When Did the War in Revelation 12 Happen?

by Magdalena Kessy | 17 March 2021 08:46 am03

Understanding the Timing and Nature of the War in Revelation 12:7–12

Revelation 12:7–9 (ESV)
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.”

This dramatic passage depicts a celestial conflict. But when did this war take place? And what does it mean for believers today?

The Bible teaches that two major spiritual battles involving Satan have occurred (or will occur):

1. The First War: Before the Creation of Humankind

This war took place in heaven before Adam and Eve were created. It involved Lucifer (Satan) rebelling against God, aspiring to be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:12–17).

Isaiah 14:13–14 (ESV)
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven… I will make myself like the Most High.’”

Because of this prideful rebellion, Lucifer and the angels who followed him were cast out of their position of authority.

Luke 10:18 (ESV)
“And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”

Though Satan lost his dwelling among the holy angels, he still had limited access to God’s throne to bring accusations against God’s people — just like a disgraced official still has the legal right to argue a case in court.

Job 1:6 (ESV)
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.”

2. The Second War: Between Christ’s Resurrection and the End Times

The second war — the one specifically referenced in Revelation 12:7–12 — began after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it continues into the present spiritual realm. It culminates in Satan’s total exclusion from heaven.

Revelation 12:10 (ESV)
“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.’”

In this spiritual courtroom, Satan constantly accuses believers, while Jesus serves as their advocate.

1 John 2:1 (ESV)
“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

This phase of the battle focuses on Satan’s accusations versus the intercession of Christ and the testimony of God’s people.

How Believers Overcome Satan

Revelation reveals how God’s people conquer:

Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

Victory is not by personal merit, but:

By the blood of Jesus – securing forgiveness and righteousness (Hebrews 9:14).
By their testimony – faithful witness and commitment to truth.
By sacrificial love – not clinging to earthly life, even unto martyrdom.

John 12:25 (ESV)
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

What Happens After Satan Is Cast Out Completely?

Revelation 12:12 (ESV)
“Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Once believers are raptured and Satan loses access to heaven entirely, he will shift his fury to earth. He will:

Persecute Israel (the “woman with child” in Revelation 12:1–6).
Attack remaining believers (those who missed the rapture but now refuse the mark of the beast).

Revelation 12:17 (ESV)
“Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring… those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

This ushers in the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), when the Antichrist will rule and oppress for three and a half years.

Revelation 13:5 (ESV)
“And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words… and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.”

A Call to Holiness and Urgency

Many call themselves Christians today, but:

Secret sin (adultery, theft, anger, pride) gives Satan a legal basis to accuse.
Lukewarm faith can lead to being left behind during the rapture (Matthew 25:1–13).

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

If you’re compromising with sin now — you won’t survive the suffering of the Great Tribulation.

Romans 13:11 (ESV)
“For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

What Must You Do Today?

To escape the wrath to come and stand victorious in Christ:

Believe in Jesus Christ
That He died for your sins and rose again (Romans 10:9).
Repent
Turn away from sin and commit to a new life (Acts 3:19).
Be baptized
By immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4).
Receive the Holy Spirit
To empower you to live in holiness (Acts 1:8; John 16:13).
Live ready and faithful
Stay watchful and obedient. Don’t let anything hinder your relationship with God.

Matthew 24:44 (ESV)
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

The War Is Real — But So Is the Victory

Satan’s war is spiritual, ongoing, and escalating — but Christ has already provided victory for those who trust and follow Him.

Romans 8:1 (ESV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”