Acts 4:21 - There Is No Salvation in Anyone Else

by Darth Rutherford 7 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • Darth Rutherford
    Darth Rutherford

    Let me preface this by saying that this is a compilation of thoughts and notes I have been wrestling with lately. It is long and it has many quotes, but I wanted to prove the point beyond any doubt. It is cathartic for me to write; however, my research may be of assistance to others. I do not believe in the Watch Tower any longer. I believe all a Witness needs to do is look in his/her own sanctioned WT library to find the Truth about the Truth. Their own literature as well as the Scriptures expose them for the frauds they are.

    I am eager to hear your comments. Not looking to argue. I'm always looking for ways to hone my logic and reasoning. We know JW's won't ackowledge literature outside their own library, so I write this to show the Truth is in their library. There are many I would like to help -as is the case for most of us. Enjoy!

    Acts 4:21 - There Is No Salvation In Anyone Else

    “The Boat is Unsinkable”

    According to Merriam-Webster, irony is defined as “incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result.” In essence, irony is actuality versus expectation. In many cases, it is an unexpected twist that reveals a hidden truth.

    There are many examples of irony through the ages. For example, the Titanic was hailed as unsinkable, yet it sank on its maiden voyage. Upon receiving reports that the ship had hit an iceberg and was sinking, White Star Line Vice-President, Phillip Franklin, incredulously stated, "There is no danger that Titanic will sink. The boat is unsinkable and nothing but inconvenience will be suffered by the passengers." By the time he uttered these words to the press, the ship was long gone along with the majority of her passengers.

    Another example of irony truly affects millions today. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they are inside an unsinkable ship –an “ark” designed by God himself that will preserve them alive through the coming world-cataclysm of Armageddon. This unsinkable ship is none other than its own Watch Tower organization.

    In its 130-year history, Watch Tower has always been found trying to navigate a field of icebergs. Each berg lies ready to do damage, threatening to be the one that sinks the mighty ship. Ironically, with the organization’s history now easily accessible on the internet, some of the most dangerous of these icebergs come, not from “apostate” literature, but from the organization’s own publications. However, the Bible itself is the Watch Tower’s greatest danger. Whether you believe in the Holy Scriptures or not, it cannot go unnoticed that the Bible, a book of which each Witness claims to be a serious student, outlines damning verses that expose the organization for what it is: another organized religion governed and corrupted by men. This, too, I find, is ironic.

    Take, for example, the scripture found at Acts 4:12:

    Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.

    Any one of Jehovah’s Witnesses will agree with that verse. Witnesses have always been sensitive to the accusation that they do not believe in Jesus. This accusation is untrue. Jehovah’s Witnesses do believe in Jesus Christ. They sincerely believe in this verse. Like other Christians, they profess that “there is no salvation in anyone else.” The Bible teaches that salvation only rests with Jesus Christ.

    Yet, the irony is found in the latter half of this verse: “for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” It is this portion of the verse that exposes the Watch Tower organization. This verse, compared with the organization’s own publications, shows that, for Jehovah’s Witnesses, their expectation does not match their actuality. How so?

    “There Is Not Another Name Under Heaven That Has Been Given Among Men…”

    Sacrificing his life for mankind, Jesus Christ prophetically fulfilled the Law Covenant that was instituted through Moses. The Bible teaches that he solidified all of God’s promises. (2 Corinthians 1:20) He was resurrected and ascended to heaven where he would serve in many important roles. He was, thus, given a name that was “more excellent” than any of the heavenly angels. –Hebrews 1:4.

    A name is more than just an identifying label. In many cases, a name represents the person, his vocation, and his reputation. Regarding Jesus, Christians recognize him as a Judge, King, High Priest, Ransomer, Mediator, and Chief Agent of salvation. (Matthew 20:28; John 5:22; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 6:20; Revelation 19:16) No individual has been given all the roles that Jesus Christ serves; therefore, he is unique with an exclusive name. Echoing the apostle Peter’s words, there is indeed no other name by which we must get saved.

    Especially is this true “under heaven”. Peter addressed his words as recorded at Acts 4:12 to the chief priest as well as other scribes and older men of Jerusalem, and there explained how he was able to heal a lame man the previous day. (Acts 3:7) He credits the source of the healing to Jesus Christ –not to anything that he, or another human, did. Salvation does not come from anything “in all creation that is under heaven.” –Colossians 1:23.

    No “name”, special role, or purpose that “has been given among men” can bring salvation. Therefore, there is no individual, group of men, commercial business, political government or party, or religious institution that can bring salvation. Anything that has originated and is governed by men cannot lead to eternal salvation. Only Jesus Christ in his heavenly role can save men. The Watch Tower reaffirms this, saying: “We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry—be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization.” (The Watchtower, 11/1/1990, p.25, par. 160) Certainly, this is the expectation of all Jehovah’s Witnesses; but, what is the actuality?

    “…By Which We Must Get Saved”

    Ask any of Jehovah’s Witnesses why they adhere so closely to the organization, and their answers could basically be summed up in one word: Salvation. They strongly believe that their relationship with Jehovah God and hope for everlasting life depends upon their association with the organization. Notice the following quote:

    But if we were to draw away from Jehovah’s organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy. -The Watchtower 9/15/1993, p.22

    Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that no organization on earth can bring salvation –with the exception of the Watch Tower organization. They associate the name “Watch Tower” with the instrument God is using to lead his people to salvation. They feel that their unique name, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, identifies them as true Christians fulfilling a prophetic role with God’s purposes. Being an inactive, disfellowshipped, or disassociated member of the Watch Tower organization and Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses places one’s eternal hope of everlasting life in grave danger. Salvation depends on being an active member and closely associated with the organization.

    The following quotes show how this belief has been inculcated into Jehovah’s Witnesses over the many years.

    …the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation… -The Watchtower 11/15/1981, p.21, par. 18

    Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in Jehovah and his mountainlike organization. -The Watchtower 1/15/2011, p.4, par. 8

    But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. -The Watchtower 12/15/2007, p.14, par. 19

    Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization. -The Watchtower, 5/15/2006, p.22, par. 8

    Without confidence in our Christian brothers, in Jehovah’s organization and, above all, in Jehovah himself, survival will be impossible. -The Watchtower, 8/15/1998, p.19, par.15

    How marvelous it is to see millions of people from all nations flocking into Jehovah’s organization and being taught how to survive through the great tribulation into God’s new world! -The Watchtower, 3/1/1997, p.24

    Well, that new “nation,” born in 1919 in a restored “land,” was to develop into a worldwide organization made up of anointed and nonanointed praisers of Jehovah. This organization will survive Armageddon into God’s new world. -The Watchtower, 7/1/1995, p.21, par.5

    Whether or not man-made structures weather the storm of Armageddon, we know that God’s organization will survive as a going concern and that Jehovah will use it and those who loyally support it, establishing eternal peace and security in the glorious earthly Paradise of God’s promise. -The Watchtower, 1/1/1986, p.26, par.18

    …let nothing draw you away from God’s organization or destroy your relationship with the One whose arm saves all who love him. -The Watchtower, 10/1/1991, p.10, par.9

    God’s organization loves you, and everything that is printed and said is meant to protect you—to save your life! -The Watchtower, 8/1/1986, p.15, par.20

    And there will be only one organization—God’s visible organization—that will survive the fast-approaching “great tribulation.” It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal. (Matthew 7:21-23; 24:21) You must be part of Jehovah’s organization, doing God’s will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life. -You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, p.255, par.14

    The irony is profound. Although the Watch Tower overtly claims that one cannot impute “salvation to a person or an organization”, they continually instill the thought into its members that survival and salvation depend on being associated with its organization.

    Additionally, the organization’s Governing Body is held in such high esteem, that Watch Tower brazenly declares: “by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.” (The Watchtower, 9/15/2010, p.23, par.8) Yes, following the organization and its leaders is the same as following Christ Jesus, and, thereby, is essential for salvation!

    “I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life”

    The Bible teaches that salvation and a relationship with God is only possible through our redeemer and mediator, Jesus Christ. He states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, have been taught that a relationship with Jehovah God and salvation depends upon their close association with their organization. For them, the organization is the Truth, and the Way, and the Life.

    One of the most commonly used phrases in the organization is “The Truth.” You will hear questions such as, “How long have you been in the Truth?” “I hear he is no longer in the Truth.” For Jehovah’s Witnesses, “the Truth” is synonymous for the organization. Notice how this is apparent in the following quotes:

    Many of them were new in the truth, and some of them had been serving under ban when it was not always possible for instruction from Jehovah’s organization to reach them. -2008 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, p.216

    Akashi, who had been leading an immoral life and had compromised the truth under pressure, had left God’s organization. -1988 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, p.154

    How vital that the brothers have a strong personal relationship with Jehovah, that they appreciate his visible organization, and that they not allow the wrong conduct and sour attitude of disloyal ones to turn them aside from the truth! -1986 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, p.152

    Direct his attention to the organization through which he is learning the truth, and encourage him to attend congregation meetings regularly. -Kingdom Ministry, 11/98 p.1, par. 4

    The program will strengthen our faith in the Bible, whether we have known the truth for many years or have just recently come into contact with Jehovah’s organization. -Kingdom Ministry, 5/97, p.3, par.1

    Jehovah has seen fit to teach us the truth, and he may have granted us special privileges of service through his organization -TheWatchtower, 8/1/2004, p.9, par.6

    Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows—the truth. -The Watchtower, 8/1/2003, p.15, par.5

    Although Jesus Christ is “the way”, in that he is the only one through whom it is possible for us to approach God, the Watch Tower implies that it, too, is the way for humans to have an approved relationship with God, and the way to gain everlasting life. Consider the following quotes carefully:

    Let us then take the lead in directing attentive students to Jehovah’s organization and join with Jehovah in saying, “This is the way.” -Kingdom Ministry, 12/88, p.2, par.8

    More important, our good conduct draws people to Jehovah’s organization, opening the way for them to bring him glory and to gain everlasting life. -The Watchtower, 1/15/2002, p.16, par.4

    However, our close relationship with God and his organization strengthens and protects us and thus helps us to stay in “the way.” -The Watchtower, 9/1/1998, p.9, par.7

    …we have Jehovah’s caring organization, with its anointed “faithful and discreet slave” and its loving elders, to shepherd us patiently in the way that we should go. -The Watchtower, 12/15/1995, p.12, par.5

    Our Grand Instructor, Jehovah, through his Word and organization, illuminates the road, saying: “‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.”—Isaiah 30:21. -The Watchtower, 12/15/1992, p.15, par.6

    ‘Seeking Jehovah’ today involves developing and maintaining a warm personal relationship with him in association with his earthly organization. -The Watchtower, 2/15/2001, p.18, par.5

    …everything to do with our worship is related to our relationship with Jehovah and his organization. -The Watchtower, 1/15/1994, p.21

    Any person who wants to survive into God’s righteous new order urgently needs to come into a right relationship with Jehovah and His earthly organization now. -The Watchtower, 11/15/1981, pp.16-17, par.3

    …they would not be in their present relationship with Jehovah God if the visible theocratic organization had not been revived and infused with more strength and vigor than ever before. -The Watchtower, 3/1/1979, p.17, par.17

    They will enjoy a sacred and filial relationship with their Creator, Jehovah God, as members of his universal organization. -Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!, p.304, par.12

    Maintaining a strong stand for what is right in these “last days” calls for a realistic evaluation of our relationship with Jehovah and our standing with his earthly organization. -Kingdom Ministry, 7/94, p.3, par.2

    Jehovah’s servants have all the help needed for rendering a fine account to him. Why? Because they have a close relationship with God as part of his earthly organization. -The Watchtower, 9/15/1996, p.16, par.1

    …you will let nothing draw you away from God’s organization or destroy your relationship with the One whose arm saves all who love him.-The Watchtower, 10/1/1991, p.10, par.9

    We do so in our prayers and in the way we look to Jehovah’s Word and to his organization for guidance. -The Watchtower, 9/1/2003, p.13, par.23

    Recently the two questions addressed to baptismal candidates were simplified so that candidates could answer with full comprehension of what is involved in coming into intimate relationship with God and his earthly organization. -The Watchtower, 4/15/1987, p.12

    On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will? Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization? -The Watchtower, 4/1/2006, p.22

    Lastly, Watch Tower shows that it is “the life” by presenting itself as necessary to enjoy a better life now, and to gain everlasting life in the future. Notice the following quotes:

    “I realized that what was missing in my life was the love and guidance of Jehovah and his organization.” -The Watchtower, 11/15/2008, p.16, par.17

    Today, he is using his holy spirit, his Word, and his organization to sustain those who “fight the fine fight of the faith,” setting before them the reward of “everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 6:11, 12) -The Watchtower, 10/15/2003, p.27

    More important, our good conduct draws people to Jehovah’s organization, opening the way for them to bring him glory and to gain everlasting life. -The Watchtower, 1/15/2002, p.16, par.4

    Give of yourself to the organization, and you are guaranteed to have a full, happy life. -The Watchtower, 8/1/1998, p.24

    I truly count it a privilege to experience the forward movement of Jehovah’s organization and to see so many making the full-time ministry their way of life. I can assure you, there is no better way of life than this -The Watchtower, 6/1/1997, p.23

    Outside of God’s organization, satanic influence threatens to destroy Jehovah’s institution of marriage and bring an end to peaceful family life. -The Watchtower, 6/15/1997, p.21, par.6

    We will be impelled to serve Jehovah loyally with his organization if we remember that there is nowhere else to go for life eternal. -The Watchtower, 11/15/1992, p.21, par.12

    “Grateful to Jehovah and his organization, I got baptized on August 30, 1986, and started on the road to everlasting life.” -The Watchtower, 2/1/1991, p.30

    You must be part of Jehovah’s organization, doing God’s will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life. -You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, p.255, par.14

    Jehovah God has a visible organization that he is using today to train and equip us for life in his righteous new system.-The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, p.139, par.19

    She indicated that “the Father,” Jehovah, was providing for them spiritually; that they had contact with “the well,” Jehovah’s organization; and that they had access to life-giving waters of truth, Bible literature. -2011 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, p.205

    Directing people to Jehovah’s organization is one of the best ways we can help them to make spiritual progress that leads to everlasting life. -Kingdom Ministry, 3/99, p.1, par.1

    Jehovah’s organization has provided tools that can help us to reach the hearts of those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” -Kingdom Ministry, 7/98, p.8, par.1

    “We are very happy to be out of false religion and to be a part of Jehovah’s organization where we can get life all the way.” -1986 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, p.59

    Irony or Hypocrisy?

    Many quotes have been used to prove each point. At first, this might seem overkill; however, it was done purposefully to make a larger point. First, they show that the Watch Tower’s emphasis on the organization is neither a recent development nor is it “old light” (‘truths’ no longer taught as truth). In fact, these quotes are taken only from the last thirty-some years of Watch Tower teaching; although others could have easily been obtained for many more decades.

    Secondly, these quotes illustrate that there has been a steady indoctrination emphasizing salvation through the organization rather than through Jesus Christ. Some Witnesses will flinch at this thought and insist that the organization teaches salvation only through Jesus. I would ask, then, that you go back and carefully read each of these quotes again. How often is Jesus Christ included as being necessary for salvation? Although the Bible repeatedly stresses that point, the Watch Tower seems to somehow frequently forget to mention it; but, they rarely pass an opportunity to emphasize the organization’s important role in God’s purpose to save mankind.

    This, in the end, may be the greatest irony –or the greatest hypocrisy. Watch Tower is a religion that teaches the importance of Jesus Christ in God’s purposes, yet places greater emphasis on itself as the means necessary for salvation for mankind today. Still not convinced? A simple test will prove this true.

    Scripturally, Jesus said he is “the Truth.” (John 14:6) Now ask yourself: can a person continue to believe and follow Jesus after leaving the organization? Obviously, the answer is yes; however, would Jehovah’s Witnesses consider that individual “in the Truth”? The answer is no. Following Jesus Christ is not enough to be “in the Truth”; one must be in the organization to be “in the Truth.” Why? Because from the standpoint of a Witness, the organization is key for salvation.

    In rebuttal, the Watch Tower likes to cite examples when God used humans to carry out his purpose and will. In fact, Watch Tower will compare itself to individuals and prophets of old that were used by Jehovah God to bring salvation to His people. It is true that God did use individuals, including the entire nation of Israel, to accomplish His will. Clearly, any serious Bible student would recognize that these examples were temporary arrangements that were necessary to reveal the coming Messiah. Nevertheless, let us follow the Watch Tower’s logic and play along for a moment.

    One of the greatest figures used in the Bible was Moses. Moses was the instrument God used to deliver His people out of Egypt. Jehovah used Moses to lead His people for decades in the wilderness. Today, the Watch Tower sees parallels between itself and Moses as Jehovah uses the organization to lead His people through the Last Days of this system of things. In fact, it frequently reminds its members that speaking out against those who take the lead in the organization is akin to Korah’s rebellion again Moses –which resulted in severe judgment from Jehovah. –The Watchtower, 12/15/1986, p.29.

    Yet, let us consider an incident while in the wilderness that should cause anyone associated with the Watch Tower to give pause. In fact, we can read a nice summary of the account from Watch Tower’s own publication:

    Exasperated and embittered in spirit, Moses and Aaron stood before the people as Jehovah commanded. But instead of calling attention to Jehovah as the Provider, they spoke harshly to the people and directed attention to themselves, Moses saying: “Hear, now, you rebels! Is it from this crag that we shall bring out water for you?” With that, Moses struck the rock and Jehovah caused water to flow forth, sufficient for the multitude and their flocks. But God was displeased with the conduct of Moses and Aaron. They had failed of their primary responsibility, namely, to magnify Jehovah’s name. They “acted undutifully” toward Jehovah, and Moses had ‘spoken rashly with his lips.’ Later Jehovah decreed: “Because you did not show faith in me to sanctify me before the eyes of the sons of Israel, therefore you will not bring this congregation into the land that I shall certainly give them.”—Nu 20:1-13 (Bold-Italics added for emphasis.) -Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, pp. 438-439

    Moses, indeed, was used by Jehovah God in a saving role; however, what happened when he directed attention to himself rather than the true source of Salvation? It evidently did not bode well for him. Watch Tower likes to think of itself as a Moses-like instrument used by Jehovah, but what, then, does this mean for the countless times the Watch Tower directs attention to itself as “the Truth”, as well as the way to an approved relationship with God and the way for a better life now and for an everlasting future, but fails to direct the glory to the actual Truth, Way, and Life –Jesus Christ? Ironically, the Scriptures prove to be the Watch Tower’s greatest problem.

    In case you’re still not convinced, notice the following quotes. As you read each one, ask yourself which would be more scriptural: “Organization” or “Jesus Christ”?

    We can enter into Jehovah’s rest—or join him in his rest—by obediently working in harmony with his advancing purpose as it is revealed to us through his organization. -The Watchtower, 7/15/2011, p.28, par.16

    Jehovah uses his organization to guide us, his people, through “the wilderness” during these last days of Satan’s wicked world. -The Watchtower, 4/15/2011, p.5

    Through God’s Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction. -The Watchtower, 3/15/2010, p.18, par.17

    Of course, to be good teachers, we need knowledge of our subject and we need skill to impart that knowledge. Jesus helped his disciples to acquire both, and Jehovah, through his organization, helps us to do so today. -The Watchtower, 7/15/2009, p.16, par.5

    …when trials occur and we are tested in some way, God supports us just as he did Job. Today, Jehovah does this by means of his Word, his organization, and his holy spirit. -The Watchtower, 4/15/2009, p.8, par.3

    In principle, this verse tells us that Jehovah adequately qualifies Christians for the ministry by his Word, his holy spirit, and the earthly part of his organization. -The Watchtower, 7/15/2008, p.28, par.7

    Through the visible part of his organization, he provides his servants on earth with guidance as to how they should fulfill their preaching commission. -The Watchtower, 1/15/2008, p.9, par.4

    The only reliable guidance by which to direct our steps is spiritual guidance, which comes through Jehovah’s Word, his spirit, and his organization. -The Watchtower, 9/1/2005, p.22, par.17

    He sustains and fortifies us by means of his spirit, his organization, and his Word, the Bible. -The Watchtower, 8/15/2005, p.17, par.14

    Jehovah also provides ongoing guidance through his Word, his organization, and his holy spirit. -The Watchtower, 6/1/2005, p.11, par.7

    Jehovah provides gems of truth through his Word, his spirit, and his organization. -The Watchtower, 10/15/2004, p.4

    Jehovah consistently strengthened and richly rewarded Joseph, Moses, the Israelite slave girl, and the three faithful Hebrew youths. Today, he is using his holy spirit, his Word, and his organization to sustain those who “fight the fine fight of the faith,” setting before them the reward of “everlasting life. -The Watchtower, 10/15/2003, p.27

    Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows—the truth. -The Watchtower, 8/1/2003, p.15, par.5

    When Jehovah provides direction by means of his Word, his spirit, and his earthly organization, let us listen carefully. -The Watchtower, 3/15/2003, p.25, par.19

    How does Jehovah qualify true Christians today? Let us discuss three means that he uses: (1) his Word, (2) his holy spirit, and (3) his earthly organization. -The Watchtower, 2/15/2002, p.25, par.4

    The keynote address, entitled “Completely Equipped as Teachers of God’s Word,” reminded us that Jehovah makes us his qualified ministers by means of his Word, his holy spirit, and his earthly organization. -The Watchtower, 1/15/2002, p.25

    So, which would have been more appropriate: Jesus or Organization? Any serious Bible Student and Christian would balk at the Watch Tower’s use of “organization”. Really, if “no matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of [Jesus]”, then why does God need the Watch Tower organization today in relation to His promises? (2 Corinthians 1:20) The apostles and disciples in the first century did not place emphasis on the first-century congregation for salvation. They directed it where it belonged: Jesus Christ.

    To be sure, Jesus performed many other signs also before the disciples, which are not written down in this scroll. But these have been written down that YOU may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that, because of believing, YOU may have life by means of his name. –John 20:30, 31

    “They said: “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will get saved, you and your household.” –Acts 16:31

    “Paul said: “John baptized with the baptism [in symbol] of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they got baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” –Acts 19:4, 5

    “Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, and everyone who loves the one that caused to be born loves him who has been born from that one. -1 John 5:1


    The Ship Is Listing

    Acts 4:12 is just another example of how the Bible, ironically, is Watch Tower’s greatest problem. When the scriptures are compared to the organization’s teachings, past and present, a sincere Christian must make a choice: either follow the Scriptures and Christ, or follow the Watch Tower’s publications and its Governing Body.

    Phillip Franklin could not fathom the thought that the Titanic could, or would, sink. Most of Jehovah’s Witnesses are scared to contemplate the same about their beloved organization. There are those, however, that have heard the resonating impact of Watch Tower colliding with multiple icebergs. Many of these collisions are from the Bible, while others are from the organization’s own history and literature. Nevertheless, those who have felt the impact as well as the listing of the organization need to prepare to abandon ship –if they haven’t already done so.

    A Christian is one who follows Jesus Christ. They heed his commands and principles. They pay attention to the model he left, and try to imitate it. Doing this does not require an intermediary organization. Jesus Christ is the Greater-Moses, not an organization. He is our Deliverer and Mediator. He will lead us to the Promised Land.

    The Watch Tower claims to be a Christian congregation that has been anointed by Jehovah God to guide God’s people through these prophetic “Last Days” in order to survive Armageddon as well as live forever in paradise. Yet, Jesus warned his disciples to not follow those who would comes by means of his name, claiming to be the one God chose and anointed to lead His people while declaring the time was at hand. (Luke 21:8; Matthew 24:5) To which will you listen and obey?

    The Watch Tower teaches that the majority of Christians should not partake of the bread and wine in memorial of Jesus’ death, and they will faithfully receive everlasting life. (The Watchtower, 1/15/2009, p.29, par.16) However, Jesus told his disciples, “Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day” (John 6:53, 54) Will you follow Jesus’ instructions for everlasting life and partake, or will you only pass the emblems and somehow expect the same blessing?

    The Watch Tower teaches, “The slave thus deserves our complete trust,” and that “respect for Jehovah’s organization means to trust our proved, faithful brothers. These are the ones who through much hardship and experience have demonstrated that the spirit of God is with them. The rich blessing that has been poured out upon the visible organization is evidence that the governing body and those who represent it are deserving of our full support and trust. (The Watchtower, 2/15/2009, p.27, par.12; The Watchtower, 5/1/1957, p.281, par.7) Yet, the Bible clearly teaches, “Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.” (Psalm 146:3) Which will you obey?

    The Watch Tower teaches that Jesus is not the mediator for all mankind, but only for 144,000 anointed Christians. (The Watchtower, 2/15/1991, p. 17, par. 8) However, the Bible teaches, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all. (1 Timothy 2:5, 6) Will you accept Jesus as your Mediator, or listen to the words of Watch Tower and deny him?

    Why would Jehovah God use an organization that slyly inculcates into its members things that the Bible does not support? Why would He bless an organization that frequently directs attention to itself as the means of salvation today, instead of His Son, Jesus Christ? Why would any Christian ignore God’s direction and put faith in such an organization? Why would anyone ignore the listing and remain on a sinking ship?

  • King Solomon
    King Solomon

    I understand the worthiness of the goal of what you're trying to do, but you need to limit the scope, editing that down to about 1/3 by reeling in the breadth of your objective to a manageable size, and deciding what the core of your argument is and cutting out ALL the rest.

    PS try to avoid presenting your conclusion BEFORE supporting it (the irony bit). That's a turn-off to most readers, JW or not. If it's JWs, that strategy will raise their barriers in a heartbeat, and you're sunk even before you made a single point. It won't be compelling if no one reads it...

  • Wonderment
    Wonderment

    Darth Rutherford:

    I appreciate the time and effort you put on this. I saved it.

    Thanks!

  • Bella15
    Bella15

    Great, I will cut and paste onto an anonymous letter to my brother ...LOL! Thanks.

  • myelaine
    myelaine

    dear Darth Rutherford...

    thank you for your time and effort in writing and posting this information.

    I hope that the WT GB will turn their hearts to Jesus so that the Holy Spirit would be able to convict them of their error.

    The GB needs to teach the witnesses about Jesus just like philip did with the ethiopian eunich and they must invite the witnesses to individually and publicly enter into the covenant with Jesus Christ or they will be bloodguilty at the judgement seat of Christ.

    "Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

    “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." john 14:23-26

    love michelle

  • Darth Rutherford
    Darth Rutherford

    Thanks all, I hope the research comes in handy for you!

    King Sol... Thanks for the advice, and I agree. However, keep in mind that I wrote this out of catharsis -for me; I already knew the conclusion when I began. I was laying out a series of arguments that I could personally use to help those I know who are still in WT-land. I just wanted to share my thoughts and notes/research to make them available for all on the board. Certainly, I have been enlightened by the tidbits others have shared, and I wanted to contribute as well.

    I know the length might be intimidating. We are all used to bite sized morsels; but, it really doesn't take 5-10 minutes to read for those patient. Also, my audience is JW.net... it's not like I had to really convince everyone here about the real truth, right? If I was writing to convince a JW, it would definitely be structured differently - as you suggested. However, there is merit in the "tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them" style argument. Not everyone sees it as a turnoff.

    Finally, for those who are trying to help friends and family open their eyes: don't give up. Remember what it was like when we were active Witnesses? We would only go to two sources for information: the Bible, and the WT Library. We have to do the same, and that might require that we change our approach. JW's believe in the Bible, whether you do or don't, and there are an abundant amount of scriptures that we can use to jump-start their thinking abilities. The key is finding those scriptures and using them effectively. Heck, that's exactly what JW's do when they come to our door! We just are using their same tactics on them.

    Once we get them to start thinking, everything else will fall into place. WT can't handle thinking people.

  • Ding
    Ding

    Unlike the Titanic, the WTS' icebergs are of their own making.

  • Indian Larry
    Indian Larry

    Thank you for this article. The Titanic is a good illustration and it is well researched and backed up with quoted from the WTBS.

    It is true that Acts 4:21 should be a warning sign, almost like an iceberg hitting the hull, that the passengers should be worried about. Especially with all the other icebergs they have been bouncing off of in the past few years. Between the pedophile mess, the UN/NGO debacle, the "overlapping generation" the increasing memorial partakers, largest turnover of any religion, selling off branches, and it goes on and on.

    It is almost like the "ship" (organization) is like a pinball in a field of icebergs. Yet the seven captains at the helm all seem to be asleep. The throttle is on full and no one seems to be able to make the smart choice to slow down, warn the passengers, and change direction.

    As passengers who are awake we need to be ready to abandon. To carry the analogy further we could steal a lifeboat and get off now, but some of us can't convince our family that the ship is going down. In that case we need to try our best to get them stationed as close as possible to the lifeboat station so when they finally do realize the danger they can get out right away.

    The ship is listing badly, the rudder is not responding (back and forth doctrine) the engine is failing (the engine of publishing), the lower decks are flooded (many of the more "aware" witnesses have already left). In the meantime the governing body is rearrainging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic.

    You know the current governing body started officially determining doctrine for the WTBS on January 1 1976. How convenient. Is there any way for those that can see the danger the ship is in to take out the Captain and take over control?

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