Introduction

Good day, everyone. Today, we continue our study of Revelation, Chapter 19. The theme of this chapter is "Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God." I did consider another title, "The Almighty Reigns." But upon reflection, there was a gap. This chapter actually deals heavily with the elements of salvation—for example, the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The Almighty has, in truth, always reigned. However, our God, the Almighty, achieves perfect unity with us, entering the state of the Lamb and the Bride. This belongs to the realm of salvation. Therefore, the theme remains: "Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God."

The Multitude in Heaven Praises God

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, (Revelation 19:1)

Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” (Revelation 19:5)

These words are immensely important. At that point, the distinction between heaven and earth is effectively dissolved; everything left on earth is completely ruined. Whatever your degree of learning or worldly standing, in the end, that flesh becomes a bird’s barbecue.

I cannot fully describe the feeling of God's people being caught up into heaven. But we can imagine our past state on earth—seeing God's people oppressed, His servants slaughtered like sheep to be slain. Did we truly comprehend what "salvation, glory, and power" meant back then?

In those moments, it felt as though God lacked omnipotence. We asked: "O God, why is this happening?" Observing the prophets slain throughout history, ending in tragedy, how could we know that salvation, glory, and power belong to our God? It certainly did not feel like it.

In reality, one must take a long-term view. Look at this multitude caught up into the air—God's people praising Him in heaven. Looking back from their present perspective, surrounded perhaps by Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ Himself, and all the prophets, including the apostle John.

The tribulations we suffered on earth caused us to cry out: "O God! O God!" But by Chapter 19 of Revelation, we exclaim in relief: thankfully, we made the right choice! When we prayed on earth, "May salvation, glory, and power belong to our God," it turned out to be absolute reality!

Previously, after praying, there seemed to be little glory or power. People recited the Lord's Prayer mechanically, out of sheer habit, without engaging their minds. When the pastor said, "Let us close in prayer," we recited automatically: "Our Father in heaven..." But did we truly understand? Hardly. Yet in Revelation 19, like it or not, you will understand. One look, and you shout: "Hallelujah!"

I know this feeling. Every time the church enters a new phase, fighting a grueling battle, we wonder during the fight if God will truly deliver. I had only a mustard seed of faith—it was tough, a painful road. But when victory is manifested, we shout, "Hallelujah!"

When wracked with pain and illness, our "Hallelujah" was feeble and trembling, like a dying battery. But now, the heavenly host, God's people, are raised into the air, anticipating the marriage feast of the Lamb and perfect union with God. Every time we witness God’s work among us, it is staggering.

Last night and this morning, I ministered to someone who was rendered speechless. After persistent prayer, speech was restored. My goodness! But this warfare is not over. Many brothers and sisters among us are at a stage where they must experience a massive deliverance and victory.

Yet before that victory arrives, our shouts of Hallelujah may not quite match the multitude in Revelation 19. They finally see what they hoped for; the expected end has arrived! All who fear God praise Him—this is salvation. Our God is faithful and righteous. How marvelous!

God causes the smoke from the burning of the prostitute to rise forever and ever, while the flesh of the wicked is fed to the birds. You may have worked with a close friend in a company for many years, drinking together, catching up, taking road trips—a great relationship.

Yet, on this fundamental issue, your perspectives diverged. He may have had a higher title, a larger paycheck, a more expensive house, and more assets. But he placed all his hope on earth, whereas you placed yours in heaven. At the time, you felt aggrieved, like sour grapes—you know that feeling? A bit bitter. But at this moment, there is no bitterness left; it is all sweetness.

Praise God! Our hope is an eternal hope; our destiny is an eternal destiny. We will be united with God forever and ever, reigning alongside the Lord Jesus. "Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God." That is no mere slogan; it is a shout from the depths of one's heart. All past sufferings and sacrifices were entirely worth it!

John Sees the Smoke of the Prostitute Rising

Many relied on Babylon the Great to make vast fortunes and acquire extensive properties. But now, the smoke from the burning of that great city billows upward! Was anyone like Lot's wife? Looking back and turning into a pillar of salt? It is no longer a matter of becoming a pillar of salt; they are going up in smoke alongside Babylon.

You must realize that God's judgments were written long ago in the Scriptures. Brothers and sisters, when following the Lord, never look back. Looking back is fatal! It is like driving a car: keep your eyes firmly on the road ahead, or you will cause a crash. Now, as the smoke of Babylon rises, she is proven to be a prostitute.

Why call her a prostitute? This is straightforward logic. As discussed in the previous chapter, there are three ways people make money today. The first is the entrepreneur. An entrepreneur builds an enterprise, hires employees, conducts manufacturing and R&D—it is hard-earned money. You must care about the business to build it well.

The second is the capitalist. The capitalist invests purely wherever money can be made. They manipulate capital. There is a theory: "To be a capitalist, you must not fall in love with the company. Once you fall in love with it, when its stock plummets, your wealth vanishes." The logic of a capitalist resembles that of a patron of prostitutes: transact and leave. Take the profit and walk away.

So when you go to big cities to chase wealth, you cannot afford to be sentimental, or you will perish. You profit and leave. Whether the enterprise lives or dies is of no concern to them. That is precisely the logic of the prostitute.

God's judgment is true and just! Looking at worldly affairs, people get confused and angry, crying out: "God, curse them!" You do not need to do that; God knows everything.

For true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” (Revelation 19:2)

God's judgments are true and just. Though the judgment has not been fully realized yet, by Revelation 19, it will undoubtedly be executed. In fact, history has seen it executed repeatedly—take the era of Lot, with the extreme depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah!

God's judgment is real. Do not think that a judgment declared thousands of years ago is no longer valid. That judgment remains valid for eternity! Thus, we see God avenging the blood of His servants upon this prostitute. Look at the text:

And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 19:3)

Everyone shouts Hallelujah! And the smoke rises, burning fiercely! God says: You played the prostitute, you loved money, now your money has turned to smoke. You know that during the Hungry Ghost Festival this month, people burn paper everywhere. But at that final moment, the smoke from the burning prostitute will far exceed anything seen at a ghost festival.

The Singapore Government, practical as always, provided steel cages for organized burning. But on that day, everything burns outside the cages. God will avenge the blood of His servants. Do you know what killed Jesus Christ? It was the worldly system of logic!

Do not assume that being a physical descendant of Abraham saves you. If your mind harbors demonic thoughts and your veins carry demonic instincts, physical lineage is useless. That is why Jesus said: "You are not Abraham’s children; your father is the devil." Why? Because Babylon the Great is immensely powerful; it has led countless people astray!

Even today, many still envy Lot's choice, wanting to enter Sodom and Gomorrah to make quick fortunes. Brothers and sisters, ten years ago, people envied such figures. Ten years later, haven't those same figures just been sentenced to life imprisonment? It is because people lack long-term foresight! If you stood high enough and looked far enough, would you still envy them?

If you were to name your child today, you wouldn't name him "Jiayin" (meaning "printing money at home"), would you? Names like Wang Jiayin or Li Jiayin sound like bad luck today! It is quite different from years ago when people were dazzled by temporary success. Ten years ago, naming a child Jiayin implied printing money at home; now, if you try that, you get arrested!

So, brothers and sisters must understand: God’s judgment may take a long time to manifest. Does a delay harm people? Sometimes blessings are delayed too, leaving people puzzled. Why the delay? Because when wickedness is judged after ten, twenty, or thirty years, the bitter melon produced over those decades turns exceedingly bitter!

As you know, in Northeast China, rice is harvested once a year. Further south, twice a year, and even further south, three times a year. But Northeast rice, harvested only once annually, is unequivocally superior—fragrant, plump, and full of elasticity. The more harvests you squeeze into a year, the less refined the yield.

A curse works the same way; it is devastating. Consider the curse of Babylon the Great: from Genesis to Revelation 19, it accumulated over six thousand years! For six thousand years, people envied Cain’s descendants who became patriarchs of various industries—how grand! But what did those six thousand years produce? A bitter melon of monumental proportions! That judgment will be brutal; its bitterness will crush you!

The smoke billows upward—do you understand? This demands a resounding shout: "Hallelujah!" Seeing this, we realize how fortunate we were not to board the same ship. Hallelujah! How wonderful! What a relief that we were not entangled with them. Aren't you somewhat relieved you didn't name your child Jiayin? I suspect I have hit a raw nerve for some of us.

The Lord Our God, the Almighty, Reigns

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. (Revelation 19:6)

Has our God not always been King? Why is it said that He reigns only in Revelation 19? Here is the reality: If God reigned alone, it would lack purpose. But He brings us into Himself to reign together with Him—that is truly meaningful! Later, we will discuss the Lord of lords and King of kings. We are kings, and He is the King of kings! Crucially, His reign fulfills a magnificent salvation.

This great salvation brings all of God’s people into His fold. In other words, this reign is the perfect manifestation of God’s salvation, glory, and power. The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! Who said this? A sound like a vast multitude, like rushing waters, like loud thunder—the whole heavenly realm shouting in unison: We have finally endured until Revelation 19!

This declaration is profound: "The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" How marvelous! From that point onward, the Almighty leads us to reign together. Earth-shattering! It resembles the roar of thunder and rushing waters—immensely powerful! Why? Because what John saw in his vision was a specific moment in the future! Over what does our Lord Jesus reign? He reigns as King over the earth, and the entire world will be subjected under Jesus Christ!

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13)

"The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:14-16)

He rides a white horse. What does a white horse signify? It signifies decisive victory! That rider is our Lord Jesus Christ. And why is that? Because behind Him is a vast host—the armies of heaven, mounted on white horses, clothed in fine linen, pure and white, following Him closely.

Let us be clear: this fine linen represents the righteous deeds of God's holy people. Some may argue, "Are we not justified by faith? Why talk about righteous deeds?" Righteousness means acting strictly according to God’s Word. That is practical righteousness. Make no mistake—I want to be numbered among them!

As we examine Revelation Chapter 19, a deep, unshakeable hope is ignited within me. To prepare for that day, to march behind Jesus Christ—our King of Kings and Lord of Lords—it does not matter which row I am in, as long as I am there.

Riding a white horse means subduing the sin within us. We must translate our faith in God into action, execute His Word, observe it strictly, and make zero compromises. The battle is far from over; brothers and sisters, we must press on with absolute resolve. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords has a place reserved for you in those ranks!

Imagine looking to your side on that day: "Look, brother so-and-so, sister so-and-so! Splendid, you made it too!" What a conviction that will be. Even now, in this temporal world, we must look down upon the trivial anxieties of human existence. We must dismiss even the terror of life and death, and firmly crush all worldly influences—all the forces of the "Old Horse"—under our feet.

Only then can you master this horse. Consider the reality: if you do not master the horse, you cannot ride it. In fact, if it does not ride over you, you are already fortunate! The moment you attempt to mount it without mastery, it will disobey, kick back, and send you flying meters away.

A white horse is exceptionally formidable—it conquers continually. Only overcomers are qualified to ride it. Therefore, brothers and sisters, our Lord Jesus is destined to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We must emulate Him, carry forward His mantle, and overcome every obstacle. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, putting to death the sin inside us while on this earth is a supreme privilege.

If Cain still observes us from the spiritual realm, he must envy us immensely. Why? Because God once declared to Cain:

"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." (Genesis 4:7)

Cain would lament in eternity: "God, how could I rule over sin without Your power?" Let me tell you straight: throughout human history, very few have successfully subdued the "Old Horse" within. Every human being carries an untamed horse inside—that entity is called sin. Make no mistake about it.

In his New Testament epistles, the Apostle Paul spoke less about demons and focused squarely on sin, the flesh, and the body. Recently, I sought absolute clarity on this. During prayer, I received a profound and firm revelation: sin is an entity of the spiritual realm.

What exactly is sin? It is a demonic force present from your birth, residing within your mortal frame. That is why every person exhibits a corrupt inclination from day one. But as Christians, through Jesus Christ, we possess the power to execute and subdue this force! What Cain failed to achieve, we can decisively conquer through the love of Jesus Christ. That is the essence of salvation!

To ride a white horse means sin has been utterly put to death and mastered. Sin becomes the horse beneath you, completely tamed. Many brothers and sisters fail to grasp this reality, but consider this: when you master the Old Horse, it will actually deliver resources and wealth to you. Do you believe this?

Mention money, and many eyes light up immediately. You might protest, "No, I do not love money that much!" Well, praise the Lord if that is true. But if your eyes did light up, mark my words: if you subdue the Old Horse, it will serve you. If you fail to subdue it, it will destroy you. Is that clear?

Therefore, to reign with Jesus Christ, we must stop at nothing to put the sin within us to death. Only the truth sets us free. The truth is the Word of God—that is the bedrock of our faith. To conquer this entity, you cannot rely on empty rhetoric. When the devil confronted Jesus, saying, "If you are hungry, turn these stones into bread," Jesus did not foolishly reply, "No, I don't feel like it." That would be useless and ineffective. Instead, our Lord Jesus declared:

"It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Luke 4:4)

We must possess the truth. Without truth, defeating the Old Horse is impossible. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. This coming Sunday, I will speak on "The Spirit of Truth." What a magnificent salvation this is! It is a complete, total package. Consider real estate: when you buy a property, you examine the surrounding infrastructure and amenities. God’s salvation offers a flawless, complete package.

When you are weak, the Holy Spirit empowers you. When you lack truth, the Holy Spirit leads you into truth. What could be better? When you cannot execute the sin within you on your own, the Holy Spirit enables you to crush it. From eternity, across the great chasm, Cain looks at us with deep envy, saying: "How blessed they are! I chose the wrong path back then."

This is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He governs this world with an iron scepter. Make no mistake: Jesus Christ is no Santa Claus. He rules with firm, uncompromising authority. It is useless to whine, "God, why are You so strict?" You have no standing to question Him. Even if you ask, He will not entertain your folly. Why? Because He has declared: "I rule this world with an iron scepter."

His name is "The Word of God." God has many names, each revealing His fundamental attributes. No one can comprehend Him unless He reveals Himself. Is this not the very path we have traversed?

The Marriage of the Lamb Has Come, and His Bride Has Made Herself Ready

Why did God create this world? Why plant the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

This is God's grand design: to filter out the overcomers through trials. The overcomers become the Bride of Christ, entering into absolute, perfect union with God. This entire process is God’s predetermined plan in eternity.

Unlike those arrogant fools who constantly sit in judgment of God’s actions, disputing His methods. Many refuse to align with God's way. Do you find it hard to accept? If you cannot align with it, that is your own misfortune. As for me, I align with Him completely.

When the Israelites left Egypt, God ordered the complete eradication of the Canaanites. By human logic, how do you explain that? Look at current news regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza—can you fully rationalize it? We may not understand it fully, nor do we need to.

Lack of human understanding is irrelevant; faith is paramount. Because He is God! Whatever He decrees, He requires no approval permit from us. He needs no permit from the Singapore Government, nor from the Chinese Government. He planned this from the very beginning; our finite understanding is beside the point. Let us face reality: there is much in this world beyond our grasp.

God is sovereign and good, so I place my total trust in Him. People ask me, "Why do you believe in Him?" I reply, "If I do not trust God, whom else should I trust?" To each his own choice: you love the world, I love God. Loving God yields maximum benefits! Why? Because I place no hope in this temporal world.

Injustice runs rampant in this world; do not harbor naive illusions about finding absolute justice on earth. My sole ambition is to be perfectly united with the Lord in eternity, while manifesting His glorious image, holiness, and righteousness here on earth today.

By God’s grace, clothed in fine linen, we testify for the Lord Jesus. If you ask me for theoretical debates, I have no time for that. If you demand philosophical explanations, that is not my focus. But if you ask for tangible testimonies, I have an endless record! Day after day in ministry, the evidence is undeniable.

Just recently, a sister was terrified to live in her own home for several months, wandering elsewhere without informing me. I had previously delivered her from fear, but she stumbled again as the spirit of fear returned. She could not step foot into her house without terror, depending on others for shelter.

Praise the Lord, after I led her in prayer that day, she resolved to return home that very night and overcome. I assured her: "God will decisively grant you victory." And she was completely delivered! How? By the raw power of God! Is that not remarkable? She is blessed, partaking in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The Church is the Bride of Jesus Christ. Why the Church? Quite simply, the Church is God’s core purpose! Whether you comprehend it fully or not, respond with faith. In any case, human life on earth offers no ultimate hope—after a few tens of thousands of days, we all die.

Look at me: before I realized it, I reached my sixties. In a blink of an eye, I will be eighty, and soon reduced to dust! And then, we enter into the Bride of Christ. Someone might object, "But you are a man!" No, the corporate Church is the Bride of God. The testimonies are overwhelming! We ride white horses, subdue our own sin, reign with Jesus as He rules the nations with an iron scepter, and wear fine linen to walk in God's righteousness.

Time passes in the flash of a second, and we enter eternity. Without this firm hope, would we not live in constant fear of death? Because our hope is anchored in eternity, we are fearless. Everywhere, we witness salvation, glory, and power! We declare boldly that salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! This is no mere slogan, but a concrete reality demonstrated in our daily lives.

We rely on His grace and overcome through Him. What Cain failed to accomplish, we execute! The sin Cain could not subdue, we conquer through God’s divine power! That is salvation—a complete, closed-loop system! Whatever God decrees, He accomplishes. And because we believe, we witness tangible evidence.

The Final Fate of the Beast, the Kings of the Earth, the Generals, the Mighty, and All People Great and Small

"And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, 'Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.' Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army." (Revelation 19:17-19)

"But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh." (Revelation 19:20-21)

This is the ultimate end of those consumed purely by worldly, mundane living. Hallelujah! The very worldly elite whom people once envied have reached their grim end. In Revelation Chapter 19, God strikes them all down. The carnage is vast, so God dispatches flocks of birds—vultures, crows, scavengers—to devour their remains.

Barred from eternity, God subjects them to a ruthless "sky burial." Yet even that sky burial returns to the dirt—once the vultures digest the flesh, it drops right back to the earth. Their ultimate destination is the lake of burning sulfur, an eternal furnace of judgment.

This was the vision given to John the Elder. You might challenge me: "Have you been there yourself?" I reply: "I have not, but that changes nothing." You ask: "How can you be so certain?" Because every single day, I experience the concrete, powerful manifestations of Jesus Christ.

I require His salvation. I hunger for His glory. I demand the evidence of His power. I have no desire for the lake of fire, nor for sky burials, earth burials, or any worldly demise. My single, unyielding objective is eternal union with our God in heaven!

In the future, the Lord Jesus will return with us to this earth to reign for a thousand years. Here are two distinct destinies: the harlot faces catastrophic destruction, while the people of God enter glorious victory. Having heard these realities, let your desire burn to manifest God's image on earth today. That is what it means to be an overcomer.

Amen! May God bless you all!

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