[From ws10/16 p. 13 December 5, 12-18]
“Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for.”—He. 11:1 (NWT)
Let's start with a little background before we get into this week’s review.
Paul is on trial for his life. Having survived an assassination attempt by the Jews, he now stands before Governor Felix. The Jewish leaders, including the chief priest, make their case. Paul's turn comes and in his defense he offers us this insight, not only into his own belief, but into that of his opposers as well.
“…I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15)
“These men” evidently refers to the Jewish opposers. (Acts 24:1, 20) It seems they too had the hope that there would be two resurrections. While Paul hoped for two, he did not expect to be resurrected twice. Personally, he hoped to attain to the earlier or superlative resurrection of the righteous.
“My aim is to know him and the power of his resurrection and to share in his sufferings, submitting myself to a death like his, 11 to see if at all possible I may attain to the earlier resurrection from the dead.” (Php 3:10, 11)[i]
By contrast, the resurrection of the unrighteous does not come with the guarantee of everlasting life. There is still work to be done because the resurrected do not come back to everlasting life, but to judgment. (John 5:28, 29) Nevertheless, despite his desire to be resurrected as a righteous one, Paul entertained a hope for the unrighteous as well, so that all would get an equal opportunity to attain to the life Adam squandered.
Despite having a similar hope, the Jews differed with Paul as to the basis for it. For Paul, it was all based on the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, but for the Jews, that was a cause for stumbling. (1Co 1:22, 23)
Notice that Paul doesn’t speak of two hopes, but of two resurrections. There is only one hope. There is no scripture exhorting people to hope to be resurrected as one of the unrighteous. In fact, people with no hope at all, people who don’t even believe God exists, will return to life as part of the resurrection of the unrighteous. The only hope the Bible urges Christians to hold on to is that of everlasting life as part of the resurrection of the righteous. (1Ti 6:12, 19)
Jesus said:
“For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” (Joh 5:26-29)
Jehovah has life within himself. He has given this life to Jesus, so that the Christ also has life within himself—life that he can impart to others. (1Co 15:45) Thus it is Jesus who does the resurrecting. When he resurrects to life, he gives life to those whom God has declared righteous by faith in Jesus. (Ro 3:28; Titus 3:7; Re 20:4, 6) The rest are unrighteous, so they must go through a judgment process.
(A full explanation of this process is beyond the scope of this article. There is much debate as to when and how and on what basis the unrighteous are judged. We will have to leave that discussion for another time, since the purpose of this article is to review the current Watchtower Study Article based on the beliefs held by Jehovah’s Witnesses.)
My JW brothers and sisters reading the foregoing will agree. They will see themselves hoping to be part of the resurrection of the righteous to earth. For them there are three resurrections. Two of the righteous and one of the unrighteous. The two of the righteous differ greatly however. The first of these are declared righteous as God’s children and that declaration results in a resurrection as sinless beings who will rule with Christ in the kingdom of the heavens. In the second resurrection of the righteous, witnesses are declared righteous as God’s friends,[ii] but that declaration of righteousness does not result in a righteous standing with God as they are resurrected on earth still in the sinful state they had at death. They only get eternal life at the end of 1,000 years if—IF—they continue faithful to the end. As for the unrighteous, Witnesses believe they are also resurrected to earth in the sinful state they had at death. In other words, there is no difference in the status of those declared righteous as God’s friends and those who God considers as unrighteous. They are both still sinful and they both work together to achieve perfection at the end of the 1,000 year reign of Christ.
Witnesses can provide no Scriptures to prove this complex resurrection belief, nor will a search in the WT library going back to the inception of the teaching in 1934 provide any Scriptural proof. The teaching is based on antitypical fulfillments not found in Scripture. (See the two-part article, “His Kindness”, in the 1934 August 1 and 15 Watchtower.) Since recent Watchtower doctrine disavows teachings based on antitypes not applied in Scripture (See w15 3/15 "Questions from Readers") the Other Sheep doctrine is in a sort of limbo right now. It continues to be taught yet the foundation of the doctrine has been removed.
What JWs Believe
This helps us to understand what lies behind the words written in paragraph 1 of this week’s Watchtower study.
“WHAT a wonderful hope true Christians share! All of us, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep,” hope to see the fulfillment of God’s original purpose and the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. (John 10:16; Matt. 6:9, 10) Such expectations are the most noble any human can cherish. We also long for the promised reward of everlasting life, either as part of God’s “new heavens” or as part of his “new earth.”” – par. 1
Paragraph 2 then asks: “You may wonder, though, how can your expectation become more sure?”
Since atheists, who have no hope in God and no faith in the resurrection, are going to be brought back in the resurrection of the unrighteous in exactly the same sinful state that Jehovah’s Witnesses hope to be resurrected, one might ask, “Why do I need to make my expectation more sure? After all, it will happen whether I hope for it or not; whether I believe in it, or not.”
Is the Watchtower selling us a false hope? Is there really going to be a resurrection of the righteous to earth? Is this what the Bible really teaches?
If so, the Watchtower has consistently failed to show it. When it comes to an earthly resurrection, the Bible only speaks of one for the unrighteous.
Now consider this: The Watchtower tells us that non-anointed Witnesses will be declared righteous as friends of God. What does it mean to be declared righteous by God? Obviously, it means one is no longer unrighteous. One’s sins are forgiven. Thus, God can and does grant eternal life to those he declares as righteous. So how is it that he can declare a human righteous without giving them a righteous status when resurrecting them? To what avail are they righteous if they are just as sinful as they always were? Does this make sense? More important, is it scriptural?
Here is the official Watchtower teaching:
Under Jesus’ loving attention, the entire human family—Armageddon survivors, their offspring, and the thousands of millions of resurrected dead who obey him—will grow toward human perfection. (w91 6/1 p. 8)
Those who physically have died and will be resurrected on earth during the Millennium will still be imperfect humans. Also, those surviving the war of God will not be made perfect and sinless immediately. As they continue faithful to God during the Millennium those who will have survived on earth evidently will gradually progress toward perfection. (w82 12/1 p. 31)
“Like Abraham, they are accounted, or declared, righteous as friends of God.” (it-1 p. 606)
So Abraham and the other faithful men of old like Moses will be resurrected still in a sinful state alongside those so-called Christian friends of God whom he also declares righteous but restores to life as sinners. How then will Moses differ from the rebel Korah if both are still sinners?[iii]
This strange teaching gets even stranger when we consider this next statement.
“Those faithful ones died before the promised “offspring,” Jesus Christ, opened the way to heavenly life. (Gal. 3:16) Nevertheless, thanks to Jehovah’s unfailing promises, they will be resurrected to perfect human life in an earthly paradise.—Ps. 37:11; Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14.” – par. 4
Hold on. Our official teaching is that all humans, even Abraham, are resurrected as sinners, and "gradually progress toward perfection". Now we're told they are resurrected already perfect. Who is at the helm, steering this ship? Clearly not Jehovah, because he doesn't confuse his servants with conflicting commands and mutually exclusive teachings.
Examining the "Proof Texts"
Given the above, it should not surprise us to find that the "proof texts" provided in this paragraph prove the contrary to what is being taught.
Isaiah 26:19: The context seems to be speaking about a metaphorical resurrection. However, even if it is literal, it doesn’t speak of location, nor of the status (righteous or unrighteous) of those resurrected. So this proves nothing.
Psalm 37:11: This verse speaks of the meek possessing the earth. What does that prove? In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ lists a series of beatitudes which foretell the reward given to the children of God upon their resurrection. (Mt 5:1-12) Verse 5 of that account parallels Psalm 37:11, so it would seem the Psalmist was inspired to speak of the resurrection of the children of God, not some earthly resurrection. After all, who possesses the kingdom, the King or the subjects of the King? (Mt 17:24-26)
Hosea 13:14: What a striking similarity this verse bears to Paul’s words to anointed Christians at 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. In fact, the NWT links the two passages by cross reference. So again, we have proof in the Hebrew Scriptures with corroboration in the Greek that there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous as sons of God to immortal life. As for an earthly resurrection of the righteous to sinful, imperfect life, there is no proof. Hosea simply doesn't address that teaching.
A False Hope for Faithful Pre-Christian Servants
As we’ve just seen, the Organization teaches that Abraham will have an earthly resurrection as one of the righteous who come back still as sinners. (Assuming the final statement of paragraph 4 is a mistake.) One thing that remains unchanged either way is that Abraham and all the faithful men of old will not be part of the Kingdom of the Heavens with Christ and anointed Christians. There are no Scriptures that teach this, mind you. You have to take it on faith—faith in men.
You can do that if you want, but to what end? Do you love truth or do you love "The Truth". In "The Truth" we are taught that the faithful men of old are resurrected to earth. So when Hebrews 11:35 speaks of a better resurrection, we cannot allow it to refer to the heavenly hope. This creates a problem, however, because the Bible doesn't speak of another resurrection that is still better than the "better resurrection", a super-resurrection as it were. It only ever speaks of two resurrections. So to get around this, men have to make a categorical statement and hope that the reader will not notice that it is built on sand. It is, in fact, a lie. Speaking of Christian martyrs like Antipas, The Watchtower says that they “would have the reward of a resurrection to heavenly life—surpassing the “better resurrection” that ancient men of faith looked forward to.” (par. 12)
The Bible does not speak of a resurrection that surpasses the “better resurrection” of Hebrews 11:35. The context clarifies the meaning still further:
“. . .And yet all of these, although they received a favorable witness because of their faith, did not obtain the fulfillment of the promise, 40 because God had foreseen something better for us, so that they might not be made perfect apart from us. . .” (Heb 11:39, 40)
If the ancient ones were not to be made perfect apart from Christians, we are left to conclude that they will be made perfect together with Christians; or is there another option that fits? Paul then sums it all up in the next verse by saying:
“. . .So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.. . .” (Heb 12:1, 2)
If those ancient ones were to serve as examples to Christians, and if the ancient ones were not to be made perfect apart from Christians, and if Jesus is the “Perfecter” of our faith, then this "making perfect" must apply to all. It follows then that all received the same resurrection.
False Expectations
Paragraph 7 says:
Jehovah has also blessed us with an abundant supply of spiritual food provided through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) Thus, by cherishing what we learn from the spiritual provisions that Jehovah has made available, we will be like the ancient examples of faith who had an “assured expectation” of their Kingdom hope. – par. 7
A witness will acknowledge that the foregoing is true. Yet if you were to tell him that "the faithful and discreet slave" is the Pope of Rome, he would reject the statement out of hand. Why? Because he believes the Pope teaches falsehoods. A Witness will read "faithful and discreet slave" and see in his mind's eye, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. How do they differ from the Pope of Rome? To a Witness, they don't teach falsehoods. Yes, they have made mistakes due to human error, but that is different.
Is it? Is it really different?
“. . .Indeed, who is the man among YOU whom his son asks for bread—he will not hand him a stone, will he? 10 Or, perhaps, he will ask for a fish—he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11 Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will YOUR Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?” (Mt 7:9-11)
The history of the so-called provisions of Jehovah dispensed by means of the men alleging to be the faithful and discreet slave of Matthew 24:45 is rife with misinformation and failed expectations—failed hope. If we ask for bread, Jehovah as a loving Father, will not hand us a stone, will he? If we ask for a fish, he will not hand us a serpent, will he? In short, put faith in God’s word the Bible, but do not put faith in the teachings of men in whom no salvation exists. (Ps 118:9; 146:3)
Paragraph 9 tells us to pray for those taking the lead among us, citing Hebrews 13:7. However, first notice the full text of that command:
“Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 9 Do not be led astray by various and strange teachings, for it is better for the heart to be strengthened by undeserved kindness than by foods, which do not benefit those occupied with them.” (Heb 13:7-9)
Paul qualifies his statement by showing that Jesus doesn’t change. So those taking the lead shouldn’t change either. They should not come forth with “various and strange teachings” to lead the faithful astray. This protects us from inadvertently praying for Satan’s ministers who are adept at 'transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.' (2Co 11:14)
An example of a strange teaching is this one:
Sometime after the Kingdom’s birth in 1914, all such faithful anointed ones, who were sleeping in death, were raised to spirit life in heaven to share with Jesus in his rulership over mankind.—Rev. 20:4. – par. 12
There is no proof, neither empirical nor Scriptural, for these beliefs. They are strange indeed, because it means that the anointed who will rule with Christ for a thousand years have been doing so for the past century, yet we still believe the thousand year reign is future. So will they rule for a thousand and one hundred years? How very strange and strained this teaching is becoming.
In Summary
Make no mistake, there will be a resurrection of the unrighteous to earth. These will get the opportunity to accept Jesus as their savior. Eventually, when 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 is fulfilled, the earth will be filled with the family of God living in peace and harmony. However, that is not the hope being held out to Christians. We have the opportunity for a better resurrection. Do not allow anyone to take that from you with “various and strange teachings.”
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[i] There is some dispute as to whether “earlier resurrection” is the best translation of the Greek word, exanastasis. HELPS Word-studies gives (…“completely out from,” intensifying anístēmi, “rise up”) – properly, rising up to experience the full-impact of resurrection, i.e. thoroughly removed from the realm of death (the grave).
[ii] it-1 p. 606 “Like Abraham, they are accounted, or declared, righteous as friends of God.”; w12 7/15 p. 28 par. 7 “…Jehovah has declared…the other sheep righteous as friends…”
[iii] See “Who Will Be Resurrected”, w05 5/1 p. 15, par. 10
[iv] Hence, any faithful dedicated Christian now a part of the “great crowd” who dies before the great tribulation can be sure of having a part in the earthly resurrection of the righteous. - w95 2/15 pp. 11-12 par. 14 “There Will Be a Resurrection of the Righteous”
Archived Comments
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Comment by Em on 2016-12-11 18:05:36
I think it's such a great point that lumping the resurrection of non-believers into that of faithful Christians is crazy. And basically makes it so that Christians (other sheep) don't have any reward at all...kinda makes the ransom invalid. But I will say, that the view a JW has is that the BENEFIT to believing now is that since the end is just around the corner, if it comes when you are still alive and not a true Christian, you will die in Armageddon and will not get a resurrection at all. So, you are taking the risk and hoping you die in this system so that you can pay the wages of sin with your death and get resurrected.
So, I'm confused. Faithful men that died before Christ (Abraham, Moses, etc), do they have the same heavenly hope that Christians have? Or do they get resurrected to the earth but perfect and sinless and righteous?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-11 19:36:38
I believe the evidence is that faithful men like Moses will be included in the first resurrection. I can see no reason that the reward cannot be applied retroactively. It also helps reconcile Luke 22:28-30 with Matthew 8:11 and makes more sense of the transfiguration since why are Elijah and Moses depicted with Jesus if they are not going to be with Jesus?
Reply by katrina on 2016-12-12 10:27:52
I agree Meleti!
Reply by GodsWordIsTruth on 2016-12-22 12:15:38
Exactly Meleti!!
Thank you !
And we can't find the bodies for either one of these faithful men because ...of their "raptures" .... idk ;)
"Raptures" is misleading. Moses' body was disputed over. So he definitely died according to the bible writer.
Elijah and Enoch are the OT saints I had in mind.( no bodies,Rapture?)
Anyways
2 types of death
Physical death -Moses
Rapture? -Elijah
Idk maybe ?
Comment by Zugzwang on 2016-12-11 18:21:36
So who are these men taking the lead that render an accounting Hebrews 13:7-9.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-11 19:40:31
They are not leaders, for our leader is one. Rather, they would be the older men and women whom the Bible writers refer to as taking the lead in the first century congregations and who continue to do so today. Take any group of Christians and there will be some who take the lead because they have that particular gift. 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of this. When some work harder to help others and give of themselves for others, they deserve honor, but not because they are governors, but because they are faithful servants. Taking the lead therefore is not being a leader. That is where the Governing Body gets it wrong, and indeed every religious organization gets it wrong.
Reply by Thaddeus on 2016-12-12 21:13:36
Please illustrate what you mean that ones who are taking the lead are not leaders?
I'm not seeing a difference.
Sure I do understand our leader is one, Christ. Those Christians "taking the lead" are but following the one leader,but surely are leaders themselves, no?
I agree,this verse can't possibly only apply to elders as Watchtower consistently applies it.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-13 10:16:00
Since Jesus told us not to be called Leaders, it follows that those taking the lead are not simply getting around Jesus command by avoiding the name. (Mt 23:10; He 13:7, 17)
A leader tells you where to go and you must obey or he ceases being your leader. A leader makes the rules. So when the Apostles said they would "obey God as ruler rather than men" they were acknowledging God's absolute right to command them. If our Lord Jesus sends us on a suicide mission, we don't stop to question, we obey. However, the word translated "obey" at Hebrews 13:17 isn't the same one found at Acts 5:29. A better translation of Hebrews 13:17 might be, "Be persuaded by those taking the lead among you."
So I would compare a leader to the General commanding an army to enter battle. The soldiers must obey or face court martial. However, in the excursions these soldiers make into enemy territory, someone takes point. They follow that soldier valuing his experience, keener eyesight and hearing, hoping that he will warn them of danger. Nevertheless, if he chooses to go AWOL, they do not follow him, because they are obedient to their leader, the General commanding the forces.
For a fuller analysis of the difference between these terms, see To Obey or Not to Obey-That Is the Question.
Comment by Awakening on 2016-12-12 00:03:06
Only NWT uses "earlier" http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-11.htm
John 5: 28,29 1 Resurrection 2 outcomes
1 Cor 15: 52 If we haven't died we get our "reward" of life Adam lost that Christ repurchased for us at the same time as those resurrected.
1 Thess 4:16 Christians are "first" resurrected but this starts when Christ returns.
I looked up the meaning of the Greek words used in vs 17 and found it very interesting and different than most believe, also I have heard of the second coming but not the second leaving. What if we all will live on earth in the manner initially designed for us? Thoughts?Reply by Amitafal on 2016-12-12 17:09:20
I too have been researching 1Cor 15:20-52. I cross ref with Ph 3:20,21, & 1Thess 4:16,17. I think I came across heaven and air - 'aera' in verses 16&17. Certainly gives us food for thought. Trying to unlearn doctrines for over 20years is hard - but as Meleti said we need to let the Bible speak to us. I am confused though - Rom 6:7 says that those that have died have been acquitted of their sin. So surely they have a clean slate and could be said to be righteous? Let me know what you think
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-12 18:02:48
I'm pretty sure I wrote about this on meletivivlon.com, but can't find where. Apollos brought Romans 6 to my attention some time ago. If one reads the context, it becomes clear that it isn't speaking about physical death. We die with regard to sin by faith in Christ.
"For we know that our old personality was nailed to the stake along with him in order for our sinful body to be made powerless, so that we should no longer go on being slaves to sin. 7 For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin. 8 Moreover, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." (Romans 6:6-8)
So when we die this way, we are acquitted of our sin and declared righteous by faith in the blood of Christ. Thus, we die no more. We may "sleep" but in God's eyes we live.
10 For the death that he died, he died with reference to sin once for all time, but the life that he lives, he lives with reference to God. 11 Likewise you, consider yourselves to be dead with reference to sin but living with reference to God by Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:10, 11)Reply by Amitafal on 2016-12-15 03:56:45
Thank you for the explanation. Having joined recently hadn't seen a post on Romans 6.
More to think about.
Reply by Amitafal on 2016-12-15 04:35:23
I read it through a few times & see what you are saying. I suppose it made me think after discussion on the 1000yrs & being resurrected with unrighteous ones to be judged. I think vs 23 says it all.
Comment by anonymous on 2016-12-12 04:32:12
Men have been speculating about what books should be in the Bible and how to interpret those books for the last 2000 years. And they will still be doing it in 100 years time. 1000 years time even. Long after we are all dead. And coming to different conclusions. At the end of it all, who's right and who's wrong? Does it matter? If I end up in heaven I'm hardly going to complain and say I should be back on earth, because I studied the Bible my whole life and that's the conclusion I came to. Religion really is a snare and a racket. Each one has it's own unique doctrines which supposedly make them right and acceptable to God. But at the end of the day no-one really knows for sure. It's pure speculation, and it doesn't really matter. Love God and love neighbour, have faith in Jesus and be saved through God's grace, and we'll find out when we get there.
Comment by Candace on 2016-12-12 08:31:00
Oh this is making my head spin like crazy. Why can't this be made simple so there isn't any need for the speculation, wondering what the first and second resurrections actually mean, and how can anyone be resurrected to righteousness anyway because everyone is a sinner? No one dies righteous, they die as sinners.
Its confusing for me because if all the faithful men like Moses are part of the first resurrection, wouldn't the 144,000 places be filled up ages and ages ago? If that is true what are we waiting for? The trumpet blasts that Revelation talks about should have started by now if that was true. Actually I find it hard to believe that there isn't 144,000 that Jehovah has counted as anointed if we count the beginning of time until now.
The idea that ALL people will be resurrected is horrifying to be honest!
"The Scriptures speak of only two possibilities for the dead—the temporary state of nonexistence and the state of eternal death. Those who are judged unworthy of a resurrection are pitched into “Gehenna,” or “the lake of fire.” (Matthew 5:22; Mark 9:47, 48; Revelation 20:14) Among these would be the first human pair, Adam and Eve, the betrayer Judas Iscariot, and certain ones who died when God executed judgment upon them, such as the people in Noah’s day and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. (See pages 30-1 of the June 1, 1988, issue of The Watchtower)"
- http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005528#h=4
Imagine if all the people who did terrible, terrible things like mass murderers and torturers and satan worshippers be resurrected in the new system. That doesn't sound like a new system at all, especially if they get to repeat their atrocities again.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-12 09:23:35
I sympathize, Candace. I went through a similar head-spinning period a few years back. The reason for this is that you are still accepting as "unquestioned truth" certain teachings of the Organization. When you try to resolve those teachings with newly discovered Bible truths, you end up with conflicts and contradictions such as you have just listed. The trick is to make no assumptions whatsoever--easier said then done--and look at Scripture with an open, unbiased mind.
Let the Bible speak to you!
We know there are two resurrections because both Jesus and Paul clearly state that. At Acts 15:24, Paul speaks about the state of the dead prior to their resurrection--righteous or unrighteous. At John 5:28, 29, Jesus speaks of what status each group is resurrected to--life or a period of judgment.
Jehovah declares us righteous by faith by the time of our death, so that in his eyes--the only eyes that count--we are sinless by virtue of our faith. We die as children of God, not orphans without a Father. Our Father will restore us to life and not just sinful life, but perfect life as his children. We then inherit from God what he has, which is life.
The rest come back in a orphaned state, still sinners, but the the opportunity to accept adoption. So, two resurrections.
You can eliminate the confusion about numbers by realizing that there is no solid basis for considering the number 144,000 as literal. The 12 tribes listed at Revelation 7:4-8 are symbolic. There was no tribe of Joseph, for instance. If the tribes are symbolic, then the numbers drawn from each must also be symbolic. There is no literal number of 12,000 drawn because there is no literal tribe to draw them from. Revelation 1:1 says that the entire vision is presented in signs or symbols, so when in doubt, we should default to considering anything revealed therein as symbolic. So 12 symbolic numbers of 12,000 drawn from 12 symbolic tribes does not add up to a literal number does it. It must add up to a symbolic number, a sign of something else. The fact the number is a multiple of 12 indicates is symbolizes a divinely structured arrangement for government. That fact that the number is a large multiple indicates that there are many involved. How many? God knows, we do not. So no need to worry ourselves about this further.
The Bible doesn't say that the people of Noah's day will be resurrected. It doesn't say they won't either. It does say that the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected, however. (Mt 11:23, 24) The point is, why should we worry about who is going to be resurrected. The selection process lies in the hands of our Lord Jesus. Worrying about it shows a lack of confidence in him. It's all in good hands.
The idea that the 1,000 year reign will be a paradise is right out of the Watchtower playbook. However, the Bible teaches that the reign of Christ will be a period of judgment. How it will be is anyone's guess.
As Christians, we have the opportunity to be with Christ in the kingdom of the heavens. Why not grasp at that hope, rather then hope for life on earth during judgment day. True, earthly life then will still be better than life today because then there will be righteous government, but would you not rather be part of the solution, part of the government?
Reply by Dajo on 2016-12-17 05:56:29
Hello Candace,
stop waiting. The best method of control is to keep a person.... (or in the case of " the society " People.. in suspense. We could say a heightened sense of anxiety.
Personally and in extended family situations I have observed this over nearly 4 decades.
These men will soon reap the seeds they have sown. My prayer is that they become clean, apologize and admit that the Revelation does not apply to them between 1914 - 19.. whatever.
Why can't they just apologize?
I won't enlarge on my personal experience here. The meddling by their ideology is breaking apart me from my family.
Please take care.
DavidReply by Candace on 2016-12-17 07:35:18
Hey Dajo thank you and everyone Meleti, for your kind advice. I am doing a lot of researching and study, at the same time I feel so very emotional right now to be honest. I am in full time service and if I suddenly stop I will break my mums heart, lose all my friends and.. oh I can't even imagine it is too scarey. Why can't I be strong enough to do anything? My best friend told me to wait on Jehovah, keep praying, talk to elders immediately. Being confused about EVERYTHING is not a nice feeling at all. But I love the truth very much, I read the bible continuously and praying to Jehovah to please grant me more wisdom and courage quickly.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-17 08:00:05
You are wise not to make any rash decisions. All of this takes time. The Bible speaks of being "transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) It takes time to make the mind over. In a way, it is like learning to walk again after a long period of convalescence. Give it time.
The Bible speaks of 'waiting on Jehovah', but if you use the WT Library program and search on "Jehovah" and "wait*" with the asterisk as a wild card, you'll find that every time the Bible uses it, it is with regard to salvation. Jehovah doesn't want us to continue teaching falsehood while waiting for him to fix things. But he does want us to wait patiently for the salvation that he will provide at the appropriate time. So the phrase is often misused to get Jehovah's Witnesses to put up with a false teaching or a wrong practice.
This is a precarious time for you. So remember Jesus words:
“Look! I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; so prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard against men, for they will hand you over to local courts and they will scourge you in their synagogues.” (Mt 10:16, 17)
If you replace synagogues with judicial committees, you will find the text still applies.
Also, when being pressured to share your faith, remember these words of our Lord:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs nor throw your pearls before swine, so that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open." (Mt 7:6)
We may feel we must share the truth with everyone, but Jesus tells us to consider the listener before sharing. Is he a sheep, a dog, or a pig? Some will trample the truth underfoot and then turn on the one sharing it with them, because their only defense is to try to silence him or her. This was the way with the Jewish leaders and the Pharisees. (Acts 4:17; 5:28, 40)Reply by Candace on 2016-12-18 04:40:49
So I just came back from the meeting where we did this study and I didn't even answer up whereas usually I prepare at least 3 comments. Since I haven't cleared my mind about what to say so I kept quiet. Someone asked if I was OK I just said I was..tired. Ugh embarassing.
Anyway I quote the summary here: 'Make no mistake, there will be a resurrection of the unrighteous to earth. These will get the opportunity to accept Jesus as their savior. Eventually, when 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 is fulfilled, the earth will be filled with the family of God living in peace and harmony. However, that is not the hope being held out to Christians. We have the opportunity for a better resurrection. Do not allow anyone to take that from you with “various and strange teachings.”'
How are we supposed to tie all this information with Armageddon that is coming very soon, and scriptures such as Psalms 1:6 'For Jehovah is aware of the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish'?
My thinking is..
- It doesn't make sense to me why Jehovah will kill all the wicked people in Armageddon just to resurrect them back again? Or are we supposed to understand this as Jehovah showing justice by getting people to 'pay' for their sins by death?
- What about the good people when Armageddon comes, will they survive or will they need to die too so that they get the 'better' resurrection? No one is perfect so everyone sins and the price of sin is death, right?
- Revelation 20:14, 15 says 'And death and the Grave were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.' Obviously there are some really bad people who will get the second death that you can't be brought back or resurrected from. So this means not everyone will be resurrected (I keep thinking of Judas Iscariot because he sinned against the holy spirit by betraying Jesus). I wonder if this is contradiction or if we need more light about how Gehenna is going to apply in modern times.
So far I do agree that its 'strange' to think that people who have been declared righteous by God will come back in the same form as they were. For example if Methusaleh came resurrected back in the same way as he was at 969 years old, I wonder how he would feel?
Sorry I hope these questions aren't covered somewhere here already (I couldn't find) and a lot of the other sites are full of hateful comments which I seriously want to avoid.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-18 09:05:45
Thank you, Candace. You've given me an excellent foundation for an article. Bear with me and I shall try to answer all these questions in an article.
However, as a hint, you might examine the premise that confuses Witnesses often in these things. The premise is that we know the timing for the fulfillment of prophesy. So when is Ps 1:6 fulfilled? Is it at Armageddon or during Judgment Day?
What is the purpose of Armageddon? Compare Daniel 2:44 with Revelation 16:14.
If Jesus kills everyone at Armageddon, how does Proverbs 14:28 prove true?
Is there a difference between "wicked" and "unrighteous"?
Did Judas sin against the holy spirit or against Jesus? (Matthew 12:31, 32) If against the holy spirit, then how could the prophesy concerning him be fulfilled? See Psalm 55:13-15 where it says that this one descends to Sheol and then factor in that Sheol represents the "memorial tombs" from which all will ascend when Jesus calls. (John 5:28)
I'm just completing the fourth in the Salvation series on the Beroeans Study Forum and the fifth will examine Armageddon in more detail; so many of the questions you've asked her will be included as I want to address the concerns my brothers are naturally going to have as they try to shed decades of dogma. Having gone through it myself, I know how it feels, but you've put it so succinctly that I again thank you for your thought-provoking comment.
Reply by tyhik on 2016-12-17 22:35:23
Hi Candace. The most important is that you love truth. Take your time, study, let things settle in your head and God will give you strength to do right things in due time. Truth will set you free (John 8:31,32), but that freedom may come with a price.
The most fundamental belief of a devout JW is that Watchtower is the God's Org. In reality it is even more fundamental than the belief that Bible is God's word, for example. How else could anyone, if there is a contradiction between the Bible and the Watchtower teachings, recommend to "wait on Jehovah". Bible is not going to change. For some people it has been even more fundamental than the belief in God, because when they have lost the faith in the Org they have lost the faith in God too.
It either is God's org or it is not. No third option. But when it comes to saving, Bible talks about something completely different, the faith in Jesus and his sacrifice (Acts 4:12).
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2016-12-12 11:43:14
Candace, I am not surprised your head is spinning. Meliti must have been preparing this one for some time.
It seems to me that those who are doing the writing believe their own teachings so much that they do not think about what is really in the Bible, and no one on the GB is questioning them. Can this really be true.
No doubt this is why, when we question WTBS teachings, the answers always refer to the publications, but getting a straight answer based on scripture is very hard.
Love your reference, Meliti, to Hebrews 13:9 and the "various and strange teachings". In fact if you ask too hard, you will be in danger of being accused of being spiritually weak and needing help. That of course comes from those you asked to help you in the first place. Is that not strange ?
Comment by Thaddeus on 2016-12-12 21:02:25
Very interesting points made in this review. I appreciate the clarity of the Bible when read with an open mind, thank you.
I do have a question, in the two August 1934 WT articles you refered to I'm not seeing where our current "other sheep" doctrine is based on a type or antitype. The two articles "His Kindness" are very lengthy and not an easy read. Which paragraphs do you refer to in them?
ThanksReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-13 10:06:57
Hi Thaddeus. For a breakdown of the types and antitypes in those two articles, see Going Beyond What Is Written.
Comment by Menrov on 2016-12-13 01:45:53
Hi Meleti, it is WS 10/16, not 11/16 :-), anyway, looking at par 1: WHAT a wonderful hope true Christians share! All of us, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep,” hope to see the fulfillment of God’s original purpose and the sanctification of Jehovah’s name.
So, this is about some 8 million people that are linked to the WBT and who are considered TRUE CHRISTIANS, whereas all other 2 billion Christians are in Satans world apparently and want to become rich via a lottery, according to par. 2. How can anyone accept such a statement? It is actually rather offensive.
The vague story about Faith in par 3 i very confusing and not scriptural. Yes, YHWH is faithful (to what he promises) but that has not much to do with the faith for believers. Of course they would not quote this verse as it refers to Jesus: Gal 3:23 Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed.
Par 7 has: Thus, by cherishing what we learn from the spiritual provisions that Jehovah has made available
I guess that with CHERISHING they meant OBEYING, and with SPIRITUAL PROVISIONS, they mean the WT PUBLICATIONS
So, what is the value of the example story in par 13/14? It is rather demotivating to have a life like that. One would wonder, where is His blessings, His protection? Great that this person maintained faith in his belief but so do many other believers.
It is (remains) most peculiar to see that so-called Christians (see par 1) are not encouraged int his article to develop and strengthen faith in the one who will Judge them, Jesus.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-12-13 10:03:19
Thanks for catching that, Menrov. Thanks also for the additional insights. So true that faith in Jesus is ignored and all emphasis is placed on Jehovah, because the average JW equates Jehovah with Organization. The two words are virtually interchangable in their minds when it comes to obedience and teachings.
Comment by lazarus on 2016-12-13 09:45:11
Thanks Meleti, nicely esplained. this is a important subject, our hope. Either there's 2 hopes as preached by JW's or there's one.
There are many proofs Christian writers highlighting one hope. You've done a great job in highlighting this in the review.
1 Peter 3: 15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.
Peter here, He doesn’t tell christians to give a reason for why they believe, or what they believe, of course, there's nothing wrong in that . He(Peter says) for them to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. Notice the basis or foundation of our hope , he says to "sanctify the Christ in your hearts"
So Hope in what? The hope based on gods promises "on Christ death and resurrection and invitation to be with him" or to live on a paradise earth as other sheep as a friend of God.
Well, Peter would not have that in mind as the watchtower's other sheep living on earth hope , because that came into effect in 1935(officially) so these Apostles and Peter especially given the Keys from Christ has nothing to say or anyone else about two hopes. Surely, one chapter on the hope that once the 144, 000 seats on the bus were filled, the rest of the Christians would be charting on buses destined for planet earth, that would of suffice. That makes sense, Like Paul wrote in 1 Cor 15.
For a JW to accept what the scriptures really teach of the hope set out in scripture, would require a radical change in thought and outlook but it's also liberating , because the truth sets one free.
In regards to para 4, as the paragraph alludes being raised to perfection , there's a school of thought , that those resurrected , especially men , will serve as Princes, And of course, no need to raise ones flawed. Also no references given.
You brought out a lot of good points , I like the one you make on being faithful, you die but only to be resurrected to have another crack on living forever, whereas the anointed are declared righteous upfront. Crossed my mind many times of my decades as a JW.
Comment by Truth-Seeker on 2016-12-14 02:23:50
'When the Saints, go marching in ... oh Lord I want to be in that number'. For these 'old time religion' guys it was a symbolic number.