Revelation Vision 3. The Victor. (ch. 12 & 13)

Marilyn C

Marilyn C

In the next two chapters of Revelation, (12 & 13) Christ is unveiled to us as the Mighty Victor. We are shown His scriptural identity as the one foretold that would come & overthrow the enemy.

Christ`s Scriptural Identity.

`Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, & on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labour & in pain to give birth.`(Rev. 12: 1 & 2)

1. Christ is the seed of a woman, & He bruises the serpent`s head. (Gen. 3: 15)

2. Christ would be born from the nation of Israel. (Gen. 37: 9) (sun, moon & 12 stars represent Abraham & Sarah & the 12 sons – Israel)

3. Christ is the `child` promised. (Isa. 9: 6) (`unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given.`)


Thus God foretold that the `seed` of woman would crush the serpent. The deliverer would come as a seed, not a tree, meaning not fully grown & He would come from the woman & not from the man, (not Adam`s sinful blood line but the Holy Spirit`s implanted `blood.`) He would also come through God`s special nation of Israel.


Marilyn.
 
Satan`s Scriptural Identity.

Next we see read of Satan`s origins. He came from the heavens to the area of the earth. He had aspired to be as God but was cast down & with him a third of the angelic hosts.

`And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a fiery red dragon having 7 heads & ten horns, & seven diadems on his head. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven & threw them to the earth.` (Rev. 12: 3 & 4)

This description of Satan reveals him as one who masquerades as an angel of light & then shows his authority over the kingdoms of this world. Note the word `seven,` in Heb. means to be complete. He has complete control over the kingdoms of the world.

Satan said, `All these things (kingdoms) I will give you.......`(Matt. 4: 8 & 9)

Red – fire like – flame coloured, fig. lightning. (2 Cor. 11: 14 Luke 10: 18)
Dragon – a fabulous kind of serpent , to fascinate. (2 Thess. 2: 9)


7 heads – Complete authority. (1 John 5: 19)
7 diadems – Complete rulership. (Matt. 4: 8 & 9)
10 horns - Lawlessness, power. (Eph. 2: 2. 2 Thess. 2: 8 & 9)


`the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.` (John 5: 19)

Marilyn.
 
Next we are given a summary of the attempts of Satan to destroy -

Jesus the Promised Child.

Jesus is the promised Son, the Child that Israel would bring forth to be the ruler of Israel & the kingdoms of the world.

`For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; & the government will be upon His shoulder.....upon the throne of David & over His kingdom,..... from that time forward, even forever.` (Isaiah 9; 6 & 7)

Satan, through King Herod tried to kill Jesus when He was born. (Matt. 2: 16)

`Then being with child, she cried out in labour & in pain to give birth...... And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.` (Rev. 12: 2 & 3))

Jesus was born of David`s line, in the nation of Israel. He is their Messiah but they did not receive Him. After His crucifixion & resurrection, He ascended into heaven & is seated at the right hand of the Father on His throne ready to `rule the nations with a rod of iron.` (Ps. 2: 9 Rev. 2: 27)

`She bore a male Child who was to rule the nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God & His throne.`(Rev. 12: 5)

Marilyn.
 
Israel, the Woman.

We now move in time from where Jesus was taken into heaven, to the time where He told Israel to `flee to the mountains.` (Matt. 24: 15 – 21)
`Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there 1260 days.` (Rev. 12: 6)

The archangel Michael, Israel`s `great Prince who stands guard` over them, is now brought into the battle to protect the nation from Satan & his evil angels. (Dan. 12: 1)

`And war broke out in heaven: Michael & his angels fought with the dragon; & the dragon & his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.`(Rev. 12: 7 & 8)

`So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil & Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast out to the earth, & his angels were cast out with him.` (Rev. 12: 9)

Marilyn.
 
Declaration of Christ`s Kingdom Rule.

This voice, I believe, would be a representative of the Body of Christ - `our God,` our brethren.`

`Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, & strength, & the kingdom of our God, & the power of His Christ have come For the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before God day & night, has been cast down....and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb & by the word of their testimony, & they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, & you who dwell in them!” (Rev. 12: 10 – 12)

Then we see the outworking of this when Satan is cast to the earth & seeks to destroy Israel. The great `eagle,` is a symbolic picture of God who `bore them on eagle`s wings,` in times past. (Ex. 19: 4)

“ Woe to the inhabitants of the earth & the sea! For the devil has come down to you having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.` (Rev. 12: 12)

`Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, He persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time & times & half a time, from the presence of the serpent.` (Rev. 12: 13 & 14)


Satan then sends forth spirits of demons who go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them together for war against Israel. (Rev. 16: 13 – 16) The symbolic picture of this great world army is as a flood that covers the land. (Jer. 47: 1 & 2 has a similar picture.) After Christ has dealt with this great army the blood of the slain then soaks into the earth giving the picture of the earth `swallowing the flood.`


`So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, & the earth opened its mouth & swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.`(Rev. 12: 16)

We are also shown that it is not only Israel that Satan is against but those who have received the message of Christ, Israel`s Messiah & His coming kingdom.


`And the dragon was enraged with the woman, & he went to make war with the rest of her offspring. Who keep the commandments of God & have the testimony of Jesus Christ.` (Rev. 12: 17)



Marilyn.
 
In Revelation ch. 12, we are shown the four names of the diabolical enemy, which reveal, from scripture, his fourfold strategy. But thanks to God we are also told throughout scripture of the glorious Victor & how He overcomes this greatest enemy.

`So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil & Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast out to the earth, & his angels were cast out with him.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, “Now salvation, & strength, & the kingdom of our God, & the power of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day & night, has been cast down.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb & by the word of their testimony, & did not love their lives to the death.”` (Rev. 12: 9 – 11)

The four great offices of our Lord Jesus Christ – Lord, Heir, Mediator & Judge, are each highlighted in Revelation, & reveal how Christ overcomes the enemy.


The Lordship of Christ overthrows the Great Dragon. (Administation)

The great dragon is the devourer who uses man`s rulers to try & wipe out the nation of Israel in an attempt to thwart God`s plans, & to make himself supreme ruler. Christ, however, is the only ruler who is capable of adequately undertaking for humanity in every sphere of jurisdiction.


The Heirship of Christ overcomes the Serpent of old. (Legal)

The serpent deluded Adam & Eve causing them to disobey God & robbing them of their inheritance – dominion over the earth. Christ the second Adam never sinned or gave away His inheritance. But by obedience & the word of God He overcame the enemy & received His inheritance of the nations.


The Mediatorship of Christ overpowers the Devil. (Moral)

The Devil is the destroyer, but Christ came that He might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3: 8) And it is through Christ`s sacrifice, by the `blood of the Lamb`, that He overcame the unrighteous works of darkness. (Rev. 12: 11)


The Judgeship of Christ overrules Satan. (Ajudication)

Satan is the deceiver, who works through the lawless one – the anti-Christ, who with all `unrighteous deception` `works signs & lying wonders` on those who do not receive the truth. (2 Thess. 2: 8 – 10)

Christ shall `consume him (A/C) with the breath of His mouth, and destroy him with the brightness of His coming,` (v. 8). Christ comes as `the Word of God,` (Rev. 19: 13) the one who fulfilled all of God`s word. Thus He is pictured with a `sharp sword,` the Word, coming out of His mouth (v. 15)


What a wonderful Lord, a great Executor, a sacrificial Mediator, & righteous Judge. Christ is all of these & although God the Father highlights each in turn they are all & ever will be Christ`s complete person.


Marilyn.


 
In this next section (ch. 13) we are shown how Satan deceives the whole world into thinking that he can mediate for man, that he can bring `peace & safety,` with his global government.

Through deception, lies, signs & lying wonders the enemy brings together his global government. This will be the most terrifying power & authority that this world has ever seen. It will control people`s `buying & selling,` (economics) & force them to worship Satan & his ruler, the global leader, the anti-Christ.

The main power blocs of the world will be dominated by a cabal of 10 kings who give their authority to one man – the anti-Christ. The Global Government is described in great detail, & I will give you my view. How it relates to our contemporary scene, however, would be a topic for another thread as it takes us away from focussing on Christ & His work.


The Global Government & its Leader.

`Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having 7 heads & 10 horns, & on his horns 10 crowns, & on his heads a blasphemous name.` (Rev. 13: 1)

We can see this is similar to the great dragon, Satan, but without his full authority & power. The difference is –

The great dragon

  • 7 heads with 7 crowns. - complete authority & rulership.

  • 10 horns – lawlessness, power.


The Global Government

  • 7 heads. (7 consecutive leaders)

  • 10 horns with crowns. (10 kings – political power)


The Apostle John saw it in a vision, as a `beast` coming up out of the sea. This symbolises the `wicked` who are like the `restless sea.` (Isa. 57: 20)

Marilyn.
 
The `beast` is the Global Government, the final Gentile world government. The leader of this global Government is also referred to as the `beast.` It is a descriptive word for its savagery & ruthlessness.

(I realise this is a `hot` subject & thus will not go into great details here but leave that for another thread specifically for a general discussion.)


`Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having 7 heads & 10 horns, & on his horns 10 crowns, & on his heads a blasphemous name.` (Rev. 13: 1)

7 Rulers (Heads)

These seven heads, I believe refer to 7 leaders who rule, one at a time over the Global Government. Near the middle of the tribulation 5 leaders have come & gone, one is ruling. The Anti-Christ is the 7th ruler & he is possessed by Satan, (the 8th).

`Here is a mind which has wisdom. The 7 heads are 7 mountains .....& they are 7 kings (leaders); 5 have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come.. & the beast (Satan) ...is himself also an eighth, & is one of the 7,..` (Rev. 17: 9 – 11)


Kingdom of 10

The kingdom of 10 kings, who form a terrifying confederacy, uniting together for a common purpose, rule over the other world Federations. The 10 horns speak of `power,` while the `crowns,` refer to Political authority.

`The 10 horns which you saw .. God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose, by having a common purpose, & by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled.` (Rev. 17: 16 & 17)


The 10 kings receive their authority over the Global Government, but only for a very short time.

`And the 10 horns which you saw are 10 kings, who have not received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.` (a short time) (Rev. 17: 12)

Marilyn.
 
The composite `Beast.`

The composite `beast,` the final Gentile Global Government, (under the rule of the 10 king Confederation) is made up of the `lion, the leopard & the bear,` powers. These reveal its beastly character & represent the different Super Powers that come together to form the Global Government.

`Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, & his mouth like the mouth of a lion.` (Rev. 13: 2)


The Mouth – This is the super Power that speaks forth `Peace & Safety,` to the world. It has a sovereign as its leader. (lion – king/queen)

`his mouth was like the mouth of a lion,` (Rev. 13: 2)


The Body – This Super Power `s philosophy gradually dominates & controls the world`s economies. It started as the `Common Market.` (the pair of scales, Rev. 6: 5 & 6) Today it reaches out across the world drawing all into its economic system involving – finance, multi-nationals & commerce, till eventually no-one can buy or sell without their authority.

`the beast ....was like a leopard...` (Rev. 13: 2)


The Feet – This Super Power has always been quick to tread down & dominate by force. Its part in the Global Government, this `beast,` has been greatly reduced by war. (Rev. 6: 3 & 4)

`his feet were like the feet of a bear,....` (Rev. 13: 2)


These main Super powers make up the Global Government with the 10 kings eventually ruling over them. The various institutions that are being set up Politically & Economically & Religiously, will be brought together to dominate & control the peoples of the world.


Marilyn.
 
The Leader of the Global Government.

We are now shown details of the leader of this `beast.` He is also called the `beast` & is the 7th leader (head) of the final Gentile Global Government ruled over by Satan.

He arises to power by making a peace treaty with Israel after the Russian War. (Dan.9: 27 & Ez. 39: 9) His charismatic personality together with his amazing ability to bring wisdom to the world`s problems, amazes the everyone. However in the midst of this he seemingly is `killed,` by a sword. The whole world mourns but then he `miraculously` comes to life.

` And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, & his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marvelled & followed the beast.`(Rev. 13: 3)

People marvel & then honour Satan as the one who empowers this man. With the `beast` as their leader they believe at last nothing can stop mankind in its pursuit of total control of their destiny.

`So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; & they worshiped the beast saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”`(Rev. 13: 3 & 4)

Then Satan, with prideful arrogance through the `beast` boasts of his supremacy, his greatness & speaks evil of God, blaspheming God`s authority & power.

`And he was given a mouth speaking great things & blasphemies, & he was given authority to continue for 42 months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, & those who dwell in heaven.`(Rev. 13: 5 & 6)

Thus begins a 42 month (3 ½ yrs) reign of terror over all tribes, nations & tongues. Those who do not worship Satan & the `beast` are hunted down & many are killed.

`It was granted to him to make war with the saints & to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, & nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience & faith of the saints.` (Rev. 13: 7 – 10)


(The saints, I believe, are those who turn to God through the tribulation.)

Marilyn.
 
The False Prophet.

This man arises in power from `the earth,` the vain philosophy of the religions of man – earthward. He seems benevolent, `lamb like,` but he speaks `as a dragon,` - words from Satan.

`Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, & he had two horns like a lamb & spoke like a dragon.` (Rev. 13: 11)

This false prophet holds the executive office in the Global Government. He exercises the authority of the `beast` & carries out his will - Economic & Religious.

`And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, & causes the earth & those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.` (Rev. 13: 12)

He also performs great signs & wonders, deceiving people into believing that God has sent & empowered him.

`He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast,` (Rev. 13: 13 & 14)

So great is this man`s authority that the world is deceived into worshipping an image of the `beast` (leader) that seems to come alive. This is worship of Satan himself & those who do not bow will be sought out & killed.

He tells ` those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword & lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak & cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.`(Rev. 13: 14 & 15)

The `beast` the Global Leader & the false prophet`s control over the world is so powerful that people will have to have their authority, their credentials before they can buy or sell.

`He causes all, both small & great, rich & poor, free & slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, & that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.`(Rev. 13: 16 & 17)

`Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man; His number is 666.`(Rev. 13: 15 - 18)

(6 – man, 10 – law / lawless)

600 = 6 x 10 x 10, Man`s Global Government under Satan, completely lawless.
60 = 6 x 10. Man of lawlessness. (anti-Christ)
6 = man. The false prophet.


The unholy Trinity, -

Satan, - (Father)
the `beast,` (anti-Christ) – (Christ)
& the false prophet – (Holy Spirit)

Marilyn.
 
Actually Rev 13:18 isn't translated correctly. The truth is, it isn't translatable because it is this:

χξς - three Greek letters: chi xi stigma

Not once does God use gematria (substitute numbers for letters) anywhere else, and scripture interprets scripture. So without another example, it's more than highly unlikely that is its meaning. John was told to write what he saw. What he saw was something other than Greek letters, but because those that copied his work from Greek thought this passage was also Greek. So what does it really say? This from the Vaticanus Codex:

Bismillah.png

Bismillah2.png

Those Greek letters, as written as faithfully as possible translates into Arabic: In the name of Allah, of which Jesus Himself said would happen:

John 5:43 (NET)
I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.​

The word of God says that the Assyrian is coming, Isa 31:8-9 (Rev 20:9)... today we call them ISIS. Everyone is looking for 666. What a great disguise of the devil to keep what's happening on the evening news from alerting people to the truth.

Now you know why John said NOT to change one thing about the book of Revelation (Rev 22)!
 
Hi Abdicate,

Well that is very interesting, & I certainly do not really doubt what you are saying. as I also believe the Assyrian is coming.
Thank you for that info.

Marilyn.
 
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