The fourth bowl of the anger of God has the sun as its target. John tells us: "And the fourth one poured out his bowl upon the sun; and to the sun it was granted to scorch the men with fire. And the men were scorched with great heat, but they blasphemed the name of God, who has the authority over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give glory to him." - Revelation 16:8, 9.
Today, at the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus' spiritual brothers "shine brightly as the sun in their kingdom of their Father." (Matthew 13:40, 43) Jesus himself is "the sun of righteousness." (Malachi 4:2) Mankind, though, has its own "sun," its own rulers who try to shine in opposition to God's Kingdom. The fourth trumpet blast proclaimed that the 'sun, moon and stars' in Christendom's heavens are really sources of darkness, not light. (Revelation 8:12) The fourth bowl of God's anger now shows that the world's "sun" would get unbearably hot. Those looked to as sun-like leaders would "scorch" mankind. This would be granted to the symbolic sun. In other words, Jehovah would allow this as part of his fiery judgment on mankind. In what way has this scorching taken place?
After the first world war, the rulers of this world forned the League of Nations in an effort to solve the problem of world security, but this failed. So other experimental types of rulership were tried, such as Fascism and Nazism. Commmunism continued to expand. Rather than improve mankind's lot, the sun-like rulers in these systems began to 'scorch mankind with great heat.' Local wars in Spain, Ethiopia and Manchuria led up to the second world war. Modern history records that Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin as dictators become responsible directly and indirectly for the deaths of tens of millions, including many of their own nationals. More recently, international or civil conflicts have "scorched" the people of countries such as Vietnam, Kampuchea, Iran, Lebanon and Ireland, as well as countries in Latin America and Africa. Add to this the ongoing struggle between the superpowers, whose horrendous nuclear weapons are capable of incinerating all mankind. In these last days, humanity has surely been exposed to a scorching "sun," its unrighteous rulers. The pouring out of the fourth bowl of God's anger has pinpointed these historic facts, and God's people have proclaimed them throughout the earth.
Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently taught that the only solution to mankind's baffling problems is God's Kingdom, through which Jehovah purposes to sanctify his name. (Psalm 83:4, 17, 18; Matthew 6:9, 10) Mankind, however, has as a whole turned a deaf ear to this solution. Many who reject the Kingsom also blaspheme the name of God, even as Pharaoh did when he refused to acknowledge Jehovah's sovereignty. (Exodus 1:8-10; 5:2) Having no interest in the Messianic Kingdom, these opposers choose to suffer under their own torrid "sun" of oppresive human rulership.
Next time: The Throne Of The Wild Beast
1.31.2008
1.30.2008
Giving Them Blood To Drink
The third bowl of God's anger, like the third trumpet blast, has an effect on fresh water sources: "And the third one poured out his bowl into the rivers and the fountains of the waters. And they became blood. And I heard the angel over the waters say: ' You , the One who is and who was, the loyal One, are righteous, because you have rendered these decisions, because they poured out the blood of holy ones and of prophets, and you have give them blood to drink. They deserve it.' And I heard the altar say: 'Yes, Jehovah God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judicial decisions.' " - Revelation 16:4-7.
These "rivers and the fountains of the waters" picture the so-called fresh sources of guidance and wisdom accepted by this world, such as the political, economic, scientific, educational, social and religious philosophies that guide human actions and decisions. Rather than look to Jehovah, the Fountain of life, for life-giving truth, men have 'hewn out for themselves broken cisterns' and drunk deeply of "the wisdom of this world [that] is foolishness with God." -Jeremiah 2:13; 1Corinthians 1:19; 2:6; 3:19; Psalm 36:9.
Such tainted "waters" have led men to become bloodguilty, for example, in encouraging them to shed blood on a monumental scaled in the wars of this century, which have now taken more than a hundred million lives. Particularly in Christendom, where the two world wars erupted, have men been "in a hurry to shed innocent blood," and this has included the blood of God's own witnesses. (Isaiah 59:7; Jeremiah 2:34) Mankind has also incurred bloodguilt by its misuse of huge quantities of blood for transfusions, in violation of Jehovah's righteous laws. (Genesis 9:3-5; Leviticus 17:14; Acts 15:28, 29) On this account, they have already reaped sorrow by the proliferation, through blood transfusions, of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Full retribution for all bloodguilt will come shortly when transgressors pay the supreme penalty, being trampled in "the great winepress of the anger of God." -Revelation 14:19, 20.
In Moses' day, when the Nile River was turned into blood, the Egyptians were able to keep alive by seeking other sources of water. (Exodus 7:24) Today, though, during the spiritual plague, there is nowhere in Satan's world that people can find life-giving waters. The pouring out of this third bowl involves proclaiming that the world's "rivers and the fountains of the waters" are as blood, bringing spiritual death to all who imbibe them. Unless people turn to Jehovah, they reap his adverse judgment. -Compare Ezekiel 33:11.
"The angel over the waters," that is, the angel who pours this bowl into the waters, magnifies Jehovah as the Universal Judge, whose righteous decisions are absolute. Therefore, he days of this judgment: "They deserve it." Doubtless, the angel personally witnessed much of the bloodshed and cruelty fomented over thousands of years by the false teachings and philosophies of this wicked world. Hence, he knows that Jehovah's judicial decision is right. Even God's "altar" speaks out. At Revelation 6:9, 10, the souls of those who were martyred are said to be at the base of that altar. So "the altar" adds powerful testimony as to the justice and righteousness of Jehovah's decisions. Certainly, it is fitting that those who have shed and misused so much blood should themselves be force-fed with blood, in symbol of Jehovah's sentencing them to death.
Next time: Scorching Men With Fire
These "rivers and the fountains of the waters" picture the so-called fresh sources of guidance and wisdom accepted by this world, such as the political, economic, scientific, educational, social and religious philosophies that guide human actions and decisions. Rather than look to Jehovah, the Fountain of life, for life-giving truth, men have 'hewn out for themselves broken cisterns' and drunk deeply of "the wisdom of this world [that] is foolishness with God." -Jeremiah 2:13; 1Corinthians 1:19; 2:6; 3:19; Psalm 36:9.
Such tainted "waters" have led men to become bloodguilty, for example, in encouraging them to shed blood on a monumental scaled in the wars of this century, which have now taken more than a hundred million lives. Particularly in Christendom, where the two world wars erupted, have men been "in a hurry to shed innocent blood," and this has included the blood of God's own witnesses. (Isaiah 59:7; Jeremiah 2:34) Mankind has also incurred bloodguilt by its misuse of huge quantities of blood for transfusions, in violation of Jehovah's righteous laws. (Genesis 9:3-5; Leviticus 17:14; Acts 15:28, 29) On this account, they have already reaped sorrow by the proliferation, through blood transfusions, of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Full retribution for all bloodguilt will come shortly when transgressors pay the supreme penalty, being trampled in "the great winepress of the anger of God." -Revelation 14:19, 20.
In Moses' day, when the Nile River was turned into blood, the Egyptians were able to keep alive by seeking other sources of water. (Exodus 7:24) Today, though, during the spiritual plague, there is nowhere in Satan's world that people can find life-giving waters. The pouring out of this third bowl involves proclaiming that the world's "rivers and the fountains of the waters" are as blood, bringing spiritual death to all who imbibe them. Unless people turn to Jehovah, they reap his adverse judgment. -Compare Ezekiel 33:11.
"The angel over the waters," that is, the angel who pours this bowl into the waters, magnifies Jehovah as the Universal Judge, whose righteous decisions are absolute. Therefore, he days of this judgment: "They deserve it." Doubtless, the angel personally witnessed much of the bloodshed and cruelty fomented over thousands of years by the false teachings and philosophies of this wicked world. Hence, he knows that Jehovah's judicial decision is right. Even God's "altar" speaks out. At Revelation 6:9, 10, the souls of those who were martyred are said to be at the base of that altar. So "the altar" adds powerful testimony as to the justice and righteousness of Jehovah's decisions. Certainly, it is fitting that those who have shed and misused so much blood should themselves be force-fed with blood, in symbol of Jehovah's sentencing them to death.
Next time: Scorching Men With Fire
1.29.2008
The Sea Becomes Blood
The second bowls of God's anger must now be poured out. What will it mean for mankind? John tells us: " And the second one poured out his bowl into the sea. And it became blood as of a dead man, and every living soul died, yes, the things in the sea." (Revelation 16:3) Like the second trumpet blast, this bowl is directed against "the sea" -The seething rebellious mass of humanity alienated from Jehovah. (Isaiah 57:20, 21; Revelation 8:8, 9) In Jehovah's eyes, this "sea" is like blood, unfit for creatures to live in. That is why Christians must be no part of this world. (John 17:14) The pouring out of the second bowl of God's anger reveals that all of mankind who inhabit this sea are dead in Jehovah's eyes. By reason of community responsibility, mankind is guilty of gross shedding of innocent blood. When Jehovah's day of anger arrives, they will literally die at the hands of his executional forces. -Revelation 19L:17, 18; compare Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13.
Next time: Giving Them Blood To Drink
Next time: Giving Them Blood To Drink
1.28.2008
Jehovah's Wrath Against "The Earth"
The first angel goes into action! "And the first one went off and poured out his bowl into the earth. And a hurtful and malignant ulcer came to be upon the men that had the mark of the wild beast and that were worshiping its image." (Revelation 16:2) As in the case of the first trumpet blast, "the earth" here symbolizes the stable-looking political system that Satan began to build here on earth back in Nimrod's time, over 4,000 years ago. -Revelation 8:7.
In these last days, many governments have demanded what amounts to worship from their subjects, insisting that the State must be exalted above God or any other loyalty. (2Timothy 3:1; compare Luke 20:25; John 19:15) Since 1914 it has become common for nations to conscript their youth in order for them to fight, or be ready to fight, the kind of total warfare that has so bloodied the pages of modern history. During the Lord's day, the nations have also produced, as a substitute for God's Kingdom, the image of the beast - the League of Nation and its successor, the United Nations. What Blasphemy to proclaim, as recent popes have done, that this man-made body is the nations' sole hope for peace! It staunchly opposes God's Kingdom. Those who worship it become spiritually unclean, ulcerated, just as the Egyptians who opposed Jehovah in Moses' day were plagued by literal sores and ulcers. - Exodus 9:10, 11.
The contents of this bowl strongly emphasize the choice that lies before humans. They must suffer either the world's disapproval or Jehovah's indignation. Mankind has been put under compulsion to accept the mark of the wild beast, with the intent that "nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name." (Revelation 13:16, 17) But there is a price to pay for this! Jehovah regards those who accept the mark as being stricken with "a hurtful and malignant ulcer." Since 1922 they have been marked in public as having rejected the living God. Their political schemes have no success, and they suffer anguish. Spiritually, they are unclean. Unless they repent, this "hurtful" illness will be terminal, for it is now Jehovah's day of judgment. There is no neutral ground between being a part of the world's system of things and serving Jehovah on the side of his Christ. -Luke 11:23; compare James 4:4.
Next time: The Sea Becomes Blood
In these last days, many governments have demanded what amounts to worship from their subjects, insisting that the State must be exalted above God or any other loyalty. (2Timothy 3:1; compare Luke 20:25; John 19:15) Since 1914 it has become common for nations to conscript their youth in order for them to fight, or be ready to fight, the kind of total warfare that has so bloodied the pages of modern history. During the Lord's day, the nations have also produced, as a substitute for God's Kingdom, the image of the beast - the League of Nation and its successor, the United Nations. What Blasphemy to proclaim, as recent popes have done, that this man-made body is the nations' sole hope for peace! It staunchly opposes God's Kingdom. Those who worship it become spiritually unclean, ulcerated, just as the Egyptians who opposed Jehovah in Moses' day were plagued by literal sores and ulcers. - Exodus 9:10, 11.
The contents of this bowl strongly emphasize the choice that lies before humans. They must suffer either the world's disapproval or Jehovah's indignation. Mankind has been put under compulsion to accept the mark of the wild beast, with the intent that "nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name." (Revelation 13:16, 17) But there is a price to pay for this! Jehovah regards those who accept the mark as being stricken with "a hurtful and malignant ulcer." Since 1922 they have been marked in public as having rejected the living God. Their political schemes have no success, and they suffer anguish. Spiritually, they are unclean. Unless they repent, this "hurtful" illness will be terminal, for it is now Jehovah's day of judgment. There is no neutral ground between being a part of the world's system of things and serving Jehovah on the side of his Christ. -Luke 11:23; compare James 4:4.
Next time: The Sea Becomes Blood
1.27.2008
God'S Anger Brought To A Finish
John has already introduced the angels commissioned to pour out the seven bowls. He tells us that "these are the last ones, because by means of them the anger of God is brought to a finish." (Revelation 15:1; 16:1) These plagues, revealing Jehovah's sanctions for wickedness in the earth, must be poured out to a finality. When they are over, God's judgments will have been executed. Satan's world will be no more! what do these plagues portend for mankind and the rulers of the present wicked system? How can Christians avoid being plagued along with this doomed world? Vital questions,. these, and now they are to be answered. All who long for the triumph of righteousness will have keen interests in what John next sees.
Next time: Jehovah's Wrath Against "The Earth."
Next time: Jehovah's Wrath Against "The Earth."
1.26.2008
The Bowls And The Trumpet Blasts
The bowls of Jehovah's anger reveal features of the world scene as Jehovah views them and warn of judgments that Jehovah will execute. The angels pour out the bowls through the agency of the congregation of anointed Christians on earth, the ones singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. While proclaiming the Kingdom as good news, the John class have boldly revealed the contents of these bowls of anger. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6, 7) Thus, their twofold message has been peaceful in proclaiming liberty to mankind but warlike in warning of "the day of vengeance on the part of out God." -Isaiah 61:1, 2.
The targets of the first four bowls of God's anger correspond to those of the first four trumpet blasts, that is, the earth, the sea, the rivers and fountains of water, and the heavenly sources of light. (Revelation 8:1-12) But the trumpet blasts announced plagues on "a third," whereas an entirety is afflicted by the pouring out of the bowls of God's anger. Thus, while Christendom, as "a third," has received first attention during the Lord's day, not one part of Satan's system has been exempted from being plagued by Jehovah's vexatious judgment messages and the sorrows they bring.
The final three trumpet blasts were different, for they were called woes. (Revelation 8:13; 9:12) The first two of these consisted particularly of the locusts and the armies of cavalry, while the third introduced the birth of Jehovah's Kingdom. (Revelation 9:1-21; 11:15-19) As we shall see, the final three bowls of his wrath also cover some of these aspects, but they are somewhat different from the three woes. Let us now pay close attention to the dramatic disclosures that result from the pouring out of the bowls of Jehovah's anger.
Next time: God's Anger Brought To A Finish.
The targets of the first four bowls of God's anger correspond to those of the first four trumpet blasts, that is, the earth, the sea, the rivers and fountains of water, and the heavenly sources of light. (Revelation 8:1-12) But the trumpet blasts announced plagues on "a third," whereas an entirety is afflicted by the pouring out of the bowls of God's anger. Thus, while Christendom, as "a third," has received first attention during the Lord's day, not one part of Satan's system has been exempted from being plagued by Jehovah's vexatious judgment messages and the sorrows they bring.
The final three trumpet blasts were different, for they were called woes. (Revelation 8:13; 9:12) The first two of these consisted particularly of the locusts and the armies of cavalry, while the third introduced the birth of Jehovah's Kingdom. (Revelation 9:1-21; 11:15-19) As we shall see, the final three bowls of his wrath also cover some of these aspects, but they are somewhat different from the three woes. Let us now pay close attention to the dramatic disclosures that result from the pouring out of the bowls of Jehovah's anger.
Next time: God's Anger Brought To A Finish.
1.25.2008
Jehovah In His Sanctuary
Finally, completing this part of the vision, John tells us: " And the sanctuary became filled with smoke because of the glory of God and because of his power, and no one was able to enter into the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished." (Revelation 15:8) There were occasions in Israel's history when a cloud covered the literal sanctuary, and this manifestation of Jehovah's glory prevented the priests from entering there. (1Kings 8:10, 11; 2 Chronicles 5:13, 14; Isaiah 6:4, 5) These were times when Jehovah was actively involved with developments on earth.
Jehovah is also deeply interested in things happening on earth now. He wants the seven angels to complete their assignment. It is a climatic time of judgment, as described at Psalm 11:4-6: "Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah-in the heavens is his throne. His own eyes behold , his own beaming eyes examine the sons of men. Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. he will rain down upon the wicked ones traps, fire and sulphur and scorching wind, as the portion of their cup." Until these seven plagues are poured out upon the wicked ones, the seven angels will not return to Jehovah's lofty presence.
The awesome command thunders forth: "And I heard a loud voice out of the sanctuary say to the seven angels: 'Go and pour out the seven bowls of the anger of God into the earth.' " (Revelation 16:1) Who issues this command? It must be Jehovah himself, since the radiance of his glory and power prevented anyone else from entering the sanctuary. Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for judgment in 1918. (Malachi 3:1-5) It must, then, have been shortly after that date that he gave the command to pour out the bowls of the anger of God. In fact, the judgments contained in the symbolic bowls started to be proclaimed with intensity in 1922. And their proclamation is increasing to a crescendo today.
Next time: The Bowls And The Trumpet Blasts.
Jehovah is also deeply interested in things happening on earth now. He wants the seven angels to complete their assignment. It is a climatic time of judgment, as described at Psalm 11:4-6: "Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah-in the heavens is his throne. His own eyes behold , his own beaming eyes examine the sons of men. Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. he will rain down upon the wicked ones traps, fire and sulphur and scorching wind, as the portion of their cup." Until these seven plagues are poured out upon the wicked ones, the seven angels will not return to Jehovah's lofty presence.
The awesome command thunders forth: "And I heard a loud voice out of the sanctuary say to the seven angels: 'Go and pour out the seven bowls of the anger of God into the earth.' " (Revelation 16:1) Who issues this command? It must be Jehovah himself, since the radiance of his glory and power prevented anyone else from entering the sanctuary. Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for judgment in 1918. (Malachi 3:1-5) It must, then, have been shortly after that date that he gave the command to pour out the bowls of the anger of God. In fact, the judgments contained in the symbolic bowls started to be proclaimed with intensity in 1922. And their proclamation is increasing to a crescendo today.
Next time: The Bowls And The Trumpet Blasts.
1.24.2008
The Angels With The Bowls
It is fitting that we hear the song of these anointed conquerors. Why? Because they have publicized on earth the judgments contained in the bowls that were full of the anger of God. But the pouring out of these bowls involves more than mere humans, as John goes on to show: "And after these things I saw, and the sanctuary of the tent of the witness was opened in heaven, and the seven angels with the seven plagues emerged from the sanctuary, clothes with clean, bright linen and girded about their breasts with golden girdles. And one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls that were full of the anger of God, who lives forever and ever." -Revelation 15:5-7.
As respects the Israelite temple, which contained representation of heavenly things, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy, here called "the sanctuary." (Hebrews 9:3, 7) It represents the place of Jehovah's presence in heaven. In heaven itself, however, not only does the High Priest Jesus Christ have the privilege of entering in before Jehovah but the angels do also. (Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 9:24-26) It is not surprising, then, that seven angels should be seen coming out from the sanctuary in heaven. They have a commission from Jehovah God himself: Pour out the bowls full of the anger of God. - Revelation 16:1.
These angels are well qualified for this work. They are clothes with clean, bright linen, showing that they are spiritually clean and holy, righteous in Jehovah's sight. Also, they wear golden girdles. Girdles are usually used when a person girds himself for a task to be accomplished. (Leviticus 8:7, 13; 1 Samuel 2:18; Luke 13:4, 5) So the angels are girded for carrying out an assignment. Moreover, their girdles are golden. In the ancient tabernacle, gold was used to represent divine, heavenly things. (Hebrews 9:4, 11, 12) That means that these angels have a precious, divine commission of service to perform. Others too are involved in this great task. One of the four living creatures hands the actual bowls to them. Doubtless, this was the first living creature, which resembled a lion, symbolizing the boldness and indomitable courage needed to proclaim Jehovah's judgments. - Revelation 4:7.
Next time: Jehovah In His Sanctuary.
As respects the Israelite temple, which contained representation of heavenly things, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy, here called "the sanctuary." (Hebrews 9:3, 7) It represents the place of Jehovah's presence in heaven. In heaven itself, however, not only does the High Priest Jesus Christ have the privilege of entering in before Jehovah but the angels do also. (Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 9:24-26) It is not surprising, then, that seven angels should be seen coming out from the sanctuary in heaven. They have a commission from Jehovah God himself: Pour out the bowls full of the anger of God. - Revelation 16:1.
These angels are well qualified for this work. They are clothes with clean, bright linen, showing that they are spiritually clean and holy, righteous in Jehovah's sight. Also, they wear golden girdles. Girdles are usually used when a person girds himself for a task to be accomplished. (Leviticus 8:7, 13; 1 Samuel 2:18; Luke 13:4, 5) So the angels are girded for carrying out an assignment. Moreover, their girdles are golden. In the ancient tabernacle, gold was used to represent divine, heavenly things. (Hebrews 9:4, 11, 12) That means that these angels have a precious, divine commission of service to perform. Others too are involved in this great task. One of the four living creatures hands the actual bowls to them. Doubtless, this was the first living creature, which resembled a lion, symbolizing the boldness and indomitable courage needed to proclaim Jehovah's judgments. - Revelation 4:7.
Next time: Jehovah In His Sanctuary.
1.23.2008
The Conclusion of The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb
In another song, composed as Israel prepared for the conquest of Canaan, the aged Moses told that nation: " I shall declare the name of Jehovah. Do you attribute greatness to our God!" The last verse of this song also gave encouragement to non-Israelites, and Moses' inspired words reach right down to the great crowd of today: "Be glad, you nations, with his people." And why should they be glad? Because now Jehovah "will avenge the blood of his servants, and he will pay back vengeance to his adversaries." This execution of righteous judgment will bring jubilation to all who hope in Jehovah. -Deuteronomy 32:3, 43; Romans 15:10-13; Revelation 7:9.
How Moses himself would have rejoiced to be in the Lord's day now, singing along with the heavenly chorus: " All the nations will come and worship before you"! That transcendent song continues to have marvelous fulfillment today as we see, not just in vision but as a living reality, the millions from "the nations"who are now flocking joyfully to Jehovah's earthly organization.
Nevertheless, this is the song not only of Moses but also "of the Lamb." How so? Moses was Jehovah's prophet to Israel, but Moses himself prophesied that Jehovah would raise up a prophet like him. This one proved to be the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Whereas Moses was "the slave of God," Jesus was God's Son, in effect, the Greater Moses. (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22, 23; Hebrews 3:5, 6) Hence, the singers also sing "the song of the Lamb."
Like Moses, Jesus publicly sang God's praises and prophesied about his victory over all enemies. (Matthew 24:21, 22,; 26:30; Luke 19:41-44) Jesus too looked forward to the time when the nations would come in to praise Jehovah, and as the self-sacrificing "Lamb of God," He laid down his human life to make this possible. ( John 1:29; Revelation 7:9; compare Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 8:23) And just as Moses came to appreciate God's name, Jehovah and extol that name, so Jesus make God's name manifest. (Exodus 6:2, 3; Psalm 90:1, 17; John 17:6) Since Jehovah is loyal, his glorious promises are certain of fulfillment. Surely, then, we are at one with these loyal singers, with the Lamb, and with Moses, in subscribing to the words of the song: "Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name?"
Next time: The Angels With The Bowls
How Moses himself would have rejoiced to be in the Lord's day now, singing along with the heavenly chorus: " All the nations will come and worship before you"! That transcendent song continues to have marvelous fulfillment today as we see, not just in vision but as a living reality, the millions from "the nations"who are now flocking joyfully to Jehovah's earthly organization.
Nevertheless, this is the song not only of Moses but also "of the Lamb." How so? Moses was Jehovah's prophet to Israel, but Moses himself prophesied that Jehovah would raise up a prophet like him. This one proved to be the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Whereas Moses was "the slave of God," Jesus was God's Son, in effect, the Greater Moses. (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22, 23; Hebrews 3:5, 6) Hence, the singers also sing "the song of the Lamb."
Like Moses, Jesus publicly sang God's praises and prophesied about his victory over all enemies. (Matthew 24:21, 22,; 26:30; Luke 19:41-44) Jesus too looked forward to the time when the nations would come in to praise Jehovah, and as the self-sacrificing "Lamb of God," He laid down his human life to make this possible. ( John 1:29; Revelation 7:9; compare Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 8:23) And just as Moses came to appreciate God's name, Jehovah and extol that name, so Jesus make God's name manifest. (Exodus 6:2, 3; Psalm 90:1, 17; John 17:6) Since Jehovah is loyal, his glorious promises are certain of fulfillment. Surely, then, we are at one with these loyal singers, with the Lamb, and with Moses, in subscribing to the words of the song: "Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name?"
Next time: The Angels With The Bowls
1.22.2008
Contiue with The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb
These loyal overcomers have harps of God. In this, they are like the temple Levites of old, who worshiped Jehovah with song to the accompaniment of harps. Some also prophesied to a harp accompaniment. (1Chronicles 15:16; 25:1-3) The beautiful strains of the harp embellished Israel's songs of joy and prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalm 33:2; 43:4; 57:7, 8) In times of depression or captivity, the harp was not heard. (Psalm 137:2) The presence of harps of God in this vision should whet our anticipation for an exultant, triumphant song of praise and thanksgiving to our God.
This is what John reports: " And they are singing the song of Moses the slave of God and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.' " -Revelation 15:3, 4.
These victors sing "the song of Moses," that is, a song similar to one that Moses sang in like circumstances. After the Israelites had witnessed the ten plagues in Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptians armies in the Red Sea, Moses led them in such a song of triumphant praise to Jehovah, proclaiming: "Jehovah will rule as king to time indefinite, even forever." (Exodus 15:1-19) How fitting that the singers in John's vision, coming off victorious from the wild beast and being involved in proclaiming the seven last plagues, should also sing "to the King of eternity"! - 1 Timothy 1:17.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
This is what John reports: " And they are singing the song of Moses the slave of God and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.' " -Revelation 15:3, 4.
These victors sing "the song of Moses," that is, a song similar to one that Moses sang in like circumstances. After the Israelites had witnessed the ten plagues in Egypt and the destruction of the Egyptians armies in the Red Sea, Moses led them in such a song of triumphant praise to Jehovah, proclaiming: "Jehovah will rule as king to time indefinite, even forever." (Exodus 15:1-19) How fitting that the singers in John's vision, coming off victorious from the wild beast and being involved in proclaiming the seven last plagues, should also sing "to the King of eternity"! - 1 Timothy 1:17.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
1.21.2008
The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb
A remarkable panorama now comes into John's view: "And I saw what seemed to be a glassy sea mingled with fire, and those who come off victorious from the wild beast and from its image and from the number of its name standing by the glassy sea, having harps of God." -Revelation 15:2
The "glassy sea" is the same one that John saw earlier, positioned before the throne of God. (Revelation 4:6) It is similar to "the molten sea" (water container) of Solomon's temple, where the priests obtained water to cleanse themselves. (1 Kings 7:23) It is thus a fine representation of "the bath of water," that is, God's Word, by which Jesus cleanses the priestly congregation of anointed Christians (Ephesians 5:25, 26; Hebrews 10:22) This glassy sea is "mingled with fire," indicating that these anointed ones are tested and purged as they obey the high standard set for them. Further, it reminds us that God's Word also contains expression of fiery judgments against his enemies. (Deuteronomy 9:3; Zephaniah 3:8) Some of these fiery judgments are manifested in the seven last plagues that are about to be poured out.
The fact that the molten sea in Solomon's temple was for the use of the priests indicates that the singers standing before the heavenly glassy sea are a priestly class. They have 'harps of God," and we therefore associate them with the 24 elders and the 144,000, since these groups also sing to a harp accompaniment. (Revelation 5:8; 14:2) The singers that John sees "come off victorious from the wild beast and from its image and from the number of its name." So they must be those from among the 144,000 who live on earth during the last days. As a group, they do indeed come off victorious. For some 70 years since 1919, they have refused to accept the mark of the wild beast or look to its image as man's only hope for peace. Many of them have already endured faithful to the death, and these, now in heaven, doubtless follow with special delight the singing of their brothers who are still on earth. -Revelation 14:11-13.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
The "glassy sea" is the same one that John saw earlier, positioned before the throne of God. (Revelation 4:6) It is similar to "the molten sea" (water container) of Solomon's temple, where the priests obtained water to cleanse themselves. (1 Kings 7:23) It is thus a fine representation of "the bath of water," that is, God's Word, by which Jesus cleanses the priestly congregation of anointed Christians (Ephesians 5:25, 26; Hebrews 10:22) This glassy sea is "mingled with fire," indicating that these anointed ones are tested and purged as they obey the high standard set for them. Further, it reminds us that God's Word also contains expression of fiery judgments against his enemies. (Deuteronomy 9:3; Zephaniah 3:8) Some of these fiery judgments are manifested in the seven last plagues that are about to be poured out.
The fact that the molten sea in Solomon's temple was for the use of the priests indicates that the singers standing before the heavenly glassy sea are a priestly class. They have 'harps of God," and we therefore associate them with the 24 elders and the 144,000, since these groups also sing to a harp accompaniment. (Revelation 5:8; 14:2) The singers that John sees "come off victorious from the wild beast and from its image and from the number of its name." So they must be those from among the 144,000 who live on earth during the last days. As a group, they do indeed come off victorious. For some 70 years since 1919, they have refused to accept the mark of the wild beast or look to its image as man's only hope for peace. Many of them have already endured faithful to the death, and these, now in heaven, doubtless follow with special delight the singing of their brothers who are still on earth. -Revelation 14:11-13.
Next time: Continue with the above subject.
1.20.2008
Jehovah's Works -Great And Wonderful
A Woman giving birth to a male child! A great dragon seeking to devour that child! Those two heavenly signs, so vividly portrayed in Revelation chapter 12, brought home to us that the age long controversy involving the Seed of God's woman and Satan and his demonic seed is reaching its climax. In highlighting these symbols, John says: "And a great sign was seen in heaven. . . And another sign was seen ." (Revelation 12:1,3, 7-12) Now John reports a third sign: "And I saw in heaven another sign, great and wonderful, seven angels with seven plagues. These are the last ones, because by means of them the anger of God is brought to a finish.: (Revelation 15:1) This third sign also has vital meaning for Jehovah's servants.
Notice the important roles that angels again have in accomplishing God's will. This fact has long been known by Jehovah's servants. Why, under inspiration the ancient psalmist even spoke to such angels, urging them: "Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word, by listening to the voice of his word"! (Psalm 103:20) Now, in this new scene, angels are assigned to pour out the seven last plagues.
What are these plagues? Like the seven trumpet blasts, they are scathing judgment pronouncements publicizing Jehovah's view of various features of this world and warning of the final outcome of his judicial decisions. (Revelation 8:1-9:21) The pouring out of them points to an execution of those judgments, when the objects of Jehovah's wrath are destroyed in the day of his burning anger. (Isaiah 13:9-13; Revelation 6:16, 17) Thus, by means of them "the anger of God is brought to a finish." But before describing the pouring out of the plagues, John tells us about some humans who will not be adversely affected by them. Having refused the mark of the wild beast, these loyal ones sing praises to Jehovah as they proclaim his day of vengeance.- Revelation 13:15-17.
Next time: The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb.
Notice the important roles that angels again have in accomplishing God's will. This fact has long been known by Jehovah's servants. Why, under inspiration the ancient psalmist even spoke to such angels, urging them: "Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word, by listening to the voice of his word"! (Psalm 103:20) Now, in this new scene, angels are assigned to pour out the seven last plagues.
What are these plagues? Like the seven trumpet blasts, they are scathing judgment pronouncements publicizing Jehovah's view of various features of this world and warning of the final outcome of his judicial decisions. (Revelation 8:1-9:21) The pouring out of them points to an execution of those judgments, when the objects of Jehovah's wrath are destroyed in the day of his burning anger. (Isaiah 13:9-13; Revelation 6:16, 17) Thus, by means of them "the anger of God is brought to a finish." But before describing the pouring out of the plagues, John tells us about some humans who will not be adversely affected by them. Having refused the mark of the wild beast, these loyal ones sing praises to Jehovah as they proclaim his day of vengeance.- Revelation 13:15-17.
Next time: The Song Of Moses And Of The Lamb.
1.19.2008
Cotinue with Treading The Vine Of The Earth
The visionary treading is done by horses, for the blood trodden out from the vine reaches "the bridles of the horses." Since the term "horses" usually refers to war operations, this must be a time of war. The armies of the heavens that follow Jesus into the final war against Stan's system of things are said to tread "the winepress of the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty." (Revelation 19:11-16) These are clearly the ones that do the treading of the vine of the earth. The winepress is "trodden outside the city," that is, outside heavenly Zion. Indeed, it is fitting that the vie of the earth should be trodden on earth. But it will also be "trodden outside the city" in that no harm will come to the remaining ones of the woman's seed, who representing the heavenly Zion on earth. These together with the great crowd will be safely hidden within Jehovah's earthly organizational arrangement. -Isaiah 26:20, 21.
This vivid vision has a parallel in the crushing of the kingdoms of the earth by the Kingdom stone described at Daniel 2:34, 44. There will be and extermination. The river of blood from the winepress is very deep, up to the bridles of the horses, and it extends for a distance of 1,600 furlongs. This huge figure, produced by multiplying the square of four by the square of ten (4x4x10x10), emphatically conveys the message that evidence of the destruction will involve all the earth. (Isaiah 66:15, 16) The destruction will be complete and irreversible. Never, no never again, will Satan's' vine of the earth take root! -Psalm 83:17, 18.
Living as we do deep in the time of the end, the vision of these two harvests is very meaningful. We have only to look around us to see the fruits of Satan's vine. Abortions and other forms of murder; homosexuality, adultery and other forms of immorality; dishonesty and lack of natural affection-all such things make this world vile in Jehovah's eyes. Satan's vine bears "the fruit of a poisonous plant and wormwood." Its ruinous, idolatrous course dishonors mankind's Grand Creator. (Deuteronomy 29:18; 32:5; Isaiah 42:5, 8) What a privilege it is to be actively associated with the John class in the harvest of wholesome fruitage that Jesus is bringing forth to Jehovah's praise! (Luke 10:2) May all of us be determined that we will never be tainted by the vine of this world, and may we thus avoid being trampled with the vine of the earth when Jehovah's adverse judgment is executed.
Next time: Jehovah's Works -Great And Wonderful.
This vivid vision has a parallel in the crushing of the kingdoms of the earth by the Kingdom stone described at Daniel 2:34, 44. There will be and extermination. The river of blood from the winepress is very deep, up to the bridles of the horses, and it extends for a distance of 1,600 furlongs. This huge figure, produced by multiplying the square of four by the square of ten (4x4x10x10), emphatically conveys the message that evidence of the destruction will involve all the earth. (Isaiah 66:15, 16) The destruction will be complete and irreversible. Never, no never again, will Satan's' vine of the earth take root! -Psalm 83:17, 18.
Living as we do deep in the time of the end, the vision of these two harvests is very meaningful. We have only to look around us to see the fruits of Satan's vine. Abortions and other forms of murder; homosexuality, adultery and other forms of immorality; dishonesty and lack of natural affection-all such things make this world vile in Jehovah's eyes. Satan's vine bears "the fruit of a poisonous plant and wormwood." Its ruinous, idolatrous course dishonors mankind's Grand Creator. (Deuteronomy 29:18; 32:5; Isaiah 42:5, 8) What a privilege it is to be actively associated with the John class in the harvest of wholesome fruitage that Jesus is bringing forth to Jehovah's praise! (Luke 10:2) May all of us be determined that we will never be tainted by the vine of this world, and may we thus avoid being trampled with the vine of the earth when Jehovah's adverse judgment is executed.
Next time: Jehovah's Works -Great And Wonderful.
1.18.2008
Treading The Vine Of The Earth
With the harvest of salvation completed, it is time for another harvest, John reports: "And still another angel [the fifth] emerged from the temple sanctuary that is in heaven, he, too, having a sharp sickle. And still another angel [the sixth] emerged from the altar and he had authority over the fire. And he called out with a loud voice to the one that had the sharp sickle, saying: 'Put your sharp sickle in and gather gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, because its grapes have become ripe.' " (Revelation 14:17, 18) The angelic hosts are entrusted with much harvesting during the Lord's day, separating the good from the bad!
The fifth angel comes from Jehovah's presence in the temple sanctuary; hence, the final harvest also takes place according to Jehovah's will. The angel is commanded to begin his work by a message relayed through another angel that "emerged from the altar." This fact is most significant, since faithful souls underneath the altar had asked: "Until when, Sovereign Lord holy and true, are you refraining from judging and avenging our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:9, 10) With the harvesting of the vine of the earth, this cry for vengeance will be satisfied.
But what is "the vine of the earth"? In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Jewish nation was spoken of as Jehovah's vine. (Isaiah 5:7; Jeremiah 2:21) Similarly, Jesus Christ and those who will serve him in God's Kingdom are spoken of as a vine. (John 15:1-8) In this setting, the significant characteristic of a vine is that it produces fruit, and the true Christian vine has produced abundant fruit to Jehovah's praise. (Matthew 21:43) "The vine of the earth," therefore, must be, not this genuine vine, but Satan's imitation of it, his corrupt visible system of government over mankind, with its various "clusters" of demonic fruitage produced over the centuries. Babylon the Great, in which apostate Christianity is so prominent, has exercised great influence over this poisonous vine. -Compare Deuteronomy 32:32-35.
Judgment must be executed! "And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and he hurled it into the great wine press of the anger of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the wine press high up as the bridles of the horses, for a distance of a thousand six hundred furlongs." (Revelation 14:19, 20) Jehovah's indignation against this vine has long since been announced (Zephaniah 3:8) A prophecy in the book of Isaiah leaves no doubt that whole nations will be destroyed when the wine press is trampled. (Isaiah 63:3-6) Joel too prophesied that huge "crowds," whole nations, would be trampled to destruction in "the wine press," in the low plain of the decision." (Joel 3:12-14) Truly, a stupendous harvest the like of which will never again occur! According to John's vision, nor only are the grapes harvested but the whole symbolic vine is cut down and thrown into the wine press to be trampled. So the vine of the earth will be stamped out and will never be able to grow again.
Next time: Continue with Treading The Vine Of The Earth
The fifth angel comes from Jehovah's presence in the temple sanctuary; hence, the final harvest also takes place according to Jehovah's will. The angel is commanded to begin his work by a message relayed through another angel that "emerged from the altar." This fact is most significant, since faithful souls underneath the altar had asked: "Until when, Sovereign Lord holy and true, are you refraining from judging and avenging our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:9, 10) With the harvesting of the vine of the earth, this cry for vengeance will be satisfied.
But what is "the vine of the earth"? In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Jewish nation was spoken of as Jehovah's vine. (Isaiah 5:7; Jeremiah 2:21) Similarly, Jesus Christ and those who will serve him in God's Kingdom are spoken of as a vine. (John 15:1-8) In this setting, the significant characteristic of a vine is that it produces fruit, and the true Christian vine has produced abundant fruit to Jehovah's praise. (Matthew 21:43) "The vine of the earth," therefore, must be, not this genuine vine, but Satan's imitation of it, his corrupt visible system of government over mankind, with its various "clusters" of demonic fruitage produced over the centuries. Babylon the Great, in which apostate Christianity is so prominent, has exercised great influence over this poisonous vine. -Compare Deuteronomy 32:32-35.
Judgment must be executed! "And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and he hurled it into the great wine press of the anger of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the wine press high up as the bridles of the horses, for a distance of a thousand six hundred furlongs." (Revelation 14:19, 20) Jehovah's indignation against this vine has long since been announced (Zephaniah 3:8) A prophecy in the book of Isaiah leaves no doubt that whole nations will be destroyed when the wine press is trampled. (Isaiah 63:3-6) Joel too prophesied that huge "crowds," whole nations, would be trampled to destruction in "the wine press," in the low plain of the decision." (Joel 3:12-14) Truly, a stupendous harvest the like of which will never again occur! According to John's vision, nor only are the grapes harvested but the whole symbolic vine is cut down and thrown into the wine press to be trampled. So the vine of the earth will be stamped out and will never be able to grow again.
Next time: Continue with Treading The Vine Of The Earth
1.17.2008
Harvest Of The Earth
Others are also to benefit in this day of judgment, as John goes on to tell us: "And I saw, and look! A white cloud, and upon the cloud someone seated like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. And another angel [the fourth] emerged from the temple sanctuary, crying with a loud voice to the one seated on the cloud: 'Put you sickle in and reap, for the harvest of the earth is thoroughly ripe.' And the one seated on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped." -Revelation 14:14-16.
The identity of the one seated on the white cloud is not in doubt. Seated on a white cloud, resembling a son of man and with a golden crown, he is clearly Jesus the Messianic King that Daniel also saw in vision. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Mark 14:61, 62) But what is the harvest here prophesied? while on earth Jesus likened disciplining work to the harvesting of the world field of humanity. (Matthew 9:37, 38; John 4:25, 36) The climax of this harvesting comes in the Lord's day, when Jesus is crowned as King and executes judgment on behalf of his Father. Thus,his time of ruling since 1914, is also the joyful time for bringing in the harvest. -Compare Deuteronomy 16:13-15.
Although he is a King and a Judge, Jesus waits for word from Jehovah his God before beginning to reap. That word comes from "the temple sanctuary" by means of an angel. Immediately, Jesus obeys. First, from 1919 on, he has his angels complete the harvesting of the 144,000. (Matthew 13:39, 43) Next, the harvest in gathering of the great crowd of other sheep takes place. (Matthew 25:31-33; John 10:16; Revelation 7:9) History shows that between 1931 and 1935 a goodly number of these other sheep began to appear. In 1935 Jehovah opened to the understanding of the John class the real identity of the great crowd of Revelation 7:9-17. Thenceforth, much emphasis was placed on the in gathering of this crowd. By the year 1988, its number has far exceeded the three million mark, and it is still increasing. Surely, the one like a son of man has reaped a bountiful, joyous harvest during this time of the end. -Compare Exodus 23:16; 34:22.
Next time: Treading The Vine Of The Earth.
The identity of the one seated on the white cloud is not in doubt. Seated on a white cloud, resembling a son of man and with a golden crown, he is clearly Jesus the Messianic King that Daniel also saw in vision. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Mark 14:61, 62) But what is the harvest here prophesied? while on earth Jesus likened disciplining work to the harvesting of the world field of humanity. (Matthew 9:37, 38; John 4:25, 36) The climax of this harvesting comes in the Lord's day, when Jesus is crowned as King and executes judgment on behalf of his Father. Thus,his time of ruling since 1914, is also the joyful time for bringing in the harvest. -Compare Deuteronomy 16:13-15.
Although he is a King and a Judge, Jesus waits for word from Jehovah his God before beginning to reap. That word comes from "the temple sanctuary" by means of an angel. Immediately, Jesus obeys. First, from 1919 on, he has his angels complete the harvesting of the 144,000. (Matthew 13:39, 43) Next, the harvest in gathering of the great crowd of other sheep takes place. (Matthew 25:31-33; John 10:16; Revelation 7:9) History shows that between 1931 and 1935 a goodly number of these other sheep began to appear. In 1935 Jehovah opened to the understanding of the John class the real identity of the great crowd of Revelation 7:9-17. Thenceforth, much emphasis was placed on the in gathering of this crowd. By the year 1988, its number has far exceeded the three million mark, and it is still increasing. Surely, the one like a son of man has reaped a bountiful, joyous harvest during this time of the end. -Compare Exodus 23:16; 34:22.
Next time: Treading The Vine Of The Earth.
1.16.2008
Continue with Endurance For The Holy Ones
Was Edom hurled into some mythical hellfire to burn forever? Of course not. Rather, the nation completely disappeared fro the world scene as if she had been totally consumed with fire and sulfur. The final result of the punishment was not everlasting torment, but "emptiness. . . wasteness. . . nothing." (Isaiah 34:11,12) The smoke 'ascending to time indefinite' vividly illustrates this. When a house burns down, smoke keeps coming from the ashes for some time after the flames have died down, providing onlookers with evidence that there has been a destructive conflagration. Even today God's people remember the lesson to be learned from the destruction of Edom. In this way 'the smoke of her burning' is still ascending in a symbolic way.
Those who have the mark of the wild beast will also be destroyed completely, as if by fire. As the prophecy later reveals, their dead bodies will be left unburied for animals and birds to eat. (Revelation 19:17, 18) So, clearly, they are not being literally tortured forever! How are they "tormented with fire and sulphur"? In that proclamation of truth exposes them and warns them of God's coming judgment. Therefore they vilify God's people and, where possible , slyly persuade the political wild beast to persecute and even kill Jehovah's Witnesses.l As a climax, these opposers will be destroyed as with fire and brimstone. then "the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever" in that God's judgment of them will serve as a touchstone if ever again Jehovah's rightful sovereignty is challenged. That issue will have been settled for all eternity.
Who deliver the tormenting message today? Remember, the symbolic locusts have authority to torment the man who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (Revelation 9:5) Evidently, these ones under angelic direction are the tormentors. Such is the persistence of the symbolic locusts that "day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." And finally, after their destruction, the monumental evidence of that vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty, "The smoke of their torment," will ascend forever and ever. May the John class endure until that vindication is complete! As the angel concludes: "Here is where it means endurance for the holy ones, those who observe the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." - Revelation 14:12.
Yes, "endurance for the holy ones" means their worshiping Jehovah in exclusive devotion through Jesus Christ. Their message is not popular. It leads to opposition, persecution, even martyrdom. But they are strengthened by what John next reports: 'Write: Happy are the dead who die in union with the Lord from this ti me onward. Yes, says the spirit, let them rest from their labors, for the things they did go right with them.' " - Revelation 14:13.
This promise harmonizes well with Paul's prophecy concerning Jesus' presence: "Those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. Afterward we the living who are surviving [those of the anointed ones who survive into the Lord's day] will, together with them be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) After Satan's ouster from heaven, those who were dead in union with Christ rose first. (Compare Revelation 6:9-11.) Afterward, those of the anointed ones who die during the Lord's day are promised a special privilege. Their resurrection to spirit life in heaven is instantaneous, "in the twinkling of an eye." (1 Corinthians 15:52) How marvelous this is! And their works of righteousness continue right on in the heavenly realm.
Next time: Harvest Of The Earth.
Those who have the mark of the wild beast will also be destroyed completely, as if by fire. As the prophecy later reveals, their dead bodies will be left unburied for animals and birds to eat. (Revelation 19:17, 18) So, clearly, they are not being literally tortured forever! How are they "tormented with fire and sulphur"? In that proclamation of truth exposes them and warns them of God's coming judgment. Therefore they vilify God's people and, where possible , slyly persuade the political wild beast to persecute and even kill Jehovah's Witnesses.l As a climax, these opposers will be destroyed as with fire and brimstone. then "the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever" in that God's judgment of them will serve as a touchstone if ever again Jehovah's rightful sovereignty is challenged. That issue will have been settled for all eternity.
Who deliver the tormenting message today? Remember, the symbolic locusts have authority to torment the man who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (Revelation 9:5) Evidently, these ones under angelic direction are the tormentors. Such is the persistence of the symbolic locusts that "day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." And finally, after their destruction, the monumental evidence of that vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty, "The smoke of their torment," will ascend forever and ever. May the John class endure until that vindication is complete! As the angel concludes: "Here is where it means endurance for the holy ones, those who observe the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." - Revelation 14:12.
Yes, "endurance for the holy ones" means their worshiping Jehovah in exclusive devotion through Jesus Christ. Their message is not popular. It leads to opposition, persecution, even martyrdom. But they are strengthened by what John next reports: 'Write: Happy are the dead who die in union with the Lord from this ti me onward. Yes, says the spirit, let them rest from their labors, for the things they did go right with them.' " - Revelation 14:13.
This promise harmonizes well with Paul's prophecy concerning Jesus' presence: "Those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. Afterward we the living who are surviving [those of the anointed ones who survive into the Lord's day] will, together with them be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) After Satan's ouster from heaven, those who were dead in union with Christ rose first. (Compare Revelation 6:9-11.) Afterward, those of the anointed ones who die during the Lord's day are promised a special privilege. Their resurrection to spirit life in heaven is instantaneous, "in the twinkling of an eye." (1 Corinthians 15:52) How marvelous this is! And their works of righteousness continue right on in the heavenly realm.
Next time: Harvest Of The Earth.
1.15.2008
Endurance For The Holy Ones
Now the third angel speaks. Listen! "And another angel, a third, followed them, saying in a loud voice: 'If anyone worships the wild beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he will also drink of the wine of the anger of God that is poured out undiluted into the cup of his wrath.' " (Revelation 14:9, 10a) At Revelation 13:16, 17, it was revealed that during the Lord's day those who do not worship the image of the wild beast would suffer-even be killed. Now we learn that Jehovah has determined to bring to judgment those "having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name." They will be forced to drink a bitter 'cup of wrath' of Jehovah's anger. What will this mean for them? in 607 B.C.E., when Jehovah forced Jerusalem to drink "his cup of rage," the city experience "despoiling and breakdown, and hunger and sword" at the hands of the Babylonians. (Isaiah 51:17, 19) Similarly, when idolizers of earth's political powers and their image, the United Nations, get to drink the cup of Jehovah's wrath, the result will be a calamity for them. (Jeremiah 25:17, 32, 33) They will be utterly destroyed.
Even before that happens, however, those with the mark of the beast have to undergo the tormenting effects of Jehovah's disapproval. Speaking of the worshiper of the wild beast and its image, the angel informs John: "And he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, and day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." -Revelation 14:10b, 11.
Some have viewed the mention here of fire and sulphur ("fire and brimstone," King James Version) as a proof of the existence of a hellfire. But a brief look at a similar prophecy shows the real import of these words in this context. Back in the days of Isaiah, Jehovah warned the nation of Edom that they would be punished because of their enmity toward Israel. He said: "Her torrents must be changed into pitch, and her dust into sulphur, and her land must become as burning pitch. By night or by day it will not be extinguished; to time indefinite its smoke will keep ascending. From generation to generation she will be parched; forever and ever no one will be passing across her." Isaiah 34:9, 10.
Next time: Continue with Endurance For The Holy Ones.
Even before that happens, however, those with the mark of the beast have to undergo the tormenting effects of Jehovah's disapproval. Speaking of the worshiper of the wild beast and its image, the angel informs John: "And he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, and day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." -Revelation 14:10b, 11.
Some have viewed the mention here of fire and sulphur ("fire and brimstone," King James Version) as a proof of the existence of a hellfire. But a brief look at a similar prophecy shows the real import of these words in this context. Back in the days of Isaiah, Jehovah warned the nation of Edom that they would be punished because of their enmity toward Israel. He said: "Her torrents must be changed into pitch, and her dust into sulphur, and her land must become as burning pitch. By night or by day it will not be extinguished; to time indefinite its smoke will keep ascending. From generation to generation she will be parched; forever and ever no one will be passing across her." Isaiah 34:9, 10.
Next time: Continue with Endurance For The Holy Ones.
1.14.2008
The Wheat And The Weeds
In his parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus spoke of a man who sowed fine seed in a field. But "while men were sleeping," an enemy came and over sowed weeds. Hence, the wheat came to be obscured by the weeds. Jesus explained his parable in these words: "The sower of the fine seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil." He then showed that the wheat and the weeds would be allowed to grow together until "the conclusion of the system of things," when the angels would "collect out" the symbolic weeds. - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.
What Jesus and the apostles Paul and Peter warned about happened. "While men were sleeping," either after the apostles fell asleep in death or when Christian overseers became drowsy in guarding the flock of God, Babylonish apostasy sprouted right inside the congregation. (Acts 20:31) Soon the weeds greatly outnumbered the wheat and hid it from view. For a number of centuries, it might have appeared that the seed of the woman had been completely engulfed by the voluminous skirts of Babylon the Great.
In the 1870's anointed Christians began to make determined efforts to disassociate themselves from the whorish ways of Babylon the Great. They abandoned false doctrines that Christendom had bought in from paganism and boldly used the Bible in preaching that the times of the Gentiles would end in 1914. The chief instrument Babylon the Great, the clergy of Christendom, opposed these stirrings of restoration of true worship. During the first world war, they took advantage of wartime hysteria to try to stamp out that small group of faithful Christians. In 1918, when their activities were almost completely suppressed , it appeared that Babylon the Great had succeeded. She seemed to have triumphed over them.
As we previously noted, the proud city of Babylon experienced a disastrous fall from power in 539 B.C.E. Then the cry was heard: "She has fallen! Babylon has fallen!" The great seat of the world empire had fallen to the armies of Medo-Persia under Cyrus the Great. Although the city itself survived the conquest, her fall from power was real, and it resulted in the release of her Jewish captives. They returned to Jerusalem to reestablish pure worship there. -Isaiah 21:9; 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Jeremiah 51:7, 8.
In our century the cry that Babylon the Great has fallen has also been heard! Babylonish Christendom's temporary success in 1918 was sharply reversed in 1919 when the remnant of anointed ones. The John class, was restored by a spiritual resurrection. Babylon the Great had fallen as far as having any captive hold on God's people was concerned. Like locusts, Christ's anointed brothers swarmed out of the abyss, ready for action. (Revelation 9:1-3; 11:11, 12) They were the modern "faithful and discreet slave," and the Master appointed them over all his belongings on earth. (Matthew 24:45-47) Their being used in this way proved that Jehovah had utterly rejected Christendom despite her claim to be his representative on earth. Pure worship was reestablished, and the way was open to complete the work of sealing the remnant of the 144,000-the remaining ones of the seed of the woman, the age-old enemy of Babylon the Great. All of this signaled a crushing defeat for that satanic religious organization.
Next time: Endurance For The Holy Ones.
What Jesus and the apostles Paul and Peter warned about happened. "While men were sleeping," either after the apostles fell asleep in death or when Christian overseers became drowsy in guarding the flock of God, Babylonish apostasy sprouted right inside the congregation. (Acts 20:31) Soon the weeds greatly outnumbered the wheat and hid it from view. For a number of centuries, it might have appeared that the seed of the woman had been completely engulfed by the voluminous skirts of Babylon the Great.
In the 1870's anointed Christians began to make determined efforts to disassociate themselves from the whorish ways of Babylon the Great. They abandoned false doctrines that Christendom had bought in from paganism and boldly used the Bible in preaching that the times of the Gentiles would end in 1914. The chief instrument Babylon the Great, the clergy of Christendom, opposed these stirrings of restoration of true worship. During the first world war, they took advantage of wartime hysteria to try to stamp out that small group of faithful Christians. In 1918, when their activities were almost completely suppressed , it appeared that Babylon the Great had succeeded. She seemed to have triumphed over them.
As we previously noted, the proud city of Babylon experienced a disastrous fall from power in 539 B.C.E. Then the cry was heard: "She has fallen! Babylon has fallen!" The great seat of the world empire had fallen to the armies of Medo-Persia under Cyrus the Great. Although the city itself survived the conquest, her fall from power was real, and it resulted in the release of her Jewish captives. They returned to Jerusalem to reestablish pure worship there. -Isaiah 21:9; 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Jeremiah 51:7, 8.
In our century the cry that Babylon the Great has fallen has also been heard! Babylonish Christendom's temporary success in 1918 was sharply reversed in 1919 when the remnant of anointed ones. The John class, was restored by a spiritual resurrection. Babylon the Great had fallen as far as having any captive hold on God's people was concerned. Like locusts, Christ's anointed brothers swarmed out of the abyss, ready for action. (Revelation 9:1-3; 11:11, 12) They were the modern "faithful and discreet slave," and the Master appointed them over all his belongings on earth. (Matthew 24:45-47) Their being used in this way proved that Jehovah had utterly rejected Christendom despite her claim to be his representative on earth. Pure worship was reestablished, and the way was open to complete the work of sealing the remnant of the 144,000-the remaining ones of the seed of the woman, the age-old enemy of Babylon the Great. All of this signaled a crushing defeat for that satanic religious organization.
Next time: Endurance For The Holy Ones.
1.13.2008
Babylon's Disgraceful Fall
Let us examine in more detail the circumstances surrounding the disgraceful fall of Babylon the Great. The angel here tells us that "Babylon the Great. . . made all the nations drink of the wine of the anger of her fornication." What does this mean? It relates to conquest. For example, Jehovah told Jeremiah: " Take this cup of the wine of rage out of my hand, and you must make all the nations to whom I am sending you drink it. And they must drink and shake back and forth and act like crazed men because of the sword that I am sending among them." (Jeremiah 25:15, 16) In the sixth and seventh centuries B.C.E., Jehovah used ancient Babylon to pour out a symbolic cup of tribulation for many nations to drink, including apostate Judah, so that even his own people were taken into exile. Then, in her turn, Babylon fell because her king exalted himself against Jehovah, "the Lord of the heavens." -Daniel 5:23.
Babylon the Great has also made conquests, but for the most part, these have been more subtle. She has "made all the nations drink"by using the wiles of a prostitute, committing religious fornication with them.
She has enticed political rulers in to alliances and friendships with her. Through religious allurements, she has schemed political, commercial and economic oppression. She has fomented religious persecution and religious wars and crusades, as well as national wars, for purely political and commercial reasons. And she has sacrificed these wars by saying that they are God's will.
Religion's involvement in the wars and politics of this 20th century is common knowledge -as in Shinto Japan, Hindu India, Buddhist Vietnam, "Christian" Northern Ireland and Latin America, as well as others-not to overlook the army chaplains' part of both sides of the two world wars in urging young men to slaughter one another. A classic example of the p;philandering of Babylon the Great is the share she had in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, in which at least 600,000 people were killed. This blood spilling was provoked by supporters of the Catholic clergy and their allies, in part because the wealth and position of the church was threatened by Spain's legal government.
Since Babylon the Great is the religious part of Satan's seed, she has always made Jehovah's "woman," "Jerusalem above," her main target. In the first century, the congregation of anointed Christians was clearly identified as the woman's seed. (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:29; 4:26) Babylon the Great tried hard to conquer that chaste congregation by seducing it into committing religious fornication. The apostles Paul and Peter warned that many would succumb and a great apostasy would result. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Peter 2:1-3) Jesus' messages to the seven congregations indicated that toward the end of John's life, Babylon the Great was making some progress in her efforts to corrupt. (Revelation 2:6, 14, 156, 20-23) But Jesus had already shown how far she would be permitted to go.
Next time: The Wheat And The Weeds.
Babylon the Great has also made conquests, but for the most part, these have been more subtle. She has "made all the nations drink"by using the wiles of a prostitute, committing religious fornication with them.
She has enticed political rulers in to alliances and friendships with her. Through religious allurements, she has schemed political, commercial and economic oppression. She has fomented religious persecution and religious wars and crusades, as well as national wars, for purely political and commercial reasons. And she has sacrificed these wars by saying that they are God's will.
Religion's involvement in the wars and politics of this 20th century is common knowledge -as in Shinto Japan, Hindu India, Buddhist Vietnam, "Christian" Northern Ireland and Latin America, as well as others-not to overlook the army chaplains' part of both sides of the two world wars in urging young men to slaughter one another. A classic example of the p;philandering of Babylon the Great is the share she had in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, in which at least 600,000 people were killed. This blood spilling was provoked by supporters of the Catholic clergy and their allies, in part because the wealth and position of the church was threatened by Spain's legal government.
Since Babylon the Great is the religious part of Satan's seed, she has always made Jehovah's "woman," "Jerusalem above," her main target. In the first century, the congregation of anointed Christians was clearly identified as the woman's seed. (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:29; 4:26) Babylon the Great tried hard to conquer that chaste congregation by seducing it into committing religious fornication. The apostles Paul and Peter warned that many would succumb and a great apostasy would result. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Peter 2:1-3) Jesus' messages to the seven congregations indicated that toward the end of John's life, Babylon the Great was making some progress in her efforts to corrupt. (Revelation 2:6, 14, 156, 20-23) But Jesus had already shown how far she would be permitted to go.
Next time: The Wheat And The Weeds.
1.12.2008
"Babylon The Great Has Fallen!"
It is the hour of God's judgment! Listen, then, to the divine message: " And another, a second angel, followed saying: 'She has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen, she who made all the nations to drink of the wine of the anger of her fornication!" (Revelation 14:8) For the first time, but not the last, Revelation focuses attention on Babylon the Great. Later, chapter 17 will describe her as a voluptuous harlot. Who is she? Who is she? As we shall see, she is a global empire, she is religious, and she is Satan's counterfeit system that he uses in fighting against the seed of God's woman. (Revelation 12:17) Babylon the Great is the entire world empire of false religion. She includes all religions that preserve the religious teachings and practices of ancient Babylon and that manifest her spirit.
It was at Babylon, more than 4,000 years ago, that Jehovah confused the tongues of the would-be builders of the Tower of Babel. The different language groups were scattered to the ends of the earth, taking with them the apostate beliefs and practices that are the basis of most religions to this day. (Genesis 11:1-9) Babylon the Great is the religious part of Satan's organization. (Compare John 8:43-47) Her most prominent segment today is apostate Christendom, which emerged as a powerful, lawless organization in the fourth century after Christ, with creeds and formalisms derived, not from the Bible, but largely from Babylonish religion. - Thessalonians 2:3-12.
You may ask,'Since religion still exercises great influences the earth, why does the angel announce that Babylon the Great has fallen? Well, wt resulted in 539 B.C.E. when ancient Babylon fell? why, Israel was freed to return to its homeland and restore true worship there! So restoration of spiritual Israel in 1919 to a radiant spiritual prosperity, which continues and expands to this day, stands in evidence that Babylon the Great fell in that year. No longer does she have power of restraint over God's people. Moreover, she has come into deep trouble within her own ranks. Since 1919 her corruption, dishonesty and immorality have been widely exposed. In most of Europe, a few people go to church anymore, and in many socialistic countries, religion is regarded as "the opium of the people." Disgraced in the eyes of all lovers of God's Word of truth, Babylon the Great now waits on death row , as it were, for the execution of Jehovah's righteous judgment on her.
Next time: Babylon's Disgraceful Fall
It was at Babylon, more than 4,000 years ago, that Jehovah confused the tongues of the would-be builders of the Tower of Babel. The different language groups were scattered to the ends of the earth, taking with them the apostate beliefs and practices that are the basis of most religions to this day. (Genesis 11:1-9) Babylon the Great is the religious part of Satan's organization. (Compare John 8:43-47) Her most prominent segment today is apostate Christendom, which emerged as a powerful, lawless organization in the fourth century after Christ, with creeds and formalisms derived, not from the Bible, but largely from Babylonish religion. - Thessalonians 2:3-12.
You may ask,'Since religion still exercises great influences the earth, why does the angel announce that Babylon the Great has fallen? Well, wt resulted in 539 B.C.E. when ancient Babylon fell? why, Israel was freed to return to its homeland and restore true worship there! So restoration of spiritual Israel in 1919 to a radiant spiritual prosperity, which continues and expands to this day, stands in evidence that Babylon the Great fell in that year. No longer does she have power of restraint over God's people. Moreover, she has come into deep trouble within her own ranks. Since 1919 her corruption, dishonesty and immorality have been widely exposed. In most of Europe, a few people go to church anymore, and in many socialistic countries, religion is regarded as "the opium of the people." Disgraced in the eyes of all lovers of God's Word of truth, Babylon the Great now waits on death row , as it were, for the execution of Jehovah's righteous judgment on her.
Next time: Babylon's Disgraceful Fall
1.11.2008
Declaring Everlasting Good News
John next writes: " And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, saying in a loud voice: 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and fountains of waters.' " (Revelation 14:6, 7) The angel is lying "in mid heaven," where the birds fly. (Compare Revelation 19:17) Hence, his voice can be heard around the globe. Of how much greater range than any television news flash is this angel's worldwide proclamation!
Everyone is urged to fear, not the wild beast and its image, but Jehovah, who is incomparably more powerful than any symbolic beast controlled by Satan. Why, Jehovah created heaven and earth, and now the time has come for him to judge the earth! (Compare Genesis 1:1; Revelation 11:18) When on earth, Jesus prophesied concerning our day: "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) The congregation of anointed Christians is fulfilling this commission. (1 Corinthians 9:16; Ephesians 6:15) Revelation here reveals that invisible angels are also involved in this preaching work. How often angelic guidance has been apparent in bringing one of Jehovah's Witnesses to a home where some distressed soul was yearning, even praying for spiritual help!
As the angel flying in mid heaven has declared,the hour of judgment has arrived. What judgment will God now render? Ears will tingle at the announcements now to be made by a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth angel. -Jeremiah 19:3.
Next time: "Babylon The Great Has Fallen!"
Everyone is urged to fear, not the wild beast and its image, but Jehovah, who is incomparably more powerful than any symbolic beast controlled by Satan. Why, Jehovah created heaven and earth, and now the time has come for him to judge the earth! (Compare Genesis 1:1; Revelation 11:18) When on earth, Jesus prophesied concerning our day: "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) The congregation of anointed Christians is fulfilling this commission. (1 Corinthians 9:16; Ephesians 6:15) Revelation here reveals that invisible angels are also involved in this preaching work. How often angelic guidance has been apparent in bringing one of Jehovah's Witnesses to a home where some distressed soul was yearning, even praying for spiritual help!
As the angel flying in mid heaven has declared,the hour of judgment has arrived. What judgment will God now render? Ears will tingle at the announcements now to be made by a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth angel. -Jeremiah 19:3.
Next time: "Babylon The Great Has Fallen!"
1.10.2008
Followers Of The Lamb
Continuing his description of the 144,000 who are "bought from the earth," John tells us: " These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb, and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish." (Revelation 14::4,5) The fact that the 144,000 "are virgins" does not mean that members of this class are necessarily unmarried in the flesh. The apostle Paul wrote to Christians who had a heavenly calling that, whereas there are advantages to Christian singleness, marriage is preferable under certain circumstances. (1 Corinthians 7:1, 2, 36, 37) what characterizes this class is a spiritual virginity. They have avoided spiritual adultery with worldly politics and with false religion. (James 4:4; Revelation 17:5) As the betrothed bride of Christ, they have kept themselves pure, "without a blemish in among a crooked and twisted generation." -Philippians 2;15.
Additionally, "no falsehood was found in their mouths." In this, they are like their King, Jesus Christ. As a perfect human, "he committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth." (1Peter 2:21, 22) In being simultaneously without blemish and truthful, the 144,000 are prepared as a chaste bride for Jehovah's great High Priest. when Jesus was on earth, he invited right hearted ones to follow him. (Mark 8:34; 10:21; John 1:43) Those who responded imitated his way of life and obeyed his teachings. Thus, during their earthly course, they "keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes" as he guides them through Satan's world.
The 144,000 are "bought from the earth," "bought from among mankind." They are adopted as spirit sons of God, and after their resurrection, they will no longer be mere flesh-and-blood humans. As mentioned in verse 4, they become the "first fruits to God and to the Lamb." True, back in the first century, Jesus was "the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep in death." ( 1 Corinthians 15: 20, 23) But the 144,000 are the "certain first fruits" of imperfect mankind, purchased by means of Jesus' sacrifice (James 1:18) Nevertheless, the in gathering of fruitage from mankind does not end with them. The book of revelation has already pointed to the harvesting of an unnumbered great crowd that cries with a loud voice: "Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb." This great crowd will survive the great tribulation, and as they continue to be refreshed by "fountains of waters of life," they will be raised to human perfection on earth. Sometime after the great tribulation, Hades will be emptied, and countless millions of other humans will be resurrected and have the opportunity to drink from those same waters of life. With this in mind, it would be correct to call the great crowd a first fruits of the other sheep -they are the first to 'wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb' with the hope of living forever on earth. -Revelation 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 20:12, 13.
These three first fruits (Jesus Christ, the 144,000 and the great crowd) have interesting correspondencies in the festivals celebrated according to the ancient Mosaic Law. On Nisan 16, during the Festival of Unfermented Cakes, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley harvest was offered to Jehovah. (Leviticus 23:6-14) Nisan 16 was the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead. On the 50th day from Nisan 16, in the third month, the Israelites celebrated the festival of the harvest of the first ripe fruits of the wheat harvest. (Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:15, 16) This festival came to be called Pentecost (from a Greek word meaning "fiftieth") , and it was at Pentecost 33 C.E. that the first members of the 144,000 were anointed with holy spirit. Finally, in the seventh month when the whole harvest was gathered in, there was the Festival of Booths, a time of joyful thanksgiving when the Israelites dwelt for a week in booths made of , among other things, palm branches. (Leviticus 23:33-43) Correspondingly the great crowd, who are part of the great in gathering, give thanks before the throne with "palm branches in their hands." - Revelation 7:9.
Next time: Declaring Everlasting Good News.
Additionally, "no falsehood was found in their mouths." In this, they are like their King, Jesus Christ. As a perfect human, "he committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth." (1Peter 2:21, 22) In being simultaneously without blemish and truthful, the 144,000 are prepared as a chaste bride for Jehovah's great High Priest. when Jesus was on earth, he invited right hearted ones to follow him. (Mark 8:34; 10:21; John 1:43) Those who responded imitated his way of life and obeyed his teachings. Thus, during their earthly course, they "keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes" as he guides them through Satan's world.
The 144,000 are "bought from the earth," "bought from among mankind." They are adopted as spirit sons of God, and after their resurrection, they will no longer be mere flesh-and-blood humans. As mentioned in verse 4, they become the "first fruits to God and to the Lamb." True, back in the first century, Jesus was "the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep in death." ( 1 Corinthians 15: 20, 23) But the 144,000 are the "certain first fruits" of imperfect mankind, purchased by means of Jesus' sacrifice (James 1:18) Nevertheless, the in gathering of fruitage from mankind does not end with them. The book of revelation has already pointed to the harvesting of an unnumbered great crowd that cries with a loud voice: "Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb." This great crowd will survive the great tribulation, and as they continue to be refreshed by "fountains of waters of life," they will be raised to human perfection on earth. Sometime after the great tribulation, Hades will be emptied, and countless millions of other humans will be resurrected and have the opportunity to drink from those same waters of life. With this in mind, it would be correct to call the great crowd a first fruits of the other sheep -they are the first to 'wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb' with the hope of living forever on earth. -Revelation 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 20:12, 13.
These three first fruits (Jesus Christ, the 144,000 and the great crowd) have interesting correspondencies in the festivals celebrated according to the ancient Mosaic Law. On Nisan 16, during the Festival of Unfermented Cakes, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley harvest was offered to Jehovah. (Leviticus 23:6-14) Nisan 16 was the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead. On the 50th day from Nisan 16, in the third month, the Israelites celebrated the festival of the harvest of the first ripe fruits of the wheat harvest. (Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:15, 16) This festival came to be called Pentecost (from a Greek word meaning "fiftieth") , and it was at Pentecost 33 C.E. that the first members of the 144,000 were anointed with holy spirit. Finally, in the seventh month when the whole harvest was gathered in, there was the Festival of Booths, a time of joyful thanksgiving when the Israelites dwelt for a week in booths made of , among other things, palm branches. (Leviticus 23:33-43) Correspondingly the great crowd, who are part of the great in gathering, give thanks before the throne with "palm branches in their hands." - Revelation 7:9.
Next time: Declaring Everlasting Good News.
1.09.2008
Continue with Singing As If A New Song
Nevertheless others listen and respond to their singing. Since 1935 a growing great crowd of other sheep has heard their triumphant song and been moved to join with them in publicizing God's Kingdom. (John 10:16; Revelation 7:9) True, these newcomers cannot learn to sing exactly the same new song that the future rulers of God's Kingdom sing. But they too sound a melodious chorus of praise to Jehovah that is an anthem lauding Jehovah for the new things he is accomplishing. they thus fulfill the psalmist's exhortation: "Sing to Jehovah a new song. Sing to Jehovah, all you people of the earth. Sing to Jehovah, bless his name. From day to day tell the good news of salvation by him. Declare among the nations his glory, among all the peoples his wonderful works. Ascribe to Jehovah, O your families of the peoples, ascribe to Jehovah glory and strength. Say among the nations: ' Jehovah himself gas become king.' " - Psalm 96:1-3, 7, 10; 98:1-9.
How can the 144,000 sing "before" the elders, since the 24 elders are the 144,000 in their glorious heavenly position? Early in the Lord's day, those "dead in union with Christ" were resurrected as spirit creatures. Thus, faithful anointed Christians who have conquered are now in heaven, symbolically fulfilling functions comparable to those of 24 divisions of priestly elders. They are included in the vision of Jehovah's heavenly organization. (1Thessalonians 4:15, 16; 1Chronicles 24:1-18; Revelation 4:4; 6:11) The remnant of the 144,000 still on earth are therefore singing the new song before, or in the sight of their resurrected brothers in heaven.
At this point we might also ask: Why is it that these anointed over comers are referred to as the symbolic 24 elders as well as the 144,000? It is because Revelation views this one group from two different standpoints. The 24 elders are always shown in their ultimate position around Jehovah's throne, installed as kings and priests in the heavens. They symbolize the entire group of 144,000 in their heavenly position, although at present a small remnant of these is still on earth. (Revelation 4:4, 10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16-18) Revelation chapter 7, however, focuses on the 144,000 as brought forth from humankind, and it stresses Jehovah's grand purpose to seal the complete number of individual spiritual Israelites and to grant salvation to an unnumbered great crowd. Revelation chapter 14 provides a picture confirming that the complete Kingdom class of 144,000 individual over comers will be assembled with the Lamb on Mount Zion. The qualifications to be met in order to be numbered with the 144,000 are also made known, as we shall now see.
Next time: Followers Of The Lamb.
How can the 144,000 sing "before" the elders, since the 24 elders are the 144,000 in their glorious heavenly position? Early in the Lord's day, those "dead in union with Christ" were resurrected as spirit creatures. Thus, faithful anointed Christians who have conquered are now in heaven, symbolically fulfilling functions comparable to those of 24 divisions of priestly elders. They are included in the vision of Jehovah's heavenly organization. (1Thessalonians 4:15, 16; 1Chronicles 24:1-18; Revelation 4:4; 6:11) The remnant of the 144,000 still on earth are therefore singing the new song before, or in the sight of their resurrected brothers in heaven.
At this point we might also ask: Why is it that these anointed over comers are referred to as the symbolic 24 elders as well as the 144,000? It is because Revelation views this one group from two different standpoints. The 24 elders are always shown in their ultimate position around Jehovah's throne, installed as kings and priests in the heavens. They symbolize the entire group of 144,000 in their heavenly position, although at present a small remnant of these is still on earth. (Revelation 4:4, 10; 5:5-14; 7:11-13; 11:16-18) Revelation chapter 7, however, focuses on the 144,000 as brought forth from humankind, and it stresses Jehovah's grand purpose to seal the complete number of individual spiritual Israelites and to grant salvation to an unnumbered great crowd. Revelation chapter 14 provides a picture confirming that the complete Kingdom class of 144,000 individual over comers will be assembled with the Lamb on Mount Zion. The qualifications to be met in order to be numbered with the 144,000 are also made known, as we shall now see.
Next time: Followers Of The Lamb.
1.08.2008
Singing As If A New Song
In harmony with this, John reports: " And I heard a sound out of heaven as the sound of many waters and as the sound of loud thunder; and the sound that I heard was as of singers who accompany themselves on the harp playing on their harps. And they are singing as if a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to master that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been bought from the earth." (Revelation 14:2, 3) It is no wonder that John, upon hearing the 144,000 voices joined in one melodious chorus, is reminded of roaring waterfalls and pealing thunderclaps. How pleasant that clear harp like accompaniment! (Psalm 81:2) What choir on earth could ever attain to the grandeur of that magnificent chorus?
And what is this "new song"? As we noted in discussing Revelation 5:9, 10, the song has to do with Jehovah's Kingdom purposes and his wonderful provision, through Jesus Christ, for making spiritual Israel "a kingdom and priests to our God." It is a song of praise to Jehovah publicizing the new things he is accomplishing by means of the Israel of God and in behalf of it. (Galatians 6:16) Members of this spiritual Israel respond to the psalmists invitation: "Praise Jah, you people! Sing to Jehovah a new song, his praise in the congregation of loyal ones. Let Israel rejoice in its grand Maker, the sons of Zion-let them be joyful in their King." (Psalm 149:1, 2) True, those words were written centuries ago, but in our day, they have been sung with new understanding. In 1914 the Messianic Kingdom was born. (Revelation 12:10) In 1919 Jehovah's people on earth began to announce "the word of the kingdom" with renewed zeal. (Matthew 13:19) Stimulated by the Society's year text for 1919 (Isaiah 54:17) and encouraged by their restoration to a spiritual paradise, they began in that year to 'sing to Jehovah with music in their hearts.' -Ephesians 5:19.
Why is it, though, that only the 144,000 were able to learn the song mentioned at Revelation 14:3? Because it is to to with their experiences as chosen heirs of God's Kingdom. They alone are adopted as sons of God and anointed with holy spirit. They alone are bought from the earth to become part of that heavenly Kingdom, and they alone "will be priests. . . and will rule as kings" with Jesus Christ for a thousand years to bring mankind to perfection. They alone are seen to be "singing as if a new song" in the very presence of Jehovah. these unique experiences and prospects give them a singular appreciation of the Kingdom and enable them to sing about it in a way that no one else can. -Revelation 20:6; Colossians 1:13; 1Thessalonians 2:11, 12.
Next time: Continue with Singing As If A New Song.
And what is this "new song"? As we noted in discussing Revelation 5:9, 10, the song has to do with Jehovah's Kingdom purposes and his wonderful provision, through Jesus Christ, for making spiritual Israel "a kingdom and priests to our God." It is a song of praise to Jehovah publicizing the new things he is accomplishing by means of the Israel of God and in behalf of it. (Galatians 6:16) Members of this spiritual Israel respond to the psalmists invitation: "Praise Jah, you people! Sing to Jehovah a new song, his praise in the congregation of loyal ones. Let Israel rejoice in its grand Maker, the sons of Zion-let them be joyful in their King." (Psalm 149:1, 2) True, those words were written centuries ago, but in our day, they have been sung with new understanding. In 1914 the Messianic Kingdom was born. (Revelation 12:10) In 1919 Jehovah's people on earth began to announce "the word of the kingdom" with renewed zeal. (Matthew 13:19) Stimulated by the Society's year text for 1919 (Isaiah 54:17) and encouraged by their restoration to a spiritual paradise, they began in that year to 'sing to Jehovah with music in their hearts.' -Ephesians 5:19.
Why is it, though, that only the 144,000 were able to learn the song mentioned at Revelation 14:3? Because it is to to with their experiences as chosen heirs of God's Kingdom. They alone are adopted as sons of God and anointed with holy spirit. They alone are bought from the earth to become part of that heavenly Kingdom, and they alone "will be priests. . . and will rule as kings" with Jesus Christ for a thousand years to bring mankind to perfection. They alone are seen to be "singing as if a new song" in the very presence of Jehovah. these unique experiences and prospects give them a singular appreciation of the Kingdom and enable them to sing about it in a way that no one else can. -Revelation 20:6; Colossians 1:13; 1Thessalonians 2:11, 12.
Next time: Continue with Singing As If A New Song.
1.07.2008
Continue With Singing The Triumpal New Song
It is just as Jehovah foretold: "I, even I, have installed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain." (Psalm 2:6; 110:2) This no longer refers to the earthly Mount Zion, the geographical location of earthly Jerusalem, in which city human kings in the line of David used to reign. (1 Chronicles 11:4-7; 2 Chronicles 5:2) No, for Jesus, after his death and resurrection in 33 C.E., was installed as a foundation cornerstone on the heavenly Mount Zion, the celestial location where Jehovah determined to place the "city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem." Hence, "the Mount Zion" here represents the exalted position of Jesus and his joint heirs, who make up heavenly Jerusalem, which is the Kingdom. (Hebrews 12:22, 28; Ephesians 3:6) It is the glorious royal situation to which Jehovah elevates them during the Lord's day. Over the centuries, anointed Christians, as "living stones," have earnestly looked forward to standing on that heavenly Mount Zion, united with the glorified Lord Jesus Christ in his majestic Kingdom. -1Peter 2:4-6; Luke 22:28-30; John 14:2, 3.
John sees not only Jesus but the complete body of the 144,000 fellow heirs of the heavenly Kingdom standing upon the Mount Zion. At the time represented by the vision, many, but not all, of the 144,000 are already in heaven. Later in the same vision, John learns that some of the holy ones still have to endure and die faithful. (Revelation 14:12, 13) Evidently, then, some of the 144,000 are still on earth. So how is it that John sees all of them standing with Jesus on Mount Zion? In that, as members of the congregation of anointed Christians, these have now "approached a Mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem." (Hebrews 12:22) Like Paul when he was still on earth, they have already-in a spiritual sense-been raised up to be in union with Christ Jesus in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:5, 6) Additionally, in 1919 they responded to the invitation, "Come on up here," and in a figurative way "went up into heaven in the cloud." (Revelation 11:12) In view of these scriptures, we can see that all the 144,000-spiritually speaking-are located on Mount Zion with Jesus Christ.
The 144,000 have no part with the worshipers of the wild beast, who are marked with the symbolic number 666. (Revelation 13:15-18) In contrast, these loyal ones have the name of God and of the Lamb written on their foreheads. No doubt John, a Jew, saw God's name in Hebrew lettering. In having the name of Jesus' Father symbolically written on their foreheads, these sealed ones make known to all that they are Jehovah's witnesses, His slaves. (Revelation 3:12) Their having Jesus' name also displayed on their foreheads indicates that they acknowledged being owned by him. He is their betrothed "husband," and they are his prospective "bride," "a new creation"serving God with heavenly life in view. (Ephesians 5:22-24; Revelation 21:2, 9; 2 Corinthians 5:17) Their intimate relationship with Jehovah and Jesus Christ affects their thoughts and actions.
Next time: Singing As If A New Song.
John sees not only Jesus but the complete body of the 144,000 fellow heirs of the heavenly Kingdom standing upon the Mount Zion. At the time represented by the vision, many, but not all, of the 144,000 are already in heaven. Later in the same vision, John learns that some of the holy ones still have to endure and die faithful. (Revelation 14:12, 13) Evidently, then, some of the 144,000 are still on earth. So how is it that John sees all of them standing with Jesus on Mount Zion? In that, as members of the congregation of anointed Christians, these have now "approached a Mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem." (Hebrews 12:22) Like Paul when he was still on earth, they have already-in a spiritual sense-been raised up to be in union with Christ Jesus in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:5, 6) Additionally, in 1919 they responded to the invitation, "Come on up here," and in a figurative way "went up into heaven in the cloud." (Revelation 11:12) In view of these scriptures, we can see that all the 144,000-spiritually speaking-are located on Mount Zion with Jesus Christ.
The 144,000 have no part with the worshipers of the wild beast, who are marked with the symbolic number 666. (Revelation 13:15-18) In contrast, these loyal ones have the name of God and of the Lamb written on their foreheads. No doubt John, a Jew, saw God's name in Hebrew lettering. In having the name of Jesus' Father symbolically written on their foreheads, these sealed ones make known to all that they are Jehovah's witnesses, His slaves. (Revelation 3:12) Their having Jesus' name also displayed on their foreheads indicates that they acknowledged being owned by him. He is their betrothed "husband," and they are his prospective "bride," "a new creation"serving God with heavenly life in view. (Ephesians 5:22-24; Revelation 21:2, 9; 2 Corinthians 5:17) Their intimate relationship with Jehovah and Jesus Christ affects their thoughts and actions.
Next time: Singing As If A New Song.
1.06.2008
Singing The Triumphal New Song
How refreshing it is turn John's next vision! In contrast with the dragon's grotesque beast like organizations, we now see Jehovah's loyal servants and their activities during the Lord's day. (Revelation 1:10) Already, Revelation 7:1, 3 has disclosed to us that the four winds of destruction are being held back until all 144,000 of these anointed slaves are sealed. Revelation 12:17 has made known that these "remaining ones of [the woman''s] seed" become the special target of Satan, the dragon, during that time. And Revelation chapter 13 has vividly depicted the political organizations raised up on earth by Satan to bring intense pressure and cruel persecution on Jehovah's faithful servants. But that archenemy cannot thwart God's purpose! We will now learn that despite Satan's malevolent activity, all the 144,000 are triumphantly gathered.
John, and with him the John class today, is given a preview of that happy outcome: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads." (Revelation 14:1) As we have seen, this Lamb is the same as the Michael who cleansed the heavens by casting out the Devil and his demons. He is the Michael whom Daniel describes as "standing in behalf of the sons of [God's ] people" as he prepares to "stand up" in executing Jehovah's righteous judgments. (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7, 9) Since 1914 this self-sacrificing Lamb of God has been standing on Mount Zion as the Messianic King.
Next time: Continue with Singing The Triumphal New Song.
John, and with him the John class today, is given a preview of that happy outcome: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads." (Revelation 14:1) As we have seen, this Lamb is the same as the Michael who cleansed the heavens by casting out the Devil and his demons. He is the Michael whom Daniel describes as "standing in behalf of the sons of [God's ] people" as he prepares to "stand up" in executing Jehovah's righteous judgments. (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7, 9) Since 1914 this self-sacrificing Lamb of God has been standing on Mount Zion as the Messianic King.
Next time: Continue with Singing The Triumphal New Song.
1.05.2008
Continue with The Mark Of The Wild Beast
Those who refuse to accept the mark of the wild beast have had constant problems. starting in the 1930's, for example, they had to fight many court battles and endure violent mobbings and other persecutions. In the totalitarian countries, they were thrown into concentration camps, where many died. Since the second world war, countless young men have suffered lengthy imprisonments, some even being tortured and killed, because of their refusal to compromise their Christian neutrality. In other lands Christians are literally unable to buy or sell, some are unable to own property; others are raped, murdered or chased from their native land. Why? Because in good conscience, they refuse to buy a political party card. -John 17:16.
In some areas of the earth, religion is so ingrained in community life that anyone who stands for Bible truth is ostracized by family and friends. It takes great faith to endure. (Matthew 10:36-38; 17:22) In a world where the majority worship material wealth and where dishonesty is rampant, the true Christian often has to trust implicitly in Jehovah that he will uphold him in pursuing an upright course. (Psalm 11:7; Hebrews 13:18) In a world awash with immorality, it takes great determination to remain clean and pure. Christians who fall sick are often pressured by doctors and nurses to break God's law on the sanctity of blood; they even have to resist court orders that conflict with their faith. (Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Peter 4:3, 4) And in these days of rising unemployment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for a true Christian to avoid work that would mean compromising his integrity before God. - Micah 4:3, 5.
Yes, the world is a difficult place for those who do not have the mark of the wild beast. It is an outstanding demonstration of Jehovah's power and blessing that the remaining ones of the seed of the woman, as well as more than three million of the great crowd, are keeping integrity despite all the pressures to break God's laws. (Revelation 7:9) Unitedly, throughout the earth, may all of us continue to magnify Jehovah and his righteous ways, as we refuse to receive the mark of the wild beast. -Psalm 34:1-3.
Next time: Singing The Triumphal New Song.
In some areas of the earth, religion is so ingrained in community life that anyone who stands for Bible truth is ostracized by family and friends. It takes great faith to endure. (Matthew 10:36-38; 17:22) In a world where the majority worship material wealth and where dishonesty is rampant, the true Christian often has to trust implicitly in Jehovah that he will uphold him in pursuing an upright course. (Psalm 11:7; Hebrews 13:18) In a world awash with immorality, it takes great determination to remain clean and pure. Christians who fall sick are often pressured by doctors and nurses to break God's law on the sanctity of blood; they even have to resist court orders that conflict with their faith. (Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Peter 4:3, 4) And in these days of rising unemployment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for a true Christian to avoid work that would mean compromising his integrity before God. - Micah 4:3, 5.
Yes, the world is a difficult place for those who do not have the mark of the wild beast. It is an outstanding demonstration of Jehovah's power and blessing that the remaining ones of the seed of the woman, as well as more than three million of the great crowd, are keeping integrity despite all the pressures to break God's laws. (Revelation 7:9) Unitedly, throughout the earth, may all of us continue to magnify Jehovah and his righteous ways, as we refuse to receive the mark of the wild beast. -Psalm 34:1-3.
Next time: Singing The Triumphal New Song.
1.04.2008
The Mark Of The Wild Beast
John now sees how Satan maneuvers the political parts of this visible organization to cause the maximum suffering for the remaining ones of the seed of God's woman. (Genesis 3:15) He returns to describing "the wild beast" itself: "And it puts under compulsion all persons, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, that they should give these a mark in their right hand or on their forehead, and that nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. Here is where the wisdom comes in: Let the one that has intelligence calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is a man's number; and its number is six hundred and sixty-six." - Revelation 13:16-18.
The wild beast has a name, and this name is a number 666. Six, as a number, is associated with Jehovah's enemies. A Philistine man of the Rephaim was of "extraordinary size," and his "fingers and toes were in sixes." (1 Chronicles 20:6) King Nebuchadnezzar erected a golden image 6 cubits in breadth and 60 cubits high, to unify his political officials in one worship. When God's servants refused to worship the image of gold, the king had them thrown into a fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:1-23) The number six falls short of seven, which stands for completeness from God's standpoint. Therefore, a triple six represents gross imperfection.
A name identifies a person. So how does this number identify the beast? John says that it "is a man's number," not that of a spirit person, so the name helps to confirm that the wild beast is earthly, symbolizing human government. Just as six falls to measure up to seven, so 666-six to the third degree-is a fitting name for the world's gigantic political system that fails so miserably to measure up to God's standard of perfection. The world's political wild beast rules supreme under the name-number 666, while big politics, big religion and big business keep that wild beast functioning as an oppressor of mankind and a persecutor of God's people.
What does it mean to be marked on the forehead or in the right hand with the name of the wild beast? When Jehovah gave Israel the Law, he told them: "You must apply these words of mine to your heart and your soul and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes." (Deuteronomy 11:18) This meant that the Israelites had to keep that Law constantly before them, so that it influenced all their actions and thoughts. The 144,000 anointed ones are said to have the Father's name and that of Jesus written on their foreheads. This identifies them as belonging to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. (Revelation 14:1) In imitation, Satan uses the demonic mark of the wild beast. Anybody engaged in everyday activities such as buying and selling is pressured to do things the way the wild beast does, as, for example, in celebrating holidays. They are expected to worship the wild beast, letting it rule their lives, so as to receive its mark.
Next time: Continue with: The Mark Of The Wild Beast.
The wild beast has a name, and this name is a number 666. Six, as a number, is associated with Jehovah's enemies. A Philistine man of the Rephaim was of "extraordinary size," and his "fingers and toes were in sixes." (1 Chronicles 20:6) King Nebuchadnezzar erected a golden image 6 cubits in breadth and 60 cubits high, to unify his political officials in one worship. When God's servants refused to worship the image of gold, the king had them thrown into a fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:1-23) The number six falls short of seven, which stands for completeness from God's standpoint. Therefore, a triple six represents gross imperfection.
A name identifies a person. So how does this number identify the beast? John says that it "is a man's number," not that of a spirit person, so the name helps to confirm that the wild beast is earthly, symbolizing human government. Just as six falls to measure up to seven, so 666-six to the third degree-is a fitting name for the world's gigantic political system that fails so miserably to measure up to God's standard of perfection. The world's political wild beast rules supreme under the name-number 666, while big politics, big religion and big business keep that wild beast functioning as an oppressor of mankind and a persecutor of God's people.
What does it mean to be marked on the forehead or in the right hand with the name of the wild beast? When Jehovah gave Israel the Law, he told them: "You must apply these words of mine to your heart and your soul and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes." (Deuteronomy 11:18) This meant that the Israelites had to keep that Law constantly before them, so that it influenced all their actions and thoughts. The 144,000 anointed ones are said to have the Father's name and that of Jesus written on their foreheads. This identifies them as belonging to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. (Revelation 14:1) In imitation, Satan uses the demonic mark of the wild beast. Anybody engaged in everyday activities such as buying and selling is pressured to do things the way the wild beast does, as, for example, in celebrating holidays. They are expected to worship the wild beast, letting it rule their lives, so as to receive its mark.
Next time: Continue with: The Mark Of The Wild Beast.
1.03.2008
The Image Of The Wild Beast
Is this two-horned wild beast as innocent as its lamb like horns would indicate? John goes on to say: "And it misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that were granted it to perform in the sight of the wild beast, while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make and image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived. And there was granted it to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who would not in any way worship the image of the wild beast." -Revelation 13:14, 15.
What is this "image of the wild beast," and what is its purpose? The purpose is to promote the worship of the seven-headed wild beast of which it is an image and thus, in effect, to perpetuate the existence of the wild beast. This image is constructed after the seven-headed wild beast revives from its sword stroke, that is, after the end of the first world war. It is no lifeless statue, such as Nebuchadnezzar erected on the plains of Dura. (Daniel 3:1) The two-horned wild beast breathes life into this image so that the image can live and play a role in world history.
The outworking of history identifies this image as the organization proposed, promoted and supported by Britain and the United Nations. Later, in Revelation chapter 17, it will appear under a different symbol, that of a living, breathing, scarlet-colored wild beast having an independent existence. this international body 'speaks,' in that it makes boastful claims to be the only one able to bring peace and security to mankind. But in reality it has become a forum for member nations to exchange verbal tirades and insults. It has threatened with ostracism, or a living death, any nation or people that does not bow to its authority. It has actually expelled nations that fail to abide by its ideologies. At the onset of the great tribulation, militaristic "horns" of this image of the wild beast will fulfill a devastating role. -Revelation 7:14; 17:8, 16.
Since World War II , the image of the wild beast-now manifested as the United Nations organization-has already killed in a literal way. For example, in 1950 a UN force took the field in the war between North Korea and South Korea. The UN force, along with the South Koreans, killed an estimated 1,420,000 North Koreans and Chinese. Similarly, from 1960 to 1964, United Nations armies were active in the Congo (now Zaire). Moreover, world leaders including popes Paul VI and John Paul II, have continued to affirm that this image is man's last and best hope for peace. If mankind fails to serve it, they insist, the human race will destroy itself. They thus figuratively cause to be killed all humans who refuse to go along with the image and worship it. -Compare Deuteronomy 5:8, 9.
Next time: The Mark Of The Wild Beast.
What is this "image of the wild beast," and what is its purpose? The purpose is to promote the worship of the seven-headed wild beast of which it is an image and thus, in effect, to perpetuate the existence of the wild beast. This image is constructed after the seven-headed wild beast revives from its sword stroke, that is, after the end of the first world war. It is no lifeless statue, such as Nebuchadnezzar erected on the plains of Dura. (Daniel 3:1) The two-horned wild beast breathes life into this image so that the image can live and play a role in world history.
The outworking of history identifies this image as the organization proposed, promoted and supported by Britain and the United Nations. Later, in Revelation chapter 17, it will appear under a different symbol, that of a living, breathing, scarlet-colored wild beast having an independent existence. this international body 'speaks,' in that it makes boastful claims to be the only one able to bring peace and security to mankind. But in reality it has become a forum for member nations to exchange verbal tirades and insults. It has threatened with ostracism, or a living death, any nation or people that does not bow to its authority. It has actually expelled nations that fail to abide by its ideologies. At the onset of the great tribulation, militaristic "horns" of this image of the wild beast will fulfill a devastating role. -Revelation 7:14; 17:8, 16.
Since World War II , the image of the wild beast-now manifested as the United Nations organization-has already killed in a literal way. For example, in 1950 a UN force took the field in the war between North Korea and South Korea. The UN force, along with the South Koreans, killed an estimated 1,420,000 North Koreans and Chinese. Similarly, from 1960 to 1964, United Nations armies were active in the Congo (now Zaire). Moreover, world leaders including popes Paul VI and John Paul II, have continued to affirm that this image is man's last and best hope for peace. If mankind fails to serve it, they insist, the human race will destroy itself. They thus figuratively cause to be killed all humans who refuse to go along with the image and worship it. -Compare Deuteronomy 5:8, 9.
Next time: The Mark Of The Wild Beast.
1.02.2008
The Two-Horned Wild Beast
But now another wild beast comes into the scene. John reports: " And I saw another wild beast ascending out of the earth, and it had two horns like a lamb, but it began speaking as a dragon. And it exercises all the authority of the first wild beast in its sight. And it makes the earth and those who dwell in it worship the first wild beast, whose death-stroke got healed. And it performs great signs, so that it should even make fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind." (Revelation 13:11-13) This wild beast has two horns, indicating a partnership of two political powers. And it is described as coming out of the earth, not out of the sea. Thus, it comes out of Satan's already established earthly system of things. It must be a world power, already existing, that takes a significant role during the Lord's day.
What can it be? The Anglo-American World Power-the same as the seventh head of the first wild beast but in a special role! Isolating it in the vision as a separate wild beast helps us to see more clearly how it acts independently on the world stage. This figurative two-horned wild beast is made up of two co-existing, independent, but cooperating political powers. Its two horns "like a lamb" suggest that it makes itself out to be mild and inoffensive, with an enlightened form of government to which all the the world should turn. But it speaks "as a dragon" in that it uses pressure and threats and even outright violence wherever its version of ruler ship is not accepted. It has not encouraged submission to God's Kingdom under the rule of the Lamb of God, but, rather, to the interests of Satan, the great dragon. It has promoted nationalistic divisions and hatreds that add up to worshiping the first wild beast.
This two-horned wild beast performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven. (Compare Matthew 7:21-23) This latter sign reminds us of Elijah, the ancient prophet of God who engaged in a contest with the prophets of Baal. When he successfully called down fire from heaven in the name of Jehovah, it proved beyond doubt that he was a true prophet and that the Baal prophets were false. (1Kings 18:21-40) Like those Baal prophets, the two-horned wild beast feels that it has adequate credentials as a prophet. (Compare Revelation 13:14, 15; 19:20) Why, it claims to have vanquished the forces of evil in two world wars, and not it stands firm against so-called godless communism! Many, indeed, view the modern counterpart of the two-horned wild beast as a guardian of liberty and a font of material good things.
Next time: The Image Of The Wild Beast
What can it be? The Anglo-American World Power-the same as the seventh head of the first wild beast but in a special role! Isolating it in the vision as a separate wild beast helps us to see more clearly how it acts independently on the world stage. This figurative two-horned wild beast is made up of two co-existing, independent, but cooperating political powers. Its two horns "like a lamb" suggest that it makes itself out to be mild and inoffensive, with an enlightened form of government to which all the the world should turn. But it speaks "as a dragon" in that it uses pressure and threats and even outright violence wherever its version of ruler ship is not accepted. It has not encouraged submission to God's Kingdom under the rule of the Lamb of God, but, rather, to the interests of Satan, the great dragon. It has promoted nationalistic divisions and hatreds that add up to worshiping the first wild beast.
This two-horned wild beast performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven. (Compare Matthew 7:21-23) This latter sign reminds us of Elijah, the ancient prophet of God who engaged in a contest with the prophets of Baal. When he successfully called down fire from heaven in the name of Jehovah, it proved beyond doubt that he was a true prophet and that the Baal prophets were false. (1Kings 18:21-40) Like those Baal prophets, the two-horned wild beast feels that it has adequate credentials as a prophet. (Compare Revelation 13:14, 15; 19:20) Why, it claims to have vanquished the forces of evil in two world wars, and not it stands firm against so-called godless communism! Many, indeed, view the modern counterpart of the two-horned wild beast as a guardian of liberty and a font of material good things.
Next time: The Image Of The Wild Beast
1.01.2008
Waging War Against The Holy Ones
The wily Satan had plans for manipulating the wild beast to his own ends. John explains this: " And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given it [the seven-headed beast], and authority to act forty-two months was given it. And it opened its mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name and his residence, even those residing in heaven. And there was granted it to wage war with the holy ones and conquer them, and authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. And all those who dwell on the earth will worship it; the name of not one of them stands written in the scroll of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered, from the founding of the world." -Revelation 13:5-8.
The 42 months mentioned here appear to be the same as the three and a half years during which the holy ones are harassed by a horn arising from one of the beasts in Daniel's prophecy. (Daniel 7:23-25; see also Revelation 11:1-4) Thus, from the latter part of 1914 on into 1918, while the warring nations were literally tearing at one another like wild beasts, citizens of those nations were pressured to worship the wild beast,to indulge in the religion of nationalism, even to be ready to die for their country. Such pressure led to intense suffering on the part of many of the anointed ones, who felt that their higher obedience belonged to Jehovah God and his Son, Christ Jesus. (Acts 5:29) Their trials came to a climax in May 1918, when they were 'conquered.' In the United States, prominent officers and other representatives of the Watchtower Society were wrongly imprisoned, and the organized preaching by their Christian brothers was greatly hindered. Having authority "over every tribe and people and tongue and nation," the wild beast clamped down on God's work worldwide.
This seemed like a victory for Satan and his organization. But it could bring them no long-term benefits, since no one in Satan's visible organization had his name written in "the scroll of life of the Lamb." Figuratively, this scroll contains the names of those who will rule with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom. The first names were written in it at Pentecost 33 C.E. And in the years since then, more and more names have been added. Since 1918, the sealing of the remaining ones of the 144,000 Kingdom heirs has been proceeding to completion. Soon, the names of all of them will be written in that scroll. So any apparent victory these may have over "the holy ones" is an empty one, merely temporary.
John now calls upon those with discernment to listen very carefully: "If anyone has an ear, let him hear." Then he goes on to say: "If anyone is meant for captivity, he goes away into captivity. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed with the sword. Here is where it means the endurance and faith of the holy ones." (Revelation 13:9, 10) Jeremiah wrote words quite similar to these in the years preceding 607 B.C.E., to show that there was no turning back of Jehovah's judgments for the unfaithful city of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 15:2; see also Jeremiah 43:11; Zechariah 11:9) In his time of great trial, Jesus made it plain that is followers must not compromise when he said: "All those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) Similarly, now in the Lord's day God's people must hold fast to Bible principles. There will be no final escape for unrepentant ones who worship the wild beast. All of us will need endurance, along with unshakable faith,in order to survive the persecutions and trials that lie ahead. -Hebrews 10:36-39; 11:16.
Next time: The Two-Horned Wild Beast
The 42 months mentioned here appear to be the same as the three and a half years during which the holy ones are harassed by a horn arising from one of the beasts in Daniel's prophecy. (Daniel 7:23-25; see also Revelation 11:1-4) Thus, from the latter part of 1914 on into 1918, while the warring nations were literally tearing at one another like wild beasts, citizens of those nations were pressured to worship the wild beast,to indulge in the religion of nationalism, even to be ready to die for their country. Such pressure led to intense suffering on the part of many of the anointed ones, who felt that their higher obedience belonged to Jehovah God and his Son, Christ Jesus. (Acts 5:29) Their trials came to a climax in May 1918, when they were 'conquered.' In the United States, prominent officers and other representatives of the Watchtower Society were wrongly imprisoned, and the organized preaching by their Christian brothers was greatly hindered. Having authority "over every tribe and people and tongue and nation," the wild beast clamped down on God's work worldwide.
This seemed like a victory for Satan and his organization. But it could bring them no long-term benefits, since no one in Satan's visible organization had his name written in "the scroll of life of the Lamb." Figuratively, this scroll contains the names of those who will rule with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom. The first names were written in it at Pentecost 33 C.E. And in the years since then, more and more names have been added. Since 1918, the sealing of the remaining ones of the 144,000 Kingdom heirs has been proceeding to completion. Soon, the names of all of them will be written in that scroll. So any apparent victory these may have over "the holy ones" is an empty one, merely temporary.
John now calls upon those with discernment to listen very carefully: "If anyone has an ear, let him hear." Then he goes on to say: "If anyone is meant for captivity, he goes away into captivity. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed with the sword. Here is where it means the endurance and faith of the holy ones." (Revelation 13:9, 10) Jeremiah wrote words quite similar to these in the years preceding 607 B.C.E., to show that there was no turning back of Jehovah's judgments for the unfaithful city of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 15:2; see also Jeremiah 43:11; Zechariah 11:9) In his time of great trial, Jesus made it plain that is followers must not compromise when he said: "All those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) Similarly, now in the Lord's day God's people must hold fast to Bible principles. There will be no final escape for unrepentant ones who worship the wild beast. All of us will need endurance, along with unshakable faith,in order to survive the persecutions and trials that lie ahead. -Hebrews 10:36-39; 11:16.
Next time: The Two-Horned Wild Beast
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