War in Heaven
War is defined as a struggle between two opposing forces. When we usually think of war, we think of weapons, bloodshed, and sorrow. But there was a war in this universe that we cannot begin to imagine. It was the very first war ever recorded. We don’t know the tactical strategies of that battle, but we do know the participants and the outcome.
This battle was fought in a seemingly impossible place. Impossible, because it was fought in the domain of God, by beings of great strength and power. How could this happen? Why did it happen? Let us search the Scriptures to discover the role this War in heaven plays in our Choosing God.
Let us begin with prayer. Lord, help us to understand your Word and your dealing with sin and rebellion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Revelation 12:7 tells us about this war, “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels.” This Bible verse tells us about the participants in the war; Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angles. Many Bible scholars identify Michael as Jesus. The dragon is known by other names. “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,” Revelation 12:9. Many of us are more familiar with the names Satan or Devil. These names he acquired for himself.
Satan’s original name was Lucifer, son of the morning, Isaiah 14:12. Lucifer was perfect until iniquity was found in him, Ezekiel 28:15. To be perfect means to have no mistakes, to be lacking nothing. God created Lucifer, his other beings, and their environment perfect. But, if everything was perfect, where did iniquity, sin, and wickedness come from?
In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul refers to the origin of iniquity as a mystery, something that is beyond man’s power to understand. God created all His subjects with free will. This means we are all allowed a choice. To be allowed choice was dangerous to God’s kingdom. He knew someone could make a wrong choice and Lucifer did. He wanted us to love him freely, just as He loves us. Even though sin has entered the world through freedom of choice, God continues to allow us freedom of choice.
God created Lucifer a beautiful, shining angel, perfect in all manners. Lucifer was lifted up with pride because of his beauty. “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness,” Ezekiel 28:17.
These feelings of pride and exaltation because of his beauty caused Satan to say in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High, Isaiah 14:13-14. These “I” declarations had become prominent in Lucifer’s mind. The created wanted to take the place of the Creator. Lucifer’s desire for supremacy and equality with God is what brought about the war in heaven.
Satan and his angels did not win the war; they were cast out of heaven, Revelation 12:9. Satan and his angels lost their places in heaven. They were hurled to the earth. God did not destroy them at that time because other created beings would not have understood God’s actions. They had never experienced rebellion; therefore they could not understand its nature and deadly results. God has allowed rebellion to continue so we can understand its deadly consequences. We will not remain in this condition. God has already made provisions for this great emergency. Jesus pledged his life that we might accept his sacrifice, be reunited with God, and inherit eternal life.
Even though Satan was cast out of Heaven, he did not give up. We are warned, “Woe to the inhabitants 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, Revelation 12:12.” Satan has brought the battle to earth. He is angry because he knows he will soon be destroyed. He is especially angry with those who keep the commandments of God and has the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17). Because he knows all who are obedient to God will inherit the kingdom of God and eternal life; he no longer has that option.
Satan is trying to enlist as many as possible to join in allegiance with him against Jesus Christ, in this great controversy. God warned the inhabitants of the earth of the devil’s approach. He continues to caution us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.
Through deception Satan caused Eve to disobey God, (see Genesis 3:1-6). And through that disobedience sin entered our world and we became part of the rebellion. The battle that began in heaven is continued on earth. Whether we like it or not we are now participants in this war. Both God and Satan are recruiting soldiers for battle. We will be converted to one side or the other.
God has given us insight into the outcome of the battle. Satan is a fallen foe; he and his angels have lost the war. They will be destroyed. We do not have to accept this fate. In God’s mercy, he allowed Jesus Christ to die for you and me, that choice could be restored. Choosing to accept Christ’s great sacrifice places us on the side of God. To choose God is to choose life. If we neglect to make a choice or choose Satan through disobedience and rebellion, we shall find ourselves on the side of death.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God gave them hope and encouragement, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel, Genesis 3:15. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. The Son of God presented Himself as security for the human race. Christ made this decision before the foundation of the world. God gave man a wonderful gift when he placed enmity between us and Satan. Enmity is hatred. God placed within each of us the ability to hate sin. Without this enmity, we would be slaves to sin.
Satan claims rulership over earth, but we can be victorious in battle through Jesus Christ. We are encouraged, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6:10-11. We are even told how to be successful in battle, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, “James 4:7.
The battle is not to given the swift, nor to the strong. The weakest Christian, as well as the strongest, may obtain a crown of immortality. Victory shall be to every earnest and determined Christian, who brings their lives into compliance with the will of God. Our life practices must be directed by the principles set forth in the Word of God. Every choice we make in life is weighed on the scale that determines our victory or defeat. Christ hates sin but loves the sinner. To win this battle we must allow Christ to be our example. We must embrace this same spirit to be victorious. Christian love is slow to criticize, quick to discern remorse, ready to forgive, and eager to encourage and give hope to others in this struggle. You can be victorious by surrendering your will to Christ. Take courage, Christ was tempted in all points, yet he never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15) Let us fight manfully and strive to overcome through Jesus Christ.
