“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation !2:7-9

This war in Heaven has not yet taken place. These verses are from the Book of Revelation written by John on the island of Patmos, decades after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. The Book of Revelation is a vision of future events.

God has tolerated Satan as an accuser for a long time. Remember when Satan was allowed to test Job.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” Job 1:6-7

Jesus when on earth acknowledges Satan as king of this world. He had not yet been thrown out of Heaven. God has allowed Satan to act freely within limits to deceive mankind. The war with Satan and his troops is an “end times” event of the near future. Satan with his angels will be thrown to the Earth; then Satan knows he has only a little time. Satan’s last desperate and terrible efforts to deceive mankind are to involve the Antichrist and the False Prophet.

“Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath because he knows that his time is short!” Revelation 12:12

“Then the dragon became furious with the woman (Israel) and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring (Saints), on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” Revelation 12:17

God’s Word (Bible) reveals amazing detail of future “end times” events. We should use “end times” Bible prophesy when delivering the Gospel to those the Holy Spirit leads us. It demonstrates God is in total control of history.