To honor the Son is to Honor the father.
I am a practicing JW who I believe is of the heavenly calling. This post is not to criticize WTS but to open honest discussion among mature followers of Christ.
There has been much controversy around the WTS doctrine regarding the arch angel Michael. As many are aware, WTS believe that Jesus in his pre-human existence was Michael , Gods first born. But there has been some confusion among JW’s rumored that Jesus in his human form is still Michael.! This gives fuel for JW antagonist to claim that WTS Christ is not the same Jesus as was crucified and resurrected.
Could it be new light as to clarification that Christ was not in any shape or form Michael incarnate. Lets study this together. For those having an insight book, please refer to Jesus Christ sub heading His Baptism!( page 59) note:
“Gods spirit poured out upon Jesus doubles illuminated his mind on many points .....how Jesus recalled his pre-human existence and the things he had heard from his father do as well from the glory that he himself has enjoyed in the heavens It MAY WELL BE that the memory of these things was restored to him at the time of his baptism ands anointing Jesus anointing with Holy Spirit appointed and commissioned him to carry out his ministry of preaching and teaching.
Please note: The phrase> May well be! is typical WTS language as to imply, but is not a fact.! Many JW’s need to discern this type of writing. Why so? The above explanation as you now is in the mind-set of JW’s as factual .
But is it?
Lets take a look at a recent WT April 2010 Titled> “The Man who changed the World” sub heading “What Jesus Taught about Himself”
The Son of God > Jehovah has many angelic sons. Jesus however is unique. He referred to himself as “ the only-begotten Son of God.”( John 3:18) That expression means that Jesus is the sole direct creation of God .The only begotten is the one through whom God created all things Colossians 1:16.
The Son of man” Jesus used this expression more than any other to refer to himself ( Mathew 8:20) He thus showed that he was neither a materialized angel nor an incarnation Rather, he was fully human .By his holy spirit, God transferred his Son’s life from heaven to earth, causing conception in the womb of the virgin Mary. As a result Jesus was born as a perfect sinless human .
The insight book states>
“Gods spirit poured out upon Jesus doubles illuminated his mind on many points .....how Jesus recalled his pre-human existence.
Please note; At this stage it could be plausible to recall past experiences, as did inspired writers ; but to say that Christ recollection was a restoration, is implying that Jesus was Michael in his human existence.
The Franklin dictionary states incarnation as > The union of divine and human nature
Chrisidom believe that Christ embodiment is an incarnation of God. We JW’s need to be aware that we may be guilty of that same precedent How? Elders have always implied that Jesus IS Michael instead of Jesus WAS Michael. There is a vast difference if one is to honor Gods Son and to acknowledge his new title as our raining King!
JW’s say that Michael is just another name for Jesus. This may be so, but there is only one TITLE- TheLord Jesus Christ .To refer to Christ in anyway as Michael is demeaning that TITLE, like calling a doctor by his first name. Like in all professions titles have to be earned and then respected .
I think there is confusion as in Johns writing in reference to the battle between Michael and the dragon. John was interpreting picture image hence, the angel which come to his understanding was Michael, he did not fully appreciate that it was Christ Jesus in his new authoritive title. That is of course if one is to take Rutherford’s teachings as factual.?
It is obvious by the WT article that the brothers have picked up on a very important precedent Christ former title was Michael. His pre-existence was from his spiritual ancestral heritage. His life force was his very own including his mind - personal thoughts His pre-existence was recalled by his parents teachings and from his study of the torah, notany heavenly experience as it was implied in the insight book. . If Christ was to have incarnated any of Michaels memory he would have been given advantage to overcome his temptations thus would not set a human perspective as to his modeling for our benefit.
Yes the heavens did open up and God did speak of his approval as to his Sons witness in baptism. The Holy Spirit symbolizes anointing. Not a history lesson.
This is a typical example of new light , which will take many years before it is set in the mind -set of JW’s.
Blessings Free thought.