Revelation 12 - The Hottest Trending Topic on Google
"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 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. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."
Revelation 12 and the Great Sign is trending as one of the top 5 bible prophecy searches on Google in 2017. What is the reason for this and why has a bible passage that has been existent in the scriptures from the time of John's revelation on the isle of Patmos all of a sudden become a global obsession with many astronomical and bible prophecy researchers?
(The image above is a result of a google images search on the keyword "September 23 2017 revelation 12")
For past centuries this chapter in the book of Revelation has been highly symbolic of past, present and future. The depiction of the pregnant woman has at large been agreed to represent either the Virgin Mary or Israel with the man child being brought forth representing Jesus Christ. However other views have emerged during Church history, notably that either the woman represented the church or that the man-child represented the church. The arguments and differing points of view have facilitated the trending of this topic.
However whatever ones view is, the consensus is that this scripture has future prophetical implications because of the location of this passage in the book of Revelation which many see as a sequential and time dependant series of events following each other.
The Trigger - The Star of Bethlehem
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In 2007 a man by the name of Frederick Larson released a documentary called The Star of Bethlehem that would quickly become an international phenomenon. With the help of The Passion of the Christ and Braveheart co-producer Stephen McEveety, the message spread far and wide and soon Larson was doing speaking tours and seminars across the globe.
Building on research from Craig Chester and Ernest Martin (authors of "The Star That Astonished the World"), Larson discovered that anyone with access to astronomy software like Stellarium, or Celestia could actually find and witness the Star of Bethlehem and even the possible dates for Christ's conception, birth, greeting by the magi, and crucifixion.
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The credibility of Larson's research led to a significant number of positive reviews from both Secular and Christian institutions.
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After a mammoth project the conclusion from Larson and his research team was that the stars can carry messages from God on high. They state "If that is true, then behind any other message, the fundamental meaning of these events is that God is there. The stars were part of his communication to those living in the Magi’s day. Through our understanding of what happened in the sky, he continues to speak to us today."
Following its release, amateur Christian astronomers worldwide began probing the skies with Stellarium and similar software looking for more possible signs in the heavens.
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Discoveries that once would have taken men like Johannes Kepler or Edwin Hubble a lifetime of research, could now be made in a matter of weeks and even days. Soon a pattern of blood moons (lunar eclipses) falling on biblical feast days and coinciding with significant events in Jewish and Israeli history was discovered, which led to a storm of media coverage after the release of publications from John Hagee and Mark Biltz .
And then during 2011, an incredible new discovery was made: on September 23rd, 2017, an unprecedented astronomical alignment will appear in the sky over Israel that some researchers believe will be a literal fulfillment of of Revelation 12:1-2 and Revelation 12:5. The passage describes a heavenly sign where a pregnant woman appears covered in the sun, with the moon at her feet, and crowned with 12 stars. The woman gives birth to a male child who is "caught up" to God. For centuries many had though this was a form of allegorical symbolism, but today some researchers believe that it is more than just symbolism.
The Biggest Debate in Prophecy
The astronomical alignment of September 23rd 2017 should have been hailed as one of the most monumental signs in the history of Christianity but not all Christian researchers are in support. Why? Because it raises the specter of the studying of the stars which has historically and traditionally been associated with astrology.
Historically astrology surfaced around the time of the great kingdom of Chaldea which was eventually absorbed and assimilated into Babylonia and since then it has become a profound component of secular society.
Astrology, as one would expect, is rejected entirely by God's word. In fact the Bible considers consulting the heavens for guidance as a form of sorcery (Leviticus 19:26 - 28, 31; 20:6). God warned ancient Babylon about trusting in astrologers when he makes mockery of them by saying,
"You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you." Isaiah 47:13)
God specifically condemns those who use the heavens to predict the future,
"There shall not be found among you [any one] . . . that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch . . . " Deuteronomy 18:10
In fact a result of the idolatry of various occult practices including astrology, the tribe of Judah was enslaved and dispersed as a nation. Israel's involvement in astrology and the worship of heavenly bodies was described by many of the Old Testament prophets, including Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Amos. All described how this was displeasing to the Lord and that his judgment was the result of such practices.
So how does this relate to the Great Sign of Revelation 12? Its because the theology behind the Revelation 12 sign is based on what is called "the gospel of the stars".
The Gospel of the stars is based on the premise that God uses his creation, notably the heavens, to convey the message of the gospel. The understanding is that there was a period in time before Moses when there was no written word and so God used the stars (along with oral tradition) as the means by which to communicate fundamental truths to the likes of Abraham, Job, Enoch, Seth and other Patriarchs of old.
Most people today have grown up with the names of the 12 signs of the zodiac as their only education on the naming of stars and constellations. In reality, the names remain the same today as ancient cultures called them before the flood. In fact each name carries a meaning that when put together in the constellation, tells a story. See Job 38:31,
"Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Can you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or can you guide Arcturus with his sons? Do you know the ordinances of heaven? can you set the dominion thereof in the earth?"
Notice the words "Orion", "Pleiades" and "Arcturus". These are all names of clusters of stars found in the zodiac.
What about the word Mazzaroth. Mazzaroth is actually the Hebrew name for zodiac. Hebrew history shows that the Mazzaroth has nothing to do with astrology or any attempt to tell our futures based on the stars. Rather, the Mazzaroth was a Hebrew mode of communication that used the stars to tell the story of redemption.
So here is the dilemma. On one hand we have the Bible forbidding us against astrology yet on the other hand the Bible tells us we need to be watchful of the signs and observe the signs in the heavens for confirmation of the coming of Christ. This is a paradox which has puzzled researchers for a long time.
The Chances of The Great Sign Happening
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Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, Peter Stoner, has calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies made concerning the Messiah. The estimates were worked out by twelve different classes representing some 600 university students.
The students carefully weighed all the factors, discussed each prophecy at length, and examined the various circumstances which might indicate that men had conspired together to fulfill a particular prophecy.
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The final result was that there was a one chance in 1017 (ten, followed by 17 zeros) of a single person fulfilling them all meaning there simply was no way that there was any fabrication with Jesus fulfilling all the Old Testament prophecies which were made before his arrival on earth.
This same logic applies to the Great Sign and the set of alignments which will be taking place. There just seems something too close for this to be called a coincidence given the fact that these alignments are visible only from Israel.
| Decoding The Great Sign
On the Hebrew day of Tishri 1 which falls from sunset on 22nd September until sunset on 23rd September 2017 the sun will be within the zodiac constellation of Virgo—“a woman clothed with the sun”.
The moon will be at the feet of Virgo—“with the moon under her feet”.
The ‘nine’ stars of the zodiac constellation Leo, plus three planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars), will be at the head of Virgo—“on her head a crown of twelve stars”.
The planet Jupiter will be in the center of Virgo, and as the weeks pass after September 23 Jupiter will exit Virgo (after being within this vicinity for 9 months) to the east, past her feet, so to speak—“She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth”. Jupiter is the largest of the planets, the “king” of the planets, so to speak—“She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod”.
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The Great Sign Examined
The Great Sign is a four part report created by Kade Hawkins, Director of Prophecy News Watch. Kade is one of the most prolific providers of critical bible prophecy news and as such has developed a reputation in the bible prophecy community that is trusted and credible He has been involved in the production of some of the biggest Bible prophecy documentaries such as the "The Coming Convergence" and "Doomsday Decoded."
The Great Sign is a major official publication on the subject which provides a full critique and examination of the the Great Sign prophecy, exploring both sides of the argument and will provide significant input to the growing debate and discussion on this controversial subject.
See below for key insights.
| 1. THE GREAT SIGN: THE PROPHECY TRAIL |
Long ago, God issued a challenge. He said, "Who else can tell the beginning from the end" (Isaiah 41:21-24)? God proclaims He alone can do so. Only God can reveal what is going to happen before it happens (Isaiah 46:10). The hundreds and hundreds of specific and detailed prophecies found in the Bible prove its divine authority. Bible prophecy confirms that God is who He says He is and gives us confidence that He has a purpose and plan for this world. Part of that plan includes the return of Christ in accordance with God's divine calendar. Jesus tells us to "watch" so that we will not be found sleeping or unaware when He returns. But what signs are we to be watching for? And why is one sign in particular referred to as "a great sign?"
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What was the dilemma facing many of the old testament prophets who God had used as his mouthpiece to voice his future plan for the restoration and salvation of Israel? How could one be a prophet but only have a partial understanding of what they were prophesying? (Part 1: Page 14)
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What is one of the most amazing proofs of the accuracy of Daniel's prophecies which was recorded by the secular Jewish historian Josephus?(Part 1: Page 30)
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One of the questions that often comes up when looking at many prophecies is just how literal are we to take them? Clearly some prophecies use allegory and images that are not meant to be taken literally but symbolic. Other prophecies use very specific language that when looked at upon in detail reveal they could not have been more literal! (Part 1: Page 38)
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How is it possible that both the first and second Jewish temples would be destroyed on the very same day (the Ninth of Av) on the Jewish Calendar, 656 years apart? (Part 1: Page 46)
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2. THE GREAT SIGN: THE FEASTS AND THE SIGN |
Jesus Christ did not come at any time at His first advent. He came at the appointed time according to the Word of God and in alignment with the Feasts of Israel. He died, was buried and resurrected all on the Feasts of Passover, Feasts of Unleavened Bread and the Feasts of First Fruits. Furthermore, He sent the Holy Spirit at an appointed time, and that was the Feast of Pentecost. Is this a coincidence? There are only 7 feasts, and they are literally God’s “appointed times.” The final 3 feasts (Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles) will be fulfilled in the events of Christ’s second coming and this clearly reveals shows that they do not deviate from the Lord’s already established “appointed times.”
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Why is an understanding of the differences between the western Gregorian calendar and the Jewish Calendar a major requirement in order to properly understand how the Jewish feasts fit into the future Bible prophecy timeline? (Part 2: Page 7)
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The feasts of Israel parallel what has been called the "rhythm of God" that was established during the week of creation. Find out the precise evidencefor how this rhythm has continued throughout history with absolute precision!(Part 2: Page 16)
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| There is an argument by some researchers that the Feasts of Israel are relevant only to Israel and have no application to the Church. Is this correct? (Part 2: Page 24) |
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September 21-22, 2017 is the Feast of Trumpets or Jewish New Year. It is also the 70 year anniversary of the UN resolution allowing for Israel to be recognized as a state. It is the 50th anniversary or year of Jubilee for Jerusalem and the 70th anniversary of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Is this all coincidence? (Part 2: Page 29)
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3. THE GREAT SIGN: THE GREAT DEBATE |
How are we supposed to react when we see Christian researchers espousing a belief that the heavens paint star patterns that we are supposed to observe? One could argue that there are two responses 1) The belief that seeking scriptural support for star gazing is an attempt to bridge Christianity with Astrology and is a form of deception and infiltration by the occult 2) Or could it be that we are missing the fact that Satan has corrupted something which originally was a tool for the prophets of the Antediluvian age.
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Which respected researcher believes that the ancient knowledge learned by the third male child of Adam and Eve, Seth, was preserved in what many believe to be the Great Pyramids? (Part 3: Page 13)
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What is the Abraham Factor and how does this relate to the debate about whether we are supposed to observe the stars for prophetic fulfillment? (Part 3: Page 17)
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Did you know that the 3 kings who came to see Jesus in the stable were actually Zoroastrian priests? Learn more about the true backgrounds behind the men who identified the Bethlehem Star. (Part 3: Page 30)
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| Separated by thousands of miles of land and ocean how could the 3 pyramids of Egypt, China and Mexico all match the star alignment in Orion’s Belt, known as the ‘Orion’s Mystery’? (Part 3: Page 37) |
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4. THE GREAT SIGN: THE REVELATION SIGN |
For nearly two millennia biblical scholars have speculated on what this pivotal chapter in Revelation 12 describes, but it may be that our generation is privy to seeing for ourselves. The sign of Revelation 12 stands out from other biblical signs because the text actually calls it "a Great Sign" - contrasting it with perhaps "lesser" signs. Does it hold up under the weight of scrutiny and what should our response be when some use it to make bold claims about specific prophetical events to take place on specific dates?
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The 3 major interpretations of the woman in Revelation 12 is that she either represents the Virgin Many, Israel or the Church. How has one respected major researcher attempted to reconcile all 3 views? (Part 4: Page 7)
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What is the incredible coincidence of the Jewish new year, Tishri 1? (Part 4: Page 18)
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What is the "Third View" and why does this alternative provide a balance between the opposing camps of the Great Sign debate? (Part 4: Page 23)
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| What are the 6 developments involving Israel that could be set in motion by the literal fulfillment of the Great Sign? (Part 4: Page 49) |
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