Read Revelation 12:1-13:18.

The figures introduced in Revelation 12-13 are key to understanding the cosmic battle that is coming—indeed, that is already among us. We meet a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon at her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head (see v. 1)—corresponding to the dream of Joseph (see Genesis 37:9). She is none other than Israel, God’s elect, the Church from every nation and corner of the globe (see Galatians 6:15-16).

Now, in prophetic writing, the past, present, and future are presented side by side. In Revelation 12:7, Satan is thrown out of heaven—that’s the past. He’s also been defeated; he couldn’t stop Jesus from securing our salvation through His death and resurrection. So now he’s turned his attention to believers—that’s the present (see Revelation 12:17). Then there’s the ultimate defeat of Satan—which is the future (see 20:7-10).

But before we come to that, we meet Satan’s most evil creation—the beast, or the Antichrist (see Revelation 13). Though human, the Antichrist will be completely possessed by Satan, filled with his persuasive ability and power (see v. 2). You can see the family resemblance between the dragon, “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan” (12:9), and the beast: with seven heads and ten horns (see 12:3 and 13:1).

The Antichrist will be Satan’s counterfeit savior—the antithesis of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God; the Antichrist is the son of perdition. Just as Jesus Christ is the full expression of God the Father, the Antichrist will be the full expression of Satan. The world rejected Jesus, but the world will bow down and worship the Antichrist. He will perform counterfeit miracles, openly blaspheme God, and make war against Christians. But the Lord is clear that He will sustain His people in this time—so that they are fearless in the face of persecution—certain that their names are written in the book of life (see 13:9-10).

Even in the first-century church, Scripture warned of the spirit of the antichrist among us already. In fact, anyone who teaches that Jesus is one of many ways to God is an antichrist with a small a (see 1 John 2:18). But the Truth is that Christ alone can redeem a soul from death to eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that though the spirit of the antichrist is at work, Christ has the victory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon An End-Times Warning for the Modern-Day Church, The Reckoning: LISTEN NOW

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