For decades, the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave', at times referred to as the 'faithful and discreet slave class', has been known to Jehovah's Witnesses as comprising of everyone who is anointed with God's spirit. This will now become “old light” for Jehovah’s Witnesses, despite the fact that it was still very much supported by the Watchtower Society for decades and discussed in current magazine articles.
Recent Watchtower magazines have testified:
Watchtower November 1, 2007, page 30, paragraph 12:
"... all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute 'the faithful and discreet slave' that Jesus said would provide timely 'food' for his 'domestics'."
Even as recent as 2009 it states in June 15th Watchtower pages 22-24 when posed with the question:
"Do all anointed Christians on earth share in providing spiritual food?"
"No. All who are anointed with God’s spirit are part of the faithful and discreet slave class, but those making up the Governing Body oversee the spiritual feeding."
The problem with the above - at least a problem for the Watchtower leaders, known to Jehovah's Witnesses as the group of men who make up the "Governing Body", was seeing the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses claiming to be of the anointed ones on Earth as partakers at their Memorial celebration increasing; along with some becoming vocal about being equal "slaves" to Christ and not some anointed seen as more 'special' or 'blessed' than another especially regarding doctrine and teachings.
Some of the anointed ones actually came together outside of the jurisdiction of the current Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to try to rectify some of the teachings and issues within the organization.
Consequently, the few men leading the Watchtower Society have taken additional measures to ensure that their word is final and the only word that is unquestionably coming from God. During the 2012 Annual Meeting recently held the "new light" (or new way of interpreting some select scriptural passages) is as follows:
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave was NOT appointed at Pentecost 33 C.E., meaning that there has not been a continuous line of members of the Slave Class on the earth down through the ages. The Slave Class was only appointed for the first time by Christ in 1919.
• The Faithful and Discreet Slave is a small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at Watchtower Headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food. The individual members of the Governing Body are not the Faithful and Discreet Slave. They only act as the Faithful and Discreet Slave when they are working as a collective body in making decisions regarding the dispensing of spiritual food.
• The “domestics” of Matthew 24:45 are all those who are fed spiritually by the Governing Body, whether of the anointed or “other sheep”.
• The events described in Matthew 24:46, 47 now refer to Jesus coming during the Great Tribulation and giving the Governing Body their reward in heaven along with the rest of the anointed.
• The “belongings” of Matthew 24:47 refer to all of Christ’s heavenly and earthly interests.
• Despite founding the Watch Tower Society, Charles Taze Russell was not part of the Slave Class because he was not alive and serving at Headquarters when Christ made his selection in 1919.
The above changes are huge to both the history and the fundamental understandings of the organization.
The Faithful and Discreet Slave as decreed by the Watchtower Society is now only the few men who sit on the Governing Body. They are the first and last word - officially - on anything to do with doctrine, teachings and understanding of God and the Bible. No other anointed member has a say or input. Their claim is God has chosen them solely as the Faithful and Discreet Slave.
All other anointed ones now are basically just like the other sheep, but having a heaven reward instead of an earthly one according to Watchtower teachings. This silences and puts a figurative gag on all other members of Jehovah's Witnesses who claim to be of the anointed and tries to provide any input regarding the organization. They are only a ‘Domestic’ and should follow the Governing Body just like the ‘other sheep’ of Jehovah’s Witnesses do. Truly and officially, they are all sheep just following the direction of their leaders on the Governing Body.
As the last point shows, the organization has distanced themselves far from their foundation. They claim Russell was not of the anointed class and the class was merely taking shape in his days. This covers over a number of transgressions and any questioning of the history of the slave from the early days of the Watchtower Society and even prior to that. The Watchtower Society in effect is ignoring (Or selectively ignoring) anything prior to 1919, as it had nothing to do with them or the spiritual leadership of the organization at the time. How this doesn’t contradict and logically flow as Russell was the first president leading and starting the organization will probably be covered in future magazine articles.
In part, it is a cleanup job to re-write or discount unanswered or confusing beginnings of the organization while trying to make it more convincing as to why their teachings and beliefs or so much different now from their humble beginnings, and why such changes are appropriate with the excuse of “new light”.
Sadly many, if not most, Jehovah's Witnesses will probably either ignore or overlook the changes, to say even less about realizing the significance of it. The Watchtower Society leaders continue to tighten their grip and control of the members. Ironically, more than ever, the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are becoming ‘officially’ more structured like the Catholic Church - oh, the irony. Watchtower Headquarters is the equivalent of the Vatican for Jehovah's Witnesses.
Nevertheless, belief is powerful. It can be surprising what people will swallow when their whole worldview is at stake. For Jehovah’s Witnesses they are indoctrinated to not question or go against the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ – Not to go against the organization or its leaders.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are ensuring the members fully understand you never question them and only their interpretations should be followed. Others claiming to be of the anointed class under Jehovah’s Witnesses do not matter – they are truly just another member being instructed like the rest...
Following the Governing Body means following God - Very sad, but also very true to the worldview of Jehovah's Witnesses; even more so since the leaders have redefined the Faithful and Discreet Slave to their agenda.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Baptism And Marriage
BAPTISM:
Watchtower, April 15, 1987, page 13, paragraph 14:
"If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”"
Watchtower, July 1, 2006, pages 29-30, paragraph 16:
"Numerous Witnesses around the world feel that their decision to get baptized when they were young helped them greatly. Take as an example a 23-year-old Witness in Western Europe. He recalls that getting baptized at the age of 13 motivated him to be careful not to be swept away by “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Early on, he set his sights on serving as a full-time minister. Today, he serves happily at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rich blessings await all youths, including you, who choose to serve Jehovah."
Watchtower, June 14, 2011, page 6:
"A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”
MARRIAGE:
Watchtower, February 15, 1999, page 5:
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.” Of course, readiness for marriage cannot be measured by age alone. Nevertheless, marrying when one is not past the youthful stage when sexual feelings are new and especially strong can distort one’s thinking and blind one to potential problems."
Watchtower, April 15, 2008, pages 17-18, paragraph 6:
"Are you young and still unmarried? If so, how should you regard the prospect of marriage? You can avoid much heartache if you wait until you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for marriage before you start a romantic relationship with a Christian of the opposite sex. Of course, the Scriptures do not stipulate an age for marriage. However, the Bible does show that you do well to wait until you are past that time in life when sexual feelings are very strong. (1 Cor. 7:36) Why? Because strong sexual impulses can distort good judgment and cause you to make unwise decisions that may result in heartache later."
Watchtower, January 15, 2011, pages 19-20, paragraph 11:
"Although most young people would like to marry eventually, there are good reasons not to rush into marriage. Paul encourages youths to wait at least until they are past “the bloom of youth,” when sexual desires are most powerful. (1 Cor. 7:36) It takes time to understand yourself and acquire the experience in life that is needed to choose a suitable mate. Making a marriage vow is a serious decision, one that should last for life."
According to the Watchtower Society the Jehovah's Witnesses are instilled with a notion that baptism even at a very young age - Teens and even younger - is fine and encouraged, yet marriage at such a young age or even somewhat older (20's) is discouraged.
However, should there not be a correlation between the seriousness of marriage and the maturity needed and that of being baptized?
Well, what example do we have to reflect upon? Should any examples or experiences suffice? Who would be the prime example for anyone stating they are Christian?
Jesus - who all Christians should be striving to imitate as closely as possible - was baptized at the tender age of...
30 years old!
Luke 3:21-23:
"Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized and, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.” Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced [his work], was about thirty years old"
As any Jehovah's Witness should know, their baptism is even more serious and binding than marriage and devotion to their spouse. Should not the same admonition of not rushing and waiting until one is older and physically, mentally, and spiritually ready, until making such a serious dedication apply? Again, look to the example of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.
From their own literature they relate how 22 years old can be too young for marriage. Is 22 years old (or even younger), not too young for baptism, then?
Why *really* does the Watchtower Society want members to baptize at such an early age? It undisputedly goes against the prime example of Jesus. Something 'less serious' as marriage is discouraged by the organization even into early-to-mid 20's.
Could the Jehovah's Witnesses practice of shunning have influence over this position by the Watchtower Society? How about stronger indoctrination, or fear and guilt? Think about it.
Watchtower, April 15, 1987, page 13, paragraph 14:
"If one has ‘counted the cost,’ it places one at no disadvantage to make a dedication as a youth. With almost all new Christians, after baptism appreciation deepens. “Getting baptized as a youngster was a protection for me,” explained David. “As I got older, I noticed how some unbaptized teenagers in the congregation felt free of the authority of the elders and as a consequence veered into bad conduct. But I always remembered that I had dedicated my life to God. My life was already taken, so I could not follow such teenagers.”"
Watchtower, July 1, 2006, pages 29-30, paragraph 16:
"Numerous Witnesses around the world feel that their decision to get baptized when they were young helped them greatly. Take as an example a 23-year-old Witness in Western Europe. He recalls that getting baptized at the age of 13 motivated him to be careful not to be swept away by “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:22) Early on, he set his sights on serving as a full-time minister. Today, he serves happily at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rich blessings await all youths, including you, who choose to serve Jehovah."
Watchtower, June 14, 2011, page 6:
"A Christian mother writes: “Children who are baptized have more reasons to stay away from the bad things of the world. My son, baptized at 15, feels that baptism is a protection. ‘You don’t think about doing something contrary to Jehovah’s law,’ he said. Baptism is a strong motivation for righteousness.”
MARRIAGE:
Watchtower, February 15, 1999, page 5:
“It is very risky to get married too young,” says Nikki, who was 22 when she married. She cautions: “Your feelings, goals, and tastes will continue to change from the time you are in your late teens until you are in your mid-to-late 20’s.” Of course, readiness for marriage cannot be measured by age alone. Nevertheless, marrying when one is not past the youthful stage when sexual feelings are new and especially strong can distort one’s thinking and blind one to potential problems."
Watchtower, April 15, 2008, pages 17-18, paragraph 6:
"Are you young and still unmarried? If so, how should you regard the prospect of marriage? You can avoid much heartache if you wait until you are physically, mentally, and spiritually ready for marriage before you start a romantic relationship with a Christian of the opposite sex. Of course, the Scriptures do not stipulate an age for marriage. However, the Bible does show that you do well to wait until you are past that time in life when sexual feelings are very strong. (1 Cor. 7:36) Why? Because strong sexual impulses can distort good judgment and cause you to make unwise decisions that may result in heartache later."
Watchtower, January 15, 2011, pages 19-20, paragraph 11:
"Although most young people would like to marry eventually, there are good reasons not to rush into marriage. Paul encourages youths to wait at least until they are past “the bloom of youth,” when sexual desires are most powerful. (1 Cor. 7:36) It takes time to understand yourself and acquire the experience in life that is needed to choose a suitable mate. Making a marriage vow is a serious decision, one that should last for life."
According to the Watchtower Society the Jehovah's Witnesses are instilled with a notion that baptism even at a very young age - Teens and even younger - is fine and encouraged, yet marriage at such a young age or even somewhat older (20's) is discouraged.
However, should there not be a correlation between the seriousness of marriage and the maturity needed and that of being baptized?
Well, what example do we have to reflect upon? Should any examples or experiences suffice? Who would be the prime example for anyone stating they are Christian?
Jesus - who all Christians should be striving to imitate as closely as possible - was baptized at the tender age of...
30 years old!
Luke 3:21-23:
"Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized and, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: “You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.” Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced [his work], was about thirty years old"
As any Jehovah's Witness should know, their baptism is even more serious and binding than marriage and devotion to their spouse. Should not the same admonition of not rushing and waiting until one is older and physically, mentally, and spiritually ready, until making such a serious dedication apply? Again, look to the example of Jesus Christ according to the Bible.
From their own literature they relate how 22 years old can be too young for marriage. Is 22 years old (or even younger), not too young for baptism, then?
Why *really* does the Watchtower Society want members to baptize at such an early age? It undisputedly goes against the prime example of Jesus. Something 'less serious' as marriage is discouraged by the organization even into early-to-mid 20's.
Could the Jehovah's Witnesses practice of shunning have influence over this position by the Watchtower Society? How about stronger indoctrination, or fear and guilt? Think about it.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sisters and Shepherding
The newly released 'Elder's only' manual 'Shepherding the Flock of God', has been followed up with a letter addressed to the Body of Elders, dated October 7, 2010. It highlights the respective view of women by the organization's leaders.
The letter states regarding having the book spiral bound:
"There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved."
So, if a member is a baptized male of the organization, it's permitted for the individual to do the work of spiral binding the book. However, if it is a baptized female she is not allowed to do so. Sisters - inclusive of all women who make up Jehovah's Witnesses - are classified with "outside companies" and "unbelievers" when it comes to trust and confidentiality according to the leaders of the organization.
Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the good old boys of Bethel, whether it's Brooklyn or Patterson, lay the law once again.
Is it no surprise the organization stated that females who were raped are guilty of fornication if they did not yell or scream out while being attacked? See the Watchtower from January 15, 1964, page 64; and the Awake! from March 8, 1974, page 14.
For added insult to the organization’s “sisters”, the February 22, 1984 Awake! magazine admonishes women to treat their rapist respectfully.
This is not good and wholesome spiritual food that Jehovah’s Witnesses are fed, but sickening, twisted and demoralizing instructions...Especially so, if you are a female and one of the organization's so-called "sisters".
The letter states regarding having the book spiral bound:
"There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved."
So, if a member is a baptized male of the organization, it's permitted for the individual to do the work of spiral binding the book. However, if it is a baptized female she is not allowed to do so. Sisters - inclusive of all women who make up Jehovah's Witnesses - are classified with "outside companies" and "unbelievers" when it comes to trust and confidentiality according to the leaders of the organization.
Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the good old boys of Bethel, whether it's Brooklyn or Patterson, lay the law once again.
Is it no surprise the organization stated that females who were raped are guilty of fornication if they did not yell or scream out while being attacked? See the Watchtower from January 15, 1964, page 64; and the Awake! from March 8, 1974, page 14.
For added insult to the organization’s “sisters”, the February 22, 1984 Awake! magazine admonishes women to treat their rapist respectfully.
This is not good and wholesome spiritual food that Jehovah’s Witnesses are fed, but sickening, twisted and demoralizing instructions...Especially so, if you are a female and one of the organization's so-called "sisters".
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Applying The Bible
How does one apply the Bible in their life?
According to the Watchtower from October 1, 1967, page 587 under 'Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization' it states:
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind."
Directly from the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Bible does not belong to individuals but to their organization. In fact, the Bible cannot be understood without their visible organization (The Watchtower Society) in mind.
That is pretty sick and twisted reasoning. Perhaps this teaching has been refined over the years. Let's take a look at the issue from February 15, 1981 page 19, under 'Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?' it states:
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization."
It appears they are sticking with this attitude that no one can understand the Bible without the aid of the Watchtower Society.
Nonetheless, that was nearly 30 years ago. Certainly now, humility has become apparent and such an arrogant and haughty spirit no longer exudes from the teachings and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses printed in the pages of the Watchtower, right?
The September 15, 2010, Watchtower, page 8, seriously elevates the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses to demigod status once again. It states in paragraph 7:
"We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of "the faithful and discreet slave", we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God's Word nor know how to apply it."
Nothing new under the sun for the Watchtower Society and the men in Brooklyn posing as the soul channel of truth God is using to communicate with people today. Remember, they are appointed by Jesus, because they say so according to their select interpretation of specific bible passages. You must also ignore all their flip-flops in teaching and false prophesying.
Part of the problem is this attitude and mentality is rooted at the foundation of the organization’s beginnings.
The Watchtower Society first president - Charles Taze Russell - wrote a series of books called, 'Studies in the Scriptures'. Interestingly, the September 15, 1910 edition, on page 4695, states:
“Not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.”
Russell identified himself as the sole authority of Biblical interpretation and understanding. He stated that one would end up in spiritual darkness without examining his writings. His writings were needed to properly understand and apply the Bible.
When the year was 1910, you needed one man, Charles Taze Russell. In the year 2010, you need the writings and directions of several men in Brooklyn.
Just like many other cult and cult-like organizations, emphasis is placed upon the organization and/or its human leader(s) as being the source of authority, information, and understanding the message or Word of God.
What does the Bible teach is needed for Christians to apply and understand the scriptures?
John 14:16 - "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever"
John 15:26 - "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
John 16:13 - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
1 John 2:27 - "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."
According to the above passages it is the Holy Spirit – The Helper, the Spirit of truth - which is utilized to apply the Bible. Contrary to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you do not need their organization or their interpretation, inclusive of their publications.
Jehovah's Witnesses are indoctrinated to believe they need the Watchtower Organization, they need the Watchtower. You want a relationship with God? Don't ignore the men in Brooklyn. According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, you need the men in Brooklyn, and the organization they run and control, to understand the full import of God's Word and how to apply it.
According to the Watchtower from October 1, 1967, page 587 under 'Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization' it states:
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind."
Directly from the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Bible does not belong to individuals but to their organization. In fact, the Bible cannot be understood without their visible organization (The Watchtower Society) in mind.
That is pretty sick and twisted reasoning. Perhaps this teaching has been refined over the years. Let's take a look at the issue from February 15, 1981 page 19, under 'Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?' it states:
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization."
It appears they are sticking with this attitude that no one can understand the Bible without the aid of the Watchtower Society.
Nonetheless, that was nearly 30 years ago. Certainly now, humility has become apparent and such an arrogant and haughty spirit no longer exudes from the teachings and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses printed in the pages of the Watchtower, right?
The September 15, 2010, Watchtower, page 8, seriously elevates the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses to demigod status once again. It states in paragraph 7:
"We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of "the faithful and discreet slave", we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God's Word nor know how to apply it."
Nothing new under the sun for the Watchtower Society and the men in Brooklyn posing as the soul channel of truth God is using to communicate with people today. Remember, they are appointed by Jesus, because they say so according to their select interpretation of specific bible passages. You must also ignore all their flip-flops in teaching and false prophesying.
Part of the problem is this attitude and mentality is rooted at the foundation of the organization’s beginnings.
The Watchtower Society first president - Charles Taze Russell - wrote a series of books called, 'Studies in the Scriptures'. Interestingly, the September 15, 1910 edition, on page 4695, states:
“Not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.”
Russell identified himself as the sole authority of Biblical interpretation and understanding. He stated that one would end up in spiritual darkness without examining his writings. His writings were needed to properly understand and apply the Bible.
When the year was 1910, you needed one man, Charles Taze Russell. In the year 2010, you need the writings and directions of several men in Brooklyn.
Just like many other cult and cult-like organizations, emphasis is placed upon the organization and/or its human leader(s) as being the source of authority, information, and understanding the message or Word of God.
What does the Bible teach is needed for Christians to apply and understand the scriptures?
John 14:16 - "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever"
John 15:26 - "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
John 16:13 - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
1 John 2:27 - "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."
According to the above passages it is the Holy Spirit – The Helper, the Spirit of truth - which is utilized to apply the Bible. Contrary to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you do not need their organization or their interpretation, inclusive of their publications.
Jehovah's Witnesses are indoctrinated to believe they need the Watchtower Organization, they need the Watchtower. You want a relationship with God? Don't ignore the men in Brooklyn. According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, you need the men in Brooklyn, and the organization they run and control, to understand the full import of God's Word and how to apply it.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
How We Will Be Judged
The Watchtower of December 15, 2010, page 20, paragraph 19, under the article "Reap Blessings Through God's Spirit-Guided King!" states:
"Among those "gifts in men" are the members of the Governing Body, who act in a representative way for the entire Christian congregation. In fact, our attitude toward Christ's spiritual brothers is a major factor that will determine how we will be judged during the coming great tribulation. Thus, one aspect of the way we gain a blessing is by giving our loyal support to God's anointed ones."
It appears in their magazine this way:
The Watchtower Society cherry picks select verses from Acts chapter 15 to support a so-called 'Governing Body' in the first century. The fact is this passage was over the one matter of circumcision in which Paul and Barnabus decided it would be best to go to the place where the conflict originated and discussed with a council there. However, it was for that one matter and one matter only. Paul, Barnabus, and other faithful followers of Jesus Christ such as Timothy, did things on their own with no further discussions with anyone from Jerusalem or any so-called Governing Body.
Assuming the role for the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses of being brothers of Christ, the Watchtower Society then rips a few verses from Matthew chapter 25, where Jesus basically states if you don't support my brothers you don't support me. According to the verses in that chapter, those who don't support Jesus' brothers receive everlasting punishment [The Watchtower Society interrupts this to mean not a literal everlasting punishment but eternal death remembered everlastingly], and the righteous receive eternal life.
In either case, both scriptural citations are a weak attempt in trying to provide some twisted biblical backing to the message of: 'Be loyal and have a positive attitude towards us, or else you will be judged unfavorably to eternal death!'.
The messages to Jehovah's Witnesses that is being indoctrinated into their hearts and minds are:
Loyal, Supportive, Faithful to Governing Body = Everlasting 'Perfect' Life.
Disloyal, Unsupportive, Unfaithful to Governing Body = Eternal Death.
The above is impounded and brow-beat into the members of the organization, over and over, time and time again.
As is the case with many cult and cult-like organizations, obedience and loyalty to the leader comes first. The difference with Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrates obedience not to one, but several men who call themselves the ‘Governing Body’. They hold the power and key with instilling fear and allegiance into the members. Loyalty to the organization and its leaders is inculcated above all else in the members' lives, inclusive of family and friends. Jehovah’s Witnesses need to wake up.
"Among those "gifts in men" are the members of the Governing Body, who act in a representative way for the entire Christian congregation. In fact, our attitude toward Christ's spiritual brothers is a major factor that will determine how we will be judged during the coming great tribulation. Thus, one aspect of the way we gain a blessing is by giving our loyal support to God's anointed ones."
It appears in their magazine this way:
The Watchtower Society cherry picks select verses from Acts chapter 15 to support a so-called 'Governing Body' in the first century. The fact is this passage was over the one matter of circumcision in which Paul and Barnabus decided it would be best to go to the place where the conflict originated and discussed with a council there. However, it was for that one matter and one matter only. Paul, Barnabus, and other faithful followers of Jesus Christ such as Timothy, did things on their own with no further discussions with anyone from Jerusalem or any so-called Governing Body.
Assuming the role for the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses of being brothers of Christ, the Watchtower Society then rips a few verses from Matthew chapter 25, where Jesus basically states if you don't support my brothers you don't support me. According to the verses in that chapter, those who don't support Jesus' brothers receive everlasting punishment [The Watchtower Society interrupts this to mean not a literal everlasting punishment but eternal death remembered everlastingly], and the righteous receive eternal life.
In either case, both scriptural citations are a weak attempt in trying to provide some twisted biblical backing to the message of: 'Be loyal and have a positive attitude towards us, or else you will be judged unfavorably to eternal death!'.
The messages to Jehovah's Witnesses that is being indoctrinated into their hearts and minds are:
Loyal, Supportive, Faithful to Governing Body = Everlasting 'Perfect' Life.
Disloyal, Unsupportive, Unfaithful to Governing Body = Eternal Death.
The above is impounded and brow-beat into the members of the organization, over and over, time and time again.
As is the case with many cult and cult-like organizations, obedience and loyalty to the leader comes first. The difference with Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrates obedience not to one, but several men who call themselves the ‘Governing Body’. They hold the power and key with instilling fear and allegiance into the members. Loyalty to the organization and its leaders is inculcated above all else in the members' lives, inclusive of family and friends. Jehovah’s Witnesses need to wake up.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Good News
Supporters and members of Jehovah’s Witnesses may try to argue the topic of preaching with the following question or something similar:
"So, if Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong, who are the ones Jesus said would be preaching the Good News of the Kingdom worldwide?"
This is one of the most ignorant things a believer in the message of Jesus Christ can dispute.
Particularly from a Jehovah's Witnesses, the reasoning carries the implication and indication that the message Jesus preached and the message Jehovah's Witnesses preach is the same.
This is not true.
For instance, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught, preach and teach, that there will be a paradise earth ruled over by 144,000 kings. Jesus never preached or hinted at anything even remotely close to that idea; neither did first century Christians.
Ironically enough, The Watchtower Society has plainly stated what the 'Good News of the Kingdom" entails.
The organization makes the following statement in the Watchtower, December 15, 1979 edition on pages 5 & 6, under 'How Powerful Is The Good News?' it states:
"OF ALL the messages published throughout the centuries, the “good news” set forth in the Holy Scriptures has had the greatest motivating power for good. The Bible refers to it as “the good news of the kingdom,” “the good news about Jesus Christ,” “the good news of the undeserved kindness of God,” “the good news of God,” “the good news of peace” and the “everlasting good news.” (Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:1; Acts 20:24; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 6:15; Rev. 14:6) This “good news” is primarily the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and that God’s kingdom by Christ will bring all things on earth into perfect unity with the holy heavens. (Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:7-14) Why does that message have a powerful effect on those accepting it?"
Believers in Jesus Christ preach "the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice", not the mongrel Adventist originated and stemmed from messages that Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe is 'the truth'. For example, only 144,000 go to heaven or the notion that you must belong to their organization, nor the myriads of other Watchtower Society specific doctrine(s).
The 'Good News' found in the Bible is preached, taught, and understood worldwide by many Christians throughout the Earth, it is not an exclusive teaching or message of Jehovah's Witnesses directed by the Watchtower Society's governing body.
Jehovah's Witnesses have their own interpretation and gospel message they bring to people's doors...A different gospel than what first century Christians preached, taught, and believed.
Galatians 1:6-9 warns of those who would have their own brand of the gospel. Straight from the Watchtower Society's own brand of the Bible, The New World Translation, it states:
"I marvel that YOU are being so quickly removed from the One who called YOU with Christ’s undeserved kindness over to another sort of good news. But it is not another; only there are certain ones who are causing YOU trouble and wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed. As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to YOU as good news something beyond what YOU accepted, let him be accursed."
So if any Christian was to declare good news (most other Bibles translate good news as gospel) beyond what was declared to be the good news (or gospel) of Christ, they were to be accursed.
So, what exactly is the "Good News" or Gospel of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 states (Again, even from The New World Translation) in no uncertain terms:
"Now I make known to YOU, brothers, the good news which I declared to YOU, which YOU also received, in which YOU also stand, through which YOU are also being saved, with the speech with which I declared the good news to YOU, if YOU are holding it fast, unless, in fact, YOU became believers to no purpose. For I handed on to YOU, among the first things, that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures"
This is the Good News/Gospel of Jesus...
Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and was raised up so we may be believers and be saved. That is the Gospel message that must be preached according to the scriptures.
Ask Jehovah's Witnesses what is their message, their gospel, their so-called ‘good news’, and recall what the Bible states about those who declare beyond the gospel/good news. The truth is Jehovah's Witnesses are accursed according to the statements from the Bible, including their own translation of scripture.
"So, if Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong, who are the ones Jesus said would be preaching the Good News of the Kingdom worldwide?"
This is one of the most ignorant things a believer in the message of Jesus Christ can dispute.
Particularly from a Jehovah's Witnesses, the reasoning carries the implication and indication that the message Jesus preached and the message Jehovah's Witnesses preach is the same.
This is not true.
For instance, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught, preach and teach, that there will be a paradise earth ruled over by 144,000 kings. Jesus never preached or hinted at anything even remotely close to that idea; neither did first century Christians.
Ironically enough, The Watchtower Society has plainly stated what the 'Good News of the Kingdom" entails.
The organization makes the following statement in the Watchtower, December 15, 1979 edition on pages 5 & 6, under 'How Powerful Is The Good News?' it states:
"OF ALL the messages published throughout the centuries, the “good news” set forth in the Holy Scriptures has had the greatest motivating power for good. The Bible refers to it as “the good news of the kingdom,” “the good news about Jesus Christ,” “the good news of the undeserved kindness of God,” “the good news of God,” “the good news of peace” and the “everlasting good news.” (Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:1; Acts 20:24; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 6:15; Rev. 14:6) This “good news” is primarily the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and that God’s kingdom by Christ will bring all things on earth into perfect unity with the holy heavens. (Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:7-14) Why does that message have a powerful effect on those accepting it?"
Believers in Jesus Christ preach "the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice", not the mongrel Adventist originated and stemmed from messages that Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe is 'the truth'. For example, only 144,000 go to heaven or the notion that you must belong to their organization, nor the myriads of other Watchtower Society specific doctrine(s).
The 'Good News' found in the Bible is preached, taught, and understood worldwide by many Christians throughout the Earth, it is not an exclusive teaching or message of Jehovah's Witnesses directed by the Watchtower Society's governing body.
Jehovah's Witnesses have their own interpretation and gospel message they bring to people's doors...A different gospel than what first century Christians preached, taught, and believed.
Galatians 1:6-9 warns of those who would have their own brand of the gospel. Straight from the Watchtower Society's own brand of the Bible, The New World Translation, it states:
"I marvel that YOU are being so quickly removed from the One who called YOU with Christ’s undeserved kindness over to another sort of good news. But it is not another; only there are certain ones who are causing YOU trouble and wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed. As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to YOU as good news something beyond what YOU accepted, let him be accursed."
So if any Christian was to declare good news (most other Bibles translate good news as gospel) beyond what was declared to be the good news (or gospel) of Christ, they were to be accursed.
So, what exactly is the "Good News" or Gospel of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 states (Again, even from The New World Translation) in no uncertain terms:
"Now I make known to YOU, brothers, the good news which I declared to YOU, which YOU also received, in which YOU also stand, through which YOU are also being saved, with the speech with which I declared the good news to YOU, if YOU are holding it fast, unless, in fact, YOU became believers to no purpose. For I handed on to YOU, among the first things, that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures"
This is the Good News/Gospel of Jesus...
Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and was raised up so we may be believers and be saved. That is the Gospel message that must be preached according to the scriptures.
Ask Jehovah's Witnesses what is their message, their gospel, their so-called ‘good news’, and recall what the Bible states about those who declare beyond the gospel/good news. The truth is Jehovah's Witnesses are accursed according to the statements from the Bible, including their own translation of scripture.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mother
Jehovah's Witnesses are conditioned continuously not to question or disobey the organization. This kind of absolute obedience is something a parent may expect from their children. In fact, the Watchtower Society has painted themselves in that light to Jehovah's Witnesses.
"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother," [Watchtower, May 1, 1957, page 274].
That kind of psychological conditioning of the members to be obedient, submissive children and in need of the organization continues throughout the years with similar articles. The November 15, 2009 Watchtower magazine in fact states on page 13, in paragraph 5:
"By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today."
Indeed, "mother" has continuously led many of her unchallenging children with much behavioral conditioning, understanding, and twisted reasoning...
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible," [Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 587].
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization," [Watchtower, February 15, 1981].
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave," [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].
This is one of the many problems with the so-called Governing Body concept of the Watchtower Society. Not only does the organization condition the members to see them as their mother, they also seek to take over Christ's role as mediator.
The Watchtower of November 15, 1979, page 26, made this comment:
"What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6."
The insertion "[not, all men]" is the Watchtower Society blatantly changing the meaning of the Bible and what it states. The scripture does not contain a "[not, all men]" statement, but the Watchtower Society included it since once again they want the members to see them as being the mediator for humans to God.
This point was stressed again in their publication, 'Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace"' on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Furthermore, all of the 144,000 do not share in dispensing 'truths from God', but only a select few who call themselves the Governing Body that claims to be of a so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They decide what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe as truth and when it will be told to them.
Per Our Kingdom Ministry from September 2002, page 8, paragraph 5, under 'Avoid the Pursuit of "Valueless Things"' it states:
"Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, “the faithful and discreet slave.” That “slave” has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as “the proper time” for it to be dispensed."
What and when Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe something as 'the truth' is all thanks to their "mother", the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society. The majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are told they don't even have Christ as their Mediator; rather, the organization fulfills that role as well. Jehovah's Witnesses are victims of a power hungry and abusive parent. They need to exit such a relationship, and leave the toxic mother seeking her own interest first.
"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother," [Watchtower, May 1, 1957, page 274].
That kind of psychological conditioning of the members to be obedient, submissive children and in need of the organization continues throughout the years with similar articles. The November 15, 2009 Watchtower magazine in fact states on page 13, in paragraph 5:
"By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today."
Indeed, "mother" has continuously led many of her unchallenging children with much behavioral conditioning, understanding, and twisted reasoning...
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible," [Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 587].
"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization," [Watchtower, February 15, 1981].
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave," [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].
This is one of the many problems with the so-called Governing Body concept of the Watchtower Society. Not only does the organization condition the members to see them as their mother, they also seek to take over Christ's role as mediator.
The Watchtower of November 15, 1979, page 26, made this comment:
"What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6."
The insertion "[not, all men]" is the Watchtower Society blatantly changing the meaning of the Bible and what it states. The scripture does not contain a "[not, all men]" statement, but the Watchtower Society included it since once again they want the members to see them as being the mediator for humans to God.
This point was stressed again in their publication, 'Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace"' on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Furthermore, all of the 144,000 do not share in dispensing 'truths from God', but only a select few who call themselves the Governing Body that claims to be of a so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They decide what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe as truth and when it will be told to them.
Per Our Kingdom Ministry from September 2002, page 8, paragraph 5, under 'Avoid the Pursuit of "Valueless Things"' it states:
"Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, “the faithful and discreet slave.” That “slave” has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as “the proper time” for it to be dispensed."
What and when Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe something as 'the truth' is all thanks to their "mother", the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society. The majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are told they don't even have Christ as their Mediator; rather, the organization fulfills that role as well. Jehovah's Witnesses are victims of a power hungry and abusive parent. They need to exit such a relationship, and leave the toxic mother seeking her own interest first.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Governing Body = Jesus Christ
The September 15, 2010, Watchtower, page 23, second column:
"The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ."
That's what they call a CULT LEADER. It was only a matter of time for the Watchtower Society to come out and make such a statement. The time has come. In the Jehovah's Witness mind what is being indoctrinated is following the men in Brooklyn equals following Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24: 24, 25: "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned YOU" - [New World Translation]
"The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ."
That's what they call a CULT LEADER. It was only a matter of time for the Watchtower Society to come out and make such a statement. The time has come. In the Jehovah's Witness mind what is being indoctrinated is following the men in Brooklyn equals following Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24: 24, 25: "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned YOU" - [New World Translation]
Monday, March 1, 2010
God's Name
According to Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 5 under the heading, 'Jehovah' the following is stated:
"Correct Pronunciation of the Divine Name. “Jehovah” is the best known English pronunciation of the divine name, although “Yahweh” is favored by most Hebrew scholars. The oldest Hebrew manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from Greek te•tra-, meaning “four,” and gram'ma, “letter”). These four letters (written from right to left) are יהוה and may be transliterated into English as YHWH (or, JHVH)."
The Watchtower Society adds "(or, JHVH)" in their publication, but that letter usage was to make allowance and flexibility centuries later. It does not attribute towards accuracy. The confusion stems from Latin sources, in which the same letter represents both J and Y, and another single letter represents both V and W. Nonetheless, the original Hebrew translates to YHWH.
On page 7, the same publication continues:
"Since certainty of pronunciation is not now attainable, there seems to be no reason for abandoning in English the well-known form “Jehovah” in favor of some other suggested pronunciation. If such a change were made, then, to be consistent, changes should be made in the spelling and pronunciation of a host of other names found in the Scriptures: Jeremiah would be changed to Yir•meyah′, Isaiah would become Yesha?•ya′hu, and Jesus would be either Yehoh•shu′a? (as in Hebrew) or I•e•sous′ (as in Greek). The purpose of words is to transmit thoughts; in English the name Jehovah identifies the true God, transmitting this thought more satisfactorily today than any of the suggested substitutes."
So the Watchtower Society is stating that there is no way to attain the correct pronunciation of God’s name, but since ‘Jehovah’ is supposedly so well-known, let’s stick with it. Regardless of the facts that Hebrew scholars use YaHWeH, and earliest documented evidence shows YHWH – Not JHVH [JeHoVaH] as valid consonants in the name.
This is not the only place the Watchtower Society shows poor reasoning and goes against logic in their explanation of using ‘Jehovah’. The Divine Name brochure on page 7 under ‘God’s Name – It’s Meaning and Pronunciation’ makes the following statements:
“How Is God’s Name Pronounced? The truth is, nobody knows for sure how the name of God was originally pronounced. Why not? Well, the first language used in writing the Bible was Hebrew, and when the Hebrew language was written down, the writers wrote only consonants—not vowels. Hence, when the inspired writers wrote God’s name, they naturally did the same thing and wrote only the consonants. "
"Correct Pronunciation of the Divine Name. “Jehovah” is the best known English pronunciation of the divine name, although “Yahweh” is favored by most Hebrew scholars. The oldest Hebrew manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from Greek te•tra-, meaning “four,” and gram'ma, “letter”). These four letters (written from right to left) are יהוה and may be transliterated into English as YHWH (or, JHVH)."
The Watchtower Society adds "(or, JHVH)" in their publication, but that letter usage was to make allowance and flexibility centuries later. It does not attribute towards accuracy. The confusion stems from Latin sources, in which the same letter represents both J and Y, and another single letter represents both V and W. Nonetheless, the original Hebrew translates to YHWH.
On page 7, the same publication continues:
"Since certainty of pronunciation is not now attainable, there seems to be no reason for abandoning in English the well-known form “Jehovah” in favor of some other suggested pronunciation. If such a change were made, then, to be consistent, changes should be made in the spelling and pronunciation of a host of other names found in the Scriptures: Jeremiah would be changed to Yir•meyah′, Isaiah would become Yesha?•ya′hu, and Jesus would be either Yehoh•shu′a? (as in Hebrew) or I•e•sous′ (as in Greek). The purpose of words is to transmit thoughts; in English the name Jehovah identifies the true God, transmitting this thought more satisfactorily today than any of the suggested substitutes."
So the Watchtower Society is stating that there is no way to attain the correct pronunciation of God’s name, but since ‘Jehovah’ is supposedly so well-known, let’s stick with it. Regardless of the facts that Hebrew scholars use YaHWeH, and earliest documented evidence shows YHWH – Not JHVH [JeHoVaH] as valid consonants in the name.
This is not the only place the Watchtower Society shows poor reasoning and goes against logic in their explanation of using ‘Jehovah’. The Divine Name brochure on page 7 under ‘God’s Name – It’s Meaning and Pronunciation’ makes the following statements:
“How Is God’s Name Pronounced? The truth is, nobody knows for sure how the name of God was originally pronounced. Why not? Well, the first language used in writing the Bible was Hebrew, and when the Hebrew language was written down, the writers wrote only consonants—not vowels. Hence, when the inspired writers wrote God’s name, they naturally did the same thing and wrote only the consonants. "
Page 8 of the same brochure states:
"Where, though, did pronunciations like Yahweh come from? These are forms that have been suggested by modern scholars trying to deduce the original pronunciation of God’s name. Some—though not all—feel that the Israelites before the time of Jesus probably pronounced God’s name Yahweh. But no one can be sure. Perhaps they pronounced it that way, perhaps not.
Nevertheless, many prefer the pronunciation Jehovah. Why? Because it has a currency and familiarity that Yahweh does not have. Would it not, though, be better to use the form that might be closer to the original pronunciation? Not really, for that is not the custom with Bible names."
The same article then tries to convince the reader that since many other biblical names were translated in a similar fashion (continuing "the custom" argument), translating God's name in the same pattern may be acceptable too. The Watchtower Society is trying to make two wrongs equal a right. After laying that reasoning down, the organization once again shows how faulty their own logic is and then switches gears on page 10:
"...Even though the modern pronunciation Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally, this in no way detracts from the importance of the name. It identifies the Creator, the living God, the Most High to whom Jesus said: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.”—Matthew 6:9.”
Interestingly, the Watchtower Society comments: "...Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally". However, it definitely was not pronounced that way. Their own publication already provided that information. By stating 'might not', it is deceitful and leading the reader to believe there is a chance, it is possible 'Jehovah' is the name of God. The truth is there is zero possibility that 'Jehovah' is correct.
Regardless, since “many prefer” Jehovah over Yahweh, the Watchtower Society is sticking with Jehovah as the official name. This is in spite of the fact that Yahweh is closer to the original pronunciation, as admitted by the organization.
The Watchtower Society is hypocritical and contradictory in the way they approach the name of God. From their own words, it is seen that popular choice and preference outweighs logic and facts. One would think something that Jehovah's Witnesses stress is so monumental in importance, the name of 'The Father'; it would be better decided with facts and truth rather than the popular vote.
Interestingly (and arguably more importantly), the Bible makes the following statements in the area respecting names. In the case where a Jehovah's Witness is taught that God, whom is perceived as just being The Father and is specifically addressed, the Bible notes the following details on the issue.
Exodus 3:13-14 (New King James Version):
"Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”
And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”"
If there was significance in saying the specific name of ‘Jehovah’ God, you would believe that here would be the place for it. God would state a specific divine name, 'Jehovah' or they equivalent thereof to His people. However, He does not do so. Furthermore, application in the New Covenant and Testament provides these specifics regarding a divine name.
Acts 4:10-12 (New King James Version):
"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’[a] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Footnotes:
[a] Acts 4:11 - Psalm 118:22”
The scriptures above make it plain and simple. The name of God – (more specific to Jehovah’s Witnesses, 'The Father' only) - was not provided when God was asked directly for it. However, the name of Jesus Christ is the only one in which salvation is found. There is no other name under heaven given among men in which we must be saved – This includes the ‘popular’ and Watchtower Society preferred name of The Father, 'Jehovah'.
Of course, this only applies if you believe and follow the Bible to be the Word of God. If you perceive a bunch of men who tout themselves as a ‘Governing Body’ who dispense ‘truth’ through a magazine, you’re probably inclined to feel otherwise.
Finally, how did ‘Jehovah’ become so ‘well-known’ and ‘preferred’?
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, (1991) under the heading 'Yahweh', here is how this name came into being:
"The Masoretes, who from about the 6th to the 10th century worked to reproduce the original text of the Hebrew Bible, replaced the vowels of the name YHWH with the vowel signs of the Hebrew word Adonai or Elohim. Thus the artificial name Jehovah (YeHoWaH) came into being."
The Watchtower Society supports the Masoretic and Catholic originated work, while providing a twisted logic and justification for utilizing a manufactured name for God. This in itself is ironic and hypocritical, when you read of the historic bashing of the Catholic faith by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Perhaps the only thing more artificial then the name of God being Jehovah, is the notion of a publishing company being the sole channel of communicating ‘truth’ that same God is using today.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friendship with Jesus Christ
Jehovah’s Witness are taught that friendship with Jesus Christ is highly contingent upon their obedience and support of the Watchtower Society. This has been detailed in many of the Watchtower Society’s publications which Jehovah’s Witnesses are instructed to study and meditate upon.
Let’s take one example: The Watchtower from October 15, 2009 on page 15, under the subheading ‘Friendship with Christ Today’ states the following in paragraph 14:
"How, then can we be friends of Christ? One way is to obey the direction provided by the faithful and discreet slave class, which consists of Jesus' spirit-anointed brothers still alive on earth."
The “faithful and discreet slave class” as mentioned above, consists for Jehovah’s Witnesses of several men who reside in Brooklyn, NY who supposedly look over and approve all literature or ‘spiritual food’ provided to Jehovah’s Witnesses. They set doctrines such as not allowing the transfusion of whole blood, blood fractions are a conscience matter, no celebrating of holidays or birthdays and the shunning of former Jehovah’s Witnesses besides many other regulations and teachings.
It is sickening to think that one’s friendship with Jesus is conditioned with obedience to these men. The article does not stop there though. Continuing further in paragraph 17, this statement is made for Jehovah’s Witnesses to believe as truth:
"A second way that those of the other sheep class can help Christ's brothers is by financially supporting the preaching work."
While Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses will not ‘pass around plates’ so to speak, there are ‘contribution boxes’ found throughout their places of worship. While such monetary contribution may appear on the surface to be voluntary, what is being taught is if you want to be a friend of Jesus you will financially support the preaching work. The Watchtower Society has been masters over many years of causing Jehovah’s Witnesses to ‘read between the lines’ of the indoctrinating messages they dispense in their literature such as the Watchtower. This is just another example of one of them.
If the high level control has not enforced itself enough with this study article for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the next paragraph drives the obedience and support of the Watchtower Society organization home once more. Paragraph 18 brings the following admonition and instructions:
"A third way that all of us prove that we are friends of Christ is by cooperating with the direction provided by congregation elders."
&
"When we overlook the faults of the elders and joyfully follow their directions, we prove our love for Christ."
As if obedience to the men in Brooklyn, NY were not enough along with the financial support of the organization’s preaching work of distributing their literature and asking for money in order to solidify friendship with Jesus, Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that cooperating with the Elders including overlooking their faults and following their directions is what proves your love for Him.
To be friends of Jesus Christ and to prove your love for Him, requires your obedience and support of the Watchtower Society. How convenient for the organization and how terribly controlling for its members.
How much so it contradicts the Bible which clearly states Jesus’ words regarding love and friendship. Even in the Watchtower Society’s version of the Bible, The New World Translation states in John 15: 13-15:
“No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. YOU are my friends if YOU do what I am commanding YOU. I no longer call YOU slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have called YOU friends, because all the things I have heard from my Father I have made known to YOU.”
Jesus never mentioned obedience to an organization as being a stipulation on whether or not he would be friends with an individual. Never was there any hint of financially support a 19th century started publishing company in order to show love or have His friendship either. Furthermore, the notion of going along and joyfully following the directions of elders in the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses in order to prove one’s love for Jesus is so far gone from anything that Christ taught.
It is clearly evident that while the Watchtower Society may print articles respecting ‘Friendship with Jesus’, what their real motive reveals is a controlling, manipulative message of obedience and support of their organization.
Let’s take one example: The Watchtower from October 15, 2009 on page 15, under the subheading ‘Friendship with Christ Today’ states the following in paragraph 14:
"How, then can we be friends of Christ? One way is to obey the direction provided by the faithful and discreet slave class, which consists of Jesus' spirit-anointed brothers still alive on earth."
The “faithful and discreet slave class” as mentioned above, consists for Jehovah’s Witnesses of several men who reside in Brooklyn, NY who supposedly look over and approve all literature or ‘spiritual food’ provided to Jehovah’s Witnesses. They set doctrines such as not allowing the transfusion of whole blood, blood fractions are a conscience matter, no celebrating of holidays or birthdays and the shunning of former Jehovah’s Witnesses besides many other regulations and teachings.
It is sickening to think that one’s friendship with Jesus is conditioned with obedience to these men. The article does not stop there though. Continuing further in paragraph 17, this statement is made for Jehovah’s Witnesses to believe as truth:
"A second way that those of the other sheep class can help Christ's brothers is by financially supporting the preaching work."
While Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses will not ‘pass around plates’ so to speak, there are ‘contribution boxes’ found throughout their places of worship. While such monetary contribution may appear on the surface to be voluntary, what is being taught is if you want to be a friend of Jesus you will financially support the preaching work. The Watchtower Society has been masters over many years of causing Jehovah’s Witnesses to ‘read between the lines’ of the indoctrinating messages they dispense in their literature such as the Watchtower. This is just another example of one of them.
If the high level control has not enforced itself enough with this study article for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the next paragraph drives the obedience and support of the Watchtower Society organization home once more. Paragraph 18 brings the following admonition and instructions:
"A third way that all of us prove that we are friends of Christ is by cooperating with the direction provided by congregation elders."
&
"When we overlook the faults of the elders and joyfully follow their directions, we prove our love for Christ."
As if obedience to the men in Brooklyn, NY were not enough along with the financial support of the organization’s preaching work of distributing their literature and asking for money in order to solidify friendship with Jesus, Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that cooperating with the Elders including overlooking their faults and following their directions is what proves your love for Him.
To be friends of Jesus Christ and to prove your love for Him, requires your obedience and support of the Watchtower Society. How convenient for the organization and how terribly controlling for its members.
How much so it contradicts the Bible which clearly states Jesus’ words regarding love and friendship. Even in the Watchtower Society’s version of the Bible, The New World Translation states in John 15: 13-15:
“No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. YOU are my friends if YOU do what I am commanding YOU. I no longer call YOU slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have called YOU friends, because all the things I have heard from my Father I have made known to YOU.”
Jesus never mentioned obedience to an organization as being a stipulation on whether or not he would be friends with an individual. Never was there any hint of financially support a 19th century started publishing company in order to show love or have His friendship either. Furthermore, the notion of going along and joyfully following the directions of elders in the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses in order to prove one’s love for Jesus is so far gone from anything that Christ taught.
It is clearly evident that while the Watchtower Society may print articles respecting ‘Friendship with Jesus’, what their real motive reveals is a controlling, manipulative message of obedience and support of their organization.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Preaching From House to House
Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught and will often teach others one of the reasons their religion is the true one is because of their 'house to house' preaching activity. Furthermore, they will state that it was a commandment from Jesus to do so.
It is an interesting discussion point, and it begs the question of whether preaching 'house to house' is a commandment from Jesus which leads to being a mark for a so-called true religion.
The literal phrase ‘house to house’ in the Watchtower Society’s published Bible, “The New World Translation” can be found three times in the Christian Greek section of the scriptures. The first two times we will discuss, support their doctrine concerning preaching ‘house to house’:
Acts 20:20 - "While I did not hold back from telling YOU any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching YOU publicly and from house to house."
Acts 5:42 - "And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus."
In both of those scriptures, the words in the original Greek are “kata oikos” in which the Watchtower Society decided 'house to house' was the best interpretation to present. However, this phrase is better translated as ‘according to house’ as opposed to ‘house to house’. The Reference Bible of The New World Translation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses agrees with this, as the footnote of Acts 5:42 states:
[Literally] “according to house”.
Some other bible translations have also mistranslated the expression as 'house to house'. That is why it is key and vital to go back to the original Greek writings when there is conflict or doubt. A proper translation for 'house to house' would be the Greek phrase “oikia eis oikia”. To say the very least, the notion that 'kata oikos' refers to a literal 'house to house' ministry by the apostle Paul is disputable at best.
Interestingly, the phrase “oikia eis oikia” does appear in the original Greek manuscripts, but in another place. Here is also the third place we will look for the phrase ‘house to house’ in The New World Translation.
Luke 10:7 “So stay in that house, eating and drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not be transferring from house to house.”
This is Jesus speaking. While Paul's admonition in the Bible book of Acts is disputable to say the least, Jesus' command regarding the ministry is not to move from ‘house to house’. Other translations also show this to be Jesus’ command:
New International Version (NIV): "Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house."
American Standard Version (ASV): "And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."
New King James Version (NKJV): "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Young's Literal Translation (YLT): "And in that house remain, eating and drinking the things they have, for worthy [is] the workman of his hire; go not from house to house,"
English Standard Version (ESV): "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Additional scriptures that Jehovah’s Witnesses may fall back on (Such as Matthew 24:14 or Matthew 28:19, 20) concern preaching, but no-where are there any indication that it must be done 'house to house'.
Furthermore, when we look at other scriptures, it can provide valuable insight concerning what to be on the watch for during the “last days”. A scripture passage which many Jehovah’s Witnesses are familiar with and may at times focus on is from 2 Timothy 3: 1-5. Some may even be able to quote it verbatim.
Let’s though, take a look at the next verse. Let’s focus on 2 Timothy 3:6:
“For from these arise those men who slyly work their way into households and lead as their captives weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires,”
The Bible is warning against people who "Slyly work their way into households". Could not this possibly be a warning about those who are coming to your home and trying to convince you that they have “the truth”? Young’s Literal Translation phrases it this way:
"[F]or of these there are those coming into the houses and leading captive the silly women, laden with sins, led away with desires manifold,"
The New International Version puts it ever so clearly:
“They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,"
When pondering the above, do not forget that the Watchtower Society used Johannes Greber’s translation as justification for their actions when it came to the omitting or adding of words to the New World Translation for decades, this is despite the fact that they knew he was into occult practices.
Most importantly, research; while Jesus did make mention of preaching, the notion of it comprising of a ‘house to house’ activity (Which is the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses preaching) is not present in the scriptures. When you read Luke chapter 10 in its entirety, Jesus provides directions to his disciples, breaking them into groups, they were to stay in the house which had received the message favorably and not go from ‘house to house’. Verse 7 of chapter 10 shows that succinctly, and first century Christians handled their ministry in that manner. They did not preach from ‘house to house’ in the manner Jehovah's Witnesses do today.
A huge factor as to why Jehovah’s Witnesses are preaching ‘house to house’ is because the Watchtower Society tells them that’s what they need to do. It is a part of the Watchtower Society’s teaching of one working towards or earning their salvation. Jesus never instructed such a thing and even the version of the Bible Jehovah’s Witnesses are instructed to primarily use, The New World Translation, bears witness to the fact…
Do not be transferring from house to house.
It is an interesting discussion point, and it begs the question of whether preaching 'house to house' is a commandment from Jesus which leads to being a mark for a so-called true religion.
The literal phrase ‘house to house’ in the Watchtower Society’s published Bible, “The New World Translation” can be found three times in the Christian Greek section of the scriptures. The first two times we will discuss, support their doctrine concerning preaching ‘house to house’:
Acts 20:20 - "While I did not hold back from telling YOU any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching YOU publicly and from house to house."
Acts 5:42 - "And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus."
In both of those scriptures, the words in the original Greek are “kata oikos” in which the Watchtower Society decided 'house to house' was the best interpretation to present. However, this phrase is better translated as ‘according to house’ as opposed to ‘house to house’. The Reference Bible of The New World Translation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses agrees with this, as the footnote of Acts 5:42 states:
[Literally] “according to house”.
Some other bible translations have also mistranslated the expression as 'house to house'. That is why it is key and vital to go back to the original Greek writings when there is conflict or doubt. A proper translation for 'house to house' would be the Greek phrase “oikia eis oikia”. To say the very least, the notion that 'kata oikos' refers to a literal 'house to house' ministry by the apostle Paul is disputable at best.
Interestingly, the phrase “oikia eis oikia” does appear in the original Greek manuscripts, but in another place. Here is also the third place we will look for the phrase ‘house to house’ in The New World Translation.
Luke 10:7 “So stay in that house, eating and drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not be transferring from house to house.”
This is Jesus speaking. While Paul's admonition in the Bible book of Acts is disputable to say the least, Jesus' command regarding the ministry is not to move from ‘house to house’. Other translations also show this to be Jesus’ command:
New International Version (NIV): "Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house."
American Standard Version (ASV): "And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."
New King James Version (NKJV): "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Young's Literal Translation (YLT): "And in that house remain, eating and drinking the things they have, for worthy [is] the workman of his hire; go not from house to house,"
English Standard Version (ESV): "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house."
Additional scriptures that Jehovah’s Witnesses may fall back on (Such as Matthew 24:14 or Matthew 28:19, 20) concern preaching, but no-where are there any indication that it must be done 'house to house'.
Furthermore, when we look at other scriptures, it can provide valuable insight concerning what to be on the watch for during the “last days”. A scripture passage which many Jehovah’s Witnesses are familiar with and may at times focus on is from 2 Timothy 3: 1-5. Some may even be able to quote it verbatim.
Let’s though, take a look at the next verse. Let’s focus on 2 Timothy 3:6:
“For from these arise those men who slyly work their way into households and lead as their captives weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires,”
The Bible is warning against people who "Slyly work their way into households". Could not this possibly be a warning about those who are coming to your home and trying to convince you that they have “the truth”? Young’s Literal Translation phrases it this way:
"[F]or of these there are those coming into the houses and leading captive the silly women, laden with sins, led away with desires manifold,"
The New International Version puts it ever so clearly:
“They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,"
When pondering the above, do not forget that the Watchtower Society used Johannes Greber’s translation as justification for their actions when it came to the omitting or adding of words to the New World Translation for decades, this is despite the fact that they knew he was into occult practices.
Most importantly, research; while Jesus did make mention of preaching, the notion of it comprising of a ‘house to house’ activity (Which is the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses preaching) is not present in the scriptures. When you read Luke chapter 10 in its entirety, Jesus provides directions to his disciples, breaking them into groups, they were to stay in the house which had received the message favorably and not go from ‘house to house’. Verse 7 of chapter 10 shows that succinctly, and first century Christians handled their ministry in that manner. They did not preach from ‘house to house’ in the manner Jehovah's Witnesses do today.
A huge factor as to why Jehovah’s Witnesses are preaching ‘house to house’ is because the Watchtower Society tells them that’s what they need to do. It is a part of the Watchtower Society’s teaching of one working towards or earning their salvation. Jesus never instructed such a thing and even the version of the Bible Jehovah’s Witnesses are instructed to primarily use, The New World Translation, bears witness to the fact…
Do not be transferring from house to house.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Alpha And Omega
Using the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Published by the Watchtower Society), read Revelation 1:8. It states that Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega:
“I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga,” says Jehovah God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”
In any other Bible Translation, Revelation 1:8 is referring to Jesus. Other Bible translations simply render the verse as follows:
New International Version - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
New American Standard Bible - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
English Standard Version - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
New King James Version - “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, ”says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Young's Literal Translation - `I am the Alpha and the Omega, beginning and end, saith the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is coming -- the Almighty.'
Remember though, according to the Watchtower Society’s translation of the scripture, it inserts the name Jehovah into the verse. Despite the fact that the Tetragrammaton does not appear in any of the Bible scrolls for this Bible verse. Nonetheless, for argument sake, let’s stick with the notion that the Watchtower Society is right respecting Jehovah and not Jesus being spoken of in Revelation 1:8.
Then, turn to Revelation chapter 22. If you read the entire chapter it is speaking about Jesus – the one who is coming quickly. Even if you read Revelation 22 from the New World Translation, it plainly shows that Jesus is the one being referred to and he is the Alpha and the Omega as stated in Revelation 22:13. To show such is not being taken out of context we will site from verse 10 onward of chapter 22:
"10 He also tells me: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near. 11 He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still; and let the filthy one be made filthy still; but let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let the holy one be made holy still.
12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. 13 I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority [to go] to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.’
16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to YOU people of these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star.’”
17 And the spirit and the bride keep on saying: “Come!” And let anyone hearing say: “Come!” And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.
18 “I am bearing witness to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll.
20 “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’”
“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”
21 [May] the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ [be] with the holy ones."
By its very definition only God can be the Alpha and the Omega (‘The First and the Last’ of everything).
So which is it? If you believe most other translations of Revelation 1:8 including: The New International Version, The New King James Version, The English Standard Version, New American Standard, Young’s Literal Translation, etc., Jesus is the Alpha and Omega at both Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 22:13.
Again, the Alpha and the Omega by its very definition (‘The First and The Last’ of everything) can only be God. That of course would be a huge problem for Jehovah’s Witnesses as they are taught Jesus is not God according to their Organization's Governing Body.
If you believe, the New World Translation of the Scriptures as published by the Watchtower Society, then at Revelation 1:8, Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega, and at Revelation 22:13, Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. How can that be so? How can both Jehovah and Jesus be the Alpha and the Omega?
Is not it interesting too that the Bible ends speaking of Jesus Christ and not Jehovah?
“I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga,” says Jehovah God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”
In any other Bible Translation, Revelation 1:8 is referring to Jesus. Other Bible translations simply render the verse as follows:
New International Version - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
New American Standard Bible - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
English Standard Version - "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
New King James Version - “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, ”says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Young's Literal Translation - `I am the Alpha and the Omega, beginning and end, saith the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is coming -- the Almighty.'
Remember though, according to the Watchtower Society’s translation of the scripture, it inserts the name Jehovah into the verse. Despite the fact that the Tetragrammaton does not appear in any of the Bible scrolls for this Bible verse. Nonetheless, for argument sake, let’s stick with the notion that the Watchtower Society is right respecting Jehovah and not Jesus being spoken of in Revelation 1:8.
Then, turn to Revelation chapter 22. If you read the entire chapter it is speaking about Jesus – the one who is coming quickly. Even if you read Revelation 22 from the New World Translation, it plainly shows that Jesus is the one being referred to and he is the Alpha and the Omega as stated in Revelation 22:13. To show such is not being taken out of context we will site from verse 10 onward of chapter 22:
"10 He also tells me: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near. 11 He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still; and let the filthy one be made filthy still; but let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let the holy one be made holy still.
12 “‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. 13 I am the Al´pha and the O·me´ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority [to go] to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.’
16 “‘I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to YOU people of these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star.’”
17 And the spirit and the bride keep on saying: “Come!” And let anyone hearing say: “Come!” And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.
18 “I am bearing witness to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll.
20 “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’”
“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”
21 [May] the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ [be] with the holy ones."
By its very definition only God can be the Alpha and the Omega (‘The First and the Last’ of everything).
So which is it? If you believe most other translations of Revelation 1:8 including: The New International Version, The New King James Version, The English Standard Version, New American Standard, Young’s Literal Translation, etc., Jesus is the Alpha and Omega at both Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 22:13.
Again, the Alpha and the Omega by its very definition (‘The First and The Last’ of everything) can only be God. That of course would be a huge problem for Jehovah’s Witnesses as they are taught Jesus is not God according to their Organization's Governing Body.
If you believe, the New World Translation of the Scriptures as published by the Watchtower Society, then at Revelation 1:8, Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega, and at Revelation 22:13, Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. How can that be so? How can both Jehovah and Jesus be the Alpha and the Omega?
Is not it interesting too that the Bible ends speaking of Jesus Christ and not Jehovah?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Unique?
Jehovah's Witnesses will often pride themselves believing they stand out from all other religions in the world today. They alone have and teach the truth. Let's examine such claims.
Teaching/Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses parallel Christadelphians in many areas. This is inclusive of but not limited to:
-State that their beliefs are based wholly on the Bible.
-They believe that God is the creator of all things and the father of true believers, that he is a separate being from his son, Jesus Christ.
-Jesus is the promised Messiah, in whom the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament find their fulfillment.
-After death, believers are in a state of non-existence, knowing nothing until the Resurrection.
-Reject a number of doctrines held by many other Christians, notably the immortality of the soul, trinitarianism, the baptism of infants, and the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
-Hell is understood to refer to death and the grave, rather than being a place of eternal torment.
-Organized into local congregations.
-Women are typically not eligible to teach.
-Refuse to participate in any military because they are conscientious objectors.
-A strong emphasis on personal Bible reading and study.
Those are just some of the similarities. Any credit for the above given to Jehovah's Witnesses can equally be given to Christadelphians.
Teaching/Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses parallel House of Yahweh as well:
-Membership of all races from nations all over the globe welcoming all "who will repent of sin and follow Yahweh's Law."
-Claims to be associated with no other faith and indeed asserts that other faiths, especially Christianity, are corrupt and false.
-Believes it is the one true faith, as revealed by the Creator from the beginning, and reestablished again in what they believe are the prophesied end times.
-Christmas, Easter, and birthdays are not celebrated.
-Once a year on the evening before Passover, members hold a solemn observance Memorial, referring to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
-Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe.
-Yahshua Messiah gave all glory, honor and obedience to Yahweh who is not a trinity, but one individual being with no equal or partners.
-They publish an edition of the Bible, which removes any and all words or concepts which are thought to be pagan corruptions.
Again, these are just some of the similarities. Any credit for the above given to Jehovah's Witnesses can equally be given to House of Yahweh. Further, arguably 'Yahweh' is closer to the pronunciation of the Father's name than 'Jehovah'.
The reality is there are hundreds of areas to measure upon, and two extremes for each area. The Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught to take preaching to one extreme (imagining it is the most important of God's commandments), but then love (which actually is the most important) they can take to the opposite extreme (Love is disposable). For example, see where the love goes once an individual disassociates themselves from the organization or is disfellowshipped, despite the reason(s).
Since the individuals running the Watchtower Society are imperfect, their teachings are imperfect; they are therefore really no different from anyone else's imperfect teachings. Would God smite one religion because they only got it 85% "correct", and another got it 87% "correct"? Does the religion which has 75% of the teachings "right" have God's favor over the one with only 50% "right"? No God would be so shallow or stupid.
Truth is Jehovah's Witnesses are deep into Restorationism similar to their Seventh-day Adventists roots. Restorationism applies to the Restoration Movement and numerous other movements that originated in the United States and grew in the early and mid 19th century. It refers to the belief held by various religious movements that pristine or original Christianity should be restored, while usually claiming to be the source of that restoration. This is also seen in the religions mentioned earlier as well as Latter Day Saints (Mormons).
Jehovah's Witnesses are also into Millenarianism; which is the belief by a religious, social, or political group or movement in a coming major transformation of society, after which all things will be changed in a positive direction. While it is true there are groups involved in Millenarianism since centuries ago, dozens of books promoting Millenarianism were published in the first three decades of the 19th century, and many new Millenarian societies were formed since then. A short list of millenarian groups besides Jehovah’s Witnesses includes:
-Aum Supreme Truth
-Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
-Branch Davidians
-Dulcinianism
-Heaven's Gate
-Hinduism
-Hojjatieh
-Joachimites
-Judaism
-Plymouth Brethren
-Rastafari Movement
-Shakers
-Taiping Rebellion
-The Living Church of God
-The Lord's Resistance Army
-Yellow Turbans
Jehovah's Witnesses are not unique with their teachings and beliefs. There are hundreds of thousands of faiths and beliefs in the world. Jehovah's Witnesses are just another one of them with a proven history of inaccurate teachings, flip-flopping of doctrine, and false prophesy. How can they be the 'true religion' or sole communication of truth God is using today?
Teaching/Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses parallel Christadelphians in many areas. This is inclusive of but not limited to:
-State that their beliefs are based wholly on the Bible.
-They believe that God is the creator of all things and the father of true believers, that he is a separate being from his son, Jesus Christ.
-Jesus is the promised Messiah, in whom the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament find their fulfillment.
-After death, believers are in a state of non-existence, knowing nothing until the Resurrection.
-Reject a number of doctrines held by many other Christians, notably the immortality of the soul, trinitarianism, the baptism of infants, and the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
-Hell is understood to refer to death and the grave, rather than being a place of eternal torment.
-Organized into local congregations.
-Women are typically not eligible to teach.
-Refuse to participate in any military because they are conscientious objectors.
-A strong emphasis on personal Bible reading and study.
Those are just some of the similarities. Any credit for the above given to Jehovah's Witnesses can equally be given to Christadelphians.
Teaching/Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses parallel House of Yahweh as well:
-Membership of all races from nations all over the globe welcoming all "who will repent of sin and follow Yahweh's Law."
-Claims to be associated with no other faith and indeed asserts that other faiths, especially Christianity, are corrupt and false.
-Believes it is the one true faith, as revealed by the Creator from the beginning, and reestablished again in what they believe are the prophesied end times.
-Christmas, Easter, and birthdays are not celebrated.
-Once a year on the evening before Passover, members hold a solemn observance Memorial, referring to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
-Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe.
-Yahshua Messiah gave all glory, honor and obedience to Yahweh who is not a trinity, but one individual being with no equal or partners.
-They publish an edition of the Bible, which removes any and all words or concepts which are thought to be pagan corruptions.
Again, these are just some of the similarities. Any credit for the above given to Jehovah's Witnesses can equally be given to House of Yahweh. Further, arguably 'Yahweh' is closer to the pronunciation of the Father's name than 'Jehovah'.
The reality is there are hundreds of areas to measure upon, and two extremes for each area. The Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught to take preaching to one extreme (imagining it is the most important of God's commandments), but then love (which actually is the most important) they can take to the opposite extreme (Love is disposable). For example, see where the love goes once an individual disassociates themselves from the organization or is disfellowshipped, despite the reason(s).
Since the individuals running the Watchtower Society are imperfect, their teachings are imperfect; they are therefore really no different from anyone else's imperfect teachings. Would God smite one religion because they only got it 85% "correct", and another got it 87% "correct"? Does the religion which has 75% of the teachings "right" have God's favor over the one with only 50% "right"? No God would be so shallow or stupid.
Truth is Jehovah's Witnesses are deep into Restorationism similar to their Seventh-day Adventists roots. Restorationism applies to the Restoration Movement and numerous other movements that originated in the United States and grew in the early and mid 19th century. It refers to the belief held by various religious movements that pristine or original Christianity should be restored, while usually claiming to be the source of that restoration. This is also seen in the religions mentioned earlier as well as Latter Day Saints (Mormons).
Jehovah's Witnesses are also into Millenarianism; which is the belief by a religious, social, or political group or movement in a coming major transformation of society, after which all things will be changed in a positive direction. While it is true there are groups involved in Millenarianism since centuries ago, dozens of books promoting Millenarianism were published in the first three decades of the 19th century, and many new Millenarian societies were formed since then. A short list of millenarian groups besides Jehovah’s Witnesses includes:
-Aum Supreme Truth
-Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
-Branch Davidians
-Dulcinianism
-Heaven's Gate
-Hinduism
-Hojjatieh
-Joachimites
-Judaism
-Plymouth Brethren
-Rastafari Movement
-Shakers
-Taiping Rebellion
-The Living Church of God
-The Lord's Resistance Army
-Yellow Turbans
Jehovah's Witnesses are not unique with their teachings and beliefs. There are hundreds of thousands of faiths and beliefs in the world. Jehovah's Witnesses are just another one of them with a proven history of inaccurate teachings, flip-flopping of doctrine, and false prophesy. How can they be the 'true religion' or sole communication of truth God is using today?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Firstborn = First Created?
The biblical use of the word “firstborn” can have different meanings. The first born child in a physical family is one of its meanings. This is exemplified in Luke 2:7:
“And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn, and she bound him with cloth bands and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the lodging room.”
Another meaning of the word “firstborn” is pre-eminence (This in turn means to have paramount rank, dignity, or importance). For example, notice what Psalm 89:20, 27 states:
“I have found David my servant; With my holy oil I have anointed him...Also, I myself shall place him as firstborn, The most high of the kings of the earth.”
Furthermore, “firstborn” in the scriptures can also be a title which is transferable. This is indicated by the information from two set of scriptures. The first is Genesis 41:51-52, there it states:
"So Joseph called the name of the firstborn Ma•nas´seh, because, to quote him, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all the house of my father.” And the name of the second he called E´phra•im, because, to quote him, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my wretchedness.”"
In the above scripture Manasseh is the firstborn. The second is Ephraim. The firstborn title is transferred though to Ephraim as indicated in Jeremiah 31:9:
"With weeping they will come, and with [their] entreaties for favor I shall bring them. I shall make them walk to torrent valleys of water, in a right way in which they will not be caused to stumble. For I have become to Israel a Father; and as for E´phra•im, he is my firstborn."
With all of the above in mind, we come to the scripture in Colossians 1:15-17 which speaks of Jesus as being the firstborn of all creation and about creation in general:
(New World Translation) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist"
The above scripture with the addition of “[other]” in several places supports and leads one to conclude that firstborn in this scripture indicates first created. The logic being, Jesus was created first and then all “[other]” things were created by him as he could not have created himself.
This logic would be accurate if firstborn in the above scripture did in fact indicate first created. It does not. At the time in which Paul wrote the above scriptures, the Greek word for first created is proto with ktizo. This is not what Paul used when examining the Greek writings. Rather, Paul used the Greek word for firstborn with the indication of pre-eminence which is proto with tikto.
If Paul wanted to clearly indicate Jesus was first created he would have used the Greek word protoktizo; rather, it was not Paul’s intention to indicate such. Jesus is before all things in pre-eminence and Paul indicated that by using the Greek word prototikto.
The original writings of the scriptures did not contain the “[other]” placements as done by the Watchtower Society in their New World Translation of the Bible. Furthermore, it is not needed as Paul is speaking of pre-eminence and not of being first created. That is why other translations do not contain the “[other]” in the verses...
(New International Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
(New American Standard Bible) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
(New King James Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
(Young's Literal Translation) : "who is the image of the invisible God, first-born of all creation, because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created, and himself is before all, and the all things in him have consisted."
Indeed, the Watchtower Society is adding to the scriptures to support its doctrine and teaching that Jesus was created. That is not what Colossians is stating. Jesus is the pre-eminent one of all things. The Watchtower Society should not be adjusting scripture to fit their doctrine and teaching. They should be adjusting their doctrine and teaching to fit scripture.
“And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn, and she bound him with cloth bands and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the lodging room.”
Another meaning of the word “firstborn” is pre-eminence (This in turn means to have paramount rank, dignity, or importance). For example, notice what Psalm 89:20, 27 states:
“I have found David my servant; With my holy oil I have anointed him...Also, I myself shall place him as firstborn, The most high of the kings of the earth.”
Furthermore, “firstborn” in the scriptures can also be a title which is transferable. This is indicated by the information from two set of scriptures. The first is Genesis 41:51-52, there it states:
"So Joseph called the name of the firstborn Ma•nas´seh, because, to quote him, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all the house of my father.” And the name of the second he called E´phra•im, because, to quote him, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my wretchedness.”"
In the above scripture Manasseh is the firstborn. The second is Ephraim. The firstborn title is transferred though to Ephraim as indicated in Jeremiah 31:9:
"With weeping they will come, and with [their] entreaties for favor I shall bring them. I shall make them walk to torrent valleys of water, in a right way in which they will not be caused to stumble. For I have become to Israel a Father; and as for E´phra•im, he is my firstborn."
With all of the above in mind, we come to the scripture in Colossians 1:15-17 which speaks of Jesus as being the firstborn of all creation and about creation in general:
(New World Translation) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist"
The above scripture with the addition of “[other]” in several places supports and leads one to conclude that firstborn in this scripture indicates first created. The logic being, Jesus was created first and then all “[other]” things were created by him as he could not have created himself.
This logic would be accurate if firstborn in the above scripture did in fact indicate first created. It does not. At the time in which Paul wrote the above scriptures, the Greek word for first created is proto with ktizo. This is not what Paul used when examining the Greek writings. Rather, Paul used the Greek word for firstborn with the indication of pre-eminence which is proto with tikto.
If Paul wanted to clearly indicate Jesus was first created he would have used the Greek word protoktizo; rather, it was not Paul’s intention to indicate such. Jesus is before all things in pre-eminence and Paul indicated that by using the Greek word prototikto.
The original writings of the scriptures did not contain the “[other]” placements as done by the Watchtower Society in their New World Translation of the Bible. Furthermore, it is not needed as Paul is speaking of pre-eminence and not of being first created. That is why other translations do not contain the “[other]” in the verses...
(New International Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
(New American Standard Bible) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
(New King James Version) : "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."
(Young's Literal Translation) : "who is the image of the invisible God, first-born of all creation, because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created, and himself is before all, and the all things in him have consisted."
Indeed, the Watchtower Society is adding to the scriptures to support its doctrine and teaching that Jesus was created. That is not what Colossians is stating. Jesus is the pre-eminent one of all things. The Watchtower Society should not be adjusting scripture to fit their doctrine and teaching. They should be adjusting their doctrine and teaching to fit scripture.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Memorial
As we approach closer to the date Thursday, April 9, 2009, Jehovah's Witnesses will anxiously be awaiting the day and more specifically after sundown in which they will observe the Watchtower Society's version of commemorating the death of Jesus Christ, also referred to as the Lord's Evening Meal. Jehovah's Witnesses perform this event annually on the day which corresponds to Nisan 14 on the Jewish calendar.
However, unlike traditional Christianity which when adhering to the admonition of Jesus and partake during their observance according to the following scripture...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
...Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that only those claiming to be a part of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation should partake. Everyone else passes the wine and bread which symbolize Jesus' flesh and blood without partaking.
What is the reason for this teaching?
For the reason that Jesus established a new covenant, one in which those that were a part of it would have everlasting life in the heavens with him. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that only a limited number of 144,000 individuals will go to heaven, and everyone else will either be destroyed at Armageddon or remain on the earth under “paradise” conditions.
Those who survive Armageddon on the earth make up the Watchtower Society's understanding of what entails the "great crowd" mentioned in the Bible [In select verses]. Furthermore, those who are not of the remaining 144,000 do not have Jesus as their mediator. Only the remaining Jehovah's Witness members who claim to be a part of the 144,000 have that relationship according to the Watchtower Society.
"Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Isreal, which is limited to only 144,000 members." - Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace, page 10.
The Watchtower Society's teaching of a literal 144,000 is from their understanding of the seventh chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 7:1: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel"
Interestingly, the entire rest of the surrounding verses and details are symbolic, but somehow the 144,000 is a literal number according to the Watchtower Society. They also use as support of their doctrine, Revelation chapter 14.
Revelation 14:1, 4-5: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. ...These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, 5 and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish."
Again, the 144,000 is literal, but other details such as "...did not defile themselves with women...”, "...have the name of Lamb and Father on their foreheads...", "...are virgins...", "...have no falsehood on their mouths...", "...are without blemish..." are all symbolic or figurative.
Furthermore, the phrase "great crowd" appears in Revelation and they are clearly located in the heavens:
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
A Jehovah's Witness may have been taught an explanation of something along the lines of that great crowd is different than the great crowd of Armageddon survivors. According to the Watchtower Society teachings, apparently the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 7:9: "After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands."
...refers to people living on the earth.
BUT the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
...refers to angels.
Both scriptures use the terminology “great crowd”; both verses are from the same Bible book and the same writer. In both instances “great crowd” is preceded by the phrase "After these things", but somehow, the same designation "great crowd" indicates two complete different groups. How does the Watchtower Society know their understanding is correct? Because the Watchtower Society says so and they have a way of rationalizing and claiming their current teachings are the absolute truth in harmony with their interpretation of scripture.
An example of such is when vaccinations were not allowed. A short time ago, blood fractions were not allowed, and blood transfusions are still not permitted. Let's not forget the stance that organ transplants were viewed as cannibalistic for years by the Watchtower Society as well.
The Watchtower Society is guilty of costing the physical lives of many by their teachings. Not to forget the effects of the mental and emotional conditioning. Should a Christian take the Watchtower Society's view of partaking or not partaking of the bread and wine, knowing very well what the scriptures state regarding everlasting life?
At one time the Watchtower Society taught all Christians were going to heaven, then the Watchtower Society's second president J.F. Rutherford in 1935, started teaching a concept of a great crowd living forever on earth. Will this be another teaching the Watchtower Society flip-flops on?
Similar to the teaching concerning the resurrection of the men of Sodom, the understanding of the "superior authorities", and the "generation", teachings of the Watchtower Society which either went back and forth over and over again in what was believed to be "truth", or became several things over many years, only to end right back to an original old “light" teaching again. Yet, regardless of the teaching at the time, it was still always "the truth".
Maybe someday the Watchtower Society will teach Jehovah's Witnesses "the truth" as they once did, that according to the scriptures, for all Christians their everlasting life is in the heavens.
Remember what the Bible teaches that Jesus stated...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses may continue to roll the dice on the Watchtower Society teaching being "the truth" and not simply opinion. "The truth" of the Watchtower Society has changed so many times on a variety of doctrinal teachings. Furthermore, some Christians may believe Jehovah's Witnesses not partaking definitively means the passing up of everlasting life. Whatever your beliefs are it certainly does not have to be "the truth" of the Watchtower Society.
However, unlike traditional Christianity which when adhering to the admonition of Jesus and partake during their observance according to the following scripture...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
...Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that only those claiming to be a part of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation should partake. Everyone else passes the wine and bread which symbolize Jesus' flesh and blood without partaking.
What is the reason for this teaching?
For the reason that Jesus established a new covenant, one in which those that were a part of it would have everlasting life in the heavens with him. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that only a limited number of 144,000 individuals will go to heaven, and everyone else will either be destroyed at Armageddon or remain on the earth under “paradise” conditions.
Those who survive Armageddon on the earth make up the Watchtower Society's understanding of what entails the "great crowd" mentioned in the Bible [In select verses]. Furthermore, those who are not of the remaining 144,000 do not have Jesus as their mediator. Only the remaining Jehovah's Witness members who claim to be a part of the 144,000 have that relationship according to the Watchtower Society.
"Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Isreal, which is limited to only 144,000 members." - Worldwide Security Under the Prince of Peace, page 10.
The Watchtower Society's teaching of a literal 144,000 is from their understanding of the seventh chapter of Revelation.
Revelation 7:1: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel"
Interestingly, the entire rest of the surrounding verses and details are symbolic, but somehow the 144,000 is a literal number according to the Watchtower Society. They also use as support of their doctrine, Revelation chapter 14.
Revelation 14:1, 4-5: "And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. ...These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, 5 and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish."
Again, the 144,000 is literal, but other details such as "...did not defile themselves with women...”, "...have the name of Lamb and Father on their foreheads...", "...are virgins...", "...have no falsehood on their mouths...", "...are without blemish..." are all symbolic or figurative.
Furthermore, the phrase "great crowd" appears in Revelation and they are clearly located in the heavens:
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
A Jehovah's Witness may have been taught an explanation of something along the lines of that great crowd is different than the great crowd of Armageddon survivors. According to the Watchtower Society teachings, apparently the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 7:9: "After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands."
...refers to people living on the earth.
BUT the great crowd mentioned here...
Revelation 19:1: "After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: “Praise Jah, YOU people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God"
...refers to angels.
Both scriptures use the terminology “great crowd”; both verses are from the same Bible book and the same writer. In both instances “great crowd” is preceded by the phrase "After these things", but somehow, the same designation "great crowd" indicates two complete different groups. How does the Watchtower Society know their understanding is correct? Because the Watchtower Society says so and they have a way of rationalizing and claiming their current teachings are the absolute truth in harmony with their interpretation of scripture.
An example of such is when vaccinations were not allowed. A short time ago, blood fractions were not allowed, and blood transfusions are still not permitted. Let's not forget the stance that organ transplants were viewed as cannibalistic for years by the Watchtower Society as well.
The Watchtower Society is guilty of costing the physical lives of many by their teachings. Not to forget the effects of the mental and emotional conditioning. Should a Christian take the Watchtower Society's view of partaking or not partaking of the bread and wine, knowing very well what the scriptures state regarding everlasting life?
At one time the Watchtower Society taught all Christians were going to heaven, then the Watchtower Society's second president J.F. Rutherford in 1935, started teaching a concept of a great crowd living forever on earth. Will this be another teaching the Watchtower Society flip-flops on?
Similar to the teaching concerning the resurrection of the men of Sodom, the understanding of the "superior authorities", and the "generation", teachings of the Watchtower Society which either went back and forth over and over again in what was believed to be "truth", or became several things over many years, only to end right back to an original old “light" teaching again. Yet, regardless of the teaching at the time, it was still always "the truth".
Maybe someday the Watchtower Society will teach Jehovah's Witnesses "the truth" as they once did, that according to the scriptures, for all Christians their everlasting life is in the heavens.
Remember what the Bible teaches that Jesus stated...
John 6:53-54: "Accordingly Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day"
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses may continue to roll the dice on the Watchtower Society teaching being "the truth" and not simply opinion. "The truth" of the Watchtower Society has changed so many times on a variety of doctrinal teachings. Furthermore, some Christians may believe Jehovah's Witnesses not partaking definitively means the passing up of everlasting life. Whatever your beliefs are it certainly does not have to be "the truth" of the Watchtower Society.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Twisted Teachings
Terminology and concepts for a Jehovah's Witness can vary greatly then that of someone who is familiar with traditional Christianity and/or the Bible. The Watchtower Society has provided a vocabulary to Jehovah's Witnesses which consist of ideas and concepts from their own interpretation and at times their own unique rendering of scriptural verses. Some of these twisted teachings are as follows:
Death
Watchtower Society = A state of non-existence, sleep, deny an immaterial soul and/or spirit.
Christianity = Soul and spirit remain conscious after physical death.
Reference: Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 6:9.
God
Watchtower Society = Jehovah.
Christianity = The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Hell
Watchtower Society = The common grave of mankind, no conscious existence and/or punishment.
Christianity = Eternal separation from God, conscious everlasting punishment.
Reference: Matthew 25:41, 46.
Holy Spirit
Watchtower Society = God’s active force, impersonal.
Christianity = Third member of Trinity, fully God, personal.
Reference: Acts 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30.
Jesus Christ
Watchtower Society = First created being by Jehovah, a god, Michael the Archangel.
Christianity = Fully God and fully man, equal to the Father in nature, eternal, omnipotent Creator.
Reference: John 1:1*, 5:18, 20:28.
*The Watchtower Society’s New World Translation renders this verse "a god". However, obtain their ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ from 1969 and lookup the passage.
Resurrection of Christ
Watchtower Society = Rose as a spirit being.
Christianity = Rose in physical body.
Reference: John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-39.
Salvation
Watchtower Society = Living forever on a restored earth, or Paradise.
Christianity = Eternal life in heaven in the presence of God.
Reference: Philippians 3:20.
Second Coming of Christ
Watchtower Society = Occurred invisibly in 1914.
Christianity = A future event that will be plainly visible.
Reference: Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.
The Watchtower Society's twisted teachings are presented as absolute fact and "the truth" to Jehovah's Witnesses and others. By reading the scriptural passages without the influence of the Watchtower Society, does one reach the same conclusions as taught by them?
According to the Watchtower, August 15, 1981 issue, page 29, paragraph 14:
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
Within their own literature, the Watchtower Society states if you read the Bible exclusively or in small groups at your home, you will come to the doctrines taught by "Christendom". Why is that the case? If you read the Bible exclusively, should you not come to the teachings taught by the Watchtower Society? The truth is the Watchtower Society's teachings are twisted, and the Watchtower quote above is their own admission to the facts.
Is it any wonder then, that the Watchtower Society also instructs Jehovah's Witnesses in the following way?
From Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Read the Bible for yourself without the influence of the Watchtower Society. A few scriptures are referenced above for some teachings. Do the readings, do the research, and prove it to you.
Death
Watchtower Society = A state of non-existence, sleep, deny an immaterial soul and/or spirit.
Christianity = Soul and spirit remain conscious after physical death.
Reference: Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 6:9.
God
Watchtower Society = Jehovah.
Christianity = The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Hell
Watchtower Society = The common grave of mankind, no conscious existence and/or punishment.
Christianity = Eternal separation from God, conscious everlasting punishment.
Reference: Matthew 25:41, 46.
Holy Spirit
Watchtower Society = God’s active force, impersonal.
Christianity = Third member of Trinity, fully God, personal.
Reference: Acts 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30.
Jesus Christ
Watchtower Society = First created being by Jehovah, a god, Michael the Archangel.
Christianity = Fully God and fully man, equal to the Father in nature, eternal, omnipotent Creator.
Reference: John 1:1*, 5:18, 20:28.
*The Watchtower Society’s New World Translation renders this verse "a god". However, obtain their ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ from 1969 and lookup the passage.
Resurrection of Christ
Watchtower Society = Rose as a spirit being.
Christianity = Rose in physical body.
Reference: John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-39.
Salvation
Watchtower Society = Living forever on a restored earth, or Paradise.
Christianity = Eternal life in heaven in the presence of God.
Reference: Philippians 3:20.
Second Coming of Christ
Watchtower Society = Occurred invisibly in 1914.
Christianity = A future event that will be plainly visible.
Reference: Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.
The Watchtower Society's twisted teachings are presented as absolute fact and "the truth" to Jehovah's Witnesses and others. By reading the scriptural passages without the influence of the Watchtower Society, does one reach the same conclusions as taught by them?
According to the Watchtower, August 15, 1981 issue, page 29, paragraph 14:
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
Within their own literature, the Watchtower Society states if you read the Bible exclusively or in small groups at your home, you will come to the doctrines taught by "Christendom". Why is that the case? If you read the Bible exclusively, should you not come to the teachings taught by the Watchtower Society? The truth is the Watchtower Society's teachings are twisted, and the Watchtower quote above is their own admission to the facts.
Is it any wonder then, that the Watchtower Society also instructs Jehovah's Witnesses in the following way?
From Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not."
Read the Bible for yourself without the influence of the Watchtower Society. A few scriptures are referenced above for some teachings. Do the readings, do the research, and prove it to you.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Mediator...For Less Than 10,000
In Christianity, Jesus is the mediator for all mankind. The Bible states at 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up in their publication Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up in their publication Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" on page 10, paragraph 16:
“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
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