The Mother of All Battles
Ez. 38, 39; Rev. 16:12-21; 19:11-21; 20:7-10
One of the events which must take place before the end of time is what’s known as the Battle of Armageddon.
Today we will look at what the Word of God says about this coming cataclysmic event.
I. As usual, there are different ways in which Bible scholars have looked at these different passages of scripture.
A. The scenario I was always taught was that these passages spoke of at least two separate battles.
1. The first would be Armageddon, the second, a battle which occurs at the end of the Millennium.
2. As for the battle of Ez. 38, 39, some see it as the same as the Battle of Armageddon, but others say
it’s a different battle altogether. If it’s the same battle, then according to the most popular view there
will be two major battles, one before and one after the Millennium. If the battles in Ez. and Rev. 16
are not the same battle, then again, according to the most common view today, we’re looking at
three different, major battles involving many nations of the world.
3. In the dispensational view, there’s at least one battle before the Millennium, in which the Antichrist
leads a coalition of nations, maybe even all the nations of the world, against little Israel.
4. Jesus comes out of the sky with a huge army of saints, defeats the AC, and the false prophet, and
throws them bodily into the Lake of Fire. He also slays all the ungodly with the sword of His mouth
at this same time, then reigns from His capital in Jerusalem for 1000 years.
5. At the same time, Satan is bound for 1000 years, and there is a mixture of mortals and immortals on
earth. Everyone who knew the Lord will be translated or resurrected, and thus, immortal. These
immortal ones will reign with Christ over all the mortal people, who will multiply rapidly and
repopulate the earth during the 1000 years of peace under Christ’s rule.
6. At the end of this period, Satan will be released from prison, and he’ll immediately go back to his
old ways, stirring up the nations of mortal people to rebel against God. All of these nations will
gather together to attack the saints in Jerusalem. But fire will come down from God, destroying
these enemies once and for all. The devil will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, where the Beast and
False Prophet are, and the eternal age will begin, with no more sin, rebellion, suffering or problems.
B. It wasn’t till a few years ago that I began to hear and read of a completely different way of looking at
all this.
1. At first I thought I was hearing something revolutionary, new and radical.
2. But I found out it wasn’t new at all – it had been around for 2000 years! There are many who
believe what I’m going to share with you today. They just aren’t as well known or popular as the
dispensationalists in our day for a variety of reasons. What’s popular isn’t always what’s right!
3. In my home town of Orlando, Florida, there were two large churches, but one was much larger than
the other. One was Benny Hinn’s, the other was pastored by a man named Dr. Mark Rutland.
4. Benny Hinn’s church was growing by leaps and bounds. It reached 8 thousand or more while I was
living there.
5. Mark Rutland took over a church which had been struggling and had dwindled from 6000 to
between 1 and 2 thousand. Under his ministry, the church eventually grew back to about 3000. It
also paid off a huge debt. But it never grew like Benny Hinn’s church grew.
6. And yet, I can tell you that Mark Rutland was a dynamic preacher, he had a doctorate so he really
was knowledgeable and taught sound doctrine. He was also an expert in leadership. He was filled
with the Holy Spirit and believed in the gifts of the Spirit. And, to top it off, he had been all over the
world preaching and ministering to people on all continents, leading people to Christ, and to
discipleship. He really understood the missionary call of the Church more than most pastors.
7. Benny Hinn on the other hand, preached sensational things; that Adam and Eve used to be able to
fly, that the Godhead consisted of nine not just three, that God wanted all people to be millionaires,
etc. It wasn’t sound doctrine and it wasn’t provable, but it sure drew crowds! So one church grew
much faster than the other, but that doesn’t mean it was really better or more blessed of God!
8. And just as that is true, it’s also true that just because a doctrine isn’t as popular in the US, that
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doesn’t mean it’s not of God, not biblical, not based upon sound exegesis of scripture!
II. Let’s look at these different passages of scripture more closely and compare them with one another.
A. We’ll start with the battle described in Ezekiel 38 and 39.
1. In chapter 37, Ezekiel has a vision which seems to depict the restoration and renewal of Israel.
2. Then in chapter 38, 39, Ezekiel is told to prophesy against someone or something called Gog, the
chief prince or Rosh, of the land of Magog.
3. There are differences of opinion as to who or what these names stand for. But the Amplified Bible
says “Gog is a symbolic name representing the leader of world powers antagonistic to God.”
4. The point is that a powerful leader will arise in latter times who will lead Gog and Magog, and a
coalition of countries against Israel. Interestingly, all of the nations mentioned are currently Muslim
nations! (Iran, Libya, Turkey play key roles, as well as the Muslim republics of the former Soviet
Union) Rev. 9:16 speaks of an army of 200 million coming against Israel from the east. Interesting!
5. This coalition will come against Israel, which will be enjoying peace, and will be so prosperous that
these nations will want to take some of its prosperity for themselves. Their motives will be selfish
gain, but behind it all, God will actually be allowing this and stirring them up to do it, for His
purposes. God will bring them to Israel to destroy them and to show His power and glory!
6. As they are coming toward Israel, there will be a great earthquake (38:19, 20). Then God will
summon a sword against them, and pit them against one another. There will be pestilence which
will break out against them (some kind of disease or sickness), then torrential rains, hail, fire and
sulfur. These armies shall fall, and great hordes of birds of prey and other animals will come and eat
their flesh. Fire from God will also fall on their native lands, destroying and killing the people of the
homelands. So much materiel will be left behind, that the people of Israel will use it for fuel for 7
years. And so many bodies will lie dead on the ground it will take 7 months to bury them.
7. The result of this will be that Israel will be restored and renewed in relationship with God, and His
Spirit will be poured out on them. All nations will know the Lord is God.
B. Now let’s consider the battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 16:12-16, 18)
1. This battle takes place during the reign of the Antichrist, a powerful world political and military
leader. As part of the sixth bowl judgment, God’s judgment on the earth, the Euphrates River is
dried up to make it possible for “the kings of the east” to come toward Israel in an attack.
2. Demons will come forth from the satanic trinity, the devil himself, the Antichrist, and the False
Prophet. They come from their mouths, which indicates words will be spoken to bring what they
want about. And they will go forth to stir up the nations to attack God’s people.
3. We’re told this will be a gathering for battle on the great day of God Almighty (the day of the Lord.)
4. The Lord says here He will be coming like a thief (meaning His coming will be unexpected for those
who aren’t paying attention, haven’t listened to His Word, etc.) but blessed are those who stay
awake and keep their garments on (in other words, stay in touch with God & walk in righteousness).
5. They (the demons together with Antichrist and the False Prophet) assembled them at a place called
Armageddon. This means “Mount Megiddo” a place in Israel. It’s actually a plain, not a mountain,
but it was the site of many key battles in Israel’s past, and is the place where nations attacking Israel
would probably come through. Lynn and I were there in 2008 – it gave me goosebumps!
6. In Rev. 16, we’re not told the result of this battle, the narrative just goes on with the seventh bowl of
God’s wrath and an earthquake, just like in Ezekiel’s prophecy. But if we jump over to Rev. 19, I
believe we find out there how the story ends.
C. The battle of Rev. 19:11-21
1. This scene begins in heaven, where we see Jesus on a white horse, and there is a description of His
glory and power. The armies of heaven accompany Him, clothed in white linen – these are the
angels and saints! All those who have died and gone before will come back with Jesus in the sky!
2. Jesus is called Faithful and True, having a name no one knows, yet He is called The Word of God,
King of kings and Lord of lords. We’re also told He slays His enemies with the sword which comes
from His mouth.
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3. Elsewhere of course, we’re told that sword is the Word of God. And in 2 Thess. 2:8 we’re told Jesus
will destroy the Antichrist with the breath of His mouth. I believe this is all speaking of the same
thing, the Word or the Spirit of Christ will easily destroy all enemies.
4. Then we’re told of an angel standing in the sun, who calls for the birds of prey to come and eat the
flesh of this great army of enemies. Sound familiar?
5. The Beast and the False Prophet will be thrown alive into the Lake of Fire, and all their allies will be
slain with the sword from Jesus’ mouth, that is, by His spoken command. Then the birds will eat
their flesh.
D. Now let’s look at the last battle, the one described in Rev. 20:7-10
1. This battle will happen because Satan will go out and stir up the nations to rebel and turn against the
Lord. He will deceive them to want to do this. Gog and Magog are specifically mentioned again.
2. There is a huge multitude of enemies gathered together for battle. They march up over the broad
plain of the earth. Remember, Armageddon is really a broad plain with just a little hill in the middle.
3. They surround the “camp of the saints” and “the beloved city.” What’s the beloved city? Jerusalem!
4. Fire comes down from heaven and consumes them. Again, this is destruction from God, for it comes
from heaven. It consumes all the enemies at once. Then the devil is thrown into the Lake of Fire,
where he and the Beast and False Prophet will be tormented forever.
5. Immediately after this comes the Great White Throne Judgment of all humanity.
6. By the way, Mat. 25:31, 32; 1 Cor. 15:20-25; Jn. 6:39-40, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11 and other passages
indicate that the resurrection and the Judgment all happen on “the Last Day” after Armageddon.
III. Did you notice any similarities in these battles?
A. I think the similarities are striking, and obvious!
1. Israel will be restored and will be prosperous before this attack begins.
2. A coalition of nations, stirred up by Satan and the Antichrist’s regime, intent on destroying Israel
and all God’s people. Most of the nations are Muslim nations. The armies are all led by a powerful
leader, who we know as the Antichrist, aka Rosh, the chief prince of Gog and Magog
3. God directly intervenes against these armies, destroying them by the breath of His mouth, the sword
of His mouth, or by fire which falls from Heaven. There will also be a great earthquake.
4. At the end of the battle, the leaders are thrown directly into the Lake of Fire, all the other people are
slain by Jesus Christ Himself, and fire falls on their home nations, so that all are consumed.
5. Birds of prey and vultures, along with other animals, will eat the dead bodies of the slain.
B. Scriptures from all over the Bible tie in to teach these same things.
1. Dan. 7:11 speaks of a beast which will be slain, then its body given to the flame. The Antichrist!
2. Zech. 14 speaks of the nations surrounding Jerusalem. Joel 2 and 3 speaks of God gathering the
nations (3:2) to the Valley of Jehoshaphat and God fighting for them.
2. 1 Thess. 4:14 says Jesus will bring the saints with Him when He comes back and will translate the
living ones to meet Him in the air. He comes with His armies to defeat the Beast and his forces.
3. 2 Thess. 1:8 – Jesus comes in flaming fire to take vengeance on the enemies of God.
4. 2 Thess. 2:8 – Jesus comes to destroy the Antichrist personally with the breath of His mouth.
5. In addition, similar things are spoken of in Rev. 6, 12, 13, 16, & 19. Wouldn’t it be logical to think
that Rev. 20 is another repetition of some of the same things?
6. Rev. 12 and 20 have much in common as well: a heavenly scene, an angelic battle against Satan and
his hosts, Satan cast to earth or cast into the abyss, Satan’s names, the devil, the ancient Serpent,
the Dragon, leading the world astray, being bound so as not deceive, then released to deceive the
nations, filled with fury because his time is short, resulting in the coming of the Kingdom of Christ
and His saints, the saints reigning with Christ because of Christ’s victory, but also because they
were faithful unto death, their testimony, and the Word of God.
7. In many NT passages, we find that Jesus comes back, defeats the Antichrist and his people along
with all the wicked of the earth, raises the dead, translates the saints, judges all mankind, then
renovates all of creation, and all at His Second Coming on what’s called the Day of the Lord.
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IV. And the point is?
A. All of these passages are talking about the same battle, the mother of all battles at the end of the age!
1. They are all just pictures of the same event or episode, simply from different “camera angles.”
2. In the last days, Satan will be released in a greater measure than ever before to deceive the nations.
3. His power will culminate in the raising up of a super world leader, the Antichrist or Beast, who, with
his sidekick the False Prophet, will deceive the world of people who have not received the love of
the truth and yielded their lives over to God through Jesus Christ.
4. This will be something like what happened in WWII, when Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito conspired
together to take over the world and worldwide conquest and chaos were released so suddenly it was
unimaginable! The three frog-like demon spirits will deceive the unredeemed of the world.
5. By the way, the Bible only speaks of two ages – this age, and the one to come. The end of this age
will come at the Battle of Armageddon when Jesus comes again. Then the new eternal age will
begin!
B. This scenario will be frightening and shocking for all mankind, except for those who know the
scriptures.
1. The world will be deceived, many will love the Antichrist and be amazed by his prowess, the
miracles his promo man, the False Prophet, performs, and his skill at leadership.
2. All will look wonderful to some – the world will be unifying under the AC, he will accomplish
seemingly great things.
3. Yet for others, it will be terrifying to see the world racing toward dictatorship and WWIII.
4. But for those of us who know God, this Day will not come upon us unawares. We will be awake and
aware. We know this is coming!
C. The battle won’t end as the leaders and armies involved imagine.
1. The end will be a total surprise for them! Suddenly, the Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints and
angels will burst from the skies when they are least expected.
2. Christ will not be afraid of the great, unified forces of Antichrist and the other nations.
3. He will not have a hard time overcoming them. We will be with Him, but we will not have to fight
the AC and his forces ourselves. We will watch our mighty Lord do it!
4. He is the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords. His name is the Word of God. On His head are
many crowns. In righteousness He judges and makes war. He wears a vesture dipped in blood,
either His blood, the blood of the Lamb, or the blood of His enemies. He is worthy to redeem us and
to destroy our enemies and to judge the earth, for only He humbled Himself to the nth degree and
died for our sins, washing us in His own blood.
D. All the enemies of God will be destroyed and cast into the Lake of Fire at Christ’s coming.
1. With His Word alone He created the heavens and the earth. With His Word alone He will slay the
wicked.
2. By His Word the heavens and earth have been held together all these millennia. But when He speaks
the word, the heavens and earth will melt with fervent heat, and a new day with new heavens and
earth will be brought in, where we will live with Him forever and ever in beauty, love, peace, and
harmony. Glory be to His name forever more!
Are you fighting a battle today? Are you afraid you’re being overwhelmed? Does it look like Satan and his
minions have you over a barrel? Jesus is Lord of lords. Christus Victor! Christ is the Victor! Yield your life to
Him, and you’ll discover He can give you the victory you so long for!
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