The Birth Of Christ & Events Prior To The Return Of Christ ~ Are Also Described As A Birth
As we approach another Christmas, now more than ever before, we have much to ponder and pray about as we evaluate the many comparisons surrounding the birth of Christ, up until the return of Christ. The time is getting closer. We are watching it unfold. We are also called upon to warn people.
In my opinion, the Christmas celebration is not really about the birth Of Christ, but for many it represents the concept, rather than the truth. If we really knew the origin of the Christmas concept, we would probably change our minds about the entire celebration.
However any time, is a good time to read the Bible and see what it says. Even the time of year Christmas is celebrated makes little sense. Not to be a scrooge, because it is good for family and friends to get together at any time. It’s just that we tend to place Biblical or Christian meanings into areas where they do not belong.
The Book of Revelation, and many other passages in the Bible talk about both the birth of Christ, and the return of Christ, as being comparable to a woman travailing in labour, about to give birth. The contractions increase in intensity, and frequency until it is time to deliver the baby.
Revelation 12: 1-2 describes this birth:
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heauen, a woman clothed with the Sunne, & the Moone vnder her feete, and vpon her head a Crowne of twelue starres:
2 And shee being with childe, cried, trauailing in birth, and pained to be deliuered.
What does the crown of twelve stars mean? I believe it is referring to God’s people, and is representing the 144,000 from every tribe and nation who have the seal of God on their foreheads. What happens when she gives birth to Christ?
3 And there appeared another wonder in heauen, and behold a great red dragon, hauing seuen heads, and ten hornes, and seuen crownes vpon his heads.
4 And his taile drew the third part of the starres of heauen, and did cast them to the earth: And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be deliuered, for to deuoure her childe as soone as it was borne.
5 And shee brought foorth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of yron: and her child was caught vp vnto God, and to his Throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wildernesse, where shee hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand, two hundred, and threescore dayes.
I know some people consider the original 1611 KJV text to be archaic, but I find it to be fascinating. Although the Book of Revelation contains many mysteries, the general overall meaning is about the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is not about a focus on the antichrist, and nor is the focus on the tribulation and persecution of the saints. It is also not about the rapture of the saints. It spans the God’s plan of redemption, from the conception and birth of Christ, to the return of Christ. He is the beginning, and the ending, of what is, what was, and what is to come.
The birth is described as an increasing intensity of events in the world, until the time of delivery.
After the birth of Christ, Satan – also referred to as the dragon, was waiting and ready to devour and destroy Christ, but God did not allow it. He also did not allow Satan to destroy the future of God’s people. The woman fled to the wilderness, chased by the dragon.
7 And there was warre in heauen, Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon, & the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And preuailed not, neither was their place found any more in heauen.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the deuill and Satan, which deceiueth the whole world: hee was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a lowd voyce saying in heauen, Now is come saluation, and strength, and the kingdome of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
There was a great battle in heaven, and this was when the devil was cast out of heaven once and for all. So he lost dominion in heaven, but became prevalent on the earth, to roam around and destroy whoever he could destroy. As we near the end of the age, the intensity of the devil’s rage and persecution on this earth increases. We can feel this in our own souls and spirits. It is painful. Some people face more persecution than others do.
The woman who gave birth was given a place of refuge for a certain period of time. I believe this represents the length of time Christ was here on the earth to share the Gospel, and set up a way for the Gospel to be spread to all of the nations on this earth. Satan went to war with the remnant of Christ’s people, or the seed of the woman, as represented by the twelve crowns she wore. Therefore all Christians face persecution, and the entire world has fallen under a great deal of deception.
This chapter goes on to say how the dragon was angry, and went to war with the remnant of her seed.
It explains why we are facing such an increase in the intensity and force of contractions on this earth, as the time of Christ’s return draws closer.
Therefore both the birth of Christ, and the return of Christ are described as the pain of a woman in labour. It also sheds some light on what we are up against, and why things are becoming increasingly wicked in this world. Few people can dispute it, given the things that have been going on in the last couple of years. Things do seem to be getting worse. Much worse.
All throughout history, humankind has faced a battle between good and evil. However the great apostasy in all realms of human existence really started to increase in the 1800’s, when all the nation’s were deceived by various exalted men. With the advances in the printing press, there was widespread propaganda, and the means to spread Satanic deceptions. Psalm 12: 8 The wicked walk on all sides when the vilest men are exalted.
Considering the age of the earth, the first and second world wars, are fairly recent. In fact the twentieth century brought about a surge in both progress, and in apocalyptic prophecies. It does appear all four horses of the apocalypse have been released upon the earth. The fourth horse is the pale horse, followed by Hades.
Now in the process of this long labour, and acceleration of painful contractions, the death and destruction is manifested as we see it happening today. The devil’s time is shortening, therefore his anger, wrath, and persecution increases.
What does this all mean? So many Christians believe it means there will be a magical rapture. But it is not what the Bible says. In fact the rapture is not in the Bible at all, unless you follow an altered Bible written by John Darby around 1830. It is a deception, and although it may be attractive to some, it is still a lie. There are many other lies embodied in the Darby belief system, such as the seven year tribulation, and the separation of the State of Israel.
Galatians 3:28-29 says: There is neither Iewe, nor Greeke, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Iesus.
29 And if yee be Christs, then are ye Abrahams seed, and heires according to the promise.
If Christians are to be raptured during the period of persecution and tribulation, why would it be necessary to place the seal of God upon the foreheads of the believers at the onset of the increasing levels of trouble and tribulation? What about all the other Christians throughout history who faced incredible persecution? We are told to endure until the end. In chapter seven it says the following:
2 And I saw another Angel ascending from the East, hauing the seale of the liuing God: and he cried with a loud voice to the foure Angels to whom it was giuen to hurt the earth and the Sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till wee haue sealed the seruants of our God in their foreheads.
Consider this – if the saints are to be raptured, this would not need to be done. Later on in Revelation, it describes the various punishments, and wrath of God being released upon the earth. It says these punishments are set to be poured upon the wicked, not those with the seal of God on their foreheads.
The Christians who are still alive when Christ returns will rise up then, and not before, to meet Christ in the clouds. There is also nothing to indicate Christians will return with Christ when He comes. He comes with an army of angels, and throughout the opening of the seals, right up until the harvest time, He is giving instructions to the angels.
If the Christians were to be raptured like so many believe, where do they go? And how do they get back to earth when Christ returns to the earth for the millennial reign? Christians are not in heaven awaiting the return of Christ. We know this because in the book of John it says that people are not in heaven.
I do believe Christians are with the Lord in spirit when we die, and await his return in comfort, in a location other than heaven. Christians who have died are resting somewhere, and waiting patiently until the new millennium, and resurrection to everlasting life. We do not know the physical location of Abraham’s bosom, also known as the paradise of God. We just know we will be at rest, and there will be a wide gulf between those who are wicked, and those who are in Christ.
John 3:13 And no man hath ascended vp to heauen, but hee that came downe from heauen, euen the Sonne of man which is in heauen.
When Christ returns to the earth, it says the dead in Christ shall rise first. If the dead in Christ are actually in heaven already, they would not rise or ascend, they would be coming down, not going up, at that moment in time.
Matthew 25: 31 When the Sonne of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then shall hee sit vpon the throne of his glory:
The book of Revelation also tells us we will reign with Christ on this earth for a thousand years. It says the rest of the dead, meaning those who are not saved, will not live again until the end of the thousand year reign.
There is great controversy surrounding the hellfire, damnation, and judgment day that is to come. Many preachers, and Bible teachers adamantly claim there are no second chances. If you die without repenting and accepting Christ, you will be going straight to eternal damnation and hellfire. I am not convinced of this either.
I would never suggest anything other than what it says in the Bible. The entire Gospel calls upon all people, from the church to the profoundly wicked, to repent and believe in the salvation of Christ. It is certainly the truth, and the best advice. There are many mysteries contained in the Bible we do not understand yet. We must have faith, and believe God’s plan will work out exactly as he intends it to work out. It would not be wise to take chances, but nor is it wise to assume we know who will be excluded from God’s mercy, and who is in the book of life. We have not seen the book, have not read it, and simply do not know.
From what I have read, there will be phenomenal and supernatural wrath upon the wicked. Each and every stage of this wrath, is intended to get the wicked to repent. Keep in mind, we ALL have to repent and turn away from the sin we have indulged in throughout our lives. We are not the ones who will be doing the judging, unless we are given instructions by Christ to be part of this. The judgment is Christ’s call, and only God knows those who are predestined to be adopted into the family of God, and eternal life.
As Christians we do face judgment in many ways, but not during the final great white throne of judgment. I believe the judgment we face comes with full repentance, and remorse for the bad things we have done. There is a process of sanctification when we become repentant, and filled with grief and remorse for all the wrongdoing in our lifetime. I think this is what is referred to as facing the judgment seat of Christ. We bare our soul, and we know beyond a doubt, we are doomed without His mercy, forgiveness and grace. We are brought to the foot of the cross, humbled and broken, seeking forgiveness.
I have listened to many preachers claim that all those who are not saved at the time of their death, will go to hell. Many also adamantly claim the unsaved will burn in hell forever. I do not believe it. The wages of sin is death. There is also mention of the second death following the final judgment. Eternal hell fire is reserved for Satan, and the false prophet.
If the unsaved went to hell and burned for the rest of eternity, it would not be described as a second death. There is nothing whatsoever to indicate those who face the second death, will have eternal life. They may be eternally damned, in that they no longer exist, but they will not be burning in hell for all eternity.
What actually happens to the wicked? There are multiple attempts prior to the return of Christ to get them to repent. If they do not repent, they are kept alive longer, and punished more.
Finally, at the time of Christ’s return, the angels gather up the people, and sort them out. There is a temporary ending for the wicked who are still alive. The Bible says they do not live again for a thousand years. During this time, the Christians rule with Christ, enjoying a time of peace and prosperity on earth.
What is hell like? Hell or Hades is a holding place for the dead. Although I am not sure, I think it depends on the degree of wickedness within a person. Each may go to locations with the same kind of people as they are. There are various locations, and circumstances waiting for people in the underworld. Some will have more torment than others.
Sort of like the difference between a maximum security prison, and a minimum security prison. It might be noisy. It might be hot. There might be demons roaming around. Who knows for sure, but it is not likely to be a pleasant place for those who have been truly wicked.
In a sense, the wicked, along with the unsaved who may not be as wicked, all go to some kind of prison to await the final judgment day. When the final judgement day comes, and I know this is a controversial topic with many concepts of eternal damnation. But in my opinion, based on what I have read, the Bible does not completely close the door on salvation for some of the people in Hades.
The reason I believe it might be possible for some people to be saved at this stage, is because of the description of the resurrection of the dead after the thousand years. It says they are judged according to their deeds. It goes on to say, those who are not found in the Lamb’s book of life, will face the second death. Why would it say that if there was not a possibility for some of the people to be saved during the final judgment?
For certain, only God knows this answer, and it is Christ who passes judgment during the resurrection of the dead. Regardless of what we think, we do not decide who is in the book of life. I certainly believe after a thousand years in prison, some of the people may be truly repentant. I also think many who are unsaved, did not live a life of wickedness, deception and cruelty, but for whatever reasons, chose to be atheist, or were deceived by another doctrine. Many people have turned away from God because of the conduct and cruelty of those who pretend to be Christians.
We are saved by the grace of God, and not by works. But after death, the unsaved are judged according to their works. What does this mean? Does it mean each one gets a different ferocity of punishment before going into the lake of fire? If they did not do terrible evil, and if they repent with complete sincerity when they stand before the great judgment throne of Christ – can they still be saved? I think it is plausible. Christ is merciful.
Another reason I believe it is possible for Christ to forgive some people following the thousand year reign, when the dead in Hades are resurrected to be judged, is something to consider. The fact the new world ushered in after the final judgment, will have no sea, means there will be much more room. After all, the sea covers 70% of the earth.
The birth of Christ, is also about the Revelation and return of Christ. It is the most incredible event in all of the history of the world, in the present, the past, and the future.
Therefore the true Revelation and birth of Christ, to include his return to this earth to overcome death for all those who believe and trust in him – is the greatest gift, and the most awesome miracle we could ever dream of. He holds the keys to eternal life.
We make so many mistakes during our lifetimes, and yet we are given another chance. God worked out a plan for us to be saved by His only begotten son Jesus Christ.
We live only a short period of time, in the overall scheme of things, during the period of time we are alive on this earth in our carnal state. And for some, the regrets are going to be astronomical when they realize what they have done, and what they are going to miss.
No one will escape the realization that Christ is Lord. No one will be able to deny it, not even Satan himself. Those who deceive, kill, cause harm, take advantage of the weak and the poor, treat others with cruelty and shunning, and most of all – those who manipulate or corrupt others to carry out the harm – will be very sorry one day. For those people, when they die, it will be too late. For they will be judged according to their deeds.
We are called upon to repent, believe in Jesus, and change. John the Baptist brought this message to the world before Christ was born. It is a message, and warning repeated all throughout the Bible. We are given the instruction manual.
The birth, death, resurrection, and return of Christ contains a central message. Repent, and know the time is near. Believe in Christ, and in His resurrection, and he will bless us with eternal life in a world full of God’s goodness and love, just as it was in the garden of Eden before the fall of man.
This is what gives us hope, regardless of what kind of catastrophic events happen in the coming months and years. The birth of Christ is also the Revelation of Christ, in the complete fullness of His power and glory. Amen.