The next sermon of our Revelation series took us through Revelation 12, showing how God’s people can stand firm and endure in faith even as Satan wages war against believers. This chapter begins a new section of unnumbered signs and visions that set the stage for the chapters to come. It prepares us for the two calls of patient endurance, equipping us to stand firm in the great conflict between God’s church and Satan. These signs point us toward Christ’s coming, His ascension as King at God’s right hand, and the present protection and witness of the church despite Satan’s persistent opposition. This provides great assurance that God’s good purposes will surely prevail - Satan cannot stop them: not then, not now, not ever. As the vision transitions to the war in heaven, we see how Christ reigns victorious: Satan is defeated decisively and God’s kingdom is inaugurated. Even in his defeat, Satan continues to wage war on earth while God’s church remains under His protection. Through it all, God’s people can rejoice because of Christ’s decisive victory - salvation has come, God’s power is displayed, and Jesus Christ reigns as King. Since Satan’s defeat is certain, let us be nourished in God’s word to stand firm and to expect all kinds of persecution until we join in Christ’s final victory and enter His eternal rest.
