“If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked” (Prov. 29:12).

We can see this truth played out in modern and ancient times. Great kings of the past have devastated their kingdoms by listening to lies. The more they listened, the more corrupt their governments became. Eventually, there comes a point of no return and either the kingdom collapses or the king is assassinated.

In more modern times, we can see in our nation administrations at both the state and national level that were devastated by lies. The thing is, such things not only harm the people involved, but also citizens in general. In fact, some of the actions taken by rulers who listen to lies have impacted the country for decades.

These matters, though, are not the focus of this article. Rather, we want to bring Proverbs 29:12 down to a personal, practical application.

When we listen to lies, those around us will be wicked. Why? Because those are the kind of people we will attract and will be attracted to.

This can happen in many areas, some more devastating than others. We can listen to lies in the physical, financial, moral, and spiritual matters. If we listen to the idea that eating all you want of anything you want is a good way to live, it will catch up to us. Our health will be adversely affected and those around us will be unhealthy too. If we pay attention to get rich quick schemes, we will lose our money. And, guess what? The people around us will be broke too.

The other two areas are much more important than health and wealth. If we listen to lies on moral issues, we will be surrounded by immoral people. When we give heed to situation ethics, “free love,” and materialism we will be accompanied by liars, fornicators, and thieves. It will all feed on itself and lead to our ruin.

If we heed false doctrine, we will walk the broad path. Our worship will be vain and our souls damned (Matt. 15:7-14). The people around us will believe the same things and thereby harden us in our false beliefs giving us a false confidence.

While it might be hard at times to discern the truth from lies on health and wealth, it is not hard to determine right from wrong on moral and doctrinal issues. All we need to do is turn to God’s word. It is right and gives us the way to go (2 Pet. 1:3).

Not only must we learn and apply Proverbs 29:12, but we must also burn it into the brains of our children. They need to know the consequences of listening to lies. It might make them feel good for a while. It might make them popular. It might let them do what they want to do. However, it will catch up to them and lead to personal devastation.

Let’s love and listen to the truth and in so doing surround ourselves with good people (Prov. 23:23).

In this section of Revelation, Christ addressed each of the seven churches of Asia about their situation. There are a few things that stand out in these letters that will help us as we examine the churches of today, including the one of which we are a member.

Interesting Observations

The seven churches of Asia are really representative of all churches of all time. A church today may not be the exact duplicate of one of these churches, but the principles and or facts found among them are found today. For instance, there are churches today that feel they are rich and faithful, but are actually lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-17). Another church stands on its past reputation while it is spiritually dead (Rev. 3:1, 2). We might find a church, though, that is spiritually active in trying to do what is right, but is tolerating a false doctrine or the teachers of it (Rev. 2:14, 15). Any combination may exist.

There is no collective organization among the churches of Asia. They had no headquarters and no entity that tied them to one another. Each church acted independently and was addressed individually by the Lord. In other words, there were no denominations in the first century. There were no collective works, projects, or ministries joined in by multiple churches like we find today.

The churches were addressed publicly. Inasmuch as the Revelation would circulate not only among the seven churches, but also to all other churches, the Lord did not hesitate to openly address their situation. Some of what the Lord said was “positive.” But, He also had “negative” things to say as well. He both commended and condemned. Such action was right and needed; it is still right and needed.

A basic pattern is followed by Jesus as He speaks to each church. It is:

1. Addressee (church)
2. Identity of Christ (i.e. He who holds the seven stars)
3. “I know”
4. The good, if any.
5. The bad, if any.
6. Warning and/or exhortation.
7. Promise.

Though each letter describes Jesus differently, He is still the only One addressing each church. Too, though the promises are worded in various ways, they all mean the same thing – heaven. That is, eating from the “tree of life” (2:7) is the same as the “crown of life” (2:10) is the same as the “hidden manna” (2:17) is the same as “power over the nations” and the “morning star” (2:26, 28) and so on.

By Revelation 21 the destruction of God’s enemies is complete. Babylon was defeated in Revelation 18:20, the beast and false prophet in 19:20, and Satan in 20:10. The last two chapters give us a glimpse of the Christian’s eternal home. No doubt, this encouraged those Christians who first received the letter as they were under such heavy persecution.

Chapter 21 begins with a look at the “new heavens and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1-8). The basic idea is we will have fellowship with God. The new heavens and new earth are not to be thought of like the ones we now think of. The current universe will be destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10-12). Again, the symbolic nature of the book must be remembered. The underlying truth is that the righteous will have an eternal dwelling place with God; one where we will enjoy His immediate presence and fellowship (Rev. 21:3).

Our existence in this “new heavens and a new earth” will be like none we have known (Rev. 21:4). All tears will be wiped away. There will be no death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Can we even imagine such a place? The thirsty will take of the waters of life freely (cf. Matt. 5:6; Jn. 4:10).

This picture of bliss is balanced with the stark reality of the lost. They will experience great torment in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). Those who are guilty of “great sins” (sexual immorality, murder) along with those guilty of “lesser sins” (lies, cowardly) will suffer this eternal vengeance.

The outside of New Jerusalem is described in Revelation 21:9-21. The picture is one of great strength and stability. Nothing can penetrate it walls or shake it from its foundations. It is decorated with precious jewels and stones, having beauty beyond compare.

The inside of the city is just as splendid. In Revelation 21:22-22:5, the interior is detailed and brings great awe and joy to the child of God. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are both the temple and light of the city. The ones present in the city are the saved of the nations; and they are the only ones. Nothing wicked or sinful will dwell in this grand abode (Rev. 21:27).

In New Jerusalem is the “river of the water of life” as well as the tree of life (Rev. 22:1, 2). The curse is removed, the curse of sin and separation from God is completely absent. It is truly paradise regained! In the endless day, the saints shall reign with their Lord.

The final segment of Revelation is both an exhortation and warning (22:6-21). The things in the book, prior to Revelation 21, would shortly take place (Rev. 22:6, 7, 10, 12, 20; 1:1; 2:5, 16; 3:3, 11). John fell down to worship the angel but was rebuked and told to worship God.

The ones who received the message of the book—destruction for God’s enemies and deliverance for God’s children—could accept it or reject it. If they rejected it, the angel declares let him be unjust and filthy still. The ones who accepted it were to continue to be righteous and holy. No other message is coming, no other warnings to be given, this is it—take it or leave it.

The Lord exhorts that we will all be held accountable according to our works (Rev. 22:12). The ones who keep His commandments will be blessed. Those who do not will be barred from His blessings. Any addition or subtraction from the book would result in a curse.

The Lord tells John He is coming quickly. John’s exuberant reply is, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). Can we say the same? Are we ready for Him to come in judgment, whether in time or eternity?

In the first section of Revelation 19 (vv. 1-10), we see Babylon’s destruction. Its corruption led to its downfall and many wept over it because of their loss. This Babylon, Rome, would never rise again.

The second half of Revelation 19 tells us about Christ and His victory over the beast and false prophet.

Jesus is a warrior king as He sits on a white horse (Rev. 19:11-16). He is described as Faithful and True, something inherent in His nature (cf. Rev. 13:9, 14). As He goes out, He “judges and makes war.” The “war” part shows us that this is not the end, because at the second coming Jesus will put down His rule, power, and authority (1 Cor. 15:22-28).

The Lord is identified as “The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13). This agrees with John 1:1-3, where He is the Word that was from the beginning with God and was God. The other designation applied to Him is “King of kings and Lord of lords.” He is above all and has the right to rule over all; none can overthrow Him.

The next scene described in Revelation 19:17-21 is that of the “supper of the great God.” There is an invitation to the birds to come and feast on the flesh of the Lord’s enemies (Rev. 19:17, 19). The beast, kings, and their armies gather for the battle, but are utterly defeated by Christ. The beast is Rome, as identified in Revelation 13:1. The false prophet is the second beast of Revelation 13:11, and was identified as false religion, namely emperor worship. The beast and false prophet were thrown into the “lake of fire burning with brimstone,” while their followers were killed by the sword (Rev. 19:20, 21).

In Revelation 20, we see the aftermath of the Lord’s victory.

Satan is bound and cast into a bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3). The pit, key, and chain are all symbolic. They represent the fact that God limited the sphere of authority of the devil. He lost his allies, the beast and false prophet; and suffered loss in the victory of the saints.

What is the 1,000 years? Remember, the book is filled with signs; things that are representative of something else. The numbers in this book are often symbolic. The 144,000 of chapter 7 is not a literal number of those who are Christ’s. Rather, it represents all of the redeemed. The 1,000 years is not a literal time frame, but symbolic of a fully complete era in which Satan is limited in his sphere of operation.

One thing that may be helpful is to go back on consider the treading of the Holy City for 42 months (Rev. 11:2), the two witnesses who prophesied for 1,260 days [42 months] (Rev. 11:3), the woman in the wilderness for 1,260 days [42 months] (Rev. 12:6), the blasphemy of the beast for 42 months (Rev. 13:5) and the fact that Satan had a “short time” (Rev. 12:12). This 1,260 days, 42 months, or “times, time, and half a time” (3 ½ years) is symbolic of a short, definite period of time. The events of these times relate to and coordinate well with the period of Imperial persecution under Rome beginning with Domitian. The 1,000 years best fits with the time beginning with Emperor Constantine, when Imperial persecution ended, to some point in the future. Again, it is not literal or that period would have ended centuries ago.

In Revelation 20:4-6, we read of the reign of Christ. It states that saints, namely martyrs for the cause, reign with Christ (Rev. 20:4). The section in Revelation 20:5 that says, “The rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished,” is really parenthetical and goes back to Revelation 19:21.

The “first resurrection” was a revival of Christ’ cause. It looked to be dead under heavy persecution, but revived when that ended. It is similar to the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:10-14, when the Israelite nation is pictured as coming back to life.

The “second death” is death in hell as noted from Revelation 20:14.

The revelation quickly fast forwards from the downfall of Satan and his cohorts in Roman times to some point in the future when he is cast into eternal punishment.

We next see Satan released but rapidly defeated (Rev. 20:7-10). There is a concerted effort to destroy God’s people, including the enemies of God symbolized in God and Magog. Their attempt is thwarted by God with fire from heaven that devours them. It is at this point the devil is cast into the “lake of fire and brimstone,” where he will be “tormented day and night forever and ever.” This is obviously pointing to some time in the future.

The final section of Revelation 20 is the judgment that pictures God sitting on a great white throne. All are judged by two books: the Book of Life and another book, which is God’s word. Our life will be compared to God’s word; our works compared to His commands (Rev. 20:12). None will escape or miss the judgment. The conclusion sees Death and Hades (the realm of the unseen) cast into hell along with anyone not found written in the Book of Life. May we ever strive to be in it.

Revelation 18 and part of 19 discuss Babylon’s destruction. In the rest of 19 and on through 20 we read about Christ’s victory and how the faithful will partake in it.

The message of Revelation 18:1-19:10 is the complete downfall of Babylon at the hand of God. Babylon, Rome, is extremely corrupt (Rev. 18:1-8). It is doomed because of its iniquities that infested the “great city,” including the kings and merchants. The latter two indicate that both the politics and business of Babylon were crooked. It seems things have not changed and makes one wonder how long God will tolerate such today before He brings an end to it. Anyway, the saints are instructed to flee her before she is taken down (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Gen. 19:2). This section (18:1-8) closes by declaring the arrogant city is simply getting what is coming to her; she is reaping what she sowed.

Those whom Babylon corrupted mourn over her fall, while the righteous rejoice (Rev. 18:9-20). The kings mourn because of the loss of their power. The merchants weep because of the loss of their wealth. Both groups are troubled for selfish reasons. They concern is not for sin or even human misery, but for what they have lost. The righteous, on the other hand, are told, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” (Rev. 18:20).

Revelation 18:21-24, tells us Babylon was to sink like a millstone, never to rise again. This is an image of the Roman Empire sinking into oblivion. When it fell, it fell forever. The joy that once existed will exist no more; festivity ceases. The reason for this: “And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth” (Rev. 18:24). God was exacting vengeance on the power that stood against His people, putting them to death.

The “great multitude” praise God for the defeat of Babylon (Rev. 19:1-10). These are the saints described in Revelation 7:9, 14. The harlot is judged and condemned. God is praised for bringing her down. Then comes a beautiful scene, the marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9). At this point there is a betrothal of the wife and the Lamb, similar to Joseph and Mary’s condition when she was found with child (Matt. 1:18, 20). The marriage is fulfilled in Revelation 21.

John is so overwhelmed by what he is seeing that he falls down to worship the angel (Rev. 19:10). The angel stops him and tells John to worship God. This truth cannot be lost on us today. God, and God alone, is worthy of worship. All other beings, great or small, are not to be worshiped.

Just as God defeated Rome, so He will defeat all His enemies. The message of Babylon’s fall gave great courage and hope to saints in the first century. Their persecution was intense and the cause seemed doomed. However, the Revelation gave them a look behind the scenes to see God knew what was going on, was still in control, and would lead them to victory. He will still lead us to victory, no matter how bad things may appear. Therefore, we cannot lose heart.

In Revelation 15 the seven bowls of wrath are introduced. There are seven angels who hold the seven plagues. Those who are victorious over the beast sing the “song of Moses…and the song of the Lamb” as they stand on the sea of glass. This is a “sign,” that is, symbolic of something else (Rev. 15:1). The sea of glass is “mingled with fire.” This carries the idea of trials of fire (1 Pet. 1:6, 7). The ones standing on the sea are ones who have risen above or overcome the fiery trials Christians face. For the victory, they praise God because He is the One who saw them through.

The latter part of Revelation 15 portrays seven angels with seven plagues (Rev. 15:5-8). They bring divine judgment—a judgment that is certain to come.

The first four bowls of God’s wrath deal with nature (Rev. 16:1-9). The wrath comes as a consequence to the sins of men. The bowl poured out on the earth brings sores on men. The one poured on the sea became “blood as a dead man.” The third was poured on the waters, rivers and springs, and become blood; men dying because their blood is shed. The fourth bowl poured on the sun scorches men. They blaspheme God but do not repent. Since there is a chance of repentance, we know this is not describing the final judgment. Rather, it is a judgment that took place in time.

In these judgments God is declared to be just (Rev. 16:6, 7). It is just because these men who are suffering are wicked men; those who shed the blood of the New Testament saints and prophets (Rev. 16:5). Also, as noted above, men did not repent. The judgments are designed not only to punish, but also to cause men to turn to God. Still, despite the consequences, some men refuse.

The last three bowls of wrath in Revelation 16:10-21, address moral and political symbols. The throne of the beast is assaulted and his kingdom is plunged into darkness. This may be the idea that he can no longer guide his empire. It is falling apart.

The sixth bowl is poured out on the river Euphrates (Rev. 16:12-16). It dries up and therefore a major barrier to battle is removed; the kings of the east can now move their armies. Unclean spirits come from three sources, the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. The dragon reaches back to Revelation 12:15 where the serpent (Satan) is described as spewing forth water (lies, error) to flood the earth and destroy the woman (church). The beast is the one from Revelation 13:5, identified as the Roman Empire and its Caesars speaking blasphemies. The false prophet is the second beast of Revelation 13:13, 14. It was identified as pagan priestly caste what enforced Emperor worship. This false prophet, along with the others worked to deceive the world with lies, false doctrines, and false signs (Rev. 16:14). They are gathering the forces of evil for a battle, the results of which we read about in Revelation 19:19-21. The battle itself is not detailed.

Armageddon is mentioned in Revelation 16:16 as the place of battle. Many false teachers have speculated about this and stirred up people into a frenzy. As with so much else in Revelation, this is a symbolic reference to a place of decisive battles. Judges 4 and 5 tells us about Deborah and Barak winning a decisive battle against Jabin and his military leader Sisera. The battle between Jesus Christ and His enemies will be decisive. It will not be barely won. Rather, it be an overwhelming victory.

Finally, the seventh bowl is poured out on the air (Rev. 16:17). This is Satan’s realm as he is described as “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2). God wins, Satan loses.

As for the voice, thunder, and lightnings, compare the last of the seven seals and last of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8:5 and 11:19 (respectively). This shows cataclysmic world change. The great city of Babylon (Rome) is divided and suffers the wrath of God.

Revelation 14 is a fantastic chapter. It has a great deal of action that fascinates the mind. The chapter is not, however, beyond our ability to understand and from which to draw lessons.

The Lamb & The Redeemed

This chapter opens with the Lamb standing with the 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5). There is not a literal Lamb here. Rather, this is symbolic language to describe the Son of God; the One offered in sacrifice for the sins of men (Jn. 1:29). He is on Mount Zion. Again, there is not a literal mass of material rock in heaven. Instead, the Lamb is standing on a solid, secure place (cf. Psa. 2:6).

The 144,000 represent the saved. They are the ones who were marked in Revelation 7. They were redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Pet. 1:18, 19). They are virgins, that is, they are morally pure (2 Cor. 11:2). These follow the Lamb, by listening to Him, and are the firstfruits; they are dedicated and belong to God [similar to the firstfruits of Old Testament harvests] (Jn. 10:27; Jas. 1:18). Too, they told the truth and did not deceive or lie (1 Pet. 1:22).

If we were to take all of this as literal language, we would be forced to conclude there will only by 144,000 male virgins who never lied in heaven. This is simply not so and totally incompatible with the rest of the Bible. Thus, we are confident this is symbolic language.

The Angels & Judgment

The angels now declare judgment (Rev. 14:6-13). One angel brings the “everlasting gospel.” This is none other than the gospel of Christ, that which will not fade away (1 Pet. 1:23-25). It is intended for all people over all the earth. None are excluded from accountability or access to the gospel.

The hour of judgment is announced. In this there is the pronouncement against “Babylon.” Babylon in Revelation is identified with Rome. At the time of the writing of this book, Rome still stood. Hence, we understand this is a use of the “prophetic perfect,” that is, declaring a thing yet to come as though it was already done (Isa. 46:10; 48:3). The surety of the fall of Rome was so certain, the angel could declare it as done.

The fall of Babylon was due to her sins. Sin brings nations down (Prov. 14:34). God’s wrath abides over any and all that are in sin.

The ones that receive the mark of the beast will suffer punishment. God will not allow them to escape. Rather, they will “have no rest.” This is a comfort to the Christians who received this letter in the first century. They were weary and anxious about the survival of the cause of Christ. God is here reassuring them He and His sons will win and Satan and his slaves will lose.

Another comforting thought is that the saints will rest (Rev. 14:13). They will rest from their dedicated labors to the Lord. Their influence, however, will continue to linger in the lives of those they left behind. They have kept God’s commands and will receive a reward for it. Hence, we know if we do not keep His commands we will not receive a reward of rest.

Harvest Of The Earth

In the last section of Revelation 14, we learn about the harvest of the earth (Rev. 14:14-20). The Son of Man is on a cloud. The idea here is again symbolic. It is not that Jesus is sitting on a cloud in heaven. At the beginning of the chapter He was on Mount Zion. These are word pictures that convey a deeper meaning. Being on a cloud is the idea of Judgment, just as in Isaiah’s day (Isa. 19:1). Jesus was judging the earth.

The righteous are harvested (Rev. 14:15, 16). When on earth Jesus said the fields were white for harvest (Lk. 10:2). We see the gospel has gone out (14:6) and now a harvest taking place. At the same time the unrighteous are being “harvested” as well (Rev. 14:17-20). Their fate is to suffer the wrath of God.

In Revelation 13 we learn that Satan supported the two beasts. These beasts also supported one another. The question is, who or what are the beasts? Why are they in league together? What does the mark of the beast indicate? While not being overly dogmatic about this, a rational, logical study of the chapter will reveal many answers and clear up a great deal of confusion.

The Beast of The Sea

Satan gave authority to the beast of the sea (Rev. 13:1-10).

Note: In some translations the word “I” appears but it should actually be “he” in verse one. So, it would read, “Then he stood on the sand of the sea.” The “he” is the dragon, Satan.

The beast rising out of the sea is satanic; moved and motivated by the devil. It has seven heads and ten horns, associating it with the dragon of 12:3.  Blasphemous names are on its heads. This was manifest in the Caesars as they claimed deity.

To understand why this beast is the Roman Empire, compare this beast with Daniel’s (Dan. 7:7, 8, 17, 23-25). It points to the same kingdom, the fourth kingdom, as the vision of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. There Daniel interpreted the various parts of the image as four kingdoms starting with Babylon. In world history the fourth kingdom was Rome: Babylon, Mede-Persian, Grecian, Roman. Hence, the first beast of Revelation 13 can be safely identified with the Roman Empire that was moved against Christ’s church by Satan.

This beast was mortally wounded, then healed (Rev. 13:3). The facts fit best with the death of the emperor Nero, which ended persecution temporarily until Domitian revived it.

The beast received worship and was believed to be invincible (Rev. 13:4). The Caesars were considered gods and the empire was thought to be indestructible.

In Revelation 13:5-7, the beast rebels against God and persecutes the saints; making war on them. His authority reached to the end of the earth. The ones who worship him are those not written in the Lamb’s book of life, that is, non-Christians (Rev. 13:8, 9). The meaning of verse 10 is that the persecutors received what they gave. The saints need to trust that God will make things right.

The Beast of The Earth

In the latter half of Revelation 13, the beast from the earth supports the beast from the sea. This beast arises from the earth (Rev. 13:11). If you go back to Revelation 12:15, 16, you will see that the dragon, Satan, spewed forth a torrent of lies and false doctrine (see article on Rev. 12). From this cesspool of religious poison came the false religion of emperor worship. The pagan priests were used to enforce this religion; on the pain of death (Rev. 13:14, 15).

As a false religion, it was deceitful in appearance (Rev. 13:11). It looked like a lamb, but was speaking as the dragon, the devil. Remember, Jesus warned about a “wolf” in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15).

Later in Revelation, the two beasts are mentioned further, but notice that the second one is identified as the “false prophet” (Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). This shows us that this second beast is religious in nature, a false religion closely associated with the first beast; pagan religion supporting the Roman Empire.

Notice also that this beast performs signs in an attempt to deceive the people (Rev. 13:13-15; cf. 2 Thes. 2:9, 10; Acts 8:9-13).

Finally, we come to the “mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:16-18). Though much speculation has circulated among men, this mark is not all that mysterious. Consider this: God marked His people in Revelation 7:3. This is the counter-point to that. It was used to some degree to control commerce. The number given is 666. What does this mean? Seven is symbolic of perfect. Six is one short of it. Three sixes gives the idea of that which is imperfect striving to reach the level of deity—often represented by the number 3 (think of the Godhead; Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

Here is what we have then: Those caught up in Emperor worship are caught up in a religion that strives to elevate the imperfect (Caesar) to deity. If one was not in this religion, he or she would be shut out of many economic opportunities. Christians were outcasts in society, socially and economically. This really is the most sensible understanding of 666. It is not hidden in bar-codes, a birth mark on a world leader, found in a president’s name, or embedded in our monetary system—whether on credit cards or currency.

The first eleven chapters of Revelation are general in nature. Chapters 1-3 are foundational, while 4-11 show us the fight between good and evil.

The second half of the book (12-22) addresses specific issues in the spiritual war. God’s enemy is identified as the Roman Empire. The Lamb and the faithful fight wickedness. And, there is a bitter, bloody battle with a decisive victory going to God.

In chapters twelve to fourteen we learn about the dragon, woman, and the child; the two beasts; and judgment from heaven.

Dragon, Woman, & Child (Rev. 12)

The dragon sought to devour the child born to the woman (Rev. 12:1-6). The woman represents the faithful remnant of God’s people (cf. Mic. 4:9, 10; 5:2, 3). Her clothing represents the various ages found in the Bible. The stars are the Patriarch Age as it was a time of dimness as far as the revelation of God’s plan of salvation. The moon is the Mosaical Age when more information was given in the form of prophecies. The sun represents the Gospel Age when the fullness of the light of God’s plan was revealed to men.

The Child is Christ whom the woman struggled to bear (cf. Isa. 26:17; 66:6-9).

The dragon is identified as Satan in 12:9, who tries to destroy the Child. His fiery red appearance indicates his murderous character. His seven heads shows intelligence, while the ten horns signify great power. The seven crowns are diadems, or royal crowns, that tell us he as a rule; the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4).

The Child is to “rule the nations,” as was prophesied of Christ (Isa. 11:1-4; Psa. 2:6-9). He was caught up to God and His throne.

Here is the picture so far: Jesus the Christ came from among God’s faithful. His lineage is traced from Adam, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David, and so on down to Mary. If was from among the remnant of the faithful that the Lord arose. When His advent came, the devil tried to destroy Him in various ways; death of the children by Herod, temptation in the wilderness, and death on the cross. It was in this final act that Satan thought he accomplished his mission. However, Jesus came out of the grave and ascended back to the Father in heaven. It is in heaven where He now sits at God’s right hand on the throne of David and rules over His kingdom (Acts 2:32-36; Heb. 1:1-4).

The woman, God’s faithful, flees into the wilderness (12:6). This is the idea of the saints, Christians, now God’s people, who must flee the persecution that is brought to bear on them. The wilderness is a place of refuge for God’s people (Ex. 2:15). Israel escaped Egypt and went into the wilderness. David ran from Saul and hid in the wilderness. It is also a place of discipline (Ex. 3:12). The length of time, 1,260 days (42 months or 3 ½ years), indicates severe persecution (Rev. 11:3; 13:5).

God’s forces now fight the dragon (Rev. 12:7-12).

Michael fought with the devil (Rev. 12:7, 8). Satan and his angels they were cast out (Rev. 12:9; cf. Jn. 12:31; 14:30). The devil’s attention then turned to the earth where he deceived the people (cf. Jn. 8:44).

Salvation is now secure (Rev. 12:10, 11). Christ bound the strong man (Isa. 53:10-12; Lk. 11:21, 22). He released those who were in bondage to sin and Satan (Heb. 2:14, 15). He triumphed over principalities and powers in His sacrifice on the cross (Col. 2:14, 15). The devil could not overcome this. The saints did overcome through the blood of the Lamb which caused rejoicing in heaven (Rev. 12:11).

In Revelation 12:13-17, the dragon turns on the woman and her offspring. He attacked the church (12:13). The church, though, was helped by God and was not destroyed (Rev. 12:14; cf. Ex. 19:14; Isa. 40:31). The serpent then let out a torrent of destruction (Rev. 12:15, 16). His frontal, physical assault did not work, so he used other methods of destroying God’s people. He used false religion, lies, and temptations against the saints. The earth swallowed these things. This is the idea that the world, as distinct from the church, absorbed what Satan put out and in a way helped shield the church. Since the church could not be annihilated, the dragon turned on individual Christians, the woman’s offspring (Rev. 12:17).

Revelation 4-7 give us a picture of God being in control and the Lamb fulfilling God’s purposes. In the next section, chapters 8-11, John writes about the opening of the seventh seal.

The first four trumpets sound judgment on natural elements (Rev. 8). The seventh seal begins with silence in heaven (8:1, 2). This is to arrest the attention of John and the reader. Try to imagine a flurry of activity then suddenly 30 minutes of silence. It would grab your attention and build anticipation.

The saints offer up their prayers to God and He answers (8:3-6). He brings partial judgment against the world in 8:7-12. The blood of the persecutors returns on them (8:7). A great world power is cast down (8:8, 9; cf. Jer. 51:1, 25, 42). In 8:10, 11, we see the bitterness of idolatry illustrated by “wormwood”; Deuteronomy 29:18 will help in understanding this. The fourth angel sounds out and men are covered in ignorance; this is the idea of “darkness” (8:21; Eph. 4:18).

The fifth and sixth trumpets sound judgment against mankind in chapter 9. The fifth trumpet heralded the self-destructive nature of sin (9:1-12). The fallen star is Satan who has limited power (9:1; Lk. 10:18). The smoke darkening the sun and air is the idea that the devil’s work darkens the minds of men (9:2; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4; Acts 26:18). The fruits of sin is displayed in 9:3-10 as harm comes to those who are not God’s. Since the judgment lasts five months, it indicates a definite, but not fatal, period of pain. In verse seven there is the sense of victory with crowns, but it is false being something like gold, not gold itself. The king over these is Satan, the “angel of the bottomless pit.” This is the first woe; two more are to come.

The sixth trumpet sounds God’s use of armies to punish the wicked (9:13-21). Judgment is released in the four angels (9:13, 14). It will take place according to God’s plan and purpose, it is not accidental (9:15). The army that is massed is overwhelming and cannot be stopped by the wicked (9:16-19). Humanity, however, is stubborn and not willing to repent under even this punishment (9:20, 21). The sins committed are violations of two basic principles: sin against God (9:20) and sin against man (9:21). Notice, this is not the end, because they are given opportunity to repent; something that will not happen on the Day of Judgment (2 Pet. 3:9-12; Matt. 25:1-13).

In chapter 10, an angel gives John a “little book” to eat. The angel is closely associated with God and comes in judgment (10:1-7). It is a worldwide judgment as indicated by him standing on the sea and land (10:2). Note, there are some things left to God and not revealed to man (10:3, 4). We must respect such things and not speculate, letting our imaginations run wild. The time for judgment has come at this point and the “mystery” is finished (Rev. 10:6, 7).

John then eats the “little book” (10:8-11). This is not the same book as found in chapter 5. In eating it, it is both sweet and bitter. Essentially, this has reference to what is to come in chapters 11-22. The message is sweet in outlining a victorious Savior, but bitter in what it means for the difficulty of the saints and destruction of so many souls.

The sounding of the seventh trumpet is preceded by the marking of God’s people and a reassurance that truth will prevail (Rev. 11).

John measured the temple of God (11:1, 2). The measuring rod is God’s standard given to John by heaven, not something of an earthly or human origin. In the New Testament, the undeniable truth is that the temple is the church (Eph. 2:21, 22; 1 Tim. 3:15). This is a use of Old Testament language to express a New Testament truth. Similarly, the “Gentiles” are the ones who persecute the “temple” (church) as “they tread the holy city under foot,” not literal Gentiles.

In the next section, we see the “two witnesses” are victorious (11:3-14).

The best explanation is to see the two witnesses as the apostles and church/saints (11:3-6). Peter said he and the other apostles were witnesses (Acts 10:39-41). Paul wrote that the church is a “witness,” that is, its existence declares an eternal truth to all (Eph. 3:9-11). These witnesses uphold the light of truth (11:4; Phil. 2:15). They fight with their mouth (11:5; 2 Cor. 10:3-5). Like Elijah, they have power from God to “shut heaven” (11:6).

The two witnesses are persecuted (11:7-10). They finish their testimony the beast makes war with them (11:7). This is similar to what Paul wrote about the restraining influence of the apostles being removed and the man of sin coming to do his destructive work (2 Thes. 2). The great city is Babylon or the world (11:8, 9; cf. 14:8). Contempt is shown to the two witnesses as their bodies are left unburied (11:9). Joy breaks out among the wicked over the death of the witnesses (11:10).

All is not lost, however, because the two witnesses ascend to God (11:11-13). They are “resurrected” and called to heaven (11:11, 12).

This is the second woe, with the third “coming quickly.”

Finally, there is the declaration of victory (11:15-19). God will exert His will and His cause will triumph regardless of the opposition Satan and his followers put up. Nothing will defeat God and His Son, our Savior. Hence, we must be absolutely sure we are allied with the Lamb.