This fall from the spiritual heavens became apparent in the year 1919 when, rather than Christendom's clergy, the small remnant of anointed Christians was appointed over the Kingdom interests. (Matthew 24:45-47) And from 1922 that fall was dramatized when this group of Christians renewed their campaign of frankly exposing he failings of the clergy of Christendom.
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From the jw.org publications
When the clergy of Christendom apostatize from true Christianity, they fell from the lofty "heavenly" position described by Paul at Ephesians 2:6, 7. Instead if offering fresh waters of truth, they served up "wormwood," bitter lies such as hellfire, purgatory, the Trinity, and predestination; also they led the nations into war, failing to build them up as moral events of God. The result? Spiritual poisoning of those who believed the lies. Their case was similar tot hat of the unfaithful Israel elites in Jeremiah's day, to whom Jehovah said: ""Here I am making them eat wormwood, and I will give them poisoned war to drink. For from the prophets of Jerusalem apostasy has gone forth to all the land." - Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15.
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From the jw.org publications
John sees this particular star falling from heaven. How? The experiences of an ancient king helps us to understand. Speaking to the king of Babylon, Isaiah said: "O how you have fallen from heaven, you shining one, son of the dawn! How you have been cut down to the earth, you who were disabling the nations!" (Isaiah 14:12) This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon was overthrown by the armies of Cyrus, and its kings made an abrupt descent from world rulership to shameful defeat. Thus, a fall from heaven can refer to losing a high position and falling into ignominy.
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From the jw.org publications
We have already met the symbolism of a star in Jesus' messages to the seven congregations, in which the seven stars symbolize the elders in the congregations. (Revelation 1:20) Anointed "stars," along with all others of the anointed, inhabit heavenly places in a spiritual sense from the time that they are sealed with the holy spirit as a token of their heavenly inheritance. (Ephesians 2:6, 7) However, the apostle Paul warned that from such starlike ones would come apostates, sectarians, who would mislead the flock. (Acts 20:29, 30) Such unfaithfulness would result in a great apostasy, and these fallen elder would come to make up a composite man of lawlessness that would elevate himself to a godlike position among mankind.(2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4) Paul's warnings were fulfilled when the clergy of Christendom appeared on the world scene is well represented by the symbol of "a great burning star burning as a lamp."
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From the jw.org publications
"And the third angel blew his trumpet. And a great star burning as a lamp fell from heaven, and it fell upon a third of the rivers and upon the fountains of waters. And the name of the star is Wormwood. And at third of the waters turned into wormwood, and many of the men died from the waters, because these had been made bitter." (Revelation 8:10, 11) Once again, other parts of the Bible help us to see how this scripture applies in the Lord's day.
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From the jw.org publications
The second trumpet blast reveals that those of mankind who got involved in revolutionary conflicts over government rather than submit to God's Kingdom are blood-guilty. Particularly Christendom's "third of the sea" has become as blood. All living things therein are dead in God's eyes. None of the radical organizations floating like boats in that third of the sea can avoid ultimate shipwreck. How happy we are that millions of sheeplike people have now heeded the trumpetlike call to separate from those who are still wallowing in the narrow nationalism and bloodguilt of that sea!
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From the jw.org publications
That "mountain burning with fire" continues to make waves in the sea of mankind. Ongoing struggles over government are reported in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific islands Many of these struggles are taking place in the lands of Christendom's missionaries have become activists. Roman Catholic priests have even joined up with and fought as members of communist guerilla bands. At the same time, Protestant evangelical groups have worked in South America to counter what they call the communists "vicious and relentless thirst for power.' But none of these convulsions in the sea of mankind can bring peace and security. - Compare ISAIAH 25:10-12; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:3.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - Like a Burning Mountain -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
The Fascist and Nazi experiments were snuffed out by the second world war, but government continued to be a fiery issue, and the human sea continued to churn and throw up new revolutionary governments. In the decades since 1945, these have been installed in many places, such as China, Vietnam, Cuba, and Nicaragua. In Greece an experiment inmilitary dictatorship failed. In Kampuchea (Cambodia) an excursion into fundamentalist communism resulted in reported two million and more deaths.
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From the jw.org publications
A great mountainlike mass burning with fire is hurled into the this "sea." In the Bible, mountains very often symbolize governments. For example, God's Kingdom is portrayed as a mountain." (Matthew 2:35, 44) Ruinous Babylon became a "burnt-out mountain" (Jere0m0iah 51:25) But the mountainous mass that John sees is still burning. It is being hurled into the sea will represents how, during and after the first world war, the question of government became a burning issue among mankind, especially in the lands of Christendom. In Italy, Mussolini introduced Fascism. Germany embraced Hitler's Nazism, while other countries tried different forms of socialism. A radical change occurred in Russia, where the Bolshevik revolution produced the first communist state, with the result that religious leaders of Christendom loss power and influence in what was formerly one of their strongholds.
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From the jw.org publications
Doubtless the resolution came as a result of the sounding of the trumpet. Those who would in due course respond to that message would separate from the goat-like group that Isaiah described in these words: "But the wicked are like the sea that is being tossed, when it is unable to calm down, the waters of which keep tossing up seaweed and mire." (Isaiah 57:20; 17:12, 13) Thus, "the sea" well pictures restless, unsettled, and rebellious humanity that churns up unrest and resolution. (Compare Revelation 13:1) The time will come when that "sea" will be no more. (Revelation 21:1) Meantime, with the blast of the second trumpet, Jehovah pronounces judgment against a third of it- the unruly part that is in the real of Christendom herself.
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From the jw.org publications
We may best understand it against the background of the convention of Jehovah's people held in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., on August 18-26, 1923. The featured Saturday afternoon talk by the Watch Tower Society's president was on the topic "Sheep and Goats." The "sheep" were clearly identified as those righteously disposed persons who would inherit the earth realm of God's Kingdom. A resolution that followed drew attention to the hypocrisy of apostate clergymen and 'the principal of their flocks," who are worldly men of string financial and political influence." It called on the multitude of peace and order loving ones in the denominational churches . . . to withdraw themselves from the unrighteous ecclesiastical systems designated by the Lord as 'Babylon'" and to ready themselves "to receive the blessings of God's kingdom."
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From the jw.org publications
"And the second angel blew his trumpet. And something like a great mountain burning with fire was hurled into the sea. And a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the creatures that are in the sea which have souls died, and third of the boats were wrecked." (Revelation 8:8, 9) What does this frightful scene picture?
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From the jw.org publications
Through resolutions, tracts, booklets, books, magazines, and discourses, this and later proclamations were trumpeted forth by means of the congregation of anointed Christians. The first trumpet blast resulted in Christendom's being beaten as with the hardened water of a pounding hail. Her bloodguilt, due to her share in the wars of this 20th century, has been laid bare, and she has been shown to be deserving of the fiery expression of Jehovah's wrath. The John class, with later support from the great crowd, has continued to echo the first trumpet blast, drawing attention to Jehovah's view of Christendom, as being fit for destruction. - REVELATION 7:9, 15.
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From the jw.org publications
What testimony did these Christians offer? This: "We hold and declare that Messiah's kingdom is the complex panacea for all the ills of humankind and will bring peace on earth and good will to men, the desire of all nations, that those who yield themselves willingly to his righteous reign now begun will be blessed with lasting peace, life. liberty and endless happiness." In these corrupt times, when man-made governments, especially those in Christendom, are failing utterly to solve the world's problems, that trumpeting challenge rings out with even greater force than in 1922. How true that God's Kingdom in the hands of his conquering Christ is mankind's one and only hope!
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - A Third of the Earth Burned Up -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
How is this judgment message delivered? Generally, not by the world's news media, which are part of the world and often reproachful of God's "slave." (Matthew 24:45) It was proclaimed in a notable way at the second historic gathering of God's people at Cedar Point, Ohio, September 10, 1922. These unanimously adopted a resolution entitled "A Challenge to the World Leaders." In outspoken terms, it put the modern-day symbolic earth on notice, as follows: "We therefore call upon the nations of earth, their rulers and leaders, and upon all the clergymen of all the denominational churches of the earth, their followers and allies, big business and big politicians, to bring forth their proof in justification of the position taken by them that they can establish peace and prosperity on earth and bring happiness to the people and their failing in this, we call upon them to give ear to the testimony that we offer as witnesses for the Lord, and then say whether or not our testimony is true."
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From the jw.org publications
Reporting on the angels, John writes: "And the first one blew his trumpet. And there occurred a hail and fire mingled with blood, and it was hurled to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees was burned up, and all the green vegetation was burned up."( Revelation 8:7) This is similar to the seventh plague on Egypt, but what does it mean for our 20th century? - EXODUS 9:24.
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From the jw.org publications
In line with there being a sequence of trumpet blasts, special resolutions were featured at seven conventions from 1922 to 1928. But the trumpeting has not been confined to those years. The powerful exposing of Christendom's wicked ways has been continuous, ongoing, as the Lord's day progresses. Jehovah's judgments must be proclaimed universally, to all nations, despite international hatred and persecutions. Only then does the end of Satan's system come. (Mark13:10. 13) Happily, the great crowd has now added its voice to that of the John class in making those thunderous pronouncements of worldwide importance.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - A Third of the Earth Burned Up
From the jw.org publications
It is Christendom! In the 1920's, her realm embraced about one third of mankind. Her religion is the fruit of the great apostasy from true Christianity-the apostasy that Jehovah and his disciples foretold. (Matthew 13:24-30; Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Peter 2:1-3) The clergy of Christendom claim to be in God's temple and have represented themselves as teachers of Christianity. But their doctrines are far removed from Bible truth, and they continually bring God's name into disrepute. Aptly represented by the symbolic third, Christendom receive potent, plaguing messages from Jehovah. That third of mankind merits no divine favor whatsoever!
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - Identifying the "Third" -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
As we shall see, when the first four trumpets are blown, plagues are inflicted on "a third" of the earth, of the sea, of the rivers and fountains of waters, and of the earth's sources of light. (Revelation 8:7-12) A third is a considerable part of something but not the whole. (Compare Isaiah 19:24; Ezekiel 5:2; Zechariah 13:8, 9) So which "third" would be most deserving of these plagues? The vast majority of mankind has been blinded and by Satan and his seed. (Genesis 3:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4) The situation is as described by David: "They have all turned aside, they are all alike corrupt; there is no one doing good, not even one." (Psalm 14:3) Yes, the whole of mankind is in danger of receiving an adverse judgment. But one section thereof is particularly guilty. One part -"a third"-should have known better! What is that "third."?
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From the jw.org publications
As we shall now see, each of the trumpet blasts heralds a dramatic scene in which terrible plagues afflict portions of the earth. Some of these remind us of the plagues that Jehovah sent to punish the Egyptians in Moses' day. (Exodus 7:19- 12:32) These were expressions of Jehovah's judgment on that nation, and they opened the way for God's people to escape from slavery. The plagues seen by John accomplish something similar. However, they are not literal plagues. They are signs that symbolize Jehovah's righteous judgments. - REVELATION 1:1.
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From the jw.org publications
As the angels got ready to blow those trumpets, no doubt they were also giving direction to a preparatory work on earth. From 1919 to 1922, the revitalized John class was busy reorganizing the public ministry and building up publishing facilities. In 1919 the magazine The Golden Age, known today as Awake!, had been brought forth as "A Journal of Fact, Hope and Conviction"-a trumpetlike instrument that would play a key role in exposing false religion's political involvements.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - Preparing for the Blasts of the Trumpets -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
John goes on to say: "And the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow them." (Revelation 8:6) What does the blowing of the trumpets mean? In the days of Israel, trumpet blasts were used to signal important days or noteworthy events. (Leviticus23:24; 2 Kings 11:14) Similarly, the blasts of the trumpets that John is to hear will call attention to matters of life-and-death importance.
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From the jw.org publications
In 1919 that desire was satisfied. This small but active group of Christians was set on fire, spiritually speaking to begin a worldwide preaching campaign. (Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:19) Fire was hurled to the earth in that God's Kingdom was made the burning issue, and so it continues to be! Strong voices replaced silence, sounding out the Kingdom message with clarity. Thunderous storm warnings from the Bible pealed forth. like flashes of lightning, brilliant beams of truth shone from Jehovah's prophetic Word, and, as if by a mighty earthquake, the religious realm was shaken to it foundations. The John class now saw that there was work to be done. And to this day, that work continues to expand gloriously throughout the entire inhabited earth! - ROMANS 10:18.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One -Preparing for the Blasts of the Trumpets
From the jw.org publications
Referring to the recent hard experiences of God's people, the speaker said: "So pitiless was the onslaught of the enemy that many of the Lord's dear flock were stunned and stood still in amazement, praying and waiting for the Lord to indicate his will. . . But notwithstanding the momentary discouragement, there was a burning desire to proclaim the message of the kingdom." -See the September 15, 1919, issue of the Watch Tower, page 280.
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From the jw.org publications
On one occasion, Jesus told his disciples: "I came to start a fire on the earth." (Luke 12:49) Truly, he did ignite a fire. By his zealous preaching, Jesus made God's Kingdom the paramount issue before the Jewish people, and this sparked heated controversy throughout the nation. (Matthew 4:17, 25; 10:5-7. 17, 18) In 1919 Jesus' spiritual brothers on earth, the small band of anointed Christians who had survived the trialsome days of World War I, set light to a similar fire in Christendom. In September of that year, Jehovah's spirit was remarkably in evidence as his loyal Witnesses assembled from near and far at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A. Joseph F. Rutherford, recently released from prison and soon to be completely exonerated, boldly addressed that convention, saying: "Obedience to the command of our Master, and recognizing our privilege and duty to make war against the strongholds of error which have so long held people in bondage, our vocation was and is to announce the incoming glorious kingdom of the Messiah." That is the primary issue-God's Kingdom!
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From the jw.org publications
John tells us: "But right away the angel took the incense vessel, and he filled it with some of the fire of the altar and hurled it to the earth. And thunders occurred and voices and lightnings and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:5) After the silence, there is sudden dramatic activity! This is evidently in response to the prayers of the holy ones, since it is triggered by fire taken from the incense altar. Back in 1513 B.C.E, at Mount Sinai, thunders and lightnings, a loud noise, and a quaking of the mountain signaled Jehovah's turning his attention to his people. (Exodus 19:16-20) The singular manifestations reported by John likewise indicate Jehovah's giving attention to his servants on earth. But what John observes is presented in signs. (Revelation 1:1) So how are the symbolic fire, thunders, voices, lightnings and earthquake to be interpreted today?
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From the jw.org publications
The sincere Christians of the John class were perplexed. What did God want them to next? When would they be taken up to heaven? An article entitled "The Harvest Ended-What Shall Follow?" appeared in the May 1, 1919 issue of The Watch Tower. It reflected this state of uncertainty and encouraged the faithful to continued endurance, adding: "We believe it is now a true saying that the harvest of the kingdom class is an accomplished fact, that all such are duly sealed and that the door is closed." During this difficult period, the fervent prayers of the John class were ascending as though in the smoke of the large quantity of incense. And their prayers were being heard!
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From the jw.org publications
Can we determine when this happened? Yes, we can, by examining the context, together with historical developments early in the Lord's day. (Revelation 1:10) During 1918 and 1919, events on earth harmonized remarkably with scenario described at Revelation 8:1-4. Forb40 years before 1914, the Bible Students-as Jehovah's Witnesses were then called- had been announcing boldly that the times of the Gentiles would end in that year. The distressful events of 1914 proved them correct. (Luke 21:24; King James Version; Matthew 24:3, 7, 8) But many them also believed that in 1914 they would be taken from this earth to their heavenly inheritance. That did not happen. Instead, during the first world war, they endured a time of severe persecution On October 31, 1916, the first president of the Watch Tower Society, Charles T. Russell, died. Then on July 4, 1918, the new president Joseph F. Rutherford, and seven other representatives of the Society were transported to the Alanta, Georgia penitentiary, wrongly sentenced to long years in prison.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - A Time for Fervent Prayer - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
This reminds us that under the Jewish system of things, incense was burned daily at the tabernacle and, in later years, at the temple in Jerusalem. (Exodus 30:1-8) During such incense burning, the non-priestly Israelites waited outside the sacred area, praying -no doubt silently in their hearts - to the One whom the incense smoke was ascending. (Luke 1:10) John now sees something similar happening in heaven. The incense offered by the angel is associated with "the prayers of the holy ones." In fact, in an earlier vision, incense is said represent such prayers. (Revelation 5:8; Psalm 141:1. 2) Evidently, then, the symbolic silence in heaven is to allow the prayers of the holy ones on earth to be heard.
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From the jw.org publications
A significant silence this! Half an hour can seem a long time when you are waiting for something to happen. Now, even the constant heavenly chorus of praise is no longer heard. (Revelation4:8) Why? John sees the reason in vision: And another angel arrived and stood at the altar, having a golden incense vessel; and a large quantity of incense was given him to offer upon the golden altar that was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense ascended from the hand of the angel with the prayers of the holy ones before God." - REVELATION 8:3, 4.
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From the jw.org publications
"THE four winds have been held back until the 144,000 of spiritual Israel are sealed and the great crowd is approved for survival. (Revelation 7:1-4,9) However, before that tempestuous storm breaks over the earth, Jehovah's adverse judgments against Satan's world must also be made known! As the Lamb proceeds to open the seventh and final seal, John must be watching keenly to see what will unfold. Now he shares his experience will us: "And when he [the Lamb] opened the seventh seal, a silence occurred in heaven for about a half an hour. And I saw the seven angels that stand before God, and seven trumpets were given them." - REVELATION 8:1,2.
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From the jw.org publication
There is no evidence that any part from these two groups will "stand" in the day of Jehovah's wrath. What does this mean for the millions who each year show a certain respect for Jesus' sacrifice by attending the celebration of the Memorial of his death but who have not yet exercised faith in Jesus' sacrifice to the point of becoming dedicated, baptized servants of Jehovah, active in his service? Further, what about those who were once active but who have allowed their hearts to "become weighed down with . . . anxieties of life"? May all such awaken, and stay awake, in order to "succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man"- Jesus Christ, the time is short! -LUKE 21:34-36.
Next time: REVELATION IT GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty One - Jehovah's Plagues on Christendom
From the jw.org publications
In view of this fact, anointed Christians of the John class exert themselves vigorously in "pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) They are fully aware that events during these days call for special endurance on their part. (Revelation 13:10) After loyally serving Jehovah for so many years, they hold fast to the faith, rejoicing that their names are "inscribed in the heavens." (Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5) Those of the great crowd too know that only "he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matthew 24:13) While the great crowd as a group is marked to come out of the great tribulation, individuals thereof must exert themselves to remain clean and active.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - Making the Calling Sure - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
If you are one of that great crowd, your good condition of heart will make you "cry out joyfully," no matter what you have to endure in the way of privations and pressures during the twilight years of Satan's system. (Isaiah 65:14) In that sense. even now, the Lamb can wipe 'out every tear from your eyes.' No longer does God's torrid "sun" of adverse judgment threaten you, and when the four winds of destruction are unleased, you may be spared the "scorching heat of Jehovah's displeasure. After that destruction is over, the Lamb will guide you to benefit fully from the vitalizing "fountains of waters of life," these representing all the provisions that Jehovah makes for your gaining everlasting life. Your faith in the blood of the Lamb will be vindicated in that you will gradually be raised to human perfection. You of the great crowd will be unique among mankind as the "millions" that did not even have to die! In the fullest sense, every tear will have been wiped from your eyes. - REVELATION 21:4.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - Making the Calling Sure
From the jw.org publications
What application did the promise about not getting hungry or thirsty or suffering parching heat have back then? Certainly, Christians in the first century did suffer literal hunger and thirst at times. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) In a spiritual way, though though, they had an abundance. They were richly provided for, so that they did not go hungry or thirsty for spiritual things. Moreover, Jehovah did not cause the heat of his anger to blaze against them when he destroyed the Jewish system of things in 70 C.E. The words of Revelation 7:16 have a similar fulfillment for the great crowd today. Along with the anointed Christians, they enjoy bounteous spiritual provisions. - ISAIAH 65:13; Nahum 1:6,7.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - The Blessings for the Great Crowd -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
Let us consider a similarly worded prophecy: "This is what Jehovah has said: 'In a time of goodwill I have answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you . . . They will not go hungry, neither will they go thirsty, nor will parching heat or sun strike them. For the One who is having pity upon them will lead them, and by the springs of water he will conduct them.' " (Isaiah 49:8, 10; Psalm 121:5, 6) The apostle Paul quoted part of this prophecy and applied it to the "day of salvation" that began at Pentecost 33 C.E. He wrote: "For he [Jehovah] says: 'In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.' Look! Now is the acceptable day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2.
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From the jw.org publications
The elder continues: "They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down upon them nor any scorching heat, because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life. And God will wipe out ever tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16, 17) Yes, Jehovah is truly hospitable! But what depth of meaning is there to these words?
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From the jw.org publications
Further, they have become zealous witnesses of Jehovah-"rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple." Are you one of the dedicated great crowd? If so, it is your privilege to serve Jehovah without let up in the earthly courtyard of his great spiritual temple. Today, under the direction of the anointed ones, the great crowd is performing by far the greater part of the witness work. Despite secular responsibilities, hundreds of thousands of them have made room for the full-time ministry as pioneers. But whether you are in that group or not, as a dedicated member of the great crowd, you can rejoice that because of your faith and works you are declared righteous as a friend of God and are welcomed as a guest in his tent. (Psalm 15:1-5; James 2:21-26) Jehovah thus 'spreads his tent over those who love him and, as a good host, protects them. - PROVERBS 18:10.
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From the jw.org publications
How do individuals of the great crowd qualify for survival? The elder tells John that they have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." In other words, they have exercised faith in Jesus as their Ransomer, have made a dedication to Jehovah, have symbolized their dedication by water baptism, and "hold a good conscience" by their conduct. (1 Peter 3:16, 21; Matthew 20:28) Thus, they are clean and righteous in Jehovah's eyes. And they keep themselves "without spot from the world." - JAMES 1:27.
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From the jw.org publications
On an earlier occasion, Jesus had said that is presence in Kingdom glory would culminate in "great tribulation such as not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no nor will occur again." (Matthew 24:21, 22) In fulfillment of that prophecy, the angels will release the four winds of the earth to devastate Satan's world system. First to go will be Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. Then, at the peak of the tribulation, Jesus will deliver the remaining ones of the 144,000 on earth. together will the multitudinous great crowd. -REVELATION 7:1,. 18:2.
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From the jw.org publications
Through the divine channel, John receives further information regarding this great crowd: "And he the [elder] said to me: 'These are the ones that came out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That is why they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them.'" -REVELATION 7:14b, 15
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From the jw.org publications
The harvesting of God's people during the Lord's day has thus been in full harmony with John's vision: first the work of gathering the remaining ones of the 144,000; then the gathering of the great crowd. As Isaiah prophesied, now "in the final part of the days," people of all nations are streaming to share in Jehovah's pure worship. And, indeed we exult in appreciation of Jehovah's creation of the "new heavens and a new earth." (Isaiah 2:2-4; 65:17, 18) God is gathering "all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth." (Ephesians 1:10) The anointed heirs of the heavenly Kingdom-chosen over the centuries since Jesus' day - are "the things in the heavens." And now, the great crowd of the other sheep appear as initial ones of "the things on the earth." Your serving in harmony with that arrangement can mean eternal happiness for you.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND1/Chapter Twenty - The Blessings of the Great Crowd
From the jw.org publications
When the second world war broke out, Satan put forth bitter efforts to stop the harvesting of the great crowd. Jehovah's work was restricted in many countries. During those dark days, and shortly before his death in January 1942, J.F. Rutherford, president of the Watch Tower Society, was heard to say: "Well . . .it looks as though the great multitude is not going to be so great after all. But divine blessing directed otherwise! By 1946 the number of Witnesses ministered worldwide had jumped to 176,456 -most of these being of the great crowd. In 1987 there were 3,395,612 Witnesses who were serving Jehovah faithfully in 210 different lands - truly A GREAT CROWD! And the number keeps on increasing.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty -The Great Crowd Makes Its Appearance - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
Do the statistics support this conclusion? Yes, they do. In 1938, worldwide , 59,047 witnesses of Jehovah shared in the ministry of these 36,732 partook of the emblems of the annual celebration of the Memorial of Jesus' death, thus indicating that they had a heavenly calling. In the years since then, the number of these partakers has progressively decreased, principally because faithful witnesses of Jehovah finished their earthly life course in death in 1987 only 8,808 partook of the Memorial emblems-just 0.1 percent of the 8,995, 222 attending that global observance.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - The Great Crowd Makes Its Appearance - Continue
From the jw.org publications
During the 1920's and 1930's, the John class had stressed the heavenly hope, both in the publications and in the preaching work. Apparently, the full number of the 144,000 had yet to be filled. But increasing numbers of those who heeded the message and who showed zeal in the witness work came to profess an interest in living forever on Paradise earth. They had no desire to go to heaven. That was not their calling. They were no part of the little flock but rather of the other sheep. (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Their being identified in 1935 as the great crowd of other sheep was an indication that the choosing of the 144,000 was then about complete.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/ Chapter Twenty - The Great Crowd Makes Its Appearance - Continue
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From the time of the apostle John and on into the Lord's day, anointed Christians were puzzled as the identity of the great crowd. It is fitting then, that one of the 24 elders. representing anointing ones already in heaven, should stir John's thinking by raising a pertinent question. "And in response one of the elder said to me: 'These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?' So right away I said to him: 'My lord, you are the one that knows.'" (Revelation 7:13, 14a) Yes, that elder could locate the answer and give it to John. This suggests that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today. For their part, those of the John class on earth got to learn the identity of the great crowd by closely observing what Jehovah was performing in their midst. They were quick to appreciate the dazzling flash of the divine light that emblazoned the theocratic firmament in 1935, at Jehovah's due time.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - The Great Crowd Makes Its Appearance - Continue
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When Jehovah created the earth, all of his holy angels "joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause." (Job 38:7) Each new revelation of Jehovah's purpose must have evoked similar shouts of praise. When the 24 elders-the 144,000 in their heavenly glory-cry aloud in recognition of the Lamb, all others of God's heavenly creatures chime in with praises for Jesus and Jehovah God. (Revelation 5:9-14) Already, these creatures have been overjoyed to observe the fulfillment 0f Jehovah's purpose in his resurrecting faithful anointed humans to a glorious place in the spirit realm. Now, all of Jehovah's faithful heavenly creatures burst into a melodious praise as the great crowd appears. Truly, for all of Jehovah's servants, the Lord's day is a thrilling time in which to be living. (Revelation 1:10) Here on earth, how privileged we are to share in the song of praise by witnessing to Jehovah's Kingdom!
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - The Great Crowd Makes Its Appearance
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A great crowd is praising Jehovah, but others are also singing his praises. John reports: "And all the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell upon their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.' " - REVELATION 7:11, 12.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - A Universal Shout of Praise -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
The 24 elders and the anointed group of 144,000 are described as being "round about the throne" of Jehovah and "upon the [heavenly] Mount Zion." (Revelation 4:4; 14:1) The great crowd is not a priestly class and does not attain to that exalted position. True, it is later describe at Revelation 7:15 as serving God "in his temple." But this temple does not refer to the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy. Rather, it is the earthly courtyard of God's spiritual temple. The Greek word na-os' here translated "temple," often conveys the broad sense of the entire edifice erected for Jehovah's worship. Today, this is a spiritual structure that embraces both heaven and earth. Compare MATTHEW 26:61; 27:5, 39, 40; MARK 15:29, 30; JOHN 2:19-21. New Word Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - A Universal Shout of Praise
From the jw.org publications
Additionally, we read: "When the Son of man arrives in his glory . . . all the nations will gathered before him." The whole human race is not in heaven when this prophecy is fulfilled. Certainly, those who "depart into everlasting cutting- off " are not in heaven. (Matthew 25:31-33, 41, 46) Instead, mankind stands on the earth in Jesus' view, and he turns his attention to judging them. Similarly, the great crowd is "before the throne and before the Lamb" in that it stands in the view of Jehovah and his King, Christ Jesus, from whom it receives a favorable judgment.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - In Heaven or on Earth? - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
How do we know that "standing before the throne" does not mean that he great crowd is in heaven? There is much clear evidence on this point. For example, the Greek word translated "before" (e-no'pi-on) literally means "in [the] site [of] " and is used several times of humans on earth who are "before" or "in the sight of" Jehovah. (1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:14; Romans 14:22; Galatians 1:20) On one occasion when the Israelites were in the wilderness, Moses said to Aaron: "Say to the entire assembly of the sons of Israel, 'come near before Jehovah, because he has heard your murmurings.' " (Exodus 16:9) The Israelites did not have to be transported to heaven in order to stand before Jehovah on that occasion. (Compare Leviticus 24:8.) Rather, right there in the wilderness they stood in Jehovah's view and his attention was on them.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - In Heaven or on Earth? -Continue
From the jw.org publications
Modern technology has helped to make the loud voice of the united great crowd sound even louder. No other religious group on earth on earth has need of publishing Bible study aids in more than 200 languages, since no other group is interested in reaching all peoples of the earth with one united message. As further aid in this, under the supervision of the anointed Governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Multinational Electronic Phototypesetting System (MEPS) was developed. At the same time of this writing, various forms of MEPS are used in more than 60 of he Watch Tower Societies branches around the earth, and this has helped to make possible publication of their principal semi-monthly journal, the Watchtower, in 39 languages simultaneously publish books, such as this on, in a number of languages. Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses of whom the great crowd make up the vast majority, are able yearly to distribute hundreds of millions of publications in all the better-known languages, enabling additional throngs of all tribes and tongues to study God's Word and join their voices in the loud voice of the great crowd. - ISAIAH 42:10, 12.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - In Heaven or on Earth?
From the jw.org publications
This great crowd is part of the only truly united multinational organization on earth today. They do not have different standards for different countries but apply the Bible's right principles consistently wherever they live. They are not involved in nationalistic revolutionary movements but have truly 'beaten swords into plowshares.' (Isaiah 2:4) They are not divided into sects or denominations, so that they shout confused or mutually contradictory messages as do the religionists of Christendom; nor do they leave it to a professional clergy to do their praising for them. They do not cry out that they owe salvation to the holy spirit, for they are not servants of a trinitarian god. In some 200 geographical territories around the earth, they are the one calling upon the name of Jehovah as they speak one pure language of truth. (Zephaniah 3:9) Properly, they publicly acknowledge that their salvation come from Jehovah, the God of salvation, through Jesus Christ, His Chief Agent of salvation. -PSALM 3:8; HEBREWS 2:10.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/ Chapter Twenty - Conclusion
From the jw. publications
It is fitting, then, that the great crowd. though no part of spiritual Israel, should wave palm branches, since they joyfully and gratefully ascribe the victory and salvation to God and the Lamb, as John here observes: "And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: 'Salvation we owe to God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.' " (Revelation 7:10) Although they have been separated out of all ethnic groups, the great crowd cry out with just that one "loud voice." How can they do this, despite their diversity of nations and languages?
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - Confirming the Identity of the Great Crowd - Continue
From the jw.org publications
Doubtless the palm branches and the exulting cries also remind John of the ancient Israelite Festival of Booths. For this festival Jehovah commanded: "And you must take for yourselves on the first day of splendid trees, the fronds of the palm trees and the boughs of branchy trees and poplars of the torrent valley, and you must rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days." The palm branches were used a a mark of rejoicing. The temporary booths were a reminder that Jehovah has saved his people out of Egypt, to live in tents in the wilderness. "The alien resident and the fatherless boy and the widow" shared in this festival. All Israel were to "become nothing but joyful." - LEVITICUS 23:40; Deuteronomy 16:13-15.
Next time: REVELATION ITS GRAND CLIMAX AT HAND!/Chapter Twenty - Confirming the Identity of the Great Crowd - Continue
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