Never_a_JW: Assuming prophecies are real, why would a loving God send messages in such a convoluted manner that lends itself for multiple interpretations. Almighty as he is, he could prepare a clear message in plain whatever language is needed, lay it on visible spots, make it of indestructible, or at least long lasting material.
God sends prophecies so that men may know that he is God. In some cases, he is vague to the point that they are only obvious in hindsight. But many times they are plain. The Jehovah’s Witnesses can take a plain prophecy and turn it into a convoluted mess. Armageddon is a great example. Despite very plain language and understanding, the Governing Body of the Jehovah’s Witnesses have corrupted the prophecies to the point that their eschatology is a laughing stock.
Armageddon is all about Jerusalem. It’s not about Jehovah’s Witnesses; it’s not about Christianity, nor is it symbolic, nor is it a metaphor, nor is it a day of judgment. And many prophets have prophesied about Armageddon — not just John.
The Norse had a day of destruction prophesy that is much closer to the JW Armageddon. It was called Ragnarök, a day of battle between good and evil. But Armageddon is nothing like that. It’s a day in the future when a world leader from the north finally brings peace to a beleaguered Palestine (Israel). What all of God’s prophets had in common regarding this prophecy is that it takes place in Jerusalem. Even John names the place. But the Governing Body says, no, Jerusalem is simply a symbolic reference to them. And the world leader from the north, the “beast,” is symbolic of all the leaders of the world. Meanwhile, I’m scratching my head and saying to myself, why would God, who knows and controls all things, give us numerous literal prophecies, then decide to throw in one that is completely figurative? It doesn’t make sense.
Now you guys can believe what you wish, but if you don’t believe me, do your own research.
AbleBodiedMan: The brick and mortar city of Jerusalem was desolated because of the Jewish people in the 1st Century. Something similar is going to happen to Christianity due to Satan’s spectacular success: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
Yes, Jerusalem was desolated in the first century. But it was restored in 1948, as prophets throughout the Bible prophesied. The Lord told Ezekiel: “...the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.” In the latter days, however, the Lord would soften his heart against his people and bring them back into the lands of their inheritance. The following is just an example of one of the scriptures Jehovah’s Witnesses ignore when concocting their bizarre eschatology:
And yes, Armageddon is a place, but it’s also the name of a great battle that will take place there just before the return of Jesus Christ. Think of it like “Bull Run.” It’s a place, but it’s also a battlefield. And in the last days, the Lord specifically declared that he would bring Judah back from all the nations of the earth (see above) to the land he gave their fathers. The surrounding nations believe the Qur'an when it says the land of Jerusalem was given, not to Jacob, but Esau, and they have already sworn to wipe Jewish nation from the map. Muhammad said that the day of resurrection would not come until they fought the Jews. In that day, a tree or stone would cry out, “Servants of Allah! There is a Jew behind me. Come and kill him!” And in that day shall their great leader, the 12th Imam, will bring his vast army down from the north. And Yahweh will gather all nations against the Jews at the place called Armageddon. And it will be there that the Battle of Armageddon will commence and be concluded with the death of the “beast” and all his armies, save for a sixth, which will be spared.
When is Armageddon?
No one knows when the great showdown will occur. But the Jews will hold off the Antichrist for three and a half years. After that, the Antichrist will break into the city, killing and raping. That’s when Jesus warned them to flee for the mountains, not returning to their homes for anything. See Matthew 24.
This is the Battle of Armageddon. And that's why the video under discussion means nothing. Can anyone refute the above? And further, can anyone show how the Jehovah's Witness interpretation of these events holds water? Anyone who reads the Bible can expose the Governing Body's pathetic view of this cataclysmic end-time event.
According to biblical prophecy, these nations will come against Jerusalem in the last days. And Zechariah states
that the Lord's feet shall stand at that day on the Mount of Olives. Then a great earthquake will divide the
Mount of Olives, to the north and to the south, creating a great valley. The Lord will then reveal himself to the
Jews, who will enquire about the wounds in his hands. He will announce his identity, which will cause mourning
throughout the land. He will then be led through the Kidron Valley and, according to tradition, will enter the
temple through the East (Golden) Gate, which has been sealed until the Messiah's appearance. This is the
prophecy according to the scriptures. Notice how different this is to JEHOVAH'S WITNESS doctrine and
eschatology. The reason I mention this is because biblical prophecy should not be judged or criticized
on the basis of WTBTS exegesis.
See:
- Ezekiel 38-39
- Zechariah 12-14
- Matthew 24
- Revelation 11
.
