Ready for the Last Days: Revelation 11 to 13

Summary

Continuing a verse-by-verse study during the church's quarantine season, the pastor opens Revelation chapters 11, 12, and 13. He reminds the congregation that everyone who reads and keeps this prophecy is blessed, "for the time is near," and that the Holy Spirit opens these words to prepared hearts.

Chapter 11 describes the two witnesses who prophesy 1260 days in the power of Elijah and Moses, are killed by the beast in Jerusalem, and after three and a half days rise and ascend before a watching world. The seventh trumpet announces that the kingdom of the world has become the Lord's. Chapter 12 unveils the woman as Israel, through whom Christ was born, the dragon who seeks to devour the male child, and the war in heaven where Michael casts Satan down. Chapter 13 reveals the beast from the sea, the false prophet, the speaking image, and the mark without which no one can buy or sell.

Drawing on Daniel 7, Zechariah 4, and Solomon's 666 talents of gold, the pastor explains 666 as the fullness of human power exercised through control of the economy. Our safety is not a physical hiding place but two "wings" - prayer and faith in the blood of the Lamb - by which the faithful overcome and stay ready for Christ's return.

Key Points

• Reading and keeping the prophecy of Revelation brings a real blessing, "for the time is near."
• The two witnesses minister in the power of Elijah and Moses, are martyred in Jerusalem, then raised and taken up before all.
• The seventh trumpet proclaims that the kingdoms of the world have become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ.
• The woman is Israel and the male child is Christ; the dragon's fury falls on God's people and all who hold the testimony of Jesus.
• The beast and false prophet enforce worship and the mark, so that none can buy or sell without it.
• The number 666 pictures the fullness of human power gripping the world through economic control.
• Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, kept ready by the two wings of prayer and faith.