In the past few months, we have been overviewing this wonderful book. This month, we continue where we left off last month-at chapter 10.

Chapter 11-Faithful Christians Are Special! In verse 1 of this chapter, saints are measured off for protection. Verse 2 says that others, who are outside, are in grave danger. When God begins to deal with His enemies, they will be seriously hurt. Things will revert back to God because He is in control. Is this a fair judgment? It can never be more fair or just, since God is the one who is giving this judgment!

Chapter 12-The Devil Can Be Defeated! The cross of Calvary brought Satan to his proverbial knees. This being the case, his ally Rome can no longer inflict lasting pain on His saints. Christians receive great joy, comfort, and relief. This is a great source of encouragement because in chapter 13, things appear to be bleak. When he sought to harm the Just One at His birth, Satan was defeated (verses 5 and 6). God is dealing with the accuser of His people. Three main points-the Lamb's blood, the word of His Testimony, and not loving their lives to the death-are associated with their victory. Since the Lamb has so soundly defeated Satan, he will next turn to what the Lamb holds precious-His children. Satan is fighting a battle he cannot win, no matter how strong and powerful His allies may appear to be.

Chapter 13-God Shows the Enemy...Who Is He Today? A vision of the saints' enemies-forces of evil pictured as terrible beasts. Somehow, they appear to be in control. This chapter portrays a dreadful picture-the Dragon and the beast-for the suffering saints. The beast was the dragon's agent; he is also pictured in Daniel 7. This helps us to understand that this is the time of the fourth kingdom-ROME-foretold by Daniel. Who made war with the beast? In verse 7, we see him making war with the saints. Those whose names are "not written in the Lamb's Book of Life" are outside the realm of safety. Patience is the answer to their hope. Failure to submit to the emperor would bring certain death. They would be deprived of the ability to earn a living. The number of the man-666. The Bible later reveals this man's identity.

Chapter 14-The Lamb Is Capable of Doing the Job! God's warrior who will take on the dragon and the beast-a little Lamb! The humble Lamb will take on these beasts. The battle lines are drawn, and the judgment will soon take place. Verse 8 speaks as though it has already occurred. This shows the certainty of God's judgments. Later, Babylon is identified as Rome. Rome's doom is "written on the wall." All who follow her will suffer the same fate (verses 9-11). Verses 12 and 13 tell us why the saints had hope? On the white cloud, was the Son of Man. The ungodly nation was ripe for judgment, and God was going to take her down.