Armageddon

Introduction

Few problems arise in the first five chapters of Revelation. While there are some debatable texts, it is from chapters 6–20 that so much heated discussion takes place. Much of the discussion centers around the meaning of the symbols and images found in these chapters. Interpretation of these symbols and images depends upon the approach which is brought to the text. Some come to the text and say that Revelation was written for those early Christians who were being persecuted and that the symbols and images would have made sense to those initial readers. Some come to the text saying that Revelation was written for the end of time and that the symbols and images are about the end of time. Still others come to the text and say that Revelation was written as an unfolding of all history even to the present day. And finally, a fourth group approach Revelation believing that it is intended to be a symbolic representation of the battle between good and evil which continues through the present age.

We are not here to discuss each of these views. But I do want you to know the approach that I take to the text not only for today’s sermon but for the rest of the lessons from Revelation. I believe Revelation was written for early Christians who understood the symbolism and images and who found great comfort and fulfillment in the writing. The symbols and images find their basis in the Old Testament and in familiar writings at the time John wrote. While this view has some problems, it does help to explain most of the symbols and images in the text. The second view is the main approach in the U.S. and will be the source for much preaching about such subjects as the Rapture, Tribulation, and the 1000 year reign of Christ. It is because this view is so widely held that Dwight and I chose to have a couple of sermons on the end of Revelation which deal with widely held views about the end of the world.

Today we will look at the Battle of Armageddon from Revelation 16 and next week we will look at the 1000 year reign of Christ from Revelation 20. Perhaps these studies will help us to better understand Revelation, but may not answer all of our questions. But today is not intended to just be a Bible Study time. I want us to be encouraged in our journey with God. So let’s begin with a time of singing in which we encourage each other as we praise God.

The Text

Chapter 16 is the recounting of the seven bowls of God’s wrath being poured out on the earth. Verse 19 tells us that the height of God’s wrath was poured out onto the city of Babylon which was a code word for Rome. Earth refers to the realm of Rome’s power. The seven bowls are intended to remind us of the plagues brought against Egypt during the days of Moses. With the exception of the fourth bowl in verse 8, the other bowls all reflect some similarity to the plagues of Egypt. The fourth bowl of verse 8 brings scorching heat to people. From texts such as Deuteronomy 28:22; 1 Corinthians 3:13; and 2 Peter 3:7, fire is connected with judgment.

The intent of the seven bowls is to pronounce judgment upon Rome. This is seen in the three fold repetition of verses 9, 11, and 21 in which the people are said to refuse to repent and instead curse God. Notice in verse 2 that the first bowl and each successive bowl is poured out on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. This language comes from Revelation 13 in which the beast comes from the sea. According to verses 6–8 the beast blasphemes God, makes war against the saints, rules over the earth, and causes all to worship him. The beast is Rome who with its great power blasphemed God, warred against the saints, ruled the earth and led the earth in emperor worship.

All seven bowls are intended to represent the wrath of God being poured out in judgment against Rome. To those initial readers this would be a word of real encouragement. Again instead of trying to dissect the images and symbols we need to see the whole picture. The bowls are not intended to say that water turned to blood or that people broke out in painful sores, but that God has not forgotten his people and will in his time bring about judgment. Rome will not escape his judgment.

But then we come to verses 14–16. As the wrath of God is poured out in the sixth bowl, evil spirits appear. These evil spirits are said to come from the dragon (Satan; chapter 12); the beast (Rome; chapter 13); and the false prophet (the priests of Rome; chapter 13). These evil spirits deceive the world into believing that all power can be had. The kings of the earth are said to gather for a great battle (vs. 14) and we are told that the kings gather at a place called Armageddon (vs. 16). First, while there is a battle it is not the final battle. That battle does not occur until chapter 19. Second, the battle is to demonstrate the gathering of power. Notice verse 14, the battle is on the “great day of the God Almighty.” John is not trying to pinpoint a place for a literal battle. Armageddon is a word designating the area of Megiddo. This is a place long noted for many important battles in the history of the world. John uses a place associated with the rise and fall of kingdoms to say that the power of earth which comes together to battle is taking on God himself and the power of earth will be defeated. Thus, verse 15, these initial readers are to be ready. There should be no doubt about whose side they are on when the judgment of God is dispensed. Do not exchange your faith for a passing moment of comfort and respite from the hands of Rome. Rome will not stand; God will reign. Make sure you know whose side you are on.

Application

The Battle of Armageddon is anticipated and predicted by many in the U.S. There is widespread speculation who will join into the ultimate battle on the plains of Megiddo. The problem is that such a view misses the point of chapter 16. You see, Armageddon means the Hill of Megiddo and Megiddo is not on a hill but a plain. Armageddon doesn’t exist. What exists is an area that has long been recognized as the crossroads of political power. God uses that area to symbolize once more that the power of this earth cannot withstand his judgment. There are two points. First, in verses 9, 11, and 21 it is said that in the face of God’s power and righteous judgment, the people of the earth still refuse to repent and they curse God.

We need to have pliable and penitent hearts. Three different occasions God gives the people of the earth an opportunity to repent. Three times his judgment is poured out and three times it is rejected. Perhaps God has been trying to get your attention. That is not to say that everything uncomfortable which happens to you is God’s judgment, but it is to say that with a pliable and penitent heart we are open to God’s leading and direction. We are quick to say “I am wrong. Forgive me.” Pride must not keep us from drawing near to God.

Second, verse 15—stay awake and keep your clothes with you. My grandmother had a unique way of dealing with storms. What Jesus is warning is that we need to make sure that we are on God’s side. Some folks say they are on God’s side and then live like the world. Their mouths speak curses when God would have us speak blessings. Their bodies are shared with those who are not their spouses. Their minds are given to images and thoughts that belong to the world. And yet they claim to belong to God. We have an American phrase which summarizes this thought very well—don’t get caught with your pants down. It is the idea of being caught in a compromising position. It is the idea of being embarrassed in front of others.

This has to do with your mind and what you are centered on. The judgment of God will come unexpectedly and quickly. Make sure you know whose side you’re on. We cannot pretend to be on God’s side, live for the world so that we are comfortable, and then expect God to really overlook our heart. It is easy to live for this world. But do not be deceived. When the judgment of God comes it will be final. One whose heart is set on God sins but one whose heart is set on God doesn’t play games with themselves or God. We cannot pretend to love God and live for ourselves. Make sure you know whose side you are on.

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