Ron Cosby
“And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night” (Rev 12:10).
John informs his readers of battles between heaven and hell. Though space does not permit details, here is a major point that gave great hope and courage to Christians in the first century, as well as through the ages. Satan has lost and will lose.
From the fall of man, Satan repeatedly tried to prevent the birth of the Redeemer. Yet, one night, in the little town of Bethlehem, the Messiah was born and all heaven rang out with joy and the message of salvation. But Satan did not give up. While the Child was on the earth, Satan’s servant sent killers to “Ramah” to kill Christ. When the Child became a man, Satan sought to stone Him. He, also, tried to throw Him over a cliff. Though failing in these, Satan did succeed in crucifying the Redeemer at God’s prescribed time (Acts 2:22-24). Unknown to the Devil, by this ungodly act of crucifixion he ruined his overall plans of defeating heaven. Jesus came forth victoriously from the grave to ever reign. The Great Red Dragon lost. (Rev. 12:1-6).
John depicts this centuries old fight in highly symbolic language in verses 7-10, concluding that Satan “prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven and the great dragon was cast out.” He lost.
Satan then turned his main attention to the woman, launching great persecution against her (Rev 12:13-16). However, the earth delivered her from total destruction. He lost—again.
Satan then makes war against the seed of the woman (Rev. 12:17). Based upon what we have learned of the spiritual battle that Satan has waged against God, and against the woman, and against the child, what do you expect the outcome will be in this continued war, as he engages in a conflict against the seed of the woman? He will lose.
So, he lost, and he will lose! Do we need to know every detail of every symbol in chapter 12 to find comfort and hope? Not really. We know Satan’s loss is our victory. We simply need to be sure that we are a part of the winning side.
