The Man-Child Revealed — The Firstfruits of the Kingdom Age and the Melchizedek Priesthood
By Carl Timothy Wray
Author
Carl Timothy Wray is the founder of The Finished Work of Christ and Zion University. For over forty years he has searched the Scriptures to uncover the unified mind of God from Genesis to Revelation. His writings focus on the Finished Work of Christ, the Kingdom of God, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the manifestation of sonship, and God’s eternal purpose to gather all things together in Christ. Through hundreds of books, teachings, videos, and free downloadable resources, he continues to proclaim the Gospel of Grace, the full counsel of God, and the hope of Kingdom fullness.
What is the Manchild in Revelation 12? Is the Manchild merely a symbol, or does it reveal the firstfruits of God’s Kingdom purpose? In this book, Carl Timothy Wray traces the Manchild from Genesis to Revelation, unveiling the dominion mandate, the Melchizedek Priesthood, the manifestation of the sons of God, the redemption of the body, and the Kingdom Age. Following the biblical pattern of seed, blade, ear, and full ear, this book reveals the Manchild as the firstfruit manifestation of promises spoken throughout Scripture and brought to fullness through Jesus Christ.
Introduction
The Book of Revelation does not begin in Revelation.
The Manchild does not begin in Revelation 12.
The Kingdom does not begin in the New Testament.
The story begins in Genesis.
When God spoke the words, “Let them have dominion,” He planted a seed that would grow throughout the ages. The Law carried the seed. The prophets saw the seed. The apostles proclaimed the seed. Revelation unveils the seed coming to fullness.
Throughout Scripture, God reveals a consistent pattern. First the seed. Then the blade. Then the ear. Then the full ear in the corn.
Every promise follows this pattern.
Dominion follows this pattern.
Sonship follows this pattern.
Priesthood follows this pattern.
Life follows this pattern.
Kingdom follows this pattern.
The question this book asks is simple:
What is the full ear of these promises?
Where do the promises of God reach manifestation?
Where do we see the firstfruits of what God has been speaking since the beginning?
This book presents the Manchild as the firstfruit manifestation of God’s Kingdom purpose. The Manchild is not merely another symbol among many symbols. The Manchild stands as the firstfruit company through whom the dominion mandate, the Melchizedek Priesthood, the manifestation of sonship, Kingdom authority, and the fullness of Christ become visible in the earth.
The Woman of Revelation 12 brings forth the Manchild. The age of preparation gives way to the age of manifestation. The promise gives way to fulfillment. The seed reaches full ear.
From Genesis to Revelation, we will follow the trail of God’s eternal purpose until we arrive at the throne, where the Manchild is caught up unto God and His throne.
This is not merely the story of a prophecy.
It is the story of a promise reaching fullness.
Table of Contents
- Let Them Have Dominion — The Seed of the Manchild
- The Kingdom Foreseen by the Prophets
- The Stone That Filled the Whole Earth
- The Saints Possess the Kingdom
- Kings and Priests After the Order of Melchizedek
- The Manifestation of the Sons of God
- To Wit — The Redemption of Our Body
- We Shall Not All Sleep
- The Man-Child Caught Up Unto God and His Throne
- Kings and Priests Reigning on the Earth
- The Firstfruits Upon Mount Zion
- Shepherding the Nations with a Rod of Iron
- The Nations Shall Flow Unto Zion
- The Throne of God and of the Lamb
Conclusion — The Full Ear in the Corn
Chapter 1
Let Them Have Dominion — The Seed of the Manchild
The Dominion Mandate Spoken in the Beginning
The story of the Manchild does not begin in Revelation 12.
The story begins in Genesis.
Before there was a cross, before there was a church, before there was Israel, before there was a prophet, God revealed His purpose for man.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)
This was not merely a blessing.
This was a decree.
This was the planting of a seed.
The first words spoken over man were not defeat, weakness, or survival.
The first words spoken over man were dominion.
God saw a people bearing His image, carrying His likeness, and exercising His authority in the earth.
The seed had been planted.
But the seed was not yet the harvest.
The promise had been spoken, but the fullness of the promise had not yet appeared.
The Seed Contains the Harvest
Every seed carries within itself the fullness of what it shall become.
Jesus said:
“First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” (Mark 4:28)
The dominion mandate of Genesis would follow this pattern.
The seed would become a blade.
The blade would become an ear.
The ear would become a full ear.
The question becomes:
Where does the dominion mandate reach its full ear?
Where do we see God’s purpose for man brought to manifestation?
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
David saw the seed.
Looking beyond his own generation, he wrote:
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands…” (Psalm 8:4-6)
David was not introducing a new thought.
He was seeing the same seed planted in Genesis.
The dominion mandate was still alive.
The promise had not died.
The purpose had not changed.
The word was still moving toward fulfillment.
The Promise Greater Than Adam
Adam received the dominion mandate but never brought it to fullness.
The first man revealed the need.
The Last Adam revealed the answer.
The writer of Hebrews looked at Psalm 8 and made an astonishing statement:
“For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.”
“But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him?”
“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels…”
“Thou crownedst him with glory and honour.”
“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.” (Hebrews 2:5-8)
Notice the language.
Subjection.
Authority.
Dominion.
Government.
Kingdom.
The writer is still looking at the same seed.
The dominion mandate remains God’s purpose.
Bringing Many Sons Unto Glory
The writer continues:
“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory…” (Hebrews 2:10)
Now the seed begins to develop.
Genesis reveals dominion.
David sees dominion.
Hebrews sees many sons brought into glory.
The promise is growing.
The seed is moving toward harvest.
The Kingdom purpose is advancing toward manifestation.
The Full Ear of the Dominion Mandate
The Book of Revelation finally shows us the language of fulfillment.
“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.” (Revelation 12:5)
The language has changed.
Genesis spoke of dominion.
Revelation speaks of ruling nations.
Genesis planted the seed.
Revelation reveals the firstfruits.
Genesis revealed the purpose.
Revelation reveals the manifestation.
The Manchild stands before us as the firstfruit expression of the dominion mandate spoken in the beginning.
The seed has reached full ear.
The Throne and the Dominion Mandate
The Manchild is not merely caught up into heaven.
The Manchild is caught up unto God and unto His throne.
The throne speaks of government.
The throne speaks of authority.
The throne speaks of Kingdom administration.
The dominion mandate of Genesis has now become throne language.
The purpose spoken in the beginning is moving toward visible fulfillment.
The Firstfruits of God’s Original Purpose
The Manchild therefore stands as the firstfruit manifestation of the word:
“Let them have dominion.”
What began as a seed in Genesis appears as a firstfruit company in Revelation.
What began as a decree becomes a manifestation.
What began as a promise becomes a people.
The story of the Manchild is therefore not merely the story of Revelation 12.
It is the story of God’s dominion purpose reaching maturity.
The seed has become the full ear.
The promise has become the firstfruits.
The dominion mandate has found its first visible expression in the Manchild caught up unto God and His throne.
Chapter 2
The Kingdom Foreseen by the Prophets
The Prophets Saw Beyond Their Generation
The dominion mandate did not disappear after Genesis.
The seed continued to grow.
What God spoke in the beginning began to unfold through the mouths of the prophets.
Though they lived in troubled times, the prophets continually looked beyond their own generation and saw a coming Kingdom that would fill the earth.
They saw a mountain.
They saw a throne.
They saw a people.
They saw a Kingdom that could not be shaken.
The seed was growing.
The Mountain of the Lord
Isaiah saw the Kingdom as a mountain.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains…”
“And all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2)
Notice the language.
Not one nation.
Not a local congregation.
Not a temporary movement.
All nations.
The vision had expanded beyond individual salvation into Kingdom administration.
The prophet saw a reality so powerful that nations would be drawn to it.
The dominion mandate was developing.
The seed was becoming an ear.
Out of Zion Shall Go Forth the Law
Isaiah continued:
“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD…”
“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3)
Here we see Kingdom language.
The nations are coming.
The mountain is established.
Zion is functioning.
The word is flowing outward.
The Kingdom is expanding.
The prophet is seeing the increase of God’s government in the earth.
The Nations Shall Learn War No More
Isaiah continues:
“And he shall judge among the nations…”
“And they shall beat their swords into plowshares…”
“Neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)
The Kingdom is not merely surviving.
The Kingdom is transforming.
The influence of the Kingdom reaches nations.
The government of God affects the earth.
The seed of dominion continues growing.
The Same Vision Through Another Prophet
Micah saw exactly the same mountain.
“But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established…”
“And people shall flow unto it.” (Micah 4:1)
The Spirit repeats Himself.
Two witnesses confirm the vision.
The mountain remains.
The nations remain.
The Kingdom remains.
The purpose remains.
God is revealing the same dominion seed from another angle.
Of the Increase of His Government
Isaiah saw even more.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…”
“And the government shall be upon his shoulder.” (Isaiah 9:6)
The Kingdom is connected to a Son.
The government is connected to a Son.
Dominion is connected to sonship.
The prophet then declares:
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7)
Notice the language.
Increase.
Government.
Kingdom.
Expansion.
The prophet sees a Kingdom that continually grows.
The seed continues toward harvest.
The Nations Given for an Inheritance
David saw the same reality.
“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2:6)
The throne appears.
The King appears.
Zion appears.
Then comes the promise:
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psalm 2:8)
The dominion mandate of Genesis is now being spoken in Kingdom language.
Inheritance.
Possession.
Nations.
Government.
Authority.
The promise is maturing.
The Rod of Iron
David continues:
“Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron…” (Psalm 2:9)
This language will reappear in Revelation.
The prophets are laying foundations.
The apostles will build upon them.
The Book of Revelation will unveil their fulfillment.
The seed is growing toward manifestation.
The Full Ear of the Prophetic Vision
Isaiah saw nations flowing to Zion.
Micah saw nations flowing to Zion.
David saw the nations given for an inheritance.
The prophets saw the Kingdom.
The prophets saw the mountain.
The prophets saw dominion.
But where do we see the firstfruits?
Where do we see the beginning of the fulfillment?
The answer appears in Revelation.
The Manchild is caught up unto God and His throne.
The Manchild is destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron.
The language of Isaiah, Micah, and David begins to converge.
The mountain.
The nations.
The throne.
The dominion.
The inheritance.
The rod of iron.
The Kingdom.
The prophets saw the promise.
The Manchild reveals the firstfruits.
The Prophets Saw the Kingdom Age
The prophets were not merely speaking about their generation.
They were looking beyond their own day.
They were seeing the increase of God’s government.
They were seeing Zion established.
They were seeing nations transformed.
They were seeing the dominion seed spoken in Genesis moving toward fullness.
The Manchild stands as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom promises of the prophets are not empty words.
The seed has become an ear.
The ear is approaching fullness.
The Kingdom that was foreseen by the prophets is moving toward manifestation.
Chapter 3
The Stone That Filled the Whole Earth — The Kingdom of the Manchild
A Kingdom Hidden in a Dream
Long before Revelation unveiled the Manchild, Daniel saw the Kingdom from which the Manchild would emerge.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis continued to grow through the prophets. Isaiah saw a mountain. Micah saw a mountain. David saw a King ruling from Zion. Daniel saw a stone that would become a mountain and fill the whole earth.
The Manchild does not appear suddenly in Revelation 12.
The Manchild is the firstfruit manifestation of a Kingdom that God had been revealing for generations.
The Stone Cut Without Hands
Daniel declared:
“Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands…” (Daniel 2:34)
This stone represents a Kingdom whose origin is not earthly but heavenly.
The Manchild belongs to this Kingdom.
The Manchild does not inherit the kingdoms of men.
The Manchild manifests the Kingdom of God.
The stone appears small in its beginning, yet its destiny is to fill the whole earth.
The Stone Becomes a Mountain
“And the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:35)
This is Kingdom language.
This is dominion language.
This is Manchild language.
The mountain seen by Isaiah.
The mountain seen by Micah.
The mountain seen by Daniel.
All point toward the same Kingdom purpose.
The Manchild stands as the firstfruit witness that this mountain is no longer merely prophetic but is beginning to appear.
A Kingdom That Shall Never Be Destroyed
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed…” (Daniel 2:44)
Daniel saw a Kingdom unlike every earthly kingdom.
The Manchild is associated with this Kingdom.
The Manchild is not presented as a church system.
The Manchild is not presented as a temporary administration.
The Manchild is connected to an everlasting Kingdom.
Dominion Given to the Son
“There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom…” (Daniel 7:14)
Notice the progression.
Genesis revealed dominion.
Daniel saw dominion.
Revelation unveils the Manchild destined to rule the nations.
The same dominion seed runs through all three passages.
The Manchild becomes the firstfruit manifestation of the dominion spoken in the beginning.
The Saints Possess the Kingdom
“But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom…” (Daniel 7:18)
Daniel saw a people receiving what God had promised.
The Manchild is not separate from this Kingdom vision.
The Manchild stands as the firstfruit company through whom the Kingdom begins to appear in visible form.
The Manchild and the Mountain Kingdom
Daniel saw the stone.
Daniel saw the mountain.
Daniel saw the Kingdom.
Daniel saw dominion.
Daniel saw the saints possess the Kingdom.
But Revelation shows us the firstfruits.
The Manchild caught up unto God and His throne reveals the first visible manifestation of the Kingdom Daniel foresaw.
The stone is becoming a mountain.
The Kingdom is appearing.
The dominion mandate is moving toward fullness.
The Manchild stands as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom of God is no longer merely a promise, but a manifestation moving toward harvest.
Chapter 4
The Saints Possess the Kingdom — The Inheritance of the Man-Child
The Kingdom Was Never Meant to Remain a Promise
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis was never intended to remain merely a promise.
God did not speak dominion so it could be admired.
God did not reveal His Kingdom so it could merely be studied.
God spoke His purpose so it could be manifested.
Throughout the Scriptures, the Kingdom moves from promise to possession.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit manifestation of that transition.
The Man-Child reveals what happens when the Kingdom moves from prophecy into experience.
The Saints Shall Take the Kingdom
Daniel declared:
“But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18)
Notice the language.
Take.
Possess.
Inherit.
Receive.
The Kingdom is no longer viewed from afar.
The Kingdom becomes an inheritance.
The Man-Child is not presented as a company waiting for the Kingdom.
The Man-Child is presented as the firstfruit company through whom the Kingdom begins to be possessed.
The Time Came
Daniel continues:
“And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” (Daniel 7:22)
There is a difference between seeing a promise and entering a promise.
There is a difference between hearing a word and becoming its manifestation.
There is a difference between prophecy and possession.
Daniel saw a moment when the Kingdom would move beyond expectation.
The Man-Child represents the firstfruits of that possession.
The Man-Child stands as a witness that God’s purpose is moving toward fulfillment.
Dominion Given to a People
Daniel reaches the climax of the vision:
“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High…” (Daniel 7:27)
The same dominion spoken in Genesis appears again.
The same Kingdom seen by Isaiah appears again.
The same mountain seen by Daniel appears again.
Now the Kingdom is being given.
Now dominion is being administered.
Now the purpose of God is advancing toward fullness.
This is Kingdom language.
This is dominion language.
This is Man-Child language.
Saviours Shall Come Up on Mount Zion
Obadiah adds another witness:
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.” (Obadiah 1:21)
Mount Zion appears.
The Kingdom appears.
Government appears.
Authority appears.
The prophets continually point toward a people through whom the Kingdom would be administered.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom administration.
The promise is moving toward manifestation.
The Kingdom and the Throne
Revelation unveils the language of fulfillment:
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 12:5)
Daniel saw dominion.
Daniel saw the Kingdom.
Daniel saw possession.
Revelation shows the Man-Child.
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and unto His throne.
The throne reveals government.
The throne reveals administration.
The throne reveals Kingdom authority.
The Man-Child stands at the intersection of dominion and manifestation.
The Firstfruits of Possession
The Man-Child is not merely a symbol of promise.
The Man-Child is a symbol of possession.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of what Daniel foresaw.
The Kingdom is possessed.
The throne is occupied.
The dominion mandate advances.
The promise spoken in Genesis continues moving toward fullness.
The Inheritance of the Kingdom Age
The Kingdom Age is not built upon human effort.
The Kingdom Age is the result of God’s purpose reaching maturity.
The saints possess the Kingdom.
The throne governs.
The nations are affected.
The mountain fills the earth.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom promises of God are moving from prophecy to possession, from seed to full ear, from promise to inheritance.
The time has come for the saints to possess the Kingdom.
Daniel saw the promise.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits.
Chapter 5
Kings and Priests After the Order of Melchizedek
The Priesthood Hidden in Genesis
Long before the Law was given, long before Aaron was born, long before the Levitical priesthood existed, another priest appeared in Scripture.
His name was Melchizedek.
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” (Genesis 14:18)
The appearance is brief.
The mention is short.
Yet the seed is planted.
A King.
A Priest.
A Kingdom.
A Priesthood.
The seed of the Man-Child is already present.
A King and a Priest
Melchizedek stands unique among biblical figures.
He is not merely a priest.
He is a king and a priest.
The two offices are joined together.
Government and priesthood become one.
Authority and ministry become one.
Kingship and service become one.
The Man-Child follows this same pattern.
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and His throne.
The Man-Child is associated with dominion, government, and Kingdom administration.
The language begins to converge.
David Saw the Melchizedek Order
Centuries later, David received a revelation concerning the Messiah.
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand…” (Psalm 110:1)
Immediately the throne appears.
The Kingdom appears.
Government appears.
Then David writes:
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
Notice what follows the throne.
Priesthood.
The throne and the priesthood are inseparable.
Government and ministry are united.
Kingdom administration is being revealed.
A Priest Forever
The Levitical priesthood was temporary.
Priests were born.
Priests died.
Priests were replaced.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is different.
The writer of Hebrews declares:
“Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 7:17)
Forever.
Endless.
Unchanging.
The Spirit is revealing a priesthood connected to life rather than genealogy.
A priesthood connected to the Kingdom rather than the Law.
A priesthood connected to the throne rather than the temple.
The Power of an Endless Life
Hebrews continues:
“Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.” (Hebrews 7:16)
This is remarkable language.
The priesthood is now connected to life.
The priesthood is connected to victory.
The priesthood is connected to manifestation.
The Man-Child stands within this stream of revelation.
The Man-Child is not presented through Levitical language.
The Man-Child is presented through throne language.
Dominion language.
Kingdom language.
Melchizedek language.
A Better Priesthood
The writer of Hebrews reveals:
“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” (Hebrews 7:12)
God is unveiling a higher order.
A greater administration.
A better priesthood.
The Kingdom advances through a new order.
The seed planted in Genesis is continuing toward fullness.
The Man-Child appears within this higher order of Kingdom administration.
Kings and Priests
The Book of Revelation unveils the harvest of the Melchizedek seed.
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
Notice the language.
Kings.
Priests.
Reign.
Earth.
The language of Melchizedek has reached Revelation.
The seed has become an ear.
The ear is approaching full manifestation.
The Man-Child and the Melchizedek Priesthood
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and His throne.
The Man-Child is destined to rule the nations.
The Man-Child is associated with Kingdom administration.
The Man-Child is associated with reigning.
The Man-Child is associated with the throne.
These are all characteristics of the Melchizedek Order.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age and the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The Firstfruits of a Better Order
Melchizedek appeared briefly in Genesis.
David saw him prophetically.
Hebrews explained him doctrinally.
Revelation unveils his Kingdom administration.
The seed.
The blade.
The ear.
The full ear.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the Melchizedek Priesthood is moving from promise into manifestation.
The throne and the priesthood are becoming one.
The Kingdom and the priesthood are becoming one.
The dominion mandate and the Melchizedek Order are converging.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of this glorious union.
Chapter 6
The Manifestation of the Sons of God — The Appearing of the Man-Child
Creation Is Waiting
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis was not forgotten.
The Kingdom seen by the prophets was not abandoned.
The Melchizedek Priesthood revealed in Hebrews was not merely theological.
All of creation is moving toward a moment.
Paul writes:
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)
Creation is waiting.
The earth is waiting.
The nations are waiting.
Not for another promise.
Not for another prophecy.
Not for another shadow.
Creation is waiting for manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that manifestation.
The Groaning Creation
Paul continues:
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22)
The language is striking.
Creation groans.
Creation travails.
Creation waits.
The entire creation is pictured as a woman in travail awaiting a birth.
The language begins to mirror Revelation 12.
The promise is approaching manifestation.
The seed is approaching fullness.
The Man-Child is approaching the stage.
Waiting for the Adoption
Paul writes:
“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit…”
“Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)
Notice the progression.
Firstfruits.
Adoption.
Redemption of the body.
Paul is not speaking merely of a beginning.
He is speaking of fullness.
He is speaking of manifestation.
He is speaking of a promise moving toward its full ear.
The Man-Child stands within this stream of revelation.
The Man-Child represents the firstfruit manifestation of what Paul saw from afar.
Many Sons Brought Unto Glory
The writer of Hebrews declared:
“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory…” (Hebrews 2:10)
Notice the language.
Many sons.
Glory.
Manifestation.
Kingdom.
The purpose of God is not merely to save sons.
The purpose of God is to bring sons unto glory.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of that process reaching maturity.
Conformed to the Image
Paul continues:
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29)
The goal has always been image.
Genesis began with image.
Dominion was connected to image.
Now Romans returns to the same theme.
The image of Christ.
The likeness of Christ.
The nature of Christ.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of that conformity.
The Man-Child reveals a people brought into the fullness of the image that God intended from the beginning.
From Promise to Manifestation
Throughout the ages the promise has been growing.
Adam revealed the need.
The prophets revealed the vision.
The apostles revealed the mystery.
The Man-Child reveals the manifestation.
The Kingdom purpose is moving from promise to appearance.
The seed is becoming visible.
The harvest is beginning.
The Man-Child and the Manifestation of the Sons
The Book of Revelation declares:
“And she brought forth a man child…” (Revelation 12:5)
The language of Romans 8 and Revelation 12 begins to converge.
Paul saw the manifestation of the sons.
John saw the Man-Child.
Paul saw creation waiting.
John saw the birth.
Paul saw redemption approaching.
John saw the firstfruits appear.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit manifestation of the sons of God brought unto glory.
The Firstfruits Before the Harvest
Throughout Scripture God reveals the principle of firstfruits.
The first sheaf appears before the harvest.
The firstfruit appears before the ingathering.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The Man-Child is revealed as a firstfruit company.
The Man-Child is not the end of the story.
The Man-Child is the beginning of manifestation.
The first visible witness that the promises of God are reaching fulfillment.
The Appearing of the Kingdom Age
The manifestation of the sons is Kingdom language.
The manifestation of the sons is dominion language.
The manifestation of the sons is Man-Child language.
The Kingdom Age advances through manifestation.
The Melchizedek Priesthood advances through manifestation.
The dominion mandate advances through manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the purposes spoken in Genesis, seen by the prophets, and proclaimed by the apostles are moving into visible expression.
Creation waits.
The nations wait.
The earth waits.
And the Man-Child appears as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age and the manifestation of the sons of God.
Chapter 7
To Wit — The Redemption of Our Body
The Promise Hidden Within Sonship
The manifestation of the sons of God leads directly to another promise.
A promise often quoted.
A promise often anticipated.
A promise often discussed.
Yet a promise that still contains depths waiting to be explored.
Paul writes:
“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit…”
“Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)
Notice the language.
Firstfruits.
Adoption.
Redemption.
Body.
Paul is not discussing merely the beginning of salvation.
He is discussing fullness.
He is discussing manifestation.
He is discussing the full ear of a promise.
The Firstfruits of the Spirit
Paul says:
“We ourselves, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit.”
The firstfruits appear before the harvest.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The first witness appears before the ingathering.
This principle runs throughout Scripture.
The Man-Child stands within this pattern.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of promises moving toward manifestation.
The Redemption of Our Body
Paul does not merely speak of redemption.
Paul specifies:
“To wit, the redemption of our body.”
The promise reaches beyond forgiveness.
Beyond justification.
Beyond reconciliation.
Beyond spiritual beginnings.
Paul points toward a fullness yet to be manifested.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis involved the whole man.
Spirit.
Soul.
Body.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of that fullness.
The Body of Humiliation Changed
Paul writes:
“For our conversation is in heaven…”
“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…” (Philippians 3:20-21)
Notice the language.
Change.
Transformation.
Glory.
Likeness.
The promise continues to unfold.
The image spoken in Genesis moves toward manifestation.
The Man-Child appears as a firstfruit witness of the glory toward which creation has been moving.
Mortality and Life
Paul writes again:
“For we that are in this tabernacle do groan…”
“That mortality might be swallowed up of life.” (2 Corinthians 5:4)
The language changes.
No longer merely life after death.
Now life swallowing mortality.
Now glory overcoming corruption.
Now fullness overcoming limitation.
The promise continues advancing toward manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as a firstfruit witness of this Kingdom reality.
The Pattern of Fullness
Throughout Scripture God reveals a progressive pattern.
Seed.
Blade.
Ear.
Full ear.
The redemption of the body follows the same pattern.
The promise begins.
The promise develops.
The promise matures.
The promise manifests.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the promise reaching maturity.
The Purpose Spoken in Genesis
Genesis declared:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image…” (Genesis 1:26)
The image was always God’s objective.
The likeness was always God’s objective.
The fullness of life was always God’s objective.
The dominion mandate was given to the whole man.
The purpose of God reaches beyond partial restoration.
The purpose of God moves toward fullness.
The Man-Child appears as a firstfruit witness of that fullness.
The Redemption of the Body and the Man-Child
The Book of Revelation declares:
“And she brought forth a man child…”
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Revelation 12:5)
The Man-Child appears in the language of manifestation.
The Man-Child appears in the language of dominion.
The Man-Child appears in the language of Kingdom administration.
The promises Paul saw from afar begin to converge in the vision of Revelation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of Kingdom fullness.
A Firstfruit Company
The redemption of the body is not presented as an isolated promise.
It belongs to a larger Kingdom purpose.
The manifestation of the sons.
The Melchizedek Priesthood.
Kings and Priests reigning upon the earth.
The dominion mandate.
The Kingdom Age.
All of these streams flow together.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit company through whom these promises begin to find visible expression.
The Full Ear of the Promise
Paul saw the promise.
Paul saw the firstfruits.
Paul saw the redemption of the body.
Paul saw mortality swallowed up by life.
The promise continued growing.
The seed became a blade.
The blade became an ear.
The ear approached fullness.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the redemption promise is moving toward manifestation.
The Kingdom purpose spoken in Genesis is advancing.
The image is being restored.
The dominion mandate is being fulfilled.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is appearing.
And the Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing the full ear of a promise that has been growing since the beginning.
Chapter 8
We Shall Not All Sleep
A Mystery Hidden for the End of the Age
As Paul concludes his great discourse concerning resurrection, he reveals a mystery.
Not a doctrine.
Not an opinion.
A mystery.
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
The statement is remarkable.
Paul does not say all shall sleep.
Paul does not say all shall die.
Paul reveals a mystery concerning a people who experience change.
The promise begins moving toward its full ear.
The Man-Child stands within this stream of revelation.
The Last Trump
Paul continues:
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump…” (1 Corinthians 15:52)
The language of Scripture continually moves toward fullness.
The feast cycle moves toward fullness.
The harvest cycle moves toward fullness.
The trumpet cycle moves toward fullness.
The Kingdom advances toward fullness.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of Kingdom fullness.
The promise is reaching maturity.
Mortality Putting on Immortality
Paul writes:
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:53)
Notice the progression.
Corruption to incorruption.
Mortality to immortality.
Weakness to glory.
The promise advances.
The seed continues growing.
The Kingdom purpose moves toward manifestation.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of that advancing glory.
Death Swallowed Up in Victory
Then comes one of the most triumphant declarations in Scripture:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54)
The language is no longer merely survival.
The language is no longer merely endurance.
The language is victory.
The promise spoken throughout Scripture reaches another dimension.
Life triumphs.
Victory triumphs.
The Kingdom advances.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of that victory.
O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
Paul continues:
“O death, where is thy sting?”
“O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
The apostle is looking beyond defeat.
He is looking beyond limitation.
He is looking toward triumph.
The promise continues moving toward its full ear.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom of life is greater than the kingdom of death.
The Promise Seen by the Prophets
Paul was not introducing a new thought.
Isaiah had already declared:
“He will swallow up death in victory…” (Isaiah 25:8)
The seed was planted long before.
The prophets saw the promise.
The apostles proclaimed the promise.
The Book of Revelation unveils the manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the promise reaching maturity.
The Kingdom of Life
The Kingdom revealed throughout Scripture is a Kingdom of life.
The Kingdom advances through life.
The Kingdom overcomes through life.
The Kingdom conquers through life.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of that Kingdom.
The throne speaks of life.
The dominion mandate speaks of life.
The Melchizedek Priesthood speaks of life.
The promise continues moving toward manifestation.
The Man-Child and the Mystery
The Book of Revelation declares:
“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.” (Revelation 12:5)
Paul revealed a mystery.
John revealed a vision.
The mystery and the vision begin to converge.
The Man-Child appears in the language of dominion.
The Man-Child appears in the language of Kingdom administration.
The Man-Child appears in the language of manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of promises moving toward fullness.
The Firstfruits Before the Harvest
Throughout Scripture, firstfruits always appear before the harvest.
The first sheaf is presented before the ingathering.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The witness appears before the multitude.
The Man-Child follows this same pattern.
The Man-Child is revealed as a firstfruit company.
The Man-Child is not the harvest itself.
The Man-Child is the first visible witness that the harvest is approaching.
The Full Ear of Victory
The promise began as a seed.
The prophets saw it from afar.
The apostles proclaimed it.
The Kingdom advanced toward manifestation.
The promise became a blade.
The blade became an ear.
The ear approached fullness.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the promises of life, victory, dominion, and Kingdom fullness are moving toward visible expression.
The mystery remains glorious.
The promise remains powerful.
The Kingdom continues advancing.
And the Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing the full ear of victory spoken throughout the Scriptures from the beginning.
Chapter 9
The Man-Child Caught Up Unto God and His Throne
The Revelation Hidden in Plain Sight
For generations believers have read Revelation 12 and focused upon the woman, the dragon, and the warfare.
Yet at the center of the vision stands the Man-Child.
Everything in the chapter revolves around the birth of the Man-Child.
The woman appears.
The dragon appears.
The conflict appears.
But heaven’s attention is fixed upon the Man-Child.
The chapter is not merely revealing a birth.
The chapter is revealing a manifestation.
The seed planted in Genesis is finally reaching its full ear.
The Woman Brings Forth the Man-Child
John writes:
“And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (Revelation 12:2)
Throughout Scripture, travail precedes manifestation.
The promise comes first.
The labor follows.
Then comes the birth.
The prophets travailed.
The apostles travailed.
The ages travailed.
The woman travailed.
All of creation moved toward a moment of manifestation.
Then John declares:
“And she brought forth a man child…” (Revelation 12:5)
The Man-Child appears.
The promise becomes visible.
The seed reaches manifestation.
The Full Ear of the Dominion Mandate
Genesis declared:
“Let them have dominion.” (Genesis 1:26)
For generations the promise developed.
David saw dominion.
Isaiah saw dominion.
Daniel saw dominion.
The prophets saw dominion.
Now Revelation reveals the firstfruits.
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 12:5)
Notice the language.
Rule.
Nations.
Authority.
Dominion.
The very thing spoken in Genesis now appears in the language of manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the dominion mandate reaching fullness.
The Full Ear of the Kingdom
Daniel saw a stone become a mountain.
Daniel saw the saints possess the Kingdom.
Daniel saw dominion given to a people.
The promise continued advancing.
Now Revelation unveils the firstfruits.
The Man-Child appears in Kingdom language.
The Man-Child appears in throne language.
The Man-Child appears in dominion language.
The Kingdom seen by Daniel is no longer merely prophetic.
The Kingdom is becoming visible.
The Full Ear of Sonship
Paul wrote:
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)
Creation waited.
The nations waited.
The earth waited.
The promise matured.
Then Revelation reveals the birth.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of manifested sonship.
The Man-Child is not merely a promise of sonship.
The Man-Child is sonship brought to manifestation.
The Full Ear of the Melchizedek Priesthood
Melchizedek appeared in Genesis.
David prophesied of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Hebrews explained the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Revelation unveils a Kingdom of Kings and Priests.
The throne and the priesthood become one.
Government and priesthood become one.
The Man-Child appears within this Kingdom order.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the Melchizedek Priesthood moving from revelation into manifestation.
Caught Up Unto God
John writes:
“And her child was caught up unto God…” (Revelation 12:5)
The language changes.
The vision moves from birth to enthronement.
The Man-Child is not merely born.
The Man-Child is elevated.
The Man-Child is brought into another dimension of Kingdom administration.
The Man-Child is associated with the presence of God Himself.
The promise is reaching maturity.
The Kingdom is advancing.
Caught Up Unto His Throne
John continues:
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Revelation 12:5)
Notice the destination.
Not merely heaven.
The throne.
The throne speaks of government.
The throne speaks of authority.
The throne speaks of Kingdom administration.
Throughout Scripture the throne is the center of divine government.
The Man-Child is connected directly to that government.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis has become throne language.
The Kingdom promise has become throne language.
The manifestation of sonship has become throne language.
The Great Distinction
The chapter reveals a distinction.
The woman remains in the wilderness prepared by God.
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and His throne.
Both are part of the vision.
Both are part of the purpose.
Yet the language surrounding them is different.
The woman is associated with nourishment and preparation.
The Man-Child is associated with dominion and enthronement.
The woman is associated with travail.
The Man-Child is associated with manifestation.
The woman brings forth.
The Man-Child appears.
The Firstfruits of the Kingdom Age
The Man-Child is not presented as the final harvest.
The Man-Child is presented as firstfruits.
The first visible witness.
The first manifestation.
The first company through whom Kingdom promises begin appearing in visible form.
The dominion mandate.
The manifestation of sonship.
The Melchizedek Priesthood.
The redemption of the body.
The Kingdom Age.
All converge in the vision of the Man-Child.
The Man-Child Revealed
The Man-Child is the full ear of promises planted throughout Scripture.
The Man-Child is the firstfruit manifestation of Kingdom dominion.
The Man-Child is the firstfruit manifestation of manifested sonship.
The Man-Child is the firstfruit manifestation of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The Man-Child stands as the first visible witness that the promises of God are moving from prophecy into manifestation.
The seed has become the full ear.
The promise has become a people.
The Kingdom has begun to appear.
And the Man-Child stands caught up unto God and His throne as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age.
Chapter 10
Kings and Priests Reigning on the Earth
The Throne Produces Administration
The Man-Child is not caught up unto God and His throne merely to occupy a position.
The throne carries purpose.
The throne carries government.
The throne carries administration.
Throughout Scripture, the throne is the center of divine authority.
When the Man-Child is caught up unto God and His throne, the vision immediately moves into Kingdom administration.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis is now advancing into rulership.
The promise is becoming visible.
The Kingdom is becoming active.
The Harvest of the Melchizedek Seed
The Melchizedek seed first appeared in Genesis.
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” (Genesis 14:18)
A king.
A priest.
A kingdom.
A priesthood.
The seed was planted.
David saw it.
Hebrews explained it.
Revelation unveils the harvest.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom order.
A Kingdom of Kings and Priests
John hears heaven declare:
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
Notice the language.
Kings.
Priests.
Reign.
Earth.
This is not merely priesthood language.
This is Kingdom language.
This is dominion language.
This is Man-Child language.
The throne is producing administration.
The Kingdom is producing government.
The promise is moving toward fullness.
Reigning Upon the Earth
The promise is not presented as escape.
The promise is not presented as abandonment.
The promise is not presented as retreat.
The promise is presented as reigning.
“We shall reign on the earth.”
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis reappears.
The earth remains central to the purpose of God.
The Kingdom is advancing.
The mountain is growing.
The nations are being affected.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom administration.
The Throne and the Nations
The Book of Revelation continually connects the throne to the nations.
The throne is never isolated.
The throne governs.
The throne influences.
The throne administers.
The throne affects the earth.
The Man-Child was destined:
“To rule all nations with a rod of iron.” (Revelation 12:5)
The language remains consistent.
Nations.
Dominion.
Government.
Kingdom.
Authority.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the Kingdom affecting the nations.
The Overcomers and the Nations
The Lord declares:
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26)
The promise continues.
The nations appear again.
Authority appears again.
Kingdom administration appears again.
The Man-Child appears within this same stream of revelation.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of a Kingdom people entrusted with Kingdom responsibility.
The Rod of Iron
The Lord continues:
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 2:27)
The same language appears in Psalm 2.
The same language appears in Revelation 12.
The same language appears in Revelation 19.
The Spirit is connecting these passages together.
The Man-Child is associated with the rod of iron.
The Man-Child is associated with Kingdom administration.
The Man-Child is associated with dominion.
The promise is reaching its full ear.
The Administration of the Kingdom Age
The Kingdom Age is not merely an age of blessing.
The Kingdom Age is an age of administration.
The throne governs.
Kings reign.
Priests minister.
The Kingdom advances.
The nations respond.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this administration.
The Man-Child reveals the beginning of what the prophets foresaw.
The Firstfruits of Government
Isaiah declared:
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7)
Government.
Increase.
Kingdom.
Administration.
The promise continues moving toward manifestation.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that increase.
The Kingdom is not shrinking.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The government is not diminishing.
The government is expanding.
The Man-Child appears as the first visible witness of this advancing Kingdom.
The Kingdom Given to a People
Daniel saw it.
“The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom…” (Daniel 7:18)
John sees it.
“Kings and priests… shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
The promise is the same.
The Kingdom is being administered.
The dominion mandate is being fulfilled.
The throne is active.
The Kingdom is advancing.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom possession and administration.
The Firstfruits of the Kingdom Age
The Melchizedek Priesthood.
The dominion mandate.
The throne.
The nations.
The rod of iron.
Kings and Priests.
All of these streams converge in Revelation.
The Man-Child stands at the center of this convergence.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of a Kingdom people reigning upon the earth.
The seed has become a blade.
The blade has become an ear.
The ear is becoming a full ear.
The promise is becoming a people.
The Kingdom is becoming visible.
And the Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing Kings and Priests reigning upon the earth under the government of God.
Chapter 11
The Firstfruits Upon Mount Zion
The Mountain Foreseen by the Prophets
Throughout the Scriptures, the Spirit continually draws our attention to a mountain.
Isaiah saw the mountain.
Micah saw the mountain.
David saw the mountain.
Daniel saw the mountain.
The mountain represents the Kingdom of God established in power and authority.
Isaiah declared:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains…” (Isaiah 2:2)
The mountain appears again.
The Kingdom appears again.
The dominion mandate continues advancing.
The promise continues growing toward manifestation.
Zion — The Mountain of the Lord
David wrote:
“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2:6)
The throne appears.
The King appears.
The Kingdom appears.
Zion becomes the center of divine government.
Zion becomes the place from which Kingdom administration proceeds.
The prophets continually point toward Zion because Zion represents the fulfillment of Kingdom purpose.
The Man-Child appears within this stream of revelation.
The Nations Flow Unto Zion
Isaiah continues:
“And all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2)
Notice the language.
Nations.
Kingdom.
Government.
Influence.
The prophets do not see nations fleeing Zion.
The prophets see nations flowing unto Zion.
The Kingdom is expanding.
The mountain is growing.
The dominion mandate is affecting the earth.
The promise is moving toward harvest.
The Firstfruits Stand Upon Mount Zion
The Book of Revelation unveils the fulfillment.
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand…” (Revelation 14:1)
The mountain appears.
The Lamb appears.
The firstfruits appear.
The promise is no longer merely prophetic.
The promise is becoming visible.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of the Kingdom established upon Mount Zion.
The Name Written in Their Foreheads
John continues:
“Having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” (Revelation 14:1)
The language speaks of nature.
Character.
Identity.
Image.
The purpose spoken in Genesis was always connected to image and likeness.
Now the promise advances toward manifestation.
The Man-Child reveals a people marked by the nature and character of the Father.
The image is becoming visible.
A New Song Before the Throne
John writes:
“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne…” (Revelation 14:3)
The throne appears again.
The Kingdom appears again.
The administration appears again.
The firstfruits remain connected to the throne.
The Man-Child remains connected to the throne.
The Kingdom continues advancing through a people brought into union with God’s purpose.
Redeemed from Among Men
The Spirit declares:
“These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4)
Now the language becomes unmistakable.
Firstfruits.
The very principle that has been developing throughout this book.
The firstfruits appear before the harvest.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The witness appears before the ingathering.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of Kingdom manifestation.
The promise is becoming visible.
Saviours Upon Mount Zion
Obadiah saw the same reality.
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion…” (Obadiah 1:21)
The mountain appears.
The Kingdom appears.
The administration appears.
The firstfruits appear.
The prophets and Revelation are speaking the same language.
The Man-Child stands within this Kingdom vision.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of a people through whom the Kingdom advances.
The Mountain and the Kingdom
Daniel saw a stone become a mountain.
Isaiah saw nations flow to the mountain.
Micah saw nations flow to the mountain.
Obadiah saw saviours upon the mountain.
John saw firstfruits standing upon the mountain.
The witnesses agree.
The Kingdom is growing.
The mountain is expanding.
The promise is approaching fullness.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this advancing Kingdom.
The Full Ear Upon Mount Zion
Genesis planted the seed.
The prophets saw the promise.
The apostles proclaimed the mystery.
Revelation unveils the firstfruits.
The mountain stands.
The throne governs.
The Lamb reigns.
The firstfruits appear.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom promises of God are moving from prophecy into manifestation.
The nations will come.
The Kingdom will increase.
The mountain will fill the earth.
And the Man-Child stands upon Mount Zion as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing the full ear of God’s eternal purpose.
Chapter 12
Shepherding the Nations with a Rod of Iron
The Nations Have Always Been Part of the Promise
From the very beginning, God’s purpose extended beyond an individual.
The dominion mandate was never limited to a single person.
The Kingdom was never limited to a single generation.
The promise always pointed toward the nations.
God said:
“Let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)
The seed was planted.
The Kingdom would grow.
The mountain would increase.
The nations would eventually be touched by the purpose of God.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that advancing Kingdom.
Ask of Me and I Shall Give Thee the Nations
David received a prophetic vision of the Kingdom.
“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2:6)
The throne appears.
The King appears.
The Kingdom appears.
Then comes the promise:
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psalm 2:8)
Notice the language.
Inheritance.
Possession.
Nations.
Dominion.
Kingdom.
The promise spoken in Genesis continues developing.
The seed is becoming an ear.
The Kingdom is approaching manifestation.
The Rod of Iron Appears
David continues:
“Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron…” (Psalm 2:9)
The rod of iron appears for the first time.
This is Kingdom language.
This is dominion language.
This is governmental language.
The prophets were looking beyond their own generation toward a Kingdom administration that would affect the nations.
The Man-Child stands within this prophetic stream.
The Promise Given to the Overcomers
The Lord Himself repeats the promise.
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26)
The nations appear again.
Authority appears again.
Kingdom administration appears again.
The promise is not diminishing.
The promise is increasing.
The Kingdom continues advancing.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom authority.
He Shall Rule Them with a Rod of Iron
The Lord continues:
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 2:27)
The same language spoken in Psalm 2 now appears in Revelation.
The Spirit is connecting the witnesses.
David saw it.
The Lord confirmed it.
Revelation unveils it.
The promise is moving toward fulfillment.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that fulfillment.
The Man-Child and the Nations
John writes:
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 12:5)
The language becomes unmistakable.
Rule.
Nations.
Rod of iron.
Kingdom.
Dominion.
Authority.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis has now become Kingdom administration.
The promise is reaching its full ear.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of the Kingdom affecting the nations.
The Rider Upon the White Horse
The Book of Revelation continues:
“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations…”
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 19:15)
The same language appears again.
The Spirit is building a consistent picture.
The nations remain central.
The Kingdom remains central.
The rod of iron remains central.
The Man-Child remains connected to this Kingdom administration.
The promise continues advancing toward harvest.
The Rod of Iron and Kingdom Government
The rod of iron is associated with government.
The rod of iron is associated with administration.
The rod of iron is associated with authority.
The throne governs.
The Kingdom advances.
The nations respond.
The mountain grows.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom order.
The Kingdom Reaches Beyond the Firstfruits
The firstfruits always appear before the harvest.
The witness appears before the ingathering.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The Man-Child is not the final harvest.
The Man-Child is the first visible witness that the Kingdom is advancing toward the nations.
The prophets foresaw it.
The apostles proclaimed it.
Revelation unveils it.
The Full Ear of the Kingdom
Genesis planted the seed of dominion.
David saw the nations.
Isaiah saw the nations flow unto Zion.
Daniel saw the Kingdom fill the earth.
John saw the Man-Child.
The witnesses agree.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The government is increasing.
The mountain is increasing.
The nations are being drawn into the purpose of God.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of Kingdom administration, shepherding the nations with a rod of iron.
The seed has become a blade.
The blade has become an ear.
The ear is becoming a full ear.
The promise is becoming a people.
The Kingdom is becoming visible.
And the Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing God’s purpose moving from promise into manifestation among the nations of the earth.
Chapter 13
The Nations Shall Flow Unto Zion
The Vision That Echoes Through the Prophets
From Genesis to Revelation, the Spirit continually points toward a Kingdom that expands beyond individuals and reaches the nations.
The prophets saw it.
The apostles proclaimed it.
The Book of Revelation unveils it.
The Kingdom of God was never destined to remain hidden.
The Kingdom was destined to fill the earth.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that expanding Kingdom.
The Mountain of the Lord Established
Isaiah declares:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains…” (Isaiah 2:2)
The mountain appears again.
The Kingdom appears again.
The throne appears again.
The dominion mandate continues advancing.
The purpose spoken in Genesis continues growing toward manifestation.
The mountain is not descending.
The mountain is increasing.
The Kingdom is advancing.
All Nations Shall Flow Unto It
Isaiah continues:
“And all nations shall flow unto it.” (Isaiah 2:2)
Notice the language.
All nations.
Not a few nations.
Not a remnant of nations.
Not selected nations.
The prophet sees the influence of the Kingdom reaching outward.
The mountain is affecting the earth.
The Kingdom is affecting the nations.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this advancing Kingdom purpose.
Come, Let Us Go Up
Isaiah writes:
“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD…” (Isaiah 2:3)
The nations are being drawn.
The peoples are being gathered.
The mountain is attracting.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The purpose of God is advancing.
The promise continues moving toward harvest.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this gathering work.
Out of Zion Shall Go Forth the Law
Isaiah continues:
“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3)
Notice the direction.
The word is going forth.
The Kingdom is expanding.
The influence is increasing.
The mountain is not shrinking.
The mountain is growing.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of a Kingdom administration flowing outward from Zion.
The Witness of Micah
Micah saw the same vision.
“But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established…” (Micah 4:1)
“And people shall flow unto it.” (Micah 4:1)
The prophets agree.
The witnesses agree.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The nations are coming.
The mountain is growing.
The promise is moving toward fulfillment.
The Man-Child stands within this prophetic vision.
Saviours Upon Mount Zion
Obadiah declared:
“And saviours shall come up on mount Zion…” (Obadiah 1:21)
The mountain appears.
The Kingdom appears.
The administration appears.
The purpose of God advances through a people.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom administration.
The mountain is no longer merely prophetic.
The mountain is becoming visible.
The Firstfruits Before the Nations
The Book of Revelation reveals:
“These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4)
The principle remains consistent.
Firstfruits before harvest.
Witness before ingathering.
Beginning before fullness.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of the Kingdom Age.
The nations shall flow unto Zion because the Kingdom has first appeared in a people.
The harvest follows the firstfruits.
The Nations Walk in the Light
John sees the culmination of the vision.
“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it…” (Revelation 21:24)
The nations appear again.
The Kingdom appears again.
The light appears again.
The promise seen by Isaiah continues unfolding.
The mountain is affecting the earth.
The Kingdom is affecting the nations.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that Kingdom light.
The Kingdom Fills the Earth
Daniel saw a stone become a mountain.
Isaiah saw nations flow unto the mountain.
Micah saw nations flow unto the mountain.
Obadiah saw saviours upon the mountain.
John saw the nations walk in the light.
The witnesses agree.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The government is increasing.
The mountain is increasing.
The purpose of God is advancing.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness that the Kingdom promises of God are moving from prophecy into manifestation.
The Full Ear of Zion
Genesis planted the seed.
The prophets saw the vision.
The apostles proclaimed the mystery.
Revelation unveils the firstfruits.
The mountain stands.
The throne governs.
The Kingdom advances.
The nations come.
The harvest follows the firstfruits.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age, revealing the full ear of Zion and the fulfillment of the prophetic promise:
“All nations shall flow unto it.”
The Kingdom continues increasing.
The mountain continues growing.
The purpose of God continues advancing.
And the Man-Child stands as the first visible witness that the nations shall indeed flow unto Zion.
Chapter 14
The Throne of God and of the Lamb
The Throne Revealed from the Beginning
From Genesis to Revelation, the Kingdom story is ultimately the story of a throne.
Before there was a nation, there was a throne.
Before there was a priesthood, there was a throne.
Before there was a prophet, there was a throne.
Before there was a Kingdom manifested in the earth, there was a throne governing all things according to the purpose of God.
The dominion mandate began with the throne.
The Kingdom advances through the throne.
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and His throne.
The entire journey of this book has been leading us here.
The Throne and the Kingdom
Daniel saw the Kingdom.
Isaiah saw the Kingdom.
David saw the Kingdom.
John saw the Kingdom.
Yet behind every vision stood the throne.
The throne is the source of government.
The throne is the source of administration.
The throne is the source of Kingdom authority.
The Man-Child is connected directly to the throne because the Man-Child is connected directly to Kingdom administration.
The promise spoken in Genesis has become throne language.
The Throne of God and of the Lamb
John writes:
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Revelation 22:1)
Notice where the river begins.
Not from the earth.
Not from man.
Not from religion.
The river flows from the throne.
Life flows from the throne.
Government flows from the throne.
Kingdom administration flows from the throne.
The Man-Child is caught up unto this reality.
The River of Life
The river proceeds from the throne.
Life flows outward.
The Kingdom expands outward.
The influence of God reaches outward.
The purpose of God reaches outward.
Everything in Revelation moves from the throne into creation.
The throne is not isolated.
The throne governs.
The throne gives life.
The throne transforms.
The throne restores.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom administration.
His Servants Shall Serve Him
John continues:
“And his servants shall serve him.” (Revelation 22:3)
The Kingdom is not inactivity.
The Kingdom is administration.
The Kingdom is service.
The Kingdom is participation in the purpose of God.
Kings and Priests reign.
Kings and Priests serve.
The Melchizedek Priesthood ministers.
The Man-Child appears as the firstfruit witness of this Kingdom order.
They Shall See His Face
John writes:
“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:4)
The image spoken in Genesis reaches another level of fulfillment.
The likeness advances.
The nature advances.
The character advances.
The purpose of God moves toward fullness.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of a people brought into union with the purpose of God.
They Shall Reign for Ever and Ever
John concludes:
“And they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5)
The language remains consistent.
Reign.
Kingdom.
Government.
Administration.
Dominion.
The dominion mandate spoken in Genesis has never disappeared.
The purpose remains unchanged.
The Kingdom continues increasing.
The throne continues governing.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of this eternal Kingdom administration.
Gathering All Things Together in Christ
Paul writes:
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:10)
The purpose of God has always been larger than a single generation.
Larger than a single nation.
Larger than a single administration.
The throne governs toward a divine objective.
The gathering together of all things in Christ.
The Kingdom advances toward fullness.
The river continues flowing.
The purpose continues unfolding.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of that advancing purpose.
God All in All
Paul reveals the final objective.
“And when all things shall be subdued unto him…”
“Then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28)
This is the culmination of the Kingdom.
This is the goal of the throne.
This is the purpose of the ages.
The Kingdom advances until all things are gathered into Christ.
The river continues flowing until God’s purpose fills creation.
The throne continues governing until God is all in all.
The Full Ear of the Kingdom
Genesis planted the seed.
The prophets saw the vision.
The apostles proclaimed the mystery.
The Book of Revelation unveiled the firstfruits.
The dominion mandate became a Kingdom.
The Kingdom became a mountain.
The mountain reached the nations.
The throne governed the Kingdom.
The river flowed from the throne.
The purpose advanced through the ages.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruit witness of God’s Kingdom purpose reaching manifestation.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of Kingdom administration.
The Man-Child stands caught up unto God and His throne as the first visible witness that the promises spoken throughout Scripture are moving toward their fullness.
The seed has become a blade.
The blade has become an ear.
The ear has become a full ear.
The promise has become a people.
The Kingdom has become visible.
And the throne of God and of the Lamb continues governing until every purpose of God is brought to completion and God becomes all in all.
Conclusion
The Full Ear in the Corn
The journey of this book began in Genesis.
It began with a seed.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)
From that moment forward, the Spirit of God began revealing His purpose throughout the Scriptures.
The prophets saw it.
The apostles proclaimed it.
The Book of Revelation unveiled it.
The seed continued growing.
The blade appeared.
The ear appeared.
The full ear approached manifestation.
Throughout these pages we have followed the trail of that Kingdom seed.
We have watched the dominion mandate unfold.
We have watched the mountain of the Lord rise before the prophets.
We have watched Daniel’s stone become a mountain that fills the whole earth.
We have watched the saints possess the Kingdom.
We have watched the Melchizedek Priesthood emerge from Genesis and mature through the ages.
We have watched the manifestation of the sons of God move toward fulfillment.
We have watched the promise of the redemption of the body advance toward its full ear.
We have watched the mystery of “We shall not all sleep” point toward a greater dimension of Kingdom life.
We have watched the Man-Child appear.
And standing at the center of it all is a simple truth:
The Man-Child is not an isolated symbol.
The Man-Child is the convergence of Kingdom promises.
The Man-Child is the firstfruit manifestation of what God has been speaking since the beginning.
The dominion mandate.
The manifestation of sonship.
The Melchizedek Priesthood.
Kings and Priests reigning upon the earth.
The mountain of Zion.
The Kingdom that fills the earth.
The throne of God and of the Lamb.
All of these streams meet in the revelation of the Man-Child.
The Man-Child stands as the firstfruits.
The first visible witness.
The first company through whom the promises of God begin appearing in manifestation.
Throughout Scripture, firstfruits always appear before the harvest.
The first sheaf appears before the ingathering.
The witness appears before the multitude.
The beginning appears before the fullness.
The Man-Child therefore reveals not the end of God’s purpose, but the beginning of its visible manifestation.
The prophets saw the harvest.
The apostles proclaimed the harvest.
The Man-Child reveals the firstfruits of that harvest.
The Kingdom continues increasing.
The mountain continues growing.
The river continues flowing from the throne.
The nations continue being drawn into the purpose of God.
The government continues increasing.
The promise continues advancing.
For Isaiah declared:
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7)
And Daniel declared:
“And the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:35)
And John declared:
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 12:5)
The witnesses agree.
The Kingdom is advancing.
The purpose of God is unfolding.
The throne continues governing.
The river continues flowing.
The mountain continues growing.
And the Man-Child stands as the firstfruits of the Kingdom Age and the Melchizedek Priesthood, revealing the full ear of promises planted throughout Scripture and now moving toward manifestation in the earth.
The seed has become a blade.
The blade has become an ear.
The ear has become a full ear.
The promise has become a people.
The Kingdom has become visible.
And the Man-Child stands caught up unto God and His throne as the firstfruit witness that God’s eternal purpose is moving from promise into manifestation until all things are gathered together in Christ and God becomes all in all.
By Carl Timothy Wray
“The Man-Child Revealed — The Firstfruits of the Kingdom Age and the Melchizedek Priesthood”
