Generation ?

by Free 8 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • Free
    Free

    OK, I haven't been here for a while, so is there a change again in the generation ?

    Please, Only explain if you are certain of how it is now perceived.

  • bob1999
    bob1999

    The "remnant" (144000) is now the "generation" that "will not pass away".

  • bob1999
    bob1999

    I believe that can be found in the Feb. 15 2008 Watchtower.

  • bob1999
    bob1999

    Previously, this journal has explained that in the first century, "this generation" mentioned at Matthew 24:34 meant "the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews."* That explanation seemed reasonable because all other recorded uses that Jesus made of the term "generation" had a negative connotation, and in most cases, Jesus used a negative adjective, such as "wicked," to describe the generation. (Matt. 12:39; 17: 17; Mark 8:38) Thus, it was felt that in the modern-day fulfillment, Jesus was referring to the wicked "generation" of unbelievers who would see both the features that would characterize "the conclusion of the system of things" (syn-te'lei-a) and the system's end (te'/os).

    11 It is true that when Jesus used the word "generation" negatively, he was speaking to or about the wicked people of his day. But was that necessarily true of his statement recorded at Matthew 24:34? Recall that four of Jesus' disciples had approached him "privately." (Matt. 24:3) Since Jesus did not use negative qualifiers when speaking to them about "this generation," the apostles would no doubt have understood that they and their fellow disciples were to be part of the "generation" that would not pass away "until all these things [would] occur."

    12 On what basis may we draw that conclusion? By carefully considering the context. As
    recorded at Matthew 24:32, 33, Jesus said: "Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors." (Compare Mark 13:28-30; Luke 21:30-32.) Then, at Matthew 24:34, we read: "Truly 1 say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."

    13 Jesus said that it was his disciples, soon to be anointed with holy spirit, who should be able to draw certain conclusions when they saw "all these things" occur. So Jesus must have been referring to his disciples when he made the statement: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."

    14 "Unlike unbelievers, Jesus' disciples would not only see the sign but also understand its significance. They would "learn" from the features of that sign and "know" their true meaning. They would fully appreciate that "he is near at the doors." While it is true that both unbelieving Jews and faithful anointed Christians saw a limited fulfillment of Jesus' words in the first century, only his anointed followers back then could learn from these events—could understand the true meaning of what they saw.

    15 Those without spiritual understanding today have felt that there has been no "striking observableness" with regard to the sign of Jesus' presence. They reason that everything is continuing on as it did in the past. (2 Pet. 3:4) On the other hand, Christ's faithful anointed brothers, the modern-day John class, have recognized this sign as if it were a flash of lightning and have understood its true meaning. As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day "generation" of contemporaries that will not pass away "until all these things occur."* This suggests that some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins.

    Feb.15 2008 Watchtower page 23-24

  • yknot
    yknot

    Feb 15 WT via fokyc

    http://www.sendspace.com/file/rp7wce

    March 15 WT via fokyc

    http://www.sendspace.com/file/hwp3du

    April 15 WT via fokyc

    http://www.sendspace.com/file/sv65vi

    or download to mp3 via www.jw.org

    Happy reading/ listening....I suggest a barf bag while enjoying this puke filled spiritual buffet

    ooh and did you know that hitting your head against a wall (which surely you will want to after sampling the WTS fare) will burn 150 calories!

  • bob1999
    bob1999

    "What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?"

    This is how Matt 24:3 is quoted at the beginning of the article (in the header). They start in the middle of the sentence but make it look like they start at the beginning of the sentence. Capitalizing the word "what".

    THAT'S NOT RIGHT! Even a worldly journalist would not do that.

    The WTS are crooks and liars.

  • WTWizard
    WTWizard

    They are right back where they started from. Originally it was the remnant of the anointed before they changed it to those around to see 1914. Then they changed it to those with wicked characteristics, which is indefinite and could be passed down generations. Now they are back to the remnant of the anointed. So much for their "new light"--it's exactly the same light!

    I wonder if they are going to change it again to mean "mankind living on the earth". If they do that, it will mean that if there is anyone alive, it is not late. And it will make it possible for it to come at any time between now and infinity. Of course, they will continue putting it a couple of months to a year ahead, just so people will panic and screech around trying to finish the work before it comes.

  • joelbear69
    joelbear69

    how many lives have been altered by this one doctrine alone?

  • BluesBrother
    BluesBrother

    Sorry, posted in wrong thread and deleted - what a plonker!

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