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