The reference to the testimony of Jesus is found in Revelation 12:17. In this verse, a wrathful dragon wages war against the offspring of a woman. The offspring here are symbolic of those who obey God's commandments and uphold the testimony of Jesus. This article seeks to explore what it implies to "uphold the testimony of Jesus."
The "testimony of Jesus" signifies the gospel, or the good news that encapsulates the life and work of Jesus Christ. This gospel is the foundation of Christianity, without which there would be no Christian faith or salvation. The gospel declares that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom and save us from our sins. It underscores humanity's need for redemption due to the brokenness caused by sin.
The gospel further reveals Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, who arrived to free His people from the chains of sin and darkness. It provides hope for a renewed future. Thus, upholding the testimony of Jesus means remaining faithful to the gospel. This faithfulness requires more than just an intellectual agreement—it demands total commitment.
In the narrative of Revelation 12, those who uphold the testimony of Jesus are targeted by the dragon (symbolic of Satan) during the coming tribulation period. These unwavering believers will resist the Antichrist, stick to God's commandments, and bear witness to the truth of the gospel, even unto death. Daniel 7:25 and 7:21 also forecast this era of persecution where the "little horn" on the beast oppresses the "holy people of the Most High."
In today's context, upholding the testimony of Jesus means bearing witness to others through both words and actions. This includes evangelism, discipling, and demonstrating Christian conduct driven by God's grace. As believers, we are encouraged to base our lives on Jesus as per Matthew 7:24–25 and Colossians 2:6–7, and strive to emulate Him through the sanctifying power of the Spirit (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Revelation 12:17 associates the keeping of Jesus' testimony with obeying God's command, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the two in a Christian's life. The gospel encourages us to express our love for God by keeping His commandments.
Furthermore, upholding the testimony of Jesus involves resisting all temptations to sin, modernism, new age ideology, and all the cunning tactics of the enemy. It requires us to dedicate ourselves to the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Upholding the testimony of Jesus also means remaining steadfast during trials. The book of Revelation, written by John for Christians facing persecution, identifies the devil as the source of this persecution. Despite the trials of the present age, the future promises an earth renewed by God, free of suffering, pain, and tears. Therefore, we are called to persevere, relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance during turbulent times.
Our commitment to uphold the testimony of Jesus is invaluable. It not only offers peace amid trials and a joy that transcends all circumstances but also leads us towards a paradise that only God can grant. As we look forward to the rapture, let us prepare ourselves, for blessed is he whom the Lord will find upholding His testimony.
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Further Resources
- Discover Online Ministry Opportunities at Open Christian Ministries (USA)
- Pursue an Online Christian Degree from Open Christian University (USA)
- Explore Christian Business Services from the Center for Faith and Work (Rwanda)
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