Revelation, chapter 20 reads;
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one seated on it. From before him the earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha´des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. 14 And death and Ha´des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.15 Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.
According to current doctrine, this scene takes place after Satan's dominion over the world ends. The "scrolls" are said to be brand "new" writings. This reasoning is based upon the premise, that all the scriptural writings we now already have, are fully understood...so any opening of information, must be new.
(see pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com )
Yet stop and think about what Daniel was told...
"But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." (Dan.12:4)
We already have the writings of Daniel,
but this verse tells us that it will not be "opened", until the time of the end (Rev.22:10; 10:7; John 16:13; 1Cor. 13:9,10; Rev.2:17; 3:8; Matt.13:12,11). We are also told that these opened scrolls, will judge (Rev.20:12). Yet Jesus states that this final judging will be on the basis of what he has already declared (John 12:48).
So then...
If we return to the pure sayings of God, we can see what these scriptures actually say. At Rev.20:12, we note that the Bible says that "scrolls were opened". There is no word in this phrase that denotes that these scrolls are "new". In fact, the Greek word here for scrolls, is "biblios" (little books); and it is the same word that we know of as, the "Bible".
We certainly know that the pages of the Bible itself, have been physically opened and searched through, for many centuries. What then does the Bible mean, when it says that it becomes "opened"?
The Greek word here, translated "opened up" is found elsewhere in the scriptures. Let us consider the context of that occurrence. In doing so, we gain a greater understanding of what is meant, by these scrolls being "opened up".
Matt.3:13 Then Jesus came from Gal´i·lee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. 14 But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” 15 In reply Jesus said to him: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him. 16 After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw descending like a dove God’s spirit coming upon him. 17 Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”
This "opening up" of the heavens is associated with a few events...
Jesus being anointed to begin his work as the Chosen Messiah
Jesus being blessed with Holy Spirit
Jesus being publicly identified as God's Son
Jesus receiving God's endorsement, recognition, and approval
The Watchtower also claims that it was at this moment, that the "heavens were opened up", and Jesus then understood and perceived the meaning of the "heavens", and his originating from them.
This event was followed by Jesus' retreat into the wilderness, for forty days (Matt.4:1,2).
If his anointing did open his mind to knowledge of the heavens (including his identity and full purpose), then the need for this period of reflection, meditation, and acceptance, is understandable. Satan did not waste time, but he assaulted Jesus as soon as Jesus realized the weight of his full assignment.
The Bible indicates that being anointed, does result in a divine education (see 1John 2:20,27).
(see pearl-divineeducation.blogspot.com )
Through the anointing of the collective body of Christ, the Bible "opens up" for these ones (John 16:13; 14:25,26). The meaning of scriptures then take on new significance. These anointed ones must remain in union with Holy Spirit and the rest of the body and it's various parts with various gifts, for that progressive education (opening), to continue (1John 2:28; John 15:4-5; 1Cor. 12:27,7,11,21; 10:17; Eph.4:11-15). It is reasonable then, that Jesus' anointment and the "opening up" of the heavens (Rev.4:1), also resulted in an enlightenment, for him.
Jesus also "opened up" the minds of his followers so that they could "understand" the scriptures.. Many of his followers knew of the scriptures that were already written down, they had repeatedly read and heard them before within the synagogue, but Jesus "opened up" their minds so that they could accurately understand them. See (Luke 24:27,45) as an example.
And so according to the Watchtower, and the Bible, this Greek word for "opened up", means an opening of understanding.
Yet Rev.20:12 is describing a period of time when the Bible itself, will finally be completely understood
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one seated on it. From before him the earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha´des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. 14 And death and Ha´des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.15 Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.
According to current doctrine, this scene takes place after Satan's dominion over the world ends. The "scrolls" are said to be brand "new" writings. This reasoning is based upon the premise, that all the scriptural writings we now already have, are fully understood...so any opening of information, must be new.
(see pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com )
Yet stop and think about what Daniel was told...
"But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." (Dan.12:4)
We already have the writings of Daniel,
but this verse tells us that it will not be "opened", until the time of the end (Rev.22:10; 10:7; John 16:13; 1Cor. 13:9,10; Rev.2:17; 3:8; Matt.13:12,11). We are also told that these opened scrolls, will judge (Rev.20:12). Yet Jesus states that this final judging will be on the basis of what he has already declared (John 12:48).
So then...
If we return to the pure sayings of God, we can see what these scriptures actually say. At Rev.20:12, we note that the Bible says that "scrolls were opened". There is no word in this phrase that denotes that these scrolls are "new". In fact, the Greek word here for scrolls, is "biblios" (little books); and it is the same word that we know of as, the "Bible".
We certainly know that the pages of the Bible itself, have been physically opened and searched through, for many centuries. What then does the Bible mean, when it says that it becomes "opened"?
The Greek word here, translated "opened up" is found elsewhere in the scriptures. Let us consider the context of that occurrence. In doing so, we gain a greater understanding of what is meant, by these scrolls being "opened up".
Matt.3:13 Then Jesus came from Gal´i·lee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. 14 But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” 15 In reply Jesus said to him: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him. 16 After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw descending like a dove God’s spirit coming upon him. 17 Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”
This "opening up" of the heavens is associated with a few events...
Jesus being anointed to begin his work as the Chosen Messiah
Jesus being blessed with Holy Spirit
Jesus being publicly identified as God's Son
Jesus receiving God's endorsement, recognition, and approval
The Watchtower also claims that it was at this moment, that the "heavens were opened up", and Jesus then understood and perceived the meaning of the "heavens", and his originating from them.
This event was followed by Jesus' retreat into the wilderness, for forty days (Matt.4:1,2).
If his anointing did open his mind to knowledge of the heavens (including his identity and full purpose), then the need for this period of reflection, meditation, and acceptance, is understandable. Satan did not waste time, but he assaulted Jesus as soon as Jesus realized the weight of his full assignment.
The Bible indicates that being anointed, does result in a divine education (see 1John 2:20,27).
(see pearl-divineeducation.blogspot.com )
Through the anointing of the collective body of Christ, the Bible "opens up" for these ones (John 16:13; 14:25,26). The meaning of scriptures then take on new significance. These anointed ones must remain in union with Holy Spirit and the rest of the body and it's various parts with various gifts, for that progressive education (opening), to continue (1John 2:28; John 15:4-5; 1Cor. 12:27,7,11,21; 10:17; Eph.4:11-15). It is reasonable then, that Jesus' anointment and the "opening up" of the heavens (Rev.4:1), also resulted in an enlightenment, for him.
Jesus also "opened up" the minds of his followers so that they could "understand" the scriptures.. Many of his followers knew of the scriptures that were already written down, they had repeatedly read and heard them before within the synagogue, but Jesus "opened up" their minds so that they could accurately understand them. See (Luke 24:27,45) as an example.
And so according to the Watchtower, and the Bible, this Greek word for "opened up", means an opening of understanding.
Yet Rev.20:12 is describing a period of time when the Bible itself, will finally be completely understood
(Dan.12:4; John 16:13; Rev.22:6; 10:7; 19:9; 22:10,16-17; Isa.29:18; Ps.119:18).
According to Eze.47:3,4,5,6,7 (see pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com), this will happen gradually (Prov.4:18; Rev.2:28). The "river of water of life" will start to flow
(John 7:38-39; Rev.22:17; Isa.45:13), "in the time of the end" (Dan.12:4). Rev.20:12 continues by saying that the "dead" will be judged "out of those things written in the scrolls, according to their deeds."
When the master arrives to inspect his slaves, those slaves are judged according to the things written in the Bible, and how their deeds compare (2Cor. 5:10; Matt.12:36). This application is not future, but now.
At Matthew ch.25, we see that when Jesus arrives, some will receive life in the Kingdom, and some will "depart into everlasting destruction" (Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41,46). This does not happen after a "thousand year paradise", but when Christ arrives.
Is this judgement passed based on deeds long after Jesus arrives?
No. Jesus declares that the outcome for all these,
is based upon their past deeds...toward the "least of" Christ's "brothers" before his arrival! (Matt.25:40,41,42,43,44,45)
False doctrine gives us the dangerous impression, that we do not yet know enough to be fully accountable to God.
False doctrine gives us a false sense, that our judgement will be in some distant future...after we are given "new" scripture [as if the Bible is not already complete (see 2Tim. 3:16,17)].
The scrolls to be opened in the time of the end, are a revelation of previously withheld interpretation; which interpretation will then make clear which consequence each one deserves.
Christ is the source of the "opening" of the "scrolls" in the time of the end
(Dan.12:4; Rev.5:2,5; 3:7; 1:1; John 15:15; Rev.3:20; Luke 12:37; Eph.5:29).
This false doctrine weakens the clarity, urgency, and import of Jesus' vital warning, given at Matthew chapter 25. For by it, all will be judged when he arrives!
"Jehovah's Witnesses" are not prepared for that arrival. They are not receiving "the proper food at the proper time"! They are condoning with a self-righteous attitude, the "trampling" by "Gentile" "elders", "beating", and "beheading", of "the least" of Christ's faithful brothers, ordered by the "wicked steward" now governing over them.
We do not have a future thousand year "Judgement Day" to wait to obey Christ's warning, at Matt.25:40. God is not obliged to provide more scripture, as if what He and Christ have already given, is inadequate. We are already being held accountable, for how we respond to his faithful ambassador brothers (2Cor. 5:20; 1Cor. 3:16,17; Matt.25:40; 10:40).
Jehovah and Jesus Christ have already provided God's Word the Bible, for us. Jesus and the apostles poured out their souls to provide us the Greek scriptures. We already have it. We are already obliged to follow it, now. We are already obliged to listen to and receive, his brothers....those proving faithful....those feeding his sheep the truth that leads to life (John 21:15,16,17; Matt.24:42,44,45,46,47; 7:20 see pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com ).
Do not be deceived into the false sense of security, that you are not yet being held accountable right now for the things written in the Bible.
Awaken! ...and listen to the words of Jesus! Read them, at Matthew chapter 25...and realize that the "scrolls" referred to in Rev.20:12, are already in your hands! For by them, you are being judged!
Now is your opportunity for life. Now is the day to repent (2Cor. 5:18,19,20; 6:1,2)!
As this time of the end brings with it full understanding...All the things written in the Bible will finally be fully understood, with complete accuracy, clarity, and in purity. ( see pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com and pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
If you have obeyed God's Word, your righteous obedience will be manifested. If you have disobeyed, it will be uncovered
When the master arrives to inspect his slaves, those slaves are judged according to the things written in the Bible, and how their deeds compare (2Cor. 5:10; Matt.12:36). This application is not future, but now.
At Matthew ch.25, we see that when Jesus arrives, some will receive life in the Kingdom, and some will "depart into everlasting destruction" (Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41,46). This does not happen after a "thousand year paradise", but when Christ arrives.
Is this judgement passed based on deeds long after Jesus arrives?
No. Jesus declares that the outcome for all these,
is based upon their past deeds...toward the "least of" Christ's "brothers" before his arrival! (Matt.25:40,41,42,43,44,45)
False doctrine gives us the dangerous impression, that we do not yet know enough to be fully accountable to God.
False doctrine gives us a false sense, that our judgement will be in some distant future...after we are given "new" scripture [as if the Bible is not already complete (see 2Tim. 3:16,17)].
The scrolls to be opened in the time of the end, are a revelation of previously withheld interpretation; which interpretation will then make clear which consequence each one deserves.
Christ is the source of the "opening" of the "scrolls" in the time of the end
(Dan.12:4; Rev.5:2,5; 3:7; 1:1; John 15:15; Rev.3:20; Luke 12:37; Eph.5:29).
This false doctrine weakens the clarity, urgency, and import of Jesus' vital warning, given at Matthew chapter 25. For by it, all will be judged when he arrives!
"Jehovah's Witnesses" are not prepared for that arrival. They are not receiving "the proper food at the proper time"! They are condoning with a self-righteous attitude, the "trampling" by "Gentile" "elders", "beating", and "beheading", of "the least" of Christ's faithful brothers, ordered by the "wicked steward" now governing over them.
We do not have a future thousand year "Judgement Day" to wait to obey Christ's warning, at Matt.25:40. God is not obliged to provide more scripture, as if what He and Christ have already given, is inadequate. We are already being held accountable, for how we respond to his faithful ambassador brothers (2Cor. 5:20; 1Cor. 3:16,17; Matt.25:40; 10:40).
Jehovah and Jesus Christ have already provided God's Word the Bible, for us. Jesus and the apostles poured out their souls to provide us the Greek scriptures. We already have it. We are already obliged to follow it, now. We are already obliged to listen to and receive, his brothers....those proving faithful....those feeding his sheep the truth that leads to life (John 21:15,16,17; Matt.24:42,44,45,46,47; 7:20 see pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com ).
Do not be deceived into the false sense of security, that you are not yet being held accountable right now for the things written in the Bible.
Awaken! ...and listen to the words of Jesus! Read them, at Matthew chapter 25...and realize that the "scrolls" referred to in Rev.20:12, are already in your hands! For by them, you are being judged!
Now is your opportunity for life. Now is the day to repent (2Cor. 5:18,19,20; 6:1,2)!
As this time of the end brings with it full understanding...All the things written in the Bible will finally be fully understood, with complete accuracy, clarity, and in purity. ( see pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com and pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
If you have obeyed God's Word, your righteous obedience will be manifested. If you have disobeyed, it will be uncovered
(2Pet. 3:10; Luke 8:17; 12:49; 1Cor. 4:5; 3:13; Rev.11:3,5; 8:5; Jer.21:14; 23:29)...
all according to the corrected interpretation/"opening", of the scriptures which we already possess.
There is a final witness to be given by the least of Christ's brothers (Rev.11:3-5; Zech.4:6-14) while Satan's world still exists.
Jehovah knew that the sheep would need new insight at the very end, in order to prove faithful through the Great Tribulation (the-greatest-tribulation) (Link 1) (LINK 2). This would be the "proper food at the proper time". They would need fresh understanding which would describe the end time prophecies more accurately. They would need to be set free from the "expressions inspired by demons" (Rev.16:13,14; 1Tim.4:1; Matt.24:24,25).
Since Jesus' final prophets are symbolized by "two witnesses", they have the same representation as the sealed anointed (Mark 9:4). Most will not receive the witness given by these "two", because the witness of these two will be scathing toward God's own house and the leaders above it. Their "witness" will be rejected by the great majority (Rev.11:9,10).
Matt.25 clarifies the resulting judgement to these ones.
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all according to the corrected interpretation/"opening", of the scriptures which we already possess.
There is a final witness to be given by the least of Christ's brothers (Rev.11:3-5; Zech.4:6-14) while Satan's world still exists.
Jehovah knew that the sheep would need new insight at the very end, in order to prove faithful through the Great Tribulation (the-greatest-tribulation) (Link 1) (LINK 2). This would be the "proper food at the proper time". They would need fresh understanding which would describe the end time prophecies more accurately. They would need to be set free from the "expressions inspired by demons" (Rev.16:13,14; 1Tim.4:1; Matt.24:24,25).
Since Jesus' final prophets are symbolized by "two witnesses", they have the same representation as the sealed anointed (Mark 9:4). Most will not receive the witness given by these "two", because the witness of these two will be scathing toward God's own house and the leaders above it. Their "witness" will be rejected by the great majority (Rev.11:9,10).
Matt.25 clarifies the resulting judgement to these ones.
LINK TO HOME
BACK TO DIRECTORY
