Revelation 12 Lesson

GOOD VS. EVIL

As you read chapter 12, keep reminding yourself that much of the book of Revelation deals with the struggle between good and evil (past, present, and future).   Also, keep in mind that many of the signs described by John in this chapter are just that, “signs.”  

This part of Revelation uses symbolism to describe the real struggle between good and evil.

In this chapter, Satan (depicted as a red dragon) is defeated by a powerful angel named Michael along with some other angels fighting for the side of good.   Evil is defeated and sent out from Heaven forever.   This is great news for those of us hoping to spend eternity there!

SATAN IS BANISHED FROM HEAVEN

At this point in the book of Revelation, we are talking about future events leading up to the great tribulation.  Satan is banished from Heaven but has plenty of havoc left to unleash on Earth, as we will soon see.    

The heavens rejoice because the blood of the Lamb has removed Satan and cast him away. Then a loud voice from Heaven sends the following warning:

• “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” – Revelation 12:12.

CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES

The entire book of Revelation is a book about choices and consequences.  Many will follow Satan and ignore God’s commandments.  Many will seek their own pleasures and will disobey God.   Those who follow Jesus will be rewarded.   Those who do not will be punished.

God gives us free will. If we choose not to follow Him, He will let us.   However, there will be dire consequences!

Fundamentally, we all must decide whether we want to follow the evil desires of the world or the righteous commandments of God.  It is a choice that has been around forever, dating all the way back to the Garden of Eden.  God knows our hearts.  He knows how we feel inside. 

• When we choose God, we are blessed. 
• When we choose God, we receive His mercy, and not His judgment. 
• When we choose God, we receive His grace and not His punishment.

If we choose to follow Satan, God will let us, and Satan will be happy to have another follower.  Those who follow Satan will be defeated and their punishment will be like no other in the history of the world.  They will be condemned to a fiery pit for all of eternity.  

CONCLUSION

The battle between good and evil is alive and well, and while Satan will put up a fight, he will be defeated.  Each of us is given free will to decide for ourselves which side of righteousness we choose to be on.

If we choose to follow Jesus and obey God, we will be blessed. 

If we choose to deny Christ, He will deny us, and we will be cursed. 

We will end today’s lesson with the following verse which outlines the choice that each of us must make.  Choose wisely!

• “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15.