bluecanary (Post 666):— How would you define human perfection? Is it an ideal standard or a description of the highest standard yet attained? How would perfection be manifest? Is perfection compatible with free will?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):— Matthew 5:48's NWT Reference Bible footnote shows "complete" as the alternative rendering for "perfect". Matthew 5:43-48 shows that this perfection is in loving our enemies just as we love those who are not, just as Jehovah makes His sun rise upon both wicked and good as well as makes it rain upon both righteous and unrighteous. I see it as the ideal to always strive for. The exercise of perfection is a free will choice, whether by Jehovah or by any of us, in this context.
bluecanary (Post 666):— Is it possible that, as he did in the past, God speaks through multiple individuals or entities today? What are the criteria for determining whom God has spoken to?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):— Whoever is even-handed and righteous in their understanding and application of love and its prophetic statements, and holy in their motives is Jehovah's representative, whether as an individual, as a family, as a congregation, or as a brotherhood. The Bible sets the criteria in these matters.
bluecanary (Post 666):— If someone claims to be acting in accord with God's spirit, is it unreasonable, then, to hold their actions, as a group, to a higher standard? Is God incapable of overcoming human imperfection to get correct information disseminated?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):—Actions speak louder than words. So, our spirit of holiness as borne out in our individual dealings must be in agreement with Jehovah's spirit of holiness, as found in the Bible. It is reasonable to deal with each of us individually, according to our circumstances. With Jehovah, all things are possible, which suggests that we can all receive the correct understanding insofar as Jehovah's holy spirit bears witness with our spirit.
bluecanary (Post 666):— How many doctrines must a religion get right in order to prove that they have God's backing? How many are they allowed to get wrong?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):—The footnote at 2 Kings 17:26 shows that "religion" is translated from the Hebrew word "mishpát", which can also be rendered "judgment; judicial decision". Jehovah's judgments apply, depending on circumstances, to us as individuals, as families, as congregations, as a brotherhood, or according to other groupings: all based upon the principle that as we have sown, so shall we reap, whether to the flesh (with corruption in view), or the spirit (with everlasting life in view). Religion, thus, is NOT one-size-fits-all; we DON'T all have the same load to carry; some loads are individual, some are assigned by family, some by congregation, some by other groupings.
"Doctrines" is also translated "teachings", which should all be in accord with the spirit of the Holy Scriptures, and fitting a wholistic view of the circumstances to which the teachings are applied.
It follows that compliance is required regarding all of Jehovah's judicial decisions, by all parties. Repentance and contrition are required, in accord with Jehovah's headship protocols, to gain/ regain favour before Jehovah. The example of Job praying on behalf of the 3 wrongful accusers demonstrates this point, to the benefit of all involved.
bluecanary (Post 666):— What are the criteria for determining which doctrines are the most important to get correct?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):—Of course, fundamental to all of this is Christ's directive to love Jehovah whole-souled, and our neighbour (including our enemy) as ourself.
Hebrews 6:1-2 discusses primary doctrine about the Christ as one's foundation, in these words (I've underlined the key expressions):— For this reason, now that we have left the primary doctrine about the Christ, let ups press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, 2 the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment.
There are a number of prohibitions, which have the penalty of disfellowshipping, etc., including the penalty of the second death. These prohibitions must be correctly understood and respected, as demonstrated by our life course and decisions.
And, we must not forget the mention at Acts 15:28-29 regarding regardgin the following necessary things:— to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled (or, killed without draining its blood), and from fornication.
Really, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is true when it states that:— All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.
Jesus prayed regarding "all flesh", "the whole [number] whom you [i.e. Jehovah] have given him [i.e. Jesus Christ], [that] he may give them everlasting life. This means everlasting life, their [i.e. our] taking in knowledge of you [i.e. Jehovah], the only true God, and of the one who you sent forth, Jesus Christ.
bluecanary (Post 666):— How do you choose if two or more religions teach the same correct doctrines?
Spike Tassel (Post 1589):—if two sets of judicial decisions teach the same correct points, then we choose by our obedient understanding and applications, as our spirit of holiness approaches Jehovah's, in the manner of James 4:8, which is recorded thus:— Draw close to God, and he will draw close to YOU. Clease YOUR hands, YOU sinners, and purify YOUR hearts, YOU indecisive (or, two-souled) ones.
