Hello,
I would like to take part, but the link provided, is requasting a password.
Any solution?
Greetings,
J.C. MacHislopp
MacHislopp
JoinedPosts by MacHislopp
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85
University student's JW based honors thesis research. PLEASE HELP!
by honorsthesis inhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/defectedmembers_honorsthesis.
hello community,.
my name is brett w., and i am senior undergraduate student at the university of florida.
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17
WTBS Inc and George Orwell again!
by MacHislopp inyears, and a member of the congregational church and.
were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything.
page 209. july 1st.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Just more material on the same topic.
InterestedOne : concerning the - singing - please note, what the Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence published in the issue of May 1890:
[R1214 : page 3]
HARVEST GATHERING AND SIFTINGS.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENTOF PRESENT TRUTH.
...
... But confining ourselves to the consideration of the harvest truths set forth in MillennialDawn and Zion's Watch Tower,we begin the narrative at the year 1868, when the editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some years, and a member of the Congregational Church and of the Y.M.C.A .,began to be shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines. Brought up a Presbyterian and indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the logic of Infidelity as soon as I began to think for myself.
But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence, overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in human creeds and systems of misinterpretation of the Bible.
Gradually I was led to see that though each of the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were, on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's Word.
Among other theories, I stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists from the preacher, Mr. Jonas Wendell, long since deceased.
Then compare the above ,with what MacMillan wrote , 67 years later - with N. Knorr's approval :
"Faith on the March " A.H. Macmillan 1957 Edition
(Page 16 16th - 22nd line)
SEEKING GOD'S WILL
...
Some have said that just such a chain of reactions was set in motion when, about 1870, a young man (whose life, later, had considerable influence on my own), upon hearing religious singing in a little dingy hall on one of the dark streets of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, turned aside and walked in.
(page 17 17th - 24th line)
Finally he left the Presbyterian Church because its teaching on doctrine was too
narrow; he joined the Congregational Church, which he found more liberal. He had become particularly interested in the Y.M.C.A. "There's the place I can work with other young men," he reasoned. He had never wanted to sit around the church looking pious or just listening to singing and someone preaching on matters that were unreasonable, horrifying and unlike a God of love. He wanted to be active-- trying to save men from going to eternal damnation. So he had worked and studied, continuing to search for the truth.
(page 19 9th-17th line)
THE BIBLE STRENGTHENS WAVERING FAITH
On this evening about 1870 he had been walking along one of the dark streets in Allegheny when he heard singing. He paused for a moment. Being young, he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. As a reverential lad, he still had a desire for faith in the Supreme Being.
Kindly compare with what the Society wrote 54 years later :
**w10 12/15 pp.22-23 par.14 Sing to Jehovah!
14 One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall.
At that time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his business
interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the physical needs of people even if he
could not help them spiritually. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall and found that religious services were being held there.
He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night “was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering
faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother
Russell to the meeting.
For the other point i.e. C.T. Russell ' s reasoning , please note, what MacMillan wrote - with N. Knorr's approval :
"Faith on the March " A.H. Macmillan 1957 Edition
(page 18 15th-23rd line)
TRADITIONALISM ENCOURAGES INFIDELITY
Like many serious thinkers before and since, finding the traditional teachings of religious Christendom untenable, he was falling an easy prey to the logic of infidelity.
At the age of seventeen, then, this had become his conclusion:
"Now my father is in business here in Pittsburgh and is doing quite well. There is no use in my trying to find out anything reasonable about the future from any of the creeds or even from the Bible, so I'm just going to forget the whole thing and give all my attention to business. If I make some money I can use that to help suffering humanity, even though I cannot do them any good spiritually."
Kindly compare with what the Society wrote 54 years later :
***w10 12/15 pp.22-23 par.14 Sing to Jehovah
14 One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall. At that
time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his
business interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the
physical needs of people even if he could not help them spiritually. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall
and found that religious services were being held there. He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night
“was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing t hat initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.
The above examples prove that on certain things even H. MacMillan is unreliable and again, if need there was, that in the WTBS Inc. case, Georges Orwell was right .
“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”
Greetings to all of you,
J.C. MacHislopp
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17
WTBS Inc and George Orwell again!
by MacHislopp inyears, and a member of the congregational church and.
were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything.
page 209. july 1st.
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MacHislopp
Hello again ,
I wish to add another piece to the research. As far as I know, this issue of the Zion’s Watch Tower, May 1890 - therefore published 121 years ago - is the first to mention C.T. Russel own words : " I had heard that religious services were held " and " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell " but again no mention of singing .
[R1211 : page 1]
VOL. XI. ALLEGHENY, PA., MAY, 1890. NO. 6.
Zion's Watch Tower
AND
HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.
----------
PUBLISHED MONTHLY.
----------
TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY.
----------
"BIBLE HOUSE:"
Arch Street, Allegheny, Pa., U.S.A.
C. T. RUSSELL, EDITOR.r1211 POEMS AND HYMNS OF DAWN.
r1212 VIEW FROM THE TOWER.
r1212 SENATOR BLAIR'S VIEW.
r1213 EXTRACTS FROM INTERESTING LETTERS.
r1214 MR. MOODY ON THE BIBLE.
r1214 THE SEVENTH TRUMPET.
r1214 PERILS AMONG FALSE BRETHREN. r1214 HARVEST GATHERING AND SIFTINGS. r1214 SIFTING THE WHEAT.
r1214 PUTTING OFF AND PUTTING ON.
r1215 A POINTED APPLICATION.
r1215 THE SUBSIDENCE OF MOUNTAINS.
r1213 AN EPISCOPAL BISHOP ON BAPTISM.
r1215 "ACCEPTED."[R1214 : page 3]
HARVEST GATHERING AND SIFTINGS.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENTOF PRESENT TRUTH.
Many are the inquiries relative to the truths presented in the TOWER and MILLENNIAL DAWN, as to whence they came and how they developed to their present symmetrical and beautiful proportions.-- Were they the results of visions? Did God in any supernatural way grant the solution of these, hitherto, mysteries of his plan? Are the writers more than ordinary beings? Do they claim any supernatural wisdom or power? or how comes this revelation of God's truth, any how?
…..
We give the following history not only because we have been urged to give a review of God's leadings in the path of light, but specially because we believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, that misapprehensions and prejudicial mis-statements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see how hitherto the Lord hath helped and guided us. In so far as the names and views of others, who have parted company with us, may be associated with this history, we shall endeavor to bring forward only such points as are necessary to an understanding of our position and of the Lord's leadings.
Nor can we name all the little points of divine favor in which faith was tested, prayers were answered, etc., remembering that our Master and the early church left no such example of boasting of faith, but rather admonished otherwise, saying, "Hast thou faith, have it to thyself." Some of the most precious experiences of faith and prayer are those which are too sacred for public display.
* * *
We will not go back to tell how the light began to break through the clouds of prejudice and superstition which enveloped the world under Papacy's rule in the dark ages. The reformation movement, or rather movements, from then until now, has each done its share in bringing light out of darkness.
But confining ourselves to the consideration of the harvest truths set forth in Millennial Dawn and Zion's Watch Tower, we begin the narrative at the year 1868, when the editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some years, and a member of the Congregational Church and of the Y.M.C.A., began to be shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines. Brought up a Presbyterian and indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the logic of Infidelity as soon as I began to think for myself.
But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence, overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in human creeds and systems of misinterpretation of the Bible.
Gradually I was led to see that though each of the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were, on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's Word.
Among other theories, I stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.
There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists from the preacher, Mr. Jonas Wendell, long since deceased.
[R1214 : page 4] Though his Scripture exposition was not entirely clear, and though it was very far from what we now rejoice in, it was sufficient, under God, to re-establish my wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the apostles and prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before, and I shall ever thank the Lord for that leading; for though Adventism helped me to no single truth, it did help me greatly in the unlearning of errors, and thus prepared me for the truth.
I soon began to see that we were living somewhere near the close of the Gospel age, and near the time when the Lord had declared that the wise, watching ones of his children should come to a clear knowledge of his plan.
At this time, myself and a few other truth-seekers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny formed a class for Bible study, and from 1870 to 1875 was a time of constant growth in grace and knowledge and love of God and his plan.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Greetings to all,
J.C. MacHislopp
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17
WTBS Inc and George Orwell again!
by MacHislopp inyears, and a member of the congregational church and.
were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything.
page 209. july 1st.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello again,
First of all many thanks for taking the time to ...read the material and add your personal touch. To reassure those who have commented on it, I do feel that slowly but gradually my health is improving. I do know that millions are suffering and I'm sure in worst condition than mine. So here I am again.
Now back to the post:
To DanaBug, OUTLAW , yourmomma, I do appreciate your comment.
Scully and Scott77 thank you for kind remarks.
Yesidid many thanks for your touching expression.
.
Baltar447 " Was this perhaps something he said in conversation and not wrote down" I thought of that reason in the first place. Please see my answer to Honesty below.
Honesty thanks for your comment and your research:
jv chap.5 p.43 Proclaiming the Lord’s Return (1870-1914)
***
The twig, though, had been trained by God-fearing parents; it was inclined "in the direction of the Lord." While he was still searching for truth, one evening in 1869, something happened that reestablished Charles’ wavering faith. Walking along near the Russells’ store on Federal Street, he heard religious singing coming from a basement hall. In his own words, this is what took place:
"Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists [Advent Christian Church], the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell . . .
Here are my observations In all the quotes, when the Society refers to Charles Taze Russell's own words, they insert the brackets at the beginning and at the end. i.e.
jv chap.5 p.43 Proclaiming the Lord’s Return (1870-1914)
The twig, though, had been trained by God-fearing parents; it was inclined "in the direction of the Lord." While he was still....
and
"Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, ...".
Now when you examine the redaction of § 14 :
***w 10 12/15 pp. 22-23 par. 14 Sing to Jehovah!***
14 One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall. At that time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his business interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the physical needs of people even if he could not help them spiritually. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall and found that religious services were being held there. He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night “was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.
you will notice that the part - when he heard singing coming from ...- originates from the editor 's words. The Editor is telling the story in his own words. When the account become more personal like :
- He later wrote that what he heard that night ..-
than the Editor inserts the brackets because the words he is quoting i.e.
"... reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible."
are taken from material already published in the Zion's Watch Tower of June 1st 1916, page 170 (R5909).
As a matter of fact when at the end of the paragraph the Editor writes :
Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.
he is unable to put any brackets because nowhere , even in the earliest biography and other publications, Charles Taze Russell says or mentions or even hints at the fact that - it was the singing that initially attracted - him.
Imho, if ever it existed a publication, with that proof , the Society's Editor of the December 15th 2010, article would have not failed to refer to it.
Furthermore, an even clearer example of what I'm saying can be seen on the material which I've added already into the research i.e.
yb 75 p.34 Part1—United States of America***
‘A DAY OF SMALL THINGS’
It is about 1870; the place, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Allegheny, which later became a part of Pittsburgh, is a city of many churches. One evening a young man of eighteen is walking along one of Allegheny’s streets. By his own later admission, he had been “shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines” and had fallen “a ready prey to the logic of infidelity.” But tonight he is attracted by some singing. He enters a dusty, dingy hall. His object? In his own words, “to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.”
There you can see how the article's Editor every time is quoting C.T. Russell's words , inserts the brackets but NOT when he writes :
- he is attracted by some singing -
In conclusion and also to answer to Baltar447, until proved the contrary the - singing - stuff is a deceptive and baseless material which proves again, if need there was, that in the WTBS Inc. case, Georges Orwell was right .
“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”
Greetings to all of you,
J.C. MacHislopp
P.S. To InterestedOne : Thanks for your comment. I'll look into the matter including the 1957 book you're referring to and I'll reply as asoon as possible.
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17
WTBS Inc and George Orwell again!
by MacHislopp inyears, and a member of the congregational church and.
were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything.
page 209. july 1st.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
I’m sorry for the lengthy absence, but my health is not the way
I would like it to be. Most of the time I have problems with coping
with everyday life chores. I do certainly apply with my best intentions …
but sometimes it’s not enough.
I do keep in touch with the posts, with new and ‘old’ members.
I try to prepare topics and answers but I do have difficulty to follow through.
This time I wanted to give it a try. Here it is:
From the 2011 Yearbook - "Tracing All Things with Accuracy", pages 9-13
Jesus said that the faithful slave would be discreet in giving the domestics "their food at the proper time." Christ thus indicated that those who dispense this "food" would be conscientious, prudent, and discerning in providing spiritual food for the household of faith.-Matt. 24:45-47
In our time, Christ's anointed brothers use the Writing Department in Brooklyn, New York, to provide spiritual information in the form of magazines, brochures, books, and other printed and electronic material. This spiritual food, like physical food, has to be well prepared. Even Bible writers, who were directed by holy spirit, made sure that they recorded information that was thoroughly researched and accurate. Luke, for example, spoke to many eyewitnesses and "traced all things from the start with accuracy."-Luke 1:1-4.
The Writing Department follows the pattern of 'tracing all things with accuracy'. But where can reliable information be found? While the Internet is a convenient and quick source of vast amounts of information, our researchers do not rely on blogs or poorly documented Web entries written by unidentified or unqualified persons.
...
...Of course, it is as Ecclesiastes 12:12 reminds us: "To the making of many books there is no end." Even reputable sources may contain false information. So how do we check for quality, accuracy, and reliability?
....
Many hours of research and meticulous calculations eventually confirmed the accuracy of this astounding piece of information.
At times, though, even a seemingly reputable source may fail to corroborate details adequately.
........ It is usually possible to confirm the accuracy of the details by cross-checking various sources of information.
....In summary, the Writing Department insists on using only material that is accurate and truthful, even regarding seemingly insignificant details. As a result, "the faithful and discreet slave" can consistently supply spiritual food that brings honor to "The God of truth," Jehovah.-Ps. 31:5
Considering the quoted information, let's focus on paragraph 14, pages 22-23 of the w 15/12/2010 , assigned for the congregation' study on Sunday 27th February 2011:
*** w1012/15pp.22-23par.14SingtoJehovah!***
14 One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall. At that time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his business interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the physical needs of people even if he could not help them spiritually. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall and found that religious services were being held there. He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night “was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.
That mention of " singing " twice in the paragraph did look a bit odd ... and out of place. Therefore a good research was needed ...and it gave the following results :
I*
131 years ago
(from : http://ctr.reslight.net/?p=346 )
ZION ’S
WATCH TOWER
AND
HERALD OF CHRIST’S PRESENCEVol. I********** JULY, 1879 ********** No. 1
page 1
SUPPLEMENT TO
Zion’s Watch Tower,And “Herald of Christ’s Presence.”
==========
PITTSBURGH , PA. , JULY 1, 1879.
==========
To the readers of the “HERALD OF THE MORNING,”
DEAR FRIENDS: My connection with the “Herald” having been terminated rather suddenly, and under circumstances which must seem rather remarkable and peculiar to you, I feel it to be a duty both to you and to myself to offer an explanation of the manner of withdrawal and my reasons for so doing. Quite a number who were personally acquainted with me thought there must be more of the story to tell, and I have received a number of letters asking an explanation. To these inquiries and to many unexpressed of similar character, let me offer the following statement:
I have been a Bible student since I first had my attention called to the second coming of our Lord, by Jonas Wendel, a Second Advent Preacher, about 1869, who was then preaching the burning of the world as being due in 1873. But though he first awakened my interest on the subject, I was not a convert, either to the time he suggested nor to the events he predicted. I, in company with others in Pittsburgh, organized and maintained a bible class for the searching of the Scriptures, meeting every Sunday.
***********************
(Mention is made of : " I first had my attention called to the second coming of our Lord, by Jonas Wendel, a Second Advent Preacher, about 1869" b A precise year is
given but ...no mention of singing. )
II*
117 years ago
Extra Edition Vol. XV n° 8
Zion's Watch Tower
and Herald of Christ's Presence
April 25th 1894
C.T. Russell Editor
page 94 harvest
We begin the narrative at the year 1868 , when the
editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some
years, and a member of the Congregational Church and
of the Y. M. C. A., began to be shaken in faith regarding
many long accepted doctrines . Brought up a Presbyterian,
and indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being
naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the
logic of infidelity as soon as I began to think for myself.
But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck
of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence,
overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence
in human creeds and systems of misinterpreta'
tion of the Bible.
Gradually I was led to see that though each of
the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were,
on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's
Word. Among other theories, I stumbled upon Advent-
Sifting page 95
ism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into
a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services
were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything
more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great
churches. There, for the first time, I heard something ol
the views of Second Adventists , the preacher being Mr.
Jonas Wendell, long since deceased. Thus, I confess indebtedness to Adventists as well as to other denominations.
Though his Scripture-exposition was not entirely
clear, and tiiough it was very far from what we now rejoice
in, it was sufficient, under God, to re-establish my
wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and
to show that the records of the aposdes and prophets are
indissolubly linked.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
(Extra issue of Zion's Watch Tower for April 25th , 1894 with two sections: "A Conspiracy Exposed" and "Harvest Siftings". This issue was not included in the Watch Tower Reprints done in 1920. It discusses dissension among the Bible Students and recounts their history from the 1870s. )
(Mention is made of : " I had heard that religious services were held " and " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell " but again no mention of singing .)
III*
105 years ago
from: ( http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/Reprints/Z1906JUL.asp#Z229:3´)
page 209 July 1st
ZION'S
WATCH TOWER
and
Herald of Christ's Presence
ROCK OF AGES
Other foundation can
no man lay
A RANSOM FOR ALL"Watchman, What of the Night?"
"The Morning Cometh, and a Night also!" Isaiah 21:11
SEMI-MONTHLY.
VOL. XXVII
JULY 15
No. 14
A.D., 1906--A.M., 6034
CONTENTS.
"Truth is Stranger Than Fiction"
"All the Way My Savior Leads Me"
"The Cup Which My Father Hath Poured, Shall I Not Drink It?"
Samples of Interesting Letters
Resolutions of the Allegheny Congregation and Others
"Harvest Siftings"
Perils Amongst False Brethren
A Sketch of the Development of Present Truth
Woman's Rights and Wrongs
“I will stand upon my watch, and set my foot upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He shall say unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me.” Hab. 2:1
HARVEST GATHERING AND SIFTINGS
[R3821 : page 229]
A SKETCH OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESENT TRUTH
Many are the inquiries relative to the truths presented in MILLENNIAL DAWN and ZION'S WATCH TOWER, as to whence they came and how they developed to their present symmetrical and beautiful proportions--Were they the results of visions? Did God in any supernatural way grant the solution of these hitherto mysteries of his plan? Are the writers more than ordinary beings? Do they claim any supernatural wisdom or power? or how comes this revelation of God's truth?
No, dear friends, I claim nothing of superiority, nor supernatural power, dignity or authority; nor do I aspire to exalt myself in the estimation of my brethren of the household of faith, except in the sense that the Master urged it, saying, "Let him who would be great among you be your servant." ( Matt. 20:27 .) And my position among men of the world and of the nominal church is certainly far from exalted, being "everywhere spoken against." I am fully contented, however, to wait for exaltation until the Lord's due time. ( I Pet. 5:6 .) In the Apostle's words I therefore answer, "Why look ye upon us, as though by our own power we had done these things? We also are men of like passions with yourselves"--of like infirmities and frailties, earnestly striving, by overcoming many besetments, discouragements, etc., to press along the line toward the mark of the prize of our high calling, and claiming only, as a faithful student of the Word of God, to be an index finger, as I have previously expressed it, to help you to trace for yourselves, on the sacred page, the wonderful plan of God--no less wonderful to me, I assure you, than to you, dearly beloved sharers of my faith and joy.
No, the truths I present, as God's mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God's audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God's due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.
The following history is given not merely because I have been urged to give a review of God's leadings in the path of light, but specially because I believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, that misapprehensions and prejudicial misstatements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see how hitherto the Lord has helped and guided. In so far as the names and views of others, who have parted our company, may be associated with this history, I shall endeavor to bring forward only such points as are necessary to an understanding of our position and of the Lord's leadings. Nor can I name all the little points of divine favor in which faith was tested, prayers were answered, etc., remembering that our Master and the early Church left no such example of boasting faith, but rather admonished otherwise, saying, "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself." Some of the most precious experiences of faith and prayer are those which are too sacred for public display.
LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS
I will not go back to tell how the light began to break through the clouds of prejudice and superstition which enveloped the world under Papacy's rule in the dark ages. The Reformation movement, or rather movements, from then until now, have each done their share in bringing light out of darkness. Let me here confine myself to the consideration of the harvest truths set forth in MILLENNIAL DAWN and ZION'S WATCH TOWER.
Let me begin the narrative at the year 1868, when the Editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some years, and a member of the Congregational Church and of the Y.M.C.A., began to be shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines. Brought up a Presbyterian, and indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the logic of infidelity as soon as I began to think for myself. But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence, overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in human creeds and systems of misinterpretation of the Bible.
Gradually I was led to see that though each of the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were, on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's Word.
Among other theories, I stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell, long since deceased. Thus, I confess indebtedness to Adventists as well as to other denominations.
Though his Scripture exposition was not entirely clear, and though it was very far from what we now rejoice in, it was sufficient, under God, to re-establish my wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the apostles and prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before, and I shall ever thank the Lord for that leading; for though Adventism helped me to no single truth, it did help me greatly in the unlearning of errors, and thus prepared me for the Truth.
******************************************
(Mention is made of : " I had heard that religious services were held " and " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell " but again no mention of singing .)
IV*
95 years ago
[page 161]
VOL. XXXVII. JUNE 1 No. 11 A.D. 1916--A.M. 6044
----------
CONTENTS
Training Our Affections Heavenward . . 163
Setting Affections Above a Gradual Work 164
"The King in His Beauty" (Poem) . . . 165
The Philippian Jailer . . . . . 166
A Well-Timed Earthquake . . . . 167
Finally, Brethren, Think! . . . . 168
The Power of Thought . . . . . 169
Questions for Self-Examination. . . 169
Scope of the Abrahamic Covenant . . . 169 Harvest Gatherings and Siftings . . . 170 Sketch of Development of Present Truth. 170
First Faint Gleam of God's Plan . . 170
Chronology Seen to Be Valuable . . 171
An Important Discovery . . . . 171
The Beginning of the Harvest Work . . 171
Denying the Ransom . . . . . 172
"The Watch Tower" Begun . . . . 172
"Tabernacle Shadows of Better Sacrifices" 173
Further Light on the Scriptures . . 174
Doth This Offend You? . . . . . 175[page 162]
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N. Y., U. S. A.Foreign Agencies:--British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
----------
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
----------[R5909 : page 170]
HARVEST GATHERINGS AND SIFTINGS
MANY are the inquiries relative to the truths presented in the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and THE WATCH TOWER, as to whence they came and how they developed to their present symmetrical and beautiful proportions. Were they the results of visions? Did God in some supernatural way grant the solution of these hitherto hidden mysteries of His Plan? Is the author of these writings more than an ordinary being? Does he claim supernatural wisdom or power? Or how comes this revelation of God's Truth?
No, dear friends; we claim nothing of superiority; nor do we aspire to exalt ourself in the estimation of our brethren of the Household of Faith, except in the sense that the Master urged it, saying, "Whosoever will be chief among you let him be your servant." ( Matthew 20:27 .) Our position amongst men of the world and of the Nominal Church, is certainly far from exalted; for we are everywhere spoken against. We are fully content, however, to wait for exaltation, until the Lord's due time. ( 1 Peter 5:6 .) In the words of the Apostle, we therefore answer, "Why look ye upon us, as though by our own power we had done these things?" We also are a man of like passions with yourselves, of like infirmities and frailties, earnestly striving by overcoming many besetments, discouragements, etc., to press along the line toward the Prize of our High Calling, and claiming only, as a faithful student of the Word of God, to be an index finger, as we have previously expressed it, to help you trace for yourselves upon the sacred page the wonderful Plan of God--no less wonderful to us, we assure you, than to yourselves.
No, the truths we present, were revealed in visions and dreams or by God's audible voice; nor were they revealed all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. This present unfolding of Truth is not due to human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God's due time has come; and if we did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.
We give the following history, not only because we have been urged to give a review of God's leadings in the path of light, but especially because we believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, in order that misapprehensions and prejudicial misstatements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see all along the way the Lord has helped and guided us. In so far as the names and views of others who have parted company with us may be associated with this history, we shall endeavor to bring forward only such points as are necessary to an understanding of our position and of the Lord's leadings. Nor can we name all the little points of Divine favor to which was tested, prayers were answered, etc., remembering that our Master and the early Church left no such example of boasting faith, but admonished otherwise, saying, "Hast thou faith, have it to thyself."
We will not go back to tell how the light began to break through the clouds of prejudice and superstition which enveloped the world under Papacy's rule in the Dark Ages. The Reformation movement, or rather movements, from then until now, have done their share in bringing light out of darkness. But we will here confine ourselves to the consideration of the Harvest truths set forth in the publications of the THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY formerly called MILLENNIAL DAWN and ZION'S WATCH TOWER, now called STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and THE WATCH TOWER. We begin the narrative at the year 1868, when Editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some years, and a member of the Congregational Church and of the Y.M.C.A ., began to be shaken in faith regarding many long accepted doctrines.
SKETCH OF DEVELOPMENT OF PRESENT TRUTH
Brought up a Presbyterian, indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the logic of infidelity , as soon as I began to think for myself. But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence, overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in human creeds and systems of Bible misinterpretations.
I was led gradually to see though each of the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were, on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's Word.
Among other theories, stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall in Allegheny, Pa., where I had heard that religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.
There, for the first time , I heard something of the views of Second Adventism , by Jonas Wendell, long since deceased. Thus I confess indebtedness to Adventists as well as to other denominations.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
(Mention is made of : " I had heard that religious services were held " and " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell " but again no mention of singing .)
V*
88 years ago
The Laodicean Messenger:
Being the Memoirs of the Life, Works and Character of That Faithful and Wise Servant of the Most High God," published by the Bible Students Book Store (1923).
A biography of Charles Taze Russell, first president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
The book was written by William N. Wisdom and L.W. Jones, who at that time were prominent members of the International Bible Students Association.
(from: http://www.archive.org/details/TheLaodiceanMessenger)
THE LAODICEAN MESSENGER
being the
MEMOIRS of the Life, Works and Characterof That Faithful and Wise Servant
of the Most High God Published by
The BIBLE STUDENTS BOOK STORE Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Christ in you, the hope of glory Col. 1: 27 "EVERY true child
of God must have a definite individual Christian character
which is not dependent for its existence upon the spiritual life of
any other Christian. He must from the Word of Truth,
proclaimed, and exemplified by other Christians, draw those
principles of life, which give him an established character, a
spiritual individuality of his own. So positive and definite
should be the spiritual individuality of every one, that, should
even the beloved brother and sister whose spiritual life first
nourished our and brought us forward to completeness of
character fall away, we would still live, being able to
appropriate for ourselves the Spirit of Truth." -Daily Heavenly
Manna. September 17th .
COPYRIGHTED, 1923
By The BIBLE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE CHICAGO, ILL.
______
Printed in the United States of America
______
THIRD EDITION
DEDICATION
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
IN THE INTEREST OF CONSECRATED SAINTS,
WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION.
This Work is Dedicated To the sacred memory of a wise and
faithful servant of the most high God; and it is with a sincere
hope and fervent prayer that it will be a great aid to all in
reviving a Christian zeal, which, though painful to say, is
gradually losing in "its first love" and eagerness to serve the
Lord and His children, our Brethren.
LMi
FOREWARD
When the news was flashed over the wire soon after Oct. 31st,
1916, "Pastor Russell is Dead," the Truth Friends all over the
world received the shock of their lives. Never did more
unwelcome news reach loyal, loving Brethren; apparently, were
there more heart-aches; never more sorrow; never did more hot
tears of grief flow from human eyes than when this sad news
was received.
.....
LM9
CHAPTER II
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE BEGINNING AND
PROGRESSION OF THE HARVEST WORK
The following condensed though comprehensive history of the
way in which the Lord opened up to the mind of young Russell
the truth respecting His Plan, as emphatically shown in the
Scriptures, together with some of the discouragements which
beset him and the difficulties he had to overcome in his earnest
endeavors to follow the Lord's leadings, to the accomplishment
of the Divine purpose, are best told in Pastor Russell's own words:
"Many are the inquiries relative to the truths presented in the
Scripture Studies and Watch Tower, as to whence they came
and how they developed to their present symmetrical and
beautiful proportions: Were they the results of visions? Did God
in any supernatural way grant the solution of these hitherto
mysteries of His plan? Are the writers more than ordinary
beings? Do they claim any supernatural wisdom or power? Or
how comes this revelation of God's truth?
....
God, but did not recognize the Bible; not knowing whether
Christ were my redeemer or not. Nevertheless I went
continually to God in prayer and asked for guidance and finally
in God's providence, I came to see the clear light on the Divine
Word.
"But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck[ of
Faith in God and the Bible, was under God's providence,
overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in
human creeds and systems of misinterpretation of the Bible.
Gradually I was lead to see that through each of the creeds
contained some elements of truths, they were, on the whole,
misleading
LM12
and contradictory of God's Word .
Among other things, I stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall, where I had heard religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time , I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell, long since deceased .
Thus I confess my indebtedness to Adventists, as well as to other denominations.
****************************************************
(Mention is made of : " I had heard that religious services were held " and " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell " but again no mention of singing .)
VI*
56 years ago
*** w551/1p.7Part1—EarlyVoices(1870-1878)***
During the next few months Russell continued to reflect over the subject of religion, unable to accept it, and yet unwilling to let it go. Finally one day in 1870he dropped into a dusty, dingy little basement hall near his Federal Street store—
“to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell . . . Though his Scripture-exposition was not entirely clear, and though it was very far from what we now rejoice in, it was sufficient, under God, to re-establish my wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the apostles and prophets are indissolubly linked.”
*****************************************
(Mention is made of : " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell " and " . . . Though his Scripture-exposition was not entirely clear, .." but again no mention of singing .)
VII*
52 years ago
Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose
(publ. 1959)
CHAPTER 2
The Turning from Religious Confusion Begins
Page 14
During the next few months Russell continued to reflect over the subject of religion, unable to accept it, and yet unwilling to let it go. Then he relates:
Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall in Allegheny, Pa., where I had heard that religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell . . .
Though his Scripture exposition was not entirely clear,and though it was very far from what we now rejoice in, it was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
(Mention is made of : " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell " and " . . . Though his Scripture-exposition was not entirely clear, .." but again no mention of singing .)
VIII*
38 years ago
*** w737/1p.394par.5OrganizedtoPraiseGod***
. Of this, Russell later wrote:
Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall in Allegheny, Pa., where I had heard that religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches. There, for the first time,I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell . . .
Though his Scripture exposition was not entirely clear, . . . it was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible , and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked.
********************************************
( Mention is made of : " There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell " and " . . . Though his Scripture-exposition was not entirely clear, .." but again no mention of singing .)
IX*
36 years ago
*** yb75p.34Part1—UnitedStatesofAmerica***
‘A DAYOFSMALLTHINGS’
It is about 1870; the place, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Allegheny, which later became a part of Pittsburgh, is a city of many churches. One evening a young man of eighteen is walking along one of Allegheny’s streets. By his own later admission, he had been “shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines” and had fallen “a ready prey to the logic of infidelity.” But tonight he is attracted by some singing. He enters a dusty, dingy hall. His object? In his own words , “to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.”
********************************
The research shows that the words quoted, " ..." are taken from the Zion's Watch Tower, issue of June 1st 1916, page 170 (R 5909) . The only difference is that, the editor adds, for the first time the notion of singing :
" But tonight he is attracted by some singing ."
The most detailed account of the same event, dated July 15th 1906 and reported again on June 1st 1916 - just 4 months before C.T. Russell's death never mention
any singing.)
page 161
ZION'S
WATCH TOWER
and
Herald of Christ's Presence
ROCK OF AGES
Other foundation can
no man lay
A RANSOM FOR ALL"Watchman, What of the Night?"
"The Morning Cometh, and a Night also!" Isaiah 21:11
VOL. XXXVII.
JUNE 1
No. 11
A.D. 1916--A.M. 6044
CONTENTS
Training Our Affections Heavenward
Setting Affections Above a Gradual Work
"The King in His Beauty" (Poem)
The Philippian Jailer
A Well-Timed Earthquake
Finally, Brethren, Think!
The Power of Thought
Questions for Self-Examination
Scope of the Abrahamic Covenant
Harvest Gatherings and Siftings
Sketch of Development of Present Truth
First Faint Gleam of God's Plan
Chronology Seen to Be Valuable
An Important Discovery
The Beginning of the Harvest Work
Denying the Ransom
"The Watch Tower" Begun
"Tabernacle Shadows of Better Sacrifices"
Further Light on the Scriptures
Doth This Offend You?
....
[R5909 : page 170]
HARVEST GATHERINGS AND SIFTINGS
M ANY are the inquiries relative to the truths presented in the STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and THE WATCH TOWER, as to whence they came and how they developed to their present symmetrical and beautiful proportions. Were they the results of visions? Did God in some supernatural way grant the solution of these hitherto hidden mysteries of His Plan? Is the author of these writings more than an ordinary being? Does he claim supernatural wisdom or power? Or how comes this revelation of God's Truth?
...
We begin the narrative at the year 1868 , when Editor, having been a consecrated child of God for some years, and a member of the Congregational Church and of the Y.M.C.A., began to be shaken in faith regarding many long accepted doctrines.
SKETCH OF DEVELOPMENT OF PRESENT TRUTH
Brought up a Presbyterian, indoctrinated from the Catechism, and being naturally of an inquiring mind, I fell a ready prey to the logic of infidelity , as soon as I began to think for myself. But that which at first threatened to be the utter shipwreck of faith in God and the Bible, was, under God's providence, overruled for good, and merely wrecked my confidence in human creeds and systems of Bible misinterpretations.
I was led gradually to see though each of the creeds contained some elements of truth, they were, on the whole, misleading and contradictory of God's Word . Among other theories, stumbled upon Adventism. Seemingly by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty, dingy hall in Allegheny, Pa., where I had heard that religious services were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches . There, for the first time, I heard something of the views of Second Adventism, by Jonas Wendell, long since deceased. Thus I confess indebtedness to Adventists as well as to other denominations.
Though his Scripture exposition was not entirely clear, and though it was very far from what we now rejoice in, it was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible , and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before, and I shall ever thank the Lord for the leading; for although Adventism helped me to no single truth, it did help me greatly in the unlearning of errors, and thus prepared me for the Truth.
I X*
and finally...just 2 months ago :
*** w1012/15pp.22-23par.14SingtoJehovah!***
14 One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall. At that time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his business interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the physical needs of people even if he could not help them spiritually. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall and found that religious services were being held there. He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night “was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.
************************************
The research shows that the words quoted :
"... reestablish my wavering faith in the
Divine inspiration of the Bible ."
are again taken from the Zion's Watch Tower, issue of June 1st 1916, page 170 (R5909) The only difference is that, the editor for the second time , adds the notion of singing ...TWICE :
" when he heard singing .." and
" Notice that it was the singing..."
Yet he most detailed account of the same event, dated July 15th 1906 and reported again on June 1st 1916 - just 4 months before C.T. Russell's death never mention
any singing.
In conclusion the WTBS Inc. has done it again…
Orwell was right :
“Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”
A very cheap and dishonest way indeed, to promote… singing at meetings.
I do hope that I’ve not bored you. Many greetings to you all,
J.C. MacHislopp
P.S. I do apologize for the different styles, the size and colours but I’have problems with my eyesight.
-
10
"This generation" a never ending saga
by MacHislopp inmatthew 24:34; luke 31:32 .
*** w84 5/15 4-7 1914-the generation that will not pass away ***.
(matthew 24:21; revelation 16:14, 16) .
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
many thnks for the nice and encouraging e-mails I've received .
Thanks to all of you here and..thank to you minimus for your nice
words.
Greetings to all,
J.C. MacHislopp
P.S. I'm preparing the complete version to e-mail to those who made
a personal request.
-
10
"This generation" a never ending saga
by MacHislopp inmatthew 24:34; luke 31:32 .
*** w84 5/15 4-7 1914-the generation that will not pass away ***.
(matthew 24:21; revelation 16:14, 16) .
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
I’m posting the The material below – a shortest version - of the research with the aim to shows clearly how the Society, for decades and decades attempted to give - different meaning to the words of Jesus Christ even .. trying to guess what he meant, he referred to etc. etc.
Already 128 years ago, CT Russell wrote on Zion’s Watch Tower APRIL, 1882. NO. 10. Rp.342, page 6
This passage has puzzled us many times, … we think we have the solution of it now. and We think Jesus…
in 1889 the same CT Russell wrote in:
STUDIES in the Scriptures SERIES III "The Battle of Armageddon" STUDY XII. OUR LORD'S GREAT PROPHECY.Our Lord could not have meant the Jewish race …
In 1927, only 11 years after the death of CT Russell, brother J.F. Rutherford continued the quest into ‘ Jesus Christ’s mind with the following, in:
The Watchtower, February 15 th 1927, page 62
.. he meant any human being living on the earth at that time.
What could he have meant ?
The irresistible conclusion therefore is that Jesus referred to
. “
J.F. Rutherford wrote also :
Jesus indicated that the true followers of Christwho would compose the remnant
(book LIFE (1929) page 330
The same year:
The Watch Tower, November 1st , 1930, page 332 wrote: " Speaking of world happenings since A. D. 1914, Jesus said (and his words apply to Christians living since that date)
As the decades passed by, the attitude did not change:
*** w84 5/15 4-7 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away ***
If Jesus used “generation” in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies
***w95 11/1 pp. 10-15 Saved From a “Wicked Generation ”
Apparently, the application of “generation” here is different from that at Ecclesiastes 1:4 …
“This Generation”—WhatIsIt?
9 When four apostles seated with Jesus on the Mount of Olives heard his prophecy about “the conclusion of the system of things,” how would they understand the expression “this generation ”?
11 Of course, Christians studying this matter guide their thinking primarily by how Jesus used the Greek expression hege·ne·a´hau´te, or “this generation.” He used it consistently in a negative way .
18 What, then, is the “generation” so frequently referred to by Jesus in the presence of his disciples? What did they understand by his words: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur”? Surely, Jesus was not departing from his established use of the term “this generation,” which he consistently applied to the contemporary masses with their “blind guides” who together made up the Jewish nation. (Matthew 15:14)
Questions pn § :
12. As his disciples listened, how did Jesus link “the crowds” with “this generation ”?
13. In the presence of his disciples, whom did Jesus identify and condemn as “this wicked generation”?
18. Jesus’ use of the term “this generation” consistently refers to what?
***w95 11/1 pp. 16-21 A Time to Keep Awake ***
Rather than provide a rule for measuring time, the term “generation” as used by Jesus refersprincipally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics.
Even the footnote emphasized the point :
See Volume 1, page 918, of Insight on the Scriptures, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.(1988)
*** it-1pp.917-918 Generation ***
Jesus was using the word “generation” with reference to humans whose lives would in some way be associated with the foretold events.—Mt 24.
See also pages 152-6 and 180-1 of Our Incoming World Government—God’s Kingdom,published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
*** gochap.9pp.152-156The“Sign”ofImminenceoftheWorldGovernment***
§ 17 …We have not grown tired of being reminded over and over again during these past sixty years and more that the Messianic kingdom of God is “near at the doors.”
We know that we are of the “generation” that saw the start of these things in 1914 at the close of the Gentile Times, and we believe Jesus’ assurance that this same “generation” of ours will see the finish of these …
If the published material was not enough,, the Society gave reminders with a QfR
***w95 11/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers
But in the Greek text of Jesus’ words found at Matthew 24:34, we find the word ge·ne·a´.It is widely recognized that Jesus was referring, not to any “race” of people, but to the people living at a certain period of time.
When Jesus used “generation” for the last time, he was on the Mount of Olives with four apostles. (Mark 13:3)
Those men, who were not yet anointed with spirit nor part of a Christian congregation, certainly did not constitute either a “generation” or a race of people.
They were, though, very familiar with Jesus’ use of the term “generation” in referring to his contemporaries.
So they logically would understand what he had in mind when he mentioned “this generation” for the last time.
Yes, in the initial fulfillment, “thisgeneration” evidently meant the same as it did at other times—the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews.
Consequently, when the apostles heard Jesus refer to “this generation,” what would they think?
Two years in 1997 later the Societry gave more insight, clarifications usual with a QfR
*** w97 6/1 28 Questions From Readers *
What, then, was TheWatchtowerclarifying? Well, the key was the sense in which Jesus used the word “ generation ” at Matthew 24:34.
The Society insisted:
What did Jesus mean by “ generation ,” both in his day and in ours?
Many scriptures confirm that Jesus did not use “ generation ” with regard to some small or distinct group, meaning only the Jewish leaders or only his loyal disciples.
Rather, he used “ generation ” in condemning the masses of Jews who rejected him.
The Society’s reasoning makes claims concerning Peter’s understanding:
That evidentlyis how Peter understoodJesus’ useof “generation” when he and three other apostles were with Jesus on the Mount of Olives.
Another 2 years , in 1999 and the Society gives once more clarifications and this time … quite strongly:
*** w99 5/1 10-12 "These Things Must Take Place" ***Contemporaries Would See It
So when, on the Mount of Olives, he again spoke of “this generation ,” he evidently did not mean the entire race of Jews throughout history; nor did he mean his followers, even though they were “a chosen race.” (1 Peter 2:9) Neither wasJesus saying that “this generation ” is a period of time.
13 Rather, Jesus had in mind the opposing Jews back then who would experience the fulfillment of the sign he gave .
Another 9 years, we arrive in 2008 and the Society strikes again:
'The Watchtower' February 15th, 2008 pages . 21-25
10 Previously, this journal has explained that in the first century, "this generation" mentioned at Matthew 24:34 meant "the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews." * That explanation seemed reasonable because all other recorded uses that Jesus made
…the apostles would no doubt have understood that they and their fellow disciples were to be part of the "generation" that would not pass away "until all these things [would] occur."
13 Jesus said that it was his disciples, soon to be anointed with holy spirit, who should be able to draw certain conclusions when they saw "all these things" occur. So Jesus must have been referring to his disciples when he made the statement…..
Then ...128 after comes the latest "clarification" concerning Jesus Christ ' words:
10 THE WATCHTOWER ? APRIL 15, 2010 14 ….It usually refers to people of
varying ages whose lives overlap during a
particular time period; it is not excessively
long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then,
are we to understand Jesus’ words
“this generation”? He evidently meant that
the lives of the anointed whowere on hand
when the sign began to become evident in
1914 would
overlap with the livesof other
anointed ones who would see the start of
the great tribulation. That generation had a
beginning, and it surely will have an end.
about
13, 14. (a) Who make up “this generation” mentioned
by Jesus? (b) Give an example showing that
the holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to
light.°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°end °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
I do hope that this shortest version will please those who requested it.
Greetings to all of you,
J.C.MacHislopp
P.S. For those who made the remark, I’m very sorry for the format It is the best I can do …at the moment .
-
10
"This generation" a never ending saga
by MacHislopp inmatthew 24:34; luke 31:32 .
*** w84 5/15 4-7 1914-the generation that will not pass away ***.
(matthew 24:21; revelation 16:14, 16) .
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
Having seen the latest development from the Society,
concerning the teaching about “ this generation” I wish
ti post the following material:
"This generation "
A synopsis of all previous
viewpoint/teaching/understanding
from the year :
1882 to the current year 2010
Matthew 24:34; Luke 31:32
1***APRIL, 1882 :
[R334 : page 1] VOL. III. PITTSBURGH, PA., APRIL, 1882. NO. 10. [page 1] ZION'S Watch Tower AND HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE.
R342 : page 6] "THIS GENERATION." "Verily I say unto you this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled." Matt. 24:34. This passage has puzzled us many times, and our experience may be the same as some others with regard to it, but we think we have the solution of it now. It may not be new to some, but it is to us. However, it is not because it is new, but because it is true (as we believe) that it satisfies us.
.... We think Jesus, as he was not talking to the multitude, used plain language, no figure nor symbol, but that the whole difficulty centres in the meaning of the word generation.
.... We understand that he used the word generation in distinction from the word re generation; in other words, that he gave them to understand that he would be present before the re generation, and before the people of this ageshould pass away ("this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled") for ( ver. 38 )
2***year 1889 (7 years later)
"The Battle of Armageddon" COPYRIGHT 1889.
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY,BROOKLYN. N.Y., U.S.A.
... STUDY XII. OUR LORD'S GREAT PROPHECY. MATT. 24;MARK 13; LUKE 21:5-36; 17:20-37.
page 603 ... 2) Our Lord could not have meant the Jewish race, and it would have been improper to have used a Greek word signifying race , because the Jewish race was not the subject of the apostles' inquiry nor of our Lord's prophecy in reply.
.... In other words, the signs mentioned will occur within a generation-epoch in the close of the age.
...page 605 ... When ye shall see all these things," and since "the sign of the Son of Man in heaven," and the budding fig tree, and the gathering of "the elect" are counted among the signs, it would not be inconsistent to reckon the "generation" from 1878 to 1914 — 36½ years — about the average of human life to-day.
3***year 1927 (45 years later )
The Watch Tower, February 15 th , 1927, page 62
Question: In Matthew 24:34 Jesus said: "Verily I
say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all
these things be fulfilled." What did he mean by "this generation" ?Answer: It could hardly be said that he meant any human being living on the earth at that time. He was giving testimony concerning things that were to transpire at the end of the world. That was a long way off. No generation of the human race has ever existed as long as a thousand years. It follows then that Jesus must have meant something else. What could he have meant ?
At the Jordan Jehovah started a new generation,a new creation, of which Christ Jesus is the Head.
Jesus selected twelve disciples, who were with him for three and one-half years. Eleven of these we have every reason to believe , constitute a part of that new creation.
In 1 Peter 2:9 the apostle, speaking to the church
of course, referred to those who are faithful. The irresistible conclusion therefore is that Jesus referred to the new creation when he said: "This generation shall not pass until all these things be fulfilled."This thenwould be a strong indication that some members of the new creation will be on the earth at the time of Armageddon. “
4***year 1929 (47 years later )
Life (published in the year 1929, Page 330) :
JEHOVAH GOD The Gracious Giver of Life Everlasting This Book Is Dedicated
"The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Copyrighted 1929 byJ.F.Rutherford
Made in U.S.A. ....330
as applying to the Jewish people, note the further words of Jesus in answer to the question concerning his presence and the end of the world: "Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." — Matt. 24:32,33.
Jesus indicated that the true followers of Christwho would compose the remnant on earth at the end of the world would observe these things, and that, if continuing faithful to the end, they would see the kingdom of God established in complete glory: "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (Matt. 24: 34)
5***year 1930 (48 years later )
The Watch Tower, November 1st , 1930, page 332
" Speaking of world happenings since A. D. 1914, Jesus said (and his words apply to Christians living since that date) : “When ye see these things come to pass [as prophesied], know ye that the
kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” (Luke 21: 31) So, inside the lifetime of the present living generation the Lord Jesus will put into effect for all mankind the value of his ransom sacrifice which he laid down for all. "6***year 1942 (60 years later )
The Watchtower, July 1 st , 1942 page 204 par. 43
“ ...after the winter of Armageddon the remnant and their companions will come forth from their protected place under God’s hiding and enter into the lorious season of the Kingdom in its undisputed ower over earth. (Job 37: 22-24) Pointing to the events of our time since 1914 Jesus said : "Behold the fig tree, and all the trees ; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation[including the remnant] shall not pass away tillall be fulfilled." (Luke 21:29-32)
7***year 1949 (67 years later )
The Watchtower, July 15 th , 1949 page 215, par. 19
“...the generation of Jesus’ earthly days did not thus see him arriving in Kingdom power. But that
generation was a prophetic illustration. It has its modern counterpart in our generation from A.D. 1914forward. This generation is the one that sees the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven as foretold by Daniel, because in 1914, the year marking the end of the Gentile times, Jehovah God gave the Kingdom to him whose right it is.”8***year 1995 (113 years later )
A great change was made with the publicatio of study articles:
***w95 11/1 pp. 10-15 Saved From a “Wicked Generation”
and
***w95 11/1 pp. 16-21 A Time to Keep Awake
and
***w95 11/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers
At1 Peter 2:9, the “King James Version” calls anointed Christians “a chosen generation.” Should this affect our view of Jesus’ use of “generation” recorded at Matthew 24:34?
Key point of the 1995
"... more precise viewpoint.."
( w9511/1 page 19 § 15 A Time to Keep Awake )
I " 3 Let us now consider the circumstances that surrounded the first fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. This will help us better to understand the parallel fulfillment today. "
( w9511/1 pp. 10 §3 Saved From a “Wicked Generation”)
II .... “This Generation”—What Is It?
9 When four apostles seated with Jesus on the Mount of Olives heard his prophecy about “the conclusion of the system of things,” how would they understand the expression “this generation”? In the Gospels the word “generation” is translated from the Greek word ge·ne·a´, which current lexicons define in these terms: “Lit[erally] those descended fr[om] a common ancestor.” (Walter Bauer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament ) “That which has been begotten, a family; . . . successive members of a genealogy . . . or of a race of people . . . or of the whole multitude of men living at the same time, Matt. 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 1:48; 21:32; Phil. 2:15, and especially of those of the Jewish race living at the same period.” (W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words ) “That which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family; . . . the whole multitude of men living at the same time: Mt. xxiv. 34; Mk. xiii. 30; Lk. i. 48 . . . used esp[ecially] of the Jewish race living at one and the same period.”—J. H. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament .
10 Thus Vine and Thayer both cite Matthew 24:34 in defining “this generation” ( he ge·ne·a´ hau´te ) as “the whole multitude of men living at the same time.” The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (1964) gives support to this definition, stating: “The use of ‘generation’ by Jesus expresses his comprehensive purpose: he aims at the whole people and is conscious of their solidarity in sin. ” Truly a “solidarity in sin” was apparent in the Jewish nation when Jesus was on earth, just as it marks the world system today.- 11 Of course, Christians studying this matter guide their thinking primarily by how Jesus used the Greek expression he ge·ne·a´ hau´te, or “this generation.” He used it consistently in a negative way. ( w95 11/1 page . 10 §9-11 a Saved From a “Wicked Generation”)
III “This Generation” Identified
18 What, then, is the “generation” so frequently referred to by Jesus in the presence of his disciples? What did they understand by his words: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur”? Surely, Jesus was not departing from his established use of the term “this generation,” which he consistently applied to the contemporary masses with their “blind guides” who together made up the Jewish nation. (Matthew 15:14)
( w95 11/1 page 15 §18 Saved From a “Wicked Generation”)
IV "... 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 make up a generation, but by thinking about how we “count our days” in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah. (Psalm 90:12) . Rather than provide a rule for measuring time, the term “generation” as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics.
( w95 11/1 page 16 § 6 A Time to Keep Awake )
V “This generation” of mankind since 1914 has experienced appalling changes. It has seen the earth drenched with the blood of millions. Warfare, genocide, terrorism, crime, and lawlessness have erupted worldwide. Famine, disease, and immorality have stalked our globe. Jesus prophesied: “You also, when you [his disciples] see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.”—Luke 21:31, 32.
( w95 11/1 page 17 § 7 A Time to Keep Awake )
VI ' ... The Kingdom is at hand, and so is Jehovah’s day and hour for executing judgment on this wicked generation!—Proverbs 3:25; 10:24, 25.
( w95 11/1 page 18 § 9 A Time to Keep Awake )
VII § 11.. In Jesus’ day the apostate Jewish people that were rejecting Jesus was “this generation.” —Genesis 6:11, 12; 7:1 .
12 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. In contrast, we as Jesus’ disciples refuse to be molded by the life-style of “this generation.” Though in the world, we must be no part of it, “for the appointed time is near.” (Revelation 1:3; John 17:16)
Questions on paragraphs 12, 13. (a) What today is “this generation” that must pass away? ( w95 11/1 page 20 § 11,12 A Time to Keep Awake )
VIII "... No human can say when that end will be, but we know that the end of “this generation” of wicked people will come once the witness has been given to God’s satisfaction “to the most distant part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8.
( w95 11/1 page 20 § 13 A Time to Keep Awake )
IX § 15 Does our more precise viewpoint on “this generation” mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all! Though we at no time have known the “day and hour,” Jehovah God has always known it, and he does not change. (Malachi 3:6)
( w95 11/1 page 20 § 15 A Time to Keep Awake )
X § 20 “The time left is reduced,” said the apostle Paul. It is time, therefore, to keep ever awake and busy in Jehovah’s work, as we endure trials and hatreds imposed by a wicked generation of mankind. (1 Corinthians 7:29; Matthew 10:22; 24:13, 14) Let us keep on the watch, observing all the things foretold in the Bible to come upon “this generation.” (Luke 21:31-33)
( w95 11/1 page 20 § 20 A Time to Keep Awake )
XI *Footnote on §6 See Volume 1, page 918, of Insight on the Scriptures, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. *** it-1 pp. 918 Generation ***
Later that same day, Jesus again used practically the same words, saying: “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Mt 24:34) In this instance, Jesus was answering a question regarding the desolation of Jerusalem and its temple as well as regarding the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things. Before his reference to “this generation,” however, he had focused his remarks specifically on his “coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” and the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Immediately afterward, he continued with references to his “presence.” (Mt 24:30, 37, 39; Lu 21:27, 31) Jesus was using the word “generation” with reference to humans whose lives would in some way be associated with the foretold events.—Mt 24.
The people of this 20th-century generation living since 1914 have experienced these many terrifying events concurrently and in concentrated measure—international wars, great earthquakes, terrible pestilences, widespread famine, persecution of Christians, and other conditions that Jesus outlined in Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21 .
XII *w95 11/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers
At1 Peter 2:9, the “King James Version” calls anointed Christians “a chosen generation.” Should this affect our view of Jesus’ use of “generation” recorded at Matthew 24:34?
The word “generation” does appear in the rendering of both passages in certain translations.
According to the KingJamesVersion, the apostle Peter wrote: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” And Jesus foretold: “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”—1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 24:34.
In the former passage, the apostle Peter used the Greek word ge´nos, whereas in the text of Jesus’ statement, we find ge·ne·a´. These two Greek words may appear to be similar, and they are linked to a common root; yet, they are different words, and they have different meanings. The NewWorldTranslationoftheHolyScriptures—WithReferences says in a footnote to 1 Peter 2:9: “‘Race.’ Gr., ge´nos; different from ge·ne·a´, ‘generation,’ as in Mt 24:34.” A corresponding footnote is found to Matthew 24:34.
As those footnotes indicate, ge´nos is appropriately translated by the English word “race,” as commonly found in English versions.
At 1 Peter 2:9, Peter applied the prophecy found at Isaiah 61:6 to anointed Christians with the heavenly hope. These are drawn from many nations and tribes, but natural backgrounds are put behind them as they become part of the nation of spiritual Israel. (Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28, 29; 6:16; Revelation 5:9, 10)
Peter identified them as becoming, in a spiritual sense, a distinct group—“a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession.”
But in the Greek text of Jesus’ words found at Matthew 24:34, we find the word ge·ne·a´. It is widely recognized that Jesus was referring, not to any “race” of people, but to the people living at a certain period of time.
Almost a hundred years ago, Charles T. Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society, made this clear, writing:
“Although the words ‘generation’ and ‘race’ may be said to come from a common root or starting point, yet they are not the same; and in Scriptural usage the two words are quite distinct. . . . In the three different records of this prophecy our Lord is credited with using a wholly different Greek word (genea) which does not mean race, but has the same significance as our English word generation. Other uses of this Greek word (genea) prove that it is not used with the significance of race, but in reference to people living contemporaneously.”—
The DayofVengeance, pages 602-3.
More recently, AHandbookontheGospelofMatthew (1988), designed for Bible translators, said: “[The NewInternationalVersion] translates thisgeneration literally but follows with a footnote, ‘Or race.’
And one New Testament scholar believes that
‘Matthew means not just the first generation after Jesus but all the generations of Judaism that reject him.’
However, there is no linguistic evidence to substantiate either of these conclusions, and they must be brushed aside as attempts to avoid the obvious meaning.
In its original setting the reference was solely to Jesus’ own contemporaries.”
As discussed on pages 10 to 15, Jesus condemned the generation of Jews of his time, his contemporaries who rejected him. (Luke 9:41; 11:32; 17:25) He often used qualifiers such as “wicked and adulterous,” “faithless and twisted,” and “adulterous and sinful” in describing that generation. (Matthew 12:39; 17:17; Mark 8:38) When Jesus used “generation” for the last time, he was on the Mount of Olives with four apostles. (Mark 13:3)
Those men, who were not yet anointed with spirit nor part of a Christian congregation, certainly did not constitute either a “generation” or a race of people.
They were, though, very familiar with Jesus’ use of the term “generation” in referring to his contemporaries .
So they logically would understand what he had in mind when he mentioned “this generation” for the last time. The apostle Peter, who was present, thereafter urged Jews: “Get saved from this crooked generation.”—Acts 2:40.
We have often published evidence that many things Jesus foretold in this same discourse (such as wars, earthquakes, and famines) were fulfilled between his uttering the prophecy and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.
Many, but not all. There is no evidence, for example, that after the Romans attacked Jerusalem (66-70 C.E.) “the sign of the Son of man” appeared, causing “all the tribes of the earth” to beat themselves. (Matthew 24:30)
Hence, that fulfillment between 33 C.E. and 70 C.E. must have been merely an initial one, not the full or large-scale fulfillment to which Jesus was also pointing.
In the introduction to his translation of Josephus’ work TheJewishWar, G. A. Williamson writes: “The disciples, Matthew tells us, had asked [Jesus] a double question—about the destruction of the Temple and about His own final coming—and He gave them a double answer, the first part of which most vividly foretold the occurrences destined to be so fully described by Josephus.”
Yes, in the initial fulfillment, “this generation” evidently meant the same as it did at other times—the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews. That “generation” would not pass away without experiencing what Jesus foretold.
As Williamson commented, this proved true in the decades leading up to Jerusalem’s destruction, as an eyewitness historian, Josephus, described.
In the second or larger fulfillment, “this generation” would logically also be the contemporaneous people.
As the article beginning on page 16 establishes, we need not conclude that Jesus was referring to a set number of years making up a “generation.”
On the contrary, two key things can be said about any time implied by “generation.”
(1) A generation of people cannot be viewed as a period having a fixed number of years, as is the case with time designations meaning a set number of years (decade or century).
(2) The people of a generation live for a relatively brief period, not one of great length.
Consequently, when the apostles heard Jesus refer to “this generation,” what would they think?
While we, with the benefit of hindsight, know that Jerusalem’s destruction in the “great tribulation” came 37 years later, the apostles hearing Jesus could not know that.
Rather, his mention of “generation” would have conveyed to them, not the idea of a period of great length, but the people living over a relatively limited period of time.
The same is true in our case. How fitting, then, are Jesus’ follow-up words: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. . . . On this account you too prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.”—Matthew 24:36, 44.
[Footnotes]
In the expression “this generation,” a form of the demonstrative pronoun hou´tos well corresponds to the English word “this.” It can refer to something present or before the speaker. But it can also have other meanings. The ExegeticalDictionaryoftheNewTestament (1991) notes: “The word [hou´tos] designates an immediate fact. Thus the [aionhou´tos] is the ‘presentlyexisting world’ . . . and the [genea´haute] is the ‘generation nowliving’ (e.g., Matt 12:41f., 45; 24:34).”
Dr. George B. Winer writes: “The pronoun [hou´tos] sometimes refers, not to the noun locally nearest, but to one more remote, which, as the principal subject, was mentally the nearest, the most present to the writer’s thoughts.”—AGrammaroftheIdiomoftheNewTestament, 7th edition, 1897.
XIII *** w97 6/1 page 28 Questions From Readers *
“TheWatchtower” of November 1, 1995, focused on what Jesus said about “this generation,” as we read at Matthew 24:34. Does this mean that there is some question about whether God’s Kingdom was set up in heaven in 1914?
What, then, was TheWatchtower clarifying? Well, the key was the sense in which Jesus used the word “generation” at Matthew 24:34. That passage reads: “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” What did Jesus mean by “generation,” both in his day and in ours?
Many scriptures confirm that Jesus did not use “generation” with regard to some small or distinct group, meaning only the Jewish leaders or only his loyal disciples. Rather, he used “generation” in condemning the masses of Jews who rejected him. Happily, though, individuals could do what the apostle Peter urged on the day of Pentecost, repent and “get saved from this crooked generation.”—Acts 2:40.
In that statement, Peter was clearly not being precise as to any fixed age or length of time, nor was he tying the “generation” to any certain date. He did not say that people should get saved from the generation that was born in the same year Jesus was or the generation that was born in 29 C.E. Peter was speaking about the unbelieving Jews of that period —some perhaps being rather young, others being older—who had been exposed to Jesus’ teaching, had seen or heard of his miracles, and had not accepted him as Messiah.
That evidently is how Peter understood Jesus’ use of “generation” when he and three other apostles were with Jesus on the Mount of Olives. According to Jesus’ prophetic statement, Jews of that period—basically, Jesus’ contemporaries—were going to experience or hear of wars, earthquakes, famines, and other evidences that the end of the Jewish system was near. In fact, that generation did not pass before the end came in 70 C.E.—Matthew 24:3-14, 34.
It must be acknowledged that we have not always taken Jesus’ words in that sense. There is a tendency for imperfect humans to want to be specific about the date when the end will come. Recall that even the apostles sought more specifics, asking: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel atthistime?”—Acts 1:6.
With similar sincere intentions, God’s servants in modern times have tried to derive from what Jesus said about “generation” some clear time element calculated from 1914. For instance, one line of reasoning has been that a generation can be 70 or 80 years, made up of people old enough to grasp the significance of the first world war and other developments; thus we can calculate more or less how near the end is.
However well-meaning such thinking was, did it comply with the advice Jesus went on to give? Jesus said: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. . . . Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”—Matthew 24:36-42.
So the recent information in TheWatchtower about “this generation” did not change our understanding of what occurred in 1914. But it did give us a clearer grasp of Jesus’ use of the term “generation,” helping us to see that his usage was no basis for calculating—counting from 1914—how close to the end we are.
XIV
*** w99 5/1 page 10 § 11-13 "These Things Must Take Place" ***
ContemporariesWould See It
11 Many Jews felt that their system of worship, centered on the temple, would long continue. But Jesus said: “Learn from the fig tree . . . this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. TrulyIsaytoyouthatthisgenerationwillbynomeanspassawayuntilallthesethingsoccur. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.”—Matthew 24:32-35.
12 In the years leading up to 66 C.E., Christians would have seen many of the preliminary elements of the composite sign being fulfilled—wars, famines, even an extensive preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. (Acts 11:28; Colossians 1:23) When, though, would the end come? What did Jesus mean when he said: ‘This generation [Greek, ge·ne·a'] will not pass away’? Jesus had often called the contemporaneous mass of opposing Jews, including religious leaders, ‘a wicked, adulterous generation.’ (Matthew 11:16; 12:39, 45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36) So when, on the Mount of Olives, he again spoke of “this generation,” he evidently did not mean the entire race of Jews throughout history; nor didhe mean his followers, even though they were “a chosen race.” (1 Peter 2:9) Neither wasJesus saying that “this generation” is a period of time.
13 Rather, Jesus had in mind the opposing Jews back then who would experience the fulfillment of the sign he gave.
Regarding the reference to “this generation” at Luke 21:32, Professor Joel B. Green notes: “In the Third Gospel, ‘this generation’ (and related phrases) has regularly signified a category of people who are resistant to the purpose of God. . . . [It refers] to people who stubbornly turn their backs on the divine purpose.”
Question :
12, 13. How would the disciples have understood Jesus’ reference to “this generation”?
14 The wicked generation of Jewish opposers who could observe the sign being fulfilled would also experience the end. (Matthew 24:6, 13, 14)
And that they did! In 70 C.E., the Roman army returned, led by Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian.
14. What did that “generation” experience, but how was there a different outcome for Christians?
9***year 2008 (126 years later )
Once again the Society modified the position, only 13 years after the more precise view point, another "understanding is published in ‘The Watchtower’ :
'The Watchtower' February 15th, 2008 pages . 21-25
CHRIST'S PRESENCE -WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
"What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?'1'-MATT. 24:3.
NEARLY two thousand years ago, a question was raised by four of Jesus' apostles in a private conversation with their Master on the Mount of Olives. They asked: "When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?" (Matt. 24:3) In that question, the apostles used two very interesting expressions, "your presence" and "the conclusion of the system of things." To what do those expressions refer?
2 To take the second expression first, con-sider the term "conclusion," the translation of the Greek word syn-te'lei-a. In the New World Translation, this word is consistently rendered "conclusion," whereas a related Greek word, te'los, is translated "end." The difference in the meaning of these two words can be illustrated by describing a talk given at the Kingdom Hall. The conclusion of the
talk is the last section, in which the speaker spends a little time reminding the audience of what he has been discussing and then shows how that information applies to them. The end of the talk is when the speaker walks off the platform. In a similar way, Biblically speaking, the term "the conclusion of the system of things" refers to the period of time leading up to and including its end.
3 What of the "presence" that the apostles asked about? This is the translation of the Greek word pa-rou-si'a.*Christ's pa-rou-si'a, or presence, started with Jesus' installation as King in heaven in 1914 and continues on to include the "great tribulation," during which he comes to destroy the wicked. (Matt. 24:21) Many different things, including "the
(end of page 21)
last days" of this wicked system of things, the gathering of the chosen ones, and their resurrection to heavenly life, occur during this presence of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Thess. 2:1)
It could be said that the period constituting "the conclusion of the system of things" (syn-te'lei-a) corre-sponds to or runs parallel with the period called Christ's presence (pa-rou-si'a).
An Extended Period of Time
4 The fact that the word pa-rou-si'a refers to an extended period of time harmonizes with what Jesus said with regard to his presence.(Read Matthew 24:37-39.) Notice that Jesus did not liken his presence to the relatively short period of time during which the Flood occurred in Noah's day. Rather, he compared his presence to the much longer period of time that led up to the Flood. Included therein were Noah's building of the ark and his preaching work, right up until the time that the Flood finally arrived. Those events occurred over many decades. In a similar way, Christ's presence includes the events leading up to and including the great tribulation. -2 Thess. 1:6-9.
5 Other Bible prophecies make it evident that Christ's presence refers to an extended period of time and not merely to his coming to destroy the wicked. The book of Revelation portrays Jesus as riding on a white horse and being given a crown. (Read Revelation 6: 1-8.) After being crowned as King in 1914, Jesus is pictured as going "forth conquering and to complete his conquest." The account then shows that he is followed by riders seated on different-colored horses. These prophetically represent war, food shortages, and
pestilence, all of which have occurred over the extended period of time that is referred to as "the last days." We are seeing the fulfillment of this prophecy in our lifetime.
6 Revelation chapter 12 provides further details concerning the establishment of God's Kingdom in heaven. There we read of a battle in the in-visible realm. Michael—Jesus Christ in his heavenly position—and his an-gels fight against the Devil and his demons. As a result, Satan the Devil and his hordes are cast down to the earth. At that point, the account tells us, the Devil has great anger, "knowing he has a short period of time." (Read Revelation 12:7-12.) Clearly, then, the establishment of Christ's Kingdom in heaven is followed by a period of time that is marked by increased "woe" for the earth and its inhabitants.
7 The second psalm likewise speaks pro-phetically of the installation of Jesus as King upon heavenly Mount Zion. (Read Psalm 2: 5-9; 110:1, 2.) However, this psalm also indicates that there is a period of time when earth's rulers, along with their subjects, are given an opportunity to submit to Christ's rule. They are admonished to "exercise in-sight" and to allow themselves to be "corrected." Yes, during that time "happy are all those taking refuge in him [God]" by serving Jehovah and his appointed King. So, then, a window of opportunity is opened during Jesus' presence in kingly power.—Ps. 2:10-12.
(end of page 22)
Recognizing the Sign
8 When asked by the Pharisees about the time the Kingdom would come, Jesus an-swered that it would not come "with striking observableness" from their viewpoint. (Luke 17:20, 21) Unbelievers would not un-derstand. How could they? They did not even recognize Jesus as their future King. So who would both recognize the sign of Christ's presence and understand its significance?
9 Jesus went on to say that his disciples would see the sign just as clearly as they would see "lightning, by its flashing, [which] shines from one part under heaven to anoth-er part." (Read Luke 17:24-29.) It is of interest to note that Matthew 24:23-27 directly links the same point with the sign of Christ's presence.
The Generation Seeing the Sign
10 Previously, this journal has explained that in the first century, "this generation" mentioned at Matthew 24:34 meant "the contemporaneous generation of unbelieving Jews." * That explanation seemed reasonablebecause all other recorded uses that Jesus made of the term "generation" had a negative connotation, and in most cases, Jesus used a negative adjective, such as "wicked," to describe the generation. (Matt. 12:39; 17: 17; Mark 8:38) Thus, it was felt that in the modern-day fulfillment, Jesus was referring to the wicked "generation" of unbelievers who would see both the features that would characterize "the conclusion of the system of things" (syn-te'lei-a) and the system's end (te'/os).
11 It is true that when Jesus used the word "generation" negatively, he was speaking to or about the wicked people of his day.
But was that necessarily true of his statement recorded at Matthew 24:34?
Recall that four of Jesus' disciples had approached him "privately." (Matt. 24:3)
Since Jesus did not use negative qualifiers when speaking to them about "this generation," the apostles would no doubt have understood that they and their fellow disciples were to be part of the "generation"that would not pass away "until all these things [would] occur."
12 On what basis may we draw that conclusion? By carefully considering the context. As (end of page 23)
recorded at Matthew 24:32, 33, Jesus said: "Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors." (Compare Mark 13:28-30; Luke 21:30-32.) Then, at Matthew 24:34, we read: "Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."
13Jesus said that it was his disciples, soon to be anointed with holy spirit, who should be able to draw certain conclusions when they saw "all these things" occur. So Jesus must have been referringto his disciples when he made the statement: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."
"Unlike unbelievers, Jesus' disciples would not only see the sign but also understand its significance. They would "learn" from the features of that sign and "know" their true meaning. They would fully appreciate that "he is near at the doors."
While it is true that both unbelieving Jews and faithful anointed Christians saw a limited fulfillment of Jesus' words in the first century, only his anointed followers back then could learn from these events—could understand the true meaning of what they saw.
15 Those without spiritual understanding today have felt that there has been no "strik-ing observableness" with regard to the sign of Jesus' presence. They reason that every-thing is continuing on as it did in the past. (2 Pet. 3:4)
On the other hand, Christ's faithful anointed brothers, the modern-day John class, have recognized this sign as if it were a flash of lightning and have understood its truemeaning.
As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day "generation" of contemporaries that will not pass away "until all these things occur."*
This suggeststhat some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins.
"This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur"
(end of page 24)
%"Keep on the Watch"
16 More is needed, though, than merely recognizing the sign. Jesus went on to say: "What I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch." (Mark 13:37) This is of utmost im-portance to all of us today whether of the anointed or of the great crowd.
Nine decades have passed since Jesus was installed as King in heaven in 1914. As challenging as it may be, we must prove ourselves ready and keep on the watch. Understanding that Christ is present invisibly in Kingdom power helps us to do that. It also alerts us to the fact that soon he will come to destroy his enemies "at an hour that [we] do not think likely."—Luke 12:40.
17Our understanding of the meaning of Christ's presence helps to intensify our feelings of urgency. We know that Jesus is al-ready present and has been reigning invisi-bly as King in heaven since 1914.
Soon he will come to destroy the wicked and bring about vast changes to this entire globe. We should therefore be more determined than ever to take an active part in the work that Jesus foretold when he said: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the in-habited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end [te'los] will come."—Matt. 24:14.
How Would You Answer?
• How do we know that Jesus' presence is an extended period of time?
• Who recognize the sign of Jesus' presence and understand what it means?
• The modern-day generation mentioned at Matthew 24:34 is made up of whom?
• Why are we unable to calculate the exact length of "this generation"?
(end of page 24)
1. What interesting question did Jesus' apostles ask him?
2. What is the underlying meaning of the word "conclusion"?
3. What are some of the things that occur during Jesus' presence?
*' The meaning oi pa-rou-si'a is seen from the contrast that is made between the "presence" and "absence" of the apostle Paul both at 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11 and at Philippians 2:12. For a detailed discussion, see Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pages 676-9
4. How does Jesus' presence find a parallel in the events of Noah's day?
5. How do the words recorded in Revelation chap-ter 6 indicate that Jesus' presence is an extended period of time?
6. What does Revelation chapter 12 help us to understand about Christ's presence?
7. What does the second psalm speak about, and what opportunity is described therein?
22 THE WATCHTOWER • FEBRUARY 15, 2008
8, 9. Who would recognize the sign of Christ's presence and understand its meaning?
* See The Watchtower, November 1,1995, pages 11-15, 19,30,31.
10, 11. (a) What explanation was previously given concerning the. " generation " mentioned at Matthew 24:34? (b) Who would Jesus' disciples have no doubt understood to be included in that " generation"?
12. What does the context reveal concerning those to whom Jesus was referring when he used the term " generation"?
13, 14. Why can we say that the " generation" that Jesus referred to must have been his disciples?
* The time period during which "this generation" lives seems to correspond to the period covered by the first vision in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 1:10-3:22) This feature of the Lord's day extends from 1914 until the last of the faithful anointed ones dies and is resurrected. —See Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! page 24, paragraph 4.
*** re 24 5 John Beholds the Glorified Jesus ***
4 Hence, this first vision and the counsel it contains are for the Lord’s day, from 1914 onward. This timing is supported by the fact that, later in Revelation, the record describes the execution of God’s true and righteous judgments—events in which the Lord Jesus plays an outstanding part. (Revelation 11:18; 16:15; 17:1; 19:2, 11)
If the fulfillment of the first vision began in 1914, when does it end? As the messages themselves show, the organization addressed is God’s congregation of anointed ones on earth. The fulfillment of this first vision ends, then, when the last faithful member of that anointed congregation dies and is raised to heavenly life. Nevertheless, the Lord’s Day, with blessings to the earthly other sheep, continues till the end of Jesus Christ’s Millennial Rule.—John 10:16; Revelation 20:4, 5.
15. (a) Who make up the modern-day " generation" that Jesus referred to? (b) Why are we not able to calculate the exact length of "this generation"? (See the box on page 25.)
Can We Calculate — the Length of
"This Generation"?
The word " generation" usually refers to people of various ages whose lives overlap during a particular time period or event.
For example, Ex-odus 1:6 tells us: "Eventually ]oseph died, and also all his brothers and all that generation."Joseph and his brothers varied in age, but they shared a common experience during the same time period. Included in "thatgeneration" were some of Joseph's brothers who were born before him. Some of these outlived Jo-seph. (Gen. 50:24) Others of "that generation," such as Benjamin, were born w after Joseph was born and may have lived on after he died.
So when the term " generation" is used with reference to people living at a particular time, the exact length of thattime cannot be stated except that it does have an end and would not be excessively long. Therefore, by using the term "this generation," as recorded at Matthew 24:34, Jesus did not give his disci-ples a formula to enable them to determine when "the last days" would end. Rather, Je-sus went on to emphasize that they would not know "that day and hour."—2 Tim. 3:1; Matt. 24:36.
16. What must all of Christ's disciples do?
17. How should this understanding make us feel, and what should we be determined to do?
THE WATCHTOWER • FEBRUARY 15, 2008 25
Addendum:
*** w84 5/15 3 1914-Just History? Or Does It Affect You? ***
“IN THE Bosnian town of Sarajevo on the morning of June 28, 1914, a chauffeur misunderstood his instructions, made the wrong turn, . . . and so doing delivered his passengers to a point where a waiting assassin did not have to take aim to gun them down.
“Two rounds from one pistol and the world rocked. The crime was the small stone that, loosened, brings the avalanche. There followed four years of universal violence. Millions met untimely death.”—TheAmericanHeritageHistoryofWorldWarI.
That assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, precipitated events that have marked 1914 as a turning point in mankind’s history. And those events have affected you. Why? Because the “avalanche” was the Great War of 1914-18. Since then the “rocks” of war and violence have not ceased to fall.
AMarked Generation
Regarding the significance of World War I, English author J. B. Priestley wrote: “If you were born in 1894, as I was, you suddenly saw a great jagged crack in the looking-glass. After that your mind could not escape from the idea of a world that ended in 1914 and another one that began about 1919, with a wilderness of smoke and fury . . . lying between them.”
The survivors of the “sacrificed generation” of 1914, as it has been called, have lived through momentous times that started with trenches and cannons and that are ending with intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of causing world destruction. This “progress” fits in with Jesus Christ’s prophetic words: “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; . . . and on the earth there will be dismay among the nations and bewilderment at the roar of the surging sea. Men’s courage will fail completely as they realise what is threatening the world, for the very powers of heaven will be shaken.”—Luke 21:10, 25, 26, Phillips.
These words of Jesus are part of the composite sign that marks “the end of this world.”
As has often been shown in this journal, since 1914 this prophecy has been undergoing fulfillment on a grand scale . But Jesus added something very significant about the generation of 1914 . What was it? He said: “When you see these things occurring, knowthatthekingdomofGodisnear. Truly I say to you, This generationwill bynomeanspassawayuntilallthingsoccur.”—Matthew 24:3, Ph; Luke 21:29-32.
How do these words apply to the fast-disappearing generation of 1914? What events are awaited? And how will they affect you?
[Footnotes]
Robert Wohl, in TheGenerationof1914.
*** w84 5/15 4-7 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away ***
“THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:34) But what is meant by the word “generation”?
In his book TheGenerationof1914, professor of history Robert Wohl presents an unusual definition when he states: “A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits or its borders. It is not a zone of dates . . . It is more like a magnetic field at the center of which lies an experience or a series of experiences. . . . What is essential to the formation of a generational consciousness is some common frame of reference that provides a sense of rupture with the past . . . This frame of reference is always derived from great historical events like wars, revolutions, plagues, famines, and economic crises.”
From that point of view, the Great War of 1914-18 and its aftermath certainly formed a “frame of
reference” to mark a generation. As professor Wohl comments: World War I created “an overwhelming sense of rupture with the past. Those who lived through the war could never rid themselves of the belief that one world had ended and another begun in August 1914.”
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.” (TheNewInternationalDictionaryofNewTestamentTheology) “The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time generation,contemporaries.” (AGreek-EnglishLexiconoftheNewTestament 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 allthesethingsoccur.” (Matthew 24:34) Therefore, you might ask: What other major events remain to be seen by the generation of 1914? And can these actually take place in the time period that remains for that generation?
What HappensNext?
Especially since 1919 have Jehovah’s Witnesses been fulfilling on a remarkable scale and against earth-wide opposition Jesus’ prophecy: “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 24:14) Yes, this is the work that has to be completed to Jehovah’s satisfaction before the end comes.
What other events must take place in the period left for the generation of 1914? The Bible clearly points to certain major developments that will lead into and form a part of the “great tribulation” that culminates in Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 16:14, 16)
It is urgent that you know what these developments are and that you take necessary protective action before it is too late.—Zephaniah 2:3.
One of these developments was prophesied by the apostle Paul when he stated: “You yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.” This prophecy makes it clear that, just prior to the end of this system of things, “peace and security” will be declared in some exceptional way, whether by the United Nations or independently by political and religious leaders. What will follow that declaration? Paul said: “Then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.”—1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3.
Does YourReligionMatter?
Could that destruction affect you? Well, do you belong to one of the world’s many religions? Do you know how God views those religions? What is their future?
Under the symbol of a “great harlot” named “Babylon the Great,” the inspired apostle John described a system that has benefited for centuries from intimate association with “the kings of the earth” who wield political power. This “harlot” has also benefited from dealings with “the traveling merchants,” that is, the world’s commercial element. What system is this that has also lorded it over the “peoples and crowds and nations and tongues”? It is false religion! Yes, all religions that are false from Jehovah God’s standpoint constitute this “great harlot,” who is actually a world empire. But what does the immediate future hold for her?—Revelation 17:1-8, 15; 18:15-17.
Revelation 17:16 indicates that radical political elements within the United Nations (the “scarlet-colored wild beast”) will hate the religious harlot and devastate her. Already, powerful atheistic and antireligious elements in the UN have taken steps to stamp out religion within their domain.
But more drastic action is expected in the near future when these political elements devastate not only Christendom but also the other great religious systems. Logically, the anti-God forces will also attack Jehovah’s Witnesses who faithfully proclaim God’s Kingdom. This will be tantamount to attacking God himself and will provoke retaliation—God’s war of Armageddon!—Revelation 17:3, 12-16; 16:14-16; Ezekiel 38:10-12, 18-23; Zechariah 2:8.
Is ThereEnoughTime?
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 wordthrough 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.
Are there any past examples of Bible prophecies’ being fulfilled in the face of human disbelief and skepticism? Yes, and we can briefly examine one of these. In the year 33 C.E., Jesus foretold regarding Jerusalem and its temple: “As for these things that you are beholding, the days will come in which not a stone upon a stone will be left here and not be thrown down. Furthermore, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.”—Luke 21:6, 20.
Thirty-three years later, the Roman army, under Cestius Gallus, attacked Jerusalem and was at the point of victory. Inexplicably, however, General Gallus ordered his troops to retreat. As a consequence, some of the Jews must have thought that their sacred city would not suffer destruction. But such a thought was short-lived. Four years later, the Roman armies under Titus came back and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.
Thus Jesus’ prophecy came true right down to fine detail. As G. A. Williamson said in his introduction to Josephus’ TheJewishWar: “Had we no other sources of information than the gospels we should be tempted to suspect that the warnings of Jesus were couched in hyperbolical [exaggerated] language . . . Was it possible that of that mighty Temple not one stone should be left upon another, that should not be cast down? It was indeed possible; it is historical fact. The destruction was utter and complete . . . The whole tragic story had been foretold with startling accuracy.”
Just as Jesus’ prophecies regarding Jerusalem were fulfilled within the life span of the generation of the year 33 C.E., so his prophecies regarding “the time of the end” will be fulfilled within the life span of the generation of 1914. (Daniel 12:4) This means that marvelous prospects lie before not only that generation but all those living today. Why? Because Jesus also said regarding the significant events affecting that generation: “When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.”—Luke 21:28, 31.
The nearness of God’s Kingdom today spells the end of the present divisive political, religious and commercial systems. It means the ushering in of a righteous new government for all obedient mankind. You can choose everlasting life under this arrangement of “new heavens and a new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13; John 17:3) Yes, you may live to see this promised New Order, along with survivors of the generation of 1914—the generation that will not pass away.
[Picture onpage5]
“One world had ended and another begun in August 1914”
[Pictures onpage6]
‘When they say “Peace and security!” sudden destruction will be upon them’
[Picture onpage7]
You, along with survivors of the generation of 1914, may live to see a New Order
10***year 2010 (128 years later )
Then when everything seemed calm, the Society striked again as we can see
with the latest:
10 THE WATCHTOWER ? APRIL 15, 2010
Bible truths to light. (Prov. 4:18) Thismagazine
has long been used by “the faithful and
discreet slave” as the primary channel for
dispensing increased light. (Matt. 24:45) For
example, consider our understanding of
those who make up “this generation” mentioned
by Jesus. (Read Matthew 24:32-34.)
To what generation did Jesus refer? The article
“Christ’s Presence—What Does It Mean
to You?” explained that Jesus was referring,
not to the wicked, but to his disciples, who
were soon to be anointed with holy spirit._
Jesus’ anointed followers, both in the first
century and in our day, would be the ones
who would not only see the sign but also
discern its meaning—that Jesus “is near at
the doors.”
14 What does this explanation mean to
us? Although we cannot measure the exact
length of “this generation,” we do well to
keep in mind several things about the word
“generation”: It usually refers to people of
varying ages whose lives overlap during a
particular time period; it is not excessively
long; and it has an end. (Ex. 1:6) How, then,
are we to understand Jesus’ words about
“this generation”? He evidently meant that
the lives of the anointed whowere on hand
when the sign began to become evident in
1914 would overlap with the lives of other
anointed ones who would see the start of
the great tribulation. That generation had a
beginning, and it surely will have an end.
_ See TheWatchtower, February 15, 2008, pages 21-25.
by Jesus? (b) Give an example showing that
the holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to
light.OOOOOOO
All these different meaning coming and going, forward, back to the side, and back again !! If one thinks that we are at this point after128 years of teaching, from an organization which claims to be God’s spirit directed.
I do hope youy have found the trip back in the stream of timle interesting.
Greetings to all,
J.C. MacHislopp
P.S. I do have compiled a longer version with references pages and complete paragraphs. If anyone whishes to have a copy, pm a request.
Following a request, I’ve posted the same information on JWSupport Forum
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4
"Opportunity Lost" blog-University of Calgary-by ethics expert on Hughes case with Marvin Shilmer's comment
by AndersonsInfo inhttp://ablawg.ca/2009/05/27/opportunity-lost/.
opportunity lostwritten by:alice woolley.
case considered:hughes (estate) v. brady, 2009 abca 187. pdf version:opportunity lost.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
excellent information and a great point by Marvin.
I'll keep as a reference.
Greetings
J.C. MacHislopp
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13
The temples inspection, by the slave s master.
by MacHislopp in<p class=msonormal style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana"><font size=3>hello everyone,<br><br>in recent times the society has written/referred quite a lot about the prophecy of malachi 3:1-3, the inspection of the temple etc. im posting it , hoping that it will be of help to some, because imho, it shows - for the doubtful - how fragile are the foundations of another important idea/doctrine/teaching of the wtbs inc.<br><br><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br><br><br>(malachi 3:1-3) look!
i am sending my messenger, and he must clear up a way before me.
and suddenly there will come to his temple the [true] lord, whom you people are seeking, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you are delighting.
-
-
MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
I'm sorry and I do apologize for the mess made. Here below the...
correct post:
Inqusitive mind would like to know about ' the time of the end'. I've an updated version of this topic.Here we go:
1*Just…reminders :
w94 1/1 20 The Watchtower and Awake!-Timely Journals of Truth Magazines That Advocate Truth
3Jehovah is the God oftruth.(Psalm 31:5) His Word, the Bible, is a book oftruth.(John 17:17) Honesthearted people respond totruth.(Compare John 4:23, 24.) One reason that TheWatchtower and Awake! have touched the hearts of millions of readers is thatthey are journals of integrity andtruth.In fact, it was over the issue of loyalty to Bibletruththat TheWatchtower began to be published."
2*
"The Watchtower"May, 1 st , 2002 page 16, paragraph 9 )
"Comparably, formore than a centurynow, 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 dispensingBible truths
to others. As you have learnedtruthsthat they teach, have you not found from experience that the very law oftruthhas proved to be in their mouth? They have helped to turn many backfrom religious error,so that now ther are millions throughout the world who have learnedBible truthsand who have the hope of everlasting life.
These, in turn, have the privilege of teaching the law oftruthto yet other millions.- John 10:16; Revelation 7:9 .-"
3
*TheWatchtower, May 1st, 2002 p. 16 §10
"It would be easy to develop the habit ofcouchingone's words
in termas that are technically accurate but misleading.Or one
might exaggerate or hidedetails in a business matter. Would
Jehovah not see that?And if we followed such practices, would he
accept sacrifices of praise from our lips?
Statements/teachings/quotes about :
"the Time of the end ..."
(...forthe last86years)
* September 10th,1922 at the IBSA Convention -Cedar Point, Ohio, (U.S.A.)
"...to make way for the everlasting kingdom of righteousness now being set up, and that millions of people now living on earth, if obedient to the lawsof that righteous kingdom, will continue to live and never die; and we call upon all nations..."
(cfr.'The Watch Tower ' , November 1st , 1922 pages 324-325Resolution , point 13 )
-The Resolution was adoptedat theConventionCedar Point, Ohio, September 10 ,1922.-
* year1934
" 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..."
from the booklet." Universal War Near", pages26, 27-J.F.Rutherford.- published by theWTB&TSociety in1934
* year1941
"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 beforeArmageddon."
fromThe Watchtower, September 15, 1941 page288.
* year1942
"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 thebook" Children,"page366- J.F.Rutherford -publishedbytheWTBT Society in1942
*w 19501/15 22Who 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 theclosing hours of the world".(1 Cor. 10:11, Moffatt)
*w 19508/1p.227 Serving with the Servant ***
Such Kingdom interests must be guarded, watched and increased amid the turbulence of this world'sclosing 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.
*** w503/1 p. 73par.15 UnitingOurPraisesUniversally***
15 What was true in the days of the apostles is more true at this time as we see the day of Armageddon's trouble fast approaching. No one today who wants to serve God acceptably can afford to ignore the injunction at Hebrews 10:25 (AnAmer.Trans.): "Let us not neglect meeting together as some do, but let us encourage one another, all the more as you can see that the great Day is coming nearer."
*** w5011/1 p.406 par.3NewSystemsofThings***
This separating work has been going on since A.D. 1919 as a result of the Kingdom testimony delivered by Jehovah's witnesses in all nations of the earth. The fact now that the weeping and gnashing of the teeth of the rejected unworthy ones has begun proves we are near the climax of the dividing work and that the accomplished end is near upon this world.-Matt. 13:39-42, 47-50; 24:14, NW.
*w 1958 8/1464Calling 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 theclosing yearsof this present system of things,that process may be about completed.
*w 19688/15/1968 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, itis a timewhen one should be keenly aware thatthe endof this system of things israpidly coming toits violent end.".
*** w705/1 p.267 KeepCloseinMind"TheConclusionoftheSystemofThings"***
HOW DOWEKNOW?
9 ....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. Additional evidences include Bible prophecy now in course of fulfillment and the testimony of world leaders ..."
*** w705/1 p.273 par.5AnIngatheringAffectingAllMankind***
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.
*1971 book"The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"-How? * *** kj 216-7 12 "Until He Comes Who Has the Legal Right" **
9Shortly,within ourtwentieth 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.
*w 19719/15 570-1God Wisely Selects Earth's Rulers ***
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 conditionsin fulfillment of prophecyindicate that we are inthe closing daysof this gathering,called the "harvest."
*g 197311/8p.6WhyYouShouldBeConcerned***
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 theclosing yearsof 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)
***1981 trchap.11pp.94-95 par.3TheLastDaysofThisWickedSystemofThings***
3 ...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 bynomeans 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.
*** w8411/15 p.23 par.8"TheTimeLeftIsReduced"***
8 ....The end will come in our day, and all the evidence indicates that it is very near indeed. Hence, day after day our pattern of life should reflect that conviction. Moreover, the fact that we have progressed so far into the final days of this system should fill us with determination to do our utmost in the fine and very urgent work of declaring the good news as Jehovah's cleansed and zealous witnesses.-Titus 2:13, 14.
*** w8412/1 p.19 pars.18-19KeepReady!***
18 Similarly today, it would be highly dangerous for Christians to rationalize about the urgency of our times and adopt a "cruising speed" attitude that reflects doubt about the nearness of the end.
19 The parousia, or presence, of Christ has now run for 70 years, and his "coming" for "Jehovah's day" of execution against Satan's world is fast approaching. The apostle Peter says that this day "will come as a thief," and he adds that we should 'await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.' (2 Peter 3:10-12)
*w 1993 4/1p.18WhoAreFollowingtheLightoftheWorld?***UrgenttoFollowtheLight
19Now, in thefinal yearsof 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.
*w 1994 4/15p.10HelpfulTeachingforOurCriticalTimes***
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 livingin the conclusionof this present wicked system.
*w 1994 9/1p.13DespiteBeingMadeofDust,PushAhead!**
20Now, during theconcluding yearsof 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. «
*w 97 8/15p.22"SoundnessofMind"astheEndDrawsClose***
21How much timeis left remainingwe do not know.Yet, we can say with confidence that "the endof all things hasdrawn 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
*** w971/1 pp.10-11 par.17LetAllGlorifyJehovah!***
. In the 1930's the reverse took place. A decreasing number were "called and chosen" to be among the 144,000 whereas a tremendous increase began in the number of the "great crowd" of "other sheep." This great crowd continues to multiply as the world's wicked system nears its end at Armageddon.-Revelation 17:14b.
*** w971/1 p.11 par.18LetAllGlorifyJehovah!***
18 In the early 1920's, a featured public talk presented by Jehovah's Witnesses was entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." This may have reflected overoptimism at that time. But today that statement can be made with full confidence. Both the increasing light on Bible prophecy and the anarchy of this dying world cry out that the end of Satan's system is very, very near!
*** w979/1 p.21 KeepJehovah'sDayCloseinMind
Eagerness fortheEndtoCome
14 ....Since the year 1914, we have seen the sign being fulfilled that Jesus gave for "the conclusion of the system of things" as well as the things the apostle Paul mentioned would identify "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Truly, the evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the time of the end of this system of things!
*w 1998 1/1p.11DoNotGiveUpintheRaceforLife!***
20 Today, we know that another great "day of Jehovah" willsoonaffect this whole system of things. (Joel 3:12-14)We do not knowwhen 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 19988/1519 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness
Inthe near future,the greatest time of tribulation ever to strike the human race will break forthsuddenly.(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
*** w989/15 p. 15 par.20TimesandSeasonsinJehovah'sHands***
20 Like Noah, Moses, and first-century Christians in Judea, we today can confidently leave the times and seasons in Jehovah's hands. Our conviction that we are living in the time of the end and that our deliverance is drawing near depends, not merely on chronological computation, but on real-life events in fulfillment of Bible prophecies.
*w 98 9/15p.13TimesandSeasonsinJehovah'sHands***
We too are convinced thatour deliverancefrom the present wicked system of thingsis approaching.We know that we are living in "the last days." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
*w 98 9/15pp.18-19Waitingin"EagerExpectation"***
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 wickedsystem'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.
*** w9811/15 p.16 par.4WalkingWithGod-WithEternityinView***
4 Jehovah will bring an end to this wicked system of things, for his name is being reproached in today's world. The wicked have blossomed. (Psalm 92:7) Through their words and deeds, they insult God, and it pains him to see his servants reviled and persecuted. (Zechariah 2:
No wonder Jehovah has decreed that Satan's entire organization will soon be brought to an end! God has determined exactly when this will occur, and the fulfillment of Bible prophecies makes it clear that we are now living in "the time of the end." (Daniel 12:4) He will soonact for the blessing of all who love him.
*w 99 4/1p.19LifeAfterDeath-WhatDoestheBibleSay?***
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."
*w 200012/1p.18DoYouLoveJehovah'sRemindersExceedingly?**
Since we areliving deepin the last daysof 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."
*w 20013/1p.21SalvationforThoseWhoChoosetheLight***
17 ...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 thenearness of the endof this system of thingswhen survival will depend on obedience.-Zephaniah 2:3.
*w 2001 5/15p.12PraiseJehovahforHisGreatDeeds!***
To shine forth in giving a final witness before Jehovah brings an end to Satan's wicked system of things in therapidly approaching"great tribulation."-Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:3; Revelation 7:14.
*w 2001 6/15p.12LookAfterOrphansandWidowsinTheirTribulation***
Asthe endof the present system of thingsgets closer,the pressures that Christians in general face are certain to increase. (Matthew 24:9-13)
*w 2001 8/15p.28DoNotGiveUpinDoingWhatIsFine***
FaithintheThingsUnseen
11 Another trial may involve theseeming delay of the endof 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 8/15p.32CertificateofExcellence***
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 thatis about to replacethe present wicked, lawless system of things."
*w 2001 11/15p.12JehovahShowsUsHowtoCountOurDays***
« 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 useour remaining yearsin this system of things. «
*w 2001 11/15p.31Noah'sFaithCondemnstheWorld***
« Like Noah, true Christians today know that Jehovah willsoonbring an endto this godless system of things.We do not knowthat 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.".-
*** w031/1 p.18 par.4"KeepontheWatch"!***
. In a rather similar way, Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living in the time of the end; but they do not tell us the day or the hour of the end itself. (Matthew 24:36) Our belief that the end is coming helps us to stay awake, but if we are convinced that Jehovah's day really is near, we will have far stronger motivation to be on the watch.-Zephaniah 1:14.
*** w031/1 p.19 par.5"KeepontheWatch"!***
. So our reviewing from time to time the Scriptural proof that we are living close to the end of this system will help us not to lose sight of the important truths regarding that coming end. It is also good to take note of unfolding world events that fulfill Bible prophecy. One brother in Germany wrote: "Every time I watch the news-the wars, the earthquakes, the violence, and the contamination of our planet-it drives home to me the nearness of the end."
*2003 kmMarchpage 6 , § 25, "Take full advantage of the time remaining "
Today all the evidence indicatesthat the endof the present global system of thingsis 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, §1 :
"We face similar situation today. As weapproachthedestruction of this wicked system, we expect increased opposition. Satan is filled with "great anger", and that anger is especially directed against those who serveGod (Rev.12:12) "
*w 20039/15 2003p.25
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 worldis imminent.(2 Peter 3;13)
*w 2003 12/1page 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 12/1page 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 weapproach the endof this system of thingsand the culmination of disastrous independence from Jehovah ! Whatever kind of government or authority has been devised by man has failed miserably. And nowwe are nearing the timefor a return to rule by God, true theocracy, the Kingdom of Jehovah in the end of JesusChrist? »
*w 200312/15page 15 §§6-8Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency
Warned of Things Not Yet Beheld?
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 yearshave passed sincethe last days of thissystem of thingsbegan in 1914.We are certainly in 'the time of the end.' (Daniel 12:4)
*2004 kpp.21 PayingAttentionSavedTheirLives*
(brochureKeep ontheWatch!)
The Bible warns of the end of the present system of things. We now live in the last days. As the end nears, are you keeping on the watch? Are you taking action so as to stay out of the danger zone? With a sense of urgency, are you warning others to do the same?
*2004 kpp.24 par.3"ThatYouMayNotEnterIntoTemptation"(brochureKeepontheWatch!)
3 Today, we too are under pressure. Earlier in this brochure, we considered evidence that we are living in the final days of this wicked system. The temptations and stresses of Satan's world are intensifying..... We love Jehovah. We want to 'endure to the end'-the end of our life or the end of this system, whichever comes first. (Matthew 24:13)
*** w048/1 p.5 God'sKingdomGovernment-ARealityToday***
The time when humans will mass together to fight against God's sovereignty is fast approaching. Ironically, their "unity" will bring them no personal benefits. Instead, their action will be a prelude to the long-awaited peace for all mankind. How so? In that final battle, God's Kingdom "will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms [of the world], and it itself will stand to times indefinite." (Daniel 2:44)
*** w057/1 p.7 "HappyAreThoseConsciousofTheirSpiritualNeed"***
Will YouListentotheKingdomMessage?
(Matthew 28:19, 20) "This good news of the kingdom," he foretold, "will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) That end is fast approaching. How important, then, that honesthearted people listen to the lifesaving good news!
*** w0612/15 pp.18-19 "TheGreatDayofJehovahIsNear"
Maintaining OurSenseofUrgency
17 Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are livingdeep in the time of the end. As never before, we need to strengthen our sense of urgency. A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle.
*** km12/07 p.1pars.5-6 WeMustMaintainOurZealfortheMinistry***
5 ....and availing ourselves of all the spiritual provisions of "the faithful and discreet slave."-Rev. 2:4; Matt. 24:45; Ps. 119:97.
6 As Bible prophecies clearly indicate, Jehovah's day for the destruction of ungodly men is fast approaching. (2 Pet. 2:3; 3:10) With that clearly in mind, let us work hard at maintaining our zeal for the ministry, having a full share in the worldwide Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work now under way!
*** w0712/15 p.11pars.2-3AreYouReadyforJehovah'sDay?***
2 The expression "day of Jehovah" applies to the execution of divine judgment at various times.
....Under inspiration, the apostle Paul associated that day with Christ's presence, which began with Jesus' enthronement as heavenly King in 1914. (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) With the day of Jehovah looming on the horizon, the yeartext of Jehovah's Witnesses for 2007 has been especially appropriate. Taken from Zephaniah 1:14, it reads: "The great day of Jehovah is near."
3 Since God's great day is near, now is the time to prove yourself ready. How can you prepare for that day? Do you need to take additional steps to get ready for Jehovah's day?
*** w0712/15 p.12par.8AreYouReadyforJehovah'sDay?***
8 .....Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was? Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident. A strong relationship with our heavenly Father is vital at this critical time when God's great day is approaching rapidly. By all means, then, draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer.-James 4:8.
*** w0712/15 p.13pars.12-13AreYouReadyforJehovah'sDay?***
12 The nearness of Jehovah's day should move you to attend Christian meetings regularly and participate in them as fully as possible. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
13 Since Jehovah's day is imminent, do you need to make a greater effort to "put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty"? (Ephesians 4:20-24)
*w 20081/15p.4§ 4Why many are Without Hope
4) World events indicate that we are living in "the conclusion of the system of things" and that the end is very near. Mankind is experiencing the events and conditions that Jesus and his disciples said would mark "the last days." "Pangs of distress," including wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and other calamities, plague humanity. -"
*w 200804/15p.13 § 8TheyFell Near the Finish
line
Today, we are rapidly nearing a much better promised land - the new system of things .Tru to form, Satan is again using sexual immorality
To corrupt God'speople.
*w 200805/15p.15 § 16The Last DaysSoonto End!
16 ) This world has been in the last days , or " conclusion of the system of things, " since the year 1914.
(Matt. 24:3 ) Very soon now, what Jesus calles" the great tribulation" will occur. (Read Matthew 24:21.) That unparalleledtibulation will bring Satan's entire world to its end."
*w 200809/15p.11§ 19SuppliedWith Sustenance
Clearly, what Jehovah has done in Bible times as well in our day gives us reason to trust him as our Helper.Soon,when the great tribulationcomesupon Satan's world, wewill need Jehovah's help as never before.Yet, Jehovah'sservants will be able tolook to him with complete confidence. They will be able to lift their heads and rejoice,knowing that their deliverance is near.(Luke 21:28).
*w 200809/15p.21§ 3Resist "the Spirit of the world"
Jesus warned his followers about the danger of what could amount to a death-dealing spiritual sleep. His words have a special meaning for
us,living as we do during theconclusionof the system of things.
*w 200810/15p.11§ 17Facing the Future With
Confidence
As the present system of thingsmoves toward its end,the foretold " pangs of distress" will continue. (Matt. 24:8 ) For example food prices may rise considerably…
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°endofquotes°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
To close …just another recent reminder:
*w 200804/15page 6§ 17
Another example of valueless words is found among the religious leaders of Christendom. These claim to speak in God's name,butmostoftheir utterances arenot based on the Scriptures,and what they say is basically worthless.Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed " faithful and discreet slave." (Matt. 243:45-47) However apostates speak their own wisdom , and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen. (Luke 17:1,2)
I do hope that you have not found the post too longor…tedious.
Greetings to all,
J.C.MacHislopp
No wonder Jehovah has decreed that Satan's entire organization