Who Is Like God, Part 1

When we read of that day on Calvary, it is a scene bathed in humiliation, suffering, and apparent defeat. However, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross produced quite a different situation in heaven. From this act, “war broke out in heaven.” But before we unpack that, let’s study out the dual application of this verse: when the war in heaven began.

The Bible tells us that Satan’s war against God began before our world was created, when Lucifer, a “cherub” (Ezekiel 28:14), or angel, “perfect in [his] ways from the day [he was] created” (v. 15), “became filled with violence within, and … sinned” (v. 16). This “mystery of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) originated in Lucifer’s heart when he cherished thoughts to “ascend,” (Isaiah 14:13), to “be like the Most High” (v. 14)—that is, to be like God. For the first time, there was discord in God’s universe; there was controversy.

What does a heavenly war look like? Revelation 12:4 has already given us an important piece of evidence: It was Lucifer’s “tail” (Isaiah 9:15), his lies, that divided the citizens of heaven. So these cosmic battles were wars of words—Lucifer’s propaganda against the Word, Jesus Christ.

Two sides emerged. We have learned a bit about the dragon, Satan, already. But who is this Michael who fights against him? The name Michael is mentioned only a handful of times in Scripture. From these instances, we glean important clues as to Michael’s identity.

First, in Jude 9, Michael is described as “the archangel.” This term does not mean that Michael is a type of angel. The original Greek word archaggelos is defined as “chief of the angels.” In other words, Michael rules over the angels.

The Bible furthermore reveals that it is Christ who has “the voice of the archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV) and that it is His “shout” that brings the righteous dead back to life at His second coming (John 5:28). Thus, Michael the archangel is simply another name for Jesus Christ. Indeed, the name literally means: “Who is like God.”

Mighty Savior, the devil wants us to forget that we are at war, but thank You for Your true Word, which alerts us to the battle at hand.

For Further Study: Jeremiah 49:19; Matthew 24:31; Ephesians 6:12

Key Bible Texts

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Revelation 12:7 KJV)