise if she overcomes
1. The Lord has no pleasure in losing her.
2. If she fights the good fight, she will win.
3. She will receive fruit of the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
4. All who have ears must hear.

III. THE FINAL BATTLE ITSELF

A. Christ smites the nations with the sword of His mouth.
B. The beast and false prophet are captured and cast into the lake of fire.
C. The armies of the wicked are slain.
D. The birds are summoned to feast on the flesh of the defeated.

CONCLUSION

There will be no war to end all wars until Christ comes. All world conflicts foreshadow the final conflict. In that day Christ appears as victorious King, the beastly powers fall, and evil is judged forever. The question remains: On which side will you stand?