War In Heaven
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Introduction
Introduction
Last week, we ventured into Revelation chapter 12 and looked at the first six verses on the thought of “Great Wonders” - We looked at the woman, which is symbolic of the nation of Israel, we looked at the child, which is none other than Jesus Christ, we looked at the dragon which is Satan, and then closed looking at the care that God will provide the nation of Israel during the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation period.
Tonight, in the next set of verses here, we see a war break out in Heaven! That’s hard to comprehend, but it’s what the Bible says...
The entire 12th chapter of Revelation is one of conflict, and I’m thankful that one day it will end!
We are studying what is going to happen in the future, and some of this stuff may hard to comprehend, or it may be a little scary, but honey, I’m glad that I’ve read the very end, and let me tell you, it’s all going to be alright for the child of God!
Conflict involving Satan has been going on at least since he originally appeared as a serpent in the Garden of Eden.
His relentless evil has been going on without mercy for all of that time. There are no kind ways to refer to such a beastly dragon as he.
When you study about Satan in the Scriptures, you will notice that the existence of Satan is taught in seven Old Testament books and in all of the New Testament books. The greatest authority on the existence of Satan is that which Jesus, Himself, taught about Satan (Matthew 13:39; Luke 10:18).
His name, Satan, means adversary; Devil means slanderer. Lucifer means son of the morning according to Isaiah 14:12. He also carries the name, Beelzebub and Belial. As you can see, none of these names are very attractive.
Satan was cast out of his original position in Heaven according to Ezekiel 28:13-15.
Satan will be cast out of Heaven midway the tribulation period when he fights against Michael the archangel. This is what tonight’s message will involve as we look at this war in Heaven.
The Commencement of the War
The Commencement of the War
Revelation 12:7 (KJV 1900)
7 And there was war in heaven:
As the Devil is trying to destroy the woman, God sends divine reinforcements. Michael and his angels are going war against the dragon.
This battle is future to us—but it is as sure thing!
It is going to happen. Looking back over history we can learn when wars started and what triggered these wars!
Just as with the wars on earth—it is often over power and authority—it always is with selfish agenda’s.
The Combatants in the War
The Combatants in the War
Revelation 12:7–9 (KJV 1900)
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Michael is named in Scripture as the archangel (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9).
The name Michael means, “Who is like God?” The rhetorical question stands in stark contrast to Lucifer’s egocentric attack on the Lord, in which he said, “I will be like the Most High” (Isa 14:14).
Michael is the guardian and protector of God’s people. He has a particular role with respect to Israel, as Daniel 12:1 makes clear.
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Satan and his angels (i.e., demons) fight and are defeated. They are cast out of heaven, and, as verse 13 notes, they are “cast unto the earth.”
Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven as their home at the time of their original rebellion. The Bible seems to indicate that they still had some degree of access to heaven for a time, we know that from the book of Job (see Job 1:6; 2:1), but now having been beat down in this great battle, they are cast out permanently and denied any access to heaven at all.
In other words, they are banished and barred from the presence of God and heaven forever.
But listen, today, we need to understand we are in a war here and now…Verse 9 gives us teaching in Satanology by means of four titles of our archenemy:
(1) “The great dragon” emphasizes his ferocity and terror.
(2) That “old serpent” identifies him with the beguiling snake of Genesis 3 who seduced Adam and Eve into committing sin.
(3) “The Devil,” means “the accuser” or “the slanderer.”
And (4) “Satan” is a proper name that means “the adversary” or “the enemy.” He is the “one who deceiveth the whole world,”
Satan deceives the world morally, ethically, spiritually!
He is deceiving the world about sexuality, marriage, abortion, with possessions, etc.
He deceives parents and children! He uses any and all methods at his disposal to deceive men and women and keep men and women from coming to faith in Jesus Christ and following Jesus and serving Him.
We are in a spiritual battle and we must be vigilant against the enemy!
The Conclusion about the War
The Conclusion about the War
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
John hears a loud voice in heaven, declaring the victory of the saints by virtue of the redemptive work of the Lamb.
The perpetual spiritual tattletale has been kicked out of heaven. In his place come salvation, strength, the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.
I’m glad that when Satan accuses me of all the wrong I’ve done, I can look at him and say, “You’re right old devil, I don’t deserve mercy, I don’t deserve Heaven, but honey, let me tell you, it’s all under the blood!”
Yes, our salvation is a signed, sealed, and settled reality!
Satan is a defeated enemy, but he is a defiant enemy!
Day and night Satan has accused the brethren before God!
He is consistent and persistent indeed! But Heaven makes a conclusion from the war —they proclaim the rule of God and they declare the rejection of Satan.
The Continuing of the War
The Continuing of the War
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Satan is defeated by the blood of Jesus Christ…I said it this morning and I’ll say it again tonight, there is power in the blood!
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Notice, verse 11 says, “by the word of their testimony” -
Adrian Rogers wrote, “When Satan comes against you, testify about what Jesus did at Calvary and the empty tomb. Testify also about who you are. Tell him that when Jesus died, you died. You were co-crucified with Christ. When Jesus was buried, you were buried. When Jesus was raised, you were raised. When Jesus ascended, you ascended. And when Jesus was enthroned and seated in the heavenlies, you were also enthroned in Christ. You are redeemed, accepted, and empowered by the Lord Jesus Christ. You are now a king and a priest.”
In verse 12 those in heaven and those on the earth who know the Lamb are called to rejoice. In contrast, there is a woe pronounced on the inhabitants of the earth—unbelieving humanity that stands in opposition to God.
The basis for the woe is the fact that the Devil has come down and he has great wrath. He knows he has a short time. Indeed, he has no more than three and one-half years before he will find his new home for a thousand years in the abyss (Rev 20:1–6).
Satan has raged against humanity ever since we were placed in the garden of Eden.
He is not letting up one bit in our day. As his time draws to a close, his fury will increase to proportions beyond our wildest imagination.
Sinners can only expect destruction, disaster, and death at the hands of the great fiery red dragon. But it does not have to be that way.
God has accomplished a certain salvation that is available and offered to all who will trust in the Lamb, in His Son.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In his hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” Martin Luther wrote,
“The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him.”
Though the war rages on we can trust God, we can call upon the Lord, live for the Lord, and stand for the Lord!
Satan attacks God’s people now and he will attack people then!
Those who know the Lord Jesus will be targeted by Satan—he has come to steal, kill, and destroy!
Are you being attacked by the devil? Will you trust in the Lord Jesus? Will you call upon Him, surrender to Him, and be faithful to Him?