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Unlikely Leaders

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    Sincere Students Can Understand Revelation

    Religious teachers have declared that Revelation is a sealed book and that its secrets cannot be explained. But God does not want His people to consider the book sealed. It is “the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.” “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (verses 1, 3). “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly’” (Revelation 22:20).ULe 212.6

    The very name given to its inspired pages, “the Revelation,” contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes it shows are in the past, and some are now taking place. Some bring to view the close of the great conflict, and some reveal the joys of the redeemed in the earth made new.ULe 212.7

    We should not think it is useless for us to search this book to know the meaning of the truth it contains. Those whose hearts are open to truth will be enabled to understand its teachings.ULe 213.1

    In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the book that corresponds to the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is not the Revelation; the angel commanded, “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4).ULe 213.2

    “What you see, write in a book,” Christ commanded John, “and send it to the seven churches.” “Write ... the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. ... The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:11, 19, 20.)ULe 213.3

    The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church’s condition in different periods of history. The number seven indicates completeness—the messages extend to the end of time.ULe 213.4

    Christ walks in the middle of the golden lampstands. This symbolizes His constant communication with His people. He knows their true condition, their ways, their devotion. Although He is High Priest in the sanctuary above, He is represented as walking in the midst of His churches on earth. He watches with constant vigilance. If the lampstands were left to human care alone, the flickering flame would shrink and die, but He is the true caretaker. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light.ULe 213.5

    “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand.” Revelation 2:1. These words are spoken to the teachers in the church—those entrusted with weighty responsibilities. The stars of heaven are under God’s control. He fills them with light and guides their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. It is the same with His ministers. Through them His light is to shine out. If they will look to the Savior as He looked to the Father, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world.ULe 213.6

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