THE RAPTURE SERIES: Part 2

THE MANCHILD

I believe the Manchild rapture is without a doubt the clearest depiction of the firstfruits rapture in the entire Bible. Please try and lay aside all you’ve been taught and the many traditions the general Church holds to, and let’s see if we can look through a new lens of vision, revelation, and insight. Over the years I have only found one or two friends who agree with the viewpoint I’m about to represent.

In the account of the Sun-Clothed Woman and the Manchild that is caught up to heaven in Revelation 12, the rest of the seed of the woman is left behind on the earth. Now some may argue and say that the symbolism in this account is mainly dealing with Israel and Christ, but a closer look will reveal a fuller picture.

Spiritual Israel is certainly included in the Sun-Clothed Woman, but we must understand that she represents more than Israel. She is a heavenly sign which is more symbolic of the glorious Church than of Israel.

Most dispensational interpretations say that the Sun-Clothed Woman is national Israel, but how can that be? National Israel rejected Jesus Christ. Certainly Israel is represented in the symbolism of the Woman and the Manchild, but it is spiritual Israel. It would be absurd to interpret that national Israel who put Christ to death is symbolized in the glorious Sun-Clothed Woman! The Christ-rejecting Jews are more clearly represented as followers of the dragon than the Woman (Revelation 2:9). Even Jesus told the unbelieving Jews that they were of their father, the devil (John 8:39,44). Paul himself said a Jew is not one outwardly, but inwardly by the Spirit (Romans 2:28-29).

WHO IS THE SUN-CLOTHED WOMAN?

The more accurate and complete interpretation of this marvelous symbol of the Sun-Clothed Woman is that she represents the people of God of all ages which does include Israel. She is the Church in the wilderness of the Old Testament whom Israel escaped when they fled from Egypt, but she is also the glorious New Testament Church. She is the Church of all dispensations of time who is depicted here in Revelation 12 in an age long conflict with the dragon Satan that began in the garden of Eden. Again, she does include spiritual Israel, but certainly not national Israel.

Notice that the great fiery red dragon has seven crowns on his seven heads, which in the symbolism, most Bible scholars agree, represents the entire period of human history seen in its seven empires, the 7th being that of the Antichrist. The Manchild which has been interpreted as being applied solely to Christ is also incomplete because Christ did not escape death by being raptured, and secondly, Christ was born 100 years before this prophecy. All prophecy relates to the future and not the past. Certainly, in a general way, there is a parallel here with Israel and Christ in the symbolism of the Woman and the Manchild, but it is not the primary fulfillment of this prophecy.

THE REMNANT OF THE WOMAN’S SEED

Thirdly, notice in Revelation 12:5 that the remnant of the Woman’s seed is left behind and flees into the wilderness for 1260 days which is approximately 3 ½ years, the same duration of the great tribulation when the Antichrist comes into power. The expression “the remnant of her seed” tells us that a large number of her seed has been taken away in rapture. Again, this remnant also cannot be natural Israel because they “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:17)

There is a definite distinction between the saints at the end of the age, and to the many resurrections and raptures included in the Bible including as far back as Enoch and Elijah, one representing a firstfruits rapture and the other a harvest rapture (or as many like to debate, the pre-trib and post-trib raptures) . This is not a fanciful interpretation that is incompatible with the sum total of all Scripture. Indeed at the end of the Church age some saints are ready for the Lord’s return at the first phase of His coming called the rapture. Clearly, some are not. Some are taken, and some are left. Some are caught away before the great tribulation, and some go through it.

The Manchild is not one person, but a company of those caught up to the throne, who are the firstfruits unto God. The remnant of the Woman’s seed are those left behind, who are the tribulation saints. Do you see how ridiculous it is when some Christians today deny the rapture and choose to believe in only the Second Coming? Books have been written by men with degrees to prove that the entire Church is going through the tribulation. This robs the Church of their comfort.

CROWNED HORNS MEANS ANTICHRIST NOW REIGNING

A closer look at another golden clue identifies the time period of this symbolism.

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.” (Rev.13:1)

Observe that the dragon has seven heads and ten horns. Notice that the horns are not yet crowned, but in Revelation 13:1 they are crowned. What does that mean?

Most Bible scholars agree that the ten horns in this imagery represent the ten kings who have power only when the Antichrist reigns. This means that he is not yet reigning at the beginning of Revelation 12, but is in Revelation 13:1.

Through this symbolism we can safely determine that the Sun-Clothed Woman and the dragon Satan are indeed portrayed as spiritual enemies throughout the ages with the moment of action marked by the travail, birth, and subsequent rapture of the Manchild. This is the glorious rapture of the Church for those who are watchful, prayerful, consecrated, and ready.

How thrilling of a possibility it is to be included in this company! It should be the supreme preoccupation and magnificent obsession of every saint.