"STAND FIRM AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH"

TODAY, mankind faces events of a magnitude never previously experienced.  Foretelling this about our day, Jesus warned his followers:  "There will be great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short." -Matthew 24:21, 22.

Unseen to human eyes, heavenly forces are now holding back that great tribulation.  The apostle John was privileged to see the reason for this restraint in a revelation given to him by Jesus.  Here is how the aged apostle described it:  "I saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding tight the four winds of the earth . . . And I saw another angel ascending from the sun rising, having a seal  of the living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels . . .'Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God into their foreheads.' " -Revelation 7:1-3.

The final sealing of the anointed "slaves of our God" is approaching completion.  The four angels are ready to release those destructive winds.  When they do, what will happen first?  An angel answers that question:  "With a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again."  (Revelation 18:21) What heavenly  rejoicing there will be when this happens when the world empire of false religion is destroyed! -Revelation 19:1, 2. 

Next time: Conclusion of: "STAND FIRM AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007