There may be details in the last book of the Bible that we struggle to understand, but the message of Revelation chapter twelve so vividly describes, in figurative language, the conflict between heaven and hell and the battle between Satan and Christians. That message is so easy to understand. Take time to read this chapter, and let God assure you that there is no question we will win the battle.
Verse four depicts Satan (described as a dragon) standing before the woman, who was in labor and ready to give birth to her son, as soon as he was born. Who was this son?
We know who this son is. The next verse tells us that he was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. The Bible leaves no doubt as to the identity of this child. Let God tell you who this son in the second psalm. “You are My Son, today I have begotten You…Ask of me and I will give You the nations…You shall break them with a rod of iron.” Acts 4:25-27 quotes this psalm and emphatically applies it to Jesus. Jesus is the child born in Revelation twelve whom Satan sought to destroy as soon he was born (Matt. 2).
The text says that “…the Child was caught up to God and His throne” (v. 5). What happened when He ascended into heaven? In figurative language, there was war in heaven with the armies of Satan fighting the armies of God. Satan was cast down to the earth. He “no longer” (v. 8) had access to the presence of God as he did when he brought accusation against Job. Note carefully that this war did not happen before the creation of Adam. It happened when Jesus ascended. When Satan was cast out he tried to destroy the saints—those “…who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v. 17). The book of Acts describes this.
How was Satan defeated by the resurrected Jesus? Jesus became a mortal that through His death “…He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil…and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:14-15). Jesus destroyed Satan. He did not annihilate him but took from him the fear of death that all men since Adam had struggled with. His open tomb released all mankind from that fearful bondage.
Jesus’ life and death brought a revelation of our immortality. “Now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 2:10).
When John saw Jesus on the island of Patmos, Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead…and I have the keys of Hades and Death” (Rev. 1:18). Our Savior destroyed Satan when He took from him the keys to the grave!