Conclusion of Revelation And You

Once again, Jehovah God emphasizes his eternal sovereignty and the fact that what he first purposes he will at last perform. He is "coming quickly" to execute judgment and will reward those earnestly seeking him. (Hebrews 11:6) His standards determine who will be rewarded and who will be rejected. The clergy of Christendom have acted like "speechless dogs," winking at the vices that Jehovah here describes. (Isaiah 56:10-12; see also Deuteronomy 23:18, New Word Translation Reference Bible, footnote.) Certainly, they have 'liked and carried on' lying doctrines and dogmas and have totally ignored the counsel of Jesus to the seven congregations. Hence, they have no share in New Jerusalem.

Only those anointed Christians who truly "wash their robes" so as to be clean in Jehovah's eyes are privileged to "go to the trees of life." That is, they receive the right and title to immortal life in their heavenly position. (Compare Genesis 3:22-24; Revelation 2:7; 3:4, 5) After their death as humans, they gain entrance into New Jerusalem by resurrection. The 12 Angels allow them in, while keeping out any who practice lies or uncleanness through claiming to have a heavenly hope. The great crowd on earth also have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" and need to maintain their clean standing. This they can do by avoiding the vices that Jehovah here warns against, as well as by taking to heart Jesus' admonition in his seven messages to the congregations. -Revelation 7;14; chapters 2 and 3.

After Jehovah, Jesus speaks. He addresses words of encouragement to right hearted ones who read Revelation, saying: " I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you people of these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star." (Revelation 22:16) Yes, these words are primarily "for the congregations." This is a message, first of all, for the congregations of anointed Christians, who will inhabit New Jerusalem. Through that congregation, the great crowd is also privileged to gain understanding of these precious prophetic truths. -John 17:18-21.

Jesus Christ was entrusted with conveying Revelation to John and through him to the congregation. Jesus is both "the root and the offspring of David." he descended from David according to the flesh and thus is qualified to be King of Jehovah's Kingdom. he will also become "David's Eternal Father," and thus David's "root." (Isaiah 9;6,; 11:1, 10) Hie is the permanent, immortal King in David's line, fulfilling Jehovah's covenant with David, and "the bright morning star" foretold in Moses' Day. (Numbers 24:17; Psalm 89:34-37) He is the "daystar" that rises, causing the day to dawn. (2 Peter 1:19) All the wiles of the great enemy Babylon the Great were not able to prevent this glorious rising.

Next time: Say: "Come!"

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