The Revelation of Jesus Christ
For a number of weeks, the women's Bible study at my church has been study the book of Revelation--more fully known as The Revelation of Jesus Christ. This has been a breath taking study, and we have some weeks to go before we finish.
The lesson for this week looks at chapter 17 [among others] and the lesson states, "In Revelation 17:17 we see who is really in control. Whose purpose is being fulfilled? Why is He allowing these events?" We see that God is in control, to accomplish his purpose:
"For God has put it in their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled."
In Acts 2:23-24, we also learn of God's purpose being fulfilled by those who thought to styme him:
"This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."