Chapter Three/Things That Must Shorty Take Place

Conclusion of Channel of Communication

These visions in Revelation  are not presented in chronological order. Each has its own time period of fulfillment. Many of the visions echo words of earlier prophecies that provide clues as to their interpretation.   For example, Daniel's  prophecy described four fearsome beasts, explaining that these portrayed ruling powers on earth. Hence, we are helped to understand that the beasts of Revelation represent political entities, including those now existing. -Daniel 7:1-8, 17; Revelation  13:2, 11-13; 17:3. 

John was faithful in bearing witness to the message that God through Jesus Christ gave to him.  He described in detail "all the things he saw."  The John class has earnestly sought guidance from God and Jesus Christ in order to understand the prophecy fully and make known it fine points to God's people. For the benefit of the anointed congregation (and also of the international great crowd that God will preserve alive through  the great tribulation), John writes:  "Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near." -Revelation 1:3. 

You will benefit greatly by reading Revelation and even more so by observing the things written in it. John explained in one of his letters:  "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments, and yet his commandments  are not burdensome because everything that has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith."  (1 John 5:3, 4)  You can become supremely happy by building such a faith!

It is urgent that we observe the words of the prophecy,  "for the appointed time is near. The appointed time for what?  For the fulfillment of the prophecies of Revelation, including God's judgments.  The time is near for God and Jesus Christ to execute final judgment on Satan's world system.  When Jesus was here on earth, he stated that only his Father knew "that day or the hour."  Looking ahead to the troubles that have multiplied here on earth from World War I onward, Jesus also  said:   "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen." So the appointed time for executing God's  decision must be drawing perilously close. (Mark 13:8, 30-32) As Habakkuk  2:3 states:  "The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late."  Our salvation  through the great tribulation depends on our observing God's prophetic Word. -Matthew 24:20-22.

Next time:  Chapter Four'/Jesus Comes With Encouragement

From the book of Revelation