Revelations 12 - The Church of God

[oswinium]

Quick question. The "woman" in Rev 12 represents the true Church of God correct? And obviously those who obey God through Christ constitute that Church.

Now my doubt is this: In verses 13-16, it becomes apparent that the "dragon" (Satan) will not be able to harm the "woman" (Church). THEN, in verse 17, it says, "Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the REST of her offspring--those who OBEY God's commandments and HOLD to the testimony of Jesus," (emphasis added).

How are these children (or offspring) different from those who constitute the Church (or "woman")?

ALSO, since Satan is unable to harm the Church, why does it say in Rev 13:7 that he will be able to "conquer" the saints?

 

[just-a-servant]

Quick question. The "woman" in Rev 12 represents the true Church of God correct? And obviously those who obey God through Christ constitute that Church.

Now my doubt is this: In verses 13-16, it becomes apparent that the "dragon" (Satan) will not be able to harm the "woman" (Church). THEN, in verse 17, it says, "Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the REST of her offspring--those who OBEY God's commandments and HOLD to the testimony of Jesus," (emphasis added).

How are these children (or offspring) different from those who constitute the Church (or "woman")?

ALSO, since Satan is unable to harm the Church, why does it say in Rev 13:7 that he will be able to "conquer" the saints?

It is my opinion the "woman" spoken of in Rev 12 is "Israel" and not the church. She is the one with 12 stars on her crown (the twelve tribes of Israel) and who gave birth to the male child (Jesus) whom the devil wanted to devour. Since she was wisked away to the wilderness to be protected and the devil found he could not harm her, then he, the devil, began to make war on her offspring (the church, those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus). Understanding who the woman is will answer your question about Rev 13:7

Here is a technical observation for you: When writing about the book of Revelation, it is "Revelation," not "Revelations." Since the message is one revelation, it is singular. Therefore, there is no "s" at the end.

IMHO,
just-a-servant