Revelation Revealed -- (Continuation from last month...)

(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.

Now let’s look at the prophetic statement that “she brought forth a man child.” This speaks of Jesus Christ in reality as well as the obedient people of God prophetically that have always “brought forth Christ” so as to glorify Him out of love for Him. For in reality, Christ walked a mile in our flesh. (See Hebrews 4:14-16) Therefore, in our flesh we will do all we can to “bring forth Christ.” William Miller also stated…

“And she brought forth a man child,” Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, typifying the church, Isaiah 9:6 & 7; “who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: {1833 WiM, ESH 50.3}

Just as we will reign with Christ in heaven throughout the ages, Christ was always with His obedient followers as many Christians were purposely placed in positions of authority in the church as well as government throughout history to allow Jesus to “rule with a rod of iron” wherein once God’s will is declared via His people and the obedient Christians accomplish it, no man can change it. But nothing will compare to reigning with Christ in New Jerusalem once we leave this sin filled world.

Next, we see that “her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” This speaks of the mission of the fact Jesus was successful in that not only did Satan fail to kill Him before His ministry started via Herod, nor was Satan able to kill Jesus before His ministry was done via the apostate Jewish leaders, Christ’s death on the cross confirmed, glorified and gave eternal power unto His prophesied work of salvation for all of mankind. Jesus ascended unto His Father, and was accepted as the perfect sacrifice for all that believe in the Lord and His reason for coming, dying and resurrecting. In short, it all backfired on Satan once again.

“The Saviour lived among men for thirty-three years, an example in childhood, youth, and manhood, of the possibilities of a life with God. He was crucified, yet He triumphed over death. Satan thought that he held Christ securely, but the moment of exultation was a signal for his eternal defeat. Even then, a shout rang through heaven as the victory over death was seen. He broke the fetters of the tomb, and “her Child was caught up unto God and to His throne.” Again heaven resounded with praise; for the triumph was seen, and the terrors of evil were recognized as never before. {1905 SNH, SSP 216.2}

“And her child was caught up unto God and to his throne.” Christ has ascended up on high and led captivity captive. See John 6:62. Eph. 4:8–10. {October 1, 1841 JVHe, HST 97.4}

James White stated that “Christ will reign on the throne of the Father in the kingdom of grace until human probation shall close. David, speaking of this gracious reign, says: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion. Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Ps.110:1-3. Peter speaks of Christ as “being by the right hand of God exalted.” Acts 2:33. And Paul, speaking of the priesthood of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, says that “we have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens.” Heb.8:1. He exhorts the church to look to “Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Chap.12:2. {1865? JW, TTKGG 3.1}

Can you now see that which was penned in Hebrews 4 as a bold and blessed gift unto the people of God who, if they were to stand side by side with the apostles 2000 years ago watching Jesus ascend, what Paul shared in Hebrews 4 bolsters the faith to the point it’s as if we can literally see Him ascend confirming His promise to be with us always even unto the end of the world. Paul said in Hebrews 4:14-16, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Sister White stated back in 1901, “What is our profession? We profess to be following Christ. We claim to be Christians. Do we, then, reveal the Christlikeness? Do we serve the Saviour intelligently? Does the love of God continually flow from us to others? Do we, in word and action, confess our Redeemer? Do we conform our lives to His holy principles? Are we pure and undefiled? Christians must hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. It is not enough to profess the faith. There must be a patient endurance of all trials and a brave resistance to all temptations. Faith can be maintained only by bringing the Christian religion to the test of practice, thus demonstrating its transforming power and the faithfulness of its promises (MS 42, 1901).

The Son of God . . . has fulfilled His pledge, and has passed into the heavens, to take upon Himself the government of the heavenly host. He fulfilled one phase of His priesthood by dying on the cross for the fallen race. He is now fulfilling another phase by pleading before the Father the case of the repenting, believing sinner, presenting to God the offerings of His people. Having taken human nature and in this nature having overcome the temptations of the enemy, and having divine perfection, to Him has been committed the judgment of the world. The case of each one will be brought in review before Him. He will pronounce judgment, rendering to every man according to his works (MS 42, 1901).

... To be continued