Michael and His Angels — Revealing Christ, the Man-Child Company, and the Progressive Victory of the Throne Through the Ages to Come
By Carl Timothy Wray
AUTHOR
Carl Timothy Wray is the founder of The Finished Work of Christ ministry and Zion University. For more than forty years he has devoted himself to the study of the scriptures, seeking to understand the Revelation of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. His writings emphasize the Finished Work of Christ, the Throne of God, the Book of Revelation, the Manifest Sons of God, and the progressive gathering together of all things in Christ. Through hundreds of books, teachings, and videos distributed freely around the world, he continues to proclaim the Gospel of Grace and the full counsel of God.
Michael and His Angels examines the identity of Michael the Archangel in Revelation 12, the Man-Child Company, the war in heaven, the dragon cast down, the voice of the archangel, the Captain of the Lord’s Host, the White Horse Rider, and the armies of heaven. By comparing Revelation 12 with Genesis, Joshua, Daniel, the Gospels, Paul’s epistles, and the Book of Revelation, this book reveals Christ as the Chief Messenger in the midst of His overcoming company and explores the progressive victory of the throne from the firstfruits unto the gathering together of all things in Christ through the ages to come.
INTRODUCTION
Among the most mysterious passages in all of scripture is the twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation.
Within a single chapter John beholds a woman clothed with the sun, a man-child caught up unto God and His throne, a great red dragon, war in heaven, Michael and his angels, the casting down of Satan, and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
For generations believers have debated the identity of Michael. Some have viewed Michael as merely one among many angels. Others have seen him as a mighty heavenly being entrusted with special authority. Yet Revelation 12 presents a picture far greater than a study of angels. The chapter unveils a conflict between two administrations, two kingdoms, and two opposing realities.
At the center of the vision stands the man-child.
Before the war begins, the man-child is born.
Before the dragon is cast down, the man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
Before the Kingdom is proclaimed, the overcomers have already followed the pathway of victory.
This book approaches Revelation 12 from that perspective.
The central theme of this study is not merely Michael. The central theme is the man-child company and the warfare through which they come into union with the throne of God.
The question, therefore, is not simply, “Who is Michael?”
The greater question is, “Why does Michael appear in the midst of the man-child company?”
Why does war break out immediately after the man-child is caught up?
Why are Michael and his angels engaged in conflict with the dragon?
What relationship exists between Michael, the overcomers, and the armies of heaven that later appear in the Revelation of Jesus Christ?
To answer these questions we will allow Revelation 12 to remain the central witness. From that center we will examine confirming testimonies throughout the scriptures.
We will consider the Captain of the Lord’s Host who appeared before Joshua.
We will examine Michael the Great Prince in Daniel.
We will study the voice of the archangel in Paul’s writings.
We will follow the White Horse Rider who goes forth conquering and to conquer.
And we will behold the armies of heaven riding behind their Captain.
Each witness contributes to the same testimony.
This book presents Revelation 12 as a revelation of spiritual warfare that first produced victory within the firstfruits company, continues its work within the greater church realm, and ultimately extends unto the residue of creation through the progressive administration of Christ.
The vision therefore contains past, present, and future dimensions.
It reveals what has already been accomplished within the overcomers.
It reveals what is presently unfolding through the throne.
And it reveals the progressive victory by which all things shall ultimately be gathered together in one in Christ.
The war in heaven is not merely a story of conflict.
It is the unveiling of victory.
It is the revelation of the throne.
It is the testimony of the overcomers.
It is the story of Michael and His angels.
And above all, it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART ONE — THE MAN-CHILD AND THE THRONE
Chapter 1 — The Woman, the Man-Child, and the Dragon
Chapter 2 — Caught Up Unto God and His Throne
PART TWO — MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
Chapter 3 — Who Is Michael?
Chapter 4 — The Voice of the Archangel
Chapter 5 — Michael and His Angels
PART THREE — THE WARFARE OF THE OVERCOMERS
Chapter 6 — The Dragon Cast Out of Heaven
Chapter 7 — They Overcame Him
Chapter 8 — Firstfruits Victory
PART FOUR — THE EXPANSION OF THE VICTORY
Chapter 9 — Every Man in His Own Order
Chapter 10 — The Ages to Come
PART FIVE — THE SAME ARMY APPEARS AGAIN
Chapter 11 — The White Horse Rider
Chapter 12 — The Armies Which Were in Heaven
Chapter 13 — From One Rider to Many Riders
CONCLUSION
One Captain, One Army, One Victory
CHAPTER 1
THE WOMAN, THE MAN-CHILD, AND THE DRAGON
THE GREAT SIGN IN HEAVEN
“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.” (Rev. 12:1)
The twelfth chapter of Revelation opens with a great sign in heaven.
This is not merely a historical event.
This is not merely a prophecy concerning the future.
This is a spiritual revelation unveiling the progressive purpose of God.
John sees a woman.
He sees a man-child.
He sees a dragon.
And he sees a throne.
These four realities form the foundation of the entire chapter.
Everything that follows proceeds from these revelations.
To understand Michael and his angels, we must first understand the woman.
To understand the war in heaven, we must first understand the man-child.
To understand the casting down of the dragon, we must first understand the throne.
The entire chapter revolves around these realities.
THE WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun.” (Rev. 12:1)
Throughout scripture a woman often represents a covenant people.
Israel was portrayed as a woman.
Jerusalem was portrayed as a woman.
The church is portrayed as a woman.
The bride is portrayed as a woman.
The woman of Revelation 12 represents God’s covenant purpose bringing forth His life within humanity.
She is clothed with the sun.
The sun speaks of divine light.
The moon is under her feet.
The moon reflects borrowed light.
The crown of twelve stars speaks of divine government and heavenly administration.
This woman stands in the purpose of God.
She carries within herself something that creation desperately needs.
She is about to bring forth a son.
THE PROMISE OF THE SEED
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” (Gen. 3:15)
The woman of Revelation 12 does not suddenly appear.
Her story begins in Genesis.
When Adam fell, God immediately spoke of a coming seed.
That seed would crush the serpent’s head.
From Genesis onward scripture records the progressive development of that seed.
Abraham carried the promise.
Israel carried the promise.
The prophets carried the promise.
Christ fulfilled the promise.
Yet Revelation 12 reveals a further manifestation of that seed.
The seed has matured.
The seed has grown.
The seed has come to birth.
The woman is bringing forth a man-child.
THE MAN-CHILD
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.” (Rev. 12:5)
The central revelation of this chapter is not the dragon.
The central revelation is not Michael.
The central revelation is the man-child.
The man-child is the focal point of the conflict.
The dragon opposes the man-child.
The throne receives the man-child.
Michael fights on behalf of the man-child.
The Kingdom is proclaimed because of the victory connected to the man-child.
The man-child is presented as a ruling company.
This company is destined for government.
This company is destined for authority.
This company is destined for union with the throne.
The man-child does not merely escape conflict.
The man-child emerges through conflict.
The victory revealed later in the chapter has already been working within this company.
The dragon has already been losing ground.
The throne has already been gaining ground.
The overcoming work has already been taking place.
The birth simply reveals outwardly what God has been accomplishing inwardly.
THE DRAGON WAITS
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon.” (Rev. 12:3)
The dragon appears for one purpose.
He seeks to devour the man-child.
Throughout scripture the adversary has always opposed the purpose of God.
Pharaoh opposed the seed.
Saul opposed the seed.
Herod opposed the seed.
Religious systems opposed the seed.
The dragon opposes the seed.
Why?
Because the dragon understands what many fail to understand.
The appearance of the man-child signals the advance of God’s Kingdom.
The dragon recognizes that his authority is being challenged.
His accusations are being challenged.
His dominion is being challenged.
His kingdom is being challenged.
The dragon therefore stands before the woman waiting to destroy the child as soon as it is born.
Yet the dragon cannot stop what God has ordained.
CAUGHT UP UNTO GOD AND HIS THRONE
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Rev. 12:5)
This statement is one of the most important verses in the chapter.
Before the war begins, the man-child reaches the throne.
Before the dragon is cast down, the man-child reaches the throne.
Before the Kingdom is proclaimed, the man-child reaches the throne.
The throne is not the reward for the war.
The throne is the source of authority for the war.
The overcomers receive heavenly authority before heavenly conflict unfolds.
Government precedes conquest.
Authority precedes manifestation.
The throne precedes victory.
This divine order appears throughout scripture.
God always establishes authority before He expands administration.
The throne therefore becomes the key to understanding everything that follows.
THE FOUNDATION OF THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Many readers begin Revelation 12 with Michael and his angels.
But the Holy Spirit begins with the woman.
The Holy Spirit begins with the man-child.
The Holy Spirit begins with the throne.
Only then does the war appear.
The warfare of Revelation 12 is therefore not an isolated battle among heavenly beings.
It is the direct result of the appearance of the man-child and the establishment of the throne.
The dragon reacts because the throne is advancing.
Michael fights because the throne is advancing.
The Kingdom is proclaimed because the throne is advancing.
The rest of the chapter reveals the conflict that follows the manifestation of the man-child company.
Everything that follows must be understood in the light of the throne.
The woman brings forth the son.
The son is caught up to the throne.
The throne advances.
The dragon resists.
Michael fights.
The dragon falls.
The Kingdom is revealed.
This is the divine order of Revelation 12.
CHAPTER 2
CAUGHT UP UNTO GOD AND HIS THRONE
“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.” (Rev. 12:5)
THE DESTINATION OF THE MAN-CHILD
The man-child is not merely born.
The man-child has a destination.
John does not merely see a birth.
John sees a throne.
The purpose of the birth is the throne.
The purpose of the throne is government.
The purpose of government is the administration of the Kingdom of God.
Many have focused upon the birth of the man-child while overlooking the significance of the throne.
Yet the throne is the central reality of the chapter.
The dragon fears the throne.
The war is about the throne.
The Kingdom proceeds from the throne.
Everything in Revelation 12 revolves around governmental authority.
THE THRONE BEFORE THE WAR
One of the most remarkable truths in Revelation 12 is the order in which events occur.
The man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
Then war breaks out in heaven.
The throne comes before the warfare.
Authority comes before conquest.
Government comes before administration.
Victory begins with position before it manifests through action.
The man-child does not fight his way to the throne.
The man-child fights from the throne.
This divine order appears throughout scripture.
God always establishes authority before He expands dominion.
The throne is therefore not the result of victory.
The throne is the source of victory.
SEATED TOGETHER IN HEAVENLY PLACES
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:6)
Paul reveals the same principle.
Before there is manifestation, there is position.
Before there is administration, there is authority.
Before there is conquest, there is union.
The believer is first seated with Christ.
The throne speaks of identification.
The throne speaks of union.
The throne speaks of participation in divine government.
The man-child company comes into an awareness of the throne before the warfare of Revelation 12 unfolds.
They do not fight for acceptance.
They do not fight for sonship.
They do not fight for victory.
They fight from the reality of what God has already established.
TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21)
Jesus established the pattern.
First the overcoming.
Then the enthronement.
The Son overcame.
The Son sat down with the Father.
The man-child follows the same pathway.
What happened in the Head is reproduced in the Body.
The overcomers share His throne because they share His victory.
The overcomers share His authority because they share His life.
The overcomers share His administration because they share His union.
Thus Revelation 12 is not presenting a strange new principle.
It is revealing the continuation of the pattern established in Christ Himself.
THE THRONE AND THE DRAGON
The dragon understands the significance of the throne.
That is why he opposes the man-child.
The issue has never been merely the existence of God’s people.
The issue is governmental authority.
Religious systems can tolerate believers.
The dragon can tolerate immaturity.
The dragon can tolerate mixture.
What the dragon cannot tolerate is a people coming into union with the throne.
The throne represents divine government.
The throne represents heavenly authority.
The throne represents the manifestation of Christ’s rule.
When the throne advances, the dragon’s authority retreats.
When the throne is established, competing governments begin to crumble.
This is why the dragon reacts so violently in Revelation 12.
The throne is advancing.
THE FIRSTFRUITS COMPANY
The man-child represents a firstfruits company.
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:18)
Throughout scripture God moves according to order.
The firstfruits always appear before the harvest.
The firstfruits are not the whole field.
They are the beginning of the field.
The firstfruits testify concerning what the harvest shall become.
The man-child therefore stands as a prophetic witness.
What has been accomplished in them becomes the pattern for what shall be accomplished in others.
The victory revealed in the firstfruits becomes the testimony of the harvest.
The harvest becomes the testimony of the greater restoration still to come.
Thus the throne is not merely for the man-child.
The throne becomes the source from which divine administration flows outward.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE AGES TO COME
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7)
The catching up unto God and His throne is not the end of the story.
It is the beginning of a greater administration.
The throne exists for government.
The government exists for reconciliation.
The reconciliation exists for the gathering together of all things in Christ.
The firstfruits are established.
The church is visited.
Creation is touched.
The Kingdom expands.
The throne advances.
The purpose of God unfolds through His appointed order.
THE THRONE IS THE KEY
If the reader misses the throne, the remainder of Revelation 12 becomes difficult to understand.
Michael and his angels cannot be understood apart from the throne.
The war in heaven cannot be understood apart from the throne.
The dragon cast down cannot be understood apart from the throne.
The Kingdom proclamation cannot be understood apart from the throne.
Everything that follows proceeds from this reality:
The man-child has been caught up unto God and His throne.
The throne has been occupied.
Authority has been established.
Government has been revealed.
Now the war can begin.
And because the throne has already been established, the outcome of the war is never in doubt.
CHAPTER 3
WHO IS MICHAEL?
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” (Rev. 12:7)
THE GREAT QUESTION
As soon as readers arrive at Revelation 12:7, a question immediately arises.
Who is Michael?
For generations men have debated his identity.
Some have viewed Michael as merely a powerful angel.
Others have considered him to be one among several heavenly rulers.
Yet the question cannot be answered merely by tradition.
The answer must be found within the context of scripture itself.
More importantly, the answer must be found within the context of Revelation 12.
The chapter itself provides the atmosphere in which Michael appears.
He appears after the man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
He appears in the midst of heavenly warfare.
He appears as the leader of the victorious company.
He appears as the one opposing the dragon.
Therefore, whatever Michael represents, he represents divine authority in action.
MICHAEL APPEARS IN THE MIDST OF WAR
Michael does not appear as a priest.
Michael does not appear as a sacrifice.
Michael does not appear as a lamb.
Michael appears in warfare.
His appearance is governmental.
His appearance is militant.
His appearance is victorious.
The context itself reveals the purpose of the title.
When scripture presents Christ as the Lamb, the emphasis is redemption.
When scripture presents Christ as the Bridegroom, the emphasis is union.
When scripture presents Christ as the Son of Man, the emphasis is priesthood and judgment.
When scripture presents Michael, the emphasis is warfare, authority, government, and victory over the dragon.
The title reveals the function.
The function reveals the purpose.
The purpose reveals the manifestation.
MICHAEL THE GREAT PRINCE
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.” (Dan. 12:1)
Daniel introduces Michael as a great prince.
Notice carefully what Michael does.
He stands for God’s people.
He delivers God’s people.
He appears in a time of conflict.
He is connected to resurrection.
He is connected to victory.
The atmosphere surrounding Michael in Daniel is remarkably similar to the atmosphere surrounding Michael in Revelation.
Conflict.
Deliverance.
Resurrection.
Victory.
Kingdom.
The same themes continue to appear.
WHO IS LIKE GOD?
The name Michael means:
Who Is Like God?
This is not merely a personal name.
It is a declaration.
It points to one who perfectly reveals the nature, authority, and government of God.
Scripture repeatedly presents Christ as the perfect image of the Father.
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
“Who is the image of the invisible God.” (Col. 1:15)
The question “Who is like God?” finds its highest answer in Jesus Christ.
No prophet can fully answer that question.
No angel can fully answer that question.
No created being can fully answer that question.
Christ alone is the express image of His Father’s person.
THE CHIEF MESSENGER
The title “archangel” means chief messenger.
A messenger speaks for another.
A chief messenger speaks with supreme delegated authority.
Throughout scripture Christ appears as the ultimate expression of God’s word.
He is the Word made flesh.
He is the faithful witness.
He is the revelation of the Father.
He is the message of God embodied.
Thus when we encounter Michael in Revelation 12, we are not merely encountering a messenger.
We are encountering the revelation of divine authority confronting the dragon.
The emphasis is not upon wings.
The emphasis is not upon appearance.
The emphasis is upon government.
The emphasis is upon authority.
The emphasis is upon victory.
THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
“As captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” (Josh. 5:14)
Before Jericho fell, Joshua encountered the Captain of the Lord’s Host.
The Captain appeared with a drawn sword.
The Captain stood upon holy ground.
The Captain gave instruction.
The Captain directed the conquest.
The Captain led the victory.
Joshua did not see a defeated leader.
Joshua did not see a passive observer.
Joshua saw a commander.
This same atmosphere surrounds Michael in Revelation 12.
Authority.
Government.
Leadership.
Victory.
The Captain appears before the battle unfolds.
The throne is established before the dragon is cast down.
The pattern remains unchanged.
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” (1 Thess. 4:16)
Paul presents another witness.
The Lord Himself appears.
The Lord Himself descends.
The Lord Himself speaks.
The Greek word translated “shout” carries the idea of a commanding cry.
A military order.
A battle command.
The voice that follows is the voice of the archangel.
The atmosphere is not retreat.
The atmosphere is conquest.
The atmosphere is authority.
The atmosphere is command.
The atmosphere is leadership.
The Chief Messenger is speaking.
The Captain is giving orders.
The Kingdom is advancing.
MICHAEL AND THE MAN-CHILD
Many discussions of Michael overlook the context of Revelation 12.
Michael does not appear in isolation.
Michael appears after the man-child has been caught up unto God and His throne.
The warfare of Michael is directly connected to the warfare of the overcomers.
The victory of Michael is directly connected to the victory of the overcomers.
The dragon cast down from heaven is the same dragon overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
Michael is therefore not presented as acting independently from the overcoming company.
The chapter presents one conflict.
One throne.
One victory.
One Kingdom.
The man-child has reached the throne.
Michael leads the warfare.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
All are parts of the same unfolding revelation.
THE REVELATION OF MICHAEL
The purpose of this chapter is not merely to identify Michael.
The purpose is to understand why Michael appears.
Michael appears when the throne advances.
Michael appears when the dragon is challenged.
Michael appears when heavenly authority confronts opposing authority.
Michael appears when the Kingdom moves forward.
Michael appears in the midst of the overcoming company.
Thus Revelation 12 presents Michael as the great leader of heavenly warfare, the Chief Messenger operating in divine authority, and the victorious commander standing against the dragon.
Yet the chapter is still moving toward a greater revelation.
For Michael does not fight alone.
The next question is just as important as the first.
Who are Michael’s angels?
And why are they fighting beside him?
The answer to that question reveals the corporate nature of the victory and brings us directly to the heart of Revelation 12.
CHAPTER 4
THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” (1 Thess. 4:16)
THE LORD HIMSELF
One of the most important statements in this passage is often overlooked.
Paul does not begin with the archangel.
Paul begins with the Lord.
The Lord Himself descends.
The Lord Himself appears.
The Lord Himself speaks.
Everything in the verse proceeds from the appearing of the Lord Himself.
The shout belongs to the Lord.
The voice belongs to the Lord.
The trumpet belongs to the Lord.
The entire passage centers upon the revelation of Jesus Christ.
This is important because Michael and His angels must always be understood within the context of Christ’s appearing and Christ’s administration.
The focus is not angels.
The focus is the Lord Himself.
THE COMMANDING SHOUT
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…”
The Greek word translated “shout” is keleusma.
This word does not describe a whisper.
It does not describe a suggestion.
It does not describe a retreat.
It describes a command.
It describes an authoritative cry.
It describes the voice of leadership.
It carries the atmosphere of a commander directing those under his authority.
The context is governmental.
The context is military.
The context is victorious.
This is not the sound of defeat.
This is not the sound of surrender.
This is the sound of divine authority moving into action.
The Chief Messenger is speaking.
The Captain is giving command.
The Kingdom is advancing.
MICHAEL AND THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY
When we return to Revelation 12, we find Michael and His angels engaged in warfare.
Michael is not passive.
Michael is not observing the battle.
Michael is leading the battle.
Michael and His angels fight against the dragon.
The same atmosphere exists in both passages.
Authority.
Leadership.
Government.
Victory.
The voice of the archangel and Michael and His angels both reveal the authority of divine administration confronting opposing authority.
This is why Michael and His angels cannot be separated from the warfare of Revelation 12.
The Chief Messenger appears in the midst of conflict.
The Chief Messenger appears in the midst of conquest.
The Chief Messenger appears in the midst of victory.
THE MAN-CHILD LEARNS THE VOICE
Before the man-child is caught up unto God and His throne, the man-child learns to follow the voice of the Chief Messenger.
Before there is victory, there is obedience.
Before there is enthronement, there is submission.
Before there is authority, there is instruction.
The overcomers do not reach the throne by accident.
They follow the voice.
They hear the command.
They respond to the leadership of the Spirit.
The same voice that leads them into victory is the voice that establishes them in authority.
Thus Michael and His angels reveal more than warfare.
They reveal divine leadership.
They reveal divine direction.
They reveal divine government.
THE VOICE THAT AWAKENS THE DEAD
“The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25)
The voice of the archangel is not merely a voice of warfare.
It is also a voice of life.
It awakens.
It quickens.
It raises.
It transforms.
The voice that calls men from death into life is the same voice that calls overcomers from weakness into victory.
Throughout scripture God’s Kingdom advances through His word.
Light comes through His word.
Faith comes through His word.
Life comes through His word.
Victory comes through His word.
Michael and His angels operate under that same authority.
THE CAPTAIN AND HIS COMPANY
Every captain has an army.
Every shepherd has a flock.
Every king has a kingdom.
Every commander has those who follow his leadership.
Michael and His angels reveal the Chief Messenger and those who move in harmony with his administration.
The man-child company does not establish its own warfare.
The man-child company follows the warfare of the Chief Messenger.
The overcomers do not invent their own victory.
They participate in His victory.
The man-child follows Michael.
The army follows the Captain.
The overcomers follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
The pattern remains unchanged throughout scripture.
THE SAME VOICE IN REVELATION 12
The warfare of Revelation 12 did not begin when Michael and His angels appeared.
The warfare had already been working within the man-child company.
The dragon had already been challenged.
The accuser had already been resisted.
The throne had already been embraced.
The overcomers had already been following the voice of the Chief Messenger.
Michael and His angels therefore reveal outwardly what has already been taking place inwardly.
The victory visible in heaven first became reality within the overcomers.
The dragon cast down in heaven first lost his authority within those who followed the voice.
The warfare seen in Revelation 12 first produced victory within the man-child company.
Then that victory was manifested openly.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS IN THE WAR AGAINST THE DRAGON
When Revelation 12 speaks of Michael and His angels, it reveals the triumph of divine authority over the authority of the dragon.
When Paul speaks of the voice of the archangel, he reveals the authority that leads God’s people into victory.
When Joshua encountered the Captain of the Lord’s Host, he encountered the authority that brings down strongholds.
When the man-child is caught up unto God and His throne, the result is the same authority operating through an overcoming company.
Thus Michael and His angels, the voice of the archangel, the Captain of the Lord’s Host, and the man-child company all share the same atmosphere.
The throne.
The Kingdom.
The command.
The victory.
The warfare against the dragon.
And that warfare leads directly to the next great revelation of Revelation 12:
Michael and His angels do not fight alone.
The victory of the Chief Messenger becomes the victory of an overcoming company.
CHAPTER 5
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” (Rev. 12:7)
THE COMPANY OF THE CHIEF MESSENGER
At last we arrive at the heart of the vision.
The question is no longer:
Who is Michael?
The question now becomes:
Who are Michael’s angels?
The answer is found within the context of Revelation 12 itself.
Michael does not appear alone.
Michael appears with his angels.
The dragon does not appear alone.
The dragon appears with his angels.
Two leaders.
Two companies.
Two administrations.
Two kingdoms.
Two opposing realities.
The conflict is not merely between individuals.
The conflict is between opposing governments.
The conflict is between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
The conflict is between the throne and the dragon.
Michael and His angels represent one administration.
The dragon and his angels represent another.
THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Many have imagined this war as merely a conflict among invisible beings somewhere beyond the stars.
Yet Revelation 12 reveals something far deeper.
This war follows the catching up of the man-child.
This war follows the establishment of the throne.
This war follows the manifestation of an overcoming company.
The timing is significant.
The throne advances.
The dragon resists.
Michael and His angels engage the conflict.
The chapter reveals the inevitable collision between heavenly authority and opposing authority.
Whenever the throne advances, conflict follows.
Whenever truth advances, deception resists.
Whenever life advances, death opposes.
Whenever sonship matures, the dragon reacts.
The war in heaven is the result of the advancing Kingdom.
WHO ARE MICHAEL’S ANGELS?
The word angel simply means messenger.
Throughout scripture messengers carry the word, purpose, and authority of the one who sends them.
Michael and His angels therefore reveal a company operating under the administration of the Chief Messenger.
The context of Revelation 12 points directly to the man-child company.
The man-child has been caught up unto God and His throne.
The war immediately follows.
The dragon is cast down.
The overcomers overcome.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
These are not disconnected events.
They are different aspects of the same revelation.
Michael and His angels reveal the Chief Messenger moving in the midst of an overcoming company.
The Head is operating through the Body.
The Captain is leading His army.
The Firstborn is standing among many brethren.
THE CAPTAIN AND HIS ARMY
“As captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” (Josh. 5:14)
Joshua encountered the Captain of the Lord’s Host before Jericho fell.
The Captain did not stand alone.
The Captain represented the armies of God.
The Captain directed the conquest.
The Captain led the victory.
The same pattern appears in Revelation 12.
Michael appears.
Michael’s angels appear.
The battle begins.
Victory follows.
The relationship between Michael and His angels resembles the relationship between a commander and his army.
The authority originates in the Captain.
The victory is manifested through the army.
The leadership belongs to the Head.
The warfare is carried out through the Body.
THE MAN-CHILD AND THE OVERCOMING COMPANY
The central revelation of Revelation 12 remains the man-child.
Everything in the chapter revolves around the man-child.
The dragon opposes the man-child.
The throne receives the man-child.
Michael fights in the midst of the man-child reality.
The overcomers overcome through the same victory.
The chapter therefore reveals a corporate dimension.
What Christ accomplished individually becomes manifested corporately.
What the Head accomplished becomes visible in the Body.
What the Captain established becomes expressed through His army.
Michael and His angels reveal Christ in the midst of His overcoming company.
THEY FOLLOWED THE CHIEF MESSENGER
The victory revealed in Revelation 12 did not begin at the moment of war.
The victory had already been working within the overcomers.
The dragon had already been losing ground.
The accusations had already been challenged.
The throne had already been embraced.
The voice of the Chief Messenger had already been followed.
The man-child company arrived at the throne because they followed the leadership of Michael.
They followed the command.
They followed the truth.
They followed the administration of the Kingdom.
The warfare visible in heaven reveals outwardly what had already been taking place inwardly.
The dragon cast down from heaven had first lost his place within the heavens of the overcomers.
THE SAME ARMY APPEARS AGAIN
One of the most remarkable truths in scripture is that the company seen with Michael in Revelation 12 appears again later in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses.” (Rev. 19:14)
The warfare is the same.
The Captain is the same.
The authority is the same.
The victory is the same.
The company that fights with Michael appears again following the Rider upon the white horse.
The solitary conqueror of Revelation 6 is now followed by an army.
The Firstborn is now surrounded by many brethren.
The Captain is now accompanied by His victorious company.
Michael and His angels point forward to that greater unveiling.
ONE THRONE, ONE KINGDOM, ONE VICTORY
The purpose of Revelation 12 is not to magnify angels.
The purpose is to reveal the triumph of the throne.
Michael and His angels stand on the side of the throne.
The dragon and his angels stand against the throne.
The outcome is never uncertain.
The throne prevails.
The dragon falls.
The Kingdom advances.
The overcomers inherit.
The man-child rules.
Michael and His angels therefore reveal the victory of divine government operating through an overcoming company.
The chapter is not merely about war.
It is about triumph.
It is not merely about conflict.
It is about victory.
It is not merely about Michael.
It is about Christ in the midst of His man-child company bringing the authority of the throne into open manifestation.
And because the throne has already been established, the victory of Michael and His angels is assured from the very beginning.
CHAPTER 6
THE DRAGON CAST OUT OF HEAVEN
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” (Rev. 12:9)
THE RESULT OF THE WAR
The war in heaven was not fought without purpose.
The conflict produced a result.
Michael and His angels prevailed.
The dragon lost his place.
The throne advanced.
The Kingdom moved forward.
The dragon was cast out.
This is one of the most important revelations in all of Revelation 12.
The chapter is not focused upon the power of the dragon.
The chapter is focused upon the removal of the dragon.
The dragon appears.
The dragon opposes.
The dragon resists.
The dragon fights.
But the dragon does not prevail.
The victory belongs to Michael and His angels.
The victory belongs to the throne.
The victory belongs to the overcoming company.
WHAT IS THE DRAGON?
Before we can understand the casting down, we must understand the dragon.
Scripture identifies him as:
“That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.”
The dragon is the adversary.
The accuser.
The deceiver.
The opposer of God’s purpose.
Throughout scripture he appears under different forms and manifestations.
In Eden he appears as the serpent.
In Job he appears as the accuser.
In the Gospels he appears as the tempter.
In Revelation he appears as the dragon.
Yet the underlying operation remains the same.
He opposes truth.
He opposes life.
He opposes sonship.
He opposes the Kingdom.
He opposes the throne.
THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Rev. 12:10)
The dragon is specifically identified as the accuser.
Accusation is one of his primary weapons.
Condemnation.
Fear.
Guilt.
Shame.
Unworthiness.
Bondage.
These are the tools of accusation.
The dragon seeks to keep men conscious of failure rather than conscious of Christ.
He seeks to keep men focused upon weakness rather than victory.
He seeks to keep men earthbound rather than throne-minded.
The accuser thrives wherever sonship is not understood.
The accuser thrives wherever the Finished Work is not embraced.
The accuser thrives wherever believers remain under condemnation.
Thus the casting down of the dragon represents the overthrow of accusation.
JESUS SAW SATAN FALL
“I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)
Jesus Himself spoke of Satan falling.
This statement provides an important witness to Revelation 12.
Before the man-child sees the dragon cast down, Christ sees the dragon cast down.
Before the overcomers enter victory, Christ enters victory.
Before the Body experiences triumph, the Head experiences triumph.
The pathway of the man-child follows the pathway established by Christ.
The pattern is always the same.
What happens in the Head is reproduced in the Body.
What Christ experienced becomes the inheritance of His overcoming company.
THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD HATH NOTHING IN ME
“The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” (John 14:30)
This statement reveals the secret of victory.
The dragon had no ground in Christ.
No agreement.
No foothold.
No authority.
No dominion.
No place.
The adversary found nothing within Christ that responded to his accusations or temptations.
This becomes the pattern of the overcomers.
As the throne is established within them, the dragon loses ground.
As truth fills their heavens, deception loses power.
As life increases, death diminishes.
As Christ is formed within them, the authority of the dragon collapses.
The casting down of the dragon begins wherever the throne is established.
THE DRAGON LOST HIS PLACE
“Neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (Rev. 12:8)
Notice the language.
The dragon loses his place.
The issue is authority.
The issue is position.
The issue is government.
The dragon occupied a place.
The dragon exercised influence.
The dragon maintained authority through deception and accusation.
But Michael and His angels prevailed.
The throne advanced.
The dragon lost his place.
The heavens could no longer sustain his authority.
This is one of the great revelations of the chapter.
The throne and the dragon cannot occupy the same place indefinitely.
One must yield to the other.
And in Revelation 12, the dragon yields.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MAN-CHILD FIRST
The dragon cast out in Revelation 12 did not first lose his place in the nations.
He first lost his place in the overcomers.
The man-child company followed the Chief Messenger into victory.
The man-child company embraced the throne.
The man-child company learned the authority of sonship.
The man-child company experienced the overthrow of accusation.
The warfare visible in heaven reveals what had already been taking place within the firstfruits.
The dragon had already been losing ground.
The throne had already been gaining ground.
The victory visible in Revelation 12 first became reality within the overcoming company.
FIRSTFRUITS, HARVEST, AND CREATION
This is why Revelation 12 reveals more than a single event.
It reveals a pattern.
The dragon is cast down in the firstfruits.
The victory extends into the greater church realm.
The Kingdom continues its administration into the residue of creation.
The same warfare.
The same throne.
The same victory.
The same Chief Messenger.
The same Kingdom.
What begins in the man-child becomes the testimony of the harvest.
What becomes the testimony of the harvest ultimately reaches creation.
The dragon’s authority progressively gives way to the authority of the throne.
NOW IS COME SALVATION
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (Rev. 12:10)
The casting down of the dragon is immediately followed by a proclamation.
Salvation.
Strength.
Kingdom.
Power.
The dragon falls.
The Kingdom advances.
The accuser is cast down.
The authority of Christ is revealed.
The throne is manifested.
The chapter therefore presents a divine order.
The man-child reaches the throne.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
The victory of the throne becomes visible.
And this victory becomes the foundation for everything that follows in the unfolding purpose of God.
The dragon has lost his place.
The throne remains.
The Kingdom advances.
And the victory of Michael and His angels continues its expansion throughout the ages to come.
CHAPTER 7
THEY OVERCAME HIM
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Rev. 12:11)
THE SECRET OF THE VICTORY
Having revealed the man-child, the throne, Michael and His angels, and the dragon cast down, the Holy Spirit now reveals the secret of the victory.
The question is no longer:
Who is Michael?
The question is no longer:
Who are Michael’s angels?
The question now becomes:
How did they overcome?
The answer is given plainly.
“They overcame him.”
The dragon fought.
The dragon resisted.
The dragon accused.
The dragon opposed.
But the dragon did not prevail.
The overcomers prevailed.
The throne prevailed.
Michael and His angels prevailed.
The Kingdom prevailed.
The Holy Spirit then reveals the foundation of that victory.
THEY OVERCAME HIM
Notice carefully what the scripture says.
It does not say Christ overcame him.
It says:
“They overcame him.”
The victory of Christ has become the victory of His people.
The triumph of the Head has become the triumph of the Body.
The conquest of the Captain has become the conquest of His army.
The victory is now corporate.
This is one of the great revelations of Revelation 12.
The chapter is not merely revealing what Christ accomplished.
The chapter is revealing what Christ has reproduced within an overcoming company.
The man-child follows the same pathway.
Michael and His angels follow the same pathway.
The overcomers follow the same pathway.
The victory of Christ is manifested in His people.
BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB
The first foundation of victory is revealed.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.”
The blood speaks of the Finished Work of Christ.
The blood speaks of reconciliation.
The blood speaks of redemption.
The blood speaks of acceptance.
The blood speaks of peace with God.
The dragon is the accuser.
The blood answers every accusation.
The dragon points to failure.
The blood points to redemption.
The dragon points to guilt.
The blood points to forgiveness.
The dragon points to weakness.
The blood points to grace.
The overcomers do not stand upon their own righteousness.
They stand upon the victory already accomplished through the Lamb.
The dragon cannot overcome those who understand the Finished Work.
THE LAMB AND MICHAEL
Some see a contradiction between the Lamb and Michael.
Yet scripture reveals no contradiction.
The Lamb reveals Christ in redemption.
Michael reveals Christ in warfare.
The Lamb reveals the sacrifice.
Michael reveals the victory.
The Lamb reveals the price paid.
Michael reveals the authority exercised.
Both reveal the same Christ.
The overcomers overcome through the Lamb.
The overcomers fight alongside Michael.
The victory of Michael and His angels rests upon the Finished Work revealed in the Lamb.
The warfare of Revelation 12 proceeds from the victory of Calvary.
BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY
The second foundation of victory is revealed.
“And by the word of their testimony.”
Truth spoken becomes a weapon against deception.
Light spoken becomes a weapon against darkness.
Life spoken becomes a weapon against death.
The dragon operates through lies.
The overcomers operate through truth.
The dragon accuses.
The overcomers testify.
The dragon deceives.
The overcomers proclaim reality.
The testimony of the overcomers is not merely words.
It is the witness of Christ formed within them.
The testimony is the evidence of victory.
The testimony is the declaration that the throne has prevailed.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE MAN-CHILD
The man-child company possesses a testimony.
Their testimony is not merely doctrine.
Their testimony is experience.
They have followed the Chief Messenger.
They have embraced the throne.
They have overcome accusation.
They have experienced the casting down of the dragon within their own heavens.
Their testimony is the evidence that the Kingdom works.
Their testimony is the evidence that sonship is real.
Their testimony is the evidence that the dragon can be overcome.
The man-child becomes a living witness of victory.
THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH
The third foundation of victory is revealed.
“And they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The dragon gains strength wherever self remains enthroned.
The throne of God advances wherever self yields.
The warfare of Revelation 12 is not merely external.
It is deeply internal.
The overcomers learn surrender.
The overcomers learn obedience.
The overcomers learn trust.
The overcomers learn the pathway of the cross.
The self-life decreases.
Christ increases.
The old man loses authority.
The new man comes forth.
The dragon loses territory.
The throne gains territory.
The victory becomes established.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRSTFRUITS
The victory described in Revelation 12 first appeared within the firstfruits company.
Before the dragon was cast down publicly, he was cast down privately.
Before the Kingdom was proclaimed openly, the Kingdom was established inwardly.
Before the victory was revealed corporately, the victory was formed personally.
The man-child company followed Michael.
The man-child company followed the Chief Messenger.
The man-child company learned the authority of the throne.
The man-child company learned the power of the blood.
The man-child company learned the strength of their testimony.
The man-child company learned the pathway of surrender.
Thus they overcame.
THE PATTERN OF THE AGES
The victory of the overcomers becomes the pattern for what follows.
Firstfruits first.
Then harvest.
Then the greater restoration of creation.
The same warfare.
The same blood.
The same testimony.
The same Kingdom.
The same throne.
The same Chief Messenger.
The same victory.
What God accomplished within the man-child company becomes the testimony of the church.
What becomes the testimony of the church extends into the residue of creation.
The victory expands according to divine order.
THE VICTORY OF MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
The chapter began with war.
The chapter now reveals victory.
Michael and His angels prevailed.
The dragon was cast down.
The Kingdom was proclaimed.
The overcomers overcame.
The throne remained.
The victory belonged to Christ.
Yet that victory was manifested through His people.
The warfare of Revelation 12 therefore reveals more than conflict.
It reveals transformation.
It reveals sonship.
It reveals authority.
It reveals the triumph of the throne.
And it reveals the pathway by which the man-child company followed the Chief Messenger into complete victory.
For this reason Revelation 12 stands as one of the greatest testimonies in scripture to the power of the Lamb, the authority of the throne, and the victory of Michael and His angels.
CHAPTER 8
FIRSTFRUITS VICTORY
“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.” (Rev. 12:5)
THE FIRSTFRUITS PRINCIPLE
One of the great principles of scripture is that God works according to order.
He does not begin with the whole field.
He begins with the firstfruits.
He does not begin with the entire harvest.
He begins with the first ripe portion.
He does not begin with all creation.
He begins with a company prepared for His purpose.
This principle appears throughout scripture.
The firstfruits always appear before the harvest.
The harvest always appears before the full ingathering.
God reveals the end in the beginning.
God reveals the harvest in the firstfruits.
God reveals His ultimate purpose through a company brought into maturity before the rest.
The man-child of Revelation 12 reveals this principle.
A KIND OF FIRSTFRUITS
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:18)
The firstfruits are not the entire field.
The firstfruits are the beginning of the field.
The firstfruits testify concerning what is yet to come.
When the firstfruits appear, they announce the certainty of the harvest.
The firstfruits do not stand apart from the harvest.
The firstfruits stand on behalf of the harvest.
The man-child company therefore reveals God’s intention for the larger harvest that follows.
What has been accomplished within them becomes the pattern for others.
The firstfruits become a prophetic witness of what the Kingdom is able to accomplish.
THE MAN-CHILD AS FIRSTFRUITS
The man-child company appears before the war reaches its climax.
The man-child company reaches the throne before the dragon is cast down.
The man-child company experiences victory before the Kingdom is openly proclaimed.
This order is not accidental.
The man-child represents the firstfruits of victory.
What is revealed in Revelation 12 first manifests within this company.
The throne is established.
The dragon loses ground.
The accusations are overcome.
The authority of sonship is revealed.
The Kingdom becomes reality.
The firstfruits therefore become the first field in which the victory of Christ reaches maturity.
EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER
“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Cor. 15:23)
Paul reveals a divine order.
God moves progressively.
God moves purposefully.
God moves according to administration.
Christ is first.
Then others follow.
The pattern established in Christ becomes the pattern established in His people.
The same principle appears in Revelation 12.
The firstfruits company comes forth.
Then the greater harvest follows.
Then the victory continues its expansion.
The Kingdom advances according to divine order.
This principle protects us from attempting to force all things into a single moment.
God unfolds His purpose progressively.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MAN-CHILD FIRST
The warfare of Revelation 12 first accomplished something within the man-child company.
The dragon was cast down.
The throne was embraced.
The Kingdom became reality.
The authority of sonship was established.
The victory of Michael and His angels became visible within an overcoming people.
The man-child company therefore becomes the first evidence of the triumph of the throne.
What happened in them first becomes the testimony for others afterward.
This is why the firstfruits are so important.
They reveal the pathway.
They reveal the process.
They reveal the possibility.
They reveal the victory.
THE HARVEST THAT FOLLOWS
The firstfruits are not the end of God’s purpose.
The firstfruits are the beginning.
After the firstfruits comes the greater harvest.
The same victory.
The same throne.
The same Kingdom.
The same Chief Messenger.
The same gospel.
The same life.
What God establishes within the firstfruits becomes available to the larger church realm.
The overcoming company becomes a witness to the body of Christ.
The testimony of the man-child becomes a testimony to the harvest.
The victory expands.
The administration expands.
The Kingdom expands.
THE RESIDUE OF CREATION
The purpose of God reaches even farther.
Creation itself waits.
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Rom. 8:19)
The firstfruits appear.
The harvest follows.
Creation waits.
The manifestation of the sons becomes a testimony to the entire creation.
The victory that first appeared within the man-child continues its expansion.
The Kingdom advances beyond the firstfruits.
The Kingdom advances beyond the harvest.
The Kingdom continues its administration according to the purpose of God.
Thus Revelation 12 contains far more than a personal victory.
It contains a progressive vision of divine restoration.
THE AGES TO COME
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace.” (Eph. 2:7)
Scripture speaks of ages to come.
Not merely one age.
Ages.
The purpose of God unfolds through His appointed administrations.
The throne continues its work.
The Kingdom continues its increase.
The victory continues its expansion.
The grace of God continues its revelation.
The firstfruits therefore become the beginning of a much larger purpose.
What God starts in the man-child He continues through His unfolding plan.
The firstfruits announce the certainty of the harvest.
The harvest announces the certainty of the greater restoration still to come.
THE VICTORY OF THE THRONE
Revelation 12 is not merely the story of a war.
It is the story of a victory.
It is the story of a firstfruits company brought into union with the throne.
It is the story of Michael and His angels prevailing.
It is the story of the dragon cast down.
It is the story of the Kingdom advancing.
The man-child stands at the center of this vision because the man-child reveals the firstfruits of God’s victorious purpose.
What happened within them first becomes the pattern for what follows.
The throne established in the firstfruits becomes the source of administration for the harvest.
The harvest becomes the testimony to creation.
And through the ages to come the Kingdom continues its increase until all things are gathered together in Christ.
Thus the firstfruits victory of Revelation 12 is not the conclusion of God’s purpose.
It is the glorious beginning of its expansion.
CHAPTER 9
EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER
“But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Cor. 15:23)
THE DIVINE ORDER OF GOD
One of the greatest mistakes in understanding God’s purpose is the assumption that He accomplishes everything at once.
Scripture reveals a different pattern.
God works according to order.
God works according to administration.
God works according to appointed seasons.
God works according to progressive unfoldings.
The apostle Paul reveals this principle plainly:
“Every man in his own order.”
This divine order is visible throughout scripture.
Seedtime before harvest.
Foundation before structure.
Birth before maturity.
Firstfruits before harvest.
The man-child before the larger ingathering.
Revelation 12 reveals this same divine order.
CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS
Paul begins with Christ.
“Christ the firstfruits.”
Everything begins with Him.
He is the Firstborn.
He is the beginning.
He is the pattern.
He is the prototype.
Before there could be an overcoming company, Christ overcame.
Before there could be a throne company, Christ ascended.
Before there could be Michael and His angels prevailing, Christ prevailed.
Everything that follows is rooted in what was first accomplished in Him.
The Head establishes the pattern for the Body.
The Firstborn establishes the pattern for many brethren.
THE MAN-CHILD COMPANY
The next order revealed in Revelation 12 is the man-child company.
The man-child follows the pattern established by Christ.
The man-child follows the Chief Messenger.
The man-child follows the pathway of victory.
The man-child follows the pathway of sonship.
The man-child follows the pathway of the throne.
Thus Revelation 12 presents a firstfruits company brought into maturity before the larger harvest.
This company does not stand separate from the rest.
This company stands as a witness to the rest.
What God accomplishes in the firstfruits becomes the testimony of what He intends to accomplish beyond them.
THE GREATER CHURCH REALM
The purpose of God does not stop with the firstfruits.
Many believers have received life.
Many believers have received Christ.
Many believers have been born again.
Yet the scriptures reveal varying degrees of growth, maturity, understanding, and victory.
The firstfruits company therefore becomes a witness to the greater church realm.
The victory manifested in the man-child begins extending outward.
The same throne.
The same Kingdom.
The same gospel.
The same Chief Messenger.
The same victory.
The overcomers become living testimonies of what Christ is able to accomplish.
The firstfruits become the beginning of a larger harvest.
FIRSTFRUITS BEFORE HARVEST
This pattern is found throughout scripture.
The first ripe grain appeared before the field was gathered.
The first sheaf appeared before the harvest was complete.
The firstfruits announced what was coming.
Likewise the man-child company announces the certainty of God’s purpose.
The appearance of the firstfruits guarantees the harvest.
The victory of the firstfruits guarantees the expansion of the Kingdom.
The throne established in the overcomers becomes the source of administration to the greater body.
Thus Revelation 12 reveals not only a company but also a pattern.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Rom. 8:19)
Creation is waiting.
The nations are waiting.
The world is waiting.
Not for the appearance of failure.
Not for the appearance of religion.
Not for the appearance of another system.
Creation waits for the manifestation of sonship.
The firstfruits company stands as the beginning of that manifestation.
The manifestation of the sons becomes a witness to the church.
The manifestation of the sons becomes a witness to creation.
The Kingdom advances through divine order.
THE RESIDUE OF CREATION
Beyond the firstfruits lies the harvest.
Beyond the harvest lies the wider creation.
The purpose of God extends beyond every limitation imposed by man.
The Kingdom continues its increase.
The grace of God continues its administration.
The authority of the throne continues its expansion.
What began in Christ.
What was manifested in the man-child.
What extends through the harvest.
Continues moving outward according to the purpose of God.
Thus Revelation 12 reveals more than a personal victory.
It reveals the beginning of a progressive victory.
GATHERING ALL THINGS IN ONE
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.” (Eph. 1:10)
This verse reveals the destination of the journey.
All things in Christ.
Not some things.
Not a few things.
All things.
Yet scripture reveals that God administers this purpose progressively.
The firstfruits come forth.
The harvest follows.
The purpose continues unfolding.
The Kingdom continues increasing.
The throne continues governing.
The divine order remains intact.
The fullness of times unfolds according to God’s administration.
THE AGES TO COME
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace.” (Eph. 2:7)
Notice the language.
Ages.
Plural.
Not merely one age.
Ages.
The purpose of God unfolds through ages.
The grace of God unfolds through ages.
The Kingdom unfolds through ages.
The administration of Christ unfolds through ages.
The firstfruits therefore reveal the beginning of a process whose scope reaches far beyond a single moment.
Revelation 12 unveils the firstfruits.
The ages to come reveal the continued expansion of the victory.
The Kingdom increases.
The throne advances.
The purpose unfolds.
The grace of God continues its revelation.
THE ORDER OF REVELATION 12
The divine order revealed in this chapter is simple.
Christ first.
The man-child next.
The greater harvest follows.
The purpose extends into creation.
The throne remains at the center.
The Kingdom continues its increase.
The Chief Messenger continues His administration.
Michael and His angels continue their victory.
The dragon continues losing ground.
The Kingdom continues advancing.
The chapter therefore reveals not only victory but order.
Not only warfare but administration.
Not only firstfruits but harvest.
Not only harvest but restoration.
The victory of Revelation 12 is progressive.
The Kingdom advances according to divine order.
And every man comes forth in his own order according to the wisdom and purpose of God.
CHAPTER 10
THE AGES TO COME
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7)
THE CONTINUING PURPOSE OF GOD
The victory revealed in Revelation 12 is not the conclusion of God’s purpose.
It is the beginning of a greater unfolding.
The man-child reaches the throne.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
Yet the story does not end there.
The throne remains active.
The Kingdom continues increasing.
The administration of Christ continues advancing.
The purpose of God continues unfolding.
This is why Paul speaks of the ages to come.
The victory of Revelation 12 initiates an administration that extends far beyond the immediate vision.
NOT AGE BUT AGES
One word in Paul’s statement is especially important.
Ages.
Plural.
Not age.
Ages.
This distinction carries tremendous significance.
The purpose of God unfolds progressively.
The revelation of Christ unfolds progressively.
The administration of the Kingdom unfolds progressively.
The grace of God unfolds progressively.
The wisdom of God unfolds progressively.
The ages to come reveal the continuing expansion of what God has already begun.
The throne established in Revelation 12 continues its administration through the ages to come.
THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace.”
The purpose of the ages is revelation.
God reveals Himself.
God reveals His wisdom.
God reveals His grace.
God reveals His kindness.
God reveals His Kingdom.
The purpose of the throne is not destruction.
The purpose of the throne is administration.
The purpose of administration is reconciliation.
The purpose of reconciliation is restoration.
The purpose of restoration is the gathering together of all things in Christ.
The ages to come therefore reveal the continuing operation of divine grace.
THE THRONE CONTINUES ITS ADMINISTRATION
Many read Revelation 12 as though it describes a single moment.
Yet the chapter reveals a continuing government.
The man-child reaches the throne.
The throne remains.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The victory remains.
The dragon loses his place.
The Kingdom remains.
The administration established in Revelation 12 continues its operation beyond the immediate vision.
The throne governs.
The Kingdom expands.
The purpose advances.
The victory unfolds.
The ages to come reveal the ongoing increase of Christ’s government.
THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isa. 9:7)
Isaiah provides another witness.
The government increases.
The peace increases.
The Kingdom increases.
The administration increases.
The purpose of God advances.
Nothing in scripture suggests a shrinking Kingdom.
Nothing in scripture suggests a defeated government.
Nothing in scripture suggests a throne losing authority.
The throne established in Revelation 12 becomes the source of continuing increase.
The victory expands.
The influence expands.
The administration expands.
The Kingdom advances.
THE GATHERING OF ALL THINGS
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.” (Eph. 1:10)
This verse reveals the destination toward which the ages move.
The gathering together of all things in Christ.
The throne has a purpose.
The Kingdom has a purpose.
The ages have a purpose.
The administration has a purpose.
Everything moves toward divine unity under the headship of Christ.
The firstfruits reveal the beginning.
The harvest reveals expansion.
The ages reveal continuation.
The gathering of all things reveals completion.
The purpose remains consistent throughout.
THE FIRSTFRUITS AND THE AGES
The firstfruits company is not the final objective.
The firstfruits reveal the objective.
What God accomplishes in the man-child company becomes a testimony of what He intends to accomplish beyond them.
The victory revealed in the firstfruits becomes the pattern for the harvest.
The harvest becomes the testimony to creation.
The Kingdom continues its administration.
The grace of God continues its revelation.
The purpose continues unfolding.
The ages to come reveal the continuing increase of what first appeared in the firstfruits.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS THROUGH THE AGES
The warfare of Revelation 12 reveals a victory.
The ages to come reveal the expansion of that victory.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
Yet the influence of that victory continues unfolding.
The administration of the Chief Messenger continues.
The authority of the throne continues.
The increase of the Kingdom continues.
The purpose of God continues moving forward.
The ages to come therefore reveal the ongoing outworking of the victory first unveiled in Revelation 12.
THE VICTORY OF THE THRONE HAS NO END
The vision of Revelation 12 is not merely about overcoming.
It is about what follows overcoming.
It is not merely about reaching the throne.
It is about the administration that proceeds from the throne.
It is not merely about Michael and His angels prevailing.
It is about the continuing increase of that victory.
It is not merely about the firstfruits.
It is about the harvest and beyond.
The ages to come reveal the unfolding riches of God’s grace.
The ages to come reveal the increase of Christ’s government.
The ages to come reveal the continuing expansion of the Kingdom.
The ages to come reveal the progressive gathering together of all things in Christ.
Thus Revelation 12 stands not only as a revelation of warfare and victory, but also as the beginning of a divine administration whose increase shall know no end.
The throne remains.
The Kingdom advances.
The grace of God unfolds.
And the purpose of God moves forward through the ages to come.
CHAPTER 11
THE WHITE HORSE RIDER
“And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2)
THE BEGINNING OF THE CONQUEST
Long before John saw Michael and His angels fighting against the dragon, he saw a Rider upon a white horse.
This Rider appears at the opening of the first seal.
He appears before the dragon is cast down.
He appears before the man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
He appears before the armies of heaven ride forth.
Yet from the very beginning His purpose is revealed.
“He went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
The mission is conquest.
The mission is victory.
The mission is the advancement of the Kingdom.
The mission is the establishment of divine government.
The White Horse Rider begins a work that continues throughout the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
THE WHITE HORSE
The horse throughout scripture speaks of strength, movement, warfare, and conquest.
This is not a rider sitting upon a throne of inactivity.
This is a rider advancing.
This is a rider moving.
This is a rider conquering.
The horse is white.
White speaks of righteousness.
White speaks of purity.
White speaks of heavenly authority.
White speaks of divine government.
The Rider is not advancing through deception.
The Rider is advancing through righteousness.
The Rider is advancing through truth.
The Rider is advancing through the authority of heaven.
THE BOW AND THE CROWN
“And he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him.”
The Rider possesses a bow.
The bow speaks of directed purpose.
The bow speaks of authority released toward a target.
The bow speaks of divine administration moving toward a predetermined objective.
A crown is given unto Him.
The crown speaks of authority.
The crown speaks of government.
The crown speaks of rulership.
Thus the White Horse Rider appears as a conquering King moving forward in divine authority.
From the very beginning the atmosphere is remarkably similar to Revelation 12.
Authority.
Government.
Victory.
Kingdom.
The same themes continue to unfold.
THE SOLITARY RIDER
One detail deserves careful attention.
At this point John sees only one Rider.
One horse.
One crown.
One conqueror.
The Rider stands alone.
The conquest begins with one.
This pattern appears throughout scripture.
The Head comes before the Body.
The Firstborn comes before many brethren.
The Captain comes before the army.
Christ appears before the man-child company.
The solitary Rider therefore reveals the beginning of a progressive unveiling.
The conquest begins in one.
The victory will later be manifested in many.
THE SAME WARFARE
The warfare of Revelation 6 is the same warfare later revealed in Revelation 12.
The dragon has not yet been mentioned.
Michael and His angels have not yet appeared.
The man-child has not yet been revealed.
Yet the warfare has already begun.
The White Horse Rider goes forth conquering.
The mission is already underway.
The Kingdom is already advancing.
The authority of the throne is already moving forward.
The same victory that later appears in Michael and His angels begins with the White Horse Rider.
The same conquest continues throughout the book.
THE PATHWAY TO REVELATION 12
The Rider of Revelation 6 helps us understand Revelation 12.
The man-child company does not create a new victory.
The man-child company enters into an existing victory.
The White Horse Rider has already gone forth conquering.
The Chief Messenger has already begun His work.
The Kingdom has already begun its advance.
The man-child follows the pathway already established by the Rider.
Michael and His angels continue the conquest already initiated by the Rider.
The dragon is cast down because the conquest is progressing.
The throne advances because the conquest is progressing.
The Kingdom is proclaimed because the conquest is progressing.
THE FIRSTBORN AND MANY BRETHREN
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Rom. 8:29)
Paul reveals the same principle.
Christ is the Firstborn.
The Firstborn is followed by many brethren.
The solitary Rider is followed by a company.
The victory begins in one.
The victory is reproduced in many.
This principle lies at the heart of Revelation 12.
The man-child company follows the pathway established by the White Horse Rider.
What was first manifested in Him becomes manifested in them.
The conquest becomes corporate.
The victory expands.
The Kingdom advances.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOLLOW THE CONQUEST
By the time we arrive at Revelation 12, the White Horse Rider is still moving.
The conquest has not ended.
The victory has not stopped.
The Kingdom has not ceased advancing.
Michael and His angels appear in the midst of the same administration.
The same throne.
The same authority.
The same Kingdom.
The same conquest.
The dragon is cast down because the conquest continues.
The man-child reaches the throne because the conquest continues.
The overcomers prevail because the conquest continues.
Everything flows from the authority first revealed in the White Horse Rider.
FROM ONE RIDER TO A COMPANY
Revelation 6 presents a solitary conqueror.
Revelation 12 presents a victorious company.
The progression is intentional.
The Rider appears.
The man-child matures.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
The victory expands.
The solitary conqueror becomes the Captain of a victorious company.
The Firstborn becomes revealed among many brethren.
The conquest that began in one becomes manifested in many.
THE RIDER STILL CONQUERS
The White Horse Rider never stops moving throughout the Revelation.
The mission remains unchanged.
The Kingdom advances.
The throne advances.
The conquest advances.
The victory advances.
The Rider who appears in Revelation 6 is the same victorious authority seen in Revelation 12.
The same conquering purpose.
The same divine government.
The same administration of the Kingdom.
The same victory over the dragon.
The same Chief Messenger leading His people forward.
And as the vision continues, John will see something even greater.
The solitary Rider will not remain alone.
The day will come when heaven opens and an army appears behind Him.
Then the mystery of Michael and His angels will be seen in an even greater light.
The One who began the conquest alone will be followed by a victorious company riding in the authority of His triumph.
CHAPTER 12
THE ARMIES WHICH WERE IN HEAVEN
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19:14)
HEAVEN OPENS
As the Revelation of Jesus Christ approaches its climax, John beholds a remarkable scene.
Heaven opens.
The White Horse Rider appears again.
The One who first appeared in Revelation 6 now appears in greater glory.
His eyes are as a flame of fire.
Upon His head are many crowns.
He is called Faithful and True.
He judges and makes war in righteousness.
Yet the most remarkable feature of the vision is not merely the Rider.
It is those who follow Him.
John now sees armies.
The solitary Rider is no longer alone.
The conqueror is followed by a victorious company.
The Captain is followed by His army.
The Firstborn is surrounded by many brethren.
The mystery that began in Revelation 6 is now reaching its full unveiling.
THE SAME RIDER
The Rider has not changed.
The mission has not changed.
The authority has not changed.
The Kingdom has not changed.
In Revelation 6 He went forth conquering and to conquer.
In Revelation 19 He is still conquering.
The conquest never ceased.
The administration never stopped.
The victory never ended.
Everything that unfolded in Revelation 12 occurred within the continuing conquest of the White Horse Rider.
The man-child.
Michael and His angels.
The dragon cast down.
The overcomers.
All appear within the same unfolding victory.
THE ARMIES WHICH WERE IN HEAVEN
Notice carefully the language.
“The armies which were in heaven.”
John does not introduce a new army.
He does not explain where they came from.
He simply sees them.
They are already there.
They are already associated with heaven.
They are already connected to the Rider.
This is one of the reasons Revelation 12 becomes so important.
Earlier John saw Michael and His angels fighting against the dragon.
Earlier John saw the man-child caught up unto God and His throne.
Earlier John saw the overcomers prevail.
Now John sees an army in heaven following the Rider.
The continuity of the revelation is striking.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
The language of Revelation 12 and Revelation 19 shares the same atmosphere.
Michael and His angels fight.
The armies in heaven follow.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The armies in heaven ride in victory.
Michael and His angels stand with the throne.
The armies in heaven follow the Rider who proceeds from the throne.
The same Kingdom.
The same authority.
The same conquest.
The same victory.
The same administration.
Revelation 19 does not introduce a different warfare.
It reveals the continued expansion of the warfare already revealed in Revelation 12.
THE MAN-CHILD COMPANY REVEALED
The man-child stands at the center of Revelation 12.
The man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
The man-child is connected to the victory.
The man-child is connected to the Kingdom proclamation.
The man-child is connected to Michael and His angels.
The man-child is connected to the dragon cast down.
By Revelation 19 the victorious company is openly visible.
What was first revealed as the man-child now appears as a heavenly army.
What was first revealed as overcomers now appears as riders.
What was first revealed in warfare now appears in victory.
The progression is beautiful.
The White Horse Rider appears.
The man-child matures.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The armies of heaven are revealed.
FOLLOWING THE RIDER
One detail stands above all others.
The armies are following Him.
They are not leading.
They are following.
The Rider remains central.
The Captain remains central.
The Firstborn remains central.
The authority remains His.
The Kingdom remains His.
The victory remains His.
The armies possess authority because they follow the Rider.
The armies possess victory because they follow the Rider.
The armies participate in His triumph.
The same principle appears throughout Revelation 12.
The man-child follows the Chief Messenger.
Michael and His angels follow the authority of the throne.
The overcomers overcome through the victory of the Lamb.
Everything proceeds from Him.
CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN
“Clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”
The armies are not described as fearful.
They are not described as defeated.
They are not described as wounded.
They are clothed in righteousness.
They are clothed in purity.
They are clothed in victory.
The garments reveal the nature of the company.
The dragon has been cast down.
The accusations have been overcome.
The throne has prevailed.
The Kingdom has advanced.
The company following the Rider reflects the triumph of the Kingdom.
THE CONTINUING WARFARE
Some imagine that Revelation 19 introduces a completely different conflict.
Yet the warfare remains consistent.
The same authority confronts opposition.
The same Kingdom advances.
The same throne governs.
The same victory unfolds.
Michael and His angels fought against the dragon.
The armies of heaven follow the Rider.
The forms may differ.
The administration remains the same.
The conquest revealed in Revelation 6 continues through Revelation 12 and remains visible in Revelation 19.
One warfare.
One Captain.
One Kingdom.
One victory.
THE EXPANSION OF THE FIRSTFRUITS VICTORY
The army of Revelation 19 does not appear suddenly.
The army has a history.
The army has a testimony.
The army has a pathway.
The army learned victory in Revelation 12.
The army learned obedience through following the Rider.
The army learned authority through the throne.
The army learned overcoming through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
What began in the firstfruits has expanded into a victorious company.
The same victory.
The same Kingdom.
The same Chief Messenger.
The same administration.
The firstfruits victory has become a corporate manifestation.
THE REVELATION OF THE VICTORIOUS COMPANY
Revelation 6 reveals one Rider.
Revelation 12 reveals the man-child, Michael and His angels, and the overcomers.
Revelation 19 reveals the armies of heaven.
The progression is unmistakable.
One conqueror.
One overcoming company.
One victorious army.
The Rider never changes.
The Kingdom never changes.
The throne never changes.
The victory never changes.
Only the manifestation expands.
The conquest that began in one is now visible in many.
The Firstborn is revealed among many brethren.
The Captain rides at the head of His army.
And the victory first revealed in Revelation 12 continues its glorious expansion under the authority of the throne.
CHAPTER 13
FROM ONE RIDER TO MANY RIDERS
“And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2)
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses.” (Rev. 19:14)
THE GREAT PROGRESSION
One of the most remarkable patterns in the Book of Revelation is the progression from one Rider to many riders.
The revelation begins with one conqueror.
The revelation ends with a victorious company.
The revelation begins with one White Horse Rider.
The revelation ends with armies riding behind Him.
Between those two scenes stands Revelation 12.
The man-child.
Michael and His angels.
The dragon cast down.
The overcomers.
The throne.
The Kingdom.
These are not separate stories.
They are different stages of the same unfolding revelation.
THE CONQUEST BEGINS IN ONE
When the first seal is opened, John sees only one Rider.
One horse.
One crown.
One bow.
One conqueror.
The conquest begins with Christ.
The victory begins with Christ.
The authority begins with Christ.
The Kingdom begins with Christ.
The Firstborn stands alone.
The Captain rides alone.
The battle begins with one.
This has always been God’s pattern.
The Head appears before the Body.
The Firstborn appears before many brethren.
The Shepherd appears before the flock.
The Captain appears before the army.
Everything begins in Him.
THE MAN-CHILD FOLLOWS THE RIDER
The next great revelation appears in Revelation 12.
The man-child is born.
The man-child is caught up unto God and His throne.
Michael and His angels fight against the dragon.
The overcomers prevail.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
The question is not whether the man-child has a different victory.
The question is whether the man-child participates in the victory already established by the Rider.
The answer is found throughout the chapter.
The man-child does not establish a new throne.
The man-child is caught up unto His throne.
The man-child does not create a new Kingdom.
The man-child participates in His Kingdom.
The man-child follows the pathway already established by the White Horse Rider.
THE VICTORY OF THE FIRSTBORN
“That he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Rom. 8:29)
Paul reveals the divine pattern.
The Firstborn comes first.
Many brethren follow.
The Rider comes first.
The man-child follows.
The Captain comes first.
The army follows.
The victory of Revelation 12 is therefore the expansion of the victory first revealed in Revelation 6.
What began in one is now being reproduced in many.
The same life.
The same authority.
The same Kingdom.
The same victory.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
The appearance of Michael and His angels reveals the corporate nature of the conquest.
The White Horse Rider is no longer seen merely as an individual conqueror.
The conquest is now being manifested through a company.
Michael and His angels fight.
The dragon is cast down.
The overcomers prevail.
The Kingdom is proclaimed.
The victory expands beyond one individual manifestation.
The Head is now operating through the Body.
The Captain is now leading an army.
The Firstborn is now appearing among many brethren.
THE DRAGON COULD NOT PREVAIL
“Neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (Rev. 12:8)
The dragon loses his place.
The throne remains.
The Kingdom advances.
The victory expands.
The significance of Revelation 12 is that the conquest first revealed in the Rider is now visible in a company.
The dragon is no longer confronting one conqueror.
The dragon is confronting an overcoming people.
The authority of the throne is multiplying its influence.
The Kingdom is increasing.
The victory is expanding.
The conquest is becoming corporate.
THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN
By Revelation 19 the progression reaches another stage.
The solitary Rider is still present.
The Captain is still leading.
The Firstborn is still central.
Yet now an army follows Him.
The armies which were in heaven appear riding upon white horses.
The symbolism is extraordinary.
The riders now share the same heavenly character as the original Rider.
The authority is shared.
The victory is shared.
The conquest is shared.
The Kingdom is shared.
The Firstborn is now surrounded by many brethren moving in harmony with His purpose.
ONE RIDER, MANY RIDERS
The White Horse Rider remains unique.
There is only one Captain.
There is only one King.
There is only one Firstborn.
There is only one Head.
Yet the victory that began in Him has been reproduced within many.
The solitary Rider has become the Captain of many riders.
The individual conquest has become a corporate conquest.
The individual victory has become a corporate victory.
The individual manifestation has become a corporate manifestation.
This is one of the great mysteries unveiled through Revelation 12.
THE PATTERN OF REVELATION 12
Revelation 12 stands at the center of the progression.
Revelation 6 reveals the beginning.
Revelation 12 reveals the reproduction.
Revelation 19 reveals the manifestation.
Revelation 6 reveals the Rider.
Revelation 12 reveals the man-child.
Revelation 19 reveals the armies.
Revelation 6 reveals conquest beginning.
Revelation 12 reveals conquest expanding.
Revelation 19 reveals conquest manifested.
The chapter of Michael and His angels becomes the bridge between the solitary conqueror and the victorious army.
THE THRONE AT THE CENTER
Throughout the entire progression one reality never changes.
The throne.
The Rider serves the throne.
The man-child is caught up unto the throne.
Michael and His angels fight on behalf of the throne.
The armies of heaven follow the authority of the throne.
The dragon is cast down because of the throne.
The Kingdom is proclaimed because of the throne.
The conquest advances because of the throne.
The throne remains the governing center of the entire revelation.
THE FULL REVELATION
The Revelation of Jesus Christ begins with one conquering Rider.
It progresses through the man-child company.
It reveals Michael and His angels.
It reveals the dragon cast down.
It reveals the overcomers.
It reveals the armies of heaven.
The progression is deliberate.
One Rider.
One Captain.
One Kingdom.
One Throne.
One Victory.
The Firstborn among many brethren.
The Captain among His army.
The Rider among many riders.
And through this progressive unveiling the Holy Spirit reveals how the victory of Christ is reproduced within an overcoming company until the Kingdom of God advances throughout the ages to come.
Thus the story of Michael and His angels is ultimately the story of Christ’s victory expanding from one Rider to many riders under the authority of one throne and one Kingdom.
CONCLUSION
ONE CAPTAIN, ONE ARMY, ONE VICTORY
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (Rev. 12:10)
THE TESTIMONY OF REVELATION 12
Throughout this book we have followed one central revelation.
Not many revelations.
One revelation.
The revelation of the man-child.
The revelation of Michael and His angels.
The revelation of the dragon cast down.
The revelation of the throne.
The revelation of the Kingdom.
The twelfth chapter of Revelation stands as one of the most profound unveilings in all of scripture.
Within a single vision John reveals the purpose of God, the warfare of the overcomers, the victory of the throne, and the progressive expansion of the Kingdom.
At the center of it all stands the man-child company.
The dragon opposes the man-child.
The throne receives the man-child.
Michael and His angels fight in the midst of the man-child reality.
The Kingdom is proclaimed because of the victory connected to the man-child.
The entire chapter revolves around this overcoming company.
THE CHIEF MESSENGER
We have seen Michael appear throughout scripture as a revelation of divine authority in warfare.
The Captain of the Lord’s Host.
The Great Prince.
The Voice of the Archangel.
Michael and His Angels.
The White Horse Rider.
Different titles.
Different scenes.
Different administrations.
Yet the same victorious purpose.
The same Kingdom.
The same authority.
The same triumph.
Throughout scripture the Chief Messenger appears whenever the purpose of God advances against opposing authority.
Michael appears when the dragon must fall.
Michael appears when the Kingdom advances.
Michael appears when divine government confronts rebellion.
The revelation is consistent from Genesis to Revelation.
THE OVERCOMING COMPANY
The great lesson of Revelation 12 is that the victory of Christ is reproduced within His people.
“And they overcame him.”
The Lamb overcame.
Then they overcame.
The Captain conquered.
Then the army conquered.
The Firstborn triumphed.
Then many brethren triumphed.
The revelation moves from individual victory to corporate victory.
The White Horse Rider appears alone.
The man-child company emerges.
Michael and His angels prevail.
The armies of heaven appear.
One victory expands into many participants.
One triumph becomes a corporate manifestation.
THE DRAGON LOST HIS PLACE
The dragon fought.
The dragon resisted.
The dragon accused.
The dragon opposed.
Yet the dragon did not prevail.
The throne remained.
The Kingdom advanced.
The dragon lost his place.
This is the testimony of Revelation 12.
The authority of darkness gives way to the authority of Christ.
The kingdom of deception gives way to the Kingdom of truth.
The rule of accusation gives way to the rule of grace.
The authority of the dragon yields before the authority of the throne.
This victory first appeared within the man-child company.
Then it began its expansion.
EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER
Scripture reveals that God works according to order.
Christ first.
The firstfruits company next.
The greater harvest follows.
The purpose extends outward.
The Kingdom increases.
The administration continues.
The ages unfold.
The victory revealed in Revelation 12 is therefore not the end of God’s purpose.
It is the beginning of a progressive administration.
The firstfruits reveal the harvest.
The harvest reveals the greater purpose.
The throne continues its work through the ages to come.
The Kingdom continues its increase.
The grace of God continues its revelation.
FROM ONE RIDER TO MANY RIDERS
One of the great themes of this book has been the progression from Revelation 6 to Revelation 12 and finally to Revelation 19.
The White Horse Rider appears.
The man-child is revealed.
Michael and His angels fight.
The dragon is cast down.
The armies of heaven appear.
One Rider becomes many riders.
One conqueror becomes the Captain of a victorious army.
One victory becomes a corporate manifestation.
The Firstborn is revealed among many brethren.
The conquest that began in Christ expands through an overcoming company.
The Kingdom advances.
The throne remains.
The victory continues.
ONE THRONE
Throughout every chapter one reality remained unchanged.
The throne.
The man-child is caught up unto the throne.
Michael and His angels fight on behalf of the throne.
The dragon is cast down from before the throne.
The Kingdom proceeds from the throne.
The armies of heaven follow the authority of the throne.
The throne stands at the center of the entire revelation.
The throne is the source of government.
The throne is the source of administration.
The throne is the source of victory.
The throne is the source of the Kingdom’s increase.
Everything proceeds from the throne of God.
ONE CAPTAIN
There is one Captain.
One Chief Messenger.
One White Horse Rider.
One King.
One Lord.
One Head.
One Firstborn.
The victory belongs to Him.
The authority belongs to Him.
The Kingdom belongs to Him.
The throne belongs to Him.
Michael and His angels reveal His authority.
The man-child reveals His life.
The armies of heaven reveal His victory.
Everything proceeds from Christ.
Everything points to Christ.
Everything glorifies Christ.
ONE ARMY
There is one army.
The overcoming company.
The man-child company.
Michael’s angels.
The armies of heaven.
Different descriptions.
Different scenes.
Different stages of revelation.
Yet one victorious people.
One company formed through the life of Christ.
One company established in the authority of the throne.
One company overcoming through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
ONE VICTORY
There is one victory.
The victory of the Lamb.
The victory of the throne.
The victory of the Kingdom.
The victory of Michael and His angels.
The victory of the overcomers.
The victory of the White Horse Rider.
The victory of the armies of heaven.
The same victory revealed from beginning to end.
The dragon falls.
The throne remains.
The Kingdom advances.
The purpose of God unfolds.
The ages continue.
The victory expands.
And through it all the Revelation of Jesus Christ continues to shine brighter and brighter until all things are gathered together in one under the authority of the throne.
One Captain.
One Army.
One Throne.
One Kingdom.
One Victory.
Amen.
