[this article was contributed by Alex Rover]
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Image: Super Massive Black Hole by European Southern Observatory (ESO)[/caption]“By what way is the light distributed, which scatters the east wind upon the earth?” (Job 38:24-25 K.J.2000)
How does God distribute light or truth over the earth? What channel does he use? How can we know?
Does the Catholic Papacy hold this unique privilege? The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses? The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Mormons? The Bible doesn’t use the expression “channel of communication”. The closest concept we can find to such a commission is Jesus’ request to feed his sheep:
“Jesus said a third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’ Jesus replied, ‘Feed my sheep’.” – John 21:17
Observe that Jesus repeated the same message three times. According to the Aramaic Bible in Plain English his request to Peter was:
1. Shepherd my lambs for me.
2. Shepherd my sheep for me.
3. Shepherd my ewes for me.
A Sheep Herder not only feeds, but also guards and tends to the needs of his flock. A Shepherd appointed by Christ demonstrates love for Christ by being faithful in his commission. I favor the Aramaic translation because its language is consistent in style with Christ’s repetition.
Christ’s lambs, sheep and ewes are his followers, or members of his household of faith (domestics). Christ has appointed other overseers or shepherds like Peter over the flock. They themselves are also sheep.
Appointed Shepherds
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household? (Mat 24:45) According to John 21:17, Peter appears to be the first one whom the master appointed to tend to his sheep.
Peter subsequently instructed the elders among the congregations:
“So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.” – 1Pe 5:1-4
There is not an ounce of exclusivity in this commission: Peter freely shared the assignment and responsibility of shepherding with all the elders among all the congregations. Further proof these elders are part of the appointed slave is the reward in the closing verse: “then when the Chief Shepherd appears”. Likewise, in the parable of Matthew 24:46 we read: “blessed is that slave whom the master finds ‘doing his job’ when he comes.”
Consequently, I suggest that the appointed slave consists of all anointed elders worldwide. (See Appendix: Gender and Appointed Servants) These elders are appointed by Holy Spirit to do the will of the Chief Shepherd: to take care of the sheep. This includes feeding them. But where does this food come from?
The Heavenly Telephone
A channel connects two things together. For example: a channel may connect a lake to an ocean, or a channel may connect two computers via electronic signals. A channel may flow in a single direction, or in two directions. The Watchtower Society has called its leadership God’s sole prophet on earth, and described the method of God communicating with his prophets to a telephone. [2]
What are we to imagine? The Governing Body picks up the “heavenly telephone” to hear God’s revelation, then transmits this via the pages in the Watchtower. This would mean that there exists only one such “heavenly telephone” in the whole world, and nobody except the Governing Body can vouch that it exists, since it is invisible and can only be heard by them.
There are a few problems with this concept. First, if a member of the Governing Body were to admit that the “heavenly telephone” is not really how things work [3], it would raise some eyebrows.
Second, there is the matter of infallibility. That word means that it cannot fail, that it is divinely inspired. Now the Catholic Church has handled this matter quite interestingly. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the pope only rarely speaks infallibly, at closely defined times. At such times, the pope will speak “ex cathedra”, which means “from the chair”, and will only do so when he is in union with the body of bishops. [4] The last time the pope officially spoke “from the chair” was in 1950. Nevertheless, the papal office demands obedience at all times, as if it were infallible at all times.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot claim infallibility, simply because it changes understandings and Bible interpretation so often. The religion under Charles Taze Russell was different from the religion under Rutherford, and drastically different from the religion today. Even more recently, many Jehovah’s Witnesses will readily admit how much the religion has changed since the nineties.
“Genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special ‘insights’”. (WT May 1, 2007 QFR)
By their own definition, the individual members of the Governing body have no special insights and they cannot demand special attention. The claimed exception is when they get together as a single body:
"Note, however, that the word “slave” in Jesus’ illustration is singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively." [5]
In other words, the Governing Body makes the decisions as a group. They admit their words are not the words of Jehovah, but of the imperfect body of humans making up their leadership.
“Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions ‘in the name of Jehovah.’ Never did they say, ‘These are the words of Jehovah.’” – Awake March 1993 page 4.
Never? Not quite! Never “in these instances” where they suggested dates that were incorrect, yet at other times they do claim that they receive the ‘utterances’ of Jehovah. Compare:
“Likewise in heaven (1) Jehovah God originates his utterances; (2) then his official Word, or Spokesman—now known as Jesus Christ—often transmits the message; (3) God’s holy spirit, the active force that is used as the medium of communication, carries it earthward; (4) God’s prophet on earth receives the message; and (5) he then publishes it for the benefit of God’s people. Just as on occasion today a courier may be sent to deliver an important message, so Jehovah at times chose to use spirit messengers, or angels, to carry some communications from the heavens to his servants on the earth.—Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2.” [2]
In other words, just like the Pope, the Governing Body’s words are to be considered as the will of God, except when it’s proven their words were wrong – in that case they did not speak for God, but were just human. How can we place any trust in such claims?
Test Every Inspired Expression
How can we know if a prophet speaks for God?
“Beloved ones, do not believe every spirit [inspired expression], but test the spirits [inspired expressions] to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – John 4:1
As we examined, neither the Pope nor the Governing Body lets us know in advance if the words they speak are the words of God, but all their words are to be followed and obeyed.
“Whenever a prophet speaks in my name and the prediction is not fulfilled, then I have not spoken it; the prophet has presumed to speak it, so you need not fear him.” – Deut 18:22
The problem with this is that we can only look to the past, when the prophecy has already proven true or false. Words of a prophet concerning the future cannot be tested as coming from God or not. I think it is fair to say that if a prophet refuses to clearly indicate which words are his own and which are God’s, then we should assume that all his words are his own.
Prophets in the Scripture follow this same pattern:
“He said to them: ‘This is what the LORD [Jehovah] has commanded’” – Ex 16:23
“But now, this is what the LORD [Jehovah] says” – Isa 43:1
“Then Solomon said, “The LORD [Jehovah] has said” – 2Chr 6:1
The pattern is so clear! If Solomon spoke, he spoke on his own behalf. If Moses spoke, he spoke on his own behalf. But if either of them said: “The LORD [Jehovah] has said”, then they made claim to an inspired expression coming from God!
If we look at the multiple failures and flip-flops in religions, especially those whose leadership claims to be God’s channel, we must conclude that ALL of their expressions are uninspired. They are the words of man. If they had a message from God, they would have the confidence to utter the words: “The LORD [Jehovah] has said”.
A word comes to mind: “pretending”. A quick dictionary lookup explains:
Speak and act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not.
But it is in fact the wrong word to use with these religious leaders. It appears that many religious leaders are very sincere in their beliefs, and actually believe they speak for God when they do not. They are not pretending, but self-deluding, and our Father allows it:
“Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false.” – 2Thess 2:11
But since they really prophesy in their own name, they will be shocked when Christ responds: “I never knew you”. (Mat 7:23)
“On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’” – Mat 7:22
If on the other hand, the person clearly states his words come from God, let his words come true without fail in order to prove he speaks for God. Yet even Satan is capable of such powerful works. A secondary test is required for such inspired expressions: Is it in harmony with God’s word?
Woe to the Angels Preaching another Gospel
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed!” – Gal 1:8 ESV
"I MARVEL that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel!" (Gal 1:6)
The Quran teaches salvation based on Allah’s grace and man’s works, not a salvation based on God’s grace and by faith in Christ’s ransom.
“Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy, they will be successful. But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls; in hell they will abide” (23:102-103)
The Quran nullifies the grace of God, preaching righteousness through Law and good deeds. (Compare Gal 2:21) Accursed be the angel who identified himself (falsely) as the Arch-angel Gabriel to Muhammad and preached another Gospel. [6]
The book of Mormon teaches that salvation and attaining the highest level of heaven and godhood requires among other things, confessing Joseph Smith as prophet, temple marriage and genealogy research. [7] Accursed be the angel who identified himself as Moroni and who as the story goes, appeared to Joseph Smith in 1823, and revealed another Gospel.
Perhaps you are familiar with anointedjw.org, a website that caters to Jehovah’s Witnesses and encourages them to embrace our identity as sons of God. This website is a vocal advocate for the book of Urantia which promotes the same teaching. Yet it promotes a different gospel, one that teaches that Adam and Eve did not fall into sin, and people today do not suffer from the original sin, and do not need to be redeemed by the blood of Christ! Let the reader of such material beware, for this is a teaching of the Anti-Christ. We urge our readers to use extreme caution.
“Appeasing an angry God,” [...] “Through sacrifices and penance and even by the shedding of blood,” is barbarous and a primitive, religion “unworthy of an enlightened age of science and truth.” [...] “Jesus did not come to Urantia to placate a God of wrath, nor to offer himself as a ransom by dying on the cross. The cross was wholly man's doing, not God's requirement. (Urantia, Basic concepts, P. 3).
The book of Urantia is believed to be authored by celestial personalities during a 20-year process of communication. Accursed be the Angels preaching such Gospel!
The Watchtower has all together preached a different gospel of salvation, one where salvation depends on unquestioning obedience to a Governing Body, who orchestrates ‘powerful works’ of preaching a gospel where Christ is mediator for only 144,000 Christians. [8] Where did this teaching originate from?
Rutherford, the leader of Jehovah’s Witnesses wrote:
“the servant class on earth are directed by the Lord through […] angels” [9]
“Since 1918 the angels of the Lord have had to do with showing the Ezekiel class the truth.” [10]
Accursed be the Angels preaching twisted lies to Rutherford! We can now with certainty say that Jehovah God had nothing to do with these angels. Let’s take a look at a clear example of this corruption.
Jehovah’s Chosen Channel of Communication
A few years ago I was a staunch defender of the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. But then in my personal Bible reading, I stumbled upon 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which collapsed my world as I knew it. From this single scripture, it is crystal clear that all anointed who are still alive until Christ’s return, will “meet the Lord” together [or: at the same time] with the resurrected dead. (Compare 1Cor 15:52)
Since the Governing Body claims to be of the anointed, and accepts that there are still anointed left on earth today, there is an inevitable conclusion: the first resurrection did not take place yet. Since the anointed will be resurrected at the 7th trumpet, we can confidently say that the coming of Christ and his subsequent presence is yet a future event. (Compare Matthew 24:29-31)
And thus the house of cards collapsed. Notice the following claim from the Watchtower:
What, then, can we deduce from the fact that one of the 24 elders identifies the great crowd to John? It seems that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today. Why is that important? Because the correct identity of the great crowd was revealed to God’s anointed servants on earth in 1935. If one of the 24 elders was used to convey that important truth, he would have had to be resurrected to heaven by 1935 at the latest. That would indicate that the first resurrection began sometime between 1914 and 1935. – Watchtower of January, 2007, p. 28 paragraphs 11-12
This Watchtower is crediting celestial communication from resurrected anointed ones as the source of the understanding that the heavenly hope had ceased in 1935. Since we have just shown that the anointed are still awaiting resurrection, we must ask ourselves which celestial creature (or creatures) is the real source of such a teaching.
In 1993, the Proclaimers book stated that “those who make up the one true Christian organization today do not have angelic revelations or divine inspiration” (p. 708). Then in 2007, it “seems” that the resurrected ones of the anointed are revealing truths once again. How confusing!
The false teaching that the heavenly hope ended, gave rise to the preaching of “another sort of good news”, which was expressly forbidden to Christians by Paul in his letter to the Galatians chapter 1. Testing this “inspired expression” proved that, indeed, it did not originate from Jehovah. History has vindicated the truth.
Instead of apologizing, the Governing Body used expressions such as “it was believed”, “it seemed to be confirmed”, “were believed to be”, and “it appears”. What was their conclusion?
“Thus it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.” [11]
One has to wonder, if we had never stopped preaching the Christian hope, what a different religion Jehovah’s Witnesses would be today! Even after this realization and acceptance of past error, the damage is not being undone. Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to boast in their 'powerful works' of preaching “another good news”.
Woe to the False Shepherds
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WOE TO YOU, SCRIBES AND PHARISEES! HYPOCRITES! Click image to watch video. [12][/caption]Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary writes on Matthew 23: "The Scribes and Pharisees were enemies to the Gospel of Christ, and therefore to the salvation of the souls of men. It is bad to keep away from Christ ourselves, but worse also to keep others from him."Thus we can add the Scribes and Pharisees of the Jews to the list of hypocrites that pretend to speak for Christ but in reality lead the sheep after themselves as "God's Channel".
"On the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (Matt 23:28)
The Watchtower Study Edition of July 2014 contains an article named: "Jehovah's people 'Renounce Unrighteousness'". (2 Tim 2:19) Paragraph 10 states this:
"when exposed to unscriptural teachings, regardless of the source, we must decisively reject them."
Can we recognize the hypocrisy in this statement? If they themselves are the source of unscriptural teachings, and we decisively reject them, we would be removed from the congregation and shunned by our friends and even our own family.
"If that evil slave [...] begins to beat his fellow slaves." - (Matthew 24:48-49)
Is shunning of your fellow slaves of Christ tantamount to 'beating'? The book "It's So much Work to Be Your Friend" on pages 358 and 359 state that a life without friendship is "devastating", a "lonely and barren existence". Shunning is deemed a worse punishment to a criminal than banishing. The book concludes:
"The elders felt that shunning was among the most severe and devastating reprisals that a community could exact. Archives from these cultures [Ancient Romans, Lakota Sioux, Australian Aborigines, Pennsylvania Amish] indicate that many people who were shunned developed severe mental health problems and self-destructive behaviors. A Pennsylvania prosecutor once filed a suit against an Amish community for its use of shunning, and a court in that commonwealth determined that shunning met the criteria for "cruel and unusual punishment" under the guidelines of the United States Constitution". Source
Is that how Christ wants his sheep to be treated? Christ will not be mild to pastors who do not take care of their sheep in the way he commanded. The Greek word used to describe their punishment is dichotomeo, a hyperbole which literally means "to cut an object in two parts". Their lot will be with the hypocrites! (Matt 24:51)
Ezekiel chapter 34 is a mighty Chapter in the Scriptures, condemning false Shepherds:
"Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the sovereign Lord says: Look, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand my sheep from their hand. I will no longer let them be shepherds" (Ezekiel 34: 9-10)
As for us, scattered sheep of Christ that are beaten and deceived by false Shepherds, no matter our religious background, we can find comfort in the following words:
"For this is what the sovereign Lord says: 'Look, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. [...] I will rescue them. [...] In a good pasture I will feed them. [...] I myself will feed my sheep and I myself will make them lie down, declares the sovereign Lord. I will seek the lost and bring back the strays; I will bandage the injured and strengthen the sick." (Ezekiel 34:11-16)
These are not the words of man, they are the words of our sovereign Lord Jehovah. Fear the Lord! (Psalm 118:6)
"I, Yahweh, have spoken." (Ezekiel 34:24 Holman CSB)
[1] See re chap. 3 p. 16 Things that Must Shortly Take Place
[2] si p. 9 “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial”
One may argue that this illustration in the source text is used to describe the method whereby Jehovah inspired the Bible, and not the Governing Body today. However, the preceding paragraph 8 claims that Jehovah communicates "true knowledge" of "understanding of prophecy" in this "time of the end", and then goes to illustrate how such communication takes place. Since there are no Bible Writers alive today, and since the Governing Body claims to be spokesperson for Jehovah today on earth, it is more than fair to say that this illustration of "Heavenly Telephone" describes the method of divine communication with the Governing Body. Additionally, the Society has gone on record multiple times describing themselves as God's prophets on earth today. One example of this can be found in the "Revelation - Climax" book, where they liken the JW leadership to the Two Witnesses, who, as God's prophets, have to proclaim the mournful messages of doom and grief. (Isa 3:8, 24-26; Jeremiah 48:37; 49:3) - Revelation, It's Grand Climax At Hand! p.164
[3] Crisis of Conscience by late Governing Body member Raymond Franz.
[4] http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p4.shtml#891
[5] w13 7/15 pp. 21-22 paragraph 10.
[6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad%27s_first_revelation
[7] McConkie, Mormon Doctrine pp. 116-117; Doctrines of Salvation 1:268; 18:213; Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 27:13-21)
[8] Insight Volume 2, p. 362 Mediator “Those for Whom Christ Is Mediator”
[9] Light Book 2, 1930, p.20
[10] Vindication 3, 1932, p.316
[11] May 1, 2007, QFR
"The 12 hours mentioned in the parable [of the penny or denarius] were thought to correspond to the 12 years from 1919 to 1931. For many years after that, it was believed that the call to the heavenly Kingdom had ended in 1931 and that those called to be joint heirs with Christ in 1930 and 1931 were 'the last' called. (Matthew 20:6-8) However, in 1966 an adjusted understanding of that parable was presented, (that the heavenly hope ended in 1935 not 1931) and it became clear that it had nothing to do with the end of the calling of the anointed...Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935. This seemed to be confirmed when almost all who were baptized after 1935 felt that they had the earthly hope. Thereafter, any called to the heavenly hope were believed to be replacements for anointed Christians who had proved unfaithful...."Thus it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends."
[12] From the Movie: Jesus of Nazareth
Appendix: Gender and Appointed Shepherds
One problem with my suggested interpretation in this article, is that it appears to exclude all women and also many men from being part of the slave. One may suggest that since the slave gets appointed over all Christ's belongings, this would mean that women and men who are not part of the slave will have a lesser position of authority in the kingdom.
Such conclusion is not logically required. To illustrate, Jesus told his faithful apostles:
"You are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I will make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom." (Luke 22:28-30)
Do we conclude from this that only the apostles who stuck with Jesus on earth during his trials are included in the kingdom covenant? Does this mean that no others (including women) will be included in the kingdom covenant? Absolutely not, for the Scriptures make it clear that we are all members of the same body and part of of his kingdom, his holy nation. (Rev 1:6) Although we may have a different function, we are equally valued. (Romans 12:4-8)
Consequently, the reward for the appointed slave in Matthew 24 does not limit the reward for the other faithful sheep they serve. A fair reading of this passage shows that while the Master cares about all his domestics, he does make an appointment, so in his absence there (A) are the ones that serve, and (B) the ones that are served.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female -- for you are one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28)
Hypocrites seek the fleeting treasure of public admiration and prominence. False Shepherds are no different. Lasting treasure is destined for the humble, since "your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-19)
Whomever those serving ones are today, bear in mind that they are not appointed by humans, but by Christ himself through Holy Spirit. Which precise assignment we receive is less important than how we will take care of our assignment. This is how we all prove to be faithful slaves. Our glory will not come from ourselves, but from our Heavenly Father.
Unless otherwise indicated, quoted Scriptures come from the NET Bible Translation
Archived Comments
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Comment by Skye on 2015-04-30 14:46:22
Thank you for the interesting article, Alex. There was just one point that I didn't understand with regard to Matt 24:45-48 - the faithful and discreet slave. I thought this parable was relating to all born again Christians. In our preaching work we all provide food in preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God to prospective sheep, and also we tend and care for each other of course. This parable, I think then corresponds with the parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11-27. And the reward, therefore, when Our Lord returns, will be judged on how we fulfilled that commission that he gave to all his true followers.
Reply by Alex Rover on 2015-04-30 15:09:09
Hi Skye,
of course the interpretation I've put forward is one of many. It's the one that makes most sense to me at this time.
The reason I think it is interesting, is because this parable concerns the feeding of the members of the household, and how those in appointed positions treat their fellow slaves. In other words, even though we all feed the hungry and invite them to the household, this parable appears to deal with those inside the household.
When Jesus told Peter, "feed my sheep", this was not a commission of preaching to the nations, but specifically a Shepherding appointment to care for the members of the household.
Another note is a misconception regarding the commission to preach the kingdom. In a previous article I have reasoned that the mandate (order, command) to evangelize is given to the church (body of Christ) as a whole and not necessarily to each individual. Instead the individual is given the assignment to be ministers according to our gift of the Spirit. See: http://wp.me/p1sJTg-Eh
It's good to appreciate that although we are one body, we have different roles and assignments. Whatever our assignment is, we can be ambassadors of Christ by submitting to his headship and carrying out our duty according to the 'talents' entrusted to us. If that means we are called as Shepherds of the flock, then let us Shepherd with love. If that means we are called to evangelize, then let us evangelize with zeal and love for others. (read: Romans 12:5-8)Reply by Skye on 2015-04-30 17:28:22
Hi Alex, I appreciate what you're saying, but for me I do not see a connection. Example in Luke's account, 12:44 "I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of everything he owns" and compare Luke 19:17 "Be governor of ten cities".
We've had so much trouble with this scripture, Matt 24:45-48 that for me personally I would prefer to leave it as is. But I really enjoy your articles and look forward to more of them. Thank you.
Comment by Nick O. on 2015-04-30 17:44:27
Alex, this is a very interesting take on the slave account in Matthew. In harmony with this understanding, Revelation 1 shows Christ among the 7 lampstands (congregations) and in his hand are 7 stars or angels. Some (including Jehovah's Witnesses) identify these angels as congregation overseers. That Jesus would rebuke and commend these stars shows that they hold an accounting over the flock - as well as serve as messengers. Their responsibility is to the message of their master.
Reply by Wild Olive on 2015-04-30 23:41:54
Thank you Alex for putting in print what I have felt for years, I was baptised in 1980 and I made a personal mission to find every anointed and make sure I had some connection with them so they would know me when they were in the heavenly Kingdom,sounds so lame now, but that was one of my goals as a teenager infatuated with the GB message,I knew back then that something was wrong with the explanation of the faithful and discreet slave,because every one of them that I met had nothing to do with feeding the other sheep! One in particular was a brother named Birt Wright, he had been through the trench warfare of the Somme in the first WW, he had been gassed and shot and while in hospital heard the truth, he was a small unassuming man but ask him a bible question and it was like opening an encyclopaedia of bible knowledge and application, I would sit for hours listening to him he would quote from all sorts of sources and from many different translations and from his own experience which was vast, yet he was never appointed as an elder or a servant and was basically ignored by the body of elders,and he never wrote a letter to bethel or had any contact with the GB,here in front of me was a living spiritual treasure that was of no use to the organization, no doubt because he could challenge any doctrine with ease, his perceived redundancy was the beginning of my suspicion of "Gods channel", here was someone who could really contribute to the truth and was defininatly a foundation member , yet was totally ignored, the pieces just didn't fit.
Comment by kev on 2015-04-30 17:58:20
thanks alex well done .just a point about galatians 1 v 6 to 8 and this other sort of good news . It seems that gradually the galatians had become convinced by these false teachers that it was imperitve to establish thier own righteousness by returning to observing works of the mosaic law . Rather than having faith in the ransom of christ . By doing this they became parted from christ and had fallen away from grace and missed out on the adoption as sons of god . Galatians 3 v23 to 4 v 7 and galatians 5 v 1 to 6 . To be honest that sort of good news does sound familiar doesnt it . Kev
Comment by qspf on 2015-04-30 20:43:19
Such an interesting article about the channel of communications.
The Watchtower representation of how this works raises as many questions as it answers:
"(3) God’s holy spirit, the active force that is used as the medium of communication, carries it earthward; (4) God’s prophet on earth receives the message; and (5) he then publishes it for the benefit of God’s people."
Well, even if the Governing Body prays for God's spirit to guide them (and reports of their record on being thus prayerfully motivated are mixed), how exactly does step 4 work?
WT 9/15 2012 p.26 par.13: "This attitude of humility and devotion still characterizes the Lord’s anointed. They do not claim to be inspired, but they are determined to conduct the Lord’s “business” on earth."
WT 5/1 1972 p.280: "Jehovah’s witnesses ... do not claim any divine inspiration, nor are they telling the people what they personally think."
WT 4/1 2006 p.25 par.4: Discusses the spirit directed organization. p.22 contains the baptism question 2: "Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?"
So, if we take these statements at face value, then the Watchtower is an uninspired spirit-directed organization.
Huh?
How can the spirit "direct" the organization if its Governing Body is uninspired? Does this spirit give them some kind of unexplained, unspoken 'intuition' as to where in the scriptures to do research on one topic or another? Unfortunately, we can't presume 'intuition' either, based on the quotation in your article: “Genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special ‘insights’”. So, 'no special insights' = no intuition.
Then, you have Rutherford claiming that angels are directing the servant/Ezekiel class on earth and showing them the truth. A search of the Watchtower library did not turn up any such claims recently, although they still believe angels are in general directing the preaching work.
Finally, you have the WT Jan 2007 quotation, "It seems that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today."
Since such resurrected "elders" are not God, not Jesus and not angels, what would you call them? One online commentator thought this claim amounted to necromancy - communicating with the dead. I don't know that I would go that far, but the claim certainly is grounds to make you wonder.
Your observations about 1 Thessalonians 4:17 do appear to show the Watchtower's house of cards had collapsed with respect to any claim of being inspired or spirit directed. All that is left is the truth: The Governing Body utters the words of men, and always have.
You mention in passed the subject of the evil slave. Current teaching on this is that the faithful and discreet slave = the Governing Body, but the evil slave is a parable, written as a warning so none of God's people would act in such a way. There are some significant things wrong with that concept of theirs.
First, if the passage in Matthew about the faithful and discreet slave is prophetic, then that of the evil slave is prophetic. If the evil slave is a parable, then the faithful and discreet slave is a parable. You can't have it both ways - and they are trying to "mix their metaphors" so to speak, it just doesn't make any sense.
Second, what does the evil slave DO? He says, "my master is delaying". How could the evil slave make a credible claim that his master was delaying, UNLESS that evil slave was making and publicizing a schedule when the master was expected back - and then finding that the master had not come on schedule. Who in modern times has set dates and created such expectations? It is the very ones who view themselves as the faithful and discreet slave! That suggests that the "faithful" slave is actually "evil"!
Third, note how the "evil" slave is introduced. After discussing the so-called "faithful" slave, it says, "But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying' ..." Note also that it doesn't say, "AN evil slave" or "THE evil slave", but "THAT evil slave". "That" is a word used to refer back to something which precedes it in a discussion. But, there are NO OTHER REFERENCES to "slave" anywhere near the context of the "evil slave" account except for the discussion of the faithful and discreet slave.
Could it be that the "faithful" slave is actually "evil", like a wolf in sheep's clothing? Just wondering ...
In closing, you discuss the heavenly hope with these words:
The false teaching that the heavenly hope ended, gave rise to the preaching of “another sort of good news”, which was expressly forbidden to Christians by Paul in his letter to the Galatians chapter 1. Testing this “inspired expression” proved that, indeed, it did not originate from Jehovah. History has vindicated the truth.
Instead of apologizing, the Governing Body used expressions such as “it was believed”, “it seemed to be confirmed”, “were believed to be”, and “it appears”. What was their conclusion?
“Thus it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.”
I also believe the Watchtower has misrepresented the Christian hope, but in the opposite sense. I firmly believe that no one is going to heaven. Those "anointed" to be kings and priests will do so on earth, and only on earth. Whether there is/was a cutoff date for selecting such ones is beside the point. The "teaching that the heavenly hope ended" is false, but it is false for the very reason that it never began in the first place for it to end. There is no heavenly hope. Only Christ went to heaven. No one else has gone there, and no one is going there.
I have explained my reasons for this conclusion elsewhere on this forum.
Comment by Skye on 2015-05-01 02:02:22
The tragedy of all this - these men claiming to be God's channel of communication has enabled them to control and deceive millions of JWs by their false teachings. For most JWs, being a Beroean means looking up the Society's publications!
Reply by anderestimme on 2015-05-02 01:18:17
This is, of course, the shtick of every clergy that has ever existed: "God talks to me, and not to you, so if you want salvation you're gonna have to come to me, and do what I say." In this case I'm quite sure that was not the original intention, but you know what they say about the road to [gehenna]...
Reply by Wild Olive on 2015-05-02 18:20:42
@Anderestimme, amen to that,the GB blunder is the same as all the other religions, they just have to control salvation at any cost, why can't they just let Christ control things?
Reply by Skye on 2015-05-03 05:02:48
The JW "control" goes further by inflicting severe punishment on their members if they disagree with their teachings - disfellowshipping/disassociation, shunning, and "name calling" such as the misuse of the word "apostate".
Comment by kev on 2015-05-01 05:59:28
I think theres a huge difference between the terms faithful slave and gods spokesman .The problem is with we imperfect humans we can get above our station sometimes James 3 tells us that not many of us should become teachers because we all stumble in word many times .and he that does not is a perfect man . Even bible writers like David .Moses Peter had to be corrected sometimes .To my mind the term faithful and discreet slave describes a servant recognising his limitations but humbly doing his best to serve the interests of his master who is jesus christ ..This term gods spokesman if thats true then what that portrays to me is that everything written in the watchtower is god breathed and is to be obeyed with unquestioned obedience . And im sure thats what they are saying now .Thats quite a claim for imperfect men to make . I honestly think that if all men are imperfect then it has to follow that what they say must be tested against the words of the perfect man jesus christ to see wether it holds to the pattern of his teaching . Kev
Comment by menrov on 2015-05-01 07:15:04
Thanks Alex for this interesting article.
During my "bible study" many years ago, I was somehow aware of the Pope claiming to be representing Jesus on earth. However, my study JW's made it clear that this was not correct and that the Catholic church was "evil", part of false christendom. Little later, I understood that only the WT org and its leaders are accepted by God and talk in HIs behalf, as His channel of communications. Because they (the WT org) teach the truth regarding hell, soul, death, cross etc. I admit, at that time, I swallowed it.
Only now I realize that such a claim cannot be made by anyone because the bible does not support such a claim.
Peter was indeed asked to feed the sheep, in other words, those who belong to the one herd under one shepherd, Jesus. In JW doctrine words, it would mean that Peter was asked to feed the anointed only. Well, who was to feed the R&F then?
I would like to know if there is any other religious organisation that uses Mt. 24:45-47 to claim their position. Anyone knows?
God used the written law as the basis for teaching and educating and managing His people. He made it clear that the priests were to teach and educate, using the law.
Prophets were used to bring a specific message, a message that was not written in the law. Often it was a warning message. Prophets were not assigned to teach the law.
However, there would be a time when the written would be replaced by a law written on the hearts. This happened with Jesus. The law of Christ is about love, written on the hearts. Jesus gave only one new command: love another. He often repeated the other law: Love your neighbour.
Nowhere do we read that the Father or Jesus would assign people to teach the scriptures.
The most important thing to acquire eternal love is faith in Jesus, not the knowledge about the scripture nor about the (former) Law. The criminal, the woman suffering blood losses, the prostitute at His feet are all examples of deeds of faith, not of knowledge.
According to the NET, Peter was asked 1) to feed the lamb, 2) to shepherd the sheep and 3) to feed the sheep. I cannot read that Peter was to appoint someone to succeed him to feed and shepherd. But we see his and Paul's efforts to educate others. Others that could continue to feed and shepherd, This group of others would grow and grow. But these others were never officially appointed or asked like Peter was (or Paul for that matter). The others were supposed to act out of love for the sheep. Everyone of these others who assumed some responsibility to feed and shepherd were to be appreciated and supported as it was an act out of love for others. something that all should strive for but not all can, hence the advice from Paul to respect those who take the lead.
The parable in MT 24:45-47 is not a prophecy nor a guidebook for religious organizations. This parable follows the parables in Mt.24:32-35 and Mt. 24:36-44. The message: Be Ready for Christ.
Looking specifically to the FDS parable, it talks about a slave who was appointed to feed. A slave would never be appointed to teach or educate. It would also never be used to pass messages from the Master. No, he would be used to do specifically what he was asked to do. Slave would clean, cook and serve others. In this case, the parable says that the slave was expected to only feed others.
Jesus often taught HIs apostles to be humble, to act as slave to serve others. Here is the message in the parable: His disciples are to act as slaves. Let's not forget that Jesus no longer called His disciples (brothers) slaves but friends. So, they were to behave like slaves but are considered Jesus' friends !! So, in JW doctrine, an anointed who calls himself a slave or the FD slave, is actually not a brother of Jesus as Jesus would not call them slave but friend.
Their task: feed others. The WT teaches that this "feeding" is spiritual. I lack to see examples in the bible to support such a view. Spiritual food would be given by priests, not by slaves. So, my view is that this feeding refers to providing what is needed. This can be actual food, but also practical help and yes, guidance where required. It a mix.Reply by Skye on 2015-05-02 13:42:24
The commission that Jesus gave his disciples, Matt 28:18-20. This, of course, would be preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, the reason Christ came into the world, Mark 1:14,15 Luke 4:43 which is the Gospel of salvation which originates with God. I think one of the problems (we know there are more) that JWs have with their idea of the preaching work is that they think of it more in the terms of things like "time" and magazines, when rather for a Christian it should be a way of life. There are some days when it's simply not possible to preach the good news for various reasons, but there are always opportunities to be kind and show love to our fellow man. And, of course, our being able to preach the good news would mean that we would have to study God's Word to ensure that we are qualified and that takes time too.
Reply by menrov on 2015-05-03 07:11:31
HI SKye, I agree with this you said "JWs have with their idea of the preaching work is that they think of it more in the terms of things like “time” and magazines, when rather for a Christian it should be a way of life. "
I am not sure if you can say that one needs to be "qualified" to preach. We have the words written in the bible. That should be enough. And even then, if oe cannot read, you can always show how to love your neighbour. Hence I believe everyone that can show love is "qualified" to "preach" the gospel of salvation.
Reply by Skye on 2015-05-03 08:02:28
Hi Menrov, By being "qualified" to preach, I mean that in order for us to be able to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God we have to study God's Word in order that we teach others the truth and not falsehoods. If a person could not read, that doesn't mean they cannot learn the truth from God's Word and teach others!
2 Thes 2:10 "and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." Without love truth is nothing, but then without truth (love of truth) there is no salvation.
Truth and love are inseparable.Reply by menrov on 2015-05-03 10:47:11
Hi Skye, I see what you mean (I guess :-)),
True, one needs to have love for truth. But I still believe that not truth will lead to eternal life but faith. I believe it is that truth, the truth being that faith leads to eternal life (and not works or miracles) is what is meant. And yes, we must have love for understanding that truth. Anyway, that is how I see it. Cheers.
Reply by Truthseeker on 2015-05-07 00:24:29
Jesus talked about being with him in his kingdom, but not about "the kingdom of God." That is a JW construct, and their main message. Jesus was the good news. His message was about faith in God and love of our neighbor, and to act accordingly. The good news was about salvation that the law proved we could never earn by ourselves, but only through the sacrifice of Jesus, and by faith in the reality of his resurrection. Paul's message also was never about the kingdom of God, but about how by being united with the Christ made us all die with him to sin, and death, and to be resurrected with him into life, if only we could have faith. This is what baptism symbolizes. Of course, you're right about the need to study, as truth was also a big part of his message, I think.
Reply by Skye on 2015-05-11 06:10:27
Truthseeker, The core of Jesus' teaching was the Kingdom of God.
Col 1:4,5 "because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all God's people - the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you."
Faith and love are because of "hope" and that hope is the future Kingdom on earth - the good news of the Kingdom of God as preached by Jesus and the apostle Paul.
Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43; Acts 19:8; Acts 20:24-25; Acts 28:31,32Reply by Truthseeker on 2015-05-11 22:56:21
I'm so glad you responded. I've been worried that my comments may have seemed judgmental, or insulting to you, or even argumentative, and that was not at all my intention. My point was this: If you've been to a service meeting at the KH you've seen demonstrations about how to place magazines that show people living in paradise, and all the benefits therein. The witnesses can't say the word kingdom without saying the whole phrase "kingdom of God." That's what they are preaching, that people can reach out for life in "the kingdom of God." The implication is that this is something one can reach out for, but later on the people will find out that the only way to get there is to be an active JW. They eventually tell the people that everyone who isn't an active JW before Armageddon comes will die with no chance of ever being resurrected. Actually, Jesus said there will be a resurrection of the righteous as well as the unrighteous. In other words, these people at the door can attain residence in this paradise whether anyone preaches to them or not, EVENTUALLY. The witnesses are assuming that the people they preach to will be part of the great crowd, who can only hope to attain what everyone will have a chance at anyway, and by doing so they are selling all those people short. Jesus talked about HIS kingdom. He said he is the way and the life. He wanted as many as possible to be his disciple and to attain to brotherhood with him, as a son of God. Not just about living in paradise, but to be "one" with him, as he was one with The Father. Paul's message was always about faith in God, yes, but never about any kingdom ruled by Him. He preached about Jesus as the only way to really get to God, about being in union with the Christ, and by so doing to become one of the Holy Ones, anointed by Jehovah's spirit. Those are the ones who would inherit the kingdom as part of Abraham's seed through the promise made to him. They would be part of the spiritual Israel. This is what the witnesses should be preaching, and by not doing so they are doing a grave disservice to those to whom they preach. But, again I'm really trying to correct you, though it must seem like it. After years of hearing certain phrases spoken again, and again, they become part of us, and so go on tainting our full understanding of things the witnesses don't want us to realize. Peace and love be with you.
Comment by katrina on 2015-05-01 08:35:10
FDS is a parable, Christ asked a question the GB have made a prophecy about a parable and fitted themselves comfortably into it.
Comment by Truthseeker on 2015-05-06 22:44:07
This may be off-topic a bit, but the witnesses have taught (at least when I first "studied" with them) that after the flood satan and his minions could no longer materialize physical bodies. There are accounts of angels coming to earth as messengers, and so, being sent by God did have bodies, and so could be seen and talked to. But not so for the demons. So I'm curious in what form these false messengers came to Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and even Rutherford. Am I wrong about this?
Comment by on 2015-05-07 16:20:47
Wow, I think that is the first time I have seen a seemingly true account of how Jesus must have spoke to those “blind guides”, loudly and clearly for all to hear. Thanks, Alex, for some great info.
qspf, you made the comment: How can the spirit “direct” the organization if its Governing Body is uninspired?
So many confusing lies.
Comparing these scriptures we see two types of spirit, God’s and Satan’s:
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. Zech 4:6
And I saw coming out of the mouth of the DRAGON and out of the mouth of the BEAST and out of the mouth of the FALSE PROPHET, three unclean SPIRITS like frogs Rev 16:3
Frogs are associated with the plagues of Egypt as we know; here these frogs are associated with a plague of lies trickling down from Satan to the Harlot (false prophet) and Beast ( the organization) !!!
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. Rev 13:11
This beast or false prophet appears as a lamb, a deceptive one (sheep in wolves clothing) who “breathes” life into an “image of the wild beast”. Rev 13:11
And it was given to him to GIVE BREATH TO THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. Rev 13:15
This other beast IS the false prophet/harlot who attains SPIRIT, or BREATH from the DRAGON, the Destroyer – breath that kills. We can contrast this with God’s spirit or breath of life with Isa 42:5; John 20:22. What is the image that the beast empowers to symbolically “kill” through disfellowshipping, but none other than the WT Organization.
Here’s more quotes to add to yours:
“We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization.” WT 1/15/1997
“Today, God does not speak to his servants directly, as he did to Job. Instead he reproves them by means of his Word and his spirit-directed organization. WT
6/1/1993
The collective embodiment of the organization is the elders; and as representatives of the Image of the organization, the elders (who we are told are appointed by Holy Spirit) come to be viewed as being individually directed by God Himself, thus it the organization as a whole is deemed spirit-directed, as well as the false prophet seemingly granted insight from God (when convenient)
God’s anointed ones are “killed” for speaking out against this so-called spirit-directed organization as a means of salvation, as they announce Christ as their head and Master. The Harlot – GB – rides the Beast – org- who “kills” or disfellowships those not willing to worship the image. Rev 11:8; Rev 17:6
The False prophet (wicked steward) created the monster to begin with in an attempt to trample God’s chosen priests.
It is the battle of Gen 3:15 in its full force. John 16:2; Luke 6:22; Rev.6:9,10,11; 20:4
Satan’s wily machinations are clouded, not visible within the world, but centralized on the woman’s seed – locate through door to door witnessing, take captive within Babylon (confusion) and “kill” if an attempt is made to flee to the mountains.
The seed of future members of Christ’s Bride are his greatest enemy, not his entire kingdoms of the world which he offered to Christ. He knows he's on his way out, but will take all those unwittingly aware of his deceiving lies. No wonder we are warned that he is DISGUISED as an angel of light.
love,
peely
Comment by on 2015-05-07 18:03:47
Did I totally confuse everyone? There are two beasts that we know of.
I can see I wasn't clear regarding that.
The last Harlot is the second beast - false prophet with two horns Rev 13:11
Wild beast - the image of the first beast - the scarlet colored wild beast - the organization Rev 13:12,15,8;17:3 It has the power given by the Harlot to "kill" God's holy people - Rev 17:6
The Wild beast expands it's identity as the locust-scorpions, man of lawlessness, disgusting thing in Holy Place as spiritual Gentiles
The Harlot/ false prophet AND Wormwood comprise fallen anointed ones Rev 2:5
We always tend to project prophetic fulfillment into the far future; isn't that what God's people under scrutiny for idolatry and sinfulness have always done? And only a remnant is saved from the greater destruction - a remnant that turn their heart back to God.
“Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?
Or an image that teaches lies?
For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;
he makes idols that cannot speak. Hab 2:18
But you have planted wickedness,
you have reaped evil,
you have eaten the fruit of deception.
Because you have depended on your own strength
and on your many warriors, Hos 10:13
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “‘Come out of her, MY PEOPLE’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues. Rev 18:4
love,
peely
Comment by James Paul on 2019-12-14 07:09:04
Very well researched and written. Words cannot express the joy I now feel knowing that I'm one of the son's of God and I have the heavenly hope. It has taken me time to embrace it due to the Jw indoctrination but now I'm glad I know the truth. As the bible says, we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. I'm glad to know that the coming of Christ and the first resurrection are future events and I belong to heaven and not paradise earth. This truth has set me free from a man made organization that preaches a false gospel.