The Battle Begins
The Incarnation: Salvation in Motion
Salvation history truly began with the incarnation of Christ—God becoming man. For four thousand years, the world groaned under Satan’s dominion. Though God’s faithful lived in hope, trusting in promises of a coming Redeemer, sin reigned and death held dominion. The devil was regarded—even in heavenly councils—as the prince of this world (John 12:31).
The Old Testament paints a picture of anticipation. Through sacrifices, shadows, and prophetic utterances, the coming Deliverer was foretold. The first prophecy of hope was spoken in Eden, as God declared enmity between the serpent and the woman:
“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen 3:15)
This verse introduces the key figures in the great controversy: the serpent (Satan), the woman (God’s people), her Seed (Christ), and the serpent’s seed (those under his control). The battle between good and evil would rage throughout history, culminating in the triumph of the promised Seed.
The Plan Implemented: Christ’s First Coming
Revelation 12 presents a panoramic view of this controversy, beginning not with Eden, but with the birth of Christ. Why? Because though God gave prophecies and covenants for millennia, the actual implementation of the plan of salvation began with Christ's incarnation. Prior to this, Satan held undisputed control over humanity. All died in sin, awaiting a Savior who had not yet come.
The sanctuary system and its annual cycle of seven feasts (Leviticus 23) prophetically charted the salvation timeline:
- Passover – Christ’s death
- Unleavened Bread – His sinless body laid in the tomb
- Wavesheaf – His resurrection
- Pentecost – The outpouring of His Spirit
- Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles – Pointing to His final work and second coming
Each feast unfolded in its time, beginning with the cross. These were not just ceremonies but divine appointments—prophetic shadows of a Savior’s mission.
Christ’s Kingdom vs. Satan’s Reign
Between Revelation 4–11, we witness an overview of Christ’s kingdom, culminating in the vindication of His people and His character. Then, in Revelation 12–19, the lens shifts: now the spotlight is on Satan’s kingdom and its fruit.
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…” (Rev 12:5)
The woman clothed with the sun (symbolizing the church under the light of the New Covenant) gives birth to Christ. The dragon (Satan) stands ready to destroy Him. Christ survives, fulfills His mission, and ascends to heaven. Satan's ultimate plan—Christ’s death—backfires. Instead of defeating the Seed, the cross secured Satan’s defeat.
Victory in Heaven and on Earth
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God…” (Rev 12:10)
After the resurrection, Christ is enthroned. Satan is cast out of heaven permanently—no longer allowed to represent Earth nor bring accusations before God. This fulfilled Jesus’ prophetic words in John 12:31–32: “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
Four monumental realities began at Christ’s exaltation:
- Salvation was accomplished
- Strength was given to the redeemed
- God’s kingdom was inaugurated
- Christ’s power was released to His people
At Pentecost, the glorified life of Christ was poured out into His followers. This was not simply divine power as seen in Old Testament times, but the victorious life of the risen Son of Man. Christ in us became the new reality—the kingdom had come with power.
The War Intensifies
Though Satan was cast from heaven, he intensified his warfare on Earth. The Church, symbolized by the woman, fled into the wilderness. For 1,260 years (538–1798 AD), during the dark ages of papal persecution, God preserved His people in solitary places.
The "earth" (sparsely populated lands like the Americas) provided refuge for believers escaping persecution in Europe. The Reformation found sanctuary in these new lands, symbolically represented as the earth helping the woman (Rev 12:16).
The Remnant: The Final Focus of the Dragon’s Wrath
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed…” (Rev 12:17)
These last-day believers are not defined by denomination or institution, but by spiritual character. They are:
- The remnant of her Seed – Identified with Christ Himself
- Commandment keepers – Living in obedience, not just professing belief
- Bearers of the testimony of Jesus – Possessing the spirit of prophecy
This brings us to a crucial clarification:
What Is the Testimony of Jesus?
In Revelation 19:10, the angel tells John:
“I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
This statement is rich in meaning. The "testimony of Jesus" is not simply a confession about Christ, nor is it the written works of a prophet. It is identified as "the spirit of prophecy"—a divine, living manifestation of Christ’s voice through His people.
The SDA Church has interpreted this to refer specifically to the ministry of Ellen G. White. While her prophetic gift may be an example, the prophetic spirit is not confined to one person, movement, or bookshelf. Possessing her writings does not equate to possessing "the testimony of Jesus."
Revelation 22:8–9 further clarifies this. When John again falls to worship the angel, the angel responds:
“I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets…”
Compare this with Revelation 19:10:
“Of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus.”
“Of thy brethren the prophets.”
The comparison reveals that those who have the testimony of Jesus are prophets. They do not merely possess prophetic writings—they live and speak by divine inspiration. The testimony of Jesus is the living voice of Christ, communicated through His Spirit-filled messengers.
This directly connects with the end-time outpouring foretold in Joel 2:28:
“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…”
The remnant in Revelation 12:17 are the fulfillment of this promise. They are not just believers—they are Spirit-filled, prophetic vessels in whom the living Christ dwells and speaks.
Conclusion: The Climax of the Controversy
The great controversy is nearing its final scenes. Christ’s life in His people will once again provoke the wrath of the enemy, just as it did 2,000 years ago. Yet the remnant will overcome him “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” These are not merely survivors—they are overcomers, conquerors through Christ.
The question for each of us is this:
- Will we be part of the remnant?
- Will we reflect the life of the Seed?
- Will we let Christ live fully in us so that the kingdom of God is manifested now—in power and truth?
Let us prepare now. The battle is intensifying—but the victory is already won in Christ.