As we
continue in our verse-by-verse study of Revelation, I want to remind you that
each post builds from the foundation established in each post from the
beginning of the series. We have reached
the point where Satan and his armies have been cast out of heaven forever, and
he has come to earth to possess the Antichrist and make one last futile attempt
to thwart God’s plan to establish Jesus on the throne of David in Jerusalem as
King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 13:7 “And it was given
unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given
him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
In
context “him” is a reference to the beast that arose from the sea, the
Antichrist. The “saints” are those that
have been redeemed and consecrated to God, all true believers. So, at this point the Antichrist is given the
authority to fight against the saints and overcome them. Daniel makes a similar prophecy.
Daniel 7:21 “I beheld, and the same
horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them….”
At first my mind jumped to spiritual
warfare, but the more I think about it, I think this is talking about physical
confrontation and victory. The verse goes on to say that the beast has
power (authority, control) over ALL kindreds (races, clans), tongues
(languages), and nations (foreign, non-Jewish races, Gentiles). This
seems to reference the control he will possess to enforce compliance with his
dictates by requiring people to be marked with his mark in order to buy or sell
(as we will discover in upcoming verses).
John
reveals that ALL that dwell on the earth shall worship him—that is, all those
whose names are not written in “the book of life of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world.”
Revelation 13:8-9 “And all that
dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book
of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear.”
This is
another amazing affirmation that God’s total plan of redemption was in place
before the world was ever created.
Because our mind is so limited in understanding compared to God’s, man
has a hard time accepting this truth. I
have heard so many debates and read so many articles related to this subject. The bottom line is that we either accept God
at His word or we don’t. His word states
that He knew all before He created. His
word states that He chose to give man the freedom to make choices. His word states that He is not willing that
any should perish. His word states that
election is His privilege and is based on His foreknowledge. I, for one, embrace it all. I have no problem accepting that the God of
the Bible knew not only everything that would happen on planet earth, but that
He knew what would have happened in all possible scenarios. I also believe that He set into motion the
scenario that allowed man’s choices and His will to work hand-in-hand. Anything less is trying to fit God into a
sphere of my complete understanding; and if I could do that, He would no longer
be the God of the Bible in my opinion.
Considering
my conclusion of the truth in the above paragraph, it is not surprising to see
reference to a “book of life” that provides a record of all those that would
choose to follow the LORD and accept His provision for redemption through the
sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross.
According to my study, I believe that all names are written in the book
of life until their opportunity for salvation has been finally rejected—at
which time their name is blotted out.
Both Moses and the psalmist allude to this truth.
Exodus 32:31–32 “And Moses returned
unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made
them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot
me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”
Psalms 69:28 “Let them be blotted
out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.”
The Lord
Jesus also mentioned this truth in His letter to the church at Sardis.
Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh,
the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name
out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and
before his angels.”
I think
it is important to note that verse nine calls for “any man” that hears this
message to pay attention to what God is revealing through John concerning the
Antichrist. This section of scripture
will be crucial information for those living during that time.
Revelation 13:10 “He that leadeth
into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
E. W. Bullinger posits that verse 10 begins with a
Hebraism that expresses destiny and makes reference to the following
scriptures. It seems to be a sound application to me.
Jeremiah
43:11 “And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such
as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such
as are for the sword to the sword.”
Jeremiah
15:1-2 “Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me,
yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let
them go forth. And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall
we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for
death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are
for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the
captivity.”
Zechariah
11:9 “Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that
that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.”
Many saints will suffer captivity and death during
this time. They are to be prepared for this and persevere in their faith;
in the end, scripture promises that they will emerge as overcomers.
1 John
5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Revelation
21:7 “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son.”
I like the way the New Living Translation puts the
second half of the verse:
Revelation
13:10b “…But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance
and faith.”
Another good reference that sheds light on having
this patience and endurance is found in 1 Peter.
1Peter
2:19-21 “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well,
and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For
even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us
an example, that ye should follow his steps….”
(to be
continued…)
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