Kingdom Disciples

The Book of Revelation uses “war” and related terms to illustrate Satan’s attacks against the followers of the “ Lamb .” The Book shows little, if any, interest in conventional or nuclear warfare between nation-states. Instead, the “ Dragon ” strives mightily to annihilate the saints before his allotted time expires. To do so, he employs deception, compromise, and on occasion, outright persecution. The target of his hostility is the Assembly of Jesus Christ.

Satan attacks the Lamb by persecuting his followers, the saints who have the Testimony of Jesus . The Book of Revelation provides a graphic picture of the cosmic battle raging between Jesus and the Devil, the “ Slain Lamb ” and the “ Great Red Dragon .” The stakes are high. The battlefield is the Church, the “ assemblies ” of Jesus Christ. Satan has no hope of victory if he fails to destroy the Church, and he knows this; therefore, his resources are focused on accomplishing that goal.

The Book of Revelation graphically portrays the ongoing cosmic conflict between Satan and Jesus that manifests itself in the daily struggles of the “ Seven Assemblies of Asia .” On Earth, the agents of the “ Dragon ” execute his attacks on the people of God, especially the “ Beast from the Sea ,” the “ False Prophet ,” and “ Babylon, the Great Whore .” This “ war ” is waged by the Devil with deception and compromise even more so than outright persecution and violence.