Sun, Aug 21, 2011
Revelation 17:12-18
Revelation 17:12-18 by Ray Viola
Pastor Ray teaches through the book of Revelation.

REVELATION 17.12-18

Re 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

  • By allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, we know that these 10 horns are the same 10 horns which Daniel saw in his night vision (Dan. 7:7-8, 20, 24), and these 10 horns correspond to the 10 toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Dan. 2:40-43) that will become a world superpower at the end of the tribulation period.
  • We know from the vision in Daniel that the 10 horns is a revived Roman Empire that will be a part of the final historic stage of the terrible beast. I have always found it fascinating that in Daniel chapter 2, the 4 final kingdoms from man’s perspective are likened to shiny metals. But in Daniel 7, which is from God’s perspective, they are likened to vicious predatory animals.
  • Note the time period of short space mentioned in verse 10 with one hour here in verse 12. Keep in mind beloved that it only took Hitler approximately six years to consolidate his power

 

According to a Club of Rome document from Sept 17th, 1973, entitled Regionalized and Adaptive Model of the Global World System, the Club has divided the world into ten political/ economic regions, which it refers to as 'kingdoms.'"

 

The Ten Regions of the New World Government
Region 1: Canada and the United States of America

  • This was the real purpose of NAFTA: to bind the USA and Canada into a mutually interacting region of economic coherence

Region 2: European Union - Western Europe
Region 3: Japan
Region 4: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel and Pacific Islands
Region 5: Eastern Europe
Region 6: Latin America - Mexico, Central and South America
Region 7: North Africa and the Middle East (Moslems)
Region 8: Central Africa
Region 9: South and Southeast Asia
Region 10: Central Asia

  • The idea or vision behind all of these kinds of meeting is to meld the world together so that sovereignty of individual nation- states is gradually eroded through treaties (multilateral regulations) and economic and political interdependence until the world economy and government are in the hands of a select group of people driving and controlling the process.
  • I am not saying that these 10 regions are what we read about in Rev 17 (they could be), but I just want us to understand that there is talk among world leaders that is headed in this New World Order or Global Family kind of direction. All that is lacking is a Single Leader…he may or may not be alive today, but he is certainly going to appear.
  • I think of Pr 21:1 ¶ The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
    • As we will see in verse 17, the bottom line for the body of Christ is this…The Lord Jesus rules and reigns in the affairs of the earth.

 

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

  • The worldwide scope of the reign of the beast is described here. In the latter part of the great tribulation, the unification of this evil kingdom will be brought about by the sovereign will of God to fulfill His will. (vs. 17).
  • These kings and kingdoms give all of their power and authority to the beast so that he can become “all in all,” being the central figure in both the political and religious realms. The Beast accepts the offer from Satan which Jesus refused (Luke 4:6), and by doing so, he is given ultimate authority above all else on earth—even claiming to be God (2Th. 2:4).

 

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

  • This is not speaking of the ages-long opposition between the spiritual forces of darkness and the spiritual forces of the Lamb (although such ongoing opposition is a fact of Scripture).
  • This speaks of the final physical conflict of the armies of the world as they attempt to thwart the installation of Messiah upon the throne of David in His Millennial Reign. We will look at this when we get to chapter 19, if The Lord wills. The Beast, his kings, and kings from all around the word (Rev. 16:14) will eventually gather to war against God at the battle of Armegeddon.
  • These kings participate in the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 2  “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed [Messiah = Christ], saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’ ”
  • The bottom line is this beloved, the only goal, the one objective of the spirit of antichrist and the Antichrist himself is to destroy Jesus. That has always been the desire of the devil since Cain slew Abel. The beast deceives himself into thinking that nothing can stop his desire for worldwide worship and power now.  Boy is he in for a surprise!!

 

The Lamb shall overcome them. This is one of the mountain peak verses of the Bible. Henry Morris. The dragon’s man of sin is no match for God’s Lamb, Jesus Christ. 

 

For He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings

  • Rev 19:16 And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
  • This title that is ascribed to Jesus is the same title for God that emphasizes His sovereignty over all other rulers and authorities
  • The Lamb is given a title which is uniquely that of the Father in the OT. “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe” (Deu. 10:7). Ascribing the title Lord of lords to the Lamb is no small matter . . . unless He is God!
  • Beloved one of the keys of identifying a false religious system is in their view of who Jesus is….some say is just the Son of God, but not God…a great prophet, a great teacher…..but according to Scripture, any doctrinal view of Jesus that makes Him lesser than Deity is heretical. Beware of another Jesus!

 

Those that are with Him are called, chosen (Gr. elektos) and faithful not cold, frozen and indifferent.

  • They that are with Him…this speaks of those that were with Christ in heaven prior to His Second Coming. Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.
  • Called (by the gospel) chosen (by God and the word here is elektos; election) faithful (to The Lord Jesus Christ)
    • 1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

 

Beloved I want you to be aware of the fact that there are only 2 churches on earth….(1) the false religious bride of Mystery Babylon or (2) the regenerated, born again bride of Jesus Christ.

  • The false church or Mystery Babylon is seen today in the World Council of Churches…..Ecumenical Movement….Interfaith Movement. There has been a move within the professing church now for the last 40 years or so to be inclusive and tolerant of all faiths. This is nothing other than Babylon.
  • Only those that are born again will enter into the Kingdom of God according to Jesus Christ.  Only those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and choose to live for Him are those that will be with Him.

 

Now let me say emphatically to all of our KF family. As born again Christians and followers of The Lord Jesus Christ, we are called and commanded by God to love our neighbors, be they Hindu, Muslim, LDS etc.

But love does not compromise the truth of God or the narrowness of the way to heaven which is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

 

 

Re 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

  • The waters that we read about in verse 1 are here explained to be the many ethnological groups as well as nations of the world. The false church will have worldwide power and influence.

 

16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

  • At the very end of the great tribulation period, the nations will turn on the great whore and destroy her. We know from 2 Thess 2 that the Antichrist sits in the Temple of God and declares that he is to worshipped above all other gods. He will forbid any to participate in any worship whatsoever other than him!!

 

Re 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

  • According to His own will, God will use the Beast to destroy the false religious system. This proves once again the absolute sovereignty of God beyond any doubt.
  • Ultimately, it is not men who rule, but God who reigns in the affairs of men. Don’t panic…our God is in control.
    • John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
    • Matt 28.20 I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

 

18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

  • This great city that reigns over the kings of the earth is no longer a mystery, it is Rome. Some commentators believe that this city is Jerusalem.
  • It is obvious that the city of Rome will be the headquarters of the worldwide religious apostate system. However, Protestantsim, and all other religions will join this evil world system that will have a major impact globally.
  • Spiritual, geographic and political Babylon will all come together in the last days to form a wicked and powerful economic coalition. Zech 5.5-11.  This plan involving formation of a world government and world religious system is growing well past its infancy and into adolescence. You have to be willfully blind not to see our nation and world headed in this direction.
  • None of these things scare me beloved, for they tell me that Jesus is coming soon.  Stay close to Jesus and one another. Keep a light touch on the things of the world and a strong grip on the hem of His garment.

 

Closing exhortation to the KF family and any visiting brothers and sisters:

  • 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
    • Walk in humility…beware of pride and self confidence. Live a life of prayer. Be sober and vigilant….the devil has got great plans for each and every one of you…resist him by drawing near to God.
  • Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
    • We are exhorted to be assembling together more and more as we see the day of The Lord’s return getting closer…let me ask you a few questions, not as a police officer arriving on the scene and asking who done it, but as a pastor that loves this flock and cares about where we are at in The Lord.
      • Are you reading the Word of God more or less than you used to? Why?
      • Are you praying more or less than you used to? Why?
      • Are you in a home fellowship or at Bible Study or in fellowship with other saints more or less than you used to? Why? Do you attend prayer meetings more or less than you used? Why?
      • Go to The Lord with your answer and ask The Holy Spirit to show you what God would have you to do about it.

 

 

Last but not least, if you are not born again, I urge you this morning in the Name of Jesus Christ to surrender your heart and life to Him today…..the price for you sin debt has been paid by Christ, come and receive Him as Lord of your life. When our heart is broken and we see the need for Christ, that is a work of God. His salvation is a prayer away…..whosoever shall call upon the Name of The Lord shall be saved. We would love to pray with you today.