FAQ 334
The Woman in the Wilderness
NCW 75, April-June 2002
Q. What do you think that Revelation 12:1 represents? The Catholics say this is Mary and I have gone to some of their web pages and they show Mary with that verse from Revelation.
A. The woman is Israel, the imagery being taken from Isa.66:7-10 - cp. 26:17 & Micah 4:10. Specifically, this is the Heavenly Israel, namely, the Redeemed of Christ. In a wider sense, she is the Heavenly Jerusalem. The twelve stars are the Twelve Tribes of Israel (cp. Rev.21:12-14) and the Apostles. On another level of understanding, the stars, moon and sun represent the three degrees of resurrection glory detailed by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, i.e. the Church (Israel) once again (1 Cor.15:41ff).
The woman is not the modern Japhethite/Edomite Republic of Israel but the redeemed of Christ. Israel gave birth to the man-child (v.5 - see Isa.7:14), which is Yah'shua (Jesus), and was "caught up" to Eloah (God), that is, ascended into Heaven. True Israel has been persecuted more or less continuously, as prophesied by Christ (Jn.15:20), and it will be driven into the wilderness during the great tribulation where it will be hidden. These are the 12 Zionic cities of refuge. It is during this time that the mark of the beast will be received by those outside Israel/Zion (v.15-17) hidden in the wilderness.
The mission and purpose of the New Covenant Church of God (B'rit Chadashah Assembly of Yahweh) is preparing for, and nourishing through Elohim (God), Israel in this end-time wilderness (v.6). To that end NCCG/BCAY also has, through its apostles, the responsibility of initiating the theological and practical living sifting process under the direction of the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit). This is a very difficult commission indeed and with a high failure rate because of the exacting demands of holiness required of the Bride. But it is a work we shall accomplish.
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Last updated on 16 June 2004
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