641. REV 12:1. THE VISION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Rev_12:1. The Vision of the Church of Christ

"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."’97Rev_12:1.

Many of the prophecies of this highly figurative book are deeply mysterious; and some of the hieroglyphics employed by the sacred writer are extremely difficult of interpretation. Now, these observations apply to the latter part of the prophecy we have selected for our present consideration. The views of expositors have widely varied, and have even been directly opposed to each other. By the Child brought forth, some have referred it to the Messiah; others, to Constantine. By the dragon, some have understood Pagan Rome; others, Mystical Babylon, or Papal Rome. The text, however, is of clear and evident interpretation, and to that we shall confine our attention. The whole subject is that of magnificent and striking metaphor,’97representing the church of God in her divine glory, spiritual and celestial character, and ministerial dignity. Observe,

I. The figurative representation of the church.

It is represented under the similitude of a woman. This metaphor is frequently exhibited both in the Old and New Testament scriptures: see Psa_45:10-11, Psa_45:13-14; Isa_62:5; Jer_3:14. Thus, also, in the parable of the marriage of the king’s son, the bride is evidently the church. Also, in all those representations where Christ is styled the Bridegroom and the Husband of the church. See Joh_3:29; Eph_5:24, Eph_5:32; Rev_21:9. Weakness, dependence, and fruitfulness, are the chief ideas associated with the metaphor of the church being likened to a woman. Observe,

II. Her Divine glory.

"Clothed with the sun." Christ is evidently intended by this magnificent figure. He is the "Sun of righteousness." He proclaimed himself as "the Light of the world," Joh_8:12. Christ may be thus represented on account,

1. Of his greatness.

Christ is "Most High."’97"The Prince of the kings of the earth," Rev_1:5. "King of kings, and Lord of lords," 1Ti_6:15; "Lord of glory,"’97possessed of all the attributes and perfections of Deity. "Over all, God blessed forever," Rom_9:5. Infinitely greater than angels, or seraphim, or cherubim.

2. On account of his oneness.

Hosts of stars, but only one sun, the centre of the solar system. So but one Messiah’97one Mediator’97one "only-begotten Son of God." Without fellow or compeer in his mediatorial work, etc.

3. As the Fountain of light.

The rays of the sun illumine our world, and make day. So Christ is "the Day-spring," and the great Source of mental and moral light to mankind. He is the true Light’97the Light of heaven, and the Light of the earth: his beams make spiritual day in the soul.

4. For his fertilizing influences.

Where his rays are not, there frigid winter reigns; there are everlasting mountains of ice; there sterility and barrenness sway their enduring sceptre. The sun softens, fertilizes, gives vegetating power to nature, makes the earth to appear as "the garden of the Lord." So with the influence of Christ on the hearts of men. Where he shines not, is pagan gloom, heathen night, with all its attendant vices and misery! No moral verdure: selfish apathy, cruelty, death. When he shines, goodness, purity, and joy reign, etc.

5. For his magnificence and glory.

We cannot do justice to this view of the natural sun. How radiant his light, how grand his rising, how overwhelming his meridian altitude, how gorgeous his setting, how resplendent his circuit, how mighty his attraction, how universal his influence! Now, these things we say of the creature, the natural sun; and what shall we say of the Orb of celestial day? Filling heaven and earth with his glory; exercising his almighty power over all worlds; seated on the throne of the universe; attracting to himself all that is holy on earth and in heaven; and the great Source of all light and joy, and bliss and glory, to angels and men. Now, the church is clothed with this Sun’97he surrounds her, overshadows her, throws upon her all his light, and purity, and glory. If she has life, beauty, light, and fertility, he is the Source of the whole,’97she owes all to him; and without him would be impotence, and could do nothing.

II. Her spiritual and celestial character.

These are indicated by her being in heaven, and having the moon under her feet. The church of God is of heavenly origin,’97often called "the kingdom of heaven." Her spirit, principles, aims, and destinies, are all heavenly. She is the "Jerusalem which is above," etc., Gal_4:26. But her spiritual character is exhibited in having the moon under her feet. By this,

1. May be represented her superiority over the Jewish dispensation.

That was a subordinate economy, borrowing all its light and glory from the Christian, of which its sacrifices and offerings were all typical, "the shadow of good things to come," Heb_10:1. It was a dispensation of ever-varying rites and ceremonies. Nothing appeared fixed or permanent. This dispensation is obsolete’97it has passed away. The Christian church may, therefore, be represented as standing above it’97having it under her feet. But, perhaps,

2. The world may be more especially intended:

She may be the emblem of the world in the dimness of its light, whether of science, art, philosophy, etc., as compared with the light of the gospel; or, on account of its variableness’97ever changing. The pomp and glory of the world are always passing away. Kingdoms, states, etc., exemplify this’97Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, all confirm this. Its laws and customs are all transitory. Now, the church of Christ is not of the world’97it is elevated above it: called out, separated from, and superior to it. It tramples its honors, distinctions, riches, and gaudy scenes under its feet. She forsakes it, as represented in the Song of Solomon, "leaning on her Beloved." She has the victory over it. "This is the victory which overcometh the world, even our faith," 1Jn_5:4. "By whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world," Gal_6:14. Observe,

IV. Her ministerial dignity. "Upon her head a crown of twelve stars."

By the stars are evidently meant the twelve apostles, as representing the whole body of the faithful ministers of Jesus Christ. We find the same titles given to the seven angels, or messengers of the Asiatic churches, Rev_1:20. Now, the metaphor teaches us the radiant character of the Christian ministry’97they are to shine, in their respective spheres, in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. The metaphor also indicates their connection with the Sun of righteousness. He is the great source of their light, and the centre of union and order to the whole. This figure also exhibits the diversity of talents and gifts which they possess, "as one star differeth from another star in glory."

No, these stars are a crown to the church’97they are to exercise rule and order and government in the church. They are to enforce the doctrines and laws of Jesus Christ; and thus the church is resplendent when she shines forth in the dignity of gospel truth and holiness. Observe,

1. The true character of the church of Christ.

Spiritual, heavenly; clothed with the magnificence of her Lord; raised above the world; and dignified in the radiant purity of her holy ministry. Take away any of these distinctions, and her glory departs Without the Sun she becomes dark and frigid. Without her spiritual and celestial elevation she becomes a mere earthly hierarchy. Without a holy, radiant ministry, she becomes formal and uninfluential.

2. The honor and happiness of those identified with her. Her citizens are truly great and glorious.

3. Her final triumphs are matters of Divine certainty.

To her the world shall bow. Her "dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." Psa_72:8.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS