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The Message


In Revelation chapter twelve, John hears a loud voice from heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!” (Verses 10-12)

I like that the first word is, “Now”. There is no waiting for some future event or time. We can participate in God’s kingdom, receive salvation and live with God’s power - “Now!” We can be reborn as God’s children and participate in what he is doing in this world – “Now!”

Notice, too, the definite article in the phrases, “the salvation… the power… the kingdom… the authority of his Christ”. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Christ is not “a way”; he is “the way”. Acknowledging his power and his authority is the first step in becoming his follower and finding his life.

The passage goes on to talk about “the accuser” or Satan. That name is accurate because Satan is out to point out your failings and to “accuse” you before God. He is ruthless in his attack and he does not relent (“day and night”). The good news, though, is that Satan has been defeated. He has been “hurled down”. Though the battle for individual souls, yours and mine, continues, the war is over. The winner has already been declared.

God’s people are saved by grace displayed primarily in Jesus’ death on the cross: “By the blood of the Lamb”. As Ephesians 2:5 says, “It is by grace you have been saved”. As well, notice that they are also saved by their “testimony” and by their “lives”. The way we live this life in response to our salvation is important.

The end result of all of this activity: “Rejoice, you heavens and all who dwell in them”.

Some things in the book of Revelation are very confusing and yet some things, like this passage, are crystal clear.

We are in a battle. The battle is for your soul and for the eternal souls of every one you know. God has provided forgiveness and salvation through his Son, Jesus. He now waits and rejoices with all who accept his offer.

The message that John heard so long ago still rings throughout God’s creation.

Will you come?

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