"And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."
(Revelation 20:9-10)
Should the church live in fear of that day? Absolutely not! John pictures one giant army, representing the devil’s horde, coming against one camp and then one city, representing Christ and the Church. But the language shows that he is not referring to one locale—“and they came up on the broad plain of the earth.” In spite of what appears to be insurmountable odds—Christ has already triumphed over Satan; that’s the point made. The power of the cross that has defeated our enemy will be unleashed! “And fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Victory is assured because Christ triumphed at the cross and in the resurrection. The mopping up will come on that great day of which John speaks. So we need not despair when persecution arises. Our Redeemer is King of kings and Lord of lords! He has conquered. He has finished the work of redemption. He loses none that He redeems—even in the face of the worst persecution. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”
(Phil A. Newton)
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