Revelation 12–18
Common Theme
These chapters unveil the unseen spiritual war behind human history, showing Satan’s rage against God’s redemptive purposes and the rise and fall of evil powers opposed to God. Despite intense deception, persecution, and judgment, God remains sovereign and decisively brings Babylon and all rebellious systems to ruin.
Questions
- How does seeing the spiritual conflict behind earthly events reshape the way you understand suffering and opposition in the world?
- What contrasts stand out between the apparent power of evil and its ultimate end under God’s authority?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the sovereign Judge who patiently endures rebellion but decisively acts to overthrow Satan and every system that exalts itself against Him. He is unwaveringly faithful to His redemptive plan, protecting His purposes and ensuring that evil never has the final word.
Deeper
Revelation 12
In a heavenly vision, a woman clothed with the sun, pregnant and in labor, gives birth to a male child destined to rule all nations. A great red dragon, representing Satan, attempts to devour the child but fails as the child is taken to God. The woman flees to the wilderness for protection. A war in heaven ensues, where Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, who is cast down to earth, leading to a proclamation of salvation. The dragon, enraged, pursues the woman but she is aided by the earth. The dragon then turns his wrath on her other offspring, those who follow God’s commandments and Jesus’ testimony.
Revelation 13
The text describes two beasts from a vision. The first beast rises from the sea, characterized by ten horns and seven heads, resembling a leopard, bear, and lion. It receives power from the dragon and is worshiped by the earth’s inhabitants. This beast blasphemes God and is allowed to make war on the saints for forty-two months. The second beast emerges from the earth, resembling a lamb but speaking like a dragon. It promotes the first beast and performs signs to deceive people, compelling them to worship the first beast’s image. It also marks individuals on their right hand or forehead, controlling commerce, with the number of the beast identified as 666.
Revelation 14
The passage describes a vision of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 redeemed individuals, marked with the names of the Lamb and His Father. They sing a unique song before the throne, as they are blameless and have not defiled themselves. Three angels deliver messages: the first proclaims the eternal gospel, urging people to fear and worship God; the second announces the fall of Babylon; and the third warns against worshiping the beast, detailing the consequences of such actions. The text emphasizes the endurance of the saints who keep God’s commandments. It concludes with a vision of a figure like a son of man on a cloud, reaping the earth’s harvest, followed by another angel gathering ripe grapes for God’s wrath, resulting in a significant bloodshed symbolizing divine judgment.
Revelation 15
The passage describes a vision of seven angels with seven plagues, signifying the completion of God’s wrath. It depicts a sea of glass mixed with fire, where those who conquered the beast sing praises to God. The sanctuary in heaven opens, revealing the angels in bright linen, receiving bowls filled with God’s wrath, while the sanctuary is filled with smoke, preventing entry until the plagues are complete.
Revelation 16
In this passage, seven angels are instructed to pour out God’s wrath through seven bowls. The first bowl causes painful sores on those who worship the beast. The second and third bowls turn the sea and freshwater into blood, leading to the death of marine life. The fourth bowl scorches people with intense heat, yet they do not repent. The fifth bowl plunges the beast’s kingdom into darkness, causing anguish. The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates River, preparing for a final battle. The seventh bowl results in a catastrophic earthquake and hail, leading to widespread destruction. Despite these plagues, people continue to curse God instead of repenting.
Revelation 17
In this passage, an angel reveals the judgment of a figure referred to as the "great prostitute," symbolizing a corrupt city or system. She is depicted as seated on a scarlet beast with blasphemous names, representing power and immorality. The woman, adorned in luxurious attire, holds a cup filled with abominations and is associated with the blood of saints. The beast, which has seven heads and ten horns, is described as having a mysterious nature, rising from destruction. The ten horns symbolize future kings who will unite with the beast against the Lamb, who ultimately prevails. The waters signify diverse nations, and the woman represents a powerful city influencing earthly rulers.
Revelation 18
The passage describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing its complete destruction and moral decay. An angel proclaims Babylon’s downfall, declaring it a dwelling for demons and unclean spirits, as all nations have indulged in her immorality and luxury. A voice from heaven warns the faithful to separate from her sins to avoid her plagues, as her iniquities have reached God. Babylon is to be repaid for her actions, facing torment and mourning for her pride and excess. The kings and merchants who profited from her will mourn her destruction, realizing their wealth is lost forever. Various goods and luxuries that once thrived are now gone, and those who traded with her lament her demise. The passage concludes with a mighty angel symbolically casting Babylon into the sea, signifying her irreversible fall, where no sounds of joy or craftsmanship will be heard again, and her history of violence against the faithful is acknowledged.