"GLAD TIDINGS" FROM THE APOCALYPSE

What Revelation Holds for Us

The opening chapter of the book of Revelation presents Jehovah as "the Alpha and the Omega, . . .the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty." And it presents his Son, Jesus Christ, as "the Faithful Witness," the first born from the dead," and "the Ruler of the kings of the earth." It also speaks of Jesus as "him hat loves us and that loosed us from our sins by means of his own blood." (Revelation 1:5, 8) Thus, from the outset, Revelation expounds fundamental life-saving truths. "Those who dwell on the earth" will not benefit from the glad tidings brought to them unless they recognize the sovereignty of Jehovah, put faith in the shed blood of Jesus, and believe that Jehovah resurrected him and that Christ is now earth's God-appointed Ruler. -Psalm 2:6-8

The next two chapters depict Christ Jesus as the loving heavenly Overseer of the congregations of his disciples on earth. The scroll addressed to a selection of seven Christian congregations that existed in Asia Minor in the first century C.E. contained encouragement and firm counsel that still apply today. The messages sent to the congregations usually begin with such words as "I know your deeds" or "I know your tribulation." (Revelation 2:2, 9) Yes, Christ knew exactly what was going on in the congregation of his disciples. He commended some for their love, faith, labor in the ministry, endurance and faithfulness to his name and word. Others he reproved because they had let their love for Jehovah and his Son cool off, or they had lapsed into sexual immorality, idolatry, or apostate sectarianism.

Chapter 4 provides an awe-inspiring vision of the heavenly throne of Jehovah God. It offers a glimpse of the glory of Jehovah's presence and of the heavenly ruling structure he will use. The crowned rulers, whose thrones encircle the central throne of the universe, do obeisance to Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created." -Revelation 4:11.

Does this mean something in chapter 4 today? It certainly does. If they want life under the Millennial Kingdom, hey must heed what the "angel flying in midheaven" proclaims: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived." (Revelation 147:6, 7) On of the main purposes of the Bible educational work carried out by Jehovah's Witnesses is to help "those who dwell on the earth" to know and worship Jehovah,m recognize his Creatorship, and willingly submit to his righteous sovereignty.

Next time: The Lamb Worth of Honor

Watchtower, 1999