Continue with:Rekindle That First Love!

These ridiculers rebel at the thought of making public declaration of their faith. (Romans 10:10) They have enlisted the support of Christendom's clergy and the aid of news journals and TV stations to spread lying reports about their former associates. Faithful ones soon find that the speech and conduct of these deceivers do not ring true. Like the Ephesians, Christians today "cannot bear bad men," so they disfellowship them from their congregations.

Now, however, as he does with five of the seven congregations, Jesus singles out a serious problem. He says to the Ephesians "Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:4) They should not have failed in this respect, for Paul had written them 35 years earlier referring to God's g"great love with which he loved us," and he had urged them: "Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved you." (Ephesians 2:4,; 5:1, 2) Further, Jesus' words should have been inscribed indelible on their hearts: "Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength." (Mark 12:29-31) The Ephesians had lost that first love.

Whether we are old-timers or new associates in the congregation, we must guard against losing our first love for Jehovah. How can this loss come about? We could allow attachment to our secular work, the desire to make a lot of money, or the pursuit of pleasure to become the big thing in our lives. Thus we could become fleshly minded rather than spiritually minded. (Romans 8:5-8; 1Timothy 4:8; 6:9, 10) Our love for Jehovah should impel us to correct any such tendencies and to'keep on seeking first God's kingdom and his righteousness,' so as to 'store up for ourselves treasures in heaven."- Matthew 6:19-21, 31-33.

Let our service to Jehovah be motivated always by a deep-seated love for him. Let us have a fervent appreciation for all that Jehovah and Christ have done for us. As John himself wrote later: " The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins." John goes on to tell us: "God is love, and he that remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him." May we never let fade our love for Jehovah, for the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the living Word of God! this love we can express not only in zealous service to God but also by obedience to "this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should be loving his brother also."- 1John 4:10, 16, 21; Hebrews 4:12; see also 1Peter 4:8; Colossians 3:10-14; Ephesians 4:15.

Next time: "Do The Former Deeds"

Rekindle That First Love!

Jesus' first message is to the congregation in Ephesus, at that time a thriving coastal city of Asia Minor close to the isle of Patmos. He commands John: "To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands." (Revelation 2:1) As in the other six messages, Jesus here draws attention to a feature denoting his authoritative position. He reminds the overseers in Ephesus that all elders are under his own protective oversight and that he is inspecting all the congregations. Down into our 20Th century, he has continued to exercise this loving headship, watching over the elders and kindly shepherding all associated with the congregation. From time to time, he adjusts congregational arrangements so that the light can shine more brightly. Yes, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over the flock of God.-Matthew 11:28-30; 1Peter.5:2-4.

Jesus then sets a pattern for all but two of his seven messages by opening with warm words of commendation. For the Ephesians, he had this message: "I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name's sake and have not grown weary." (Revelation 2:2, 3) Years before, the apostle Paul had warned the Ephesian elders about "oppressive wolves," apostate disturbers of the flock, and had told those elders to "keep awake," following his own tireless example. (Acts 20:29, 31) Since Jesus not commends them for their labor and endurance and for not growing weary, they must have applied that counsel.

During the Lord's day, too, there have appeared "false apostles" who "speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." (2Corinthians 11:13; Acts 20:30; Revelation 1:10) They see good in all the conflicting sectarian religions, claim God does not have an organization, and deny that Jesus received Kingdom power in 1914. They fulfill the prophecy at 2Peter 3:3, 4: "In the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is the promised presence of his? why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning.' "

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Rekindle That First Love!

Jesus' first message is to the congregation in Ephesus, at that time a thriving coastal city of Asia Minor close to the isle of Patmos. He commands John: "To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands." (Revelation 2:1) As in the other six messages, Jesus here draws attention to a feature denoting his authoritative position. He reminds the overseers in Ephesus that all elders are under his own protective oversight and that he is inspecting all the congregations. Down into our 20Th century, he has continued to exercise this loving headship, watching over the elders and kindly shepherding all associated with the congregation. From time to time, he adjusts congregational arrangements so that the light can shine more brightly. Yes, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over the flock of God.-Matthew 11:28-30; 1Peter.5:2-4.

Jesus then sets a pattern for all but two of his seven messages by opening with warm words of commendation. For the Ephesians, he had this message: "I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name's sake and have not grown weary." (Revelation 2:2, 3) Years before, the apostle Paul had warned the Ephesian elders about "oppressive wolves," apostate disturbers of the flock, and had told those elders to "keep awake," following his own tireless example. (Acts 20:29, 31) Since Jesus not commends them for their labor and endurance and for not growing weary, they must have applied that counsel.

During the Lord's day, too, there have appeared "false apostles" who "speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." (2Corinthians 11:13; Acts 20:30; Revelation 1:10) They see good in all the conflicting sectarian religions, claim God does not have an organization, and deny that Jesus received Kingdom power in 1914. They fulfill the prophecy at 2Peter 3:3, 4: "In the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is the promised presence of his? why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning.' "

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A Time Of Testing And Judging

Jesus was baptized and anointed as King-designate at the Jordan River about October 29 C.E. Three and a half years later, in 33C.E., he came to Jerusalem's Temple and threw out those who were making it a cave of robbers. There appears to be a parallel to this in the three-and - a- half years period from Jesus' 'sitting own on his glorious throne' in the heavens in October 1914 until his coming to inspect professed Christians as judgment began with the house of God. (Matthew 21:12, 13; 25:31-33; 1Peter 4:17) Early in 1918 the Kingdom activity of Jehovah's people met with great opposition. It was a time of testing earth wide, and fearful ones were sifted out. In May 1918 Christendom's clergy instigated the imprisonment of officials of the Watch Tower Society, but nine months later these were released. Later, they were completely exonerated of the false charges against them. From 1919 the organization of God's people, tried and refined, moved zealously forward to proclaim Jehovah's Kingdom by Christ Jesus as the hope for mankind. - Malachi 3:1-3.

As Jesus began his inspection in 1918, the clergy of Christendom no doubt received an adverse judgment. Not only had they raised up persecution against God's people but they had also incurred heavy bloodguilt by supporting the contending nations during the first world war. (Revelation 18:21, 24) Those clergymen then placed their hope in the man-made League Of Nations. Along with the entire world empire of false religion,Christendom had fallen completely from God's favor by 1919.

Next time: Rekindle That First Love!

The Seed Endures

In his parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus foretold the time of darkness that would exist while Christendom reigned supreme. Nevertheless, through all the centuries of apostasy, there would exist individual wheat like Christians, genuine anointed ones. (Matthew 13:24-29, 36-43) Thus, when the Lord's day dawned in October 1914, there were still true Christians on earth. (Revelation 1:10) It appears that Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for judgment about three and a half years later, in 1918, accompanied by Jesus as his "messenger of the covenant." (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 13:47-50) It was time for the Master to reject finally the false Christians and to appoint 'the faithful and discreet salve over all his belongings.'- Matthew 7:22, 23; 24:45-47.

It was also time for this slave to give special attention to the things written in Jesus' messages to the seven congregations, as we see from what is stated therein. For example, Jesus refers to his coming to judge the congregations, which judgment began in 1918. (revelation 2:5, 16, 22, 23; 3:3) He speaks of protecting the Philadelphia congregation from "the hour of test, which is to come upon the whole inhabited earth." (Revelation 3:10, 11) This "hour of test" arrives only with the drawing of the Lord's day in 1914, after which Christians were tested as to their loyalty to the established Kingdom of God.- Compare Matthew 24:3, 9-13.

For this reason, Jesus' words to the congregations have had their major application since 1914. In this setting, the seven congregations picture all the congregations of anointed Christians during the Lord's day. Moreover, during the past 50 years and more, the anointed Christians pictured by John have been joined by large numbers of believers whose hope is to live forever in Paradise on earth. The counsel of the glorified Jesus Christ and the conditions he found in the seven congregations as a result of his inspection apply with equal force to these, since there is only one standard of righteousness and faithfulness for all of Jehovah's servants. (Exodus 12:49; Colossians 3:11) Thus, Jesus' messages to the seven first-century congregations in Asia Minor are not mere historical curiosities. They mean life or death to each one of us. Let us, then, listen carefully to Jesus' words.

Next time: A Time Of Testing And Judging

Continue with The Great Apostasy

Jesus' words to the seven congregations were completely ignored by the apostatizing Christians. Jesus had warned the Ephesians to regain the love they had at first. (Revelation 2:4) Nevertheless, members of Christendom, no longer being united in love for Jehovah, fought vicious wars and persecuted one another horribly. (1John 4:20) Jesus had warned the congregation in Pergamum against the sectarianism. Yet, sects appeared even in the second century, and today Christendom has thousands of squabbling sects and religions.-Revelations 2:15.

Jesus had warned the Sardis congregation against being spiritually dead. (Revelation 3:1) Like those in Sardis, professed Christians quickly forgot about Christians works and soon delegated the highly important work of preaching to a small, paid clergy class. Jesus had warned the congregation in Thyatria against idolatry and fornication. (Revelation 2:20) Yet, Christendom openly sanctioned the use of images, as well as the promoting of the more subtle idolatry of nationalism and materialism and immorality, while sometimes preached against, has always been widely tolerated.

Hence, Jesus' words to the seven congregations expose the total failure of all of Christendom's religions to be Jehovah's special people. Indeed, the clergy of Christendom have been the most prominent members of Satan's seed. Speaking of these as 'the lawless one,' the apostle Paul foretold that their "presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception."- 2Thessalonians 2:9, 10.

While claiming to be shepherds of the flock of God, Christendom's leaders, religious and secular, showed special hatred for anyone who tried to encourage Bible reading or anyone who exposed their unscriptural practices. John Hus and Bible translator William Tyndale were persecuted and martyred. During the bedarkened Middle Ages, apostate rule reached a peak in the diabolic Catholic Inquisition. Any who disputed the teachings or authority of the Church were unmercifully suppressed and countless thousands of so-called heretics were tortured to death or burned at the stake. Thus Satan endeavored to ensure that any true seed of God's womanlike organization would be quickly crushed. When the protestant rebellion, or Reformation, occurred (from 1517 onward), many protestant churches manifested a similar intolerant spirit. They too became bloodguilty by martyring those who endeavored to be loyal to God and Christ. Truly, "the blood of holy ones" was freely poured out!-Revelation 16:6; compare Matthew 23:33-36.

Next time:The Seed Endures

The Great Apostasy

When John wrote Revelation, Christianity was upwards of 60 years old. At the outset, it had survived 40 years of constant opposition from Judaism. Then the Jewish system received a mortal blow i n70 C.E. when the unrepentant Jews lost their national identity and what was to them virtually an idol-the temple in Jerusalem

Nevertheless, the apostle Paul had foretold that there would be an apostasy among the anointed Christians, and Jesus' messages show that in John's old age this apostasy was already developing. John was the last of those who acted as a restraint on this all-out attempt by Satan to corrupt the seed of the woman. (2Thessalonians 2:3-12; 2 Peter 3:1-3; 2 John 7-11) So it was the appropriate time for Jehovah's Chief Shepherd to write to the elders in the congregations, warning of developing trends and encouraging right-hearted ones to stand firm for righteousness.

How the congregations in 96C.E. responded to Jesus' messages we do not know. But we do know that the apostasy developed rapidly after John's death. "Christians" ceased to use Jehovah's name and substituted "Lord" or "God" for it in Bible manuscripts. By the fourth century, the false doctrine of the Trinity had infiltrated the congregations. During this same period, the idea of an immortal soul was being adopted. Finally, Roman Emperor Constantine made "Christianity" the State religion, and this gave birth to Christendom, where church ans state joined forces in ruling for a thousand years. It was easy to become a new-style "Christian." Whole tribes adjusted their earlier pagan beliefs to versions of this religion. Many of the leaders in Christendom became oppressive political tyrants, enforcing their apostate views by the sword.

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3

The Stars And The Lampstands

John has seen Jesus in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in his right hand. (Revelation 1:12, 13, 16) Now Jesus explains this: "As for the sacred secret of the seven stars that you saw upon my right hand, and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean the angels of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands means seven congregations."- Revelation 1:20.

The "stars" are "the angels of the seven congregations." In Revelation, stars sometimes symbolize literal angels, but Jesus would hardly use a human penman to write to invisible spirit creatures. So the "stars" must be the human overseers, or elders in the congregations, viewed as Jesus' messengers. The messages are addressed to the stars, for these are responsible for the oversight of Jehovah's flock.-Acts 20:28.

Since Jesus speaks to only one "angel" in each congregation, does this mean that each congregation has only one elder? No. As early as Paul's day, the Ephesians congregation had a number of elders, not just one. (Revelation 2:1; Acts 20:17) So in John's day, when messages were sent to the seven stars to be read to the congregation (including the one in Ephesus), the seven stars must have stood for all those who served in the bodies of elders within Jehovah's anointed congregation. In like manner, overseers today read to their congregations letters received from the Governing Body, made up of anointed overseers who serve under Jesus' headship. The local bodies of elders have to make sure that Jesus' counsel is followed by their congregations. Of course, the counsel is for the benefit of all those associated in the congregations, not just elders.-See Revelation 2:11a.

Since Jesus is the Head of the congregation, the elders are properly said to be in his right hand, that is, under his control and direction. (Colossians 1:18) He is the Chief Shepherd, and they are under shepherds. -Peter 5:2-4.

The seven lampstands are the seven congregations to whom John directs the book of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatria, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Why are congregations symbolized by lampstands? Because Christians, whether individually or collectively as congregations, have to 'let their light shine before men' in this bedarkened world. (Matthew 5:14-16) Additionally, lampstands were among the furnishings of Solomon's Temple. Calling the congregation's lampstands would likely remind John that, in an illustrative sense, each local congregation of anointed ones is "God's Temple," a dwelling place for God's spirit. (1Corinthians 3:16) Moreover, in the anti type of the Jewish temple arrangement, members of the congregation of anointed ones serve as "a royal priesthood" in Jehovah's great spiritual temple arrangement, of which Jesus is the High Priest and where Jehovah dwells personally in the heavenly Most Holy.- 1Peter2:4, 5, 9; Hebrews 3:1; 6:20; 9:9-14, 24.

Next time: The Great Apostasy

The First And The Last

Nevertheless, our awe need not give way to morbid fear. Jesus reassured John, as the apostle next relates. "And he laid his right hand upon me and said: 'Do not be fearful. I am the First and the Last, and the living one.' " (Revelation1:17b, 18a) Isaiah 44:6, Jehovah rightly describes his own position as the one and only almighty God, saying: "I am the first and the last, and besides me there is no God." When Jesus presents himself by the title "the First and the Last," he is not claiming equality with Jehovah, the Grand Creator. He is using a title properly bestowed on him by God. He is God eternal, and besides him there is indeed no God. (1Timothy 1:17 In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection.

Jesus was indeed "the First" human to be resurrected to an immortal spirit life. (Colossians 1:18) Moreover, he is "the Last" to be so resurrected by Jehovah personally. Thus, he becomes "the living one...living forever and ever." He enjoys immortality. In this, he is like his immortal Father, who is called "the living God." (Revelation 7:2; Psalm 42;2) For all others of humanity, Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25) In harmony with this, he says to John: "I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (Revelation 1:18b) Jehovah has given him the authority to resurrect the dead. That is why Jesus can say that he has the keys to unlock the gates for those bound by death and Hades (gravedom). -Compare Matthew 16:18.

Jesus here repeats his command to record the vision, telling John: "Write down the things you saw, and the things that are and the the things that will take place after these." (Revelation 1:19) What exciting things will John yet make known for our instruction?

Next time: The Stars And The Lampstands

Unlocking A Sacred Secret

Awesome indeed is the vision of the exalted Jesus! No doubt, if we had been spectators there with the apostle John, we too would have been overcome by that resplendent glory, prostrating ourselves as he did. (Revelation 1:10-17) This superlative inspired vision has been preserved to stimulate us to action today. Like John, we should show humble appreciation for all that the vision means. May we always have reverential respect fro Jesus' position as enthroned King High Priest, and Judge.-Philippians 2:5-11.

Next time: "The First And The Last"

Continue with The Lord's Day

John's description continues: " Moreover, his head and his hair were white as white wool, as snow, and his eyes as a fiery flame." (Revelation 1:14) His snow-white hair indicates wisdom due to length of life. (Compare Proverbs 16:31) And his fiery eyes show that he is sharp, alert, as he searches , tests, or expresses indignation. Even Jesus' feet catch John's attention: " And his feet were like fine copper when glowing in a furnace; and his voice was as the sound of many waters." (Revelation 1:15) In the vision, Jesus' feet are like copper, glowing bright-properly so for one who walks zealously and with a fine standing the in the presence of God. Moreover, while in the Bible divine things are often pictured by gold, so things human are sometimes represented by copper. So Jesus' glowing feet like fine copper remind us of how "comely" his feet were when he walked the earth preaching the good news.-Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15.

Indeed, as a perfect human, Jesus had a radiance that was apparent to angels and men. (John 1:14) His glorious feet also remind us that he is treading holy ground in Jehovah's organization, in which he is High Priest. (Compare Exodus 3:5) Further, his voice resounds thunderously like a huge cascading waterfall. it is impressive, awespiring, as is fitting for the one officially called the Word of God, the one who has come to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness."-Acts 17:31; John 1:1.

"And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth, a sharp, long two-edged sword was protruding, and his countenance was as the sun when it shines in its power. And when I saw him , i fell as dead at his feet." (Revelation 1:16, 17a) Jesus himself explains the meaning of the seven stars a little later. But notice what is coming out of his mouth: "a sharp long two-edged sword." what a fitting feature! For Jesus is the one appointed to pronounce Jehovah's final judgments against his enemies. Decisive utterances from his mouth result in the execution of all wicked ones.- Revelation 19:13,15.

Jesus' bright, shining countenance reminds us that Mose's face emitted shining rays after Jehovah had communed with him on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:29, 30) Remember, too, that when Jesus was transfigured before three of his apostles 1,900 years ago, "his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brillant as the light." (Matthew 17:2) Now, in a visionary representation of Jesus during the Lord's day, his face similarly reflects the radiant splendor of one who has been in Jehovah's presence. (2Corinthians 3:18) In fact, the overall impression conveyed by John's vision is th

at of an effulgence of glory. From the snow-white hair, the flaming eyes, and the shining countenance down to the glowing feet, it is a superlative vision of the One who now dwells "in unapproachable light." (1Timothy 6:16) The realism of this spectacle is so vivid! How did the overawed John react? The apostle tells us: "And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet."- Revelation 1:17.

Today, the colorful, detailed description of John's vision fills God's people with heartfelt appreciation. Already, we have passed through more than 70 years of the Lord's day, during which the vision continues to have its thrilling fulfillment. Jesus' Kingdom rule is to us a living, present reality, not a future hope. Hence, it is proper for us as loyal subjects of the Kingdom to look further with wonder at what John describes in this first vision and to listen obediently to the words of the glorified Jesus Christ.

Next time: Unlocking The Sacred Secret

Continue with: In The Lord's Day

Most of the Prophecies in Revelation were to be fulfilled after John's time. They referred to "the things that will take place after these." But the counsel to the seven congregations deals with "things that are ," situations that really existed in the seven congregations at that time. The messages were valuable aids to faithful appointed elders in those seven congregation, as well as in all other congregations of anointed Christians of the time. Since the vision has its prime application in the Lord's day, what Jesus says serves notice that similar conditions are to be experienced in the congregation of anointed Christians of our own day.-Revelation 1:10, 19.

In this first vision, John sees the radiant Lord Jesus Christ in his heavenly glory. What could be more fitting for a book of prophecies relating to the great day of this Lord commissioned by heaven? And what could be more important to us, who are now living in that time period and giving careful heed to his every command? Moreover how thrilling it is for supporters of Jehovah's sovereignty to be assured that the Messianic Seed, having endured all the tests and persecutions brought by Satan and having suffered an agonizing death when his "heel"was bruised 1,900i years ago, is now alive in heaven, empowered to bring God's grand purpose to its triumphant completion!-Genesis 3:15.

It is evident that Jesus is now poised to go into action as enthroned King. He has been appointed as Jehovah's Chief Executioner to carry out Jehovah's final judgments against this old wicked system of things and its diabolic god, Satan. He is also on hand to judge those of his congregation of anointed ones and the great crowd of their associates, as well as to judge the world.- Revelation 7:4, 9; Acts 17:31.

John turns at the sound of the loud voice, and her is what he sees: "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands." (Revelation 1:12) Jesus, the "Son of man," here presents himself before the awestruck witness, John, as a magnificent, glowing figure. He appears in brilliant glory among flaming golden lamp stands. This temple like setting impresses on John the fact that Jesus is present in the role of Jehovah's great High Priest, with judgment powers. (Hebrews 4:14; 7:21-25) His long impressive garment conforms to his priestly office. Like the Jewish high priests of old, he wears a girdle-a golden girdle over his breast where it covers his heart. This signifies that he will wholeheartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God.-Exodus 28:8, 30; Hebrews 8:1, 2.

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In The Lord's Day

In what time frame does this place the fulfillment of Revelation? Well, what is the Lord's Day? The apostle Paul refers to it as a time of judgment and of fulfillment of divine promises. (1Corinthians 1:8; 2Corinthians1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10;2;16) With the arrival of that "day," Jehovah's grand purposes move progressively and triumphantly toward their climax. That "day" begins with the crowning of Jesus as heavenly King. Even after Jesus executes judgment on Satan's world, the Lord's day continues with the restoration of Paradise and the perfecting of mankind, until Jesus finally "hands over the kingdom to his God and Father."-1Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 6:1, 2.

The fulfillment of other Bible prophecies helps us to see when the Lord's day begins. For example, Daniel described a chopping down of rulership in the line of King David; after "seven times" it would be known "that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he want to he gives it." (Daniel 4:23, 24, 31, 32) The major fulfillment of that prophecy started with the desolating of the kingdom of Judah, which is indicated by Bible evidence to have been completed by October 607 B.C. E. Revelation 12:6, 14 shows that 3 1/2 times amounts to 1,260 days, hence seven times (twice that number) must be 2,520 days. Reckoning "a day for a year," we arrive at 2,520 years as the duration of the "seven times." (Ezekiel 4:6) Therefore Christ Jesus began his heavenly rule in the latter part of 1914. The erupting of the first world war in that year marked "a beginning of pangs of distress" that have continued to plague mankind. Since 1914, how remarkably events in this bloodstained earth have confirmed that year to be the start of the "day"of Jesus' presence!- Matthew 24:3-14.

Hence, this first vision and the counsel it contains are for the Lord's day, from 1914 onward. This timing is supported by the fact that, later in Revelation, the record describes the execution of God's true and righteous judgments-events in which the Lord Jesus plays and outstanding part. (Revelation 11:18; 16:15;17:1; 19:2, 11) If the fulfillment of the first vision began in 1914, when does it end? As the messages themselves show, the organization addressed is God's congregation of anointed ones on earth. The fulfillment of this first vision ends, then, when the last faithful member of that anointed congregation dies and is raised to heavenly life. Nevertheless, the Lord's Day with blessings to the earthly other sheep continues till the end of Jesus Christ's Millennial rule.-John 10:16; Revelation 20:4, 5.

In this first vision, before John sees anything, he hears something: "And I heard behind me a strong voice like that of a trumpet, saying: 'What you see write in a scroll and send it to the seven congregations in Ephesus and in Smyrna and in Pergamum and in Thyatira and in Sardis and in Philadelphia and in Laodicea.' " (Revelation 1:10b, 11) Authoritative and commanding as a trumpet call, a voice calls on John to write to "the seven congregations." He is to receive a series of messages and to publish the things he will see and hear. Notice that that the congregations mentioned here actually existed in Asia Minor, right across the sea from Patmos. They were easily accessible to one another by means of the excellent Roman roads that existed in the area. A messenger would have had no trouble carrying the scroll from one congregation to the next. These seven congregations would resemble a section of a modern day circuit of Jehovah's Witnesses.

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John Beholds The Glorified Jesus

The first vision in the book of Revelation begins with Chapter 1, verse 10. This vision, like the others in Revelation, is introduced by a declaration that John hears or sees something extraordinary. (Revelation 1:10, 12; 4:1; 6:1) The first vision is presented in a first-century framework in which messages are addressed to seven congregations contemporary with John. But John indicates the time of its real application when he says: "By inspiration I came to be in the Lord's day." (Revelation 1:10a) When is this "day"? Do the dramatic events of this tempestuous 20Th century have any connection with it? If so, we should pay close attention to the prophecy, as affecting our very lives-even our survival.- 1 Thessalonians 5:20,21.

Next time: In The Lord's Day

"The Alpha And The Omega"

Now, wonder of wonders! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself speaks. How appropriate this is as a preface to the visions that are about to unfold, since he is our Grand Instructor and the ultimate Source of Revelation! (Isaiah 30:20) Our God declares: "I am the Alpha and the Omega... the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8) This is the first of three times in Revelation that Jehovah himself speaks from heaven. (See also Revelation 21:5-8; 22:12-15) First-century Christians would quickly have recognized alpha and omega as the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. Jehovah's calling himself by those two letters stresses that before him , there was no Almighty God, and there will be none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion, for all eternity, the issue of Godship. He will be forever vindicated as the one and only almighty God, Supreme Sovereign over all of his creation.- Compare Isaiah 46:10; 555:10, 11.

Confident that Jehovah will direct the outcome of matters, John tells his fellow slaves: "I john, your brother and a sharer with you in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in company with Jesus,m came to be in the isle that is called Patmos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) A prisoner on Patmos for the sake of the good news, enduring tribulations with his brothers, hoping firmly to have a share in the coming Kingdom, the aged John now sees the first of the visions of Revelation. No doubt he was encouraged greatly by these visions, just as the John class is stimulated today at seeing their fulfillment. We do not know how John forwarded the scroll of Revelation to the congregations, since he was in confinement at the time. (Revelation 1:11; 22:18, 19) Jehovah's angels must have cooperated in getting this done, just as they have so often protected faithful witnesses of Jehovah who serve under bans and restrictions today, so that these have been able to get timely spiritual food to their truth-hungry brothers.- Psalm 34:6,7.

How deeply John must have appreciated his privilege of being used by Jehovah as his channel of communication to the congregations! Similarly, the John class today treasures greatly its privilege of providing the household of God with spiritual "food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:45) May you be one of those strengthened by this spiritual provision so as to attain to the glorious goal of everlasting life! - Proverbs 3:13-18; John 17:3.

Next time: John Beholds The Glorified Jesus

"Coming With The Clouds"

Next, John jubilantly announces: "Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Yes, Amen." (Revelation 1:7) No doubt John here was reminded of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things. Jesus here stated: "Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:3, 30) Thus, Jesus 'comes' by turning his attention to the executing of Jehovah's judgments on the nations. This will result in momentous changes on earth, and since "all the tribes of the earth" have ignored the reality of Jesus' kingship, they will indeed experience "the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty."- Revelation 19:11-21; Psalm 2:2, 3, 8, 9.

During Jesus' last evening with his disciples, he told them: " A little longer and the world will behold me no more." (John 14:19) How is it, then, that "every eye will see him"? We should not expect that Jesus' enemies would see him with physical eyes, for the apostle Paul said, after Jesus' ascension to heaven, that Jesus now "dwells in unapproachable light," and "not one of men has seen or can see him. (1Timothy 6:16) Evidently, John meant "see"in the sense of "discern," just as we can see, or discern, God's invisible qualities by means of his creations. (Romans 1:20) Jesus "is coming with the clouds in that he will be just as invisible to the naked eye as the sun is when it is behind the clouds. Even when the sun is hidden by clouds during the daytime, we know it is there because of the daylight that surrounds us. Similarly, though the Lord Jesus is invisible, he will be revealed like 'a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not obey the good news about him.' These too will be compelled to "see him."- 2Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2:8.

Jesus will be 'seen'also by "those who pierced him." Who might these be? When Jesus was executed in 33C.E., the Roman soldiers pierced him literally. The guilt of that murder was shared by the Jews, for Peter told some of these at Pentecost: "God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled." (Acts 2:5-11, 36; compare Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37) Those Romans and Jews have now been dead for close to 2,000 years. So those who 'pierce him' today must represent nations and peoples that display the same hateful attitude that was shown when Jesus was impaled. Jesus is no longer here on earth. But when opposers either actively persecute Jehovah's Witnesses, who bear witness to Jesus, or passively consent to such treatment, it is just as though such opposers were 'piercing Jesus himself.-Matthew 25:33, 41-46.

Next time: "The Alpha And The Omega"

"The Faithful Witness"

After Jehovah, Jesus is the most glorious person in the universe, as John recognizes, describing him as " 'the Faithful Witness,' 'The firstborn from the dead,' and 'The Ruler of the kings of the earth.' " (Revelation 1:5b) Like the moon in the heavens, he has been firmly established as the greatest Witness to Jehovah's God ship. (Psalm 89:37) After he kept integrity down to a sacrificial death, he became the first from among mankind to be raised to immortal spirit life. (Colossians 1:18) Now in Jehovah's presence, he is exalted high above all earthly kings, being invested with "all authority... in heaven and on the earth." (Matthew 28:18; Psalm 89;27; 1Timothy 6:15) in 1914 He was installed as King to rule among the earthly nations.- Psalm 26:9; Matthew 25:31-33.

John continues to express appreciation for the Lord Jesus Christ in these glowing words: " To him that loves us and that loosed us from our sins by means of his own blood-and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father-yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5c,6) Jesus gave his perfect human life so that those of the world of mankind who exercise faith in him may be restored to perfect life. You, dear reader, can be included in this! (John 3:16) But Jesus' sacrificial death opened the way for a special blessing for those who became anointed Christians like John. These have been declared righteous on the basis of Jesus' ransom sacrifice. Renouncing all earthly life prospects, as Jesus did, those of the little flock have been begotten by God's spirit, with the expectation of being resurrected to serve as kings and priests with Jesus Christ in his Kingdom. (Luke 12:32; Romans 8:18; 1Peter2:5; Revelation 20:6) What a grand privilege! No wonder John exclaimed so affirmatively that the glory and the might belong to Jesus!

Next time: "Coming With The Clouds"

Jesus Comes With Encouragement

What follows next should be of absorbing interest to everyone associated with the congregations of God's people today. Here is a series of messages. They have particular application as "the appointed time" draws near. (Revelation 1:3) It is to our everlasting benefit that we heed those pronouncements. The record reads: " John to the seven congregations that are in the district of Asia: May you have undeserved kindness and peace from 'the one who is and who was and who is coming,'and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ."- Revelation 1:4, 5a.

Here John addresses "seven congregations," and these are named for us later in the prophecy. That number, "seven," is often repeated in Revelation. It signifies completeness, especially in connection with the things of God and his anointed congregation. Since the number of congregations of God's people worldwide has grown into the tens of thousands during the Lord's day, we can be sure that what is said primarily to the "seven congregations" of anointed ones also applies to all of God's people today. (Revelation 1:10) Yes, John has a vital message for all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and all who are associated with them, everywhere on the face of this earth.

"Undeserved kindness and peace" -how desirable these are and especially when we appreciate their source! The "One" from whom they flow is the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself, "the King of eternity," who lives "from time indefinite to time indefinite." (1Timothy 1:17; Psalm 90:2) Involved here, too, are "the seven spirits," which term indicates a fullness of operation of God's active force, or holy spirit, as it brings understanding and blessing to all who pay attention to the prophecy. Also occupying a key role is "Jesus Christ," of whom John later wrote: "He was full of undeserved kindness and truth." (John 1:14) Thus, John's greeting has the same elements that the apostle Paul mentioned in closing his second letter to the Corinthian congregation: " The undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the sharing in the holy spirit be with all of you." (2Corinthians 13:14) May those words apply also to every one of us who loves truth today!-Psalm 119:97.

Next time: "The Faithful Witness"

Continue with Channels Of Communication

John was faithful in bearing witness to the message that God through Jesus Christ gave to him. He described in detail "all the things he saw." The John class has earnestly sought guidance from God and Jesus Christ in order to understand the prophecy fully and make known its fine points to God's People. For the benefit of the anointed congregation (and also of the international great crowd that God will preserve alive through the great tribulation), John writes: "Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near."- Revelation 1:3.

You will benefit greatly by reading Revelation and even more so by observing the things written in it. John explained in one of his letters: "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, because everything that has been born from God conquers the world, our faith." (1John 5:3, 4) You can become supremely happy by building such a faith!

It is urgent that we observe the words of the prophecy, "for the appointed time is near." The appointed time for what? For the fulfillment of the prophecies of Revelation, including God's judgments. The time is near for God and Jesus Christ to executed final judgment on Satan's world system. When Jesus was here on earth, he stated that only his Father knew "that day or the hour." Looking ahead to the troubles that have multiplied on earth from World War I onward, Jesus also said: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen." So the appointed time for executing God's decision must be drawing perilously close. (Mark 13:8, 30-32) As Habakkuk 2:3 states: "The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." Our salvation through the great tribulation depends on our observing God's prophetic Word.- Matthew 24:20, 22.

Next time: Jesus Comes With Encouragement

Channel Of Communication

Revelation 1:1b, 2 continues: "And he [Jesus] sent forth his angel and presented it [Revelation]in signs through him to his slave John, who bore witness to the word God gave and to the witness Jesus Christ gave, even to all the things he saw." Thus, John received the inspired record through an angelic messenger. He wrote it in a scroll, transmitting it to the congregations of his time. Happily for us, God has preserved it for the encouragement of the more than 50, congregations of his united servants on earth today.

God had a channel for communicating Revelation in John's day, and John was the earthly part of the channel. Likewise, God has a channel for giving spiritual nourishment to his 'slaves' today. In his great prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus identified the earthly part of this channel as "the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:3, 45-47) He uses this John class in unlocking the meaning of the prophecy.

The apostle John writes that Jesus presented Revelation "in signs," or symbols. These are vivid and thrilling to examine. They depict dynamic activity and should, in turn, stir us to zealous efforts in making known to others the prophecy and its meaning. Revelation presents for us a number of electrifying visions, in each of which John participated either actively or as an observer. Those of the John class, some of whom have shared for upwards of 70 years in the fulfillment of these visions, are happy that God's spirit has unlocked the meaning so that they can explain it to others.

These visions in Revelations are not presented in Chronological order. Each has its own time period of fulfillment. Many of the visions echo words of earlier prophecies that provide clues as to their interpretation. For example, Daniel's prophecy described four fearsome beasts, explaining that these portrayed ruling powers on earth. Hence, we are helped to understand that the beasts of Revelation represent political entities, including those now existing.-Daniel 7:1-8,17; Revelation 13;2, 11-13; 17:3.

Next time: Continue with the above subject.

Things That Must Shortly Take Place

You should be deeply concerned about world events today. Why so? Because this world cannot escape God's execution of judgment. But you can escape. You can do this by making yourself "no part of the world" that is doomed to destruction. This does not mean adopting an austere, monastic way of life. It means that while enjoying a wholesome, meaningful life, you separate yourself from political corruption, from greedy commercialism, and from God dishonoring religion, as well as from violent and immoral behavior. At the same time, you must follow God's high standards of conduct and to seek to do his will. (John 17:14-16;Zephaniah 2:2, 3;Revelation 21:8) The Bible book of Revelation shows how important it is for you to apply yourself in these respects, making changes as necessary in your way of life.

The apostle John introduces this grand prophecy with the words: " A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place." (Revelation 1:1a) So it was the resurrected Jesus Christ who received this weighty message from God. Far from being part of a mystic Trinity, Jesus is here shown to be subject to his Father. In the same way, the "slaves" making up the Christian congregation are subject to Jesus Christ, so that they 'keep following him wherever he goes.' (Revelation 14:4;Ephesians 5:24)But who today are truly "slaves" of God, and how does Revelation benefit them?

The apostle John who wrote down Revelation, describes himself as such a slave. He was the last surviving apostle and one of the select spirit anointed group of "slaves" that inherit immortal life in the heavens. Today, there are just a few thousand of these remaining on earth. God has other servants, too, a great crowd of them, men, women and children, numbering now into the millions. Under angelic direction, these are sharing with the anointed "slaves" in declaring everlasting good news to all mankind. Oh, how all these "slaves" are expending themselves in order to help the meek ones of the earth to find salvation! (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:9, 14; 14:6) Revelation indicates what you must do to benefit from the happifying good news.

How could John say, though that these "slaves" would be shown "things that must shortly take place"? Were not those words spoken almost 1,900 years ago? From the viewpoint of Jehovah, in whose eyes a thousand years are but "as yesterday," 1,900 years is a short time when compared with the icons of time that he spent in creating and preparing the earth fro human habitation. (Psalm 90:4) The apostle Paul wrote of his own "eager expectation and hope," for no doubt the reality of his reward seemed close at hand to him. (Philippians 1:20) Today, however, the evidence abounds that all the things foretold will take place on schedule. Never before in history has the survival of mankind been at stake. Only God has the solution!- Isaiah 45:21.

Next time: Channel Of Communication

Babylon The Great

The building of the original Babylon was more than a political enterprize. Since that city was established in defiance of Jehovah's sovereignty, religion was involved. Indeed, ancient Babylon became a fountain of religious idolatry. Its priests taught God dishonoring doctrines, such as the survival of a human soul after death adn that the hereafter is a place of eternal horror and torment presided over by demons. They fostered the worship of creatures and of a multitude of gods and godesses. They fabricated myths to explain the origin of the earth and man upon it and performed degrading rituals and sacrifices, supposedly to ensure fertility in childbearing and crop raising and victory in war.

As the various language groups from Babylon spread out over the earth, they took Babylonish religion with them. Thus,rites and beliefs similar to those of ancient Babylon flourished among the original inhabitants of Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Far East and the South Seas; and many of these beliefs persist to this day. Appropriately, then, Revelation refers to the world embracing empire of false religion as a city named Babylon the Great. (Revelation , Chapters 17, 18) Wherever it has been sown, false religion has sprouted oppressive priesthoods, superstition, ignorance and immorality. It has been a powerful tool in Satan's hand. Babylon the Great has always fought fiercely against the true worship of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

As a reprehensible part of the seed of the Serpent, the scribes and the Pharisees in first-century Judaism took the lead in persecuting and finally murdering the primary representative of the seed of the woman. Thus, the Serpent was able to "bruise him [the "seed"] in the heel." (Genesis 3:15; John 8:39-44; Acts 3:12, 15) Why is this described as only a heel wound? It is because this wounding touched him only briefly here on earth. It was not permanent because Jehovah resurrected Jesus on the third day and exalted him to spirit life. -Acts 2:32, 33; 1Peter 3:18.

The glorified Jesus Christ now serves at God's right hand, judging Jehovah's enemies. He has already taken action against Satan and his angels, hurling them down and confining their activity for the multiiplying of woes in this 20Th century. (Revelation 12:9, 12) But there will be the foretold removal of Satan's earthly seed when God executes judgment on Babylon the Great and all over segments of Satan's organization on earth. Finally, the seed of God's woman, Jesus Christ, will bruise Satan, that wily old Serpent, "in the head," and that will mean his complete annihilation and his total removal from the affairs of mankind. -Romans 16:20.

How will all of this come about? That is what is unveiled for us in the Bible book of Revelation. It is revealed to us in a series of visions, highlighted by striking sings and symbols. Eagerly, let us examine this powerful prophecy. Happy, indeed, are we if we hear and observe the words of Revelation! By so doing, we will share in bringing honor to the name of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and inherit his eternal blessings. Please read on and wisely apply what you learn. It can mean your salvation at this time of climax in mankind's history.

Next time: Things That Must Shortly Take Place

Selfish Commercial Traffickers

Closely allied to political leaders, there came into view dishonest traffickers in material goods. Records unearthed in the ruins of ancient Babylon show that business transactions exploiting the unfortunate circumstances of fellow humans were very much in vogue back there. The world's merchants have continued to work for selfish profit down to this present day, when in many lands a few have become very rich while the majority of the population languishes in poverty. In this 20th century industrial age, the merchants and manufacturers have make great gain by supplying the political powes with stockpiles of devilish military weapons of destruction, including the nuclear arsenals that now threaten mankind with annihilation. Such greedy business magnates and others of their kind must be included with the "military commanders" and "strong men" as belonging to Satan's wicked seed. They are all part of the earthly organization that God and Christ judge as deserving of execution.-Revelation 19:18.

To corrupt politics and greedy commercialism there must be added a third element of human society that merits God's adverse judgment. What is that? You may be surprised by what Revelation says about this well-known global structure.

Next time: Babylon The Great

Political Powers Appear

In Babylon there appeared features of human society that developed in defiance of Jehovah's sovereignty. One of these was political. As mankind multiplied, other ambitious humans followed Nimrod's example in seizing power. Man began to dominated man to h is injury. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) During the days of Abraham, for instance, Sodom and Gomorrah, and nearby cities fell under the control of kings from Shinar and other far distant lands. (Genesis 14;1-4) Eventually, military and organizational geniuses carved out huge empires for their own enrichment and glory. The Bible refers to some of these, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome.

Jehovah tolerated the existence of those political powers, and his people rendered relative obedience to them when they lived in lands under their control. (Romans 13:1, 2) Sometimes, political authorities even served for the furtherance of God's purposses or as a protection for his people. (Ezra 1:1-4; 7:12-26; Acts 25:11, 12; Revelation 12:15, 16) Nevertheless, many political rulers have viciously opposed true worship, showing themselves to be part of the seed of the Serpent.-1John 5:19.

For the most part, man-rule has failed miserably to bring happiness to us humans or to solve our problems. Jehovah has permitted mankind to experiment with every form of government, but he does not approve of corruption or the way governments have misruled the people. (Proverbs 22:22, 23) Revelation portrays oppressive world powers as making up a proud and monstrous wild beast.- Revelation 13:1, 2.

Next time: Selfish Commercial Traffickers

How Enmity Developed

Satan's human seed began to be manifested very early in mankind's history. For example, there was Cain, the first human born, "who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother" Abel. (1John 3:12) Later, Enoch spoke of Jehovah's coming "with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him." (Jude 14, 15) Moreover, rebellious angels joined Satan and became part of the seedd. These "forsook their own proper dwelling place" in the heavens in order to materialize fleshly bodies and to marry the daughters of men. they produced a superhuman hybrid offspring of bullies. That world became filled with violence and badness, so that God destroyed it in the Deluge, faithful Noah and his family being the only human flesh to survive. The disobedient angels -now demons under Satan's control-were forced to abandon their doomed human wives and hybrid children. They dematerialized, returning to the spirit realm where they await God's fast-approaching execution of judgment on Satan and his seed.-Jude 6; Genesis 6:4-12; 7:21-23; 2Peter 2:4, 5.

Shortly after the great Deluge, a tyrant named Nimrod appeared on earth. The Bible describes him as a "mighty hunger in oppostion to Jehovah"-truly part of the Serpent's seed. Like Satan, he showed a spirit of rebellion and built the cityof Babel, or Babylon, in defiance of Jehovah's purpose to have mankind spread out to fill the earth. Babylon's centerpiece was to have been a great tower "with its top in the heavens." God thwarted the would-be builders of that tower. He confused their language and "scattered them from over all the surface of the earth" but allowed Babylon itself to remain.- Genesis 9:1; 10:8-12; 11:1-9.

Next time: Political Powers Appear

The Seed Of The Woman Identified

The prophecy at Genesis 3:15 refers finally to the seed of the woman. While Satan was developing his seed, Jehovah was preparing for his "woman," or wifelike celestial organization, to produce a seed. For some 4,000 years, Jehovah progressively revealed to obedient God-fearing humans details related to the coming of the seed. (Isaiah 46:9,10) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and others could thus build faith in the promise taht the seed would appear in their genealogical line. (Genesis 22:15-18; 26:4; 28:14) Satan and his henchmen often persecuted such servants of Jehovah because of their unswerving faith.- Hebrews 11:1, 2, 32-38.

At last, in the year 29 of our Common Era, the perfect man Jesus presented himself at the Jordan River and was baptized. Jehovah there begot Jesus with Holy Spirit, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." (Matthew 3:17) Jesus was there identified as having been sent forth from God's spiritual organization in heaven. He was also anointed as the King-Designated of the heavenly Kingdom that would restore rulership over the earth in Jehovah's name, thus settling once and for all the issue involving government, or sovereignty. (Revelation 11:15) Jesus, then, is the principal one of the seed of the woman, the foretold Messiah.-Compare Galatians 3:16; Daniel 9:25.

Would the woman's seed be simply one prominent person? Well, what of Satan's seed? The Bible identifies Satan's seed as including a hose of wicked angels and God dishonoring humans. It should not surprise us, then, to learn of God's purpose to select 144,000 integrity keepers from among mankind to become priestly corulers with the Messianic Seed, Jesus Christ. Revelation refers to these when it says that the Devil, in his enmity toward God's womanly organization, "went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed."-Revelation 12:17; 14:1-4.

In the Bible, anointed Christians are called Jesus' brothers, and as his brothers, they share the same father and the same mother. (Hebrews 2:11) Their Father is Jehovah God. Hence, their Mother must be "the woman," God's wifelike celestial organization. They become a secondary part of the seed, Christ Jesus being the primary part. The congregation of these spirit-begotten Christians on earth make up God's visible organization that serves under his womanlike organization in the heavens, where they will be united with Christ Jesus at their resurrection. (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:16,29) Though not part of the seed, millions of other sheep out of all the nations are being united to serve with God's organization on earth. Are you one of these other sheep? Then your happy hope is everlasting life in a paradise earth.-John 10:16; 17:1-3.

Next time: How Enmity Developed

Two Seeds In Opposition

Two seeds appear next at Genesis 3:15. We should be deeply interested in these, for they are related to the great issue of rightful sovereignty over this earth. This involves each one of us, whether young or old. Which of these seeds do you favor?

First, there is the seed, or offspring, of the Serpent. What is this? It surely includes those other spirit creatures who joined Satan in his rebellion and who were finally "hurled down with him" To the realm of the earth. (Revelation 12:9) Since Satan,or Beelzebub, is "the ruler of the demons," It is apparent that they make up his invisible organization.- Mark 3:22; Ephesians 6:12.

Further, Jesus told Jewish religious leaders of his day: "You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father." (John 8:44) By their opposition to God's Son Jesus those religious leaders showed that they too were Satan's offspring. They were part of Satan's seed, serving him as their figurative father. Many other humans throughout history have similarly identified themselves by doing Satan's will, particularly in opposing and persecuting the disciples of Jesus. Collectively, these humans may be described as making up Satan's visible organization on earth.-See John 15:20; 16:33; 17:15.

Next time: The Seed Of The Woman Identified

The Principals In The Drama

The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 was addressed to the serpent that had lied to Eve, suggesting to her that she would not die for her disobedience but that she would become independent, a goddess. The serpent thus made Jehovah out to be a liar and insinuated that humans could improve their lot by rejecting his supreme rulership. (Genesis 3:1-5) Jehovah's sovereignty was challenged and his good name besmirched. The book of Revelation describes how the righteous Judge, Jehovah, uses the Kingdom rule fo his Son, Jesus Christ, to vindicate his sovereignty and clear all approach from his name.-Revelation 12:10; 14:7.

As for that term "serpent," does it apply only to a literal snake? Not at all! Revelation identifies for us the infamous spirit creature that spoke through that snake. It was "the great dragon...,the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth," that "seduced Eve by its cunning."-Revelation 12:9; 2Corinthians 11:3.

Genesis 3:15 speaks next of "the woman." Was this Eve? Possibly she though so. (Compare Genesis 4:1) But a long-lasting enmity between Eve and Satan became impossible when Eve died more than 5,000 years ago. Further, since the serpent addressed by Jehovah is an invisible spirit, we should expect taht the woman also belongs to the spirit realm. Revelation 12:1, 2 confirms this, indicating that this figurative woman is Jehovah's heavenly organization of spirit creatures.- See also Isaiah 54:1, 5, 13.

Next time: Two Seeds In Opposition

The Grand Theme Of The Bible

A Bible proverb says: " Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning." (Ecclesiastes 7:8) It is in the book of Revelation that we read of the dramatic culmination of Jehovah's grand purpose to sanctify the name before all creation. As God declared time and time again by one of his earlier prophets: "They will have to know that I am Jehovah."-Ezekiel 25:17; 38:23.

Just as Revelation spells out the triumphant end of matters, so their beginning is described for us in earlier books of the Bible. By examining this record, we are enabled to understand the issues involved and get an overall view of God's purposes. How satisfying this is! Further, it should rouse us to action, so that we may share in the marvelous future that awaits mankind. (Psalm 145:16, 20) At this point, it seems appropriate to discuss the background and theme of the entire Bible, in order that we may have in mind the paramount issue that now faces all humankind, as well as God's clearly stated purpose to resolve that issue.

The Bible's first book, Genesis tells of "the beginning" and describes God's creative works, including his crowning earthly creation, man. Genesis also sets out the first divine prophecy, uttered by God himself in the garden of Eden some 6,000 years ago. A serpent had just been used to deceive the first woman, Eve; she in turn had persuaded her husband Adam, to join her in violating Jehovah's law by eating from "the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." In passing judgment on the sinful couple, God said to the serpent: "I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the Head and you will bruise him in the heel." (Genesis 1:1; 2:17; 3:1-6, 14, 15) That prophecy sets the theme for the whole Bible, including Revelation.

Immediately after uttering the prophecy, God expelled our first parents from Eden. No longer could they look forward to everlasting life in Paradise; they would have to live out their lives in the unprepared earth outside. Under sentence of death, they would produce sin-laden children. (Genesis 3:23-4:1;Romans 5:12)What, though, does the Edenic prophecy mean? Who are involved? How does it link up with Revelation? What message does it have for us today? In order to gain personal relief from the effects of the tragic event that led to Jehovah's uttering that prophecy, it is of vital concern that we know the answers to these questions.

Next time: The Principals In The Drama

Searching Out Divine Secrets

As early as 1917, The Watch Tower Society published the book The Finished Mystery. This was a verse-by-verse commentary on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation. Then, as world events continued to unfold in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, a timely two-volume work entitled Light was prepared, being released in 1930. This offered an updated study of Revelation. Light continued to 'flash up for the righteous,' so that in 1963 the Society published the 704-page book "Babylon The Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules! This gave in great detail the history of the rise and fall of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, and it was climaxed with a discussion of the final nine chapters of Revelation. As 'the path of the righteous ones grew brighter,' particularly with regard to congregational activity, there followed in 1969 a 384-page volume, 'Then Is Finished The Mystery Of God," which is discussed the first 13 chapters of Revelation. -Psalm 97:11; Proverbs 4:18.

Why should another book on Revelation be published at this present time? Much of the information that has already appeared is very detailed, and it has not been possible to translate and publish it worldwide in many languages. Hence, it was seen fit to provide a book on Revelation in just one volume and in a form that can readily be produced in a number of languages. Further, the opportunity is taken in this volume to provide teaching aids, including all illustrations, charts and summaries that should help readers to grasp clearly the thrilling import of this marvelous prophecy.

An even stronger reason for publishing this book is the need to keep up-to-date with present truth. Jehovah is continually shedding great light on the meaning of his Word, and we can expect that our understanding of Revelation, along with other prophecies will be sharpened as we draw closer to the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14) It is important that we be well informed. As the apostle Peter wrote concerning divine prophecy: "You are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns adn a day star rises, in your hearts."-2Peter 1:19

Revelation adds to its testimony to many other Bible prophecies, showing that Jehovah purposes to create new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) Primarily, its message is addressed to anointed Christians, whom Jesus has bought with his blood to become co rulers with him in in the new heavens. (Revelation 5:9, 10) Nevertheless, this good news will also fortify the faith of those millions who look forward to everlasting life under Christ's Kingdom.
Are you one of these? Then Revelation will strengthen your hope of living in Paradise, as part of an abundance of peace, vibrant health, and an overflow of God's provisions that will never end. (Psalm 37:11, 29, 34; 72:1, 7, 8, 16) If you want to survive into that new world, it is urgent, yes, mandatory, that you pay attention to Revelation's graphic description of the epoch making climax now at hand.-Zephaniah 2:3; John 13:17.

Next time: The Grand Theme Of The Bible

Apocalypse - What Is It?

Is not Revelation also called apocalypse? That is so, "Revelation" being the English translation of a-po-ka'ly-psis in the Greek text. Many people equate Apocalypse with world destruction by nuclear warfare. In a Texas, U.S.A. city where great numbers of nuclear warheads are made, religiously inclined people have been saying. "We'll be the first to go." Clergymen in that area are reported to have "become convinced that Armageddon is not only inevitable but close at hand, and that the final battle between the forces of good and bad, of God and Satan, will take place as a nuclear holocaust."

But what really is an Apocalypse? Though dictionaries define it by using terms such as "an imminent cosmic catactlysm," the Greek a-po-ka'ly-psis basically means "unveiling" or "uncovering." Thus, the last book of the Bible is properly entitled "A Revelation." Here we find, not a mere fatalistic message of world doom, but an uncovering of divine truths that should build in our hearts a radiant hope and an immovable faith.

True, Armageddon is described in the last book of the Bible as "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Revelation 16:14, 16) But it will far different from a nuclear holocaust! Such a holocaust would likely mean the annihilation of all life on earth. On the contrary God's Word give the happy assurance that wicked opposers of God will be destroyed - by forces under God's control. (Psalm 37:9, 10; 145:20) A great crowd of humans, out of all nations will survive the climax of divine judgment at Armageddon. Christ Jesus will then shepherd and guide these to life everlasting in a paradise earth. Do you not want to be one of them? Happily, Revelation shows that you may be! -Revelation 7:9, 14, 17.

Next time:Searching Out Divine Secrets

Revelation-It's Happy Climax

How do we know that God wants us to be happy? The author of the Bible is described as "The Happy God," who entrusts "glorious good news" to those who love him. He wants us to be happy too. Thus, at the outset Revelation assures us: "Happy is he who reads...the words of this prophecy." Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll. - 1Timothy 1:11; Revelation 1:3; 22:7.

What must we do to find happiness through the book of Revelation? By searching out the meaning of its vivid signs, or symbols, and acting in harmony therewith.

Next time: Apocalypse - What Is It?