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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