Revelation Answers

The New Testament warns repeatedly of coming deceivers and false prophets who will cause many to depart from the faith . Jesus warned his disciples about coming “ deceivers ,” “ false Anointed Ones ,” and “ false prophets ” intent on misleading his followers, warnings reiterated and expanded in the writings of his true Apostles. He began his ‘Olivet Discourse’ with the stern warning - “ Beware lest anyone deceive you ,” for “ many ” deceivers will come and successfully “ deceive  many .”

The promise to bless all nations in Abraham culminates in the innumerable multitude of the Redeemed inhabiting New Jerusalem . The foundation of the doctrine of redemption is the Covenant with Abraham. It includes the promises that “ all the nations of the Earth will be blessed in Abraham ” and innumerable descendants of the Patriarch. “ I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore <…> and in your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed ” – (Genesis 22:17).

War began in Heaven with the Dragon poised to destroy the Messianic Son as soon as he was “born” – Revelation 12:1-6. In Chapter 12 of the  Book of Revelation , John saw a new “ sign ” in the heavens, the Woman “ clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet .” She was wearing a “ crown of twelve stars .” She was pregnant and about to give birth to one identified as “ son .” This “ son ” appeared in fulfillment of the Messianic promise in the  Second Psalm , the King and Anointed Son of God who was destined to “ Shepherd the Nations .”

The Nations and the Kings of the Earth are found in the City of New Jerusalem because of the redeeming work of the Lamb . The  Book of Revelation  presents us with paradoxical images and visions that do not conform to our expectations about how God works.  Christ’s  purpose in subjugating His enemies and judging the nations differs radically from so-called “human wisdom.” Just as his contemporaries did not understand Jesus, so we too often fail to comprehend the “ Slain Lamb ” and how he is “ shepherding the nations ,” present tense , from the Messianic Throne.