The popularity in
past few years of apocalyptic fiction series Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins in indicative of fact that people would rather believe a lie told to them in a sexy, slick way then believe truth of Word of God that has been staring them straight in face for centuries.Many Christian groups today propound that one day soon and it seems like more money that is needed by preacher closer day is that all Christian believers will be gathered together and thus disappear from earth and that all of unbelievers of world will be left behind. Is this what Bible teaches?
With all that is happening in world, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and tsunamis can anyone deny that we are near end times? So what does God's Word teach us as to who will escape coming tribulation and who will be left behind.
The Book of Revelation one of most misinterpreted books of Bible causing many sects and believers confusion speaks in chapter 12 of a great wonder or sign in heaven. This is first time word "sign" (Gk. semeion) occurs in Book of Revelation. The sign is that of a woman "clothed with sun, with moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars".
Revelation 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with sun, and moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
This verse is in direct contrast with woman spoken of in chapter 17 beginning in verse 3 "…and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns."
Revelation 17:4 And woman was arrayed (same word as in 12:l) in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Revelation 17:5 "And upon her forehead {was} a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.".
Babylon great is a city, a physical city that is upon earth and in it is manifest mystery of iniquity.
Revelation 17:18 And woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over kings of earth.
The sign of chapter 12 which is a woman also represents a city (and system for which city stands). The woman of chapter 12 is true; woman of chapter 17 is false, woman of chapter 12 is attacked by dragon, woman of chapter 17 is supported by beast. The woman of chapter 12 is Jerusalem, city of David and of Israel. She is represented as being on eve of giving birth to a child.
There is another sign seen in heaven in chapter 12 that of a great fiery red dragon and dragon stood before woman, ready to devour her child as soon as it should be born. The sun, moon and stars, woman's emblems, seem to indicate a power from heaven. This is in direct contrast with seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems, which plainly indicate powers of beast that support woman of Revelation 17.
Revelation 17:3 So he carried me away in spirit into wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
The dragon in sign of chapter 12:4 is said to draw third part of stars from heaven and cast them to earth. This is taken by some to refer to fall of Satan but language here is that of an event corresponding to time of tribulation and cities. The reference to stars is defined in verse 9 of chapter 17 "and his angels were cast out with him", being at that moment of defeat by Michael Archangel.
The woman of chapter 17 represents city of Babylon literally; city will exist at time of tribulation so we can continue to understand verses in context of period or time which is referred to here.
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against dragon; and dragon fought and his angels,
Revelation 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Revelation 12:9 And great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth whole world: he was cast out into earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:5 "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 His throne".
The important and most interesting passage here is where we are told that woman brought forth a man-child. Who is man-child? One might think this first instance is speaking of Christ Himself a fulfillment of a prophecy of Old Testament but in chapter 2:26, 27 these words are used of an overcomer.
Revelation 2:26,27 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto end, to him will I give power over nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Revelation refers to this man-child being born in a future day. This cannot refer to Christ personally, but it indicates a company of faithful OVERCOMERS who share millennial reign of Christ.
Who are these overcomers? The overcomers are those who are not just in believing unto life but faithful service to The Lord. Hebrews 11 seems to give an excellent list and key to being among overcomers is being one who "loved not their lives unto death" this does not mean they were killed (but many were) as members in Book of Life in Revelation seems to indicate but a determination to do God's Will not one's own will even if that means to die.
The taking up of this man-child or overcomers to God and His throne is before persecution, and it makes an escape from trouble of that day. In Matthew 24:4-8 we have beginning of birth-pains, which are, wars, famines, pestilence and earthquakes. These have already been indicated in opening of seals. They lead way for tribulation under Beast and false Prophet, and when they reach their highest point, man-child is born.
