This is how the Bible describes it. Be patient. Let me explain…
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, [8] but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. [9] So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:7-9 (NKJV)
This quotation from the book of Revelation is, of course, apocalyptic language. However, “war” actually means war, and “heaven” means heaven – where God lives. The writer of Revelation saw the events in vision and wrote about it as he was instructed (Revelation 1:19).
The Factions
Consider these symbols and names: “Michael and his angels “ refers to Christ and the angels loyal to Him. The dragon is satan, a.k.a. the devil, formerly Lucifer (see verse 9, also Revelation 20:2). So there was real war in heaven. [Read the prophet Isaiah’s explanation of how this mysterious war was actually started — see Isaiah 28:14-19.] Christ and His angels fought and overthrew satan and his following. And what happened?
Revelation 12 verse 8 said satan and his angels lost. They were defeated. They were thrown out to the earth (verse 9). And they are not here on vacation! The devil is here to deceive the whole world.
And he doesn’t ride on a broomstick for our entertainment at Halloween!
In fact, in a few verses in the same chapter of Revelation, we read:
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)
The devil and his evil hosts are here to wreak havoc. And some people are deceived – believing that satan is not real. Some are tricked that he’s out there somewhere, not meddling with our lives. Both notions could not be further from the truth!
The Bible says, “woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea!”
Hey, that’s you, and me. That’s Russia and Ukraine. That’s both factions or parties on every divide in every war or conflict this world have ever seen or will ever see. Woe!
Why the warning?
“For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Adam and Eve were the first victims of collateral damage in this universal war!
The big picture view is that the people of earth are caught in a war that began in heaven itself. It has altered life since Adam and Eve. The universal struggle between good and evil, some call it. But we don’t have to be eternal casualty if we heed the warning.
In fact, the book of Revelation also tells of the impending destruction of the devil and his cohort. Read Revelation 20:9-10.
Actually, I love the book of Revelation. Don’t let anyone tell you that it is a “sealed book”. Far from it! It is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). Got it?
Little While Longer
When we hear of wars or when we experience the next conflict, it may help to take courage from the message of Revelation. And while we may not be able to stop the destruction happening around us, there is Someone who can AND Who will.
But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.
Mark 13:7 (NKJV)
At the time of this writing, the people of Ukraine may find it difficult to put their ordeal into a broader perspective, but it’s true: these wars are battles of the same original war. The Russian aggression started in heaven thousands of years ago. However, it won’t be even near that long from now when heaven will completely eradicate all wars.
In vision, John saw a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Further, in verse 4, we read, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
This is no “pie in the sky dream”, friend. It’s true. In the middle of a war, we want a solution now – immediately! That is understandable. However, there have been wars on earth since Adam and Eve. Countless truces have been made and broken. Where will permanent ceasefire come from?
I put it to you (accepting the Bible promise) that an end to all wars will only come from the place where the original war was begun. Earth’s wars are part of the original war that began in heaven and the solution that will end all wars will come from heaven. How this will happen is beautifully described repeatedly in the Bible. But for me, one of the most thrilling descriptions of the scenario is given in Daniel chapter 2.
Here is an engaging video presentation of the message of Daniel 2. I enjoyed watching it. I hope you find it encouraging. Daniel 2: The Hand that Guides the Future. It shows God’s revelation of how the kingdoms of the world will give way to His everlasting Kingdom of peace. Exciting!
