Revelation 12 is a virtual
microcosm of the entire Bible.
12:10
the eternal purpose of God
12:4 Satan’s efforts to
obstruct that divine purpose
12:17
explains the current persecution which occasioned the writing of the book
Revelation 12 addresses the
origin of the present persecution by reminding saints that demonic harassment
has always been the norm.
The current struggle is
nothing new.
The Woman
Clothed in white (1 John 1:5)
Mother of Christ (Micah
4:6-10; Isaiah 66:7-14; also Micah 5:3)
The woman symbolizes the
remnant
The Dragon
Satan, the Devil, the serpent
of old
The Male Child
Jesus (Psalm 2:6-9,12)
The story of opposition is
the story of the Bible
War In Heaven: The Struggle of the Ages
The story is told twice in
Revelation 12.
1-6
7-17
The second telling is an
elaboration of the first
Why are the saints suffering?
The persecution of first
century disciples is explained to them against the backdrop of history
Genesis 3:15
Once God had revealed His
plan to bless the world through the seed of Abraham, the fight was on
While the Devil could not
defeat God, he could certainly run interference to God’s eternal purpose by
corrupting those who were essential to its fulfillment.
But there would always be
some hearts devoted to God, and through this faithful remnant the Messiah would
come.
Elaboration: Defeat & Victory!
12:7 & 12:17
The redemptive work of Jesus
has been fulfilled despite the Devil’s interference.
The Devil has been crippled
in his power to accuse before God.
Warning: The Battle
Continues!
The Christ has been lifted
up!
The Accuser has been cast
down!
The victory belongs to God!
No comments:
Post a Comment