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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 events

Chapter Five/John Beholds the Glorified Jesus

 THE first vision in the book of Revelation begins with chapter1, 1, verse 10. This vision, like the others in Revelation, is introduced by a declaration that John hears or sees something extraordinary. (Revelation 1:10, 12; 4:1; 6:1) The first vision is presented in a first-century framework in which messages are addressed to seven congregations contemporary with John. But John indicates the time of its real application when he says: "By inspiration I came to be in the Lord's day." (Revelation 1:10b) When is this "day"? Do the dramatic events of the tempestuous 20th century have any connection with it? If so, we should pay close attention to the prophecy, as affecting our very lives-even our survival. - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:20, 21. 

In the Lord's Day

In what time frame does this place the fulfillment of Revelation? Well, what is the Lord's day? The apostle Paul refers to it as a time of judgment and of fulfillment of divine promises. (1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10; 2:16) With the arrival of that "day," Jehovah's grand purposes move progressively and triumphantly toward the climax. That "day' begins with the crowning of Jesus as heavenly King. Even after Jesus executes judgment on Satan's world, the Lord's day continues, with the restoration of mankind, until Jesus finally "hands over the kingdom to his God and Father." - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:24-26; REVELATION 6:1, 2. 

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Chapter Four/Jesus Come With Encouragement - "The Alpha and the Omega" - Conclusion

 How deeply John must have appreciated his privilege of being used by Jehovah as His channel of communication to the congregations! Similarly, the John class today treasures greatly its privilege of providing the household of God with spiritual "food at the proper time." (Matthew 2:45) May you be one of those strengthened by this spiritual provision so as to attain to the glorious goal of everlasting life! - PROVERBS 3:13-18; JOHN 17:3.

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encoragement -"The Alpha and the Omega" -Continue

 Confident that Jehovah will direct the outcome of matters, John tells his fellow slaves: "I John, your brother and sharer with you in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in company with Jesus, came to be in the isle that is called Patmos for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) A prisoner in Patmos for the sake of the good news, enduring tribulations with his brothers, hoping firmly to have a share in the coming Kingdom, the aged John now sees the first of the visions of Revelation. No doubt he was encouraged greatly by these visions, just the John class is stimulated today at seeing their fulfillment. We do not know how John forwarded the scroll of Revelation to congregations since he was in confinement at the time. (Revelation 1:11; 22:18, 19) Jehovah's angels must have cooperated in getting this done. Just as they have so often protected faithful witnesses of Jehovah who serve under bans and restrictions today, so that these have been able to get timely spiritual food to their truth-hungry brothers. - PSALM 34:6, 7.

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "The Alpha and the Omega"

 Now. wonder of wonders! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself speaks.  How appropriate this as a preface to the visions that are about unfold, since he is our Grand Instructor and ultimate Source of Revelation! (Isaiah 30:20) Our God declares: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, . . . and the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8) This is the first of three times in Revelation that Jehovah speaks from heaven. (See also Revelation 21:5-8; 22:12-15.) First-century Christians would quickly have recognized alpha and omega as the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jehovah is calling himself by those two letters stresses that before him, there was no almighty God, and there will none after him. He will bring to a successful conclusion, for all eternity, the issue of Godship. He will be forever vindicated as the one and only almighty God. Supreme Sovereign over all of his creation. - Compare Isaiah 46:10; 55:10, 11. 

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "Coming With the Clouds" -Conclusion

 Jesus will be 'seen' also by "those who pierced him." Who might these be? When Jesus was executed in 33 C.E., the Roman soldiers pierced him literally. The guilt of that murder was shared by the Jews, for Peter told some of these at Pentecost: "God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled." (Acts 2:5-11,36; Compare Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37.) Those Romans and Jews have now been dead for close to 2,000 years. So those who 'pierce him' today must represent nations and people that display the same hateful attitude was show when Jesus was impaled.  Jesus is no longer here on earth. But when opposers passively consent to such treatment, it is as just as though such opposers were 'piercing Jesus himself. - MATTHEW 25:33, 41-46.

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes WIth Encouragement - "Coming With the Clouds" - Continue

 During Jesus' last evening with the disciples, he told them: "A little longer and the world will behold me no more." (John 14:19) How is it, then, that every eye will see him"? We should not expect that Jesus' enemies would see him with physical eyes, for the apostle Paul said, after Jesus' ascension to heaven that Jesus now "dwells in unapproachable light," and "not one of men has seen or can see," him. (1 Timothy 6:16) Evidently, John meant to "see" in the sense of "discern," just as we can see, or discern God's invisible qualities by means of his creations. (Romans 1:20) Jesus "is coming with the clouds. Even when the sun is hidden by clouds during the daytime, we know itis there because of the daylight that surround us. Similarly, though the Lord Jesus is invisible, he will be revealed like "a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those do not obey the good news about him.' These too will be compelled to "see him." - 2 THESSALONIANS 1:6-8, 28. 

Next time: Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "Coming With the Clouds" - Conclusion 

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "Coming With the Clouds

 Next John jubilantly announces: "Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Ye, Amen." (Revelation 1:7) No doubt John was here reminded of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things. Jesus there stated, "Then the Son of man will appear in heaven and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:3,30) Thus, Jesus 'comes' by turning his attention to the executing of Jehovah's judgments on the nations. This will result in momentous changes on earth, and since "all the tribes of the earth" have ignored the reality of Jesus' kingship, they will indeed experience "the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty." - REVELATION 19:11-21; PSALM 22:3, 8, 9. 

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "The Faithful Witness"

 After Jehovah, Jesus is the most glorious person in the universe, as John recognizes describing him as " 'The faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead,' and 'The Ruler of the kings of the earth.' " (Revelation 1:5b) Like the moon in the heavens, he has been firmly established as the greatest Witness to Jehovah's Godship. (Psalm 89:37) After he kept integrity down to a sacrificial death, he became the first among mankind to be raised to immoral spirit life. (Colossians 1:18) Now in Jehovah's presence, he is exalted high above all earthly kings, being invested with "all authority . . . in heaven and on the earth." (Matthew 28:18; Psalm89:27; 1 Timothy 6:15) In 1914 he was installed as King to rule among the earthly nations. - PSALM 2:6-9; MATTHEW 25:31-33.

John continues to express appreciation for the Lord Jesus Christ in these glowing words: "To him that loves us and that loosed us from our sins by means of his own blood-and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and father-yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen." (Revelation 1:5c,6) Jesus gave his perfect human life so that those of the world of mankind who exercise faith in him may be restored to perfect life. You, dear reader, can be included in this! (John 3:16) But Jesus' sacrificial death opened the way for a special blessing for those who became anointed Christians like John. These have been declared righteous on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice. Renouncing all earthly life prospects as Jesus did, those of the little flock have been begotten by God's spirit, with the expectation of being resurrected to serve as kings and priests with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom. (Luke 12:321; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 20:6) What a grand privilege! No wonder John exclaimed so affirmatively that the glory and the mighty belong to Jesus!

Next time: Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "Coming With the Clouds"

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - Conclusion

 "Undeserved kindness and peace"-how desirable these are and especially when we appreciate their source! The "One" from whom they flow is the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself, "the King of eternity," who lives "from time indefinite to time indefinite." (Timothyu1:17; Psalm 90:2) Involved here, too, are "the seven spirits," which term indicates a fullness of operation of God's active force, or holy spirit, as it brings understanding and blessing to all who pay attention the prophecy. Also occupying a key role is "Jesus Christ," of whom John later wrote: "He was full of undeserved kindness and truth."  (John 1:14) Thus, John's greeting has the same elements that the apostle Paul mentioned in closing his second letter to the Corinthian congregation: "The undeserved kindness   of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the sharing in the holy spirit be with all of you." (2 Corinthians 13:14) May those words apply also to every one of us who loves mankind today.

Next time: Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - "The Faithful Witness

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Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouagement

 What follows next should be of absorbing interest to everyone associated with the congregation of God's people. Here is a series of messages. They have particular application as "the appointed time draws near.  (Revelation 1:3) It is to our everlasting benefit that we heed these pronouncements. The record reads: "John to the seven congregations that are in the district of Asia: May you have undeserved kindness and peace from 'The One who is and who was and who is coming,' and from the seven spirits that are before his throne and from Jesus Christ." - REVELATION 1:4, 5a.

Here John addresses "seven congregations," and these are named for us later in the prophecy.  That number "seven," is often repeated in Revelation. It signifies completeness, especially in connection with the things of God and his anointed congregation. Since the number of congregations of God's people worldwide has grown into the tens of thousands during the Lord's Day, we can be sure that what is said primarily to the "seven congregations" of anointed ones also applies to all of God's people today. (Revelation 1:10) Yes, John has a vital message for all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses and all who are associated with them everywhere on the face of this earth.  

Next time: Chapter Four/Jesus Comes With Encouragement - Conclusion

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Conclusion

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

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Channel of Communication - Continue

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

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

Next time: Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Channel of Communication - Conclusion

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Channel of Communication - Continue

 The apostle John writes that Jesus presented Revelation "in signs," or symbols. These are vivid and thrilling to examine. They depict dynamic activity and should, in turn, stir us to zealous efforts in making known to others the prophecy and its meaning.  Revelation presents for us a number of electrifying visions, in each of which John participated either actively or as an observer. Those of the John class, some of whom have shared of upwards of 70 years in the fulfillment of these visions, are happy that God's spirit has unlocked the meaning so that they can explain to others. 

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

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Channel of Communication

 Revelation 1:1b, 2 continues: "And he [Jesus] sent forth his angel and presented it (Revelation] in signs through him to his slave John, who bore witness to the word God gave, even to all the things he saw." Thus, John received the inspired record through an angelic messenger. He wrote in a scroll, transmitting it to the congregations of his time. Happily for us, God has preserved it for the encouragement of the more than50,000 congregations of his united servants on earth today. 

God had a channel for communicating Revelation in John's day, and John was the earthly part if that channel. Likewise, God has a channel for spiritual nourishment to his 'slaves' today In his great prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus identified the earthly part if the channel as "the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:3, 45-47) He uses this John class in unlocking the meaning of the prophesy. 

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Conclusion

 How could John say, though, that these "slaves" would be shown "things that must shortly take place"? Were not those words spoken almost 1,900 years ago? From the viewpoint of Jehovah, in whose eyes a thousand years are but "as yesterday," 1,900 years is show time when compared with the aeons of time that he spent in creating and preparing the earth for human habitation. (Psalm 90:4) The apostle Paul of his own "eager expectation and hope," for no doubt the reality of his reward seemed close at hand to him. (Philippians 1:20) Today, however, the evidence abounds that all the things foretold will take place on schedule. Never before in history has the very survival of mankind been at stake. Only God has the solution. 

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Chapter Three/Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Continue

 The apostle John, who wrote down Revelation, describes himself as such a slave. He was the last surviving apostle and one of the select spirit-anointed group of "slaves" that inherit immortal life in the heavens. Today, there are just a few thousand of these remaining on earth. God has other servants, too, a great crowd of them, men, women, and children, numbering now into the millions. Under angelic direction, these are sharing with the anointed "slaves" in declaring the everlasting good news to all mankind. Oh, how all these " slaves" are expending themselves in order to help the meek ones of the earth to find salvation! (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:9, 14; 14:6) Revelation indicates what you must do to benefit from happifying good news. 

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Chapter Three/ Things That Must Shortly Take Place - Continue

 The apostle John introduces this grand prophecy with the words: "A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shorty take place." (Revelation 1:1a) So that was the resurrected Jesus Christ who received this weighty message from God. Far from being part of a mystic Trinity, Jesus here is shown to be subject to his Father. In same way, the "slaves making up the Christian congregation are subject to Jesus Christ, so that they 'keep following him wherever he gods.' (Revelation 14:4; Ephesians 5:24) But who today are truly "slaves of God, and how does Revelation benefit them?

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