The war of good versus evil Explained

Read Revelation 12.

Behind the physical catastrophes described in Revelation is the culmination of the spiritual war that has been raging ever since Lucifer was ousted from heaven the first time.  This is the basis of all human conceptions of good versus evil, light versus darkness, which exist.

Though picturesque language is used, the Bible is always the best commentator on itself.  Most of what is needed to understand is explained in this chapter.  We are told of five identities.
1. The Pregnant Woman. 
This is a literal description clothed in symbolism.  Exactly as when Joseph told of his dream in Genesis 37:9-11, his family immediately understood its literal meaning.  And, indeed, it literally came true later in Genesis.  The one giving birth to the male child who will be key to this spiritual war is the nation of Israel.  The Messiah came into this world as a descendant of Abraham of the tribe of Judah.

2. The Dragon.
No passage of Scripture provides a better description of Satan that this chapter.  He is the source of all evil.  He is the ancient serpent of the Garden of Eden.  He is the devil.  He is the deceiver of the whole world, duping people to think that they can live their own lives apart from God.  He is the accuser of our brothers, who hurls accusations against believers "day and night before our God.  He used this same tactic against Job in Job 1:6-11.  His goal has always been to do everything within his power to stop God's plan for redemption and restoration.  With urgency he will endeavor to do his worst at this point in the future because he knows "that his time is short".  His control of world leaders presented here is the exact same imagery as prophesied in Daniel 7:24.  This explains the insanity throughout history to this current day of those who attempt to annihilate the Jews.

3. The Son.
In His first coming, Satan tried to kill Jesus through the slaughter of babies by Herod.  Satan thought the crucifixion would be the end.  But the resurrection and ascension of Jesus back to heaven confirmed God's defeat of all Satan's schemes.  The mission of the second coming of Christ will be far different than His first.  Ruling over the nations with a rod of iron is the same language used by God, the Father, in Psalm 2.  It is the same type of description found in Revelation 19 of Jesus' return to earth.

4. The Archangel Michael.
Satan will know that he only has 1260 days to wreak havoc before God takes the next step against him.  The second half of the 7-year Great Tribulation will be a full scale war, not only on earth but will involve heaven as well.

5. The Persecuted Offspring.
This further confirms that the woman who gave birth is Israel.  The Jews living during the Tribulation will suffer great persecution.  They will flee their land to a place where God will protect and nourish them.

The ultimate outcome for the Jews will be the recognition and acceptance of Jesus as the promised Messiah.  "And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob'; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.'" (Romans 1126-27).

How much better for Jew and Gentile alike to respond to God's loving offer of forgiveness right now!