Some thinking on the Revelation
In Answer to lee Anthony:
Revelation 12:
There are actually four times satan has been abased
· From glorified to profane (Ezekiel 28:14-16)
· From having access to heaven (Job 1:12, 1 Kings 22:21, Zechariah 3:1) to restriction to the earth (Revelation 12)
· From the earth to bondage in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Revelation 20)
· From the pit to the lake of fire (Revelation 20)
So when Jesus said in Luke 10:18, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” This refers either to the first fall of Satan (from glorified to profane), or it is a prophetic look ahead.
His angels were cast out with him: This indicates that demonic spirits are indeed fallen angels, those who joined with Satan in His rebellion against God. These are “his angels.”
These angels are also the same as the third of the stars of heaven described in Revelation 12:4. Since Satan only drew a third of the stars of heaven, it means that two-thirds of the angels remained faithful to God. It’s comforting to know that faithful angels outnumber fallen angels two to one.
There was great Demonic activity in Jesus day. So did Michael fight at that time and win the Battle? And after that great woe for the earth and sea?
The holocaust and persecution of Christians were bad. The Papal rule and now all this horror on the earth, makes us wonder. And we do have demons inciting people to do horrible things now and after Jesus death.
His angels were cast out with him: This indicates that demonic spirits are indeed fallen angels, those who joined with Satan in His rebellion against God. These are “his angels.”
These angels are also the same as the third of the stars of heaven described in Revelation 12:4. Since Satan only drew a third of the stars of heaven, it means that two-thirds of the angels remained faithful to God. Faithful angels outnumber fallen angels two to one.
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Some say Michael must be Jesus, because he is called the archangel (Jude 9), which means leader or prince among the angels, and they say that only Jesus is the leader of the angels. But we know from Daniel 10:13, 10:20 and 10:21 that Michael is one angelic prince among others. Also, Paul refers to an archangel in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 in a way that presupposes other archangels.
Some say that Michael must be Jesus because Paul says, the Lord will call His people with the voice of an archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16). But Jesus can use an angel to call out for His people without being that angel, just as much as God can use a trumpet to sound out a call without being the trumpet.
Jude 9 says that Michael would not rebuke or accuse Satan on His own authority, but only say “The Lord rebuke you.” This shows that Michael isn’t Jesus, because Jesus often rebuked Satan and demons in His own authority (Matthew 17:18, Mark 1:25, 9:25, Luke 4:8, 4:35).
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We know it has to do with Israel:
Jesus produced the Christian Church and Israel produced the child.
” To devour her Child as soon as it was born: The attempt to devour her Child was initially fulfilled by Herod’s attempts to kill Jesus as a child (Matthew 2:16-18). It was also fulfilled throughout Jesus’ life as Satan attacked Him (John 8:58 and Mark 4:35-41).
The child was born then all power was given him when He rose from the dead.
1. (Rev 12:5) Jesus’ ministry is described by its earthly beginning and end.
She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
So we can see a lot of Revelation 12 taking place during the time Jesus was on Earth.
At the crucifixion, it was done, satan was defeated as far as God was concerned.
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BUT when is the battle fought and a Great time of trouble and woe for the earth?
Notice one other time when Michael stands up for Israel. Could this be the time when he fights a physical battle in heaven and it is woe for earth and Israel? bringing on the appearance of the second coming of Jesus. hmm
As described by Daniel. At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered. (Daniel 12:1)
Nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer: This shows us that up until this happens Satan does have access to heaven, where he accuses God’s people before the throne (Job 1:6-12, Revelation 12:10).
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Heaven rejoices at the eviction of Satan. But heaven’s gain is the earth’s loss: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and sea!
He knows that he has a short time: Satan’s power is real and terrifying, but not because he is triumphant, but because he knows he is beaten and has a short time left. He is like a wounded, cornered animal that fights ferociously.
Satan might give up his fight against God and humanity made in God’s image, except for the fact that he is utterly depraved, and probably insane in some way; Satan may have deceived even himself into thinking that he has a chance.
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Why does Satan attack the Jewish nation during the great time of trouble?
Jesus promised that the Jewish people would exist and welcome Him when He returns in glory to this world (Matthew 23:39). If Satan succeeds in destroying the Jewish people, then God’s eternal plan is in some way thwarted.
“The persecution of Israel is part of the satanic program to thwart and hinder the work of God… Israel is hated by Satan, not because of any of its own characteristics but because she is the chosen of God and essential to the overall purpose of God for time and eternity.”
Jesus promised that the Jewish people would exist and welcome Him when He returns in glory to this world (Matthew 23:39). If Satan succeeds in destroying the Jewish people, then God’s eternal plan is in some way thwarted.
So, Lee Anthony, I can’t say when the ousting of satan happened whether in Jesus day when the child was born and there was a lot of demonic possession it seems.
Or does it happen deep into the end times when Israel is under attack because Michael has fought and won, And Satan is angry?
Then the earth, sea and Israel and all mankind enter into a time like nothing else before ISRAEL became a nation in 1948. (Isaiah 66:8)
Then, Jerusalem: “A Cup of Trembling”…
“Behold, I (God) will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling (anger, fear) unto ALL the people (nations) roundabout . . .” (Zechariah 12:2)
“And in that Day (the “Day of the Lord” … the coming “Apocalypse”)
I (God) will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for ALL people” (Zechariah12:3)
A GREAT TRIBULATION!
So, Lee Anthony, these are some of my thoughts on Revelation 12 and when it happens.
Maybe others have some thoughts also and I know mine has a lot of holes in it but it opens up the discussion.
It seems that it could be between the time Jesus was on earth and his ascension to heaven after considering the wording in Revelation and the wording Jesus used in John and matt. Just looking at rev 12:10. AFTER he is thrown down it says “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 brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
THEN in v. 17 it states satan going on to make war with rest especially those who keep the testimony of Jesus.
This puts our time according to bible shortly after satan being cast down to earth after Jesus already has folowers on the earth. So this at least shows this did not happen a LONG time ago. I think satan sees things happening on earth and knows better than us how short his time really is, another good reason Jesus spoke in parables and never gave times and dates even if he knew later when giving his revelation to John he would not chance giving satan exact times. Satan can read I have no doubt. It is safe to say that ALL times that man has guessed and dates ascribed to Jesus return are WRONG. Jesus let us know this but we just dont seem to want to take what he said as Just that, WHAT HE SAID. He was very clear most of the time.
Lee, I sincerely hope others will leave their thoughts also on what they are gleaning from Revelation now that we can express ourselves without being thought of as rebelling against longheld beliefs.