Hello everyone,
this topic is based on a statement published by the WTBS Inc. on
'The Watchtower' September 1st, 2003 page 6, the last two paragraphs:
"In support of their claim that the Roman Catholicism is
the one true Church,Catholic leaders say that their bishops
have "a lifegiving contact with the original apostles by a line
of succession which goes back to the beginning ." In truth this
claim of apostolic succession has no historical or Scriptural basis.
There is no credible evidence that the church system that arose following
the death of Jesus apostles was ever directed by God's holy spirit.-
Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:19-21.
And what of the other churches that sprung up following the so-called
Reformation? Did they return to the model of the early Christian con-
gregations? Did they restore the purity of the original Christian con-
gregation? It is true that following the Reformation, the Bible became
avalaible to many of the common people in their own language. Yet his-
tory shows that these churches continued to teach erroneous doctrines.#
- Matthew 15:7-9.
Footnote # See chapter "The reformation - The Search Took a New
Turn" in the book Mankind's Search for God , pages 306-28, published
by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Just to start, when the WTBS Inc. writes:
" In truth this claim of apostolic succession has no historical or Scriptural basis."
the're forgetting, and below I'll prove it with their own quotes, that they are
claiming the same thing for themselves, or rather for the basis of the " ...faithful
and discreet slave class ..".
So another case of the kettle calling the pot ..black!
As for the questions written in the second paragraph, i.e.:
Did they return to the model of the early Christian congregations?
Did they restore the purity of the original Christian congregation?
and the final statement:
history shows that these churches continued to teach erroneous doctrines.
- Matthew 15:7-9.
On which basis can the WTBS Inc., condem other religions for the same things
she has failed to practice ?
Also,on which basis can the WTBS Inc. accuse other religions for the continuing
teaching of 'erroneous doctrines ', when she herself is guilty of the same sin,
since the times of Charles Taze Russell?
Here below the quotes, to refute 'The Watchtower' September 1st, 2003 page 6,
- last two paragraphs -
*** w57 6/15 370 Overseers of Jehovah's People ***
Yes, particularly since 1919 has it been true that he has appointed the collective body of the anointed remnant over all the visible interests of the Kingdom. The "slave" then became responsible not only for ministering to the needs of the anointed body members but also for taking on the responsibility of preaching the good news of the established Kingdom to people of all nations. (Matt. 24:14) Such is true not by their determination of it, but because God himself has so directed. "God has set the members in the body, each one of them, just as he pleased," is the way it is pictured in 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NW). It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision.
*** w57 5/1 281 T rust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers ***
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. This we can demonstrate only by accepting every provision as coming from the Lord through the "faithful and discreet slave".
*** w76 2/15 1 24 You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy ***
Will we hesitate in applying counsel, perhaps pondering in our mind as to what we want to do about it? If that would be the case, wouldn?t we really be asking ourselves the question, ?Do we really want the rulership of God?? Would not a failure to respond to direction from God through his organization really indicate a rejection of divine rulership?
*** w52 2/1 79-80 Jehovah's Theocratic Organization Today ***
Then let us not try to take over the slave?s duties. We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us, without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the fancy of our mental taste. The truths we are to publish are the ones provided through the discreet-slave organization, not some personal opinions contrary to what the slave has provided as timely food. Jehovah and Christ direct and correct the slave as needed, not we as individuals. If we do not see a point at first we should keep trying to grasp it, rather than opposing and rejecting it and presumptuously taking the position that we are more likely to be right than the discreet slave. We should meekly go along with the Lord?s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave?s provision of spiritual food. Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord?s visible organization and not be so foolish as to pit against Jehovah?s channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings.
*** w57 5/1 281 Trust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers ***
Ignoring counsel from headquarters or from the servants in the local congregation is negligence and a sign of disrespect for theocratic authorities. We may take the position that some instructions do not apply to us and may make some mental reservations as to the advisability of carrying them out, even though we might recognize that the suggestions embody sound Scriptural principles. In this way we give only partial support to the organization and the commission to preach "this good news of the kingdom." We may assume that these instructions are only incidentals, that the important thing is ?bringing the ark of Jehovah up into Jerusalem.? David learned to his sorrow (and to Uzza?s death) that singing praise to Jehovah and good intentions are not enough to bring the full reward of Jehovah?s blessing. True worship must be performed according to the ordinance of Jehovah , and what might seem like minor details are important if they issue through the channel of God?s organization . ? 1 Chron. 13:6-10; 15:11-15.
* * * w64 6/15 365 Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation ***
The holy spirit of Jehovah is working mightily today! How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class , the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah!
*** w57 5/1 274 Show Respect for Jehovah's Organization ***
The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? Because they do not also have the teaching or law of the mother, which is light. Jehovah God has provided his holy written Word for all mankind and it contains all the information that is needed for men in taking a course leading to life. But God has not arranged for that Word to speak independently or to shine forth life-giving truths by itself. His Word says: "Light is sown for the righteous." (Ps. 97:11) It is through his organization that God provides this light that the proverb says is the teaching or law of the mother. If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother. "
*** w61 9/1 525 Hold Your Position ***
ISSUE OF RULERSHIP AND WORSHIP
15 With these respective positions in mind we can gain a clear picture of the issue involved in the present-day situation and the reason for Jesus? strong warning given for our benefit. Did you notice that Satan?s proud ambition was not only to scale forbidden heights himself, but also to exalt his throne? Where there is a throne there must of necessity be a kingdom with its subjects ruled over by the occupant of the throne. And, though it may not always be so, there is no doubt in this instance that worship is involved, which means the rendering of reverential homage and respect and adoration. Do not think of this as limited to one who attends a place of worship or goes through some form of religious service or exercise.
If one renders obedient service to someone or some organization, whether willingly or under compulsion, looking up to such as possessing a position of superior rulership and great authority, then that one can Scripturally be said to be a worshiper.
*** w60 7/15 434 The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
11 Does Jesus here imply that some of that awake ?householder? group present with him on the Mount of Olives would live on to the time of his second presence at the end of the ?times of the nations? in 1914? This could hardly be, since it appears that none of the four disciples lived beyond A.D. 100. Jesus foreknew that these four apostles as well as eight others would become secondary foundations of an organized group of disciples, which, after Pentecost, A.D. 33, would become known as the Christian congregation of which Jesus himself would be the primary rock foundation. (Eph. 2:20; Matt. 16:18) Therefore it would be the awake congregation, not the four individuals, that Jesus meant would survive down through the centuries, even though at times the line of disciples would be obscure from historic view.
*** w60 7/15 435 The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
14 Down through the years the slavelike congregation has been feeding its true members faithfully and discreetly. From Pentecost, A.D. 33, up to this very present hour this has been lovingly and carefully performed. Yes, and these ?domestics? have been fed on progressive spiritual food that keeps them abreast of the ?bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.? (Prov. 4:18) All this has proved to be ?food at the proper time,? as stated by Jesus.
*** w60 7/15 435-6 The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
For this reason Jesus went on to say, at Matthew 24:46: ?Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so.? How does history confirm that sure expectation of Jesus?
17 From the 1870?s onward the thin line of true Christians began to come to historic view again as in the days of the first century. A decided move was made by many of the ?wheat? group to disassociate themselves from the many weedlike sects of Christendom. This gathered group of Christians from many parts of the earth formed a new association that later came to be known as Jehovah?s witnesses. From 1879 the Watch Tower magazine was used by this collective group to dispense spiritual food regularly to those of the anointed ?little flock.? Yes, the ?domestics,? or individual anointed ones, were being spiritually revived with increasing restored light of Bible truth by the collective ?slave? group. In 1884 this ?slave? group formed a legal servant, a corporation, called Zion?s Watch Tower Tract Society, now known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
18 Under the direction of this religious corporation the great world-wide campaign to announce the 1914 end of the ?times of the nations? was undertaken, as mentioned earlier. The Watch Tower witnesses of Jehovah proved to be awake spiritual watchmen.
But the Scriptures describe them as having unclean garments because of their long association with Christian apostasy. (Zech. 3:3, 4)
They had many practices, characteristics and beliefs similar to the weedlike sects of Christendom.
So from 1914 to 1918 a period of fiery testing came upon them, not unlike the ancient period of Babylonish captivity of the Jews back in 607-537 B.C.
*** w60 7/15 436 The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
20 As we now know, this watchman class of the ?faithful and discreet slave? was being cleansed for still greater watchman service in the turbulent years to follow their restoration in 1919. Previously, in the spring of 1918, Jehovah came to his temple of earthly Christian servants for inspection and cleansing. (Mal. 3:1-3)
The many bad ones were disfellowshiped by Him and sent away. A loyal remnant were permitted to go through the fiery test where Jehovah and his Messenger, Christ Jesus, (1) tested them by organization arrangements on their loyalty to Jehovah?s organization rather than to human leaders, (2) tested them by service instructions and provisions as to their zeal and devotion to Jehovah?s worship and witness work, and (3) tested them by revealed truth as to their love of it. What a fiery time it was!?See You May Survive Armageddon into God?s New World, pp. 303 to 305.
21 A faithful remnant of some thousands of the ?domestics? of the ?faithful and discreet slave? class survived this time of testing. From the spring of 1919 forward they began to rise from the dust of inactivity to their new lofty service as watchmen to the world. (Dan. 12:2; Rev. 11:11, 12)
*** w60 7/15 436 The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
22 Now that the long-expected Kingdom had become an established reality in heaven, surely its growing interests in the earth after 1919 would not be left in the hands of a novice organization of spiritual babes. And that proved to be true. It was the 1900-year-old ?faithful and discreet slave,? the old Christian congregation, that was entrusted with this precious Kingdom service. Rich in its loyalty and integrity, long in its patient suffering of persecution, strong in its ancient faith in Jehovah?s precious promises, confident in the leadership of its invisible Lord, Jesus Christ, obedient in its centuries-old commission to be witnesses in the earth, finally cleansed by a fiery test by 1918, the matured ?slave? as represented by a remnant now stood ready for new assignments of service.
By now we have read many, many quotes about 'the faithful and discreet slave class', it is time to ask serious questions.
First , if at the time of C.T. Russell, was existing on the earth a : " 1900-year-old ?faithful and discreet slave,? the old Christian congregation, " why writing in 1959, the following about C.T. Russell ?
From the book " Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose" published by the WTBS Inc. in 1959 , pages 16-17 :
But there are a few more points in these
biographical notes we were reading I'd
like to show you .
Pastor Russell was married in 7.879 to Maria Frances Ackley.No children blessed this union . Seventeen years later they disagreed about the management of his journal ;and a separation followed ....
He was not the founder of a new religion,and never made such claim .He revived the great truths taught by Jesus and the apostles,and turned the light of the twentieth century upon these teachings . " (f)
(f)Foreword :"Biography,"p .18 (1926).1 Ibid .,pp .1,2
Why, would exist, at that time, late 1880's , any need to revive ...
"the great truths taught by Jesus and the apostles " and to turn : " the light of the twentieth century upon these teachings. "
if, as claimed in 'The Watchtower ' July 15th, 1960 page 436, the precious Kingdom was entrusted to the :
" 1900-year-old ?faithful and discreet slave,? the old Christian congregation" ?
Furthemore let's examine closer, some of the specific claims made for that period of time , using a WTBS Inc. book:
" God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached "
published in 1973 by the WTBS Inc. :
*** ka 350-1 17 The "Slave" Who Lived to See the "Sign" ***
39 According to Jesus? illustration, how did the master who appointed the slave return to his house? Was it in great rage in order to destroy the house? Or was it to enjoy his homecoming and to see how things had been going on during his absence? His return to his house was a peaceful one. He did not come to engage in the ?war of the great day of God the Almighty? at Har?Magedon. (Revelation 16:13-16) Rather, he wanted to make sure that his domestic affairs were in the right condition. Had his appointed slave done as he was assigned to do, namely, give to the ?domestics? their ?food at the proper time?? The master needed to make an inspection.
40 The serving of food, the right sort of food, at the proper time was the issue. It had to be according to this that a decision must be rendered by the returned master. Well, then, what about that body of Christians internationally hated and persecuted? (Matthew 24:9)
Down to 1919 C.E. they had endeavored to give ?food at the proper time? to the ?household of faith? or the ?domestics? of the heavenly Master. They did this despite interference by persecutors and the warring nations. Not only was the regularity in serving the spiritual food a problem, but the quality of the food itself was to be considered. In this respect the body of hated, persecuted Christians, who always sought to be faithful slaves of Jesus Christ, met the test. "
Let's begin:
First :
*The serving of food, the right sort of food,
at the proper time was the issue.
Second:
*Not only was the regularity in serving the spiritual food a problem, but the quality of the food itself was to be considered.
and, remember that another important declaration, concerning the same period of time comes from 'The Watchtower ' July 15th, 1960 page 435 , paragraph 18 :
" The Watch Tower witnesses of Jehovah proved to be awake spiritual watchmen. But the Scriptures describe them as having unclean garments because of their long association with Christian apostasy. (Zech. 3:3, 4)"
Just in case one would argue that the quotes about the
'period of 1914-1919 ' are old, one of the lastest WTBS Inc.
publication the book: " Isaiah's Prophecy - Lightfor all Mankind " Vol. II
published by the WTBS of New York, Inc. and the International Bible Students Association Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. in the year 2001,
makes the following claim, on page 272, § 21
" Jehovah showed concern for the welfare of the anointed remnant in 1919. because of their contrite humble spirit, the great God, Jehovah, kindly noticed their affliction and delivered them from Babylonish captivity. He removed all stumbling blocks and led them to freedom so that they could render pure worship to him."
***page 306, 5 :
" In 1919, however, Jehovah shed forth his light upon them. In response , they stood up and reflected God's light, fearlessly proclaiming the good news of God's Kingdom.-Matthew 5:14-16;24:14 "
page 326-327 § 3
" The final one of these stately " trees" have flourished in the years since 1919, when Jehovah revived the remaining one of the Israel of God from their
temporary state of inactivity. By supplying them with an abundant supply of spiritual waters, Jehovah has produced a virtual forest of righteous, fruit -bearing trees. - Isaiah 27:6 "
page 330, 21, :
" Finally, in the spring of 1919, they were freed, and later all charges against them
were dropped. Thus the scheme to stop the preaching work backfired. Instead of allowing his worshipers to suffer lasting shame, Jehovah liberated them and restored them to their spiritual estate, "their land". There they received a double portion of blessings. Having Jehovah's blessing more than made up for all that they had suffered. Truly they had reasons to cry out joyfully!"
page 340, 10 :
" Starting in 1919 a similar change was experienced by the Israel of God.
during the first world war, anointed Christians appeared to be disowned by God. But in 1919 their favored status was restored, and their way of worship, purified. This affected their teachings, their organization, and their activity. The Israel of God came into its "land," its spiritual estate, or realm of activity.- Isaiah 66:7,8,20-22 "
page 345-346 20:
"Since 1919, anointed Christians have been set apart for divine service and are traveling "the Way of Holiness." (Isaiah 35:8) They were the first to walk on the spiritual highway out of Babylon the Great. (Isaiah 40:3; 48:20) God gave them the privilege of taking the lead in declaring his mighty works and in showing others the way onto the highway. Ridding it of stones - clearing away stumbling blocks - was mainly for their own benefit. (Isaiah 57:14) They needed to see God's purpose and teaching clearly. False beliefs are stumbling stones on the pathway to life, but Jehovah's Word is " like a a forge hammer that smashes the crag." With it, anointed Christians shattered stumbling stones that could trip those who wanted to serve Jehovah.- Jeremiah 23:29 "
page 346, 21 :
" In 1919 when the anointed remnant were delivered from bondage to false
religion, they did not wander aimlesly."
page 348 §24:
" In 1918, three and a half years after his enthronement, he cleansed Jehovah's spiritual temple, as represented on earth by the congregation of anointed Christians. (Malachi 3:1-5) His being raised as a signal marked the beginning of the great ingathering of people from all over the earth, in support of the Messianic Kingdom. Following the ancient pattern, " salvation " came to the Israel of God when they were liberated from Babylon the Great in 1919. "
page 397 §14:
" In the modern-day fulfillment of these prophecies , there was an inmportant spiritual development in 1918 in connection with Jehovah's worship. Jehovah and Jesus evidently made an inspection of all those claiming to represent pure worship. That inspection led to the final casting off of corrupt Christendom. For Christ's anointed followers, the inspection meant a brief period of refinement followed by a swift spiritual restoration in 1919.- 1 Peter 4:17 "
page 400 § 19 :
" Spiritual Israel too was blessed with abundant nourishment after the restoration in 1919. Since then the flow of spiritual food dispensed through "the faithful and discreet slave " has been steady. (Matthew 24:45-47) This has indeed been a time of consolation and joy for the anointed remnant. But there have been further blessings."
Finally page 415 paragraph 15:
" The anointed ones who were gathered in the early years did not expect Jehovah to accept them as they were before coming to a knowledge of Bible truth. They took steps to cleanse themselves of spiritual and moral defilements so that they could be presented as a " gift in a clean vessel," or as stated by the apostle Paul, " a chaste virgin to the Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:2) In addition to rejecting doctrinal error , the anointed ones had to learn how to remain strictly neutral in the political affairs of this world. In 1931, when his servants had been cleansed to an appropriate degree , Jehovah graciously granted them the privilege of bearing his name as Jehovah's Witnesses . (Isaiah 43:10-12)."
Please keep in mind that all the last few quotes, are dated 2001 ,which means more that 82 years after the events of 1919 "!
Now, having clearly defined the 'field of research' from the WTBS Inc.,
own publications, let's start to see if the ' facts ' confirm all the above
mentioned claims or ...to the contrary and rather surprising , for some '
they offer an entirely different picture - for the period going from 1914
to 1919 ...and even many, many, many years after!
First source of information is the book :
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose " published by the WTBS Inc. in the year 1959 .
On page 91, it is written, concerning the 'Bible Students' :
°°°Believed that there were certain saving qualities in their self-merit;
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose "
°°°Were guilty of creature worship;
°°°They had a democratic form of 'election 'for
congregational oversight (elders and deacons);
°°°Had an incorrect view of the " higher powers "
mentioned in Romans 13:1;
Furthermore the " early Bible Students "
°°°Celebrated " pagan " holydays such as Christmas ,
" Proclaimers' book, published in 1993:
*** jv 198-9 14 "They Are No Part of the World"
WhentheWorldHadItsHolidays
When Jehovahs Witnesses cast aside religious teachings that had pagan roots, they also quit sharing in many customs that were similarly tainted. But for a time, certain holidays were not given the careful scrutiny that they needed. One of these was Christmas.
This holiday was celebrated yearly even by members of the Watch Tower Societys headquarters staff at the Bethel Home in Brooklyn, New York. For many years they had been aware that December 25 was not the correct date, but they reasoned that the date had long been popularly associated with the birth of the Savior and that doing good for others was proper on any day. However, after further investigation of the subject, the members of the Societys headquarters staff, as well as the staffs at the Societys branch offices in England and in Switzerland, decided to stop sharing in Christmas festivities, so no Christmas celebration was held there after 1926.
°°°Celebrated birthdays :
*** jv 200 14 "They Are No Part of the World" ***
In their Daily Manna book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays. But after they quit celebrating Christmas and when they realized that birthday celebrations were giving undue honor to creatures (one reason that early Christians never celebrated birthdays), the Bible Students quit this practice too."
°°°Taught , for decades that the Great Pyramid was a strong and corroborative witness to Gods plan , "Proclaimers...." published by the WTBS Inc., in 1993 -
*** jv 200 14 "They Are No Part of the World" *** (publ. 1993)
For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was Gods stone witness, corroborating Biblical time periods. (Isa. 19:19)
But Jehovahs Witnesses have abandoned the idea that an Egyptian pyramid has
anything to do with true worship.
(See Watchtower issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928)
Incidentally, the same book " Proclaimers " , wrote , only 421 pages after:
*** jv 621 28 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
It certainly could not be expected that God would use C. T. Russell if he did not loyally adhere to Gods Word. (Jer. 23:28; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17)
And :
"As Jehovahs Witnesses today review the work that he did, the things he taught, his reason for teaching them, and the outcome, they have no doubt that Charles Taze Russell was, indeed, used by God in a special way and at a significant time."
But of course not happy with the statement in 1993, after another 7 years the WTBS Inc. gave an entirely different picture , about the matter - as part of a Watchtower Study article - in :
' The Watchtower ' , January 1st 2000, pages 9-10 §§ 16-17 -
"Some Bible Students became engrossed with measuring different features of the pyramid to determine such matters as the day they would be going to heaven ! This so-called Bible in Stone was held in esteem for some decades , until the Watchtower issues of November 15th and December 1st, 1928, made clear that Jehovah needed no stone monument built by pagan pharaohs and containing demonic signs of astrology to confirm the witness given in the Bible. "
But let's continue :
°°°Taught false dates as if truly coming from God : 1874, 1878, 1881
*** jv 632 28 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. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time. When that did not occur, they concluded that since Jesus anointed followers were to share with him in the Kingdom, the resurrection to spirit life of those already sleeping in death began then. It was also reasoned that the end of Gods special favor to natural Israel down to 36 C.E. might point to 1881 as the time when the special opportunity to become part of spiritual Israel would close.
.
From the year 1918, the WTBS Inc., started teaching and giving great
expectations concerning the year 1925. The starting point was on February
24th, 1918, with the discourse :
"The World Has Ended -- Millions Now Living Will Never Die"
which was first delivered in Los Angeles, CA. ,by brother Rutherford.
This was followed by another one , in March 31, in Boston ,MA.-"
("Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose " pages 76, 77, 93, 98, 104, 140 )
Many things were written in the 128- pages book
"Millions Now Living Will Never Die " like the expectations
abouth the year 1925 .
'The Yearbook ' 1980 , page 62 :
The book Millions had been widely used in the French field since 1921 and on the basis of its contents, much was expectedof 1925. But when 1925 came and went without the anticipated happening coming to pass, those on the outside who had read the book made fun of the brothers. Worse still, the faith of some of the brothers themselves was shaken.
Some expected to go to heaven that year."
and :
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose " page 140 :
"..the campaign Millions Now Living Will Never Die
from 1918 to 1921 was a step in the direction of reaching this
class destined one day to populate the earth. "
and :
From : " The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence "
December 15 th , 1919 n 24 Vol. XL, page 373:
"The public seems eager to know something about the times in which
we are living and the meaning of all these wonderful phenomena. It a
great comfort to the hearts of many people to hear the message ,
" Millions Now Living Will Never Die," which the Lord's people can
confidently " announce , knowing that many of the generation now
upon the earth shall not pass away bu live on until the Lord's Kingdom
is fully established . They have in mind the words of the Master that '
were not the days of tribulation shortened there would be no flesh saved ,
but that for the elect's sake much flesh will be saved'; and that thus
these millions will be brought through the time of trouble and
have the opportunity of accepting the blessing of life under the terms
of the New Covenant."
°°°Expecting the return of " ancient worthies" and preparing a place for
them!
From " The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence " December 15 th ,
1919 n 24 Vol. XL, page 374 :
"The Bethel Home is a spot dear to all the saints on earth. The name Bethel
means the house of God. It was founded by that wise and faithful messenger
of Laodicea, our dear Brother Russell, as the home from which the message
of truth was to be sent forth. In the autumn of 1918 it was dismantled and stood
vacant for some time. Many a heart turned longingly toward Bethel, praying
that if it might be the Lord's will it would be restored , so that his people in this land
might have one place to which they could look as a temporary resting place in the
earth. The Lord opened the way to restore it and after a few months' strenous
effort it is with pleasure that we are able to announce that the Bethel has been
refurnished and the offices moved into it. The decoration throughout have been
changed, symbolizing the incoming age. While most of the furniture is plain,
yet comfortable, the drawing-room and the parlors have been neatly and comfortably
furnished. Some might find occasion to criticize the expenditure of money in
furnishing these, but it has been thought not improbable that the Lord would
be pleased to preserve this place and in due time some of the ancient
worthies would find here an abiding spot."
°°°Publishing worldwide a particular teaching , about the year 1925 ,
since the year 1918:
,
*** jv 632 28 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
In the lecture Millions Now Living Will Never Die, delivered by J. F. Rutherford on
March 21, 1920, at the Hippodrome in New York City, attention was directed to the
year 1925. On what basis was it thought to be significant? In a booklet published in that same
year, 1920, it was pointed out that if 70 fullJubilees were calculated ....
...after the last typical Jubilee before th eBabylonian exile and then counting to the beginning of the Jubilee year at the end of the 50th cycle), this could point to the year 1925.
On the basis of what was said there, many hoped that perhaps the remaining ones of the little flock would receive their heavenly reward by 1925.
This year also was associated with expectations for resurrection of faithful pre-Christian servants of God with a view to their serving on earth as princely representatives of the heavenly Kingdom.
If that really occurred, it would mean that mankind had entered an era in which death would cease to be master, and millions then living could have the hope of never dying off the earth. What a happy prospect! Though mistaken, they eagerly shared it with others. "
°°°Used Masonic symbols like cross and crown :
*** jv 200 14 "They Are No Part of the World" ***
"For years, Bible Students wore a cross and crown as a
badge of identification, and this symbol was on the front
cover of the Watch Tower from 1891 to 1931.
But in 1928 it was emphasized that not a decorative symbol but ones
activity as a witness showed he was a Christian. "
See also 'The Watchtower ' January 1 st , 2000 page 9 § 15:
For example , in the 1920s many Bible Students wore a pin
featuring a cross-and-crown emblem, and they celebrated
Christmas and other pagan holidays.
°°° Used of "The Ancient Egyptian Winged Sun Disk Symbol" on
the book "Finished mistery " published from the year 1917;
(see front cover of the book)
If you like , you can also a see an enlarged picture of
"The Ancient Egyptian Winged Sun Disk Symbol"
from this link: http://wingedsundisksymbol.homestead.com /
*** Taught and believed that C.T. Russell was
the "faithful and discreet slave" :
"Jehovah's Witnesss in the Divine purpose " page 95
"Some insisted on living on the past, in the time of Pastor Russell,
when the brothers in general had viewed him as the sole channel
of Scriptural enlightenment. It was the published and accepted
thought down till 1927 that he was that servant
of Matthew 24 :45. (footnote : w. 1927, pp.55,56)
and also :
*** jv 626 28 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
ClearingUptheIdentityoftheFaithfulandWiseServant
Many who were sifted out at that time clung to the view that a single individual, Charles Taze Russell, was the faithful and wise servant foretold by Jesus at Matthew 24:45-47 (KJ), which servant would distribute spiritual food to the household of faith. Particularly following his death, The Watch Tower itself set forth this view for a number of years. In view of the prominent role that Brother Russell had played, it appeared to the Bible Students of that time that this was the case.
He did not personally promote the idea, but he did acknowledge the apparent reasonableness of the arguments of those who favored it. He also emphasized, however, that whoever the Lord might use in such a role must be humble as well as zealous to bring glory to the Master, and that if the one chosen by the Lord failed, he would be replaced by another.
In 1881, Brother Russell himself had expressed the view that that servant was made up of the entire body of faithful spirit-anointed Christians. He saw it as being a collective servant, a class of persons who were united in doing Gods will. (Compare Isaiah 43:10.) This understanding was reaffirmed by the Bible Students in 1927.
Jehovahs Witnesses today recognize the Watchtower magazine and kindred publications to be the ones used by the faithful and discreet slave to dispense spiritual food. They do not claim that this slave class is infallible, but they do view it as the one channel that the Lord is using during the last days of this system of things.
°°°Taught and believed that C.T.Russell ,who died in 1916, was granted
the privilege.to exercise some strong influence - even after his death -
on the Harvest work.:
" The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence " November 1 st , 1917 page 325 :
"Hence our dear Pastor, now in glory, is without doubt, manifesting a keen interest in the Harvest work, and is permitted by the Lord to exercise some strong influence thereupon. (Revelation 14:17) It is not unreasonable to conclude that he has been privileged to do, in connection with the Harvest work, things which he could not do while with us. Although we recognize that the Lord is the great Master and Director of the Harvest, yet we recognize that He would privilege the saints beyond the veil to have a part in the work on this side; and thus all the saints, both in Heaven and upon earth, are now given the honor of concluding the work on this side, preparatory to the full establishment of the Kingdom of Glory."
Btw this kind of teaching was confirmed, without specific names, and
applied to the all the resurrected anointed, in the year 1988
Please see the book:
"Revelation It's Grand Climax At Hand! " page 125 (published in 1988 by the WTBS Inc. )
"And in response one of the elders said to me: 'These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?' So right away I said to him: 'My lord, you are the one that knows.'" (Revelation 7:13, 14a) Yes, that elder could locate the answer and give it to John. This suggests that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today."
°°°Unknown to many JW, the WTBS Inc. published contraddictory statements concerning the spiritual condition, of the ' anointed remnant ' in 1918-1919. Please, do compare the quote below:
* ** w72 2/1 79 Fully Accepting the Challenge of Jehovah's Service
JEHOVAH IS DISPLEASED WITH HIS WOMAN
The Naomi remnant came into a condition like that, particularly in the year 1918, when they were, in a sense, exiled from Jehovah God?s favor. In that year Jehovah God came to his temple suddenly, accompanied by the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He examined the remnant here upon earth ; he was displeased with them. (Mal. 3:1, 2)
For a time they were not fully accepting the challenge of Jehovah?s Kingdom service that had opened up to them.
They were holding back, through fear of man and were not properly keeping themselves ?unspotted from the world.? (Jas. 1:27, Authorized Version)
Therefore Jehovah let them go into bondage to Babylon the Great and her political associates.?
with this one published worldwide only... 23 years later !!!
*** w93 5/1 17 Expanded Activities During Christ's Presence
6 From the time Christ?s presence began and down to 1918, the slave
class, despite unpopularity, persecution, and even some confusion, had been
seeking to give timely food to the domestics.
This is what the Master found when his inspection began.
The Lord Jesus was pleased, and in 1919 he pronounced that faithful
approved slave class happy.
What was the slave?s delightful reward for doing what his Master had
appointed him to do? A promotion! ?
That'all for now.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp