Victory in Jesus - Part 2
By Allan E. McNabb

In this article, we continue talking about the victory revealed in the book of Revelation, by examining chapters twelve through twenty-two.

Second Prophesy
Like the first major prophesy of Revelation, the second prophesy foretells of the victory of Christ and the saints.

  • Rev. 12:1-3, 6, 13-17 victory of the woman, who fled into the wilderness to the place prepared by God.
  • Rev. 12:4-5 victory of Christ at His birth.
  • Rev. 12:7-9 victory of Michael and his angels over Satan.
  • Rev. 12:10–11 victory of the saints over Satan.
  • Rev. 14 victory of the first fruits over Satan and the beasts, doom of those who worship the beast.
  • Rev. 15 saints victorious over the beast rejoice in heaven.
  • Rev. 16-19 victory of the Lamb over the beast and false prophet.
  • Rev. 19:7-10 victory of the saints at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Throughout the Revelation, the saints are persecuted while patiently awaiting the coming of Christ.  The second major prophesy ends with a picture of Christ’s great victory over Satan and His ministers, showing Christ coming on a white horse.  He’s called Faithful and True, as He comes judging and waging war.

“His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Rev. 19:12-13).

And “from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS’” (Rev. 19:15-16).

The Thousand Years
Now defeated, Satan is bound for a thousand years in the abyss, while Jesus victoriously reigns in heaven (Rev. 20:1-4)

  • Note: A thousand years symbolizes a long, complete period of time, in contrast to ten days which symbolizes a short, complete period of time.

The saints are also victorious as they come to life in the first resurrection, and reign with Christ for a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-5).

  • “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

Satan’s Final Release
When the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released again for a short time (Rev. 20:3, 7).

He’ll come out of the abyss to deceive the nations once more, and wage war with the saints (Rev. 18:23; 20:8).

Then fire will come out of heaven and devour the ministers of Satan.  And God will again give the saints victory over Satan, casting the devil into the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:9-10).

Judgment
Then comes the judgment, when everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

Each person will be judged according to his deeds, and punished for his sins, except the ones whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 20:11-15).

At the judgment, the saints will be victorious over sin and death, entering the New Jerusalem, while everyone else is cast into the lake of fire, where they’ll spend eternity (Rev. 20:14f).

The Saints in Heaven
After judgment, the saints live in heaven for eternity, victorious over sin and death.

God “‘will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away’” (Rev. 21:4).

And He’ll give them the water of life without cost, as His children (Rev. 21:6-7).

“There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.  And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:3-5).

Closing Exhortations
The Revelation closes with final exhortations to heed “the words of the prophesy of this book” (Rev. 22:7).

Those who heed the warning and obey the Lord are blessed, victorious through Christ our Lord!

They “wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14).