This week, Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will be studying Article 40 in the September 2022 Watchtower. It is titled “Bringing the Many to Righteousness.” Like last week’s study that covered John 5:28, 29 about the two resurrections, this one, to quote the preview, “provides an adjustment in our understanding with regard to the great educational program described at Daniel 12:2, 3.” (By the way, Daniel 12:2 and 3 does not describe any great educational program in the New World.)
This new understanding is called an “adjustment.” This is a common JW euphemism for “We got it all wrong before, and now we need to fix it.” Allow me to illustrate how this isn’t an adjustment: If you are listening to an AM station on the radio, and it’s not coming in clearly, you “adjust” the tuning dial to improve your reception. That is what an adjustment is. If, however, you throw the radio in the garbage and buy a brand new radio, you wouldn’t call that an adjustment.
What this study does is not an adjustment, but a change that is so profound that it wipes out the only meager foundation that the organization has to justify its doctrine of a 1914 presence of Christ.
“Whoa Nelly,” you might say. That’s going a bit too far, isn’t it? Not at all. This article is the printed edition of so-called new light released by Geoffrey Jackson over a year ago at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. I covered that extensively in a video titled “Geoffrey Jackson Invalidates the 1914 Presence of Christ.” Because of that, I won’t get into a lot of detail here covering everything already dealt with in that video. Just a couple of key points:
The article in The Watchtower together with last week’s study will be called “new light” by the rank-and-file Jehovah’s Witness. The Governing Body lays claim to that term by misappropriating Proverbs 4:18 which reads: “But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.” (Proverbs 4:18 NWT)
This verse in Proverbs isn’t talking about how we are meant to understand Bible prophecy as if it is revealed to us gradually by means of a trial-and-error process. When prophecy is revealed, it is revealed by a prophet all at once and if it comes from God, it is always completely right. What Proverbs 4:18 really refers to is the life course of a person striving to serve God. Yet, even if it were applicable to the revealing of prophecy, the historical facts make it impossible to apply that Scripture to the constant historical doctrinal flip-flopping of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I would submit that this latest “adjustment” demonstrates once again that the verse we should be applying to the Scholars of Watchtower, the vaunted “Guardians of Doctrine,” as they call themselves, is the next verse:
The way of the wicked is like the darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:19 NWT)
“A bit harsh,” you say? “A tad judgmental, perhaps.” I don’t think so. After all, making an “adjustment” that completely undermines their core doctrine of the 1914 presence of Christ while seemingly being totally unaware of the consequences of their “new light” clearly qualifies as stumbling around in the dark.
How does this new light undermine 1914? Well, let’s start with the fact that the Governing Body claims that The Watchtower predicted the return of Christ down to the month and year: October 1914. However, they had a hurdle to jump to claim the right to make this prediction. You see, when Jesus was about to ascend to heaven, his disciples asked a crucial question: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6)
If 1914 is really the date of Christ’s appointment as king to sit on the throne of David over the house of Israel as Witnesses believe, then in answer to the disciple’s question, he could have replied: “I’ll be restoring the kingdom of Israel in 1881 years from now. He couldn’t say 1914, because the Gregorian calendar that we use hadn’t been invented yet. But Christ didn’t say that, did he? Instead, he answered:
“It does not belong to you to know the times or seasons that the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction. (Acts 1:7)
So, there was and still is a divine injunction or prohibition against anyone knowing ahead of time the date of Christ’s return. How does the Organization claim to have gotten around this divine embargo? How could they have known the month and year in advance, since Jesus clearly tells his disciples that such foreknowledge is not something we may possess?
The answer given through The Watchtower is this:
“The True Knowledge Will Become Abundant”
As regards “the time of the end,” Daniel foretold a very positive development. (Read Daniel 12:3, 4, 9, 10.) “At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun,” said Jesus. (Matt. 13:43) How did the true knowledge become abundant in the time of the end? Consider some historical developments in the decades prior to 1914, the year when the time of the end began. (w09 8/15 p. 14 Everlasting Life on Earth—A Hope Rediscovered)
“True knowledge” is not all knowledge, is it? According to The Watchtower it is. And further, they claim that Daniel 12:3,4 refers to the time of C.T. Russell forward. So, the injunction was lifted by God via this prophecy in Daniel based on the Organization’s interpretation. Okay, then. Well and good. You’ve got your excuse for knowing ahead of time what the 12 apostles of Jesus were forbidden from knowing. Then dear members of the Governing Body, don’t go changing it! If you move the fulfillment of Daniel 12:3,4 to the future, claiming that the true knowledge is not abundant now, today, but will become abundant in the new world, then you’ve just shot yourselves in the prophetic foot.
That’s what the Governing Body did in the 2021 annual meeting talk by Geoffrey Jackson and what they are again doing in this Watchtower Study. Why? What’s driving them? There is, in my estimation, something very sinister going on here, though it is cloaked in robes of righteousness as if an angel of light were speaking. But I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ll come back to that. But for now, let’s just look at the evidence.
We’ll skip over the first three paragraphs of the study article because all they contain is human opinion and speculation without scriptural support. Oh sure, there are many scriptures cited, but if you take the time to look them up, you’ll see they’re just window dressing and do not support the speculation.
No, we’ll move straight to their attempts to interpret Daniel 12:1 to see if they are engaging in solid exegetical research (letting the Bible interpret itself) or falling back on their tried-and-true method of eisegesis (imposing their ideas onto Scripture).
Paragraph four tells us to read Daniel 12:1, so we’ll start with that.
“And during that time Miʹcha·el will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of your people. And there will certainly occur a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time. And during that time your people will escape, every one who is found written down in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)
The newer 2013 version strips out the words, “the sons of,” and gives: “During that time Miʹcha·el will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of your people.”
If you look into the interlinear, you’ll see that the original includes “the sons of,” so why remove it in the later version of the NWT? Well, for one thing, it makes what they are about to do all the easier. To begin with, if you put yourself in Daniel’s shoes for a moment, what would he have understood the angel to mean by “the sons of your people”?
Would Daniel have thought, “Well, my people are Jehovah’s Witnesses, so the sons of my people would be the descendants of Jehovah’s Witnesses”? Come on! His people were the Jews of his day and their sons would be their future descendants. Let’s be reasonable here. But the Governing Body does not want you, the humble Watchtower reader, to come to that conclusion. How do they get around that. First, they remove “the sons of” from the latest translation which every Witness is supposed to use at the meetings. Then…well, see if you can pick out for yourself:
Read Daniel 12:1. The book of Daniel reveals the sequence of exciting events that will occur during the time of the end. For example, Daniel 12:1 reveals that Michael, who is Jesus Christ, is “standing in behalf of [God’s] people.” That part of the prophecy began to be fulfilled in 1914 when Jesus was appointed as King of God’s heavenly Kingdom. (par. 4)
“Standing in behalf of [God’s] people”? Not “your people,” but God’s people?! Hey, if we’re going to play “let’s switch out the words”, why stop there, guys? Just spell it out. How about, “Standing in behalf of [Jehovah’s Witnesses]”? I mean, if we’re going to go beyond what is written, let’s not be coy. “In for a penny, in for a pound,” as the saying goes.
Of course, they are totally misapplying the prophecy of Daniel chapter 12 and have been doing so since before I was born. If you want to determine for yourself how that prophecy is fulfilled, check out this video on exegesis titled “Learning to Fish”. A hint, the whole thing was fulfilled in the first century.
By the way, Michael, the great prince, is not Jesus Christ. For scriptural proof, see this video.
There is more unsubstantiated speculation in paragraph 5:
This “time of distress” is the “great tribulation” mentioned at Matthew 24:21. Jesus stands up, or acts to defend God’s people, at the end of this time of distress, that is, at Armageddon. (par 5 excerpt)
That is both right and wrong. Right in that the time of distress mentioned in Daniel does refer to the great tribulation referred to at Matthew 24:21. Wrong in claiming that the great tribulation of Matthew 24:21 refers to Armageddon. The context clearly shows that it refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. Additionally, there’s nothing in the context of Matthew 24:21 to support an antitypical or secondary fulfillment. As a matter of fact, Matthew 24:23-27 warns us to beware of any false prophet or false anointed ones (Christs) claiming an invisible presence. How else are we to understand these words of our Lord Jesus?
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned you. Therefore, if people say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes out of the east and shines over to the west, so the presence of the Son of man will be.” (Matthew 24:23-27 NWT)
When the presence of Jesus comes, you won’t read about it in The Watchtower. You’ll see it with your own eyes like lightning flashing across the sky. We were so foolish to trust in men.
Next, the Governing Body deals with their new understanding on Daniel 12:2.
“And many of those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life and others to reproach and to everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)
I have to share this next bit from paragraph 6 of this study article because is shows a ridiculous, childish approach to Bible study.
This prophecy is not referring to a symbolic resurrection, a spiritual revival of God’s servants that occurs during the last days, as we previously understood. Rather, these words refer to the resurrection of the dead that takes place in the coming new world. Why can we draw that conclusion? The expression “the dust” is also used at Job 17:16 as a parallel of the expression “the Grave.” This fact indicates that Daniel 12:2 is referring to the literal resurrection that will occur after the last days have ended and after the battle of Armageddon. (par. 6)
Really?! The fact that sometimes “the dust” is used to represent “the grave” is all the proof you need to turn an entire interpretation on its head? Have they never heard of metaphor? Have they no concept of symbols?
They state in a footnote that, “This “explanation is an adjustment to the understanding found in the book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophesy! chapter 17, and in The Watchtower of July 1, 1987, pp. 21-25.
Notice how they subtly distance themselves from responsibility for this latest bit of “new light” now that the switch has been turned off the old light and it has gone dark. “An adjustment to the understanding”? “To THE understanding?” You’ll never read, “An adjustment to the Governing Body’s previous understanding.” You’ll only find that level of candor among the faithful men who wrote the Bible.
There are two important subjects left to cover in this study article. The first has to do with what is depicted here:
The caption to this illustration reads: “How thrilling it will be to see Daniel, our loved ones, and many more “stand up” for their lot in the new world! (See paragraph 20)
There is nothing in Scripture that specifically says that men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as Moses, Daniel, and countless faithful pre-Christian servants will not be with Christ in the kingdom of God. On the other hand, there is much to prove that they will be there. I covered this in the previous video, here’s a link to it, but I still received many emails and comments from viewers asking for more explanation about how the faithful of old could be “born again” (spirit anointed) children of God. I was going to include a much fuller analysis here, but then I realized it would make this video too long. So, I’m going to do another video exclusively on this subject and I will post it very soon.
This brings us to the final point. Look at this picture on page 23 of the article.
The caption reads: “The 144,000 will work closely with Jesus Christ to direct the educational work that will take place during the 1,000 years (See paragraph 11)”
What you see here is Jesus Christ, far off in heaven, performing some jedi mind trick to influence this clean-cut Jehovah’s Witness to teach some resurrected Israelite about the Bible. When Jesus was resurrected as a spirit, he guided his apostles for the education work that would take place in the 1st century: the preaching of the good news. How did he direct them? In every instance, he took on a human form and walked among them as a man. Why would we think that Jesus and the anointed kings and priests would not do the same thing in the new world? If God’s way of doing this was to work remotely from heaven, why does Jesus have to return? In the Bible, we read “…the tent of God is with Mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:3 NWT)
That sounds like direct contact on earth. Also, the anointed will dwell in the New Jerusalem and where will that city be? Jesus tells us:
“The one who conquers—I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will by no means go out from it anymore, and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that descends out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12)
The seat of the heavenly administration will descend out of heaven to the earth. That is why Revelation 5:10 tells us “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” (Berean Standard Bible)
“Upon the earth” or as other Bible versions render it, “on the earth.” So why is the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses pushing this unscriptural fantasy of a worldwide educational work carried out by faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses, who by the way, are still imperfect, and sinful?
Well, let me ask you this? What is the Devil’s greatest fear? Let’s read:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
Imagine being told by God that you are going to die, that your fate is unalterable and sealed. All you have left is the time until that prophecy comes true. You’ll want to extend that time, of course. Step one is to corrupt the principal seed of the woman which is Jesus Christ. Well, Satan tried that and failed. So, the Bible tells us that “the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17)
Satan isn’t just doing this out of spite and hatred. No. He wants to keep the full number of that seed from coming to fruition, to buy himself more time. In the 19th century, a number of Bible Student groups freed themselves from false religion, abandoning such false teachings as the trinity, hellfire, and the immortal soul. More than anything else, they freed themselves from servitude to men, to self-exalted human leaders.
Imagine the coup it was for the devil to corrupt many of these new Christian groups. In the case of the newly named Jehovah’s Witnesses, Satan managed to get J.F. Rutherford to convince the flock to abandon the hope of serving with Jesus in the kingdom of God and to reject the anointing of the holy spirit, something Witnesses blatantly do to this very day in their yearly ceremonial rite called “the Memorial.” Of course, Satan does all this in disguise.
Paul explains how this is done:
“But what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to eliminate the pretext of those who are wanting a basis for being found equal to us in the things about which they boast. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
As an angel of light, Satan brings glad tidings and false hope to the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses through his ministers disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness who encourage the flock to yearn for an exalted position in the New World as important instructors of Mankind, teaching even the likes of Daniel whose faith stayed the mouths of lions, and Moses, whose faith split the Red Sea. Yes, these humble Christian Witnesses will be called upon to instruct such men and help them to a knowledge of God and Christ. Poppycock! It is smoke and mirrors designed to keep the rank and file from dwelling on the real hope which Jesus is offering to all.
But why now? Why this change in understanding now? Could it be that the reports that are coming in from the field tell a troubling tale? In congregation after congregation, we are hearing that anywhere from 30% to 60% of publishers are quietly defying the order to return to in-person attendance. They prefer to attend remotely via zoom.
I can only imagine what tactics the Governing Body will employ next to shore up their flagging power over the flock. Already, the calls for donations are becoming constant. In the past, there was no such emphasis. It would have been unseemly, and it wasn’t needed. They had more money than they knew what to do with. Now, they have to sell kingdom halls to keep the funds flowing, and that is a finite resource. They are like a starving farmer who eats his planting seed to stay alive. When it’s all gone, there will be nothing left.
I take no joy in this. We should not rejoice. We should instead be like our Lord.
“And when he got nearby, he viewed the city and wept over it, saying: “If you, even you, had discerned in this day the things having to do with peace—but now they have been hid from your eyes. Because the days will come upon you when your enemies will build around you a fortification with pointed stakes and will encircle you and distress you from every side, and they will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you, because you did not discern the time of your being inspected.” (Luke 19:41-44)
What saddens me most is that for so many, the inevitable demise of the Organization will result in a total loss of faith, because they have never learned to put their faith in God, but instead they have trusted in men and equated Jehovah God with an earthly, manmade visible Organization. They are walking by sight and not by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7) For them, when the Organization goes, it will be as if God himself has died.
Let us not be like that. Let us get out now and keep our faith! God didn’t fail us. We failed him by not heeding the counsel to not follow men. Well, it’s not too late. Sure, it will be tough, but that is also a cause for joy. Didn’t Jesus say:
“Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. (Matthew 5:11, 12)
I’m so grateful for the many letters and comments of support that I get, and I share many of these with the brothers and sisters who collaborate in producing these videos, articles, and books and who host our weekly meetings. May the grace of our Father and of our Lord be with you all!
I remain your brother in Christ.
Archived Comments
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Comment by PierrotSud on 2022-12-03 13:23:48
Again, the Governing body uses 1914 as the pivotal date, the date of the end time.
According to David Splane, we should no longer do antitype where it is not indicated. Yet that is what they continue to do with Daniel 12.
The Governing body wants to use beautiful images to make us believe that if we follow them, then we will be able to participate in a vast educational and reconstruction program, like a humanitarian operation. Many brothers and sisters like to feel useful, and thus think they are doing their Father's will by participating in this program. They feel privileged.
Kind of like the building of the kingdom halls, etc. But this program is not scriptural.
It is a very clever tool and the Governing body just has to offer it.
Yet our reward comes from something else:
John 17:3 (KJV)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
It is vital to obey God and our Lord Jesus rather than men who make people believe anything as long as they have authority.
PierreReply by Ad_Lang on 2022-12-11 11:54:46
It appears to me that this "educational work" is derived from a bigger thing that faithful Christians will get a share in. However, you can't tell the "other sheep" that they will get the full share of what's in store for the 1000 years, because that would stop the "anointed" being special.
My personal understanding is that with this work, faithful Christians will end up "ruling as kings" as in Revelation 20:6, which actually means judging according to the law, because kings used to act like a Supreme Court. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Christ's brothers will have a share in fulfilling Micah 4:1-4, setting things straight among nations far away. Note how Jesus, in the parable found in Luke 19, mentioned that the faithful slaves receive authority over "cities", presumably according to their abilities (talents). I have linked this with the roles that the Levites had under the Mosaic Law.
A lot of my non-Christian associates are looking forward to living in a community doing what they want to do without being disturbed, under common law or natural law (God's law). In turn, I keep pointing out that we do need a higher power/authority, that is Jesus, to ensure that we will keep those freedoms. Left on our own devices, we'll consistendly end up in a situation where one or another will try to gain control over society for their own benefits, at the expense of others. I'm quite sure there will be legal matters (eg disputes) to deal with and if Adam had been loyal, he would probably have dealt with those all along.
Comment by Zacheus on 2022-12-03 20:38:06
Your articles are ever inspiring.
Suggestion.
- as you summarize
- would you use dot points
- please.
- thanks
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2022-12-03 21:36:44
Good suggestion. Thanks.
Comment by sachanordwald on 2022-12-04 02:55:33
Dear Eric,
your article is informative all around. However, it contains an inaccuracy at one point. According to the knowledge of the Governing Body, Daniel 12:4 will not be fulfilled in paradise, but already today. Or rather, since the year 1914. This is described in paragraph 17 in this way. Here is an excerpt:
*** w22 September pp. 24-25 par. 17 “Bringing the Many to Righteousness” ***
How exciting it is to think about these future events! However, Daniel also received from an angel some important information concerning our time, “the time of the end.” (Read Daniel 12:4, 8-10; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) The angel told Daniel: “True knowledge will become abundant.” Yes, the prophetic words in his book would be understood more fully by God’s people. The angel added that during this time “the wicked ones [would] act wickedly, and none of the wicked [would] understand.”
It would be a pity if you were accused of telling the untruth at this point. Your enlightenment work is too valuable for that.Reply by Sophie on 2022-12-04 13:25:16
In Daniel 12:1 it is twice: "in that time" and specified "a time of distress".
So according to this new explanation: how could Michael have driven out Satan and the demons "by standing there" -of course without moving- (paraphrase 1) and rise "in the time of trouble" at the great tribulation (paraphrase 2) when Daniel associates his intervention in one time, and does not suggest a waiting time between 1914 and 2022 (107 years...)
Especially since before they explained that "Michael rises" at his taking over in 1914....!!! The opposite...
Insightful study p 227 (vol 1) and p 281 (vol 2) in French
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2022-12-05 22:06:53
Actually, I was aware of that, but thank you for bringing it up again. I believe that I dealt with this inconsistency in the video covering the annual meeting when this was first released. My point is that they can't have it both ways. If verses 2 and 3 apply to the new world, there is no basis for time-shifting verse 4 back to the years before 1914, which is when it has to be applied if they are going to overcome Acts 1:7. Even their old application was inconsistent, since the last days didn't begin in 1879, but in 1914, so the true knowledge that became abundant in the last days, missed the mark by 40 years.
Comment by donleske on 2022-12-04 05:07:52
I am a former long time JW and must say that this post by Meleti is accurate. Thus JWs keep up a show of observing the outward forms of Christianity, but renouncing its power, which, sad to say, actually defines the society known as JWs as the real Apostates.
In the first-century world, apostasy was a technical term for political revolt or defection. Just like in the first century, spiritual apostasy threatens the Body of Christ today.
*In ancient Athens, ostracism was the process by which any citizen, including political leaders, could be expelled from the city-state for 10 years. Once a year, ancient Athenian citizens would nominate people they felt threatened democracy—because of political differences, dishonesty, or just general dislike.Reply by Ad_Lang on 2022-12-11 11:40:15
Once at the Judicial Committee stage (or appeal stage, not sure which one) last year, I had come to the point of boldly and defiantly declaring the GB to look like a modern-day Korah (see Numbers chapter 16), as they are essentially doing the same thing. Not hard to guess how well that was received...
Comment by Sophie on 2022-12-04 13:58:52
Answer for Sachanordwald
In Daniel 12:1 it is twice: "in that time" and adds "it will be a time of trouble". He associates "the time when Michael rises and stands there" with the time of "the time of trouble", as well as with the reward of his people, those whom Jesus has chosen. see Matthew 24:31 Revelation 17:14
So according to their new explanation: how could Michael have cast out Satan and the demons "by standing there" -that is to say without moving, according to the Hebrew term- (paragraph 4 of the Watchtower) and rise "at the time of distress" therefore at the great tribulation (parapgraph 5) while Daniel associates well only one intervention of Michael, and does not suggest a time of waiting that there is: between 1914 and 2022 (107 years...)
Especially since before they explained that "Michael rises" at his taking over in 1914....!!! The opposite...
Insightful study p 227 (vol 1) and p 281 (vol 2) in French
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Comment by Mitch F Jensen on 2022-12-04 22:48:30
Eric, there’s a question that has been festering inside me since learning that the Watchtower Society was nothing but a very long con.
“How much blame do our grandparents and parents get for not seeing through the evil and lies”? Why were other men like Carl O Jonnson, James Penton, Ray Franz, Olin Moyle, and many others able to see through the deception? Is it the Internet, wicked child abuse cover-ups or failed doctrine that woke us up?Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2022-12-05 17:35:30
Hi Mitch. Those people saw through things because they could see what the Bible said and were not prepared to be fobbed off with answers which to them conflicted with the Bible. They used their brains, and worked out what was really true and were prepared to overlook the fact that they had been duped for a very long time.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2022-12-06 10:22:05
Hi Mitch,
I believe they would qualify as one of the two remaining slaves in this parable:
And the Lord said: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? 43 Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! 44 I tell you truthfully, he will appoint him over all his belongings. 45 But if ever that slave should say in his heart, ‘My master delays coming,’ and starts to beat the male and female servants and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that slave will come on a day that he is not expecting him and at an hour that he does not know, and he will punish him with the greatest severity and assign him a part with the unfaithful ones. 47 Then that slave who understood the will of his master but did not get ready or do what he asked will be beaten with many strokes. 48 But the one who did not understand and yet did things deserving of strokes will be beaten with few. Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him, and the one who was put in charge of much will have more than usual demanded of him. (Luke 12:42-48)
Comment by leaving_quietly on 2022-12-04 23:23:58
I haven't gone through this, yet, but I wanted to mention that you shouldn't have skipped the first three paragraphs. You should have started with the very first sentence:
WHAT a wonderful day it will be when the resurrection starts here on earth during Christ’s Thousand Year Reign!
Um, what? DURING Christ's Thousand Year Reign???
"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1,000 years were ended" (Rev 20:5)Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2022-12-05 13:00:38
Aha, LQ. Have you spotted what I have spotted ? Revelation 20 vs 11 onwards. What do we see. One seated on the throne. Is it Jesus or is it Jehovah ? Not sure. We see the dead judged from scrolls, the result is either life or death.
Now compare that to Jesus judging the sheep and the goats at 25:24 onwards. What do we see. A King (Jesus) . And before him, nations are gathered and judged. The result ? either life or death.
I wonder. Have we got the timing of parts of Matthew 25 all wrong ? Are we looking for two events or one ?
Answers on a postcard, please. Actually answers here will be better.
Best wishes and love to all fighting for the truth (the real truth).Reply by leaving_quietly on 2022-12-06 20:27:11
I get really confused on timing. Is Armageddon before the thousand year? Or is it the same event as when Satan is finally destroyed? I don't know. Some say the latter. Others, like JWs, say the former. Others say Armageddon is just a place (Hill of Megiddo, aka HarMageddon) and has its fulfillment in Zech 14. I honestly get so confused by all of it that I can't really comment on much on it. Are the scrolls in Rev that the dead are judged from the same as how Jesus judges in Matt 25? Don't know. Again, it's awfully confusing. I've tried for a decade to make it all straight, but am not able to. I figure it really doesn't matter for me. It's only academic. Just like hell vs. annihilation. It's totally academic. No one knows. Unless you believe those on YouTube who claim to have been there and come back. When I die, then I'll know. Maybe. Maybe I'll just be dead and never know.
Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2022-12-06 03:35:55
James, it is the same on zoom - in the chat rooms - If I try and start a spiritual conversation it soon degenerates into something mundane. Not that I mind that, its better than discussing a lot of other things. Can you imagine having a serious Bible discussion with other Witnesses. There was a time when you could, but now you would probably say something that would get back to the elders.
Reply by Ad_Lang on 2022-12-11 11:34:09
John 5:22-24, I think that'd be Jesus, because he does happen to be the highest authority in heaven and on earth.
Revelation 20:6 gives you some answers, and I found there will be two "events". Ask yourself these questions here: What is a king without someone to rule? What sense does it make to have a priest if there's no people to represent before God? I've done a study on that topic and posted the results a while ago.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2022-12-06 10:26:03
I've done a video explaining what I believe Revelation 20:11-15 refers to.
Saving Humanity, Part 3: Does God Bring People to Life Only to Destroy Them? - Beroean Pickets - JW.org Reviewer (beroeans.net)Reply by leaving_quietly on 2022-12-06 20:30:51
I'm not sure what the proper response is to this (specifically regarding Rev 20:5 being spurious). I'm between and . Not at you. I'm just surprised I missed this for so long and I'm quite upset about it. Don't ask me why. I can't explain it.
Comment by James Mansoor on 2022-12-05 17:45:34
Good morning, Eric and brothers and sisters,
It is so amazing that we are the only ones who really care what the Bible says. Let me relate to you what took place after we went through the watchtower article concerning Daniel 12.
The speaker just finished, giving us a talk, how we will be the only ones that will continue preaching when the time or the great tribulation breaks out, the only religion that will continue to tell the people that they are going to die at Armageddon. All other worshippers of different religions will be denouncing their faith in their God, but NOT Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Now for the watchtower. After the meeting I approached two elders that I know, between the three of us you’re looking of at least 150 years in association with the organisation.
The question that I paused. What do they think of the governing bodies explanation of Daniel chapter 12? They simply stated this is what they think about at this time, nothing is dogmatic, we will be using the same Scriptures with a different outlook on them, perhaps in 10 or 20 years time.
The final outcome of the conversation was no one can foretell the future except jehovah God. Their suggestion was, I am working myself in such a frenzy over nothing. You heard it right, I am working myself and brow, beating myself over nothing.
I left those two brothers, and I went to have a chat with a group of brothers and sisters they were standing at the back of the Kingdom Hall, and I tried to raise a point about Daniel 12:1,2… It’s amazing what came out of that discussion. If I needed any more explanation, I should go to jw.org website and search there. As one of the sisters, said we’ve just finished our meeting on spiritual things, now we would like to talk about where we are going for dinner and if I’m going with them.
As for the meeting attendance, some of the elders and ministerial servants have already started to call on the Brother’s that are on zoom only. One of the tactics that they are using whenever they are seeing a brother or a sister putting their hand up on zoom, are hardly being picked up, they are asking why aren’t they attending the meeting in person?
And that my fellow workers in Christ sums up the whole “spiritual” Associations of JW mentality.
If you are PIMO try it for yourself and see, if you can strike a spiritual conversation on the article that we have just done, see how far you can actually go with the mentality of JW’s brothers and sisters.
Take care, please let me know what you think.Reply by Ad_Lang on 2022-12-11 11:27:00
As I've been thrown out already, I can't fully comment on that, but I could ask one of those in the congregation here who still speak to me.
I found a similar thing with many Christians going to other churches: they seem to love their own comfort more than the truth, and preferably direct you to the pastor(s) if you have any questions. I am quite familiar with the redirection to elders and publications if the discussion enters the challenging zone.
Considering the varieties of mentality that congregation members have, could you say that this reflects the predominant mentality in the world overall?
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2022-12-06 10:35:11
Getting deprogrammed from all the indoctrination is like recovering from a severe illness. It takes time and endurance, but in the end, you'll see the full light of day and rejoice in your newfound freedom.
Reply by theodore noche on 2023-03-07 13:02:40
After 3 difficult years I am finally seeing glimpses of light and feelings of freedom in bits and pieces. At first I thought I could just walk away after learning just how far off these people, are - not so easy. I got to see just how deep indoctrination burrows into your thinking. Its likeness to an illness is right on. Even after you know, it takes struggle, tears and study to get free. I have pity for all the sweet friends I have met over the years that are hopelessly locked it. Any clue that may waft their way is quickly swallowed up by their indoctrination.
Comment by rusticshore on 2022-12-09 06:59:48
Very applicable article in response to the Watchtower dogma.
Interesting enough... not long ago I engaged in dialogue with an active JW online. After going back and forth on a number of issues - I asked the person to research the bible, and get back to me with definitive scriptural proof of the teaching that the earth is going to be turned into large wall-to-wall paradise garden utopia as depicted in thousands of articles of Watchtower. He took two days to get back.
To my surprise, he admitted he never found a verse or narrative that made it readily clear that the earth would be transformed in that manner. I of course suggested the likelihood that there would be necessary clean-up as a result of man's destruction of specific areas of the earth, environmentally. But beyond the scope of that... the JW could not find adequate reason to believe that there would be a paradise representative of the teaching. Needless to say, he was yet stubborn on a variety of topics.
How did we all for this non-sense on so many topics? These many false narratives and teachings presented by the leadership over a period of many decades is the absolute definition of "pathological." In its most simple form... they really are "crazy" men!Reply by rusticshore on 2022-12-09 12:26:48
Exactly.
God did not sanction our first parents to expand the garden around the globe. He put them in a garden that was surrounded by desert.
And much of what is discussed, narratively, in such places as Isaiah 11 and elsewhere (i.e. "on the mountain tops there will be am overflow of food"), are speaking in hyperbole or other symbolic or allegorical means... not literally.
In addition, the very proclamation that the earth will be transformed into a large paradise garden, is in itself declaring that the earth is deficient in its beauty the manner in which God created it... when all the angels applauded his handiwork.
Do you think I want to go to the grand canyon and see a massive horticultural garden? No!
Comment by Fani on 2022-12-10 03:36:24
"Puis Dieu dit: «Faisons l'homme à notre image, à notre ressemblance! Qu'il domine sur les poissons de la mer, sur les oiseaux du ciel, sur le bétail, SUR TOUTE LA TERRE et sur tous les reptiles qui rampent sur la terre.» (Genèse 1.26)
Dieu les bénit et leur dit: «Reproduisez-vous, devenez nombreux, REMPLISSEZ LA TERRE et SOUMETTEZ LA ! Dominez sur les poissons de la mer, sur les oiseaux du ciel et sur tout animal qui se déplace sur la terre!» (Genèse 1.28)
(Bible d'étude Segond 21).
Le dessein de Dieu à l'origine était bien que toute la terre soit soumise à l'homme.
Lorsque Christ nous demande de prier pour "que la volonté de Dieu se fasse SUR LA TERRE comme au ciel…" Mathieu 6 : 8 on peut se demander quelle est la volonté de Dieu pour la terre.
Je ne vois aucune contradiction avec la bible de croire que la volonté de Dieu originelle s'accomplisse : l'homme entretenant la terre en la soumettant elle et les animaux, ce qu'on peut appeler des conditions paradisiaques.
"Lorsque l'Eternel Dieu fit la terre et le ciel, il n'y avait encore aucun arbuste des champs sur la terre et aucune herbe des champs ne poussait encore, car l'Eternel Dieu n'avait pas fait pleuvoir sur la terre et IL N'Y AVAIT PAS D'HOMME POUR CULTIVER LE SOL. (Genèse 2.5)
L'entretien de la terre était liée à l'homme. C'était la volonté de Dieu. (Première étape ?) La volonté de Dieu s'accomplira.
Si tant de personnes aspirent à un paradis terrestre, c'est que ce n'est pas dans l'ordre du fantasme mais d'un désir naturel.
Personnellement, je crois toujours au futur paradis terrestre ce qui n'exclut pas d'autres dispositions que Dieu a prises par Christ en raison du péché.
Merci pour tout vos commentaires et ton travail Eric.
NicoleReply by Fani on 2022-12-11 09:57:35
Ma réponse ci dessus était une réaction au commentaire de Rustiqueshore (je l'ai mal placé)
Comment by Ad_Lang on 2022-12-11 11:14:31
I have gone through this kind of experience at several stages. It seems to me that our faith does need serious challenges to become stronger. If you go to the gym to train your muscles, would you pick up an easy exercise routine that doesn't take any effort at all?
Let me give you a contrast: I find a lot of church-going Christians saying that if I have a question, I should ask the pastor. Should I? Wouldn't I be relying on men again? It's like having a well-known friend who lives remotely and, knowing his neighbour as well, you ask the neighbour about your friend if you want to find out about that one. Wouldn't make much sense, would it? The same thing I noticed happening with the Witnesses: if you have a question, go to the elders, or search the publications. We need to unlearn these ways of getting to know God, because they lead away from him.
Keep this promise of Jesus in mind, that if we observe his commandments -to our ability, of course-, he will make himself known to you and give you holy spirit to teach you whatever you need to know (John 14:21,26). Do you put faith in him, that he will do that? It may take some time, but does a bit of time really matter?
It's exactly like building up a relationship with a human friend (or even romantic partner): you have to spend time with each other to get to know each other intimately. No one else can do it for you and if you live in a small town like I do, chances are there will be rumours and stories going around that may or may not hold some truth. It's the same with God and Jesus, except that spending time with God is done through prayer and study of the Scriptures themselves, even if you're looking at translations rather than the original language.
Getting to know God and Jesus is a matter of life course and the fact that you pursue such a course says enough in and of itself. If you were hopelessly unrighteous, would you at all care about these things, let alone take time to watch this video and comment on the post?
Comment by Max on 2023-01-03 17:15:55
Il est interessant de voir que le verset de Daniel 12:1,2 a changé pour nous parler de ce qui va se passer dans le monde nouveau et que quelques versets plus bas dans le même chapitre on revient à 1919, les jours où les frères ont été emprisonné, ce chapitre est bien sûr déformé car la tour de garde 2013 explique que Jésus n'est pas venu à ce moment là et que c'est lors de la venue future de Jésus que Matthieu 24:45 se réalisera, donc nous voyons que l'explication est incomplète surtout que c'est le royaume qui dirigera quand jésus viendra et non pas l'esclave fidèle comme on le dépeint actuellement, un flou artistique qui pourtant s'explique par les contextes pour celui qui sait lire