I was telling a friend the other day that reading the Bible is like listening to classical music. No matter how often I hear a classical piece, I continue to find unnoticed nuances which enhance the experience. Today, while reading John chapter 3, something popped out at me that, though I’ve read it countless times before, took on new meaning.
“Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. 20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”” (Joh 3:19-21 RNWT)
Perhaps what comes to your mind at reading this are the Pharisees of Jesus’ day—or perhaps you’re thinking of their modern-day counterparts. Those ones imagined themselves walking in light surely. However, when Jesus showed up their bad works, they would not change, but instead tried to silence him. They preferred the darkness so that their works would not be reproved.
Whatever a person or group of people pretend to be—ministers of righteousness, the chosen of God, his appointed ones—their true nature is revealed by how they deal with light. If they love the light they will be drawn to it, for they will want their works to be manifest as being in harmony with God. If however, they hate the light, then they will do what they can to avoid being exposed by it for they do not wish to be reproved. Such ones are wicked—practicers of vile things.
A person or group of people demonstrates a hatred for light by refusing to defend their beliefs openly. They may engage in discussion, but if they find they cannot win—as the Pharisees never could with Jesus—they will not admit wrong; they will not allow themselves to be reproved. Instead, those who love darkness will coerce, intimidate and threaten those who bring the light. Their goal is to extinguish it so as to continue existing under a cloak of darkness. This darkness gives them a false sense of security, for they foolishly think that the dark hides them from the eyes of God.
We do not need to openly condemn anyone. We merely have to shine a light on someone and see how they react. If they cannot successfully defend their doctrines from Scripture; if they use intimidation, threats and punishment as tools to extinguish the light; then they manifest themselves as lovers of darkness. That, as Jesus says, is the basis for their judgment.
“We merely have to shine a light on someone and see how they react. If they cannot successfully defend their doctrines from Scripture; if they use intimidation, threats and punishment as tools to extinguish the light; then they manifest themselves as lovers of darkness.” Meleti, would you explain in more detail what you mean by this statement? Are you saying we should “shine a light” on our brothers and sisters at the KH and see their reaction? And if their reaction is to “use intimidation, threats, and punishment as tools to extinguish the light of truth, then they manifest themselves… Read more »
“Meleti, would you explain in more detail what you mean by this statement? Are you saying we should “shine a light” on our brothers and sisters at the KH and see their reaction?” No, I’m not suggesting we should go about testing others. “Who is the “someone” we shine a light on?” Anyone, really. This principle is universal. We don’t have to be the ones shining the light either. As observers, we can see how different ones react when presented with truth. “In regard to the judgement, could that be judgement on THEM for their reaction and judgement on US… Read more »
Hey meleti this thing You might be reading too much into what ive said .what do you mean by that explain please .????? Ha ha ha i love this site . Kev
Shouldn’t the Governing Body be thankful for and appreciative of the sincere questions raised by the brothers? The sad part here is that whenever questions on doctrines and practices are raised, instead of answering the questions with objectivity, the elders become suspicious with the brother’s motive (e.g. apostate thinking) thinking that the person is threatening the unity of the congregation. On the other hand, are we not delighted to hear thought-provoking questions from those who are studying the bible with us? Are we not enthusiastic researching the answers for very challenging questions raised by our students? The GB would rather… Read more »
20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”” (Joh 3:19-21 RNWT) Take the example of Moses’ staff that turned into a snake. While Pharaoh’s magicians were able to make their own serpents, Moses’ snake proved to be the true one as it swallowed the magician’s serpents. In similar vein, if the Organization’s beliefs and doctrines are the… Read more »