Conclusion of Judges For A Thousand Years

Thrones -144,000 of them - are prepared for these anointed conquerors who are "bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb." (Revelation 14:1, 4) "Yes," continues John, "I saw the souls of those executed with the ax for the witness they bore to Jesus and for speaking about God, and those who had worshiped neither the wild beast nor its image and who had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand." (Revelation 20:4b) Among those kings, then, are the anointed Christian martyrs who earlier, at the opening of the fifth seal asked Jehovah how much longer he would wait to avenge their blood. At that time, they were given a white robe and told to wait a little longer. But now they have been avenged through the devastating of Babylon the Great, the destruction of the nations by the King of kings and Lord of lords, and the abyssing of Satan. -Revelation 6:9-11; 17:16; 19:15, 16.

Were all these 144,000 royal judges physically "executed with the ax?" Likely, relatively few of them were in a literal sense. This expression, though doubtless is intended to embrace all those anointed Christians who endure mardyrdom in one way or another. (Matthew 10:22, 28) Certainly, Satan would like to have executed all of them with the ax, but, in fact, not all of Jesus' anointed brothers dies as martyrs. Many of them die of disease or old age. Such ones, however, also belong to the group that John now sees. The death of all of them is, in a sense, sacrificial. (Romans 6:3-5) Additionally,. none of them were part of the world. Hence, all of them have been hated by the world and, in effect, become dead in its eyes. (John 15:19; 1 Corinthians 4:13) None of them worshiped the wild beast or its image, and when they died, none of them carried the mark of the beast. All of them died as conquerors. -1 John 5:4; Revelation 2:7; 3:12; 12:11.

Now these conquerors live again! John reports: " And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4c) Does this mean that these judges are not resurrected until after the destruction of the nations and the abyssing of Satan and his demons? No. Most of them are already very much alive, since they rode with Jesus against the nations at Armageddon. (Revelation 2:26, 27; 19:14) Indeed, Paul indicated that their resurrection commences soon after the beginning of Jesus' presence in 1914 and that some are resurrected before others. (1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) Therefore, their coming to life occurs over a period of time as they individually receive the gift of immortal life in the heavens. - 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Peter 3:11-14.

Their reigning ans judging will be for a thousand years. Is this a literal thousand years, or should we view it symbolically as being an undefined, long period of time? "Thousands " may means a large, indefinite number, as at Samuel 21:11. But here the "thousand" is literal, since it appears three times in Revelation 20:5-7 as "the thousand years." Paul called the time of judgment "a day"when he stated: "He [God] has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness." (Acts 17:31) Since Peter tells us that one day with Jehovah is as a thousand years, it is appropriate that at his Day of judgment be a literal thousand years." - 2Peter 3:8.

Next time: The Rest Of The Dead

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Judges For A Thousand Years

After the thousand years, Satan is released from the abyss for a short while. Why? Before giving the answer, John brings our attention back to the beginning of that time period. We read: "And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them." (Revelation 20:4a ) Who are these ones sitting on thrones and ruling in the heavens with the glorified Jesus?

They are "the holy ones" that Daniel described as ruling in the Kingdom with the One"like a son of man." (Daniel 7:13, 14, 18) They are the same as the 24 elders who sit on heavenly thrones in the very presence of Jehovah. (Revelation 4:40) They include the 12 apostles, to whom Jesus gave the promise "In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon the glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28) They also include Paul, as well as the Corinthian Christians who remained faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:8, 6:2, 3) They would include, too, members of the congregation of Laodicea who conquered. -Revelation 3:21.

Next time: Continue with Judges For A Thousand Years.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988.

Satan Abyssed

What, then, is in store for Satan himself and his demons? John tells us: "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore unto the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while." -Revelation 20:1-3.

Who is this angel? He must have tremendous power to be able to dispose of Jehovah's archenemy. He has "the key to the abyss and a great chain." Does this not remind us of an earlier vision? Why, yes, the king over the locusts is called "the angel of the abyss"! (Revelation 9:11) So here we again observe Jehovah's Chief Vindicator, the glorified Jesus Christ, in action. This archangel that cast Satan out of heaven, that judged Babylon the Great, and that disposed of "the kings of the earth and their armies" at Armageddon would surely not step aside to let a lesser angel deliver the masterstroke in abyssing Satan! -Revelation 12:7-9; 18:1, 2; 19:11-21.

When the great fiery-colored dragon was hurled down from heaven, he was spoken of as "the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabitant earth." (Revelation 12:3, 9) Now, at the point of being seized and abyssed, he is described again in full as "the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan." This infamous devourer, deceiver, slanderer, and opposer is chained and hurled "into the abyss," which is closed and sealed off tightly, "that he mighty not mislead the nations anymore." This abyssing of Satan is for a thousand years, during which time is influence on mankind will be no more than that of a prisoner in a deep dungeon. The angel of the abyss removes Satan completely from any contract with the Kingdom of righteousness. What a relief for mankind!

What happens to the demons? They too have been "reserved for judgment." (2 Peter 2:4) Satan is called "Beelzebub the ruler of the demons." (Luke 11:15, 18; Matthew 10:25) In view of their longtime collaboration with Satan, should not the same judgment be meted out to them? The abyss has long been an object of fear to those demons; on one occasion when Jesus confronted them, they "kept entreating him not to order them to go away into the abyss." (Luke 8:31) But when Satan is abyssed, his angels will surely be hurled into the abyss with him. (Compare Isaiah 24:21, 22) After the abyssing of Satan and his demons, the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ can begin.

Will Satan and his demons be active while in the abyss? Well, remember the scarlet-colored, seven-headed wild beast that "was but is not, and yet is about to ascend out of the abyss." (Revelation 17:8) While in the abyss, it 'was not.' It was non functioning, immobilized, to all intents and purposes dead. Likewise, speaking of Jesus, the apostle Paul said: "Who will descend into the abyss?' That is to bring Christ up from the dead." (Romans 10:7) While in that abyss, Jesus was dead. It is reasonable to conclude then, that Satan and his demons will be in a state of deathlike inactivity for the thousand years of their abyssing. What good tidings for lovers of righteousness!

Next time: Judges For A Thousand Years .

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Crushing The Serpent's Head

Do you recall the first Bible prophecy? It was uttered by Jehovah God when he said to the serpent: " I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel." (Genesis 3:15) Now the fulfillment of that prophecy comes to its climax! We have traced the history of Satan's warring against Jehovah's heavenly womanlike organization. (Revelation 12:1, 9) The Serpent's earthly seed, with its religion, politics and big business, has heaped cruel persecution on the woman's seed, Jesus Christ and his 144,000 anointed followers, here on earth. (John 8:37, 44; Galatians 3:16, 29) Satan inflicted an agonizing death on Jesus. But this proved to be like a heel wound, for God resurrected his faithful Son on the third day. -Acts 10:38-40.

What about the Serpent ans his seed? About 56 C.E. the apostle Paul wrote a long letter to the Christians in Rome. In concluding it, he encouraged them by saying: "For this part, God who gives peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly." (Romans 16:20) This is more than a superficial bruising. Satan is to be crushed! Paul here used a Greek word, syn-tri'bo, that means to bruise into a jellylike state, to trample down, to destroy utterly by crushing. As for the human seed of the Serpent, this is due for a real plaguing in the Lord's day, climaxing at the great tribulation in the complete crushing of Babylon the Great and the political systems of the world, together with their financial and military henchmen. (Revelation, chapters 18 and 19) This Jehovah brings to a climax the enmity between the two seeds. The Seed of God's woman triumphs over the earthly seed of the Serpent, and that seed is no more!

Next time: Satan Abyssed

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Conclusion of The Great Evening Meal Of God

After the pouring out of the sixth bowl of Jehovah's wrath, John reported that "the kings of the earth and of the whole world" were gathered by demonic propaganda to "the battle of that great day of God Almighty." This is fought at Armageddon-not a literal location, but the global situation that calls for the execution of Jehovah's judgment. (Revelation 16:12, 14, 16Kings James Version) Now John sees the battle lines. There, ranged against God, are all "the kings of the earth and their armies." They have stubbornly refused to submit themselves to Jehovah's King. He gave them fair warning in the inspired message: "Kiss the son, that [Jehovah] may not become incensed and you may not perish from the way." Not having submitted to Christ's rule, they must die. -Psalm 2:12.

The seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast out of the sea, representing Satan's political organization,. is tumbled into oblivion, and along with it goes the false prophet, the seventh world power. (Revelation 13:1, 11-13; 16:13) While still "alive," or still functioning in their united opposition to God's people on earth, they are cast into "the lake of fire." Is this a literal lake of fire? No, not any more than the wild beast and the false prophet are literal animals. Rather., it is a symbol of complete, final destruction, a place of no return. Here is where, late, death and Hades, as well as the Devil himself, will be hurled. (Revelation 20:10, 14) It is certainly not an inferno of eternal torture for the wicked, since the very idea of such a place is detestable to Jehovah. -Jeremiah 19:5; 32:35; 1 John 4:8, 16.

All others who were not directly part of government but who were nevertheless an irreformable part of this corrupt world of mankind are likewise "killed off with the long sword of the one seated on the horse." Jesus will pronounce them deserving of death. Since in their case the lake of fire is not mentioned, are we to expect that they will have a resurrection? Nowhere are we told that those executed by Jehovah Judge at that time are to be resurrected. As Jesus himself stated, all those who are not "sheep" go off "into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels." that is, "into everlasting cut-off." (Matthew 25:33,41, 46) This climaxes "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men." -2Peter 3:7; Nahum 1:2, 7-9; Malachi 4:1.

In this way, all of Satan's earthly organization comes to an end. The "former heaven" of political rulership has passed away. The "earth," the seemingly permanent system that Satan has built up over the centuries, is now utterly destroyed. The "sea," the mass of wicked humanity opposed to Jehovah is no more. (Revelation 21:1, 2; 2 Peter 3:10) what, though, does Jehovah have in store for Satan himself? John goes on to tell us.

Next time: Crushing The Serpent's Head.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988.

The Great Evening Meal Of God

In Ezekiel's vision, after the destruction of Gog's crowd, the birds and the wild animals are invited to a feast! they rid the landscape of carcasses by eating the dead bodies of Jehovah's enemies. (Ezekiel 39:11, 17-20) John's next words bring that earlier prophecy vividly to mind: "I saw also an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice and said to all the birds that fly in midheaven: ' Come here, be gathered together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshly parts of kings and the fleshly part of military commanders and the fleshly parts of strong men and the fleshly parts of horses and of those seated upon them, and the fleshly parts of all, of freemen as well as of slaves and of small ones and great.' " -Revelation 19:17, 18.

The angel is "standing in the sun," a commanding position for attracting the attention of the birds. He invites them to be ready to gorge themselves on the flesh of those about to be slain by the Warrior-King and his heavenly armies. The fact that the dead are to be left on the surface of the ground indicates that they will die in public shame. Like Jezebel of old, they will not have an honorable burial. (2Kings 9:36, 37) The list of those whose corpses would be left lying there shows the range of the destruction : Kings, military commanders, strong men, freemen, and slaves. No exceptions. Every last trace of the rebellious world in opposition to Jehovah will be eliminated. After this, there will no more be a restless sea of confused humans. (Revelation 21:1) This is "the great evening meal of God," since it is Jehovah who invites the birds to share therein.

John summarizes the course of the final war: "And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army. And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur. But the rest were killed off with the long sword of the one seated upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth. And all the birds were filled from the fleshly parts of them." -Revelation 19:19-21.

Next time:Continue with The Great Evening Meal Of God.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Conclusion of To The Final Battle!

This mighty Warrior-King appears again in the next scene of the vision: "He treads too the winepress of the anger wrath of God the Almighty." (Revelation 19:15b) In a previous vision, John had already seen the treading of the "winepress of the anger of God." (Revelation 14:18-20) Isaiah also describes an executional winepress, and other prophets tell how calamitous the day of God's anger will be of all the nations. - Isaiah 24:1-6; 63:1-4; Jeremiah 25:30-33; Daniel 2:44; Zephaniah 3:8; Zechariah 14:3, 12, 13; Revelation 6:15-17.

The prophet Joel associates a winepress with Jehovah's coming to "judge all the nations round about." And it is Jehovah who issues the command, no doubt to His associate Judge, Jesus, and his heavenly armies: "Thrust in a sickle, for harvest has grown ripe. Come, descend, for the winepress has become full. the press vats actually overflow, for their badness has become abundant. Crowds, crowds are in the low plain of the decision, for the day of Jehovah is near in the low plain of the decision. Sun and moon themselves will certainly become dark, and the very stars will actually withdraw their brightness. And out of Zion Jehovah himself will roar, and out of Jerusalem he will give forth his voice. And heaven and earth certainly will rock; but Jehovah will be a refuge fro his people, and a fortress for the sons of Israel. And you people will have to know that I am Jehovah your God." - Joel 3:12-17.

That will be a day of doom, indeed, for disobedient nations and humans but a day of relief for all who have made Jehovah and his Warrior-King their refuge! ( 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) The judgment that started with the house of God in 1918 will have run through to its climax, answering the question at 1 Peter 4:17: "What will the end be of those who are not obedient to the good news of God?" The glorious Victor will have trodden the winepress to a finish, demonstrating that he is the exalted One of whom John says: "And upon his outer garment, even upon his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." (Revelation 19:16) He has proved to be far, far mightier than any earthly ruler, any human king or lord. His dignity and splendor are transcendent. He has ridden "in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness" and had triumphed for all time! (Psalm 45:4) Upon his blood-sprinkled garments is written the name bestowed on him by the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, who Vindicator he is!

Next time: The Great Evening Meal Of God.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

To The Final Battle!

By what authority does Jesus complete his conquest? John informs us: "And out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may strike the nation with it, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron." (Revelation 19:15a) That "sharp long sword" represents Jesus' God-given authority to issue orders for the execution of all who refuse to support God's Kingdom. (Revelation 1:16; 2:16) This vivid symbolism parallels Isaiah's words: "He [Jehovah] proceeded to make my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand he has hidden me. And he gradually made me a polished arrow." (Isaiah 49:2) Here Isaiah foreshadowed Jesus, who proclaims God's judgments and executes them, as with an unerring arrow.

At this point in time, Jesus will already have acted in fulfillment of Paul's words: " Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence." Yes, Jesus' presence (Greek, pa-rou-si'a) has been demonstrated from 1914 onward by the exposing and judging of the man of lawlessness, the clergy of Christendom. That presence will be strikingly manifested when the ten horns of the scarlet-colored wild beast execute that judgment and ravage Christendom, along with the rest of Babylon the Great. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 8) That will be the start of the great tribulation! After that, Jesus turns his attention to what remains of Satan's organization, in line with the prophecy: "He must strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the spirit of his lips he will put the wicked one to death." -Isaiah 11:4.

The Warrior-King, as Jehovah's appointee, will make a distinction between those who will survive and those who will die. Jehovah speaking prophetically to this Son of God, says: " You will break them [earth's rulers] with an iron scepter, as though a potter's vessel you will dash them to pieces." And Jeremiah addresses such corrupt governmental leaders and their lackeys, saying: "Howl, you shepherds, and cry out! And wallow about, you majestic ones of the flock, because your days for slaughtering and for your scatterings have been fulfilled, and you must fall like a desirable vessel!" However desirable those rulers may have appeared to a wicked world, one blow from the King's iron scepter will shatter them, as if smashing an attractive vessel. It will be just as David prophesied concerning the Lord Jesus: "The rod of your strength Jehovah will send out of Zion, saying: 'Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.' Jehovah himself at your right hand will certainly break kings to pieces on the day of his anger. He will execute judgment among the nations; he will cause a fullness of dead bodies." -Psalm 2:9, 12; 83:17, 18; 110:1, 2, 5, 6; Jeremiah 25:34.

Next time: Continue with To The Final Battle!

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988.

Jesus' Fellow Warriors

Jesus is not alone in fighting this battle. John tells us: "Also, the armies that were in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen." (Revelation 19:14) the fact that the horses are "white" denotes righteous warfare. "Fine linen" is appropriate for the King's horsemen, and its glistening, clean whiteness indicates a pure, righteous standing before Jehovah. Who, then, make up these "armies"? Doubtless, they include the holy angels. It was early in the Lord's day that Michael and his angels hurled Satan and his demons out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-9) Further, "all the angels" now attend upon Jesus as he sits on his glorious throne and proceeds to judge the nations and people of earth. (Matthew 25:31, 32) Surely, in the decisive war, when God's judgments are executed to a finality, Jesus will again be accompanied by his angels.

Others too will be involved. When sending his message to the congregation in Thyatria, Jesus promised: "To him that conquers and observes my deeds down to the end I will give authority over the nations, and he shall shepherd the people with an iron rod so that they will be broken to pieces like clay vessels, the same as I have received from my Father." (Revelation 2:26, 27) Without a doubt, when the time comes, those of Christ's brothers already in heaven will have a part in shepherding people and nations with that iron rod.

What, though, of God's servants here on earth? The John class will have not active part in the fighting at Armageddon; neither will its loyal companions, those peoples out of all nations who have been streaming to Jehovah's spiritual house of worship. These peaceable humans have already beaten swords into plowshares. (Isaiah 2:2-4) Yet, there are very much involved! As we have already noted, it is Jehovah's seemingly defenseless people that are viciously attacked by Gog and all his crowd. That is the signal for Jehovah's Warrior-King, supported by the armies in heaven, to start fighting a war of extermination against those nations. (Ezekiel 39:6, 7, 11; compare Daniel 11:44-12:1) As spectators, God's people on earth will be most interested. Armageddon will mean their salvation, and they will live for eternity as having been eyewitnesses of Jehovah's great war of vindication.

Does this mean that Jehovah's Witnesses are against all government? Far from it! They obey that apostle Paul's counsel: "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities." they realize that as long as the present system lasts, those "superior authorities"exist by God's permission for maintaining a measure of order in human society. Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses pay their taxes, obey the laws, respect traffic ordinances, comply with registrations and so forth. (Romans 13:1, 6, 7) Further, they follow Bible principles in being truthful and honest; showing love of neighbor, building a strong, moral family unit; and training their children to be exemplary citizens. In this way they pay back not only "Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God." (Luke 20:25; 1 Peter 2:13-17) Since God's Word shows that the governmental powers of this world are temporary, Jehovah's Witnesses prepare now for the fuller life, soon to be enjoyed under Christ's Kingdom rule. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Though they will have no part in overturning the powers of this world, the Witnesses experience reverential awe at what God's inspired Word, the Holy Bible, says regarding the judgment Jehovah is about to execute at Armageddon. -Isaiah 26:20, 21; Hebrews 12:28, 29.

Next time: To The Final Battle!

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Conclusion of The One Called "Faithful And True"

John's description continues: "He has a name written that no one knows but he himself." (Revelation 19:12b) The Bible already speaks of God's Son by names such as Jesus, Immanuel and Michael. But this unstated "name" appears to stand for the position and privileges that Jesus enjoys during the Lord's day. (Compare Revelation 21:7.) Isaiah, describing Jesus since 1914, says: "His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) The apostle Paul associated Jesus' name with His very high privileges of service when he wrote: "God exalted [Jesus] to superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend." -Philippians 2:9, 10.

Jesus' privileges are unique. Apart from Jehovah himself, only Jesus can comprehend what it means to hold such a high position. (Compare Matthew 11:27) Therefore, of all God's creatures, only Jesus can fully appreciate this name. Nevertheless, Jesus does include his bride in some of these privileges. So he makes this promise: "The one that conquers. . . I will write upon him. . .that new name of mine." -Revelation 3:12.

John adds: "And he is arrayed with an outer garment sprinkled with blood, and the name he is called in The Word of God." (Revelation 19:13) Whose "blood" is this? It could be Jesus' lifeblood, shed for the sake of mankind. (Revelation 1:5) But, in this context, it more likely refers to the blood of his enemies that is spilled when Jehovah's judgments are executed upon them. We are reminded of the earlier vision in which the vine of the earth is reaped and trodden in the great winepress of the anger of God until the blood reaches "as high up as the bridles of the horses"-signifying a great victory over God's enemies. (Revelation 14:18-20) Likewise, the blood sprinkled on Jesus' outer garment confirms that his victory is decisive and complete. (Compare Isaiah 63:1-6) Now John again speaks of Jesus' being called by a name. This time it is a widely known name-"The Word Of God"-identifying this Warrior-King as Jehovah's Chief Spokesman and Champion of truth. -John 1:1; Revelation 1:1.

Next time: Jesus' Fellow Warriors

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Conclusion of The One Called "Faithful And True"

Conclusion of The One Called "Faithful And True"

The One Called "Faithful And True"

Jehovah calls forth a sword. Who is it that wields this sword? Returning to Revelation, we find the answer in still another thrilling vision. Before John's eyes the heavens open to reveal something truly awe inspiring-Jesus Christ himself in battle array! John tells us: " And I saw the heaven opened, and, look! A white horse. And the one seated upon it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness. His eyes are a fiery flame, and upon his head are many diadems." -Revelation 19:11, 12a.

As in the earlier vision of the four horsemen, this "white horse" is a fitting symbol of righteous warfare. (Revelation 6:2) And who of God's sons could be more righteous than this mighty Warrior! Being "called Faithful and True," he must be "the faithful and true witness," Jesus Christ. (Revelation 3:14) He makes war in order to execute Jehovah's righteous judgments. Thus, he is acting in his capacity as Jehovah's appointed Judge, the "Mighty God." (Isaiah 9:6) His eyes are fear inspiring, like "a fiery flame," looking to the coming fiery destruction of his foes.

Diadems crown the head of this Warrior-King. The wild beast that John saw coming our of the sea had ten diadems, picturing its temporary rulership of the earthly scene. (Revelation 13:1) Jesus, though, has "many diadems." His glorious rulership is unmatched, since he is "King of those who rule as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords." -1Timothy 6:15.

Next time: Continue with The One Called "Faithful And True"

The Warrior-King Triumphs At Armageddon

Armageddon-a fearsome word to many! But to lovers of righteousness, it betokens the long-awaited day when Jehovah will execute his final judgment on the nations. It is not man's war but "the war of the great day of God the Almighty" -his day of vengeance against the earth's rulers. (Revelation 16:14, 16; Ezekiel 25:17) with the desolating of Babylon the Great, the great tribulation will already have started. Then, urged on by Satan, the scarlet-colored wild beast and its ten horns will concentrate their attack on Jehovah's people. The Devil, more wrathful than ever at God's womanlike organization, is determined to use his dupes in waging war to a finish with the remaining ones of her seed. (Revelation 12:17) This is Satan's last opportunity!

The Devil's vicious assault is vividly described in Ezekiel chapter 38. There, the debased Satan is called "God of the land of Magog." Jehovah puts figurative hooks in God's jaws, drawing him and his numerous military force to the attack. How does he do this? By causing Gog to see His witnesses as a defenseless people "gathered together out of the nations, one that is accumulating wealth and property, those who are dwelling in the center of the earth." These hold the center stage on earth as the one people to have refused to worship the wild beast and its image. Their spiritual strength ans prosperity enrage Gog. So Gog and his numerous military force, including the wild beast out of the sea with its ten horns, swarm in for the kill. Unlike Babylon the Great, however, God's clean people enjoy divine protection! -Ezekiel 38:1, 4, 11, 12, 15; Revelation 13:1.

How does Jehovah dispose of Gog and all his crowd? Listen! "'I will call forth against him throughout all my mountainous region a sword,' is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. 'Against his own brother the sword of each one will come to be.' " But neither nuclear nor conventional arms will avail in that strife, for Jehovah declares: "I will bring myself into judgment with him, with pestilence and with blood; and a flooding downpour and hailstones, fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon him and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him. And I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah." -Ezekiel 38:21-23; 39:11; compare Joshua 10:8-14; Judges 7:19-22; 2 Chronicles 20:15, 22-24; Job 38:22, 23.

Next time: The One Called "Faithful And True"

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Jesus' Role In Prophecy

The angel then says: "For the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying." (Revelation 19:10b) How so? This means that all inspired prophecy is evoked because of Jesus and the role he plays in Jehovah's purposes. The first prophecy in the Bible promised the coming of a seed. (Genesis 3:15) Jesus became that Seed. Subsequent revelations built a huge edifice of prophetic truth on this basic promise. The apostle Peter told the believing Gentile Cornelius: "To him[Jesus] all the Prophets bear witness." (Acts 10:43) Some 20 years later, the apostle Paul said: "No matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of hm [Jesus]." ( 2 Corinthians 1:20) After another 43 years, John himself reminds us: "The truth came to be through Jesus Christ." -John 1:17.

Does this detract in any way from the worship we give to Jehovah? No. Remember the angel's cautionary advice: "Worship God." Jesus never tries to rival Jehovah. (Philippians 2:6) True, all the angels are told to "do obeisance to [Jesus], " and all creation must recognize his high position so that "in the name of Jesus every knee should bend." But notice, this is "to the glory of God the Father" and by his order. (Hebrews 1:6; Philippians 2:9-11) Jehovah gave Jesus his high authority, and by acknowledging that authority, we give glory to God. If we refuse to submit to Jesus' rule, it is equivalent to rejecting Jehovah God himself. -Psalm 2:11, 12.

So, then, let us unitedly voice the opening words of Psalm 146 to 150: "Praise Jah, you people!" May the Hallelujah chorus thunder forth in anticipation of Jehovah's triumph over the Babylonish world of false religion! And may joy abound as the marriage of the Lamb approaches!

Next time: The Warrior-King Triumphs At Armageddon

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Happy Are Those Invited

John now records the fourth of the seven happinesses in Revelation: "And he [the angel who has been revealing these things to John] tells me: 'Write: Happy are those invited to the evening meal of the Lamb's marriage.' Also, he tells me: 'These are the true sayings of God.' " (Revelation 19:9) The ones invited to "the evening meal of the Lamb's marriage" are the members of the bride class. (Compare Matthew 22:1-14.) All the anointed bridal company share the happiness of having received this invitation. Most of the invitees have already gone to heaven, the place of the marital evening meal. Those who are still on earth are happy, too, that they have the invitation. Their place at the marital evening meal is secure. (John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-9) When they are resurrected to heaven, then the entire, untied bride will proceed to share with the Lamb in that supremely happy marriage.

Then angel adds that "these are the true sayings of God." This word "true"translates the Greek a-le-thi-nos' and means "genuine" or "dependable." Since these sayings are really from Jehovah, they are faithful and reliable. (Compare 1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 21:5; 22:6.) As one invited to that marriage feast, John must have been filled with joy at hearing this and at contemplating the blessings ahead for the bride class. He was so deeply moved, in fact, that the angel had to give him counsel, as John relates: "At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: 'Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus. Worship God.' " -Revelation 19:10a.

Throughout Revelation a remarkable witness is given to the faithfulness and diligence of the angels. They are involved in the channel of revealed truth. (Revelation 1:1) They work along with humans in preaching the good news and pouring out the symbolic plagues. (Revelation 14:6, 7; 16:1) They fought alongside Jesus to cast Satan and his angels from heaven, and they will fight alongside him again at Armageddon. (Revelation 12:7; 19:11-14) Indeed, they have access to the very person of Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10; Revelation 15:6) Nevertheless, they are no more than humble slaves of God. There is no room in pure worship for worship of the angels or even for relative worship, directing worship to God via some "saint"or angel. (Colossians 2:18) Christians worship only Jehovah, making their petitions to him in Jesus' name. - John 14:12, 13.

Next time: Jesus' Role In Prophecy

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

The Lamb's Wife Has Prepared Herself

So n ow, after almost 2,000 years, all 144,000 of the bride class have made themselves ready. But at what point of time may it be said that 'the Lamb's wife has prepared herself? Progressively, from Pentecost 33 C.E. on, believing anointed ones "were sealed with the promised holy spirit," this in view of a coming "day of releasing by ransom." As the apostle Paul expressed it, God "has also put his seal upon us and has given us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in our hearts." (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22) Each anointed Christian is "called ans chosen" and he has proved himself "faithful." -Revelation 17:14.

After decades of testing, Paul himself could declare: " I have fought the fine fight,I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness , which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved this manifestation." (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) The apostle's sealing appears to have been complete, even though he was still in the flesh and would yet face martyrdom. Similarly, the time must come when all remaining ones on earth of the 144,000 will have been sealed individually as belonging to Jehovah. ( 2 Timothy 2:19) This will be when the Lamb's wife will have fully prepared herself - the great majority of the 144,000 having already received their heavenly reward and those still on earth having been finally approved and sealed as faithful ones.

At this point in Jehovah's timetable, when the sealing of the 144,000 has reached completion, the angels release the four winds of the great tribulation.l (Revelation 7:1-3) First, judgment is executed on harlot like Babylon the Great. The victorious Christ next moves on quickly to Armageddon to destroy the rest of Satan's organization on earth and, finally, to abyss Satan and his demons. (Revelation 19:11-20:3) No doubt, anointed ones who survive on earth will soon enter into their heavenly reward to join their fellow members of the bride class. Then, amid a setting of universal peace, the marriage of the Lamb can take place!

The prophetic description of events in Psalm 45 confirms that order. First the enthroned King rides forth to the conquest of his enemies. (Verses 1-7) Then the marriage is performed, the heavenly bride being attended on earth by her virgin companions, the great crowd. (Verses 8-15) Next the marriage becomes fruitful, with resurrected mankind being raised to perfection under oversight of "princes in all the earth." (Verses 16, 17) What glorious blessings accompany the marriage of the Lamb!

Next time: Happy Are Those Invited.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

The Lamb's Marriage Is At Hand!

You woman enemy of mine"! That is how Jerusalem, the location of Jehovah's temple of worship, addressed idolatrous Babylon. (Micah 7:8) Likewise, "the holy city, New Jerusalem," made up of the bride of 144,000 members , has had every reason to address Babylon the Great as her enemy. (Revelation 21:2) But at last the great harlot has suffered adversity, calamity and ruin. Her spiritistic practices and astrologers have been unable to save her. (Compare Isaiah 47:1, 11-13) A major victory, indeed, for true worship!

With the disgusting harlot, Babylon the Great, gone forever, attention can now be focused on the virgin-pure bride of the Lamb! Hence, the heavenly throngs sing exultantly in praise of Jehovah: "Let us rejoice and be overjoyed, and let us give him the glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself. Yes, it has been granted to her to be arrayed in bright, clean, fine linen, for the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones." -Revelation 19:7, 8.

Down through the centuries, Jesus has made loving preparation for this celestial marriage. (Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 11:12) He has been cleansing the 144,000 of spiritual Israel so that A"he might present the congregation to himself in its splendor, not having a spot or a wrinkle or any of such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27) With a view to attaining to "the prize of the upward call of God,"each anointed Christian has had to strip off the old personality with it s practices, put on the new Christian personality, and perform righteous acts "whole-souled as to Jehovah." -Phillipians 3:8, 13, 14; Colossians 3:9, 10, 23.

From Pentecost 33 C.E. on, Satan uses Babylon the Great as his tool in trying to contaminate the prospective members of the Lamb's wife. By the end of the first century, he has sown seeds of Babylonish religion in the congregation. (1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Timothy 2:18; Revelations 2:6, 14, 20) The apostle Paul describes those who were subverting the faith in these words: "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light." (2Corinthians 11:13, 14) In succeeding centuries, apostate Christendom, like the rest of Babylon the Great dressed herself in the clothing of wealth and privilege, "purple and scarlet, . . . gold and precious stone and pearls." (Revelation 17:4) j Her clergy and popes consorted with bloodthirsty emperors, such as Constantine and Charlemagne. She was never arrayed in "the righteous acts of the holy ones." As a counterfeit bride, she was truly a masterpiece of satanic deception. At last, she is gone forever!

Next time: The Lamb's Wife Has Prepared Herself.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

'Hallelujah-Jehovah Is King!'

There are further reasons for rejoicing, as John goes on to tell us: "And I heard what was as a voice out of a great crowd and as a sound of many waters and as a sound of heavy thunders. They said: 'Hallelujah, because Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king.' " (Revelation 19:6) This last Hallelujah is the one that makes the proclamation foursquare, or symmetrical. It is a mighty celestial sound, more magnificent than any human choir, more majestic than any earthly waterfall, and more fear-inspiring than any terrestrial thunderstorm. the myriads of heavenly voices celebrate the fact that "Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king."

How is it, thought, that Jehovah begins to rule? Millenniums have passed since the psalmist declared: "God is my King from long ago." (Psalm 74:12) Jehovah's kingship was ancient even then, so how can the universal chorus sing that "Jehovah. . . . has begun to rule as king? In that when Babylon the Great is destroyed, Jehovah will no longer have that presumptuous rival to detract from obedience to him as the Universal Sovereign . No longer will false religion incite earth's rulers to oppose him. When ancient Babylon fell from world dominance, Zion heard the victorious proclamation: "Your God has become king!" (Isaiah 52:7) After the Kingdom's birth in 1914, the 24 elders proclaimed: " We thank you, Jehovah God. . . because you have taken your great power and begun ruling as king.: (Revelation 11:17) Now, after the devastation of Babylon the Great, the cry is again uttered: "Jehovah. . . has begun to rule as king." No man-made god remains to contest the sovereignty of the true God, Jehovah!

Next time: The Lamb's Marriage Is At Hand!

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Conclusion of Praise Jah For His Judgments!

In an earlier vision, John saw around the throne four living creatures, together with the 24 elders that picture the Kingdom heirs their glorious heavenly position. (Revelation 4:8-11) Now he sees them again as they thunder forth a third hallelujah over the destruction of Babylon the Great: "And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God seated upon the throne, and said: 'Amen! Hallelujah!' " (Revelation 19:4) This grand Hallelujah chorus is in addition, then , to the "new song" of praise to the Lamb. (Revelation 5:8/, 9) They sing now the magnificent victory refrain, ascribing all glory to the Sovereign Lord Jehovah because of his decisive victory over the great harlot, Babylon the Great. These Hallelujahs peal forth far more melodiously than any Hallelujah choruses sung in Christendom's churches, where Jehovah, or Jah, has been dishonored and despised. Such hypocritical singing that reproaches Jehovah's name in now silenced forever!

It was in 1918 that Jehovah began rewarding 'those fearing his name, the small and the great'-the first of these being the anointed Christians who had died faithful, whom he resurrected and stationed in the heavenly ranks of the 24 elders. (Revelation 11:18) Others join with these in singing the Hallelujahs, for John reports: "Also, a voice issued forth from the throne and said: 'Be praising our God , all you his slaves, who fear him, the small ones and the great.' " (Revelation 19:5) This is the "voice" of Jehovah's Mouthpiece, his own Son Jesus Christ, who stands "in the midst of the throne." (Revelation 5:6) Not only in heaven but also here on earth, "all you his slaves" share in the singing, with the anointed John class taking the lead one earth. How exultantly these share in obeying the command: "Be praising our God"!

Yes, those of the great crowd are also numbered among these slaves. Since 1935 these have been coming out of Babylon the Great and have experienced the fulfillment of God's promise: "He will bless those fearing Jehovah, the small ones as the great ones." (Psalm 115:13) When harlotlike Babylon is destroyed, millions of them will join in"praising our God" -along with the John class and all the heavenly host. Later, those resurrected on earth, whether previously prominent or now, will no doubt sing further Hallelujahs on learning that Babylon the Great is gone forever. (Revelation 20A:12, 15) All praise to Jehovah for his resounding victory over the age-old harlot!

What an incentive all of this gives us to share fully in God's work for today! May all of Jah's servants devote themselves heart and souls to declaring God's judgments, together with the grand Kingdom hope, now, before Babylon the Great is unseated and destroyed. -Isaiah 61:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Next time: 'Hallelujah - Jehovah is King!'

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society,1988

Prais Jah For His Judgments!

Babylon the Great is no more! This is truly joyous news. No wonder John hears happy exclamations of praise in heaven! "After these things I heard what was a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: 'Hallelujah!" The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous. For he has executed judgment upon the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged the blood of his slaves at her hand.' And right away for the second time they said: 'Hallelujah!' And the smoke from her goes on ascending forever and ever." -Revelation 19:1-3.

Hallelujah indeed! The word means "Praise Jah, you people," "Jah" being the shortened form of the divine name, Jehovah. We are here reminded of the exhortation of the psalmist: "Every breathing thing-let it praise Jah. Praise Jah, you people!" (Psalm 150:6) John's hearing the exultant heavenly chorus sing "Hallelujah!" twice at this point in Revelation demonstrates the continuity of Christian Greek Scriptures is the same as the God of the earlier Hebrew Scriptures, and Jehovah is his name. The God that caused the fall of ancient Babylon has now judged and destroyed Babylon the Great. Ascribe to him all glory for that feat! The power maneuvered her downfall belongs to him rather than to the nations that he used as instruments in desolating her. To Jehovah alone we must attribute salvation., -Isaiah 12:2; Revelation 54:11; 7:10, 12.

Why has the great harlot been so deserving of this judgment? According to the law that Jehovah gave to Noah-and through him to all mankind-the wanton shedding of blood calls for the death sentence. This was stated again in God's Law to Israel. (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:20, 21) Moreover, under that Mosaic Law both physical and spiritual adultery merited death. (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 13:1-5) For thousands of years Babylon the Great has been blood guilty, and she is a gross fornicatrix. For example, the policy of the Roman Catholic Church of forbidding her priests to many has resulted in gross immorality on the part of many of them, not a few of these today contracting AIDS. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1Timothy 4:1-3) But her major sins, 'massing together clear up to heaven,' are her shocking acts of spiritual fornication-this latter in teaching falsehoods and allying herself with corrupt politicians. (Revelation 18:5) Since her punishment has finally overtaken her,the heavenly multitude now echoes a second Hallelujah.

Babylon the great has been set afire like a conquered city, and the smoke from her "goes on ascending forever and ever." When a literal city is burned by conquering armies, the smoke keeps ascending as long as the ashes are hot. Anyone who tries to rebuild it while it is still smoking will simply get burned by the smoldering ruins. Since the smoke from Babylon the Great will rise "forever and ever" in token of the finality of her judgment, no one will ever be able to restore that iniquitous city. False religion is gone forever. Hallelujah, indeed! -Compare Isaiah 34:5, 9, 10.

Next time: Continue with Praise Jah For His Judgments!

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society,1988

The conclusion of An Appalling Bloodguilt

One way is that many wars are related to religious differences. For example, the violence in India between Muslim and Hindus in 1946-48 was religiously motivated. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost. The conflict between Iraq and Iran in the 1980's is related to sectarian differences with hundreds of thousands being killed. Violence between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland has taken thousands of lives. The continuing violence in Lebanon is religiously based . Surveying this field, columnist C.L. Sulzberger said in 1976: "It is a dismal truth that probably half or more of the wars now being fought around the world are either openly religious conflicts or involved with religious disputes." Indeed, it has been so throughout the turbulent history of Babylon the Great.

What is the second way? From Jehovah's viewpoint, the world's religions are blood guilty because they have not convincingly taught their followers the truth of Jehovah's requirements for his servants. They have not convincingly taught people that God's true worshipers must imitate Jesus Christ and show love toward others regardless of their national origin. (Micah 4:3, 5; John 13:34, 35; Acts 10:34, 35; 1 John 3:10-12) Because the religions making up Babylon the Great have not taught these things, their adherents have been drawn in to the vortex of international warfare. How evident this was in the two world wars of the first half of the century, both of which started in Christendom and resulted in fellow religionists' slaughtering one another! If all who claimed to be Christians had adhered to Bible principles, those wars could never have taken place.

Jehovah lays the blame for all this bloodshed at the feet of Babylon the Great. Had the religious leaders, and particularly those in Christendom, taught their people Bible truth, such massive bloodshed would not have occurred. Truly, then, directly or indirectly, Babylon the Great-the great harlot and world of false religion-must answer to Jehovah not only for "the blood of prophets and of holy ones" whom she has persecuted and killed but for the blood "of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth." Babylon the Great does indeed carry an appalling blood guilt. Good riddance when her final destruction takes place!

Next time: Praise Jah For His Judgments!

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible Tract And Society, 1988

An Appalling Bloodguilt

in conclusion, the strong angel tells why Jehovah judges Babylon the Great so severely. "Yes, says the angel, "in her was found the blood of prophets and of holy ones and of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth." (Revelation 18:24) When on earth, Jesus told the religious leader in Jerusalem that they were accountable for "all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel" onward. Accordingly, that crooked generation was destroyed in 70 C.E. (Matthew 23:35-38) Today, another generation of religionists bears blood guilt for its persecution of God's servants.

In his book The Catholic Church and Nazi Germany, Guenter Lewy writes: "When Jehovah's Witnesses were suppressed in Bavaria on April 13 [1933] the Church even accepted the assignment given it by the Ministry of Education and Religion of reporting on any member of the sect still practicing the forbidden religion." The Catholic Church thus shares responsibility for consigning thousands of Witnesses to concentration camps, its hands are stained by the lifeblood of hundreds of Witnesses who were executed. When young Witnesses, such as Wilhelm Kusserow, showed that they could die courageously by a firing squad, Hitler decided that the firing squad was too good for conscientious objectors; so Wilhelm's brother Wolfgang, at 20 years of age died by the guillotine. At the same time, the Catholic Church was encouraging young German Catholics to die in the army of the fatherland. The blood guilt of the church is plain to see!

However, the prophecy says that the blood of "all those who have been slaughtered on the earth" must be charged to Babylon the Great. That has certainly been true in modern times. For example, since Catholic intrigue helped to bring Hitler to power in Germany, the Vatican shares in a terrible blood guilt with regard to the six million Jews that died in Nazi programs. Further, in this 20th century alone, well over a hundred million people have been killed in hundreds of wars. Is false religion to blame in this connection? Yes, in two ways.

Next time: Continue with An Appalling Blood guilt

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

The Conclusion of Hurling A Great Millstone

The strong angel now addresses Babylon the Great, saying: "And the sound of singers who accompany themselves on harp and of musicians and of flutists and of trumpeters will never be heard in you again, and no craftsman of any trade will ever be found in you again, and no sound of a millstone will ever be heard in you again, and no light of a lamp will ever shine in you again, and no voice of a bridegroom and no bride will ever be heard in you again; because your traveling merchants were the top-ranking men of the earth, for by your spiritistic practice all the nations were misled."Revelation 18:22, 23.

In comparable terms, Jeremiah prophesied concerning apostate Jerusalem: "I will destroy out of them the sound of exultation and the sound of rejoicing. the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the hand mill and the light of the lamp. And all this land must become a devastated place, an object of astonishment." (Jeremiah 25:10, 11) As the principal pat of Babylon the Great, Christendom will become a lifeless ruin, as so vividly depicted by Jerusalem's desolate condition after 607 B.C.E. The Christendom that once rejoiced lightheartedly and bustled with everyday noise will find herself conquered and abandoned.

Indeed, as the angel here tells John, all of Babylon the Great will change from a powerful, international empire to an arid, desert-like wasteland. Her "traveling merchants," Including top-ranking millionaires, have used her religion for personal advantage or as a cover-up, and the clergy have found it profitable to share the limelight with them. But those merchants will no longer have Babylon the Great as their accomplice. No more will she be hoodwinking the nations of the earth with her mystic religious practices.

Next time: An Appalling Blood guilt.
Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Hurling A Great Millstone

What John next sees confirms that Jehovah's judgment of Babylon the Great is final: "And a strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: 'Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again.' " (Revelation 18:21) In Jeremiah's time, a similar act with powerful prophetic meaning was performed . Jeremiah was inspired to write in a book "all the calamity that would come upon Babylon." He gave the book to Seraiah and told him to travel to Babylon. There, following Jeremiah's instructions, Seraiah read a declaration against the city: "O Jehovah, you yourself have spoken against this place, in order to cut it off so that there may come to be in it no inhabitant, either man or even domestic animal, but that she may become mere desolate wastes to time indefinite." Seraiah then tied a stone to the book and threw it into the river Euphrates, saying: "This is how Babylon will sink down and never rise up because of the calamity that I am bringing in upon her." - Jeremiah 51:59-64.

The throwing of the book with the attached stone into the river was a guarantee that Babylon would plunge into oblivion, never to recover. The apostle John's seeing a strong angel perform a similar act is likewise a powerful guarantee that Jehovah's purpose toward Babylon the Great will be fulfilled. The completely ruined condition of ancient Babylon today testifies powerfully to what will befall false religion in the near future.

Next time: Continue with Hurling A Great Millstone.
Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Rejoicing Over Her Annihilation

When ancient Babylon was overthrown by the Medes and the Persians, Jeremiah prophetically said: "And over Babylon the heavens and the earth and all that is in them will certainly cry out joyfully." (Jeremiah 51:48) When Babylon the Great is destroyed, the voice out of heaven climaxes its message, saying of Babylon the Great: "Be glad over her, O heaven, also you holy ones and you apostles and you prophets, because God has judicially exacted punishment for you from her!" (Revelation 18:20) Jehovah and the angels will be delighted to see the annihilation of God's ancient enemy, as will the apostles and early Christian prophets, who by now are resurrected and have taken their position in the 24-elders arrangement. -Compare Psalm 97:8-12.

Indeed, all the "holy ones" - whether resurrected to heaven or still surviving on earth-will cry out for joy, as will the associated great crowd of other sheep. In time, all the faithful men of old will be resurrected into the new system of things, and they too will join in the rejoicing. God's people have not tried to avenge themselves on their false religious persecutors. they have remembered Jehovah's words: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah." (Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35, 41-43) Well, Jehovah has now repaid. All the blood spilled by Babylon the Great will have been avenged.

Next time:Hurling A Great Millstone.
Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible And Tract Society, 1988

Merchants Weep And Mourn

The kings of the earth are not the only ones to regret the passing of Babylon the Great. "Also, the traveling merchants of the earth are weeping and mourning over her, because there is no one to buy their full stock anymore, a full stock of gold and silver and precious stone and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet; and everything in scented wood and every sort of ivory object and every sort of object out of most precious wood and of copper and of iron and of marble; also cinnamon and Indian spice and incense and perfumed oil, frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat and cattle and sheep, and horses and coaches and slaves and human souls. Yes, the fine fruit that your soul desired has departed from you [Babylon the Great], and all the dainty things and the gorgeous things have perished from you, and never again will people find them." -Revelation 18:11-14.

Yes, Babylon the Great was a close friend and a good customer of wealthy merchants. For example, the monasteries, nunneries and churches in Christendom have over their centuries acquired huge amounts of gold, silver, precious stones, valuable woods, and other forms of material wealth. Further, religion's blessing has been bestowed on the lavish buying sprees and drunken orgies that accompany the celebration of the Christ-dishonoring Christmas and other so-called holy days. Christendom's missionaries have penetrated distant lands, opening up new markets for "the traveling merchants" of this world. In 17th-century Japan, Catholicism, which had come with the traders, even became involved in feudal warfare. Reporting on a decisive battle under the walls of Osaka Castle, The Encyclopedia Britannica states: "The Tokugawa troops found themselves fighting against a foe whose banners were emblazoned with the cross and with images of the Saviour and St. James, the patron saint of Spain.," The victorious faction persecuted and practically wiped out Catholicism in that land. The Church's participation in worldly affairs today will likewise bring her no blessing.

The voice out of heaven says further: "The traveling merchants of these thins, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and will weep and mourn, saying, 'too bad, too bad-the great city, clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet, and richly adorned with gold ornament and precious stone and pearl, because in one hour such great riches have been devastated!' " (Revelation 18:15-17a ) With the destruction of Babylon the Great, the "merchants" mourn at the loss of that commercial partner. Truly, it is "too bad, too bad" for them. Notice, though, that their reasons for mourning are entirely selfish and that they- like the kings-"stand at a distance." They do not get close enough to be of any help to Babylon the Great.

The account goes on: "And every s hip captain and every man that voyages anywhere, and sailors and all those who make a living by the sea, stood at a distance and cried out as they looked at the smoke from the burning of her and said, 'What city is like the great city?' And they threw dust upon their heads and cried out, weeping and mourning, and said, 'Too bad, too bad - the great city, in which all those having boats at sea became rich by reason of her costliness, because in one hour she has been devastated!' " (Revelation 18:17b-19) Ancient Babylon was a commercial city and had a great fleet of ships. Similarly, Babylon the Great does much business by the "many waters" of her people. This provides employment for many of her religious subjects. What an economic blow the destruction of Babylon the Great will be for these! There will never be for these! There will never be another source of livelihood like her.

Next time: Rejoicing Over Her Annihilation.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1988.

Mourning And Rejoicing At Babylon's End

Babylon's end is good news for Jehovah's people, but how do the nations view it? John tells us: " And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her, when they look at the smoke from the burning of her, while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say, 'Too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!' " -Revelation 18:9, 10.

The nation's reaction may seem surprising in view of the fact that Babylon was destroyed by the symbolic ten horns of the scarlet-colored wild beast. (Revelation 17:16) But when Babylon is gone, "the kings of the earth" will evidently realize how useful she was to them in keeping the people pacified and in subjection. The clergy have declared wars to be sacred, acted as recruiting agents, and preached the youth into battle lines. Religion has provided a screen of holiness behind which corrupt rulers have operated in oppressing the common people. (Compare Jeremiah 5:30, 31; Matthew 23:27, 28) Notice, however, that these grief - stricken kings now stand at a distance from the doomed city. They do not get close enough to come to her aid. They are said to see her go but not sad enough to take risks in her behalf. Revelation At Hand!

Next time: Merchants Weep And Mourn.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1988.

Conclusion of "Get Out Of Her, My People"

How, though, do God's people get out of Babylon the Great? In the case of ancient Babylon, the Jews had to make physical journey for the city of Babylon all the way back to the Promised Land. But more was involve than that. Isaiah prophetically told the Israelites: "Turn away, turn away, get out of there, touch nothing unclean; get out from the midst of her, keep yourselves clean, you who are carrying the utensils of Jehovah." (Isaiah 52:11) Yes, they has to abandon all unclean practices of Babylonish religion that might tarnish their worship of Jehovah.

The apostle Paul quoted Isaiah's words in his letter to the Corinthians, saying: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness?. . . Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing.' " The Corinthian Christians did not have to leave Corinth in order to obey that command. They did, however, physically have to avoid the unclean temples of false religion, as well as spiritually separate themselves from the unclean acts of those idol worshipers. In 1919 God's people began to flee from Babylon the Great in this way, cleansing themselves of any residual unclean teachings and practices. Thus, they were able to serve him as his purified people. -2Corinthians 6:14-17; 1 John 3:3.

Ancient Babylon's fall and eventual desolation was a punishment for her sins: "For clear to the heavens her judgment has reached." (Jeremiah 51:9) Similarly, the sins of Babylon the Great have "massed together clear up to heaven," so as to come to the attention of Jehovah himself. She is guilty of injustice, idolatry, immorality, oppression, robber and murder. Ancient Babylon's fall was, in part, vengeance for what she had done to Jehovah's temple and his true worshipers. (Jeremiah 50:8, 14; 51:11, 35, 36) The fall of Babylon the Great and her eventual destruction likewise expressions of vengeance for what she has done to true worshipers over the centuries. Indeed, her final destruction is the beginning of "the day of vengeance on the part of our God." -Isaiah 34:8-10; 61:2; Jeremiah 50:28.

Under the Mosaic Law, if an Israelite stole from his fellow countrymen, he had to pay back at least double in compensation. (Exodus 22:1, 4, 7, 9) In the coming destruction of Babylon the Great, Jehovah will apply a comparable standard of justice. She is to receiver twice as much as she gave out. There will be no mercy to temper this justice because Babylon the Great has shown no mercy to her victims. She fed parasitically on the peoples of the earth to keep herself in "shameless luxury." Now she will experience suffering and mourning. Ancient Babylon felt that she was in an absolutely secure position, boasting: "I shall not sit as a widow, and I shall not know the loss of children." (Isaiah 47:8, 9, 11) Babylon the Great also feels secure. But her destruction, decreed by Jehovah, who "is strong," will happen quickly, as if " in one day!"

Next time: Mourning And Rejoicing At Babylon's End.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1988.

"Get Out Of Her, My People"

John's next words point to a further fulfillment of the prophetic patterns: "And I heard another voice out of heaven say: 'Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her past sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.' " (Revelation 18:4) Prophecies of ancient Babylon's fall in the Hebrew Scriptures also include Jehovah's command to his people: "Take you flight out of the midst of Babylon." (Jeremiah 50:8, 13) Similarly, in view of the coming desolation of Babylon the Great, God's people are now urged to escape. In 537 B.C.E. the opportunity to escape from Babylon caused so much rejoicing on the part of faithful Israelites. In the same way, the release of God's people from Babylonish captivity in 1919 led to rejoicing on their part. (Revelation 11:11, 12) and since that time millions of others have obeyed the order to flee. -Compare Matthew 24:15, 16.

Is it really so urgent to flee out of Babylon the Great, withdrawing from membership in the world's religions and making a complete separation? Its, for we need to take God's view of this age-old religious monstrosity, Babylon the Great. He did not mince words in calling her the great harlot. So now the voice out of heaven informs John further concerning this whore: "For her sins have massed together to clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind. Render to her even as she herself rendered, and do to her twice as much, yes, twice the number of the things she did; in the cup in which she put a mixture put twice as much of the mixture for her. To the extent that she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent give her torment and mourning. For in her heart, she keeps saying, 'I sit as queen, and I am no widow, and I shall never see mourning.' That is why in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong. -Revelation 18:5-8

Strong words, those! So action is required. Jeremiah urged the Israelites in is day to act, saying: "Flee out of the midst of Babylon. . . for it is time the time of vengeance belonging to Jehovah. There is a treatment that he is paying back to her. Get out of the midst of her, O my people, and provide each one his soul with escape from the burning anger of Jehovah." (Jeremiah 51:6, 45) In a similar way, the voice out of heaven warns God's people today to flee from Babylon the Great in order not to receive part of her plagues. Jehovah's plague like judgments on this world, including Babylon the Great, are now being proclaimed. (Revelation 8:1-9:21; 16:1-21) God's people need to separate themselves from false religion if they themselves do not want to suffer these plagues, and ultimately die with her. Besides, remaining within that organization would make them share in her sins. T hey would be as guilty as she is of spiritual adultery and of shedding the blood "of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth." -Revelation 18:24; compare Ephesians 5:11; 1Timothy 5:22.

Next time: Continue with "Get Out Of Her, My People."

The Traveling Merchants

Who are "the traveling merchants of the earth?" No doubt we would today call them traders, commercial giants, wheeler-dealers of big business. This is not to say that it is wrong to engage in legitimate business. The Bible provides wise counsel for business people, warning against dishonesty, greed and the like. (Proverbs 11:1; Zechariah 7:9, 10; James 5:1-5) The greater gain is "godly devotion along with self sufficiency." (1Timothy 6:6, 17-19) However, Satan's world does not follow righteous principles. Corruption abounds. It is to be found in religion, in politics-and in big business. From time to time, the news media expose scandals, such as embezzlement by high government officials and illegal trafficking in arms.

International trading in arms is soaring beyond $1,000,000,000,000 each year, while hundreds of millions of humans are deprived of life's necessities. That is bad enough. But armaments appear to be a basic support of the world's economy. On April 11, 1987, an article in London's Spectator reported: "Counting only directly related industries, some 400,000 jobs are involved in the U.S. and 750,000 in Europe. But curiously enough, as the social and economic role of building weapons has grown, the actual question of whether the producers are well defended has slipped into the background." Huge profits are made as bombs and other weaponry are traded all over the earth, even to potential enemies. Some day those bombs may come back in a fiery holocaust to destroy those selling them. What a paradox! Add to this the graft that surrounds the arms industry. in the United States alone, according to the Spectator, "every year the Pentagon inexplicably loses $900-million worth of arms and equipment." It is no wonder that the merchants of the earth come up for unfavorable mention in Revelation!

As foretold by the glorious angel, religion has been deeply involved in such corrupt business practices. For example, there is the Vatican's involvement in the collapse of Italy's Banco Ambrosiano in 1982. The case has dragged on through the 1980's, the unanswered question being: Where did the money go? In February 1987 Milan magistrates issued arrest warrants for three Vatican clerics, including an American archbishop, on charges that they were accessories to fraudulent bankruptcy, but the Vatican rejected an extradition request. In July 1987, amid an uproar of protest, the warrants were nullified by Italy's highest Court of Appeals on the basis of an old treaty between the Vatican and the Italian government.

Did Jesus have a tie-in with questionable business practices of his day? No. He was not even a property owner, for he had "nowhere to lay down his head." A rich young ruler was advised by Jesus: " Sell all the things you have and distribute to poor people, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come be my follower." That was fine admonition, for it could have resulted in his getting rid of all anxieties over business matters. (Luke 9:58; 18:22) In contrast, Babylonish religion often has unsavory links with big business. For example, in 1987 the Albany Times Union reported that the financial administrator of the Catholic archdiocese of Miami, Florida U.S.A., admitted to the church's owning stocks in companies that make nuclear weapons, R-rated movies and cigarettes.

Next time: "Get Out Of Her, My People."

Completion of Passion-Arousing Wine

"In his Pastoral Letter of the 19th of October [1935], the Bishop of Udine [Italy] wrote, 'It is neither timely nor fitting for us to pronounce on the rights and wrongs of the case. Our duty as Italians, and still more as Christians is to contribute to the success of our arms.' The Bishop of Padua wrote on the 21st of October, 'In the difficult hours through which we are passing,we ask you to have faith in our statesmen and armed forces.' On the 24th of October, the Bishop of Cremona consecrated a number of regimental flags and said: "The blessing of God be upon these soldiers who, on African soil, will conquer new and fertile lands for the Italian genius, thereby bringing to them Roman and Christian culture. May Italy stand once again as the Christian mentor to the whole world.' "

Abyssinia was raped, with the blessing of the Roman Catholic clergy. Could any of these claim, in any sense, that they were like the apostle Paul in being "clean from the blood of all men"? -Acts 20:26.

Add to Germany, Italy and Abyssinia another nation that has fallen victim to the fornication of Babylon the Great-Spain. The Civil War of 1936-39 in that land was sparked, in part, by the democratic government's taking steps to reduce the huge power of the Roman Catholic Fascist leader of the revolutionary forces, Franco, described himself as "the Christian Generalissimo of the Holy Crusade," a title that he later dropped. Several hundred thousand Spaniards died in the fighting . Apart from this, according to a conservative estimate, Franco's Nationalists had murdered 40,000 popular Front members, while the latter had murdered 80,000 clerics-monks, priests, nuns and novices. Such is the horror and tragedy of civil war. Illustrating the wisdom of heeding Jesus' words: "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) How disgusting that Christendom gets involved in such massive bloodshed! Her clergy have indeed failed utterly to "beat their swords into plowshares."! - Isaiah 2:4.

Next time: The Traveling Merchants.