The cycle of the planted seed as a pattern for the gentile church preordained both the decline of the church into decay during the Middle/Dark Ages and the emergence of a lively church represented by the blade emanating from the destroyed seed. The assigned date for the reformation of Roman Catholicism is 1517 when Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest in Germany, publicly protested practices of Catholicism. He and other reformers were able to have an immediate and widespread impact because the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Gutenberg enabled reformers to quickly produce material for distribution. Among other things, the reformers re-established the scriptural principle of the blessing of grace as a gift from God Almighty, independent of works and/or clergy. This perspective had consequences for the believer with respect to access to scripture and the authority of the clergy. With the understanding of the born-again experience as the means of salvation, the church returned to the designated, 30-fold level of production of spiritual fruit. The reformed church period lasted 400 years, from c. 1500 AD until 1900 AD.
We continue with the narrative of the Israelites, those descended from Jacob/Israel, as a pattern for the church. Forty years after Moses fled into the wilderness and in accordance with His own timetable, God Almighty called Moses as the deliverer of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses, during the journey back to Egypt, had a near-death event involving the circumcision of his son.
Now it came about at the lodging-place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at Moses’ feet, and she said, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” So He let him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood” – because of the circumcision. Exodus 4:24-26 NASB
This event in the life of Moses involving circumcision can be paired with an event in Jacob/Israel’s family before they entered Egypt which also involving circumcision (Gen 34 and Section 6.4). Recall that circumcision was given by God Almighty as the sign of the covenant between Himself and Abraham. However it was not long before this covenantal sign was defiled and perverted by Dinah’s brothers, Abraham’s great-grandsons, when they used it as a means of revenge killing of the males of Shechem’s clan. Jacob’s family then traveled to a new region because of fear of retribution from his neighbors.
Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and attack me and I shall be destroyed, I and my household.” … As they journeyed, … Genesis 34:30,35:5 NASB
These two events are bookends of the time the Israelites spent in Egypt and can be arranged in a manner suggestive of the reversal intrinsic in the decline-increase process.
Consequently, the event with Moses is an indication of the beginning of the increase phase of the cycle of the planted seed that returned the church to the designated, 30-fold level of production of spiritual fruit.
In order to establish the typology for the story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt as a pattern for the reformed church, we need to identify the role of Moses, the central character in the story of the Exodus. In Chapter 4 (Section 4.10), we used Moses as a pattern for the Israelites from Abram to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and we will use Moses as a pattern for Jews during the church era (Section 6.7). In addition, Moses like Jesus is portrayed as divine.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” Exodus 7:1 NASB
Thus, Moses has a role representing the divine and therefore is a type for the Holy Spirit who led the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. The following table displays this connection.
Both Moses and the Holy Spirit had previously led. Before his forty years in the wilderness, Moses made a failed attempt to lead his brethren.
“And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him; but they did not understand.” Acts 7:25 NASB
The Holy Spirit had led the church.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14 NASB
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Galatians 5:18 NASB
After these initial episodes, these leaders are removed from their charge. Moses was exiled to Midian in the wilderness.
When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Exodus 2:15 NASB
The spiritual famine which drove the organized church into slavery remained with the apostate church. Church history provides evidence of the lack of the presence, guidance, and intercession of God Almighty’s Spirit during the decay and death of the church of the Middle/Dark Ages.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB
Both Moses and the Holy Spirit were sent back. God Almighty sent Moses back to Egypt to lead the Israelites.
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10 NASB
As He had done previously, God Almighty sent the Holy Spirit to the church at the end of the Middle/Dark Ages to bring back life where there was none.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26 NASB
Both Moses and the Holy Spirit were intercessors. Moses was to intercede between God Almighty and the Israelites.
So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people. Numbers 21:7 NASB
Similarly, the Holy Spirit was sent to intercede between God Almighty and the called and redeemed.
And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 NASB
Both Moses and the Holy Spirit spoke what they heard from God Almighty. Moses was to speak to Aaron what he heard from God Almighty.
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. And you are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and it shall come about that he shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” Exodus 4:14-16 NASB
Similarly, the Holy Spirit was sent to speak to humanity what He heard from God Almighty.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13 NASB
Both Moses and the Holy Spirit were divine. Moses was as divine to Pharaoh and Aaron.
“Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and it shall come about that he shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.” Exodus 4:16 NASB
Of Course, the Holy Spirit, as a part of the Holy Trinity, is divine.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 NASB
With Moses established as a type for the Holy Spirit, Moses’ elder brother Aaron is then a type for the various leaders of the reformation, and the congregation of Israelites is a type for the church/body of Christ which has been held captive by the leadership of the Catholicism. Pharaoh is a type for the Pope, and those faithful to Pharaoh (including the army) are a type for the clergy supporting the papacy.
Recall that in Chapter 4 we used the furnishings of the Mosaic tabernacle to organize the events in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Now, we will again use the furnishings of the Mosaic tabernacle to provide organization of the events in the history of the church as it increases in the level of spiritual fruit following the Middle/Dark Ages. Thus, in the following table, the veil, bronze altar, and bronze laver of the outer court organize the events of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt as a pattern for the reformed church.
Just as the Israelites sought to worship God Almighty, so also the reformers sought a deeper relationship with God. These efforts are represented by the outer veil.
Aaron went out to meet Moses.
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.” Exodus 4:14 NASB
Here then is an indication of reformers within Roman Catholicism (Aaron) seeking the spiritual leadership of the Holy Spirit (Moses), which has been missing from the existing church order.
Aaron appeared before Pharaoh with the demand that the Israelites be set free to worship their God.
And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.’ ” Exodus 5:1 NASB
Here then is an indication that the protesters voiced the need to reform the practices of Roman Catholicism in order to empower believers to worship and serve God Almighty. The apostate church is characterized in the spiritual hierarchy as a harlot, so the efforts to reform church practice are indicated in the visions of Revelation as a call to leave Babylon the Great, a harlot and mother of harlots (Rev 17:5).
And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! And she has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.” … And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:2,4-5 NASB
Pharaoh responded with repressive measures to punish the Israelites.
So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying, “You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather the straw for themselves. But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it that they may pay no attention to false words.” Exodus 5:6-9 NASB
Here again is an indication that the papacy and clergy used the Roman Inquisition and excommunication as punitive measures against the early leaders of the reformation so that the laity would pay no attention to their ideas.
God Almighty through (Moses and) Aaron pronounced plagues upon Pharaoh and all of Egypt.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. For this time I will send all My plaques on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.” ’ ” Exodus 9:13-14 NASB
Here then is an indication that there were “plagues” upon the papacy and the clergy during the late Middle/Dark Ages. There were over 100 years, 1309-1417, when the papacy was in disarray. First there was the removal of the residence of the papacy from Rome to Avignon, France during the years 1309 to 1377 when the papacy was an instrument of the French king. Thereafter was the Papal Schism, 1378-1417, when multiply men simultaneously claimed the title of pope.
Just as the Israelites sought a new place for their worship, so also the reformers established new worship and service outside of Catholicism, and these events are represented by the bronze altar in the outer court of the Mosaic tabernacle.
In His own time and His own way, God Almighty used Moses and Aaron to lead the large nation of Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
“Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt / And ransomed you from the house of slavery, / And sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” Micah 6:4 NASB
Later, we will discuss the role of Miriam.
And it came about at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:41 NASB
Here then is an indication that God Almighty’ Spirit (of change) spread across northern and central Europe. The date of 1517 identified with the Protestant Reformation is when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses. Martin Luther escaped the slavery of Catholicism in the sense that, though excommunicated, he was protected by a local ruler and lived until 1546 when he died of natural causes. Other celebrated reformers were Ulrich Zwingli of Switzerland and John Calvin of France.
As they set out on their journey of return to the Promised Land, Aaron and the Israelites were led by the divine.
And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. Exodus 13:21 NASB
Here then is an indication of a divine hand (Holy Spirit) leading the reformers of the church.
Pharaoh, having changed his mind about his consent for the departure of the Israelites, pursued them with his chariots.
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; … Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. Exodus 14:5-6,9 NASB
Here then is an indication of the European wars of religion from 1522 to 1648 fought between Protestant reformers and the clergy, the papacy, and the Holy Roman Emperor.
Just as crossing the Red Sea assured independence for the Israelites, so also crossing the Atlantic Ocean provided independence of worship for reformers. These events are represented symbolically by the water of the bronze laver of the Mosaic tabernacle.
Pursuit by Pharaoh and his army ended when Aaron and the Israelites escaped across the Red Sea.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22 NASB
Here then is an indication of Europeans escaping across the Atlantic Ocean to greater religious freedom available in North America. Though there were centuries of migration to North America, the celebrated Puritan migration occurred from 1620 to 1650.
The forces of Pharaoh were destroyed as they pursued the Israelites.
So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned and covered the chariots and horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. Exodus 14:27-28 NASB
Here then is an indication of events like the Thirty Years War, 1618-1648, a series of devastating wars between Catholics and Protestants in central Europe in which millions died. This particular war, occurring simultaneously with the Puritan migration, brought greater political and religious independence for Protestants in Europe and the Americas.
Those who crossed the Red Sea included more than just the Israelites.
And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock. Exodus 12:38 NASB
Here then is an indication that the migration to the Americas was not confined to only the reformers. Christopher Columbus, a Roman Catholic, was commissioned to explore the western ocean by the Catholic rulers of Spain, and thereafter Roman Catholicism spread to the Americas.
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites were in the wilderness of Sin.
Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. Exodus 16:1 NASB
Here then is an indication that those who migrated to the Americas for religious freedom were in a physical, cultural, and spiritual wilderness.
Once in the wilderness, the Israelites were in need of new sustenance to replace that of Egypt, and God Almighty provided meat (quail), bread (manna), and water.
“I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’ “ Exodus 16:12-13 NASB
“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6 NASB
Here then is an indication of the three theological principals of the Protestant Reformation which sustained the reformed church:
- Meat: Sola Fide (Justification by Faith Alone),
A century before Luther, Jan Hus of Bohemia supported the principal of justification through faith alone, which divorced the works associated with a godly life from the question of one’s standings with God Almighty because the later was determined by the gift/blessing of grace.
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. Romans 11:6 NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
This struck at the heart of the Roman Catholic practice of indulgences.
- Manna/Bread from Heaven: Sola Christus (Priesthood of the Believer),
This tenant re-established Christ, the bread from heaven, as the only mediator between man and God.
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1Timothy 2:5 NASB
This principle bypassed the clergy as the necessary means to communion with God Almighty, allowing the reformers to appeal directly to God Almighty by invoking Jesus Christ as mediator.
- Water: Sola Scriptura (Sole authority of Scripture),
Martin Luther proclaimed the Bible as the supreme authority in all matters of doctrine and practice.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17 NASB
This principal established the supremacy of Scripture over papal and clerical pronouncements.
It should not be a surprise that the triplet of Solas has an association with the furnishings of the outer court of the Mosaic tabernacle. Sola Fide, the principle of salvation by faith alone, corresponds to the outer gate of the tabernacle through which all must pass in order to enter (the kingdom). Sola Christus, the principle of Jesus Christ as the mediator, corresponds to the bronze altar which signifies Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God Almighty. Sola Scriptura, the principle of the supreme authority of Scripture, corresponds to the bronze laver and signifies the washing of water with the word.
That He might sanctify her [the church], having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26 NASB
With these principals, reformers of Roman Catholic practice (Protestants) re-established the born-again experience, which allowed believers to enter God Almighty’s kingdom at the designated, 30-fold level of production of spiritual fruit.
Once free from the Egyptians, Aaron and the Israelites fought another battle in order to secure complete independence.
Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. Exodus 17:8 NASB
Moses sent Joshua to engage the attackers, but there was back and forth in the battle.
So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amelek prevailed. Exodus 17:11 NASB
Here then is an indication that the puritans and other immigrants in America were still subject to the kings of Europe in civil and religious matters and therefore would have to fight to secure complete religious freedom. The British, like Amalek, came and fought against those who had fled Europe. The result of the American War of Independence (1776-1781) and the War of 1812 was the religious independence of the United States of America. The founding documents of the newly formed USA separated the church from the state and included statements that the government was prohibited from establishing a state religion or interfering with the free practice of religion.
The administration of the congregation of the Israelites became decentralized.
And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. And they judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge. Exodus 18:25-26 NASB
Here then is an indication that, after separating from the West/Catholic/Latin tradition, the protesting groups were organized into various, human-dominated organizations and denominations, and spiritual growth in the church stagnated. Furthermore, given that Roman Catholicism was Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots (Rev 17:1-6,18), the many splinters separating from the Catholic Church are the harlot daughters. That is, all of the Protestant organizations, though initially Spirit-led, are straying from true worship, becoming unfaithful to God Almighty, and therefore are properly described as harlot daughters.
Thus, the establishment of the many forms of Protestantism outside of Roman Catholicism follows the pattern of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. These events are independent from and not part of the Greek orthodox tradition.
Events from Abraham to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt are also a pattern for the born again experience, the birth of a spiritual child of God Almighty (Section 5.4). In addition, the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt suggests the birth of another spiritual child, Jesus’ spiritual son. Specifically, the newly formed woman/church which conceived on the day of Pentecost is now at full term. The birth of Jesus’ son follows the pattern of Jesus’ own birth as well as being told in prophecy in Revelation 12. In the following table, the events of Jesus’ birth are a pattern to connect the prophecy of the birth of a child in Revelation 12 with the history of the church.
As the time for the birth approached, there is a forced move. Mary was forced to leave home.
Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. … And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. Luke 2:1,4-5 NASB
The apostolic church of the 1st century has been distorted into the apostate church of Middle/Dark Ages, the Mother of Harlots.
“And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17:16-18 NASB
Here then is an indication of the forced removal of the residence of the papacy from Rome to Avignon, France, during the years 1309 to 1377 when the papacy was an instrument of the French king.
There are birth pangs. Travail of birth came upon Mary.
And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. Luke 2:6 NASB
At the “birth” of the reformed church, the symbolic portrayal in Revelation of the church changes from a harlot to a wife/mother in labor.
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. Revelation 12: 1-2 NASB
Here then is an indication of the travail that came upon Roman Catholicism at the end of the Middle/Dark Ages when the quest for a new arrangement caused pain and turmoil within the Roman Catholic Church.
Mary gave birth to a son while among animals in a stable.
And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NASB
The prophecy of Revelation 12 places an animal, a dragon, at the birth of a son.
… And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. Revelation 12:4-5 NASB
Here then is an indication that Satan (represented as a dragon) furiously fought the “heresies” of Protestantism through the papacy and clergy. The child being caught up to God is an indication of a reconnection of the church to God Almighty through the three Solas of the Protestant movement.
As required by the Law, Jesus was circumcised.
And when eight days were completed before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21 NASB
Circumcision is the painful task of cutting off flesh from the body. Likewise, the vision of Revelation suggests pain for the church, represented as the mother.
And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. … And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. Revelation 12:7-8,13 NASB
Here then is an indication of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), a series of devastating conflicts in central Europe between Catholics and Protestants during which millions died.
There is an escape from persecution. Joseph, Mary, and the Child left their homeland in order to escape persecution.
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” And he arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed for Egypt; Matthew 2:13-14 NASB
First, switching to the Israelites, their exodus from Egypt was described in terms of eagle’s wings.
And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel; ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.’ ” Exodus 19:3-4 NASB
The flight of the spiritual woman of Revelation 12 to escape from persecution is also described in terms of eagle wings.
And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. Revelation 12:14-16 NASB
Here then is an indication that, in order to escape religious persecution, there was a migration across the Atlantic Ocean (water like a river) to North America. This migration is commemorated by the United States of America, which was a place of refuge for the reformed church and has the symbol of an eagle with spread wings.
King Herod, in an attempt to eliminate the threat of a new king, had the contemporaries of Jesus killed.
Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its environs, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi. Matthew 2:16 NASB
Revelation 12 tells of war on the saints.
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:17 NASB
Here again is an indication of the continued persecution of Protestants (the inquisition, America War of Independence 1776-1783, War of 1812).
We have found in Revelation 12 one identified simply as the “the woman,” who is in pain with child birth. The dragon (Satan) sought to devour the child of the woman, and, when that fails, Satan made war with the remnant of her seed. Thus, the description of “the woman” of Revelation 12 is consistent with what we know of “the woman” in the curse to Satan in Genesis 3. Just as the Virgin Mary and her child fulfilled, in the natural, the prophecy of the woman and her seed in the curse to Satan, so also the “birth” of Protestantism fulfilled, in the natural, the prophecy of “the woman” and her child of Revelation 12.
With the advent of Protestantism, neither Greek Orthodoxy nor Roman Catholicism disappeared and are the church home for millions of devout, God-fearing people. As we consider the spiritual growth of the church mandated by the cycle of the planted seed, it is important that we keep in mind the pyramidal structure of the kingdom of God on earth which we discussed in Section 5.3. The vertical narrowing of a pyramid means that the number of those in a higher level of production of spiritual fruit will be less than those in the preceding level. Thus, world-wide today, there are more members of Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy than of Protestantism.
The Jewish population remained around one million from the second century AD until the 1700’s. The Ottoman/Turkish Empire with an Islamic tradition controlled much of the Mediterranean shore from the Balkans through North Africa from 1500 AD until World War I, and Jews were prosperous in this society. In the 1770’s, there was the Haskalah, a renewal movement among Jews in Central and Eastern Europe that sought to preserve Jews as a separate collective and to integrate that heritage into everyday life. In the late 1800’s, there arose the Zionist movement which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. While there was integration of Jews into mainstream European society, the basis for persecution of Jews changed from religion to race. Between 1890 and 1924, two million Jews emigrated to the United Stated of America from Europe, especially from Eastern Europe.
Simultaneously, God Almighty’s Spirit was at work with the church. In the 1700’s, John Wesley brought a spiritual awakening to the church. Through the 1800’s, there were scattered groups of Protestants who sought more prevalent gifts of the Spirit. In the late 1800’s, various groups around the globe, inspired by D. L. Moody and others, concentrated on the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
There were an estimated 600 million Christians in 1900.
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