Revelation - Its grand climax at hand (2006 printing) (1988)
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Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand
Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!
THIS BOOK IS THE PROPERTY OF © 1988
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
All Rights Reserved
Publishers
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
2006 Printing
This publication is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1984 Edition
Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Haud! English (re-E.) Made in the United States of America
Picture Credits
Pictures are listed by page number and, when necessary, in order of appearance on page (clockwise from top left).
Cooper-Hewitt Museum; drawing based on photo of case 9, panel A; Page 59
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, D.C. Pages 138, 293
Pictorial Archive (Near Eastern History) Est: Page 23 (background, 1, 4, 10)
Pictorial Archive (Near Eastern History) Est., and Survey of Israel; based on a map copyrighted by: Page 236
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin used with the kind permission of: Page 43 (1,2,3) Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!
"Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near."
—Revelation 1:3
Contents
Page Vision
Chapter Page Visi
1 Revelation—Its Happy Climax! 6
2 The Grand Theme of the Bible 9
3 Things That Must Shortly Take Place 15
4 Jesus Comes With Encouragement 18
5 John Beholds the Glorified Jesus 22
6 Unlocking a Sacred Secret 27
7 Rekindle That First Love! 33
8 Striving to Be Conquerors 37
9 Holding Fast to Jesus’ Name 41
10 Abhorring the “Deep Things of Satan” 47
11 Is Your Name in the Book of Life? 54
12 “Keep On Holding Fast What You Have” 58
13 Buy Gold Refined by Fire 66
14 The Magnificence
of Jehovah’s Celestial Throne 74
15 “Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll?” 82
16 Four Horsemen at the Gallop! 89
17 ‘Slaughtered Souls’ Rewarded 100
18 Earthquakes in the Lord’s Day 104
19 Sealing the Israel of God 113
20 A Multitudinous Great Crowd 119
21 Jehovah’s Plagues on Christendom 129
22 The First Woe—Locusts 142
23 The Second Woe—Armies of Cavalry 148 Chapter Page Vision
24 A Sweet-and-Bitter Message ___ 155
25 Reviving the Two Witnesses ___ 161
26 God’s Sacred Secret—Its Glorious Climax! ___ 171
27 God’s Kingdom Is Born! ___ 177
28 Contending With Two Ferocious Beasts ___ 186
29 Singing the Triumphal New Song ___ 198
30 “Babylon the Great Has Fallen!” ___ 205
31 Jehovah’s Works—Great and Wonderful ___ 215
32 God’s Anger Brought to a Finish ___ 221
33 Judging the Infamous Harlot ___ 235
34 An Awesome Mystery Solved ___ 246
35 Executing Babylon the Great ___ 251
36 The Great City Devastated ___ 258
37 Mourning and Rejoicing at Babylon’s End ___ 267
38 Praise Jah for His Judgments! ___ 272
39 The Warrior-King Triumphs at Armageddon ___ 279
40 Crushing the Serpent’s Head ___ 286
41 God’s Day of Judgment—Its Joyful Outcome! ___ 295
42 A New Heaven and a New Earth ___ 301
43 The Resplendent City ___ 305
44 Revelation and You ___ 314
Revelation—Its Happy Climax!
A
A REVELATION TO JOHN—this thrilling book of the Bible brings the divine record to a happy climax. Why do we say "happy"? Well, the Author of the Bible is described as "the happy God," who entrusts "glorious good news" to those who love him. He wants us to be happy too. Thus, at the outset Revelation assures us "Happy is he who reads ... the words of this prophecy." In its final chapter we are told: "Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll."—1 Timothy 1:11; Revelation 1:3; 22.7.
2 How do we find happiness through the book of Revelation? We do so by searching out the meaning of its vivid signs, or symbols, and acting in harmony therewith. Mankind's turbulent history will soon reach a catastrophic climax, as God and Jesus Christ execute judgment on today's wicked system, replacing it with "a new heaven and a new earth," where even "death will be no more." (Revelation 211, 4) Do not all of us want to live in such a new world, in true peace and security? We can if we build up our faith through study of God's Word, including the stirring prophecy of Revelation.
Apocalypse—What Is It?
Is not Revelation also called Apocalypse? That is so, "revelation" being the English translation of apoka'lypsis in the Greek text. Many people equate Apocalypse with world destruction by nuclear warfare. In a Texas, U.S.A., city where great numbers of nuclear
warheads were made, religiously inclined people used to say, "We'll be the first to go." Clergymen in that area were reported to have been "convinced that Armageddon is not only inevitable but also close at hand, and that the final battle between the forces of good and bad, of God and Satan, will take place as a nuclear holocaust."*
4But what really is an apocalypse? Though dictionaries define it by using terms such as "an imminent cosmic cataclysm," the Greek apoka'lypsis basically means "unveiling" or "uncovering." Thus, the last book of the Bible is properly entitled "A Revelation." Here we find, not a mere fatalistic message of world doom, but an uncovering of divine truths that should build in our hearts a radiant hope and an immovable faith.
5True, Armageddon is described in the last book of the Bible as "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (Revelation 16:14, 16) But it will be far different from a nuclear holocaust! Such a holocaust would likely mean the annihilation of all life on earth. On the contrary, God's Word gives the happy assurance that only wicked opposers of God will be destroyed—by forces under God's control. (Psalm 379, 10; 145:20) A great crowd of humans, out of all nations, will survive the climax of divine judgment
at Armageddon Christ Jesus will then shepherd and guide these to life everlasting in a paradise earth.
Do you not want to be one of them? Happily, Revelation shows that you may be!—Revelation 7:9, 14, 17.
Searching Out Divine Secrets
As early as 1917, the Watch Tower Society published the book The Finished Mystery. This was a verse-by-verse commentary on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation. Then, as world events continued to unfold in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, a timely two-volume work entitled Light was prepared, being released in 1930. This offered an updated study of Revelation. Light continued to "flash up for the righteous," so that in 1963, Jehovah's Witnesses published the 704-page book "Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules! This gave in great detail the history of the rise and fall of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, and it was climaxed with a discussion of the final nine chapters of Revelation. As 'the path of the righteous ones grew brighter,' particularly with regard to congregational activity, there followed in 1969 a 384-page volume, "Then Is Finished the Mystery of God," which discussed the first 13 chapters of Revelation.—Psalm 97:11; Proverbs 4:18.
Why was another book on Revelation published and reprinted at this present time? Much of the information that has already appeared is very detailed, and it has not been possible to translate and publish it worldwide in many languages. Hence, it was seen fit to provide a book on Revelation in just one volume and in a form that can readily be produced in a number of languages. Further, the opportunity is taken
in this volume to provide teaching aids, including illustrations, charts, and summaries, that should help readers to grasp clearly the thrilling import of this marvelous prophecy.
An even stronger reason for publishing this book is the need to keep up-to-date with present truth. Jehovah is continually shedding greater light on the meaning of his Word, and we can expect that our understanding of Revelation, along with other prophecies, will be sharpened as we draw closer to the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14) It is important that we be well informed. As the apostle Peter wrote concerning divine prophecy: "You are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in your hearts."—2 Peter 1:19.
9 Revelation adds its testimony to many other Bible prophecies, showing that Jehovah God purposes to create new heavens and a new earth. (Isaiah 65:17; 6622; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5) Primarily, its message is addressed to anointed Christians, whom Jesus has bought with his blood to become corulers with him in the new heavens. (Revelation 59:10) Nevertheless, this good news will also fortify the faith of those millions who look forward to everlasting life under Christ's Kingdom. Are you one of these? Then Revelation will strengthen your hope of living in Paradise, as part of the new earth, with the enjoyment of an abundance of peace, vibrant health, and an overflow of God's provisions that will never end. (Psalm 37:11, 29, 34; 72:1, 7, 8, 16) If you want to survive into that new world, it is urgent, yes, mandatory, that you pay attention to Revelation's graphic description of the epoch-making climax now at hand.—Zephaniah 2:3; John 13:17.
The Grand Theme of the Bible
BIBLE proverb says: "Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning." (Ecclesiastes 78) It is in the book of Revelation that we read of the dramatic culmination of Jehovah's grand purpose to sanctify his name before all creation. As God declared time and time again by one of his earlier prophets: "They will have to know that I am Jehovah."—Ezekiel 25:17; 38:23.
2 Just as Revelation spells out the triumphant end of matters, so their beginning is described for us in earlier books of the Bible. By examining this record, we are enabled to understand the issues involved and get an overall view of God's purposes. How satisfying this is! Further, it should rouse us to action, so that we may share in the marvelous future that awaits mankind.
(Psalm 145:16, 20) At this point, it seems appropriate to discuss the background and theme of the entire Bible, in order that we may have in mind the paramount issue that now faces all humankind, as well as God's clearly stated purpose to resolve that issue.
9 The Bible's first book, Genesis, tells of "the beginning" and describes God's creative works, including his crowning earthly creation, man. Genesis also sets out the first divine prophecy, uttered by God himself in the garden of Eden some 6,000 years ago. A serpent had just been used to deceive the first woman, Eve; she in turn had persuaded her husband, Adam, to join her in violating Jehovah's law by eating from "the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." In passing judgment on the sinful couple, God said to the serpent: "I shall put ennity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel." (Genesis 11; 2.17; 3.1-6, 14.15) That prophecy sets the theme for the whole Bible, including Revelation.
4 Immediately after uttering the prophecy, God expelled our first parents from Eden. No longer could they look forward to everlasting life in Paradise; they would have to live out their lives in the unprepared earth outside. Under sentence of death, they would produce sin-laden children. (Genesis 3:23-4:1; Romans 5:12) What, though, does the Edenic prophecy mean? Who are involved? How does it link up with Revelation? What message does it have for us today? In order to gain personal relief from the effects of the tragic event that led to Jehovah's uttering that prophecy, it is of vital
concern that we know the answers to these questions.
The Principals in the Drama
5 The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 was addressed to the serpent that had lied to Eve, suggesting to her that she would not die for her disobedience but that she would become independent, a goddess. The serpent thus made Jehovah out to be a liar and insinuated that humans could improve their lot by rejecting His supreme rulership. (Genesis 3:1-5) Jehovah's sovereignty was challenged and his good name besmirched. The book of Revelation describes how the righteous Judge, Jehovah, uses the Kingdom rule of his Son, Jesus Christ, to vindicate his sovereignty and clear all reproach from his name. —Revelation 12:10; 14:7.
"As for that term "serpent," does it apply only to a literal snake? Not at all! Revelation identifies for us the infamous spirit creature that spoke through that snake. It was "the great dragon . . . , the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth," that "seduced Eve by its cunning."—Revelation 12:9, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
7 Genesis 3:15 speaks next of "the woman." Was this Eve? Possibly she thought so. (Compare Genesis 4:1.) But a long-lasting enmity between Eve and Satan became impossible when Eve died more than 5,000 years ago. Further, since the Serpent addressed by Jehovah is an invisible spirit, we should expect that the woman also belongs to the spirit realm. Revelation 12:1, 2 confirms this, indicating that this figurative woman is Jehovah's heavenly organization of spirit creatures.—See also Isaiah 54:1, 5, 13.
Two Seeds in Opposition
Two seeds appear next at Genesis 3:15. We should be deeply interested in these, for they are related to the great issue of rightful sovereignty over this earth. This involves each one of us, whether young or old. Which of these seeds do you favor?
9 First, there is the seed, or offspring, of the Serpent. What is this? It surely includes those other spirit creatures who joined Satan in his rebellion and who were finally "hurled down with him" to the realm of the earth. (Revelation 12:9) Since Satan, or Beelzebub, is "the ruler of the demons," it is apparent that they make up his invisible organization. —Mark 3:22; Ephesians 6:12.
Further, Jesus told Jewish religious leaders of his day: "You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father." (John 8:44) By their opposition to God's Son Jesus, those religious leaders showed that they too were Satan's offspring. They were part of Satan's seed, serving him as their figurative father. Many other humans throughout history have similarly identified themselves by doing Satan's will, particularly in opposing and persecuting the disciples of Jesus. Collectively, these humans may be described as making up Satan's visible organization on earth—See John 15:20; 16:33; 17:15.
11 The prophecy at Genesis 3:15 refers finally to the seed of the woman. While Satan was developing his seed, Jehovah was preparing for his "woman," or wifelike celestial organization, to produce a seed. For some 4,000 years, Jehovah progressively revealed to obedient God-fearing humans details related to the coming of the seed. (Isaiah 469, 10) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others could thus build faith in the promise that the seed would appear in their genealogical line. (Genesis 22:15-18, 264; 28:14) Satan and his henchmen often persecuted such servants of Jehovah because of their unswerving faith.—Hebrews 11:1, 2, 32-38.
12 At last, in the year 29 of our Common Era, the perfect man Jesus presented himself at the Jordan River and was baptized. Jehovah there begot Jesus with holy spirit, saying: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved." (Matthew 3:17) Jesus was there identified as having been sent forth from God's spiritual organization in heaven. He was also anointed as the King-Designate of the heavenly Kingdom that would restore rulership over the earth in Jehovah's name, thus settling once and for all the issue involving government, or sovereignty. (Revelation 11:15) Jesus, then, is the principal One of the seed of the woman, the foretold Messiah.—Compare Galatians 3:16; Daniel 9:25.
15 Would the woman's seed be simply one prominent person? Well, what of Satan's seed? The Bible identifies Satan's seed as including a host of wicked angels and God-dishonoring humans. It should not surprise us, then, to learn of God's purpose to select 144,000 integrity keepers from among mankind to become priestly corulers with the Messianic Seed, Jesus Christ. Revelation refers to these when it says that the Devil, in his enmity toward God's womanly organization, "went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed."—Revelation 12:17; 14:1-4.
14 In the Bible, anointed Christians are called Jesus' brothers, and as his brothers, they share the same Father and the same mother.
(Hebrews 2:11) Their Father is Jehovah God. Hence, their mother must be "the woman," God's wifelike celestial organization. They become a secondary part of the seed, Christ Jesus being the primary part. The congregation of these spirit-begotten Christians on earth make up God's visible organization that serves under his womanlike organization in the heavens, where they will be united with Christ Jesus at their resurrection. (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:16, 29) Though not part of the seed, millions of other sheep out of all nations are being united to serve with God's organization on earth. Are you one of these other sheep? Then your happy hope is everlasting life in a paradise earth.—John 10:16; 17:1-3.
How Enmity Developed
18 Satan's human seed began to be manifested very early in mankind's history. For example, there was Cain, the first human born, "who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother" Abel. (1 John 3:12) Later, Enoch spoke of Jehovah's coming "with his holy miriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him." (Jude 14, 15) Moreover, rebellious angels joined Satan and became part of his seed. These "forsook their own proper dwelling place" in the heavens in order to materialize fleshy bodies and marry the daughters of men. They produced a superhuman hybrid offspring of bullies. That world became filled with violence and badness, so that God destroyed it in the Deluge, faithful Noah and his family being the only human flesh to survive. The disobedient angels—now demons under Satan's control—were forced to abandon their doomed human wives and hybrid children. They dematerialized, returning to the spirit realm where they await God's fast-approaching execution of judgment on Satan and his seed. —Jude 6; Genesis 6:4-12; 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2: 4, 5.
16 Shortly after the great Deluge, a tyrant named Nimrod appeared on earth. The Bible describes him as "a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah"—truly part of the Serpent's seed. Like Satan, he showed a spirit of rebellion and built the city of Babel, or Babylon, in defiance of Jehovah's purpose to have mankind spread out to fill the earth. Babylon's centerpiece was to have been a great tower "with its top in the heavens." God thwarted the would-be builders of that tower. He confused their language and "scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth" but allowed Babylon itself to remain.—Genesis 9:1; 10:8-12; 11:1-9.
Political Powers Appear
17 In Babylon there appeared features of human society that developed in defiance of Jehovah's sovereignty. One of these was political. As mankind multiplied, other ambitious humans followed Nimrod's example in seizing power. Man began to dominate man to his injury. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) During the days of Abraham, for instance, Sodom, Gomorrah, and nearby cities fell under the control of kings from Shinar and other far-distant lands. (Genesis 14:1-4) Eventually, military and organizational geniuses carved out huge empires for their own enrichment and glory. The Bible refers to some of these, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
18 Jehovah tolerated the existence of those political powers, and his people rendered relative obedience to them when they lived in lands under their control. (Romans 13: 1, 2) Sometimes, political authorities even served for the furtherance of God's purposes or as a protection for his people. (Ezra 1: 1-4; 7:12-26; Acts 25:11, 12; Revelation 12: 15, 16) Nevertheless, many political rulers have viciously opposed true worship, showing themselves to be part of the seed of the Serpent.—1 John 5:19.
19 For the most part, man-rule has failed miserably to bring happiness to us humans or to solve our problems. Jehovah has permitted mankind to experiment with every form of government, but he does not approve of corruption or the way governments have misruled the people. (Proverbs 22: 22, 23) Revelation portrays oppressive world powers as making up a proud and monstrous wild beast.—Revelation 13:1, 2.
Selfish Commercial Traffickers
20 Closely allied to political leaders, there came into view dishonest traffickers in material goods. Records unearthed in the ruins of ancient Babylon show that business transactions exploiting the unfortunate circumstances of fellow humans were very much in vogue back there. The world's merchants have continued to work for selfish profit down to this present day, when in many lands a few have become very rich while the majority of the population languishes in poverty. In this industrial age, the merchants and manufacturers have made great gain by supplying the political powers with stockpiles of devilish military weapons of destruction, including the weapons of mass destruction that are now a great cause for concern. Such greedy business magnates and others of their kind must be included with the "military commanders" and "strong men" as belonging to Satan's wicked seed. They are all part of the earthly organization that God and Christ judge as deserving of execution. —Revelation 19:18.
21 To corrupt politics and greedy commercialism there must be added a third element of human society that merits God's adverse judgment. What is that? You may be surprised by what Revelation says about this well-known global structure.
Babylon the Great
22 The building of the original Babylon
Ancient cuneiform records of business transactions
The book Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by James B. Pritchard, lists almost 300 laws compiled by Hammurabi in Babylonian times. These show that it was necessary to proscribe the blatant dishonesty that apparently pervaded the commercial world in those days. To take one example: "If a seignior has purchased or he received for safe-keeping either silver or gold or a male slave or a female slave or an ox or a sheep or an ass or any sort of thing from the hand of a seignior's son or a seignior's slave without witnesses and contracts, since that seignior is a thief, he shall be put to death."
was more than a political enterprise. Since that city was established in defiance of Jehovah's sovereignty, religion was involved. Indeed, ancient Babylon became a fountain of religious idolatry. Its priests taught Goddishonoring doctrines, such as the survival of a human soul after death and that the hereafter is a place of eternal horror and torment presided over by demons. They fostered the worship of creatures and of a multitude of gods and goddesses. They fabricated myths to explain the origin of the earth and man upon it and performed degrading rituals and sacrifices, supposedly to ensure fertility in childbearing and crop raising, and victory in war.
25 As the various language groups from Babylon spread out over the earth, they took Babylonish religion with them. Thus, rites and beliefs similar to those of ancient Babylon flourished among the original inhabitants of Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Far East, and the South Seas; and many of these beliefs persist to this day. Appropriately, then, Revelation refers to the world-embracing empire of false religion as a city named Babylon the Great. (Revelation, chapters 17, 18) Wherever it has been sown, false religion has sprouted oppressive priesthoods, superstition, ignorance, and immorality. It has been a powerful tool in Satan's hand. Babylon the Great has always fought fiercely against the true worship of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.
24 As a most reprehensible part of the seed of the Serpent, the scribes and the Pharisees in first-century Judaism took the lead in persecuting and finally murdering the primary
representative of the seed of the woman.
Thus, the Serpent was able to "bruise him
[the "seed"] in the heel." (Genesis 3:15; John
8:39-44; Acts 3:12, 15) Why is this described
as only a heel wound? It is because this
wounding touched him only briefly here on
earth. It was not permanent because Jehovah
resurrected Jesus on the third day and exalted
him to spirit life.—Acts 2:32, 33; 1 Peter
3:18.
25 The glorified Jesus Christ now serves at God's right hand, judging Jehovah's enemies. He has already taken action against Satan and his angels, hurling them down and confining their activity to this earth—which accounts for the multiplying of woes in our day. (Revelation 12:9, 12) But there will be the foretold removal of Satan's earthly seed when God executes judgment on Babylon the Great and all other segments of Satan's organization on earth. Finally, the Seed of God's woman, Jesus Christ, will bruise Satan, that wily old serpent, "in the head," and that will mean his complete annihilation and his total removal from the affairs of mankind. —Romans 16:20.
26 How will all of this come about? That is what is unveiled for us in the Bible book of Revelation. It is revealed to us in a series of visions, highlighted by striking signs and symbols. Eagerly, let us examine this powerful prophecy. Happy, indeed, are we if we hear and observe the words of Revelation! By so doing, we will share in bringing honor to the name of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and inherit his eternal blessings. Please read on and wisely apply what you learn. It can mean your salvation at this time of climax in mankind's history.
Things That Must Shortly Take Place
YOU should be deeply concerned about world events today. Why so? Because this world cannot escape God's execution of judgment. But you can escape. You can do this by making yourself "no part of the world" that is doomed to destruction. This does not mean adopting an austere, monastic way of life. It means that while enjoying a wholesome, meaningful life, you separate yourself from political corruption, from greedy commercialism, and from God-dishonoring religion, as well as from violent and immoral behavior. At the same time, you must follow God's high standards of conduct and seek to do his will. (John 17:14-16, Zephaniah 2.2, 3: Revelation 21:8) The Bible book of Revelation shows how important it is for you to apply yourself in these respects, making changes as necessary in your way of life.
2 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 shortly take place." (Revelation 1:1a) So it was the resurrected Jesus Christ who received this weighty message from God. Far from being part of a mystic Trinity, Jesus is here shown to be subject to his Father. In the same way, the "slaves" making up the Christian congregation are subject to Jesus Christ, so that they 'keep following him wherever he goes.' (Revelation 14:4; Ephesians 5:24) But who today are truly "slaves" of God, and how does Revelation benefit them?
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 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 the happifying good news.
4 How could John say, though, that these
(a) Since it is more than 1,900 years ago that John wrote Revelation, how could he speak of "things that must shortly take place"? (b) What does the evidence now indicate about the things foretold?
To understand the book of Revelation we need
To receive the help of Jehovah's spirit
To discern when the Lord's day began
To recognize the faithful and discreet slave today "slaves" would be shown "things that must shortly take place"?
Were not those words spoken more than 1,900 years ago? From the viewpoint of Jehovah, in whose eyes a thousand years are but "as yesterday," 1,900 years is a short time when compared with the acons of time that he spent in creating and preparing the earth for human habitation. (Psalm 90:4) The apostle Paul wrote of his own "eager expectation and hope," for no doubt the reality of his reward seemed close at hand to him. (Phillipians 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!—Isaiah 45:21.
Channel of Communication
5 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 and to the witness Jesus Christ gave, even to all the things he saw." Thus, John received the inspired record through an angelic messenger. He wrote it in a scroll, transmitting it to the congregations of his time. Happily for us, God has preserved it for the encouragement of the almost 100,000 congregations of his united servants on earth today.
6 God had a channel for communicating Revelation in John's day, and John was the earthly part of that channel. Likewise, God has a channel for giving spiritual nourishment to his 'slaves' today. In his great prophecy concerning the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus identified the earthly part of this 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 prophecy.
7 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
(a) How should the signs found in Revelation affect us? (b) For how long have some of the John class shared in the fulfillment of the visions of Revelation?
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 for many decades in the fulfillment of these visions, are happy that God's spirit has unlocked the meaning so that they can explain it to others.
8 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.
9 John was faithful in bearing witness to the message that God through Jesus Christ gave to him. He described in detail "all the things 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 and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near."—Revelation 1:3.
10 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 conquest that has conquered the world, our faith." (1 John 5:3, 4) You can become supremely happy by building such a faith!
11 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 in our day, 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 fall 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.
Jesus Comes With Encouragement
WHAT follows next should be of absorbing interest to everyone associated with the congregations of God's people today. 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 those 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.
2 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.
3 "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." (1 Timothy 1:17; 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 to 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 truth today! —Psalm 119:97.
"The Faithful Witness"
4 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 from among mankind to be raised to immortal 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; Psalm 89:27; 1 Timothy 6:15) In 1914 he was installed as King to rule among the earthly nations.—Psalm 2:6-9.
5 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 night 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 become anointed Christians like John. These have been declared righteous on the basis of Jesus' ransom 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 his Kingdom. (Luke 12:32; 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 might belong to Jesus!
"Coming With the Clouds"
6 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. Yes, 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 sign of 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
Symbolic Numbers in Revelation
Number
Symbolic Meaning
Signifies solidly confirming a matter.(Revelation 11:3,4; compare Deuteronomy 17:6.)
Denotes emphasis. Also indicates intensity.(Revelation 4:8; 8:13; 16:13,19)
Signifies universality or foursquareness in symmetry.(Revelation 4:6; 7:1,2; 9:14; 20:8; 21:16)
Signifies imperfection, something not normal, monstrous.(Revelation 13:18; compare 2 Samuel 21:20.)
Signifies divinely determined completeness, as to Jehovah's purposes or to Satan's.(Revelation 1:4,12,16; 4:5; 5:1,6; 10:3,4; 12:3)
Signifies allness or completeness in a physical way, as to things on earth.(Revelation 2:10; 12:3; 13:1; 17:3,12,16)
Signifies a divinely constituted organization either in the heavens or on the earth.(Revelation 7:5-8; 12:1; 21:12,16; 22:2)
Signifies Jehovah's abundant(doubled) organizational arrangement.(Revelation 4:4)
Some numbers mentioned in Revelation are to be understood as literal. Often,the context helps to determine this.(See Revelation 7:4,9; 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 17:3,9-11; 20:3-5.)
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 2.2, 3, 8, 9.
7 During Jesus' last evening with his 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 "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" in that he will be just as invisible to the naked eye as the sun is when it is behind clouds. Even when the sun is hidden by clouds during daytime, we know it is because of the daylight that surrounds us. Similarly, though the Lord Jesus is invisible, he will be revealed like a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not obey the good news about him. These too will be compelled to "see him."—2 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:8.
8 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 peoples that display the same hateful attitude that was shown when Jesus was impaled. Jesus is no longer here on earth. But when opposers either actively persecute Jehovah's Witnesses, who bear witness to Jesus, or passively consent to such treatment, it is just as though such opposers were 'piercing' Jesus himself.—Matthew 25:33, 41-46.
"The Alpha and the Omega"
Now, wonder of wonders! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself speaks. How appropriate this is as a preface to the visions that are about to unfold, since he is our Grand Instructor and the ultimate Source of Revelation. (Isaiah 30:20) Our God declares: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, . . . 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 himself 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's calling himself by those two letters stresses that before him, there was no almighty God, and there will be 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.
10 Confident that Jehovah will direct the outcome of matters, John tells his fellow slaves: "I John, your brother and a 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 on Obtaining Spiritual Food in Difficult Times
During these last days, when Jehovah's Witnesses have suffered so much persecution and hardship, it has been vital for them to receive spiritual food in order to stay strong in faith. In most cases, adequate sustenance has been provided, often thanks to some remarkable demonstrations of Jehovah's power.
For example, in Germany under Hitler, Witnesses mimeographed and distributed copies of The Watchtower, which was officially banned by the cruel Nazi authorities. In Hamburg the Gestapo raided a house where such mimeographed took place. The house was small, and there was nowhere to hide anything securely. The typewriter had been left in a cupboard, and the bulky mimeograph equipment was stored in a potato bin in the basement. Moreover, behind the bin there was a suitcase full of magazines! Discovery seemed inevitable. But what happened? The officer who opened the cupboard did so in such a way that he did not see the typewriter. As for the basement, the householder reports: "The three officers stood in the middle of the room, mind you, right there where the bin stood with the suitcase full of Watchtowers behind it. But none of them seemed to notice it; it was as though they had been struck blind." Thanks to this remarkable providence, the household was able to continue supplying spiritual food in difficult and dangerous times.
In the 1960's, there was a civil war between Nigeria and the breakaway province of Biafra. Since Biafra was completely surrounded by Nigerian territory, the only link between it and the outside world was an airstrip. This meant that the Witnesses in Biafra were in danger of being cut off from their supply of spiritual food. Then, early in 1968, the Biafran authorities assigned one of their civil service staff to an important post in Europe and another was assigned to the Biafraan airstrip. These two happened to be Jehovah's Witnesses, and now they were at both ends of the only link between Biafra and the outside world. The two recognized that the arrangement must have been from Jehovah. Hence, they volunteered for the delicate and risky task of channeling spiritual food into Biafra. And they were able to do this all through the war. One of them commented: "The arrangement was beyond something that humans could have planned."
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 as the John class is stimulated today at seeing their fulfillment. We do not know how John forwarded the scroll of Revelation to the 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.
11 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 24:45) 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 173.
John Beholds the Glorified Jesus
THE first vision in the book of Revelation begins with chapter 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) This 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 1:10a) When is this "day"? Do the dramatic events of these tempestuous times 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.
2 In what time frame does this place
Vision 1
Revelation 1:10-3:22
Subject: Jesus inspects spiritual Israel on earth and gives warm encouragement
Time of fulfillment: This feature of the Lord's day extends from 1914 until the last of the faithful anointed ones dies and is resurrected
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 their 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 Paradise and the perfecting of mankind, until Jesus finally "hands over the kingdom to his God and Father."—1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 6:1, 2.
3The 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 he gives 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 Archaeological remains of the cities where the seven congregations were located confirm the Bible record.
It was here that first-century Christians received Jesus' encouraging messages that today stimulate the worldwide congregation
PERGAMUM
SMYRNA
THYATIRA
SARDIS
EPHESUS
PHILADELPHIA
LAODICEA
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 heavenly rule in the latter part of 1914. The erupting 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 the "day" of Jesus' presence!—Matthew 24:3-14.
4 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 and 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 is God's congregation of anointed ones on earth. The fulfillment of this first 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 other sheep, continues till the end of Jesus Christ's Millennial Rule.—John 10:16; Revelation 20:4, 5.
5 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 in Thyatira and in Sardis and in Philadelphia and in Laodicea.'" (Revelation
110b, 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 easily 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 a modern-day circuit of Jehovah's Witnesses.
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 appointed 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.
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 all the tests and persecutions brought by Satan and having suffered an agonizing death when His "heel" was bruised almost 2,000 years ago, is now alive in heaven, empowered to bring God's grand purpose to its triumphant completion!—Genesis 3:15.
8 It is evident that Jesus is now poised to go into action as enthroned King. He has been appointed as Jehovah's Chief Executioner to carry out Jehovah's final judgments against this old, wicked system of things and its diabolic god, Satan. He is also on hand to judge those of his congregation of anointed ones and the great crowd of their associates, as well as to judge the world.—Revelation 7:4, 9; Acts 17:31.
9 John turns at the sound of the loud voice, and here is what he sees: "I turned to see the voice that was speaking with 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 a son of man, clothed with a garment that reached down to the feet, and girded at the breasts with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1:13) Jesus, the "son of man," here presents himself before the awestruck witness, John, as a magnificent, glowing figure. He appears in 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 High Priest, with judgment powers. (Hebrews 4:14; 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 breast where it covers his heart. This signifies that he will wholeheartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God.—Exodus 28:8, 30; Hebrews 8:1, 2.
10 John's description continues: "Moreover, his head and his hair were white as white wool, as snow, and his 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 fine copper remind us of how "comely" his feet were when he walked the earth preaching the good news.—Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15.
11 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 comes "to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness."—Acts 17:31; John 1:1.
ture! 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.
12 "And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth a sharp, long two-edged sword was protruding, and 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, long two-edged sword." What a fitting fea-
13 Jesus' bright, shining countenance reminds us that Moses' face emitted shining rays after Jehovah had communed with him on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:29, 30) Remember, too, that when Jesus was transfigured before three of his apostles almost 2,000 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
REVELATION CLIMAX 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." (1 Timothy 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 fell as dead at his feet."—Revelation 1:17.
14 Today, the colorful, detailed description of John's vision fills God's people with heartfelt appreciation. Already, we have passed through more than 90 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.
REVELATION CLIMAX
Chapter 6
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.
"The First and the Last"
2Nevertheless, 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 1:17b, 18a) In Isaiah 44:6, Jehovah rightly describes his own position as the one and only almighty God, saying: "I am the first and I am 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 a title properly bestowed on him by God. In Isaiah, Jehovah was making a statement about His unique position as the true God. He is God eternal, and besides him there is indeed no God. (1 Timothy 1:17) In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection.
3 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 4:22) 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.
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