Chapter Nine/Holding Fast to Jesus' Name - Continue

 Jesus now tells the congregation: "I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is." (Revelation 2:13b) Truly, those Christians were surrounded by satanic worship. In addition to the temple of Zeus, there was a shrine to Aesculapius the god of healing. Pergamum was also renowned as a center for the cult of emperor worship. The Hebrew word translated "Satan" means "Resister," and his "throne" represents his word rulership as divinely permitted for a season. (Job 1:6, New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote) The profusion of idolatry in Pergamum showed that Satan's "throne" was firmly asserted in that city. How angry Satan must have felt that the Christians there did not bow to him in nationalistic worship!

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Chapter Nine/Holding Fast to Jesus' Name

TRAVELING 50 miles north up the coastal road from Smyrna and then 15 miles inland through the Caicus River valley, we come to Pergamum, now called Bergama.  The city was renowned or its temple of Zeus, or Jupiter. In the 1800's, archaeologists transported the altar of that temple to Germany, where it may still be viewed, along with many statues and reliefs of pagan gods, at the Pergamum Museum in East Berlin. What message would the Lord Jesus send to the congregation living amid all that idolatry? 

First, Jesus establishes his identity, saying: "And to the angel of the congregation in Pergamum write: These are the things that he says who has the sharp, long two-edged sword." (Revelation 2:12) Jesus here repeats the description give of him at Revelation 1:16. As Judge and Executioner, he will strike down those persecute his disciples. How comforting that assurance! Regarding judgment, however, let those withing the congregation also be warned that Jehovah, acting through this "messenger of the covenant," Jesus Christ, "will become a speedy witness" against all professing Christians who practice idolatry, immorality, lying, and dishonesty and who fail to care for the needy. (Malachi 3:1, 5; Hebrews 13:1-3) The counsel and reproof that God causes Jesus to give must be needed! 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - "Tribulation Ten Days"- Conclusion

 Truly, the Christian Witnesses of Jehovah are suffering physical persecutions and other testings for a symbolic ten days. Like the Christians back in Smyrna, they have not been afraid; nor do any of us need to be afraid as troubles worsen here on earth. We are prepared to endure under sufferings and take even 'the plundering of our belongings' joyfully. (Hebrews 10:32-34) By studying God's Word and making it our very own, we will be equipped to stand solid in the faith. Be assured that Jehovah can and will guard you in your integrity. "Throw all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you." - 1 PETER 5:6-11.

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conqiuerors - "Tribulation Ten Days" - Continue

 To fortify God's people against tribulation, the John class has continually reminded them of the substance of Jesus' words to the Christians in Smyrna. For example, as Nazi persecution started, The Watchtower in 1933 and 1934 carried articles such as "Fear Them Not," which discussed Matthew 10:26-33; "The Crucible," based on Daniel 3:17, 18 and "Lions Mouths," with Daniel 6:22 as the key text.  In the 1980's, during which decade Jehovah's Witnesses have suffered vicious persecution in more than 40 lands. The Watchtower has fortified God's people with articles such as "Happy Though Persecuted!" and "Christian Meet Persecution With Endurance." 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - "Tribulation Ten Days"

 No other group has been so conscientious in obeying Jesus' command to pay back Caesar's things to Caesar. (Luke 20:25; Romans 13:1, 7) Yet, no other group has had members imprisoned in so many lands under so many different forms of government, and this continues to the present time in the Americas, in Europe, in Africa, and in Asia.  Jesus' great prophecy concerning the sign of his presence included these words: "Then people will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you may be objects of hatred by all nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:3,9) This has certainly been fulfilled upon the Christian Witnesses of Jehovah during the Lord's day. 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - 'Tribulation Ten Days" - Continue

 As the Lord's day has proceeded, the Serpent and his seed have never ceased to fight against the anointed Christians and their companions. Many of these have been imprisoned and viciously persecuted. (Revelation 12:17) Those enemies have continued to 'frame mischief by law' but Jehovah's people steadfastly insist: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Psalm 94:20, King James Version; Acts 5:29) In 1954 the Watchtower magazine reported: "More than seventy countries at one time or another during the past forty years have made restrictive decrees and have persecuted Jehovah's witnesses." Where it has been possible to fight for religious freedom in the courts, these Christians have done so and have come through with resounding victories in a number of countries. In the United States Supreme court alone, Jehovah's Witnesses have won 23 favorable decisions. 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - "Tribulation Ten Das" - Continue

 During Nazi rule in Germany, Hitler completely banned the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses. For years, thousands of Witnesses were cruelly confined in concentration camps, where many died, while hundreds of young men who refused to fight in Hitler's army were executed. The clergy's support of all this is evidenced by the words of the Catholic priest, published in the newspaper The German of May 29, 1938. In part, he said: "There is now one country on earth where the so-called . . . Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] are forbidden. That is Germany! . . . When Adolph Hitler came to power, and the German Catholic Episcopate repeated their request, Hitler said: 'These  so-called Earnest Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] are troublemakers, . . . and I consider them quacks; I do not tolerate that the German Catholics shall be besmirched in such a manner by this Americal Judge Rutherford; I dissolve [Jehovah's Witnesses] in Germany .' "To this, the priest added: Bravo!"

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - "Tribulation Ten Days" - Continue

 A wave of persecution in the United States of America was climaxed when the new president of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph F. Rutherford, and seven associates were sent to prison on June 22, 1918, most of them with 20-year sentences. They were released on bail nine months later. On May 14, 1919, the appeal court reversed their erroneous convictions, there were shown to be 125 errors in the trial. Roman Catholic Judge Manton, a knight of the order of St. Gregory the Great, who in 1918 had refused bail to these Christians was sentenced later, in 1939, to two years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 on six charges of soliciting and accepting bribes. 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - "Tribulation Ten Days"

 Much like the Christians in Smyrna, the John class and their companions today have been and continue to be "fully put to the test." Their faithfulness under trial marks them as God's own people. (Mark13:9, 10) Shortly after the Lord's day got underway, Jesus' words to the Christians in Smyrna brought real comfort to the small international group of Jehovah's people. (Revelation 1:10) Ever since 1879, these had been digging out from God's Word spiritual riches that they freely shared with others. But during World War I, they met up with intense hatred and opposition, partly because they did not get caught up in the war fever and partly because they were fearlessly exposing the errors of Christendom. The persecution that they received at the instigation of some of Christendom's leaders came to a head in 1918 and was comparable to what the Christians in Smyrna received from the Jewish community there.

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - Conclusion

 Nevertheless, the Christians in Smyrna should not be afraid or compromise. If they remain faithful to the end, there is laid up for them as a reward "the crown of life." In their case immortal life in the heavens. (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:6-8) The apostle Paul viewed this precious prize as worth the sacrifice of everything else, even his earthly life. (Philippians 3:8) Evidently, those faithful ones in Smyrna feel the same way. Jesus concludes his message by saying: "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: He that conquers will by no means be harmed by the second death." (Revelation 2:11) The conquerors ae assured of immortal heavenly life that cannot be touched by death. - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:53, 54. 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - Continue

 Jesus notes particularly that the Christians in Smyrna have put up with much opposition at the hands of the fleshly Jews. In earlier days, many of this religion determinedly opposed the spread of Christianity. (Acts 13:44, 45;14:19) Now, just a few decades after the fall of Jerusalem, those Jews in Smyrna are showing the same satanic spirit. No wonder Jesus views them as "a synagogue of Satan"!

Faced with such hatred, the Christians in Smyrna are comforted by Jesus: "Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! the Devil will keep on throwing some of you in prison that you may be fully put to the tests, and you may have tribulation ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) Here Jesus three times uses the Greek plural form of "you" showing that his words embrace the congregation as a whole. Jesus cannot promise that the trials of the Christians in Smyrna will soon end. Some of them will continue to be persecuted and cast into prison. They will have tribulation for "ten days." Ten is a number that symbolizes earthly completeness or entirety. Even those spiritually rich integrity keepers will receive a thorough testing while in the flesh.

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors - Continue

 Jesus led the way in enduring persecution for righteousness' sake, and he received the due reward. His faithfulness to the death and subsequent resurrection are the basis of hope for all Christians. (Acts 17:31) The fact that Jesus "became dead and came to life again" proves that whatever has to be endured in the case of truth is not in vain. Jesus' resurrection is source of profound encouragement for all Christians, especially when they called upon to suffer for their faith. Is this your situation? Then you can take courage also from Jesus' next words to the congregation in Smyrna. 

"I know your tribulation and poverty-but you are rich-and the blasphemy by those who say themselves are Jews, and yet they are not but are a synagogue of Satan." (Revelation 2:9) Jesus has no criticism for his brothers in Smyrna, only warm commendation. They have suffered much tribulation because of their faith. Materially they are poor, likely because of their faithfulness. (Hebrews 10:34) Their main concern, however, is with spiritual things and they have stored up treasures in heaven, as Jesus asked. (Matthew 6:19, 20) Hence, the Chief Shepherd views them as being "rich." - Compare JAMES 2:5. 

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Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors

 Today, ancient Ephesus lies in ruins. But the destination of Jesus' second message is still the site of a bustling city. About 35 miles north of the ruins of Ephesus is the Turkish city of Izmir, where a zealous congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses is to be found even today. Here, in the first century, was Smyrna. Note, now Jesus' next words: "And to the angle of the congregation in Smyrna write: These are the things that he says, 'the First and the Last,' who became dead and came back to life again." (Revelation 2:8) By stating this to those Christians in Smyrna, Jesus reminds them that he was the first integrity keeper that Jehovah directly resurrected to immortal spirit life and the last to be so raised. Jesus himself would resurrect all other anointed Christians. He is thus well qualified to give counsel to his brothers, who hop to share immortal heavenly life with him.

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - "To Him That Conquers" - Continue

 Since they have no prospect of living in an earthly paradise, how is it that the anointed Christians, such as those Ephesians, are rewarded with eating "of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God"? This could not be the restored Paradise on earth, since the 144,000 anointed Christians, including those of the congregation of Ephesus are brought from among mankind to rule with the Lamb. Christ Jesus, on the heavenly Mount Zion as spirit sons. (Ephesians 1:5-12; Revelation 14:1, 4) Hence, the reference here must be to the heavenly gardenlike realm inherited by these conquerors. There "in the paradise of God," yes, in the very presence of Jehovah himself, these overcomers who have been granted immorality will continue to live eternally, as symbolized here by their earning of the tree of life. 

What, then, of the loyal earthy supporters of the 144,000 anointed ones? A great crowd of these companion Witnesses ae also conquering, But their hope rests on entering an earthly paradise where they will drink from "a river of water of life" and find healing from "leaves of the trees" planted alongside that river. (Revelation7:4, 9, 17; 22:1, 2) If you are one of this group, may you too express your warm love for Jehovah and win out in the conquest of faith. Thus you may attain to the happiness of everlasting life in the Paradise earth. - Compare 1 JOHN 2:13, 14.

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love- "To Him That Conquers"

 Finally, as he does also in his other messages, Jesus calls attention to God's spirit as making known through Jesus the rewards for faithfulness. To the Ephesians he says: "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregation: To him that conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7) Those with hearing ears would be eager to heed that vital message, knowing that it did not come on Jesus' initiative but that it flowed from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself through His holy spirit, or active force. How would they 'conquer'?  By following closely in the steps of Jesus, who kept integrity to the death and so could say: "Take courage! I have conquered the world." - JOHN 8:28; 16:33; see also 1 JOHN 5:4. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love- -"Do the Former Deeds" - Continue

 At a historic convention, attended by 18,000 of these Christians, at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., September 5-13, 1922, the call went out! "Back to the field, O ye sons of the most high God! . . .The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. . . . Therefore, advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom. Jehovah's precious name was made made prominent. In 1931 these Christians assembled in convention at Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., rejoiced to embrace and take the name indicated by God in Isaiah's prophecy-Jehovah's Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10, 12) With its issue of March 1, 1939, the name of the organization principal journal was changed to the Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom, thus giving primary honor to our Creator and his royal government Jehovah's Witnesses, with renewed love for Jehovah, have repented of any possible previous failure to honor and magnify his illustrious name and Kingdom. - PSALM 106:6,47, 48. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - "Do the Former Deeds" - Continue

 The John class, however, emerged from the tumultuous days of the first world war with a love for Jehovah and for the truth that impelled them to serve him with flaming zeal. They resisted those who tried to introduce sectarianism through practically idolizing the first president of the Watch Tower Society, T. Russell, following his death in 1916. Disciplined by persecution and adversities, this Christian group clearly received a judgment of "well-done" from their Master and an invitation to enter into his joy. (Matthew 25:21. 23) They recognized the course of world events, and in their own experiences, the fulfillment of the sign that Jesus had given to mark his invisible presence in Kingdom power. From 1919 onward, they moved forward to share in the further fulfillment of Jesus' great prophecy: "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and the end will come." (Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:3-14) If their love Jehovah had been some way lacking, it was fanned into a flame from that time onward. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - "Do the Former Deeds" - Continue

 When judgment started with the house of God in 1918, the sectarian clergy of Christendom were giving open support to World War I, urging Catholics and Protestants on both sides to slaughter one another. (1 Peter4:17) Unlike the Ephesian congregation that hated what the sect of Nicolaus was doing, Christendom's religions had long been riddled with conflicting, anti-God doctrines, and their clergy had thrown their lot in with the world, of which Jesus said to his disciples must be no part. (John 15:17-19) Their congregations, ignorant of the Bible's theme, God's Kingdom, were not lampstands beaming forth Scriptural truth, nor were their members part of the spiritual temple of Jehovah. Their leading men (and women) were not stars but were revealed to be members of "the man of lawlessness." - 2 THESSALONIANS 2:3; MALACHI 3:1-3. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - "Do the Former Deeds" - Continue

 Nevertheless, Jesus has these encouraging words for the Ephesians: "Still, you do have this, that you hate the deeds of the sect of Nicolaus, which I also hate." (Revelation 2:6) As least they hated sectarian division, just as the Lord Jesus Christ hates it. As the years went by, however, many congregations failed to heed those words of Jesus. Lack of love for Jehovah, for the truth, and for one another resulted in their drifting into spiritual darkness. They became fragmented into numerous quarreling sects. "Christian" copyists who had no love for Jehovah removed God's very name from Greek manuscripts of the Bible. Lack of love also allowed room for teaching Babylonish and Grecian doctrines, such as hell fire, purgatory, and the Trinity, in the name of Christianity. Having no love for God and for the truth, most of those who claimed to be Christian ceased to preach the good news of God's Kingdom. They came to be dominated by a selfish clergy class that made its own kingdom here on earth. - Compare 1 CORINTHIANS 4:8.

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - "Do the Former Deeds"

 Those Ephesians must rekindle the love they once had If  they do not want to lose out. "Therefore, Jesus tells them, remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds. If you do not, I am coming to you, and I will remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." (Revelation 2:5) How did the Christians in the Ephesian congregation receive those words? We do not know. We hope that they repented and succeeded in reawakening their love for Jehovah. If they did not, then their lamp would be extinguished and their lampstand removed.  They would lose their privilege of beaming forth the truth. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Conclusion

 Whether we are old-timers or new associates in the congregation, we must guard against losing our first love for Jehovah. How can this come about?  We could allow attachment to our secular work, the desire to make a lot of money, or the pursuit of pleasure to become the big thing in our lives. Thus we could become fleshly minded rather than spiritually minded. (Romans 8:5-8; 1 Timothy4:8; 6:9, 20) Our first love for Jehovah should impel us to correct any such tendencies and to 'keep on seeking first God's Kingdom and his righteousness,' so as to 'store up for ourselves treasures in heaven.' - MATTHEW 6:19-21, 31-33. 

Let our service to Jehovah be motivated always by a deep-seated love for him. Let us have a fervent appreciation for all that Jehovah and Christ have done for us. As John himself wrote later: "The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth His Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins." John goes on to tell us: "God is love, and he that remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him." May we let fade our love for Jehovah, for the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the living Word of God! This love we can express not only in zealous service to God but also by obedience to "this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should be loving his brother also." - 1 JOHN 4:10, 16, 21; HEBREWS 4:12; see also 1 PETER 4:8; COLOSSIANS 3:10-14; EPHESIANS 4:15. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Continue

 Now, however, as he does with five of the seven congregations, Jesus singles out a serious problem. He says to the Ephesians: "Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:4) They should not have failed in this respect, for Paul had written them 35 years earlier referring to God's great love with which he loved us," and he had urged them: " Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved you." (Ephesians 2:4; 5:1, 2) Further, Jesus' words should have been inscribed indelibly on their hearts: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength." (Mark 12:29-31) The Ephesians had lost that first love. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Continue

 During the Lord's day, too, there have appeared "false apostles" who speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." (2 Corinthians 11:13; Acts 120:30; Revelation 1:10) They see good in all the conflicting sectarian religions, claim that God does have an organization and deny that Jesus received Kingdom power in 1914. They fulfill the prophecy at 2 Peter 3:3, 4:"In the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: 'Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning.'"

These ridiculers rebel at the thought of making public declaration of their faith. (Romans 10:10) They have enlisted the support of Christendom's clergy and the aid of news journals and TV stations to spread lying reports about their former associates. Faithful ones soon find that their speech and conduct of these deceivers do not ring true. Like the Ephesians, Christians today "cannot bear bad men," so they disfellowship them from their congregations. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love - Continue

 Jesus than sets a pattern for all but two of his seven messages by opening with warm words of commendation. For the Ephesians, he has this message: "I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot bear bad men, and that you put those to the test who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have borne up for my name's sake and have not grown weary." (Revelation 2:2, 3) Years before, the apostle Paul had warned the Ephesian elders about "oppressive wolves," apostate disturbers of the flock, and had told those elders to "keep awake," following his own tireless example.  (Acts 20:29, 31) Since Jesus now commends them for their labor and endurance and not for growing weary, they must have applied that counsel. 

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Chapter Seven/Rekindle That First Love

 Jesus' first message to the congregation in Ephesus, at that time a thriving coastal city of Asia Minor close to the isle of Patmos. He commands John: "To the angel of the congregation in Ephesus write: These are the things that he says who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands." (Revelation2:1) As in the other six messages, Jesus here draws attention to a feature denoting his authoritative position. He reminds the overseers in Ephesus that all elders are under his own protective oversight and that he is inspecting all the congregations. Down into our 20th century, he has continued to exercise this loving headship, watching over the elders and kindly shepherding all associated with the congregation. From time to time, he adjusts congregational arrangements so that the light can shine more brightly. Yes, Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over the flock of God. - MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 5:2-4. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Seed Endures - Conclusion

 For this reason Jesus' words to the congregation have had their major application since 1914. In this setting, the seven congregations of anointed Christians during the Lord's day.  Moreover, during the past 50 years and more, the anointed Christians pictured by John have been joined by large numbers of believers whose hope is to live forever in Paradise on earth. The counsel of the glorified Jesus Christ and the conditions he found in the seven congregations as result of his inspection apply with equal force to these, since there is only one standard of righteousness and faithfulness for all of Jehovah's servants. (Exodus 12:49; Colossians 3:11) Thus, Jesus' messages to the seven first-century congregations in Asia Minor are not mere historical curiosities.  They mean life or death to each one of us. Let us, then, listen carefully to Jesus' words. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Seed Endures

In his parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus foretold the time of darkness that would exist while Christendom reigned supreme. Nevertheless, through all the centuries of apostasy, there would exist individual wheatlike Christians, genuine anointed ones. (Matthew 13:24-29, 36-43) Thus, when the Lord's day dawned in October 1914, there were still true Christians on earth. (Revelation 1:10) It appears that Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for judgment about three and half years later. In 1918, accompanied by Jesus as his "messenger of the covenant." (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 13:47-50) It was time for the Master to reject finally the false Christians and to appoint 'the faithful and discreet slave over all his belongings. - MATTHEW 7:22, 23; 24:45-47. 

It was also time for this slave to give special attention to the things written in Jesus' messages to the seven congregations, as we see from what is stated therein. For example, Jesus refers to his coming to judge the congregations, which judgment began in 1918. (Revelation 2:5, 16, 22, 23: 3:3) He speaks of protecting the Philadelphia congregation from the "hour of test, which is to come upon the whole inhabited earth." (Revelation 3:10, 11) This "hour of test" arrives only with the dawning of the Lord's day in 1914, after which Christians were tested as to their loyalty to the established Kingdom of God. - Compare MATTHEW 24:3,9-13. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Great Apostasy - Conclusion

 Hence, Jesus' words to the seven congregations expose the total failure of all of Christendom's religions to be Jehovah's special people. Indeed, the clergy of Christendom have been the most prominent members of Satan's seed. Speaking of these as "the lawless one,' the apostle Paul foretold that their "presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception." - 2 THESSALONIANS 2:9, 10. 

While claiming to be shepherds of the flock of God. Christendom's leaders, religious and secular, showed special hatred for anyone who tried to encourage Bible reading or anyone who exposed their unscriptural practices. John Hus and Bible translator William Tyndale were persecuted and martyred. During the bedarkened Middle Ages, apostate rule reached a peak in the diabolic Catholic inquisition. Any who disputed the teachings of authority of the church were unmercifully suppressed, and countless thousands of so-called heretics were tortured to death or burned at the stake. Thus Satan endeavored to ensure that any true seed of God's womanlike organization would quickly crushed. When the Protestant churches manifested a similar intolerant spirit. They too became bloodquilty by martyring those who endeavored to be loyal to God and Christ. Truly, "the blood of holy ones" was freely poured out! - REVELATION 16:6' Compare MATTHEW 23:33-36. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Great Apostasy - Continue

 Jesus' words to the seven congregations were completely ignored by the apostatizing Christians. Jesus had warned the Ephesians to regain the love they had at first. (Revelation 2:4) Nevertheless, members of Christendom no longer being united in love for Jehovah, fought vicious wars and persecuted one another horribly. (1 John 4:20) Jesus has warned the congregation in Pergamum against sectarianism. Yet, sects appeared even in the second century, and today Christendom has thousands of squabbling sects and religions. 

Jesus had warned the Sardis congregation against being spiritually dead. (Revelation 3:1) Like those in Sardis, professed Christians quickly forgot about Christian works and soon delegated the highly important work of preaching a small, paid clergy class. Jesus had warned the congregation in     Thyatira against Idolatry and fornication. (Revelation 2:20) Yet, Christendom openly sanctioned the use of images, as well as the promoting of the more subtle idolatry of nationalism and materialism. And immorality, while sometimes preached against, has always been widely tolerated. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Great Apostasy - Continue

 How the congregations in 96 C.E. responded to Jesus' messages we do know that the apostasy developed rapidly after John's death. "Christians" ceased to use Jehovah's name and substituted "Lord" or "God" for it in the Bible manuscripts. By the fourth century, the false doctrine of the Trinity had infiltrated the congregations. During this same period, the idea of an immortal soul was being adopted. Finally, Roman Emperor Constantine made "Christianity" the state religion, and this gave birth to Christendom, where Church and State joined forces in ruling for a thousand years. It was easy to become a new-style "Christian." Whole tribes adjusted their earlier pagan beliefs to versions of this religion. Many of their leaders in Christendom became oppressive political tyrants, enforcing their apostate views by the sword. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Great Apostasy

 When John wrote Revelation, was upwards of 60 years old. At the outset, it has survived 40 years of constant opposition from Judaism.  Then the Jewish system received a mortal blow in 70 C.E. when the unrepentant Jews lost their national identity and what to them virtually an idol-the temple in Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, the apostle Paul had foretold that there would be an apostasy among the anointed Christians, and Jesus' messages show that in John's old age this apostasy was already developing. John was the last of those who acted as a restraint on this all-out attempt by Satan to corrupt the seed of the woman. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; 2 Peter 3:1-3; 2 John 7-11) So it was the appropriate time for Jehovah's Chief Shepherd to write to the elders in the congregations, warning of developing trends and encouraging righthearted ones to stand firm for righteousness.  

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Stars and the Lampstands - Conclusion

 The seven lampstands are the seven congregations to whom John directs the book of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  Why are congregations symbolized by lampstands?  Because Christians, whether individual or collectively as congregations, have to 'let their light shine before men' in this bedarkened world. (MATTHEW 5:14-16) Additionally, lampstands were among the furnishings of Solomon's temple. Calling the congregations lampstands would likely remind John that, in an illustrative sense, each local congregation of anointed ones is "God's temple," a dwelling place for God's spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Moreover, in the antitype of the Jewish temple arrangement, members of the congregation of anointed ones serve as "a royal priesthood" in Jehovah's great spiritual temple arrangement, of which Jesus is the High Priest and where Jehovah dwells personally in the heavenly Most Holy. - 1 PETER 24:5, 9; HEBREWS 3:1; 6:20; 9:9-14, 24. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Stars and the Lampstands - Continue

 Since Jesus speaks to only one "angel" in each congregation, does this mean that each congregation has one one elder? No. As early as Paul's day, the Ephesian congregation had a number of elders, not just one. (Revelation 2:1; Acts 20:17) So in John's day, when messages were sent to the seven stars to be read to the congregations (including the one in Ephesus), the stars must have stood for all those who served in the bodies of elders withing Jehovah's anointed congregation. In like manner, overseers today read to their congregations letters received from the Governing Body, made up of anointed overseers who serve under Jesus' headship. The local bodies of elders have to make sure that Jesus's counsel is for the benefit of all those associated in the congregation, not just the elders. - REVELATION 2:11a. 

Since Jesus is the Head of the congregation, the elders are properly said to be in his right hand, that is, under his control and direction. (Colossians 1:18) He is the Chief Shepherd, and they are under shepherds. - 1 PETER 5:2-4.

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret -The Stars and the Lampstands

 John has seen Jesus in the midst of seven golden lampstands with seven stars in his right hand. (Revelation 1:12, 13, 16) Now Jesus explains this: "As for the sacred secret of the seven stars that you saw upon my right hand, and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean  the angels of the seven congregations, and seven lampstands mean seven congregations." -REVELATION 1:20. 

The "stars" are the "the angels of the seven congregations." In Revelation, stars sometimes symbolize literal angels, but Jesus would hardly use a human penman to write to invisible spirit creatures. So the "stars" must be human overseers, or elders, in the congregation, viewed as Jesus's messengers.  The messages are addressed to the stars, for these are responsible for the oversight of Jehovah's flock. - ACTS 20:28.

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Chapter Six/Unlocking Sacred Secrets - "The First and the Last" - Conclusion

 Jesus was indeed "the First "human to be resurrected to immortal spirit life. (Colossians 1:18) Moreover, he is "the Last" to be so resurrected by Jehovah personally. Thus, he becomes "the living one . . . living forever and ever." He enjoys immortality in this, he is like his immortal Father, who is called "the living God." (Revelation 7:2; Psalm 42:2) For all others of humanity, Jesus himself is " the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25) In harmony with this he says to John: "I became dead, but look! I am living forever and ever. and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (Revelation 1:18b) Jehovah has given him the authority to resurrect the dead. That is why Jesus can say that he has the keys to unlock the gates for those bound by death and Hades. (gravedom). Compare MATTHEW 16:18. 

Jesus here repeats the command to record the vision, telling John: "Write down the things you saw, and the things you are and the things that will take place after these. " (Revelation 1:19) What exciting things will John yet make known for our instruction?

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Chapter Six/Unlocking Sacred Secrets - "The First and the Last"

 Nevertheless, our awe need not give way to morbid fear. Jesus reassured John, as the apostle next relates: "And he laid his right hand upon me and said: 'Do not be fearful. I am the First and the Last, and the living one." (Revelation 17b; 18a) In Isaiah 44:6, Jehovah rightly describes his own position as the one and only almighty God, saying: "I am the First and the Last, and besides me there is no God."  When Jesus presents himself by the title "the First and the Last, "he is not claiming equality with Jehovah, the Grand Creator. He is using the title properly bestowed upon him by God. In Isaiah, Jehovah was making a statement about is unique position as the true God. He is God eternal, and besides him there is no other God. (1Timothy 1:17) In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection. 

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Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret

 Awesome indeed is the vision of the exalted Jesus! No doubt, if we had been spectators there with the apostle John, we too would have been overcome by that resplendent glory, prostrating ourselves as he did. (Revelation 1:10-17) This superlative inspired vision has been preserved to stimulate us to action today. Like John, we should show humble appreciation for all that the vision means. May we always have reverential respect for Jesus' position as enthroned King, High Priest, and Judge. - PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Conclusion

 Today, the colorful detail description of John's vision fills God's people with heartfelt appreciation. Already, we have passed through more than 70 years of the Lord's day, during which the vision continues to have its thrilling fulfillment. Jesus' Kingdom rule is to us a living, present reality, not a future hope. Hence, it is proper for us as loyal subjects of the Kingdom to look further with wonder at what John describes in this first vision and to listen obediently to the words of the glorified Jesus Christ. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 Jesus' bright shining countenance reminds us that Moses' face emitted shining rays after Jehovah had communed with him on Mount Sinai. (Exodus34:29, 30) Remember, too, that when Jesus was transfigured before three of his apostles 1,900 years ago, "his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant as the light." (Matthew 17:2) Now, in a visionary representation of Jesus during the Lord's day, his face similarly reflects the radiant splendor of one who has been in Jehovah's presence. (2 Corinthians 3:18) In fact, the overall impression conveyed by John's vision is that of an effulgence of glory. From the snow-white hair, the flaming eyes, and the shining countenance down to the glowing feet, it is a superlative vision of the One who now dwells "in unapproachable light." (1Timothy 6:16) The realism of this spectacle is so vivid! How did the overawed John react? The apostle tells us: "And when I saw him, I feel as dead at his feet." -REVELATION 1:17. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 Indeed, as a perfect human, Jesus had a radiance that was apparent to angels and men. (John 1:14) His glorious feet also remind us that he is treading holy ground in Jehovah's organization, in which he is High Priest. (Compare Exodus 3:5.) Further, his voice resounds thunderously like a huge cascading waterfall. It is impressive, awe-inspiring as is fitting for the one officially called the Word of God, the one who has come "to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness. - ACTS 17:31; JOHN 1:4. 

"And he had in his right hand seven stars and out of his mouth, a sharp, long two-edged sword was protruding and out of his countenance was as the sun when it shines in its power. And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet." (Revelation 1:16, 17a) Jesus himself explains the meaning of the seven stars a little later. But notice what is coming out of his mouth. "a sharp two-edged sword." What a fitting feature! For Jesus is the one appointed to pronounce Jehovah's final judgments against His enemies. Decisive utterances from his mouth result in the execution of all wicked ones. - REVELATION 19:13, 15. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

John's description continues: "Moreover, his head and his hair were white as wool, as snow, and eyes as a fiery flame." (Revelation 1:14) His snow-white hair indicates wisdom due to length of life. (Compare Proverbs 16:31.) And his fiery eyes show that he is sharp, alert, as he searches, tests, or expresses indignation. Even Jesus' feet catch John's attention: "And his feet were like fine copper when glowing in a furnace; and his voice was as the sound of many waters." (Revelation 1:15) In the vision, Jesus' feet are like copper, glowing bright-properly so for one who walks zealously and with a fine standing in the presence of Jehovah God. Moreover, while in the Bible divine things are often pictured by gold, so things human are sometimes represented by copper. So Jesus' glowing feet like find copper remind us of how "comely" his feet were when he walked the earth preaching the good news. -ISAIAH 52:7; ROMANS 10:15.

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Chapter Five/John Behold the Glorified Jeus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 John turns at the sound of the loud voice, and here is what he sees: "I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands." (Revelation 1:12) Later, John learns what these seven lampstands symbolize. But it is the person in the midst of the lampstands that catches his eye.  There was "in the midst of the lampstands someone like the son of man, clothes with a garment that reached down to the feet, and girded at the breast with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1:13) "Jesus, the "son of man," here presents himself before the awe-struck witness, John as a magnificent, glowing figure. He appears in a brilliant glory among flaming golden lampstands. This templelike setting impresses on John the fact that Jesus is present in the role of Jehovah's great Hight Priest, with judgment powers. (Hebrews 4:114; 7:21-25) His long impressive garment conforms to his priestly office. Like the Jewish high priests of old, he wears a girdle-a golden girdle over his breasts where it covers his heart. This signifies that will wholeheartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God. - EXODUS 28:8, 30; HEBREWS 8:1, 2. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 In this first vision John sees the radiant Lord Jesus Christ in his heavenly glory. What could be more fitting for a book of prophecies relating to the great day of this Lord commissioned by heaven? And what could be more important to us, who are now living in that time period and giving careful heed to his every command? Moreover, how thrilling it is for supporters of Jehovah's sovereignty to be assured that the Messianic Seed, having endured al the tests and persecutions brought on by Satan and having suffered an agonizing death when His "heel" was bruised 1,900 years ago, is now alive in heave, empowered to bring God's grand purpose to its triumphant completion! - GENESIS 3:15. 

It is evident that Jesus is now poised to go into action as enthroned King. He has been appointed as Jehovah Chief Executioner to carry out Jehovah's final judgments against this old wicked system of things and it diabolical god, Satan. He is also on hand to judge those of his congregation of their associates, as well as to judge the world. - REVELATION 7:4, 9; ACTS 17:31. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day -- Continue

 Most of the prophecies in Revelation were to be fulfilled after John's time. They referred to "the things that will take place after these." But the counsel to the seven congregations deals with "things that are," situations that really existed in the seven congregations at that time. The messages were valuable aids to faithful anointed elders in those seven congregations, as well as in all other congregations of anointed Christians of the time. Since the vision has its prime application in the Lord's day, what Jesus says serves notice that similar conditions are to be expected in the congregation of anointed Christians of our own day. - REVELATION 1:10, 19.

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Chapter Five/John Behold the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 In this first vision, before John sees anything, he hears something: "And I heard behind me a strong voice like that of a trumpet, saying: 'What you see write in a scroll and send it to the seven congregations, in Ephesus and in Smyrna and in Pergamum and Thyatira and in Sardis and Philadelphia and in Laodicea.' " (Revelation 1:10b, 11) Authoritative and commanding as a trumpet call, a voice calls on John to write to "the seven congregations." He is to receive a series of messages and to publish the things he will see and hear.  Notice that the congregations mentioned here actually existed in John's day. All of them were situated in Asia Minor, right across the sea from Patmos. They were accessible to one another by means of the excellent Roman roads that existed in the area. A messenger would have had no trouble carrying the scroll from one congregation to the next. These seven congregations would resemble a section of modern-day circuit of Jehovah's Witnesses.

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus - In the Lord's Day - Continue

 Hence, this first vision and the counsel it contains are for the Lord's day, from 1914 onward, this timing is supported by the fact, that, later in Revelation, the record describes the execution of God's true righteous judgments-events in which the Lord Jesus plays an outstanding part. (Revelation 11:18; 16:15; 17:1; 19:2, 11) If the fulfillment of the first vision began in 1914, when does it end? As the messages themselves show, the organization addressed in God's congregation of anointed ones on earth. The fulfillment of this vision ends, then, when the last faithful member of that anointed congregation dies and is raised to heavenly life. Nevertheless, the Lord's day, with blessings to the earthly sheep, continues till the end of Jesus Christ's Millennial Rule. - JOHN 10:16; REVELATION 20:4, 5. 

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Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus -In the Lord's Day- Continue

 The fulfillment of other Bible prophecies helps us to see when the Lord's day begins. For example, Daniel described a chopping down of rulership in the line of King David; after "seven times" it would be known "that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to give it." (Daniel 4:23, 24, 31. 32) The major fulfillment of that prophecy started with the desolating of the kingdom of Judah, which is indicated by Bible evidence to have been completed by October 607 B.C.E. Revelation 12:6, 14 Shows that 3 1/2 times amounts to 1,260 days hence, seven times (twice that number) must be 2,520 days. Reckoning "a day for a year," we arrive at 2,520 years as the duration of the "seven times." (Ezekiel 4:6) Therefore, Christ Jesus began his heaven rule in the latter part of 1914, The meaning of the first world war in that year marked "a beginning of pangs of distress" that have continued to plague mankind. Since 1914, how remarkably events in this bloodstained earth have confirmed that year to be the start of "day" of Jesus' presence! - MATTHEW 24:3-14.

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