December 28-December 31

Revelation: A Celebration That Will Never End
Revelation 17-22
Brian Magnuson, PhD
Dothan, Alabama


It is amazing what impresses people today. It has always been that way. Revelation 17 acknowledges that many nations were “intoxicated” (2) by Rome’s affluence (4). But this lavish lifestyle was built upon the backs of the poor and downtrodden and for that Rome will be judged harshly. Rome will also experience God’s severe hand because she is, “drunk with the blood of the saints” (6). As the persecution against Christians in Asia Minor continues, God proclaims his intolerance with such behavior. Many nations will ally themselves with Rome but they will suffer the same fate of the mighty empire; that is, “the Lamb will overcome them” (14) and with God will reign all of those who have not given up but have endured with Him to the very end.

The evidence of Rome’s downfall is recorded in the 18th chapter as a funeral dirge is offered on her behalf. The warning to Christians is once again announced, “Come out of her, my people” (4), a warning against compromise and assimilation. The sadness at the funeral of Rome shows the confused state of life without God. Many mourn for the once mighty empire but their sorrow is not so much for Rome as it is for their own lost opportunities to make a profit.

While there is sadness on earth over the destruction of a once mighty nation, chapter 19 announces rejoicing in heaven. “Salvation, glory and power” (1) were once claimed by the Roman Emperor but now only belong to God. All that is left of Rome is “smoke” that goes up for ever and ever (3). A multitude of martyrs shout, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory” (7). They can rejoice because Jesus is seen riding on a white horse. He takes the beast (Roman Emperor) and false prophet (Local authorities) and throws them into the “fiery lake of burning sulfur” (19-20).

Chapter 20 shows us the next series of events that take place, revealing the ultimate rule of God. Satan is restricted by God from being able to carry out persecution on the church for a limited time (1000 years). This 1000 years is symbolic of a time of rest for the church at the conclusion of Satan’s torture by Rome. Those who have been beheaded (i.e. the martyrs) are privileged to go immediately and reign with God (4). The rest of the dead will wait for the general resurrection (11-15). The great revelation of God now moves from the history of man on this fallen earth to the end of time. Satan is flung into hell where all of those who have followed him will spend eternity (7-10).

For those whose names are written in the Book of Life, they are pictured as a beautiful city coming down from God. Chapter 21 expresses the greatest joy of heaven; eternity in the presence God (3).

The Tree of Life, once forbidden in the Garden of Eden (Genesis) now is offered freely in heaven (Revelation 22:2). God concludes this wonderful letter the way it started. He sees the plight of His people, cares very much and is moved to action on their behalf. God will not tolerate sin, rebellion and persecution. He will come soon to relieve their suffering in this life and ultimately will reward them for their faithfulness.

[Dr. Brian Magnuson lives in Dothan, Alabama where he preaches for the Westgate Church of Christ. Prior to moving to Dothan, Brian preached for the McKnight Road church in St. Louis. He is the proud father of two children, Destin and Kade.]

December 21-December 27

The Battle of Armageddon
Revelation 8-16
Brian Magnuson, PhD
Dothan, Alabama

As trumpets are used in our day to get ones attention and announce the arrival of important persons, so God uses trumpets in the book of Revelation to announce his verdict and judgment against an ungodly nation that has persecuted His church. The 8th and 9th chapters of Revelation picture God’s judgment upon the Roman Empire by means of internal corruption (9:1-11) and external forces (9:13-16).

Often it appears that evil is winning and that God’s purposes are being forted. In the midst of such pain and uncertainty, what are Christians to do? That answer is given to us in chapters 10 and 11. As for John, the messenger of God, he is to consume the word of God. It was sweet as honey because it was a message from God but it also turned his stomach sour because it was a message of woe and punishment against the ungodly persecutors (ch.10). As for the church, they were to remain faithful to God and proclaim His word to any who would hear (ch. 11). This would become a very difficult task at times but God is faithful and will restore and resurrect any child of His that may fall under severe persecution (11:11-12).

A graphic picture of this persecution is given in the 12th chapter. A woman is prepared to give birth (physical Israel). But a red dragon (Satan) is waiting to kill her child (Jesus). The child is snatched up to God and the dragon pursues but Satan is met at the gates of heaven and thrown back down to earth. Frustrated, the dragon turns to the woman (spiritual Israel = the church) and tries to destroy her but the gates of hell will never be able to stop the Kingdom of God. Unable to destroy or even stop the church, the dragon does the only thing left for him; pursue individual Christians (17). We stand at this moment in time when Satan tries to destroy the sheep that have wondered off from the fold. Christians must stay together in community lest we be picked off one by one by the evil one.

Knowing his time is limited, the dragon (Satan) enlists the help of anyone who will allow him space to move in their life. Chapter 13 details his success in recruiting the Beast of the Sea (the Roman Emperor, :1-10) and the Beast of the Earth (local authorities throughout Asia Minor that carry out Rome’s edicts :11-17). The evilness of men’s hearts is reflected in the number 666 symbolizing Nero and all that is evil and vile within a rebellious man (18).

The destiny of those who persecute the people of God as well as the triumph of those who remain faithful to Him are spelled out in the 14th and 15th chapters.

God’s merciless anger is poured out upon Rome in the picture of a battle called Armageddon (ch.16). At this “battle”, the dragon (Satan), the beast (Roman Emperor) and the false prophet (local authorities) are all present (13). From a literary perspective, it is obvious that Armageddon has already been fought; that is, it is behind us, not a battle at the end of time. This is made clear when one examines the rest of the revelation given by God. In chapter 19 the beast and false prophet are thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Then a thousand years pass (20:1-6) and finally the Book of Revelation depicts the end of time. At this moment only Satan is left and he is thrown into the lake of burning sulfur (20:10). At the “Battle of Armageddon” all three are present. At the end of time only Satan is present. Armageddon has already been fought.

The picture is clear, in the course of human history, there are times in which Christians are persecuted because of Satan’s evil desires. God sees what happens to His people, cares very much and may even decide to step in and stop it; such as in the case of Roman persecution in the first and second century.



[Dr. Brian Magnuson is the Senior Minister for the Westgate Church of Christ in Dothan, Alabama.]

December 14-December 20

History Repeating Itself
Brian Magnuson, PhD
Dothan, Alabama

It is unfortunate that when many people come to the Book of Revelation, they simply throw up their hands and surrender to the fact that the book can not be understood. This is in fact unbiblical for Jesus promises a blessing to anyone who would, “read…hear…and take to heart what is written” (Rev. 1:3). The Book of Revelation is the best commentary on the history of this fallen world. Its message is filled with hope and certainty. God reveals that He sees the suffering of His people, hears their prayers and is deeply moved when Christians suffer for their faith. He further reveals that He is prepared to step in and stop those harming the Christian community. But He also gives clear instructions to all Christ followers, “Be faithful even to the point of death” (Rev. 2:10); that is, a Christian must not assimilate into his culture no matter what the cost.

With this strong warning given to the churches that are experiencing such persecution (i.e. seven churches located in Asia Minor, ch. 2-3); God reveals His majesty and power through a frail messenger, John. John has been banished to an Island in the Aegean Sea called Patmos. There, he will be invited to see the plight of sinful rebellious man and the hope and security of those who choose to follow Jesus Christ.

In ch. 4 a glimpse of the Presence of God is given to the world. His Presence is pictured with bright lights, precious stones and host of worshippers celebrating God’s holiness and power. Persecuted Christians are not looking for a gentle Savior but a triumphant warrior able to avenge, restore and deliver. Such is the appearance of Jesus the Son (ch 1:12-18) and God the Father (ch. 4).

In chapter 5, the worshippers in heaven sing a song of praise to the Father for the triumph of His beloved Son. The words to describe Jesus are endless but so appropriate, “worthy, power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, praise, for ever and ever…” (12-13).

Beginning in chapter 6, the sad history of mankind is revealed complete with wars (2), bloodshed (3), famine (6) and death (8). A martyred saint asks how long these types of things must continue to happen to the people of God (10)? At this point a glimpse into what God is prepared to do is given; a scene of the Roman Empire coming to an end (which ultimately took place in 476 AD.) The picture of God’s anger and wrath against this proud nation is so horrific the question is asked, “Who can stand” (17)?

At this point a pause in the unveiling of God’s punishment against Rome is offered. A chance for the saved to be reassured that their salvation is safe and their future is certain. Chapter 7 reveals that God knows who His people are, for they have been marked or sealed. A similar word play is used in Ezekiel 9 to say that God knows those who have not assimilated into their cultures but have remained faithful, even to the point of death. This is not a literal mark, but simply a way for God’s people to know that the Father has not forgotten them, in fact, he knows them by name. They are the Israel of God, the church (Rom. 2:28-29, Gal. 6:13-16).

[Dr. Brian Magnuson is the Senior Minister for the Westgate Church of Christ in Dothan, Alabama.]