STUDY IN REVELATION 21
The Seventh Trumpet in detail [Part 1]
The Struggle Behind the Great Tribulation
Rev. 12: 6-17
We have been given a behind the scenes view of the spiritual conflict, which is behind the evil of this world. We see how the dragon, the devil, is out to hurt and break the heart of God. He does this by turning people away from Jesus and leading them to follow evil.
The Book of Revelation shows us that the rampage of the devil will only intensify in the end time.
v:6: The woman flees for her life.
This is a picture of the terrible holocaust in the end time. How do we know this is not speaking of some other time in history? How long is the woman to be fed in the wilderness? 1260 days. The KJV says a Thousand two hundred and threescore, which is 1260 days. 1260 days equals to 3 ½ years.
The woman in verse six, Israel, will be persecuted severely by the antichrist during the great tribulation. The Jews will have to hide, wherever they can find shelter. But remember, there will be a numberless number of gentiles slaughtered during this time as well. There will be “no vacancy” signs in every cave and mountain in the wilderness.
The good news is, God has a place for His people to hide and during this time of horror many Jews will come to Christ. Rom. 11:23-26
Vs. 7-9: The war over Israel and God’s people is to be fought in: The street The ring Heaven
This war has been launched by the antichrist and from these verses we find what is causing the awful attack on Israel and the believers.
1. The forces behind the struggle are Michael and his angels and Satan and his fallen angels.
Scripture teaches several things
a. God has assigned angels to look after and minister to believers. Heb. 1: 14”Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” [NIV]
b. There are ranks and orders of angels. Do you remember our study of “God’s Heavenly Warriors”?
God’s Heavenly Warriors, pt. 3
Col. 1:16
Because of the invisible spiritual war going on in the air around us between God’s Holy Angels and those who fell w/ Lucifer, are organized into an intricate system of rank, position and authority.
Let’s first look at Satan’s angels. His demons are organized in much the same way:
Ephes. 6:12
Here we see 4 designated positions of authority. These are 4 classes of demons. Most commentators agree that these are ranks…different levels of authority in the demonic world.
J. Vernon McGee a great commentator, has an interesting take on these verses…tho’ this may be just speculation…it’s good food for thought:
Principalities—he believes this would correspond to a general in the military. This would be a very high ranking demon. This demon would oversee of an entire nation. In Daniel, it talks about “the prince of Persia” in ref. to a specific demon. Other verses also seem to indicate this. Think about America: in the last 100 years our nation has morally and spiritually been influenced greatly by something from the realms of darkness. There is much corruption in Washington, and I have no problem recognizing the demonic influence upon our nation.
Revelation talks about 4 demons which are right now bound beneath the Euphrates River. They could represent the 4 great kingdoms of human history: Grecian, Roman, Persian and Babylonian Empires. These 4 demons could be the principalities which were over these empires. When those empires fell, they were bound, but they will be turned loose upon the 1 world gov’t during the tribulation.
Powers—He believes these demons oversee powerful individuals. This could be a demon possessed world leader, or other leader in great power. I don’t believe a Christian can be possessed, but only oppressed. I am inhabited by the Holy Spirit and I don’t believe an unholy spirit can also inhabit me.
Rulers of darkness—He believes these oversee worldly business and industry. For example: how many would agree w/ me that the Hollywood establishment is corrupt? Sure! There’s a dark force behind that. How about the music industry? Same thing.
Spiritual wickedness in high places—He points out that the phrase ‘high places’ is throughout our OTs. Idol worshippers had their high places where they worshipped Baal and other false gods. McGee thinks these would be demons who oversee areas of religion in the world. Let’s face it; religion is not a good thing. More people will be sent to hell by religion than by Hollywood or the music industry! More wars are fought in the name of religion than because somebody saw violence in a movie!
So, we have these 4 classifications of demons. But this flow chart didn’t start w/ Satan. He is not the originator, just an imitator.
*The reason Satan organized his army the way he did is because that’s how God did it w/ His army.
Col. 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col. 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Ephes. 1:21
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Ephes. 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
C. Michael is one of the archangels who serves God. In scripture, Michael is seen as above the other angels. He is the chief administrator of God, and the guardian of God’s people.
Dan. 10:13 * 21 Dan. 12: 1 * 7-12 * 1Th. 4:16 *
2. There will be a spiritual war in the end time, between the forces of good and evil. Why do you think the devil will try to kill every Jew, every believer or even the non believers? allow time for discussion. If no one mentions, say;
Do you think that he knew that every Jew and nonbeliever that was killed would never be able to accept Christ? He also knows that by killing the believers he can at least slow down the witness for Christ. This would be a good place for a discussion on lasting testimony.
The great news is that this battle will not end the way Satan wants it to. He wants to hurt God, to break Him by taking as many people as he can from God’s salvation but Satan and his fallen angels will be defeated and cast out of heaven once and for all.
v.9: Satan is called “the great dragon” His name is Lucifer and he was one of the highest ranking angels, until pride caused him to fall.
The Bible describes Satan in a number ways.
1. He is the “god of this world” who blinds men’s minds [2Cor. 4:4]
2. He is “the prince of this world” [Jn. 12: 31 * 14: 20 * 16:11]
3. He is “The prince of the power of the air” [Eph. 2: 2 * 6:12]
4. He is Satan, which means the adversary [1Chron. 21: 1 * Job 1: 6 * 2: 1-6 * Zech. 3: 1 * Mt. 4: 10 * Mk. 1:13 Lk.4: 8 * Jn. 13: 27 * Acts 5: 3 * 26: 18 * Rom. 16: 20]
5. He is the devil which means the slanderer [Mt. 4: 1, 5, 8, 11 * Lk. 4: 2-6, 13 * 1Pt. 5: 8 * Rev. 20:2] 6. He is the deceiver of the whole world [2Cor. 11: 13 * Rev. 12: 9] 7. He is the tempter [Mt. 4: 3 * 1Th. 3: 5] 8. He is the evil one [Mt. 6: 13 * 13: 19, 38]
9. He is the father of lies [Jn. 8: 44]
10. He is the accuser of the brethren [Rev. 12: 10]
11. He is a murderer [Jn. 8: 44]
12. He is called Beelzebub [Mt. 12: 24 * Mk. 3: 22 * Lk. 11: 15]
13. He is called Belial [2Cor. 6: 15]
14. He is called the angel of the bottomless pit [Rev. 9: 11]
15. He is called Abaddon [Rev. 9: 11]
16. He is called Apollyon [Rev. 9: 11]
17. He is called the enemy [Mt. 13: 39]
18. He is the gates of hell [Mt. 16: 18]
19. He is called the great red dragon [Rev. 12: 3]
20. He is called a lying spirit {1Ki. 22: 22]
21. He is called that old serpent [Rev. 12: 9 * 20; 2 * Gen. 3: 4, 14 * 2Cor. 11: 3]
22. He is called the power of darkness [Col. 1: 13]
23. He is called the prince of devils [Mt. 12: 24]
24. He is called the ruler of the darkness of this world [Eph. 6: 12]
25. He is called the spirit that works in the children of disobedience [Eph. 2: 2]
26. He is called the unclean spirit [Mt. 12: 43]
27. He is called the wicked one Mt. 13: 19, 38]
Satan’s purpose in making war against God is twofold.
1. He wants to receive as much of the power and worship as he can. He does this in three ways.
a. He opposes and disrupts God’s work in the world. [Is.14: 12-17 * Ezk. 28: 11-17 * Job 1: 6 * 2: 1-6 *
Mt. 4: 10 * Mk. 1: 13 * Lk. 4: 8 * Rev. 12: 7-9]
b. He discourages believers through a number of strategies. [Lk. 22: 31 * Eph 6: 10-12]
c. He leads people to sin, to deny and to rebel against God. And when they do, God’s justice has to act and judge those people according to their choice.
2. Because God had already judged Satan and condemned him to the lake of fire, Satan wants to get back at God. The best way he can do this is to turn the hearts of people away from God. By doing this he cuts deep into the heart of God. Remember that God’s desire is that all will come to Him and that not one person perish.
Vs. 10-11: Our victory and salvation are won by Christ.
1. John hears a loud voice, in heaven shouting that victory and salvation has been won by Christ. Who do you think this voice will be? The angels God‘s people The 24 elders
How do we know this to be true? There are two words in these verses that give us the answer. In verse 10 we see the words “our God” This could lead us to think the passage is talking about the angels, the elders or any other living creature that God has created. BUT look in verse 10 just a little further and you will see two more words that give us the answer. “for the accuser of OUR BRETHREN is cast down”
2. Because of God’s salvation, Satan will be barred from heaven. He will no longer be able to stand before God accusing believers of anything.
We know from scripture that Satan takes the sins of believers and throws them in the face of God.
Scripture: Zech. 3: 1 * Job 1: 6-8 [discuss Job]
Never again will Satan be able to stand before God accusing any believer.
3. There are three weapons used to gain victory over Satan. These are the weapons that Michael and the angels will use to battle Satan in verses 7-9.
a. The blood of the Lamb.
b. By the word of their testimony. They will proclaim the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and savoir. Scripture: Acts 4: 20 * 2Tim. 1: 8 * 1Pet. 3: 15
c. By being loyal to Christ, even if it means death. Many will die in fact millions will give their lives but they will never taste death. In the twinkle of an eye, which we remember is quicker than a blink; God will transfer them to heaven. Why? Because they are loyal even unto death. Mt 16: 25
The only way you and I can ever hope to defeat Satan is by the use of three weapons.
1. We must be covered by the blood of the Lamb and we must claim that blood…
2. We must have a strong testimony for Christ, never ashamed for people to know that we belong to Him. Satan will do everything he can to steal and destroy your testimony. If he can do this he will use it to turn others away from God. Remember, the Jesus people see in you is the Jesus that they will either run from or to.
3. We must be loyal to God even if it means giving our lives for Him. Mt. 10: 22
v. 12 The earth is given a warning. Satan is cast out of heaven, thrown to the earth and given one more chance to wreck and destroy all he can; in the time he is given. He knows his time is limited and he is mad. He will stir up the antichrist to create the worst devastation the world has ever known.
Vs. 13-17 The dragon or the devil will launch his attack against the woman. Notice four things.
1. Satan will severely persecute the woman and any one who refuses to deny Christ. By using the antichrist as his pawn, the devil will attempt to completely wipe the Jews from the face of the earth, along with every believer.
Imagine being frightened when you hear a knock at your door, fearing it might be the secret police coming to take you away. Imagine the sounds of you neighbor being dragged out of his home, knowing you may be next. Men, women and children, both Jew and Gentile, put in prison for loving God. The box cars will once again begin to roll down the tracks, packed like cattle trains, destined for the prison camps. The smell of death is everywhere as parents are forced to watch their children executed, husband are forced to watch their wives, wives their husband. Little children crying because their parents were killed, right before their eyes. And all the while the devil is laughing, BUT his laughter will only be for a short time.
2. The woman [Israel] will be delivered by the wings of an eagle. This is simply a picture of the delivering arms of God. But how can we say that she is delivered and also watch as millions are put to death?
Scripture: Ex. 19: 4 * Dt. 32: 11-12
There are two ways to be delivered. 1. You are delivered through something. You survive the tragedy. 2. You are delivered from, and the wings of the eagle will deliver some to heaven through death. If I had my choice, as one of those going through the tribulation, I would opt for #2. “Just shoot me and get it over with, I just want to go home.”
3. Is the flood coming from the mouth of the devil literally water?
Scripture investigation: Ps. 18: 4 * Ps. 32: 6 * Ps. 124: 4 * Is. 43: 1-2
The flood will be the tribulation that will be poured out in the end time.
4. God will use the earth to help. How will God use the earth to swallow up the waters or the attacks of the devil and his antichrist? There are a couple of possibilities.
a. The judgment of God upon the earth will distract the antichrist and require his attention. When these natural catastrophes occur, some of those being persecuted will be given a chance escape.
There will also be nations that will not go along with the policies of the antichrist and will offer refuge to those being persecuted.
b. The dragon will launch an attack on the rest of the woman’s seed. This most likely refers to the devil and his antichrist launching a more aggressive attack on the Jews and believers who did not flee to other parts of the earth for safety. Remember that a large part of the earth will be barren, due to the natural catastrophes that occurred, when God judged the earth. This could be what is meant by the wilderness areas to which so many flee. With the ease of travel, spy satellites, airplanes, helicopters and the like, the wilderness has to either mean large areas of wasteland or the nations that will be sympathetic to the persecute believers. But not all will flee, so the antichrist will turn against those who remain behind with more anger and hatred than ever.
We need to give some thought to the fact that the attacks of Satan have always been devastating. His attacks can and have destroyed human lives. We must stand fast in Christ and proclaim victory over the devil. Jesus Christ is the only people will be saved, and so the glorious message of salvation must be shared with every man, woman, boy and girl. We must tell them that Jesus is their only hope of deliverance from the coming destruction.
Scripture: 2Cor. 11: 3 * Eph. 6: 10-11 * Heb. 2: 14-15 * Jas. 4: 7 * 1Pt. 5: 8-9
STUDY IN REVELATION 21
The Seventh Trumpet in detail [Part 1]
The Struggle Behind the Great Tribulation
Rev. 12: 6-17
The Book of Revelation shows us that the rampage of the devil will only intensify in the end time.
v: 6: The woman for her life.
This is a picture of the terrible holocaust in the end time. How do we know this is not speaking of some other time in history? How long is the woman to be fed in the wilderness? days. The KJV says a Thousand two hundred and threescore, which is days. 1260 days equals to years.
The woman in verse six, , will be persecuted severely by the antichrist during the great tribulation. The Jews will have to hide, wherever they can find shelter. But remember, there will be a numberless number of gentiles slaughtered during this time as well. There will be “no vacancy” signs in every cave and mountain in the wilderness.
The good news is, God has a place for His people to hide and during this time of horror many Jews will come to Christ. Rom. 11:23-26
Vs. 7-9: The war over Israel and God’s people is to be fought in: The street The ring Heaven
This war has been launched by the and from these verses we find what is causing the awful attack on Israel and the believers.
1. The forces behind the struggle are and his angels and and his fallen angels.
Scripture teaches several things
a. God has assigned to look after and minister to . Heb. 1: 14”Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” [NIV]
b. There are ranks and orders of angels. Do you remember our study of “God’s Heavenly Warriors”?
God’s Heavenly Warriors, pt. 3
Col. 1:16
Because of the invisible spiritual war going on in the air around us between God’s Holy Angels and those who fell w/ Lucifer, are organized into an intricate system of rank, position and authority.
Let’s first look at Satan’s angels. His demons are organized in much the same way:
Ephes. 6:12
Here we see 4 designated positions of authority. These are 4 classes of demons. Most commentators agree that these are ranks…different levels of authority in the demonic world.
J. Vernon McGee a great commentator, has an interesting take on these verses…tho’ this may be just speculation…it’s good food for thought:
Principalities—he believes this would correspond to a general in the military. This would be a very high ranking demon. This demon would oversee of an entire nation. In Daniel, it talks about “the prince of Persia” in ref. to a specific demon. Other verses also seem to indicate this. Think about America: in the last 100 years our nation has morally and spiritually been influenced greatly by something from the realms of darkness. There is much corruption in Washington, and I have no problem recognizing the demonic influence upon our nation.
Revelation talks about 4 demons which are right now bound beneath the Euphrates River. They could represent the 4 great kingdoms of human history: Grecian, Roman, Persian and Babylonian Empires. These 4 demons could be the principalities which were over these empires. When those empires fell, they were bound, but they will be turned loose upon the 1 world gov’t during the tribulation.
Powers—He believes these demons oversee powerful individuals. This could be a demon possessed world leader, or other leader in great power. I don’t believe a Christian can be possessed, but only oppressed. I am inhabited by the Holy Spirit and I don’t believe an unholy spirit can also inhabit me.
Rulers of darkness—He believes these oversee worldly business and industry. For example: how many would agree w/ me that the Hollywood establishment is corrupt? Sure! There’s a dark force behind that. How about the music industry? Same thing.
Spiritual wickedness in high places—He points out that the phrase ‘high places’ is throughout our OTs. Idol worshippers had their high places where they worshipped Baal and other false gods. McGee thinks these would be demons who oversee areas of religion in the world. Let’s face it; religion is not a good thing. More people will be sent to hell by religion than by Hollywood or the music industry! More wars are fought in the name of religion than because somebody saw violence in a movie!
So, we have these 4 classifications of demons. But this flow chart didn’t start w/ Satan. He is not the originator, just an imitator.
*The reason Satan organized his army the way he did is because that’s how God did it w/ His army.
Col. 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col. 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Ephes. 1:21
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Ephes. 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
C. Michael is one of the archangels who serves God. In scripture, Michael is seen as above the other angels. He is the chief administrator of God, and the guardian of God’s people.
Dan. 10:13 * 21 Dan. 12: 1 * 7-12 * 1Th. 4:16 *
2. There will be a war in the end time, between the forces of good and evil. Why do you think the devil will try to kill every Jew, every believer or even the non believers
Do you think that he knew that every Jew and nonbeliever that was killed would never be able to accept Christ? He also knows that by killing the believers he can at least slow down the witness for Christ. The great news is that this battle will not end the way Satan wants it to. He wants to hurt God, to break Him by taking as many people as he can from God’s salvation but Satan and his fallen angels will be defeated and cast out of heaven once and for all.
v.9: is called “the great dragon” His name is and he was one of the highest ranking angels, until pride caused him to fall.
The Bible describes Satan in a number ways.
1. He is the “god of this world” who blinds men’s minds [2Cor. 4:4]
2. He is “the prince of this world” [Jn. 12: 31 * 14: 20 * 16:11]
3. He is “The prince of the power of the air” [Eph. 2: 2 * 6:12]
4. He is Satan, which means the adversary [1Chron. 21: 1 * Job 1: 6 * 2: 1-6 * Zech. 3: 1 * Mt. 4: 10 * Mk. 1: 13 Lk. 4: 8 * Jn. 13: 27 * Acts 5: 3 * 26: 18 * Rom. 16: 20]
5. He is the devil which means the slanderer [Mt. 4: 1, 5, 8, 11 * Lk. 4: 2-6, 13 * 1Pt. 5: 8 * Rev. 20:2]
6. He is the deceiver of the whole world [2Cor. 11: 13 * Rev. 12: 9]
7. He is the tempter [Mt. 4: 3 * 1Th. 3: 5]
8. He is the evil one [Mt. 6: 13 * 13: 19, 38]
9. He is the father of lies [Jn. 8: 44]
10. He is the accuser of the brethren [Rev. 12: 10]
11. He is a murderer [Jn. 8: 44]
12. He is called Beelzebub [Mt. 12: 24 * Mk. 3: 22 * Lk. 11: 15]
13. He is called Belial [2Cor. 6: 15]
14. He is called the angel of the bottomless pit [Rev. 9: 11]
15. He is called Abaddon [Rev. 9: 11]
16. He is called Apollyon [Rev. 9: 11]
17. He is called the enemy [Mt. 13: 39]
18. He is the gates of hell [Mt. 16: 18]
19. He is called the great red dragon [Rev. 12: 3]
20. He is called a lying spirit {1Ki. 22: 22]
21. He is called that old serpent [Rev. 12: 9 * 20; 2 * Gen. 3: 4, 14 * 2Cor. 11: 3]
22. He is called the power of darkness [Col. 1: 13]
23. He is called the prince of devils [Mt. 12: 24]
24. He is called the ruler of the darkness of this world [Eph. 6: 12]
25. He is called the spirit that works in the children of disobedience [Eph. 2: 2]
26. He is called the unclean spirit [Mt. 12: 43]
27. He is called the wicked one Mt. 13: 19,38]
Satan’s purpose in making war against God is twofold.
1. He want to receive as much of the and as he can. He does this in three ways.
a. He and disrupts God’s work in the world. [Is.14: 12-17 * Ezk. 28: 11-17 * Job 1: 6 * 2: 1-6
Mt. 4: 10 * Mk. 1: 13 * Lk. 4: 8 * Rev. 12: 7-9]
b. He believers through a number of strategies. [Lk. 22: 31 * Eph 6: 10-12]
c. He leads people to , to and to against God. And when they do, God’s justice has to act and judge those people according to their choice.
2. Because God had already judged Satan and condemned him to the lake of fire, Satan wants to get back at God. The best way he can do this is to turn the of people away from God. By doing this he cuts deep into the heart of God. Remember that God’s desire is that all will come to Him and that not one person perish.
Vs. 10-11: Our victory and salvation are won by .
1. John hears a loud voice, in heaven shouting that victory and salvation has been won by Christ. Who do you think this voice will be? The angels God‘s people The 24 elders
How do we know this to be true? There are two words in these verses that give us the answer. In verse 10 we see the words “our God” This could lead us to think the passage is talking about the angels, the elders or any other living creature that God has created. BUT look in verse 10 just a little further and you will see two more words that give us the answer. “for the accuser of OUR BRETHREN is cast down”
2. Because of God’s salvation, will be barred from heaven. He will no longer be able to stand before God accusing believers of anything.
We know from scripture that Satan takes the sins of believers and throws them in the face of God.
Scripture: Zech. 3: 1 * Job 1: 6-8 [discuss Job]
Never again will Satan be able to stand before God accusing any believer.
3. There are three weapons used to gain victory over Satan. These are the weapons that Michael and the angels will use to battle Satan in verses 7-9.
a. The of the .
b. By the word of their . They will proclaim the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and savoir. Scripture: Acts 4: 20 * 2Tim. 1: 8 * 1Pet. 3: 15
c. By being loyal to Christ, even if it means . Many will die in fact millions will give their lives but they will never taste death. In the twinkle of an eye, which we remember is quicker than a blink; God will transfer them to heaven. Why? Because they are loyal even unto death. Mt 16: 25
The only way you and I can ever hope to defeat Satan is by the use of three weapons.
1. We must be covered by the of the Lamb and we must claim that blood…
2. We must have a strong for Christ, never ashamed for people to know that we belong to Him. Satan will do everything he can to steal and destroy your testimony. If he can do this he will use it to turn others away from God. Remember, the Jesus people see in you is the Jesus that they will either run from or to.
3. We must be to God even if it means giving our lives for Him. Mt. 10: 22
v. 12 The earth is given a warning. Satan is cast out of heaven, thrown to the earth and given one more chance to wreck and destroy all he can; in the time he is given. He knows his time is limited and he is mad. He will stir up the antichrist to create the worst devastation the world has ever known.
Vs. 13-17 The or the devil will launch his attack against the . Notice four things.
1. Satan will severely persecute the woman and any one who refuses to deny Christ. By using the antichrist as his pawn, the devil will attempt to completely wipe the Jews from the face of the earth, along with every believer.
Imagine being frightened when you hear a knock at your door, fearing it might be the secret police coming to take you away. Imagine the sounds of you neighbor being dragged out of his home, knowing you may be next. Men, women and children, both Jew and Gentile, put in prison for loving God. The box cars will once again begin to roll down the tracks, packed like cattle trains, destined for the prison camps. The smell of death is everywhere as parents are forced to watch their children executed, husband are forced to watch their wives, wives their husband. Little children crying because their parents were killed, right before their eyes. And all the while the devil is laughing, BUT his laughter will only be for a short time.
2. The woman [Israel] will be delivered by the wings of an . This is simply a picture of the delivering arms of God. But how can we say that she is delivered and also watch as millions are put to death?
Scripture: Ex. 19: 4 * Dt. 32: 11-12
There are two ways to be delivered. 1. You are delivered through something. You survive the tragedy. 2. You are delivered from, and the wings of the eagle will deliver some to heaven through death. If I had my choice, as one of those going through the tribulation, I would opt for #2. “Just shoot me and get it over with, I just want to go home.”
3. Is the flood coming from the mouth of the devil literally water?
Scripture investigation: Ps. 18: 4 * Ps. 32: 6 * Ps. 124: 4 * Is. 43: 1-2
The flood will be the that will be poured out in the end time.
4. God will use the to help. How will God use the earth to swallow up the waters or the attacks of the devil and his antichrist? There are a couple of possibilities.
a. The judgment of God upon the earth will distract the antichrist and require his attention. When these natural catastrophes occur, some of those being persecuted will be given a chance escape.
There will also be nations that will not go along with the policies of the antichrist and will offer refuge to those being persecuted.
b. The dragon will launch an attack on the rest of the woman’s seed. This most likely refers to the devil and his antichrist launching a more aggressive attack on the Jews and believers who did not flee to other parts of the earth for safety. Remember that a large part of the earth will be barren, due to the natural catastrophes that occurred, when God judged the earth. This could be what is meant by the wilderness areas to which so many flee. With the ease of travel, spy satellites, airplanes, helicopters and the like, the wilderness has to either mean large areas of wasteland or the nations that will be sympathetic to the persecute believers. But not all will flee, so the antichrist will turn against those who remain behind with more anger and hatred than ever.
We need to give some thought to the fact that the attacks of Satan have always been devastating. His attacks can and have destroyed human lives. We must stand fast in Christ and proclaim victory over the devil. Jesus Christ is the only people will be saved, and so the glorious message of salvation must be shared with every man, woman, boy and girl. We must tell them that Jesus is their only hope of deliverance from the coming destruction.
Scripture: 2Cor. 11: 3 * Eph. 6: 10-11 * Heb. 2: 14-15 * Jas. 4: 7 * 1Pt. 5: 8-9
