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The Acts of the Apostles
“And when I saw Him,” John writes, “I fell at His feet as dead.
And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not.”
Verse
17
.
John was strengthened to live in the presence of his glorified Lord.
Then before his wondering vision were opened the glories of heaven.
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He was permitted to see the throne of God and, looking beyond the
conflicts of earth, to behold the white-robed throng of the redeemed.
He heard the music of the heavenly angels and the triumphant songs
of those who had overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word
of their testimony. In the revelation given to him there was unfolded
scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the people of
God, and the history of the church foretold to the very close of time.
In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance were presented to
John, which he was to record, that the people of God living in his age
and in future ages might have an intelligent understanding of the perils
and conflicts before them.
This revelation was given for the guidance and comfort of the
church throughout the Christian dispensation. Yet religious teachers
have declared that it is a sealed book and its secrets cannot be explained.
Therefore many have turned from the prophetic record, refusing to
devote time and study to its mysteries. But God does not wish His
people to regard the book thus. 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 that readeth,” the Lord
declares, “and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Verses
1, 3
. “I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy
of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add
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unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall
take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take
away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and
from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth
these things saith, Surely I come quickly.”
Revelation 22:18-20
.
In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very
name given to its inspired pages, “the Revelation,” contradicts the
statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed.
The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in
this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all.