War in Heaven
Overview
Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior’s followers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
In this great rebellion, Satan and all the spirits who followed him were sent away from the presence of God and cast down from heaven. A third part of the hosts of heaven were punished for following Satan (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:36). They were denied the right to receive mortal bodies.
Because we are here on earth and have mortal bodies, we know that we chose to follow Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Satan and his followers are also on the earth, but as spirits. They have not forgotten who we are, and they are around us daily, tempting us and enticing us to do things that are not pleasing to our Heavenly Father. In our premortal life, we chose to follow Jesus Christ and accept God’s plan. We must continue to follow Jesus Christ here on earth. Only by following Him can we return to our heavenly home.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
Topical Guide, “Council in Heaven”
Bible Dictionary, “War in Heaven”
Guide to the Scriptures, “War in Heaven”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“War in Heaven”
Learning Resources
Church Magazines
David A. Edwards, “Joseph Smith and the Book of Revelation,” Ensign, December 2015
Mark A. Mathews, “Satan’s Rebellion,” Ensign, March 2015
Norman W. Gardner, “What We Know about Premortal Life,” New Era, February 2015
Linda Magleby, “Sharing Time: I Can Repent and Be Happy,” Liahona, April 2006
“The Fulness of the Gospel: Life before Birth,” Ensign, February 2006
Vicki F. Matsumori, “Sharing Time: I Know God’s Plan,” Friend, June 2003
Richard D. Draper, “The Remarkable Book of Moses,” Ensign, February 1997
Daniel H. Ludlow, “Moral Free Agency,” New Era, November 1976