August 3, 2021
And war broke out in heaven… Revelation 12:7a
“The very first effort of Satan to overthrow God’s law – undertaken among the sinless inhabitants of heaven – seemed for a time to be crowned with success. A vast number of the angels were seduced; but Satan’s apparent triumph resulted in defeat and loss, separation from God, and banishment from heaven.
When the conflict was renewed upon the earth, Satan again won a seeming advantage. By transgression, man became his captive, and man’s kingdom also was betrayed into the hands of the arch-rebel. Now the way seemed open for Satan to establish an independent kingdom, and to defy the authority of God and His Son. But the plan of salvation made it possible for man again to be brought into harmony with God, and to render obedience to His law, and for both man and the earth to be finally redeemed from the power of the wicked one.” PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS by Ellen G. White (p 331)
Adam and Eve, having lost access to the tree of life, were slowly dying. They felt the gravity of having transgressed God’s law, and understood that the penalty was death. But their sorrow was mingled with joy and gratitude for the promise of the Redeemer to come—and they understood that redemption would mean their involvement by faith and obedience. They taught their children the meaning of the blood sacrifice for forgiveness, but Satan managed to gain a foothold of rebellion in the mind of Cain. Cain’s offering of fruit and the resulting displeasure of God had two possible outcomes for Cain:
1) to thankfully accept the correction and realize that salvation meant cooperation with God in the redemption process, or
2) to stubbornly refuse the instruction of God and both of his parents
Sadly, Cain chose the latter and soon became so angry with his obedient younger brother Abel—who trusted in the merit of the blood of the lamb—that he murdered him in cold blood. Thus, the pattern was set: those out of harmony with God become angry with those who worship Him according to His prescribed instructions. Thoughtful reason reveals that this should not be a cause for anger. Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement,’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement.” Matthew 5:21-22a
The pure woman described in Revelation 12 symbolizes God’s true worshippers throughout the ages. She is beautiful, clothed in light, and crowned with the stars of excellent leadership. All of today’s believers owe a debt of gratitude to her faithfulness throughout centuries of persecution, including the 1260 years of the Dark Ages. She is the faithful Bride of the Lamb! Beloved, if you are a true worshipper of the Lord Jesus, you are guaranteed to be the object of the enemy’s wrath. Stand firm! Stay in the Word. Accept correction. Claim the promises of Psalm 91! Keep learning, growing, sharing, inviting... Soon you will attend the unimaginably grand and glorious wedding feast of the Lamb!
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of 12 stars. Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! Revelation 12:1 & 19:9a
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3