War in Heaven
The Book of Revelation
We have learned that the book of Revelation is all about Jesus and His message for us. As we continue in our study today, we are going to look at another character in the book of Revelation. Whereas Jesus would be the “hero” of the book, there is another person we could consider the “villain.”
Jesus, who died on the cross for each one of us so that we might have eternal life, is also battling a war against evil. He is a waging a war against Satan. The book of Revelation reveals amazing details about this war and how this war will eventually end!
God created us to worship. He desires our love, adoration, and our friendship. Only the Living God is worthy of our undivided worship. Amen? As human beings, created to worship, daily we are choosing to either worship God in Heaven or we are paying homage to Satan. Many people would cry foul at the idea they were “worshiping” the devil, however, Jesus said we cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24)
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We are either for Jesus or against Him. Whether we want to admit it or not, our thoughts and deeds tell the truth.
Satan’s goal is to steal our worship away from God. He wants to be worshiped! The book of Revelation mentions several titles or names for Satan.
- Devil ….. Revelation 2:10
- Dragon ….. Revelation 12:9
- Satan ….. Revelation 12:9
- Serpent …. Revelation 12:9
- Accuser ….. Revelation 12:10
Satan is mentioned specifically 55 times in the book of Revelation and mentioned indirectly many more times as well. The word “Satan” means adversary or enemy. He is God’s archenemy! The word “Devil” means slanderer. He tells lies even to this day about the Lord. He is the ultimate villain!
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Revelation tells us how Satan fell from Heaven:
“And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him.” Revelation 12: 7-9 NIV.
War in Heaven
Can you imagine war in heaven? How it must have broken the heart of God! Satan and the angels who believed his lies were cast out of heaven to this earth because they sinned. 2 Peter 2:4. One third of heaven’s angels were cast out with Satan. “His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.” Revelation 12: 4 NIV.
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One third of the angels! Satan is the master of deceit. If he could deceive one third of Heaven’s angels when they lived in a perfect society with no sin, able to see Jesus face to face… how much more easily can be deceived? That is why it is so important to test all knowledge by the Word of God. That is why it is so important that we know what we believe and why we believe it. Satan isn’t just standing around waiting to see who you choose. He crafts lies so they sound like truth! One third of the angels believed him over God!
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