This lesson appears to be centered around the themes of spiritual preparedness, discernment, and the Second Coming of Christ, as depicted through biblical imagery and parables. Key elements include the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the symbolism of oil and lamps representing the Word of God and spiritual state, the two witnesses or olive trees, the concept of the “Yeast of Heaven” or the Kingdom of God, and the urgency of being ready for Christ’s return. The lesson likely emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation, heeding God’s revelations, and being vigilant in anticipation of the end times and the fulfillment of God’s plan through the Second Coming.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
As we learn more about God’s word, we should feel closer to Him. Sometimes, we may not feel this way as we realize different things about the word than we did before. However, we should actually feel even closer to God than before.
This is because we’re understanding Him more. He’s becoming more like a parent seen through the eyes of an adult, rather than a parent seen through the eyes of a child.
Hopefully, we’re seeing God through the eyes of a spiritual adult. Our hope and goal should be to help God in all the things He is doing at this time, aiding in His work of salvation.
We should strive to be those who help God in His mission, rather than oppose it due to lack of understanding. Let us be those who assist God in His mission. Amen.
Shall we do that?
So what is God’s mission that He desires to fulfill? To restore everything that He lost.
How? Satan needs to be captured.
Today, we’ll discuss how that happens.
I pray that as we go through this lesson, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for two very important things in the word that we should pay attention to.
The Word and Testimony
Are we prepared to delve into Revelation?
This week, we’ll be exploring Revelation. However, there are several important concepts we need to grasp beforehand.
Our goal is to comprehend why the Word must be coupled with the Testimony for a complete understanding of the Bible.
What exactly do we mean by pairing the Word with the Testimony to achieve full understanding?
Let’s discuss this topic today.
1.- Old Testament Law (Word) and Testimony
Let’s now discuss in more detail what it truly means to have the Word and the testimony, and how these two have always functioned together as one.
We will begin by turning to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament to examine the Word and testimony as presented there.
God → Promise → Abraham | Gn 12:1-3, Gn 15:1-15
Genesis 12:1-3 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
God came to our wonderful forefather, Abraham. He’s your forefather too.
God approached Abraham, whose name was Abram at the time, and gave him a promise. What was that promise? That Abraham would be the father of many nations.
God said He would make Abraham a great nation, make his name great, and whoever blesses Abraham would also be blessed. Then Abraham was told to go to the place God would show him.
Did God tell Abraham the specific place he had to go? No. Did God tell him how great his nation would be? No. So God didn’t go into details, did he? No, he did not.
Now, let’s look at the next passage: Genesis 15:1-15. We won’t read all 15 verses, as that’s a lot to cover today. However, there are a few key verses I want us to examine. We’ll start with verses 4-5.
Genesis 15:4-5 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
God came to him and made several promises. First, God told him that he would receive a new land. Second, God said that he would become a great nation. Third, God promised that he would have a son from his own body. Finally, God declared that he would have countless descendants. After making these promises, God proceeded to provide more detailed information about these plans.
Genesis 15:12-15 12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age.
It’s interesting to note that God promised Abraham he would become a great nation, meaning he would have numerous descendants. This great nation would come from a son born to Abraham himself, though he didn’t have a child yet at the time. God instructed Abraham to go to a new land that He would reveal to him.
Abraham learned that his descendants would become slaves in a foreign land. God didn’t specify which land this would be, but He did promise that Abraham’s people would eventually leave with many possessions. God told Abraham he would die at a good old age, but these events would unfold after his lifetime.
The message was clear: it wasn’t for Abraham to know all the details. He simply had to trust in God’s promise. By God’s grace, Abraham lived to see the birth of his son Isaac, and he accomplished many great things with him. However, the rest of God’s promises extended beyond Abraham’s time. As God had said, Abraham died at a good old age.
God gave Abraham His word, a promise. It wasn’t until later that this word was fulfilled through Abraham’s descendant, Moses. By the time Moses appeared, it became clear which land Abraham’s descendants were enslaved in: Egypt.
God → Fulfilled → Moises → Covenant Law | Ex 20:1-21, Ex 24:12-18
We now know that the great nation God promised to Abraham became Israel, and the promised land was Canaan. Today, we understand this because these prophecies have been fulfilled. However, for the people in Abraham’s time, it was impossible to know which specific land it would be or how numerous their descendants would become.
This information wasn’t available because these events had not yet occurred. Moses, unlike Abraham, had something crucial: the fulfillment of these promises. Another way to describe this fulfillment is testimony.
When God sent Moses to speak to the Israelites, he was delivering testimony. God instructed Moses to tell the people that the God of their forefathers would free them from captivity. Moses was to declare, “I am that I am,” and assure them that God had not forgotten His promises and would deliver them as promised. So Moses went and testified; that was his primary task.
The testimony didn’t end there. It became even more robust and profound. Let’s examine Leviticus 24 to understand something deeper about the tabernacle. We’ve touched on this before, but now we’ll explore it in more detail to truly comprehend how God brought these things to fruition.
The new land that was promised was Canaan, aptly called the Promised Land because God had pledged it to them. The Israelites were to be enslaved and then freed from that land. The descendants of Abraham were Israel in all its forms: physical, spiritual, and new spiritual.
Leviticus 24:1-4 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually. 3 Outside the curtain of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the Lord from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 4 The lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the Lord must be tended continually.
What can we observe in this passage? The Lord instructed Moses to command the Israelites to bring clear oil from pressed olives for light. This oil was to be used to keep the lamps burning continually.
Verse 3 presents a crucial point. It mentions “outside the curtain of the testimony.” Depending on your Bible version, you might see different phrases like “covenant law,” “tent of testimony,” or “ark of the covenant.” These all refer to the same concept.
What is this passage discussing? When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, they were given the task of constructing the tent of meeting.
We’ve encountered this image several times before, but today we hope to examine it with fresh perspective.
The tent of meeting was where the Levite tribe, who served as priests, would perform the yearly atonement sacrifice. They would enter through the first fence into the outside court. In this area, one would find the altar of sacrifice and the bronze basin. The priests would offer a lamb as a sacrifice on the altar. Before entering the main tent, they would wash their hands in the basin.
The main tent consisted of two rooms: the holy place and the most holy place (also known as the holiest of holies). These two areas were separated by a curtain. This curtain divided the tent of meeting and separated the testimony, which was the ark of the covenant.
The Ark of the Covenant → Testimony
The Ark of the Covenant contained three significant articles:
- A golden jar of manna.
- Two stone tablets with the covenant given to Moses.
- Aaron’s staff that had budded.
These items are important because they represent God’s promises and provision for His people.
The jar of manna symbolizes the bread from heaven that God used to feed the Israelites in the desert.
Aaron’s staff that budded served to guide the people and select the priests. When each of the 12 tribes brought a staff to represent their leaders, Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, budded and came to life, indicating that the Levites would continue as priests for the Israelites.
These items were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, which was called the testimony. As mentioned in Leviticus 24:3, it was “outside the curtain of the testimony.”
The Ark is called the testimony because it represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Israelites. God promised Abraham that his descendants would enter the land with many possessions, and these items demonstrate how God kept His word.
God ensured His people were fed in the desert (manna), provided rituals for atonement of sin through the priests (Aaron’s staff), and gave them His word and law to live by (the tablets). These are all examples of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
The tablets containing the Ten Commandments encapsulate the testimony – the covenant God made with His people and the promises He intends to keep. In Exodus 25, we can find more details about the description of the Ark of the Covenant and its significance.
The Testimony (Covenant Law) → Exodus 25:15-22 → Hebrews 9:3-4
Exodus 25:15-22 15 The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. 16 Then put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 17 “Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
God’s descriptions of things to be built are remarkably detailed. He doesn’t like omitting any details when giving instructions. The details are quite clear, as we see in verse 15: the poles must remain in the rings of the Ark and not be removed.
In verse 16, God says, “Then put in the Ark the testimony, which I will give you.” This testimony shows the people what God has done for them and represents the covenant law He made with them.
To God, the word and the testimony are critically important. They go hand in hand. All these things are a shadow of a greater reality to come later. They are not the actual reality, but a figurative representation.
God considers it critical for someone to have both His word and His testimony. Having one without the other, or having neither, means missing something crucial.
If we look at Isaiah 8:20, we can understand why it’s so important to have both the word and the testimony.
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Two elements are essential for one to have light:
- Speaking according to the law (which is the word)
- Speaking according to the testimony.
By doing these things, one will have the light of dawn. To gain this light, one must adhere to the law and to what has been seen and heard.
What is light? Light is the word of life and a person with the word.
Let’s not forget the parables.
At the first coming, Jesus, being a person with the word, was the light of the world. Those who received the light of life from Jesus also became light. This is why Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 that a lamp should not be covered.
You are a lamp, a city on a hill, children of the light. You cannot be hidden because you have received the light from Jesus and the Father. What light did they receive? The explanation of the word and the 5W1H: Who, what, when, where, why, and how. What has been done? What promises have been kept?
The problem arises when someone doesn’t understand the promise. They will not be able to identify when the promise is kept. This was the issue for many people at the time of the first coming. Many could recite the Old Testament verse by verse, but when asked about the meaning of a verse, they would say, “I don’t know who it’s about, but I know what the verse says.”
So when Jesus said, “That verse is about me,” they responded, “I don’t know. I always thought it was like this. You don’t match the descriptions I was thinking, so I don’t choose to believe in you, Jesus. But I still believe in God and the law, so I’m good.” This was the response of people at the first coming.
To make the concept of the word and the testimony more concrete, let’s look at a specific example.
2.- First Coming Word and Testimony
Let me provide an example to illustrate this concept. It’s important to remember that both elements must be present together for one to possess the true light of dawn.
Now, I’ll demonstrate an example for you.
Regarding the first coming, we’ll examine the word and testimony associated with it. Specifically, we’ll look at the first coming word and testimony. To do this, we’re going to explore two examples found in the book of Malachi.
2 Messengers Will Appear
Malachi 3:1 “See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi, one of the last books in the Old Testament, was written approximately 400 years before Jesus’ birth. It contains one of God’s final messages for a long time. In this passage, two messengers are promised:
- The messenger who prepares the way
- The messenger of the covenant
If you lived 300 years before these words were fulfilled, meaning they had existed for 100 years during your lifetime, and you read Malachi 3:1, would you know who these messengers would be? No. You would likely ask your priest, “Who are these messengers Malachi is talking about?”
The priest would have two options:
- Admit, “I don’t know,” which is actually the correct response.
- Make something up.
They might say, “It could be this or that. In fact, two great prophets appeared 50 years ago, and I think this verse is about them.” You might ask, “What way did they prepare?” The priest might reply, “They just spoke a lot of good words. That’s what we’ll say about them.”
This doesn’t sound very convincing. The priest might insist, “Hey, I’m a messenger of God. Listen to me.” You’d likely respond, “Okay, yes, sir,” and that would be the end of the conversation. Does this sound familiar?
The priest should have said, “The word is sealed. We don’t know yet. It hasn’t been fulfilled. Let’s wait impatiently.” This would have made the priest more trustworthy.
Instead, people often make things up, causing others to believe incorrectly. God does not take this lightly. James chapter 3 contains a stern warning for those who teach. It’s somewhat scary, as these words apply to me and anyone who claims to want to teach the word. Keep these things in mind.
Teachers will be Judged more Strictly
James 3:1-2 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
Not many should presume to be teachers. Why? Because teachers will be judged more strictly, as their job is to lead people. If they lead people into a pit, God will not be pleased.
This is why we emphasize that you cannot have your foot in two places at the same time. You must leave those who do not know, regardless of who they are. As harsh as that sounds, it is a matter of life and death.
We do not want to be in a position where we are judged for misleading people. As someone whose job it is to teach, I must know my word well, because God will hold me accountable if I mislead you. I take my job very seriously.
I’m sure the other ministers here do so as well. Now, back to the point I was making. Two messengers are promised to appear.
It was impossible to know exactly who these messengers were until they actually appeared. However, people would not truly recognize their appearance until they received something. Before we discuss that further – and I know the answer is in your head now – let’s read one more prophecy.
Elijah Will Appear
Malachi 4:5-6 5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Malachi prophesied that Elijah would appear again. This refers to Elijah, the man who disappeared over 600 years before these words were written. It’s important to note that “died” isn’t the correct term for Elijah; he was taken up in a fiery chariot, so “disappeared” is more appropriate.
What does it mean that Elijah will appear? Will he physically return to earth? Some might interpret Malachi 4:5 to mean that in the future, we’ll see Elijah in physical form standing before us. However, this interpretation leads to an endless wait, as it’s not how the prophecy would be fulfilled.
Elijah, in this context, is figurative language. It can be seen as a title representing the spirit and power of Elijah. The fulfillment of this prophecy didn’t involve the original Elijah descending on a fiery chariot saying, “All right, everybody, let’s get to work.” This is why we can’t expect prophecies to be spelled out plainly.
God hasn’t done things that way. So, don’t get confused if you don’t see specific words like “new John” in Revelation. It’s not a relevant concern if you understand how prophecies work. God intentionally uses figurative language throughout the Bible.
This parable of Elijah teaches us a lesson about interpreting prophecies. It’s not always literal; sometimes it represents a concept or a role. The word “Elijah” in this prophecy doesn’t mean the physical person, but rather someone coming in the spirit and power of Elijah.
Remember, prophecies often use figurative language. They may not be fulfilled in the most obvious or literal way. This example of Elijah helps us understand how to approach other prophecies in the Bible, keeping an open mind to figurative interpretations.
The Realities
So let’s see the reality of these two messengers and of Elijah.
John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Jesus came and spoke about John, saying he was a lamp that burned and gave light. When are lamps necessary? They are needed in times of darkness or at night.
Was it a time of darkness during Jesus’ first coming when John was preaching? Indeed, it was very dark. John 1:5 states, “The light shined in the darkness, but the darkness did not understand it.” The darkness represents people who did not overcome it. It was total darkness.
Then, a tiny light appeared. People wondered, “What’s this? A person in the desert. His words are interesting.” They thought, “Let’s go hear what he has to say.” As they got closer to him, it seemed to get brighter. This was the experience of the people.
John the Baptist began to do new things for the people, including baptizing them. This fulfills the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, which speaks of turning people’s hearts. John started to do that work.
John also had a testimony. Later in the book of John 1:29,32, what did he say?
John 1:29, 32 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.
John then gave his testimony about what he had seen and heard.
He said, “This is what I saw. This is what I heard.”
John provided a testimony, which relates to what Jesus meant in John 5:35. Jesus described John as a lamp that burned and gave light. People chose for a time to enjoy his light. As they were coming out of total darkness, they saw a small light and thought, “Wow, this is cool.”
They said, “Let me be baptized.” Do you understand?
Let’s examine more of John’s testimony. Returning to chapter 1, we will now read John’s introduction and the questions people asked him.
John the Baptist
John 1:19-23 19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ. ” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
The people, including the Pharisees and priests, approached John and questioned him. John openly declared, “I am not the Christ.”
He also stated, “I am not Elijah,” and added, “I am not the prophet” (referring to the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18). However, when asked who he was, John responded in verse 23, saying, “I am the voice crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'”
Let’s evaluate John’s testimony for accuracy:
- Was John the Baptist the Christ? No.
- Was John the Baptist the prophet? No.
- Was John the Baptist the voice in the desert? Yes.
- Was John the Baptist Elijah? Yes. “Make Straight Way of Lord”
This raises the question: Why did John make this mistake about his identity? And who truly understood John’s role?
Jesus Testimony is Greater
John 5:36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.
Jesus stated that He had a testimony weightier, heavier, and greater than that of John the Baptist. Jesus didn’t come to be a small lamp in darkness; rather, He brought the full light of day.
In John 9:1-4, Jesus declares, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world,” indicating that it is day. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, fulfilling his mission. However, John’s testimony wasn’t as powerful as Jesus’ testimony, which John freely admitted.
John acknowledged, “One is coming who is greater than I, whose sandal thongs I am not fit to tie.” He knew someone greater would come and faithfully testified to this fact.
We’ve discussed how John later became weak, but at the start, he was quite strong in his conviction.
Now, let’s examine Jesus’ testimony. We’ll look at two examples of how Jesus provided the 5W1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
John the Baptist is the Eliajah that is to come | Mt 11:14-15, Mt 17:10-13
Matthew 11:14-15 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Jesus spoke about John the Baptist, saying, “If you are willing to accept it, John the Baptist is the Elijah that was to come.” Why was Jesus able to make such a clear statement about John being Elijah?
The reason lies in Jesus’ greater testimony. Jesus saw and heard everything, including what was in heaven, similar to Moses and someone we will discuss regarding the second coming. His testimony was more complete than John’s, as John had gaps in his understanding, while Jesus did not.
Jesus was also able to identify other figures from the Old Testament and help people recognize their significance in reality. Let’s examine what Jesus said about these individuals as well.
Jesus → said about → Pharisees
Mark 7:5-8 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
Jesus spoke about the Pharisees, quoting from the book of Isaiah: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you.”
This is what a testimony is – something only one who has seen and heard can provide. It’s about identifying where God is working and where Satan is working.
People of that era couldn’t do this on their own because they were immersed in it. They were like fish in water. If you ask a fish, “How’s the water?” it might respond, “What’s water?” It doesn’t know what water is because that’s its base condition.
No one knew, not even John. He knew a little, but not as much as Jesus knew. The Pharisees certainly didn’t know who they were according to scripture. They wouldn’t have proclaimed themselves to be the ones Isaiah 29 speaks about – the heads who are covered and the eyes that are closed. They wouldn’t say, “Oh yes, that’s about us.”
It had to be Jesus who made this connection. He was the one who saw and heard.
Testify to what he has seen and heard
John 3:31-34 31 “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
John speaks about Jesus, saying that the one who comes from above is above all.
What does this one from above do? He testifies to two things. What are these two things?
He testifies to what he has seen and what he has heard. This is what creates a testimony.
Let’s consider an example. Imagine calling Samson to the witness stand:
“Samson, tell us about Delilah. Describe her to us.”
“Well, she’s very pretty. I saw her with some people I had a conflict with before. It seemed strange, but I thought it was okay.”
“Now, tell us what she did to you.”
“She really manipulated me. She convinced me to cut my hair, and your honor, I lost my powers. I feel wronged by this.”
This random story example illustrates how testimony works. Someone can testify because they’ve seen and heard something.
In a courtroom, a witness might say, “Your honor, I saw this happen. That person right there is the one I saw running down the street with that woman’s purse.”
To give a testimony, one must see and hear something. In the context of the Bible, the things that need to be seen and heard are always those prophesied beforehand.
This is the testimony we need to hear. It’s not about personal prophecies or feelings about the future. The focus is on prophecies recorded in the Bible, as these are the only ones we can truly know came from God and no other source.
3.- Second Coming Word and Testimony
Let’s now discuss the time of the second coming.
We’ll examine the word of testimony regarding the second coming. We will look at some examples that were given to Apostle John 2,000 years ago. These examples must be fulfilled in our time.
God → Sealed Word → Apostle John
In Revelation 1:20, Apostle John was shown a vision. What was the content of this vision? What specific things did John see in this revelation?
Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
What do we observe in this passage?
John experiences a vision. Let’s recall Revelation.
We’ll discuss this further in our overviews this week. The word “revelation” has two meanings, and there are two versions of Revelation.
To clarify, I’m referring to the word “revelation,” not the book itself. The word means to open and show.
In the Bible, we find two types of revelation:
1. – Vision
The Bible contains vision revelation, which is what Apostle John received. The book of Revelation is a vision.
2. – Actual Reality
There’s also revelation through actual reality, involving real people and events – the who, what, when, where, why, and how of fulfillment.
Which type did Apostle John receive? The vision.
He received the vision revelation. It was revealed to him, not intuited or imagined. These are the things he saw and heard.
However, he saw the parable version. He witnessed a monster emerging from the water with seven heads and 10 horns.
John recorded what he saw in the vision. Later, someone else will witness the reality.
7 Messengers (Angels) Will Appear | Rv 1:20
In Revelation 1:20, John observes seven stars in Jesus’ right hand, which are referred to as seven angels. It’s important to note that in Greek, the word for “angel” and “messenger” is the same. This indicates that seven messengers will appear, and we can be certain of this because they have already manifested.
We understand that it’s specifically referring to messengers. However, it’s also true that the seven angels collaborated with those seven workers.
Jesus stated that the seven angels are the seven lampstands, which He would remove from their place if repentance didn’t occur. This point remains valid, and we will discuss it further when we reach that topic.
Nicolaitans, Jezebel and One Who Overcomes Will Appear | Rv 2-3
What other things did Apostle John see in a vision? In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, he sees several figures:
– Nicolaitans
– Jezebel
– The one who overcomes, as mentioned by Jesus
– Balaam and Balak
These are people who had been dead for a long time. The Nicolaitans were a small fringe group at the time of Jesus’ first coming, led by a man named Nicholas.
Are these the ones who will appear again? We’ll discuss this further as well.
2 Witness Will Appear
In Revelation chapter 11:1-4, it discusses the appearance of two witnesses. This passage indicates that two witnesses will indeed appear. It’s important for us to pay attention to this and realize that there are multiple individuals who need to come forth.
These individuals will have identities, origins, and specific roles to fulfill. When someone claims to have a testimony, they should be able to provide a detailed account of all these aspects. They need to explain who they are, what they’re doing, where they’re from, why they’re here, and how they’re fulfilling their purpose.
If they can’t provide these details, their testimony may not be considered complete or credible. So, the question arises: Who is the person capable of seeing these things and providing us with a detailed understanding of who these individuals truly are?
The answer points to New John. Why? Because he has seen and heard the events described in all the chapters of Revelation.
Can we now see the logic behind this reasoning?
Word of God and Testimony of Jesus | Rv 1:, Rv 22:8,16
Revelation 1:2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
This passage is referring to John, who was introduced at the end of verse 1. It states that God made the revelation known by sending His angel to His servant John. Verse 2 then explains that John testifies to everything he saw, which includes two crucial elements: the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
The text emphasizes the importance of these two components: “I,” John, heard and saw these things – the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus.
These two elements are repeatedly mentioned throughout the text, highlighting their significance. They are key to understanding the Word. Without the testimony, which is a strong statement, certain parts of the Word would remain unclear. However, with the testimony, understanding becomes unlocked, allowing for deeper comprehension of the message.
Revelation 22:8,16 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
In verse 8, John testifies that he is the one who heard and saw these things. After hearing and seeing them, he fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to him. Then, in verse 9, the angel says, “Yo, get up. We’re both servants, man. We don’t do that here. Please stand to your feet. I’m a fellow servant with you.”
Jesus then states in verse 16, “I, Jesus, have sent my messenger to give this testimony to the churches, what he has seen and what he has heard.” Why? Because people need to know. People need to know what has taken place, as it’s not obvious when it happens.
We’re going to read two last verses for today that really summarize everything we’ve covered.
New John must testify
New John is the one who heard and saw these things. He must testify to what he has seen and heard.
The 5W1H – Who, what, when, where, why, and how – is how he is able to overcome.
He overcomes with two things (Revelation 12:11):
- The blood of the lamb
- The word of their testimony
Notice how these two elements – the word and the testimony – appear together again. This is because they are important.
The blood of the lamb represents the words of Jesus, who is life. The testimony is not about worldly achievements. Instead, it’s about identifying the betrayers and destroyers – the seven pastors. This is similar to what Jesus did.
This is what they must do. Together, they overcome. After overcoming, they establish God’s kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven – Mount Zion.
Let’s now turn to Revelation 15 and explore an interesting connection to what we discussed at the beginning of class. This is truly exciting.
Revelation 15:4-5 4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” 5 After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened.
Did you catch that? It’s amazing. Let’s review verse 4. It says, “Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.”
All nations – how many nations? Everyone. All of them.
From which directions? North, south, east, and west. All directions.
This is similar to Matthew 8:11-12, which speaks of those who come and take their seats in heaven.
All nations means people of all cultures, ethnicities, languages, doctrines, religions, and denominations. They will come and gather together. But where will they gather? At a place very similar to what had appeared in the past.
Hear the New Testimony, not the Old Testimony
The new testimony is what matters now, not the old testimony of the bread, manna, and Ark of the Covenant. People need to hear about what has been fulfilled in their time, at the temple where such things will occur – Mount Zion.
Isaiah 2:1-4 speaks of this: In the last days, the temple, the mountain, will be established as chief among mountains, and all nations will stream to it. They will say, “Come, let us learn about the law of the Lord together.”
Today’s world seems very divided, and it is. But this division won’t last long. We will witness many nations coming together, not at a political or secular gathering, but at the ultimate gathering of believers from every tribe, people, language, and nation, including kings. It will be beautiful.
We’ll no longer argue about trivial matters like whether to celebrate Christmas or Easter. These are unimportant. What truly matters is that prophecy is being fulfilled. Sound the alarm bells, clang the cymbals, blow the horns! We often get stuck in the muck of silly arguments that mean nothing.
This is what’s truly significant: Is it happening today? Yes, and by God’s grace, we will see how.
Memorization
who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 22:8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.
Revelation 1: 2
Let’s keep these two verses in our hearts and minds. This way, we understand that the word and the testimony must come together, so we can recognize when God is truly at work. This principle applies in every era, helping us identify God’s active presence.
Did everyone understand today’s lesson? Were you all able to keep up? Did I lose anyone’s attention during the session?
Amen.
I’m excited that we’ll be studying Revelation this week. Who else is looking forward to it?
Well done, everyone.
The Last Push
Today marks the beginning of the last push. I’ve conducted this class numerous times, and I can assure you it’s challenging. It will stretch you more than ever before.
There are some important points to keep in mind about Revelation:
1. – Extra Day
We’re adding a fourth day to cover all 22 chapters, going through all 404 verses. Trust me, we need this extra day.
2. – 3 Tests
Revelation includes three tests. No one informed me of this before, but I’m telling you now. We mentioned this at the very beginning. Each test consists of 25 questions, and you’ll be answering all of them. It will be challenging, but you’re capable of doing it.
You’ve overcome greater obstacles before. Are you ready? Let’s do this together. We can accomplish it.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding “The Word and Testimony”
I. Introduction: The Importance of Word and Testimony
This section introduces the core concept of the lesson: the importance of understanding both the Word (prophecy) and the Testimony (fulfillment) for a complete understanding of the Bible. It stresses that knowing the Word without recognizing its fulfillment leads to incomplete faith and misunderstanding of God’s plan.
II. Defining Word and Testimony
This section defines the key terms “Word” and “Testimony,” establishing that the Word represents prophecies and promises made by God, while the Testimony signifies the fulfillment of those promises. It introduces the 5W1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) as the framework for understanding and explaining testimonies.
III. Old Testament Law: Word and Testimony in Genesis
This section analyzes the relationship between Word and Testimony in the Old Testament, focusing on God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis. It illustrates how God provided the Word to Abraham (promises of land, descendants, and blessings) and later fulfilled those promises through Moses and the Israelites’ experience in Egypt and their journey to Canaan. The Ark of the Covenant, containing symbols of God’s faithfulness, becomes a physical representation of the Testimony.
IV. First Coming Word and Testimony: Malachi’s Prophecies
This section examines the Word and Testimony regarding Jesus’ first coming, using Malachi’s prophecies as examples. It analyzes the prophecies about two messengers (John the Baptist and Jesus) and the return of Elijah. It highlights how Jesus, possessing the complete Testimony, could accurately identify John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy and expose the Pharisees’ hypocrisy as foretold in Isaiah.
V. Second Coming Word and Testimony: Revelation’s Vision and Reality
This section explores the Word and Testimony related to the second coming, focusing on Revelation. It distinguishes between the two types of revelation: vision (what John received) and actual reality (the fulfillment witnessed by someone like a “new John”). It analyzes prophecies of seven messengers, the Nicolaitans, Jezebel, the one who overcomes, and the two witnesses, emphasizing the need for a witness who can provide the 5W1H of their fulfillment.
VI. The Role of New John and the Importance of Complete Faith
This section emphasizes the role of a figure like “New John” in providing the Testimony for the events of Revelation. It argues that New John will possess the complete understanding of the Word and its fulfillment, enabling him to provide a detailed account of the events, identifying key figures and explaining their roles in the unfolding prophecy. It concludes by urging believers to have complete faith, embracing both the Word and the Testimony for a true understanding of God’s plan.
VII. Video Analysis and Encouragement
This section analyzes a video about overcoming challenges and applying that concept to faith. The evangelist emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relying on God, and understanding that personal struggles can become testimonies to help others. The section encourages the audience to maintain faith and focus on God’s plan, especially when studying challenging prophecies like Revelation.
VIII. Conclusion: Embracing the Last Push
This section concludes the lesson with a call to action, urging the audience to embrace the final push in understanding Revelation. It highlights the challenging nature of the text, the added day of study, and the upcoming tests. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of faith, trust in God, and understanding both the Word and the Testimony to overcome obstacles and comprehend God’s plan.
A Study Guide
Understanding The Word and Testimony
Study Guide
This guide delves into the concept of “The Word and Testimony,” focusing on the relationship between prophecy and its fulfillment. It explores examples from both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the testimony alongside the Word.
Key Concepts:
- The Word: Refers to the prophecies and promises found in Scripture. It represents God’s spoken will and intentions.
- The Testimony: Signifies the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises. It provides a detailed account of how, when, where, and through whom the Word was manifested in reality.
- 5W1H: A framework for understanding and analyzing the testimony: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
- Types of Revelation: Visionary revelation (seen in dreams, visions) and actual reality revelation (events unfolding in the physical realm).
- Importance of Testimony: Without the testimony, the Word remains incomplete and potentially misunderstood. The testimony confirms and clarifies the Word, revealing God’s active hand in history.
- The Word and Testimony at Different Comings: Examines how the concept applies to both Jesus’ first coming (with John the Baptist as a key figure) and His second coming (with the expectation of a “new John” to testify to the fulfillment of Revelation).
Quiz
Short Answer Questions (2-3 sentences each):
- What is the distinction between the Word and the Testimony?
- Why is it important to have both the Word and the Testimony?
- Explain the significance of the 5W1H in understanding the Testimony.
- What were the promises God made to Abraham, and how were they ultimately fulfilled?
- How did the Ark of the Covenant serve as a testimony in the Old Testament?
- What role did John the Baptist play in relation to the Word and the Testimony at Jesus’ first coming?
- Explain the prophecy about Elijah and its fulfillment in the New Testament.
- Why is it said that Jesus had a “weightier” testimony than John the Baptist?
- What are the two types of revelation discussed in the lesson?
- According to the lesson, who will provide the testimony for the fulfillment of the book of Revelation?
Answer Key:
- The Word refers to the prophecies and promises in the Bible, while the Testimony is their fulfillment in reality. The Testimony explains how and through whom God fulfilled His Word.
- Having both the Word and the Testimony is essential because the Testimony confirms and clarifies the Word. Without the Testimony, understanding the Word could be incomplete or inaccurate.
- The 5W1H framework (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) ensures that the testimony provides a clear and complete explanation of the prophecy’s fulfillment. It eliminates ambiguity and provides concrete details.
- God promised Abraham numerous descendants, a son, a great nation, and a land of his own (Canaan). He also foretold a period of enslavement followed by deliverance. These promises were fulfilled through Moses and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land.
- The Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s staff. These items symbolized God’s provision for His people, His covenant with them, and His selection of the priesthood. They served as tangible reminders of God’s fulfillment of His promises.
- John the Baptist was the “messenger who prepares the way” prophesied in Malachi. He served as a “lamp” in the darkness, calling people to repentance and preparing them for the coming of Jesus. He also provided a testimony about Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God.
- Malachi prophesied that Elijah would return before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.” This prophecy was fulfilled not by the literal return of Elijah, but by John the Baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah, preparing the way for Jesus.
- Jesus had a greater testimony than John the Baptist because He was the fulfillment of the Word itself. As the Son of God, He had complete knowledge and understanding of God’s plan and could provide a definitive testimony, confirming John’s role and exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
- The two types of revelation discussed are: (1) Visionary revelation, which comes through dreams and visions, and (2) Actual reality revelation, which involves real events unfolding in the physical world, demonstrating the fulfillment of prophecy.
- According to the lesson, a figure like a “new John” will appear to provide the testimony for the fulfillment of the book of Revelation. This person will have witnessed the fulfillment of the events depicted in Revelation and be able to provide a clear and detailed account.
Additional Questions:
1. What is the relationship between the word and the testimony?
– Word = Prophecy
– Testimony = Fulfilment
2. How many messengers appeared at the First Coming? And, who were they?
Two messengers:
– John the Baptist: messenger to prepare the way (John 5:35)
– Jesus: messenger of the Covenant (Jn 3:31-34)
3. According to Revelation, what are the characters that will appear at the time of the Second Coming?
– 7 messengers (Rv 1:20)
– Nicolaitans, Jezebel, One who Overcomes (Revelation 2-3)
– 2 witnesses (Revelation 11:1-4)
4. What elements does true testimony (fulfillment) contain?
5W1H: Who, what, when, where, why and how
Glossary of Key Terms:
- Word: The prophecies and promises found in Scripture, representing God’s revealed will.
- Testimony: The fulfillment of the prophecies and promises in the Bible. Provides a detailed account of how the Word came to pass.
- 5W1H: A framework for analyzing the Testimony, including Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
- Revelation: The act of God revealing His truth and plans.
- Visionary Revelation: Revelation received through dreams or visions.
- Actual Reality Revelation: Revelation manifested through real events in the physical world.
- Covenant: A binding agreement between God and His people.
- Ark of the Covenant: A sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s staff, symbolizing God’s covenant and provision for His people.
- Messenger: An individual sent by God to deliver a message or prophecy.
- Prophecy: A divinely inspired message or prediction about the future.
- Fulfillment: The realization of a prophecy, confirming its truth and God’s faithfulness.
- Mount Zion: A symbolic representation of God’s kingdom and His presence among His people.
- Overcoming: Standing firm in faith, resisting temptation, and ultimately achieving victory through God’s power.
- The Blood of the Lamb: Symbolic of Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of His atonement for sin.
- The Word of Their Testimony: The powerful message of believers who have witnessed and experienced the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson focuses on the relationship between biblical prophecy (“the Word”) and its fulfillment (“the Testimony”) throughout history, rather than a chronological sequence of events. Therefore, a traditional timeline is not applicable. Instead, the lesson highlights how understanding the fulfillment of prophecy is key to comprehending God’s plan. It draws parallels between events in the Old and New Testaments, culminating in a focus on the Second Coming and the role of a figure referred to as “New John”.
Here is a conceptual timeline based on the source’s themes:
- Old Testament Era: God makes promises to Abraham (numerous descendants, a son, a great nation, enslavement for 400 years followed by liberation, possession of a new land). These promises are later fulfilled through Moses, and the Ark of the Covenant serves as a “testimony” to these fulfilled promises.
- First Coming of Jesus: Prophecies about the Messiah are given in the Old Testament (e.g., Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6). John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy of Elijah “coming again” by preparing the way for Jesus. Jesus Himself, as the Word made flesh, is the ultimate Testimony, fulfilling messianic prophecies and revealing the truth about the Pharisees.
- Present Era / Lead Up to Second Coming: Apostle John receives a vision of Revelation, which contains prophecies about the end times. These prophecies, like those in the Old Testament, are currently sealed and await their fulfillment.
- Second Coming of Jesus: According to the source, a figure called “New John” will appear as a witness to the fulfillment of Revelation. He will have a “testimony” that explains the who, what, when, where, and how of these events, just as Jesus did for the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Cast of Characters
1. Abraham: The patriarch of the Israelites. God made several promises to Abraham, which were later fulfilled through his descendants.
2. Moses: The prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. He is seen as a key figure in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham.
3. John the Baptist: A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. He is identified as fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah returning.
4. Jesus Christ: The central figure of Christianity. He is considered the Word of God made flesh and the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. He is also the source of the “testimony” that explains God’s plan.
5. Pharisees: A Jewish sect during Jesus’ time. Jesus condemned them for their hypocrisy and their focus on outward religious practices rather than true faith. The source uses them as an example of a negative prophecy being fulfilled.
6. Apostle John: The author of the Book of Revelation. He received a vision of the end times, which serves as a prophecy that awaits its fulfillment.
7. New John: This figure is not explicitly identified in the Bible but is presented in the lesson as someone who will appear in the last days to witness and testify to the fulfillment of Revelation. He will have a complete understanding of the events and will be able to explain their meaning to others.
8. Evangelist (unnamed): The instructor in the lesson, who teaches a class on “The Word and Testimony” and uses this framework to interpret scripture. They place particular emphasis on the importance of the Second Coming and the role of “New John” in helping people understand the fulfillment of Revelation.
Overview
Overview: The Word and Testimony
Main Theme: The importance of understanding both the Word (prophecy) and the Testimony (fulfillment) to grasp the true meaning of scripture and recognize God’s active presence in history.
Key Ideas:
- Word and Testimony are Inseparable: A complete understanding of scripture requires both the prophetic Word and its fulfillment – the Testimony. Knowing only the prophecy without its realization or vice versa leads to incomplete faith and an inability to recognize God’s work.
- The Testimony Provides the “5W1H”: A true Testimony clarifies the prophecy by explaining who, what, when, where, why, and how it was fulfilled. This detailed account allows believers to see God’s hand in history and recognize His chosen messengers.
- Examples from the Old and New Testaments: The lesson uses Abraham’s story to demonstrate how God’s promises were fulfilled centuries later through Moses and the Israelites. It also highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of the Word and Testimony, as He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and provided clear interpretations.
- John the Baptist as a Messenger and Testimony: John’s role as the forerunner of Jesus is presented as a key example of both a messenger preparing the way and a testimony to Christ’s coming. While John had a limited understanding of his role as Elijah, Jesus clarified it through His greater Testimony.
- The Need for a “New John” at the Second Coming: The lesson argues that just as John the Baptist testified to Jesus’ first coming, a “new John” will appear at the second coming to provide the Testimony to the fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies. This person will have witnessed the events and be able to explain them clearly.
- Revelation as both Vision and Reality: The Book of Revelation is presented as a vision of future events that require a real-life counterpart— the Testimony. This Testimony will unveil the identities of key figures like the seven messengers and the two witnesses, revealing how the prophecies unfold in reality.
Important Quotes:
- Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
- John 5:36: “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.”
- John 3:32: “He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.”
- Revelation 1:2: “who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
- Revelation 22:16: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Call to Action:
The lesson encourages students to:
- Develop complete faith: Believe not just the prophetic word but also the testimony of its fulfillment.
- Seek out the true Testimony of Revelation: Be discerning and look for a witness who can explain the 5W1H of the events described in the Book of Revelation.
- Prepare for the Second Coming: Recognize the urgency of the time and actively engage in seeking understanding and spreading the message.
Q&A
Q&A: The Word and Testimony
1. What is the meaning of “The Word and Testimony”?
“The Word” refers to the prophecies and promises found in the Bible, particularly those related to God’s plan for humanity. “The Testimony” refers to the fulfillment of those prophecies and promises. Together, they provide a complete understanding of God’s message and actions throughout history.
2. Why is it important to have both the Word and the Testimony?
Having both the Word and the Testimony is essential for true understanding and faith. The Word sets expectations and reveals God’s intentions, while the Testimony confirms their fulfillment and demonstrates God’s faithfulness. Without the Testimony, the Word remains unproven, and without the Word, the Testimony lacks context and significance.
3. How does the Ark of the Covenant relate to the concept of the Word and Testimony?
The Ark of the Covenant, containing the manna, Aaron’s staff, and the Ten Commandments, serves as a physical representation of the Testimony. Each item symbolizes God’s fulfillment of His promises to provide, guide, and govern His people. The Ark, therefore, testifies to God’s faithfulness to His Word.
4. How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of the Word and Testimony during His first coming?
Jesus, possessing perfect understanding of the Word, provided the Testimony by identifying Himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He also exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who honored God with their lips but rejected His Word in their hearts, fulfilling prophecies about spiritual blindness.
5. What are the two types of revelation, and how do they relate to the second coming?
The two types of revelation are “Vision” and “Actual Reality.” Vision refers to prophetic visions like those received by John in Revelation. Actual Reality is the historical fulfillment of those visions. For the second coming, a “new John” is anticipated, who will witness and testify to the Actual Reality of Revelation’s events.
6. What is the role of the “new John” at the second coming?
The “new John” will have witnessed the fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies and will provide a detailed testimony, explaining who the key figures are, their actions, and how the events unfolded. This testimony will illuminate God’s plan for those living during the second coming.
7. How do the Word and Testimony help us overcome spiritual challenges?
The Word, representing Jesus’ life-giving words, and the Testimony, revealing the identity and actions of those opposing God, equip believers to resist evil and remain faithful. By understanding and believing both, individuals gain spiritual strength and discernment.
8. What is the ultimate significance of understanding the Word and Testimony?
Understanding the Word and Testimony leads to complete faith, recognizing God’s actions in both prophecy and fulfillment. This faith unites believers from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, where His will is done as it is in heaven.