However, that is not what we teach. We teach that the reward each gets is foreknown and the only variable is whether or not one will get it. The anointed know they go to heaven because it is revealed to them miraculously by the spirit causing them to instinctively have that hope. The other sheep know they stay on earth, not because it is likewise revealed to them, but more by default; by virtue of not being told anything about their reward.
Here are two representative samplings of our teaching on this subject:
Under the holy spirit’s influence, the spirit, or dominant attitude, of anointed ones impels them to apply to themselves what the Scriptures say about Jehovah’s spiritual children. (w03 2/15 p. 21 par. 18 What Does the Lord’s Evening Meal Mean to You?)
This testimony, or realization, reorients their thinking and hope. They are still humans, enjoying the good things of Jehovah’s earthly creation, yet the major direction of their life and concerns is on being joint heirs with Christ. They have not come to this outlook through emotionalism. They are normal individuals, balanced in their views and conduct. Being sanctified by God’s spirit, though, they are convinced of their calling, not having persisting doubts over it. They realize that their salvation will be to heaven if they prove faithful. (w90 2/15 p. 20 par. 21 ‘Discerning What We Are’—At Memorial Time)
All of this is based on the understanding we have of one Bible text, Romans 8:16, which reads: “The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
That is the sum total of our “proof”. To accept this, we must first accept that the only Christians who are God’s children are the anointed. We must therefore believe that the greater part of the Christian congregation is made up of God’s friends, not his sons. (w12 7/15 p. 28, par. 7) Now, there is no mention of this in the Christian Scriptures. Consider the importance of that statement. The sacred secret of the sons of God is revealed in the Christian Scriptures, but no mention is made of a secondary class of Friends of God. Yet, this is what we teach. We must, in honesty, view this as human interpretation, or to use a more accurate term, speculation.
Now based on this speculative premise—that only some Christians are God’s sons—we then use Romans 8:16 to show us how they know. And how do they know? Because God’s spirit tells them. How? This is not explained in Scripture other than to say that the holy spirit reveals it. Here’s the problem. We all get his holy spirit, do we not? Do not the publications exhort us to pray for God’s spirit? And does not the Bible say that “YOU are all, in fact, sons of God through YOUR faith in Christ Jesus”? (Gal. 3:26) Doesn’t this contradict our speculative interpretation of Romans 8:16? We are imposing something on the text that is not there. We are saying that while all Christians get the holy spirit, the spirit given to the anointed is special in some way and it reveals, again in some unexplained miraculous way, that they are special and set apart from their brothers. We are saying that their faith alone makes them sons of God, while the faith of the rest is merely cause for God to call them friends. And the only scripture we have to support this fanciful interpretation is a text that can easily be applied—without speculation—to show that all Christians who put faith in Jesus and receive the spirit he sends forth are God’s sons, not merely his friends.
Truly, read it for what it says not what we would like to infer so as to support a theology that originated with Judge Rutherford.
“But I don’t feel like I’m being called to heaven”, you may say. I completely understand. Our current teaching made sense to me all my life. Since I was a little boy, I had been taught that my hope was earthly. My mind had therefore been trained to think of the things of the earth and discount the possibility of life in heaven. Heaven was the hope for a select few, but never something I gave a moment’s thought to. But is this the result of the leading of the spirit or the indoctrination of men?
Let’s have another look at Romans, but the whole chapter and not just a cherry-picked verse.
(Romans 8:5) . . .For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those in accord with the spirit on the things of the spirit.
Is this speaking of the two hopes? Apparently not.
(Romans 8:6-8) For the minding of the flesh means death, but the minding of the spirit means life and peace; 7 because the minding of the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not under subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. 8 So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God.
So if a Christian has the spirit, he has life. If he minds the flesh, he has death in view. There is no two-tier reward being spoken of here.
(Romans 8:9-11) . . .However, YOU are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit, if God’s spirit truly dwells in YOU. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this one does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in union with YOU, the body indeed is dead on account of sin, but the spirit is life on account of righteousness. 11 If, now, the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in YOU, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also make YOUR mortal bodies alive through his spirit that resides in YOU.
Those on the outside, those without the spirit, do not belong to Christ. Are the other sheep without God’s spirit, or do they too belong to Christ? If they don’t belong to Christ, they have no hope. Only two states of being are referenced here, not three. Either you have the spirit for life, or you don’t and you die.
(Romans 8:12-16) . . .So, then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the flesh to live in accord with the flesh; 13 for if YOU live in accord with the flesh YOU are sure to die; but if YOU put the practices of the body to death by the spirit, YOU will live. 14 For all who are led by God’s spirit, these are God’s sons. 15 For YOU did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but YOU received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” 16 The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Are not the other sheep “under obligation…to put the practices of the body to death by the spirit”? Are the other sheep not “led by God’s spirit”? If so, are they not therefore “God’s sons”? Have the other sheep received a “spirit of slavery causing fear again” or a “spirit of adoptions as sons”? Do we not pray to the Father? Do we not say, “Our Father in the heavens”? Or do we just pray to a good friend?
“Ah”, you say, “but what about the next verse?”
(Romans 8:17) If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together.
After reading this, do you find yourself thinking, If we are glorified together with Jesus, then we all go to heaven and that can’t be? Is it that you have been so conditioned to believe that you are not worthy of the heavenly reward that you can conceive of no possibility that this is being held out to you?
Do all Christians go to heaven? I don’t know. The parable of the faithful and discreet steward in Luke 12:41-48 speaks of an evil slave that is cast out, a faithful one that is appointed over all the master’s belongings and two others that apparently survive, but are punished. The parable of the minas, the talents, and others indicate more than one reward. So to be honest, I don’t think we can state categorically that all Christians go to heaven. However, it does appear that the opportunity is being held out to all Christians. Even in pre-Christian times the idea of being able to reach out for a “better resurrection” was there. (Heb. 11:35)
This hope, this wonderful opportunity, has been taken from millions by virtue of this misinterpretation of a single text. The idea that Jehovah pre-selects those who go to heaven before they have proven themselves is completely unscriptural. Romans 8:16 is not speaking about some miraculous revealing in the hearts of a select few that they are the chosen of God. Rather it speaks of the fact that as we receive God’s spirit, as we walk by spirit not by sight, as we mind the spirit which means life and peace, our mental disposition brings us to the realization that we are now God’s children.
At least it does, if we have not been pre-conditioned by the teachings of men to reject that wonderful reward held out to the faithful.
Archived Comments
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Comment by crazyguy on 2013-05-20 23:26:35
Its amazing how many religious ideals are based on just one man's ideas or interpretations of the bible. Its no wonder Jesus, Paul, Peter and John all told us to check and check and recheck what we are told with whats written in the bible. Its unfortunate for me that it took me 40 years before i started to test the inspired expression.
Comment by vascagase on 2013-05-21 00:23:14
No kidding crazyguy, it took me over 35 years to do an unbiased research on the watchtower history. Shocking! It is a false prophet we will not fear Deut. 18:20-22. Meleti V. I know you love the organization but for your own sake, examine your religion
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-05-21 08:03:15
I do not love the organization. I love my brothers. I love the brotherhood. I love being one of a group of people whose love for one another and their fellowman will cause then to surrender their lives rather than take up arms and kill another. I love being with people who sacrifice their time and resources and even their short term dreams so that they can help others to have hope for life everlasting. I love the fact that I can go anywhere in the world, walk into a kingdom hall and find the love that I have in my own hall. In short, I love being with people who love our Lord and King Jesus Christ and who love and worship his Father.
True, we do not yet have the whole truth. Old and erroneous ideas persist. And though we have true Christian love, we are not free from a corrupting influence. Mingled with those who display the love Jesus foretold would identify his true disciples there are others. (John 13:35) There are those who hate their brother like Cain. There are those who seek to get rich at the expense of others like Balaam. There are those who would seek to overthrow and position themselves in power like Korah. These are hidden rocks in our love feasts.
(Jude 11-13) "Too bad for them, because they have gone in the path of Cain, and have rushed into the erroneous course of Ba?laam for reward, and have perished in the rebellious talk of Ko?rah! 12?These are the rocks hidden below water in YOUR love feasts while they feast with YOU, shepherds that feed themselves without fear; waterless clouds carried this way and that by winds; trees in late autumn, [but] fruitless, having died twice, having been uprooted; 13?wild waves of the sea that foam up their own causes for shame; stars with no set course, for which the blackness of darkness stands reserved forever."
I will take the bad with the good because there is no other way. If those that Jude wrote to had to "put up a hard fight for the faith" because "certain men have slipped in", then are we to expect our brotherhood will be free from a similar influence. If anything, it seems to me that this influence is growing. We are being tested. We could leave the brotherhood, but then where would we go? Where is there a better place? And by leaving we abandon those faithful ones who remain and still need our support.
Jehovah will set all things right. It is our goal to hold fast to truth and keep the faith and wait upon him.
However, I take your point, Vascagase. I will "examine my religion". In fact, something disturbing from the July 15, 2013 Watchtower has caused me to do just that. However, I don't want to write about it until I've completed my examination and worked through the thought process.
Comment by BeenMislead on 2013-05-21 10:40:05
Thanks Meleti ... Very good reasoning points. We do need to look at the whole context of a scripture rather than cherry pick it.
It was the 2010 explanation of Matthew 24:34 (that it means the anointed of overlapping generations) that caused me to seriously think about the following two scriptures and how I needed to do what they are admonishing:
“Now the [Beroeans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” – Acts 17:11
“Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.” - 1 John 4:1
I agree that there is a lot of good in the organization ... but the more I examine some of the teachings rather than blindly accepting them, the more I realize that some of their interpretation of prophecy is not correct. That it is speculation taught as doctrine.
However ... there is an unhealthy fear of voicing any disagreement or you will be disfellowshipped for disrupting unity.
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-05-21 11:02:52
The 2010 reinterpretation of Mt. 24:34 was a turning point for me as well. I think there is a silent but significant minority who feel the same. I think many would like the GB to just "leave it alone". The previous interpretations at least made some sense and even appeared to have scriptural support. In fact, I think the previous understanding was correct. We just got the starting point wrong. 1914 strikes again! But this one has no scriptural support and just appears to be made up to shore up a failing doctrine. That seems transparently obvious now.
However, voicing this is a recipe for disaster in the current climate. You are right in saying that.
There is much to think about.
Comment by crazyguy on 2013-05-21 11:14:45
I too have the same dilemma, we are told to incite to fine works, yet we can not in this organization talk about anything contrary to the status quot of the teaching of the governing body. When we do or even mention a thing or two loved ones panic and run off to the elders to tell them you must be sick or doing something wrong etc.
I have also seen and experienced a love that is conditional were if and when I'm towing the line my brothers and sisters so love me, but when i do not they quickly remove the love. Is this what Jesus said about love?
Its become clear to me sadly that most in the organization have been conditioned to put their trust in Noble's (governing body) and see every thing else as being not from God. This mental conditioning is the most disturbing thing to me.Reply by GodsWordisTruth on 2013-10-23 12:58:48
You are absolutely right. With the exception of a few , as a whole their love is conditional . I have found recently after many years of thinking that I am alone another sister who has expressed many of the same thoughts they have been expressed on this site..... So they are out there. It is my prayer to Jehovah that we all find peace.
Comment by hezekiah1 on 2013-05-21 12:14:58
Thanks Meleti. This and your previous post were thought provoking. It was well laid out and developed on a step by step basis. This was really powerful since this belief of a two tiered system is one of the core beliefs of JWs.
Like many who have commented here, i have long believed that we had absolute truth. And like you i also had a turning point with our current understanding of "this generation", however as i have re examined our beliefs i can't recall a post that has made me think as deeply as this one. I have been of the opinion that since i have never had 'the calling" to go to heavan, no such hope existed for me. However if what we have discussed here is true, then possibly our arrangement of how we conduct the Memorial may also be incorrect.
Of course i will need to research this, but it opens up interesting possibilities.
Thanks for this.
Comment by on 2013-05-21 16:19:30
Thanks for the well thought out article. Reading Rom. 8 in context makes it quite clear that Paul was saying there are only 2 groups: those in accord with the flesh and those in accord with the spirit. Those who walk according to the flesh can't please God. Those who walk in the spirit are God's anointed sons. There isn't any 3rd group.
As one begins to examine the doctrines that are unique to the Society it becomes clearer and clearer that there is very little evidence for these viewpoints. Yet when I brought up with the C.O. and my fellow elders just a few of the differences that I saw between our teachings and what the Bible seems to teach I was severely warned. In fact I was called "a tool of Satan". I was very close to being "invited" to my own judicial meeting.
I remember in field service years ago reading Mt. 24:34 and making the point that the end would come during the lifetime of the 1914 generation. To my shame I was insistent even dogmatic when the householder didn't agree. I felt it was clearly what the bible taught. In truth I was only a parrot. I was only regurgitating what had been dogmatically taught to me.
Erick
Comment by JimmyG on 2013-05-22 04:57:12
Anonymous- you are saying that you are an elder, correct? I was too until just over 2 years ago. I'm not sure how you and Meleti can continue to serve, in view of what would be considered your 'apostate' views, if they were to become known. After all, among other things, you have to teach publicly in the congregation and I assume that you do so in accord with the GB's teachings. How would you feel about conducting the Watchtower study on any or all of the July 15 articles, for instance?
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-05-22 06:22:32
Some might approach this subject much like a JW science teacher might approach the subject of evolution. He could present the information subtly explaining that this is the official view of the organization. On the other hand, he may simply decide to decline the part or assignment. He is not required to give reasons. This is a personal issue which each must answer in his own way. It becomes a more challenging issue when one has small children. Jesus held back teaching some truths because his disciples were not able to bear them. Perhaps a similar technique applies to children. One would wait until they are both capable of understanding the contrary teaching and understanding the importance of keeping a confidence.
Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-05-22 07:05:33
If we look objectively at the matter of teaching small children, how could someone conscientiously indoctrinate a child in the full framework of our teachings, even if they have a long term view to allow for alternative thought later on? This would be far worse than pretending there is a Santa Claus, which later in life the child would understand was an untruth, but that it was perpetuated with the simple parental objective of providing a bit of fun. Now I'm not trying to defend Santa, but simply thinking about how a child will perceive being taught something that the parent didn't actually believe in, and which of these scenarios would actually be most damaging between the child and parent. At the very least it would be hypocritical to accuse parents of Christendom of lying to their children if we would also teach them things lacking scriptural support, or that even conflict with scripture. But I say it is worse because the objective is not in the interests of the child. If we were to wait until the child can “understand the importance of keeping a confidence”, then who would we be trying to protect, and why? It creates a terrible Orwellian picture. How can this possibly be right? Creating confidences that have dangerous consequences when broken, always brings with it a measure of fear. And yet “there is no fear in love, but perfect love throws fear outside” (1 John 4:18).
Our organizational demand for absolute unity of doctrine creates some real dilemmas that conflict with Christian principles.
ApollosReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-05-22 07:26:35
To be clear, I wasn't suggesting that parents teach their children a falsehood, but rather that they withhold some instruction as did Jesus. (John 16:12) It is unlikely that little children are going to care or be able to understand the intricacies of the 1914 doctrine for instance.
Some have written in expressing concern because the dilemma is that very young children are likely to blurt out things which could create severe difficulties for the family. You are right. In a sense, there is a distinct Orwellian aspect to our organization in this regard. In our bible reading for this week, there is the account of the man borne blind. His parents were afraid to testify on his behalf because they knew that to confess Jesus would mean expulsion.
Can it be that Jesus words at Mark 7:7,8 now apply to us?
(Mark 7:7, 8) .?.?.It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.’ 8?Letting go the commandment of God, YOU hold fast the tradition of men.”
As we have reviewed the issues that are causing us turmoil, one thing is clear: They all have their origin in the teachings of one man, Judge Rutherford. These have become our traditions and they identify us, setting us apart from all other religions professing Christianity. We hold fast to these traditions and treat them as doctrine.
What should set us apart is our separateness from the world, our love, our preaching the kingdom good news. The speculation and/or interpretations of men should have no place among us.Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-05-22 07:31:35
Hear, hear.
Reply by on 2013-05-22 08:46:04
JImmyG: No, I'm no longer an elder. I stepped down about 3 yrs. ago.
ErickReply by JimmyG on 2013-05-22 22:45:54
Hi Erick. Thanks for the clarification
Comment by mdnwa on 2013-05-22 12:34:31
I will admit if no one else will, sometimes when I read things that I have thought that are then brought up here I wish Jehovah would make known his 100% correct ways to worship and understand him so I don't have that not as confident feeling in the message I preach. Many times, as was mentioned here, I've been PASSIONATE about teaching something only to have to recant to the same position the person at the door or associate held before I did which makes me seem more like a trumpet rather than a teacher. Then it's tossed in my face about us being the ONLY channel, having ACCURATE knowledge and I feel almost like Satan is poking me in the chest or feel like I am contributing to the confusion of sincere ones who now may have given up on religion because I seem to be just as confused.
I said it before and say it again, if we just called ourselves bible students and not the true only channel to God with 100% truth then mistakes or even misunderstandings would be easier to accept since I would think hey... at least they are trying. But the matter of fact nature and our reluctance to accept error does leave me sadden and sometimes embarrassed since it gives a false witness to Jehovah who deserves to be taught about in love and truth. I have express to you Meleti also how you can serve as an elder while holding on to different views knowing in your heart if found out you would be DF. Seems that you have to toe the line and even while answering questions to ones the RIGHT thing to say you cannot say since it would not be in unison but that person might need to know their thinking is not evil so they might secretly be depressed being confused, as was I for many months. That's not me coming down at all my brother since I LOVE reading your perspective and supporting bible sharing but just being honest that for someone like me it now makes me wonder how many others in the hall share the same viewpoint or concerns as me but either hide it or maybe even sit in on a judicial committee and share in telling me my errors while secretly thinking in a way to also warrant punishment if found out according to JW.
But one thing I will agree and have to be reminded... even if there are issues there are thousands/ millions of brothers and sisters who need support just like we need. As you perfectly referenced Peter John 6:68 "where else would you go". All religions have errors in their teachings since they are orgs from men but that's no excuse not to take part in serving God in some capacity, and as such the JW org while it has its errors I will keep trying to build myself up although some teachings and actions does not build me up as much as I need sometimes.Reply by B. on 2013-05-23 13:17:12
Hi mdnwa,
NOT “where else would you go”...
but
"To WHOM shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."
Jesus Christ.
Regards
B.Reply by mdnwa on 2013-05-27 11:00:03
B
I wasn't quoting the scripture I was quoting Peter's post in correlation to that scripture. Seems my point for you was lost in translation.Reply by B. on 2013-05-28 10:13:00
Oh - yes
Please excuse meReply by mdnwa on 2013-05-28 14:49:40
No biggie. Didn't want you think i was adding new translations. LOL
Comment by Who Should Partake? | Beroean Pickets on 2013-05-22 16:05:50
[…] Romans 8 proves we are all God’s sons and that we all have the spirit. Verse 16 does not prove that this revelation is anything other than a clear understanding of our position based on what the spirit reveals to all Christians as it opens up the Scriptures to us. (See post: The Spirit Bears Witness) […]
Comment by Remember Those Who Instructed You | Beroean Pickets on 2013-10-13 11:01:08
[…] See Are You in the New Covenant; The Spirit Bears Witness; Who Should Partake; and Kiss the […]