Revelation 12 in 2017: Is This Heavenly Sign a Prophetic Fulfillment or Wishful Thinking?

When the celestial event known as the 'Revelation 12 sign' took place on September 23, 2017, many believers looked for signs and sought confirmation in the heavens. However, not all the beliefs surrounding this event aligned with biblical teachings, particularly regarding the use of astrology and divination. This article explores the context and significance of Revelation 12 and offers a perspective based on biblical principles.

The Significance of Revelation 12

Revelation 12:1-3

“Then I saw a great wonder in heaven: an veiled woman, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. When she gave birth, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with an iron scepter. But also, he must be caught up to heaven and rule from above.

Revelation 12:4-6

“Then another sign appeared in heaven: and an enormous red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment she gave birth. She gave birth to a male child, who was destined to rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And immediately, she was snatched up to God's throne and he was caught up to God and to his throne.”

Biblical Critique of Astrological Beliefs

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“Do not have anyone among you who practices augury or sorcery; one who interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or conjures spells. Do not cast a spell on someone else, nor use witchcraft to curse someone. Do not consult mediums or psychics, or seek after the dead.

These practices are detestable to the Lord and they are what He is driving out from before you. Therefore, do not turn to these practices, for if you do, you will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of it.”

The Historical Context of Astrological Practices

Historically, the practice of divination through the liver was not unique to any one culture. The ancient Babylonians, for example, had a clay model of a liver called the "Kummu?". One side of the model was divided into areas representing "day" and "night," while the edge was divided into 16 parts. Each section was named after a deity from the heavens, creating a celestial map.

When making sacrifices, the Babylonians would examine the liver to find omens from the gods, believing that the liver was a miniature reflection of the heavens. This practice, referred to as haruspicy, was a common form of divination in ancient times, though it is explicitly condemned in the Hebrew Bible.

The Birth of Christ: A Heavenly Sign?

Given the historical accounts and biblical texts, the celestial event described in Revelation 12 can be seen more as a prophetic fulfillment rather than a literal event in the sky. Many theologians and scholars interpret this sign as a visionary representation of the birth of Christ and its spiritual consequences.

The sign appears to symbolize the struggle between good and evil, with the woman symbolizing the Church, and the dragon representing evil in the world. The male child, born to rule with an iron scepter, is considered a prophetic reference to Christ, the one who would reign over all nations with righteousness.

Revelation 12:7-9

“Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was conquered, and they were thrown out of heaven. This great dragon was hurled down—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

While the celestial event was significant, it is important to interpret the signs within the context of biblical teaching, which clearly condemns astrology and divination.

Conclusion

The 2017 celestial event described in Revelation 12 can be understood as a visionary representation of the spiritual battles occurring in the heavenly realms, rather than a literal supernatural event in the sky. Christians who rely on biblical principles should interpret these signs with caution, ensuring they align with God's word and avoid practices that are strictly condemned in the Bible.