Here are a few key points from the outline which all Jehovah’s Witnesses would do well to apply to themselves:
- “Use the Bible to examine your current beliefs carefully.”
- “Jesus emphasized the need for our beliefs to be based on truth [Read John 4:23, 24]”
- “Like the apostle Paul, be willing to change your beliefs when presented with evidence (Ac 26:9-20)”
I’m sad to say that I have found very few of my JW brothers and sisters who have been willing to apply this last point.
However, let us assume that you, gentle reader, are not of that sort. With that in mind, let us consider what this year’s Special Talk is really about.
It is titled, “Are You on the Road to Everlasting Life?” In the Witness mindset, this is not the “everlasting life” Jesus referred to when he said: “He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day;” (Joh 6:54)
No. What the speaker will be referring to is summed up in one of the outline points from the talk introduction.
“Millions look forward to enjoying everlasting life in Paradise on earth, as God originally purposed.”
This statement is true, but is it right?
It is true that God intended his human children to live forever. It is also true that he placed them in a garden or park; what we now call a “paradise”. In addition to this, we know that God’s word does not go forth without returning to him having fulfilled its mission. (Isa. 55:11) Therefore, it is a safe statement to say that eventually there will be humans living everlastingly on the earth. Since millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses believe this is the hope held out to them, it is also safe to say that “millions look forward to enjoying everlasting life in Paradise”.
So while the statement is true, is it right? For example, Jehovah wanted the Israelites to take possession of the Promised Land, but when they backed off in fear, he condemned them to 40 years of wandering in the Wilderness of Sinai. They then recanted and attempted to enter the Promised Land as God had purposed, but they were routed and returned home in defeat. They did what God wanted, but not when, nor in the way, he wanted it done. They acted presumptuously. (Nu 14:35-45)
In this context, it is interesting that the Special Talk outline makes the following antitypical assertion: “Our situation is similar to that of the nation of Israel when about to enter the Promised Land.”
Of course, no scriptural support is given—nor can be given—to support this assertion, but there is an interesting parallel to the attitude of those Israelites and what has been happening in the Organization for the past 80 years. If the Israelite entry into the Promised Land is representative of how Jehovah purposes to restore mankind to everlasting life on Earth, then we need to ask ourselves, are we doing it his way and on his timetable, or are we imitating those rebellious Israelites and following our own timetable and agenda?
To answer that question, let’s perform a little experiment. If you have at your disposal a copy of the WT Library program, do a search using the quoted phrase “everlasting life”. Check out where it occurs in the Christian Greek scriptures. Jump to each occurrence of the phrase using the Plus key and consider the context. Do you find that Jesus or the Christian writers are talking about the reward of everlasting life on a paradise earth?
The annual Special Talk this year is all about building appreciation for this earthly hope, but if you care to look up all the Bible references the speaker will cite from the platform, you may be surprised to learn that not one speaks of such a hope.
At this point, you may be objecting, telling me that I myself have just stated that “it is a safe statement to say that eventually there will be humans living everlastingly on the earth.” True, and I stand by that. However, are we running ahead of God by preaching that? That is the point we should be exploring!
Let’s look at this another way. Recently, I recall reading in one of our publications[i] that we need to be obedient to Jehovah’s earthly organization by following the direction regarding the new methods for preaching. That means, among other things, that we should support the cart work and use electronic aids in the field ministry to show the householders the latest videos on JW.org.
Well, if this counsel is valid, then shouldn’t the Governing Body be setting the example by obeying the direction from God as to what to preach? It is true that billions now dead will live again and that eventually the earth will be filled with righteous people living everlastingly. However, before that becomes a reality, the administration that will make it possible must first come into being. Please read the following carefully:
“It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself 10 for an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth. [Yes,] in him, 11 in union with whom we were also assigned as heirs, in that we were foreordained according to the purpose of him who operates all things according to the way his will counsels…” (Eph 1:9-11)
This administration at the “full limit of the appointed times” has not yet been completed. It is the administration that gathers all things together. Are we to start gathering things together before that administration comes into being? When does the Administration come into being? At the end, “the full limit of the appointed times.” And when is that?
“. . .they cried with a loud voice, saying: “Until when, Sovereign Lord holy and true, are you refraining from judging and avenging our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?” 11 And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number was filled also of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were about to be killed as they also had been.” (Re 6:10, 11)
The number is not yet filled. So are we not running ahead of God by pushing a hope whose time has not yet come?
He has told us through his anointed Son that he is looking for humans to adopt as children. Shouldn’t we continue to work toward gathering them before we run ahead to the next phase of the program? (John 1:12; Ro 8:15-17)
Even if we accept the Organization’s interpretation of who the children of God are and how they are chosen, we have to acknowledge that recent events show that thousands more are partaking and acknowledging the calling to be children of God. This is a cause for concern to the Governing Body if we are to go by recent Watchtower studies. But why should that be the case? Shouldn’t this increase be a cause for rejoicing? Does it not mean—to the JW mindset at least—that the full number is close to being filled, thereby bringing the end? Why does the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses fear what is necessary, not only for their salvation, but that of the whole world? Why do they work so hard to block the way to everlasting life to which Jesus pointed? Whose work are they doing when they use the publications as well as oral and written instructions to elder bodies to dissuade others from partaking? (Mt 23:15)
The evidence is clear that the Governing Body and Jehovah’s Witnesses in general under their direction are promoting a way to everlasting life whose time has not yet come. This is the theme of the 2016 Special Talk.
Are they not acting like the Israelites of Moses’ day by pushing ahead of God purpose presumptuously? (1Sa 15:23; it-1 p. 1168; w05 3/15 p. 24 par. 9)
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[i] See "One Hundred Years Under Kingdom Rulership!".
Par. 17 At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.
Par. 16 We can enter into Jehovah’s rest—or join him in his rest—by obediently working in harmony with his advancing purpose as it is revealed to us through his organization.
Par. 13 ...all in the congregation view it as their sacred duty to follow and uphold the direction coming from the faithful slave and its Governing Body.
(Special thanks to Dajo and M. for finding these references)
Archived Comments
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Comment by Joshua on 2016-04-02 22:34:48
Do you believe the Governing Body has the power to permanently dissuade those God is calling from recognizing that call and partaking?
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-04-03 02:36:56
I think you're reading too much into what I write. :)
Reply by Joshua on 2016-04-03 13:00:48
:)
Comment by billy on 2016-04-02 23:55:14
57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” John chapter 6
Interesting that Jesus compared the eating of the manna to eating his flesh - as all the Israelites were to eat the manna not just a select few just as it appears all Christians are to partake
Regarding searching for "truth" - the organization does not admit to error of its doctrines or it's sins and is quick to condemn Christendom - it's a case of removing "rafters" - it takes a lot of humility to admit one was wrong - could arrogance be the stumbling block?
Thank you Meleti for your analysis :)
Comment by Yehorakam on 2016-04-03 04:21:45
Meleti, I haven't yet heard the talk, but I fully agree with your point about the organization pursuing it's own desires, "putting the cart ahead of the horse." I think that's the best expression to describe it. And your biblical example of the Israelites is the best example to describe it. We as humans have the terrible tendency of striving to get something WHEN we want it, not necessarily in God's time. When life is short, it's hard to wait. For some, it might be presumptuousness that moves them, for others it is probably just their desire for a quicker relief that moves them to desire something although it is not yet time. The motive of the latter group is completely understandable although not correct. Jesus' own disciples desired the establishment of the kingdom in their time. Jesus did not reproach them for it. Paul thought Satan would be crushed under his feet "shortly." In the end, it will be Jesus to judge between those who have pushed ahead for everlasting life on earth out of presumptuousness and those that have been sincerely looking for a well needed relief from their suffering at the wrong time. It took me a while to put behind me my own desires for life on earth because I just love the earth and the people on it. There isn't anything I would love more than to spend eternity enjoying the creation Jehovah has put before our eyes in every corner. But long before finding this website, my own studies of the scriptures convinced me that there is a better resurrection that has to come first. Everything hinges on that and starts with that. To reject that offer, one is rejecting what Christ offered. It took me a while on my own to realize that. By obeying Christ and reaching out for that hope, those that are received in heavenly places may have the hope of enjoying life on earth at time when God and his Christ determine. I suppose it is a long "charged" subject that could create debate and I don't wish to start a discussion on this page, but when Revelation 21 speaks of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven to earth and there being kings and priests on the earth, I feel that is the time when truly we will see people living on earth forever as God predetermined and truly "death will be no more" at that time, not sooner. True faith in God and Christ involves putting ones own desires behind and trusting that they will give us what's best and at the right time. God is the potter. If he has invited us to the heavens, why would we want to say: "I don't want that. I want life on earth." Does not the potter know best? If we were to yield to his will and pursue the heavenly hope that Christ laid before us as Christians, would we do so thinking that it won't be good, or won't be what we want. Russell started a subtle fear of the unknown, by stating that his version of the "other sheep" couldn't be anointed because they had no idea of what life in heaven would be like and they felt comfortable with what they knew best, the earth. What a sham! I think that the only anointed that have had any small idea of what life in heaven is like are those that received divine visions of the heavens. And that doesn't give it justice. If we don't fall in the category of being transported into a vision of the heavens, then all humankind has little idea of what life in heaven would be like and we indeed feel comfortable with our planet. But thankfully, those aren't the factors that determine if someone has been chosen. So, let those that have fixed their sights on this planet get rid of their fear of the unknown. Let them trust that Christ has not invited Christians to some strange or boring place. Let them trust that the life that is being offered is the absolute best that God and Christ can offer. We shouldn't need to see that to believe that. Our faith should move to have complete trust. Abraham left, going out, not knowing any idea what the land that God was planning to give him. Those that embrace the hope of the heavens are actually doing the same. They know little of what expects them and are willing to leave all behind, solely on Christ's promise that he has prepared a place for them. What kind of place? Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, but how wonderful that just like Abraham, we don't need those things to believe that it will be better.
Thanks again for a good examination of the preconceptions regarding everlasting life, the excellent comparison to the Israelites wanting something "their way" and the overwhelming Biblical evidence presented that Christ only spoke of everlasting life in heaven.
Much love and appreciation,Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-04-03 12:19:28
Thanks Yehorakam for your excellent comments on our hope. I fully agree with you that whatever the reward actually turns out to be, it is our trust that Christ and our Father both love us and would not offer us a reward which we would not be happy in receiving that should be the motivating factor in our moving forward in obedience to them. That is the essence of faith.
Comment by Dajo on 2016-04-03 10:03:07
Hello Meleti,
I found a reference here:- w11 7/15 pp. 28-32 par 10 & 11
Also Nov 15 2015 pg 26
DavidReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2016-04-03 11:58:06
Thanks Dajo. I really appreciate the help. It was the last one in particular that I had in mind. I've added a link to it in the article.
Comment by Joshua on 2016-04-05 16:17:59
"The evidence is clear that the Governing Body and Jehovah’s Witnesses in general under their direction are promoting a way to everlasting life whose time has not yet come."
The ancient Passover saved the lives of the firstborn not every Jew. Every obedient Jew gained freedom from slavery by the blood of the sacrifice splattered on their doorways but not every Jew was chosen to serve at the Tabernacle. Only the tribe of Levi, chosen as representative of all the firstborn who were saved, served in the Tabernacle arrangement.
The fact that most JWs are happy to serve on the land, as most Jews also were, indicates not only that they are not being called but also that the time for such an inheritance is near.
Nevertheless they should all be partaking because, like the Jews, they are all in a covenant for a Kingdom.
Joshua
Comment by Lee Anthony on 2017-10-30 10:03:07
Hello,
Was wondering if the newest annual meeting had been discussed in an article here? They feel they have fulfilled Matt (24:14) Apparently no longer keeping time... Also special talk is to be given on the subject, not sure if that has happened yet.
LeeReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-10-30 10:37:16
No article as yet. Hadn't heard about the "no longer keeping time" thing. That would be major. They depend on time keeping for control.
Reply by Lee Anthony on 2017-10-30 11:17:15
Side note: You may have read the letter from Wt to Kh but here is letter.
https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/74xkt6/re_annual_meeting_announcements/
The no time thing is not listed however so I can only verify this from said Elders words... Of course not always best place for accurate info.
LeeReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-10-30 12:31:34
I'm wondering why they haven't put the AGM on the tv.jw.org site as they did for previous meetings.
Reply by Lee Anthony on 2017-10-30 11:05:39
Yes, according to an Elder I still do contract work with occasionally, apparently the keeping of time is no longer necessary for all. They will no longer print yearbooks and public wt will be only 3 or 4 a year with one main topic. Interesting change, they are visiting only studies and ones who they think have interest, including inactive. As for the rest they are given little attention. The recent annual meeting was apparently quite a change of pace.
LeeReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-10-30 11:28:28
Hi Lee Anthony. Welcome to the site. I haven't been able to find confirmation on the web for what your elder friend suggested concerning the keeping of time. It would be a great step in the right direction if there were to do that, but I find it unlikely as that would mean surrendering up much of their control. Reporting one's time to the elders is a major control element in the organization.
Reply by Lee Anthony on 2017-10-30 14:03:03
Hello,
Thanks for the welcome. I find the articles I have read so far refreshing. I help on a site for Ex witnesses called friends of Jehovah's witnesses and try and assist when possible, though the site is run by bible students and a lot of them still hold to CT Russel's teachings which I agree with only on certain points. I like the simple black and white and often Red of the scriptures, too much out of context and adding and subtracting or me.
They are supposed to be posting the meeting but is strange they haven't yet. It is possible he was trying to bait me to get some sort of reaction, as we are considered inactive and haven't been to a meeting in over a year and a half or so as I have yet to find concrete evidence of it myself.
Lee