Emory Baptist Church

Here Comes the Bride!

The Judgment of Babylon

Two Sundays ago, we were in Revelation 17 and saw that in seven-year earthly tribulation, Babylon will be both a system of belief and a specific place just like Hollywood is a system of belief and a specific place, and Wall Street is a system of belief and a specific place.

 

In Revelation 17, Babylon is system of belief.  In Revelation 18, Babylon is specific place.  It may even be the headquarters, if you will, of the system of belief.

 

This system of belief will be religious but not Spirit-led.  This system of belief will promote prosperity and success but oppose being born-again. 

 

If I could summarize Babylon as a system of belief, I would say it will be the worship of wealth or the idolatry of money and things.  In other words, it will be materialism, and Revelation 18 speaks of its headquarters. 

 

It could literally be Babylon rebuilt and restored.  It could be Rome as Peter used the term on 1 Peter.  It would be Jerusalem. 

 

Regardless, in Revelation 18, we see the Judgement of Babylon, and this judgment will take place at the end of the seven-year earthly study.  It will precede the second coming of Christ. 

 

3. The Judgement of Babylon will be Deserved, Revelation 18:1-3.

1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” 

 

Why you ask?  This system of belief and specific place will be irreverent, immoral, and influential. 

 

This angel in verse 1 is different from the seven angels, but he has great authority and loud voice.  He will cry mightily, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.” 

 

Notice then the irreverent at the end of verse 2.  This specific place will be the dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and cage for every unclean and hated birds.  Think of vultures and what attracts them. 

 

In verse 3, this system of belief and specific place will be immoral.  We saw this last week, but Babylon is described as engaged in fornication or spiritual immorality or unfaithfulness.

 

Third, this system of belief and specific place will be influential.  All the nations have drunk her wine, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.  Her influence will be far and wide. 

 

 

19. The Judgement of Babylon will be Deplored, Revelation 18:9-19.

9 “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’  11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’  19 “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ 

 

When Babylon falls, the system of belief and the specific place, many will lament and grieve and deplore her falling because her influence is so vast.

 

First, the monarchs will deplore her falling.  Look at verses 9-10. 

 

They will weep and lament because they will commit fornication with her and live luxuriously with her when she falls. 

 

Second, the merchants will deplore her falling.  Look at verses 11-16. 

 

These are merchants of goods and unfortunately of people.  They will become rich by her, and they will weep and wail at her falling.  Verse 16 says that in one hour, such great riches will come to nothing.

 

Third, the mariners or shipmasters or sailors will deplore her failing.  Look at verses 17-19.

 

Again, they will cry out and mourn with dust on their heads and weep and wail.  For they had become rich by her wealth, and in one hour, she will be gone.

 

 

• The Judgement of Babylon will be Definite, Revelation 18:20-24.

20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”  21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”

 

Because of Babylon’s hatred for Christ and Christians as seen in verse 24, the apostles and prophets will rejoice with this judgment from God that will be definite. 

 

Verse 21 says a mighty angel will take up a millstone and throw it into the sea pronouncing judgment on Babylon, this system of belief and this specific place.  She will be thrown down and will be found no more.

 

From this point forward, Babylon will have no music.  She will have no utility.  She will have no light.  She will have no people, and she will deceive no more.

 

 

Applications

As we think about the application of this text to our lives, notice the invitation from Jesus in verses 4-5. 

 

4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

 

Jesus invites His people to leave that way of living for it is sinful, and God will judge it.

 

I am reminded of His words in Luke 12:16-21.

 

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’  21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

 

Instead, seek first His kingdom.  Invest in eternity.  Then provide for your family.

 

Luke 16:31-34, 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.  32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

1 Timothy 5:8, 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

But keep in mind, there is a difference between providing and living in luxury.  That word is used three times to describe Babylon and her followers.  Therefore, it is not good: 3, 7, 9.

 

Seek first His kingdom.  Invest in eternity.  Provide for your family.  Come out from the way of materialism.

 

 

The Three Days of Easter

If you have your Bibles this morning, please find Mark 15:42.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “The Three Days of Easter.”

 

As you are finding our text, I am reminded of Brother Billy when he preached his Easter sermon at Main Street BC.  He asked the children, “Can anyone tell me what happened on Easter?”  There was complete silence.

 

He persisted by saying, “Now I know that someone here knows what happened on a long time ago for us to celebrate Easter today.”  Again, there was total silence. 

 

Now frustrated, Brother Billy exclaimed, “Somebody please tell me about Easter Sunday!”  Little Johnny slowly raised his hand and said, “They killed Jesus!”  Brother Billy praised Johnny, “That’s right.”

 

“And then what?”  Johnny answered again, “They put him in the ground, and he was there for three days.”  Brother Billy had now gone from frustrated to excited, “Right Johnny.”

 

“And then what?”  Johnny said, “And on Easter morning, Jesus came out of the ground!”  “Wonderful,” Brother Billy exclaimed. 

 

Then Johnny blurted out, “And if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.”

 

Johnny’s account of Easter is mostly true.  However, I want to remind you of the Easter story that is completely true, and it revolves around the three days of Easter.

 

 

1. A Forgetful Friday, Mark 15:42-47

42 Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

 

For us, we celebrate Good Friday, and it was good that Jesus died on the cross in our place and for our sins.  However, His first disciples certainly didn’t see it that way.

 

First, Jesus literally died.  Because we know that the Sabbath started at sundown on Friday and went until sundown on Saturday, we know that Jesus died on the cross on Friday. 

 

He was put on the cross at approximately 9 AM.  We know it got dark around 12 noon.  We know Jesus died, and the temple veil was torn in two at approximately 3 PM.

 

Finally, we know that He had to be taken down sometime before 6 PM.  Why?  See Deuteronomy 21:22-23.

 

22 “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.

 

Therefore, it seems to be probably between 3-4 PM, and in verse 43, we are introduced to Joseph of Arimathea.  He was a prominent member of the Jewish Sanhedrin or council. 

 

Mark said he was waiting for the kingdom of God.  Therefore, we know had recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. 

 

Joseph was also very courageous because he came to Pilate to request Jesus’ body.    Pilate was not a fan of the Jews and felt like the Sanhedrin forced him to execute an innocent man.

 

In verifying that Jesus literally died, the Roman centurion in verses 44-45 confirmed that Jesus was dead, and Joseph wrapped His dead body in linen and placed Him in a previously unused tomb.  Therefore, we have at least three individuals who confirmed that Jesus literally died: Pilate, the Roman centurion, and Joseph. 

 

Not only did Jesus literally die, but Jesus was also literally buried.  Scripture tells us that Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Jesus’ body with probably close to 100 pounds of grave clothes and placed Him in a family tomb belonging to Joseph. 

 

Thirdly, Jesus literally died and was literally buried, and that tomb was literally sealed.  The stone was circular and on a track and was rolled down an incline and into place to protect the body from grave robbers and wild animals. 

 

It was not as difficult to get the tomb sealed.  However, it would take a supernatural act to move that stone.

 

For the first-century disciple, Friday was awful.  It was terrible.  It was one to be forgotten.

 

 

2. A Silent Saturday, Mark 16:1

1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

 

On Saturday, we don’t hear a single word from Jesus.  Do you know why?  Because He was dead.

 

However, we do read about the first female disciples on Saturday night.  Because they didn’t understand His resurrection and therefore presumed Him to still be dead, they bought spices on Saturday night to anoint Jesus’ body on Sunday morning.

 

How would they know where He was?  Go back to 15:47.

 

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid. 

 

As I said a moment ago, I believe Jesus was dead on Saturday.  Therefore, I don’t believe He went to hell to preach to those there for whatever reason. 

 

Through the years, some pastors and preachers have tried to prove this speculation with their incorrect understanding of certain passages in Ephesians and 1 Peter.

 

 

3. A Spectacular Sunday, Mark 16:2-8

2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.  6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”  8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

 

Verse 2 says they came to the tomb on Sunday morning, the first day of the week.  Again, the end of chapter 15 says they saw were Jesus was laid.  Therefore, they knew where to go.

 

As they were on the way to the tomb, they began to get worried about who would move the stone.  As I said previously, this would have been a round stone that would have been rolled down an incline into a track.  Therefore, while it was easier to put in place, it would have been difficult to move and would have required the efforts of multiple men.

 

Matthew’s gospel tells us that a localized earthquake dislodged the stone, and an angel to move it.  Keep in mind that Jesus was already gone.  Therefore, moving the stone was to allow the witnesses in, not to let Jesus out.

 

When they arrived, the stone had been rolled away, and they were greeted by an angel.  Again, the other gospels tell us there were two angels, but only one of them spoke.  However, these women were deathly afraid which is the common human response to interactions with angels in the Bible.

 

Beginning in verse 6, we see the angel’s conversation with the women. He informed the ladies that Jesus was in fact alive.  The Jesus they were seeking, who had been crucified, had been raised. 

 

The NKJV says He is risen.  That is better translated, “He has risen.” 

 

Like the stone, an outside forced raised Jesus.  He didn’t raise Himself.  God the Father brought Him from the tomb.  He was no longer there. 

 

The angel then invited the ladies to look at the place where Jesus had been laid.  He was gone.  He was not there.  He had risen. 

 

Then in verse 7, he told the ladies to go and tell the disciples that Jesus would be awaiting them in Galilee.  Not only was He alive, but they would get to see Him again. 

 

Verse 8 says they left the tomb amazed at the prospect of Jesus, whom they saw die with their own eyes, living again.  Therefore, these women came and saw and were sent.

 

I want to share one final point with you and then conclude.  Look back at verse 7.  Remember that this is really Peter’s gospel that was written down by Mark.  That is the same Peter back in Mark 14 who denied any association with the Lord on three occasions.

 

However, in this verse, we see the foreshadowing of Peter’s restoration from a mistake and for ministry.  Again, Peter didn’t just deny the Lord once or even twice but three times. 

 

That was a huge mistake, but the Lord wasn’t done with Peter.  He would later use him mightily in the book of Acts preaching and seeing thousands saved and as a prominent leader in the early church.

 

Some of you are here today and the devil has told you that your time and opportunity of the Lord using you is done because of mistakes in your past.  I want you to know that the Lord can and will restore you for future ministry if you let Him. 

 

Tell the Lord that you’re sorry for those mistakes and ask for His forgiveness.  Then, ask Him to restore you and use you again in ministry for His Church. 

 

 

Invitation

I have two invitations this morning to give to you.  If you are a follower of Christ, I invite you to come again to the empty tomb on the pages of Scripture and see that Jesus is alive and live sent…sent to tell others the good news of the gospel.

 

My second invitation is for those who have never believed.  Today, I invite you to come to the empty tomb on the pages of Scripture and see that Jesus alive and call on Him this morning to save you.

 

Everyone Wants to Win...

If you have your Bibles this morning, please take them and quickly find Revelation 17:1-18.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Everyone Wants to Win…”

 

If you have every competed in a competition, you know that everyone wants to win.  I know that to be true from experience as a high school athlete and an amateur coach.  Everyone wants to win, but everyone doesn’t want to do what is necessary to win. 

 

That which is necessary to win might be more practice or more study.  In our context today, it means commitment to Christ.  If you want to win in life, you must make a personal commitment to Christ and His ways because in the end, Christ wins.

 

In our study of John’s Revelation, we have seen many symbols and signs and figurative language.  Chapters 17 and 18 are FULL of symbols and signs and figurative language, and I will do my best this morning in identifying them. 

 

However, as I have already said multiple times, I am going to share with you what I think and maybe even share with you some popular options, but at the end of the day, it is very difficult to be precise, and any dogmatism is only speculation.

 

Once again, it seems that John as paused in his chronology of end time events.  It seems that he is commenting on the events of seven-year tribulation, both the first half and the second half. 

 

The primary symbol in these two chapters is Babylon.  We see that first referenced in verse 4 of chapter 17. 

 

Let me remind you of some facts regarding Babylon.

1. Babylon was founded by Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah. See Genesis 10:9-10. 

9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.” 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

 

2. Babylon was the beginning of idolatry. See Genesis 11:1-4.

1 Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 3 Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

 

3. Babylon was revived under Nebuchadnezzar. See Daniel 1:1.

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.

 

4. Babylon is in modern-day Iraq.

 

5. At least one NT writer uses Babylon referring to Rome. See 1 Peter 5:13.

13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.

 

So again, chapters 17 and 18 are difficult to understand.  However, we will do our best.

 

Please keep this in mind.  Babylon may have multiple meanings.  It is more than possible that John could be referring to a system of belief as well as a particular place.  For example, consider how we use the terms Hollywood or Wall Street.  Hollywood is a specific location in Los Angles, California.  However, it is also used in referring to show business or the film industry.

 

Think about Wall Street.  There is a literal Wall Street in New York City.  However, it is also used to refer to our country’s financial markets.

 

This morning, allow me to show you the personification of a city, the identification of the beast, and the subjugation of the Lamb.

 

 

1. The Personification of a City & a System, Revelation 17:1-6

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”  3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.  6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. 

 

In verse 1, one of the seven angels from chapter 16 speaks to John.  The angel shows John a harlot or a prostitute.  A harlot is one who is sexually unfaithful and immoral. 

 

Obviously, this is not a literal woman but the personification of a city & system.  In other words, a city and a system will be described in human terms.  This city & system has been unfaithful.  She is guilty of spiritual fornication.  Specifically, she is guilty of idolatry.

 

First, notice that her influence is vast in verse 2.  That is what it means when it says she sits on many waters.  She has been involved with kings, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 

 

By the way, fornication is a word that we don’t use a lot in today’s language, but it means living together and sexually active.  Just as the Bible said that fornication was sin almost 2000 years ago, fornication is still sin today even though it is accepted as normal in our culture and unfortunately even in the Church. 

 

Second, as we continue in verse 2, not only notice that the harlot’s influence will be vast, but her character will be vile.  She is a harlot.  She is a prostitute. 

 

The word “harlot” is found four times in this chapter: 1, 5, 15, and 16.  She commits fornication with multiple kings. 

 

In verse 4, her hand is holding a gold cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.  In verse 5, we see that she has name on her head.  She is the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth.  She is a harlot, and verse 6 says she is a drunk.

 

Third, notice also that her actions will be vicious.  In verse 6, she is drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.  These are not two different groups. 

 

The point is that Babylon, this harlot, this city and this belief system will persecute and execute Tribulation Saints.  Those that name the name of Christ during the Tribulation will be sought out and killed by Babylon, the harlot.

 

 

1. The Identification of the Beast, Revelation 17:7-13

7 But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.  12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.

 

In verse 7, the angel who began this conversation with John says that he will tell John the mystery of the woman and the beast.  The beast was first mentioned back in verse 3 as carrying the harlot.  We also see that the beast is scarlet or red and has seven heads and ten horns.  Go back to chapter 13:1.

 

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

 

This beast is none other than the devil’s man, the Anti-Christ.  He will be a Gentile political leader.

 

What does it mean that he was, and is not, and is about to ascend?  That is regarding the Anti-Christ’s fake death and resurrection. 

 

Remember that one of his heads had been wounded but healed, and because of this, those who aren’t Christians, who don’t have their name written in the book of life, will follow him hook, line, and sinker.  See 13:3, 14.

 

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

 

14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

 

In verse nine, the water gets a little murky, and as the angels says, we need wisdom. 

 

The seven heads of the beast are seven mountains on which the woman sits.  Let me stop right here for just a moment.  If a first-century Christian heard the term seven mountains or seven hills, he would immediately think of Rome, the city of seven hills. 

 

However, the angel then speaks of seven kings.  Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come.  Many commentators say this is a reference to the great empires of history that include Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece. 

 

The one who is would be the Roman empire that existed when John wrote this book.

 

According to verse 11, the one to come will be the Anti-Christ.  However, he is described as the eighth and of the seventh.   It’s hard to know what John means here.

 

Notice verses 12-13.  The beast will be followed by ten kings, and they will rule with the beast for a short time as designated as one hour.  That is not a literally hour but another to say they will have one purpose in their ruling. 

 

Here it is.  They will give power and authority to the beast.  He will receive much devotion.

 

 

• The Subjugation of the Lamb, Revelation 17:14-18

14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”  15 Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.”

 

Even though the Anti-Christ will receive much devotion in the last days, he will not have victory in the end.  Subjugation is a word that means to bring under control or to conquer. 

 

In the end, the one who conquers is the Lamb.  Jesus wins.

 

Notice verse 14.  The Anti-Christ and the ten kings will wage ware with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and King of kings. 

 

However, not only will the Lamb win, but you will win if you put your faith and trust in the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  You are the called and chosen and faithful who call on the name of the Lord to be saved.

 

Finally, God wins.  Look at verses 16-17.  The ten kings who were following the harlot who was following the Anti-Christ will turn her and follow the Anti-Christ only, and this is strangely part of God’s plan. 

 

The very last verse in this chapter seems to indicate that not only will Babylon be a system of belief, but she will also be an actual city.  Perhaps this city will be the headquarters of the Anti-Christ. 

 

With that being said, that is why some commentators have said that Babylon will be the Roman Catholic Church, and the headquarters will be Rome.

 

 

Conclusion

So what does all this mean?  In order for you to win in life and for eternity, you will need to make a personal commitment to the Lamb, Jesus Christ. 

 

You can do that by admitting you’re a sinner and believing that Jesus died for your sins on the cross, and by calling on Him to save you.

God's Final Warning

If you have your Bibles this morning, please take them and find Revelation 16:1.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “God’s Final Warning.”

 

In our study of Revelation, which is of the end times, we find ourselves at the end of the seven-year earthly tribulation.  Remember, seven-year period will follow the rapture of the church and precede the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

 

So far in the last half of the earthly tribulation, we have seen God’s wrath demonstrated in seven seals of judgement and seven trumpets of judgement.  The seventh trumpet actually begins the seven bowls of God’s judgement that we saw introduced last Sunday in Revelation 15.

 

 

Exposition

In verse 1, John says that he heard a loud voice from the temple in heaven.  Undoubtedly, this is the voice of God as we know that these are His judgements.  His instructions are to the seven angels.  They were to pour out the bowls of God’s wrath or God’s anger on the earth.

 

We saw these seven angels last week.  Look at 15:1 and 15:6.

 

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

 

6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.

 

So here is what we about to see.  We are going to see seven bowls or plagues of God’s wrath or anger poured out on the earth at the end of the tribulation as God’s final warning before Jesus returns. 

 

The first bowl is in verse 2.  It was foul and loathsome sores or ulcers on the individuals who had the mark of the beast and those worshipped his image.  This isn’t two groups but one.

 

What beast is this?  This is the beast of sea of Revelation 12:1. He is the Gentile Anti-Christ. 

 

These individuals took his mark in order to buy and sell in the one-world economic system.  These individuals also worshipped his image that was created at the command of the false prophet. 

 

In other words, these are individuals who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior.  However, not only will the first bowl and plague be for them, but all of them will be these who reject Christ.

 

The second bowl is in verse 3.  This will be the contamination of the salt-water bodies.  Will it literal blood or blood-like?  Regardless, it will kill every living creature in the seas of the world.

 

The third bowl is in verses 4-7.  This will be contamination of the fresh water bodies.  It will also be blood or blood-like.

 

Verses 5-6 tell us what these individuals will do that will deserve such.  They will kill the saints and prophets and then be forced to drink blood or something like blood that will kill them. 

 

And while you make think this is harsh, verses 5 and 7 tell us about angels speaking of how right this is on God’s part because they will reap what they have sown.

 

By the way, the world calls it karma.  In the Bible, it is called the law of the reaper.  See Galatians 6:7-9.

 

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 

Here is what else I have learned in life.  Not only do you reap what you sow, but you also reap after you sow, and you reap more than you sow.

 

Moms and dads, here me this morning.  Your parenting right now will bear fruit later if not sooner, both for good or for worse.

 

Mom and dads, here this.  You will reap more than sow.  If you have a casual relationship with Jesus and the church now, don’t be surprised when you children grow up and get out of the house and have no relationship with Jesus and the church.

 

You reap what you sow.  You reap after you sow, and you reap more than you sow.

 

Bowl four is found in verses 8-9.  It will be fire and heat from the son, and if you think that this will cause the lost to repent, think again.  Verse 9 says they continue to blaspheme God and refuse to give Him glory.

 

Look at verse 10 for the fifth bowl.  It will include darkness specifically on the throne of the beast, but it will affect all who reject Christ as Lord and Savior.  This beast is the anti-Christ of 12:1, the beast of the sea.

 

Not only will it include darkness but physical pain as well.  Will this judgement bring them to repentance?  No, they refuse to repent, and they blame God.

 

The sixth bowl is in verses 12-16.  This will be the drying up of the Euphrates River.  Look at these two maps for some geographical perspective.

 

This will happen in preparation for the battle of Armageddon.  Trying to identify these kings from the east will only be speculation at this point. 

 

However, three demonic spirts coming from the mouths of frogs on behalf of the unholy trinity will convince these kings and other nations to be part of this war.  It will immediately precede the second coming of Christ, and like Jesus told us in the gospels, the timing of His coming will be when we least expect it…like a thief.

 

Matthew 24:43-44, 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

The seventh and final bowl, God’s final warning, is in verses 17-21.  It involves natural disasters such as thunderings, lightnings, earthquakes and 100-pound hail stones.  That is in verse 21.

 

Cities such as Jerusalem, the great city, and Babylon will suffer and drink the cup of the wine of the fierceness of God’s wrath.  Will this final warning bring the lost to repentance?  Look at the end of verse 21.

 

 

Conclusion

How can the wrath of God be avoided?  Look at the blessing tucked away in verse 15.

 

Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.  Of what garments or clothes is Jesus speaking?  Look at Galatians 3:26-28.

 

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

Jesus is talking about putting on Himself.  How do you do that?  You do that putting your faith in Him.  When you do, there is no shame because He is the perfect, sinless Son of God.

 

Would you put on Christ this morning? 

Your Eternity is Certain!

If you have your Bibles this morning, please take them and find Revelation 15:1.  I want to share a message with you entitled, “Your Eternity is Certain!”

 

In today’s text, as we get a preview of eternity, you will come to understand, if you don’t already know, that everyone’s eternity is certain, including everyone in this room.  You will either give God worship in heaven for eternity or you will receive God’s wrath in hell for eternity.  There are no other options.  Your eternity is certain.

 

In our study of Revelation, chronologically, we are at the end of the earthly tribulation, and in order to help you understand a little better, I want to remind you of two diagrams this morning, and both of them are compliments of Dr. Charles Ryrie, long-time professor at Dallas Seminary.  The first is of end time events.

 

On the far left, you will see the cross of Christ.  Obviously, that event has already happened.  It is the only event on this timeline that is in the past.  The next event will be rapture of the Church, and the rapture of the Church will begin the 7-year earthly tribulation period. 

 

When the seven years are complete, Christ will come to the earth for the second time and will inaugurate His 1,000-year earthly reign.  When that is complete, then eternity will begin. 

 

Our second chart is the zooming in on the last half of the 7-year earthly tribulation.  Remember that it is divided into two, three and half year periods.  In that second half, the wrath or anger of God will be manifest or demonstrated on those that reject Christ in the form of 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls. 

 

Notice in this diagram that the seventh seal corresponds to the first trumpet, and the seventh trumpet corresponds to all seven bowls.  At the same time of God’s wrath being poured out on earth, the unholy trinity of Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet will be persecuting the nation of Israel and the followers of Christ more than history has ever known.  In Matthew 24:21, Jesus called this the Great Tribulation.

 

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

 

Currently, we are paused as it relates to time in Revelation.  Chapters 14 and 15 preview and overview what will come later.  Chapter 16 will press play again relating to chronology in our study as the seven bowls will be poured out.

 

At this time, please join me in standing for the reading of God’s Word.  You can follow along in your copy or on the screens behind me.

 

 

Exposition

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. 

 

In verse 1, John saw another sign.  He used the language previously in chapter 12.

 

1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.

 

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.

 

I believe the sign in 12:1 is the nation of Israel.  The sign in 12:3 is identified clearly later in 12:9.

 

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

 

This third sign is in heaven, and John says it will be great and marvelous.  There will be seven angels who will carry the seen last plagues of the wrath of God.  These seven plagues are the seven bowls that we will see next Sunday in Revelation 16.  When these bowls are poured, God’s wrath on earth will be complete. 

 

When God’s judgement is complete, your eternity will be certain.  You will either give God worship in heaven for eternity or receive God’s wrath in hell for eternity. 

 

 

1. Worship in Heaven

2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty!  Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!  4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?  For You alone are holy.  For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”

 

In verse 2, John saw a sea of glass mingled with fire.  The sea of glass demonstrates peace and rest and serenity.  That certainly is consistent with who John sees standing on the sea of glass.

 

Notice how these individuals are described.  They have victory over the beast and over his mark and over his number.  What is that all about?  Go back to Revelation 13.

 

In verse 1, this beast is the Anti-Christ who will be a world-wide political leader.  His image is made in verses 14-15 at the direction of the False Prophet, a world-wide religious leader.  His mark and number are found in verses 17-18 and will be 666.

 

These standing on the sea of glass overcame all of that.  How? 

 

The beasts operate under the power of Satan, the devil.  They will overcome just as we overcome today by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  See 12:11.

 

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

These overcomers are tribulation saints who will give God worship in heaven for eternity.  The end of verse 2 says they have harps, and in verses 3 and 4, they are singing unto God.

 

What are they singing?  It appears to be at least two songs.  They will sing the song of Moses affirming God’s faithfulness to Israel, and they will sing the song of the Lamb affirming God’s faithfulness to the Church. 

 

Specifically, God’s works are great and marvelous.  He is Almighty.  His ways are just and true.  He is holy, and then individuals from every tribe and tongue will give God worship in heaven for eternity.   What about you?

 

Have you overcome the beast by the blood of Jesus and the word of your testimony?  Do you know that you are a sinner and your sin separates you from God? 

 

However, knowing our need, Jesus died on the cross and in your place for your sins.  His blood was shed for you. 

 

Will you call on Him today to save you?  If you will, that is your testimony. 

 

Your eternity is certain.  You will either give God worship in heaven for eternity or you will receive God’s wrath in hell.

 

 

2. Wrath in Hell

5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

 

If you don’t give God worship in heaven for eternity, the other option is receiving God’s wrath in hell for eternity.  Your eternity is certain.

 

Look at verse 5.  The temple in heaven is opened.  From it come seven angels with seven plagues. We saw them back in verse 1, and they are pure and holy as indicated by their clothing. 

 

In verse 7, one of the four living creatures will give to them seven golden bowls of God’s wrath.  We were introduced to the four living creatures in chapter 4.  I believe these four creatures symbolize or represent all of God’s creation.

 

By the way, just in case you think prayer doesn’t work or God doesn’t hear, go back to 5:8.

 

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

 

Bowls are used for incense and offerings.  However, these golden bowls in chapter 5 which are the prayers of the saints are the same bowls in chapter 15 that contain God’s wrath and will be poured out in chapter 16 on all who reject Christ as Lord and Savior. 

 

Prayer matters.  Prayer is God’s plan to accomplish His purpose.  Therefore, don’t give up on praying.

 

Verse 8 says the temple was filled with smoke.  Smoke comes from fire back in verse 1.  This is God’s glory but also His judgement. 

 

When you don’t overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony, you are making a personal decision to receive God’s wrath in hell that will be spiritual and physical and eternal.  Your eternity is certain. 

 

 

Conclusion

My invitation for you this morning is to decide today to give God worship in heaven rather than receive God’s wrath in hell.  The decision is yours.

Bloody Hell

Don't Drink the Wine!

For the last two weeks, we have seen the unholy trinity from Revelation 12-13.  It is made up of the great, red dragon or Satan the Devil, beast from the Sea or the Antichrist, and the beast from the earth or False Prophet.  Because Satan the devil will be thrown out of heaven and to the earth to begin the last three and half years of the Tribulation period, chapter thirteen is very depressing because of all that the he and the Antichrist and the False Prophet will do in wreaking havoc on the nation of Israel and the followers of destroying the lives of Christians.

 

In light of Revelation 12-13, you may have been very discouraged about the future as revealed in these last two sermons.  However, I have good news, and it is Revelation 14. 

 

Revelation 14 was meant to encourage the first and second century readers as they were discouraged by Revelation 12-13 as well.  It will also serve us well this morning by encouraging us to persevere even when the situation looks bad.

 

In chapter 14, we are going to see three separate scenes, but they are also very much related to one another, and as I said previously, it’s hard to know of these events are sequential or synonymous.  However, we’re going to see a scene in heaven, a scene on earth, and a scene in hell.

 

 

1. John’s Vision of Exultation in Heaven, Revelation 14:1-5

1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. 

 

In verse one, John looked, and he saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion.  A big question to begin this morning is where is this happening?  Is this earth or heaven?

 

It is true that Zion usually refers to Jerusalem.  Therefore, this could be a scene on the earth at the end of the Tribulation and as Christ returns to the earth.

 

However, some see it as being a foreshadowing of the millennial kingdom and eternity.  John blends heaven and earth and makes this a difficult question to answer.

 

In my opinion, I believe this first scene is happening at the end of the Tribulation in heaven.  In Revelation, the Lamb, which is Jesus Christ, is always presented as in heaven. 

 

We also see the one hundred and forty-four thousand.  They were introduced in Revelation 7:1-8.  They are twelve thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel.  In other words, these are Jews.

 

Because I believe they are in heaven in this scene, they must have finished their task.  Also, I don’t think they will be martyred because God will protect them.  I simply believe when their task is done, God will take them to heaven. 

 

Verse 2 introduces a call to worship with the sound of many waters and the sound of loud thunder and the sounds of harpists playing their harps.  Then the 144,000 Jews began to sing a new song unique for them. 

 

They are gathered around the throne with the four living creatures and elders from chapters four and five.  Remember, the four living creatures represent believers who have died.  The twenty-four elders represent the raptured Church. 

 

Verse 4 tells us more about these Jews.  It appears that they were 144,000 Jewish single men.  I know that sounds strange, but the text seems to say that.  They were chaste and had not been defiled with women. 

 

Does this speak negatively of women or marriage?  No, it speaks positively of having a single focus during the time on this earth that will be the most difficult for followers of Christ. 

 

The second half of verse 4 says they follow the Lamb where He goes.  This speaks to their daily commitment to follow Christ in every area of their lives. 

 

They serve as a first fruit offering to the Lord and as a sign that more will follow in the earthly reign of Christ.  This is coming in chapter 20. 

 

Finally, verse 5 says no lie was ever found on their mouths.  They practiced honesty, and God honored their faithfulness as they were found blameless…not perfect or sinless, but blameless.

 

Does all of this sound weird?  Does 144,000 single, Jewish men who are followers of Christ and protected by the Lord sound weird?  You just wait.  Soon enough, we’re going to be see a dead man who came back to life will come back to earth on a white horse.  Now, that is weird, and 100% true.

 

 

1. John’s Vision of an Invitation on Earth, Revelation 14:6-7

6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

 

Our second scene will happen on earth and introduces the first of three angels.  These could be real angels or they could be humans as angels as we have seen elsewhere in Revelation used as a title for pastor in Revelation 2 and 3. 

 

This first angel offers an invitation to be saved and worship the Lord.  Notice that the invitation is universal.  It is to all those who will be living on the earth during this time, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

 

By the way, if our church is going to look like the heavenly church, our church needs to look like Emory and Rains County.  That means ethnicity and socio-economic status. 

 

Notice that the invitation is also exclusive. It is to worship God alone.  Fear God and give glory to Him.  It is not an invitation to worship Buddha or Mohammed or any other supposed gods.  It is an exclusive invitation to worship God in heaven who created the heavens and the earth and the sea. 

 

Thirdly, the invitation is limited in how long it will be offered.  It is offered now and will be offered here, but once judgment begins, there will be no more offers.  There will be no more opportunities.  There will be no more second and third and fourth chances.

 

If that is you today and you have never called on the name of the Lord to be saved, why wait any longer?  One of Satan’s favorite words to use with you and us is tomorrow.  Ladies and gentlemen, the invitation for your to be saved is being extended today, this day.  Will you receive it?

 

• John’s Vision of Condemnation in Hell, Revelation 14:8-11

8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”  9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

 

In verses 8 and following, we see two more angels or preachers.  The second angel is introduced in verse eight and says Babylon is fallen.  Who is Babylon?

 

Without going into too much detail because I will explain more in chapters 16, 17, and 18, the original city was the introduction of idolatry in Genesis 11 and the Tower of Babel. 

 

Some commentators remind us that first-century Christians used Babylon as a code name for Rome as they were seeing Rome and the Roman Empire do its best to eradicate Christianity.  However, it may very well simply be the devil’s evil empire and world system that stands in opposition to God. 

 

Regardless, she will seek to spiritually intoxicate all humans and lead them and Christians to commit spiritual immorality against the Lord God.  Therefore, please don’t drink the wine.

 

The third angel enters the picture in verse 9.  We now see that if you don’t worship God on earth, you won’t worship in heaven, but you will worship the devil in hell.

 

Verse ten, speaks of the wrath of God along with His anger that will be in hell and on these individuals. For the unbeliever who worships the devil on the earth, you will also worship him in hell and experience the wrath of God and anger of God that will be torment, and according to verse eleven, that torment will be forever and ever.  There will be no rest in hell only torment day and night. 

 

Don’t believe the lie that hell will be fun, easy, or painless.  It will be the wrath and anger of God and torment on the devil and his demons and the unbeliever forever and ever and ever.

 

 

Conclusion

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.  13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”  “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

 

Verses 12-13 have our final encouragement.  There is blessing and rest for the follower of Christ who is patient and perseveres to the end. 

 

Even though life will get very difficult on earth, eternity will be sweeter than you can imagine.  You will be blessed in heaven and will rest from your labors because there will be no need to evangelize your brothers and sister as they worship the Lord.

 

Will you accept the invitation this morning to fear God and give glory to Him and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

 

 

Because He Knows That He has a Short Time

Last week, in Revelation 12:12, we read, “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea!  For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

 

Today, in Revelation 13, we are going to see the devil and all his fury reeking havoc on the Body of Christ in the second 42 months of the 7 year tribulation because he knows his time is short.  After the tribulation, he will be bound for 1000 years and then cast into hell for eternity.

 

Some of you are going to be disappointed this morning because I have not answered all of your questions regarding Revelation 13.  I’m sorry that I can’t, but anyone who says he can is ambitious at best and arrogant at worst.  Revelation 12 and 13 are just tough assignments.

 

This morning, we are going to be introduced to two more key figures in the end times.  They are the two beasts from Revelation thirteen and with the devil, they are an unholy trinity.

 

 

1. The Beast from the Sea or the Anti-Christ, 13:1-10

1 Then ^[a]I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having ^[b]seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. ² Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. ³ And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. ⁴ So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to ^[c]continue for forty-two months. ⁶ Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every ^[d]tribe, tongue, and nation. ⁸ 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. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. ¹⁰ He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the ^[e]patience and the faith of the saints.

 

Verses one through ten describe this first beast.  He is seen as coming out of the sea.  Some have said this is symbolic of him being a Gentile coming out of the sea of humanity. That is a possibility, but that is also speculation. 

 

He will have ten horns and seven heads and ten crowns on each horn, and each head will have blasphemous names.  Again, we could be here all day speculating as to what these horns and crowns and heads symbolize.  The fact is that is no one is certain. 

 

However, let’s go to 17:12.

 

¹² “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.

 

These ten horns are ten kings who will join with this first beast in the last half of the tribulation to rule the world, but understand, there is one clear-cut leader, and it is the beast.

 

The seven heads are described in verse nine. 

 

⁹ “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.

 

The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.  What woman? I’m not going to get sidetracked today.  We’ll come to Revelation 17 soon enough.

 

In verse 2 and following, we see the first beast’s authority.

 

John uses a host of similes in describing this beast.  He is like a leopard with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion.  This beast combines the speed, strength, and power of past world empires, but make no mistake about it, his power and authority come from the dragon who is Satan the devil. 

 

In verse 3, we see his injury.

 

Verse three says that one of his heads had been wounded but healed, and that miracle caused the whole earth to be in wonder and follower after him.  However, ultimately, they worshipped the dragon because he was the beast’s source of power and authority. 

 

Third, we see the beast’s blasphemy.

 

In verse five and six, we see that this beast will stand diametrically opposed to God and everything about God: His character, His power, and His children.

 

If you think things are bad, they only get worse in verse seven.  This first beast is going to make war with the saints, and he is going to overcome them. 

 

It matters not where you are from and what language you speak, the first beast will begin an earthly slaughter of every person who will not worship him.  The entire world will worship him except those who names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life since the foundation of the world. 

 

Allow me to tie up some loose ends before we move to the second beast.  At the beginning of my sermon, I mentioned to you an unholy trinity.

 

This unholy trinity of chapter thirteen includes the great red dragon, Satan the devil masquerading as God the Father.  This first beast will masquerade as God the Son or the Antichrist, and yes, he will be an individual and an entity.  Paul spoke of such.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

³ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of ^[a]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits ^[b]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

 

The Antichrist will seek to attract just like Jesus, but in the end will slaughter Christians as Jesus is the Savior of Christians.  Verse three even speaks of one of the beast’s heads being slain but healed.

 

Some commentators take that to mean that like Jesus, the Antichrist will be assassinated but brought back to life.  That also is implied in verses twelve and fourteen. 

 

The dragon is Satan the devil and masquerades as God the Father.  The first beast from the sea is the Antichrist and masquerades as God the Son.  The second beast from the earth is the False Prophet and will masquerade as God the Holy Spirit pointing people to the Antichrist.

 

 

2. The Beast from the Earth or the False Prophet, 13:11-18

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. ¹² And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. ¹³ He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. ¹⁴ And he deceives ^[f]those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. ¹⁵ He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. ¹⁶ He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, ¹⁷ and that no one may buy or sell except one who has ^[g]the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 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.

 

The second beast is introduced in verse eleven as coming out of the earth.  Those that say that the Antichrist will be Gentile also say the False Prophet, here as the second beast, will be Jewish as designated as coming up out of the land or earth.  That is speculation only. 

 

The first beast is the political leader.  The second is the religious leader. 

 

The second beast has only two horns compared to the ten of the first.  Yet, he will speak as a dragon, and might I add, for the dragon.

 

Like the first, see the second’s authority.

 

He exercises all of the authority as the first beast because they are both part of the unholy Trinity.  As the Holy Spirit leads people to Jesus, the second best will lead people to the first, the False Prophet will lead people to the Antichrist. 

 

Next, notice his ministry.

 

Just like the Holy Trinity, the unholy Trinity will be capable of signs and wonders like making fire come down from heaven.  However, unlike the Holy Trinity who uses signs and wonders to affirm their deity, the unholy Trinity will use signs and wonders to deceive. 

 

The second beast will oversee the production of an image of the Antichrist that will be located in and or around the temple in Jerusalem.  He will even be able to make the image talk in some form and fashion. 

 

Verse fifteen talks about the image having breath and being able to speak.  Will this be technology?  Will this be ventriloquism?  Regardless, if you don’t worship the first beast, the Antichrist, you will be killed. 

 

Finally, notice the second beast’s identity.

 

And they will know who to kill by the mark of the beast on your forehead or your right hand.  It will mean six six six.  That is the mark of the beast.

 

Do we know what that will look like?  We don’t.  All I can tell you this morning is that consistent with his character, six six six is one less than seven seven seven. 

 

Seven is God.  Six is man.  There are three sixes because of three members of the unholy Trinity.  There are three sevens because of the Holy Trinity, which brings me to my conclusion.

 

 

Conclusion

First, during the last 42 months before the return of Christ, Christian persecution will be the worst it has ever been.  See 13:7.

 

Second, that will even mean their death.  See 13:15.

 

Finally, even during this time, God will still be in control.  Everything that Satan does and will do, he will only do with permission of God.  See 13:9-10.

 

God will ultimately take of the devil, but we must be patient.

 

Martin Luther said it like this, and don’t you forget this, “The devil is God’s devil.”

Where is the Devil?

As we have been studying the book of Revelation, we find our study in the seven-year earthly tribulation that comes after the rapture of the Church and before the second coming of Christ.  It begins in Revelation 6.

 

The earthly tribulation is a seven-year period that demonstrates God’s judgement of wrath on unbelief.  It will manifest itself in a multiple series of judgments including seven seals and seven trumpets and seven bowls.

 

The seventh trumpet is sounded in Revelation 11:15. However, I told you incorrectly last Sunday.  We won’t see the details of that seventh trumpet until Revelation 16.

 

In Revelation 12-15, we are going to see some events and experiences that aren’t chronological but happening simultaneously with the second half of the earthly tribulation.  Matthew 24:21 calls this period the Great Tribulation.

 

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

 

However, it is also possible that we will see some events this morning that happened in the past.  We might be reading what is actually a replay.  Honestly, it is hard to say for certain.

 

Before we get to Revelation 12:1, please keep in mind these time markers.  Three and half years is 42 months.  That is 42 thirty day months.  In days, that is 1,260.

 

Where is the devil right now?  If your answer is hell, it’s a little early.  We won’t get to hell until Revelation 20:10. That will be right before eternity begins.

 

Right now, I would say the devil is splitting his time between heaven and earth.  This may come as a surprise to you, but Satan has access to heaven even as we speak.  See Job 1:6 and Revelation 12:10.

 

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

 

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

As for the devil on earth, Jesus said in John’s gospel on three occasions that Satan was the ruler of this world: 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11. 

 

In Ephesians 2:2, Paul called him “the prince of the power of the air.” 

 

However, the scariest image of Satan comes from Peter in 1 Peter 5:8.

 

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

 

Needless to say, that is a lot to digest already about the devil, and Revelation 12 contains even more.  This chapter can be easily divided into three scenes.

 

 

Scene 1: A Woman Giving Birth, Revelation 12:1-6

1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.  3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

 

Verse one begins with a great sign in heaven.  Another word for sign is symbol.  Therefore, our goal this morning is going to be to try to identify the symbolism that John is using. 

 

As I have said previously with symbolic language in Revelation, I’m not going to be dogmatic.  However, I will tell you what I think.

 

Verse one speaks of a woman, and verse two says she was with child and is in labor with pain.  However, the rest of verse one helps us immensely in identifying this woman.

 

She is clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and her head is a crown of twelve stars.  When first century Jews read this description, they immediately thought of Genesis 37:9. 

 

9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

 

In a dream of Joseph’s, the sun is Jacob.  The moon is Rachel.  The stars are the twelve sons or tribes of Jacob who was later renamed Israel.  I believe this woman is the nation of Israel.

 

However, some have said this woman is the Church.  We’ll see in just a moment that this woman gives birth to Jesus Christ.  However, did the Church give birth to Jesus?  No, and therefore, I don’t think this woman can be the Church.

 

Our Roman Catholic friends say this woman is Mary.  Did Mary give birth to Jesus?  Yes, but did Mary flee into the wildness after Jesus’ birth and was she protected by God for one thousand two hundred and sixty days according to verse six?  No.  This woman is the nation of Israel.

 

Jesus was a Jew.  The nation of Israel gave birth to Jesus.

 

Another sign or symbol in this first scene is this great red dragon in verse three.  He has seven heads and ten horns and a diadem or crown on each head.  Who is this?  John helps us by identifying him in verse nine as the devil and Satan.

 

Are these seven heads and ten horns symbolic?  It is possible that they symbolize seven past ungodly kingdoms and ten future ungodly kingdoms, but we can’t be sure.  They may simply demonstrate his power and his evil.

 

Satan wanted desperately to destroy Jesus at His birth.  The reason is because Satan was in heaven but thrown out of heaven as seen in verse four. 

 

The first scene literally took place in the first century when Jesus was born, but verse four goes back to an event that happened before time began.  Satan fell from heaven and took a third of the angels with him.  Satan was there in Bethlehem waiting for Jesus to be born in order to destroy Him.

 

When the woman gave birth to her son, it was a male child who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron.  This is a quote from Psalm 2:9 and certainly applies to Jesus. 

 

However, before the dragon could destroy Jesus, He was caught up to God and His throne.  This is the ascension of Christ at the end of His first coming. 

 

The last verse in this first scene then fast forwards us to the last half of the earthly tribulation that we have been talking about since Revelation six.  Verse six says that the woman, Israel, fled into the wilderness so she could be nourished and protected by God for one thousand two hundred and sixty days or forty-two months or three and a half years.

 

We saw that language last week and know that it refers to the second three and half years of the seven year earthly tribulation that begin in Revelation six.  The last half of the tribulation will be worse than the first, and persecution of God’s people will be the worst it has ever been.

 

 

Scene 2: A War in Heaven, Revelation 12:7-12a

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!

 

Remember that we are now at a time in the future that is the last three and half years before Christ returns.  At the mid-point of the tribulation, a war in heaven will ensue.  It involves Michael and his angels against the dragon, Satan, the devil, and his angels or demons.  Satan will lose and subsequently be thrown out of heaven for good. 

 

However, he will be thrown down to the earth and his angels with him.  When that happens, there will be singing in heaven according to verse ten. 

 

Then see again the beginning of verse twelve.  For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them.  For the last three and a half years, Satan will be out of heaven because he lost the war against Michael, the archangel, and his angels.

 

Scene 3, A Woe on Earth, Revelation 12b-17

Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”  13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 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 and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 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. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

During the last half of the seven-year tribulation, it is not going to be good for those on the earth.  Woe to them verse twelve ends.  The devil knows his time is short.  Therefore, his persecution on the earth will be intense.

 

Verse thirteen says he will persecute the woman, Israel.  However, the rest of this scene points us to a great eagle who will nourish her in the wilderness while protecting her from the devil. 

 

There have been some who have said this is the United States of America.  Our symbol is the bald eagle, and so in the end times, the United States will run to the aid of Israel and nourish and protect her from the devil.

 

I won’t to be clear this morning.  This is not a reference or even an inference to the United States of America.

 

Verse six has already told us who this great eagle is.  It is God Himself.  The OT often speaks of God’s wings offer protection for His people.  God is the one who will nourish and protect Israel in the last days as this is the same language that God used in protecting Israel from Egypt.  See Exodus 19:4.

 

4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

 

Verse fifteen says that the devil will use a flood in trying to remove Israel from the map.  Is this is a literal flood?  I doubt it. 

However, a flood is characterized by destruction, and that is what the devil will seek to do with Israel.  He has tried previously through Pharaoh.  He tried previously through Herod.  He tried previously through Hitler.  He will try again and again through other human means, but he won’t succeed because God is on their side. 

 

However, in his frustration, not only will the devil attempt to eradicate the world of Jews, he will also attempt to eradicate the world of followers of Christ. 

 

Notice verse seventeen.  The devil goes off to make war with the rest of Israel’s children, those that keep the commandments of God, and those who hold to the testimony of Jesus.

 

Can it be said that Judaism gave birth to Christianity?  It sure can, and as a result, we are at war with the devil.

 

 

Conclusion

Let me end this morning with some good news and bad news.  I’ll start with the bad. 

 

We are at war with the devil.  This devil is a great red dragon.  Red symbolizes his desire to inflict pain and bloodshed. 

 

He is a deceiver.  His goal is to lie to you and lead you astray however he can. 

 

He stands before God day and night accusing you.  He accuses you of being a sinner and an adulterer and a liar and thief and an idolater and a drunk. 

 

He cannot endanger your salvation, but he can hurt you physically, and he is desperately trying to destroy your witness for Christ in this community by breaking up your marriage, by luring you into sin, by bankrupting you financially, and or by inflicting disease and suffering on you.

 

However, I have good news.  Are you ready?  As a follower of Jesus, we have victory over the devil.  Look at verse eleven. 

 

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

How do we overcome?  I have three words for us: Calvary, confession, and commitment. 

 

First, the apex of our victory is Calvary.  Satan can do nothing about Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.  There is no victory apart from Calvary.  There will be no victory over the devil in your life either eternally or earthly apart from a saving relationship with Jesus where you admit that you are a sinner, believe that Jesus died on the cross in your place and for you sins, and put your faith and trust in him as Lord and Savior.

 

Second, the activity of our victory is confession or our testimony.  Whether at work or home or school or the golf course or the lake or the ball game, we have victory when we verbally confess to others that we are followers of Christ.  However, it won’t be without consequences.  People will treat you differently and look at you differently and talk to you differently, but confession is our activity of victory.

 

Finally, the attitude of our victory is commitment to Jesus rather than self.  That is most assuredly seen in not loving your life even when faced with death. 

 

We are getting closer and closer every day for American Christians to start counting the cost of following Christ with their physical lives. 

 

However, some will say, “Brother Richard, I don’t want to lose my family, my spouse, my children.”  Neither do I, but I want what God’s wants for me more.  I pray that is true of you.

 

The Scriptures are clear about the good news.  It starts with Calvary.  It requires Confession.  It ends with Commitment.  We are in a war against the devil, but we know what is necessary for certain victory.