Revelation 12

May 14, 2023

Revelation 12 #

Revelation 12:1

Introduction

Last week, I barely mentioned the figures that are introduced in chapter 12. I would like to expound a little further on them, particularly the woman. There are some things that need expounded to help clarify this chapter.

I. Curtains drawn #

“opened in heaven” (Rev 11:19)

A. Rapture (Rev 4:1) #

Rev. 4:1 ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

B. Remembrance of Israel (Rev 11:19) #

Rev. 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

C. Wrath (Rev 15:5) #

Rev. 15:5 ¶ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

D. Reign of Jesus (Rev 19:11) #

Rev. 19:11 ¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

  • This “ushers in the glorious millennial kingdom.” (Ironside).

II. Characters #

  • This obviously does not take place in heaven, but rather is God’s perspective, and recounting of a historical view to John.

A. The Man Child (5) #

  • This is important to understand, so we can better understand the woman that births the child.

1. "man child" #

Gen. 4:1 ¶ And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

  • They immediately started looking for the man child!

Is. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • It had been prophesied for many years, that a Messiah (man) would come!

2. Rev 12:4 "to devour her child as soon as it was born" #

  • Satan's desire, destroy the Saviour!
  • Scarlet thread through Scripture ==> Saviour!
  • Abel... being the first shepherd was killed!
  • Abraham & Sarah -> Isaac, the promised son. In type the sacrifice, and return...

Gal. 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

3. "rod of iron" #

Psa. 2:7-9 - 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

B. The woman (1-2, 5-6) #

  • There are 4 woman referred to in the Book of Revelation:

    • Jezebel (2:20), Israel (12:1), the harlot (17:1) and the bride! (19:7-8)

1. NOT Mary - #

  • Many people believe this woman to be Mary.

    • I can see the natural logic, it doesn’t fit Scripture at all. Mary did birth Jesus into the World, there is a greater picture being described.

  • Mary never wore a crown (vs 1)

    • We do not worship Mary… used of God, sinner
    • These crowns, and 12 stars, most certainly stand for Israel, and the 12 nations...

  • Verses 5-6, Jesus was NOT caught up unto God while Mary was fleeing to the wilderness to be protected of God. This does not fit the Biblical narrative.

2. Not the Church - #

  • The church did not ‘birth Jesus’ into the world.
  • The church is the body of Christ. (Eph 4:12, 1:22-23)

3. Israel #

  • travail -

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

Jer. 13:21 What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?

  • Micah 4:8-13

III. The Chronology #

1. 5 - birth of Christ - caught up to God #

2. Church age skipped (it doesn't clearly show up in the OT either! #

3. 6 - Tribulation period... Israel flees to wilderness, protected of God. #

4. 7 - war in heaven #

5. 8-9 - Satan is kicked out of heaven #

6. 10-11 - There are some who will be saved in the tribulation. #

7. End of time story (12-17) #

  • 13 - Israel being persecuted!
  • 14 picks up from verse 6

Is. 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Tags: Preaching Outlines Revelation Kingdom Woe Woman