THE EVERLASTING FATHER. This is a prophecy that relates to the Lord Jesus Christ. According to this message He must become a Father. The Father of eternity, or the Father of perpetuity, or the forever. In order to become a Father one must acquire a Bride. Jesus purchased His church with His own blood. The price is not just in the shedding of His blood but in the whole process of leaving heaven to become a man. Then to become sin for all mankind, that all might be saved. Acts 20:28 The love of Christ for His church is compared to the love that must exist between husbands and wives. Christ gave Himself for her. Christ is cleansing and sanctifying her. His purpose is that he might present her to himself a glorious radiant Bride. Absolutely pure, holy and without any fault of any kind. Eph. 5:25-27. Only by having a Bride can He become a Father. Only by being pure, holy and clean can a people be brought to equality with Him so that there can be the marriage of the ages.
The woman of Revelation twelve is the Bride of Christ. She could not be Mary nor could the manchild be Christ. John received the Revelation on Patmos in 70 AD which was well after the birth and resurrection of Christ. The language of the book will show that the fulfillment of the contents were for the future. Here is what the book says: Things which must shortly come to pass. Rev.1:1 The time is at hand. Rev.1:3 The things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. Rev.1:19 I will show thee things which must be hereafter. Rev.4:1 The things which must shortly be done. Rev. 22:6 These statements exclude Mary and Christ from being the woman and the manchild.
The woman of Revelation twelve is the Bride of Christ. She is clothed with the completeness of the glory of the Father, the sun. Her foundation is the moon, The Son. She is a Queen for she is crowned with a diadem of twelve stars, the Apostolic leadership of the Bride, filled with all the fullness of God. Rev.12:1 The Lamb will receive a Bride. Rev.19:7-9 The manchild is the result of the marriage of Christ and the perfect church. The purpose here is not to probe into the depths of this subject but to show that Jesus is the everlasting Father. He is destined to be a Father. This subject will be explored from time to time in our studies of the book of Isaiah.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE. Jesus is the very essence of peace. He is peace personified. Peace of heart, peace of mind, peace of soul and spirit are to be found in Him. We are to posses the same peace that was His, for He has given the gift of peace to us. Jn.14:27 Those who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ have the peace of God. Rom.5:1 In every situation if we are justified peace will rule and reign in our hearts. It is the gift of God. If we are Spirit filled the fruit of the Spirit will prevail in our lives for Peace is a part of that fruit. Gal.5:22 We are assured of peace of mind and heart by the peace of God that transcends all human comprehension. Phil.4:7 Not only is he the Prince of Peace but the Word also declares Him to be the King of Peace. Heb.7:2 He is entitled to this office for he has made available a life and a kingdom of peace to all who will accept it. He purchased peace for the whosoever will by shedding his blood as an atonement on the cross. Col.1:20 Sin divides and tears asunder. But the Prince of Peace is seeking to reconcile sinners to Himself and in so doing sharing the peace of God with them. True peace is found in Jesus.