Revelation 12

Messiah

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Revelation 12:5

The child who will rule the nations with a rod of iron and is caught up to God's throne is described in the words used of the Messiah. The Joseph Smith Translation explains the child as the kingdom of God and His Christ, so the child stands for Christ's kingdom, which Satan tries and fails to destroy.

• alludes to Psalm 2:9 — 'Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron,' said of the LORD's anointed Son.
• the same title in Revelation 19:15 — Christ 'shall rule them with a rod of iron.'

Premortal Christ

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Revelation 12:7–9

This is the War in Heaven. Restoration scripture explains that Satan rebelled against the Father's plan and against the Beloved Son, who was chosen from the beginning, and so was cast out.

• the same event in Moses 4:1-3 — Satan sought to destroy agency; the Beloved Son was chosen; Satan was cast down.
• the same event in D&C 76:25-27 — Lucifer rebelled against the Only Begotten Son and was thrust down.
• the same event in Abraham 3:27-28 — 'Here am I, send me'; the second was angry and many followed him.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

Heaven celebrates that salvation and power belong to God and His Christ now that the accuser is cast down. Satan's defeat is Christ's victory.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Revelation 11:15 — 'Our Lord, and ... his Christ.'

Lamb of God

Lamb — the sacrificial offering, Christ slain for sin

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

The faithful defeat Satan, both in the premortal war and on earth, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (the blood of the Lamb) and by bearing testimony of Him. His sacrifice is the power that overcomes the adversary.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Revelation 7:14 — Robes made white in the blood of the Lamb.
• the same title in 1 Nephi 12:10-11 — Garments made white in the blood of the Lamb.

Jesus Christ

Jesus — 'Jehovah saves'; Christ — the Anointed One

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

The remnant Satan attacks is marked by two things: obeying God's commandments and holding a testimony of Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same title in Revelation 19:10 — 'The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'