Hello everyone,
ater having a recent discussion with some friends , I decided to prepare this topic, to be used and even given personally , because I'm convinced of the importance that every ' baptism candidate' in the the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, should be aware of the two areas of the outmost consequences
***the Legalistic and Judicial
***the Doctrinal
Of course, for the sake of clarity, and time, I?ve collected only some
of the basic, vital and essential informations and references.
***1 The Legalistic and Judicial aspects.-
The material reported below, has to do with the way a well known « brother » to this Forum i.e. Philip Brumley, legal Counsel for the WTBS Inc. wrote a few years years ago.
It was in the early 90?s and it dealt the subject of the WTBS Inc. ***legal right *** to disfellowship a member of any of the Jehovah?s Witnesses congregations.
Quote:
I represent the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., the parent organisation of the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the United States.
C. Relation between the Congregations and its members.
It is axiomatic that the essence of the relationship of a religious society with its members is held by the courts to be the agreements of the parties, and generally, a profession of faith, adherence to the doctrine of the religious society and submission to its government.
76 C.J.S. Religious Societies 11 (1952).
A party having voluntarily assented to become a member of a congregation thereby nsubjects himself or herself to the existing rules and procedures of said congregation and cannot deny their existence.
All who unite themselves to such a voluntary religious organisation do so with the implied consent to this government and are bound submit to it?"
Quite strong, legalistic words which call for some observations:
°°° Many years ago the term " religious, religion" etc. was referred exclusively to the false " worship "?.but today the recognition of " beeing an organized religion " brings, in many countries?numerous a d v a n t a g e s !
°°° In all these ' well couched ' words/expressions where is Jehovah, Jesus Christ etc.,
°°°I do not remember having see any of this kind of material/informations, in any of the WTBS Inc. publications avalaible at the Kingdom Hall, including the
famous ' secret' manual for elders only .
Although clear instructions, about the procedure, in the
case of a ' prospective baptism candidate' are given in Watchtower articles like the following one:
*** w96 1/15 17 Jehovah's Sheep Need Tender Care
9 As an unbaptized publisher progresses spiritually, he may make a dedication to God in prayer and want to be baptized. (Compare Mark 1:9-11.) He should make his desire for baptism known to the congregation?s presiding overseer,
who will arrange for elders to review with the publisher the questions on pages 175 to 218 of Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry.
The four parts into which the questions are divided may be covered in three sessions by three different elders if possible.
If they agree that the unbaptized publisher has a reasonable understanding of Bible teachings and qualifies in other ways, they will tell him that he may be baptized. As a result of his dedication and baptism, he becomes ?marked? for salvation.?Ezekiel 9:4-6.
*** w89 1/15 17 How Baptism Can Save Us
9 Jehovah?s Witnesses do not follow unscriptural writings, such as that just quoted, but elders do hold discussions with those desiring to be baptized.
Why? To make sure that these persons are believers who meet divine requirements and who have made a dedication to Jehovah. (Acts 4:4; 18:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:2)
Discussing questions in the book Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry helps to determine whether a person qualifies for baptism.
If some points are not clear to him, or he has not brought his life into harmony with divine standards , the elders are pleased to render spiritual assistance."
*** w88 6/15 28 Becoming an Ordained Minister-God's Way
To help the new believer further, Christian elders arrange to meet with him and spend time reviewing the basic teachings of the Bible. This, for one thing, assures the elders that the prospective Christian has acquired an accurate knowledge of God?s purposes.
And, of course, the review proves most helpful to the student. As needed, certain matters that were not correctly understood are clarified."
° At which moment the " candidate for baptism " is told of the full implications derived from - becoming a baptized member " ?
i.e. I do mean the full impact of what happens in case , in the future the baptized person should be guilty of a 'serious sin' and the body of elders, through the action of a 'judicial
committee, would take any kind of action against him/her.
Does the baptism candidate fully understand the implication and the meaning of a 'judicial committee'?
They need to know that:
*** In all judicial proceedings, in the JW's congregations there are
no public trials, only 3 (or more elders), the accused one, and for only part of the time, any witnesses.
*** No one else is allowed to hear what is said.
*** The witnesses are not required to testify publicly.
*** Contrary to the standard procedure used in any of the
nation's courts, where to preserve/safeguard the integrity
of the event and eliminate any possible misunderstanding
or deliberate mis-representation of the testimony
given, stenographers are employed for the transcription
and/or the recording of all the judicial proceedings
in all JW's judicial proceeding this is strictly forbidden.
Furthermore, the 'baptismcandidate' has been informed and
is fully aware of all the possible implication and the consequences of a judicial decision toward himself/herself, his/her family,
close friends, members of the congregation, in case a
- far reaching - decision should be taken by the body of elders?
i..e. shunning, disfellowhipping .-
All this should be clearly explained , well before the 'bible
student' begins to ' prepare ' for baptism.
Obviously such explanation should not be made in 'a couple of words', but in such a manner which would rule out any possible misunderstanding concerning the practical implications and consequences of becoming affiliated with:
"?.the theocratic organization of Jehovah?s Witnesses and his submission to it. "
Therefore he/she should well known what does it mean in real life, for any Jehovah's Witnesses to be:
" shunned " or " disfellowshipped " or "dissociated "!
*** w88 11/15 17 Helping Others to Worship God
9 The two elders will inform the student that when he qualifies for and shares in the field service, he may turn in a field service report and a Congregation?s Publisher Record card will be made out in his name.
This will demonstrate his affiliation with the theocratic organization of Jehovah?s Witnesses and his submission to it. (This would also be true of all others turning in field service reports.)
The discussion should also cover Bible counsel, such as is outlined on pages 98 and 99 of Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. Hence, this would be an appropriate time for the student to obtain a personal copy of that book."
In conclusion, does the " bible s t u d e n t " understand, grasps the implication of the WTBS Inc. 3 key words :
*** A F F I L I A T I O N
*** S U B M I S S I O N
***O R G A N I Z A T I O N
Then there is the content of some Watchtower's articles that
need to be well known in advance . I've chosen three , and these
are amonf the most important ones.
*The first one is ' Dedication and Freedom of Choice '
Of course I'll only quote the ' essential 'parts.
*** w98 3/15 pp. 12-17 Dedication and Freedom of Choice ***
?For such freedom Christ set us free.??GALATIANS 5:1.
BIBLE writers used several Hebrew and Greek words to convey the idea of being separated, or set apart, to serve a sacred purpose. In English Bibles these words are translated with words like ?dedication,? ?inauguration,? or ?consecration.? At times these terms are used in connection with structures?generally God?s temple in ancient Jerusalem and the worship carried on there. Seldom are these words used in reference to secular matters.
10 Having God?s law ?within them,? written, as it were, ?in their heart,? members of the Israel of God are moved to live up to their dedication. Their motivation is stronger than that of the natural Israelites, who were dedicated by birth, not by choice. Today, the strong motivation to do God?s will, as demonstrated by the Israel of God, is shared by over five million fellow worshipers throughout the world.
They likewise have dedicated their lives to Jehovah God to do his will. Although these individuals do not have the hope of heavenly life as do those making up the Israel of God, they rejoice in the prospect of living forever on earth under the rule of God?s heavenly Kingdom. They show appreciation for spiritual Israel by actively supporting its few remaining members in fulfilling their assignment to ?declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] out of darkness into his wonderful light.?
Wisely Exercising God-Given Freedom
11 God created humans to treasure freedom. He granted them the capacity of free will. The first human couple made use of their freedom of choice. However, they unwisely and unlovingly made a choice that led to disaster both for them and for their offspring. Still, this clearly demonstrates that Jehovah never forces intelligent creatures to take a course contrary to their inner motives or desires. And since ?God loves a cheerful giver,? the only dedication acceptable to him is one based on love, one made willingly with cheerfulness, one founded on freedom of choice. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Any other kind is unacceptable.
12 In full recognition of this requirement, Jehovah?s Witnesses advocate the dedicating of oneself to God, but they never coerce anyone into making such a dedication, not even their own children.
17 Each of Jehovah?s Witnesses, whether he has a heavenly hope or an earthly one, has made a personal dedication to God to do his will and to obey him as Ruler. For each Witness, dedication has been a personal choice to become a slave of God in preference to remaining a slave of men. This is in harmony with the apostle Paul?s counsel: ?You were bought with a price; stop becoming slaves of men.??1 Corinthians 7:23.
Learning to Benefit Ourselves
18 Before a person can qualify to become one of Jehovah?s Witnesses, he must meet Scriptural qualifications. Elders exercise care in determining if a potential Witness truly understands the implications of Christian dedication. Does he really want to be one of Jehovah?s Witnesses? Is he willing to live up to what this entails? If not, he is ineligible for baptism.
19 If an individual meets all the requirements, however, why should he be criticized for voluntarily making a personal decision to let himself be influenced by God and by His inspired Word? Is it less acceptable to let oneself be influenced by God than by men? Or is this of any less benefit? Jehovah?s Witnesses do not think so. They wholeheartedly agree with God?s words written down by Isaiah: ?I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.??Isaiah 48:17.
20 Bible truth frees people from believing false religious doctrines, such as eternal torment in a fiery hell. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) Instead, it fills their hearts with gratitude for the true hope for the dead?the resurrection made possible on the basis of Jesus Christ?s ransom sacrifice. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 24:15; Romans 6:23) Bible truth frees people from the frustrations of relying on political promises that consistently fall short. Instead, it causes their hearts to overflow with joy at knowing that Jehovah?s Kingdom already rules in the heavens and will shortly rule over the entire earth. Bible truth frees people from practices that, although appealing to the fallen flesh, dishonor God and exact a heavy toll in the form of failed relationships, sickness, and premature death. In short, being a slave of God is exceedingly more beneficial than being a slave of men. In fact, dedication to God promises benefits ?in this period of time . . . and in the coming system of things everlasting life.??Mark 10:29, 30.
21 Jehovah?s Witnesses today did not become part of a dedicated nation by birth as did the Israelites of old. The Witnesses are part of a congregation of dedicated Christians. Each baptized Witness has become such by individually exercising freedom of choice in making a dedication. Indeed, for Jehovah?s Witnesses, dedication results in a warm personal relationship with God marked by willing service to him. This joyful relationship they wholeheartedly desire to maintain, forever holding fast to the freedom for which Jesus Christ set them free.
The second one is: ' Living Up to Christian Dedication in Freedom'
*** w98 3/15 pp. 18-23 Living Up to Christian Dedication in Freedom
?Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.? ?2 CORINTHIANS 3:17.
JEHOVAH?S WITNESSES believe that their religion will last forever. They therefore anticipate serving God ?with spirit and truth? for all eternity. (John 4:23, 24) As free moral agents, these Christians have made an unreserved dedication to Jehovah God and are determined to live up to it. To that end, they rely on God?s Word and on his holy spirit. As they wholeheartedly pursue their course of Christian dedication in God-given freedom, the Witnesses show due respect for the role of governmental ?superior authorities? and make proper use of legal means and provisions. (Romans 13:1; James 1:25) For instance, the Witnesses use the Watch Tower Society as a legal instrument?one of many in various lands?to enable them to accomplish their work of helping fellow humans, especially in spiritual ways. But the Witnesses are dedicated to God, not to any legal agency, and their dedication to Jehovah will last forever.
2 As servants dedicated to God, Jehovah?s Witnesses are obligated to follow Jesus? instructions to ?make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them.? (Matthew 28:19, 20) This work will continue until the end of the system of things, for Jesus also said: ?This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.? (Matthew 24:3, 14) Each year, printing plants of the Watch Tower Society and similar legal bodies supply Jehovah?s Witnesses with millions of Bibles, books, brochures, and magazines for use in their worldwide preaching activity. These legal entities are therefore invaluable in helping dedicated servants of God to live up to their dedication to him.
3 Someone may argue that the way the Witnesses speak about the Watch Tower Society?or more often just ?the Society? ?indicates that they view it as more than a legal instrument.
Do they not consider it to be the final authority on matters of worship? The book Jehovah?s Witnesses?Proclaimers of God?s Kingdom clarifies this point by explaining: ?When The Watchtower [June 1, 1938] referred to ?The Society,? this meant, not a mere legal instrumentality, but the body of anointed Christians that had formed that legal entity and used it.? The expression therefore stood for ?the faithful and discreet slave.? (Matthew 24:45)
It is in this sense that the Witnesses generally used the term ?the Society.? Of course, the legal corporation and ?the faithful and discreet slave? are not interchangeable terms. Directors of the Watch Tower Society are elected, whereas Witnesses who make up ?the faithful slave? are anointed by Jehovah?s holy spirit.
4 In order to avoid misunderstandings, Jehovah?s Witnesses try to be careful about how they express themselves. Instead of saying, ?the Society teaches,? many Witnesses prefer to use such expressions as, ?the Bible says? or, ?I understand the Bible to teach.? In this way they emphasize the personal decision that each Witness has made in accepting Bible teachings and also avoid giving the false impression that Witnesses are somehow bound to the dictates of some religious sect.
Of course, suggestions as regards terminology should never become a subject of controversy. After all, terminology is of importance only to the extent that it prevents misunderstandings. Christian balance is required. The Bible admonishes us ?not to fight about words.? (2 Timothy 2:14, 15) The Scriptures also state this principle: ?Unless you through the tongue utter speech easily understood, how will it be known what is being spoken???1 Corinthians 14:9.
God?s Spirit Reduces the Need for Rules
5 ?All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous,? noted the apostle Paul. He added: ?All things are lawful; but not all things build up.? (1 Corinthians 10:23) Paul obviously did not mean that it is lawful to do things that God?s Word expressly condemns. Compared to the some 600 laws given to ancient Israel, there are comparatively few explicit commands regulating Christian life. Hence, many matters are left to individual conscience. A person who has made a dedication to Jehovah enjoys the freedom that results from guidance by God?s spirit. Having made the truth his own, a Christian follows his Bible-trained conscience and relies on God?s direction by holy spirit. This helps the dedicated Christian to determine what will ?build up? and be ?advantageous? for himself and others. He realizes that the decisions he makes will affect his personal relationship with God, to whom he is dedicated.
6 A Witness demonstrates that he has made the truth his own by commenting at Christian meetings. At first, he may recite what is stated in the publication being studied. In time, however, he will progress to the point of expressing Bible teachings in his own words. He thus gives evidence that he is developing his thinking ability, not merely repeating what others have said. Framing thoughts in his own words and expressing correct words of truth in a heartfelt way will bring him delight and show that he is convinced in his own mind.?Ecclesiastes 12:10; compare Romans 14:5b.
7 Jehovah?s Witnesses are motivated by love for God and their fellow humans. (Matthew 22:36-40) True, they are closely knit together by the bond of Christlike love as a worldwide association of brothers. (Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 5:9) But as a free moral agent, each one has personally decided to declare the good news of God?s Kingdom, to remain politically neutral, to abstain from blood, to avoid certain types of entertainment, and to live by Bible standards. These are not decisions forced upon them.
They are decisions that fall within the framework of a way of life freely chosen by potential Witnesses before they ever take the step of Christian dedication.
Accountable to a Governing Body?
8 The Bible clearly shows that true Christians do not serve God under coercion. It says: ?Jehovah is the Spirit; and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.? (2 Corinthians 3:17) But how can this fact be harmonized with the idea of a ?faithful and discreet slave? with its Governing Body??Matthew 24:45-47.
9 To answer this question, we must keep in mind the Scriptural principle of headship. (1 Corinthians 11:3) At Ephesians 5:21-24, Christ is identified as ?head of the congregation,? the one to whom it is ?in subjection.? Jehovah?s Witnesses understand that the faithful and discreet slave is made up of Jesus? spiritual brothers. (Hebrews 2:10-13) This faithful slave class has been appointed to provide God?s people with spiritual ?food at the proper time.? In this time of the end, Christ has appointed this slave ?over all his belongings.? Its position therefore merits the respect of anyone claiming to be a Christian.
10 The purpose of headship is to preserve unity and ensure that ?all things take place decently and by arrangement.? (1 Corinthians 14:40) To achieve this in the first century, a number of anointed Christians from the faithful and discreet slave class were chosen to represent the entire group. As subsequent events proved, the supervision exercised by this first-century governing body had Jehovah?s approval and blessing. First-century Christians gladly accepted the arrangement. Yes, they actually welcomed and were grateful for the fine results it produced.?Acts 15:1-32.
11 The value of such an arrangement still exists. Presently, the Governing Body of Jehovah?s Witnesses is composed of ten anointed Christians, all with decades of Christian experience behind them. They offer spiritual direction to Jehovah?s Witnesses, as did the first-century governing body. (Acts 16:4) Like the early Christians, the Witnesses gladly look to the mature brothers of the Governing Body for Bible-based direction and guidance in matters of worship. Though members of the Governing Body are slaves of Jehovah and of Christ, as are their fellow Christians, the Bible instructs us: ?Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.??Hebrews 13:17.
12 Does the position of oversight that the Scriptures assign the Governing Body mean that each of Jehovah?s Witnesses must render to it an account of his works? Not according to Paul?s words to Christians in Rome: ?Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God . . . Each of us will render an account for himself to God.??Romans 14:10-12.
13 Is it not true, however, that individual Witnesses are expected to report their preaching activity? Yes, but the purpose of this is clearly explained in a Witness handbook, which says: ?Early followers of Jesus Christ took interest in reports of progress in the preaching work. (Mark 6:30) As the work prospered, statistical reports were compiled along with accounts of outstanding experiences of those having a share in preaching the good news. . . . (Acts 2:5-11, 41, 47; 6:7; 1:15; 4:4) . . . How encouraging it was for those faithful Christian workers to hear reports of what was being accomplished! . . . In like manner, Jehovah?s modern-day organization endeavors to keep precise records of the work being done in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14.?
14 The Governing Body is a loving provision and an example of faith worthy of imitation. (Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7) By their adhering to and following Christ as a model, they can echo Paul?s words: ?Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.? (2 Corinthians 1:24) By observing trends, the Governing Body draws attention to the benefits of heeding Bible counsel, offers suggestions about applying Bible laws and principles, warns of hidden dangers, and provides ?fellow workers? needed encouragement. It thus discharges its Christian stewardship, helps them to maintain their joy, and builds them up in faith so that they can stand firm.?1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; Titus 1:7-9.
15 If a Witness makes decisions on the basis of Bible counsel offered by the Governing Body, he does so of his own volition because his own study of the Bible has convinced him that this is the proper course. Each Witness is influenced by God?s own Word to apply sound Scriptural counsel offered by the Governing Body , in full recognition that decisions he makes will affect his personal relationship with God, to whom he is dedicated. ?1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Students and Soldiers
16 But if decisions as to conduct are a personal matter, why are some of Jehovah?s Witnesses disfellowshipped? Nobody arbitrarily determines that the practice of a particular sin requires disfellowshipping. Rather, this action is Scripturally required only when a member of the congregation unrepentantly engages in gross sins, such as those enumerated in the 5th chapter of First Corinthians. Thus, while a Christian may be disfellowshipped for practicing fornication, this occurs only if the individual refuses to accept the spiritual assistance of loving shepherds. Jehovah?s Witnesses are not alone in following this Christian practice. The Encyclopedia of Religion notes: ?Any community claims the right to protect itself against nonconforming members who may threaten the common welfare. In a religious setting this right has often been reinforced by the belief that the sanction [of excommunication] affects one?s standing before God.?
17 Jehovah?s Witnesses are students of the Bible. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Acts 17:11) The program of Bible education provided by the Governing Body might be compared to a school curriculum outlined by a board of education. Although the board is itself not the source of the material being taught, it does set up the curriculum, determine the method of instruction, and issue necessary directives. If anyone flagrantly refuses to live according to the requirements of the institution, creates difficulties for fellow students, or brings disgrace upon the school, he can be expelled. The school authorities have the right to act for the benefit of the students as a whole.
18 Besides being students, Jehovah?s Witnesses are soldiers of Jesus Christ, instructed to ?fight the fine fight of the faith.? (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3) Naturally, persistent conduct unbecoming a Christian soldier may incur divine disapproval. As an individual endowed with freedom of choice, a Christian soldier can decide as he wishes, but he must bear the consequences of his decision. Paul reasons: ?No man serving as a soldier involves himself in the commercial businesses of life, in order that he may gain the approval of the one who enrolled him as a soldier. Moreover, if anyone contends even in the games, he is not crowned unless he has contended according to the rules.? (2 Timothy 2:4, 5) Mature Christians, including those of the Governing Body, remain wholly at the disposal of their Leader, Jesus Christ, keeping ?the rules? so that they can win the prize of life everlasting.?John 17:3; Revelation 2:10.
19 Do not the facts make clear that Jehovah?s Witnesses are servants of God, not slaves of men? As dedicated Christians enjoying the freedom for which Christ set them free, they let God?s spirit and his Word govern their lives as they serve unitedly with their brothers in the congregation of God. (Psalm 133:1) The evidences of this should also erase any uncertainty about the source of their strength. With the psalmist, they can sing: ?Jehovah is my strength and my shield. In him my heart has trusted, and I have been helped, so that my heart exults, and with my song I shall laud him.??Psalm 28:7.
The third one is ..an extremely important 'Question from Readers
'Why have Jehovah?s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ? '
*** w86 4/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
· Why have Jehovah?s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
Those who voice such an objection point out that many religious organizations claiming to be Christian allow dissident views. Even some clergymen disagree with basic teachings of their church, yet they remain in good standing. In nearly all the denominations of Christendom, there are modernists and fundamentalists who greatly disagree with one another as to the inspiration of the Scriptures.
However, such examples provide no grounds for our doing the same. Why not? Many of such denominations allow widely divergent views among the clergy and the laity because they feel they cannot be certain as to just what is Bible truth. They are like the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus? day who were unable to speak as persons having authority, which is how Jesus taught. (Matthew 7:29) Moreover, to the extent that religionists believe in interfaith, they are obligated not to take divergent beliefs too seriously.
But taking such a view of matters has no basis in the Scriptures. Jesus did not make common cause with any of the sects of Judaism. Jews of those sects professed to believe in the God of creation and in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the Law of Moses. Still, Jesus told his disciples to ?watch out . . . for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.? (Matthew 16:11, 12; 23:15) Note also how strongly the apostle Paul stated matters: ?Even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed.? Paul then repeated that statement for emphasis.?Galatians 1:8, 9.
Teaching dissident or divergent views is not compatible with true Christianity, as Paul makes clear at 1 Corinthians 1:10: ?I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.? (New International Version) At Ephesians 4:3-6 he further stated that Christians should be ?earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. One body there is, and one spirit, even as you were called in the one hope to which you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all persons.?
Was this unity to be achieved and maintained by each one?s independently searching the Scriptures, coming to his own conclusions, and then teaching these? Not at all! Through Jesus Christ, Jehovah God provided for this purpose ?some as apostles, . . . some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers . . . until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man.? Yes, with the help of such ministers, congregational unity?oneness in teaching and activity?could be and would be possible.?Ephesians 4:11-13.
Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovah?s Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth.
The Roman Catholic pope, as well as the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, professes such beliefs, yet their church memberships are exclusive of each other. Likewise, simply professing to have such beliefs would not authorize one to be known as one of Jehovah?s Witnesses.
Approved association with Jehovah?s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah?s Witnesses.
What do such beliefs include?
That the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah?s sovereignty, which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17) That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28) That there is a ?faithful and discreet slave ? upon earth today ?entrusted with all of Jesus? earthly interests,? which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah?s Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47) That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ?s foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15?12:10) That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near . (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) That it will be followed by Christ?s Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it will be the present ?great crowd? of Jesus? ?other sheep.??John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4.
Do we have Scriptural precedent for taking such a strict position? Indeed we do! Paul wrote about some in his day: ?Their word will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetu s are of that number. These very men have deviated from the truth, s aying that the resurrection has already occurred; and they are subverting the faith of some.? (2 Timothy 2:17, 18; see also Matthew 18:6.) There is nothing to indicate that these men did not believe in God, in the Bible, in Jesus? sacrifice. Yet, on this one basic point, what they were teaching as to the time of the resurrection, Paul rightly branded them as apostates , with whom faithful Christians would not fellowship.
Similarly, the apostle John termed as antichrists those who did not believe that Jesus had come in the flesh. They may well have believed in God, in the Hebrew Scriptures, in Jesus as God?s Son, and so on. But on this point, that Jesus had actually come in the flesh, they disagreed and thus were termed ?antichrist.? John goes on to say regarding those holding such variant views: ?If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.??2 John 7, 10, 11.
Following such Scriptural patterns, if a Christian (who claims belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus) unrepentantly promotes false teachings, it may be necessary for him to be expelled from the congregation. (See Titus 3:10, 11.) Of course, if a person just has doubts or is uninformed on a point, qualified ministers will lovingly assist him. This accords with the counsel: ?Continue showing mercy to some that have doubts; save them by snatching them out of the fire.? (Jude 22, 23) Hence, the true Christian congregation cannot rightly be accused of being harshly dogmatic, but it does highly value and work toward the unity encouraged in God?s Word.
I do believe that the vast number of "prospective brothers and sisters " were and still are left with the idea that " members are free to leave any time they want; the door is open " and we all know that , in reality , it is not so !
***2 The Doctrinal aspect.-
I could have chosen among many other subjects, but I have decided to take 'Armageddon' because a quick review of the WTBS Inc. worldwide teaching on this particular subject in the last ? 70 years , could be a decisive factor, in the decision making process , for a ' baptism candidate'.
Some reminders before the review:
1. 'The Golden Age' January 18th, 1933 page 252
"If the message the Jehovah's Witnesses are bringing to the people is true, then it is of greatest importance to mankind.
If it is false, then it is the duty of the clergymen and others who support them to come boldly forward and plainly tell the people wherein the message is false."
*** w59 10/1 607 -8 Questions from Readers *
Who are the writers of the publications of the Watch Tower Society, and what are their educational qualifications??M.D., U.S.A.
The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the Society.
They prefer to remain anonymous, not because of their educational background but in order that the students of the literature may concentrate on the truths and the facts presented instead of upon the identity of the writer and being influenced by who he is. They prefer that the Society and not the individual contributor to its publications should be the thing to recommend the Watch Tower publications to all readers and that the attention of readers should be directed to the organization that is being used by Jehovah God as his instrument rather than to any individual.?Matt. 24:45-47.
So we let the literature speak for itself. The scholarliness of it, the logical presentation of the Scriptures that it sets forth and its faithful adherence to the Bible are the things that should impress the reader and that should convince him that this is the Bible truth.
Worldly scholarship is not the thing to be required.
The Bible shows that it was possession of the holy spirit that was the important factor in the writing of the books of the Bible and that it moved men of faith to record God?s Word. (2 Pet. 1:21; Acts 28:25)
Thus it is that the world, with its wisdom, has not come to know God and understand his purposes, because it does not have the wisdom that comes from above.
With these things in mind, we encourage all who seek the Bible truth to see the prime necessity of the possession of the holy spirit on the part of those who are responsible for the material that goes into the publications of our Society.
The evidence of the holy spirit in the quality and content of the writings published by the Watch Tower Society should be the thing that satisfies, that convinces, together with a comparison of these things with the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures."
*** g84 8/22 p. 28 From Our Readers ***
You all loved it, didn?t you? You couldn?t resist taking a shot at the Catholic Church, could you? I will never forgive the way you mercilessly tore down the Pope. If Jehovah?s Witnesses must refer to cheap shots in attempting to bring down other religions, they?re in more trouble than the Catholics.
M. C., Florida
We surely were not trying to take cheap shots at the pope or the Catholic Church, nor were we criticizing Catholics. The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people.
Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism.
All who criticize have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and fair and objective in assessing such. In both respects we try to live up to that obligation.?ED.
From ?The Watchtower? February 15 th , 2004, page 16 paragraph 8 :
? What methods do apostates use to achieve their aim?
They often resort to distortion , half-truths , and
outright falsehoods.?
Let's begin the review :
***YEAR 1934
* From the booklet " Universal War Near" written by
J.F. Rutherford in the year 1934, pages 26-27
"Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it.... During the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm the powers that rule the nations of the earth will continue to make treaties..."
***YEAR 1941
*From the book "Children" written by by J.F. Rutherford,
in the year 1941, page 366
"Armageddon is surely near.. .. Our hope is that within a few years our marriage may be consummated and, by the Lord's grace, we shall have sweet children that will be an honor to the Lord. We can well defer our marriage until lasting peace comes to the earth. "
* From 'The Watchtower' September 15th, 1941, page 288
"Cartons of Children that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened,.... Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon."
***YEAR 1950
*w 1950 1/15 22 Who Will Share in the Final Witness? ***
MEN say that history repeats itself. The history of past divine warnings and executed judgments will, for God's Word says that "it all happened to them by way of warning for others, and it was written down for the purpose of instructing us whose lot has been cast in the closing hours of the world" . (1 Cor. 10:11, Moffatt)
* *w 1950 8/1 p. 227 Serving with the Servant ***
Such Kingdom interests must be guarded, watched and increased amid the turbulence of this world's closing years. Nor would any human or demon attraction or the confused events occurring in these fateful days succeed in diverting the faithful stewards from their service.
***YEAR 1952
*** w52 2/1 80-1 Jehovah's Theocratic Organization Today ***
THE FOLLY OF SPECULATING
13 There are some who seem to dote on speculations . They love to be the talking center of little groups, voicing their theories on how or when this or that is going to happen. They may not be deliberately rebellious about what the slave provides, but if they can offer only what the slave has already supplied they do not stand out.
How can they shine personally if they merely reflect what all others of Jehovah?s witnesses are reflecting? So they seek for something more sensational, for some ?new light? to dazzle unwary listeners. As they feed the open-mouthed listeners their line of new theories, the listeners by their rapt attention feed the ego of the speculators. When someone else begins to do the talking and occupies the spotlight, the speculator loses interest in the conversing group and drifts on.
These speculating ones may acknowledge that some of their past theories were wrong , but they do not show they have learned the lesson from these mistakes by refraining from bringing forth new theories . Their longing to be viewed as an independent and deep thinker is stronger than their desire to be theocratic.
14 Some of the speculating ones are more rebellious than others, disagreeing dogmatically with the discreet slave?s provisions, exalting themselves above the Lord?s established channel.
They argue that the theocratic organization has not always been right, and that they once had ideas the organization rejected but now teaches, and thus imply that their present theories will likewise be accepted in time.
They never mention the numerous speculations they have advanced in the past that were never adopted . That would spoil their campaign to get their present ideas gobbled up.
What their conceit blinds them to is that the visible theocratic
organization has never claimed infallibility, that it knows the
message will be continually purified by the elimination of erroneous
ideas, that it expects new truths to become manifest as more prophecies are fulfilled, that gradually the light will shine more
and more until the perfect day, and that the clarifications will come
through the discreet slave and not self-exalting speculators. (Prov. 4:18; Isa. 6:5-7; Mal. 3:1-3)
It is a continuous process, for the slave is ?to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?. (Luke 12:42, NW)
Doubtless some do have ideas that are not published until later; to do so earlier may have been premature, may not have been ?at the proper time?. Wait upon the Lord."
***YEAR 1953
From the book ? approved by the WTBS Inc.- :
Jehovah?s Witnesses The New World Society? written by
Marley Cole - (1955 Vantage Press Inc. New York - Libray of Congress Catalog Card Number 54-12633)
Chapter one, page 3, the Jehovah's Witnesses Convention
?? Sunday , July 26 th , 1953 ?the Yankee Stadium, in the
Bronx, New York. ?, now the description of the event on
page 5 , The New World Society Assembles :
? Thunderous hand clapping filled the stadium. Mr. Knorr, whois president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, international directive agency of Jehovah?s witnesses, waited while an attendant adjusted his microphone. He looked out toward asmany of the 165,829 people as he could from the stage.
He commenced to speak , and his words were carried simultaneously to another invisible audience over the Witnesses? own 5,000watt radio station WBBR.? Other wires transmitted his message to tape-recording technicians, who recorded it for replaying on a mass scale to no tellling how many more people associated with the 14,000 congregations of Jehovah?s witnesses scattered among 150 countries, in the day and the years to come.
?Armageddon,? Knorr was saying ? is no mere stormy conflict between two political parties within a nation??
Wrapping all the world and its nations up together as Armageddon?s target, Knorr ?s voice warned dramatically . ? Armageddon is what the sacred Scriptures of divine prophecy call it, ? the war of the great day of God the Almighty.? the war in which the Creator of heaven and earth will face all his foes and will fight as he did in the days of old. God the Almighty foresaw thenecessity for that war in due time and he foretold its coming. That war is unavoidable."
His audience sensed his approaching climax. " The facts of modern history prove we are in ' the day of God the Almighty' and his war is very near. "
Again a resounding peal of hand clapping filled the air. No shouting, no hooting, no whistling, but a vibrant sensitive response to every word.
And every word pointed to Armageddon as ringing down the curtain on this present living generation".
*** w53 10/15 p. 623 ?The Watchtower??a Bible Study Aid
"To properly study The Watchtower we must approach it with the right heart attitude. While we are commanded, ?Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is right,? let us not overlook the fact that we are also admonished, ?Do not treat prophesyings with contempt.? (1 Thess. 5:20, 21, NW) Having found, time and again, that The Watchtower adheres faithfully to God?s Word, we have no grounds for approaching a study of it with suspicion, but rather we should approach it with a sincere desire to understand what God has provided for us through its pages, ever ready to ?accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save [our] souls.??Jas. 1:21, NW.
***YEAR 1956
'The Watchtower', February 1st, 1956, page 88
Cautious as Serpents Among Wolves
45 We dare not lie against God?s Word, adding to it or taking away from it, reading into it what it does not say and denying, passing over or explaining away what it does truthfully say.
?Every word of God is tried: . . . Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.? (Prov. 30:5, 6, AS)
We may not tell untruths in his name, for that puts God in the light of a liar. ?Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar.? (Rom. 3:4, NW)
In Jeremiah?s day the false prophets prophesied lies in Jehovah?s name and lied against his purpose, foretelling in his name what he had not foretold.
Therefore Jehovah was against them. He executed judgment against them at Jerusalem?s destruction in 607 B.C. (Jer. 23:25; 27:15)
Religious liars like them today cannot escape a like judgment but will meet a like end at Armageddon."
***YEAR 1958
*w 1958 8/1 464 Calling the Members of the Kingdom of Heaven ***
If any of the remnant now in attendance at the room for the wedding ceremonies fall out for failure to keep on the wedding garment, others will be brought in by the King to take their places. Seeing that we are now in the closing years of this present system of things, that process may be about completed.
***YEAR 1960
* w60 7/15 441 Staying Awake with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave"
Again we see a ?river? of water of truth being channeled to the earth out from Jehovah?s spiritual temple. The waters begin to flow through the channel of the ?slave? class from their restoration in 1919.
Note the ?river? here is described as going eastward, in the direction of greater light, apparently signifying that the Society?s publications of truth would be progressing in the light of truth as the years advanced after 1919.
*w60 7/15 442 Staying Awake with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
KEEPING AWAKE
13 The question may next be asked, ?How can one stay awake with this fast-moving ?faithful and discreet slave? class??
The members of this anointed group are years ahead in maturity, Biblical knowledge, theocratic experience and vision of Jehovah?s purpose and divine will.
There are several things one can do to stay awake and abreast. First, one should keep up with the ?food at the proper time? supplied through God?s proved channel and published by the Watch Tower Society.
page 443
The divine will flows to us only theocratically through God?s provided leadership of the ?faithful and discreet slave.?
'The Watchtower' October 1st, 1960 page 608
"A sense of urgency"
? Time is fast running out . We may not be slothful nor may we procrastinate if we would keep clean from the blood of all men.
Truly,woe is us if we do not take advantage of every opportunity to warn allwe can. Let us give the warning with earnestness and intensity, yes,with a sense of urgency as though this were our last time to warn ourhearers. Who knows how soon this actually will be the case??
***YEAR 1964
w64 9/15 574 - Kneel down before reading the Watchtower
In contrast to the attitude of these elective elders was that of an elderly couple with whom I stayed on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia.
The brother went down to get the mail before breakfast, and when we had breakfast he said, "Brother Riemer, I got a new Watchtower this morning, and do you know the first thing that Ma and I do when we get that Tower?
We kneel down before we take the wrapper off and ask Jehovah to make us worthy to see what the message is that Jehovah has for us. Now, before we take the wrapper off, will you kneel down and pray with us?"
How different that elective elder was from this humble couple who appreciated Jehovah's organization!
***YEAR 1966
'The Watchtower', April 1. 1966, page 195-6.
?Franz went on to explain that the remarks of the speaker were
perfectly sane, for God?s Word foresaw the end of World War II, andfollowing it a postwar peace that would not last. ?Now, here we are,?Franz continued, ?in the twenty-first year of this peace since WorldWar II, and the prediction is that this peace will not last. . . .
It should fill you with a sense of urgency,? Franz told the students, ?to realize that the sands in the hourglass up above are running out, and the time is coming to a close for this work that has to be done before this peace ends.?
* Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God '(book) 1966 pp. 26-30
The time is fast drawing near for the reality that was foreshadowed by the Jubilee of liberty to be proclaimed throughout the earth to all mankind... Most certainly the near future would be the most appropriate time for it. God's own written Word indicates that it is the appointed time for it... In this twentieth century an independent study has been carried on that does not blindly follow some traditional chronological calculations of Christendom, and the published timetable resulting from this independent study gives the date of man's creation as 4026 B.C.E. So six thousand years of man's existence on earth will soon be up, yes, within this generation.. Since the time of Ussher intensive study of Bible chronology has been carried on. In this twentieth century an independent study has been carried on that does not blindly follow some traditional chronological calculations of Christendom, and the published timetable resulting from this independent study gives the date of man's creation as 4026 B.C.E. According to this trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man's creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975 C.E. So six thousand years of man's existence on earth will soon be up, yes, within this generation. Jehovah God is timeless, as it is written in Psalm 90:1, 2: "O Jehovah, you yourself have proved to be a real dwelling for us during generation after generation. Before the mountains themselves were born, or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God." So from the standpoint of Jehovah God these passing six thousand years of man's existence are but as six days of twenty-four hours, for this same psalm (verses 3, 4) goes on to say: "You make mortal man go back to crushed matter, and you say: `Go back, you sons of men.' For a thousand years are in your eyes but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch during the night." So in not many years within our own generation we are reaching what Jehovah God could view as the seventh day of man's existence. How appropriate it would be for Jehovah God to make of this coming seventh period of a thousand years a sabbath period of rest and release, a great Jubilee sabbath for the proclaiming of liberty throughout the earth to all its inhabitants! This would be most timely for mankind. It would also be most fitting on God's part, for, remember, mankind has yet ahead of it what the last book of the Holy Bible speaks of as the reign of Jesus Christ over earth for a thousand years, the millennial reign of Christ. Prophetically Jesus Christ, when on earth nineteen centuries ago, said concerning himself: "For Lord of the sabbath is what the Son of man is." (Matthew 12: 8). It would not be by mere chance or accident but would be according to the loving purpose of Jehovah God for the reign of Jesus Christ, the 'Lord of the Sabbath,' to run parallel with the seventh "
* Awake! October 8 1966 pp.19-20
'How Much Longer Will It Be?'
6,000 Years Completed in 1975 ? In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of God's rest day come to an end? The year 1975 ? Hence, the fact that we are nearing the end of the first 6,000 years of man's existence is of great significance. Does God's rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. From the most reliable investigations of Bible chronology, harmonizing with many accepted dates of secular history, we find that Adam was created in the autum n of the year 4026 B.C.E. Sometime in that same year Eve could well have been created, directly after which God's rest day commenced ? There is another chronological indication that we are rapidly nearing the closing time for this wicked system of things. It is the fact that shortly, according to reliable Bible chronology, 6,000 years of human history will come to an end.. After six thousand years of toil and bondage to sin, sickness, death and Satan, mankind is due to enjoy a rest and is in dire need of a rest. (Heb. 4:1-11) Hence, the fact that we are nearing the end of the first 6,000 years of man's existence is of great significance.. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of God's rest day come to an end? The year 1975 . This is worthy of notice, particularly in view of the fact that the 'last days' began in 1914, and that the physical facts of our day in fulfillment of prophecy mark this as the last generation of this wicked world. So we can expect the immediate future to be filled with thrilling events for those who rest their faith in God and his promises. It means that within relatively few years we will witness the fulfillment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the 'time of the end.'
'The Watchtower ' 1966 October 15th p.631
Rejoicing over "God's Sons of Liberty" Spiritual Feast
THE YEAR 1975
At the Baltimore assembly Brother Franz in his closing remarks made some interesting comments regarding the year 1975. He began casually by saying, "Just before I got on the platform a young man came to me and said, 'Say, what does this 1975 mean? Does it mean this, that or any other thing?'" In part, Brother Franz went on to say: 'You have noticed the chart [on pages 31-35 in the book Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God]. It shows that 6,000 years of human experience will end in 1975, about nine years from now. What does that mean?
Does it mean that God's rest day began 4026 B.C.E.? It could have.
The Life Everlasting book does not say it did not. The book merely presents the chronology. You can accept it or reject it. If that is the case, what does that mean to us? [He went into some length showing the feasibility of the 4026 B.C.E. date as being the beginning of God's rest day.]
'What about the year 1975? What is it going to mean, dear friends?' asked Brother Franz. 'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975?
It could!
It could! All things are possible with God.
Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could.
Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could.
But we are not saying.
All things are possible with God. But we are not saying.
And don't any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975.
But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out , no question about that.
'When we were approaching the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, there was no sign that the Gentile Times were going to end. Conditions on earth gave us no hint of what was to come, even as late as June of that year. Then suddenly there was a murder. World War I broke out. You know the rest. Famines, earthquakes and pestilences followed, as Jesus foretold would happen.
'But what do we have today as we approach 1975? Conditions have not been peaceful. We've been having world wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences and we have these conditions still as we approach 1975. Do these things mean something? These things mean that we're in the "time of the end." And the end has to come sometime. Jesus said: "As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near." (Luke 21:28) So we know that as we come to 1975 our deliverance is that much nearer.'
"Let us make the most of the time and get in all the good hard work to Jehovah while the opportunity affords," he urged."
***YEAR 1967
'The Watchtower ' 1967 May 1st p.262 Where Are We According to God's Timetable?
THE END OF 6,000 YEARS
In examining these Scriptural facts, something else also captures our attention
. According to Bible chronology, we are already over fifty-two years into the wicked system of things' " time of the end."
That time began in the autumn of 1914 C.E., at the termination of the "appointed times of the nations," and it is already far advanced.
Jesus said that "this generation" that saw the beginning of this time period in 1914 would also see its end.
The generation that was old enough to view those events with understanding in 1914 is no longer young.
It no longer has many years to run.
Already many of its members have died. But Jesus showed that there would still be members of "this generation" alive at the time of the passing away of this wicked system of things in both heaven and earth. (Luke 21:32, 33)
How much longer will it be, then, before God takes action to destroy the wicked and usher in the blessings of his Kingdom rule?
Interestingly, the autumn of the year 1975 marks the end of 6,000 years of human experience. This is ascertainable from reliable chronology preserved in the Bible itself. What will that year mean for humankind? Will it be the time when God executes the wicked and starts off the thousand-year reign of his Son Jesus Christ?
It very well could, but we will have to wait to see.
Yet of this we can be certain: the generation that Jesus said would witness those events is nearing its close. The time is close at hand . On God's "timetable" we are in the closing days of a wicked system of things that will soon be gone forever. A glorious new order is immediately before us. This is, therefore, good reason for Christians everywhere to rejoice. Yes, they rejoice because fulfillment of their prayers for the kingdom of God is now at hand.-Luke 21:28.
Therefore, keep in mind the admonition of the Lord Jesus when speaking of our day: "Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36) The prophecy is sure; the time is short."
***YEAR 1968
*** w68 5/1 pp. 272-273 Making Wise Use of the Remaining Time ***
7 The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end.
Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these ?last days ? will undergo fulfillment, resulting in the liberation of surviving mankind into Christ?s glorious 1,000-year reign. What difficult days, but, at the same time, what grand days are just ahead!
8 Does this mean that the year 1975 will bring the battle of Armageddon? No one can say with certainty what any particular year will bring. Jesus said: ?Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows.? (Mark 13:32)
Sufficient is it for God?s servants to know for a certainty that, for this system under Satan , time is running out rapidly.
How foolish a person would be not to be awake and alert to the limited time remaining, to the earthshaking events soon to take place, and to the need to work out one?s salvation!
. -'The Watchtower ' August 15th, 1968 pages 499-501 -
"This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that 'concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.'
To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. "
*w 1968 8/15/1968 pages 499-501
This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that 'concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.' To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end . ".
Awake! October 8 1968 pp. 14-15 ***
6,000 Years Nearing Completion [?] The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the 'last days' have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God. Today, many years later, we may ask, What does the phrase 'the immediate future' mean? How many years are 'a few years at most'? [?] According to reliable Bible chronology, Adam and Eve were created in 4026 B.C.E.. There is another way that helps confirm the fact that we are living in the final few years of this 'time of the end.' (Dan. 12:9)
From the book « Truth that Leads to eternal life » published in 1968 by the WTBS Inc.
*** tr 94-5 11 The Last Days of This Wicked System of Things
THE Bible speaks of the time in which we are living as the ?last days? or the ?time of the end.? (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 11:40) The facts show that this is a limited period that has a definite beginning and a definite end. It began in 1914 when Jesus Christ was enthroned as king in the heavens.
It will end when God destroys this present wicked system of things. What a relief it will be when the organizations and persons that cheat and oppress, and all who endanger the security of their fellowmen, are gone!
2 How soon will that be? God?s own Son , Jesus Christ, gives the answer.
After drawing attention to the many things that mark the period from 1914 onward as the ?time of the end,? Jesus said: ?This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.? (Matthew 24:34)
Which generation did he mean?
3 Jesus had just referred to persons who would ?see all these things.? ?These things? are the events that have taken place since 1914 and those yet to occur down to the end of this wicked system. (Matthew 24:33)
Persons born even as much as fifty years ago could not see ?all these things. ? They came on the scene after the foretold events were already under way.
But there are people still living who were alive in 1914 and saw what was happening then and who were old enough that they still remember those events.
This generation is getting up in years now.
A great number of them have already passed away in death. Yet Jesus very pointedly said: ?This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.? Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system.
This means that only a short time is left before the end comes! (Psalm 90:10 [89:10, Dy])
So now is the time to take urgent action if you do not want to be swept away with this wicked system.
***YEAR 1969
'The Watchtower', June 1. 1969, page 347.
?They Are Acting on What They Are Learning
But when they were told about the
new six-month Bible-study
arrangement, they were visibly touched. Now for the first time a real sense of urgency struck them. They could not bear the thought of having all connections with Jehovah?s people severed.
***YEAR 1970
'The Watchtower ' , February 15th 1970, page 121.
?What so amazed the onlookers??
It was the sense of urgency that motivates them.
That sense of urgency stems from the knowledge, gleaned from the Bible, that soon now, not many years hence, Jehovah?s judgment against a wicked system of things on earth will be executed.?
*** w70 5/1 p. 267 Keep Close in Mind ?The Conclusion of the System of Things? ***
HOW DO WE KNOW?
9 But you may ask, How do we know these things will really come, that there actually will be a conclusion to this system of things? There are quite a number of proofs. Several events are recorded in history when earlier systems of things came to their end, those events being prophetic of our time. We also have Jesus? testimony and that of other inspired writers regarding the conclusion of this system. Bible chronology indicates the rapid approach of the end for this old system under the god of this world, Satan.
*** w70 5/1 p. 275 An Ingathering Affecting All Mankind ***
The present Christian system will continue until the last member of Christ?s spiritual body completes his earthly course sometime after Armageddon.
By that time Satan?s present wicked system of things will have been replaced by Jehovah?s new system, his new heavens and new earth in which righteousness will dwell.
*** w70 5/1 p. 273 An Ingathering Affecting All Mankind ***
How close we may exactly be to the end of the present divisive system of things cannot be predicted, as Jesus reported that even he did not know the day or the hour at the time of his earthly ministry. (Matt. 24:36)
However, Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ?s Kingdom rule.
So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced , with only approximately six years left until the end of 6,000 years of human history. (1 Cor. 7:29)
This corroborates the understanding of Jesus? words that the generation alive in 1914 with the outbreak of World War I would not pass away until the end comes.
Only a short time, then, remains for persons who love righteousness to show God that they want to be in his ?ark? of protection and live to see the blessings of the new system of things.?Matt. 24:34-42.
*** w70 5/1 pp. 276-277 An Ingathering Affecting All Mankind ***
NEED FOR ACTION NOW
16 The time is very short now for further preaching and teaching of God?s kingdom among the political nation s. So it is important for us now to show that we are no part of the present system of things but that we are living for the new system and the blessings it will bring. If we want to live through this ?time of the end? on the nations to enjoy Jehovah?s righteous new system under Christ the King, then there is no time to be lost.
Remember that not only the Bible but also world leaders have attested to the urgency of the times in which we live.
The few remaining years of this generation do not give much time during which we can show Jehovah we truly want to be pleasing to him so that we will be privileged to enjoy life at his hand in the new system of things.
We need to schedule our affairs to show him what really is first in our lives. We need to study his Word to keep our faith strong, to get to the Kingdom Hall to enjoy the meetings that have been prepared by the ?faithful and discreet slave? class, and to share the truth with others, especially now as we ?behold the day drawing near.? Are you willing to do this??Heb. 10:25.
***YEAR 1971
* From the book "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"-How? * (published in 1971) *** kj 216-7 12 "Until He Comes Who Has the Legal Right" **
JEHOVAH?S ?SWORD? AGAINST ?ALL THOSE OF FLESH?
9 Shortly, within our twentieth century , the ?battle in the day of Jehovah? will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom. The ancient ?soil of Israel? pictures the realm in which Christendom has operated. It pictures the standing and relationship that Christendom has claimed to occupy with God by means of his ?new covenant? of which Jesus Christ is the mediator. Now is no time for anyone in Christendom to rely on any righteousness on the basis of his own merits and to boast of his own self-righteousness."
*w 1971 9/15 570-1 God Wisely Selects Earth's Rulers ***
Bible prophecy foretold that Christ would take Kingdom power while the worldly nations were still active. (Ps. 2:1-6; 110:1, 2) On taking Kingdom power, he would give early attention to those of the 144,000 who had died. Then he would proceed to gather together all his prospective Kingdom associates on earth, called a 'remnant,' for testing and final approval. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 12:10, 17) World conditions in fulfillment of prophecy indicate that we are in the closing days of this gathering, called the "harvest." With its completion and the destruction of the present wicked system and its administration, Christ and his associate kings and priests will begin the thousand-year reign for the blessing of mankind.-Matt. 13:37-40; Rev. 11:18; 19:19-21; 20:1-4, 6.
***YEAR 1973
'The Watchtower' , July 1st 1973, page 405.
?There is need to participate in that work with a sense of urgency, too, for the end of this wicked system of things is drawing near.
The time is short. The harvest is great and the workers are few.?
*g 1973 11/8 p. 6 Why You Should Be Concerned ***
Why? Because in so many areas human failure is not just a 'passing phase. It is direct evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy showing that we are living in the closing years of this wicked system of things. Long ago the Bible foretold of our generation that "wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." (2 Tim. 3:13)
***YEAR 1974
*** km 5/74 p. 3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***
Yes, the end of this system is so very near! Is that not reason to increase our activity?
In this regard we can learn something from a runner who puts on a final burst of speed near the finish of a race.
Look at Jesus, who apparently stepped up his activity during his final days on earth. In fact, over 27 percent of the material in the Gospels is devoted to just the last week of Jesus? earthly ministry!?Matt. 21:1?27:50; Mark 11:1?15:37; Luke 19:29?23:46; John 11:55?19:30.
By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before the present system ends . Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers.
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts?
Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world?s end. ?1 John 2:17.
'The Watchtower' , October 15th 1974, page 631.
?They feel a sense of urgency as they talk to people, for they look upon the short time remaining for this system of things as a time of Jehovah?s exercise of patience, knowing that he does not desire the death of anyone.?
*** w74 10/15 p. 635 Growing in Appreciation for the ?Divine Purpose? ***
The publications of Jehovah?s witnesses have shown that, according to Bible chronology, it appears that 6,000 years of man?s existence will be completed in the mid-1970?s.
But these publications have never said that the world?s end would come then.
Nevertheless, there has been considerable individual speculation on the matter.
So the assembly presentation ?Why We Have Not Been Told ?That Day and Hour?? was very timely.
It emphasized that we do not know the exact time when God will bring the end.
All we know is that the end will come within the generation that sees fulfilled on it the sign that Jesus Christ said would then be in evidence . (See Matthew chapters 24, 25.) All indications are that the fulfillment of this sign began in 1914.
So we can be confident that the end is near ; we do not have the slightest doubt that God will bring it about, the speaker stressed. But we have to wait and see exactly when, in the meantime keeping busy in God?s service.
*** w74 12/15 pp. 764-765
Benefits and Rewards from Being Spiritually Secure ***
29 On Sunday afternoon, July 26, 1931, at the international convention of the I.B.S.A. in Columbus, Ohio, there came the heartfelt adoption of the Resolution in favor of embracing the New Name, Jehovah?s witnesses. Thereafter this Resolution was adopted by congregations around the world that thenceforth identified their religious organization as Jehovah?s witnesses. To advertise the divine name still further, on March 1, 1939, some months before World War II broke out, the official magazine of the Witnesses came forth with the new legend, ?The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah?s Kingdom.? And now, as the critical year of 1975 enters, it may well be asked: Has the Most High God of prophecy made a name for himself? The answer is self-evident, Yes! By whom? Not by Christendom or by Jewry, but by Jehovah?s Christian witnesses!
Page ?766
36 Only from the end of the year 1928 was the prospect opened up to the spiritual understanding of the anointed remnant of the ?Israel of God? to survive the ?war of the great day of God the Almighty? at Har?Magedon and enter here on earth into Jehovah?s righteous new order. (See The Watch Tower under date of December 15, 1928, page 376, paragraphs 35, 36.)
And now, as the year 1975 opens up, some thousands of the anointed remnant, still alive on this earth, look ahead to realizing that joyful prospect. The increasing ?great crowd? of their sheeplike companions look forward with them to entering the New Order without interruption of life.?
***YEAR 1982
From the book ?You can live forever..?published by the WTBS Inc, in 1982 :
*** pe 154 18 "The End of the World" Is at Hand! ***
8 After drawing attention to the many things that have marked the period from 1914 onward, Jesus said: ?This generation will by no means pass away until all these things [including the end of this system] occur.? (Matthew 24:34, 14) Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914.
Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old.
However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. So of this we can be certain:
Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon.
***YEAR 1984
*** w84 3/1 18-19 Kingdom Unity a Reality Today ***
It has been thrilling to see the fulfillment of Jesus? sign showing that the Kingdom was established in the heavens in that momentous year 1914.
And Jesus has told us to rejoice at seeing the dark storm clouds of Armageddon gathering since that time.
He has told us that the ?generation? of 1914 ?the year that the sign began to be fulfilled??will by no means pass away until all these things occur.? (Matthew 24:34)
Some of that ?generation? could survive until the end of the century.
But there are many indications that ?the end? is much closer than that!
*** w84 5/15 5 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away ***
Jesus used the word ?generation? many times in different settings and with various meanings. But what did he mean when he spoke of a ?generation that would not pass away?? Some have interpreted ?generation? to mean a period of 30, 40 , 70 or even 120 years.
However, a generation is really related to people and events, rather than to a fixed number of years.
The Greek word rendered ?generation? in the Bible has been defined as, ?Those born at the same time . . . Associated with this is the meaning: the body of one?s contemporaries, an age.? (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology)
?The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time generation, contemporaries.? (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament from Walter Bauer?s Fifth Edition, 1958)
These definitions embrace both those born around the time of a historic event and all those alive at that time.
If Jesus used ?generation? in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80?s or 90?s, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them ?will by no means pass away until all things occur.??Luke 21:32.
Since 1914 we have already lived through two world wars and many other major conflicts, along with famines, earthquakes, pestilences and the like. (Luke 21:10, 11) Yet Jesus said: ?This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.? (Matthew 24:34)
*** w84 5/15 6-7 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away ***
Is There Enough Time?
From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene.
But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action.
Jehovah?s prophetic word through Christ Jesus is: ?This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.? (Luke 21:32)
And Jehovah , who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son?s words in a relatively short time .?Isaiah 46:9, 10; 55:10, 11.
***YEAR 1993
*w 1993 4/1 p. 18 Who Are Following the Light of the World? ***
Urgent to Follow the Light
19 Now, in the final years of this evil system, it is urgent to follow the light of the world. And we need to be on guard, for there is an intense war being waged to keep us from walking in the light. This opposition comes from the powers of darkness-from Satan, his demons, and his earthly organization.
***YEAR 1994
***w 94 1/1 20 The Watchtower and Awake!-Timely Journals of Truth Magazines That Advocate Truth
3 Jehovah is the God of truth. (Psalm 31:5) His Word, the Bible, is a book of truth. (John 17:17) Honesthearted people respond to truth. (Compare John 4:23, 24.) One reason that TheWatchtower and Awake! have touched the hearts of millions of readers is that they are journals of integrity and truth . In fact, it was over the issue of loyalty to Bible truth that TheWatchtower began to be published."
*w 1994 4/15 p. 10 Helpful Teaching for Our Critical Times ***
Many now living were eyewitnesses to World War I when this modern fulfillment began.
But even if you were born after 1914, you have witnessed Jesus' prophecy coming to pass.
The events of this 20th century overwhelmingly prove that we are now living in the conclusion of this present wicked system.
*w 1994 9/1 p. 13 Despite Being Made of Dust, Push Ahead! **
20 Now, during the concluding years of Satan's world system, is not the time to slow down-not as far as Kingdom preaching is concerned and not as far as developing more fully the fruitage of God's spirit is concerned. «
***YEAR 1995
'The Watchtower' November 1st , 1995, page 19
"Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the "great tribulation" would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However, we bring a heart of wisdom in," not by speculating about how many years or days makeup a generation, but by thinking about how we "count our days" in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah."
"Therefore, in the final fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy today, "this generation" apparently refers to the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ's presence but fail to mend their ways." (ibid, page 19)
***YEAR 1997
*w 1997 8/15 p. 22 "Soundness of Mind" as the End Draws Close ***
21 How much time is left remaining we do not know. Yet, we can say with confidence that " the end of all things has drawn close ." Until that end comes, let us live with "soundness of mind" in our dealings with one another, in the way we care for our families, and in our secular responsibilities
***YEAR 1998
*w 1998 1/1 p. 11 Do Not Give Up in the Race for Life! ***
20 Today, we know that another great "day of Jehovah" will soon affect this whole system of things. (Joel 3:12-14) We do not know when that day will come. But God's Word assures us that come it will! Jehovah says it will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9, 10)
*w 1998 9/15 p. 13 Times and Seasons in Jehovah's Hands ***
We too are convinced that our deliverance from the present wicked system of things is approaching . We know that we are living in "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
*w 1998 8/15 19 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness
In the near future, the greatest time of tribulation ever to strike the human race will break forth suddenly. (Matthew 24:21) When it does, servants of God will need as never before to display confidence in Jehovah?s righteousness and in the direction provided by his organization. In a symbolic way, they will then confidently obey God?s injunction: "Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over." (Isaiah 26:20) .-
*w 1998 9/15 pp. 18-19 Waiting in "Eager Expectation" ***
Their faith does not need to be propped up by time calculations. They keep busy in Jehovah's service, providing a wonderful example for their companions, the "other sheep." (John 10:16) These anointed ones know that this wicked system's end is near , and they heed Peter's exhortation: "Brace up your minds for activity, keep your senses completely; set your hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."-1 Peter 1:13.
***YEAR 1999
*w 1999 4/1 p. 19 Life After Death-What Does the Bible Say? ***
21 The fulfillment of Bible prophecy shows that we are living in "the last days" of this system of things. (2 Timothy 3:1) Very soon now , Jehovah God is going to intervene in human affairs and wipe out wickedness from the earth."
***YEAR 2000
*w 2000 12/1 p. 18 Do You Love Jehovah's Reminders Exceedingly? **
Since we are living deep in the last days of this wicked system of things, let us keep praying for divine help so that we can continue to observe Jehovah's reminders and thus 'keep on guard according to his word.'-Psalm 119:9."
***YEAR 2001
*w 2001 3/1 p. 21 Salvation for Those Who Choose the Light ***
17 Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah's people around the world.
Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience.-Zephaniah 2:3.
*w 2001 5/15 p. 12 Praise Jehovah for His Great Deeds! ***
To shine forth in giving a final witness before Jehovah brings an end to Satan's wicked system of things in the rapidly approaching "great tribulation."-Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 7:14.
*w 2001 6/15 p. 12 Look After Orphans and Widows in Their Tribulation ***
As the end of the present system of things gets closer, the pressures that Christians in general face are certain to increase. (Matthew 24:9-13)
*w 2001 8/15 p. 28 Do Not Give Up in Doing What Is Fine ***
Faith in the Things Unseen
11 Another trial may involve the seeming delay of the end of this wicked system of things. According to 2 Peter 3:12, Christians are to be "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." However, many have awaited this "day" for years, some for decades. As a result, some may become discouraged and lose their sense of urgency.
*w 2001 8/15 p. 32 Certificate of Excellence ***
Each issue of Awake! "stays politically neutral and does not exalt one race above another."
Additionally, the publications build "confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."
*w 2001 11/15 p. 12 Jehovah Shows Us How to Count Our Days ***
« Yes, our life is as transitory as grass that withers in a single day. Therefore, let us not waste this precious commodity.
Instead, we should seek God's guidance on how we ought to use our remaining years in this system of things. «
*w 2001 11/15 p. 31 Noah's Faith Condemns the World ***
« Like Noah, true Christians today know that Jehovah will soon bring an end to this godless system of things.
We do not know that day or hour , but we realize that imitating the faith and obedience of this "preacher of righteousness" will result in "the preserving alive of the soul."-Hebrews 10:36-39.".-
***YEAR 2002
"The Watchtower" May, 1 st , 2002 page 16, paragraph 9 )
"Comparably, for more than a century now, the anointed brothers of Christ, those with the heavenly hope, have served as " a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God."
(1 Peter 2:5)
They have taken the lead in dispensing Bible truths
to others. As you have learned truths that they teach, have you not found from experience that the very law of truth has proved to be in their mouth? They have helped to turn many back from religious error, so that now ther are millions throughout the world who have learned Bible truths and who have the hope of everlasting life.
These, in turn, have the privilege of teaching the law of truth to yet other millions.- John 10:16; Revelation 7:9 .-"
paragraph 10)
" It would be easy to develop the habit of couching one's words in terms that are technically accurate but misleading. Or one might exaggerate or hide details in a business matter. Would Jehovah not see that? And if we followed such practices, would he accept sacrifices of praise from our lips? «
***YEAR 2003
*2003 km March 2003 page 6 , paragraph 25 subheading: "Take full advantage of the time remaining "
Today all the evidence indicates that the end of the present global system of things is at end . Day by day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. As zealous servants of Jehovah, we should be focused on the urgent work of declaring the good news.- Titus 2:13,14 ."
*yb 2003 " A Letter from the Governing Body " page 5, paragraph 1 :
"We face similar situation today. As we approach the destruction of this wicked system, we expect increased opposition. Satan is filled with "great anger", and that anger is especially directed against those who serve God (Rev.12:12) "
*w 2003 September 15 th 2003 p.25
?Expectation postponed is making the heart sick,? Solomon states, ? but the thing desired is a tree of life when it does come.? (proverbs 13:12) Unfulfilled expectation are bound to lead to disappointments that make the heart sick. This happens in everyday life. However, this is not the case with the expectations that are solidly based on god?s Word . We can have complete confidence that they will be fulfilled. Even apparent delays are less likely to be disappointing. For example , we know that God?s new world is imminent. (2 Peter 3;13)
*w 2003 December 1st, page 13 § 17 « Yes, we can confidently
look forward to the time - now so near - when Jehovah will eradicate from the earth all the corruption and those who are responsible for it ».
*w 2003 December 1st, page 13 § 18 « Just a little while longer
and the wicked one will be no more ; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be »(Psalm 37 :10) How these words encourage us as we approach the end of this system of things and the culmination of disastrous independence from Jehovah ! Whatever kind of government or authority has been devised by man has failed miserably. And now we are nearing the time for a return to rule by God, true theocracy, the Kingdom of Jehovah in the end of Jesus
Christ? »
*w 2003 December 15th, 2003 page 15 §§6-8
Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency
Warned of ?Things Not Yet Beheld?
6 In Noah?s day, Jehovah declared: ?My spirit shall not act toward man indefinitely in that he is also flesh. Accordingly his days shall amount to a hundred and twenty years.? (Genesis 6:3) The issuance of this divine decree in 2490 B.C.E. marked the beginning of the end for that ungodly world. Just think what that meant for those then living! Only 120 years more and Jehovah would bring ?the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force of life is active from under the heavens.? - Genesis 6:17
7 Noah received the warning of the upcoming catastrophe decades in advance, and he wisely used the time to prepare for survival. ?After being given divine warning of things not yet beheld.? Says the apostle Paul, ?[Noah] showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the salvation of his household.? (Hebrews 11:7) What about us? Some 90 years have passed since the last days of this system of things began in 1914. We are certainly in ?the time of the end.? (Daniel 12:4) How should we respond to warnings we have been given? ?He that does the will of God remains forever,? states the Bible. (1 John 2:17) Now is therefore the time to do Jehovah?s will with a keen sense of urgency.
9 Jehovah has kept these warnings in front of his people by means of timely reminders through the spiritual food provided by ?the faithful and discrete slave.? ?
21Although the Flood seems remote from our day, it clearly provides a warning that we must not ignore?. »
***YEAR 2004
From ? The Watchtower ? January 15th 2004, page 13 § 15
« This « great crowd « will survive the imminent « great tribulation » , with the prospect of eternal life in Paradise as permanent members of the « new earth . » (Revelation 7 :9-14)
I do hope that you have had a ?pleasant reading.
Pllease, feel free to use all or any part of the material presented
above and also...if you wish, to comment.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
" Augescunt aliae gentes, aliae minuuntur; inque brevi spatio mutantur
saecia animantum et quasi cursores vitae lampada tradunt." (Lucretius, De Rerum Natura)