Are you entitled to receive a gift? That might sound like a silly question to many people. After all, a gift is something freely given, from the heart, so how could you demand a gift, or say that you have earned it?
Yet the WTS appears to be teaching its new recruits otherwise. Most people would think that having faith is what is required for a christian. But the Borg is saying that something more than faith is required.
That seems to be the thinking in chapter 7 of the recently released book “Worship the Only True God”. This publication is the second of the “must read” books for baptism candidates. What are they learning about “true Christianity” TM ? Let’s look into chapter 7 “What We learn from God's Permission of Wickedness”.
“If we are loyal to Jehovah, he will reward us generously. His Word says: "Become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in connection with the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) It also states "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name." (Hebrews 6:10) "(page 68 para 17)
Notice the mis-application of these scripture texts to make it sound as though the texts were advocating a full share in the work directed by the WTS. Reliable Bible commentaries show that this is definiely not what is being meant by the texts.
The Borg's teaching is repeated later in the book (ch 8) with these words:
"'Who is the one that conquers the world but he who has faith that Jesus is the Son of God?' (1 John 5:5) ..........What else is required? That we stay close to the congregation of which he is Head." (p 76)
No scriptures are given to support this teaching. Nonetheless the unsuspecting reader, the new recruit, is lead to believe that in order to live on a paradise earth he/she must do the things that the Borg is telling them.
Further in the book (ch 13) we read these words:
"It is possible for lovers of righteousness to act now with a view to proving worthy of survival. What must these ones do?" (page 122) [Emphasis added]
The chapter then lists those works that prove someone may claim their reward of everlasting life:
1. Qualities
2. Support the anointed
3. preaching work
4. love among yourselves
5. producing fruit
What is wrong with these 'qualities'? Nothing in themselves, but scripture does not state that they are requirements to earn everlasting life. That's the difference. Instead, christian belief is based on the promise of everlating life as a free gift. This belief is expressed in the words of Ephesians 2:18 (NIV): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast". It can never be earned as a reward. yet that is what the WTS organisation teaches and the whole life of a dub is tied up with works, obligations and duties. But where is christianity in that?
New recruits should beware.
Cheers, Ozzie