The Origin of the Concept of a War in Heaven

Host Martin Tanner provides a description and details about the Jewish, Early Christian and Latter-day Saint ideas of a War in Heaven, as found in Isaiah 14:12-20; Revelation 12:7-9; D&C 29:36-38; Abraham 3:24-28; and Moses 4:14. The war was over free will, agency and the ability to act without coercion. This is also the underlying scriptural basis for the idea that Jesus and Satan are "spirit brothers" which is often distorted by Church critics. The fundamental difference of opinion over whether people should be able to choose or should be coerced is played out in many settings throughout the world every day. The "War Scroll" in the Dead Sea Scrolls contains an incredibly detailed account of the final battle between good and evil, between freedom and coercion.