“Victory”
Throughout the book of Revelation,
God has encouraged struggling believers to remain steadfast because ultimate
victory would be found in Jesus Christ.
Even though the present section is the most debated chapter in
Revelation it contains the clearest details of Christ’s victory over Satan.
We
are promised victory in an amazing picture.
We see that victory is possible because Satan has been bound (Revelation
20 v.1-3). The devil cannot freely
function in this world – he is restricted because Christ has triumphed
(Colossians 2:15; Matthew 12:29; Hebrews 2:14).
Satan may be able to destroy our fleshly bodies but never the soul that
holds fast to Christ! (Matthew 10:28) Second, God reveals that only His
followers are true winners (v.4-6). John
saw the triumph of believers who suffered the anguish of attacks from the
beast, false prophet, and great harlot.
These saints were victorious! The
oppressors were defeated and the oppressed glorified! These triumphant saints have perfect
blessedness. Third, God pictured Satan’s
utter defeat (v.7-10). Once again, this
defeat was announced. Even though Satan
knew he was defeated he gathered his forces and surrounded God’s saints. But before any harm could come Christ utterly
defeated Satan. Through these pictures
God promises all faithful soldiers a firm victory!
We find that victory is promised
to the persevering (v.11-15). After
Christ has struck the final deathblow to Satan’s army, the Final Judgment will
take place. The terror of appearing
before the great white throne faces all men, whether great or small. The Final Judgement will be just and solemn (Daniel
7:10). In this Final Judgement, victory
is presented to saints and the penalty for rebellion is dealt to all not found
in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Comments
Post a Comment