Revelation Part 55

As Revelation 12 unfolds, we see the major actors in the final conflict: God's system and Satan's counterfeit system. God's system centers on the throne of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. The virtuous woman represents God's people, who are being prepared for Christ's return and striving to remain spiritually pure and faithful. The heavenly Jerusalem represents God's presence, authority, and dominion, while spiritual Israel identifies the people who belong to Him. The ultimate destination of this system is the reign of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20 explains the identity and hope of God's people:

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul continues by explaining that Christ will transform our lowly physical bodies so that they may be conformed to His glorious body, according to His power to subdue all things to Himself.

This is the authority we acknowledge when we surrender our lives to God and accept His way at baptism. Our primary allegiance is no longer to the values and expectations of the present world. We are citizens of God's Kingdom in anticipation of its future establishment. We are being prepared to live under the authority of Jesus Christ.

In contrast, Satan's system is represented by Babylon, the great harlot, and the counterfeit structures described throughout Revelation. Babylon symbolizes a system opposed to God's government, encompassing political, economic, religious, educational, and social structures that turn people away from Him. Revelation 18 describes the merchants of the earth becoming rich through Babylon's economic system, while Revelation 17 describes the influence of the harlot over the kings and inhabitants of the earth.

This counterfeit system imitates aspects of God's authority, but corrupts them. It offers an unrighteous imitation of God's government and promotes a way of life that appears attractive while drawing people away from the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2 describes the lawless figure who exalts himself and presents himself as though he were God. The broader picture is one of deception, false worship, and opposition to God's authority.

This describes the world in which we live: a world that often operates apart from God and is deceived about its true spiritual condition. Satan's influence is not limited to an obvious act of rebellion. It can permeate ordinary decisions, institutions, priorities, and beliefs.

2 Corinthians 2:11 warns us not to be ignorant of Satan's devices. Ephesians 4:27 tells us to give no place to the devil. James 4:7 gives us the practical response:

"Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

The question for us is personal: Whose authority dominates your life?

Revelation 18:4 gives the command,

"Come out of her, my people!"

God's people must recognize the counterfeit system for what it is and refuse to participate in its sins. This does not simply mean physically leaving a particular society. It means separating ourselves spiritually from its rebellion, deception, and corrupt practices, while remaining faithful to God.

Revelation 12:8-9 says,

"but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 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 is presented as Satan's decisive and permanent expulsion from heaven in the end-time sequence described by Revelation 12. Satan's defeat in this heavenly conflict does not yet mean that he has been imprisoned in the bottomless pit. That event comes later, in Revelation 20. Instead, he is cast down to the earth, where his remaining time and influence become the focus of the narrative.

The names used for Satan help us understand his character and activity. He is called the serpent of old, connecting him with Genesis 3 and the deception of Adam and Eve. The serpent's methods are subtle and treacherous. He distorts God's words, questions God's goodness, and encourages human beings to reject God's authority.

He is also called the Devil, a name associated with slander and false accusation. The devil maliciously accuses God's people and attempts to undermine their standing before God. Finally, he is called Satan, meaning adversary. He continually opposes God, Christ, and God's people.

Revelation also calls him the one who deceives the whole world. The present-tense description emphasizes the ongoing nature of his deception. Ephesians 2:2 describes the influence of the ruler of the power of the air, who works in those who are disobedient. Satan's activity is not limited to the final tribulation. His influence is already evident in the present world, although Revelation 12 describes a dramatic escalation of his activity after his expulsion from heaven.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.