Section Three: Prophetic Aspect of The Bride

• The Sun Clothed Woman
• The Great Red Dragon
• The Man-Child
• The War in Heaven
• The Woman in the Wilderness
• The Dragon Attacks the "Woman"
• The Seed of the Woman

The Sun Clothed Woman

Rev. 12: 1, 2 "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."

The Book of Revelation is one of the most important writings in the Word of God. It has withstood attacks in every age. There is not another book in sacred Scripture more strongly attested, or more fully authenticated. Its title, its historical declaration, the nature of its contents and the prophetic statements are ample evidence of its genuine and divine origin.

Whenever the Spirit of God reveals truth, you will find that the adversary will attack that truth. If you preach a diluted message of salvation (social gospel), the adversary will not trouble you much. He knows that the Tribulation is imminent and those that are ignorant of the truth and not living in the light of truth will go into the Tribulation.

Hosea 4: 6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…"

The devil is not fighting the luke-warm Christian. He ispositioned and stationed wherever the truth is revealed. He is fighting thetruth of the revelation of God for this hour. The Scripture shows exactly where the devil is stationed today.

Rev. 12: 4 "…And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to bedelivered, (for one purpose) for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

This is the Sun-Clothed Woman John had spoken about, "…beingwith child… travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."The Woman isready to give birth. The devil is standing before the Woman ready to devour her child as soon as he is brought forth. He devours by destroying the truth.

One must remember, there are definite points of division inthe book of Revelation and here, this twelfth chapter, is one of the dividing points. The eleventh chapter ends with the last of the Tribulation and the beginning of the Millennium Reign of Christ.

Rev. 11: 15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices inheaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever."

In the fulfillment of this part of the prophecy, we are going back into the Church Age. In this passage a womanis pictured clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her heada crown of twelve stars. She is agonizing in pain and travailing to bedelivered of a Man - Child .

The Importance of This Revelation

It was a Sign

"Semeion" -- "Wonder" -- sign -- symbol -- miracle -- mystery

Rev. 12: 1 "…There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman…"

In this passage we have a word that John the Apostle usedfor the first time in the Apocalypse, "Semeion" -- "sign," which carries with ita great prophetic significance. This text reveals a woman being used in a symbolic manner, representing something else that is the true or real subject being considered.

One version of the Bible states that "a great sign was seenin heaven."

The Amplified New Testament says, "And a great sign (wonderwarning of future events of ominous significance) appeared in heaven."

Dr. J. A. Seiss in his Lectures of the Apocalypse says, "I have repeatedly remarked that when the Scripture uses figures orsymbols, or speaks in a way not intended to be taken literally, like allserious writings they always give some intimation of it, in one way oranother. The text is a case in point. What is described is said to be a"sign," a representation or picture of something else -- a symbol. And the factthat we are here told that this is a sign, goes far to prove that the Apocalypsein general is to be taken literally, except where indication to the contrary isgiven."

Here the Apostle says, "And there appeared a great wonder(sign) in heaven;" Something is very mysteriously happening.

It was an Important Sign

"A great sign" -- indicates something of great importance andremarkable significance.

"Megas" -- "Great" -- extraordinary -- important -- miracle

The whole scene is extremely remarkable, marvelous andextraordinary as to demand the idea of something of the greatest importance. It ought to be important enough to attract attention to consider and examine itcarefully.

The Location of This Revelation

"…A great wonder in heaven…"

It was in the Spirit

Rev. 1: 10 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…"

John testified that he was caught away in the Spirit andtransported through time down to the coming of the Lord -- "The Lord's Day."

Rev. 4: 1, 2 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened inheaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talkingwith me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must behereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was setin heaven, and One sat on the throne."

John was not only transported through time, but also throughspace.

It was in Heaven

"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven…"

It appeared, or was revealed to John, in the heavenlyrealm. Paul also declared that he had such an experience himself.

II Cor. 12: 2--4 "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whetherin the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: Godknoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man,(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) Howthat he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it isnot lawful for a man to utter."

It was Spiritual

"…A great wonder in heaven…"

It was totally and completely apart from the natural realm. It was of a heavenly order not only given in the Spirit, but was of a spiritualsignificance. If you miss this, you may miss the true interpretation of thisverse.

Eph. 1: 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whohath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

The Exposition of This Revelation

"…A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet and upon herhead a crown of twelve stars:"

"A Woman" -- A mystery woman

Who is this Woman? Before explaining who this Woman is, itis necessary to explain who she is not.

Who the Woman is Not

She is Not Mary

Mary was a peasant woman of a very lowly condition who hadpassed away long before this prophecy -- yet this Woman continues into theTribulation for three-and-a-half years.

Rev. 12: 6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, (Tribulation) whereshe hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousandtwo hundred and threescore days (three-and-a-half years)."

Furthermore, Jesus came downfrom heaven at His birth; the "Man-Child" is caught upto God and to His throne shortly after his birth. When Christ " anabaino "--" ascended "up into heaven, this Revelation had not yet been written. It was said at thetime of the writing of this Revelation that this is a book of prophecy and thatit refers to things still in the future.

Rev. 1: 1, 3 "…Things which must shortly come to pass… Blessed is he that readeth, and they thathear the words of this prophecy…"

Rev. 4: 1 "…I will show thee things which must be hereafter."

Rev. 22: 18 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecyof this book…"

Moreover, Jesus " ascended " (anabaino) up intoheaven. Whereas it was said of the "Man-Child" that he was " caught up "(harpazo -- to snatch or catch away). It was also said of Philip, that he was " caught away " by the Spirit of the Lord in Acts 8: 39. Again, it was said ofthe Apostle Paul, he was " caught up " to paradise. (II Cor. 12:2--4)

"Harpazo" -- "caught up" -- To seize -- pull -- catch away --take by force -- stemming from a root word, to prefer -- choose -- to take foroneself

This verb "harpazo" conveys the idea of force suddenly exercised , as in Matt. 11: 12 "…take it by force."

Therefore, if John had wanted us to understand that this wasJesus being caught up, I am sure he would have said that the Lord Jesus wascaught up (snatched -- seized) to the throne. What advantage would it have beento John not to have said so? Jesus ascended of His own power, while theMan-Child will be caught up by the power of the Holy Spirit.

She is Not Jerusalem

Some believe that this Woman is the city of Jerusalem. It has been said that there are only two women spoken of in the book ofRevelation. The one is Babylon, "that great city which reigneth over thekings of the earth." (Rev. 17: 18) The other is the city "…whichspiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."(Rev. 11: 8)

It is strange that John would refer to Jerusalem in theeleventh chapter as "Sodom and Egypt," and then in the twelfthchapter say that she is "clothed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet." It is also contrary to the nature of things for a material city to take wingsof an eagle and fly into the wilderness for three-and-a-half years, and then,after the stay in the wilderness, to be caught away.

She is Not Israel

Another school of thought, and a more prominent teachingtoday, is the belief that she is literal Israel. Dr. James Gray says, "TheWoman represents Israel, it is believed."

Believed by whom? It is believed by most, if not all Pre-Tribulationrapturists, because their teaching about the time of the rapturerequires it. Since their reasoning is that the Church is to be raptured beforethe Tribulation, she cannot represent the Church, so she must represent Israel.

Dr. Schofield is of the same opinion -- "The Woman: Israel."

Many say she must be Israel because of what the prophetIsaiah said:

Isa. 66: 7 "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came,she was delivered of a man child."

Look very carefully at the two prophecies -- this one inIsaiah is different from the one that is stated in Rev. 12: 2, which states "…travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." The one says a Woman is in paintravailing to bring forth a Man-Child, and the other says that before she travailed she brought forth. Before her pain came, she was delivered. So then, they arenot the same experience.

Israel as a nation was unaware of it producing the Christ,the "Man-Child" of Isa. 66: 7. The Woman in Revelation cried, travailing inbirth and pained to be delivered of a "Man-Child."

The first thing to understand concerning the nation of Israel is that Israel was an earthly heritage.

An earthly people -- an earthly kingdom -- earthly possessions

The only mention of Israel and the heavens is Abraham's seedbeing as the stars of the sky, and then only of those that are spiritual --believers.

Rom. 9: 6--8 "Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect. Forthey are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are theseed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are notthe children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

Also, look at the nation of Israel in her spiritualcondition as pictured in the Scripture. Israel as a nation is pictured in thebook of Hosea as an unfaithful wife and a harlot on the streets. As you lookat Israel today, you can see that this is her condition rather than that of aplace of honor.

Here in Revelation a Woman is pictured as "clothed withthe sun," producing a "Man--Child" which was caught up to God and to Histhrone.

She is Not the World Church

There are others that believe this Woman is the worldchurch, or the church universal. A good look at the condition of the churchuniversal will reveal that she is not arrayed in this fashion; but is worldly,unholy, ungodly and devilish. How can an unholy thing produce such a holything that is preferred, chosen, and caught up to God and to His throne?

The only thing that the world church will produce andsupport is the anti-christ.

Who the Woman Is

Let us go back into the first chapter of Revelation and seeif we can find something to help, not only in the interpretation of this verseof Scripture, but for all of the revelation itself. I believe there are somekeys to help us understand who this Woman is.

Rev. 1: 3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words ofthis prophecy…"

This "prophecy" has to do with prophetic utterance;foretelling something that is yet to come to pass.

Rev. 1: 1 "…Things which must shortly come to pass…"

This means these things have not yet come to pass. This isnot a record of history; this is a Book of Prophecy. Again in Rev. 4: 1, "…andI will show thee things which must be hereafter."

I believe that God gave me a key, and I believe that key canhelp us understand the mystery of this "Woman." I have noticed in my studiesof the Book of Revelation, that wherever there is a question in John's mind ofanyone not grasping what is to be understood, he goes on anddeclares to us what should be understood. Take for example the mystery of theseven stars and the seven golden candlesticks.

Rev. 1: 20 "…The seven stars are the angels (messengers) of the sevenchurches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

Again, here in the twelfth chapter John speaks of the "GreatRed Dragon" with seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon hisheads. He then tells us who the dragon is in verse 9, "satan."

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, calledthe devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into theearth, and his angels were cast out with him."

He speaks of the harlot church that is riding upon the Beastin Rev. 17, and then he makes it very plain that this is Mystery Babylon, theharlot religious system that has existed throughout all ages. He speaks of Israel, and every time he speaks concerning these things in a figurative manner, he thengoes on and explains to us the meaning. So now, when we come to Rev. 12, ifyou use the key that I am sure the Holy Spirit put here, it will help you tosee the truth.

Rev. 1: 4 says, "John to the Seven Churches …" Who is John writing to? Does he leave us to interpret who he is writing to? Has not the Holy Spirit been very precise in putting these things in theScripture to help us understand who John is writing to? "John to the SevenChurches…" that is the Seven Church Ages or the whole of the Church Age.

One might ask, what age of the Church are we in today? TheScripture makes it quite plain that we are in the Laodician Age. What is theLaodician Age? It is the last age of the Church. Notice, if John, by the HolySpirit, has in other places made it plain that we are to understand certainthings, then where there is an absence of explanation, we should understandthat he is writing to the Church or about the Church. This " Sun - Clothed Woman " referred to in chapter twelve is the Church. You will find thatin this Book of Revelation, the Church is one of the most prominent subjectsother than Christ, who the Revelation is of.

Now going back into Rev. 12: 1, in the first part of theverse you see this "…great wonder in heaven…" What is thescriptural position of the Church today? In Eph. 2: 6 Paul says, "…Hathraised us up together…" that is, He hath raised us up out of sin, "…andmade us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" He hath raisedus up together, hath quickened us, hath given us life, brought us out of death,and raised us up into heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. He has made us sittogether in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is where John said he sawthis "Woman" in heaven.

This is a Revelation of Christ and the Church. "…Agreat wonder (mystery) in heaven…"

Eph. 5: 32 "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and theChurch."

The Church is the Body of Christ, of which Christ is theHead.

Eph. 1: 22, 23 "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to bethe head over all things to the Church. Which is His body, the fullness of Himthat filleth all in all."

Eph. 5: 23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is theHead of the Church…"

The Woman's Apparel and Position

"Clothed with the Sun"

Christ is "The Sun of Righteousness." (Mal. 4: 2)

Light is the symbol of Christ's Divine Nature. In Jn. 8: 12Jesus said, "I am the light of the world:" The Church is clothed withthe light and the glory of the Son of God. To be "clothed with the sun"means to be clothed with the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Rom. 13: 12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us thereforecast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

Rom. 13: 14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provisionfor the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Gal. 3: 27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have puton Christ."

II Pet. 1: 4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciouspromises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature…"

Pay particular attention that the Scripture does not saythat the "woman" embodied the "sun." It says, "The woman wasclothed with the sun." There is a vast difference in having Christ'srighteousness accredited to your account (imputed to you) andhaving it imparted in you, which is Christ's righteousnessrevealed in you by righteous acts -- righteous living. So then, He is nottalking about a perfected Church; He is talking only about the possibility ofperfection.

John does not see the "Woman" (the Church) in a perfectedstate. He sees her in a position where she has the potential of entering aperfected state, which she will enter during the first three-and-a-half years ofthe Tribulation.

"The Moon Under her Feet"

The first thing we liken the moon to is the Law. The sun isthe light that rules the day and the moon is the ruling light of the night. The moon is a reflection of the light of the sun. Likewise, the Law is areflection of things to come.

Gal. 3: 24 "…The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…"

"…Clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet…"

The Church has been elevated by grace in Christ where God issatisfied and the Law is satisfied.

Rom. 8: 2--4 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath mademe free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

If grace has not elevated you so that the Law issatisfied (i.e. under your feet), then you are still under the Law. Grace does not allow you to live in sin . To believe otherwise is a perversion of grace .

Jude 4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ofold ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (without restraint), and denying the only Lord God, and ourLord Jesus Christ."

Grace, as an enablement, works in us through Christ to thesatisfying of the Law. We are elevated by grace to a position where the Law isunder our feet.

The second thing we liken the moon to is "Lucifer." Theguiding light that shines in the day represents Jesus, and there is a light inthe night that represents Lucifer. "Lucifer" means brightness -- light bearer. The night represents darkness, and darkness represents the powers of evil . "Lucifer" fell, perverting the light that he was given. The Scripture saysthat satan comes "…as an angel of light…" He is not an angel of light,he comes "… as an angel of light…" The "moon"has no real light of its own.

John said he saw this "woman clothed with the sun" exaltedin the heavenlies -- into this high spiritual position.

"…Clothed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet…"

Therefore, this is not only a type of the Law, but alsoindicates the powers of darkness. The devil had the power of death, which camethrough the broken Law. The devil still holds this power over the unsaved.

Heb. 2: 14, 15 "…Himself likewise took part of the same; that throughdeath He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject tobondage."

Christ has put the powers of darkness, and the Law (brokenLaw) which gives darkness its power, under the feet of the Church. The devilwould have no power if the Law had not been broken.

Heb. 2: 8 "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet…"

Wherefore, satan cannot rule over the believer. Remember, "…greateris He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I Jn. 4: 4) Thebeliever is in a position of authority. The true children of God are the devil's master and are no longer his servants. They can put him in his rightful place under their feet and can stand in their position over the powers of darkness.

Jesus said, "…I will build My Church…"and this iswhat He is doing today -- building His Church. This real, true Church has been militant, successful and spiritually prosperous. We have seen it all the way from Pentecost right on down through to this very hour.

The Church has been attacked, put through the fire, burnedat the stake -- yet lives on. Paul was beheaded -- but the Church went on. Theycrucified Peter, possibly upside down -- but the Church went on.

Christ built His Church on Revelation, "…and the gates ofhell shall not prevail against it." (Matt. 16: 18)

People want the Lord to do great things in them. People want to see the Lord do great things for them. The Word of God gives the answer. The Lord has already done great things.

Eph. 1: 19--23 "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ , when He raised Him from the dead , and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places , Far above all principality , and power, and might,and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."

"Upon Her Head a Crown of Twelve Stars"

Eph. 5: 23 "…Christ is the Head of the Church…"

This portrays a body composed of Christ, the Head, and theChurch, His body. Christ has entered into His reward. He is in the place ofauthority and has entered into His reward -- He has been crowned! The numbertwelve has to do with governmental perfection -- Christ is the Head of thisheavenly government.

Some believe the stars in the crown are the twelveapostles. Scripture, however, refers to them as part of the foundation.

Eph. 2: 19, 20 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, butfellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are builtupon the foundation of the apostles andprophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief corner stone;"

You will find that in the New City, Jerusalem, the stones ofthe foundations will have the names of the twelve apostles inscribed on them. Foundation stones are much different from stars on a crown. When you thinkabout a crown, you think about royalty. Somebody was crowned. Therefore,there must be a kingdom. When you have a kingdom, you have rule, authority andgovernment. Furthermore, a crown speaks of reward. Christ, being the head ofthe Church, has both been crowned and has entered into His reward. The "…crownof twelve stars…" then has to do with the office, the function and thereward of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb. 5: 8, 9 "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the thingswhich He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternalsalvation unto all them that obey Him;"

This refers to Christ's earthly life. Christ has nowentered into His reward and has been crowned "…King of kings and Lord oflords."

Heb. 2: 9, 10 "…We see Jesus… crowned with glory and honour… For it becameHim, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sonsunto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."

The Woman is With Child

"She Being with Child"

The Woman is producing something.

Rev. 12: 2 "And she being with child…"

"With Child" -- to conceive -- unborn

There is a cry and travail in the Church to bring forth a"Man-Child," a company of Overcomers. They will live according to the truth ofGod and will come out of the Church before the Tribulation.

As God took a rib out of Adam while he slept, God istaking a rib out of the Church. The Church is asleep and notappropriating all that has been provided. The " Man-Child " (theOvercomer; the "rib" company) will appropriate all that has been provided. AnOvercomer is one that appropriates by faith all the redemptive rightsthat Christ has provided. The "Man-Child" will be Overcomers that come out ofthe Church, living in all that Christ has provided.

Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also willkeep thee from the hour of temptation (Tribulation), which shall come upon allthe world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

There is a people that will be counted worthy to come out ofthe Church.

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accountedworthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand beforethe Son of man."

The Church is in a state of being clothed. I believe thatthere are some within the Church that not only are going to be " clothed with ," but are going to be indwelt by the Son.

Rev. 3: 20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any manhear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,and will sup with him, and he with Me."

Rev. 19: 7, 8 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for themarriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to herwas granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for thefine linen is the righteousness of saints."

"Righteousness" -- "Righteous Acts" -- This is not animputed righteousness only, set down to your account ("clothed with"),but an imparted righteousness -- Jesus Christ living, ruling and reigningwithin. As Paul said:

Gal. 2: 20 "…Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in theflesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself forme."

The whole Church will not listen so He calls to individualswithin the Church.

Rev. 3: 20, 21 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will supwith him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am setdown with My Father in His throne."

"Cried, Travailing in Birth, and Pained to be Delivered"

The beginning of birth pains are a sign that birth is near. When the pains become sharp and regular, birth is getting nearer. The Lordwants us to know, that after the first sign of birth pains, we should look formore to come. As they begin coming more regularly and severely ,we should know that the time has come. Birth pains are a sign -- the Church isin pain.

"Odino" -- "travailing in birth"

Jesus told us what signs we are to look for.

Matt. 24: 8 "…All theseare the beginning of sorrows."

"Odin" -- "birth-pain" -- "travail" -- "pain"

The Signs of Birth

Deceivers -- Matt. 24: 4 "…Take heed that no man deceive you."

False Christ -- Matt. 24: 5 "…Many shall come in My name, saying, I amChrist; and shall deceive many."

Wars -- Matt. 24: 6 "…Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars…"

WW I -- WW II -- Korean War -- Vietnam War -- Luosian War -- Desert Storm --Operation Freedom

A Civil War in America and WW III are yet to come.

Famines -- Matt. 24: 7 "…And there shall be famines…"

Pestilences -- Matt. 24: 7 "…And pestilences…"

Flues -- Viruses: HIV -- etc.

Earthquakes -- Matt. 24: 7 "…And earthquakes, in divers places."

All of these aresigns of birth.

Jn. 16: 21 "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her houris come…"

"And the Woman Fled into the Wilderness"

She fled for three-and-a-half years -- the first part of theTribulation.

Just as there are various levels of anointing, there are different depths of commitment and dedication that saints give to God. Having the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues does not necessarily qualify one to be a part of the "Man-Child" (the Bride). However, it does give them access to become a part. In order to be a part of the "Man-Child"(the Bride) there must be a complete dedication to the Lord and since resubmission to the Holy Spirit to sanctify and to cleanse "…from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Cor. 7: 1)

God has sent the Holy Spirit to get a Bride. He has giventhe Holy Spirit the responsibility of perfecting the Bride. The Holy Spirit isdoing the work of perfection in the hearts of those who will yield to Him. I believe we have this in type in the life of Mary bringing Christ into the worldby the Holy Ghost. So likewise God, by the Holy Ghost, is going to overshadow the Church in the end-time, and He is going to bring forth a Holy Child -- "The Man-Child."

The Great Red Dragon

Rev. 12: 3, 4 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold agreat red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to bedelivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

The appearance seen is not a literal representation of the devil as he actually is. The wonder (the sign) of the dragon is figurative and descriptive of the devil's particular characteristics, suggestive of his destructive and murderous character. There is no doubt as to the significance of the dragon symbolizing the devil; invariably a symbol of what is harmful,wicked, evil, tyrannous and murderous. The devil is a hideous bloodthirsty monster, always "seeking whom he may devour."

This is the history of a fierce, hostile, evil power with which the Church has, and is, and must yet contend. This evil force is set to hinder the progress and destroy the hopes of the Church. It is "another wonder" (sign) that is to be interpreted after the same manner as the preceding "sign."

The Dragon

The Image or "Sign" is that of a "Dragon"

Understand, this dragon is a terrible creature that delightsin attacking, terrifying and devouring. It is especially determined to attackand destroy the truth of God's Word.

Matt. 13: 19 "When any one heareth the Word of the kingdom, andunderstandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that whichwas sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side."

Lk. 8: 12 "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh thedevil, and taketh away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believeand be saved."

I Pet. 5: 8 "Be sober, bevigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,seeking whom he may devour:"

It is "A Great Dragon"

While the picture in general is that of a dragon, it isaltogether peculiar and different from the common dragon. It exceeds theordinary idea in size and bulk, and every dragon feature is greatly magnified. The dragon is "great" in its evil accomplishment and great in its power tokill. It is "a great… dragon."

"Megas" -- "Great" -- mighty of external form, measure -- of adegree and intensity -- mighty of rank (whether of persons or angels) -- of allthose who had position of authority and power

Here is abeing that has dared to set himself against the Almighty God. This "dragon"is trying to overcome Him and take over the universe by taking from the Creatorthe creation that God had created. Although this dragon had the power ofdeath, it was through death that Christ defeated him.

The devil has the Power of Death

He has the power to put to death.

Heb. 2: 14 "For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

The devil has the Ability to Deceive

He is great in his ability to deceive and destroy. The devil has the ability to deceive the whole world.

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world:he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

What a power of deception must lie in him who deceives angels to follow him!

It is "A Great Red Dragon"

It is " red ," seemingly for two reasons. The first isto enhance his terrible appearance. The second is suggestive of his murderous,destructive character. It is a peculiar color.

"Purrhos" -- "Red" -- fiery -- bloody -- the color of blood --murder

This was the color of the horse whose rider was to take peace out of the world, and bring about terrible war and bloodshed.

Rev. 6: 4 "And there went out another horse that was red : and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."

Jesus said the devil was a murderer from the beginning, and could not tell the truth.

Jn. 8: 44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Dr. J. A. Seiss said, "There has never been a murder, but he(the devil) caused it."

I Pet. 5: 8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as aroaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Fiery red also indicates the destructive and cruel nature ofthe dragon. The dragon is burning like fire with rage and out of control with malignant hatred against that which is righteous and godly.

It has "Seven Heads"

Seven is a number of completeness, or fullness. This indicates the fullness of evil and wickedness. Dragons ordinarily were given one head,but this dragon possesses "seven heads." Two heads would indicate confusion. Here there are seven heads. "Seven heads" also reveal a total and complete state of confusion. The head is the seat of governing power and it implies rule and control. The fact there are seven heads should be understood in the same sense that we read of "the seven Spirits of God" -- a manifold unity. We have here in these heads the symbol of the entire imperial reign and rule of this world from the beginning of time to the end of this present age.

Three times the Lord calls the devil "…the prince of this world."

Jn. 12: 31 "…Now shall the prince of this world be cast out."

Jn. 14: 30 "…For the prince of this world cometh…"

Jn. 16: 11 "…Because the prince of this world is judged."

The Apostle Paul called him the "god of this world."

II Cor. 4: 4 "…The god of this world hath blinded the minds…"

I Jn. 5: 19 "…The whole world lieth in wickedness."

The Amplified New Testament reads, "The whole world (aroundus) is under the power of the evil one."

The image before us presents the dragon having dominion over the governments of thisworld. Therefore, through these world powers, he sets himself against thekingdom of God and all that is good and right.

It has "Seven Crowns upon his Heads"

The "heads" being "crowned" would indicate at least to somedegree, that he has been successful in his diabolical attacks.

Successful in Deceiving -- A Crown

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon… called the devil, and satan, whichdeceiveth the whole world…"

Successful in Dividing -- A Crown

I Cor. 11: 18 "…There be divisions among you…"

Successful in Defeating -- A Crown

Matt. 24: 12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Successful in Denying -- A Crown

Jude 4 "…Denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

Successful in Devouring -- A Crown

I Pet. 5: 8 "…Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,seeking whom he may devour:"

Successful in Delaying -- A Crown

Dan. 10: 13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…"

Successful in Deforming -- A Crown

Lk. 13: 11 "…A woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself."

Lk. 13: 18 "…Whom satan hath bound…"

He is the destroyer of both body and soul. Heseduceth and misleads the whole world, promising everything including peace andprosperity, so that he can more effectively enslave and destroy.

It has "Ten Horns"

"Ten" signifies the perfection of Divine Order. This is incontrast to that of an evil, wicked being, so this would be in reverse of theDivine Order; complete and total disorder.

"Keras" -- "Horns" are symbolic of strength, power, dominionand kingly rule -- kings and their kingdoms.

Dan. 7: 24 "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings…"

Dan. 8: 20 "The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings…"

These "horns" are not symbols of good rule but of evil power to hurt, wound, afflict and destroy. The forces which destroyed Palestine were referred to as "four horns" in Zech. 1: 18--21. They scattered,oppressed, injured and destroyed the people of God. Likewise, the "horns" ofthe dragon scatter, divide, oppress, torment, injure, afflict, destroy and kill the believers in Christ.

It has A Tail

Rev. 4: 12 "…His tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:…"

His tail is certainly one of the most striking features of the dragon. It swings through heaven drawing a third part of the stars andcasts them to the ground. These "stars of heaven" are very particular stars. They are not literal stars, for the whole scene is a "sign." Thesewere the angelic hosts, fitly called stars by reason of their brightness,shinning beauty and glory.

Job 38: 4--7 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, ifthou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are thefoundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When themorning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

When Lucifer fell and became the devil, he was able to deceive and draw away a third part of the angels with him.

Jude 6 "…Angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation…"

II Pet. 2: 4 "…God spared not the angels that sinned…"

The Mystery of the Dragon

The dragon is not altogether that great a mystery because of:

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

The devil is not literally a dragon, as the Church is not literally a woman, but these are divinely given images or symbols. There is adevil. John recorded here that the dragon was the devil. "…The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world…"

This is a great contrast from his original state.

Isa. 14: 12 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of themorning! how art thou cut down to the ground…"

Eze. 28: 14 "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth…"

He was the highest order of all God's creation.

Eze. 28: 15 "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wastcreated…"

Eze. 28: 17 "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hastcorrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness…"

Perfect in "Beauty" -- Full of "Wisdom" -- Clothed in"Brightness" (Light -- Truth -- Righteousness)

Lucifer fell from the anointed cherub that covereth, to amurderous dragon. What happened? What caused this terrible change? God didnot make a dragon (devil); He created Lucifer -- "The light bearer." Godcreated him with a free will to choose to do good or evil. He was not thedevil, but he became the devil through the desire to be like God, or to be God.

Dragon -- "The dragon, figured prominently in ancient andmedieval mythologies as an embodiment of evil principle. It has beensuperstitiously dreaded and even worshipped, as in China, where it is theimperial emblem. It is commonly represented as a large winged serpent, with acrested head and powerful claws. In classical mythology, a dangerous, often asupernatural serpent." (Standard Dictionary)

The dragon has great power.

Power over the nations Lk. 4: 6

Power of the air Eph. 2: 2

Power and signs II Thes. 2: 9

Power of death Heb. 2: 14

Jude 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil hedisputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee."

Lucifer is of the highest order of angelic beings, but is subordinate to God. Some compare the dragon in Rev. 12 to the Beast coming upout of the sea in Rev. 13. In Rev. 12, the seven heads wear the crowns. InRev. 13, it is the horns that are crowned. The dragon is the head of a spiritual empire while the Beast is the head of a physical empire. This portrays a concentration of, and the exercise of, the devil's diabolical power in and through the world powers.

There is a likeness between the Dragon and the Beast because they are both the workings of the devil. There is also the distinction between them because one works in the spiritual realm and the other works in the physical realm.

The Objects of The Dragon's Malignity

Rev. 12: 4 "…And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

The First Objective is to Devour the #39;Man-Child'

To destroy and devour the "Man-Child," the devil would haveto destroy the message (the Truth of the Word) that produces the "Man-Child." Ifthere ever was a message that the devil hates, it is this message of the " Man - Child "-- the message of overcoming -- the message of perfection.

Jesus said:

Matt. 13: 19 "…Then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that whichwas sown…"

The power of the Word is "…made of none effect…"(Rom. 4: 14) in the lives of those that "…understandeth it not." (Matt.13:19)

When the Word is received and understood, it will producethe characteristics of Christ in the life of the believer. The Word producesto the extent that it is believed and obeyed. Jesus said by the same "Word"some would produce "…thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred…"

Mk. 4: 20 "…Such as hear the Word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."

The Scripture speaks of some as babes, some as children andsome of mature age.

Heb. 5: 12--14 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have needthat one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God;and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness: for he is ababe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those whoby reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

The "Man-Child" will be a ruling body of Overcomers that will be given power to rule the nations.

Rev. 2: 26, 27 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father."

Psalm 2: 9 "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash themin pieces like a potter's vessel."

Here we see Christ ruling with the rod of iron. It is said that Rev. 12 has to be Christ because they believe He is the only one that isruling with the rod of iron. The Overcomer has this promise of being giventhis power to rule the nations with a rod of iron.

The devil will try to devour the "Man-Child" as soon as heis born, but the "Man-Child" will be "…caught up unto God, and to Histhrone." This is the promise to the Overcomer.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in Mythrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

The dragon's desire is to devour the "Man-Child" who is destined to "…rule all the nations with a rod of iron…" that the dragonhas ruled over. All satanic activities are carried out under the ambitiousmotive to rule and to be worshipped. Does the devil know he will lose thisplace?

When this objective failed, he attacked the Woman.

The Second Objective is to Devour the "Woman"

Rev. 12: 13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, hepersecuted the woman which brought forth the man child."

In the Gospel according to St. Luke, Jesus spoke of the great and awful signs of the last three-and-a-half years of the TribulationHour.

Lk. 21: 12 "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, andpersecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, beingbrought before kings and rulers for My name's sake."

"Basileus" -- "King" -- a sovereign -- ruler -- dictator (kings are not presidents)

Several years ago the Lord showed me in a dream that theChurch was going to go through "Great Persecution." The Church is persecuted for three-and-a-half years to bring her to a place of separation from the worldand complete dedication to the Lord.

Rev. 12: 6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a placeprepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand twohundred and threescore days ." (Three-and-a-half years)

Rev. 12: 15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood (falsedoctrine) after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of theflood (false doctrine)."

When this failed, he attacked the "remnant of her seed."

The Third Objective is to Destroy the Seed

Rev. 12: 17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make warwith the remnant of her seed…"

The "remnant of her seed" is the saints that are leftafter the Rapture of the Church, which takes place in the middle of theTribulation Hour. These saints find themselves facing the lastthree-and-a-half years of the Tribulation. They are represented by the foolishvirgins that neglected their experience. They will have to wash their robes inthe blood of the Lamb, and will come out of Great Tribulation.

Rev. 7: 9 "After this (the sealing of the 144,000 Jews) I beheld, and, lo,a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, andpeople, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed withwhite robes, and palms in their hands;"

Rev. 7: 13, 14 "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What arethese which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said untohim, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out ofGreat Tribulation, and have washed their robes , and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

The Destiny of the Dragon

Cast out of Heaven

Rev. 12: 8 "…Neither was their place found any more in heaven."

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, calledthe devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into theearth, and his angels were cast out with him."

The devil's place was not left empty, but was found no more. The "Man-Child" now occupies that place.

Bound in the Bottomless Pit

Rev. 20: 1--3 "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key ofthe bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on thedragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and satan, and bound him athousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and seta seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousandyears should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

Loosed a Little Season

The dragon will be loosed for a short season. He goes forthand deceives many nations.

Rev. 20: 3 "…And after that he must be loosed a little season."

Rev. 20: 7, 8 "And when the thousand years are expired, satan shall beloosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are inthe four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together tobattle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."

Cast Ultimately into the Lake of Fire

The dragon will eventually be cast into the lake of fire,where he shall be tormented forever, and forever.

Rev. 20: 10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake offire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall betormented day and night for ever and ever."

The Man-Child

Rev. 12: 2--5 "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 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."

If there is one message above all others that the devil hates, it is this message of the " Man - Child ." Further on in this study you will better understand why the devil sodrastically hates this message. The devil will do his utmost to deceive,delude and destroy those that hear the truth of the " Man - Child " message .

Matt. 13: 19 "When any one heareth the Word of the kingdom, andunderstandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart."

The Woman that is referred to in Rev. 12: 1 is the Church. She is agonizing in pain and travailing in birth to bring forth a "Man-Child,"even in the face of the dragon. The dragon is stationed in a position beforethe Woman ready to devour her "child" as soon as it was birthed.

Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand who this "child"is, the nature of the birth, and the results that follow the birth. Rememberthat we are still in that period of time after the writings and recordings ofRevelation.

Rev. 4: 1 "I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."

Also remember, this is a book of prophecy -- not history.

Rev. 1: 3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words ofthis prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:"

Again remember, this is still dealing with a symbolicrevelation, "a sign."

The Perception of the "Man-Child"

If the Woman is the Church, and we have shown that she cannot be anything else but the Church, who is the "Man-Child" thatthe "Sun-Clothed Woman" is travailing in birth and pained to be delivered of?

Believed to be Christ Produced by Israel

It is believed that the "Man-Child" is Christ being produced by Israel. However, there are many objections to this theory.

Translation is Not Ascension

This is part of a vision that was given to the Apostle John some sixty years after the ascension of Christ. The entire vision is arevelation of things that were to "come to pass" after it was given. How then can the translation of this "Man-Child" refer to the ascension ofChrist, which occurred some sixty years before this vision?

Descending is Not Ascending

At Christ's birth He came down from heaven. The "Man-Child"was birthed and caught up to heaven, and to God's Throne.

New-Born is Not Full Grown

If this Scripture refers to the ascension of Christ, how can the figure of a new-born child, which the devil could not kill ("caught upunto God, and to His throne") be used to symbolize the ascension of afull-grown man, who the devil did have a part in bringing about His death? Christ was killed, the Scripture says, "By wicked hands…crucified and slain,"(put to death, the death of the Cross). True, He surrendered His life, but Hedied. The "Man-Child" is not harmed by the devil, but was caught up to God andto His throne.

Prophecy is Not History

Christ had already returned to heaven when this Prophecy was given. The Revelation was written about 96 A.D., some sixty years after Christdied, arose and ascended to heaven. In Rev. 4: 1 following His messages to theseven Churches, He said, "Come-up hither, and I will show thee things whichmust be hereafter."This is not a Book of History, but aBook of Prophecy. So then, out of the Laodicean Age (the lastage) of the Church, the "Man-Child" is birthed. The "Woman" travails and criesin pain and agony, that the "Child" may be brought to birth andmanifested as the "Sons" (Huios) of God. These are men and women filled withthe highest qualities of virtue, courage, self-denial and strength from God. These are the "Overcomers;" they are "more than conquerors." They haveovercome the world, they have conquered their flesh, and they have triumphedover the powers of darkness.

Believed to be Christ Produced by the Church

It is believed that this is the Church producing Christ. The "Man-Child" is a product of the Woman. The Woman (the Church) was birthedon the Day of Pentecost after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The Woman is in travail to bring forth the "Man-Child." It seems to me that itwould be very difficult for the Church, which did not yet exist until after theResurrection, to produce the Christ. Furthermore, Christ said He was going tobuild His Church. This being true, how could the Church produce the Christthat built her?

Matt. 16: 18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon thisrock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail againstit."

The Revealing of the "Man-Child"

Rev. 12: 5 "…And she brought forth…"

The Definition of the Revealing

To bring forth is to reveal -- to bring to the light -- the making visible of that which was invisible -- a revealing or manifestation ofthat which was birthed

Scripture speaks of "…the Manifestation of the sons ofGod."

Rom. 8: 17--19 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorifiedtogether. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthyto be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnestexpectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."

"Apokalupsis" -- "Manifestation" -- Revealing

"Apokalupto" -- "Revealing" -- Uncover, unveil, reveal

I Pet. 1: 3--5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hopeby the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritanceincorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven foryou, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to berevealed in the last time."

The Nature of the Revealing

Revealed with "Travail" and Great "Pain"

This is not the "travailing" and "pain" ofpersecution. The pains of persecution came upon the "Woman" (the Church) from without . This is "travail" and "pain" from within . This "Odino" --"travailing" and "pain" comes from producing "Huios" -- "Sons." That is, theWoman is bringing forth and birthing sons, who will be caught up to God and toHis Throne, as it was foreshadowed by the translation of Enoch before the Floodcame.

Revealed under Great Persecution

Rev. 12: 4 "…And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to bedelivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

The devil will fight harder against this truththen any other truth that has been revealed, because the"Man-Child" takes the devil's place in heaven.

Rev. 12: 7, 8 "…And the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven."

The place of the devil was not left empty -- his place was not found -- someone had filled the place and that is the reason his place was found no more. The astounding ignorance and preconceived ideas of man are what blinds him from seeing this as the only true explanation concerning the identity of this "Man-Child." The devil knows that this age cannot end until the "Man-Child" shall have been birthed, instructed, tested, and translated, "…untoGod, and to His Throne." Therefore, he has intensified his efforts to blind the eyes and minds of even the most outstanding Bible scholars to the identity of the "Man-Child," and to the important part the "Man-Child" plays inGod's plan in this end-time.

The Time of the Revealing

Before the Tribulation Hour

The "Man-Child" is a group of Overcomers that come out ofthe Church and are translated before the Tribulation hour. They do not "…meetthe Lord in the air,"but are "…caught up (Harpazo) unto God, andto His Throne."John recorded that "…the Dragon (the devil)stood before the woman… to devour her child as soon as it was born."

The conflict is in the heart and mind of the believer. Thedragon is trying to destroy the faith of the believer, which iswhat enables the "Man-Child" to be "caught up" to God.

Therefore, we must understand that the "Man-Child's" faithmust be developed to the degree of translating faith, as Enoch of old. The"Man-Child's" faith will be developed under the terrible persecution of thedevil, which would be Pre-Tribulation persecution. Something has to happen toawaken even the "Man-Child" (the Bride). The Bride says of herself in the S.of S. 5: 2:

"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying, Open to Me, My sister, My love, My dove, My undefiled: for My head isfilled with dew, and My locks with the drops of the night."

Again, it is stated in Rev. 3: 20:

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."

The Church is Still on the Earth

Rev. 12: 6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a placeprepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred andthreescore days." (three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation)

The Church, through persecution, then finds her place and isnourished, fed, and made ready for the Rapture in the middle of the Tribulationhour. This is when the Lord comes in the air for the Church after the marriageof the Lamb.

Lk. 12: 35--38 "Let your loins be girded about (girded with truth), andyour lights burning; (Not only having lamps, but the lamps burning; they haveoil -- a type of the Spirit.) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait fortheir Lord, when He will return from the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Himimmediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shallfind watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make themto sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall comein the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed arethose servants."

The first watch had already taken place. It was in the evening time that Rebecca saw Isaac and joined in marriage, to him. So likewise, the translated saints (the Overcomers) will be joined to the Lord in the first watch, which is in the evening time . The first watch was from 6:00 PM in the evening to 9:00 PM. The second watch was from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight). The third watch was from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. The fourth watch was from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM. He comes for the Church somewhere between the secondand the third watch, explained in the Gospel according to St. Matthew as the "Midnight hour."

Matt. 25: 6 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroomcometh; go ye out to meet Him."

When the Bridegroom comes, He is coming with His Bride toinvite the Church as guests to the Marriage Supper.

Taken from ancient eastern manuscripts:

Matt. 25: 1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who tooktheir lamps and went out to greet the Bridegroom and the Bride."

Matt. 25: 10 "And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and thosewho were ready entered with Him into the banqueting house, and the door waslocked."

This is the Marriage Feast, not the marriage. Most all ofthe other older translations have either "Marriage Feast," "Marriage Banquet,"or "Wedding Feast."

In Rev. 19: 7--9 after the marriage of the Lamb, guests areinvited to the "Marriage Supper."

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linenis the righteousness of saints. (Righteous Acts) And he saith unto me, Write,Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And hesaith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

The Church is invited as guests to the Marriage Supper ofthe Lamb after the wedding of the Bride (the Overcomers).

The first three-and-a-half years of persecution will causethe Church to prepare for the Rapture in the middle of the Tribulation hour. The Bride will make herself ready; the Church has to be driven by persecutionto get ready. The Lord will come secretly in the air to Rapture the Church infulfillment of Paul's prophecy regarding the believer:

I Thes. 4: 16 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with ashout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first:"

"Dead in Christ" -- The Greek has it "Christos" --"Anointed." These "dead in Christ" (anointed) do not include all thosethat died in "Jesus" (I Thes. 4: 14 "Which sleep in Jesus…") havingonly the experience of salvation. These are those that are filled with theSpirit, the Church (the Body of Christ).

I Thes. 4: 17 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught uptogether with them in the clouds…"

"Nephele" -- "Clouds" -- refers to people

Heb. 12: 1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great acloud of witnesses…"

II Pet. 2: 17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried witha tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever."

Acts 1: 9 "And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight."

Eph. 4: 8 "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive…"

Remember, the graves were opened when Christ died andmany arose after His resurrection.

Matt. 27: 50--53 "Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yieldedup the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from thetop to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graveswere opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out ofthe graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appearedunto many."

There is another word in I Thes. 4: 17 that is verysignificant:

"Perileipo" -- "Remain" -- to leave over -- "are left"

Left from what? This can not be the "…dead inChrist…" for they are all caught up together. These are left from thetranslation of the Bride (the Overcomer -- the "Man-Child") which was translatedto heaven before the Tribulation.

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass,and to stand before the Son of man."

"All these things" that He speaks of are the things recorded before this, explaining what will happen in the Tribulation. Remember, the Church today is in a terrible condition.

Rev. 3: 16, 17 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold norhot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. (Vomit) Because thou sayest, I am rich,and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thouart wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"

However, some in the Church will hear His voice (Rev. 3: 20)and will pray that they be found worthy (Lk. 21: 36).

The Nature of The "Man-Child"

Rev. 12: 5 "And she brought forth a man child…"

"Arsen" or "Arron" -- "A Man-Child" -- means male

It has to do with manhood, not gender. Sex is no barrier either to salvation or to the development of the Christian's life.

Manly Characteristics

The idea is that the "Man-Child," either male or female,will have heroic virtues and overcoming strength.

They are Strong -- Not Weak

I Jn. 2: 14 "I have written unto you young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you."

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

I Jn. 5: 4 "…And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

It is said of Enoch, Heb. 11: 5 "By faith Enoch…" It was by faith that he pleased God -- and then by faith he was translated.

They are True -- Not False

The "Man-Child" is fervent and on fire; not lukewarm and sleeping.

I Jn. 2: 3 "Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."

If you love Him you will keep His commandments.

Jn. 14: 21 "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is thatloveth Me…"

They are Pure -- Not Defiled with Mixture

I Tim. 4: 1, 2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the lattertimes some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, anddoctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscienceseared with a hot iron;"

Rev. 3: 1 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These thingssaith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thyworks, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

They are clothed in white raiment, clean and white, which isthe "Righteous acts of saints."

Rev. 3: 5 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in whiteraiment…"

Rev. 3: 18 "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thoumayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that theshame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, thatthou mayest see."

Rev. 4: 4 "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and uponthe seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; andthey had on their heads crowns of gold."

Rev. 19: 8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in finelinen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

Faith Dependant

Rev. 12: 11 "…They… by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of theirtestimony…"

They Overcame by the Blood of the Lamb

They exercised faith in the "Blood." They believedin the "Blood" as a weapon against the adversary of their soul. The "Blood" ofJesus is not something only to be thankful for and admired, but to be used as ameans of overcoming the enemy. We are to use the "Blood" against the works ofdarkness until it is said of us, "They overcame him(the dragon) bythe Blood of the Lamb."

They Overcame by the Word of Their Testimony

"Marturia" -- "Testimony" -- "Witness" -- evidence given --record -- report

"Marturia" -- "testimony" -- almost always rendered "witness" Remember, the Scripture states that they overcame by the "Word of theirtestimony." The whole idea is that they overcame by saying what the"Logos" -- "Word" says.

This is how Jesus overcame the devil. He quoted the Word. The "Man-Child" will also overcome by quoting and living the Word by faith. Asthe Scripture says:

Rom. 1: 17 "…The just shall live by faith."

Heb. 11: 6 "Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is arewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

Remember, it was "by faith Enoch was translated that heshould not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: forbefore his translation he had this testimony , that he pleased God ." He pleased God in his living and in his "testimony."

"Martureo" -- to bear witness -- to confess the truth

The word #39;confess' comes from a Greek word -- "Homologia" --and denotes confession by acknowledgment of the truth.

"Homo" -- "Same" "Lego" -- "To speak" -- to speaksomething

The "Man-Child" overcomes by saying the same thing that Godsays. Confession is affirming something that is believed. It is testifying ofsomething that is known. It is a witnessing of truth that is embraced. God'sWord is the exclusive subject of their testimony. Thus, the Scripture iseasily understood to be saying that they overcame by "saying the same thing"that God says. Overcoming is agreeing with God in testimony and confession(acknowledgement) of the Word.

Overcomers

Rev. 12: 11 "And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb,and by the Word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto thedeath."

They are Overcomers, "They overcame."

I Jn. 2: 13 "…I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one…"

Rev. 2: 26 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations…"

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne…"

The Overcomer, and only the Overcomer, is promised to sitwith Him on His Throne. The "Man-Child" is "caught up to God and to HisThrone." An "overcomer" is one that appropriates by faith, through theWord of Truth, EVERY REDEMPTIVE RIGHT .

Perfection of Obedience

Rev. 12: 11 "…And loved not their lives unto the death"

Obedience Without Questioning

Who is sovereign? We are told in the Scripture, "WhatsoeverHe saith unto you, do it." Christ's authority is absolute and there is nohigher authority than His.

Matt. 28: 18 "…All power (Exousia -- authority) is given unto Me in heavenand in earth."

Christ Jesus is sovereign.

Obedience Without Delay

Jesus said, "Follow Me."Some say like the man inthe Bible, "Suffer me first…"The Scripture is easily understood forJesus to have said, "No" -- "Follow Me, let the dead bury the dead."Todelay is to be disobedient. When Jesus called His disciples "…they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." (Matt. 4: 22)

Obedience Without Reservation

"…Unto the death…" -- Completely surrendered to theLord and to His Word

Psalm 40: 8 "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, the law is within myheart."

Rom. 12: 1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, thatye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which isyour reasonable service."

"These… follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."

Obedience Inspired by the Word

They did not combat the devil in their own strength, butthey "Overcame him by the… Word."

II Cor. 10: 4--6 "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, butmighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled ."

They are obedient to the Word.

Josh. 1: 8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; butthou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy wayprosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Elijah had fire on his altar for only one reason.

I Kings 18: 36 "…I have done all these things at Thy Word ."

Obedience is inspired by the revealed Word. It is not justsaying something, or just quoting the Word. Some say, "Just say it and youhave it." No! It is a Word from God, inspired by the Spirit.

Rom. 10: 17 " Faith cometh by hearing,and hearing by the Word of God."

"Akoe" -- "Hearing" -- denotes the sense of hearing. It isnot praying, not reading, not quoting, not repeating, but "hearing."

"Hearing by the Word"

"Rhema" -- that which is spoken -- a revealed Word from God

Isa. 55: 11 "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but itshall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing wheretoI sent it."

Often times this is misquoted giving the impression that onemust simply speak the Word and it will not return empty, but it shallaccomplish what they want. This is wrong.

Remember, it is "My Word… that goeth forth out of My mouth,"saith the Lord.

Water was turned to wine at His Word.

A miraculous catch of fish was caught at His Word.

The tempest was stilled at His Word.

Five thousand were fed with five loaves and two fish, at HisWord.

Peter walked on the water because of His spoken Word.

Tax money was found in the fish's mouth at His Word.

The fig tree withered at His Word.

Lazarus lived at His Word.

The Lord spoke and it happened.

The "Man-Child" will overcome because the Lord speaks theWord of faith into their heart. Then they, in turn, speak that which Hespoke. They overcame by the spoken Word, which had been revealed to them bythe Lord.

I Characteristicsof the "Man-Child"

A Student of the Word

To confess the Word, you must know the Word! This does not simply mean to know about it, but knowthe Word. "Ginosko" -- "Know" -- by experiential knowledge. It is not a matterof what one thinks or what one supposes the Word to say, but rather what theWord does say.

II Tim. 2: 15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman thatneedeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word ofTruth."

"Orthotomeo" -- "Rightly dividing" -- to cut straight -- todissect correctly

This is having a right understanding so that, in turn, youcan teach the Scripture correctly.

A Believer in the Word

"They overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word oftheir testimony."

To overcome by the blood and the Word, you must believe.

I Jn. 5: 4, 5 "…This is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith. Who is he that overcometh… but he that believeth…"

A Lover of the Word

"And they loved not their lives…"They loved theWord more than their own lives.

Psalm 119: 97 "O how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day."

Gal. 5: 6 says,"Faith which worketh by love…"Aholy object (the Word) calls out for a holy affection (our love).

We should love the Word for it is God's Word.

We should love the Word because it is Right & Perfect.

We should love the Word because of its Author.

The Development of the "Man-Child"

Rev. 12: 2, 4, 5 "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, andpained to be delivered… The dragon stood before the woman which was ready tobe delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she broughtforth a man child…"

There is development, growth and maturity here.

Conceived

"Gaster" -- "With child"

A child has been conceived in her womb and is beginning todevelop.

Developing

"Tekonon" "Child" -- being brought to the birth

"Her child… as it was born…"

This gives prominence to the fact of birth.

Matured

"Huios" -- A "Man-Child" -- Grown up -- matured -- fullydeveloped

Eph. 4: 13 "Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of thefullness of Christ:"

"Teleiuso" -- "Perfect" -- complete -- grow up -- of full age

The Word of Truth (the Seed) has been planted in the heartof the Church by the Holy Spirit. It is not fully grown or developed, but Godis nourishing and developing the "child." He will bring it forth in due time.

Eph. 4: 11, 12 "And He (God) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; andsome, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of thesaints…"

This is a complete furnishing, implying a process leading toa consummation.

Eph. 4: 14 "That we hence forth be no more children, tossed to and fro,and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, (tricks)and cunning craftiness, where by they lie in wait to deceive."

The "Man-Child" will not be babes or immature children, butfully developed sons.

Full grown -- fully developed -- mature -- perfected

There is a type of the "Man-Child" in the Old Testament, achild being developed in the house of God.

II Kings 11: 1--12

Joash was the son of Ahaziah the king. He was but a babe ofabout one year old when his father died. As soon as his father died hisgrandmother, king Ahaziah's mother (a type of the devil), rose up to destroyall the royal seed, as the devil will try to destroy the "Man- Child." However, Joash's aunt, Jehosheba, took him and "hid (him) in thehouse of the LORD (a type of the Church) six years." This is a typeof the Sixth Dispensation -- the Dispensation of Grace. He was hid in the Houseof the Lord with his nurse (type of the Holy Spirit), who nourished him --taught him -- instructed him -- and prepared him for the throne.

When Joash was seven (a type of maturity, or perfection), hewas crowned king and placed on the throne. Like Joash who was raised,nourished, fed and instructed in the House of God, so the "Man-Child" is beingraised, nourished, fed and instructed in the House of God (the Church). Assoon as the "Man-Child" is matured, he will go to the throne.

Rev. 12: 5 "…Her child was caught up unto God, and to His Throne."

There are several Greek words used concerning the birth,growth and maturity of the Saints. We will now consider some of these.

"Gennao" -- to begat -- to be born

Jn. 3: 3 "…Except a man be born again, he cannot see thekingdom of God."

"Anagennao" -- "Ana" -- again "Gennao" -- to be born

I Pet. 1: 23 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, butof incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

"Paidion" -- an infant just born

I Cor. 14: 20 "Brethren, be not children in understanding…"

This word is used metaphorically of believers who aredeficient in spiritual understanding. Jesus used this term in calling Hisdisciples in Jn. 21: 5. It was as if He was calling them "little boys."

"Nepios" -- non-speaking -- "childish" -- infant -- immature --babes

I Cor. 3: 1--3 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as untospiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed youwith milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neitheryet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

I Cor. 13: 11 "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as achild, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childishthings."

"Teknion" -- "Child" -- little children

I Jn. 2: 1 "My little children…"

"Neaniskos" -- "Young man"

I Jn. 2: 14 "…I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong,and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

"Pater" -- "Fathers"

I Jn. 2: 13 "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him…"

"Pater" -- "Father" is one advanced in the knowledge ofChrist.

"Huios" -- "Son"

Rom. 8: 14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons(Huios) of God."

Developing -- Growing up -- Maturing

Gal. 4: 1, 2 "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child,differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutorsand governors until the time appointed of the father."

Gal. 4: 5 "…That we might receive the adoption of sons."

"Huiothesia" -- "Adoption" -- The positioning of sons

God has no adopted children --all must be born of God or theyare not His. Adoption in Scripture does not have to do with taking a childthat is not a member of the family and making them a member, as we understandthe term "adoption" to mean.

"Huiothesia" -- "Adoption" -- has to do with the placing orpositioning of sons that have come to maturity in a position equal with theFather.

Rom. 8: 17 "Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

Gal. 4: 1 "…That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothingfrom a servant, though he be lord of all…"

The Church today is made up of many immature babes andchildren; but the Lord is feeding and developing those that are responding toHis call.

Rev. 3: 20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear Myvoice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and hewith Me."

The Lord will share divine truth with those that areobedient and willing to let Him be Lord of their lives. Notice, the Lord is not calling to the wholeChurch, but to individuals in the Church. "…If any man…" The Churchhas gone to sleep, but while she sleeps God is preparing a Bride ("Man-Child")for His Son. It takes apprehension and application of the revealed truth tomake an "Overcomer." A person has to "overcome" (apply) as much as they know,to have more truth revealed.

Jn. 7: 17 "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine,whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself."

Rev. 2: 17 "…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hiddenmanna…"

In Rev. 3: 20 this is what He is doing; #39;supping' -- sharingDivine Truth.

I Cor. 2: 9, 10 "…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have enteredinto the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loveHim. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spiritsearcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

"Bathos" -- "Deep" -- mystery -- hidden -- secret things of God

The "Man-Child" will be fully developed before he istranslated to the throne.

Rev. 12: 5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nationswith a rod of iron: and her child ("Man-Child") was caught up unto God, and toHis throne."

Rev. 4: 2--4 "And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a thronewas set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look uponlike a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about thethrone, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were fourand twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting,clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."

The only ones who were promised thrones are the Overcomers --The Bride.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that OVERCOMETH will I grant to sit withMe in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

The Reigning of the "Man-Child"

"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…"

The "Man-Child" is an overcoming company of people that will reign over the nations with irresistible power and authority, and will judge even the angels. The rule is specifically indicated that it is to be reigning over the nations.

Dan. 7: 27 "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the MostHigh…"

The Reigning is Promised

Rev. 2: 26, 27 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end,to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as Ireceived of My Father."

The promise of reigning is not to every believer, it is only to those that qualify. There are conditions that are required to be met to qualify to reign. Those that reign will be overcomers; they will overcome asHe overcame. They will also keep His works unto the end. That is, they will be faithful to observe and keep all that He requires.

The Reigning will be Realized

Rev. 5: 10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shallreign on the earth."

Rev. 20: 4 "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment wasgiven unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witnessof Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast,neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or intheir hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

There will come a time when this promise of reigning will bemade a reality. While John was caught away in the Spirit he saw into thefuture and saw thrones and the thrones were occupied by those that were giventhe authority to judge. "…Judgment was given unto them…" (Rev. 20: 4)

Rev. 22: 5 "…And they shall reign for ever and ever."

The War in Heaven

Rev. 12: 7 "And there was war in heaven…"

I understand this text to be describing a real battle ofviolent dimensions that takes place in the heavenly realm. Without question,there is coming a time of "war" that will be the greatest conflict of allages.

Right now, at this present time, every day of our life, weare in a battle. The Apostle Paul says, "For we wrestle… againstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Every time that the Lorddoes something for us, or reveals truth to us, the devil will contend for it. He will attack from every angle and cause you to doubt (if possible) that whichGod is doing. This is especially so in this end - time .

Many are giving up truth in this day because of the battle,the struggle, the conflict, to take the way of least resistance; supposedly theeasy way is the right way. However, I want you to know there is an awfulawakening coming to the Church in the Tribulation Hour. The Church comes tothis awakening after the Bride (the Man-Child; the Overcomer) has been caughtup to God and to His throne, and they have been left behind to go into thefirst three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation.

There have been many battles, but this is war , thelast great conflict, when the devil is cast out of heaven. There was a battlein Eden when the devil deceived Eve and man lost his position with God. Therewas a battle in hell when Christ fought and overcame the hosts of hell. He nowhas "…the keys of hell and of death." This conflict that we are nowcontemplating is not just a battle, but a war. Men, with the help of Michaeland his angels, lay claim to the fullness of redemption, overcome the devil andgain the rights to the throne.

Those that are of a skeptical mind ridicule the idea of aliteral war. They are astonished that reasonable men could believe in such anevent and pass it off as mere fiction. I am personally astonished thatreasonable, thinking men cannot believe the truth as it is recorded in God'sholy, infallible, immutable and eternal Word.

Others believe that this is a mere poetical and exaggeratedaccount of certain moral conflicts in the history of the Church on earth. Again, we must believe the Bible to be the Word of God that is free from errorand exaggeration. Otherwise, if it has even the slightest hint of exaggerationor error, it is not worth the paper upon which it is written.

II Tim. 3: 16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction inrighteousness:"

The meaning of the word "inspiration"means "Godbreathed."

II Pet. 1: 21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

"Phero" -- "Moved" -- not expressing their own thoughts, butexpressing the mind of God

Some believe the dragon to be the Pagan Roman Empire;Michael, the Christian Roman Empire; Heaven, the throne of Roman Emperors; andthe war in heaven, the conflicts between the Pagan and Christian RomanEmperors. You do not have to go too far to prove the falsehood of this theory.

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called thedevil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world:"

There are some that teach we are not to believe this was anactual event, but a sort of a summary of the prolonged battle between good andevil. There are several things that we need to remember in understanding thisgreat event.

First, this is not a record of history. This is a book ofprophecy with events that will take place after the recording of theRevelation. It is a divinely inspired record that John received while he wasin the Spirit on the Lord's Day. "The Lord's Day" has to do withend-time events and the judgment of God. This is not a prolonged battlebetween good and evil. All these events take place in a relatively short periodof time, approximately seven years.

Rev. 22: 18, 19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words ofthe prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shalladd unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shalltake away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away hispart out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the thingswhich are written in this book."

It is best to take heed to this warning. Remember, this isa divinely inspired revelation that states very clearly, "And there was warin heaven." If the Bible states infallibly, "And there was war inheaven," then we have no choice but to believe it as stated. This is aliteral war fought in the heavenly realm between the dragon (satan; the devil)and the "Man-Child" who is supported by Michael and his angels.

Heb. 1: 14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to ministerfor them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

The Cause of this War

The Enthroning of the "Man-Child"

Rev. 12: 5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nationswith a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne."

The "Woman" (the Church) is pictured in the preceding verseas travailing in birth to bring forth a "Man-Child" destined to rule allnations. The dragon stood before the "Woman" who was ready to be delivered,for to devour her child. The birth, in which the Woman labors to bring forththe child, is the birth into immortality by both resurrection and translation. The saints of old that died in faith, not having received the promise but werepersuaded of it, will be resurrected and included with the overcomers in thetranslation. The Scripture clearly states that they, without the overcomingcompany, could not be made perfect.

Heb. 11: 39, 40 "And these all, having obtained a good report throughfaith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us,that they without us should not bemade perfect."

This birth is "…the manifestation of the sons of God"which is referred to in Rom. 8: 19.

The devil is determined to stop the "Man-Child" from goingto the throne. Therefore, there is reason to believe that allthe power and strength of the adversary with his angels arepositioned to prevent the "Man-Child" from going to the throne. With thedominion of death broken, and the reign of satan broken, satan loses his"place" (position).

"…And her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne."

The Devil's Place

What was hisplace?

A Place of Light -- Isa. 14: 12

"…O Lucifer, (O day star) son of the morning…"

A Place of Wisdom -- Eze. 28: 12

"…Full of Wisdom…"

A Place of Beauty -- Eze. 28: 12

"…Perfect in Beauty"

A Place of Perfection -- Eze. 28: 15

"Thou wast perfect in thy ways…"

A Place of Power -- Isa. 14: 16; Heb. 2: 14

"…Made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;"

The devil has "the power of death ." Death is an enemy that shall be destroyed.

I Cor. 15: 26 "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

Lucifer was the highest order of all God's creation,occupying the closest position to God. Though he has defaulted on thisposition, he still occupies this position until someone takes it from him.

Therefore, the "War in Heaven" is over the "Man-Child" goingto the throne to take the position Lucifer had. Rev. 12: 7, 8 says the deviland his angels fought, "…And prevailed not; neither was their place foundany more in heaven." Michael and his angels fought on behalf of the"Man-Child."

Heb. 1: 14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to ministerfor them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Rom. 16: 20 "And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feetshortly…"

The Forces of This War

Michael and His Angels

Michael is believed by some to be Christ. If this was true,why would Jude 9 be stated as it is?

Jude 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil hedisputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railingaccusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."

The Lord Jesus Christ does have His angels, but there isnothing in this fact that proves that an Archangel does not have his angels, aswell. In Dan. 10: 13 Michael is called "…one of the chief princes…"Therefore, there must be others of the same rank.

Michael is referred to by this name in the Holy Scripturefive different times as a proper name, denoting a distinct angel of high rank. According to Jewish teaching, Michael is only one of the seven Archangels; andof the seven he is believed to be chief.

The Dragon and His Angels

Rev. 12: 7 "…And the dragon fought and his angels,"

There stands opposed to God and His people, a greatmalignant kingdom, a vast empire of evil.

Eph. 6: 11, 12 "…The wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against fleshand blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers ofthe darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The devil's angels are those that kept not their firstestate but followed satan in revolt against God.

Jude 6 "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left theirown habitation…"

These that revolted against God have become the devil'sangels that will one day be cast into the fire prepared for the devil and hisangels.

Matt. 25: 41 "…Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"

These angels did not abide in the truth. They of their ownfree--will revolted against the authority and rule of heaven, and became theenemies of God and His Kingdom.

The devil himself is referred to in Scripture as "the princeof this world," "the prince and power of the air," and "the god of thisworld." He is called here in Rev. 12 "the great dragon," "that old serpent,""the devil" and "satan."

The "Man-Child" - The Bride - The Overcomers

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

The War in Heaven is with, and on behalf of, the"Man-Child."

The Overcomers are born again, Holy Ghost baptizedbelievers. Angels do not understand the virtue and redeeming grace of theblood.

I Pet. 1: 12 "…Which things the angels desire to look into."

The "Man-Child" overcomes through the power of the blood and by the Word of their confession. Just as the LordHimself overcame the assaults of the devil by the Word, so the "Man-Child" willovercome by the Word. The defense that the "Man-Child" gives is the "Logos"(the Word), saying the same thing that God says.

God is preparing and training a people for battle, in theselast days. This whole vision revolves around the truth that there is going tobe a war in heaven. The Overcomers which have overcome in this present timewill be the Overcomers that fight and become victorious in this "War."

The Overcomers (the Man-Child; the Bride of Christ) areheaded for the throne. Rev. 3: 21 says they will have to fight with the forcesof darkness that will contend with them in the heavenly realm for this positionon the throne. All those that want to be there (to attain the throne) mustlearn to overcome now so that they will be prepared to "Overcome"in the "War in Heaven." Many in the Church are being overcome in thisLaodicean Age.

Rev. 3: 17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, andhave need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,and poor, and blind, and naked:"

Rev. 3: 20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, andwill sup with him, and he with Me."

It is no longer the message to the whole Church, but toindividuals in the Church that will hear His voice, respond to His call, andopen the door.

The whole Church will not respond; therefore, they will notbe found worthy to escape all these things (the Tribulation Hour).

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accountedworthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand beforethe Son of man."

The whole Church will not be numbered with the "Overcomer,"nor will they attain to the rights of the throne.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in Mythrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

Jesus said:

Matt. 24: 12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shallwax cold."

Today, the Church as a whole has, like Adam, gone to sleep. While Adam slept, God performed an operation and took out a rib. From this ribthat was taken out of the body of Adam, God made a bride. God is performing anoperation on the Church while she sleeps and is taking, as it were, a rib andmaking a "Bride" for His Son.

III. TheNature of This War

Spiritual and Not Physical

All the forces on both sides engaged in this "war" arespiritual. Even the "Man-Child" must be changed and dominated by the "Spirit,"not by the "Flesh."

I Cor. 15: 50, 51 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannotinherit the kingdom of God…we shall all be changed,"

I Cor. 15: 54 "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to passthe saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

The nature of the "war" is revealed in the weapons used togain the victory. "…They overcame him (the devil) by the blood ofthe Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony…"

There is No Loss of Life

This is a Spiritual "War"

This war is fought in the realm of the Spirit.

Eph. 6: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld, against spiritual wickedness in high places ."

There is no bloodshed -- no killing -- no loss of life.

This is a War of Words

The nature of the "war" is seen in the dragon using words ofaccusation against the Overcomer.

Rev. 12: 10 "…Which accused them before our God day and night."

He is the accuser of the brethren. He hurls accusations atthem before God using insults and lies. The substance of these accusationsare: "They are not fit, they are not worthy, they have broken Your laws, theyhave sinned against You."

"Kategoros" -- "Accuser" -- to speak against in a tribunal --to use words of accusation

Rom. 8: 33, 34 "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? Itis God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yearather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who alsomaketh intercession for us."

The Overcomer, by the use of words, overcomes. "…Theyovercame him (the dragon) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of theirtestimony;"

There is Loss of "Place" or Position

The devil loses his place, or position, by being defeated bythe "Man-Child," with the support of the angels.

II Cor. 10: 4 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mightythrough God to the pulling down of strong holds;"

Rev. 12: 8 "…Neither was their place found any more in heaven."

It is a War of Faith and Knowledge

Rev. 12: 11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by theWord of their testimony;"

It is the "War" of believing saints who are supportedby angels against a malignant and hellish intellect inflamed with diabolicalhatred and rage. This is the same as the conflict of Christ with the devil inthe wilderness, where the devil attacked His faith and His understanding. "Ifthou be the Son of God."Christ never questioned the fact that He was theSon of God. The Overcomer (the Man-Child) must have knowledge of the truthand exercise faith in the truth without wavering, to defeat thedevil.

The Outcome of This "War"

The Dragon is Defeated

With all his wisdom and power, and all the fury of hishosts, he ends in defeat.

Rev. 12: 7, 8 "…The dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not;"

Rev. 12: 9 "…The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called thedevil…"

The dragon and all his hosts are no match for the"Overcomer."

I Jn. 4: 4 "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."

In the past the devil has been very successful in deceivingand leading both angels and man astray. However, in this "War"he meets his own rejection and defeat. Every evil charge, which he hurls at"the Man-Child," is overcome. Every accusation is defeated and discovered tobe lies, and to be false. It is impossible for the devil to find a flaw orweakness in God's covenant of eternal life to every true believer.

The Dragon Loses His "Place"

Rev. 12: 8 "…Neither was their place found any more in heaven."

Isaiah the prophet saw in vision the devil's defeat.

Isa. 14: 12 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of themorning! how art thou cut down to the ground…"

Lk. 10: 18 "I beheld satan as lightning fall from heaven."

Their "place" was not left empty -- their "place" was foundno more. Someone had taken that position and that someone is the "Man-Child"(the Overcomer; the Bride of Christ). The devil and his angels not only failin preventing the "Man-Child" from reaching the throne, but they lose theirplace and power.

The Dragon is Cast Out

Rev. 12: 9, 10 "And the great dragon was cast out… And I heard a loudvoice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom ofour God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is castdown, which accused them before our God day and night."

There is rejoicing in heaven over this glorious event, butit is "…woe to the inhabiters of the earth…"

Rev. 12: 12 "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woeto the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down untoyou, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

The record states that the devil and his angels are "…castout into the earth." The devil's place will now be limited "to theearth and the sea." The devil will be allowed freedom on the earth for seven years and it will be "…woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of thesea…"

The "Man-Child" is Enthroned

The Woman (the Church) "…brought forth a Man-Child, who wasto rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God,and to His throne." The "Man-Child" sits on the throne reigning and rulingwith Christ.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in Mythrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

The Kingdom of God has its chief revelation in the dethroning of the dragon and the enthronement of the Overcomer (the "Man-Child").

The Woman in the Wilderness

Rev. 12: 6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a placeprepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred andthreescore days…"

Rev. 12: 13--16 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth,he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the womanwere given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness,into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time,from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as aflood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of theflood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, andswallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."

The dragon being banished from heaven by the Man-Child, withthe aid and assistance of Michael and his angels, now turns his wrath and venomon the Woman.

Rev. 12: 12, 13 "…Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! forthe devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that hehath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto theearth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child."

We have already established the identity of the Woman in thechapter dealing with the "Sun-Clothed Woman" and her giving birth to the"Man-Child," which was the cause of the devil's expulsion from heaven. TheWoman (the mother of the "Man-Child") is the Church that is left here on earthwhen the "Man-Child" (the Bride of Christ; the Overcomer) is caught up to Godand to His Throne. The reason the Woman (the Church) is left is because shedid not make herself ready.

Rev. 19: 7, 8 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for themarriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean andwhite: for the fine linen is the righteousness (righteous acts) of saints."(Acquired righteousness)

The Church did not watch and pray, as she was admonished byher Lord.

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accountedworthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand beforethe Son of man."

"Agrupneo" -- "Watch" -- sleepless -- keep awake

Matt. 25: 5 "While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."

I Thes. 5: 6 "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watchand be sober."

Those that slumbered and slept were all virgins, five ofwhich had oil (a type of the Holy Spirit). These five virgins with oil hadgone to sleep, representing the Church that will go out to meet the Bridegroom,when He comes with His Bride. They will be guests at the Wedding Feast.

Matt. 25: 10 "And those who were prepared went in with Himto the marriage feast:" (Amplified N.T.)

Lk. 12: 35--38 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;(to have lights burning you must have oil, and the admonition is to gird up. That is, they had truth but they were slack. He admonishes them to gird up the loins. Eph. 6: 14 "…Girt about with truth…") And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord , when He will return (not come for the wedding, but return ) from the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. (The WeddingFeast) And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,and find them so, blessed are those servants." (The Church)

The First Watch has already taken place. The Bride ofChrist has made herself ready and she was taken in the First Watch. Jesus usedthe words, "…If He shall come in the second watch, or come in the thirdwatch…" which point to the Midnight hour.

Matt. 25: 6 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroomcometh;"

At midnight -- in the middle of the Tribulation -- He willcome back for the Church. The Church is not ready for rapture; she isLaodicean. It will take the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation toawaken the Church and get her ready to meet the Lord when He returns from theWedding.

In Rev. 19: after the Bride has made herself ready and has become the Lamb's wife, the Scripture says in vs. 9, "…Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of theLamb…"The Church is not the Bride as she was not "…found worthy." In fact, Jesus said:

Rev. 3: 16, 17 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold norhot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, andincreased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou artwretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"

Again, it will take the first three-and-a-half years ofTribulation and persecution to bring the Church to the place where she will beready to meet her Lord in the air.

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with ashout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caughtup together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shallwe ever be with the Lord."

The Church will be called to the Marriage Supper of theLamb. This is not the Wedding , but to the Marriage Supper .

The Wilderness

Rev. 12: 6 "And the womanfled into the wilderness…"

A Condition of Desolation

"Eremos" -- "Wilderness" -- desolate -- deserted -- lonely

"Eremos" is an adjective describing a condition rather thanindicating a place.

"Pheugo" -- "Fled" --to run away -- as a fugitive -- escaped

The Woman runs away from the attacks of the dragon. Thereis only one place to run for safety, and that is to the Cross of the Lord JesusChrist, where the blood protects from all the attacks of the dragon.

Jesus said:

Matt. 24: 8, 9 "All these are the beginning of sorrows (Tribulation). Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and yeshall be hated of all nations for My name's sake."

In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus said:

Lk. 21: 12 "But before allthese, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, deliveringyou up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings andrulers for My name's sake."

A Time of Refining

The Church is going to be refined and made ready throughpersecution. She will be driven back to a separated life; separated from theworld and all its worldly attractions.

II Cor. 6: 17, 18 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, Andwill be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith theLord Almighty."

I Jn. 2: 15--17 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

A Place Prepared

Rev. 12: 6 "…Where she hath a place prepared of God…"

"Topos" -- "Place" -- a place which a person or thing occupies-- metaphorically, of condition -- occasion -- opportunity -- position

It will take the persecution to drive the Church back to the place where she belongs. The Scripture says, "…A place prepared of God…"

"Hetoimazo" -- "Prepared" -- it has the meaning of make ready

God is bringing the Church into a real experience, not oneof having just a form.

II Tim. 3: 5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:from such turn away."

God has a place that has been prepared from the foundationof the World. Christ was as a "…Lamb slain from the foundation of theworld."

A Place of Discipline

The Church refused to be disciplined; but now she will learndiscipline. She will learn to deny self , take up her cross and followHim. The Church will learn through discipline to surrender its own will, andto follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Sheep that refused to follow had one oftheir legs broken, so it learned to follow the Shepherd. Likewise, the Churchwill have its leg broken, as it were, through persecution to learn to follow.

A Place of Learning

The Church will learn to take the Lord's yoke upon them, andlearn of Him. They will learn the Word in a way that they had never known, orever even felt the need to know. They will learn to know His Willin a way that they had never before seen necessary. They will learn His Wayswithout rebelling and become willing to obey. They will learn His Commands,that they had never before desired to know. They will learn His Judgmentsin a way that they do not have a right to decide to receive or reject, but mustaccept them as His decision and not theirs. His slightest wish will becometheir supreme command.

A Place of Testing

No one will ever make heaven without being tested. Petersaid:

I Pet. 1: 7 "…The trial of your faith, being much more precious than ofgold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praiseand honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

Again Peter said:

I Pet. 4: 12, 13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trialwhich is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Butrejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when Hisglory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

Paul said:

Rom. 8: 17 "…If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be alsoglorified together."

II Tim. 2: 12 "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him,He also will deny us:"

Heb. 12: 6--8 "For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth everyson whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as withsons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be withoutchastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye (illegitimate), and notsons."

Heb. 12: 8 Amplified N.T. "Now if you are exempt fromcorrection and left without discipline in which all (of God's children)share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not the true sons (at all)."

Because the Church refused to be tested and tried beforeTribulation, in the hour of persecution they will be tested and learn to knowthe value of testing during the first three-and-a-half years of theTribulation.

Psalm 110: 3 "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power…"

Isa. 26: 9 "…For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants ofthe world will learn righteousness."

What the Church could have learned through the preaching ofthe Word before Tribulation, they will learn through persecution. They refusedto listen to the preached Word, but they will listen through persecution. TheChurch today is in the state that Paul wrote about, to young Timothy:

II Tim. 4: 3, 4 "For the time will come (and the time has come) when theywill not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap tothemselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their earsfrom the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

"Muthos" -- "Fables" --myth -- fiction -- a falsification offacts

The Church today does not want the truth. Their mindset is,"Tell us stories, myths -- fictions -- that which is false, but do not tell usthe truth." However, the time will come after the Bride (the Overcomer) hasbeen translated, and persecution comes that the Church will long and cry outfor the purity of the Word. When the Church cries out for the Word and a rightrelationship with God, God will hear and do as Peter said:

I Pet. 5: 10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto Hiseternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make youperfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

The Church will be revived and prepared for Rapture in themiddle of the Tribulation hour. This will be the fulfilling of Joel'sprophecy, both to the nation of Israel (the Jews), and to the Church.

Joel 2: 28, 29 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour outMy spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daughters shallprophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour outMy spirit."

This is not the earnest of the Spirit, but rather thefullness of the Spirit. It does not say "…I will pour out of…"as stated in Acts 2: 17 but "…I will pour out My Spirit." There is a difference in "pouring out of" and "pouringout."

When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He tested them beforeHe brought them into the Promised Land.

Duet. 8: 2, 3 "…Thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God ledthee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, toknow what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, orno. And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna,which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make theeknow that man doth not live by bread only, but by every Word that proceedeth outof the mouth of the LORD doth man live."

The Church has to learn this lesson, as well as Israel, before they pass into the Promise Land; that "man (shall) not live bybread only, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord…" The Church must be put to the test and be proven that she will serve and loveher Lord with all her heart, and all her soul, and all her mind.

Rev. 3: 10 "…The hour of temptation (trial -- testing -- putting to proof --scrutinize -- discipline -- examine), which shall come upon all the world, to trythem that dwell upon the earth."

A Place of Persecution

Rev. 12: 13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, hepersecuted the woman which brought forth the man child."

Rev. 12: 12 "…Having great wrath…"

"Thumos" -- "Wrath" -- hot anger -- passion -- as if breathinghard -- fierceness -- indignation -- an agitated condition of the feelings -- anoutburst of wrath

The dragon takes out his wrath on the Woman (the Church)because of the position that he has lost. The "Man-Child" has taken thedragon's place since the dragon has been cast out unto the earth, therefore hepersecutes the Woman. The reason he attacks the Woman is because she broughtforth the "Man-Child" that resulted in his being cast out.

Another reason, which the Scripture makes very plain, isthat the dragon rages "…because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Rev. 12: 12) This is a period of three-and-a-half years before the Woman isprepared and made ready for rapture. The dragon will do all that he can tokeep the Church from pleasing God; but the more he attacks and persecutes, themore the Church is refined, purified and driven to God.

A Place of Provision

Rev. 12: 14 "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, thatshe might fly into the wilderness, into her place,where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face ofthe serpent."

Special and Direct Help of God

"…Given two wings of a great eagle…"

Ex. 19: 4 "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare youon eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself."

The Church will be endowed with soaring power as she callsand waits on God in an intimate relationship with Him.

Isa. 40: 31 "…They that wait ("qavah" -- to bind together -- by twisting)upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings aseagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

God's desire for the Church, in the first place, was to beseated in heavenly places.

Eph. 2: 6 "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together inheavenly places in Christ Jesus:"

The Woman Finds Her Place

"…That she might fly into the wilderness, into her place…"

It is here in the wilderness (desolate -- deserted -- lonely)that she finds her place.

The Church has been out of her place for a long time. Jesus said:

Rev. 3: 14--18 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning ofthe creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: Iwould thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neithercold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I amrich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not thatthou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counselthee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire (the Church refuses to buy now, butthe Church will buy and pay a great price in the Tribulation Hour), that thoumayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that theshame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, thatthou mayest see."

A Place of Nourishing

Rev. 12: 14 "…Where she (the Church) is nourished…"

A Supernatural Feeding

"Trepho" -- "Nourished" -- to make to grow -- feed -- bring up --to bring to maturity

The idea is that of a supernatural feeding. Israel hadmanna supplied miraculously to them in the wilderness to get them ready toenter into Canaan. Most commentators and expositors depict this as a naturalplace where the Woman flees from the attacks of the dragon, and God simplygives her physical food, as He did Israel in the wilderness. This is so farfrom the truth of what is being related through the Apostle John to the Church.

Remember, this is a vision of a "Woman" in Heaven (in thespiritual realm). Understanding this as nothing more than a natural occurrenceis to do injustice to the context and purpose of the vision.

Things happen to Israel as the Apostle Paul writes:

I Cor. 10: 11 "Now all these things happened unto them (Israel) forensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of theworld are come."

God gave Israel physical manna, but He is going to give theChurch spiritual manna (Divine Revelation).

Rev. 3: 20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear Myvoice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and hewith Me."

Rev. 2: 17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith untothe churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna…"

"Krupto" -- "Hidden" -- to cover -- to conceal -- keep secret

God has manna that the natural "…eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hathprepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by HisSpirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (ICor. 2: 9, 10)

"Bathos" -- "Deep" -- hidden -- secrets -- mysteries -- of God

God will reveal these truths to His people when they get hungry for them. They will be hungry in the wilderness (in the desolate --deserted -- lonely place). They will come to the realization that they needGod, then God will feed them "Manna from Heaven." Jesus said:

Jn. 6: 32 "…Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Fathergiveth you the true bread from heaven."

Israel was physically going from Egypt to Canaan land, so they needed physical food. The Church is going from earth to heaven, so theyneed spiritual food (manna from heaven) to grow to maturity. God requires thatthey "…be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with everywind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby theylie in wait to deceive;" (Eph. 4: 14)

Remember, this is in the "wilderness" that the "Woman" (theChurch) finds her " place ."

"Topos" -- "Place" -- position -- condition -- opportunity

She could have found this place before, but was so occupied with the cares of this life that she had little time for the life to come. She(the Church) went to sleep spiritually and now is in a desperate condition, inneed of God and His Truth. God will feed the hungry soul with "Manna from Heaven" (Divine Revelation). Jesus said:

Jn. 8: 32 "…Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall makeyou free."

"Eleutheroo" -- "Make free" -- to make free -- is used inregard to deliverance from sin

This is in the context of Jn. 8: 31, "…If ye continue inMy Word, then are ye My disciples indeed;(now vs. 32) And ye shall knowthe truth, and the truth shall make you free." It is a process ofunderstanding the truth and then applying the truth. In this process ofknowing and applying, there is freedom from sin, from bondage and from thecarnal.

The word "Know" comes from a Greek word "Ginosko," and hasin it the idea of experiential knowledge. This also has the idea of inceptionor progress in knowledge. Putting the two together you have a progress inknowledge that produces a progression experientially.

This verse is so often misquoted as, "…ye shall know the truth and the truth shall(set) you free." It does not say it will setyou free, it says it will " make you free." The freedom is dependent on the knowledge of the truth and the application of that truth. It is a process just as much as everything else in the spiritual realm is. We first are born into the kingdom of God as babes:

I Pet. 2: 2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that yemay grow thereby:"

God wants His people to grow up, mature and not remain "babes." Paul, writing to the Corinthians:

I Cor. 3: 1--3 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as untospiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed youwith milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neitheryet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Writing to the Ephesians Paul said:

Eph. 4: 14, 15 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,and carried about with every wind of doctrine… Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

"Nepios" -- "Children" -- immature -- infant -- none speaking --simple minded -- childish

Paul in Heb. 5: is rebuking the believers for their statusas babes because they were not growing or maturing:

Heb. 5: 12--14 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have needthat one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God;and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat ("Stereoo" -- solid; "Trophe" -- food -- nourishment)belongeth to them that are of full age (mature), even those whoby reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

"Aistheterion" -- "Senses" -- the faculty of perception -- thecapacities for spiritual apprehension

The Amplified N.T. says, "Solid food is for full-grown men,for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice todiscriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what isevil and contrary."

Eph. 4: 13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of theknowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of thestature of the fulness of Christ:"

The Amplified N.T. speaking of the Church, "(That it mightdevelop) until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension ofthe full and accurate knowledge of the Son of God; that (we might arrive) atreally mature manhood -- the completeness of personality which is nothing lessthan the standard height of Christ's own perfection -- themeasure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ, and the completenessfound in Him."

Paul said:

Heb. 6: 1 "…Let us go on unto perfection…" Maturity -- full growth -- fullage

The Church will be nourished and fed in the wilderness until she becomes mature. Then, and only then, will she be ready for Rapture. Thefive wise virgins were wakened by the midnight call and "…arose, and trimmed("kosmeo" -- put in proper order -- arrange -- adorn -- garnish) theirlamps."

The Time of the Churches Nourishing

Rev. 12: 6 "…They should feed her there a thousand two hundred andthreescore days."

Rev. 12: 14 "…She is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time…"

The Church is nourished and brought to the place of maturity during these three-and-a-half years of persecution, the first half of theTribulation Hour. Remember, it is during this time of persecution that theChurch is aroused, awakened and prepared for Rapture, in the middle of theTribulation Hour.

Matt. 25: 6 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroomcometh; go ye out to meet Him."

The Church has been left to go into Tribulation because she was not "…watching and praying…" nor "…found worthy to escape." This is much like Israel as a nation who could have escaped the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, but did not because of unbelief and rebellion. Likewise, the Church could have escaped the first three-and-a-half years ofGreat Persecution, but because of unbelief and rebellion, they will go intothat time of persecution to be purified and made ready for the Marriage Supperof the Lamb.

The first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation Hour arenot, as many have said, the releasing of God's judgment and wrath, which isreserved for the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation. The first three-and-a-half years are a time of Great Persecution to the Church to cause her to repent and prepare herself for the Marriage Supper.

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with ashout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain ("Perileipo" --to leave over -- or left) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

These are not left from the dead; these are left from the translation of the Bride. Both those that were dead and those that were aliveare caught up together. The Bride is returning with the Lord to Rapture theChurch in the middle of the Tribulation and to invite the Church to theMarriage Supper of the Lamb.

Rev. 19: 9 "…Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper ofthe Lamb…."

Jesus warned concerning the persecution that was to come to the Church.

Matt. 10: 17 "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to thecouncils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;"

Matt. 24: 9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shallkill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake."

Notice in what context this is said, verse 8 says, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."

"Odin" -- "Pain" -- sorrow -- Tribulation -- persecution

Lk. 21: 12 "But before all these, they shall lay their handson you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and intoprisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake."

The question, "Before what" must be answered to understandwhat is being said. Before the judgment of God there is going to bepersecution.

Lk. 21: 11 "…Great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, andpestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."

This is speaking of the last three-and-a-half years of theTribulation when the judgments of God and the wrath of God are poured out withoutmixture. This is the time when the Seals, the Trumpets, the Vials and theThunders of God's judgments are released on the earth. Again, contrary to theminds of most, these judgments are not released until the last three-and-a-halfyears, which is the Great Tribulation.

But before this, as Jesus said:

Lk. 21: 12 "…They shall lay their hands on you, and persecuteyou…"

Great Persecution is the first three-and-a-half yearsof the Tribulation.

II Tim. 3: 12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shallsuffer persecution."

Jesus Himself suffered persecution.

Jn. 15: 20 "Remember the Word that I said unto you, The servant is notgreater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecuteyou…"

The Bride will have suffered.

Rom. 8: 17 "…If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be alsoglorified together."

II Tim. 2: 12 "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him,He also will deny us:"

So then, the Church will suffer and suffer greatly under thepersecution that will come upon her, because she did not keep His Word.

What the preaching of the Word does not do in this hour,persecution will do in the time of Tribulation. Jesus said:

Matt. 24: 22 "And except those days should be shortened, there should noflesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."

Those days shall be shortened for the sake of the Church that has applied the truth under persecution and made preparation to receiveHim when He comes in the clouds. This is not seven years, but only three-and-a-half years. It will be a time of unparalleled anguish and persecution. Would to God that the Church would have heard His voice as He knocked, and responded and been counted worthy to escape "… all these things."

"From the Face of the Serpent"

"Prosopon" -- "Face" -- as being towards -- presence

The Scripture can clearly be understood to be saying, "From the presence of the serpent." They are now being led from the darkness oferror and false doctrine.

Many today are being deceived and giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. They are being seduced by demons (in the presence of demons), and are being deceived by these evil spirits. As Paul said:

I Tim. 4: 1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, anddoctrines of devils;"

"Planos" is an adjective signifying wandering, leading astray, or seducing. It denotes an imposter, deceiver, or corrupter.

The Church has been deceived and rocked to sleep in the arms of the devil and the world, much like Samson was rocked to sleep in the arms ofDelilah where he lost the touch of God on his life. Likewise, the touch of God and the Spirit of God has been lost from the life of the Church. As Samson regained his strength while he suffered, the Church will also regain its strength under persecution in the Tribulation. In the Tribulation Hour theChurch will turn from the "face" (the presence) of the serpent and all his lies and deceptions.

The Dragon Attacks the "Woman"

Rev. 12: 15, 16 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. Andthe earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."

The Nature of the Attack

A Flood of Deception

"…The serpent cast out of his mouth water…"

The devil will seek to destroy the Church through deception.

Water is a Symbol of the Word

This is a Spiritual Vision; the water is words of deception. This water is not God's Word but it is the devil's lies. This is a violent attack upon the "Woman" with lies, deceit and terrible accusations.

II Thes. 2: 10 "…With all deceivableness of unrighteousness…"

Jesus warned that in the last days before He comes again,there would be deception.

Matt. 24: 5 "For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

Matt. 24: 11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

Matt. 24: 24 "For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, theyshall deceive the very elect."

Eph. 4: 14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

Doctrines of Devils

I Tim. 4: 1, 2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith , giving heedto seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"

Heb. 13: 9 " Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines …"

Rev. 16: 13, 14 "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out ofthe mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of themouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, togather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."

The Source of the Flood

Rev. 12: 15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood."

The Serpent

Rev. 12: 9 "And the great dragon… that old serpent, called the devil…"

The Deceiver

Rev. 12: 9 "…Which deceiveth the whole world…"

The Accuser

Rev. 12: 10 "…The accuser of our brethren…"

The Adversary

I Pet. 5: 8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

The Purpose of the Attack

To Destroy the Woman

Rev. 12: 15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood ."

Many will be Carried Away

II Tim. 3: 13 "…Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,deceiving, and being deceived."

Rev. 17: 6 "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration."

"Thauma" -- "Admiration" -- wonder -- marvel -- to gaze in wonder

The Apostle John was astonished at the vision of the harlot church.

The "Woman" will Escape

Rev. 12: 16 "And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."

Remember, this is a Spiritual Vision, the waters are wordsof deception .

"…The earth… swallowed up the flood…"

Man was made from the earth and God used man (the earth) tohelp the "Woman."

Jn. 3: 31 "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is ofthe earth is earthly…"

Most consider this to be the physical earth opening up and swallowing up a physical flood. This is simply not the truth. This is a spiritual happening in which God has put in the hearts of man to fulfill His will and help the "Woman." (Rev. 17: 16)

The devil uses people to spread his lies and deceptions. Who are these people? They are the false prophets, the false christs (the harlot church). God puts the desire into the hearts of people, which once supported the devil, to turn against his lies, deceptions and evil devices, and to help the "Woman."

Job 6: 3 "…Therefore my words are swallowed up."

The Results of the Attack

On the Enemies Part

It was a failure. Instead of the evil plans of the devil succeeding, they were divinely thwarted by an interruption of God.

Rev. 12: 16 "And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth."

The earth in Scripture frequently signifies "the wicked." Now remember, this is a vision in the Spirit seen in the heavenly realm. Sothen, this is not a natural or physical happening but a spiritual event.

The flood, being the devil's deceptions and delusions, and "…the earth opening her mouth…" indicate that in some supernatural way, God will cause the world to protect the Church in that hour.

On God's Part

It will be a great success. The Church will have been refined and made ready for rapture. The Church will have, like the "Five WiseVirgins," awakened out of sleep through the persecution and "trimmed their lamps." The Church will go out in the middle of the Tribulation to meet the Bride and Bridegroom when they return from the wedding in the MidnightHour. (Lk. 12: 36) At this time the Church will be invited to the MarriageSupper of the Lamb.

Lk. 12: 37, 38 "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, andmake them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so,blessed are those servants."

Matt. 25: 10 "And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage (supper): and the door wasshut."

This is the #39;Marriage Supper.' The Interlinear says "the wedding feast." The Amplified N.T. says "the marriage feast." The JamesMoffatt translation renders it "marriage banquet." The Greek Diaglott says"nuptial-feasts."

Rev. 19: 9 "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

After the wedding has taken place, the Church is invited to attend the "Marriage Supper." The Lord will return after the wedding andRapture the Church. This will be the fulfillment of the "Five Virgins" being invited to the wedding feast.

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shallwe ever be with the Lord."

The Persecution will have accomplished its work; the Church will be refined and made ready for Rapture.

The Seed of the Woman

Rev. 12: 17 "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."

Completely defeated in his attempt to destroy the Woman, the wrath and rage of the dragon was not satisfied, but now burned more fiercely. Compelled to cease from his attempt to destroy the Woman because she has been raptured away out of his reach, the dragon now turns to make war with the remnant of her seed.

The Remnant of Her Seed

Defeated beyond remedy in his attack on the Church (theWoman) the dragon changes his focus and enters into a war with the converts of the Church, "…the remnant of her seed."

"The remnant of her seed"means the children of the"Woman." This "remnant" is the born again believers (the family ofGod). The "remnant"is that which remains -- that which is left out of the whole -- that which is left from the Rapture of the Church.

Some believe "the remnant" to be two classes of people -- the Jews and the Gentiles. Remember, the Jews are not the seed of theWoman. In fact, they are very much opposed to the Church and to the NewTestament teaching that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, and that He is their Jewish Messiah.

The Remnant Identified

The "…remnant of her seed…" are the true believers inChrist who are left after the Rapture of the Church. These held fast theconfession of their faith in Christ Jesus and are a separated people from the prevailing abomination of that time. Notice, now there is a definite distinction between the masses who confess Christ and those who "…keep the commandments of God."(Rev. 12: 17)

Matt. 7: 21--23 "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied inThy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."

The Remnant Defined

The "…remnant of her seed…"is the saved; it is not the Church (the Woman). The baptism of the Spirit is required to be in theChurch (His Body). The remnant had not been baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (His Church; the Woman).

I Cor. 12: 13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been allmade to drink into one Spirit."

Paul makes it very plain in Eph. 1: 22, 23 that the Church is His body.

"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head overall things to the Church, Which is His body, the fulness of Him that fillethall in all."

Either these were never baptized or they had allowed their experience to go dry. Like the five foolish virgins, they were virgins ,but they had allowed the oil to go dry.

Matt. 25: 7--10 "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out . But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lestthere be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buyfor yourselves. And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they thatwere ready went in with Him to the marriage ( feast):and the door was shut."

The War Against Her Seed

Rev. 12: 17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make warwith the remnant of her seed…"

Defeated in his attack on the "Man-Child" (the Overcomers),and then defeated in his attack on the "Woman" (the Church), the dragon changeshis focus and enters into a deadly war with the converts of the "Woman," "her seed."

The Means the Dragon Uses in This War

The Anti-christ

The anti-christ will be the head of the one world government.

Rev. 13: 7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…"

The False Religion

The false religion is the system, which is practiced by the false prophet, bringing all the denominations of the world into one church. This one-world church will be government-controlled and government sponsored and headed up by the false prophet, who causes all to worship the "beast."

Rev. 13: 11--15 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast,which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."

The Economy

A government-controlled one world monetary system will beintroduced. No one will be able to buy or sell unless they fit into the government-controlled system and receive a mark in their right hand or in theirforehead. There will not be a money exchange system, as we know it. There will be a transfer of credits through the computers, and without the mark youwill not be able to transact business. This will force many to receive the mark.

Rev. 13: 16, 17 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor,free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Rev. 16: 2 "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth;and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark ofthe beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."

Rev. 19: 20 "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received themark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."

The Effects of the War

Great Tribulation

"Megas Thlipsis" -- "Great Tribulation" -- exceeding great affliction -- to suffer affliction -- primarily means a pressuring

The Great Tribulation indicates a definite period of time,which was spoken of by the Lord, which precedes His Second Advent. The Second Advent is the "Epiphany," the revelation of Christ coming back to take over the kingdoms of this world. This is not the secret coming in the air where Heraptures the Church.

Matt. 24: 29, 30 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shallthe sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shallfall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all thetribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in theclouds of heaven with power and great glory."

The believers will be greatly persecuted.

Matt. 24: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

Rev. 2: 22 "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into Great Tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."

Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, totry them that dwell upon the earth."

Saints Overcome

Rev. 13: 7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and too vercome them…"

The "Man-Child" (the Overcomers) overcame the dragon.

Rev. 12: 11 "…They overcame him…"

"The Woman" (the Church) escaped the dragon's attacks by a great miracle. However, these saints that were left behind during the lastthree-and-a-half years of the Tribulation are attacked and overcome by the dragon's murderous assaults. Permission was "given"(Rev. 13: 7) to thedragon and to the false-christ to make war with the saints and to overcome them. These saints are not Jews only, for the Scripture says, "over allkindreds, and tongues, and nations."

Rev. 7: 9 "…Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."

Many Martyrs

Many of the saints that are left behind and go into the"Great Tribulation" will give their lives as martyrs, because they refused to give up their faith in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Matt. 24: 9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake."

Jn. 16: 2 "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh,that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service."

Rev. 6: 9--11 "And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimonywhich they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord,holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on theearth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservantsalso and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."

Rev. 7: 9--14 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood roundabout the Throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before theThrone on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory,and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Rev. 14: 12, 13 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

The Martyrs' Reward

Rev. 7: 15--17 "Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple:and He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

They are Before the Throne of God

They Serve Him… in His Temple

They Dwell with Him that Sits on the Throne

They Shall Hunger No More

They Neither Thirst Any More

They Shall No More be Scorched with the Heat

They Shall be Fed by the Lamb Himself

They Shall be Lead unto Living Fountains of Waters

They Shall Have No More Tears