The passage in Revelation 12:11 states “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” This verse refers to believers overcoming Satan “by the blood of the Lamb.” Here is an explanation of what it means that believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb:
The Background of Revelation 12
To understand Revelation 12:11, we need to understand the background of Revelation 12. This chapter describes a vision that the Apostle John saw of a woman, representing Israel or the church, who gave birth to a male child, representing Christ (Revelation 12:5). A dragon, identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9), tried to destroy the child but failed. Then Satan went to make war against the woman and her other offspring (Revelation 12:17).
Revelation 12:11 comes in the context of Satan’s attempt to make war against believers. The verse describes one of the ways that believers can overcome Satan’s attacks – by the blood of the Lamb.
The Identity of the Lamb
The Lamb referred to in Revelation 12:11 is Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, Jesus is portrayed as a lamb, a reference to sacrificial lambs offered for the atonement of sin in the Old Testament (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19; Isaiah 53:7). So the blood of the Lamb here means the blood Jesus shed when he died on the cross.
The Significance of Blood in the Bible
Blood has great significance in the Bible. Under the Old Covenant, the blood of animal sacrifices provided atonement and forgiveness of sins (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). The blood of these sacrifices pointed forward to the promised Savior who would offer the final, supreme sacrifice for sins.
When Jesus came, he was the fulfillment of these Old Testament sacrifices. His blood, shed on the cross, accomplished what the animal blood could not. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that “he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
The Power of Christ’s Blood
The power of Christ’s blood is that it provides complete atonement for sins. Romans 3:25 tells us “God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” To “propitiate” means to appease and satisfy the wrath of God against sin.
Through faith in Christ, the shedding of his blood can permanently cover our sins and make us righteous before God. His blood redeems us from slavery to sin and justifies us before God (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7).
Overcoming by the Blood
So how do believers overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb? Here are some key ways:
– Christ’s blood protects believers from Satan’s accusations. Satan is called “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10). But the blood of Christ purifies believers from sin and takes away Satan’s basis for accusation (Romans 8:33-34).
– Christ’s blood gives believers victory over the fear of death. Satan wields the fear of death against people (Hebrews 2:14-15). But Christ conquered death through his own blood, freeing believers from that fear (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
– Christ’s blood allows believers to testify boldly. The verse says believers overcome by “the word of their testimony.” Because they are washed in the blood, believers can testify openly about Christ without shame (Revelation 1:5).
– Christ’s blood empowers believers to persevere. Even if facing death, believers can stand firm, knowing Christ’s blood has secured their eternal redemption (Revelation 12:11).
– Christ’s blood gives believers authority over the demonic realm. Through the blood, believers have authority to overcome the powers of darkness (Revelation 12:11).
In summary, Christ’s sacrificial blood is the foundation for believers’ victory over sin and over the attacks of the enemy. When believers fully trust in the power of the blood, they can stand firm against all of Satan’s accusations and schemes. The blood of the Lamb gives them boldness, protection, and authority to live in victory.
The Lamb Enables Believers to Share in His Victory
It is also important to remember that the Lamb, Jesus, is the conqueror who is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (Revelation 5:5-6). Through his sacrificial death, Jesus achieved victory over Satan. As Romans 16:20 says, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
By faith in the Lamb, believers share in Christ’s victory over evil. They overcome because the Lamb first overcame. The blood allows them to share in the Lamb’s triumph. So ultimately, it is the Lamb who is the conqueror, and believers overcome in His strength.
The Blood Gives Believers Confidence
The blood of Christ gives believers great confidence even in times of trial and persecution. No matter what Satan throws at them, the blood secures their eternal victory. First John 1:7 declares, “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” This ongoing cleansing gives believers bold access to God’s throne as they face spiritual battles (Hebrews 10:19).
By keeping their trust in the power of the blood, believers can have the same attitude as the apostles in Acts 5:41 – “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” The blood gives bold confidence.
The Blood Enables Believers to Resist Sin
Not only does the blood provide victory over Satan, it also empowers believers to resist sin. Revelation 12:11 says the believers “did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” The power of the blood helps believers die to sinful desires that wage war against their souls (1 Peter 2:11).
Romans 6:11-14 tells believers to count themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. The blood removes sin’s mastery, so believers do not have to obey its desires. This allows them to present their bodies as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:12-13). Through the Spirit’s empowerment, the blood enables believers to resist sin and live in holiness.
The Blood Cleanses Believers’ Consciences
The blood also cleanses the consciences of believers from acts that lead to death (Hebrews 9:14). When believers sin, the blood provides a means of being cleansed from guilty consciences and regaining intimate fellowship with God. This empowers believers to overcome defeating thoughts of condemnation.
Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” The blood purifies believers’ hearts and emboldens them to draw near to God without crippling guilt.
The Blood Brings Believers Near to God
Through the blood of Christ, believers have the privilege of entering God’s presence with boldness (Hebrews 10:19). The torn veil in the temple at Christ’s death symbolized free access to the presence of the Holy One through the blood. By staying near to God and living in light of their blood-bought redemption, believers can resist the attacks of the enemy.
The Blood Enables Believers to Be Faithful Witnesses
Revelation 12:11 says believers “have conquered [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Not only does the blood give believers victory over Satan, but it also empowers their testimony. The two go hand-in-hand.
Because believers are redeemed by the blood, they can testify boldly about Christ’s work on the cross. Their salvation and security is founded on the blood. This emboldens them to share the gospel faithfully even in the face of opposition. Just as the blood conquered Satan, the testimony of the blood can help rescue souls from Satan’s kingdom.
Conclusion
The blood of Jesus is a key theme in Revelation’s depiction of spiritual warfare against Satan and the forces of evil. Through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death, believers can stand firm against all the strategies and accusations of the enemy. The blood cleanses believers from sin, removes guilt, gives access to God’s presence, empowers their testimony, and guarantees their eternal redemption. By relying on the power of the blood, believers can live in victory over Satan. The Lamb is the ultimate conqueror, and believers overcome by identifying with his victory through the blood.