It seems in the present hour the Holy Spirit is emphasizing the forming of Christ in the Church. It may be true that the generation living now may see much of the Book of Revelation take place. We may have the greatest opportunity to come to the fullness of Christ, and yet be exposed to the greatest danger of accepting the spirit of religious delusion.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16)

While God has accomplished much during the Church Age we believe the most significant work of the era has been, and continues to be, the forming of Christ in the Lord's disciples.

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. (Revelation 12:5)

It is our point of view that the "woman clothed with the sun" is the Christian Church, and the male Son (man child) is Christ who is formed in the saints.

Satan stands before the Church, not because he is overly concerned about the Church (the Church does not really threaten his rule the earth), but in order to destroy the Son.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:4)

The Son is the ruler who is to come, the ruler over the earth. Christ—Head and Body— will govern the nations of the earth. The Kingdom of God is God in Christ in the saints, governing the nations of saved peoples of the earth. The kingdoms of the world will be given to God's Anointed, His Christ.

Satan is not disturbed at the thought of the saints going to Heaven, but he is utterly determined they never will govern the earth.

Today, by every device imaginable, Satan encourages the Christian people to serve the Lord by their life. He holds out the hope of successful, fulfilled living "in Jesus." Satan understands well that he cannot be driven from the earth until the saints are willing to serve the Lord by their death. It is only by our death with Jesus that the Life of Christ can be revealed.

The Ruler is being created today and He first must rule in the personalities of the saints. The issue is obedience—obedience to the Father. God is seeking those of the believers who are willing to die to the world, to sin, and to their self-will, and to obey the Father perfectly.

The believers who will answer the Father with a faithful heart will become a remnant, a firstfruits of the Bride. Through them—a present-day Gideon's army—Satan will be thrown down from his place in Heaven.

To be continued.