MENU: "Jesus Speaks" Table of Contents : Verse Matrix : The Nine Angels/Churches/Religions

Jesus Speaks
of The Babi Religion
 References in The Book of Revelation to
The Bab
(The Forerunner, The First of the Twin Manifestations, The Trumpet) of
The Religions of Fulfillment

A Strong Angel (Rev. 5:2)
is The Eighth Angel:
the Angel of The Babi Religion.

The Angel for each religion has a specific mission.


CONCEPT BOX

The Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ (as stated in verse 1:1) is given to John (as also stated in verse 1:1) in symbolic prophecy (as explained to John in Rev.1:20) about Christ's return as the One Who 'was' is' and 'is to come'.

In all religions dogmatism arises to conceal the spiritual truth of prophecies about what is to occur. For this reason the Jews failed to recognize Jesus and the Christians Muhammad.

In the Book Of Revelation Jesus sends His Message to each of Seven Prophetic Religions about what things will be like when the time for the Religions of Fulfilment comes.

The first two religions of fulfillment have come and many more will come later. These first two are the Babi and Baha'i religions. The collection of verses here is about the Bab, The Forerunner, The First of the Twin Manifestations, The Trumpet.

Understanding the verses:

    1. To the Christian, everything is about Jesus, and Jesus did indeed reveal The Book of Revelation, but it was a Book that He revealed about the religions past and the religions to come.

    2. The references symbols and archetypes in the verses often have a variety of meanings. A part of this is resolved by understanding the concept of Manifestation. There is but One God, and every Manifestation is a Manifestation of the One God - so in effect all the Manifestations are One. Jesus is Abraham (and before Abraham - and after Abraham). Jesus is the Bab and the Bab Jesus, and so forth, not in identity but in Spirit so that each One can say that They are the Other.

      Know thou assuredly that the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the same. Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator, saith: There is no distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message. They all have but one purpose; their secret is the same secret. To prefer one in honor to another, to exalt certain ones above the rest, is in no wise to be permitted. Every true Prophet hath regarded His Message as fundamentally the same as the �Revelation of every other Prophet gone before Him. If any man, therefore, should fail to comprehend this truth, and should consequently indulge in vain and unseemly language, no one whose sight is keen and whose understanding is enlightened would ever allow such idle talk to cause him to waver in his belief.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah,
    p. 78)

    It is for this reason that any who are not Baha'i should not read these two strings about the Bab and Baha'u'llah, because the subject is meaningless to them.

    3. While there are differences in the roles and missions of the Manifestations, there are similarities also. This is particularly true regarding the lives of The Bab and Jesus. To look at one verse and say - "THAT is only the Bab - or THAT is only Jesus", is often not possible, and likewise the missions of The Bab and Baha'u'llah to "the Last Days" are often interwined so that the verses regarding them often seem intertwined also.

    4. For the reasons above, as we read through the explanations of the verses it is often best to just say - yes, that meaning is possible also - and to not quibble over the exclusiveness of application.

Chapter One - The Book of Revelation
[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

 V.7 The coming "with clouds" or "in the clouds" does not have a literal meaning. It means that men's minds are "clouded" in recognizing The Promised One. This is the verse where Christ first introduces 'His Return' as being Muhammad, and we could equally say later, as the Bab and Baha'u'llah. It also particularly applies to the Bab who was pierced by bullets.
    In the first Gospel according to Matthew it is recorded: ...
    they shall see the Son of man coming
    in the clouds of heaven
    with power and great glory.
    ...Inasmuch as the Christian divines have failed to apprehend the meaning of these words, and did not recognize their object and purpose, and have clung to the literal interpretation of the words of Jesus, they therefore became deprived of the streaming grace of the Muhammadan Revelation and its showering bounties. The ignorant among the Christian community, following the example of the leaders of their faith, were likewise prevented from beholding the beauty of the King of glory,...
    (Baha'u'llah,
    The Kitab-i-Iqan,
    p. 26)
A new Revealer always brings a new wave of Spirit, and we can see that today with every technology growing by leaps and bounds such that in almost every aspect of life there is change. What is missing is that mankind has not caught the spiritual message, so we see crime, immorality, wars, etc.. This is what causes the kindreds of the earth to wail as the spiritual powers released are not yet understood.

Chapter Two - The Book of Revelation
[28] And I will give him the morning star.

 V.28 The morning star is the light that precedes the new day. Since The B�b preceded Bah�'u'll�h, He is referred to here as the 'morning star'. The Zoroastrian Faith flourished at the time of Christ in Persia, which is now Iran. The B�b was born in Persia in 1819 near the birthplace of Zoroaster.
    His Holiness the B�b gave the glad tidings concerning the appearance of the Manifestation of God, and His Holiness, the Blessed Perfection, was the Promised One of all the nations and religions. The B�b was the Morning Star heralding the glorious Dawn of the Sun of Reality. Now all of us are under Its shadow and receive the refulgent bestowals from It.
    ('Abdu'l-Bah�, Bah�'� Scriptures,
    p. 284)

Chapter Three - The Book of Revelation

[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 V.20The Muslims particularly have been told about the Bab and and Baha'u'llah. The religion began amongst them, with the declaration of the Bab, and if they had responded to it they would have greatly flourished spiritually and intellectually and in having stable prosperous societies.

However, they have done the very opposite and have done everything that they can do to destroy the Baha'i religion, so consequently they have descended into spiritual and social degradation.

    Great God! Although His signs have encompassed the world and His proofs and testimonies are shining forth and manifest as the light, yet the ignorant appear heedless, nay rather, rebellious. Would that they had been content with opposition. But at all times they are plotting to cut down the sacred Lote-Tree. Since the dawn of this Revelation the embodiments of selfishness have, by resorting to cruelty and oppression, striven to extinguish the Light of divine manifestation. But God, having stayed their hands, revealed this Light through His sovereign authority and protected it through the power of His might until earth and heaven were illumined by its radiance and brightness. Praise be unto Him under all conditions.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Tablets of Baha'u'llah,
    p.33)

Chapter Four - The Book of Revelation

[1] After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

V.1 The Book of Revelation gives new meaning to religion, bringing new concepts, also a history that is truly amazing as it is right on with the times of this century. For Baha'is this whole chapter is about The Bab, which is of course meaningless to those who have not studied out the Most Clear Proof and recognized The Bab and Baha'u'llah.

    "Raise the cry: 'Awake, awake, for, lo! the Gate of God is open, and the morning Light is shedding its radiance upon all mankind! The promised One is made manifest; prepare the way for Him, O people of the earth! Deprive not yourselves of its redeeming grace, nor close your eyes to its effulgent glory.' Those whom you find receptive to your call, share with them the epistles and tablets We have revealed for you, that, perchance, these wondrous words may cause them to turn away from the slough of heedlessness, and soar into the realm of the Divine presence."
    (Shoghi Effendi,
    The Dawn-Breakers,
    p. 85)
    The trumpet asketh: 'Hath the Bugle been sounded?' Say: 'Yea, by the King of Revelation!, when He mounted the throne of His Name, the All-Merciful.'
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Epistle to the Son of the Wolf,
    p. 132)

[2] And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

V.2 The Book of Revelation is of great spiritual depth actually describing a world of reality far deeper than the illusionary one that appears to us. In trying to understand it we need to get beyond literal ideas of seeing a chair sitting somewhere in the sky.

[3] And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

V.3 The 'One on the throne' was compared to three jewels, a Jasper stone a sardine and an emerald. The ancient Jasper is green and clear, a symbol of clarity. The Sardine stone is milk white, a symbol of purity. The emerald is green, a symbol of Springtime. There is a rainbow around His throne, made up of seven prismatic color - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The rainbow is a symbol of the seven religions of the world. The different colors when brought together make up one ray of light. When you study all the religions you understand better the one in which you were raised. Together they give a beautiful message with a much fuller meaning of truth, and together they bring unity.
This is the beginning of a new day, a new cycle, a new age.

[4] And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

V.4 Around the throne or 'station of divine authority' sat twenty-four elders or disciples (see Rev.11:16). They had crowns of gold, meaning spiritual authority and were clothed in white - meaning with righteousness and purity.

The experience of Revelation, such as John had, is an intensely personal thing. Part of the time what John says relates his experience and part of the time it is the Message he was directed to relate.

    "This Revelation," Mulla Husayn has further testified, "so suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, seemed to have benumbed my faculties. I was blinded by its dazzling splendor and overwhelmed by its crushing force. Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me. How feeble and impotent, how dejected and timid, I had felt previously! Then I could neither write nor walk, so tremulous were my hands and feet. Now, however, the knowledge of His Revelation had galvanized my being. I felt possessed of such courage and power that were the world, all its peoples and its potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught. The universe seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp. I seemed to be the voice of Gabriel personified, calling unto all mankind: 'Awake, for, lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, O peoples of the world! For He Who is your promised One is come!'"
    (Shoghi Effendi,
    God Passes By
    p. 6)
[5] And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

V.5 Great lightnings and thunderings and voices, the great disturbances of the Message that a new Prophet brings are the great storms of opposition and violence, coming mostly from the leaders of religion and politics. The Seven Spirits, like lamps burning with the love of God, as has been so often repeated, and will be repeated many times hereafter, are the Seven Angels or Prophets of the seven great religions of the world, the followers of Whom are the ones to which this new Message is directed.

[6] And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. .

V.6 This verse has the first mention of "beasts" in the Book of Revelation. The Beasts are a very important thread and the Afterword of this chapter provides a full discussion about them.

The sea of glass like unto crystal before the throne is the clear and pure Spiritual Teachings of God. The beasts being full of eyes before and behind shows their receptivity to the Teachings.

[7] And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

V.7 While in this verse the Four Beasts are represented as a lion, calf, face of a man, and flying eagle, in other verses they are presented somewhat differently, but are the same Four Beasts.

In the Afterword this Chapter Four there is an extensive discussion about the descriptions and character of the Four Beasts.

[8] And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

V.8 The four beasts are described as each having six wings which represent the power to spread the faith rapidly. They have eyes that can see within, representing the ability to see the future implications and past development with understanding and insight. They rest neither day nor night, and praise God, who was, (the Revealers of the past) and is, (the Revealers at present) and is to come (the Revealers of the future). God is always there to guide mankind.

    WE desire to mention him who hath set his face towards Us and to let him once again drink deep from the life-giving waters of Our gracious providence that he may be enabled to draw nigh unto My Horizon, be adorned with Mine attributes, soar in Mine atmosphere, be confirmed in that which will cause the sanctity of My Cause to be manifested amongst My people and to celebrate My praise in a manner that will cause every hesitating soul to hasten, every motionless creature to wing its flight, every mortal frame to be consumed, every chilled heart to be stirred with life and every dejected spirit to surge with delight.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Tablets of Baha'u'llah,
    p. 262)
[9] And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

V.9 As discussed in the Afterword, the four beasts, actually "four living creatures" represent humanity, the whole of which is to turn unto the Lord.
[10] The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

V.10 The Baha'i Teachings say that there are such depths to the scriptures that each verse has seventy meanings. Many studying these verses have found other meanings that they have perhaps been meant to find. For the Baha'is, many read the themes presented here as directly applying to the advent of the Baha'i Revelation.

    " these "Springs that have welled out from the Source of His Revelation," these first companions who, in the words of the Persian Bayan, "enjoy nearest access to God," these "Luminaries that have, from everlasting, bowed down, and will everlastingly continue to bow down, before the Celestial Throne," and lastly these "elders" mentioned in the Book of Revelation as "sitting before God on their seats," "clothed in white raiment" and wearing on their heads "crowns of gold" -- these were, ere their dispersal, summoned to the Bab's presence, Who addressed to them His parting words, entrusted to each a specific task, and assigned to some of them as the proper field of their activities their native provinces. He enjoined them to observe the utmost caution and moderation in their behavior, unveiled the loftiness of their rank, and stressed the magnitude of their responsibilities. He recalled the words addressed by Jesus to His disciples, and emphasize=d the superlative greatness of the New Day.
    (Shoghi Effendi,
    God Passes By
    p. 7)
[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

V.11 God has created mankind to worship Him.

    The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day. This is a new cycle of human power. All the horizons of the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise. It is the hour of unity of the sons of men and of the drawing together of all races and all classes.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    'Abdu'l-Baha in London,
    p. 19)

Chapter Five - The Book of Revelation

[1] And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

V.1 As, from the previous chapter, the One Who sits upon the Throne is The Bab, and the Book, sealed with the Seven Seals, is the The Book of Revelation revealed by Jesus Christ. The Seven Seals (the meaning of the Seven World Religions) could not be opened until the 'time of fulfillment' when Christ returned in the station of The Bab.

The meaning of that which was 'written within' by Jesus Christ, and which you are reading now, could not be understood until opened through the power/Revelation of the Bab.

    Say, God is my witness! The Promised One Himself hath come down from heaven, seated upon the crimson cloud with the hosts of revelation on His right, and the angels of inspiration on His left, and the Decree hath been fulfilled at the behest of God, the Omnipotent, the Almighty.
    . (Baha'u'llah,
    Tablets of Baha'u'llah,
    p. 182)
[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

 V.2 The Books of ALL the Seven Religions (which is the reason for the Seven Seals) promised a return, but until the Promised One, 'The Manifestation', The Bab, came the nature of the 'Return' would stay sealed from our understanding.
[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

 V.3 The idea that none could open this New Book is emphasized strongly, a qualification which also applies to this Book of Revelation. He says none on the earth nor under the earth could open This Book.

    Daniel
    12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

    12:5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.

    12:6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

    12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

    12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

    12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

    12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

    King James Bible
[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

 V.4 Again we are told that the Seals of the Book, could not be understood at that time, but when the Return came, it was ready to be opened. That none could understand this book until then bothered John, and he wept because of it, but the New Revelation along with the way the world would change was simply beyond the comprehension of people at that time.

For the same reason the Book of Revelation was incomprehensible for people throughout the Christian centuries although many tried to explain its meanings. One would have to see how the world would change as to the nature of nations, the appearance of modern technology, and the Revelation of the further Manifestations, for the Sealed Books to be meaningful.

[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

 V.5 Baha'u'llah the second of the Twin Manifestations was a 'Lion' from the tribe of Juda, the root of David. We refer to Baha'u'llah as being a Lion, and with His ancestors being the root of David, He too is qualified to open The Book. Baha'u'llah was a Descendant of Abraham through both Katurah and Sarah -- Jesse, Son of Sarah, was the Father of David and the Ancestor of Baha'u'llah.

Thus it is that David and Baha'u'llah are from the same 'root' and that Baha'u'llah is therefore from the "root of David". Many prophecies of the Old Testament that didn't happen when Christ came have now been fulfilled. The loosing of the Seven Seals, mentioned in the Book of Revelation, is the fulfilling of the 'End Time' for the Seven Major Religions of the world.

    "Regarding your question concerning the Jesse from whom Baha'u'llah is descended: The Master says in 'Some Answered Questions' referring to Isaiah, chapter 11, verses 1 to 10, that these verses apply 'Word for word to Baha'u'llah'. He then identifies this Jesse as the father of David in the following words: '...for Joseph was of the descendants of Jesse the father of David...', thus identifying the Jesse of Isaiah, chapter 11, with being the father of David. Baha'u'llah is thus the descendant of Jesse, the father of David.
    "The Guardian hopes that this will clarify the matter for you. It is a tremendous and fascinating theme, Baha'u'llah's connection with the Faith of Judaism, and one which possesses great interest to Jew and Christian alike."
    (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
    to an individual believer,
    July 11, 1942)
    (1559.Lights of Guidance,
    p. 473)
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

 V.6 The Lamb (Jesus Christ and His Return as The Bab) appeared in the midst of the Throne with the elders, and the four beasts (four living creatures representive of humanity from all the four directions) having the Spirit of all the Seven Religions, the seven Spirits of God that had been sent forth into all the earth.

Seeing everything with Seven Eyes, refers to The Bab (with innate knowledge like Jesus) seeing everything of the past seven Revealers of the seven major religions of the world.

    The majesty of His gait, the expression of overpowering confidence which sat upon His brow -- above all, the spirit of power which shone from His whole being, appeared to have for a moment crushed the soul out of the body of those whom He had greeted. A deep, a mysterious silence, suddenly fell upon them. Not one soul in that distinguished assembly dared breathe a single word. At last the stillness which brooded over them was broken by the Nizamu'l-'Ulama'. "Whom do you claim to be," he asked the Bab, "and what is the message which you have brought?" "I am," thrice exclaimed the Bab, "I am, I am, the promised One! I am the One whose name you have for a thousand years invoked, at whose mention you have risen, whose advent you have longed to witness, and the hour of whose Revelation you have prayed God to hasten. Verily I say, it is incumbent upon the peoples of both the East and the West to obey My word and to pledge allegiance to My person."
    (Shoghi Effendi,
    The Dawn-Breakers,
    p. 315)
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

 V.7 The Bab took the Book, out of the right hand of the One 'upon the throne'. All the Manifestations are actually The One and The Same - and in this case this is symbolic of Jesus sitting upon The Throne, passing The Book unto His New Manifestation, The Bab, Who likewise passed the authority on to Baha'u'llah.

May 23,1844 marked the first day of the birth of this new Revelation when the first chapter of the Bab's book was written. Three months later a scroll written by the Bab was presented to Baha'u'llah, from which Baha'u'llah joined the Babi movement immediately. It is obvious that Baha'u'llah's mission was known in Heaven. At the beginning the Bab revealed that Baha'u'llah's Book was characterized as the "first, the greatest, the mightiest of all books", and so it is His Revelation that all of humanity, all of the Seven Religions in the past, and all of the prophets of the past awaited and looked forward to.

    (The Bab)... had placed His writings and even His ring and pen-case in a specially prepared box, put the key of the box in an envelope, and sent it by means of Mulla Baqir, who was one of His first associates, to Mulla 'Abdu'l-Karim of Qazvin...(who) opened the lid of the box and said, "I am commanded to convey this trust to Baha'u'llah: more than this ask not of me, for I cannot tell you." Then Mulla 'Abdu'l-Karim conveyed the trust to its destination.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    A Traveller's Narrative,
    p. 25)
[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

 V.8 This is a great event, as the books are to be opened. The odours of the vials represent more than prayers, like an invisible essence of spiritual atmosphere. The emphasis here is that every one of them had harps and golden vials which is symbolic that all the religions had spiritual truths.

    'Awake, for, lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, O peoples of the world! For He Who is your promised One is come!'
    (Shoghi Effendi,
    God Passes By,
    p. 6)
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

 V.9 They sang a new song. This is a new Revelation from God, one that has not been heard before. The Bab is worthy to take the Book and also (besides Baha'u'llah) opens the Seals. He too, was a descendant of Abraham. The Bab was to sacrifice His life to make way for Baha'u'llah: The 'Glory of God' for all peoples, all races and all nationalities. The historical similarity between the life of the Bab and that of Jesus is quite astounding. This Message, the New Song, is for all mankind.

    The Reality of the divine Religions is one, because the Reality is one and cannot be two. All the prophets are united in their message, and unshaken. They are like the sun; in different seasons they ascend from different rising points on the horizon. Therefore every ancient prophet gave the glad tidings of the future, and every future has accepted the past.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    'Abdu'l-Baha in London,
    p. 29)
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

 V.10 The new revelation shall reign on the earth. Those who will accept this new Message and go out to teach, will be highly regarded by the Concourse on High with a rank similar to that of the kings and priests.

    Arise thou to serve the Cause and say: I swear by the righteousness of God! Verily this is the Primal Point, (The Bab) arrayed in His new attire and manifested in His glorious Name. He at present beholdeth everything from this Horizon. Indeed He is supreme over all things. Amongst the Concourse on High He is known as the Most Great Announcement and in the Realms of Eternity as the Ancient Beauty, and before the Throne by this Name (The Most Great Name) which hath caused the footsteps of them that are endued with understanding to slip.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Tablets of Baha'u'llah,
    p. 181)
[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

 V.11 John heard the voice of many angels around the throne. The disciples and the Hosts on High are ever ready to assist those who are teaching. The people who will accept the New revelation are numberless, symbolized as ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, which is saying that for generations the earth will be guided by these Teachings.

    Say, O followers of the Son! (Jesus) Have ye shut out yourselves from Me by reason of My Name? Wherefore ponder ye not in your hearts? Day and night ye have been calling upon your Lord, the Omnipotent, but when He came from the heaven of eternity in His great glory, ye turned aside from Him and remained sunk in heedlessness... We, in truth, have opened unto you the gates of the Kingdom. Will ye bar the doors of your houses in My face? This indeed is naught but a grievous error. He, verily, hath again come down from heaven, even as He came down from it the first time. Beware lest ye dispute that which He proclaimeth, even as the people before you disputed His utterances. Thus instructeth you the True One, could ye but perceive it.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Tablets of Baha'u'llah,
    p.9)

[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

 V.12 A loud voice proclaimed the Bab to be worthy to receive power, with eloquence, extraordinary wisdom, spiritual strength and above all, innate knowledge from God. Baha'u'llah also had all these qualities, as did all Seven Revealers of all the religions of God. On May 23, 1844 the Bab declared who He was. To open the new cycle, God has introduced a 'Gate' a Manifestation, with the same attributes as all previous Prophets, to be the Forerunner. Eighteen individuals independently found the Bab and became His disciples (often called 'elders'). Including the Bab they are called Nineteen Letters of the Living.
[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

 V.13 All the creatures on the earth, under the earth, and all creatures in the sea, can feel this New Revelation and are blessed by it. The most spiritually blind eye should be able to recognize that a Power was released around 1844 that changed the world. Electricity, automobiles, airplanes, satellites, atomic energy, computers and thousands of other things have suddenly come into existence in the history of the world and mankind.

For the centuries between the time of Jesus and His giving of this prophecy - and its Fulfillment - the world remained pretty much the same with horse, foot and sail transportation - but then it all suddenly changed at the Divine Springtime and every creature on the earth, under the earth or in the sea were affected one way or the other by this historic Declaration.

Blessing and honour and glory, be upon him that 'sitteth on the throne' and unto the Lamb forever and ever. We are to be very humble and accept God's new Prophets for this new day and age because They alone have the guidance that we need for dealing with the Power that has been released in this New Day.

[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. V.14 The four beasts, meaning the whole of humanity, (the Four Types of Souls), said Amen, meaning 'so be it'. The 24 disciples fell down and worshipped Him with great devotion. Just as with Jesus, The Bab and Baha'u'llah will be known forever.

    God testifieth to the unity of His Godhood and to the singleness of His own Being. On the throne of eternity, from the inaccessible heights of His station, His tongue proclaimeth that there is none other God but Him. He Himself, independently of all else, hath ever been a witness unto His own oneness, the revealer of His own nature, the glorifier of His own essence. He, verily, is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the Beauteous.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Prayers and Meditations
    p.86)
    From the seed of reality religion has grown into a tree which has put forth leaves and branches, blossoms and fruit. After a time this tree has fallen into a condition of decay. The leaves and blossoms have withered and perished; the tree has become stricken and fruitless. It is not reasonable that man should hold to the old tree, claiming that its life forces are undiminished, its fruit unequaled, its existence eternal. The seed of reality must be sown again in human hearts in order that a new tree may grow therefrom and new divine fruits refresh the world. By this means the nations and peoples now divergent in religion will be brought into unity, imitations will be forsaken, and a universal brotherhood in reality itself will be established. Warfare and strife will cease among mankind; all will be reconciled as servants of God. For all are sheltered beneath the tree of His providence and mercy.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    The Promulgation of Universal Peace,
    p.141)

Chapter Six - The Book of Revelation

[1] And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

V.1
a. This is the beginning of the Second Thread about the Seven Angels or the Seven Churches.

b.The first SEAL is for the Sabeans, as each of the other Seals will be for their religion in numbered order.

c. This chapter also has the SECOND series in the thread about the Four (good) Beasts, this time dealing with each of the Four Beasts separately.

d. each of the Four Beasts also introduce the short thread of the Four Horsemen, so we have at least three overlapping threads simultaneously going on here at the moment.

e. It is the Lamb, which in this chapter (and the previous two) is The Bab (the first Manifestation of Christ in this Day and Age), opening all of the Seals. The first seal, associated with the Sabean Religion, the oldest religion and most anciently widespread among the native peoples of the earth, seems to be universal in its application.

The 'first beast' (living creature representative of the four natures/souls of man and the four directions of the earth) says "come and see" meaning 'open your eyes and mind'. The Bab has been sent to open the minds and hearts of mankind for the arrival of the One to come (Baha'u'llah), and the arrival of the New Day.

    Their hearts are deprived of the power of true insight, and thus they cannot see, while those endowed with the eyes of the spirit circle like moths round the Light of Truth until they are consumed. It is for this reason that the Day of Resurrection is said to be the greatest of all days, yet it is like unto any other day.
    (The Bab,
    Selections from the Writings of the Bab,
    p. 79)

Chapter Seven - The Book of Revelation

[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

 V.9 John now saw a great multitude, which no man could number, from all nations, all races and all tongues. This symbolizes that beyond the 144,000 eventually most of mankind will take up the 'Cause of God' with heart and soul. They will stand before The Throne of Baha'u'llah and before the Bab, (the Lamb) clothed with white robes of purity, with palms in their hands showing their dedication.

    The sea of the unity of mankind is lifting up its waves with joy, for there is real communication between the hearts and minds of men. The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    'Abdu'l-Baha in London,
    p. 19)
[10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

 V.10 In time, the whole world will become aware of the Bab and Baha'u'llah and will recognize Them as the Source of the spiritual power that has unified mankind.

[14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

 V.14 These (in the white robes) are the ones who had great trials, just as the twenty thousand souls that gave up their lives for their belief in the Bab. Their robes were washed, meaning that they have detached themselves from the materialism and immorality of this world. These are the ones among mankind who live their lives in complete dedication to the Lord and have overcome such attitudes as nationalism, racism, and religionism.
[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

 V.17 The Lamb is the Bab and the living fountains of waters that He shall lead them to, is Truth. It will disturb Christians for one to say that the Bab is the Lamb of God, but it is True because The Bab is the Return of Christ, and they Both had very similar lives.

Our Lord guides us on our individual paths in our recognizing and serving Him. His assistance and the assistance of the Holy Concourse is with every soul that seeks to turn to Him and serve Him. Eventually each one that does so, arrives to a life of meaning and purpose.

    Say: Verily I am the 'Gate of God' and I give you to drink, by the leave of God, the sovereign Truth, of the crystal-pure waters of His Revelation which are gushing out from the incorruptible Fountain situate upon the Holy Mount. And those who earnestly strive after the One True God, let them then strive to attain this Gate. Verily God is potent over all things...
    (The Bab,
    Selections from the Writings of the Bab,
    p. 50)
    O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshaled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha
    Selections of the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha,
    p. 264)

Chapter Eleven - The Book of Revelation

[1] And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

 V.1 This is considered the most important Chapter in the Book of Revelation because this is where Jesus gives the date of His Return. A Christian will quickly object, "No man knoweth the hour", but that is before the Return of Christ - and this explanation is being given AFTER the Return of Christ.

The Bab (and Baha'u'llah) are the Return of Christ (as also was Muhammad) but the full explanation about this is to be found in the Most Clear Proof.

There are, of course, many spiritual meanings to all these words, but in a sense the Temple of God, is the Religion of God. Some would take a bit more literal explanation saying it is regarding the temple in Jerusalem.

In any case the order is to measure it and the measurement is actually one of time rather than space.

[14] The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

 V.14 As with all verses and archetypes there are often many different meanings. The archetype of The Three Woes has great significance to the present generation in the Three World Wars, and it is hard for many to believe that there could be an even greater significance.

The Three Woes are discussed in the Afterword of Chapter Eight. The Most Important Thing for humanity is in regards to these Three Manifestations of God. The Three Woes, foretold by Jesus, were Muhammad, The Bab, and Baha'u'llah.

    "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." The first woe is the appearance of the Prophet, Muhammad, the son of Abdu'llah -- peace be upon Him! The second woe is that of the Bab -- to Him be glory and praise! The third woe is the great day of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts and the radiance of the Beauty of the Promised One. The explanation of this subject, woe, is mentioned in the thirtieth chapter of Ezekiel, verses 2 and 3 where it is said: The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Howl ye, Woe worth the day! For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near."

    Therefore, it is certain that the day of woe is the day of the Lord; for in that day woe is for the neglectful, woe is for the sinners, woe is for the ignorant. That is why it is said, "The second woe is past; behold the third woe cometh quickly!" This third woe is the day of the manifestation of Baha'u'llah, the day of God; and it is near to the day of the appearance of the Bab.

(Abdu'l-Baha,
Some Answered Questions,
p. 56)

Chapter Twelve - The Book of Revelation

[2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

 V.2 As is now apparent to most everyone, Islam had very great difficulties and struggled to implement the spiritual law of Muhammad, the birth of which was not fulfilled until the coming of the Bab.
    The child Who is referred to is the Bab, the Primal Point, Who was in truth born from the Law of Muhammad -- that is to say, the Holy Reality, Who is the child and outcome of the Law of God, His mother, and Who is promised by that religion, finds a reality in the kingdom of that Law; but because of the despotism of the dragon the child was carried up to God. After twelve hundred and sixty days the dragon was destroyed, and the child of the Law of God, the Promised One, became manifest.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Some Answered Questions,
    p.69)

[4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

 V.4 The Islamic religion, which had become the Great Dragon, certainly drew in a third part of the stars of heaven; that is to say a third of the souls of the world. Almost as many souls became followers of Islam as there were Christians in the world.

The details of the historical conflict and battles between the Shiites and the Sunnis are often very confusing to people in Western cultures, but they are certainly aware of the great slaughters that have taken place.

There are great disputes between the present day Sunnis and Shiites, but most all sects of them are in total agreement about trying to destroy the Babi and Baha'i religions.

[5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

 V.5 As emphasized in the previous chapter, mentioned here, and repeatedly in the subsequent chapters, the New Message, the New Teachings, the New Religion, the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, is to be over all the nations of the earth.

The child being caught up to God and His throne have spiritual meanings that are far above the imaginings of literal minded individuals.

    "And she brought forth a man child, Who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron." This great son is the promised Manifestation Who was born of the Law of God and reared in the bosom of the divine teachings. The iron rod is a symbol of power and might -- it is not a sword -- and means that with divine power and might He will shepherd all the nations of the earth. This son is the Bab.

    This is a prophecy of the Bab, Who ascended to the heavenly realm, to the Throne of God, and to the center of His Kingdom. Consider how all this corresponds to what happened.

    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Some Answered Questions,
    p.70)

[6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

 Verse 6.

    "Where she had a place prepared of God."

    The Arabian Peninsula became the abode and dwelling place, and the center of the Law of God.

    "That they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."

    In the terminology of the Holy Book these twelve hundred and sixty days mean the twelve hundred and sixty years that the Law of God was set up in the wilderness of Arabia, the great desert: from it the Promised One has come. After twelve hundred and sixty years that Law will have no more influence, for the fruit of that tree will have appeared, and the result will have been produced.

    Consider how the prophecies correspond to one another. In the Apocalypse, the appearance of the Promised One is appointed after forty-two months, and Daniel expresses it as three times and a half, which is also forty-two months, which are twelve hundred and sixty days. In another passage of John's Revelation it is clearly spoken of as twelve hundred and sixty days, and in the Holy Book it is said that each day signifies one year. Nothing could be clearer than this agreement of the prophecies with one another.

    Bab appeared in the year 1260 of the Hejira of Muhammad, which is the beginning of the universal era-reckoning of all Islam. There are no clearer proofs than this in the Holy Books for any Manifestation. For him who is just, the agreement of the times indicated by the tongues of the Great Ones is the most conclusive proof. There is no other possible explanation of these prophecies.

    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Some Answered Questions,
    p. 71)
The Islamic Faith was initially established in the wilderness of the Arabian desert. The verse itself is actually the "climatic"/"summation" verse in this series pointing out once again that it would take 1260 prophetic days, which is 1260 calendar years for the prophecy to be fulfilled. As always, to comprehend this one must understand the Most Clear Proof. The Most Clear Proof is based upon the Prophecy of Daniel, and as Jesus said:

    Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
[11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

 V.11 The blood of the Bab, the Lamb who was martyred in His seventh year of His Mission (paralleling in many ways the life of Jesus) created such a spirit in his followers that they spread His Teachings. Although the Islamic clergy thought His death would put an end to the Babi Faith, it only made it grow stronger. The clergy was frustrated, that their scheme did not work. The Faith has spread around the world with even greater rapidity than Christianity initially spread. The similarities between the Missions of The Bab and that of Christ are remarkable.
[14] And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

 V.14 God's Law was protected, the writings were unchanged. However, the world leaders made up laws of their own. God's prophecy of when His Laws would be manifest is told in this and the following verses which all work out to the same date.
      "Scriptures" DAN 8:14 1844 C.E. (from a proof regarding Christ)
      DAN 7:25 time, times, and div. of time
      DAN 9:27 midst of week
      DAN 12:7 time, times, & half
      Luke 4:25 three years and six months
      REV 11:2 42 months:
      REV 11:3 1260 days
      REV 11:9 3 1/2 days
      REV 11:11 3 1/2 days
      REV 12:6 1260 days
      REV 12:14 time, times, & half
      REV 13:5 42 months
      Each of the expressions 

      time, times, & div. of time =3 1/2
      time, times, and a half, =3 1/2
      the midst of the week (one half of seven days)
       all equal 3 and 1/2
      The Law of God (the woman) was to be protected:
       Time 1, and times 2, and 1/2 a time, totals to 3 1/2: changing to months (3.5 x 12) this works out to 42 months.

Ezekiel 4:6 says: " I have appointed each day as a year" (3 x 12 months = 36 years + 6 months (or half a year) = 42 months - now years

 We use an average of 30 days in a month: (42 x 30 years = 1260) or 1260 years on the Islamic calendar, which is 1844 A D. on the Christian calendar. ( See verse 6)

The restored Law of God happened on May 23rd, 1844, when the Bab declared His Mission. The prophecies of the Qur'an and the Bible had been protected, and were manifested.

To thoroughly understand this, one needs to work through a study of The Most Clear Proof.

It is interesting that the Baha'i' Faith spread to America in 1892, and in two years four people became interested. By 1900 there were 700 members. Today there are millions around the world, and Baha'i's believe that in the future centuries there will be hundreds of millions and eventually billions, who will be guided by the same 'Light' of Christ, which is the same 'Light' of The Bab, and Baha'u'llah.
 

[15] And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

 V.15 The Islamic hierarchy, jealously guarding its power with a flood of accusations and deceit, tried to wipe out the New Law of God. Both the Sunni and the Shiite sects persecuted the members of the Babi and the Baha'i Faith. Baha'u'llah, because of his father's high level in government, was given some protection although He suffered greatly including being thrown into a dungeon with heavy chains around his neck, and then being banished from Persia (Iran) to Iraq and finally to 'Akka in Syria, (now Israel) to forced confinement in a fortress used by the Ottoman State for dangerous criminals with the expectation that He would not survive.

The headquarters for the Baha'i World Faith is now established on Mount Caramel in Haifa, Israel, adjacent to that prison in Acca.

[16] And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

 V.16 Although the flood of accusations against the Bab and Baha'u'llah caused hardship and lamentation, it did not stop the growth of the Faith.

    Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench. The Hand of Divine power can, alone, deliver mankind from this desolating affliction.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Epistle to the Son of the Wolf,
    p. 14)

[17] And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 V.17 The Islamic clergy is angry with the Babi Faith and wants to make war with the remnant of her seed, The Bab, a descendant of Muhammad, who fulfilled the prophecy of Muhammad. He and Christ had very similar lives, and both gave the same testimony.

    In His day Christ was called Satan, Beelzebub, but hear the bells now ringing for Him! He was the Word of God and not Satan. They mocked Him, led Him through the city upon a donkey, crowned Him with thorns, spat upon His blessed face and crucified Him, but He is now with God and in God because He was the Word and not Satan. Fifty years ago no one would touch the Christian Bible in Persia. Baha'u'llah came and asked, "Why?" They said, "It is not the Word of God." He said, "You must read it with understanding of its meanings, not as those who merely recite its words." Now Baha'is all over the East read the Bible and understand its spiritual teaching. Baha'u'llah spread the Cause of Christ and opened the book of the Christians and Jews. He removed the barriers of names. He proved that all the divine Prophets taught the same reality and that to deny One is to deny the Others, for all are in perfect oneness with God.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    The Promulgation of Universal Peace,
    p. 212)

Chapter Fourteen - The Book of Revelation

[1] And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

V.1 This chapter is mainly the beginning of the thread (starting in verse 8) about Babylon the Great, but this first part is an interjection about The Bab and Baha'u'llah, the Return of Christ, which is the central theme to which the Book of Revelation applies.

The city of Jerusalem is built on Mount Zion, and frequently is mentioned in the Bible. Here it refers to the New Jerusalem, which is a symbol for 'The Law of God', which is now established on Mount Carmel in Haifa.

The symbolism of 144,000 (a number that adds to nine), has been dealt with elsewhere as has the significance of having a name written on one's forehead, certainly not something scribbled there with an idelible marker.

    The time foreordained unto the peoples and kindreds of the earth is now come. The promises of God, as recorded in the holy Scriptures, have all been fulfilled. Out of Zion hath gone forth the Law of God, and Jerusalem, and the hills and land thereof, are filled with the glory of His Revelation. Happy is the man that pondereth in his heart that which hath been revealed in the Books of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Meditate upon this, O ye beloved of God, and let your ears be attentive unto His Word, so that ye may, by His grace and mercy, drink your fill from the crystal waters of constancy, and become as steadfast and immovable as the mountain in His Cause.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    XVI Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

[3] And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

 V.3 The New Song, a song of thanksgiving, love and peace; the words coming from the writings of Baha'u'llah and the Bab. They sang along with the four rulers (see Chapter 4:7) and elders who are helping to spread the Message. The New Song is the New Message for renewal to the world that brings new knowledge and wisdom, the 144,000 being a symbol of those who first responded to the New Message. This great gift is one that everyone should hold onto with all their might. The new laws are for this day and age, devoid of old man-made superstitions, traditions and vain imaginations.

    'Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.' Whatsoever hath led the children of men to shun one another, and hath caused dissensions and divisions amongst them, hath, through the revelation of these words, been nullified and abolished. From the heaven of God's Will, and for the purpose of ennobling the world of being and of elevating the minds and souls of men, hath been sent down that which is the most effective instrument for the education of the whole human race.
    (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 87)
    We have abolished the law to wage holy war against each other. God's mercy hath, verily, encompassed all created things, if ye do but understand.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 25)
    The Cause of Baha'u'llah is the same as the Cause of Christ. It is the same temple and the same foundation. Both of these are spiritual springtimes and seasons of the soul-refreshing awakening and the cause of the renovation of the life of mankind. The spring of this year is the same as the spring of last year. The origins and the ends are the same. The sun of today is the sun of yesterday. In the coming of Christ, the divine teachings were given in accordance with the infancy of the human race. The teachings of Baha'u'llah have the same basic principles, but are according to the stage of the maturity of the world and the requirements of this illumined age.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Baha'i Scriptures,
    p. 461)

[14] And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

 V.14 This the "End Times" imagery of the Return of Christ - One like "the Son of Man" (therefore a Manifestation of God), coming on the clouds (through the mist and haze of humans' understanding)with a sickle the symbol of reaping (the 'Judgment Day' for mankind).

In the past many have given literal nonsensical children's fairytale like explanations of such verses and have questioned other's faith in God if they did not believe in such happenings.

    Tear asunder the veils and curtains of these dogmas, remove these accumulated, suffocating increments, dispel these dark impenetrable clouds, that the sun of reality may shine from the horizon of eternity.

    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Divine Philosophy,
    p. 162)
    ISAIAH
    28:5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,
    28:6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

    King James Bible
    Zephaniah
    2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.

    King James Bible
[16] And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

 V.16 This verse goes back to Verse 14 where the old order must be rolled up and a new order put in place.

    Beseech ye the one true God to grant that all men may be graciously assisted to fulfil that which is acceptable in Our sight. Soon will the present-day order be rolled up, and a new one spread out in its stead. Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is the Knower of things unseen.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah,
    p. 121)

Chapter Sixteen - The Book of Revelation

[7] And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

 V.7 This "another out of the alter" may be attributed to one of the two Angels that appear after the seven angels of the seven religions, because it is interjected between the Third Angel in verse 4 above and the Fourth Angel in verse 8 below.

As will be seen, when they appear, the 8th and 9th Angels are associated with the Bab and Baha'u'llah and the Babi and Baha'i religions.

    "In the 7th verse another angel of power speaking confirms this, that God is just and righteous to have judged the people."

Chapter Seventeen - The Book of Revelation

[14] These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

 V.14 While the power of the Beast may seem very great today, the destiny of all this is the Message of the Book of Revelation, and those who work to spread the Message and implement God's Plan are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The Bab is called the Lamb, because He, like Jesus knew His life would be sacrificed. He thus fulfilled His purpose. He truly can be called Lord of lords, and King of kings.

Chapter Twenty - The Book of Revelation

[7] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

 V.7 While the Cycle of Fulfillment begun by the Bab and Baha'u'llah will last for over 500,000 years the Dispensation of Baha'u'llah will end sometime after a thousand years and another Manifestation will appear to bring new laws and new teachings to fit the changing times and conditions of mankind.

All things in the world eventually decay and have to be renewed or replaced and this applies also to institutions and religion. It will also apply to the Baha'i Faith. When religion loses its spiritual vitality that is when the old Satan (materialism, immorality, religious intolerance, war) reappears.

Each Prophet of God foretells of the One to come after Him and each has given signs of His coming, however we usually do not recognize these signs unless we search, keep an open mind and ask for guidance.

    'Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from God, ere the expiration of a full thousand years, such a man is assuredly a lying impostor.'

    The meaning of this is that any individual who, before the expiry of a full thousand years -- years known and clearly established by common usage and requiring no interpretation -- should lay claim to a Revelation direct from God, even though he should reveal certain signs, that man is assuredly false and an impostor.

    (Baha'u'llah,
    quoted and explained by 'Abdu'l-Baha,
    Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha,
    p. 67)

Chapter Twenty-one - The Book of Revelation

[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 V.27 Baha'u'llah has brought us a Covenant, which if followed, will protect against defilement of the laws. Those who abide by the Covenant will be written in the Bab's book of life.

    O ye beloved of God, know that steadfastness and firmness in this new and wonderful Covenant is indeed the spirit that quickeneth the hearts which are overflowing with the love of the Glorious Lord; verily, it is the power which penetrates into the hearts of the people of the world! Your Lord hath assuredly promised His servants who are firm and steadfast to render them victorious at all times, to exalt their word, propagate their power, diffuse their lights, strengthen their hearts, elevate their banners, assist their hosts, brighten their stars, increase the abundance of the showers of mercy upon them, and enable the brave lions to conquer.
    ('Abdu'l-Baha,
    Baha'i World Faith,
    p. 357)

Chapter Twenty-two - The Book of Revelation

[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

V.1 He showed John fresh new and pure spiritual teachings, pure as crystal, the untarnished teachings proceeding from the throne of the Bab and Baha'u'llah.

    Say: We have caused the rivers of Divine utterance to proceed out of Our throne, that the tender herbs of wisdom and understanding may spring forth from the soil of your hearts. Will ye not be thankful?
    (Baha'u'llah,
    XVIII Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)
[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

 V.16 Jesus sent His angel, to tell John to write His testimony that they may hear the words of this prophecy, as time is at hand. (Rev 1: 1-3) He is the root and offspring of David. The Bab is also known as the Morning Star (see Rev.2:28). Both Jesus and the Bab had similar lives.

    He the Revealer of the unseen Beauty (Jesus), addressing one day His disciples, referred unto His passing, and, kindling in their hearts the fire of bereavement, said unto them: "I go away and come again unto you." And in another place He said: "I go and another will come Who will tell you all that I have not told you, and will fulfil all that I have said." Both these sayings have but one meaning, were you to ponder upon the Manifestations of the Unity of God with divine insight.
    (Baha'u'llah,
    The Kitab-i-Iqan,
    p. 20)

That all the Manifestations are One, that Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Muhammad, The Bab and Baha'u'llah are all One, with the Father, is probably the hardest new concept to grasp about the Teachings of the New Age.

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