ON THE VICTORY SIDE                         Revelation 12                   FBC-PC 1-19-14 AM

 

 

Goal to help us learn and apply the principles of spiritual victory.

 

Chapters 12:1-14:20 is a parenthetic section dealing with 7 characters or players of the Great Tribulation. They are: 1) the woman representing Israel, 2) the dragon, representing Satan, 3) the man child, referring to Christ, 4) Michael, representing the angels, 5) Israel, the remnant of the seed of the woman, 6) the beast out of the sea (Nations), the world dictator, 7) the beast out of the land (Israel), the false prophet, the antichrist, the world religious leader, who works in cahoots with Beast 1, the World Dictator.

 

THE FIRST GREAT SIGN, WOMAN CLOTHED IN THE SUN: ISRAEL 12:1-2

      “wonder” (gr. Semeion = sign or miracle cf.-12:3; 3:13-14; 15:1; 19:20)

“great”  seen in heaven but reality on earth as woman is persecuted by Satan.  All of these symbols have several meanings and fulfill -  ments.  Clothed with the sun is an allusion to Gen. 37:9-11 and also a certain alignment of the sun moon and stars at the birth of Christ.

THE GREAT RED DRAGON 12:3-4

Satan vs. 9 and the great kingdom under his power; the revived   Roman Empire both east and west Dan. 7:7-8,24. 

Third of stars refers to (angels) under his control; or nations and peoples of the world under him religiously and politically.  Horns – Dan. 7:8

 Satan was behind Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus shortly after His birth.    And again in the 40 day fast and triple temptation Matt. 4:1-11

THE MAN CHILD: JESUS CHRIST (Messiah) 12:5-6

        The woman is Israel and the Virgin Mary depending on which emphasis you are making. Caught up – ascension of risen Christ.

        Verse six refers to the supernatural preservation of the inhabitants of Israel being hidden and protected during the second half of Tribulation. Matt. 24:15-26

SATAN CAST OUT OF HEAVEN BY MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL 12:7-9

        The contest between the holy Angels and the fallen angels (demons) of Satan ends with his final removal from being the prince and power of the air. Devil=defamer or slanderer; Satan=adversary. Dan.

12:1. Through the ages he has opposed Christ as Priest, Prophet and King.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE COMING DAY OF SATAN’S WRATH AND THE ULTIMATE VICTORY OF THE SAINTS.  12:10-12

The Voice from Heaven says, “Satan cast out of Heaven and Christ is coming shortly to bring an end to his rule on earth, and to set up His glorious kingdom. Vs. 9-10

Victory over the world the flesh and the devil is ours through the blood and name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Acts 16:18; Rev. 12:11;

I Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7-8.        

THE PERSECUTION OF ISRAEL IN THE GREAT TRIBULATION 12:13-16

Satan’ removal from heaven seems to be the beginning of the second half of the tribulation also known as the Great Tribulation and Jacob’s Trouble.  The Tribulation is part of satanic plan to thwart and hinder the work of God.

        Two wings that help deliver the woman Israel maybe airplanes or a     

        supernatural work of angels. Matt. 24:16; Deut. 32:9-12

THE PERSECUTION OF THE GODLY REMNANT OF ISRAEL 12:17

It seems only a small remnant will be saved out of all the Jews now living in the world. Zechariah 13:8.

As a true born again child of God you will be removed before the tribulation begins.  I Thess. 4:13-18; 5:9. But if you are left behind immediately turn to God and ask for forgiveness and receive Christ as your Saviour.