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by Eugene Lopatynsky
04/27/16
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Who is she? Can you decide? They say this is one of the main keys in understanding the Apocalypse.

Rev 12: 1-6
1 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:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Now what does all that mean? Here is what some think it means:

There appears a WOMAM, representing ISRAEL (12 tribes and a descent from Abraham, a Mother and Father, moon and sun); the woman is bringing forth the SAVIOR of the world, who will in the future rule the devil people with a rod of iron.

The woman is hunted by a dragon – SATAN – who will eventually institute a committee of seven reining rulers over an earth divided into ten separate geographical regions, the TEN KINGS Kingdom Daniel, over hybrids and humans.

The Dragon – SATAN- will try his best to destroy the CHILD of the HOLY SPIRIT, given to Mary, but will not succeed. The savior and redeemer of our World is now sitting at the right hand of Father God, till his time comes to rule the Earth.

At the end – during the 7 years of the Apocalypse, Father God again deals directly with Israel (last remaining “week” – 7 years during – still left from the 490 years, to treat with Israel) the WOMAN (Israel) will be maintained by God Almighty for three and a half years, till Christ comes to establish a Kingdom which will never end.

Now how can we know that the woman is a symbol for Israel?

Back in Genesis, Joseph, son of Jacob, had a dream.

Joseph’s father, Jacob (named Israel), understood the dream very well. He criticized Joseph – “your father and mother and your 11 brothers? We will prostrate ourselves before you?!”

Gen. 37: 9-10

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

Later Israel bowed to Joseph in Egypt. Read the fascinating story in the Bible. The Bible itself explains its symbolism.

Now there are also proposed alternate interpretations for the woman.

One is the Virgin Mary. But Mary will not be sheltered by God for three and a half years during the Apocalypse by Almighty God. Mary does not constitute 12 tribes. Israel does. God treats there with Israel, not a long gone already, raptured church.

In another interpretation the woman is proposed to represent the Church in above passage.

There are those who believe that the CHURCH is no longer upon Earth after the third chapter of Revelations. The whole Bible deals with the Church until the end of the third chapter of Revelation. After this chapter there is NO church to be found. Later we encounter the BRIDE, in due time. There will be 12 000 Jews sealed from each named tribe of Israel, a total of 144 000 of Isaiah type prophets, released unto mankind. That does not sound like anything outside real Israel.

Christ returns to RULE after an exact countdown of seven years. That is neither sudden nor unexpected, like a thief in the night. The unexpected coming of our Savior is only for RAPTURE, to remove His church out of this nightmare of nightmares. The forgiven do not go into judgment. Look at Rev. 3: 10.

To see the evidence for this please look up “ARE THERE GREAT DIFFERENCES IN EVENTS PROPHESIED FOR CHRIST’S APPROACHING RETURN? By :- Eugene Lopatynsky in www.christianarticles.net

Dear reader, if you hold different opinions and interpretations, please accept that that will be quite all right; it’s OK. These final prophecies are far outside our own time frame and our salvation does not depend upon understanding this prophecy at all.

By extreme contrast, the short APPENDIX, following at the end of this article, is INFINITELY more important:

APPENDIX

With infinite love God gave us a Savior, to pay our penalty and a Bible, a guide and light on our path!

The Bible is a love story; written with blood, upon a wooden cross; the story of God’s love for you.

Men are not lost because they are sinners; they are lost because they have rejected Jesus who died for them. Even if you go into a lost eternity and have not accepted Christ, He died for you, and you simply made His sacrifice for you of no avail. You have trodden underfoot the blood of your Savior.

Any CONCEIVABLE sacrifice in this world is worthwhile just to find Jesus and to belong to Him! If you want Him, pray now with me, "DEAREST LORD JESUS, FORGIVE ME MY SINS. COME INTO MY LIFE AND BE THE RULER OF MY LIFE. HELP ME TO LOVE YOU MORE EVERY DAY; I PLEAD TO OBEY YOU WITH ALL MY STRENGTH AND TO READ YOUR BIBLE DAILY, EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE."

If you do this, and mean it, with an open heart, this prayer will never fail. It will become the greatest thing you will ever have, and it will last forever. Even in this life it will be the greatest happiness you’ll know, and a light upon your path. Conversely, to FAIL in this, will be the GREATEST DISASTER you will ever have, both here and hereafter.

After this, clean up your life with the Bible. Check out the guide in “How to read the Bible and clean up your life” in mygodsremnant.info and remnantonly.info. It’s made for you.

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Henry Jaegers

28 Apr 2016

There are various attempt to describe Revelation 12 and everyon thinks that they have found the key to understanding Revelation. An adver advertisemen on a Revelation series entitles the sries "UNLOCKING THE BOOK OF REVELATION". iF THAT IS SO THEM rEVELATION WHICH MEANS "uNCOVERING" presents an oxymoron because why do you need to unlock something that is not locked. G.H. Lang is considered the foremost writer in Biblical prophecy states that the Nation of Israel is not the main subject.
Here is another perspective that eliminates the need for a non- biblical pre-trib rapture. There is just as mucgh evidence that the women is the church and not Israel

CHAPTER TWELVE:
THE WOMAN AND THE DRAGON
As we approach the study of Revelation chapter 12, it is
important that we view it in the context of the sounding of the
seventh trumpet in chapter 11. In that section we focused on the
events relating to the sounding of that trumpet. The seventh
trumpet announced the triumphant Christ and the subjection of all
persons and powers to His authority. As a reminder, the seventh
trumpet covers a long period of time. The hallelujahs in our
previous chapter are only a part of the events surrounding the
seventh trumpet. In this chapter we will discover more.
Chapter 12 presents us with some difficulty because it is
largely symbolical in nature. We are not always given the direct
meanings and purposes of the symbols so it leaves the study open
to interpretation. If it was literal it would be easier. However as in
all symbolic interpretations, we must rely on other Scripture to fully
understand the symbolic meaning.
Most of the events in chapter 12 are future in the
application. There are a few instances in this chapter that require a
little bit of history to understand. It is also important to understand
a difference between prophetical and historical interpretations.
Historical interpretations usually refer to things that have already
taken place. Prophetical events have not yet occurred and clear
understanding comes as fulfillments of these prophecies unravel.
Interpreting prophetical events by history introduces a way of
thinking that closes the door to any new information. We will deal
with that as we go on.
I. THE WOMAN. VS. 1, 2
How is she described?
57
A. Clothed with the sun.
This speaks of the privilege that is hers. Because of her
righteousness and purity of life she is chosen by God for this great
responsibility. Clothed with the sun speaks also of the high regard
that God has for her. The woman is first mentioned in Genesis
3:15 that she would bring forth a son, who, although His heel
should be bruised (at Calvary), He would ultimately be victorious
over the serpent and bruise his head through the means of the
resurrection.
This son is referred to as the seed of the woman. All other
children born are the seed of men, but to this special one is given
this special title. This seed, although it is spoken to Satan as a
prediction of his final defeat, was fulfilled through the Virgin Mary
regarding her Son Jesus. This event was in fulfillment of the
prophecy given in Isaiah 7:14 (Written over 400 years before the
event occurred)."Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
sign: behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
call His name Immanuel"(meaning God with us.)There has only
been one virgin born son in all of history and he is universally
known to be Jesus the Messiah.
This woman is also symbolically known to be the Church.
As we see Satan’s attempts to destroy her we see also
throughout the ages his attacks upon the church and those who
profess to follow Christ. So in verse 1, we see the privilege and
responsibility of this one referred to as "the woman."
B. The moon under her feet,
This speaks of her character. Someone remarked “that
she stands upon the world but lives above it.” This speaks of her
character displayed by the choices she makes in putting God
first. The woman, chosen by God, is special and no-one on earth
has been like her.
C. Twelve stars adorn her crown.
58
The twelve in number are significant for they speak
specifically concerning the coming Messiah. The twelve speak of
the peoples from which He would come, namely the twelve tribes
of the nation of Israel.
He is the seed of Abraham. In Genesis 22:18 God re-affirms
the promise made to Abraham in 12:1-3 17:19. That Abraham
would be the father of a great nation. In 22:18 God says “And in
thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed; because thou
hast obeyed my voice.” This reference pertains to two great events:
1. The promise concerning the nation of Israel.
2. The promise of the Messiah who would emerge from this nation.
A look back in History confirms the truth of these two great facts.
Thus we have the meaning of the twelve stars.
D. Her travail in birth. Vs. 2
This speaks of the travail and suffering associated with
the birth of Christ. It also speaks concerning the events by
Satan, initiated to prevent the bringing forth of this child.
Consider the evil and wickedness instituted during the
time of Noah when it was said "And God saw that the
wickedness of man was great upon the earth and the thoughts
and intents of his heart were only evil continually." Think about
how bad that time must have been. God in his mercy spared
the family of Noah and from his three sons (especially Shem),
came the seed of Abraham promised by God to be a blessing.
Then think of the efforts to destroy the Israelites by
Pharaoh; or yet the disobedience of the Israelites themselves that
threatened internal destruction and annihilation. Then again, at the
birth of Jesus and Herod's attempt to destroy Him .These events
are prime examples of the great attempts by Satan to prevent the
birth of the Messiah.
59
To summarize this first section, the woman is described and the
attempts have been made to keep the birth of Christ from taking
place.
II. THE DRAGON VS. 3, 4
In these verses we see another wonder in heaven.
This wonder relates to another powerful force intent on
destroying the seed of the woman by one means or another.
This second wonder is one that is in opposition to the
purposes of God from taking place. This wonder in heaven is
described as a Red Dragon having seven heads and ten horns,
similar to the beast mentioned in Rev.13:1.The powers he
possessed enabled him to have influence over the stars of Heaven,
casting them to the earth. Satan is crafty, deceitful, and powerful,
but these powers are temporary and allowed to him by God for a
season.
The whole of this chapter is to remind us that although
it appears that Satan has the upper hand in the affairs of men;
He is, in fact, a defeated foe whose end is certain. His
purpose, as we are told in verse.4, is to destroy the child born
to the woman. Although Satan cannot win in his attempt; he
will eventually attack those faithful to Christ.
III. THE FAILED ATTEMPT. VS. 5
In this verse we are told that the woman, despite the
attempts of Satan, brought forth a Son. Not just a Son, but the Son
of God, who in this phrase, shall rule with a Rod of Iron (declaring
the surety with which He shall rule.) This ruling will be in relation to
the sin and rejection of men and relates to His authority to Judge
the nations in righteo
Recall the verse in the previous chapter that gives credence
to this interpretation. Rev 11:15 “The kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall
60
reign forever and ever.” The phrase that He was caught up to God
and of His throne, explains the fact of His ascension to His father.
IV. THE PROTECTION OF THE WOMAN. VS.6
Consider the symbolic meaning:
1. The wilderness to which she fled.
2. The 1260 days (three and one half years.)
3. The woman protected by God during this time.
First the wilderness where the woman fled was a place of
solitary refuge, safe from and unknown by those who would harm
her. A place prepared by God for her safety and sustenance.
Second the time of her refuge would take place for a period
of twelve hundred and sixty days. Note the previous references in
chapter 11. Recall that the 3 1/2 years takes place when the
Gentile nations begin to control the outer court of the temple. This
time refers to the beginning of the seventieth week of Daniel.
During this same period the two witnesses arrive on the scene and
shortly after are slain. After, they are resurrected by God and
immediately caught up to heaven. All this takes place during the
first half of the great tribulation.
Third, as we consider the woman being protected,
who is she? The possible interpretation that sheds further
light on this verse is; she is either the Nation of Israel, or the
church that still exists during that time. Our view is that it is
the church consisting, of both redeemed Israelites and
Christians. We are told in previous chapters of a remnant of
the twelve tribes of Israel who have owned Jesus as their
Messiah and have passed through tribulation: Now we see
the faithful saints of God, together, being protected by God
from the evil forces of Satan.
61
To summarize: God has prepared a place of protection for
the faithful during the first half of the tribulation. Though Satan's
fury will be unleashed, God is still on the throne and actively
engaged in the affairs of His saints. (when we refer to the “saints”
we mean the whole body of believers or all who have trusted
Christ for salvation.)
V. THE REMOVAL OF SATAN FROM HEAVEN.VS.7-
13
As we begin this section it is necessary to point out that this
removal of Satan from heaven is not the same as his first removal
as the anointed cherub before the throne of God. This event is
different. At present Satan is very much active in the heavenly
spheres. In the book of Daniel we see the Angel Michael having to
fight with both the Prince of Persia the Prince of Greece (speaking
of demonic powers). Paul in Ephesians chapter 6 tells us of the
battle we face with principalities and powers in heavenly places.
These still exist. As we talk about Satan's removal we are talking
about him being removed from the present existing powers in the
heavenly places. That is still future.
The verse begins by telling us that there is a war going on
in the heavens between Michael and the Dragon. Included in
these battles are all the fallen angels associated with Satan (or the
Dragon). The result of this battle is Satan has been taken out,
never more to rule in the heavens like he has in the past. This new
domain is in the earth. This casting out of Satan ushers in the
beginning of the period called the great tribulation. Satan becomes
furious and now his attempt is to go after the woman, but because
she is protected by God, the dragon attacks her offspring. What
does all of this mean? We will try to explain.
In verse 11 we have a word of promise and comfort given
by God in light of Satan prevailing attack upon the people of God.
What is the Answer? What assurance is ours?
62
Consider first: "they overcame Him by the blood of the lamb." It is
the blood of the spotless Lamb of God that satisfied the holy
demands of a righteous God. God looks at me through the pure
blood of Christ and writes over my heart "FORGIVEN"
"PARDONED" "CLEANSED"
Second?: "The word of their testimony.” What does that refer to?
Because we are cleansed we now have a reason to give testimony
to the world concerning Christ. Giving testimony has a two-fold
effect:
1. It gives opportunity for others who are not Christians to
experience the wonderful gift of eternal life.
.2. Giving testimony has a purifying effect on our lives. As others
hear us testify it brings to light things that are out of sync in the
way that we are behaving.
Third: "And they loved not their lives unto the death". This verse
demonstrates their loyalty of commitment and proof of their
genuine love to Christ.
Do not be mistaken in thinking that our getting to Heaven is
based upon our ability to die for our faith. No one wants to die, and
no-one wants to experience extreme torture and punishment for
being faithful. True commitment comes with a desire to do what is
right regardless of the consequences. It is my belief that if the time
comes and suffering for the sake of Christ is necessary, God will
give whatever strength is necessary (as He did for the Apostle
Peter and the other Martyrs). God can keep you FROM tribulation,
but He also will keep you IN the hour of tribulation. (Rev 3:11)
VI. SATAN'S LAST ATTEMPT TO CONTROL VS.13-17
This portion of Scripture raises three questions that are
difficult to answer. First, who is the woman? Second how was she
protected? Third, who were her offspring that Satan is attacking?
63
Who is the woman?
We have already established previously that the woman is
the church. What is there about her that would cause God to give
her special protection? There are some who claim that this woman
must be the nation of Israel. However the other events related to
her departure do not correlate with the nation of Israel. Back to the
question why this woman deserves protection. In Mark 14 and
Matthew chapter 24 Jesus tells about the events that will happen
prior to his return. They are warnings given to his followers to
observe, to be vigilant, and if necessary flee to the mountains. This
describes the horror of the time. The view I find most helpful is that
the woman represents those followers of Jesus who persevered
through difficulty, who have lived expectantly, and like the five
faithful virgins were ready for the Lord when he comes. It means
that they exercised discernment, and understood and believed the
events that Jesus predicted would happen. The five virgins were
faithful. These are the ones who are represented by the faithful
woman protected by God when the difficulty came.
Where did she go?
Her faith causes her to leave and find solace with other
believers who also needed each other. These other faithful
Christians provided fellowship safety and sustenance to her. She
believed God and acted upon that faith.
Who were her offspring?
These were uninformed believers, who like the foolish
virgins failed to believe that the signs applied to them. They were
content with their present status and the faith that they had was
not sufficient for them to take action. Of course facing tribulation
will change all of that.
This is how we may understand this instance of the woman,
her deliverance, and her offspring. This brings us next to the
period of tribulation found the chapter 13.

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