Michael, the Archangel

Until this point in history, Michael never lays a hand on Satan. In Jude, regarding the dispute over the body of Moses, we are told that Michael said, “the Lord rebuke you.” However, at this point in history, Michael gets to do what he undoubtedly has longed to do for millenniums; he gets to boot Satan out of heaven.

In verses 9-10, the great dragon is both identified and described. In verse 9 he is spoken of as the one “who deceives the whole world” this stresses a continuous aspect of Satan’s character and activity. He is the deceiver. Then note that he deceives “the whole world,” literally, “the whole inhabited earth.” Satan, of course, is neither omniscient nor omnipresent, but through his network of demonic powers and deceiving spirits he is able to operate all over the earth and at all times. Satan never takes a rest. He causes men to miss the plan and truth of God by his many methods of deception.

Note, “Satan who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him” (Revelation 12:9).

The atmosphere of our earth has been the special domain and sphere of Satan’s operations as Job 1:7; 2:2; and Ephesians 2:2 make clear. However, throughout our history and into the middle of the Tribulation, Satan also has access into God’s presence, by God’s permissive will, to accuse believers. This is clear from Job 1:6; 2:2 and Revelation 12:7f. In the middle of the Tribulation, following this angelic conflict in heaven, Satan and his angels will be “thrown down to earth” (Revelation 12:9). The accusing activity of Satan at this point will be brought to a close. This means the time of his judgment is drawing near (Revelation 12:12 and 20:1-3).

Verse 10, a voice is heard in heaven. It is a voice of praise announcing the millennial kingdom with its salvation accompanied by the power of God and authority of Christ. Salvation in this context refers not to one’s personal salvation from sin’s penalty, though this is included, but to deliverance from the reign of Satan and the Tribulation and to the completion of that which God will do to establish the reign and rule of Christ on earth.

Verse 11, teaches us how Tribulation saints will overcome Satan. “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb.” The blood of the Lamb, the basis of victory, refers to the person and work of Christ on the cross. This is the place, point in time, and the means of Satan’s defeat (John 16:8f; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14). At the cross, Jesus answered the accusations of Satan proving that God is perfectly consistent with His divine essence. The cross demonstrates the perfect righteousness, justice, holiness, love, mercy, and grace of God. Therefore, men can always resist and overcome Satan if they will turn to Jesus Christ (1 John 5:4-6).

“And because of the word of their testimony” draws our attention to the activity that overcomes and defeats the attacks of Satan. The word of their testimony refers to the proclamation of the Word, Bible doctrine and the truth of Jesus Christ both by life and by lip. By the word of God known, believed, and applied by faith in consistent Christian living, believers are able to put to silence the accusations of Satan and to reveal him for what he is. Jesus Christ, our Advocate, answers his accusation in heaven, but we too can answer them by proclaiming and living the Word. Satan and his world system claim that God is not what man needs; the world claims man’s need is human knowledge, science, and the material things of life. However, we demonstrate the world to be wrong when we do not live as materialists, when we love neither the world nor the temporal things in the world (1 John 2:15-17). When we seek to live by the Word of God and live as sojourners rather than by the temporal details of life, we counter Satan’s accusations.

“And they did not love their life even unto death.” Here we see the attitude that overcomes Satan. In this statement, we see two vital attitudes of faith that give the capacity to serve the Lord regardless of what Satan might throw at us. First, there is the perspective of eternity that sees this life as a vapor, a training ground, and a preparation for eternity (1 Pet. 1:17-2:12). However, this leads to a second attitude of faith, self-sacrifice even unto death, for this life is not the end, and it is only the beginning.

“On account of this” refers to the victory of the saints along with the casting down of Satan. Two things are said. First, there is to be rejoicing by the inhabitants of heaven. Satan can no longer enter into the heavens and God’s kingdom is about to be established on earth with Satan put away. Second, a woe or warning is pronounced upon those living on the earth because Satan who will then be restricted to earth knows his time is short. Knowing this fact, he becomes exceedingly wrathful, all of which he will turn against the world.