Most people have a hard time with the book of Revelation. It is the most controversial book in all of Scripture and interpretations range far and wide. A lot of people are scared to study it either because they fear that the things discussed are coming upon them or they are afraid of the controversy that comes from so many different but strongly held views on its meaning.
The word ”revelation” simply means ”an unveiling or disclosure.” The Spirit revealed to the apostle John what must soon take place (Revelation 1:1). There are many interpretations of Revelation. Some view it as symbolic of spiritual warfare; some believe it to be about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD; others believe it to be about Rome and persecution of the early church; still others believe it to be very literal and about our future. Some combine parts of many interpretations.
Because there are so many interpretations and because of the highly figurative language a lot of people shy away from it. But there are many valuable lessons to be learned from the last book in the Bible. While interpretations vary, Revelation is ultimately about one thing: absolute victory! One of the practical lessons for us is overcoming the evil in our world. Revelation 12:10-12 gives us an example of a redeemed remnant of humanity who overcame evil.
Revelation 12:11 tells us three ways this redeemed remnant of humanity overcame evil and this serves as a great example for Christians today. Revelation 12:11 (NKJ) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. This verse gives us three keys to overcoming the evil in our world: The Blood of the Lamb, our testimony; and a long-term perspective (they did not love their lives to the death).