For more than a thousand years, Bible students have recognized that the latter part of the book of Revelation contains prophecies which apply primarily to the end of all things, the closing chapter of earth’s history.

It was concerning this wonderful prospect that Paul said that in the ages to come, God would show us the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7.) Paul also referred to the end of this age and the ushering in of the age to come as the blessed hope. (Titus 2:11-14.)

We recognize that since 1798 we have been living in the last period of earth’s history, referred to by Daniel as the “time of the end” and by many other Bible writers as the “last days.” We have been looking for and expecting events to take place that would indicate when we would be - not just in the last days, not just in the time of the end - but in the end of time. Jesus warned that the final events would happen in an hour that we do not expect. (Matthew 24:44.)

The end is near, stealing upon us silently, so unnoticeably, so quietly, like the soft steps of the thief in the night to shock the sleepers who are unprepared. Wherever one looks, there are straws in the wind which indicate very plainly that we are in the end times.

“When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again.”1

In this end time, many fail to understand fully who Jesus is.

Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13). Sadly the disciples were forced to acknowledge that Israel had failed to recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when they had seen His miracles, declared Him to be the Son of David. The multitudes that had been fed at Bethsaida had desired to proclaim Him king of Israel. Many were ready to accept Him as a prophet; but they did not believe Him to be the Messiah.

Jesus put a second question, relating to the disciples themselves: “But whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Chapter 16:16). The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer’s faith.

The name “Jesus” means Saviour, or help of Jehovah. This is the proper name given to our Lord. “Christ” was added to identify Him as the promised Messiah. (John 1:41). The word Christ signifies “anointed.” Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed at their inauguration into office.

Jesus Christ is the Lord our God, the Saviour and Friend. He is our Substitute and Intercessor. He is the way, the truth, and the life eternal. He is our Saviour forever. Jesus Christ is the complete system of truth. The scripture says, If we know the truth, the truth shall make us free. Just as Christ revealed the Father, so God’s remnant people are to reveal the righteousness of Christ! What Christ accomplished by overcoming in the weakness of the flesh, He can accomplish in the flesh of all who truly believe in Him. The power and glory of “that other angel” is a revelation of Christ’s character in His people. “Christ Our Righteousness” is a divine revelation and VICTORY over the flesh, while confined to the bonds of the flesh, restricted by human nature. This wondrous final work is a revelation of divinity through humanity, through God’s chosen remnant.

But a little time remains. May God help us all to be making the necessary preparation and reveal the mystery to the world as to “who Jesus is.”