For the last few decades, theories and assumptions about the book of Revelation and the timing of its events have been taught to the Church. It has been a pick-and-choose exercise, leaving out some of what is described in John’s writing, assigning it to the past or as just a metaphor. Thankfully, one section has not been assigned to a theological theory or assumption. It is the war declared by Satan that is being waged against the Church.

“Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance” (Revelation 12:1). That significant event was the birth of Jesus, who would have ultimate power and authority over Satan. “Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event” (vs. 3). What John saw was Satan being cast out of Heaven to the Earth to torment the followers of Jesus. What preceded Satan’s being cast out of Heaven was a war of rebellion he initiated in Heaven as an attempt to create anarchy and a revolt against God.

John described that war, “Then there was war in Heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of Heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the Earth with all his angels’ (Revelation 12:7-9). The attempt at a heavenly war failed. Now, Satan brought his rebellion and division to Earth.

“Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to Earth— the one who accuses them before our God, day and night. And, they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die” (vs. 10-11).

Our weapon in this warfare is a combined weapon. It contains the blood of the Lamb, our testimony, and no fear of death when Satan wages his threats of war against us. All three elements work together in a powerful display of our faith.

A weak and ineffective Church is one that has dismissed the intense spiritual war we are currently fighting against Satan. “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. (vs.17).

We are at war with an army of rejected demonic angels who, along with Satan, have been cast down to Earth to release division and anarchy in the hearts of people, nations, and institutions.