(Expository Teaching on Revelation 12)
Text: Revelation 12:1–17 (KJV)
1. The Great Wonder in Heaven — The Woman Clothed with the Sun (v.1–2)
John sees a symbolic woman arrayed in cosmic glory: clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and crowned with twelve stars. This is not Mary literally, nor the Church directly, but a heavenly sign representing God’s covenant people through whom the Messiah would come—historically fulfilled in Israel, and prophetically extending to God’s redemptive plan on earth.
The sun speaks of divine glory and God’s governmental light (Ps 84:11, KJV). The moon under her feet symbolizes dominion over changing seasons, times, and sublunary powers. The twelve stars signify the 12 tribes and the completeness of God’s covenant structure (Gen 37:9–10, KJV).
She is pregnant and in travail, depicting the long prophetic groaning of redemption before Christ’s advent (Isa 66:7–8, KJV).
2. The Second Wonder — The Great Red Dragon (v.3–4)
Another sign appears: a red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Scripture interprets this for us later in the chapter: this dragon is Satan, the ancient serpent, the deceiver of the world (v.9, KJV).
The imagery reveals:
Seven heads → fullness of crafty intelligence, systemic influence, and oppressive strategy. Ten horns → political and coercive power exercised through earthly systems. Seven crowns → illegitimate rulership claims over the nations.
His tail sweeps a third of the stars to earth. These stars represent a company of angelic beings that fell with Satan, not literal stars (Jude 1:6, KJV; Isa 14:12–15, AMPC).
He positions himself to devour the promised child—showing that Satan’s chief historical mission was to prevent the arrival and rulership of Christ.
3. The Birth and Ascension of the Man-Child (v.5)
The woman brings forth a male child destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron. This is Christ—the promised King and Shepherd of nations (Ps 2:7–9, KJV; Rev 19:15, KJV).
He is caught up to God’s throne, depicting His resurrection, ascension, and exaltation. This confirms a key truth:
Christ’s enthronement in heaven is the guarantee of His ultimate governance over the earth.
4. The War in Heaven — Michael vs. The Dragon (v.7–9)
John now unveils the unseen realm: a literal battle in the heavens between Michael and God’s angels vs. Satan and his angels.
Michael’s victory signifies:
Satan has no remaining legal place in God’s heavenly council. He is expelled from the realm of direct heavenly governance and cast to earth.
This aligns with Job 1:6–12, KJV, where Satan once appeared among the sons of God to accuse. That access is now revoked.
5. The Victory of Believers on Earth (v.10–12)
A loud heavenly voice declares the result of Satan’s fall:
Salvation has come God’s kingdom and Christ’s power are now revealed The accuser is cast down
But the victory is not only Michael’s—it is shared by the saints:
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death.” (v.11, KJV)
This reveals the 3-fold basis of Christian victory:
The Blood of the Lamb → Satan is defeated judicially (Col 2:14–15, KJV; Heb 9:14, TPT).
The Word of Testimony → believers enforce the victory by speaking God’s reality over Satan’s accusations.
Reckless devotion to Christ → they are not intimidated by death.
Heaven rejoices—but the earth is warned: Satan now operates primarily within earthly systems, carrying great wrath because his time is short.
6. The Woman’s Flight and Satan’s Persecution (v.13–15)
Unable to stop Christ, Satan turns toward the woman—the covenant line through which Christ’s rulership must still be administratively manifested.
She is given two eagle wings—God’s supernatural empowerment to escape satanic strategy and survive hostility.
The serpent releases a flood from his mouth, symbolizing:
propaganda persecution overwhelming attacks destructive narratives
7. Earth Helping the Woman (v.16)
Creation cooperates with redemption. The earth opens to swallow the flood, showing that:
God can use even natural systems, unexpected alliances, and earthly structures to preserve His agenda when Satan attempts to overwhelm His people.
8. The Final Target — The Remnant (v.17)
Frustrated, Satan makes war with the remnant of her seed—defined clearly as those who:
keep God’s commandments hold the testimony of Jesus Christ
This is the Church on earth, the true continuation of God’s kingdom people—not passive believers, but obedient, witnessing saints who carry Christ’s testimony as a governing reality.
THEOLOGICAL MEANING & SIGNIFICANCE OF REVELATION 12
A. It reveals the spiritual explanation behind human history
The earthly conflicts, hatred toward Christ, persecution of believers, and resistance to God’s kingdom all trace back to a cosmic satanic opposition to Christ’s rulership.
B. It unveils the shift of Satan’s operations
After Christ’s ascension and Michael’s victory, Satan’s access in heaven is revoked. His influence is now:
Earth-centered Systemic Political Narrative-driven Persecution-focused
C. It shows the judicial finality of Christ’s victory
The battle is not ongoing in the sense of legal uncertainty—Christ has already won. The conflict that remains is enforcement and manifestation, not verdict.
D. It defines the weapons of believers
The believer does not fight Satan to win—he fights Satan from victory, using the Blood, the Word, and unwavering testimony.
E. It reveals God’s ability to use creation to defend redemption
Not only angels, but even earthly systems and natural alliances can be mobilized by God to subdue satanic floods.
F. It shows that persecution is a sign of Satan’s failed mission
Satan persecutes most where God’s governmental plan is advancing. His rage is proof of defeat.
CORE TAKEAWAYS FOR BELIEVERS TODAY
The devil fights hardest where God’s destiny is strongest.
Christ’s enthronement guarantees the Church’s triumph.
Satan has no seat in heaven’s government—but seeks one in earth’s systems.
Believers overcome by the Blood and the spoken Word. Testimonies are not stories—they are spiritual weapons.
Devotion to Christ dismantles the fear of death. Even the earth will cooperate to swallow satanic floods.
Salvation Call — The Most Important Relationship You Must Have
Beloved, Revelation 12 shows clearly that Jesus sits enthroned, Satan is cast down, and the saints overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Rev 12:11, KJV). But none of these victories apply to anyone who has not first received the life and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Today, God is inviting you into salvation—not religion, but a real, personal covenant union with Christ (John 3:16, KJV; 2 Cor 5:17, TPT). Jesus came to give you a new nature, to transfer you from darkness to light, and to make you an overcomer in Him (Col 1:13–14, KJV).
If you are ready, pray this now with faith:
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus,
I believe You are the Son of God.
I believe You died for my sins and rose again for my justification.
I receive Your life and Your nature today.
I confess You as my Lord and my Savior.
Wash me with Your Blood, write my name in the Book of Life,
and fill me with Your Spirit.
I turn from sin, and I follow You from today.
Thank You for saving me.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Rom 10:9–10, KJV; Heb 9:14, AMPC; Eph 2:8, KJV)
Assurance of Salvation
Now that you are born again, you belong to Christ’s kingdom family. The accuser has no legal claim over you, because you are redeemed by His Blood (Rev 12:10–11, KJV). Your next step is growth, discipleship, and community.
Invitation to Church
You don’t walk this new life alone. God has a place prepared for your spiritual nourishment and kingdom alignment.
📍 Join us at:
The Dream Centre of the Life Oasis International Church
A house of light, discipleship, and destiny empowerment.
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Why This Matters
Just as the woman was nourished in the wilderness by God’s provision, you too will be nourished spiritually in the place God has set for you (Rev 12:6,14, KJV). Dream Centre is committed to raising overcoming believers, equipped with Scripture, testimony, and kingdom obedience.
Call to Action
If you just prayed that prayer:
Congratulations, you are saved! Send an email to info@dreamcentre.org saying: “I just gave my life to Christ and I want to grow in discipleship.” Join our services and begin your kingdom growth journey.
Welcome to the family of God.
Upward and forward only in Christ.
You are an overcomer in Jesus’ Name!
The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 