Making The Calling Sure

What a magnificent vista these words open up to us! Jehovah himself is on his throne, and all his servants, heavenly and earthly, unite in praising him. His earthly servants appreciate what an awesome privilege it is to share in this swelling chorus of praise. Very soon, Jehovah and Christ Jesus will execute judgement, and the cry will be heard: "The great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17) The answer? Only a minority of mankind, including those of the sealed 144,000 still remaining in the flesh and a great crowd of other sheep who will "stand," that is, survive with them. - Compare Jeremiah 35:19; 1 Corinthians 16:13.

In view of this fact, anointed Christians of the John class exert themselves vigorously in "pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) They are fully aware that events during these days call for special endurance on their part. (Revelation 13:10) After loyally serving Jehovah for so many years, they hold fast to the faith, rejoicing that their names are " inscribed in the heavens." (Luke 110:20; Revelation 3:5) Those of the great crowd too know that only "he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matthew 24:13) While the great crowd as a group is marked to come out of the great tribulation, individuals thereof must exert themselves to remain clean and active.

There is no evidence that any apart from these two groups will "stand" in the day of Jehovah's wrath. what does this mean for the millions who each year show a certain respect for Jesus' sacrifice by attending the celebration of the Memorial of his death but who have not yet exercised faith in Jesus' sacrifice to the point of becoming dedicated, baptized servants of Jehovah, active in his service? Further, what about those who were once active but who have allowed their hearts to "become weighed down with . . . anxieties of life"? May all of such awaken, and stay awake, in order to "succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man" -Jesus Christ. The time is short! -Luke 21:34-36.

Next time: Jehovah's Plagues On Christendom