[Lesson 4] The Sealed Book and the Revelation of the Old Testament and the New Testament
The Sealed Book and Revelation
- Old Testament: The sealed book in the Old Testament refers to the prophetic scriptures that were not understood until their fulfillment. Isaiah 29 and Ezekiel 3 illustrate how these prophecies were sealed, meaning their true meaning was hidden until the time of their realization.
- New Testament: Similarly, the sealed book in the New Testament is the Book of Revelation. Its contents were sealed and understood only after the prophecies began to manifest in reality.
Revelation:
- Old Testament: Revelation in the Old Testament context refers to the moment when prophecies were fulfilled and their meanings became clear. This occurred with the coming of Jesus, who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
- New Testament: In the New Testament, Revelation pertains to the unveiling of the mysteries contained within the Book of Revelation. This happens when the predicted events transpire, revealing their true significance.
The Promised Shepherd
Old Testament:
- Jesus as the Promised Shepherd: In the Old Testament, Jesus is recognized as the promised shepherd who fulfilled the prophecies at His first coming. He revealed and testified to the meaning of the Old Testament scriptures.
New Testament:
- New John as the Promised Shepherd: In the New Testament era, a new promised shepherd, often referred to as "New John," is expected. This individual is chosen by Jesus to reveal the hidden truths of the Book of Revelation at His second coming. This new shepherd receives and conveys the divine revelations.
God's Revelation Process
Amos 3:7 Insight:
- According to Amos 3:7, God reveals His plans and secrets through His chosen servants. This principle underlies the belief that God communicates His will through a promised shepherd in every era.
In summary, the seminar emphasizes understanding the transition from prophecy (sealed book) to fulfillment (revelation) in both the Old and New Testaments. It highlights the role of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and introduces the concept of a new shepherd (New John) who reveals the meanings of the New Testament prophecies in the current era. This process underscores the belief in continuous divine revelation and guidance through appointed messengers.
Understanding the Promised Shepherd of the New Testament
Fellow believers, as we live in the era of the New Testament, it is crucial to understand how the sealed book and its revelation have been revealed. This understanding comes through the words of the promised shepherd of the New Testament, also referred to as "the one who overcomes."
The Sealed Book and Revelation
Isaiah’s Prophecy:
- Isaiah 29:11-13: This passage highlights the state of spiritual blindness and the inability to understand the sealed book, representing the prophecies yet to be fulfilled. The sealed book symbolizes God's future plans that remain hidden until their appointed time of revelation.
- Blind Leaders: The "blind" in these prophecies are the religious leaders of Jesus' time, who could not comprehend the prophecies because they were not yet fulfilled. This blindness is due to their reliance on human traditions rather than divine revelation.
Ezekiel’s Vision:
- Ezekiel 1-3: Ezekiel receives a vision from God and eats an open scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's words and the responsibility to proclaim them to Israel, despite their rebellion. This prefigures the role of Jesus at His first coming.
Fulfillment through Jesus
Prophecies Fulfilled:
- Matthew 15:24: Jesus declares His mission to the lost sheep of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy of Ezekiel by bringing the word of God to the spiritually blind and rebellious.
- Matthew 15:14: Jesus criticizes the blind guides (scribes and Pharisees), emphasizing the spiritual blindness of Israel's leaders, who led people away from God's truth.
Revelation in the New Testament
Revelation Process:
- Revelation 1:1: The revelation process involves God giving the sealed book to Jesus, who then opens it and conveys its contents through an angel to John, and ultimately to the promised shepherd, "New John," in our era.
- Revelation 5:1-5: The book sealed with seven seals is the Book of Revelation. Jesus, having overcome the world, is worthy to open the seals, revealing God's ultimate plans.
Role of the Promised Shepherd ("New John")
Revealing the Secrets:
- Revelation 10: The angel gives the opened book to New John, who eats it, internalizing its message. New John, therefore, holds the revelation of the New Testament, making him the only one capable of conveying its true meaning.
- Harvesting and Sealing: The process involves harvesting believers who accept the revealed word and sealing them as part of the 12 tribes of God's new kingdom (Revelation 7 and 14).
The Purpose and Hope
Salvation and Eternal Life:
- John 17:3: Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, which is only possible through revelation.
- Matthew 11:27: No one knows the Father except through the Son and to whom the Son reveals Him.
Conclusion
Just as the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus' first coming, the New Testament prophecies are being fulfilled now. The promised shepherd of this era, New John, is revealing the truths of the Book of Revelation, offering the path to salvation, eternal life, and the establishment of God's kingdom through the 12 tribes. By understanding and accepting this revelation, believers can align themselves with God's ultimate plan and hope.
Understanding the Revelation and the Promised Shepherd in the New Testament
Today, many believers claim to honor God with their words, but their hearts and minds are far from Him. This distance exists because the teachings they follow often come from human interpretations, not from the true revelation of God's word. The New Testament's prophecies were sealed until the appointed time, as described in Revelation 5. Only through the revelation given to New John, the promised shepherd, can we truly know God, attain salvation, and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Role of the Promised Shepherd
Revelation of the Sealed Book:
- Revelation 5: The sealed book in God's right hand represents the New Testament's prophecies. It was sealed until Jesus, having overcome the world, opened it. This opening is essential for fulfilling God's will and bringing salvation.
- Revelation 10: The open book is given to New John, who eats it, signifying his internalization of God's word. This makes New John the appointed messenger to testify to the churches.
Testifying the Word:
- The promised shepherd, New John, testifies what he has seen and heard as recorded in Revelation 22:8. His role is to convey the fulfilled prophecies, making him the chosen one to reveal God's secrets.
Knowing God and Receiving Eternal Life
Path to Eternal Life:
- John 17:3 and Matthew 11:27: Eternal life is knowing the true God and Jesus Christ, and this knowledge is accessible through revelation.
- Revelation 22:16: Jesus sent His angel to testify to the churches through New John, emphasizing the importance of this revelation for understanding God's will and attaining eternal life.
The Creation of the Twelve Tribes
The Process of Fulfillment:
- Revelation 12: The child born to the woman clothed with the sun, along with his brothers, overcomes the dragon through the blood of Jesus and the word of testimony. This victory marks the establishment of God's Kingdom.
- Revelation 15: Those who overcame become the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, where all nations will come to worship.
- Revelation 16: The overcomers, as bowls of God's wrath, are used to judge the betrayers and destroyers, leading to the ultimate judgment of Babylon (Revelation 17-18).
The Importance of Judgment and Salvation:
- Babylon's Judgment: The judgment of Babylon, the kingdom of demons, is crucial as it deceived all nations with adulterous teachings. The removal of these false teachings opens the way for true salvation.
- Wedding Banquet of the Lamb: The greatest blessing for believers is to participate in this banquet, symbolizing the ultimate union with God and Christ.
The Call to Action
Responding to Revelation:
- With the revelation now open, believers worldwide should seek to understand and follow the true teachings conveyed by the promised shepherd. The evidence of the fulfillment of prophecies should guide us to align our faith and actions according to God's will.
- Revelation 2-3: The promises to the one who overcomes include twelve blessings, the hidden manna, the white stone, and the authority of the iron scepter. These signify the true spiritual food and authority given by God.
Conclusion
The opening of the New Testament's sealed book and the testimony of the promised shepherd, New John, are vital for our understanding of God's will, the path to salvation, and the creation of God's new kingdom. By accepting and internalizing these revelations, we can draw closer to God, fulfill His purpose, and attain eternal life. As believers, we must embrace this revelation, repent, and follow the guidance of the one who has received and eaten the open book, leading us to the ultimate hope of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Embracing the Revelation and the Promised Shepherd
In reflecting on the teachings from the revelation and the promised shepherd, we must consider how we approach these messages. It is essential to distinguish between persecution and acceptance, seeking righteousness and understanding, rather than repeating the mistakes of the past.
Learning from the Past: Avoiding Persecution
At the first coming, the Israelites persecuted Jesus, failing to recognize Him as the fulfillment of the prophecies. Today, we are called to a different response. Rather than persecuting those who bring new revelations, we should open our hearts and minds to the possibility that these messages are indeed from God. The key is to seek righteousness with a sincere heart and to test the teachings against the Word of God.
The Role of the Promised Shepherd
New John as the Promised Shepherd:
- Revelation and Guidance: As prophesied, New John is believed to be the one who received and internalized the revelation, acting as a messenger to convey the fulfilled prophecies to the world.
- Path to Salvation: Accepting the revelations given to New John is seen as crucial for attaining the kingdom of heaven and eternal life.
The Importance of the New Testament Revelation
Purpose of the Revelation:
- Overcoming the Dragon: The revelations aim to capture the dragon (Satan), remove sin and death, and bring eternal life and the kingdom of God to believers.
- Entering Heaven: Understanding and accepting these revelations with an open heart is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven.
The Call to Unity and Understanding
Unity in God and Jesus:
- Global Family of Faith: Believers are encouraged to become a unified global family, embracing the teachings of the New Testament revelation and striving for righteousness.
- Prayer for Understanding: Prayers for open hearts and ears to hear God's word are crucial for understanding and embracing the teachings of the promised shepherd.
A Prayer for Guidance and Unity
As you continue to seek understanding and righteousness, here is a prayer to guide you:
Prayer: "Father God, we thank You for the revelation and the opportunity to understand Your Word through the promised shepherd of the New Testament. Help us to open our hearts and minds to these teachings, to seek righteousness, and to unite as one global family of faith. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your truth and the courage to embrace it fully. We pray that we may enter the hope of heaven and eternal life through Your guidance. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen."
Conclusion
The revelation given to New John is a significant aspect of understanding God's current work and plan for salvation. Rather than reacting with skepticism or persecution, let us approach these teachings with an open heart, seeking the righteousness and truth that lead to eternal life. By uniting in faith and understanding, we can fulfill the hope of becoming the main characters in the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life.
We are one in God and Jesus, united in the Word. Let us embrace this unity and the revelations given to us, and move forward in faith and understanding. Amen.
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