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.
Next time: Chapter Eight/Striving to Be Conquerors
From the jw.org publications
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your commment. Your comment will be reviewed for approval soon.
God Bless.