Revelation chapter 12 is a riddle that can be solved, despite the fact it is rife with symbolism and esoteric imagery. If we define the symbolism we will unlock the message within it. The modern viewpoint on this chapter has varied opinions from modern scholars. But the consensus is that the woman in this text symbolizes the Church. The historical viewpoint regarding the identity of the woman contradicts the modern viewpoint? Why are the two viewpoints so diverse?
The historical viewpoint reveals what the Church believed for over 1800 years of church history. The modern viewpoint is what the Church has believed on this subject for about 100 years. This blog is dedicated to introducing information from church historians who have named when, where and by whom many of the visions of the Revelation have already been fulfilled. Whereby, those who embrace the modern viewpoint believe, that from chapter 4 of Revelation the visions are all future.
Looking back at fulfilled prophecy provides actual factual proof. Jesus told us that we will understand prophecy of scripture in its fulfillment, so we will believe in Him...John 13:19; 14:29; 16:4. Jesus never once told us to interpret prophecy of scripture, yet that seems to be the driving force of Bible scholars who embrace the modern viewpoint on eschatology. But if one believes this chapter has already been fulfilled, the riddle will be solved by defining the symbolism and esoteric imagery, while historians will provide the recorded historical facts.
Once a prophecy has been fulfilled it is easy to understand the message. Martin Luther was an historian who saw Revelation prophecy fulfilled in his lifetime and recorded it for us to understand. But, we can also chose to ignore his recorded facts.
John saw a great sign in Heaven, which reveals that what he is being shown is designed and appointed by God, fulfilling His plans and purposes upon the earth. So who is this mysterious woman in chapter 12 and what does she symbolize? Who is the red dragon? What is God revealing to us? What is the historical viewpoint regarding this chapter?
The woman symbolizes Israel which is revealed by the garland around her head made up of 12 stars. The 12 stars symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel, God's earthly government. Israel was given the promise of a Messiah through Abraham, so Israel will birth the Messiah.
The woman was clothed with the sun. Sun symbolizes ruler or supreme authority, such as a king or queen. Since the woman symbolizes Israel, the sun symbolizes God with His glorious presence covering her. God is supreme authority over Israel, and all the events outlined in the vision. The woman, Israel, is pregnant with the Messiah.
The woman is depicted with the moon under her feet. The moon symbolizes a lesser power or authority. Who is the lesser spiritual power in the universe? Satan is the lesser spiritual power & authority. So the moon - Satan - is under the feet of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Seed of the woman is the Messiah - Jesus Christ - so the moon is under His feet...Gen. 3:15. The woman is in the pain of labor & will give birth to the Messiah. Then another great sign appears. What is that great sign?
The great red dragon appears on the scene strutting his stuff on the earth. He is sporting seven heads. On each of the seven heads is a diadem - crown - symbolizing royalty. The seven heads symbolize seven empires or kingdoms on the earth. Historians reveal, that the ten horns symbolize ten seats of power within the purview of the 6th head of the beast - the reign of the Imperial Roman Empire. Jesus was born during the reign of the Imperial Roman Empire.
Now we know that the great red dragon symbolizes Satan, who rules over 7 royal kingdoms and 10 seats of power. Satan...the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born...she bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron...and her Child was caught up to God and His throne...Rev. 12:4-5. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy.
As we proceed in chapter 12, we can see that by defining the symbolism we will understand the message in the chapter. The promise of a Messiah was given to Israel, so Israel - the woman - gave birth to Jesus. The male Child that the dragon attempted to devour as soon as He was born was Jesus. Jesus Christ gave birth to the Church. So far this portion of chapter 12 has been fulfilled - it is not a future event.
How did the great red dragon attempt to devour the male Child as soon as it was born? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
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