CHAPTER V
God's Organization
JEHOVAH caused his great Prophet, to whom he gave a revelation, to write these prophetic words: "And there appeared a great wonder [or, sign, margin] in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." (Rev. 12:1) It is quite certain that the sign mentioned in this prophecy is the same one that is mentioned by Jesus in his prophecy recorded in Matthew 24:30. In both instances the word sign is from the same root. It is also certain that the sign could not be seen and appreciated until the Lord came to his temple and the temple was opened. A sign means an indication or proof given for the purpose of establishing a fact. The "great wonder" or sign must of necessity be something in fulfilment of prophecy. Since this sign is to be seen in heaven, it follows that it would be discernible by those who have a vision of heavenly things.
With Jehovah everything is in order and proceeds orderly. With him there is no confusion. (1 Cor. 14:33) He knew the end from the beginning, and therefore everything with him must work exactly in order and come to pass at his fixed time. In his first prophecy he spoke of the woman that would produce the "seed" or offspring which would be used to accomplish his purposes. That prophecy could not refer to Eve and her child, but must have reference to something prophetically represented by the woman and her seed. The Scriptures furnish the proof that "the seed" is "The Christ", God's Anointed. (Gal.
3:16,27-29) In connection with the "seed" it is written that the city of "Jerusalem which is above ... is the mother of us all", meaning all who are of that "seed". The earthly city of Jerusalem must therefore refer to God's organization above. Therefore a woman is used to represent symbolically God's organization. We must know that God has an organization, because everything is done in order, and nothing could be done in order without an organization. Therefore the irresistible conclusion is that the woman mentioned in the prophecy of Revelation 12:1 is God's organization.
It may well be said that God has always had an organization; but since the earth is for man, and the Scriptures were written for men on earth who are being prepared for God's organization, the prophecy above must have reference to the organization that would have a direct effect upon men. It must have reference to an organization prepared specially for men, and more particularly for those men who are to be taken into the temple class and made a part of God's organization. The great Prophet Jesus uttered a prophecy to his disciples and said: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." — John 14: 2, 3.
The word "mansion" used in this scripture means a place to stay or abide, a residence. In God's organization there are many positions or places to stay or abide. But Jesus' declaration was that he was going to prepare a place in that organization for his faithful followers on earth. He meant that he would prepare a place in God's organization for them, that
they might be there with him; and that in due time he would return and receive them to himself, that they might abide with him. Since the ascension of Jesus into heaven that which has been the great desire and hope of the true followers of Christ Jesus has been his coming and his kingdom.
Jesus was prophesying concerning his coming and his kingdom when he spoke of the "sign" appearing in heaven. The time must come, therefore, when his true followers would have the proof and understanding of his kingdom, when it is brought forth, and when it would begin to operate. When a woman gives birth to a child, it means that the child is brought forth that it may begin its actions of life. It is therefore confidently stated that the sign appearing in heaven is the proof or the indication to the temple class that the kingdom has begun. (Ps. 2: 6) And this some of the faithful would see before being taken to the Lord in glory.
The woman, in the prophecy uttered (Rev. 12:1), appears "clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet". God made the sun and the light it gives. (Ps. 74:16) "For the Lord God is a sun and shield." (Ps. 84:11) In one of God's prophecies uttered concerning the kingdom it is written: "His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me." (Ps. 89:36) Jehovah covers himself with light as with a garment. (Ps. 104: 2) The law of God is his expressed will, and those who love him are guided thereby and walk in the right way. — Ps. 19: 7; 89: 37: 119:105.
The woman clothed with the light of the sun and walking in the right way represents God's organization illuminated by him and moving according to his will. Upon the head of the woman was seen a crown,
which prophetically says: 'The Head of God's organization is Christ Jesus, the great Prophet, Priest and King and chief executive officer of Jehovah, clothed with all power in heaven and in earth.' (Matt. 28:18) The 'twelve stars in the crown' shows the twelve divisions of the glorious organization of Jehovah, represented in the twelve apostles. (Rev. 7:5-8) It is after the temple is opened in heaven that those of the temple class yet on earth, by reason of the "lightnings" of Jehovah, see this great wonder or sign.
When Jesus ascended into heaven he was directed by his Father to "sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool". (Ps. 110:1) Jesus must have been eager to get into action and oust the enemy and vindicate his Father's name. The time would come, as shown by the prophet, when he would do that very thing. That would mark the beginning or bringing forth of the kingdom or government. The prophecy therefore describes God's organization as 'a woman with child ready for the birth and pained [or anxious] to be delivered'. (Rev. 12:2) The time must come when Jesus Christ would take his power and begin the operation of his kingdom, because God had caused his prophet to prophesy that he would send forth Jesus to rule amongst his enemies. (Ps. 110:2) That would mark the fulfilment of Psalm 2: 6, when God would set his King upon his throne. That would represent the birth or bringing forth or beginning of the kingdom, which kingdom is to rule the world. That would be clearly in fulfilment of the prophecy: "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne." — Rev. 12: 5.
The "man child" is God's government which shall rule and dominate all the nations and peoples of the earth and which will not permit any opposition. Thus is shown God's kingdom which will rule according to his will. That is the kingdom and rule for which Jesus taught his disciples to pray: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) Therefore the prophecy shows God's organization represented by the woman clothed with the sun, and giving birth to or bringing forth the kingdom to rule.
It was in 1914 that the 'period of waiting' came to an end. (Ps. 110:1; Heb. 10:13) That marked the time of the end of Satan's rule, and from that time forward he would not be permitted to go on without hindrance. It was then that the World War began, which marked the fulfilment of the prophecy concerning the Lord's presence and the end of the world. (Matt. 24: 7-10) It was then that the war in heaven began, resulting in the ousting of Satan from heaven. (Rev. 12:7-9) But the true followers of Christ Jesus could not and did not see that "sign in heaven" until after 1918, because it was in 1918 that the Lord came to his temple and began to give to the temple class greater light upon God's Word. (Rev. 11:19) By that time the Lord had 'prepared a place' for his body members, as he had prophesied; and now he had come to assign them a place in God's organization and to give them greater light that they might ascertain the will of God concerning them. The birth of the nation or government, the beginning of the Lord's kingdom by placing the Lord upon his throne, and his coming to his temple, is the key-truth to the unlocking of much of the prophecy which God reveals to his people.
ZION
God has provided in his Word cumulative testimony concerning his purposes, to the end that men who are truly devoted to him may be completely furnished with evidence firmly establishing their faith. Therefore the evidence which is cumulative is here submitted from the Scriptures, proving that God has a great organization visible and invisible, and that his organization is now operating in harmony with his will, and that in this organization is the temple class, some in heaven and some on earth.
Zion is one of the names given to God's organization. The city of Jerusalem was also called Zion: "The city of David [Beloved], which is Zion." (1 Ki. 8:1) God organized the city of Jerusalem and put his name there, thus identifying it as his. and it pictures his organization. The prophet records that God "chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion, which he loved", and built his sanctuary there, and chose David as the head thereof. (Ps. 78:68-70; 76:1,2) Thus in prophetic phrase he describes Zion as God's organization, and Christ Jesus the Beloved of Jehovah as the Head thereof.
When David brought the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom, he placed it in the tabernacle on Mount Zion, in the city of Jerusalem. (1 Ki. 8:1) That was the official part of the city, because the king dwelt there and it was the executive office. Thereafter the temple was built and the ark of the covenant was taken into the temple, and then the name Zion was applied to that place. — 1 Ki. 8: 4-21.
The ark and the light shining upon it represented the presence of Jehovah, or his place of dwelling. (Lev. 16: 2; Heb. 9:5; Isa. 60:19; Ex. 13: 21) Zion therefore represents God's official family, which is
his place of dwelling: "Mount Zion, wherein thou didst take up thy habitation." (Ps. 74: 2, Rotherham) "For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation." — Ps. 132:13.
In the city of Jerusalem there were many who were not of the official or royal family. Not all of those who were brought into God's family will constitute a part of his official organization. The Scriptures show that there are many who will not be of the royal family but will be a part of God's organization, because servants of the royal family. (Rev. 7:15) Therefore the name "Jerusalem" embraces all of the church, or the called-out class, whereas "Zion" more particularly represents those who will be of the royal family and sit with Christ Jesus in his throne. (Rev. 3:21) Jehovah is therefore shown as dwelling in Zion, which more specifically represents his organization. (Ps. 9:11) The two words "Jerusalem" and "Zion", being used to represent God's organization, are both symbolized in the Scriptures by a woman.
BUILDING UP ZION
By his prophet God foretold that in due time he would build up Zion. "When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory." (Ps. 102:16) The word here translated "build up" is also rendered "obtain children" and "set up". Consider now another prophecy in connection with Revelation 12: 5. Jehovah, through his prophet, foretold Zion's giving birth to a man child and to children. "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child." (Isa. 66:7) The man child in this prophecy is, without a question of doubt, the same as the man child mentioned in Revelation 12. The mode employed by Jehovah in building
up Zion seems to be this: When God's due time came, he placed his anointed Son Christ Jesus upon his throne. This is represented by his holy hill in Zion, which is the highest place or head of Zion. (Ps. 2:6) That is pictured as the woman, his organization, giving birth to the man child or bringing forth and beginning the government of the Lord for the benefit of the Lord's people. Then the Lord directed his beloved Son to proceed with his rule and to oust the enemy. — Ps. 110: 2-6.
Up to that time there had been no travail or trouble in Zion; but immediately following the setting of Christ Jesus upon his throne the travail or trouble began. That travail was a fight, with the Lord Jesus, the great King and Priest of Jehovah, and his holy angels on one side, and the enemy, the Devil, and his angels on the other side. Prior to that time Satan had access to heaven and the heavenly courts. (Job 1: 6) In the fight that followed Satan is ousted from heaven. It is described in the prophecy thus: "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." — Rev. 12:7-11.
Shortly following this war in heaven the children of Zion were brought forth, and there was great rejoicing. This was foretold by the prophet when he said: "Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her." — Isa. 66: 8-10.
Jesus Christ, of course, was born when he was raised from the dead. The "man child", however, represents the new nation or kingdom which was born or brought forth when God placed his King upon his throne. But the 'children of Zion' must be members of the body of Christ who are brought forth or born after the travail. The prophecies of Isaiah and Revelation 12 are therefore in exact accord with each other.
It would appear that the logical order of bringing forth would be, first, those followers of Christ who had died faithful unto the Lord, such as the apostles, and, after them, the faithful on earth. Jesus had prophesied and said to them: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Paul was one of the faithful, and he was about to die when he wrote to Timothy: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." — 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
RESURRECTION OF THE FAITHFUL
Here is the key to the understanding of the matter. Paul knew that he was about to die and must remain dead until the coming of the Lord Jesus to receive him. Paul's words are in the nature of a prophecy and fix the time of his resurrection, when he says, "at that day." It will be found that wherever this expression is used in the Scriptures it has reference to the presence of the Lord when he takes his power and begins his reign. Paul further fixes the time even more definitely when he says "which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me". The Lord comes to his temple for the purpose of judgment, and that is when he gives the crown, as Paul here states. (Ps. 11:4,5) Furthermore, Paul said, on another occasion, "The dead in Christ shall rise first." Then "we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [anticipate or precede] them which are asleep". — 1 Thess. 4:15.
The apostles, and others who likewise died faithful, constitute a part of the temple of God. (1 Cor. 3:16, 17) They are a part of Zion, and to be brought into Zion or built up into Zion they must be brought forth from the dead. The conclusion is therefore irresistible that the saints who died faithful to and approved of the Lord would be awakened out of death, brought into the temple and builded up as a part of Zion, after the Lord had prepared a place for them and had come to his temple. Paul wrote: "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" for the purpose of judgment. The awakening of the faithful saints out of death, and bringing of them into Zion,
constitutes their final judgment, at which time the righteous Judge, Christ Jesus, gives to each of such approved ones the crown of life, and brings them into the place in God's organization prepared for them.
JUDGMENT
One of the chief purposes of the Lord's coming to his temple is for judgment, and that judgment must begin at the house of God. (Mal. 3:1-3; Ps. 11: 4, 5; 1 Pet. 4:17) It would follow, then, that the people of the Lord who are on the earth at the time of his coming to his temple must be judged before being installed as a part of God's organization as members of Zion. Their judgment and approval there would mark the time of building them up into Zion. That the coming of the Lord to his temple would mark the beginning of a fiery and crucial test or trial upon all of those upon earth who professed to be the Lord's is shown by the words of the prophet who said: "Behold, . . . [he] shall suddenly come to his temple. . . . But who may abide the day of his coming?' and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." — Mal. 3:1-3.
Clothed with all power and authority to judge and to execute judgment, Jesus Christ sits in judgment as a refiner to purify the sons of Levi and to make manifest those who are not approved. (John 5:22) The sons of Levi described in the prophecy pointed forward prophetically to the people consecrated to do God's will and who would be on earth at the time of
judgment. That some would not stand in that trial, but would fall, is clearly shown by this prophecy.
Now give consideration to the facts in fulfilment of the prophecy. In the year 1918 there came upon the professed people of God a trying time that tested the faith and devotion of all. During the period of time in which Christ Jesus was 'preparing the way before Jehovah', many had come out from the denominational systems and declared their purpose to walk in the light of the truth and serve God. In the fiery experiences of 1918 many of these fell away from the Lord and turned back to the world. Many of such had been looking for the Lord to come and take them to heaven, and had particularly fixed the year 1914 as when this should be done. The year 1914 was a marked date; but these had merely contemplated something to happen which did not come to pass.
Under the fiery trial that came thereafter, to wit, in 1918, such were disappointed, became fearful, lost their faith and fell away. Amongst this consecrated class of Christians there were those who withstood the fiery trial and test, came through it, and continued in their full devotion to the Lord. Those who were thus proven faithful were approved, as represented by "the robe of righteousness", were brought into the temple condition, and have since then had a clearer vision of the truth than they ever had before. As they have continued to grow in their unselfish devotion to the Lord their vision and appreciation of the truth have increased.
Great numbers of professed Christians upon earth at that time were a part of the organization known as "organized Christianity", or the denominational church systems. About 1918 the leaders in these church systems forsook the Lord and his kingdom,
fell completely away, and adopted the makeshift which is called the League of Nations and which is the child of the Devil, and declared it to be God's kingdom manifested on earth, and that the desire of the people would be brought about through that arrangement. The judgment of the Lord was therefore upon the systems of so-called organized religion. The physical facts fully bear out the conclusion that the judgment on the house of God began in 1918, when the Lord came to his temple, and that then the faithful were builded up into Zion.
PARABLES
When teaching his followers concerning his coming and his kingdom, Jesus spoke in parables. Many of those parables were prophecies. Among such are the parables of the pounds and the talents. In the prophecy of the pounds Jesus pictures himself as 'a nobleman going into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return'. (Luke 19:12) Jesus actually received his kingdom in 1914, when God commanded him to rule. (Ps. 110:2) Necessarily his return must be after that time and must therefore refer to his coming for his faithful ones, to receive them unto himself, even as he had prophesied. In the prophetic parable of the pounds Jesus shows himself as a man traveling into a far country: "And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:13) To the same effect it is written concerning the parable of the talents, that 'he called his servants, and delivered unto them his goods, to one five talents, to another two talents, to another one, to each according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey'. — Matt. 25:14,15.
The fulfilment of these prophecies began when Jesus ascended into heaven, where he must wait until he received his kingdom or government over which he would be the great Ruler. During his absence all the kingdom or government interests here on earth were committed to those who had made a covenant to do God's will, including all those who came to a knowledge of the truth and consecrated themselves thus to do during that period of time in which Jesus the Messenger was preparing the way before Jehovah. (Mal. 3:1) All of such kingdom interests the Lord represented under symbols of goods, talents, money and pounds.
Who would now remain true and faithful unto the Lord and devote themselves to the Lord's interests, to the exclusion of those of the world, until his coming? When he came, whom would he find faithful? Then the prophecy reads: "But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us." (Luke 19:14) The clergy, as leaders in so-called "Christendom", have claimed to be citizens of the Lord's kingdom. That part of the prophecy last above quoted had its fulfilment when the clergy, as leaders and controllers of the denominational systems, declared that they would set up the League of Nations as a method of rule, that they and their allies, Big Business and politicians, would rule it, and that they would not have Christ to rule over them.
Christ Jesus received his kingdom and began his reign in 1914. Shortly thereafter he returned according to these prophecies. For what purpose? His answer is, that he would come to take an account with his servants, that is to say, for judgment. It is thus stated in the prophetic parable: "And it came to pass,
that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading." (Luke 19:15) "After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them." (Matt. 25:19) Accounting with his servants is the same as judgment or trial, as foretold by the ancient prophets. — Mal. 3:1-3; Ps. 11: 4, 5.
Then the prophetic parable states what would be the result of that accounting or judgment, and these are considered in reverse order. First, the enemies, which are the clergy and the principal of their flocks: "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (Luke 19: 27) The facts show that this prophecy was fulfilled in 1919, when the League of Nations was accepted by the clergy and the principal of their flocks instead or in place of Christ as the great Ruler. There they lost all opportunity of ever being of Christ's kingdom. They are pictured in another prophetic parable as the "tares" which are gathered and bound in bundles for destruction. (Matt, 13:30) By reason of the vigorous proclamation of God's truth by his faithful servants, and by reason of the exercise of the "wisdom" of the clergy, the ecclesiastical systems have been forced to bind themselves into the bundle of the church federation system. Therefore their opportunity of participating in the kingdom of Christ is for ever gone.
The servant who did not make proper use of the kingdom interests, represented by the pounds and talents, as he had opportunity, had all such interests taken away from him by the Lord at the time of the accounting, and such were given to those whom the
Lord approved as faithful. The Lord calls the unfaithful ones "unprofitable servants", and concerning all such the prophecy declares that they are bound and cast into outer darkness. (Matt. 25: 24-30; Luke 19: 20-24) The physical facts show that this part of the prophecy had its fulfilment from and after 1918: Those who failed or refused to faithfully look after the interests of the Lord's work by earnestly and honestly representing him amongst men, have lost their interest in the kingdom and have no vision or understanding of God's purposes. They are in the dark.
The great Prophet shows that upon examination when he should come to the temple there would be found a class of faithful ones. Having received the report of these faithful ones, the Lord "said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities". (Luke 19:17) "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matt. 25: 21) Those who go to make up the faithful class are approved and are invited to enter into the joy of the Lord. To the faithful ones the Lord then commits all his kingdom interests on earth. All the interests or opportunities of serving the Lord are taken away from the unfaithful and delivered to the faithful, and such faithful class is otherwise designated as the "remnant".
The Lord spoke another prophecy in connection with his coming to his temple and bringing the faithful into his organization. He likened the fiery trial then to the flood in Noah's time, using Noah and his faithful family to illustrate the faithful class that
would be watching for the Lord and earnestly doing what they could to give attention to his interests. He then shows that two will be serving in the field together, both claiming to represent the Lord, but only one would be approved. Then the Lord adds: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods." — Matt. 24: 42, 45-47.
The physical facts show in fulfilment of this prophecy that since 1918 there have been a small number of true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus who have given witness to the name of Jehovah and his King and kingdom. That faithful class have taken the wise course because they have done what the Lord commanded should be done, and the faithful are continually doing it in the Lord's appointed way; and such the Lord designates as that "faithful and wise servant". There has also been and is a class taking a contrary course and opposing the work of the Lord in giving a witness to his name and to his kingdom, and these are designated "that evil servant". (Matt. 24: 48-51) It is those who compose the "faithful and wise servant" class that constitute the children of Zion, brought forth and built up into the organization of the Lord.
THE REMNANT
Jehovah caused his prophet to foretell a remnant or residue among his people. "In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue [remnant] of his
people, and for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate." (Isa. 28: 5, 6) The Israelites were a prophetic people. Many of the prophecies had a small-measure or miniature fulfilment with that people; but the complete fulfilment is with spiritual Israel and must be with those who have made a covenant with the Lord to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. There was a great falling away of the Jews from the Lord and their covenant, leaving only a small remnant concerning which Paul bore testimony. (Rom. 11:5) Isaiah foretold only a remnant to remain. (Isa. 1:9) He further prophesied that he and his children were given for "signs and for wonders in Israel". (Isa. 8:18) The words "signs" and "wonders" mean signals pointing definitely to something in the future. God directed the naming of Isaiah's sons. The name of one meant the severe and inevitable judgments by which the Lord would visit his professed people. (Isa. 8:1) The name of the other meant "the remnant shall return" and receive the blessing of the Lord because of faithfulness. (Isa. 7:3) This prophecy corresponds exactly with what Jesus prophesied in the prophetic parables of the pounds and talents.
A remnant is that which remains after the larger number has been removed. The judgment that began when the Lord came to his temple in 1918 has removed or taken away many and left a remnant that vow to continue faithful to the Lord God. The remnant is the approved class which receives the robe of righteousness, and to which are given the garments of salvation (Isa. 61:10; Matt, 22: 2-14), and which has on the wedding garment. Referring to the time of coming to his temple and judgment, Jesus said: "When
the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18: 8) His prophecy, set forth in the parables of the pounds and talents, shows that many would not remain faithful, but that the remnant would remain faithful. He also prophesied on another occasion that he would gather out from among his professed kingdom class those who are unfaithful and lawless, and that a remnant would remain. — Matt. 13:41-49.
God, through his prophet Isaiah, said: "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong." (Isa. 53:12) "The strong" represents the faithful who come through the fiery trial and who remain strong in the Lord. (Ps. 118:13,14; Eph. 6:10) Such is the class that will sit with the Lord in his throne and have power over the nations. (Rev. 2: 26, 27; 3: 21) These are they who will reign in heaven with Christ. (Rev. 20: 6) Not all who profess to be followers of Christ and speak in his name shall be in the kingdom. (Matt. 7:22,23) It is only the "faithful and true" that will constitute the remnant and be the ones that will receive a portion in the kingdom. All others will be shaken out, as the prophetic words of the Lord show. (Heb. 12:26,27) That shaking and separating has been in progress during and since the year 1918. It is the remnant that is built up and made a part of Zion and has thereby become a part of God's organization.
GATHERING TOGETHER
Jehovah, through his prophet, foretold the gathering of his faithful people to himself: "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." (Ps. 50:5) The covenant by sacrifice there mentioned is the covenant
God made with Jesus when he promised to give him the divine nature; and it was made at the Jordan at the time of the baptism of Jesus. Into that covenant others were invited, the condition being a full devotion to the Lord God even unto death. (Luke 22: 28-30, Diaglott) Many have agreed to do God's will; but the mere making of a covenant is not sufficient. The one who is favored by being brought into that covenant must prove himself faithful and true by performing his part of the covenant. Manifestly from the words of the prophet some would prove faithful and some unfaithful. The gathering unto Jehovah takes place when the Lord comes to his temple and puts his professed people to the test. The approved ones are gathered unto the Lord by being brought into the temple condition and builded up as a part of Zion or God's organization. The faithful are the ones who have the loving-kindness of Jehovah, because they are devoted to him and are objects of his love.
This same text is rendered by Rotherham in this language: "Gather yourselves unto me, ye my men of lovingkindness, who have solemnised my covenant over sacrifice." At the appointed time the faithful ones separate themselves from the unfaithful by reason of the wise and faithful course that they take. When the examination is had and the Lord finds them faithful, he sets them aside, or separates them, into a company for his own purposes. (Isa. 43: 21) These therefore constitute the remnant. It is against this remnant class that the enemy specially directs his attack, because they are the only ones faithfully representing the Lord on earth; and they freely and joyfully offer themselves in the day of the Lord, and rejoice to do what the Lord gives them to do. — Rev. 12:17; Ps. 110:3.
SECRET PLACE
Jehovah caused his prophet to foretell a secret place for those who were gathered unto the Lord. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Ps. 91:1) This prophecy could not have its fulfilment until the Lord came to his temple, at least so far as the church on earth is concerned. No one could be in the secret place of the Most High unless that one is a part of the Lord's organization. When the examination is had and the approved ones are found, the Lord takes them into Jehovah's organization and there they are safe. If they continue faithful unto the Lord, they shall abide or remain for ever in that place of security. Hence the prophet says: "Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." — Ps. 91:9,10.
To be in the secret place of the Most High means to be within God's organization with Christ Jesus the Head of Zion. No one could enter that secret place unless he is brought forth as a child of God and anointed with the spirit of Jehovah, proves faithful to his covenant, and is brought into the temple of the Lord and made a part of God's organization. In this prophecy it is written: "He shall give his angels charge over thee." (Ps. 91:11) The word "charge" here used means an enjoining upon one or more the care and custody of another. (Zech. 3:7) It is God who does the appointing of the angels, and it follows, therefore, that the angels are a part of God's organization, and that those who constitute the remnant, and who are brought into the secret place of the Most High, have the special protection which God
has provided for them by the good offices of his angels. The Scriptures show that God uses holy angels as his messengers, and that they are a part of his organization; and when the faithful remnant become a part of his organization, they have this special protection. — Luke 1:19; Ps. 34:7.
When Jesus was about to be taken by the mob, Peter smote off the ear of one of the mob. Jesus said to him: "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt. 26:53) Undoubtedly the legions of angels then stood ready to go to the assistance of Jesus and were subject to his command. That the Lord God gives special aid and protection to his faithful remnant, who are brought into his organization, is made certain by the words of the prophet: "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." (Ps. 91:15) There is a special reason for this protection, and this will be considered in a subsequent chapter.
THE STONE
Jehovah commanded that Solomon should build a house or temple in Jerusalem unto the name of the Lord. (1 Ki. 5: 5) The Lord directed the preparation of the material for this house. "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither; so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house, while it was in building." (1 Ki. 6:7) The building of Solomon's temple was a prophetic act. It foretold the building of the spiritual house or temple of God, of which Christ Jesus is Head. (Heb. 3:6) The "spiritual house" of the Lord is built up
of living stones: (1 Pet. 2:3-5) God caused his prophet to write: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." — Isa. 28:16,17.
The fact can not be overlooked that this prophecy refers to the time of judgment in connection with the laying of the "chief corner stone". The laying of the stone here mentioned by the prophet has to do with God's organization. What is meant by the stone? The Scriptures frequently speak of Jesus Christ as the King. Those faithful followers who become part of the house or organization of the Lord become also a part of his kingdom or royal family. They are made pillars in the temple of God. The term "kingdom" is sometimes applied to Christ. (Matt. 21: 43) Therefore, Scripturally, "The Stone" mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah means God's anointed King. Sometimes the Scriptures speak of Jesus Christ as the kingdom. (Luke 17:21) In such instances the kingdom means the Royal One. The apostle quotes the prophecy of Isaiah and definitely identifies Jesus Christ as the Head or chief corner stone. (1 Pet. 2:1-8) The Apostle Paul also quotes from the same prophecy and identifies Jesus as that chief Stone. (Rom. 9: 32, 33; Eph. 2: 20, 22) "The Stone" therefore means God's anointed King, and the laying of the corner stone means presenting him to God's professed children as King to rule.
The prophecy (Isa. 28:16) is one that has a double fulfilment. The first or miniature fulfilment took
place when Jesus was on earth; a complete fulfilment, later, when he comes to his temple. The Israelites were God's typical or prophetic people. Jesus was sent to them, and he preached to no one else while on earth. Jesus was anointed as King, and then began to preach concerning the kingdom. At that time, however, the Stone had not been laid. The Jews must have an opportunity to accept him as their King and Jesus must first be tried, because the prophecy says that the Stone was "a tried stone". During the three and one-half years of his ministry Jesus was put to the severe test or trial, the enemy Satan seeking in every possible way to destroy him. (Matt. 4:1-10) Under the fiery trials he was proven true and faithful to God, and therefore "precious". In due time Jesus rode into Jerusalem and offered himself to the Israelites as their King. That was the miniature fulfilment of the prophecy. — Matt, 21:1-10.
The official element of the Israelites, made up of the clergy, the politicians and the commercial powers, rejected Jesus as King and sought to turn all others against him. Shortly thereafter Jesus went to the temple and drove out the money-changers, and rebuked those who opposed the kingdom. (Matt. 21:13) The day following, he pronounced the curse upon the fig tree, thereby prophetically declaring that the Jewish nation should no longer prosper but should come to an end. On the same day, while speaking to the ruling element of Israel, he quoted from the prophecy of Psalm 118, saying, "Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing
forth the fruits thereof." (Matt. 21:42,43) There he told them that he had offered himself to them as their King, that they had rejected him, and that their opportunity to be of the kingdom had come to an end.
As Solomon gathered together material for the temple, or the house of the Lord, before he erected it, even so God by Christ Jesus, from Pentecost until his second coming, has gathered material for the spiritual house of the Lord. On the memorable day of Pentecost the faithful disciples of Jesus received the anointing of the holy spirit and were there made prospective members of the house of the Lord. They were there prepared as material for the house and laid aside until the due time for the erection of the temple, even as Paul stated. (2 Tim. 4:6-8) The period of time from Pentecost until the second coming of the Lord has been used to prepare other living stones to be built up into the house of the Lord. Concerning this it is written: 'Ye also are living stones built up into the spiritual house.' (1 Pet. 2:3-5) All the anointed ones of the Lord who shall ever be a part of the royal family of heaven or the kingdom are therefore living stones, prepared like unto Christ Jesus to be placed in the house of the Lord in his due time. The placing thereof is done silently and without attracting the attention of the world, even as the material was placed in Solomon's temple without sound of tools or confusion.
COMPLETE FULFILMENT
In the year 1914 God placed his anointed King upon his throne and directed him to begin his rule amongst the enemy. (Ps. 2:6; 110:2) Three and one-half years thereafter, to wit, 1918, the Lord came to his temple. At that time he presented himself to
his professed people as their King and earth's rightful Governor. At that time Jesus Christ was also a tried and precious Stone. In the great battle fought in heaven between Christ Jesus and the enemy Satan, Christ Jesus was victorious, therefore tried, true and faithful, and the Conqueror. (Rev. 12:7-10) When he presented himself as King, in the complete fulfilment, those who believed and accepted him rejoiced greatly, and to them he is and ever will be "precious".
At that time the prophecy was fulfilled in completion so far as the laying of the corner stone is concerned. Then followed the revelation and proclamation of the truth, which the Lord God has used and is using to sweep away the refuge of lies with which Satan has blinded the minds of the people. (Isa. 28:17) In quoting from the prophecy Peter says: "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." — 1 Pet. 2:6.
God's anointed King, Christ Jesus, is both the foundation and the chief corner stone. The foundation stone of the building is that which bears up the weight of the building. There comes a time, as the building progresses, that the proper angle or line of the building must be fixed. The chief stone is placed in the building, and to that the plumb line is dropped and every stone must be made to conform to that chief corner stone. As the material of the house of the Lord which Solomon built was prepared in advance and erected without noise of hammer or iron, even so the material for the glorious house of the Lord is prepared and brought together without noise or confusion. The chief corner stone is laid and the other stones of the building are made to conform
thereto, because they must be in the image and likeness of the chief corner stone. — Rom. 8: 29.
STUMBLING
Jehovah's prophet, speaking of the same precious Stone, said: "He shall be ... for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel." (Isa. 8:14) There were two parts of the house of Israel, (1) the ruling class in the south part of the country, who claimed to know the law of God, who heard Jesus and had every reason to believe that he was the Messiah; and (2) the common people, more particularly those who resided in the north part of the country. The leaders of Israel drew near to the Lord with their mouths, yet their hearts were far removed from him. It was their duty to teach the people God's Word of truth, but they did not. The common people had been told to expect a king; and when they heard Jesus they would have made him king by force, had he not prevented them. (John 6:15) When he offered himself as King, the ruling class rejected him, and also nearly all of the common people rejected him. "Both the houses" or parts of Israel stumbled over Christ as the Messiah and King. Only a remnant of Israel believed on the Lord Jesus as the Christ and remained faithful. This was a miniature fulfilment of the prophecy. — Rom. 9: 32, 33; 11: 5.
From Pentecost to the second coming of the Lord the gospel was preached, and many heard and believed. These divided into two houses or companies. The clergy organized a system of religion called the "Christian religion", and in that system the politicians, military leaders, and the rich have always been "the principal of the flock". A great many joined
themselves to the church but, because they were poor and unlearned, they were kept in the background.
Then in 1878, when the Lord began the work of restoring the fundamental truths to his people, many came away from the denominational systems and came together for the study of the Word of the Lord and to build each other up in the most holy faith. These formed the other spiritual house of Israel. In this house two parts were made manifest: first, the leaders in the church who concluded that by reason of their learning and position in the church they were entitled to more favor and places of honor; the others, those who loved the truth, looked forward to the time when they would be ready to go to heaven and be taken to the Lord. In both branches there have been some who really loved God and have therefore stood the test.
God's anointed King, the Stone, was laid in completion in 1918 when he came to his temple and offered himself as King. Thereafter the stumbling took place. "Organized Christianity" is called the nominal Christian systems. In 1918 those systems rejected Christ as King and substituted the League of Nations arrangement. They therefore stumbled over the Stone and fell. To those who had come out of the denominational systems, and who had seen and accepted evidences of the Lord's presence, there came a great test or fiery trial.
Many of these rejected the proof of the Lord's presence, that he had begun his reign and that he had come to his temple, and they fell away. Those who withstood the test and came through the fiery trial, and were refined, are those who make up the remnant. These became a part of the organization of the Lord. The others are turned aside. Therefore
the physical facts show the stumbling of both houses of Israel and a remnant remaining. The test of 1918 is another proof that the Lord came to his temple and was laid as the chief corner stone in completion at that time.
"THAT DAY"
In prophecy the term "in that day" is often used, and has particular reference to the period of time when the Lord is building up Zion. "That day" is the Lord's day, because it is the time or period beginning when the Lord God placed his King upon his throne and sent him forth to build up Zion. In proof of this, note the words of God's prophet: "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: this gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter." — Ps. 118:19, 20.
When the Lord Jesus was placed upon his throne (Ps. 2:6) in 1914, the kingdom there began to function, and therefore the way of ingress was opened, as represented by "the gates", and through these gates into God's organization the righteous would enter. In this connection the prophet says: "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation." (Ps. 118:21) This part of the prophecy particularly applies when the Lord brought his approved ones under the robe of righteousness, and gave them the garments of salvation by which they are identified as a part of God's organization. Then the prophet proceeds:
"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." (Ps. 118:22) God's anointed King is presented to the professed people of God, and is rejected by many, but gladly accepted by the remnant. The latter see and appreciate the
great truth that the Lord is now in his holy temple, and therefore say: "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps. 118:23,24) By this prophecy, which Jesus quoted and applied to himself, "that day" is definitely and certainly fixed. It is "the day" in which the Lord God begins to work through Christ Jesus to vindicate his name, and therefore it is "the Lord's day". — Ps. 110:2-5.
In the examination of prophecy, when the words "in that day" appear in the prophecy the student may fix the time of the beginning of the fulfilment thereof. Having once fixed the time meant by the term "in that day", he may know that the prophecy could not be fulfilled until after the beginning of "that day" in 1914, so far as the King is concerned, and until after 1918 so far as the faithful associates of the Lord Jesus are concerned. The temple class then begin to realize that there is a fight between the 'seed of the woman' and the 'seed of the serpent'; and having a great desire to be faithful to the Lord and be victorious, with zeal and joy they pray: "Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord; 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord." — Ps. 118: 25,26.
THE RULER
God's prophet not only foretold the place of the birth of Jesus as the Ruler, but fixed the time when his rule would begin and when he would build up Zion and give the remnant a place in God's organization. "Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth; then
the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel." (Mic. 5:3) The time is approximately when Zion travails and brings forth the nation of righteousness and it begins to function; and it is then that the remnant are brought into God's organization.
"And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth." (Mic. 5:4) Jesus Christ, the King and Head of Zion, stands and feeds his people, as stated in the prophecy; and that he does in the name and majesty of Jehovah God. This is in full accord with the prophecy of Jesus when he said: "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." — Luke 12:37.
As the Ruler of the world, as the great Prophet, Priest and King, Christ Jesus stands forth and feeds his household upon the "food convenient" to them by unfolding to them the prophecies, and gives them an appreciation thereof. He spreads a feast for them in the presence of the enemy, and the remnant partake of the food that is graciously provided for them and rejoice. (Ps. 23:5) This food they receive in the name of Jehovah, and give him the glory and honor therefor. This has been particularly fulfilled to the Lord's people since 1918.
"SEVEN EYES"
Jehovah caused his prophet to write: "In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and come-
ly for them that are escaped of Israel." (Isa. 4:2) Manifestly this scripture refers to those who have been separated from the unfaithful and who show their faith and devotion to God. Being brought under the robe of righteousness and made members of God's organization, they are made a part of his "branch" or "servant" class. In corroboration thereof another of God's prophets wrote: "Behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch." (Zech. 3:8) This servant class is composed of Christ Jesus the Head and his "faithful and wise servant" members who are on earth. (Isa. 42:1; Matt. 24: 45) "My servant the Branch" is a prophetic statement concerning God's organization, and has particular reference to the time when the Lord comes to his temple and builds up Zion. Then the prophet says: "For, behold, the stone that I have laid before Joshua: upon one stone shall be seven eyes; behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day." — Zech. 3: 8, 9.
The stone here mentioned represents God's anointed and beloved King; while "Joshua" represents the members of the temple class who have had their filthy garments removed and have been brought under the robe of righteousness, which occurred when the Lord brought them into the temple condition. — Zech. 3: 3-5.
"Seven" is a number symbolic of completeness or perfection, while "eyes" symbolizes wisdom. "Upon one stone shall be seven eyes" represents Christ Jesus the Anointed King as having complete light and wisdom, which shines forth and illuminates those of the temple class. As the prophet describes, the glorious Head of Zion is set before Joshua, which means the members of the temple class, and according to the will of God, Christ Jesus reflects upon them
the light of truth. That is the reason why the prophecies are now beginning to unfold and are unfolding since the Lord's coming to his temple and building up of Zion. The members of the temple class are now assigned to a place in God's organization; and if they are faithful and remain in the temple condition to the end of their earthly course, they will be given a permanent place in the organization of God to walk among the angels that "stand by", thus showing a more exalted position than the angels. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts; and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by." — Zech. 3: 7; see also Luke 22: 30.
"SHINE"
When Zion is built up, then those of Zion show forth the glory of Jehovah God, and not the glory and honor of men. God caused his prophet to write: "When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory." (Ps. 102:16) Many Christians have committed the grievous error of showing forth the praises of men rather than the praises of Jehovah. The Scriptures are explicit in teaching that the Lord God has called out a people for his name, that such people might show forth his praises. (Acts 15:14; 1 Pet. 2:9,10) Any Christians who will now show forth the praises of men thereby testify that they are not of the organization of God, and that if they ever were of his organization they have been put out. (Job 32: 21, 22) "In his temple doth every one speak of his [Jehovah's] glory." (Ps. 29:9) It follows, therefore, that they who fail or refuse to speak of
the glory of Jehovah, and who magnify men as teachers, are not of the temple class.
Many a professed Christian has removed his teachers "into a corner". The clergy have done this repeatedly and have caused many others to do likewise. The teachers of the people of God are Jehovah and his beloved Son. The Son always gives honor and glory to the Father. The remnant, now brought into the temple condition and showing forth the praises of Jehovah, have the promise that even though they may have tribulation and adversity, no more shall their teachers be removed into a corner. "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers." (Isa. 30:20) Those of the temple, then, speak of the glory of God.
In corroboration of this conclusion God's prophet wrote: "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." (Ps. 50:2) With Zion built up, and the glorious "Branch", Christ Jesus, the Head thereof, reflecting the light and glory of his Father, Jehovah, and all the members of Zion showing forth the praises of Jehovah, therefore Jehovah shines out of Zion, which is his organization. These show forth the praises of God, and reflect his light, which comes from his organization, that even the people of the world can see much thereof.
LIGHTNING
Jehovah, by his prophet, foretold his people, as members of his organization, "in that day" standing in the temple of the Lord and singing the praises of Jehovah. Then the prophet adds: "He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he
maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries." (Ps. 135:1-7) Jeremiah the prophet of God used these same words, and the context shows that they apply "in that day" when the Lord builds up Zion. — Jer. 10:13; 51:16.
Lightning is the discharge of atmospheric electricity and is usually accompanied by a vivid flash of light. Lightning is therefore symbolically used as representing God's truth illuminated.
All lightnings proceed from Jehovah. "Ask ye of Jehovah rain in the time of the latter rain, even of Jehovah that maketh lightnings; and he will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." — Zech. 10:1, R. V.
Lightning is usually accompanied by thunder and a downpour of rain. Lightning illuminates and reveals that which was previously obscured by the darkness. Symbolically, God's lightning illuminates his Word for those who waited upon him, and reveals and exposes that which is opposed to God and his organization. The prophecy therefore shows that its fulfilment would be at a time when God manifests his presence to his people, refreshing them with the truth represented by the rain, and giving them greater light upon his Word, and revealing his purposes toward them, and at the same time exposing the enemy.
Thunder symbolizes the voice of Jehovah. "Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?" (Job 40:9) "The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven." (Ps. 77:18) "The God of glory thundereth." (Ps. 29:3) Rain is a symbol of refreshing truth that refreshes and makes glad the heart of the people of God. "And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain." (Job 29: 23) "Thou, O
God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary." (Ps. 68: 9) "Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." — Ps. 147:7, 8.
These texts show that the truth, and the illumination thereof, comes from Jehovah God. God's Word is truth. (John 17:17) In prophetic phrase it is therefore shown that God in his own due time and way brings the lightning, thunder and rain, revealing his truth to his people and refreshing them. The time when he begins to reveal a clearer vision of his prophecies by this means is shown to be after the Lord comes to his temple and builds up Zion. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, . . . and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings." —Rev. 11:19.
If one sits in the dark during an approaching storm, the flashes of lightning disclose objects that are otherwise obscured by the darkness. One flash will probably reveal the object very dimly, but as other flashes come more rapidly and stronger the object is more clearly disclosed. It is even so with the truth of God's Word. After the temple was opened and the flashes of light from God came, and therewith downpours of rain representing the truth, then the people of God who are devoted to him had some vision at first, but that vision or understanding continued to increase as the lightning increased with intensity. That is why the truth can be better understood today than in days gone by. It is God's due time for the truth to be understood, especially by the members of his organization. It is the privilege of those of his organization to call the attention of others to the many truths and
the prophecies unfolding, that they too may see, take courage and have hope. It is the flashes of lightning from Jehovah that have revealed the great "sign of the Son of man in heaven", to wit, God's great organization.
VISION OF HIS ORGANIZATION
Jehovah has always had an organization, and from time immemorial the Logos was the chief officer of Jehovah's organization. Because of the rebellion of Satan and the resulting fall of man, God made the Logos a man upon earth. At the time of his baptism at the Jordan, there began the "new creation" of God which he will use, especially in dealing with mankind in reconciling the world to himself. Jesus Christ was put to the test and proved faithful and true, and was exalted to the highest place in heaven and again made the Head of God's organization for ever. And this was in fulfilment of prophecy. — Ps. 110: 4; Heb. 7:17.
God organized typical Zion, which was prophetic of the coming of real Zion. With Christ Jesus as Head, he organized the real Zion, which is therefore God's organization real. The faithful followers of Christ Jesus, built up in Zion and made a part thereof, form that part of God's organization which will carry out Jehovah's purposes concerning man. The Lord Jesus, as God's executive officer, prepares a place for his faithful followers in the organization.
God's prophet Ezekiel was given a vision, the description of which he records. Ezekiel was a young man, wholly devoted to God, and was used by Jehovah as prophet to write prophecy for the benefit of those "upon whom the ends of the world are come". In that vision there appeared four living creatures,
every one of which had four faces and four wings. "Thus were their faces; and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps; it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning." — Ezek. 1:11-14.
In the vision Ezekiel saw also four wheels of one likeness: "Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides; and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. And the like-
ness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings." — Ezek. 1:15-25.
Then the prophet beheld in the vision a firmament, and above the firmament and above everything animate and inanimate there appeared the likeness of a throne upon which a glorious person sat enshrined in perfect light: "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake." — Ezek. 1:26-28.
"Four" is another divine number representing completeness. The vision, therefore, speaks propheti-
cally of something complete. It is a vision or prophecy to have fulfilment in due time. The living creatures and the inanimate objects, or instruments, appearing in the vision, together give the appearance of an enormous living chariot-like organization extending high into the heavens, and over all of which Jehovah God presides. In that organization, and appearing next to Jehovah, is his great High Priest and executive officer, Christ Jesus. With him in heaven, and forming a part of the great living organization, are those faithful followers of Jesus, including the apostles, who died and for whom the Lord prepared a place in God's organization, and who had their resurrection and were put in their places when the Lord Jesus came to his temple.
There appear in the organization cherubim, who are executive officers of Jehovah and therefore members of the organization. Then appear legions of pure and mighty angels who have their places in the organization and perform their respective duties. Down on the earth is the remnant, which constitute the "feet of him", which means the last members of the body of Christ on earth and for whom the Lord has prepared a place to stand and walk about in God's organization; and these do what the Lord has for them to do, and they are a part of his organization.
The entire organization, represented by the symbols in the vision, revolves within a circlet of divine wisdom and is directed by the perfect wisdom that is from heaven above. The vision, therefore, speaks prophetically of God's perfect and mighty organization. The prophet says that in the vision "out of the fire went forth lightning". That must mean that Jehovah sends forth his truth through his organization, and that the lightning represents the illumina-
tion of that truth which comes from Jehovah. The vision is a prophecy; and it is now in course of fulfilment, because the organization is functioning since the Lord came to his temple.
BLESSED ARE THE MEMBERS
Those creatures on the earth who are members of God's organization are small in number and are surrounded on every side by the enemy and his agencies. They need have no fear, however, and they do not fear. They love Jehovah with a perfect love, and perfect love casteth out fear. (1 John 4:18) For their encouragement the Lord caused his prophet to write: "Unto thee, 0 Lord, do I lift up my soul. 0 my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." — Ps. 25:1,2.
Because of their complete devotion to the Lord they will never again 'see their teachers removed into a corner'. (Isa. 30:20) They are fearless because Jehovah has put his hand over them, which is their protection. (Isa. 51:16) Jehovah God has brought them into his house and, they being in "the secret place of the Most High", he says to them: "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day." — Ps. 91: 5.
The prophetic vision of Ezekiel, and the fulfilment thereof, shows the faithful saints, such as Paul, now resurrected and assigned to their places in God's organization in heaven. Those who compose the faithful remnant on earth must have their resurrection change before they can enter a like glorious place in the invisible part of God's organization. That change comes about through death, because these are in the covenant by sacrifice. As long as they are faithful these have no fear of death, because Jesus uttered a
prophecy that has its fulfilment from and after the time that the Lord builds up Zion, saying, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." — Rev. 14:13.
Such faithful ones are in the Lord and in the earthly part of God's organization; and, there continuing faithful until the time of their resurrection, their change will come "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye". To such the Lord Jesus now says: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10) Blessed, therefore, is the man who today has the testimony of Jesus Christ that he is of God's organization, and who appreciates the great privilege of performing the part assigned to him in that organization.
