“So, he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” [1]
Adrian Rodgers entitled his message on this Bible passage the story of the Beauty and the Beast. Unfortunately for them, they make the fatal mistake of opposing Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His Bride.
In fact, John the Apostle was given a vision of the beauty that was not pretty at all: “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.” [2] Her goal was to destroy God’s holy people. And how did they become holy? They believed in Jesus Christ. They bore testimony to Jesus. The Lamb took away their sins, and nothing could stop them from talking about Him.
The victories of” beauty” destroy good people. But her victories turn into losses. The narrative of the Beauty and Beast is suddenly overcome by narrative of the Bride and Christ.
“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.” [3]
The Lamb wins! And He still has people with Him who are called, chosen and faithful.
After the Lamb’s victory, John hears the voice of a great multitude saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” [4]
The beauty and beast of Revelation 17 do not steal the show. They were unfaithful to each other. [5] No, the true beauty is the Bride of Christ – The Lamb’s people. And the true prince is the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ. And the Lamb and His bride do live happily ever after.
The Lord conquers the beast (the antichrist) and his false prophet. He throws them into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. [6]
We who believe in Jesus have this precious promise in God’s Word, the Bible: “God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [7]
[1] Revelation 17:3[2] Revelation 17:6
[3] Revelation 17:14
[4] Revelation 19:6-7
[5] See Revelation 17:16
[6] See Revelation 19:19-20
[7] 1Thessalonians 5:9
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