Okay Zep,
Let's see what kind of proof you want. When you became one of Jehovah's Witnesses, what convinced you of the truth? I ask because I need to know how you think. Different things convinced all of us differently. For me,learning of the paridise from the bible was a start, but it was the prophetic books that impressed me and caused me to make a conviction. Even though much of it was not fully understood, just seeing that Jehovah was telling us what would happen impressed me. We all need different proofs. We all have to realize that JW's do have more of the truth than any other Christian religion. I guest, but I would think that 95% of Christians believe in the Trinity,burning hell, and no paradise. What do you think?
Zep you said, “VERY generalistic lines of evidence are simply not enough to prove to me that Dubs are the "Truth". First all, you have just belittle a few very important things to Jehovah. Centurys ago Jehovah said, “And they must place my name upon the sons of Israel, that I myself may bless them.” It was the placing of this particular name upon the Jewish nation that brought special blessings upon them. In fact, it was the placing of the name upon ancient Israel , in itself, that made them a special people for his possession. The placing of God’s personal name upon the Jewish nation proved to be the single most outstanding characteristic that identified them as “His people,” “His inheritance,”- it identified them as being “Israel.” Some today, do not fill the his name is that important. Not even the Jews saw the full appreciation for it. They thought they knew Jehovah, but did not. That is why Jesus in the midst of the Jews said, “ I have made your name known to them and will make it known”.(John 17:26) The Jews did not really know Jehovah. If they did, his name would have been put on high and they would have identified Jesus. You obviously do not see the significance of Jehovah’s name. For Jehovah’s name to be called upon anyone is a great honor and responsibility. But you have belittled that significance. You obviously don’t know Jehovah the way you should. He is fear inspiring and a Jealous God. For someone to carry that name carries a blessing or a curse, depending on how they display it. It was said of the Jews, “The Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:24) Carrying Jehovah’s name is no small matter.
None the less here are my three lines of evidence: coupled with what has already been said. This is only a small attempt to explain.
1) process of elimination
2) comparison with what made the nation of Israel God's people
3) Prophecy that describe his people in the last days.
1)
We can all see that the bible does talk about Israel in the last days right? We also know the natural nation has been abandoned by Jehovah, right?(Matt 23:37,38) Okay, who is, who could it be, and how can we identify them? If you look throughout the world in search of Israel according to the scriptures, who would you find. THEY must believe in Jehovah as the ONLY true God and carry that name upon themselves(Isaiah 43:6,7). As the natural Jews were called by that name. They were distinguished by their affiliation with that name. Right? THEY cannot use idols in worship, for Jehovah hates that. Right? Okay, that’s our starting point. Let’s narrow our choices down. Who could be on this list? Name them.
2)
The nation of Israel became officially God’s people when? 1512BCE. When they made a vow to take that name and live up to the laws of Jehovah. With the mediation of Moses, they all took that vow.(EX. 24:7) That is when they became his special possesion. Sad to say, they failed miserably to remain in Jehovah’s favor. But, by them taking that name upon themselves, they took on that responsibility. But it is that public vow that made the difference. When Jesus died he mediate the covenant that brought the christian congregation into the same relationship. When the apostles died the Christian congregation was dispersed. But prophecies were not filled yet. These things had to come about through spiritual Israel. But who would spiritual Israel be? First of all, a people that believed according to the truth.(the same belief the the original Christians had). They did not understand everything(1 Cor. 13:9). JW’s made a public aknowledgement to except and up hold Jehovah’s standards in 1931. And they have been identified by that name since. They teach the same "basic" framework of truth that Jesus disciples They do not understand everything, but they are God’s name people. They ALSO, have failed miserably to honor Jehovah’s name. That does not change the fact that they are God’s people any less than the natural Jews were.
3)
Isaiah 2:1-4 shows what will happen when persons begin to flock to the mountain of the house of Jehovah, but the verses following tells who is else being discussed(Isa.2:5-9). There are two houses being discussed. The mountain of the house of Jehovah(verse 2,3) and the house of Jacob(verse 5,6). The men in the house of Jacob leave their house because of corruption.(Isa.2:5-9) These ones flock to the mountain of the house of Jehovah to be instructed about his ways(They should have already known, but didn’t). But notice that they flock from the house of Jacob!!. What is the house of Jacob? This is ISRAELl !!!!! in the last days!!! Yes Israel in the last days is being abandoned. Why? They have become corrupt.(Isa.2:5-9) Yes. Again!!! The nation of Israel has become just like the natural nation , CORRUPT!!!!. JW’s leadership is becoming more and more like the soiled worldly religions, Corrupt!! Other prophecies show how bad it WILL get!! This is one scriptural prophecy about Israel in the last days. Read it carefully, prayerfully, and humbly. These are Jehovah’s own words.
WFTW
Edited by - Onetruesource on 11 August 2000 21:57:24