Through Many Tribulations.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY, and they did not love their lives unto death.” – Rev 12:11.
Even a casual reading of the Book of Revelation reveals that the word ‘overcome’ is prominent. Jesus said that “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” John 16:30. His victory is our victory! Paul declared that “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22. Victory is another prominent concept in Revelation. God’s people overcome the devil by the word of their testimony.
In Revelation the word “testimony” is usually associated with Jesus. The “testimony of Jesus” is a vision that John saw (Rev 1:2). It is the reason John is on Patmos in the first place; for the testimony of Jesus (Rev 1:9). It is a possession of the end-time remnant (the last group before the second advent – Rev 12:17). It is the spirit that inspires prophecy (Rev 19:10). It is the motivating force that encourages the martyrs (Rev 20:4). Jesus offers His testimony to the churches (Rev 22:16).
But the word “testimony” can also be associated with believers. The symbolic ‘souls under the altar’ are martyred because of the testimony they had (Rev 6:9). The two witnesses offer testimony before they die (Rev 11:7). And the over-comers become so, in part, through the word of their testimony (Rev 12:11). Feeble and defective though it may be, our witness is modelled on His witness. As soon as we know something about Jesus, we start to tell others what we know. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing.
God knows where He is going and where He wants us to go.
We are wise to consult Him at every turn. We are wise to submit our plans to Him. But as we learn more about His will and His ways, we become His eyes and ears on earth. We have the incredible privilege of being His witnesses here. In so doing we become like Him.
Remember the Chiasm that began in Rev 11:19 with a view of the Ark in the Most Holy Place in heaven. This particular chiasm ends with those who give testimony to Jesus and what was in the Ark: “ And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” – Revelation 12:17 NLT
Revelation 12:17 is the beginning of another internal chiasm (within the major chiastic structure of the entire book.) This chiasm ends in 14:1. Take a moment to get the deep meaning of these two chiasms.11:19 saw the ark of God in heaven that contains the ten commandments, 12:17 pictured the people who lived and died for what the ark represents, then 14:1 pictures, using a symbolic number, that group who will stand with absolute fidelity to everything that the ark represents – the presence of God, His character of love, His justice and Grace met together in Christ, the tables of stone given at Sinai and placed in the original ark. These are the Gospel believing committed and obedient Christians that pass through the final time of trouble “such as this world has never seen” (Daniel 12:1 and Matt 24:21.) To be part of that group only requires a decision on your part! We are not saved by our works but by His! Salvation is not faith plus works, but a faith that works. We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.
What was in the Ark of the Covenant was also referred to as The Testimony
Yes, It was some times called ‘The Ark of the Testimony.’ Especially in the KJV