The Baha'i Religion

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

Jesus Speaks
of The Baha'i Religion
References in The Book of Revelation to
Baha'u'llah
(The Glory of God, The Promised One of All Ages)
The Second Twin Manifestation of the Religions of Fulfillment

Another Mighty Angel (Rev. 10:1, 18:21)
The Ninth Angel
is the Angel of The Baha'i Religion.
The Angel for each religion has a specific mission.

CONCEPT BOX
The principles regarding the interpretation of the verses and (as was explained in the String about the Babi Religion) and that for this reason this interpretation of these verses will be meaningful only to Baha'is, applies equally well to these verses about the Baha'i Religion.
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'. The concept of the "return" of Christ being Baha'u'llah is introduced in Rev.1:13 (One 'like' the Son of man), and in effect the whole book is therefore actually being revealed by Christ in His 'return' identity as Bah�'u'll�h.
The Trumpet (Rev.1:10) is Symbolic of the Pen of the Manifestation of God and in this case is Bah�'u'll�h, who from the throne of Jesus (Rev.1:4) and Bah�'u'll�h (Rev.4:2) is the Speaker throughout the Book of Revelation and consequently is recognized as such in the commentary column throughout this book. This may at first be difficult to accept by those who already have a preconceived idea as to the meaning of the Book of Revelation but understanding of the explanations given with each verse throughout the Book will open one's eyes to what is in fact the central purpose of the Book of Revelation - the recognition of Christ as Bah�'u'll�h in His Return.
The central idea in this book is of course that the B�b and Bah�'u'll�h are the Return of Christ and that all that is said of Christ is said of the B�b and Bah�'u'll�h - and vice versa, for in Spirit They are One as they are also One with all of the other Manifestations of God.
The mystery of the Seven Churches to which John is told to write (in Rev.1:11) are symbolic archetypes of seven historical Prophetic Revelations or Religions of God that have appeared on this planet, as will be explained in detail in the following chapters.
The two Religions of Fulfillment (B�b� and Bah�'�) are the subject of The Book of Revelation in the uniting of the Nine Religions.

"The number nine which in itself is the number of perfection is considered by the Bah�'�s as sacred because it is symbolic of the perfection of the Bah�'� Revelation which constitutes the ninth in the line of existing religions, the latest and fullest Revelation which mankind has ever known. The eighth is the religion of the B�b, and the remaining seven are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Isl�m, and the religion of the Sabeans. These religions are not the only true religions that have appeared in the world, but are the only ones still existing. There have always been divine Prophets and Messengers, to many of whom the Qur'�n refers. But the only ones existing are those mentioned above."
(From letter written on behalf of the Guardian
to an individual believer, July 28, 1936:
Bah�'� News, No. 105, February 1937,
p. 2)
(Lights of Guidance,
p. 414)

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,... (Bah�'u'll�h, The Kit�b-i-�q�n, p. 26) A new Revealer always brings a new wave of Spirit, which we see. We see technology growing in leaps and bounds, and 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 are released.
[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.	V.8 In this verse Christ is saying He is the beginning and the ending; the Alpha and the Omega. This goes beyond the human concept of beginning and end. Thus it is saying that �Before Abraham was, I am,' and that not only was it He (Christ) in the previous cycle but that He is also the same Spirit to come in Bah�'u'll�h. Christ is telling that His present dispensation is to end but that He will still be present in the New Dispensation as He was present in all the former Dispensations. Again the expression given in verse four, �Which is, which was, which is to come,� ending with �the Almighty' in this verse, reinforces that point.
[10] I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.	V.10 John was in the �Spirit�. He had a vision, and heard a great voice: like a Trumpet. The trumpet is a symbol of the One to come. Verily We have sounded the Trumpet which is none other than My Pen of Glory, and lo, mankind hath swooned away before it, save them whom God pleaseth to deliver as a token of His grace. He is the Lord of bounty, the Ancient of Days. (Bah�'u'll�h, Tablets of Bah�'u'll�h, p. 61)
[11] Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.	V.11 The voice of the Trumpet tells John that He, like Christ, is The Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. He is the One chosen by God for this day and Age. It is the Trumpet that tells John to write to the churches. Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridvan and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise. We have chosen thee to be our most mighty Trumpet, whose blast is to signalize the resurrection of all mankind. (Bah�'u'll�h, Gleanings from the Writings of Bah�'u'll�h, p. 30)
[12] And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks	V.12 John sees the churches as seven golden candlesticks. The word Golden means �Divine�. The churches are the world�s great religions. Say: 'The stunning trumpet blast hath been loudly raised, and the Day is God's, the One, the Unconstrained.' (Bah�'u'll�h, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 132)
[13] And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.	V.13 In the midst of the golden candlesticks John sees the One who is the Trumpet and that He is 'like unto the Son of man'. The emphasis is on 'like' because this is Christ in His new attire. This is �The Glory of God�, told about so many times in both the Old and the New Testament. God is �Unknowable� and only through one �Christ like� could we understand. The Arabic word for The Glory of God is �Bah�'u'll�h.� ."the incomparable figure of Bah�'u'll�h, transcendent in His majesty, serene, awe-inspiring, unapproachably glorious." He Whom, He Himself testifies, the Prophets and Messengers addressed, on the eve of His Declaration, as "O Most Great Mystery, Tabernacle of Immortality!" (Ministry of the Custodians, p.379) John saw him wearing a long cloak, and a �golden� sash, which signifies His Divine nature.
[14] His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;	V.14 His hair has become white, which happened when Bah�'u'll�h was age 32 and in prison: this prison was very foul and conditions terrible, however it was the concern about His Forerunner being killed that brought anguish to His soul .�iniquities which had riddled the breast of the B�b with bullets, had bowed down Bah�'u'll�h, and turned His hair white, and caused Him to groan aloud in anguish�. (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p.90) "His eyes were as a flame of fire", He alludeth but to the keenness of sight and acuteness of vision of the Promised One, Who with His eyes burneth away every veil and covering,. (Bah�'u'll�h, Gems of Divine Mysteries: Verse 75)
[15] And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.	V.15 As to the words "brass-like were His feet", by this is meant His constancy upon hearing the call of God that commandeth Him: "Be thou steadfast as thou hast been bidden."[Qur'�n (Koran) 11:112] He shall so persevere in the Cause of God, and evince such firmness in the path of His might, that even if all the powers of earth and heaven were to deny Him, He would not waver in the proclamation of His Cause, nor flee from His command in the promulgation of His Laws. (Bah�'u'll�h, Gems of Divine Mysteries: Verse 76)
[16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.	V.16 John tells us that he saw the seven stars, the Revealers of the seven religions, in Bah�'u'll�h's right hand. John said that His countenance was bright like the noon day sun, and out of His mouth His words were as a two-edged sword. The symbolism of a two edged sword is something that cuts two or both ways. For good and evil. This has often been the case of religion which has been a great force for good in establishing societies, but as we read about it in the following chapters religion sometimes becomes inverted and darkened through dogmatism to become very much a force of evil.
[17] And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:	V.17 John was overwhelmed. Bah�'u'll�h told him not to fear - and told him also Who He was, � the first and the last�. This means the latest manifestation of God, or the latest Revealer, identified before as the �Alpha and Omega�. He is like Christ, and all the previous Messengers of God as well as Those to come. Wert thou to consider in this station the last of them to be the first, or conversely, thou wouldst indeed be speaking the truth, as hath been ordained by Him Who is the Wellspring of Divinity and the Source of Lordship: . (Bah�'u'll�h, Gems of Divine Mysteries: Verse 45)
[18] I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.	V.18 He told John that He will live forever, like those before Him - Moses, Krishna, Jesus etc. He also said that He had the keys of Heaven and Hell and death. This is very powerful, and means that in this Day and Age, God is working through Bah�'u'll�h. From time immemorial He hath been veiled in the eternity of His Essence and concealed in the infinitude of His own Being. And when He purposed to manifest His beauty in the kingdom of names and to reveal His glory in the realm of attributes, He brought forth His Prophets from the invisible plane to the visible, that His name "the Manifest" might be distinguished from "the Hidden" and His name "the Last" might be discerned from "the First", and that there may be fulfilled the words: "He is the First and the Last; the Seen and the Hidden; and He knoweth all things!" Thus hath He revealed these most excellent names and most exalted words in the Manifestations of His Self and the Mirrors of His Being. (Bah�'u'll�h, Gems of Divine Mysteries: Verse 46)

Chapter Two - The Book of Revelation

[1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;	Ephesus - Sabean - Commentary This is the first of SIX threads about the seven Angels, or seven churches (actually the seven world religions) to which Jesus sends His Message. The SIX threads are lists of verses and are like six strings of pearls or six strings of jeweled beads. Each jeweled bead may be thought of as being a diamond, a ruby, etc. (a similar actual list in Rev.21:18-19). Every string/thread has the exact same seven jewels/beads in the exact same order, the jewels representing the seven world religions in the order of their appearance on earth - are usually represented by an angel in the verses. The following is the first religion addressed in this first thread. It is also the first religion addressed in each of the five later threads to the seven religions of the world. V.1 The FIRST angel, the first church, is Ephesus, the name of one of the towns (now in ruins) in Turkey where John had been teaching the Christian Faith. Most realize that the ruins are no longer significant, however the name is significant as to the meaning of the word 'Pale'. This is the attribute that describes the Sabean Religion, believed to have existed around 5000 B.C., the oldest religion of the seven, now almost unheard of. From the Baha'i perspective, Bah�'u'll�h is the one holding the seven stars which symbolize the seven Revealers, and the candlesticks symbolize the world religions, thus bringing them together in unity. This first star is the Sabean Prophet. For each church there is an "Angel" who is of that religion that is being addressed. There is a distinction, as the Angels are shown to have a specific mission. John is writing to the angel of each religion symbolized as candlesticks, but it is the One that holds the Stars in His right hand, that is making judgment. This, the `Return' of all the religions is Baha'u'llah. He approves each religion for what it has attained - and condemns those things in which they have fallen short. He will repeat this pattern of commending some aspect of the religion, condemning some other aspect of the religion, for each of the seven religions in turn, concluding with a threat or promise and a refrain.
Bible Verses [8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;	Smyrna - Jewish - Commentary V.8 John is told to write to the SECOND angel, the angel of the church of Smyrna. This is where John had been teaching in Greece (now Turkey). Smyrna is now in ruins, but the word 'Persecuted', is a symbol that relates to the Jewish Faith. The prophet of the Jewish religion is Moses, and is one of the stars in the right hand of Baha'u'llah, bringing all the religions together. Baha'u'llah is 'the first and last' meaning that He is the same spirit of all the Revealers from God. Each and every Prophet is both the First and the Last, as when Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I Am". In the same spirit of Moses, 'Baha'u'llah' has returned, as the 'last', and is again alive, giving guidance to the world. All the Prophets for all the religions state that They are the same Spirit as the Messengers of the past, and also of the future. Like teachers in school They know the amount that the pupils can understand. Each Prophet brings different rules for the times, however each time they build upon the same message of love and spirituality. For they are all but one person, one soul, one spirit, one being, one revelation. They are all the manifestation of the "Beginning" and the "End," the "First" and the "Last," the "Seen" and "Hidden" -- all of which pertain to Him Who is the innermost Spirit of Spirits and eternal Essence of Essences. And were they to say: "We are the servants of God," this also is a manifest and indisputable fact. For they have been made manifest in the uttermost state of servitude, a servitude the like of which no man can possibly attain. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 179)
[11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.	V.11 The Refrain: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: The angel is telling them to listen to what Baha'u'llah is telling them. The Promise: "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." The first death is the death of the body. The second death would be death of the spirit - or failure to recognize the Manifestation. When one discovers the new 'light of the age' a new life begins. The first life, which pertaineth to the elemental body, will come to an end, as hath been revealed by God: "Every soul shall taste of death." But the second life, which ariseth from the knowledge of God, knoweth no death, as hath been revealed aforetime: "Him will We surely quicken to a blessed life." (Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries: Verse 65) Each time God sends a Great One to us we are given new life, but the Truth each Manifestation brings is the same. The Truth never changes but man's vision changes. It is dulled and confused by the complication of outward forms. (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 57)
Bible Verses [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;	Pergamos - Hindu - Commentary V.12 John is now told to write to the THIRD angel, the angel of the church in Pergamos. Pergamos was a small town in Greece, (now Turkey) where John had been teaching. It was a principal center for worship and popular because of the Temple of Asclepius, which was known to offer healing. The word Pergamos means 'Popular', but since the town is now in total ruins it is no longer significant, however the word �popular� is. We relate it to the Hindu Faith. The message to the Hindu Faith is that Baha'u'llah speaks with a sharp sword, shown to be both His approval and His criticism.
[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.	V.17 The Refrain: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches:" He tells them to listen to what the Spirit is saying. The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."This promise is very great. The hidden manna is the teachings for the unity and love of mankind, and the white stone is a symbol of spiritual life. The new name is Baha'u'llah, a gift to those who recognize the new Manifestation for this age. O thou who art attracted to the Holy Fragrances!The light of truth hath made thine eyes to see, the voice of God hath made thine ears to hear and the lights emanating from the beauty of the Light of the World both made thine heart attracted and astonished. (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 132)
Bible Verses [18] And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;	THYATIRA - ZOROASTRIAN - Commentary V.18 John is now told to write to the FOURTH angel, the angel of the church Thyatira in Greece (now Turkey) which was a small town, but is now in ruins and a small commercial center has taken its place. The Greek word Thyatira symbolizes 'sacrifice' which we relate to the Zoroastrian Faith. A description of Baha'u'llah the 'Son of God', is given. His eyes like unto a flame of fire, means that He could read your very soul and His feet like fine brass - meaning that He was firm in His mission as a Messenger from God in spite of tribulations. He is the same Spirit as for all the Major Prophets or what are now called Messengers from God or Manifestations of God.
[25] But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.	V.25 He tells them to hold fast to the teachings of Zoroaster, until they receive the new message that He, Baha'u'llah will bring.
[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:	V.26 The Promise: "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him I will give power over the nations:" Baha'u'llah is a descendant of Zoroaster, so the power refers to Him, especially when it says He rules with a rod of iron. A great Baha'i scholar, Mirza Abu'l-Fadl, through extensive historical research has verified that Baha'u'llah was descended from Zoroaster and the Sasaniyan kings of Persia, thereby fulfilling certain traditions that the great Redeemer of mankind would be of pure Persian lineage. Baha'u'llah was also descended from Abraham through His third wife Katurah, thus uniting in His own person two branches of the Aryan and Semitic religions. (Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 1, p. 7)

Chapter Three - The Book of Revelation

[3] Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

V.3
He tells them to remember how their Revealer came to them, and watch for Him coming the same way.

The Threat:
If they fail to watch, the new message will come quietly like a thief at a time they are not expecting it. Most Buddhists expect the return of the Fifth Buddha or what they call the Maitreya.

(Baha'i International Community,
1992 May 29, Statement on Baha'u'llah)

(William Sears,
Thief in the Night
Part 3,
p. 143)

Isaiah also foretold the day when all the inhabitants of earth would hear the Messiah's teaching:

'All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains...

(King James Bible)

Thou Provider! The dearest wish of this servant of Thy Threshold is to behold the friends of east and west in close embrace; to see all the members of human society gathered with love in a single great assemblage, even as individual drops of water collected in one mighty sea; to behold them all as birds in one garden of roses, as pearls of one ocean, as leaves of one tree, as rays of one sun.

('Abdu'l-Baha,
Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha,
p. 75)

[7] And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth

PHILADELPHIA - CHRISTIAN - Commentary

V.7 John is now told to write to the SIXTH angel, the angel of the church Philadelphia, which was once a small town in a farming community now known as Alasehir, another place where John taught while being in Greece (now Turkey). No doubt about it, Philadelphia is a wonderful symbol for the Christian Faith - a word that means �brotherly love�.

Baha'u'llah, who is the return as the Glory of God, has the key to open the door of renewal, that He is the descendant of David, and qualified as He has fulfilled the prophecies of the Bible as well as other religious books - the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita etc.

There always seems to be a hint of �proof� for each religion such as mentioning of an open door for some churches (congregations) while others are reclusive, having their own doctrine, and not allowing their flock to search other ideas. It is important to search for the spiritual teachings that each prophet brings and not hang onto the image of the name. The Angel for the Christian Faith is known as the sixth Angel throughout the Book.

[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 Five - The Book of Revelation

[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)
[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)
[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)

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.
[11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,	V.11 All knelt before the throne, showing their love and gratitude in prayer. BY the righteousness of God! The Mother Book is made manifest, summoning mankind unto God, the Lord of the worlds, while the seas proclaim: The Most Great Ocean hath appeared, from whose waves one can hear the thundering cry: 'Verily, no God is there but Me, the Peerless, the All-Knowing.' And the trees raising their clamour exclaim: O people of the world! The voice of the Divine Lote-Tree is clearly sounding and the shrill cry of the Pen of Glory is ringing loud: Give ye ear and be not of the heedless. The sun is calling out: O concourse of the divines! The heaven of religions is split and the moon cleft asunder and the peoples of the earth are brought together in a new resurrection. Fear ye God and follow not the promptings of your passions, rather follow Him unto Whom have testified the Scriptures of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The episode of Sinai hath been re-enacted in this Revelation and He Who conversed upon the Mount is calling aloud: Verily, the Desired One is come, seated upon the throne of certitude, could ye but perceive it. He hath admonished all men to observe that which is conducive to the exaltation of the Cause of God and will guide mankind unto His Straight Path. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 247)

Chapter Eight - The Book of Revelation

[3] And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne	V.3 This Angel (not one of the series of Seven Angels) is Baha'u'llah to Whom has been given Spiritual Power that He should offer the prayers of all the saints - the emphasis being upon all because all the religions are now recognized and unified. Even as He hath revealed: "No distinction do We make between any of His Messengers!!" [Qur'an 2:285] (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 152) Baha'u'llah devoted His entire life, giving up His material possessions, forced to live a life of imprisonment, with hunger, poor health, and abuse to bring this glorious message to mankind. He surrendered unreservedly to God's summons, having no doubt about the role He was to play in human history. He stresses that the message He brings is, quote: "Not of My own volition". Therefore we must follow and adore the virtues revealed in the messengers of God whether in Abraham, Moses, Jesus or other prophets but we must not adhere to and adore the lamp. We must recognize the sun no matter from what dawning-point it may shine forth, be it Mosaic, Abrahamic or any personal point of orientation whatever, for we are lovers of sunlight and not of orientation. We are lovers of illumination and not of lamps and candles. We are seekers for water no matter from what rock it may gush forth. We are in need of fruit in whatsoever orchard it may be ripened. (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 16))
[4] And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.	V.4 The incense of the prayers ascended to God, from Baha'u'llah's Hand... out of His Teachings and from His Pen. The prayers are performed with supplication towards the mysterious Kingdom, the voice of glorification is raised to the Lord, the Supreme, then the believers shall rejoice, the hearts shall be dilated and overflow with the love of the All-living and Self-existent God. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 415) The Mightiness and Mystery of God shall ever remain far beyond whatever may be said of Him. "Thou shalt never behold Me!"; whilst a myriad Messengers, each as great as Jesus, stand dismayed upon their heavenly thrones by the interdiction, "Mine Essence thou shalt never apprehend!" (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 62)
[5] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.	V.5 The Angel (Baha'u'llah) gives a message that represents a whole new era, as it is His new teachings of unity of all mankind, justice and peace to the world: so powerful it is described as 'Fire from the Altar'. All this was cast to the earth, or in other words - sent unto mankind. At first there were voices, those discussing the new religion, then came the thunderings and lightnings, those who opposed, and the fear of the divines that the new religion would take over. Finally it is shown how much it was upsetting by describing it as an earthquake. As ye have heard of the former times, when (for example) Christ -- glory be to Him! -- appeared, a storm of trials arose, afflictions appeared, the winds of tests blew, the thunder of temptation descended and hosts of people (Pharisees) surrounded the houses of the friends; then the weak ones were shaken and were misled after once being guided; but the disciples withstood the hardships and endured the storms of ordeals, remaining firm in the Religion of God. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 13) I know not, O my God, what the Fire is which Thou didst kindle in Thy land. Earth can never cloud its splendor, nor water quench its flame. All the peoples of the world are powerless to resist its force. Great is the blessedness of him that hath drawn nigh unto it, and heard its roaring. (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 75)

Chapter Ten - The Book of Revelation

[1] And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:	V.1 This is not the Seventh and Last (Religions of the World in order) Angel in the third (Religions of the World) "Angel with Trumpets" thread. That Angel appears in verse 7. This Mighty Angel is Baha'u'llah, clothed with a cloud (Rev 1:7), meaning that the world still does not recognize Him. It shows a rainbow upon His head which symbolizes the different wonderful religions of the world to which His mission would be addressed. His face was as the sun, and His feet like pillars of fire: staunch in His purpose. Praise ye the Lord of Hosts for He, riding upon the clouds, hath come down to this world out of the heaven of the invisible realm, so that East and West were lit by the glory of the Sun of Truth, and the call of the Kingdom was raised, and the heralds of the realm above, with melodies of the Concourse on high, sang out the glad tidings of the Coming. Then the whole world of being did quiver for joy, and still the people, even as the Messiah saith, slept on: for the day of the Manifestation, when the Lord of Hosts descended, found them wrapped in the slumber of unknowing. As He saith in the Gospel, My coming is even as when the thief is in the house, and the goodman of the house watcheth not. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 34) A fire from the Kingdom hath been kindled in the heart of the world, in the Blessed Tree, whose flame shall ere long set aglow the pillars of the earth and its rays illumine the horizons of the nations. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 354)
[2] And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,	V.2 . Baha'u'llah has the Book in Hand and has set His right foot on the sea, and His left foot upon the earth, which is symbolic of the world-wide establishment of the unity that will be brought by the book's Message for the world's people. The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him. No more than a mere handful, however, hath been found willing to cleave to His Cause, or to become the instruments for its promotion. These few have been endued with the Divine Elixir that can, alone, transmute into purest gold the dross of the world, and have been empowered to administer the infallible remedy for all the ills that afflict the children of men. No man can obtain everlasting life, unless he embraceth the truth of this inestimable, this wondrous, and sublime Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, XCII. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 183) ...a Revelation destined to blossom forth, in a later period into the flourishing institutions of a world administrative System... (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p.60)
[3] And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.	V.3 The Message which Baha'u'llah roared is acknowledge by The Seven Thunders, the Seven Revealers of the seven religious systems, who also utter their voices in recognition of the importance of the New Message. What is being said here is that all the Seven Religions contain prophecies in Their Writings regarding the 'last days' and the coming of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. It is evident that every age in which a Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely ordained, and may, in a sense, be characterized as God's appointed Day. (Baha'u'llah, XXV Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 60)
[4] And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.	V.4 The seals have been opened in previous chapters, and the thunders (angels) have told their woes, except for the seventh, which will be expressed in Chapter 11.The dispensation of each of the Seven Religions has ended. However the seventh angel, the last to sound in verse 7, tells of Muhammad, the 'Mystery of God', then it is finished.
[5] And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,	V.5 This Angel, Baha'u'llah, that John saw standing on the sea and the earth, lifted His hand to Heaven. The 'Declaration of His Mission' occurred in the Garden of Ridvan, on an island in the congruence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Baghdad, Persia (now Iraq) on April 21st 1863. The arrival of Baha'u'llah in the Najibiyyih Garden, subsequently designated by His followers the Garden of Ridvan, signalizes the commencement of what has come to be recognized as the holiest and most significant of all Baha'i festivals, the festival commemorating the Declaration of His Mission to His companions. (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 151)
[6] And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:	V.6 The power of God is far above human understanding. He created Heaven and all things that are in earth and the sea. The old order has ended and a new order put in place. Baha'u'llah was fearless in His proclamation of the Word of God. The Day and Age promised to all mankind, through all the religions of the world, had come. The prophets of God have ever appeared in the ages of the past and will continue to appear throughout the ages of the future. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 170)
[8] And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.	V.8 Symbolically the Voice from Heaven is commanding John to take the Book from the hand of the One that is standing on both the earth and the sea. The formative era of the Baha'i Faith has begun, which is steadily growing, but a period of darkness and social gloom will unloose a flood of agonizing afflictions before the dawn of the Golden Age. Now the 'Little Book', when the world is ready, will give instruction for the future. This Book, is sometimes called 'The Crimson Book' While in prison We have revealed a Book which We have entitled 'The Most Holy Book'. We have enacted laws therein and adorned it with the commandments of thy Lord, Who exerciseth authority over all that are in the heavens and on the earth... He is indeed the Ordainer, the Expounder, the Giver, the Generous, the Gracious, the All-Praised. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 244) Whilst in the Prison of 'Akka, We revealed in the Crimson Book that which is conducive to the advancement of mankind and to the reconstruction of the world. The utterances set forth therein by the Pen of the Lord of creation include the following which constitute the fundamental principles for the administration of the affairs of men: First: It is incumbent upon the ministers of the House of Justice to promote the Lesser Peace so that the people of the earth may be relieved from the burden of exorbitant expenditures. This matter is imperative and absolutely essential, inasmuch as hostilities and conflict lie at the root of affliction and calamity. Second: Languages must be reduced to one common language to be taught in all the schools of the world. Third: It behoveth man to adhere tenaciously unto that which will promote fellowship, kindliness and unity. Fourth: Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for the training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice. Fifth: Special regard must be paid to agriculture. Although it hath been mentioned in the fifth place, unquestionably it precedeth the others. Agriculture is highly developed in foreign lands, however in Persia it hath so far been grievously neglected. It is hoped that His Majesty the Shah -- may God assist him by His grace -- will turn his attention to this vital and important matter. Were men to strictly observe that which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed in the Crimson Book, they could then well afford to dispense with the regulations which prevail in the world. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.89)
[9] And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.	V.9 John responded and said to the Angel "Give me the little book". The book being held by the Angel was taken, and the command was to digest it; this is more than reading, but finding a whole new message from God. The trials of life are difficult, however the Word of God is consoling and gives us strength. O ye peoples of the world! Know assuredly that My commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, and the keys of My mercy for My creatures. ...Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty. (Baha'u'llah, Synopsis and Codification of The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 11)
[10] And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.	V.10 The essence of religion is to testify unto that which the Lord hath revealed, and follow that which He hath ordained in His mighty Book. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 155) "By My life, if you knew what We have desired for you in revealing Our holy laws, you would offer up your souls for this sacred, mighty and lofty Cause." "This Book is none other than the ancient Lamp of God for the whole world and His undeviating Path amongst men. Say, it is verily the Dayspring of divine knowledge, did ye but know it, and the Dawning-place of the commandments of God, could ye but comprehend it." "Say, this is the spirit of the Scriptures breathed into the Pen of Glory, causing all creation to be dumbfounded, except those who are stirred by the vitalizing fragrance of My tender mercy and the sweet savours of My bounty which pervade all created things." (Baha'u'llah, Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 7) Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power. To this beareth witness that which the Pen of Revelation hath revealed. Meditate upon this, O men of insight! (Baha'u'llah, Synopsis and Codification of The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 21)
[11] And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.	V.11 The Kitab-i-Aqdas is incomparable among the World's sacred Scriptures, for unlike the writings of the past, and unlike the Gospels, where there is no clear guidance regarding the future administration of the affairs of the Faith; even the Koran in which explicit laws and ordinances were formulated by Muhammad, is silent on the all important subject of future administration. The Kitab-i-Aqdas provides the laws and ordinances for "the highest means for maintenance of order in the world and for the security of its peoples." "Erelong will its sovereign power, its pervasive influence and the greatness of its might be manifested on earth." (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 214) It is incumbent upon the Sovereigns of the world -- may God assist them -- unitedly to hold fast unto this Peace, which is the chief instrument for the protection of all mankind. It is Our hope that they will arise to achieve what will be conducive to the well-being of man. It is their duty to convene an all-inclusive assembly, which either they themselves or their ministers will attend, and to enforce whatever measures are required to establish unity and concord amongst men. They must put away the weapons of war, and turn to the instruments of universal reconstruction. Should one king rise up against another, all the other kings must arise to deter him. Arms and armaments will, then, be no more needed beyond that which is necessary to insure the internal security of their respective countries. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf , p. 30) Glorified be Thy name, O Lord my God! Thou beholdest my dwelling-place, and the prison into which I am cast, and the woes I suffer. By Thy might! No pen can recount them, nor can any tongue describe or number them. I know not, O my God, for what purpose Thou hast abandoned me to Thine adversaries. Thy glory beareth me witness! I sorrow not for the vexations I endure for love of Thee, nor feel perturbed by the calamities that overtake me in Thy path. My grief is rather because Thou delayest to fulfill what Thou hast determined in the Tablets of Thy Revelation, and ordained in the books of Thy decree and judgment. (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 10)

Chapter Eleven - The Book of Revelation

[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 Fourteen - The Book of Revelation

[2] And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:	V.2 The 'Voice from Heaven' is Baha'u'llah, the One proclaimed by the Bab. The waters are the symbol of His teachings which like thunder give new meaning to life and come with a strong system of justice and peace for the world. Happiness and joy come to the hearts that listen.
[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 Fifteen - The Book of Revelation

[8] And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

V.8 The smoke from the 'Glory of God'; the power of Baha'u'llah was there, but most are unaware of the Presence. Baha'u'llah's purpose is to cause mankind to cast aside the corrupt lower nature, and accept God's Plan.

This is the Day whereon the earth shall tell out her tidings. The workers of iniquity are her burdens, could ye but perceive it. The moon of idle fancy hath been cleft, and the heaven hath given out a palpable smoke. We see the people laid low, awed with the dread of thy Lord, the Almighty, the Most Powerful. The Crier hath cried out, and men have been torn away, so great hath been the fury of His wrath. The people of the left hand sigh and bemoan. The people of the right abide in noble habitations: they quaff the Wine that is life indeed, from the hands of the All-Merciful, and are, verily, the blissful.

(Baha'u'llah,
The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah,
p. 100)

Chapter Sixteen - The Book of Revelation

[1] And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.	V.1 This is the beginning of the fifth of SIX threads about the seven Angels, or seven churches or religions in the world to which Jesus sends His Message. Each of the six threads addresses all seven religions in the same order - and the following is the first addressed in this thread. The opportunities which the turmoil of the present age presents, with all the sorrows which it evokes, the fears which it excites, the disillusionment which it produces, the perplexities which it creates, the indignation which it arouses, the revolt which it provokes, the grievances it engenders, the spirit of restless search which it awakens, must, in like manner, be exploited for the purpose of spreading far and wide the knowledge of the redemptive power of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, and for enlisting fresh recruits in the ever-swelling army of His followers (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 47) From the Baha'i perspective, the "Great Voice" out of the Temple, is Baha'u'llah. (See verse 15).
[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."
[15] Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.	V.15 "In the 15th verse, the words 'behold I come as a thief, etc.' are spoken by the Proclaimer of all this, the "Great Voice" as He is called at the beginning of the chapter. He says He will come suddenly like a thief, as Christ said He would come, so that no one will know it, for the thief is in the house without the inhabitants being aware of it. Therefore blessed is the one who is awake when a Manifestation comes; you will know Him. It is also said 'he keepeth his garments'. These garments signify the good qualities which the man possessed, such as love, sincerity, etc.. He (that watcheth') must keep that good character, which is like adorning him." Baha'u'llah, The Glory of God is the 'The Great Voice' the one that fulfills the prophecies of all the religions of the past.
[17] And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.	V.17 The Seventh Angel, identified with the Islamic Religion, is the last in order and when He acts the Great Voice (identified with Baha'u'llah) says that "It is done". This may well be the precipitating event to the Great War that is to come. That is to say the Great Final Battle of Armageddon. "Verse 17, the seventh angel poured out his influence upon the world. It is said that he poured it in the air, because the air fills every place, and the continuing verses mean the Great War that is to come. After the war everything will be at peace."

Chapter Eighteen - The Book of Revelation

[4]And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

V.4 John heard another Voice from Heaven. This Voice, like the Voices in verses 1 and 7 of chapter 16 is not to be identified as one of Seven Angels (the next angel, the Hindu Angel, appears in verse 21), but rather as before, is related to the eighth and nineth Angels of the Babi and Baha'i Faiths.

The warning in this verse was reiterated by the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith that for two cities there were

"... a bare fifteen adult Baha'is to be left in each of these cities,
over which unsuspected dangers are hanging ...",

(Shoghi Effendi,
Guardian of the Baha'i Faith,
Citadel of Faith,
p. 128)

the two cities being Chicago and New York, the pre-eminent historical cities of the Baha'i Faith in North America.

New York is often singled out as the premier city in the world that seems to symbolize these sins and to be a hold, a central place of store of them. While a great many cities in the world equally contain the elements of the world's corruption - and may equally well suffer its fate - still New York stands in many people's eyes as the epitome of Babylon the Great. It has been so targeted, not only in the minds of its enemies, but in the actuality of their actions

If ye pay no heed unto the counsels which, in peerless and unequivocal language, We have revealed in this Tablet, Divine chastisement shall assail you from every direction, and the sentence of His justice shall be pronounced against you. On that day ye shall have no power to resist Him, and shall recognize your own impotence.

(Baha'u'llah,
The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah,
p. 9)

Chapter Nineteen - The Book of Revelation

[5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.	V.5 The voice (that of Baha'u'llah, from the point of view of those who recognize the Source and Power of the New Age) came from the throne, saying Praise God, all servants, and all that fear Him, both small and great. Rejoice, then, O ye beloved of the Lord and His chosen ones, and ye the children of God and His people, raise your voice and laud and magnify the Lord, the Most High: for His light hath beamed forth, His signs have appeared, and the billows of His rising ocean have scattered on every shore many a precious pearl. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p.351)
[6] And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.	V.6 John heard the great multitude, from all countries, all languages, giving Praise to God, saying 'Alleluia the Lord God reigns'. The thunderings of gratitude was for the new message, the Sacred Law of God, which Baha'u'llah has brought. Through Him the light of unity hath shone forth above the horizon of the world, and the law of oneness hath been revealed amidst the nations, who, with radiant faces, have turned towards the Supreme Horizon, and acknowledged that which the Tongue of Utterance hath spoken in the kingdom of His knowledge: "Earth and heaven, glory and dominion, are God's, the Omnipotent, the Almighty, the Lord of grace abounding!" (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 2)
[11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.	V.11 In a vision John saw a white horse, the rider coming with great power. The beautiful and glorious person riding upon the white horse is the Greatest name, (Baha'u'llah) and the horse means also His glorious body. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Vol. 3, p.681) The spiritual brotherhood which is enkindled and established through the breaths of the Holy Spirit unites nations and removes the cause of warfare and strife. It transforms mankind into one great family and establishes the foundations of the oneness of humanity. It promulgates the spirit of international agreement and insures Universal Peace. Therefore we must investigate the foundation reality of this heavenly fraternity. We must forsake all imitations and promote the reality of the divine teachings. In accordance with these principles and actions and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, both material and spiritual happiness shall become realized. Until all nations and peoples become united by the bonds of the Holy Spirit in this real fraternity, until national and international prejudices are effaced in the reality of this spiritual brotherhood, true progress, prosperity and lasting happiness will not be attained by man. This is the century of new and universal nationhood. Sciences have advanced, industries have progressed, politics have been reformed, liberty has been proclaimed, justice is awakening. This is the century of motion, divine stimulus and accomplishment; the century of human solidarity and altruistic service; the century of Universal Peace and the reality of the divine kingdom. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p.227)
[12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.	V.12 "His eyes were as a flame of fire". Many have said that they could not look at His eyes, others have said that He could read your very soul. "On His head were many crowns". God gave Him this attribute, plus a name written, and attributes which only Baha'u'llah could know about. The Manifestations of God are in a much higher station, "the Beauty of the Unseen ...above the horizon of creation", one that we can never reach. The praise which hath dawned from Thy most august Self, and the glory which hath shone forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art the Manifestation of Grandeur, and King of Eternity, and the Lord of all who are in heaven and earth! I testify that through Thee the sovereignty of God and His dominion and the majesty of God and His grandeur were revealed, and the Daystar of ancient splendor have shed their radiance in the heaven of Thy irrevocable decree, and the Beauty of the Unseen hath shone forth above the horizon of creation. (Baha'u'llah, from the Tablet of Visitation p.230 Baha'i Prayers)
[13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.	V.13 His "Vesture" - that of endurance and strength, describes the character of this Holy being, Baha'u'llah Who had to survive a life in prison, along with the abuse of religious and political leaders, to bring the 'Word of God' to mankind. John (KJV Bible): 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. --- All the divine Manifestations have proclaimed the oneness of God and the unity of mankind. They have taught that men should love and mutually help each other in order that they might progress. Now if this conception of religion be true, its essential principle is the oneness of humanity. The fundamental truth of the Manifestations is peace. This underlies all religion, all justice. The divine purpose is that men should live in unity, concord and agreement and should love one another. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p.50) XXIV. Beware, O believers in the Unity of God, lest ye be tempted to make any distinction between any of the Manifestations of His Cause, or to discriminate against the signs that have accompanied and proclaimed their Revelation. This indeed is the true meaning of Divine Unity, if ye be of them that apprehend and believe this truth. Be ye assured, moreover, that the works and acts of each and every one of these Manifestations of God, nay whatever pertaineth unto them, and whatsoever they may manifest in the future, are all ordained by God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose. Whoso maketh the slightest possible difference between their persons, their words, their messages, their acts and manners, hath indeed disbelieved in God, hath repudiated His signs, and betrayed the Cause of His Messengers. XXV. It is evident that every age in which a Manifestation of God hath lived is divinely ordained, and may, in a sense, be characterized as God's appointed Day. This Day, however, is unique, and is to be distinguished from those that have preceded it. The designation "Seal of the Prophets" fully revealeth its high station. The Prophetic Cycle hath, verily, ended. The Eternal Truth is now come. He hath lifted up the Ensign of Power, and is now shedding upon the world the unclouded splendor of His Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p.59)
[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.	V.15 The sword of truth is 'The Word of God'. The rod of iron is the 'Law of God': strong and firm and just, which God has revealed to Baha'u'llah for this new cycle. The "winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" symbolizes the great 'Day of Judgment' at the end of the old cycle. "By God! Troubles have failed to unnerve Me, and the repudiation of the divines hath been powerless to weaken Me. I have spoken, and still speak forth before the face of men: 'The door of grace hath been unlocked and He Who is the Dayspring of Justice is come with perspicuous signs and evident testimonies, from God, the Lord of strength and of might!' Present thyself before Me that thou mayest hear the mysteries which were heard by the Son of Imran (Moses) upon the Sinai of Wisdom. Thus commandeth thee He Who is the Dawning-Place of the Revelation of thy Lord, the God of Mercy, from His great Prison." (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 85)
[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.	V.16 The title KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, applies to the ALL the Manifestations of God because they are in essence the One and the Same, although their human identity differs and the Social Teachings they bring are different for each age. This is the day whereon every man endued with perception hath discovered the fragrance of the breeze of the All-Merciful in the world of creation, and every man of insight hath hastened unto the living waters of the mercy of his Lord, the King of Kings. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 101)
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.	V.19 The worldly powers, and all those who support and follow them (followers of the Beast) always arise up against the Manifestation of God (the One Who sits on the white horse) in every New Age, when they should properly submit unto Him and be obedient to His Teachings, which are the Teachings that the world needs for that Age. Ye are but vassals, O kings of the earth! He Who is the King of Kings hath appeared, arrayed in His most wondrous glory, and is summoning you unto Himself, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. Take heed lest pride deter you from recognizing the Source of Revelation, lest the things of this world shut you out as by a veil from Him Who is the Creator of heaven... By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 211)
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.	V.21 As explained in verse 11, He Who sits upon the horse is Baha'u'llah and the sword from His mouth is of course His teachings. Therefore this states that His Teachings will prevail and that remnant which survive the Great War but still struggle against Him will become spiritually dead as symbolized by their being devoured by the Zoroastrian birds of prey in the Towers of Silence. We have truly revealed the signs, demonstrated the irrefutable testimonies and have summoned all men unto the straight Path. Among the people there are those who have turned away and repudiated the truth, others have pronounced judgement against Us without any proof or evidence. The first to turn away from Us have been the world's spiritual leaders in this age -- they that call upon Us in the daytime and in the night season and mention My Name while resting on their lofty thrones. However, when I revealed Myself unto men they rose against Me in such wise that even the stones groaned and lamented bitterly. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.253)

Chapter Twenty - The Book of Revelation

[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.	V.3 The dragon, the anarchic international governments, will be controlled so that the nations will no longer be deceived. The "bottomless pit", (nuclear warfare) will be chained up and a seal placed upon it. However towards the end of another thousand years, there will again appear similar animosities and intolerances, which will bring another though lesser nuclear war, such that humanity will finally turn unto that which Baha'u'llah has established. 'Abdu'l-Baha explains: This Cause is great, its powers are growing and its signs are dazzling. It shall continue in elevation, exaltation, growth, promulgation and promotion until it shall reach the apex of its glory in one thousand years. (Baha'i Scriptures p.472) In a world writhing with pain and declining into chaos this community -- the vanguard of the liberating forces of Baha'u'llah -- succeeded in the years following 'Abdu'l-Baha's passing in raising high above the institutions established by its sister communities in East and West what may well constitute the chief pillar of that future House -- a House which posterity will regard as the last refuge of a tottering civilization. (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p.489)
[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)
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.	V.12 Now the writings of Baha'u'llah are open for everyone, and those that understand are in another book - 'The book of Life'. The dead (dead in spirit) are those who are unwilling to accept the message of Baha'u'llah and they are judged by their works. If love, friendship, association and unity be established among the believers, the door of all significances will be opened and each believer of God will be able to explain and interpret all of the holy Books. O believers! The tests of God are very severe; you should beseech and cry unto Him that you may be firm and steadfast during all temptations. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 647) 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) The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him. No more than a mere handful, however, hath been found willing to cleave to His Cause, or to become the instruments for its promotion. These few have been endued with the Divine Elixir that can, alone, transmute into purest gold the dross of the world, and have been empowered to administer the infallible remedy for all the ills that afflict the children of men. No man can obtain everlasting life, unless he embraceth the truth of this inestimable, this wondrous, and sublime Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, XCII Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)

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)

[10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

V.10 The Book of Revelation and the Book of Daniel, and other Scriptures that were previously 'sealed' are no longer sealed because the time of fulfillment has come. It was impossible to understand them before, but the world has changed and they are now understandable even as you are reading them here.

Baha'u'llah unsealed the holy books and revealed laws through which mankind can attain to a high state of spiritual civilization. These new laws will go into effect after the great readjustment, when wars, cataclysms, famine, labor troubles, etc., have done their work of equalization!

('Abdu'l-Baha,
Divine Philosophy,
p. 7)

[13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

V.13 At the outset in Chapter One of the Book of Revelation Jesus said:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

and here again in this verse He repeats that, "I am the Alpha and Omega".

He is the One that is the same today, tomorrow and always. The one that before Abraham was, I AM. He has now appeared in His new garb and those who fail to recognize Him now would have failed to recognize Him then. Those who reject Baha'u'llah, reject Jesus.

He hath wiped away their tears, kindled their light, rejoiced their hearts and enraptured their souls. Death shall no more overtake them, neither shall sorrow, crying and tribulation afflict them. The Lord God Omnipotent hath been enthroned in His Kingdom and hath made all things new. This is the truth, and what truth greater than the Revelation of St. John the divine? He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the One that will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life, and bestow upon the sick the remedy of true salvation.

('Abdu'l-Baha,
Baha'i World Faith,
p.350)

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