Question about Revelation chapter 12?

Question

Many (if not most) non-Catholic Christian (protestant) pastors teach that the book of Revelation is a "time-line" that shows where we are going. Since the tribulation begins in Chapter 6 or 7 they say we are somewhere between Chapter 4 and 5

Consider Chapter 12 verses 7-9:

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Since this is after Chap 7, are they saying that the Devil (Satan) is in Heaven right now???

Can someone who teaches this or follows a pastor who teaches this please comment on this.

(BTW, for those of you who are going to spew your hatred toward Catholic Christians or toward the Catholic Church. May God Bless you!!)

Answer 1

It seems more likely that if Rev is regarded as a time line, then most of the time line has been completed, including the tribulation (prior to the desctruction of the temple in 70AD) and the 1000 years (between David and Jesus).

But, as a linear progression through Rev, isn't it ironic that in Ch 11, the temple in heaven is being described (measured) and John is progressing through the temple, ready to enter the sanctuary where the Ark would be (something that had been missing for over 600 years) and everyone in the first century would probably have been sitting on the edge of their seat to hear what the Ark actually looks like .... and in Ch 12, John describes Mary! No wonder why the Rosary is such a powerful prayer! Let the Ark lead us in Battle!

God Bless,

MoP

Answer 2

Satan is not in heaven. He and his demons were cast out of heaven in 1914, according to Bible chronology. 1914 was the year that World War 1 began. Why did the whole world become involved in war? This had never happened before that year. The answer is found at 12:12 which states--"Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
The heavens did rejoice, for God's enemy and all the rebellious angels were thrown out of heaven. Did World War 1 cause woe to the earth? Yes, Satan in his anger, caused the government leaders to call for war and war against each other is what they did. Not only did Satan and his demons have a hand in starting the first world war, but he later was the evil force behing World War 2.
Just as the Scripture says in Revelation 12, Satan's time is short and he knows it. He will soon be put out of existance, along with all those whom he is able to turn away from worshipping God

Answer 3

Revelation is a hard book to interpret for the simple fact that alot of things written down in there by the disciple John were in code to the first century churches because if he spoke plainly to them there would be more killings and persecutions and such. The passage you mentioned in chapter 12 I take as an event that happened already because when Jesus was talking to his disciples he said the following to them, Luke 10:18 "He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."

Answer 4

I don't think that you can read Revelations in a linear fashion. Remember, Heaven is outside of time (it is timeless) so the past, present and future all look like the present from Heaven's point of view. John may be mixing the past, present & future together, because that is how he sees it.

Another explanation is that the book of Job implies that Satan can return to Heaven from time to time and talk to God (even though he was cast out earlier). Perhaps Revelations chapter 12 implies that Satan is being denied this privilege once and for all.

Answer 5

This is not "actual Israel" but "spiritual Israel, or Christians who have been circumscied in their hearts and not in their flesh" Spiritual Israel gave birth to Christ's Kingdom which was rescued and sent into the desert to grow into maturity and be safe. As an "adult" it would return and complete its rule putting Satan in the abyss and ruling on Earth forever. However, first Satan must be cast out of Heaven for "a short time" so that he can bring conditions about on the earth to the apocalypse. This is why God says in the Book of Revelation, that if He did not "cut short the day of His return, all life would be lost." It can not be Israel today as Israel only has 2 tribes. All the other tribes were lost 500 years before christ and have NEVER been found.

Answer 6

Chapter 7 of Revelation agrees with Chapters 1 & 2 of Job.

After the Garden of Eden, the bible doesn't say that Satan was "kicked" out of Heaven.

It isn't until Chapter 12 of Revelation is fulfilled that Satan is removed and not allowed back in.

Answer 7

Pre-trib, pre-millenial exchatology teaches that Revelation is a timeline, but not that it is totally literal. Most pTpM scholars believe that John is getting a glimpse into the past and seeing something that took place millineia ago.

However, it is interesting to note that the book of Job presents Satan as having access to God's very throne room as he accuses Job before the Lord.

Answer 8

It is only Protestant Fundamentalists that believe that the Book of Revelation is a literal blueprint of the End Times. This is not the teaching of the Catholic Church. The Church teaches that it was written as an encouragement to Christians being persecuted during the reign of Domitian and has no real relevance to today. In fact, it was not unanimous that Revelation was even added to the canon. Many Church Fathers, such as Jerome, thought it was a mistake. Given the fruits of belief in Revelation, I'd say he was right.

Answer 9

In the old testament, story of Job, it tells about how satan is walking the earth to and fro. He is about his business of deceiving souls. For the moment he has access to the throne in order to accuse God's children. Then where you are in revelations, he is no longer allowed access to the throne and will be cast into the pit.

Answer 10

many theological giants passed on writing commentaries on Revelation... but nowdays.. everyone seems to have it all figured out...odd

isnt it interesting in Acs 1, the postle wanted to know the schedule before Jesus went up to heaven and Jesus told them... it is not for you to know... but...you will recieve power to ldo the things I commanded ... so to speak

simialrly ... I tend to think Revelation is more for inspiring perseverance and helping people endure hardship and have hope, reaching for the end where whatever happens here someday THERE WILL BE NO MORE PAIN, NO MORE SUFFERING, NO MORE TEARS, AND GOD WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THERI EYES

the time lines can be a major distractiion, and if you are ready to be called home to God whether you live or die... then the schedule doesnt matter... being ready matters

you could have a heart attack in 5 seconds and have to be ready
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