The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two) ( 2023)

2023
Volume 32, Number 5

The book of Revelation frequently uses "the Lamb" to refer to Jesus Christ, and the reason for this title becomes clear as the book unfolds. Revelation speaks of a long-awaited redemption that will occur at Christ's return - a redemption, not from sin's penalty, but one that returns ownership of all things to the rightful Heir, our Savior and King. David Grabbe explains.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
This Is Not God's World

In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
This Is Not God's World

In several places in Scripture, God urges His people to come out of this world. Because He is the earth's and humanity's Creator, we may struggle with this command. But the world of which He speaks consists of society's anti-God religious, psychological, and philosophical systems whose beginnings reside in the Adversary, Satan the Devil. John Ritenbaugh suggests we thoroughly evaluate how much of this world still influences us.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Be There Next Year

Members of God's church usually return home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed spiritual vigor. Even so, we are painfully aware that some members fall away each year. John Ritenbaugh writes that we must actively seek God and His righteousness to ensure that we will be around to enjoy next year's Feast.

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh
Be There Next Year

Members of God's church usually return home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed spiritual vigor. Even so, we are painfully aware that some members fall away each year. John Ritenbaugh writes that we must actively seek God and His righteousness to ensure that we will be around to enjoy next year's Feast.

Ready Answer
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
by Charles Whitaker

Matthew 5:17 poses a major headache for Bible translators who believe that Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death did away with the law, so Christians do not need to keep it. Jesus, however, consistently teaches that God's law is still in force. By defining a few critical Greek words, Charles Whitaker explains that our Savior meant exactly what He said: He came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.

Ready Answer
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
by Charles Whitaker

Matthew 5:17 poses a major headache for Bible translators who believe that Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death did away with the law, so Christians do not need to keep it. Jesus, however, consistently teaches that God's law is still in force. By defining a few critical Greek words, Charles Whitaker explains that our Savior meant exactly what He said: He came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.

Prophecy Watch
The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)
by David C. Grabbe

The book of Revelation frequently uses "the Lamb" to refer to Jesus Christ, and the reason for this title becomes clear as the book unfolds. Revelation speaks of a long-awaited redemption that will occur at Christ's return - a redemption, not from sin's penalty, but one that returns ownership of all things to the rightful Heir, our Savior and King. David Grabbe explains.

Prophecy Watch
The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)
by David C. Grabbe

The book of Revelation frequently uses "the Lamb" to refer to Jesus Christ, and the reason for this title becomes clear as the book unfolds. Revelation speaks of a long-awaited redemption that will occur at Christ's return - a redemption, not from sin's penalty, but one that returns ownership of all things to the rightful Heir, our Savior and King. David Grabbe explains.

The Fall Holy Days
by John Reiss

In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.

Azazel:
Observations and Questions
by Pat Higgins

The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.

The Tent of God
by Ronny H. Graham

Mentions of tents or tabernacles are fairly common in Scripture, from the tents of the Patriarchs to God's Tabernacle in which He dwelt with the Israelites in the wilderness. Some of the Bible's heroes of faith humbly lived in tents for extended periods after living luxuriously in fine homes and palaces when younger. Ronny Graham discusses the spiritual meanings of this biblical image to those whom God has chosen in this age.

The Fall Holy Days
by John Reiss

In keeping God's Sabbath and annual holy days, the church of God has gained considerable insight into the biblical appointed times. While the springtime festivals primarily focus on Christ's work for and with His elect, the final four holy days, all occurring in the autumn, represent God's plan of salvation for humanity in general. John Reiss provides a theological and prophetic overview of the fall feasts of God.

Azazel:
Observations and Questions
by Pat Higgins

The apostle Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:7 that "we have this treasure [God's revelation] in earthen vessels," and this fact is never more noticeable than when we realize that we have believed something in error for many years. Why were we so blind? Why did God not open our eyes to the truth sooner? What is God trying to teach us? Pat Higgins ponders some observations and asks some questions in the wake of learning who the azazel goat truly represents.

WorldWatch
Where Have All the Babies Gone?
by Joseph B. Baity

Demography, the statistical study of human populations, has proven to be a reliable indicator of future societal and economic health. As one pundit opined, "Demography is destiny." Sadly, because too few babies are being born to maintain the current population, the prognosis for the Western world is not good. Joseph Baity argues that immigration will do little to stem the slide toward societal decline and eventual breakdown.

WorldWatch
Where Have All the Babies Gone?
by Joseph B. Baity

Demography, the statistical study of human populations, has proven to be a reliable indicator of future societal and economic health. As one pundit opined, "Demography is destiny." Sadly, because too few babies are being born to maintain the current population, the prognosis for the Western world is not good. Joseph Baity argues that immigration will do little to stem the slide toward societal decline and eventual breakdown.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Three):
Ephesus
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) speaks of members who are zealous and bold in their defense of the truth God had revealed to them but who are not without flaw. Their Savior criticizes them for leaving their first love, of which they need to repent or else. Richard Ritenbaugh urges modern church members, many of whom have also battled apostasy, to apply this epistle's warning personally.

Bible Study
The Seven Churches (Part Three):
Ephesus
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) speaks of members who are zealous and bold in their defense of the truth God had revealed to them but who are not without flaw. Their Savior criticizes them for leaving their first love, of which they need to repent or else. Richard Ritenbaugh urges modern church members, many of whom have also battled apostasy, to apply this epistle's warning personally.