As 1975 approached, what did the WTS say when most JWs were expecting the end at any time?
Does Solomon, the writer of the aforementioned proverb, give us reason to expect divine protection from all physical harm? He said: "You will not need to be afraid of any sudden dreadful thing, nor of the storm upon the wicked ones, because it is coming. For Jehovah himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence, and he will certainly keep your foot against capture." Does that not seem to be evidence that Jehovah God will not permit his loyal followers to be kidnapped or arrested during the "great tribulation"?
We must not forget that Solomon wrote what he did, not with us of today in mind, but more pertinently for the benefit of those living under his kingdom. (Prov. 1:1-4; 3:25, 26) Viewing his words in that way, we appreciate that he was giving the Israelites advice that would help them to live upright lives and benefit them in daily living. In this way they would be kept from "capture." What kind of capture? Well, for instance, from the enticements of a prostitute who walks the streets in search of a victim. (Prov. 5:3-14) We can see that his words are excellent counsel for us too. But they are not an assurance that we will not be arrested, anymore than faithful Jeremiah was immune from arrest in Jerusalems "time of the end." (Jer. 37:15, 21) Nor can we expect that during the "great tribulation" some may not have to lose their lives for loyally upholding their Christian integrity, even as the apostle James lost his life. (Acts 12:1, 2) Nevertheless, we do have divine protection. How?
We have evidence that God is protecting us now
as
aclass. 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" or, like our brothers in Malawi, from persecutions. Can we, in the face of such possibilities, still look to the future with confidence? Most assuredly! Jesus declared that the dead will hear his voice and will come forth in a resurrection.
The protection of us,
as
agroup, will continue right on through the destruction of Babylon the Great and the war at HarMagedon into the New Order.
Now every year, the WTS, emphasizes
w99 2/1 18 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
As a group, they would "come out of the great tribulation" alive, to inherit the earthly Paradise where "death will be no more."
w96 6/1 27 Gilead School Sends Out Its 100th Class ***
Jehovah guarantees divine protection of these representatives
as a group during the time of the end.
w92 5/1 18 Who Will Escape the "Time of Distress"? ***
But we are assured by the Revelation prophecy that
as
a
group the great crowd will come out of the great tribulation as the nucleus of "a new earth" society. (Revelation 21:1) Will you be there?
Blondie
Individual JWs interpret the WTS as teaching "individual" protection and the WTS does unofficially through the elders, COs and DOs.
Talking out of both sides of their @$$, woops mouth.
