Dragon vs. Lamb

The dragon’s great enemy is the Lamb, Jesus Christ (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6, 12).

Since before our world began, the dragon—that is, the devil—has been at war with Christ (12:7, 17; 13:7). But today’s verse is referring to the devil’s last charge before Christ’s Second Coming. The death decree upon God’s commandment-keeping people, those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath holy, has gone forth.

Six of the plagues have fallen upon the wicked. And now the devil and his agents, “with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9), call “the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14).

Today’s verse is referring to “Armageddon” (v. 16), the “war with the Lamb.”

We have learned that “those who keep the commandments of God” also have “the faith of Jesus” (14:12), an attribute that today’s verse echoes: God’s remnant people “are called, chosen, and faithful.” It is not just enough to be called; we must also respond to the call: “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).

Christ called us to repent (Luke 5:32). And this is not just a one-time response; we must “continue in His goodness” (Romans 11:22), daily choosing to “live by faith in the Son of God, who loved [us] and gave Himself for [us]” (Galatians 2:20). “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). In this way, we “are called, chosen, and faithful.”

The Bible tells us the outcome of Armageddon: “The Lamb will overcome.” The seventh plague will fall upon those united against God. Jesus will return—as Defender, Savior, Victor. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man” will realize just what they will have lost (Revelation 6:15). This is the Second Coming, when Christ will finally claim His rightful place as the ruler of our world, “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Almighty King, help me to remain faithful that I may be ready at Your soon coming, when You will claim the victory.

For Further Study: Jeremiah 1:19; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:24

Key Bible Texts

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14 KJV)