WE ARE ENMESHED IN A GREAT INTERPLANETARY WAR, FOUGHT ON OUR HOME PLANET BY GREAT FORCES! ETERNAL

1. The Book of Revelation spells out the final great battles, and how they will be resolved
2. But as we read, we must do so prayerfully- not adding to, or taking away from what is said
3. I believe the Bible says what it means- literally! Figures of speech are obvious, facts plain

Sects and Cults add great mystical meanings- but study carefully & be prepared for war!

I. - A WAR IN HEAVEN! REV. 12:7 - "And there was war in heaven"

The Bible says WAR, I believe it! But the "great wonder in heaven"-v.1 has earthly fallout!

A.- NOTE CAREFULLY THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN THE GREAT WAR -SYMBOLIC, BUT DEFINITELY REAL!

1. The Woman- v.1- Some say Church, (too much spiritualization), I believe this is Israel, OT Wife.
2. The great Red Dragon v.3, figurative, but definitely a personage, and language describes him
3. The Child -v.5, From description this can be only one person- the Lord Jesus Christ! of Israel
4.- Others- Archangel-v.7, Overcomers-v.11, The Beast from Sea-13:1, Earth-13:11 All real!

B.- THESE ARE DESCRIBED AS INVOLVED IN THE WAR IN HEAVEN. - The Invisible War -Barnhouse. - v.7

1. Jesus saw Satan fall Luke 10:18, and Milton wrote of that fall-flaming from ethereal sky
2. But Job saw him in heaven accusing saints, Zech 3 he resists Jesus in heaven's sanctuary
3. Jesus said John 12:31 "NOW" World is judged-"Satan shall be cast out! If then-why my trouble?
4. John wrote again- Rev:12:9,10 "he was cast out into the earth", "is cast down"- definite, past

Note v.9 Dragon-fearful; Serpent-deceived Eve; Devil-Gr. for accuser, slanderer; Satan-Heb. adversary

C.- BUT WHAT ABOUT THE TIME! WAS IT THEN (2000 yes ago), FUTURE, OR WHEN? GREAT CARE NEEDED!

Principles of hermeneutics are vital, Prophetic certitude uses past tense, compare scripture-w.s.

II. GOD SAID "NOW IS COME SALVATION" Rev. 12:10

The grand announcement included in John's Prophecy - FUTURE! But when it happens-God's Now! forever

A.- GOD PRONOUNCES THE VICTORY THEN, BUT IN LANGUAGE OF PRESENT (GR) OR IN O.T. HE USES PAST (Heb)

1. This pronouncement is often repeated- When Jesus said NOW -John 12:31-it was yet to come!
2. "Old things passed away"-II Cor 5:17; "We are more than conquerors "-Rom 8:37- But now-ouch!
3. But in Rev. 17:14-uses future tense, and 19:20 shall happen, and is yet future to us & Ch12

B.- BUT THE GREAT VICTORY BELONGS TO THE OVERCOMERS IN FACT THE GREEK - "THEY, THEMSELVES ALONE"

1. How- "By the Blood of the Lamb" Rev. 12:11 - a symbolic of Christ's blood shed on cross!
2. "By the word of their testimony" -11b- Testimony, Witness,-Confess Christ- UNUSED POWER!
3. "Loved not their lives unto the death"- 11c- Love life-YES!, But love Jesus MORE! Do you?

C.- THERE ARE GREAT PROMISES GIVEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE THESE OVERCOMERS! -AND CHECK Rev 2 & 3

Rev. 2:7-Eat of Tree of Life; 2:11-not hurt by 2nd death; 2:17- a New Name; 2:26- Power over the nations; 3:5-clothed in white raiment; 3:12 bearing Christ's name; 3:21-sit on His thrown. Note- 3:22 these promises to the Overcomers are for those of the Church age! You?

Who is the Overcomer in this age - I John 5:4,5- FAITH - do you have this kind of faith?

III.- SATAN'S LAST CHANCE - Rev 12:12

As time & eternity unfold, at dispensational changes, Satan increases his attack, last blow!

A.- NOTE REV. 12:12 DESCRIBES HIS FINAL THROES DURING THE TRIBULATION PERIOD-  CHECK IT CAREFULLY

1. Some say this happens after the resurrection of Christ- Satan more subtle, perilous than ever
2. Note v.6, and 14b- traditional Fundamentalist view- mid tribulation attack upon Israel
3. We have a Paradise now in America compared with 13:6-8, 13-18, no mark of beast - YET!

B.- BUT WHAT OF SATAN'S LAST CHANCE ATTACK DURING THE CHURCH AGE BEFORE THE RAPTURE? Now?-!

1. If Satan "pulls out all stops" in mid-trib.-he will certainly increase his attack end of Church-
2. In fact Paul, John, Peter, James, & Jude all wrote warnings of the Last Days-perilous times
3. Satan will be "Angel of light",-"roaring lion", blinding minds, "deceiving elect if possible'

C.- BUT GOD GAVE TO THE OVERCOMERS THE POWER TO RESIST SATAN & WIN! IN PAST, FUTURE, AND NOW!

1. The formula "Always Triumphant" is found in II Cor 2:14, 17, and it will work today.
2. Use uncorrupted Word of God; stand sincerely in sight of God; speak in Christ-Testify!
3. Jesus asked -Luke 18:8-when He comes- will He find faith? Only good training can keep you going

Who wins in the 6th quarter? One with discipline and training to keep on being faithful!

ARE YOU PROPERLY DISCIPLINED, AND TRAINED TO BE ONE THAT OVERCOMES THE DRAGON IN YOUR LIFE?

1. Don't be a Don Quixote- a fool in battle against windmills! -Open your eyes to Jesus Christ

2. Do be like "Childe Roland"- faithful in his journey to the Dark Tower- Go all the way with Jesus
3. You are in the war- like it or not, no civilians! But you can choose your side & training!