1930_lg-1_E
Light (1930)
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The physical facts set forth showing fulfilment of
THE REVELATION which God gave unto Jesus Christ to show unto his servants
IN TWO BOOKS
Comments by J. F. Rutherford Author of CREATION HARP OF GOD RECONCILIATION GOVERNMENT DELIVERANCE PROPHECY LIFE and other books
BOOK ONE
First printing 1,000,000 copies
Publishers
International Bible Students Association Watch. Tower Bible and Tract Society Brooklyn, New York, U. S. A.
London, Toronto, Sydney, Cape Town, Berne, Magdeburg, and in other countries
THE SOURCE OF
Light and Life
THIS book is dedicated
"O Send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill
and to thy tabernacles."
Psalm 43:3
PREFACE
JEHOVAH makes known his purposes to his obedient creatures in his own due time. In obedience to his will his beloved Son came to earth and suffered death. God raised Jesus up out of death and exalted him to the highest place in the universe. Clothed with all power and authority and made the Executive Officer of Jehovah, Jesus knew that by and through his kingdom Satan and his organization would be destroyed, wickedness wiped out, and the word and name of his Father would be completely vindicated. Doubtless he was anxious to proceed to the completion of that glorious work; but Jehovah said to him, Wait until my due time to make the enemy thy footstool. Jesus knew that he was to have associated with him other faithful creatures taken from amongst men and made like unto himself and that these with him would constitute God’s ‘elect servant’.
When on earth, Jesus emphasized above all other things the importance of the kingdom of God. He told his faithful followers that he would go away and prepare a place for them and return and receive them. In heaven God gave Jesus Christ The Revelation, and he sent his angels and caused John to write The Revelation in sign language. No man then understood it, but the expressed will of God was that his servants should understand it in his due time. The Revelation would show his servants the things that must shortly come to pass, and those hearing and obeying the message of that Revelation would be greatly blessed.
All who love God, his beloved Son, and his kingdom, have been eager to understand The Revelation. Students have prayerfully and earnestly sought the meaning thereof. Prior to 1930 there never was a
satisfactory explanation of The Revelation published, the manifest reason being that it was not God’s due time for his servants to have an understanding thereof. The Scriptures were written chiefly for the aid, encouragement and comfort of the faithful on earth at the end of the world. Therefore it is to be expected that the feet members of Christ would be given an understanding of The Revelation while in the flesh.
The Scriptural and supporting evidence is now clear to his people that Christ Jesus came to his temple in 1918 and began to take account with his servants, and that those whom he found faithful he approved and made a part of "The Servant”. These are designated the remnant, to whom has been committed the testimony of Jesus Christ. Since that time the Lord has given to his people the key to the understanding of The Revelation. It now seems clear that it is God’s due time for his servants to understand that great prophecy so long clothed in mystery. A blessed time is therefore at hand for those who read and understand and obey.
With profound gratitude to God Light is published, setting out the text of The Revelation and a brief statement of the facts showing fulfilment of that great prophecy. For convenience it is issued in Books One and Two. No credit is due and none should be given to any man for what appears herein. The Revelation is God’s, given to his beloved Son for the benefit of his servants and sent to them by the angels of the Lord. Those who delight to feed upon the truth will read it with profit and joyfully pass it on to others that they too may be blessed and join in the song of praise to Jehovah’s name.
The Publisher
BOOK ONE
[BLANK]
LIGHT
CHAPTER I
Revelation
JEHOVAH God is light. He is the fountain of light and life. He made the heavens and the earth and gave the spirit of life to all of them that move and breathe. He made the mountains, weighed them in his balances, and set them forth as eternal monuments to his own majesty and for the wonder and admiration of his earthly creatures that love him. He made the sun to light the earth by day, and the moon and the stars to illuminate it at night. Each morning, and forever, he causes his beams of light to be lifted above the mountain peaks and to spread their arms across the heavens, bespeaking his unlimited power and infinite glory. There is no audible sound to disturb the awesome and profound silence that accompanies the dawning of his day. The beasts of the field and the birds of the air hold their peace, and even the winds are quiet.
Unseen is the Almighty Creator; yet he is manifest by his works. The space curtained by the outspread heavens of light is his tent. Since we cannot see the wind, how much less can human eyes behold him who walks upon its wings; yet we know that he is present. His clouds, like majestic chariots, ride above the mountains, reflecting his radiant splendor. The inspired words of the sweet singer are breathed in silence and deep devotion to the Most High: “Bless a
Jehovah, 0 my soul! Jehovah my God, thou art exceeding great, majesty and state hast thou put on: wrapping thyself in light as a mantle, stretching out the heavens as a tent-curtain: who layeth in the waters the beams of his upper-chambers, who maketh the clouds his chariot, who walketh on the wings of the wind. ’ ’—Ps. 104:1-3, Rotherham.
Long ago the Eternal God sent his beloved Son into this world of darkness and he was the Light of the world. His life-blood was poured out that men might see the light and live and that his Father’s name might be glorified. He was raised from the dead and brought life and immortality to light. Jehovah gave his word that his beloved Son would again come in power and glory, and set up his kingdom, and afford all men the opportunity to sec the light and to be restored and to live on earth; that then the name and the word of Jehovah should be vindicated. That time is at hand. Christ is placed upon his throne, and he then comes to his temple in the brightness of his glory with his countenance shining as the sun, for he is the Sun of righteousness. His shining shall never be dimmed. In due time the light shall illuminate all the living, and the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah as the waters cover the great deep. Blessed are the wise who come to this day. If they continue wise they shall understand and rejoice.
REVELATION
The last book of the Bible is called Revelation. It is a part of the Word of God and is prophecy. It is to be expected that some of God’s anointed ones while on the earth would be favored with an understanding thereof. Its understanding must be due to the light from Jehovah shining upon the Head of the temple class and for the benefit of those who love him and his appearing at the temple.
“Revelation” literally means “unveiling”. It is the uncovering of things that have been fulfilled but which have not been understood according to the Scriptures; also the uncovering of things in course of fulfilment the meaning of which is now dawning upon the obedient children of God; and also at least a partial uncovering of things which are immediately to be fulfilled and understood by the grace of God. (Isa. 42:9) Jehovah committed to his glorified Son Christ Jesus the message which in due time must be made known unto his servant class. Jesus sent his faithful angel or deputy and caused his servant John to write down the message in code or symbols. The time comes to understand the message, and the Lord by his deputy makes the message understandable to those whom John represented.
The servant and apostle John was a very aged man when he wrote that book of symbols. He was the last survivor of all those who wrote under inspiration. He used the words “bear witness”, “testify” and “testimony” more than any other New Testament writer. To bear witness was his chief theme and work. John by the Lord’s grace foreshadowed or represented the faithful remnant who have tarried or remained unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to his temple. Upon such God has bestowed his extraordinary “ grace and mercy”, which the name John signifies. When he wrote, John was in banishment on the Isle of Patmos because he had testified to God’s Word. The remnant is now in banishment by being ostracized from all others of earth because of their unswerving devotion to God and the giving of testimony to his name. John was "in the spirit on the Lord’s day” when he received the message to write. "This is the day which the Lord hath made,” and the remnant are on the earth and rejoicing in the spirit because the spirit of the Lord has been poured out upon all flesh devoted to him. The remnant now "see visions”; that is to say, are given an understanding of things not heretofore understood. A special blessing is the portion of the remnant deciphering the code signs of the book of Revelation; also those who love righteousness, and hear and obey what they understand, will be blessed. Those who ‘hate instruction and east the Word of the Lord behind them’, who take away from God’s Word of Revelation or who add thereto by adding the signs such as the pyramid of Gizeh, will not understand. "None of the wicked shall understand.”—Ps. 50:17; Dan. 12:10; Rev. 22:19.
The time for the fulfilment of the prophecy of Revelation seems to be from about 1879 forward until the kingdom is in full sway. It was about that date that the second presence of the Lord began to be observed, and that and other truths began to appear in The Watch Tower, which since then until now has been the means of communicating truth to those who love the Lord. All those who love God supremely believe that The Watch Tower was started and has been maintained by his power and grace. The time for the understanding of the prophecy of Revelation must necessarily be after the coming of the Lord to his temple. Those who do understand its meaning will see the great and blessed privilege of being witnesses to the Lord and to his name and purposes.
The fact of first importance in the Revelation, and now set before all of the spirit-begotten ones on earth, is the great and impressive truth that Jehovah’s Chief Officer, The Prince and rightful Ruler of the earth, Christ Jesus, is now present at the temple of God doing judgment work in his Father’s name. The mighty King and Judge is pictured as filled with the ‘new joy of the kingdom’ and has invited the approved ones to enter into his joy. His immaculate white hair and his glorious garments, appearing in the description, suggest his exaltation and that he comes in the power and glory of his Father. (Matt. 16:27) His eyes are ablaze with righteous judicial decrees, which cut in every direction and without partiality. He is accompanied by his “seven stars”, or myriads of angels, whom he has deputized to carry into execution his orders. (Matt. 25:31) And ‘they that be wise [and faithful servants] and turn many to righteousness’ are pictured as his candlesticks, or lamp-stands, to whom is given the privilege of holding forth the light of the Word of God and to whom are committed the kingdom interests on the earth.— Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13 :43.
The servant class, represented by John, by reason of the glorious vision is greatly awed and humbled and is prostrate in submission before the great Jehovah God. The Lord strengthens and encourages this class and says to them in substance: ‘Go and publish these things that you see, and tell the people what is about to come to pass.’ To economize space the Bible text is not here set out. We urge you to carefully read chapters one to three, inclusive, of the book of Revelation before proceeding further.
THE CHURCHES
Chapters two and three of Revelation deal with the churches. Unto “John to the seven churches which are in Asia” the message is sent “from him which is, and which was, and which is to come [that is, the Eternal Jehovah God]; and from the seven spirits [picturing completeness, the holy spirit of Jehovah] which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness” whose blood cleanses us from our sins.
The word “Asia” does not mean the Asiatic continent, but refers to Asia Minor, particularly that part that lies along the western coast, which in John’s day was a Roman province. The Isle of Patmos is about twenty miles off the coast of such province. The name “Asia” means “boggy”, and would well represent the churches at the time ‘when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people’ and at which time God says to his people: “Thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thcc. ’ ’—Isa. 60:1.
There are a number of reasons why the “seven churches” could not refer to epochs of time or the churches covering a period of time from the apostles unto the present. In the messages Jesus gives warning to Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira and Sardis that unless they clean up and improve their condition he will come upon them and judge them. The judgment of the Lord must begin when he comes to his temple for judgment, and not prior thereto. All seven churches or congregations mentioned as being in Asia Minor existed at the same time. Doubtless the unsatisfactory conditions described actually existed among the seven congregations in Asia Minor; but what would be the use of warning these particular congregations of the coming of the Judge if they represented periods of time covering the entire church from Pentecost to the kingdom? The seven congregations in Asia Minor went out of existence long before the coming of the Lord to judgment. Also from Pentecost till now the greater number of the professed churches or congregations have existed and have passed away long before the Lord comes to his temple for judgment. History shows that the professed church of Christ never cleaned up or ridded itself of the unsatisfactory conditions mentioned, but that such unsatisfactory conditions were found even in the true church when the Lord came to his temple.
The warning is: “Behold, I come quickly.” If the churches or congregations receive benefit from the message sent to them through John, then they must all be in existence at the same time and at the same time of the existence of the remnant whom John represented. Furthermore, if the Lord uncovers the meaning of these messages to the churches or congregations after coming to his temple, and after pouring out his spirit, whatever “the seven churches” represent must be contemporaneous with the life of Jehovah’s servant class during “the day of his preparation” for the final kattle which will destroy Satan’s organization. Jesus said that the wheat and the tares would be permitted to grow together until the end of the world, at which time he would come for judgment and for separating one from the other. There would have been no reason for the message of Revelation to the congregations which went out of existence centuries before the end of the world, and therefore there docs not seem to be any reason why these messages were intended for the church over that long period of time.
If John pictures the servant class at the end of the world (and there seems to be no doubt about that fact), then if follows that “the seven churches” or congregations do not embrace a period of time during the middle or dark ages or the time prior to the ‘sending of the Messenger before the Lord’s face to prepare the way before him’.—Mal. 3:1.
There were more than seven congregations or churches in Asia Minor at the time John wrote Revelation. Seven is a symbolic number meaning completeness in matters pertaining to spiritual things, and therefore “seven churches” would represent all the congregations existing at the same time and in which the conditions described doubtless existed in fact. The irresistible conclusion therefore is that “the seven churches” picture aspects or states of affairs or conditions existing at one and the same time in all the congregations embraced within the message given in the divine record. Every spirit-begotten one is marked by these conditions which have existed among the children of God within that period of time during which ‘the way was being prepared for the coming of God’s Messenger to the temple’, and by that which follows when he does come to the temple. This period of time would begin with the beginning of the manifestation of the second presence of the Lord, and end when the Lord is at his temple. Therefore the message to “the seven churches” applies from 1879 and thereafter. These wretched conditions or states of affairs among the spirit-begotten ones have been such as were illustrated by conditions actually existing among the churches in the Roman province of Asia Minor above mentioned. The Revelation manifestly is intended for the spirit-begotten ones on earth at the second coming of the Lord. Some of these would then meet with the approval of the Lord, while others in the congregations would be less approved or wholly disapproved. Let chapters two and three of Revelation, then, be carefully studied with the thought in mind that the messages therein contained apply specifically from approximately 1879 until the kingdom of God is in full sway.
The church at Ephesus is first addressed, and the angel thereof doubtless is one of the deputies assigned by the Lord to convey the message to the servant class. “Ephesus,” from the Greek, means “permitted”. Being the capital city of the province of Rome above mentioned it may well represent conditions existing in the church from the beginning of the second coming of the Lord until the coming to his temple, and applying particularly to the leaders or ciders of the church. Paul warned the elders of Ephesus and emphasized the importance of their being ensamples to the flock. From 1879 until 'the pouring out of the spirit upon all flesh’ the elders occupied the peculiar position of service to the Lord in the congregations. Some were faithful, and others less faithful. These leaders would inelude those described as pilgrims, who distributed tracts, gave public lectures, instructed the classes, and traveled from place to place, enduring long and wearying journeys, poor lodgings, ill-prepared food, and many other inconveniences. To these the message says: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil.” These doubtless were the approved ones amongst the leaders. ‘The evil ones’ describes those who say they are servants of God but who are found to be liars.
Among the organizers of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society there were some who were wholly devoted to the Lord and continued faithful unto death and were examples of those who met the approval of the Lord. It was the privilege and duty of the original organizer of the Society and president thereof to take the lead in the preaching of the gospel in his time. He and those who stood faithfully with him came in contact with those who claimed to be preachers of the truth and some of whom accepted the truth and went about preaching it and yet afterwards were shown to be liars.
The faithful ones could not bear the evil ones. The known facts fully support this conclusion. The president of the Society, upon whom the responsibility rested for the management thereof, tried these professed ones and found them unfaithful. The ‘trying of them’ would be testing them according to the Word of God. The faithful ones patiently bore the trials that resulted, for the sake of the Lord’s name, and earnestly pressed on with the work committed to them. In that period of time the name of Jesus was emphasized more than the name of Jehovah. Therefore says the message: ‘For my name’s sake hast thou labored.’
To those among the leaders who were less pleasing to the Lord the message is: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Some of them set their hearts on going to heaven in 1914 and, this failing, they were disappointed and the test was too great for them. Prior to that time they had been laboring in the congregations under the direction of and in harmony with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, but when 1914 passed the zeal of some of these cooled quickly, and upon the death of the president of the Society and editor of The, Watch Tower others ceased to identify themselves with the Society and they ‘left their first love’. As the Apostle Paul had previously said: “They received not the love of the truth.” They no longer loved God’s organization, but, being selfish, began to try to disrupt the Society and to obtain followers for themselves. They having a love of prominence and desire for a soft job, and being unable to obtain either, their zeal quickly cooled off. Prior to 1914 they expressed themselves as fulfilling the commandment of Jesus in Matthew 24:14 in preaching the gospel of the kingdom, but after 1916 they had no zeal therefor and no interest therein. The warning of the Lord was: “Repent, and do the first works; or else I will. . . remove thy candlestick out of his place.”
One of the last articles written and published by the original editor’ of The Watch Tower was a special warning to the elders and leaders. From that article is quoted the following:
‘ ‘ It causes real grief to write that much of the difficulty and danger to the church seems to lie at the door of the elders and deacons—not all, thank God, but apparently a small minority of them, judging from the queries which come to the office from time to time from the bewildered sheep. . . . The true, loyal servants in the church should be all the more appreciated by the Lord’s people in proportion as they realize the difference between true elders and . . , those who are untrue.”—Nov. 1, 1916, p. 327.
This is proof as to the Lord’s manner of directing the publication of his truth at the appropriate time.
Within less than a year of the publication of the foregoing there was a great falling away amongst the elders.
The “candlestick” mentioned manifestly means the opportunity for service to the Lord. The candlesticks (or lamp-stands) were not attached one to another, but were removable. This is agreeable to the parable of the “talents”, which represent opportunities of service, and which were taken away from the less faithful when the Lord came to his temple and were delivered to the faithful. (Matt. 25:28) When the test came upon the church in 1917 and 1918 many of those who had been leaders in the church dropped out and they were no longer permitted by the Lord to hold forth their lamp-stand or candlestick; that is to say, their opportunity for service came to an end. “The seven candlesticks” manifestly refers to all opportunities of service having to do with the kingdom interests on earth.
Then the faithful amongst the leaders were told: “Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.” The word “Nicolaitanes” has the thought of “boss”, or one who lords it over God’s people and uses them for a selfish purpose. Both the clergy in the nominal churches and the elders in the congregations of the Lord who pursue such a course would be included herein.
Then the message is addressed not merely to the elders but to all in the congregation, to wit, ‘ ‘ He that hath an ear [to hear], let him hear what the spirit [the spirit of Jehovah using Jesus as his mouthpiece] saith unto the churches.” Those who would heed the warning and overcome were told, “To [you] will I give to eat of the tree of life.” The “tree of life” is associated with the kingdom. The warning of the Lord is that “if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city”. (Bev. 22:19, R.V.) It represents everlasting life by means of the unfailing sustenance which the Lord provides for his own. Divine wisdom is likened unto a tree of life. (Prov. 3:13-18) Jehovah is the fountain of life, and even the 144,000 immortal ones will depend upon him that they may not “be hurt of the second death”. Hence the tree of life may well refer to the privilege which the church will enjoy in beholding the beauty and glory of Jehovah and inquiring continuously in his temple.—Ps. 27:4.
SMYRNA
The name “Smyrna” is the same as “myrrh”. It has a strong and agreeable smell, but a bitter taste. It was an ingredient of the holy anointing oil and was also used as a pleasant perfume. (Ps. 45: 7, 8; Esther 2:12) The next message is addressed to the congregation of Smyrna. (Rev. 2:8-11) The Smyrna church clearly represented the faithful anointed ones who are approved and anointed by the Lord after coming to his temple. This is supported by the fact that no word of reprimand or reproof is addressed to such in the message brought by the angel. The Lord did not once warn these of his coming to his temple to judge them. These, therefore, must be the ones that go to make up the “faithful and wise servant” class whom the Lord calls blessed. (Matt. 24: 45-47) When the Lord comes to his temple to take account with his servant he says to those whom he finds faithful: “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall east some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:9, 10) These enduring the contradiction of sinners and opposition have continued to serve the Lord amidst tribulation, which has been to them an evidence of the Lord’s approval, and they have rejoiced therein. They know that they are counted the offscourings of the world and are despised by ungodly men, but the Lord says to them: ‘Ye are not poor, as ye think, but ye are rich in God’s favor,’ because it is a privilege to suffer with Christ.—Phil. 1: 29.
The Lord commends them for their faithful devotion to him. Then he tells them that there are those who claim to be Jews (of Judah, giving praise to Jehovah) and are not; clearly meaning, those who claim to be followers of Christ but who at the same time speak evil against God’s organization and the method of carrying on his work and attempt to do injury against those who are faithfully trying to carry on God’s work. The Lord declares these are really Satan’s agents.
Then for the encouragement and comfort of those who continue faithful the Lord says: ‘Do not fear any of these things. The Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days; because the faithful servant must have experiences similar to those had by his Master.’ The “ten days” mentioned could not mean ten literal days, but symbolically means the completeness of all the time of their earthly existence during which they shall suffer tribulation at the hands of Satan. ‘Through much tribulation shall ye enter the kingdom. ’—Acts 14: 22.
Then note the further words of encouragement which the Lord uses in addressing Smyrna: “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” This refers to life after death, which was spoken of in conjunction with the other words to the approved ones, and is of special encouragement because it indicates that such would be forever with the Lord if they continue faithful to the end. As a further and final encouragement to them the message is: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.” (Vs. 10, R.V.) That means the very pinnacle of life and also proves their immortality and glory with Christ Jesus. It means the complete victory over death, because “he that overeometh shall not be hurt of the second death”. (Vs. 11) This clearly shows that the test upon the faithful will be the greatest and will be such as will bring Jehovah’s approval to those who remain faithful, and is assurance that these will never deviate from their devotion to God. All of the remnant now wholly devoted to the Lord and who have the evidence of the Lord’s approval may be sure that continuing henceforth faithful unto death they shall have the blessed privilege of receiving that which is promised to Smyrna. The man who is thus tried and endures faithfully to the end shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him supremely.— Jas. 1:12.
PERGAMOS
A message is directed to the church in Pergamos. (Rev. 2:12-17) It refers to the conditions in the church existing at a time certain from the second presence of the Lord until the coming of the judgment of the church. “Pergamos” means a citadel, or fortress, an elevation or tower. It was about 1879 that the publication of The Watch Tower began, and a few years thereafter the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society was organized, both of which have continued to this day to proclaim the message of the Lord’s kingdom. In the years that have followed the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society has afforded a fortress or citadel into which those who love righteousness might flee from the hypocritical religions of the world. In that time it has been the only organization on earth that has been diligent in holding forth the truth of God’s Word. Within it have been some faithful and some less faithful and some traitors. The conditions represented by the church in Pergamos seem to synchronize in time with the Elijah work of the church. Now read the Scriptural record and see how well the known facts fit the prophecy.
He whose words cut sharper than a two-edged sword warns of his early coming for judgment. The Diaglolt reads: “I know where thou dwcllest, where the throne of the adversary is; and yet thou firmly rctainest my name.” Prior to 1918 the church had not been brought into “the secret place of the Most High”, and hence in reality was dwelling where Satan has his place of administration. During this period of time the truth was published chiefly in the English-speaking countries of Britain and America, which in fact form one earthly empire and are the place where Satan has maintained his chief office on earth. The Society was incorporated in the United States and Britain, and nowhere else. The opposition by Satan and his religious agencies has been great in those countries, yet there were some who ‘held fast the Lord’s name and did not deny the faith’. Restoration of the truth ‘once delivered to the apostles’ took place in these countries within that time. Those who came to a knowledge of the truth did not claim to be followers of any man, but held fast to the name of Christ. They did not organize a denomination, and they refused to take the name like unto any other denomination, and they withdrew from all the religious organizations of the earth.
As a further means of identification the divine record is: “Even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” The name “Antipas” means “against all”; and therefore the name applies to those spirit-begotten ones who took a firm stand against all of Satan’s organization and on the side of the Lord. The work of the church in that period of time was foreshadowed by Elijah and was fulfilled in miniature by John the Baptist and also foreshadowed by John the Baptist. In 1918 the experience which came upon the Society was like unto the beheading of John the Baptist, and there ended the Elijah work. The prophecy and facts therefore locate the time and place, showing that the application is during the period of the Elijah work in particular.
Not all forming the Society were faithful, and such is indicated by the words of the prophecy, to wit: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” (Vs. 14) This condition obtained shortly prior to the time the Refiner came to the temple and sat in judgment to purge “the sons of Levi”.
The clergy of the denominations are and have been devoted to the sacrifice unto their church organization idols, and they teaeh for hire as did Balaam, and they cause a stumblingblock to be placed in the way of their parishioners and cause an illicit relationship with the Devil’s organization. The same identical conditions existed in a measure within the ranks of the Society during the period of the Elijah work. Some in the Society would spare the clergy, even making excuse for them and pursuing a course of compromise with them and other members of the Devil’s organization, and cause others to stumble by representing to them that the clergy were doing a good work and should be dealt with gently. Some of these prominent ones in the Society were anxious to gain the approval of men, especially influential men, and to have the approval of men in the church, which is another way of using the Word of God as did Balaam, for hire. “Balac” means “one who licks, or laps”, and pictures those who ‘lick the hand’ of influential men for approval rather than to be true and faithful to the Lord. They take a compromising course, rather than taking a bold stand for the Lord, and thus cast a stumblingblock before others of God’s people.
The record furthermore says: ‘ Thou hast also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.’ This means that amongst the compromisers were those who lorded it over God’s heritage and who “ran greedily after the error of Balaam for [hire] ”, (Jude 11) Those who have been long in present truth arc well acquainted with the facts supporting the above.
This period of time must shortly precede the time of the Lord’s coming to the temple for judgment, because the wording is: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Vs. 16) Upon taking account with his servants the Lord pronounced adverse judgment against those who repented not, and he gathered them out or separated them from his true people. With the end of the Elijah work of the church quite a number were gathered out and became opponents of God’s organization on the earth and identified themselves with the “evil servant” class.—Matt. 25:26-28; 13:41; 24:48, 49.
The message is addressed to all of the church on earth at that time, to wit: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit [of God] saith unto the churches.” The conditions described are displeasing to the Lord at all times and with all persons, and apply to all who find themselves in such condition. Then concerning the faithful ones who stood firmly and who were carried over into the Elisha period of the church the Lord says: “ To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Vs. 17) Manna was a divine provision for the sustenance of life. When Jesus was on earth he was the Manna or Bread that came down from heaven. (John 6: 51) Now he is the divine Bread of Life, and, being divine, is therefore hidden from human eyes. Hence the description, “the hidden manna.” He is the divinely provided One upon which the remnant now feed while in the wilderness condition, and this One is hidden from those who do not love God. This fact he now reveals to his remnant by his spirit and by his Father’s lightnings. “Manna” literally means “What is it?” Many who claim to be followers of Christ do not understand the meat and drink now being enjoyed by the remnant and they ask: ‘What is it that is now published by the Society?’ It is only the remnant who see present truth and rejoice in it. They are feeding upon this feast prepared for them in the presence of the enemy. This explains why many who claim to be followers of the Lord do not see present truth.
In addition to the hidden manna the Lord says: ‘I will give you a white stone.’ The word stone, as here used, is from the Greek word meaning “election” or “privilege to vote”. (Acts 26:10, Diag.) The Lord gives his vote for the approved ones, and this seems to correspond with the Lord’s confessing the names of such approved ones before his angels. (Luke 12:8) This may also identify such a one as an approved member of the Lord’s organization. And the approved one receives a new name, thus indicating a confidential relationship with the Lord which no man can infringe upon oi’ even know. ‘The Lord knows those who are his’; and here his promise is to establish a close and confidential relationship between the approved ones and himself, and all the opposition that might be brought against them could not in any way infringe upon their good name with the Lord. A good name with him is to be desired above all riches. These are really in the joy of the Lord. These faithful ones, brought over into the Elisha period of the church, rejoice to proclaim the King and his kingdom.
THYATIRA
The Son of God warns of swift and certain judgment coming upon those in the church in Thyatira, that is to say, upon those in the condition represented by Thyatira, and which is displeasing to the Lord. (Kev. 2:18-29) The weight of authority is, ‘'Thyatira” means “daughter”; and this is supported by the words of verse twenty. The work of spreading the truth continued to increase during the period pictured by the Prophet Elijah, and this increase was foretold in the words “the last [is] more than the first”. In that period of time, however, there developed a condition that was displeasing to the Lord; a female influence was there operating particularly toward the elders or leaders of the church and tending to draw husbands and brothers away from the true service of God, tending also to cause them to take a compromising position with Satan’s organization. Hence the Lord says: “But I have this against thee, Because thou lettest alone the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess; and she teaches and seduces my servants, to fornicate, and to eat idol-sacriflces.”—Vs. 20, Diaglott.
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, improperly influenced her husband. She is made prominent in the Scriptures in connection with Elijah. (1 Ki. 16:31; 19:1-3) Such strongly suggests that Thyatira pictures a condition existing in the church during the Elijah period thereof. It was in that period of time particularly that women attempted to make themselves prominent and influential in the church and were encouraged so to do by some of the leaders. One of the original incorporators of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society was a woman, the wife of the president thereof, and she insisted on editing The Watch Tote er and, being resisted, led other women to take a wrongful course against the Lord’s work. The Scriptural statement, “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess,” surely refers to certain female influence in the church exercised over leaders or men prominent therein.
Jesus is authority for the statement of truth that a man must love the Lord more than he loves his wife or any other creature, otherwise he is not worthy of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 14:26; Matt. 19:27-29) When female influence, whether it be that of wife, sweetheart, mother, or sister, causes a man to deviate from faithfulness and whole-hearted service to the Lord, that influence not only is wrong but will legd to destruction. The Lord likens such unto the wrongful influence exercised by Jezebel over the king which led to her destruction and to his. This scripture could not have reference to Babylon, because surely God never gave the Devil’s organization any ‘time to repent’; but it does refer to an improper condition existing in the true church, and exercised by women, and that wrongfully, which is illustrated by Jezebel.
There are and always have been good women in the church performing duties which the Lord assigned to them. There have been and are others who attempt to do that which they are not authorized to do. The good women serve as witnesses to the Lord. The others attempt to dictate to the men what they should do.
It is a fact well known by many that prior to the Lord’s coming to his temple certain women in the true church exercised great influence over men who were leaders or elders, causing them to compromise with Satan’s organization and to decline or refuse to take a bold and unequivocal stand for the Lord and his kingdom interests on the earth. Women also, by wrongfully exercising their influence, induced leaders or elders to refuse to ‘hold the Head’ and to become heady and to go contrary to God’s arrangement. They were swayed by passion or influence extraneous to the Word of God. Even to this day the same influence attempts to interfere with the Lord’s work. The condition was especially marked, however, during the Elijah period of the church. In that time classes were organized by women, and women in the church prepared lessons, sermons or discourses for the elders and directed them what to say. Ambitious women in the church influenced their husbands or some of the weaker brethren to carry out their own wishes with reference to the organization or conduct of the eccle-sia. Women in the church resorted to flattery of leaders and elders in order that they might influence them. Whether this was done knowingly or deliberately would make no difference, but it does show Satan’s attempt to disrupt the Lord’s organization, which the Lord foreknew and foretold. The Lord had pointed out that the woman has her place in the church, but her place is not to teaeh man nor attempt to influence man in his rightful performance of duty as a servant of the Lord. Women in the church have induced their husbands or others to compromise concerning God’s work in order that they might gratify some selfish desire or ambition. The true rule is that where the Lord places a man in a position to serve Him he cannot please the Lord and deviate therefrom one jot or tittle by being influenced therein by another, and particularly by a female. Paul commended the faithful service of the women in the church, but warned against their improper course.
The Lord announced that 'this work of iniquity’ should not prosper, but that, coming to judgment, he would pronounce such as “deadworks”. (Heb. 9:14) “Lo, I cast her into a bed.” (Vs. 22, Roth.') The flesh of Jezebel was consumed by dogs. Her prototype is cast into a bed which she desires, and all those into tribulation that yield to her influence and who do not repent. This tribulation seems to have befallen those who have been wrongfully influenced by women, and they arc not singing aloud the praises of Jehovah, but are crying in sorrow. “Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. ’ ’—Isa. 65:14.
The anointed ones tpday see that there arc those who have been drawn away from the Lord and his service by female influence exercised in various ways, and those who have followed this wrongful course have reached the end of their service and their works are dead. In this connection the Lord said: “And all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” (Vs. 23) We all know that the Lord Jesus is the Head of the church, and the course of action that he marked out must be followed, and he knows the motive that induces the action of each one. These words further prove that “all the churches” must be in existence at the same time when the message applies, and therefore the message to the church could not and does not cover a long epoch of time, but applies only at the second coming of the Lord. Its understanding can be had only after the Lord comes to his temple for judgment.
Now it can be seen that men who are leaders have been the ones especially who have compromised with the Devil’s organization and who are therefore the ones that have committed ‘fornication’ as mentioned. The question may be asked, How are the women, particularly in the church, tempted by the Devil? The answer is that they have been used in a special way to seduce the servants of the church by the wrongful exercise of their influence, thus causing the servants or leaders to be guilty of illicit relationship with the Devil’s organization and to compromise therewith for their own sustenance. A woman who would influence her husband to serve some part of the Devil’s organization in order that she might enjoy ease and comfort in the way of home or like things would be wrongfully inducing her husband. Where the Lord furnishes an opportunity for the husband to serve him, the wife should see to it, if she is devoted to the Lord, that she in no manner stands in the way of service, but, on the contrary, should cooperate in every way possible, because the greatest privilege that can be given to a man is to serve God and his Christ.
Then the Lord speaks of those who have not yielded to the improper influence but who have stedfastly maintained their integrity with the Lord, and says: “I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come.” (Vss. 24, 25) The promise of the Lord is that the “Jezebel” workers would be separated from his approved ones when he would appear at his temple for judgment. Until then they were told to hold fast the faith, love,
and ministry committed to them, always contending for the faith first delivered to the saints. Then he adds words of encouragement to the faithful: “And he that overeometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”—Vss. 26, 27.
Keeping his works “unto the end” must mean to the end which comes after ‘this gospel of the kingdom has been preached to all the world as a witness’. Seeing that the church is now in the time in which the members thereof have a glimpse of the immediate future, may not these words of Jesus indicate that the overcoming remnant will be permitted to see Satan’s organization dashed to pieces and during that time and even thereafter have some work on the earth to the glory of the name of Jehovah? Jehovah seems to be addressing the same overcoming class who are members of Zion when he says through his prophet: “Arise, and thresh, 0 daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass, and thou shalt beat in pieces many people; and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.”— Mic. 4:13.
The overcomers are then told that they shall have a position of honor with the “morning star”, evidently meaning Christ in glory. (Vss. 28,29; Rev. 22:16) And now for the encouragement of all the faithful remnant of the church on earth the Lord reveals these truths to them. Such today joyfully lift up the voice and sing unto Jehovah the new song.
SARDIS
The glorious Prince who is filled with Jehovah’s spirit, and who holds under his command all the holy angels, addresses a message to the Sardis church. (Rev. 3:1-6) One authority gives the meaning of the word Sardis as "prince of joy” or "song of joy”. Sardis was the ancient capital of Lydia, the residence of the royal and rich famed Croesus. The residents were in ill-repute among other nations for their voluptuous habits of living. From 1879 to 1918 marked the period of the Elijah work of the church. That was also a period of time for the amassing of the greatest wealth amongst men of the world. Money-making and the love of money especially marked that period. During that same time the truth was preached concerning the kingdom and the church on earth was in the midst of the money-mad rush. Doubtless many who came to a knowledge of the truth were affected thereby and were 'drowned in the sea’. (1 Tim. 6:9; Rev. 20:13) In that period of time many heard the truth and greatly rejoiced for a time and sang forth their joy to the Lord. Then the desire for material wealth and the case that it brings was permitted to cool the zeal of a number in the truth and cause their hand to slack and their tongues to remain silent.
The time approached for the Lord to appear at his temple for judgment and those in the church fulfilling the condition described concerning Sardis are addressed: "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” Otherwise stated, they have had some works but without real faith. A faith without works is dead; and works without faith prompted by love are also of no value.—Jas, 2:26.
Paul tells those who give special credit and honor to men that they are carnally minded. (Rom. 8:6; 1 Cor. 3: 3, 4) In the period of time mentioned many claimed to believe the truth and accepted it as “the best religion yet”. They especially liked the social features of being with the “truth people”. They attended meetings and conventions; appeared pious and sanctimonious; claimed to be developing a sweet and beautiful character; would be seen at prominent gatherings, loving to entertain the favorite speakers at dinings, and occupying a prominent place at the public meetings; distributed some tracts; made some contributions to the funds needed; made somewhat of a display of their material wealth, which was supposed to give them a better standing than ‘the common herd’; and they loved to act as satellites of the most prominent amongst the elders and leaders. When any service was to be performed that required one to be in the limelight they sought such with eagerness. But when the brunt of the fight was to be borne they were not there. They were not willing to tell the truth out plainly concerning Satan’s organization, fearing they might offend some or make themselves appear ridiculous. The kingdom was not to them the real living issue. That such a condition has existed in the chureh during the past fifty years no one familiar with the facts has the slightest doubt. Therefore the Lord said through the Messenger: “For I have not found thy works fully performed.”—Vs. 2, Diag.
These thus described hold to the fundamental truths, but such faith could not survive without activity. Therefore the Lord says to them: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” Failing to perform their “reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1), which is not outward sanctimoniousness or shining amongst men, they were about to die, and they must awaken to their privileges. The Lord continues: ‘Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard; and hold fast, and change thy course of action.’ ‘Be sorry for the action that you have been taking, and become active,’ would be the real meaning. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Cor. 7:10) Failing to heed this warning such would receive the grace of God (that is, “the ministry of reconciliation”) in vain. (2 Cor. 5:18-6:3) Then the Lord tells them that should they fail to watch he would come to his temple unobserved by them and they would be ensnared by that to which their selfishness held. (Luke 21: 34, 35) That some in this condition would awaken and bestir themselves is clearly indicated by the fact that the Lord gives them warning, that they may have the opportunity thus to do.
Amongst them were those in a somewhat similar condition, to whom he says: ‘ ‘ Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” (Vs. 4) Such keep themselves unspotted from the world by refusing to be identified with the world and hating even their own fleshly weaknesses. (Jas. 1: 27; Jude 23) Clearly the promise is that those who would reform and devote themselves to the Lord he would cause to be identified with him, and ‘they should walk with him in white’, which would mean that they would walk worthy of their vocation and receive his approval.—Eph. 4:1.
Then they are told that the overcomers shall be clothed in white raiment and their name shall not be blotted out of the book of life. (Vs. 5) Manifestly this means that they would receive the Lord’s approval and that he would register them among his approved ones. He also says: “I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels,” which would be further evidence of his approval and his acknowledgement before his angels and before Jehovah that they are members of his household. Therefore let all of the ‘Sardis company’ who have the spirit of Jehovah hear and take heed. (Luke 12: 8) The Lord is at his temple and even today there may be some in this condition who might be fully recovered to the Lord-
PHILADELPHIA
Jehovah’s beloved Son and great High Priest, addressing the church in Philadelphia, is described as ‘the holy and true One, and he that hath the key of David’, and is clothed with all power and authority to establish the kingdom. (Rev. 3:7-13) When he begins to exercise his royal authority, nothing can stop him; and when he shuts out Satan and his organization, never again can it be brought into existence.— Ps. 110:2-6.
‘‘Philadelphia” means “brotherlylove”,and therefore means the love of Christ which holds together the brethren in Christ and is the moving cause for their unselfish devotion to and service unto Jehovah. (2 Cor. 5:14-19) Those having such love joyfully perform the ministry of reconciliation committed unto them by Jehovah.
During the period of time from the beginning of the second presence of Christ until now there have been some amongst the consecrated who have put forth their best endeavors to serve God as his witnesses. True, some started in this way and became “weary in well-doing” and fell by the way, yet there are those who have all along borne the brunt of the fight and delighted to do the work that has been committed to them. They have not sought the approval of men in the church or outside of it. They have been targets for many who have claimed to be followers of Christ and who in fact have busied themselves with the Devil’s work of injuring the faithful workers. They have worked, not only in season, but out of season to themselves, always ready and anxious to do with their might what their hands have found to do, that the name of the Lord might be magnified. The language of Jesus shows that their efforts have been pleasing to him when he says: “I know thy works.” (Vs. 8) This is equivalent to saying: ‘You have been faithful according to your endowments.’ He takes note of them that they have followed in his footsteps and have not shunned to declare the truth, and that they have had and have manifested his spirit of love.
Then he tells them that they have kept his Word and have not denied his name; that there is service to do; that they have a little strength to do it and that he has set before them an open door and no man can shut it. The door here mentioned is not an entryway into heaven, nor into the kingdom, but manifestly means an opportunity to do some work in attending to the kingdom interests here on the earth. The time clearly seems to be shortly before the Lord appears at his temple for judgment, because he says: “Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” The loss of the crown or opportunity to be crowned would take place at judgment. The judgment at the temple would be adverse, and the kingdom interests would therefore be removed from the unfaithful and given to the faithful. The Lord, by the parable of the “talents”, showed that when he would judge his house at the coming to his temple there would be found a class that had been faithfully devoted to him and that such would be especially blessed by him. (Matt. 24:46) At that hearing he would say to the faithful: “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.”—Matt. 25:21.
He further showed that at that judgment some would lose their opportunity for any further service unto the Lord; hence their opportunity for the crown of life would be gone. (Matt. 25:28) Those who held fast what they had until the coming of the Lord to his temple, and who then received the approval of the Lord, and who there and after that time continued to serve faithfully through tribulation and, while being maligned and ill-treated, yet joyfully went on doing the will of God, and who thus continue unto death, shall receive the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10) But it is manifest that no one could hope to receive the crown of life who would turn back or who fails or refuses to avail himself of the opportunity of serving the Lord as it comes.
“Philadelphia” describes that condition of those in the church who are determined that nothing ‘shall separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’, (Rom. 8: 36-39) Coming to his temple the Lord said to such; “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Regardless of all opposition that Satan and his agents put forth, that door must remain open and the service of witnessing to the name of Jehovah will go on to the end. It would be well for those who oppose the service work to take notice that the work of the Lord will go forward and that their opposition cannot hinder it. Those who really love God have the privilege of doing that work and may be sure thereof so long as faithful. Let the faithful ones therefore take courage and rejoice.
Surely before the coming of the Lord to his temple there were many in the congregations of the church who claimed to be serving God and giving praise to his name and to the name of his beloved Son, and who therefore claimed to be Jews. The word Jew or Judean means ‘giving praise to God*. The Lord knew that their pretensions were false, that they did not really love God and his Christ; they were selfish; and therefore the Lord calls them “liars”. They were in the church, but are not described as those of Philadelphia. They are previously described herein.
While those described as of Philadelphia were faithfully trying to do God’s work others who claimed to be consecrated to the Lord consorted with the enemy to cause their brethren suffering, bodily pain, injustice, and even imprisonment. It was in 1917 that a great trial came upon the church, but by the grace of God some of the persecuted ones remained true and stedfastly held their integrity. In the light of these well-known facts note the words of Jesus: “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie: behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Vs. 9) The Lord will make known his love concerning those who remain faithful and true to his name. Even the hypocrites shall see this before the end.
About the time of the coming of the Lord to his temple there came upon ‘‘all the world” an hour of great temptation or putting to the test, and many fell away from God and his truth. Being cast out of heaven Satan hurries to prepare for the final battle at the earth. Every means known to him is brought into action to turn the people away from Jehovah God. The denominational church completely falls away. Many who had left the churches and had been brought to a knowledge of the truth became blind so that they could not see that Satan has an organization. They have ridiculed everything said concerning Satan’s organization, have opposed the Lord’s work, and have turned away and gone back into the world. Only a remnant of those first enlightened by the truth have remained firm, and to this little company the Lord commits ‘‘the testimony of Jesus Christ”.— Rev. 12:17.
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