The woman, the dragon, and the victory of Christ

By Heather Excell

Revelation 12 presents a striking scene: a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of 12 stars, crying out in the pains of childbirth as a great red dragon waits to devour her child.

This mysterious vision was the focus of Fr Warren Edwards’ talk to the young people gathered at the Crescent Hotel for the Big Pub Night on 1 October.

Fr Warren explained that the woman represents all of creation awaiting redemption and the 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the covenant people.

“St Paul says that the whole of creation has been groaning in one great act of childbirth from the beginning up until now,” he said, describing the vision as an image of the unfolding mystery of our salvation.

The story of salvation history includes great conflict. Set against the woman is the “great red dragon”, representing Satan and the forces opposed to God’s plan.

Yet the dragon ultimately fails. The victory belongs to Christ, whose death and Resurrection defeat the power of sin and death. But Christ’s victory does not mean the spiritual battle has ended.

Though defeated, the dragon still rages against the woman, and the Church now lives between Christ’s victory and his final return.

“All of Satan’s power is now directed towards earth in a rage,” Fr Warren explained. “The rage of one who knows he is defeated and wants to drag as many down with him as he can.”

He explained that this spiritual battle is fought not only through persecution from outside the Church, but through temptation and accusation.

“Satan’s big weapons are temptation and accusation. He wants to tempt us to despair,” Fr Warren said.

Temptation often works by presenting something that appears good but draws us away from the true good. Knowledge of God and what is truly good becomes part of the Christian’s defence.

Accusation comes after a fall, telling us that our sin is beyond forgiveness and that we have no hope of returning to God.

“The only way I can lose my salvation is to despair of God. Despair of His forgiveness and mercy,” Fr Warren explained.

Drawing on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Fr Warren encouraged those gathered to “put on the whole armour of God” as they await Christ’s return.

“We’re not going to win by force of arms. It’s a totally spiritual battle we’re in,” Fr Warren explained. “Ultimately, the final victory will be when Christ comes again.”

The battle will continue until Christ’s return, but Christians don’t face it from a position of fear. The Church is called to remain faithful and hopeful.

“Ultimately, coming back to the woman, she is the whole salvation history which we belong to,” Fr Warren said. “She is the victorious woman.”