Revelation - What It Means for Your Future - A GLORIOUS CITY AND YOUR FUTURE

  Next, Revelation chapter 21 compares the 144,000 to an extremely beautiful city called "New Jerusalem." (Revelation 21:2, 9) This city is based on 12 foundation stones that have written on them "the 12  names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb."  Why would this fact capture John's interest? Because he sas his name written on one of those stones. What a grand privilege! - REVELATION 21:10-14; EPHESIANS 2:20. 

This symbolic city looks like no other. It has  a main street of pure gold, 12 gates of pearl, walls and foundations adorned with precious stones-and with perfectly balanced measurements.  (Revelation 21:15-21)  Still, something seems to be missing! Notice what John next tells us:  "I did not see a temple in it, for Jehovah Godthe Almighty is the temple, also the Lamb is. And the city has not need of the sun or the mpon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp was the Lamb." (Revelation 21:22, 23)  Those who make up the New Jerusalem will have direct access to Jehovah.  (Hebrews 7:27; Revelation 22:3, 4)  Thus, Jehovah and Jesus are the temple in that city.

It is thrilling for the anointed to comtemplate this city.  But those who cherish the earthly hope also have reason to be interested in it.  During the Thousand Year Reign of God's Kingdom, the New Jerusalem will bring countless  blessings.  John sees these blessings flowing forth as "a river of water of life."  And on both sides of the river are "the trees of life" that produce leaves "for the healing of the nations."  (Revelation 22:1, 2) All humans then living will have an opportunity to benefit from those provisions. Gradually, all obedient humankind will be brought to perfection.  There will no more sickness, no more pain, and no more tears of sorrow. - REVELATION 21:3-5.

Who will benefit  from these wonderful provisions? First of all, the great crowd of Armadeddpm survivors. along with any children who may be born  in the new world. But Revelation chapter 20 Also promises  that the dead will be resurrected.  (Read Revelation 20:11-13.)  Faithful "righteous" ones who died in the past  along with the "unrighteous" ones-who did not receive an adequate opportunity to learn about Jehovah-will all come back to life here on earth.  (Acts 24:15; John 5:28, 29)  Does this mean that everyone will be resurrected to life on earth during the Thousand Year Reign?  No.  Those who wickedly rejected the opportunity to serve Jehovah before their death will not be raised to life. They had their chance and proved they were not worthy of life on the Paradise earth. - MATTHEW 25:46; 2 THESSALONIANS 1:9; REVELATION 17:8; 20:15. 

Next time: Revelation-What It Means for Your Future - THE FINAL OUTCOME

From the jw.org publications 

Revelation -What It Means for Your Future - AFTER THE WAR, A WEDDING

 Just imagine how faithful ones on earth will feel to survive the total  destruction of God's enemies!  What a time of rejoicing that will be!  Although there will be a great shout of joy in heaven when Babylon the Great is destroyed, there is something else that will bring greater joy.  (Revelation 19:1-3)  It is, in fact, the climax of the book of Revelation-"the marriage of the Lamb." - REVELATION 19:6-9.

When does the marriage take place?  All the 144,000 will be in heaven just before the war of Armageddon is fought. However, that will not be the time for the marriage of the Lamb.  (Revelation 21:1, 2.) The marriage of the Lamb takes place after the war of Armageddon has been fought and all of God's enemies have been removed. - PSALM 445:3, 4, 13-17.  

What does the marriage of the Lamb really mean for those involved?  Well,  just as a marriage joins a man and a woman together, so this symbolic marriage unites the King, Jesus Christ, with his bride,: te 144,000.  That climatic event inauguarates the new government that will rule the earth for 1,000 years. - REVELATION 20:6. 

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for  Your Future - A GLORIOUS CITY AND YOUR FUTURE

From the jw.org publications

Revelation - What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO OPPOSE GOD

 As mentioned in the preceding article, the political elements of this world will soon turn on Babylon the Great, the world empire false religion.  (Revelation 17:16, 17)  This action will mark the beginning of the great tribulation.  Will this result in a flood of new ones deciding to turn to the worship of Jehovah?  No. To the contrary, Revelation chapter 6 shows that at that critical time, people who are not serving Jehovah will seek protectioon and commercial systems of this world,which are compared to mountains. Since those people will not take a stand in favor of God's Kingdom, Jehovah will consider them to be opposers. - LUKE 11:23; REVELATION 6:15-17.

Truly, Jehovah's faithful servants will stand out as different during that desperate time of tribulation.  They will be the only group of people on earth serving God and refusing to give their support to "the wild beast." (Revelation 13:114-17)  Their firm stand will provoke the rage of those who oppose Jehovah. As  a result, a coalition of nations will attack God's people all over the earthy. This act of mad aggression is described prophetically as the attack of Gog of Magog. - EZEKIEL 38:14-16.

How will Jehovah react to this vicious attack?  He tells us: "My great rage will flare up." (Ezekiel 38:18m 21-23) Revelation chapter 19 describes what happens next.  Jehovah sends forth His Son to defend His people and to defeat their enemies.  Jesus will be joined in this counterattack by "th armies in heaven"-The faithful angels together with the 144,000.  (Revelation 17:14; 19:11-15) What is the outcome of this war?  The total annihiliation of all humans and organizations opposing Jehovah! - Read REVELATION 19:19-21.

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for Your Future -  AFTER THE WAR, A WEDDDING

From the jw.org publications

Revelation - What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR FAITHFUL ONES

 In a vision, the apostle John sees two groups who support Jehovah's rulership and receive the blessings of everlasting life.  The first group numbers  144,000. (Revelation 7:4)  They are taken from the earth to form a government, or Kingdom with  Jesus in heaven. Along with him, they rule over the earth.  (Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:3, 4) In the visiojn, John sees them standing with Jesus on heavenly Mount Zion. - REVELATION 14:1. 

Down through  the centuries, thousands have selected to be part of the 144,000.  (Luke 12:32; Romans 8:17)  John, however, is told that only a remnant, or a small numer, would be alive on earth during the last days.  These "remaining ones" will receive their final "seal" of Jehovah's approval  before the outbreak of the great tribulation. (Revelation 7:2, 3; 12:17)  Then sometime during the great tribulation, this remnant will be taken to heaven to join the rest of the 144,000, who have already died faithful.  There they will become corulers with Jesus in God's Kingdom.  - MATTHEW 24:31; REVELATION 5:9, 10. 

After seeing the heavenly group, John sees "a great crowd."  Unlike the 144,000, this group cannot be numbered.  (Revelation 7:9, 10) What do we learn about them?  John is told:  "These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14) Upon surviving  the great tribulation, this "great crowd" will live here on earth and enjoy amazing blessings. - PSALMS 37:9-1; PROVERBS  2:21,22; REVELATION 7:16, 17.

Whether we have been selected to go to heaven or will remain here on  eartg, do we see outselves in this description recorded in Revelation chapter 7?  We should.  What an exciting time that will be for both groups of God's servants!  We will be overjoyed that we chose to support Jehovah's rulership.  What else does the book of Revelation tell us about the great tribulation? - MATTHEW 24:21.

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO OPPOSE GOD

From the  jw.org publications

Revelation - What It Means for Your Future

 "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus." - REVELATION 22:20.

PEOPLE today have an important decision to make.  Will they support Jehovah God as the rightful Ruler of the universe, or will they stad behind his vicious enemy, Satan the Devil?  There is no middle ground.Whatever decision they make will affect their everlasting future.  (Matthew 25:31-33)  During "the great tribulation," they will be marked either for survival or for destruction. - REVELATION 7:14; 14:9-11; EZEKIEL 9:4, 6.

Read Hebrews 10:35-39.   If you have chosen to support Jehovah's rulership, you have made a wise decision. Now you are eager to help others make the right choice.  To that end, you can use the information in the book of Revelation to help them.  That remarkable book reveals what will happen to those who oppose Jehovah, but it also highlightes the blessings that come to those who loyally support his rulership.  We do well to consider such vital truths.  Doing so will strengthen our resolve to keep on serving Jehovah.   In addition, we can use what we have learned to help others make the right decisionand stick to it.

In this article, we will consider these questions:  What is in store for those who support  God's rulership?  On the other hand, what will happen to those who choose to support the scarlet-colored wild beast, portrayed  in the pages of the book of Revelation?

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR FAITHFUL ONES

From the jw.org publications

Revelations - What It Means to God's Enemies - THE JUDGMENT ON GOD'S GREATEST ENEMY

 The Fiery-Colored Dragon 

The book of Revelation also describes "a great fiery-colored dragon." (Revelation 12:3) This dragon fights against Jesus and his angels.  (Revelation 12:7-9) It attacks God's people, and it gives power to the political beasts.  (Revelation 12:17; 13:4)  Who is the dragon?  It is "the original serpent, the one called Devil adn Satan." (Revelation 12:9; 20:2) He is the one behind all the other enemies of Jehovah.

What happens to the dragon?  Revelation 20:1-3 explains that an angel will hurl Satan into an abyss, which represents  a prisonlike confinement.  During that confinement, Satan  will "not mislead the nations anymore until the 1,000 years [have] ended."  Finally, Satan and his demons will be destroyed once and for all, represented by their being hurled into "the lake of fire and sulfur." (Revelation 20:10)  Just imagine a world without Satan and his demons.  What a wonderful time that will be! 

 How encouraging it is to understand the meaning of these signs that recorded in the book of Revelation!  Not only have we been able to identify the enemies of Jehovah but we  have also seen what will happen to them.  Yes, "happy is the one who reads aloud and those who hear the words of  this prophecy"!  (Revelation 1:3) But once God's enemies have been removed. what blessings will faithful mankind enjoy? We will discuss that  in the final article of this series. 

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for Your Future

From the jw.org publications

Revelation -What It Means to God's Enemies - AN INGLORIOUS END FOR THE GREAT PROSTITUTE

 The apostle John mentions that he "was greatly amazed" by something else he saw. What was it?  A woman riding one of these ferocious beasts.  (Revelation 17:1, 2, 6)  She is portrayed as a "great prostitute" and is called "Babylon the Great." She commits "sexual immorality" with the kings of the earth." - Read REVELATION 17:3-5.

Who is "Babylon the Great"? This woman cannot represent a political organization because she is spoken of as committing immorality with the world's political leaders.  (Revelation 18:9)  In fact,  she endeavors to control these rulers, symbolically riding them. Additionally, she cannot represent the greedy commercial elements of Satan's world.  These are portrayed separately as "the merchants of the earth."  - REVELATION 18:11, 15, 16.

In the Scriptures, the term"prostitute" can refer to those who claim to serve God but engage in some form of idolatry or in some other way become friends of the world.  (1 Chronicles 5:25; James 4:4)  By contrast, those who faithfully worship God are referred to as being "chaste" or as "virgins." (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 14:4)  Ancient Babylon was a center of false worship.  So, then, Babylon the Great must represent all forms of false worship (all religions except the Jehovah's Witnesses).  In fact, she is the world empire of false religion. - REVELAtioN 17:5, 18; see the Web article on jw.org "What Is Babylon the Great?" 

What will happen to Babylon the Great?  Revelation 17:16, 17 answers that question this way:  "The ten horns tha t you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will  make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought."  Yes, Jehovah will  motivate the nations to use the scarlet-colored wild beast, that is, the United Nations, to turn on the world empire of false  religion and completely destroy it. - REVELATION 18:21-24.

What does this mean for us? We need to maintain "the form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God." (James 1:27)  Never would we want to allow ourselves  to be influenced by the false teachings, the pagan celebrations - Christmas, thanksgiving, easter etc., the lax moral standards, and the spiritistic practices of Babylon the Great! And we would continually call out to people to "get out of her," so that htey can avoid sharing in her guilt before God. - REVELATION 18:4.

Next time: Revelation- What It Means to God's Enemies -  THE JUDGMENT ON GOD'S GREATEST ENEMY

From the jw.org publications 

Revelation- What It Means to God's Enemies - THE SCARLET-COLORED WILD BEAST

 Next we will see  another wild beast.  This one looks almost the same as the seven-headed wild beast with the exception that it is scarlet-colored.  It is called "the image of the wild beast" and is best described  as "an eighth king."  (Read Revelation 13:14, 15; 17:3, 8, 11)  This "king" is spoken of as coming into existence, then going out of existence and later  reappearing.  How well this description fits the United Nations organization, which promotes the interests of the worldwide political system!  It existed  during World War II.  It later emerged again in its present day form.

 By means of their propagada, the political beasts stir  up opposition to Jehovah and his people.  Symbolically, they gather "the kings of the entire inhabited earth" together to the war of Armageddon, which is "the great day of God the Almighty."  (Revelation 16:13, 14, 16)   But we will have nothing to fear.  Our Great God, Jehovah will react swiftly to save all those who support his rulership. - EZEKIEL 38:21-23.

What happens to all the beasts?  Revelation 19:20 answers:  "The wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with wich he misled those who receieved the  mark of the wild beast and those who worship its image.   While still alive, they both were hurled into teh fiery lake  that burns with sulfur."  So while they are still functioning, these political enemies of God will be destroyed forever.  AMEN! The Sooner the Better!  😀

What does this mean for  us? As Christians, we must be loyal to God and his Kingdom.  (John 18:36)  To do so, we need to remain neutral with regard to this world's political affairs.  Such neutrality can be extremely difficut, though, because the world's governments demand our full support, bot in word and deed.  Those who succumb to their pressure receive the mark of the wild beast (Satan.) (Revelation 13:16, 17)  Any who receive that mark, however will incurr Jehovah's disapproval and lose out on an everlasting life.  (Revelation 14:9, 10; 20:4)  How important it is, then, for each of  us to maintain strict neutrality, no matter what pressuyre is put on us to do otherwise!

Next time: Revelation-What It Means to God's Enemies - AN INGLORIOUS END FOR THE GREAT PROSTITUTE

From the jw.org publications

Revelation-What It Means to God's Enemies - THE IDENTITY OF GOD'S ENEIES REVEALED

  THE SEVEN-HEADED WILD BEAST

What is the seveen-headed wild beast? (Read Revelation 13:1-4) We notice that this beast has the general appearance of a leopard but feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion, and it has ten horns.  All of these are also  features of the four beasts mentioned in Daniel chapter7.  Yet, here in the book of Revelation, these characteristics are combined into one beast, not four separate beasts.  This wild beast does  not represent just one government or world empire.  It is spoken of as ruling "over every tribe and people and tongue and nation."  So it must be greater than any single national government.  (Revelation 13:7) This wild beast, then, must represent all the political powers that have dominated humankind down through the history. - ECCLESIASTES 8:9

What do the seven heads represent?  A clue is found in Revelation chapter 17, which describes an image of the beast mentioned in Revelation chapter 13 at.  At Revelation 17:10,  we are told: "There are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, and the other  has not yet arrived; but when he does arrive, he must remains a short while."    Of all the political powers that Satan has used, seven have stood out prominently as "heads."  These are the world empires that have had a considerable impact on God's people.  By the apostle  John's day, five of these had already appeared on the world scene: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The sixth world power; Rome was still  ruling when John received the revelation. What would prove to be the seventh and final world power, or head?

As we will see, the prophecies in the book of Daniel help us identify the seventh and final head of the wild  beast. What would poewr  had ruling during this time of the end, during "the Lord's day"?  (Revelation 1:10)  It is the combination of the United Kingdom ad the United States of America, on other words, hte Anglo-American World Power. We may therefore conclude that it is the seventh head of the wild beast mentioneed at  - REVELATION 13:1-4. 

A  WILD BEAST WITH TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB

Revelation chapter 13 goes on to tell us tha this seventh head,l the Anglo-American world power, also acts as a wild beast with "two horns like a lamb,, but it began speaking like a dragon." "  This wild beast with "two horns like lamb, but it began speaking like a dragon." This beast "performs great signs, even making fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind." (Revelation 13:11-15) Revelation chapters 16 and 19 describe this wild beast as "the false prophet."  (Revelation 16:13; 19:20) Daniel mentions something similar, namely,the the Anglo-Amercian World Power  would  "bring terrible destruction." (Daniel 8:19, 23, 24) That is exactly what  happened during World War II.  The two atomic bombs that played a decisive role in ending that war in the Pacific were the results of a joint effort by British and American scientists.  The Anglo-American World Power, in effect, made "fire come down out of heaven to the earth." 

Next time: Revelation-What It Means to God's Enemies - A SCARLET-COLORED WILD BEAST -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

Revelation-What It Means for God's Enemies - GOD'S ENEMIES DESCRIBED "IN SIGNS"

  In the very first verse, Revelations tells us that the information we are about to read is being presented  "in signs,"  that is a symbolic language. (Revelation 1:1) God's enemies are described  symbolically. We see a number of wild beasts.  For example, there is "a wild beast ascending out of the sea."  It has "ten horns and seven heads." (Revelation 13:1)  That beast is followed by  "another wild beast ascending out of the earth." That beast speaks like a dragon and makes  "fire come out of heaven." (Revelation 13:11-13) Then we see a different beast, "a scarlet-colored  wild beast," whichis being ridden by a prostitute. These three wild beasts represent long-standing enemies of Jehovah God and his Kingdom.  Therefore, it is important that we identify them. - REVELATION 17:1, 3.

FOUR HUGE BEASTS

Before we can learn who these enemies are, we need to understand what this symbolic language means. They key to understanding it is to allow the Bible to explain itself.  Many of the symbols found in Revelation are already explained in other books of the Bible.  For example, the prophet Daniel had a dream in which "four huge beasts represent four "kings,"or governments.  (Read Daniel 7:15-17.)  That clear  explanation helps us to understand that the beasts  described in Revelation  must also refer to political powers.

Let us  now examine some of the signs described in Revelation. As we do, we will see how the Bible helps us identify what these signs mean.  We will start with the series of wild beasts.  First, we will identify whom they represent. Thenm we will see what happens to these beasts. Finally, we will consider what these events  mean for  us.

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for God's Enemies - THE IDENTITY OF GOD'S ENEMIES REVEALED

From the jw.org publications

Revelation-What It Means for God's Enemies

 "They gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon." - REVELATION 16:16.

PREVIEW

The book of Revelation reveals that God's heavenly Kingdom has been established and that Satan has been expelled from heaven. (Revelation 12:1-9)  That expulsion brings relief to the heavens, but it creates challenges for us. Why? Because Satan's anger is focused on those who faithfully serve Jehovah here on earth. - REVELATION 12:12, 15, 17.

How can we remain steadfast in the face of Satan's attacks?  (Revelation 13:10)  One thing that will help us to know what the future holds.  For example, in Revelation, the apostel John describes some of the blessings that we will soon enjoy. Among those blessings will be the elimination of God's enemies.  Let us now examine how Revelation describes these enemies and what will happen to them. 

Next time: Revelation-What It Means for God's Enemies - GOD'S ENEMIES DESCRIBED  "IN SIGNS" 

From the jw.org publications

Is the End of the Word Near?

 Despite countless doomsday predictions, the world has not ended-not yet! So is the end of the world a fantasy or a fact?

What does the Bible say?

* How will it end?

* When will it happen?

*  What will the world be like after the end?

The Bible's answer to all these questions, as discussed in this issue, will surprise and comfort you.

Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to help you to learn more about God's purpose.

Next time: Revelation-What It Means for God's Enemies

From the jw.org  publications

The Paradise New World That Is Near! -Harmony with the natural government

 When God's Kingdom take charge of the earth, teh Creator will take full control of all aspects of the weather, keeping it in perfect balance.  (Psalm 24:1, 2) When he was on earth, Jesus gave a glimpse of the power God gave him when he effortlessly  calmed a frightening storm.  (Mark 4:39, 41) Under Christ's rule, no one will have any readon to fear natural disasters. God's Kingdom will also restore the original harmony between nature and humans. - HOSEA 2:18.

Perfect health and abundant food

Everybody will enjoy perfect  health. No one will become ill, grow old, or doe.  (Isaiah 35:5, 6) People will enjoy a beautiful and clean environment like the one the first human couple enjoyed in the garden of Eden.  In the new world, just as in Eden, the ground will produce food in abundance and all inhabitants of the earth will have plenty.  (Genesis 2:9) Like God's ancient nation of Israel, everyone in the Paradise will "eat [their]bread toi satisfaction." - LEVITICUS 26:4, 5. 

Real peace and security

Under God's global government, all people will enjoy  peace and will treat one another kindly and fairly.  There will be no wars, no abuse of power, no deaths, no diseases, no wickedness, no handicaps of anykind and no need to struggle for basic needs.  The Bible promises:  "They will sit, each one under his own vine and under his fig trees, and no one will make them afraid." - MICAH 4:3, 4.

Next time: The Paradise New Word That Is Near! - Ample housing and satisfying work

From the jw.org publications 

The Paradise New World That Is Near!

 God created the earth so that righteous humans could live on it forever.  (Psalm 37:29)  He put the first human couple, Adam and Eve, in the beautiful garden of Eden. and he gave them adn their descendants the responsibility to cultivate the earth and to take care of it. - GENESIS 1:28; 2:15. 

Today's world is far from the Paradise God meant it to be.  However, God has not changed his mind. How will he fulfill his original purpose?  As the preceding articles  have shown, God will destroy the earth itself.  Rather, he will allow faithful humans to live on it.   When God fulfills his promises, what will conditions on earth be like? 

Global government

Soon, when God's new heavenl government exercises authority over all mankind, the earth will become a happy place where people can live together in harmony and do good and satisfying work.  God has appointed Jesus Christ to rule over the ear th.  Unlike so many rulers today, Jesus will have the interests of his subjects at heart.  His rulership will be based on love, and he will be a kind, merciful and fair King. - ISAIAH 11:4.

The earth's new human society will not be divided by nationality or ethnicity.  Mankind will be one united people.  (Revelation 7:9, 10) All  humans living on earth will love God and love their neighbor, and they will cooperate peacefully to accomplish God's original purpose of taking care of their home, the earth. - PSALM 115:16.

Next time: The Paradise New World Is Near! - Harmony with the natural government

From the jw.org publications

How You Can Survive in a New World - READ GOD'S WORD, THE BIBLE, DAILY

 We regularly eat food to stay alive.  But Jesus said: "Man must not live on bread alone, but on the very word that comes from Jehovah's mouth." - MATTHEW 4:4.

Today, we find Jehovah's words in the pages of the Bible. As you study  that sacred book, you will learn vital truths about mankind's past, present, and future relationship with God. 

PRAY TO GOD FOR HELP

What can you do if you want to follow God's guidance but are finding it difficult to stop doing things that he says are wrong?  In that case, coming to know Gd can help you in a special way.

Consider a woman whom we will call Sakura, who living an immoral  life. When she started to study the Bible, she learned about  God's command to "flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthian 6 :18) Sakura prayed for God  for strength and was able to stop this bad practice. But she still had to fight temptations. "If immoral thoughts come to mnd," she says, "I talk honestly Jehovah in prayer, knowing that I cannot fight this by myself.  The power of prayer has drawn me closer to Jehovah."  Like Sakura, millions are coming to know God. He is giving them the strength they need to make changes in their lives and live in a way that pleases him. - PHILIPPIANS 4:13.

The better you come to know God, the more you will "come to be known by God" as a precioius friend.  (Galatians 4:9; Psalm 25:14) Then  you will qualify for survival into God's new world. But what will that new world be like? The following article will explain.

Next time: The Paradise New World That Is Near!

From the jw.org publications

How You Can Survive in a New World - Truths We Learn From the Bible

We learn that God intended for us to live in Paradise.

He created the first humans, Adam and Eve, and placed them in a beautiful location called the garden of Eden.  They were perfect and God had provided everythying they needed in order to enjoy a happy life.  They life could have been endless. As long as they remained friends with God, they would never die. But they chose to disoby a simple command that God gave them.

We learn why we are now suffering hardships.

By disobeying God, the first man, Adam, lost the opportunity to live forever:  "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men." (Romans 5:12)  Just as a person might inherit a defect from his parents, all of Adam's children inherited imperfection from him. As a result, we grow old and die.

We learn wat God has already done to help us.

The Bible says:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  God sent Jesus to the earth to give his life in our behalf.  Regarding that act of love, an 86-year-old Indian man named Prabhakar says:  "It shows Jehovah's  intense love for me. His love has given me the hope of everlasting life."

We learn how we can show appreciation for what God has done for us.

The Bibe says that we can show our appreciation for what God has done for us by "observing his commandments.' (1 John 2:3)   Jehovah God lovingly shows  us what we can do to enjoy life now.  (Isaiah 48:17, 18) God does not want us to suffer. He  promises that if we follow his instruction, we will not only enjoy a happy life now but also have the opportuity to live forever. 

Next time: How You Can Survive in a New World - READ GOD"S WORD, the Bible, Daily

From the jw.org publications

How You Can Live in a New World

 The preceding articles have shown that God will sson put and endto this ungodly human society with all its problems. We can be sure that this will happen. Why?  Because God's Word the Bible, has promised.

"The world is passing away." - 1 JOHN 2:17.

We can be certain that there will be survivors because the above Bible vese also promises: 

"The one who does the will of God  remains forever." 

Therefore, the key to survival is doing God's will. To find out what God's will is, wee must first come to know him.

SURVIVE THE END BY "COMING TO KNOW" GOD

Jesus said:  "This means everlasting lfie, their coming to know you, the only true God."  (John 17:3) To survive the end and live forever, we need to 'come to know  'God.  That means musch more than merely acknowleging that God exists or knowing a few facts  about him. We need to be friends with him. As with any friendship that we want to flourish, we need to devote time to it.  Maintaining a friendship with God is no different.  Consider some vital truths we learn from the  Bible that help us to develop and maintain a friendship with God.

Next time: How You Can Live in a New World -Truths We Learn From the Bible

From the jw.org publications

When Will the End Come? What Jesus Said - THE PARADISE EARTH IS NEAR!

 God has already set the day and hour when he will bring an end to this present wicked system of things.  (Matthew  24:36) Yet, there is more good news-God "does not desire anyone to be destroyed." (2 Peter 3:9)   He is giving mankind the opportunity to conform to his standards.  Why?  Because he wants us to survive the end of this world and live in his new world, when the earth will be a paradise.

God has organized a global preaching program to help people  lean how to become part of the  new world  under his Kingdom.  Jesus said the good news about God's Kingdom would be preached  "in all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14)  Worldwide, Jehovah's Witnesses spent their two billion hours in preaching and teaching people the Bible's message of hope. Jesus said that this preaching campaign would be done throughout the earth before te end would come. 

The time  for human rule is almost over.  But the good news is that you can survive the end of the world and be part of the Paradise earth  that God has pronounced  that God promised:   The following article will discuss how you can live in that new world.

JUST BEFORE THE END OF THE WORLD

"In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful,  haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not opne to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce without love of goodness. betrayers,  ungrateful, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of ungodliness but proving false to its power."  - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5.

Next time: How You Can Live in a New World

From the jw.org publications

When Will the End Come? What Jesus Said - Wars

*  Between 2007 and 2017, deaths from armed conflict and terrorism rose by 118 percent.

* Illness

* Some top killers  are  heart disease, stroke, lung disease, neonative disorders, diarrhheal diseases, cancer, tubercolosis

Hunger

* In 2019, 8.9 percent of the world population was starving and 21:3 percent of the children under five was malnourished and stunted

Global Preaching

* Over 8.4 million qualified preachers (Jehovah's Witnesses) distribute Bible literature in over 1,000 languages in 240 lands.

Next time: Wheen Will the End Come? What Jesus Said - THE PARADISE EARTHIS NEAR!

From the jw.org publications

When Will the End Come? What Jesus Said

 As we learned in the preceding article, when the Bible speaks about the end of the world, it does not mean the end of the earth or mankind. Rather, it means the end of the present corrupt system of things and all those who support it.  But does the Bible say when  the end of this wicked system of things will take place?

CONSIDER TWO STATEMENTS JESUS MADE ABOUT THE END:

"Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know neither the day nor the hour." - MATTHEW 25:13. 

"Keep looking, keep awake (spiritually), for you do not know when the apppointed time bis." - MARK 13:33.

So no one on earth knows exactly when this system of thigns will come to an end. However, God has set an "appointed time" - a definite "day and hour" - for the end to come. (Matthew 24:36) Does this mean that there is absolutely no way of knowing when the end is near?  Not at all.  Jesus told his disciples to look for a number of events that would indicate that the end was close at hand.

 Next time: When Will the End Come? What Jesus Said - THE SIGN

From the jw.org publications

Is This WOrld Going to End? - WHAT WILL END?

 PROBLEMS AND WICKEDNESS

What the Bible says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more, you will look at where they were, and they will not be there.  But the meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." - PSALM 37:10, 11. 

WHAT IT MEANS:  The Flood of Noah's days did not wipe out wickedness once and for all. After the Flood, wicked people once again  made life miserable for everyone.  Soon, though, God will put an end to wickedness. As the psalmist says: "The wicked will be no more." God will put an end  to wickedness by means of his Kingdom-a world government that rules from heaven over a righteous human society.

WANTED - An End to Human Rulership

What the Bible says: "It does not belong to an who walking even to direct his step." - JEREMIAH 10:23.

WHAT IT MEANS: Humans were not creatred to rule themselves. They do a poor job of governing other people and solving their probleks.

CONSIDER: Britannica Academic notes that individual governments seem unable to "handle the universal enemos of poverty, hunger, disease, natural disaster, and war or other violene."  It then continues:  "Some . . . believe that only a form of world government can make decisive  headway against those evils."  However,  even if all human governments  united the world would still be ruled buy imperfect huans who are unablet o overcome the difficulties mentioned above.  God's Kingdom is the only government that has the power to solve all global problems permanently.

Therefore, according to the Bible, the end of the world-the present system of things-is not something that good people should fear.  Instead, it is something to look forward to because this ruined old world will replace by God's magnificent new world! 

When will all this happen?  The next article will explain the Bible's answer.

Next time: When Will the End Come?  What Jesus Said

From the jw.org publications

Is This World Going to End?

 Perhaps you are aware that the Bible speaks of the end of the wortld. (1 John 2:17) Is it referring to the end of the human race?  Will planet Earth becine a lifeless wasteland or  be destroyed completely?

THE BIBLE'S ANSWER TO BOTH OF THESE QUESTIONS IS NO!

WHAT WILL NOT END?

Mankind

What the Bible says:  God "did not create [the earth]simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited." - ISAIAH 45:18.

PLANET EARTH

What the Bible says: "A generation is goint, and a  generation is coming, but the earth remains forever." - ECCLESIASTES 1:4.

WHAT IT MEANS: According to the Bible, the earth will  never be destroyed and it will always be inhabited. So, what is meant by the end of the world? 

 CONSIDER: The Bible compares the coming end of this  world to what happened in the days of Noah.  At that time, the earth was "full of violence."  (Genesis 6:13)  However, Noah was righteous. So God preserved Noah and his family, but he destroyed the wicked people by means of a flood.  Referring to what happened back then, the Bible says: "The world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water." (2 Peter 3:6) That was the end of wicked people on the earth and to the syste of things thet put together. 

Next time: Is This World Going to End? - What Will End?

From the jw.org publications

We Need a Better World!

 "We are a world in turmoil," stated Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations. Would you agree?

The news is full of distressing reports

* Disease and pandemics

* Natural disasters

* Poverty and hunger

* Pollution and global warming

* Wars

Clearly, we need a better world. A world where there is  

* Perfect health

* Safety and security for everyone

* Abundant food

*  A healthy environment

* Justice for all

* Global peace

What, though, do we mean when we speak of a better world? 

What will happen to the world we live in now?

What can  we do to live in a better world?

Next time: Is This World Going to End? 

From the jw.org publications

"Continue in the Things That You Learned"

 That is what the apostle  Paul wrote to young Timothy. (2 Timothy 3:14) After reading this publication, you know about the many good things God has in store for those who love him.  But you need to continue to progress in a spiritual way.  Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to help you, if you are not already receiving that help.  Just write to Jehovah's Witnesses  at the appropriate addresss listed the Watchtower, requesting further information or that one of Jehovah's Witnesses come to your home and regularly study the Bible with you free of charge.

Next time: We Need a Better World! 

From the jw.org publications

Revelation and You - Say: "Come!" -Conclusion

 May you, then, allow what you have learned from your study of Revelation to influence your life profoundly.  Did not you glimpse into Jehovah's heavenly presence impress on you the transcendent glory and holiness of our Creator?  (Revelation 4:1-5:14)  What a privilege to serve such a God!  May your appreciation for his holiness move you to take very seriously Jesus' counsel to the seven congregations and avoid such things as materialism, idolatry, immorality, lukewarmness, apostate sectarianism, or anything else  that could make your service unacceptable to Jehovah.  (Revelation 2:1-3:22)  The apostle Peter's words to the John class apply also in principe to the great crowd:  "In accord with the Holy One who called you do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct." - 1 PETER 1:15, 16.

Additionally, may you be moved to a renewed zeal as you proclaim "the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and day of vengeance on the part of our GOd." (Isaiah 35:4; 61:2)  Whether of the little flock or of the great crowd, may you have the fullest share possible in publicizing the pouring out of the seven bowls of Jehovah's anger, telling of God's judgments on Satan's world. At the same time, lend your voice to the joyful proclamation of the everlasting good news concerning the established Kingdom of Jehovagh and his Christ.  (Revelation 11:15; 14:6, 7) Be at this work urgently, may a realization that we are in the Lord's day move many who are not yet serving Jehovahg to join in the work of proclaiming the baptism. Remember, "the appointed time is near"! - REVELATION 1:3.

 Thus, with John, we fervently pray: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus." And John, the elderly apostle adds:  "May the undeserved Jesus Christ be with the holy ones." (Revelation 22:20bm 21) May it also be with all of you who read this publication.  May you have faith that the grand climax if Revelation is at hand, so that you too can join us in a hearty  "Amen!"  "Praise Jehovah! "

Next time: "Continue in the Things That You Learned" 

From the jw.org publications

Revelation and You - Say: "Come!" - Continue

 Those of the John class must draw attention to "the prophecy" of Revelation.  They must not hide it or add to it.  Its message must be preached openly "from the housetops." (Matthew 10:27) Revelation is inspired of God. Who would dare change a word of what God himself has spoken adn transmitted through the one who is now the reigning King, Jesus Christ? Certainly, such a person would deserve to lose out in the quest for life and suffer the plagues that must come upon Babylon the Great and upon the whole world.

Jesus now adds a final word of encouragement: "He that bears witness of these things says: 'Yes, I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22:20a) Jesus is "the faithful and true witness." (Revelation 3:14)  If he bears witness to the visions of Revelation, they must be true.  Both he and Jehovah God himself repeatedly stress the fact that they are coming "quickly," or soon, Jesus here saying that for the fifth time.  (Revelation 2:26; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20) The coming "quicly" is to execute judgment on the great harlot, the political "kings" and all others who oppose "the kingdom of our Lord [Jehovah] and of his Christ." - REVELATION 11:15; 16:14, 16; 17:1, 12-14. 

 Your knowing that Jehovah Godo and Jesus are coming quickly should encourage you to keep "close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." (2 Peter 3:12) Any seeming stability of teh earth of Satan's system of things is illusory.  Any seeming success tha the heaven of the worldly rulers under Satab might achieve transitory.  These things are passing away.   (Revelation  21:1 The only permanence s to be found in Jehovah, his Kingdom under Jesus Christ, and his promised new wortld.  Never lose sight of that! - 1 JOHN 2:15-17. 

Next  time: Revelation and You - Say: "Come!" -Conclusion 

From the jw.org publications

Revelation and You - Say: "Come!"

 Now it is John's own turn  to speak.  Out of a heart brimming with appreciation for all hat he has seen and heard, he exclaims: "And the spirit and the bride keep on saying: 'Come!' And let anyone hearing say: 'Come!' and let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life's water free." (Revelation 22:17) The benefits of Jesus' ransom sacrifice will not be limited to the 144,000, for here is any open invitation.  Jehovah's impelling spirit works through the bride class, so that the message continues to be sounded forth with all clarity: "Take life's water free." (See also Isaiah 55:1; 59:21.) Anyone who is thirsting for righteousness is invited  to "come" and receive of Jehovah's bounty.  (Matthew 5:3, 6)  How privileged are all of the prospective earthly class who respond to this invitation of the anointed John class! 

Since the early 1930's, the growing number of the great crowd has been "hearing"-paying attention to the invitation.  Like their anointed fellow slaves, they have attained to a clean standing before Jehovah.  They long for the time when New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to channel blessing to humankind.  Having heard the rousing message of Revelation, the great crowd not only say "Come!" but actively gather others to Jehovah's organization, training these also to proclaim: "Let anyone thirsting come."  So the number of the great crowd continuest to gro, as over 6,000, 000 of them in 235 lands around the earthy share with fewer than 9,000 of the anointed bride class in extending the invitation to "take life's water free."

Next, it is Jesus who speaks again, saying:  "I am bearing witness to everyone that hearsthe words of the prophecy of this scroll:  If anyone makes and addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; and if anyone take away anything from the words of this scroll of this prophecy, God will will take his protion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll." - REVELATION 22:18, 19. 

Next time:  Revelation and You - Say: "Come!" -Continued

From the jw.org publications 

Revelation and You -Conclusion

Only those anointed Christians who  "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 positio.  (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  abdnde 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 word of enouragement to righthearted 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 on earth. Everything in Revelation is addressed primarily to anointed Christians, who will inhabit  New Jerusalem.  Through that congregation, the great crowd is also privileged to gain understanding of these precioius 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 the flesh and thus is qualified to be King of Jehovah's Kingdom. He will also become David's "Eternal Father," ad  thus David's "root." (Isaiah 9:6; 11:1, 10) He 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: Revelation and You - Say: "Come!" 

From the jw.org publications

Revelation and You - Continue

 If people want to ignor the warnings and counsel in Revelation, well, let htem do so!  "He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still."  If it is their choice, those who are wallowing in filth of this permissive age can die in that filth. Shortly, Jeyhovah's judgments will be executed to completion, starting with the destruction of Babylon the Great.  Let meek persons be diligent to heed the prophet's words:  "Seek Jehovah . . . Seek righteousnessm seek meekness.  Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah's anger." (Zephania 2:3) As for those who are already decdicated to Jehovah, "let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let hte holy one be made holy still."  The wise know that no temporar advantage coming from such sin can compare with the lasting blessings to be enjoyed by those who pursue righteousness and holiness. The Bible says:  "Keep testing whether  you are in the faith, keep proving  what  you yourselves are." (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Based on the course you choose and stay with, you will receive your reward. - PSALM 19:9-11; 58:10, 11. 

Jehovah, the King of eternity, now addresses readers of Revelation for the last time in the prophecy, saying: "Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that  they may gain entrance into the city by its gates, Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators ad the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie. - REVELATION 22:12-15. 

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 likeeee "speechless dogs winking at the vices that Jehovah here describes. (Isaiah 56:10-12; see also Deuteronomy 23:18, New World Translation Reference Bible)  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.

Next time: Revelation and You - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Revelation and You

 ON READING the delightful description of New Jerusalem, you may be moved to ask: 'Can something so wonderful really come to be?  John answers that question by reporting the angel's next words:  "And he said to me:  'These words are faithful and true: yes, Jehovah the God of the inspired expressions of the prophets sent his angel forth to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. And, look!  I am coming quickly.  Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll.'" (Revelation 22:6, 7)  All the wonderful promises of Revelation will be fulfilled!  Speaking in the name of Jesus, the angel declares that Jesus is coming soon, "quickly."  This must  be Jesus' coming "as a thief" to destroy Jehovah's enemies and usher in the grand climax of Revelation.  (Revelation 16:15, 16) We should, therefore, conform our lives to the words of  "this scroll"  Revelation, to be pronounced happy at that time.

After such a richness of revelation, it is understandable that John felt overwhelmed: "Well, I John was the one hearing and seeing these things.  And when I had heard and seeen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that had been showing me these things.  But he tells me:  'Be careful!  Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who are prophets and of those who are observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.'" (Revelation 22:8, 9; Compare Revelation 19:10.)  This twice-stated warning not to worship angels was timely in John's day, when some evidently pursued such worship or claimed special revelations from angels.  (1 Corinthians 13:1; Galatians 1:8; Colossians 2:18)  Today, it highlights the fact that we must worship Godd alone.  (Matthew 4:10)  We should not corrupt pure worship with the worship of anyone or anything else. - ISAIAH 42:5, 8. 

John continues:  "He also tells me:  'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy  of this scroll, for the appointed time is near.  He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still; and let the filthy one be made filthy still; but let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let the holy one be made holy still.'" - REVELATION 22:10, 11. 

The anointed remnant todayhave obeyed the word of ths angel. They have not sealed up the words of the prophecy. Why, the very first issue of Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence (July 1879) set out comments on numerous verses of Revelation. As we noted in our openeing chapter of Jehovah's Witnesses have over the years published other enlightening books on Revelation. Now we again draw the attention of all truth-lovers to the powerful Revelation prophecies and their fulfillment. 

Next time: Revelation and You - Continued

From the jw.org publications

The Resplendant City - Revelation's Happy Climax

  The realization of this vision of New Jerusalem, the Lamb's  bride, is the happy climax to which Revelation points, and fitting so. All of John's first-century fellow Christians to whom the book was initially addressed looked forwared to entering into that city as immortal spirit corulers with Jesus Christ.  The remnant of anointed Christiands still alive today one earth have the same hope. Thus Revelation moves on to is grand climax, as the completed bride is united with the Lamb. Next, by means of New Jerusalem, the benefits of Jesus' ransom sacrifice will be applied to mankind, so that eventually all faithful ones will enter into everlasting life. In this way the bride, New Jerusalem, as a loyal helpmeet to her Bridegroom King, will share in the buidling up for eternity a righteous new earth-all to the glory of our Sovereign Lord Jehovah. - MATTHEW 20:28; JOHN 10:10, 16; ROMANS 16:27. 

What joy we feel, then, as we draw close of our consideration of the book of Revelation!  We have seen the final efforts of Satan and his seed utterly frustrat3ed and Jehovah's righteous judgments carried out to completion.  Babylon the Great must go out of existence forever, to be followed by all other hopelessly corrupt elements of Satan's world.  Satan himself and his demons will be abyssed and later destroyed. New Jerusalem will rule with Christ from the heavens as the resurrection and judgment proceed, and perfected mankind will finally comet to enjoy everlasting life in the Paradise earth.  How vividly Revelation portrays all these things!  How it strengthens our determination to 'declare this everlasting good news as tidings to every nation and trib and tongue and people' on earth today!  (Revelation 14:6, 7)  Are you expending yourself to the full this great work?  

With our hearts full of gratitude, let us give attention to the concluding words of Revelation.

Next time: Revelation and You

From the  jw.org publications