“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels. And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
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 12:7-9
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War, ….. in Heaven!
Kind of takes the shine out of the utopia we traditionally associate with the hereafter —— and it clashes quite significantly with the baby cherubs on puffy clouds with little harps motifs we see in older paintings!
But it does bring up a host of questions … like… how is this even possible? … Can one appeal a verdict handed down by God, what opportunity is there for DISSENT in Heaven, how does the LORD deal with it, how can angels rebel, what on earth would get them so riled up as to rebel against God Himself?
We, in this era, are singularly privileged to be able to cast some light on these issues given the illumination given to us by Christ and the apostles, and the fully revealed Word of God from the books of Genesis to Revelation.
—— The core issue is that the LORD was proposing a LEADERSHIP CHANGE…. from God and Angels, to Christ ( God ) and HUMANS …. being in charge…——
Not so obvious in Genesis ( the creation and fall of Man and the promise of a Messiah is all we have ) The book of Revelation gives it to us in the form of a picture ( a “sign” )…
…… “ and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. —And she brought forth a —man— child, who was to —rule —all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.—-“ : - Revelation 12:4,5
This verse speaks of the advent of Christ ( “ The Son of Man” — His most beloved title ! ) , His Ascension and destiny.
If you read the Old Testament, Satan may be perceived as the LORDs Quality Assurance guy…. testing Adam and Eve, poking at Job, accusing Joshua the head priest…. but mostly staying hidden from view … the struggle of mankind against disobedience to Gods Laws ( Sin / DISSENTING opinion) being the chief focus of scripture , along with the history of Israel.
In the New Testament, he shows up to test/tempt Christ, enters Judas, and works amongst the religious rulers to crucify our Lord.
It is here, in the Apocalypse ( the big revealing ) that we see what was just hinted at in previous books, dragged out into the open for all to see.
The jealousy and pride of Satan, that WILL NOT tolerate this new Creations elevation to a position of authority, that was his —- without peer in all of Heaven!
This was the argument and rebellion against the wisdom of God, stemming from the root of his ambition to be like the Most High! How dare a glorified, sinful, monkey made of mud usurp his/other angels position as anointed cherub(s), and be a reflection /image of God Himself !!!
That is the casus belli, the reason for the war.
How has it been waged and fought?
It’s both spiritual and physical.
The —-spiritual war—- is for hearts and minds. It consists of deceiving mankind into disobeying the Good and Just Word & commands of God… and we see God PERMITTING this battle … for His Glory!
It began in the garden, and continues to this day …” Did God really say …?? “ …… countered by , “ Man does not LIVE by bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD “.
The physical war causes suffering. The —earth— was cursed so that having to work for food to stay alive and fight death would keep man busy.
On top of that, pagan and evil practices ( promiscuity, inordinate pleasure seeking, seeking power to abuse it, human sacrifices, child abuse ) are tools for the enemy to actualize his hate…. not only in the physical and mental suffering that these practices create, but also to clap his hands in glee on the judgment and punishment it brings upon the heads of those that practice them.
These dissenting voices were tolerated in heaven for a long time…. but no more.
As we have remarked in our commentary on the Book of Revelation, —- once Christ Ascended —-, and opened the Book that NO MAN could, the devil was cast to earth, and his angels with him … there is NO PLACE FOR THEM IN HEAVEN ANY and EVER MORE !! —- Hallelujah!!!
“ And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. “ … …. “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and —-went to make war with the —remnant of her seed—— , which —-keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.—- “ - Revelation 12:13-16
We believe the passages quoted above accurately describe the fall of Jerusalem post Christs ascension, and the subsequent war in the last 2000 years against the Jewish Diaspora, and the Christian church.
The enemies time on earth is drawing to a close, and we can see that arc reflected in the events in the world around us, but stop and think now…
Of the long suffering of God that tolerated this dissent to PROVE His way of Love and Grace was better, to show that Power and authority come from, and must be exercised in righteousness …. of Christs battle … one fought without a single weapon being brandished… yet one that has caused more dissension and bloodshed than anything in human history! Of the Plan and counsels of God that start with Adam, and Abraham and Noah, through the millennia, and go all the way to a new ( un-cursed ) planet and a celestial city ….
To a heaven that is sane, practical, loving, humble… with servant leaders, and where everything is in harmony with Spirit and Nature of God!
Happy FATHER’s DAY WISHES & Hallelujah!!!