Comments You Will Not Hear at the 02-21-10 WT Study (December 15, 2009, pages 20-24(SALVATION)
Review comments will be in red or headed by COMMENTS
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will headed by QUOTES
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THE MESSIAH! GOD'S MEANS OF SALVATION "For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive. "--1 COR. 15:22.
OPENING COMMENTS
There are many snippets and cited scriptures in this article; have you ever looked to see what they mean in context?
Also researchers/scholars are cited in snippets without their names, credentials, date of statement, etc.???? Can you
spot them?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. (a) How did Andrew and Philip respond upon meeting Jesus? (b) Why do we say that we have more evidence
of Jesus' Messiahship than did first-century Christians?
"WE HAVE found the Messiah," Andrew told his brother Peter, convinced that Jesus of Nazareth was God's Anointed
One. Philip was persuaded and sought out his friend Nathanael, telling him: "We have found the one of whom Moses, in
the Law, and the Prophets wrote, Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth."--John 1:40, 41, 45.
COMMENTS
So what convinced them? What did they tell Nathanael that convinced him?
2. Are you thoroughly convinced that Jesus is the promised Messiah, Jehovah's 'Chief Agent of salvation'? (Heb. 2:
10) Today, we have much more evidence of his Messiahship than his first-century followers had. From Jesus' birth to
his resurrection, the Word of God gives conclusive proof that he was the Christ. (Read John 20:30, 31.) The Bible also
shows that Jesus would continue to fulfill from heaven his role as Messiah. (John 6:40; read 1 Corinthians 15:22.) In a
spiritual sense, you too can say that you have "found the Messiah" today. But first consider how those early disciples
rightly concluded that they had found the Messiah.
COMMENTS
"thoroughly convinced" how?
So what more evidence do "WE" have (only jws) than the first-century Christians?
What "conclusive proof" is there mentioned in this paragraph?
Messiah = Christ = anointed = 144,000, today only jws--is finding the WTS/GB/FDS/anointed finding Christ today? Do
the anointed jw members consider themselves THE CHRIST?
QUOTES
Note this quote from a WTS publication:
"Thus the saints of this Gospel age are anointed company--anointed to be kings and priests unto God (2 Cor. 1:21;
Peter 2:9 [sic]); and together with Jesus, their chief and Lord, they constitute Jehovah's Anointed--the Christ," (The
Divine Plan of the Ages, 1906, p. 81-82).
The Christ = 144,001?
Quote
The word Christ signifies anointed. Anointing means designation to official position in God’s arrangement. The Christ is
the instrument or channel for the blessing of mankind. The Christ is composed of Jesus, the great and mighty head,
and 144,000 members. --The Harp of God, 1921, p 187
WT 5/1/09 ::R4390 : page 139::
The tribe of Levi itself was divided, a priestly class being selected, and the remainder of the tribe assisting or serving
under them. So in the antitype--a "little flock," a priestly class, is selected for the pre-eminent position and constitutes
"Abraham's Seed" on the highest plane, the Divine nature. This class, The Christ, is composed of Jesus, the Head, and
the Church, his members.
WT 6/15/1911 R4841: page 189
This Gospel Age is the time in which the Messiah is prepared. The Head of the Messiah, therefore, very properly, is
first; and following Him the Apostles and all down through the Age the various members of the Body. This Age will end
when the full number of the "elect" shall have been found and tested. Then the Body will have been completed. When
The Messiah is complete, The Christ will be complete.
WT 2/15/27 page 53
"Seeing then that The Servant of Jehovah is The Christ, and that The Christ is composed of Jesus and the faithful
members of his body, we find it proper to apply the term "Servant" to Jesus Christ alone or to Jesus Christ and the
members of his body collectively as one; and sometimes it is applied only to the members of the body of Christ yet on
earth."
1942 Such activity in publishing God's kingdom and clearing his name of the Devil's reproaches by religion was
mistakenly given a place secondary to the making of the bride of Christ class ready for the marriage with him in heaven,
in 1914 as some thought. (The New World; 1942; 2,000,000 ed.; p. 273-274)
Yet later they say
*** w63 9/1 p. 539 Names for Christ and His Congregation ***
In fact, the expression “the Christ” of itself at no time includes the members of Christ’s body.
The fact that Christians are said to be “in union with Christ” does not mean that they can be spoken of as “the Christ,”
anymore than the term “Lord” can be applied to them because children are told, “Be obedient to your parents in union
with the Lord.”—Eph. 6:1.
How, then, are we to understand 1 Corinthians 12:12? This reads: “Just as the body is one but has many members,
and all the members of that body, although being many, are one body, so also is the Christ.” Does not the term “the
Christ” in this instance include the body members? No, apparently not, for what Paul is here discussing is the body of
Christ separate and distinct from its Head.
"Sacred Secret" of the Messiah Revealed Progressively
Q 3, 4. (a) How could first-century disciples 'find the Messiah'? (b) Why would you say that only Jesus could fulfill all the
Messianic prophecies?
3. How could Jesus' first-century followers say for sure that he was the Messiah? Through the prophets, Jehovah had
progressively revealed the identifying marks of the coming Messiah. One Bible scholar likened this process to the
assembling of a statue made of individual pieces of marble. Imagine that many men who had never communicated with
one another each brought a piece of marble into a room. If those pieces fit together to form a perfect statue, you would
logically conclude that there must have been someone behind the scenes who had drawn the specifications and sent to
each man his part. Like each piece of the statue, every Messianic prophecy would provide a vital piece of information
about the Messiah.
COMMENTS
What are the identifying marks that were "progressively" revealed? Remember the WTS hides behind that word to
cover up their "prophecies" of when the end comes. What do you think of this analogy?
WHO IS THIS BIBLE SCHOLAR?
Yet the WTS did provide more info in this 2006 WT article; why not here? Who is Henry H. Halley that we should listen
to him? Where is any mention of the publication or page number? Note, he was ordained in 1898.
http://www.prayerfoundation.org/books/book_review_halleys_bible_handbook.htm
QUOTES
*** w06 2/15 p. 5 “We Have Found the Messiah” ***
Henry H. Halley observed: “Suppose a number of men of Different Countries, who had never seen, nor in any way
communicated with, one another, would walk into a room, and each lay down a piece of Carved Marble, which pieces,
when Fitted Together, would make a Perfect statue—how account for it in any other way than that Some One Person
had drawn the Specifications, and had sent to each man his part?” He then asks: “How can this Amazing Composite of
Jesus’ Life and Work, put together by Different Writers of Different Centuries, Ages Before Jesus Came, be explained
on any other basis than that ONE SUPERHUMAN MIND supervised the Writing?” Halley concluded that it was “The
Miracle of the Ages!”
4. What, then, would be the likelihood that all the prophecies about the Messiah might be fulfilled by coincidence in one
person? One researcher said that the odds that a person could fulfill all the Messianic prophecies by chance would be
"so astronomical" that it must be ruled out. "Jesus--and only Jesus throughout all of history--managed to do it."
COMMENTS
Is this circular reasoning assuming that first, all the prophecies can be identified, that their fulfillment can be identified?
ONE RESEARCHER
Why just put "so astronomincal" in quotes without identifying the writer, publication, date, etc.?
Lee Strobel, with a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale, was an award-winning journalist for 13 years at the
Chicago Tribune and other newspapers. He was a spiritual skeptic until 1981. Today he serves as teaching pastor at
Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago. He is the best-selling author of Inside the Mind of Unchurched
Harry and Mary, What Jesus Would Say, and The Case for Christ
http://sermoncentral.com/articlec.asp?article=Lee-Strobel-The-Case-For-Messiah&Page=2&ac=true&csplit=9060
http://www.leestrobel.com/indexMain.php
Q 5, 6. (a) How would the judgment against Satan be executed? (b) How did God progressively reveal the line to the
promised "seed"?
5. The focus of the Messianic prophecies is a "sacred secret" with many facets of universal importance. (Col. 1:26, 27;
Gen. 3:15) Included in that secret was the judgment against Satan the Devil, "the original serpent," who plunged
humankind into sin and death. (Rev. 12:9) How would that judgment be executed? Jehovah foretold that a "seed" to be
produced by a "woman" would bruise Satan in the head. The foretold "seed" would crush the serpent's head,
eliminating the cause of rebellion, sickness, and death. However, by God's permission, Satan would first inflict a
symbolic heel wound on the woman's "seed."
COMMENTS
What is the WTS position on using "humankind" as opposed to "mankind"? Why not just use humankind rather than
seem to leave out 50% of the human population when using "mankind"?
Seed = Jesus or 144,000 and Jesus (144,001)?
Does the WTS teach that 144,000 in heaven will fight by Jesus' side destroying his enemies? (Yes)
*** Revelation Climax book (1988) re chap. 10 p. 53 par. 18 Abhorring the “Deep Things of Satan” ***
(Revelation 2:26, 27) Indeed a wonderful privilege! This authority that anointed conquerors receive at their resurrection
is a sharing with Jesus in wielding the “iron rod” of destruction against the rebellious nations at Armageddon. At best,
the nuclear firepower of those nations will sputter like a wet firecracker when Christ dashes his enemies to pieces as he
would vessels of clay.—Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-13, 15.
6. Jehovah progressively revealed who the promised "seed" would be. God swore to Abraham: "By means of your
seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves." (Gen. 22:18) Moses foretold that this One would be "a
prophet" greater than Moses. (Deut. 18:18, 19) David was assured, and prophets later confirmed, that the Messiah
would be a descendant of his and would inherit the Davidic throne forever.--2 Sam. 7: 12, 16; Jer. 23:5, 6.
COMMENTS
Again that term "progressively" revealed.
So Jesus was descended from an adulterer and a murderer who escaped the punishment of death under the Law while
the contemporaries of that ancestor were put to death.
Did Jesus inherit through Mary or Joseph?
Didn't the WTS teach that 1914 was the end of wicked humans, that Jesus was present in 1874, made King in 1878,
then changed it back to 1914 the dates of his presence and being made king? Is that progressive?
QUOTES
*** Proclaimers book (1993) chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that
if Jesus’ baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then
his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would
assume his power as heavenly King.
Charles Taze Russell, first president of the WT Society, predicted Armageddon for 1914: "...the 'battle of the great day
of God Almighty', which will end in AD 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already
commenced." The Time Is At Hand, 1911 ed., p. 101.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/failed-1914-predictions.php
Jesus' Credentials as the Messiah
Q 7. In what way did Jesus come forth from God's "woman"?
7. God sent forth his Son, his first creation, from His wife like organization of spirit creatures in heaven to be the
promised "seed." This required that God's only-begotten Son 'empty himself' of heavenly life and be born as a perfect
human. (Phi!. 2:5-7; John 1:14) Mary's being 'overshadowed' by holy spirit guaranteed that what was to be born would
"be called holy, God's Son." --Luke 1:35.
COMMENTS
The word "organization" is not in the Bible, like the word "trinity."
Mary was unmarried and a mother--yet not put to death just like Bathsheba under the law. Did Jesus share Mary's
genetic material or was she only a surrogate? If not a surrogate, how was it that Jesus was not affected by her
defective human DNA? What about this WTS explanation? Notice too that the WTS reasons that no life is received
from Mary (or any woman) just a body.
QUOTE
*** w67 5/15 p. 319 Questions From Readers ***
The question may now arise, Would not Jesus have inherited some imperfection from Mary? No, the Bible plainly
shows that Jesus was born perfect. (1 Pet. 2:22; John 8:46) In this way he was the equivalent of perfect Adam and
could serve as the ransom to take away sins. (Heb. 7:26; 9:26; Rom. 5:18) We should keep in mind that we are not
dealing just with genetic laws of dominant and recessive characteristics. No, perfection and imperfection are also
involved. We have no experience with the results of uniting perfection with imperfection. Scientists cannot measure
human perfection or imperfection resulting from sin. Nor can they predict the powerful effect a perfect male sperm
would have on an imperfect ovum. But it is evident from what occurred in Jesus’ case that the perfect male part of the
reproduction dominated the imperfection inherent in Mary. Jesus’ perfect Father transferred the perfect life of his Son
to the womb of Mary and the result was a wholly perfect offspring, Jesus.—Gal. 4:4.
*** w53 6/15 p. 377 par. 6 The Rule of King Death Broken ***
At God’s due time for Jesus to be born his perfect life was transferred from heaven to the egg cell in the womb of the
virgin Mary. In this way Christ Jesus did not receive human life from the sinner Adam, but received only a human body
through Adam’s descendant Mary.
Q 8. How was Jesus fulfilling Messianic prophecy when he presented himself for water baptism?
8. The Messianic prophecies indicated where and when Jesus would appear. Jesus was born in Bethlehem as
foretold. (Mic. 5:2) In the first century, the Jews' expectations ran high. Anticipating Messiah's appearance, some asked
about John the Baptizer: "May he perhaps be the Christ?" But John answered: "One stronger than I am is coming."
(Luke 3: 15, 16) By coming to John in the fall of 29 C.E. to be baptized at 30 years of age, Jesus presented himself as
the Messiah right on time. (Dan. 9:25) He then began his eventful ministry, saying: "The appointed time has been
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near." --Mark 1:14, 15.
COMMENTS
Did you notice that the WTS has substituted "John the Baptizer" for "John the Baptist"? Perhaps they don't want
anyone to think that John was religiously a Baptist?
QUOTES
*** w93 8/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
Some people might understand “the Baptist” according to the second definition in a dictionary: “A member or adherent
of an evangelical Protestant denomination marked by congregational polity and baptism by immersion of believers
only.” John certainly was not that.
COMMENTS
How many did the Jews of that time understand of the Messianic prophecies? How many jws can name 3 or 4 off the
cuff? How many jws know the significance of Daniel 9:25 without looking it up (and some not even after doing that)?
"Right on time" how?
Q 9. Though not having full details, Jesus' disciples had what firm conviction?
9. People's expectations, however, needed to be adjusted. Jesus was properly hailed as King, but that his rule would
be future and from heaven would only later be fully understood. (John 12:12-16; 16:12, 13; Acts 2:32-36)
Nevertheless, when Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter unhesitatingly answered: "You are the Christ, the Son
of the living God." (Matt. 16: 13-16) Peter answered similarly when many turned away, stumbled over a teaching.--Read
John 6:68-69.
COMMENTS
Notice the point in the question "not having full details." When will any have the full details, after Armageddon?, after
the 1,000 Year Reign? Will anything ever be "fully understood"? Is it fully understood now any more than then?
"People's expectations...needed to be adjusted"--like in 1976 and 1980 regarding 1975?
Notice how in these comments the "blame" is placed on the rank and file jws regarding 1925 and 1975 when
statements were made in print by those in charge. Was it "they" or "many Witnesses"? Their anticipation was based
on the understanding printed in the WT publications, talks given at the KH, assemblies/conventions. Notice the passive
voice in the Mexico quote and the use of "some" without any acknowledgement of higherup involvement. Is it no
accident that these statements appeared in 1995 WT publications in the same year the WTS shot down the "1914
generation" doctrine. And in the 1988 Korean comment, the anonymous "some" is used again.
QUOTES
*** g95 6/22 p. 9 Can You Trust God’s Promises? ***
Bible Students, known since 1931 as Jehovah’s Witnesses, also expected that the year 1925 would see the fulfillment
of marvelous Bible prophecies. They surmised that at that time the earthly resurrection would begin, bringing back
faithful men of old, such as Abraham, David, and Daniel. More recently, many Witnesses conjectured that events
associated with the beginning of Christ’s Millennial Reign might start to take place in 1975. Their anticipation was based
on the understanding that the seventh millennium of human history would begin then.
*** yb95 p. 227 Mexico ***
There were strong expectations concerning the year 1975 and what it might mean in the fulfillment of Jehovah’s
purpose. Some set their hearts on that date as the time when the old system would be destroyed and God’s new world
would be established.
*** yb88 p. 190 Korea ***
Of course, neither they nor the Society were just letting it slide by. The Society’s letter of April 4, 1977, stated:
“We hope the brothers are careful in their teaching. Evidently some were very strong on the 1975 date, and so a good
foundation was not laid.
COMMENTS
Shortly after 1975 the WTS tried to put out the fires they started. Did they praise jws who had sold their homes and
property planning (assuming) that they would need it only for a few months longer? You might appreciate more
information at this link:
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/1975.php
QUOTES
*** w76 7/15 p. 440 par. 13 A Solid Basis for Confidence ***
Did Jesus mean that we should adjust our financial and secular affairs so that our resources would just carry us to a
certain date that we might think marks the end? If our house is suffering serious deterioration, should we let it go, on the
assumption that we would need it only a few months longer? Or, if someone in the family possibly needs special
medical care, should we say, ‘Well, we’ll put it off because the time is so near for this system of things to go’? This is
not the kind of thinking that Jesus advised.
*** km 5/74 p. 3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular
and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A
34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property
and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to
spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17.
COMMENTS
Yes here is John 6:68,69, one of the most misunderstood scriptures used by the jws....is it "whom" or "where"?
Many Witnesses do not want to know about these things, using the thought stopping question "Where else would I go?"
This misstatement indicates over reliance on the Organization, encouraged by the Watchtower (w75 9/1 p. 531 "Where
could we turn if we would leave God's organization today? There is nowhere else! (John 6:66-69)") What Peter actually
said to Jesus at John 6:68 was "Lord, whom shall we go away to?" The first step is to understand the truth about the
Watchtower Society and the difference between following Jesus and following a self promoted organization. Only once
you comprehend the psychological reason that you were able to be so convinced will you be ready to move on. The
best way to understand this is to learn the techniques of mind control and also to understand that there are many
religions that are very similar to Jehovah's Witnesses. Life becomes a wonderful journey as the Bible and spirituality
start to reveal themselves.
LISTENING TO THE MESSIAH
Q 10. Why did Jehovah emphasize the need to listen to his Son?
10. In heaven, God's only-begotten Son was a mighty spirit person. On earth, Jesus was "the Father's representative."
(John 16:27, 28) He said: "What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me." (John 7:16) Confirming Jesus'
Messiahship during the transfiguration, Jehovah directed: "Listen to him." (Luke 9:35) Yes, listen to, or obey, this
Chosen One. That required faith and good works--both absolutely essential to please God and gain everlasting
life.--John 3:16, 35,36.
COMMENTS
Listen to Jesus = listening to the WTS/FDS/GB/organization/slave
CARROT = everlasting life
QUOTES
*** w03 3/15 p. 25 par. 19 The Early Christians and the Mosaic Law ***
When Jehovah provides direction by means of his Word, his spirit, and his earthly organization, let us listen carefully.
*** w99 1/15 p. 9 Determined to Follow God’s Way of Life ***
How do we hear this voice? It is by listening to God’s Word, the Holy Bible, and by following the direction that our Grand
Instructor, Jehovah God, provides through it and through his modern-day Christian organization. Indeed, to do this is
the only way to everlasting life.”
*** w96 5/1 p. 24 Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End ***
Maintaining our confidence firm to the end requires exercising our faith and listening carefully to the guidance we
receive from Jehovah and his organization.
Q 11, 12. (a) The first-century Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah for what reasons? (b) Who put faith in Jesus?
11. Although Jesus had overwhelming credentials proving that he was the Messiah, the vast majority of the first-century
Jews did not acclaim him. Why? Because they had their own preconceived ideas about the Messiah, including that he
would be a political messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression. (Read John 12:34.) Thus, they could
not accept the Messiah who fulfilled the prophecies that said he would be despised, avoided by men, meant for pains
and for having acquaintance with sickness, and finally killed. (Isa. 53:3, 5) Even some of Jesus' loyal disciples were
disappointed at his not providing political deliverance. But they remained loyal, and in time, accurate understanding was
given them.--Luke 24:21.
COMMENTS
What are the overwhelming credentials?
Are they saying that people (including jws) have preconceived ideas about the Messiah like in 1925 and 1975?
How many jws believe that they will personally survive alive through the great tribulation never dying when the WTS has
presented both ideas (though not clearly)?
"Even some of Jesus' loyal disciples were disappointed" = are they then saying that some of the jw anointed who
presented the above erroneous ideas about 1925 and 1975 were justified in doing so?
12. Another reason why people rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah was his teachings, which many found hard to
accept. Entry into the Kingdom would require 'disowning oneself,' 'eating' Jesus' flesh and blood, being "born again,"
and being "no part of the world." (Mark 8:34; John 3:3; 6:53; 17:14, 16) The proud, the rich, and the hypocritical viewed
these requirements as too difficult to fulfill. However, humble Jews accepted Jesus as the Messiah, as did some
Samaritans who said: "This man is for a certainty the savior of the world."--John 4:25, 26, 41, 42; 7:31.
COMMENTS
So what teachings could thinking jws have rejected but have been correct to do so in their content?
FLIPFLOPS
Superior authorities
until 1929 = secular authorities
1929-1962 = God and Jesus
1962-present = secular authorities
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/superior-authorities.php
Organ Transplants
until 1967 = conscience matter
1967-1980 = disfellowshipping matter
1980-present = conscience matter
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/light-gets-brighter.php
http://www.freeminds.org/sociology/women/rape-and-jehovah-s-witnesses.html
Q 13. How did Jesus experience the symbolic heel wound?
13. Jesus foretold that he would be condemned by the chief priests and be impaled by Gentiles, but on the third day,
he would rise. (Matt. 20:17-19) His affirmation before the Sanhedrin that he was "the Christ the Son of God" was judged
to be blasphemy. (Matt. 26:63-66) Pilate found in him "nothing deserving of death," but because the Jews charged him
also with sedition, Pilate "surrendered Jesus to their will." (Luke 23:13-15, 25) They thus "disowned" and contrived to
kill "the Chief Agent of life," despite the overwhelming proof that he was sent by God. (Acts 3:13-15) The Messiah was
"cut off" as foretold, being impaled on a stake on Passover Day of 33 C.E. (Dan. 9:26, 27; Acts 2:22,23) By this cruel
death, he suffered the "heel" wound foretold at Genesis 3:15.
COMMENTS
So what "overwhelming" proof did Pilate have?
"cut off" as foretold--how many jws without looking would know what the prophecy at Daniel 9:26,27 was talking about
and could explain it without an "elder's" help, even if they were an elder?
Was this a crueller death than being sawn asunder as Isaiah was?
WHY THE MESSIAH HAD TO DIE
Q 14, 15. (a) For what two reasons did Jehovah allow Jesus to die? (b) What did Jesus do after being resurrected?
14. Jehovah allowed Jesus to experience death for two vital reasons. First, Jesus' faithfulness unto death resolved an
important aspect of the "sacred secret." He proved to the ultimate degree that a perfect man can maintain" godly
devotion" and uphold God's sovereignty despite the severest of tests imposed by Satan. (1 Tim. 3:16) Second, as
Jesus said, "the Son of man came ... to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." (Matt. 20:28) This
"corresponding ransom" paid the penalty for sin inherited by Adam's offspring and made it possible to give everlasting
life to all who accept Jesus as God's means of salvation.--1 Tim. 2:5,6.
COMMENTS
Notice the WTS says that God "allowed" Jesus to die rather than causing his death directly. Is that how the WTS will
explain to jws who are dying during the GT that he is merely allowing it? God only protects jws "as a class" not as
individuals as stated below.
CARROT = everlasting life
QUOTES
*** w75 6/15 p. 378 par. 12 Looking to the Future with Confidence ***
We have evidence that God is protecting us now as a class. For instance, if such were not the case, we would have
been wiped from the face of the earth long ago by Satan. Still, individually, some may die of old age and sickness
during the “great tribulation”
*** w05 4/15 p. 5 Taking in Knowledge—Now and Forever ***
Jesus indicated that a similar “day” is coming in our time. Those heeding the knowledge associated with this event will
have the prospect of not only surviving but also living forever. In addition, the dead who are in God’s memory will be
raised to life with the prospect of never having to die again. (John 5:28, 29) Notice how Jesus expressed these two
thoughts. When speaking to Martha about the resurrection of the dead, he said: “He that exercises faith in me, even
though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.” All evidence
shows that this “day” is very near, which means that you may “never die at all.”—John 11:25-27.
Jesus then asked Martha: “Do you believe this?” She answered: “Yes, Lord.” If Jesus were to ask you the same
question today, what would your answer be? Perhaps you would find it difficult to believe in the possibility of never
dying. But even if that was your reaction, undoubtedly you would like to be able to believe it. Imagine how much you
could learn if you would “never die at all”!
*** w89 1/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
But Bible prophecy indicates that we today have a special opportunity. Living as we are in the conclusion of the system
of things, we may survive the coming “great tribulation” and pass right on into the new world. Such ones who have the
hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth and who maintain their loyalty to God will not have to experience human
death at all. Surviving “the great tribulation,” they will be guided “to fountains of waters of life.”—Revelation 7:9-17.
*** w83 7/1 p. 23 par. 21 The Live Men of Faith Who Will Never Die ***
Unquestionably, so late in this “time of the end” since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, there are many live men
and women of faith and integrity who will never die off the face of the earth, God’s footstool. What an unusual
opportunity lies ahead of them! Because of never dying and being buried, they will need no resurrection of the dead
during the thousand-year-long reign of Jesus Christ.
15. After three days in the grave, Christ was resurrected, and for 40 days he appeared to his disciples, proving that he
was alive and giving them further instructions. (Acts 1: 3-5) Then he ascended to heaven to present to Jehovah the
value of his precious sacrifice and await the appointed time when his presence as Messianic King would begin. In the
meantime, he had much to do.
COMMENTS
How did Jesus prove he was alive...had the 500 who saw him mentioned in the following named and testimonies given
as to how they knew it was Jesus? Had any who were not his followers seen him?
(1 Corinthians 15:3-8) 3 For I handed on to YOU, among the first things, that which I also received, that Christ died for
our sins according to the Scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according
to the Scriptures; 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that he appeared to upward of five
hundred brothers at one time, the most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep [in death]. 7 After
that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 but last of all he appeared also to me as if to one born
prematurely.
What was the appointed time, 1874 or 1914, or some other date. Was Jesus made king in 1878 or 1914? Has the
WTS CONSISTENTLY taught that Jesus' presence began in 1914 as mentioned below?
QUOTES
*** w93 1/15 p. 5 ‘Caught Away to Meet the Lord’—How? ***
When a foreign head of State visits a country, the dates of his presence there are generally announced. This has been
true of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence to honesthearted
students of Bible prophecy that Jesus’ presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Events since that year
testify to Jesus’ invisible presence. (Matthew 24:3-14)
QUOTES
This is not to overlook the fact that Russell did predict an awesome event for 1914. Based on a Biblical interpretation
that a 40-year generation must transpire from Christ's parousia until the "end of the world," he predicted that the "times
of the gentiles" (world rule by the nations under Satan) would end in the prophetic "battle of Armageddon" in that year
(1914 being 40 years thence from 1874). When the war broke out in Europe, Russell actually believed it was the
beginning of Armageddon. These things are thoroughly documented in Watch Tower publications prior to 1914.
Obviously, Armageddon did not occur as anticipated. Nevertheless, Russell maintained that the "gentile times" had
indeed ended in 1914. He died two years later. And to this day, Jehovah's Witnesses stand on the belief that Russell
correctly identified 1914 for fulfillment of the "end of the gentile times." It was well over a decade thereafter that the
doctrine of Christ's return was changed, moving that event foreward to coincide with Russell's "end of the gentile
times." And that premise remains the Watch Tower's official doctrinal position of the matter at this writing (1999). But
the 1874 parousia of Christ doctrine continued to be preached in the Watch Tower, as seen here:
The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its
beginning dating from October, 1874.
Zion's Watch Tower, 15 January 1892, page 1355
We see no reason for changing the figures--nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates,
not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.
Zion's Watch Tower, 15 July 1894, page 1677
The Scriptures show that the second presence [of the Lord] was due in 1874 . . . . This proof shows that the Lord has
been present since 1874.
--The Watch Tower, 1 March 1923, page 67
Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is
present and has been since 1874.
--The Watch Tower, 1 January 1924, page 5
COMPLETING HIS ROLE AS THE MESSIAH
Q 16, 17. Outline Jesus' role as the Messiah after his ascension to heaven.
16. Throughout the centuries since his resurrection, Jesus has faithfully supervised the activities of the Christian
congregation over which he has been ruling as King. (Col. 1: 13) At the appointed time, he would start wielding his
power as King of God's Kingdom. Bible prophecies and world events confirm that his presence as King began in 1914,
as did "the conclusion of the system of things." (Matt. 24:3; Rev. 11:15) Shortly thereafter, he led the holy angels in
casting Satan and his demons from heaven.--Rev.12:7-10.
COMMENTS
Who was the Christian congregation that Jesus supervised? Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Lutherans, Baptists, etc.?
Was the appointed time 1878 or 1914? Did world events confirm that Christ's presence as King began in 1914?
QUOTES
"Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present since October 1874, A.D., according to the testimony of the prophets, to
those who have ears to hear it: and the formal inauguration of his kingly office dates from April 1878, A.D." Studies in
Scriptures Series IV (1897) p.621
17. The preaching and teaching work that Jesus began in 29 C.E. is nearing its grand climax. Soon he will judge all the
living. He will then tell sheeplike ones who accept him as Jehovah's means of salvation to "inherit the kingdom prepared
for [them] from the founding of the world." (Matt. 25:31-34, 41) Those who reject Jesus as King will suffer destruction
when he leads the heavenly armies against all wickedness. Then Jesus will bind Satan and cast him and his demons
into "the abyss." --Rev. 19:11-14; 20:1-3.
COMMENTS
Preaching by whom only though--jws.
SOON = 1914, 1916, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994, very soon now..........just around the corner
sheeplike ones = only baptized jws "in good standing" per the earthly administration of the WTS
reject Jesus as King = means rejecting the WTS/FDS/GB
There won't be any teaching work in the "new system"?
1940's? Months since 9/15/41 = almost 70 years x 12 = 840???
QUOTES
"Receiving the gift [Children], the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the
Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." (The Watchtower,
September 15, 1941, p. 288)
Q 18, 19. What does Jesus accomplish in fulfilling his role as the Messiah, bringing what results for obedient mankind?
18. During his Thousand Year Reign, Jesus will fully live up to all his titles, such as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isa. 9:6, 7) His Kingdom rule will lift humans to perfection, including those
resurrected from the dead. (John 5:26-29) The Messiah will guide willing humans to "fountains of waters of life,"
enabling obedient mankind to enjoy a peaceful relationship with Jehovah. (Read Revelation 7:16, 17.) After the final
test, all rebels, including Satan and his demons, will be "hurled into the lake of fire," the crushing death blow to the head
of the "serpent."--Rev. 20:10.
COMMENTS
What does the WTS consider the 1,000 year reign?
The WTS taught that in 1925 earthly humans such as Abraham, Isaac, etc. (the ancient worthies) would be resurrected
to earthly perfection immediately.
They also teach that the anointed jws after death are immediately perfect too. Why then does the rest of humans have
to gradually become perfect?
obedient mankind = only jws
Where is a relationship with Jesus?
the final test = yes, even surviving the GT is not test enough
Note that Satan and demons were able to live 1,000 years more to be used to "test" although God does not test with
evil (James 1:13).
QUOTES
MILLIONS NOW LIVING WILL NEVER DIE, p.88
"Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A.D. 1
of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What,
then, should we expect to take place? … The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other
Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old,
and that these will have the first favour, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from
the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal
representatives of the new order of things on earth."
YET THEY LATER SAID
*** w51 5/15 p. 308 par. 7 Leaves of Healing ***
They will no more be perfected in an instant after Armageddon than the faithful witnesses of ancient time, Abel, Enoch,
Noah, Abraham, etc., will be resurrected as perfect men by God’s power through Christ the King.
19. How wonderfully and flawlessly Jesus fulfills his role as the Messiah! A paradise earth will be filled with redeemed
humans, who will live forever in perfect health and happiness. Jehovah's sacred name will have been cleared of all
reproach, and the rightfulness of his universal sovereignty fully vindicated. What a grand heritage lies just ahead for all
who obey God's Anointed One!
COMMENTS
paradise earth = a phrase that does not appear in the bible like "governing body" and single words like "organization"
and "trinity"
When though do these humans reach perfect health....not immediately...not above it says gradually....will an amputated
leg grow back "gradually" and inch a day?
obey anointed one = obey WTS/FDS/GB
just ahead---840 months?
HAVE YOU FOUND THE MESSIAH?
Q 20, 21. What reasons do you have to tell others about the Messiah?
20. Since 1914 we have been living in the period of Christ's parousia, or presence. Although his presence as King of
God's Kingdom is invisible, it is obvious from the fulfillment of prophecies. (Rev. 6:2-8) Nevertheless, just like the
first-century Jews, most people today ignore the evidence of the Messiah's presence. They too want a political
messiah or at least one who will work through human political rulers. You, though, came to know that Jesus is now
reigning as King of God's Kingdom. Were you not thrilled to find that out? Just like the first-century disciples, you were
moved to proclaim: "We have found the Messiah!
COMMENTS
Christ's presence--1874 or 1914?
Christ king--1878 or 1914?
Most people--all non jws and even some jws per the WTS
Reigning since 1878 or 1914?
human political rulers--any different than a earthly HUMAN organization like the WTS?
Have we found the Messiah or the WTS or is that the same thing (see The Christ above)?
21. Today, when you talk about the truth, do you highlight Jesus’ role as the Messiah? Doing so will enhance your
appreciation for what he has done for you, what he is doing now, and what he will yet accomplish. Like Andrew and
Phillip, you no doubt have talked to your relatives and friends about the Messiah. Why not approach them with renewed
zeal and show them that Jesus Christ is indeed the promised Messiah, God’s means of salvation?
COMMENTS
Talk about the WT truth
Does the WT highlight Jesus' role or Jehovah's and the WTS/FDS/GB?
Have you talked about Jesus or the WTS and its publications to your relatives and friends?
Jesus, God's means of salvation, ONLY THROUGH THE WTS
CAN YOU EXPLAIN?How could the first-century disciples find the Messiah?
For what two important reasons did Jesus die?
What will Jesus yet do in fulfilling his role as the Messiah?
CONCLUDING COMMENTSSorry this is late. I'm still struggling with my health. If my tests are good today, I can keep the hospital at bay. It is
terrible when your doctors all work part-time but not on the same days and then have the temerity to go on vacation
(smile).
It is no surprise to find the WTS "highlighting" Jesus at this time of year. The "memorial" (ignore Jesus day) is on
March 30, just a month away.
Next week, "Cultivate Love That Never Fails." (a possible vomit article based on the titlel)
LOVE, BLONDIE