We can understand how war breaks out in this dark, sinful world; but how could there be "war in heaven"? (Rev. 12:7) Heaven is a perfect place! Who started it?
The Bible says clearly that sin originated with Lucifer, the highest of the angels (Eze. 28:12-15; Isa. 14:12-14). He sought to spread rebellion. And many angels joined him ("the third part," Rev 12:4). But who started the conflict that resulted in "the great dragon, ... the Devil, and Satan [being] ... cast out" (vs. 9)?
A very wise writer says that Lucifer's new idea of "the ... exaltation of self, contrary to the Creator's plan, awakened forebodings of evil in minds to whom God's glory was supreme." This quiet, clever, secret "exaltation of self" would have gone on and on had it not been that some "minds" loyal to God were "awakened" to oppose it. They were the ones who started the "war in heaven"! They were not content to let this underhanded work proceed unopposed.
Our text seems clear: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought against the dragon [that is, took the initiative]; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven" (12:7, 8). There is no suggestion that literal swords or guns were used. Two of three "parts" of the angels thought through the clever lies of Lucifer and his supporting angels, and rejected them. Today the Holy Spirit still takes the initiative in opposing evil. Thank God! And we should cooperate with Him and stop opposing His initiatives.
Satan was "cast out into the earth" because our first parents welcomed him (Genesis 3). Now the cosmic controversy continues here until "our brethren ... overcome him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony" (two things!), and "love not their lives unto the death" (vss. 9-12). When among them that original "exaltation of self" is renounced, the final victory will come. "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens." Why? Be "glad and rejoice, … for the marriage of the Lamb is come" (19:6, 7). AT LAST!
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
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