Disciples Digital Library

The book of Revelation uses “ war ” and related terms to illustrate Satan’s attacks against the followers of the “ Lamb .” The book shows no interest in conventional or nuclear warfare between nation-states. Instead, the “ Dragon ” strives mightily to annihilate the church before his allotted time expires, and to do so, he employs deception, compromise, and outright persecution.

The saints overcome the Dragon through the death of the Lamb and their faithful witness even unto death  – Revelation 12:11.  In Chapter 12 of the book of  Revelation , the “ sign of the Great Red Dragon ” appears in the heavens, signifying that the “ war ” has commenced between his forces and those of the “ son ” who is destined to “ shepherd the nations .” But the result of Satan’s attempt to destroy the “ son ” is his expulsion from “ heaven ,” and the proclamation of the victory of the “ brethren. ”

The Beast from the sea is the latest incarnation of the ancient creature that has stalked the seed of the woman since the sin of Adam .  History repeats itself. Its landscape is littered with efforts by tyrants and empires to dominate large populations and even the entire planet. They may experience success for a time, but so far, every self-appointed world ruler has floundered in the end. The empires of Nebuchadnezzar, Caesar, and Charlemagne have all been confined to history’s dustbin.

In several passages, the book of  Revelation  refers to “ the war ,” the coming assault by Satan against the followers of Jesus. In each case, the term “war” is singular, and in the Greek text, its noun form is accompanied by a definite article - it is “ THE war .” And both the Greek noun and verb are applied to the same future event.

The Beast from the sea is authorized to wage war on the saints for its overlord, the Dragon  – Revelation 13:6-10.  Next, the “ Dragon ” tasks the “ Beast from the sea ” with the destruction of the “ saints ,” and the “ Beast ” receives authority over all nations. Humanity is divided into two groups: The “ inhabitants of the earth ” who “ pay homage to the Beast ,” and those who “ tabernacle in the heavens ,” namely, the “ saints .”

After his expulsion from heaven, Satan attacks the seed of the Woman, those who hold the testimony of Jesus .  Having failed to destroy the messianic “ son ,” and now, thoroughly enraged, the “ Dragon ” vents his rage by pursuing the “ woman ” into the “ wilderness ,” not by waging war against the " inhabitants of the earth .” But he is thwarted in this effort, so instead, he turns his rage on her offspring – the men and women who “ have the testimony of Jesus. ”