Revelation by John F. MacArthur

Author:John F. MacArthur [MacArthur, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2016-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

8

THE TERRIBLE TRIUMVIRATE

Revelation 12:1–13:18

DRAWING NEAR

How do the media and Hollywood films portray supernatural evil and demonic activity? Is this accurate according to the Bible’s view?

[Your Response Here]

Have you ever been in a situation or around a person that seemed to epitomize “evil”? Describe your experience of coming “face-to-face” (either literally or figuratively) with such blatant, intense wickedness.

[Your Response Here]

What speculations have you heard about the identity of the Antichrist?

[Your Response Here]

THE CONTEXT

Our world is the theater where God’s glorious story of redemption is played out. Satan and his demonic hosts have attacked the human race, turning the earth into the main battleground in their cosmic war against God, the holy angels, and the elect. This study focuses on the terrible three enemies to come: Satan (the dragon), Antichrist (the first beast), and the false prophet (the second beast). The beasts represent the final Antichrist, whose career spans the same time period as the seal and trumpet judgments.

In the future, Satan will serve God’s purpose by being permitted to launch another deadly assault against the human race. That attack will take place during the Great Tribulation. He and his demonic forces will unsuccessfully battle Michael and the heavenly host (that is, the holy angels of God). As a result of their defeat, the devil and his demons will be permanently cast down to the earth. With his theater of operations then restricted and his time running out, Satan will marshal all of his malevolent, fallen angels in an all-out attempt to deceive and destroy the souls of men.

Chapters 12–14 are actually a digression in John’s vision, taking readers back through the Tribulation from Satan’s perspective. These chapters are filled with difficult apocalyptic imagery and symbolism. Take time to read the study notes next to the passage for further explanation and interpretation of these things.

KEYS TO THE TEXT

Satan: The name Satan, meaning “adversary” or “enemy,” appears especially in Job and the Gospels. The term devil comes from a Greek verb meaning “to slander” or “to falsely accuse.” The Bible identifies him as a murderer, a liar, a roaring lion seeking to devour, the god of this evil age, the tempter, the dragon, the serpent, and the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). His accusations against believers are unsuccessful because Christ is our Advocate (1 John 2:1). The Lord provides His saints with sufficient armor to combat and thwart the adversary (Eph. 6). Ultimately, Satan’s power over Christians is already broken and the war is won through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, which forever conquered the power of sin and death.

Antichrist: A false prophet and evil being who will set himself up against Christ and the people of God in the last days before the second coming of Christ. Used only in the writings of John in the New Testament, the term refers to one who stands in opposition to all that Jesus Christ represents (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7).

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