Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” [Revelation 12.10-12]
It seems clear to me that the conditions described in this passage from Revelation are the conditions resultant to Jesus' Advent, Death, and Resurrection.
I suppose the main theme of this passage, as it appears to me, is that there is great conflict during this time. And, if I am understanding it correctly, we currently live in this time of great conflict.
So, what can we learn from this passage?
- The Kingdom has come. Salvation, power, and the authority of Jesus are part of this reality.
- Satan no longer has place or right to accuse mankind of sin before God in His dwelling.
- Because of Satan's fall, the blood of Jesus and the testimony of His salvation give mankind power to defeat him.
- Death (the power of sin) is no deterrent to those covered by the blood of Jesus and who testify of His salvation. (This is the most sure sign of true faith in Christ.)
- The conflict is great.
This passage should give those who believe in Jesus great confidence, not only in their resistance of evil, but in their power to frustrate and defeat the enemy, Satan.
Father, may Your Holy Spirit so bring the revelation of Your Truth to us that we understand and act upon the authority of Jesus in us on earth at this time. May we not be ignorant of the time in which we live, but fully understanding and therefore fully engaged in the conflict at hand!
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