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So The Watchtower Says
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So the Watchtower Says
by Andy Sjostrom
This document contains only quotes from the Watchtower
Bible & Tract Society. You can find each page in the image file mentioned in the
right-most column of the table below.
This document is not about saying that men can’t make
mistakes or that the light can’t grow brighter and brighter. It is about the
simple question: Did God approve?
|
About the Society |
Issue, publication |
Image |
| "Who
then is the faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall set over his
household, to give them their portion of food in due season? The
implication seems to be that when the right time should come for
understanding the parable, it would be clearly set forth: that at the
time of the parable's fulfillment the Lord would appoint a servant in
the household to bring these matters to the attention of all the
servants, and that certain responsibilities would rest upon such a one
respecting the dispatch of his duties" |
1904,
15 April, p 3355-3356 |
w1904 4-15_3355.TIF |
| "If
the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are practically the Bible topically
arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the
volumes--the Bible in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not
merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself,
since there is no desire to build any doctrine or thought on any
individual preference or on any individual wisdom, but to present the
entire matter on the lines of the Word of God. We therefore think it
safe to follow this kind of reading, this kind of instruction, this kind
of Bible study. Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see
the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that
if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them,
after lie has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten
years--if tie then lays them aside and ignores thenl and goes to the
Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our
experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the
other hand, if he had merely read the SCRIPTURE STUDIES with their
references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be
in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the
light of the Scriptures." |
1910,
15 sep, p 298-299 |
w1910 9-15_298.tif
w1910 9-15_299.tif |
| Faithful and Wise
Servant: "Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell's writings believe
that he filled the office of 'that faithful and wise servant,' and that
his great work was giving to the household of faith meat in due season.
His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title,
but he admitted as much in private conversation" |
1916, 1 dec, p 5998 |
w1916 12-1_5998.tif |
| "To be faithful means
to be loyal. To be loyal to the Lord means to be obedient to the Lord.
To abandon or repudiate the Lord’s chosen instrument means to abandon or
repudiate the Lord himself, upon the principle that he who rejects the
servant sent by the Master thereby rejects the Master. There is no one
in present truth today who can honestly say that he received a knowledge
of the divine plan from any source other than by the ministry of Brother
Russell, either directly or indirectly. Through his prophet Ezekiel
Jehovah foreshadowed the office of a servant, designating him as one
clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side, who was
delegated to go throughout the city (Christendom) and comfort thoise
that sighed by enlightening their minds relative to God’s great plan. Be
it noted that this was a favor bestowed not by man, but by the Lord
himself. But in keeping with the Lord’s arrangement he used a man. The
man who filled that office, by the Lord’s grace, was Brother Russell.
Jesus clearly indicated that during his second presence he would have
amongst the church a faithful and wise servant, through whom he would
give to the household of faith meat in due season. The evidence is
overwhelming concerning the Lord’s second presence, the time of the
harvest, and that the office of "that servant" has been filled by
Brother Russel." |
1922, 1 maj, p 132 |
w1922 5-1_132.tif |
| "One of the chief
tempations to the church has been in respect to loyalty to God’s
arrangements for it. Since the days when in the providences of God our
late beloved leader came into prominence as the chief representative of
the Lord’s people and stood before them as "that servant" who had charge
of his Master’s goods, every indiciation of the Lord’s providence has
shown that God gave Brother Russel to the church to be as a mouthpiece
for him: and those who claim to have learned the truth apart from
Brother Russel and his writings have been manifested by the Lord as
deceivers, ready to lead the flock of God in their way." |
1922, 15 sept, p 279 |
w1922 9-15_279.TIF |
| "There are some who
loudly dispute a fulfillment in any man; but those who have seen, held
and taught present truth, most assuredly have believed that our late
beloved leader, Brother Russell, held that position of steward. And this
we most certainly hold, both as a fact and as a necessity of faith." |
1922, 15 dec, p 396 |
w1922 12-15_396.TIF |
| "When asked who the
faithful and wise servant was, Russell would reply, 'Some say I am while
others say the Society is'; both are true, since Russell was in fact the
Society." |
1923, 1 mar, p 68 |
w1923 3-1_68.tif |
| How then the
assertion that "'That Faithful and Wise Servant' does not apply to one
individual and not to brother Russell. Russell never made that claim
himself." |
1927, 15 feb, 56 |
w1927 2-15_56.TIF |
| "The Lord
used The Watchtower to announce these truths. Doubtless he used his
invisible deputies to have much to do with it." |
1930, Light1, p 64
|
1930_Light1_64.tif |
| "Visible human
creatures had to do with that message, yet. in fact, it was a message of
the Lord sent through his invisible angels, because without a
doubt these are clothed with authority to direct the course of
earthly members of God's organization." |
1930, Light1, p 106 |
1930_Light1_106.tif |
| "Again the Lord sent
his angel to carry out matters of great importance as pertaining
to his people on earth. He caused his representatives or deputies, who
are invisible to men, to direct what should be done by his visible
servants on the earth. This is further proof of the completeness
with which Jehovah keeps his hand in all his work." |
1930, Light1, p 218 |
1930_Light1_218.tif |
| "...the servant
class on earth are directed by the Lord through his duly constituted
deputies or angels." |
1930, Light2, s. 20 |
1930_Light2_20.tif |
| There cannot be a
question or doubt that Jesus Christ can and does direct every
division of his organization and that he can and does use his holy
angels to carry into operation his orders and direct the course of the
remnant on earth, regardless of the fact that the remnant cannot see
these agents or ambassadors of the Lord and can have no direct or
audible communication with them. |
1932, 1 sept, p 263 |
w1932 9-1_263.tif |
| "It was in the spring
of 1918 that the Lord Jesus, as the representative of Jehovah, appeared
at the temple, and from that time forward the glory of Jehovah has been
there. "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house ; and the man
stood by me." (43 : 6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the
man stood by him. "The man" was the heavenly messenger, and this
pictures the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the
Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes
and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first
hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these
invisible messengers pass such instruction on to the remnant." |
1932, "Vindication
3", JF Rutherford, p 250 |
1932_Vindication3_250.tif |
| "Certain duties and
Kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels,
which include the transmission of information to God's anointed
people on the earth for their aid and comfort." |
Preparation 1933 p.36 |
1933_Preparation_36.tif |
| "The official organ
of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society is the magazine The Watchtower.
It is published every two weeka It is announced with confidence that the
Lord uses the columns of The Watchtower to transmit to his consecrated
people things that he reveals to them and provides for them to know. It
is the privilege of The Watchtower to publish explanation of the
prophecies, which explanation is based upon the physical facts that
exactly fit the prophecy and show that the explanation is correct. There
is no attempt on the part of The Watchtower to interpret prophecy, for
the reason that no human creature can interpret prophecy. Prophecy is of
divine origin, and it can be understood only when in course of
fulfilment or after having been fulfilled. Long centuries ago God caused
holy men to write the prophecies, and now it pleases him to unfold them
that his faithful witnesses on earth at the present time may be assured
that they are in the right way, and that their hope may be strong." |
1935, Årsbok, p 52 |
1935_Yearbook_52.tif |
| "Jehovah has made the
necessary arrangements within his organization to instruct his people,
and all recognize that for some years The Watchtower has been the means
of communicating information to God’s people. That does not mean that
those who prepare the manuscript for The Watchtower are inspired, but
rather it means that the Lord through his angels sees to it that the
information is given to his people in due time, and he brings to pass
the events in fulfillment of his prophecy and then invites those devoted
to him to see the same." |
1936, "Riches", JF
Rutherford, p 316 |
1936_Riches_316.tif |
| "It should be
expected that the Lord would have a means of communication to his people
on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The
Watchtower is used for that purpose." |
1939, Årsbok, p 85 |
1939_Yearbook_85.tif |
| "The Watchtower
Society is acting orderly under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and such is the visible part of God’s organization. The commands or
orders to that organization come from the Lord, and not from any man,
although men are used to have part in transmitting these to others of
the organization. The Lord directs the minutest details, even selection
of the yeartext as used by his people." |
1941, Årsbok, 19 Sep |
1941_Yearbook_sept19.tif |
| "The Lord does not
say to speak the words of wisdom of man, nor to be influenced or guided
by the word of man. Those who are convinced that The Watclztower is
publishing the opinion or expression of a man should not waste time in
looking at it at all, because a man’s opinion proves nothing except when
that opinion is based wholly upon the Word of God. Those who believe
that God uses The Watchtower as a means of communicating to his people,
or of calling their attention to his prophecies, should study The
Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ
Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any
man." |
1942, 1 jan, p 5 |
w1942 1-1_5.tif |
| "To such remnant of
faithful servants of Jehovah God Christ Jesus has entrusted all "his
goods", or earthly interests of the Kingdom. This does not signify that
the faithful remnant or society of Jehovah’s annointed witnesses are an
earthly tribunal of interpretation, delegated to interpret the
Scriptures and its prophecies. No; Christ Jesus the King has not
entrusted that office to them. THE SUPREME COURT STILL INTERPRETS, thank
God; and Christ Jesus, the Court’s official mouthpiece of
interpretation, reserves to himself that office as Head of Jehovah’s
"faithful and wise servant" class. He merely uses the "servant" class to
publish the interpretation after the Suprenie Court by Christ Jesus
reveals it." |
1943, 1 juli, p 203 |
w1943 7-1_203.tif |
| These expressions of
God’s will by his King and through his established agency constitute his
law or rule of action for the "faithful and wise servant" and for their
goodwill companions today who will dwell upon the earth for ever in the
New World. The Lord breaks down our organization instructions further
and makes them more practicable by further instructing us through his
"faithful and wise servant". He says, ’Let us assign the field, the
world, to special pioneers, regular pioneers and companies of Jehovah’s
witnesses in an orderly way, sufficient for everyone to thoroughly
witness therein, and let us place upon each one the responsibility of
caring for the New World interests in these respective asmgnments.’ He
says the requirements for special pioneers shall be 175 hours and 50
back-calls per month, which should develop into a reasonable number of
studies; and for regular prancers 150 hours and as many back-calls and
studies as can be properly developed during that time. And for company
publishers he says, ’Let us make a quota of 60 hours and 12 back-calls
and at least one study a week for each publisher.’ These directions come
to us from the Lord through his established agency directing what is
required of us; and, for those who really love the Lord and are guided
by his counsel, that is a reasonable service requirement …. The Lord
through his "faithful and wise servant" now states to us, "Let us cover
our termtory four times in six months." That becomes our organization
instructions and has the same binding force on us that his statement to
the Logos had when he said, ’Let us make man in our image." It is our
duty to accept this additional instruction and obey it." |
1943, 1 juli, p 205 |
w1943 7-1_205.tif |
| "It is not a blind or
dumb watchman, but tries to keep in tune with God by searching his Word
and being receptive to his guidance, with eyes always open to prophecy
so that it knows what to look for in world events, so that it
understands the significance of what it sees. It does not privately
interpret prophecy, but calls attention to physical facts, sets them
alongside prophecy, and you see for yourself how well the two match, how
accurately Jehovah interprets his own prophecy.—2 Pet. 1:20, 21. Hence
the purpose of this magazine is to keep sharp and faithful focus on
Bible truth, on world happenings that may fulfill prophecies, and on
religious news generally. Sometimes it will tear down religious
falsehoods, that Bible truth may be built up in their stead. Such
two-way work is Scripturally commanded, and is beneficial for all
persons of right heart condition. (Jer. 1:10; Heb. 12:5-13) However, The
Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it
dogmatic. It invites careful and critical examination of its contents in
the light of the Scriptures. Its purpose is to aid others to know
Jehovah and his purposes toward mankind, and to announce Christ’s
established kingdom as our only hope." |
1950, 15 April, p 263 |
W1950 8-15_263.tif |
| "We must show our
understanding in these matters, appreciating our relationship to the
visible theocratic organization, remembering the fate of those like
Korah and Achan and Saul and Uzziah and others who forgot the theocratic
order. Are we assigned as individuals to bring forth the food for the
spiritual table? No? Then let us not try to take over the slave’s
duties. We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us,
without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the
fancy of our mental taste. The truths we are to publish are the ones
provided through the discreet-slave organization, not some personal
opinions contrary to what the slave has provided as timely food. Jehovah
and Christ direct and correct the slave as needed, not we as
individuals. If we do not see a point at first we should keep trying to
grasp it, rather than opposing and rejecting it and presumptuously
taking the position that we are more likely to be right than the
discreet slave." |
1952, 1 feb, p 79 |
W1952 2-1_79.tif |
| "5 The
first essential for study is the right condition of mind and heart,
appreciating that Jehovah grants understanding only to the meek, and not
to the stiff-necked. If we have love for Jehovah and for the
organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the
Bible says, 'believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower
brings out, inasmuch as it has been faithful in giving us a knowledge of
God's purposes and guiding us in the way of peace, safety and truth from
its inception to this present day." |
1955,
"Qualified to be ministers", p 156 |
1956_Qualified_156.tif |
| "Newcomers must learn
to fall in line with the principals and polices of the new world society
and to act in harmony with them so that all may function smoothly for
the welfare and blessing of all within the organization." |
1956, 1 juni, p 345 |
W1956 6-1_345.tif |
| "Who controls the
organization, who directs it? Who is head? A Man? A group of men? A
Clergy class? A pope? A hierarchy? Council? No, none of these. How is
this possible? In any organization is it not necessary that there be a
directing head or policy-making part that controls or guides the
organization? Yes!.. Is the living God, Jehovah, the theocratic
Christian organization? Yes!.. because of the fact the heaven-enthroned
Christ Jesus is Jehovah's Executive Officer carrying on his work in the
earth and because of the further fact that the spirit of God by Christ
Jesus." |
1956, 1 nov, 666 |
w1956 11-1_666.tif |
| Mother Organization:
The Society is identified as "our mother" and Jehovah God as "Father."
"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only
Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother.... Today,
also, God requires and exacts from his children obedience honor and
respect. These must be rendered not only to the living God himself, but
to his wifely organization as well" |
1957, 1 maj, p 274 |
W1957 5-1_274.tif |
| "We will realize that
Jehovah knows what is going on in his organization, and if he is willing
to permit it, who are we to insist it should be different? If we really
have faith, we will know that if it is wrong he will straighten it out
eventually, and we are far safer inside his organization even with these
minor difficulties than we would be on the outside where only chaos and
destruction await us." |
1957, 1 maj, p 284 |
w1957 5-1_284.tif |
| "It is vital that we
appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the slave as we
would to the voice of God because it is His provision." |
1957, 15 juni, p 370 |
w1957 6-15_370.tif |
| "The fact that
decides the answer to the question is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman
Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah’s witnesses have
been and are God’s prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine
will for Christians in this time of the world’s end and offered
themselves to do it? Who have undertaken God’s foreordained work for
this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the
work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom has God actually
used as his prophet?" |
1959, 15 jan, p 40-41 |
w1959 1-15_40.tif |
| "From a study of
God's Word one appreciates that Jehovah does not dispense his dynamic
energy through just any organization that chooses to label itself
religious. Neither does God deal with individuals independently of his
own wifely organization, the "mother" of all those dedicated to God.
(Gal. 4:26)" |
1961, 15 juli, p 431 |
w1961 7-15_431.tif |
| "It is through the
columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant
Scriptural counsel to his people" |
1964, 1 maj, p 277 |
w1964 5-1_277.tif |
| "12 How will we put
these four things into effect? First, study: We may think of study as
hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovah's organization it
is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for
there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to do that very
thing, to help you who do not have so much time for this, these
preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other publications of
the Society. But you do not study enough? Take this suggestion: Often
the very best and most beneficial studying you do is that done when you
read a new Watchtower or Awake! or a new book with the joy of getting
the new truths and a fresh view." |
1967, 1 juni, p 338 |
w1967 6-1_338.tif |
| "Thus the Bible is an
organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an
organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may
believe that they can interpret the Bible." |
1967, 1 okt, p 587 |
w1967 10-1_587.tif |
| "After cleansing
those belonging to this house who were alive on earth, Jehovah poured
out his spirit upon them and assigned them the responsibility of serving
as his sole visible channel, through whom alone spiritual instruction
was to come. Those who recognize Jehovah’s visible theocratic
organization, therefore, must recognize and accept this appointment of
the "faithful and discreet slave" and be submissive to it. " ,,, "Make
haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that
represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so,
be complete in accepting its every aspect. We cannot claim to love God,
yet deny his Word and channel of communication. |
1967, 1 okt, p
587-591 |
w1967 10-1_590.tif
w1967 10-1_591.tif |
| "Likewise it was a
trying mission upon which the modern Ezekiel class was sent, to
religious people of the same type as those in Ezekiel’s day. But
regardless of how Christendom views or regards this group of anointed
witnesses of Jehovah, the time must come, and that shortly, when those
making up Christendom will know that really a "prophet" of Jehovah was
among them. Would we today like to tell Jehovah’s message among things
that prick us and among scorpions? It would take great courage and trust
in the One who sent us to do so. Into such a situation Ezekiel was sent,
according to the words that Jehovah further said to him: "And you, O son
of man, do not be afraid of them; and of their words do not be afraid,
because there are obstinate ones and things pricking you and it is among
scorpions that you are dwelling. Of their words do not you be afraid,
and at their faces do not you be struck with terror, for they are a
rebellious house. And you must speak my words to them, regardless of
whether they hear or they refrain, for they are a case of rebellion."
(Ezekiel 2:6, 7) Since the year 1919 C.E. the anointed remnant of
Jehovah’s witnesses have found it to be just like that as they have
spoken fearlessly the word of Jehovah in the midst of Christendom." "Who
is Ezekiel’s present-day counterpart, whose message and conduct
correspond with that of that ancient prophet of Jehovah? Of whom today
was he a "sign" or "portent"? Not of some individual man, but of a group
of people. Being made up of a unified company of persons, the modern
Ezekiel is a composite personage, made up of many members, just the same
as the human body is. This reminds us of what the onetime persecutor,
the Christian apostle Paul, wrote to fellow Christians in Rome, Italy,
saying: "Just as we have in one body many members, but the members do
not all have the same function, so we, although many, are one body in
union with Christ, but members belonging individually to one another."
(Romans 12:4, 5) Using the same illustration, Paul said in his letter to
the congregation in Corinth, Greece: "Just as the body is one but has
many members, and all the members of that body, although being many, are
one body, so also is the Christ. For truly by one spirit we were all
baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free,
and we were all made to drink one spirit."—1 Corinthians 12:12, 13. 10
So it is with the modern-day counterpart of Ezekiel: it is, not one
person’s body, but a composite body, made up of many members. All these
members were together to do the will of Jehovah, who is the Creator of
this modern "Ezekiel." Who, then, are the group of persons who, toward
the beginning of this "time of the end," were commissioned to serve as
the mouthpiece and active agent of Jehovah? In order to determine this,
check the history of 1919, the first postwar year after the first world
war." |
1971, "The Nations
shall know that I am Jehova", p 56, 59, 62-69 |
1971_kj chap.
4_56.tif
1971_kj chap.
4_60.tif
1971_kj chap.
4_65.tif
1971_kj chap.
4_69.tif |
| "Therefore, when it
came time for the name of Jehovah and his purposes to be declared to the
people, along with God’s warning that Christendom is in her "time of the
end," who qualified to be commissioned? Who was willing to undertake
this monumental task as Jehovah’s "servant"? Was there anyone to whom
Jehovah’s heavenly "chariot" could roll up and whom it could confront?
More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to
bestow the commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name, as was done
toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.?" |
1972, 15 mar, p 189 |
w1972 3-15_189.tif |
| "It is of importance
to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has
commissioned as his "servant" or messenger. We must recognize and
understand the warning that he brings. We need to take action on the
warning to safeguard our lives, for they are in a danger as grave as
that of the lives of Jerusalem’s citizens as that city neared
destruction. For this reason forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will
further discuss the identity and work of Jehovah’s commissioned
messenger as revealed in His vision to Ezekiel." |
1972, 15 mar, p 190 |
w1972 3-15_190.tif |
| "They Shall Know that
a Prophet Was Among Them’ JEHOVAH GOD is
interested in having people know him. Though he is invisible to human
eyes, he provides various ways by which they can know his personality.
They can know what to expect from him and what he expects of them. One
can come to understand that Jehovah is a God of surpassing wisdom by
observing creation. This also reveals the loving care with which he
designed things for man’s welfare and enjoyment. A second way to know
God is through his Word of truth, the Bible. Herein one finds the full
expression of Jehovah’s purpose toward mankind—why man is on the earth
and the blessings that God has in store. A third way of coming to know
Jehovah God is through his representatives. In ancient times he sent
prophets as his special messengers. While these men foretold things to
come, they also served the people by telling them of God’s will for them
at that time, often also warning them of dangers and calamities. People
today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it
is little read or understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help
them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? IDENTIFYING
THE "PROPHET" These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is
this prophet? The clergy of the so-called "Christian" nations hold
themselves before the people as being the ones commissioned to speak for
God. But, as pointed out in the previous issue of this magazine, they
have failed God and failed as proclaimers of his kingdom by approving a
man-made political organization, the League of Nations (now the United
Nations), as "the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth."
However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the
clergy, go without being warned that the League was a counterfeit
substitute for the real kingdom of God. He had a "prophet" to warn them.
This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was
the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that
time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah’s
Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning, and have been
joined and assisted in their commissioned work by hundreds of thousands
of persons who have listened to their message with belief. Of course, it
is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another
thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the
record. What does it show?" |
1972, 1 April, p 197 |
w1972 4-1_197.tif |
| "The scroll was
doubtless delivered to Ezekiel by the hand of one of the cherubs in the
vision. This would indicate that Jehovah’s witnesses today make their
declaration of the good news of the Kingdom under angelic direction and
support. (Rev. 14:6, 7; Matt. 25:31, 32) And since no word or work of
Jehovah can fail, for he is God Almighty, the nations will see the
fulfillment of what these witnesses say as directed from heaven. Yes,
the time must come shortly that the nations will have to know that
really a "prophet" of Jehovah was among them." |
1972, 1 April, p 200 |
w1972 4-1_199.tif
w1972 4-1_200.tif |
| "Consider, too, the
fact that Jehovah’s organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by
God’s holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization
functions for Jehovah’s purpose and to his praise. To it alone God’s
Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book." |
1973, 1 juli, p 402 |
w1973 7-1_402.tif |
| "14 Yes, we should be
deeply appreciative of all the fine spiritual food that "the faithful
and discreet slave" class has been providing through The Watchtower, now
for ninety-four years." |
1973, 1 aug, p 460 |
w1973 8-1_460.tif |
| "No obstacle put in
His way by the enemies will prove to be insurmountable for Jehovah. Just
as at Mount Sinai He put his word in the mouth of his chosen people
through the mediator Moses and thereafter he led them under the
protective shadow of his hand into the Promised Land, so he has done for
the remnant of spiritual Israel. He has put his word, his message of the
hour, into the mouth of the spiritual remnant for them to confess openly
before all the world, for their own salvation and for that of responsive
hearers." |
1976, "Holy Spirit",
p 175 |
1976_Holy
Spirit_175.tif |
| "Jehovah is not
pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something
harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using." |
1981, 15 feb, p 19 |
w1981 2-15_19.tif |
| "From time to time,
there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who,
like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding
attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively,
either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such
‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines
that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years
ago..." |
1981, 15 aug, p 28 |
w1981 8-15_28.tif |
| "What is your
attitude towards directives from the faithful and discreet slave?
Loyalty should move you to be ready to obey." |
1981, 1 dec, p 14 |
w1981 1-12_14.tif |
| "Jehovah God has also
provided his visible organization, his 'faithful and discreet slave,'
made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to
understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in
touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not
progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we
do." |
1981, 1 dec, p 27 |
w1981 12-1_27.tif |
| "How all of this
should prompt us to avoid rebellious talk … organizational arrangements.
Strong warnings … critical … attitude … reject views of false teachers." |
1982, 1 Sept, p 13-14 |
w1982 9-1_13.tif
w1982 9-1_14.tif |
| "Since the summer of
1919, the annointed remnant of Jehovah’s Witnesses have seen the modern
day equivalent of the angel of Revelation 14:6-12 flying in mid-heaving
directing their work." |
1982, 15 dec, p 25 |
w1982 12-15_25.tif |
| "Avoid Independent
Thinking From the very outset of his
rebellion Satan called into question God's way of doing things. He
promoted independent thinking. 'You can decide for yourself what is good
and bad,' Satan told Eve. 'You don't have to listen to God. He is not
really telling you the truth.' (Genesis 3:1-5) To this day, it has been
Satan's subtle design to infect God's people with this type of
thinking.-2 Timothy 3:1, 13.
21 How is such independent thinking manifested?
A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's
visible organization." |
1983, 15 jan, p 22 |
w1983 1-15_22.tif |
| "Fight Against
Independent Thinking 19 As we study the
Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an
organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true
Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization.
(Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out
that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they
argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to
believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?" |
1983, 15 jan, p 27 |
w1983 1-15_27.tif |
| "Consider some of the
other 'twisted things' used to mislead God's people today. On occasion
opposers will question the various teachings that Jehovah's people hold
in common. Often this becomes a debate about words, just as it was in
the first century. (1 Timothy 6:3,4) They may also question the need for
an organization to direct the minds of God's people. Their view is,
God's spirit can direct individuals without some central, organized body
of men giving direction. They will declare that all one needs to do is
to read the Bible." |
1983, 1 mar, 25 |
w1983 3-1_25.tif |
| "Let us face the fact
that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have
learned the truth on our own" |
1990, 1 dec, p 19 |
w1990 12-1_19.tif |
| "For over a century,
delightful, correct words of truth covering every aspect of life have
been presented in the Watch Tower Society's publications .." |
1990, 15 dec, 26 |
w1990 12-15_26.tif |
| "First, since
"oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and
full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are
concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor
private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has
complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God
through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." |
2001, 1 aug, p 13-14 |
w2001 8-1_13.tif
w2001
8-1_14.tif |
| "God's Appointed
Channel: Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel
of communication, "the faithful and discreet slave." That "slave" has
the responsibility to determine what information is made available to
the household of faith, as well as "the proper time" for it to be
dispensed. This spiritual food is available only through the theocratic
organization. We should always look to God's appointed channel for
reliable information, not to a network of Internet users." |
2002, "Our Kingdom
Ministry", Sept, p 8 |
2002_km 9-02_8.tif |
| "Jehovah gives us
sound counsel through his Word and through his organization, using the
publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew
24:45; 2 Timothy 3:16) How foolish to reject good advice and insist on
our own way! We "must be swift about hearing" when Jehovah, "the One
teaching men knowledge," counsels us through his channel of
communication.—James 1:19; Psalm 94:10." |
2003, 15 mars, p 26 |
W2003 3-15_26.tif |
|
Recognize a false prophet |
|
|
| "During the last six
or seven years, the Lord has been leading us, his people, in a very
remarkable manner. As we look backward we can see that our pathway has
been as "a shining light . . . . shining more and more." It has been
progressive, bringing us strength with "meat in due season." It has
caused us to grow both in grace and knowledge and this growth, taken in
connection with the fact that we are not obliged to look back and now
call darkness what was then called bv some of the brethren, "a great
flood of light," is the very strongest grounds for confidence that the
same Lord who then supplied us light from the word, is still providing
of the same kind. We say then, "Cast not away your confidence" in our
Leader, "the great Shepherd of the sheep." if we were following a man
undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea
would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six
years ago would he regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning. and so it is with truth; any
knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view
of truth never can contradict a former truth. "new light" never
extinguishes older "light," but adds to it. If you were lighting up a
building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every
time vou lighted another, but would add one light to another and they
would be in harmony and thus give increase of light: So is it with the
light of truth: the true increase is bv adding to, not by substituting
one for another. Therefore, in mentioning grounds of our confidence that
we are in the shining path under the leading of the Spirit, we mention
first that the tendency of present truth is-to produce the nroner fruit
of the snirit. of which love is the chief. The tendency of our growth in
knowledge is to growth in grace. "He that hath this hope in him
putifieth himself even as he (Jesus) is pure." Our pathway has been one
af increase of light in harmony with former light. Thus we have been led
to increased confidence in our leader." |
1881, 18 feb, p 3 |
w1881 2-18_3.tif |
| "They have been thus
prophesying particularly since 1918, and everyone knows that their
prophecies to date have not come to pass; and that alone is strong
evidence that they are false prophets.... It is therefore seen that they
fail to meet a single one of the requirements to prove that they are
true prophets — Deut. 18:21-22" |
1930, Light 2, p 47 |
1930_Light2_47.tif |
| "A PROPHET is a
person who professes to proclaim a message from Jehovah God. The Bible
reveals the fact that there are both true and false prophets. The true
prophet is one who always speaks as God’s mouthpiece. His message is the
truth and is designed to be a blessing to his hearers. He is never
boastful, and always gives God the credit for the message which he
proclaims, and therefore always has the divine approval. A false prophet
is a person who claims to be a representative of Jehovah and to speak in
his name and to proclaim his message but is in fact the mouthpiece of
Satan. A false prophet never has Jehovah’s approval, and his message is
always intended to deceive the people and to draw them away from God and
a study of his Word. A false prophet speaks that which is contrary to
God’s will; he sneers at, contradicts and denies the message of God’s
true prophets. It matters not whether he proclaims his message with
deliberate, wilful, and malicious intent to deceive, or whether he is
the blinded and deluded dupe of Satan and hence unwittingly used of him.
In cithcr cast hc is a false prophet, and hence the agent of Satan.
False prophets are usually afflicted with a large bump of self-esteem.
This is manifested in both their written and tllcir spoken words, which
always esalt themsclvcs, their theories, their methods, and ridicule and
contradict the methods and Word of Jehovah God." |
1930, 15 maj, p
153-154 |
w1930 5-15_153.tif |
| "The best method of
proof is to put a prophecy to the test of time and circumstances. The
Bible invites such a test. (1 John 4:1; Isa. 45:11) To conduct such an
examination, we must have a standard, a set of requirements. The Bible
itself establishes the rules for testing a prophecy, at Deuteronomy
18:20-22 and 13:1-3: (1) It must be spoken in Jehovah’s name and at his
command; (2) it must come to pass; (3) it must be in harmony with God’s
commandments and thus promote right worship." |
1965, 1 mars, p 151 |
w1965 3-1_151.tif |
| "Jehovah, the God of
the true prophets, will put all false prophets to shame either by not
fulfilling the false prediction of such self-assuming prophets or by
having His own prophecies fulfilled in a way opposite to that predicted
by the false prophets. False prophets will try to hide their reason for
feeling shame by denying who they really are. They will try to avoid
being killed or being pronounced spiritually dead by Jehovah’s loyal
worshipers." |
1972, Paradise
restored to mankind by theocracy, 353 |
1972_pm
chap. 20_353.tif |
| "Does this admission
of making mistakes stamp them [Watchtower] as false prophets? Not at
all, for false prophets do not admit to making mistakes." |
1972, 1 nov, 644 |
w1972 11-1_644.tif |
| "Similarly the "false
prophet" is not a person, but is a system or an organization. A
"prophet" claims to have inspired information for the direction of
others. A "false prophet" would mislead others, to turn them away from
God and toward false worship." |
1974, 15 juni, p 381 |
w1974 6-15_381.tif |
| "Each fruit-bearing
tree or plant brings forth its own particular type of fruit. Not all
plants bear fruit that can be eaten by humans. It would be a waste of
time to seek from thorns and thistles edible fruits like grapes and
figs. Fruits fit for human consumption must come from a tree that is
both healthy and of the right kind. If a tree consistently bore
"worthless fruit," it would be a sure indication that the tree itself
had become "rotten." Such a rotten tree would be "cut down" and used
along with brambles, thorns and weeds as fuel for fires.—Compare Psalm
58:9; Ecclesiastes 7:6; Isaiah 44:14-16; Matthew 6:30; 13:30.
While his hearers had fresh in mind this
illustration from agricultural life, Jesus repeated the basic principle:
"Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men." (Matt.
7:20) In a figurative sense those "fruits" would include what the false
prophets would say in the way of teaching. In this regard, Jesus added:
"A good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but
a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for
out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks."—Luke 6:45.
Fruits revealing the true nature of false
prophets would involve also their general course of conduct. (Compare
Mark 7:21-23.) A person cannot hide his true heart condition
indefinitely. Eventually his words and deeds will reveal him for what he
is." |
1978, 15 nov, p 31 |
w1978 11-15_31.tif |
| "What will guide us
in choosing the right religion? The Encyclopædia Universalis is correct
when it highlights the importance of truth. A religion that teaches lies
cannot be true" |
1991, 1 dec, p 7 |
w1991 12-1_7.tif |
|
False prophecies |
|
|
| "Christ came in the
character of a Bridegroom in 1874 .. at the beginning of the Gospel
harvest." |
1879, oct, 4 |
w1879 10_4.tif |
| "[Restoration of Jews
to Palestine and the conversion of 144,000 literal Jews due before
1914.] |
1880, jun, 108 |
w1880 7_108.tif |
| "The Bible chronology
herein presented shows that the six great thousand-year Days beginning
with Adam are ended, and that the great Seventh Day, the thousand years
of Christ’s Reign, began in 1873. The events of these 43 years, which
this Volume claims as the beginning of the Millennium, we still find
fully corroborating Bible prophecies, as herein set forth. During these
43 years, nearly all the inventions of our day have been accomplished.
The sewing machine, one of the first, began to reach its perfection 43
years ago. Since then, we have all kinds of farming machinery and tools,
and workshop, store, factory and home conveniences, in abundance and
cheap—through human invention. These are shortening the hours of labor,
and doing away with the "sweat of face," which the Bible declares to be
identified with the curse." |
1889, Studies in the
Scriptures 2 (The Time is at hand s 4) |
1889_studies2_4.tif |
| "...that six thousand
years from the creation of Adam were complete with A.D. 1872" (p. 54)
"the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their
lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be
the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men" (pp. 76–77; emphasis
added), He promised the Battle of Armageddon "...will end in A.D. 1914
with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership" |
1889, Studies in the
Scriptures 2 (The Time is at hand s 54, 76-77, 101) |
1889_studies2_4.tif
1889_studies2_53.tif
1889_studies2_54.tif
1889_studies2_76.tif
1889_studies2_77.tif |
| "Be not surprised,
then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up
of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in
prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that
the "battle of the great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14), which will
end in A.D. 1915, with the complete overthrow of earth’s present
rulership, is already commenced." |
1889 (1904 ed), "The
time is at hand", p 99, 101 |
1889_studies2_99.tif
1889_studies2_101.tif |
| Contents |
1889, "Thy Kingdom
Come", contents |
1891_studies3_contents.tif |
| The Pyramid |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 5 |
1891_studies3_5.tif |
| Ö"THE "Time of the
End," a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to
A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures." |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 23 |
1891_studies3_23.tif |
| Diverse pyramidologi
som stöder falska profetior |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 314-366, contents |
Many! See \Pyramidology |
| "The fall, plagues,
destruction, etc., foretold to come upon mystic Babylon, were
foreshadowed in the great trouble and national destruction which came
upon fleshly Israel, and which ended with the complete overthrow of that
nation in A.D. 70. And the period of falling also corresponds; for from
the time our Lord said, "Your house is left unto you desolate," A.D. 33,
to A.D. 70 was 36 1/2 years; and so from A.D. 1878 to the end of A.D.
1914 is 36 1/2 years. And, with the end of A.D. 1914, what God calls
Babylon, and what men call Christendom, will have passed away, as
already shown from prophecy." |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 153 |
1891_studies3_153.tif |
| Chart |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 132 |
1891_studies3_132.tif |
| "The date of the
close of that "battle" is definitely marked in Scripture as October,
1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October,
1874." |
1892, 15 jan, p 21-23 |
w1892 1-15_2123.tif |
| "Seventeen years ago
people said, concerning the time features nresented in MILLENNIAL DAWN.
Thev seem reasonable in many respects, but surely no such* rad&al
changes could occur between now and the close of 1914: if you had proved
that they would come about in a century or two, it would seem much more
probable. What changes have since occurred, and what velocity is gained
daily? "The old is quickly passing and the new is coming in." Now, in
view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are
writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They say
that they do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under
the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures-nor could we
change them if we would. Thev are, we believe. God’s dates, not ours.
But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning,
but for the end of the time of trouble. We see no reason for changing
from our opinion expressed in the view presented in the WATCH TOWER of
January 15, ‘92. We advise that it be read again." |
1894, 15 juli, p 226 |
w1895 7-15_226.tif |
| "But now we are in
the end of this Gospel age, and the Kingdom is being established or set
up. Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874,
A.D., according to the testimony of the prophets, to those who have ears
to hear it: and the formal inauguration of his kingly office dates from
April 1878, A.D.: and the first work of the Kingdom, as shown by our
Lord, in his parables and prophecy (the gathering of "his elect"), is
now in progress." |
1897, Studies in the
Scriptures 4, p 621 |
1897_studies4_621.tif |
| "While it is possible
that Armageddon may begin next Spring, yet it is purely speculation to
attempt to say just when. We see, however, that there are parallels
between the close of the Jewish age and this Gospel age. These parallels
seem to point to the year just before us--particularly the early
months." |
1914, 1 Sep, p 261 |
w1914 9-1_261.tif |
| "Studying God’s Word,
we have measured the 2520 years, the seven symbolic times, from that
year 606 B. C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as
nearly as we were able to reckon. We did not say positively that this
would be the year. We merely left every one to look at the facts of
history and reckon for himself." |
1914, 1 nov, p 325 |
w1914 11-1_325.tif |
| "In the meantime, our
eyes of understanding should discern clearly the Battle of the Great Day
of God Almighty now in progress; and our faith, guiding our eyes of
understanding through the Word, should enable us to see the glorious
outcome—Messiah’s kingdom." |
1916, 1 Sep, p
265,266 |
w1916 9-1_265.tif |
| "Immediately
following the announcement in Rev. 14:13, "Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord from henceforth," we read (Verse 14) "and behold a white
cloud, and upon the cloud I saw one sitting like unto the Son of Man,
having on his head a golden crown and in his hand a sharp sickle." Thus
is described the second presence of our Lord as the´great Chief Reaper,
at the beginning of the harvest in 1878. The 15th verse of that same
chapter refers to the Great Pyramid, the measurements of which confirm
the Bible teaching that 1878 marked the beginning of the harvest of the
Gospel age. The parallel, therefore, would establish definitely that the
harvest would close forty years thereafter; to wit, in the spring of A.
D. 1918. If this be true, and the evidence is very conclusive that it is
true, then we have only a few months in which to labor before the great
night settles down when no man can work." |
1917, 1 okt, 6149 |
w1917 10-1_6149.tif |
| "There will be no
slip-up .. Abraham should enter upon the actual possession of his
promised inheritance in the year 1925 A.D." |
1917, 15 oct, 6157 |
w1917 10-15_6157.tif |
| "What will the year
1918 bring forth? This question is upon the lips of every class of men.
The world looks and hopes for those things which constitute its highest
ideals-- peace, plenty, health and happiness. The Christian looks for
the year to bring the full consummation of the church’s hopes." |
1918, 1 jan, p 6191 |
w1918 1-1_6191.tif |
| "During the past
forty years the harvest of the age has been in progress. That the
harvest began in 1878, there is ample and convincing proof. The end of
the harvest is due in the spring of 1918." |
1918, 1 maj, p 6243 |
w1918 5-1_6243.tif |
| "The data presented
in comments on Rev. 2:1 prove that the conquest of Judea was not
completed until the day of the Passover, A. D. 73, and in the light of
the foregoing Scriptures, prove that the Spring of 1918 will bring upon
Christendom a spasm of anguish greater even than that experienced in the
Fall of 1914." "The trouble is due to the
dawning of the Day of Christ, the Millennium. It is the Day of
Vengeance, which began in the world war of 1914 and which will break
like a furious morning storm in 1918."
"Until 1878 the nominal church had been in a
sense God’s sanctuary or Temple; but He was from then on, culminating in
1918, to remove it with a stroke or plague of erroneous doctrines and
deeds Divinely permitted."
"Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the
churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that
any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the
meaning of the downfall of "Christianity."" |
1918, Studies 7
(Finished Mystery) p 62, 404, 484, 485 |
1918_studies7_62.tif
1918_studies7_404.tif
1918_studies7_484.tif
1918_studies7_485.tif |
| "Scriptures
definitely fix the facts … Abraham Therefore we may confidently expect …
Abraham, Isaak, Jacob…". Beth Sarim.…" |
1920 Millions now
living will never die, p 88-90 |
|
| "Some one asked me
the other day: Suppose you should be here in 1925 what would you do? I
said, I believe I will be home in the Pleiades before then .." |
1920, 1 nov, 334 |
w1920 11-1_334.TIF |
| "We have no doubt
whatever in regard to the chronology relating to the dates of 1874 .." |
1922, 15 maj, 150 |
w1922 5-15_150.TIF |
| "And it was in 1878,
then, that the process of setting up the kingdom began. There our Lord
raised the sleeping saints from the tomb and joined them to himself .." |
1922, 1 jun, 174 |
w1922 6-1_174.TIF |
| "facts…. Doubt 1914
ended the gentile times … old order is destroed .. 1925 even more
indicated by the scriptures … fixed … God’s law" |
1922, 1 Sept, p 262 |
w1922 9-1_262.TIF |
| "Bible prophecy shows
that the Lord was due to appear for the second time in the year 1874.
Fulfilled prophecy shows beyond a doubt that he did appear in 1874.
Fulfilled prophecy is otherwise designated the physical facts; and these
facts are indisputable." |
1922, 1 nov, 333 |
w1922 11-1_333.TIF |
| "We understand that
the jubilee type began to count in 1575 B.C.; and the 3,500 year period
embracing the type must end in 1925.. It follows, then, that the year
1925 will mark the beginning of the restoration of all things lost by
Adam's disobedience." |
1922, 1 nov, 346 |
w1922 11-1_346.TIF |
| "The Scriptures show
that the second presence [of the Lord] was due in 1874 .. This proof
shows that the Lord has been present since 1874" |
1923, 1 mar, 67 |
w1923 3-1_67.tif |
| "Q: Have we more
reason .1925. Kingdom be established … Noah in the flood?
A: Our thought is that … settled by the Scripture
… As to Noah … now more to base his faith ". |
1923, 1 April, p 106 |
w1923 4-1_106.TIF |
| "The year 1925 is a
date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly
than that of 1914." |
1924, 15 juli, p 211 |
w1924 7-15_211.TIF |
| "The year 1925 is
here … expection … many have … expected … glory … may be accomplished …
may be not…" |
1925, 1 jan 1, p 3 |
w1925 1-1_3.TIF |
| "It is to be expected
that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated the
thought that 1925 should see an end of the work.... Diligence now and to
the end seems absolutely essential to victory." |
1925, 15 Sept, p 262
eller |
w1925 9-15_262.TIF |
| "Some anticipated
that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not so state." |
1926, 1 aug, p 232 |
w1926 8-1_232.TIF |
| "All of the Lord’s
people looked forward to 1914 with … expectation … much disappointment …
ridiculed" |
1930, Light 1, pg 194 |
1930_Light1_194.tif |
| "There was a measure
of disappointment on the part of Jehovah's faithful ones on earth
concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted
for a time....they also learned to quit fixing dates..." |
1931, Vindication 1,
p 338-339 |
1931_Vindication1_338.tif
1931_Vindication1_339.tif |
| Because the end is so
near, Jehovah's Witnesses are told to wait until after Armageddon to
"marry and rear children" |
1938, 1 nov, p 323 |
w1938 11-1_323.tif |
| Beth-Sarim: A house
in San Diego, California called "Beth-Sarim" is built. "...[T]he purpose
of acquiring that property and building the house was that there might
be some tangible proof that there are those on earth today ... who
believe that the faithful men of old [Abraham, etc.] will soon be
resurrected by the Lord, be back on earth, and take charge of the
visible affairs of earth" |
1939, Salvation, p
311 |
1939_Salvation_311.tif |
| "The year 1940 is
certain to be the most important year yet because Armageddon is very
near" |
1940, Informant, maj |
|
| "The Kingdom is here.
The King is enthroned. Armageddon is just ahead. … therefore the great
climax has been reached." |
1940, Messenger, 1
Sept |
|
| "Armageddon is surely
near… clean off … offends … hopes … within a few years" |
1941, Children, p 366 |
1941_Children_366.tif |
| "Receiving the gift,
the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for
idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective
work in the remaining months before Armageddon." |
1941, 15 Sept, p 288 |
w1941 9-15_288 |
| "Now, with Armageddon
immediately before us, it is a matter of life or destruction. Those who
would be of the Lords other sheep that shall compose the great multitude
of Armageddon survivors and live joyfully on earth forever must find the
answer to a very personal question, and very important." |
1942, 1 apr, 139 |
w1942 4-1_139.tif |
| "This book set forth
their belief that Christ's second presence began invisibly in the fall
of 1874 and thereby commenced a forty-year harvest period. Then,
remarkably accurately, they set forth the year 1914 as the end of the
Gentile times" |
1955, (Qualified To
Be Ministers, p. 300). |
1955_Qualified_300.tif |
| "'Sometime between
April 16 and 23, 1957, Armageddon will sweep the world! Millions of
persons will perish in its flames and the land will be scorched.' So
prophesied a certain California pastor, Mihran Ask, in January 1957.
Such false prophets tend to put the subject of Armageddon in disrepute." |
1958, 15 oct, 613 |
w1958 10-15_613.tif |
| "'How Much Longer
Will It Be?' 6,000 Years Completed in 1975 .. In what year, then, would
the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years
of God's rest day come to an end? The year 1975.. Hence, the fact that
we are nearing the end of the first 6,000 years of man's existence is of
great significance. Does God's rest day parallel the time man has been
on earth since his creation? Apparently so. From the most reliable
investigations of Bible chronology, harmonizing with many accepted dates
of secular history, we find that Adam was created in the autumn of the
year 4026 B.C.E. Sometime in that same year Eve could well have been
created, directly after which God's rest day commenced .. There is
another chronological indication that we are rapidly nearing the closing
time for this wicked system of things. It is the fact that shortly,
according to reliable Bible chronology, 6,000 years of human history
will come to an end.. After six thousand years of toil and bondage to
sin, sickness, death and Satan, mankind is due to enjoy a rest and is in
dire need of a rest. (Heb. 4:1-11) Hence, the fact that we are nearing
the end of the first 6,000 years of man's existence is of great
significance.. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's
existence and also the first 6,000 years of God's rest day come to an
end? The year 1975. This is worthy of notice, particularly in view of
the fact that the 'last days' began in 1914, and that the physical facts
of our day in fulfillment of prophecy mark this as the last generation
of this wicked world. So we can expect the immediate future to be filled
with thrilling events for those who rest their faith in God and his
promises. It means that within relatively few years we will witness the
fulfillment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the 'time
of the end.'" |
1966, AWAKE, 8 okt,
19-20 |
|
| "' .. To give aid
today in this critical time to prospective sons of God,' announced
President Knorr, 'a new book in English, entitled 'Life Everlasting - in
Freedom of the Sons of God,' has been published.' .. It did not take the
brothers very long to find the chart beginning on page 31, showing that
6,000 years of man's existence end in 1975. Discussion of 1975
overshadowed about everything else. 'The new book compels us to realize
that Armageddon is, in fact, very close indeed,' .. THE YEAR 1975 ..
6,000 years of human experience will end in 1975, about nine years from
now. What does that mean? Does it mean that God's rest day began 4026
B.C.E.? It could have. The Life Everlasting book does not say it did
not.. 'What about the year 1975? What is it going to mean, dear
friends?' asked Brother Franz. 'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to
be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! All things
are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to
go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog
is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog
himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All
things are possible with God. But we are not saying. And don't any of
you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now
and 1975. But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is
short. Time is running out, no question about that." |
1966, 15 okt, 628-631 |
w1966 10-15_628.tif
w1966 10-15_629.tif
w1966 10-15_630.tif |
| "According to this …
chronology … 1975 … seventh period … fall of 1975 … make of this coming
seventh period" |
1966, "Life
Everlasting", p 29,30 |
|
| "Interestingly, the
autumn of the year 1975 marks the end of 6,000 years of human
experience. This is ascertainable from reliable chronology preserved in
the Bible itself. What will that year mean for humankind? Will it be the
time when God executes the wicked and starts off the thousand-year reign
of his Son Jesus Christ? It very well could, but we will have to wait to
see.. A glorious new order is immediately before us." |
1967, 1 maj, 262 |
w1967 5-1_262.tif |
| "Making some special
effort to do more than the usual help us to live up … dedication ..
short time left … just think … only about ninety months left … do you
remember what we learned … last year" |
1968, "Kingdom
Ministry", mars, p 4 |
|
| "According to
reliable Bible chronology Adam was created in the year 4026 B.C.E.,
likely in the autumn of the year, at the end of the sixth day of
creation. Then God brought the animals to man to name. Yet, of Adam,
Genesis states these words of Jehovah: "It is not good for the man to
continue by himself." (Gen. 2:18) Adam would realize this lonely
condition very quickly, perhaps in just a few days or a few weeks. He
would realize he needed another earthling with whom he could
communicate, share his experiences, and his life. Nor would his naming
the animals take an unduly long time. The basic animal kinds could have
been relatively quickly named, for when such basic kinds were taken into
the ark in Noah’s day, it did not involve millions of beasts, but
perhaps only a few hundred basic kinds. Thus, Adam’s naming of the
animals and his realizing that he needed a counterpart would have
occupied only a brief time after his creation. Since it was also
Jehovah’s purpose for man to multiply and fill the earth, it is logical
that he would create Eve soon after Adam, perhaps just a few weeks or
months later in the same year, 4026 B.C.E. After her creation, God’s
rest day, the seventh period, immediately followed. Therefore, God’s
seventh day and the time man has been on earth apparently run parallel.
To calculate where man is in the stream of time relative to God’s
seventh day of 7,000 years, we need to determine how long a time has
elapsed from the year of Adam and Eve’s creation in 4026 B.C.E. From the
autumn of that year to the autumn of 1 B.C.E., there would be 4,025
years. From the autumn of 1 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1 C.E. is one year
(there was no zero year). From the autumn of 1 C.E. to the autumn of
1967 is a total of 1,966 years. Adding 4,025 and 1 and 1,966, we get
5,992 years from the autumn of 4026 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1967. Thus,
eight years remain to account for a full 6,000 years of the seventh day.
Eight years from the autumn of 1967 would bring us to the autumn of
1975, fully 6,000 years into God’s seventh day, his rest day." |
1968, 1 maj, p 271 |
w1968 5-1_270.tif
w1968 5-1_271.tif |
| "WHY ARE YOU LOOKING
FORWARD TO 1975? .. What about all this talk concerning the year 1975?
Lively discussions, some based on speculation, have burst into flame
during recent months among serious students of the Bible. Their interest
has been kindled by the belief that 1975 will mark the end of 6,000
years of human history since Adam's creation. The nearness of such an
important date indeed fires the imagination and presents unlimited
possibilities for discussion.. of what benefit is this information to us
today?.. why should we be any more interested in the date of Adam's
creation than in the birth of King Tut?.. in the fall of the year 1975,
a little over seven years from now .. it will be 6,000 years since the
creation of Adam." |
1968, 15 aug, 494 |
w1968 8-15_494.tif |
| "Even if one cannot
see beyond 1975, is this any reason to be less active? The apostles
could not see even this far; they knew nothing about 1975....If they had
delayed or dillydallied and had been complacent with the idea the end
was some thousands of years off they would never have finished running
the race set before them." |
1968, 15 aug, p 501 |
w1968 8-15_501.tif |
| "According to
reliable Bible chronology Adam and Eve were created 4026 BCE. True there
have been those in times past … end to the world even announcing … yet
nothing happened. The end did not come. They were guilty of false prophe…
missing … full evidence… God’s truth … What about today? Today we have
the evidence required. All of it… Overwhelming." |
1968, Awake, okt 8,
s14, 23 |
|
| "At the age of 130
another son was born to her. Eve called his name Seth...." |
1971 ed, Aid to Bible
Understanding, p. 538 |
|
| "Christ’s Kingdom
rule of a thousand years promises the finest conditions—conditions
mankind has never known. Therefore, everyone should look for evidences
of its approach with the greatest interest and anticipation. The Bible
book of Revelation (chapters 20 and 21) reveals many of the good things
that the thousand-year rule will bring. It also tells us that this
millennium must be preceded immediately by the most destructive war in
all human history. We can now see the political rulers or "kings of the
entire inhabited earth" being gathered, under forces beyond human
control, for that War of all wars, at the place called Har–Magedon." |
1974, 1 juli, p 397 |
w1974 7-1_3.tif |
| "The publications of
Jehovah's witnesses have shown that, according to Bible chronology, it
appears that 6,000 years of man's existence will be completed in the
mid-1970's. But these publications have never said that the world's end
would come then. Nevertheless, there has been considerable individual
speculation on the matter." |
1974, 15 okt, 635 |
w1974 10-15_635.tif |
| "Today there is a
great crowd of people who are confident that a destruction of even
greater magnitude is now imminent. The evidence is that Jesus’ prophecy
will shortly have a major fulfillment, upon this entire system of
things. This has been a major factor in influencing many couples to
decide not to have children at this time. They have chosen to remain
childless so that they would be less encumbered to carry out the
instructions of Jesus Christ to preach the good news of God’s kingdom
earth wide before the end of this system comes" |
1974, Awake nov 8, p
11 |
g1974 11-8_11.tif |
| "Yes, the end of this
system is so very near! Is that not reason to increase our activity? In
this regard we can learn something from a runner who puts on a final
burst of speed near the finish of a race. Look at Jesus, who apparently
stepped up his activity during his final days on earth. In fact, over 27
percent of the material in the Gospels is devoted to just the last week
of Jesus’ earthly ministry!—Matt. 21:1–27:50; Mark 11:1–15:37; Luke
19:29–23:46; John 11:55–19:30. By carefully and prayerfully examining
our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and
energy in preaching during this final period before the present system
ends. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is
evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers. Yes, since the
summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now
there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an
all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A
34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of
brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the
rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly
this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked
world’s end." |
1974, "Kingdom
Ministry", p 3 |
1974km 5-74_3.tif |
| "Another speaker, F.
W. Franz, the Society's vice-president, forcefully impressed on the
audience the urgency of the Christian preaching work. He stressed that,
according to dependable Bible chronology, 6,000 years of human history
will end this coming September according to the lunar calendar. This
coincides with a time when "the human species [is] about to starve
itself to death," as well as its being faced with poisoning by pollution
and destruction by nuclear weapons. Franz added: 'There's no basis for
believing that mankind, faced with what it now faces, can exist for the
seventh thousand-year period" under the present system of things.' ..
Does this mean that we know exactly when God will destroy this old
system and establish a new one? Franz showed that we do not, for we do
not know how short was the time interval between Adam's creation and the
creation of Eve, at which point God's rest day of seven thousand years
began (Heb. 4:3,4). But, he pointed out, 'we should not think that this
year of 1975 is of no significance to us,' for the Bible proves that
Jehovah is 'the greatest chronologist' and 'we have the anchor date,
1914, marking the end of the Gentile Times.' So, he continued, 'we are
filled with anticipation for the near future, for our generation.' |
1975, 1 maj, 285 |
w1975 5-1_285.tif |
| "No, it does not mean
that. Why not? Well, the Bible record shows that God’s creations on the
"day" just preceding that 7,000-year "rest day" did not end with Adam’s
creation. It shows a time lapse between the creation of Adam and that of
his wife, Eve. During that time, God had Adam name the animals. Whether
that period amounted to weeks or months or years, we do not know. So we
do not know exactly when Jehovah’s great "rest day" began, nor do we
know exactly when it will end. The same applies to the beginning of
Christ’s millennial reign. The Bible provides us no way to fix the date,
and so it does us no good to speculate when that date may be.—Gen.
2:18-25; Matt. 24:42, 44. However, the
Bible’s time clock does indicate to us that 6,000 years of human history
end in this year 1975. Early in God’s "rest day" Adam became a rebel
against God-rule. Thus, for the most part, the first 6,000 years of
man’s history have been marked by man-rule. What did man’s independent
rulership accomplish during those six millenniums of time, or six spans
of 1,000 years each? Let us take a panoramic view of those millenniums,
each in its turn." |
1975, 1 okt, p 579 |
w1975 10-1_579.tif |
| "Although the time of
Adam's creation can be determined, the beginning of God's 'rest day'
cannot. This is so because there was a time lapse of unspecified length
between Adam's creation and the creation of Eve. Not until after the
creation of Eve did God's 'rest day' begin. The start of that day being
unknown, its end is likewise unknown." |
1976, 1 jan, p 30 |
w1976 1-1_30.tif |
| "It may be that some
who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a
mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a
certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected
things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed
the point of the Bible's warnings concerning the end of this system of
things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date.. it is
not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting
everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as
things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that,
when the 'day' comes, it will not change the principle that Christians
must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has
been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should
now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the
word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but
that his own understanding was based on wrong premises." |
1976, 15 jul, 440-1 |
w1976 7-15_440.tif |
| "J. A. Bengel states
in his New Testament Word Studies: "The Hebrews . . . reckon
seventy-five years as one generation, and the words, shall not pass
away, intimate that the greater part of that generation [of Jesus’ day]
indeed, but not the whole of it, should have passed away before all
should be fulfilled." This became true by the year 70 C.E. when
Jerusalem was destroyed. Likewise today, most of the generation of 1914
has passed away. However, there are still millions on earth who were
born in that year or prior to it. And although their numbers are
dwindling, Jesus’ words will come true, "this generation will certainly
not pass away until all these things have happened." This is yet another
reason for believing that Jehovah’s thieflike day is imminent. So, what
events should alert Christians watch for?" |
1988, Awake, 8 April,
p 14 |
g1988 4-8_14.tif |
| "Bible prophecies
indicate that Satan's world has been in its last days for nearly 80
years now, since the pivotal year 1914. This world is nearing its end." |
1994, 15 mar, 20 |
w1994 3-15_20.tif |
|
Spiritism – "Angels and Women" |
|
|
| Angels and Women |
1924, Angels and
Women, första sidan |
1924_AngelsWomen_cover.tif |
| "A number of years
ago Mrs. J. G. Smith published a novel entitled Seola. She claims to
have been impelled to write it after listening to beautiful music. She
made no pretense of a knowledge of the Bible. Yet many of her sayings
are so thoroughly in accord with the correct understanding of certain
scriptures that the novel is exceedingly interesting and sometimes
thrilling. The greatest Bible scholar of modern times read this book
shortly before his death. To a close personal friend he said: "This
book, if revised according to the facts we now know concerning spiritism,
would be instructive and helpful." Long prior thereto this noted Bible
scholar had written and published the first clear exposition of the
Bible teaching on spiritism. He advised his personal friend to revise
the novel Seola and to publish it if opportunity was afforded at some
future time. This book deals with the events transpiring between the
date of the creation of man and the great deluge. The principal
characters figuring in the novel are Satan, fallen angels and women.
Angels are heavenly messengers. There was a time when all angels were
good. The time came when many of them allied themselves with Satan and
became evil, hence called "fallen angels." |
1924, Angels and
Women, 3 |
1924_AngelsWomen_3.tif |
| "The reviser of this
book is of the opinion that the original manuscript was dictated to the
woman who wrote it by one of the fallen angels who desired to return to
divine favor." |
1924, Angels and
Women, 5 |
1924_AngelsWomen_5.tif |
| "Review of book …
Pastor Russell read this book with keen interest, and requested some of
his friends to read it because of its striking harmony with the
Scriptural account…" |
1924, Golden Age, 30
juli, 702 |
1924 GoldenAge July_30 |
| "Under his
supervision it was revised and later published…. Pastor Russell remarked
that at some opportune time the book, revised, should be published." |
1924, Golden Age, 3
dec, 150 |
1924 GoldenAge Dec 3 |
|
Spiritism – Johannes Greber |
|
|
| "It comes as no
surprise that one Johannes Greber, a former Catholic clergyman,
has become a spiritualist and has published the book entitled
"Communication with the Spirit World, Its laws and Its Purpose."
(1932, Macoy Publishing Company, New York) In its Foreword he makes the
typical misstatement: "The most significant spiritualistic book is the
Bible; for its principal contents hinge upon the messages of the beyond
to those existing in the present. |
1955, 1 okt, p 603 |
w1955
10-1_603.tif |
| "10 Says Johannes
Greber in the introduction of his translation of The New Testament,
copyrighted in 1937: "I myself was a Catholic priest, and until I was
forty-eight years old had never as much as believed in the
possibility of communicating with the world of God's spirits. The day
came, however, when I involuntarily took my first step toward such
communication, and experienced things that shook me to the depths of my
soul. . . . My experiences are related in a book that has appeared
in both German and English and bears the title, Communication with the
Spirit-World: Its Laws and Its Purpose." (Page 15, 2, 3) In keeping with
his Roman Catholic extraction Greber's translation is bound with a
gold-leaf cross on its stiff front cover. In the Foreword of his
aforementioned book ex-priest Greber says: "The most significant
spiritualistic book is the Bible." Under this impression
Greber endeavors to make his New Testament
translation read very spiritualistic.
11 Spiritualism claims that there are good spirits
and bad spirits and that it does not want to have anything to do with
the bad spirits but tries to communicate only with the good spirits. At
1 John 4:1-3 the Bible says: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try
the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are
gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
Greber's translation of these verses reads: "My dear friends, do not
believe every spirit, but test the spirits to learn whether they come
from God. For many false spirits have emerged from the abyss and gone
out into the world, and are speaking through human mediums. This is how
you can find out whether a spirit comes from God: every spirit who
confesses that Jesus Christ appeared on earth as a man, comes from God.
While every spirit who seeks to destroy belief in Jesus as our Lord
incarnated does not come from God, but is sent by the adversary of
Christ. You have been told that such spirits would come, and they are
already appearing in the world." Very plainly the spirits in which
ex-priest Greber believes helped him in his translation". |
1956, 15 feb, p
110,111 |
w1956
2-15_110.tif
w1956
2-15_111.tif |
| "Nor is the New World
Translation alone in rendering these verses thus. A modern German
translation reads quite similarly: "Tombs were laid open, and many
bodies of those buried were tossed upright. In this posture they
projected from the graves and were seen by many who passed by the place
on their way back to the city."-Matt. 27:52, 53." |
1961, 1 jan, p 30 |
w1961 1-1_30.tif |
| "5 But most
controversial of all is the following reading of John 1:1, 2: "The Word
was in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.
This Word was in the beginning with God." This reading is found in The
New Testament in An Improved Version, published in London, England, in
1808. Similar is the reading by a former Roman Catholic priest:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was a god. This was with God in the beginning. Everything came into
being through the Word, and without it nothing created sprang into
existence." (John 1:1-3)* * [Footnote to
page 554]
The New Testament-A New Translation and
Explanation Based on the Oldest Manuscripts, by Johannes Greber
(a translation from German into English), edition of 1937, the front
cover of this bound translation being stamped with a golden cross." |
1962, 15 Sept, p 554 |
w1962 9-1_554.tif
w1962
9-15_footnote.tif |
| Questions
from Readers • Does Matthew 27:52, 53
mean that at the time of Jesus' death some persons in the grave were
resurrected?
Without wresting the Greek grammar, a
translator can render Matthew 27:52, 53 in a way that suggests that a
similar exposing of corpses resulted from the earthquake occurring at
Jesus' death. Thus the translation by Johannes Greber (1937)
renders these verses: "Tombs were laid open, and many bodies of those
buried there were tossed upright. In this posture they projected from
the graves and were seen by many who passed by the place on their way
back to the city."-Compare the New World Translation." |
1975, 15 oktober, p
640 |
w1975
9-15_640.tif |
| "The recent
Guatemalan earthquake affected even some of those already dead. "Time"
magazine reports that "several mourners who went to bury their dead in
family plots found that the coffins of long-dead relatives had been
uncovered by the quake." Something similar occurred during an earthquake
in the Jerusalem area at Jesus' death. At that time, dead bodies were
customarily placed in vaults or chambers cut from Palestine's soft
limestone rock, often in hillsides. A report in the Bible, as translated
by Johannes Greber, says that when Jesus died, "the earth quaked,
and the rocks were shattered. Tombs were laid open, and many bodies of
those buried there were tossed upright. In this posture they projected
from the graves and were seen by many who passed by the place on their
way back to the city." Hence, rather than a resurrection, as some Bible
translations imply, there appears to have been merely an exposure of the
dead to observers, as in Guatemala.-Matt. 27:51-53." |
1976, 15 April, p 231 |
w1976
4-15_231.tif |
|
"Questions From Readers • Why, in
recent years, has The Watchtower not made use of the translation by
the former Catholic priest, Johannes Greber?
This translation was used occasionally
in support of renderings of Matthew 27:52, 53 and John 1:1, as given in
the New World Translation and other authoritative Bible versions.
But as indicated in a foreword to the 1980 edition of The New
Testament by Johannes Greber, this translator relied on "God's
Spirit World" to clarify for him how he should translate difficult
passages. It is stated: "His wife, a medium of God's Spiritworld was
often instrumental in conveying the correct answers from God's
Messengers to Pastor Greber." The Watchtower has deemed it improper
to make use of a translation that has such a close rapport with
spiritism. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) The scholarship that forms the
basis for the rendering of the above-cited texts in the New World
Translation is sound and for this reason does not depend at all on
Greber's translation for authority. Nothing is lost, therefore, by
ceasing to use his New Testament." |
1983, 1 April, p 31 |
w1983 4-1_31.tif |
|
Astrology |
|
|
| An Astrologer’s
Outlook |
1903, 1 maj, p
127-131 |
w1903 5-1_127.tif |
| |
|
|
|
Phrenology |
|
|
| "shape of the brain" |
1913, 15 mar, p
84-85, 667 |
w1913 3-15_8485.tif |
| ""better shaped head" |
1915, 15 jan, 5611 |
w1915 1-15_5611.tif |
| |
|
|
|
Pyramidology |
|
|
| Innehållsförteckning |
1889, "Thy Kingdom
Come", contents |
1891_studies3_contents.tif |
| Diverse pyramidologi
som stöder falska profetior |
1891, "Thy Kingdom
Come", p 314-366 |
Många! |
| "In the passages of
the great pyramid of Gizeh the agreement of one or two measurements with
present truth chronology might be accidental, but the correspondency of
dozens of measurements proves the same God designed both pyramid and
plan…" |
1922, 15 juni, p 187 |
w1922 6-15_187.tif |
| "The great pyramid of
Egypt, standing as a silent and inanimate witness of the Lord, is a
messenger; and its testimony speaks with great eloquence concerning the
divine plan." |
1925, 15 maj, p 148 |
w1925 5-15_148.tif |
| [Great Pyramid at
Gzeh in Egypt was built under direction of Satan] |
1928, 339-45/355-62 |
w1928 5_15_339.TIF
W1928
12-1_356.TIF
W1928 12-1_358.TIF
W1928 12-1_359.TIF
W1928 12-1_360.TIF
W1928 12-1_361.TIF |
| |
|
|
|
Nazi |
|
|
| "It is falsely
charged by our enemies that we have received financial support for our
work from the Jews. Nothing is farther from the truth. Up to this hour
there never has been the slightest bit of money contributed to our work
by Jews. We are the faithful followers of Christ Jesus and believe upon
Him as the Savior of the world, whereas the Jews entirely reject Jesus
Christ and emphatically deny that he is the Savior of the world sent of
God for man's good. This of itself should be sufficient proof to show
that we receive no support from Jews and that therefore the charges
against us are maliciously false and could proceed only from Satan, our
great enemy. The greatest and the most oppressive empire on earth is
the Anglo-American empire. By that is meant the British Empire, of
which the United States of America forms a part. It has been the
commercial Jews of the British-American empire that have built up and
carried on Big Business as a means of exploiting and oppressing the
peoples of many nations. This fact particularly applies to the cities of
London and New York, the stronghold of Big Business. This fact is so
manifest in America that there is a proverb concerning the city of
New York which says: The Jews own it, the Irish Catholics rule it, and
the Americans pay the bills." |
1934, Yearbook, p 134 |
1934_Yearbook_134.tif |
| "The present
government of Germany has declared
emphatically against Big Business oppressors and in opposition to the
wrongful religious influence in the political affairs of the nations.
Such is exactly our position." |
1934, Yearbook, p 135 |
1934_Yearbook_135.tif |
| "Instead of being
against the principles advocated by the government of Germany, we stand
squarely for such principles, and
point out that Jehovah God through Christ Jesus will bring about the
full realization of these principles and will give to the people peace
and prosperity and the greatest desire of every honest heart." |
1934, Yearbook, p 136 |
1934_Yearbook_136.tif |
| "A careful
examination of our books and literature will disclose the fact that
the very high ideals held and promulgated by the present national
government are set forth in and endorsed and strongly emphasized in our
publications and show that Jehovah God will see to it that these
high ideals in due time will be attained by all persons who love
righteousness…" |
1934, Yearbook, p 137 |
1934_Yearbook_137.tif |
| "Let us remind the
government and the people of Germany, that it was the League of Nations
compact that laid upon the shoulders of the German people the great
unjust and unbearable burdens. That the League of Nations compact
was not brought forth by the friends of Germany." |
1934, Yearbook, p 138 |
1934_Yearbook_138.tif |
| "Many in attendance
were disappointed in the "declaration," since in many points it failed
to be as strong as the brothers had hoped. Brother Mütze from Dresden,
who had worked closely with Brother Balzereit up until that time,
accused him later of having weakened the original text. It was not the
first time that Brother Balzereit had watered down the clear and
unmistakable language of the Society’s publications so as to avoid
difficulties with governmental agencies." |
1974, Yearbook |
1974_Yearbook_111.tif |
| "Some now hold that
the 1933 Berlin convention and the "Declaration of Facts" were attempts
on the part of prominent Witnesses to show support for the Nazi
government and its hatred of the Jews. But their assertions are not
true. They are based on misinformation and on misinterpretation of
the facts." |
1998, Awake, 8 juli,
s. 12, 13 |
g1998 7-8_12.tif
g1998 7-8_13.tif |
| "According to the
account in the 1974 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, some
German Witnesses were disappointed that the language of the
"Declaration" was not more explicit in tone. Had the branch office
manager, Paul Balzereit, weakened the text of the document? No,
for a comparison of the German and the English texts shows that this is
not the case. Evidently, an impression to the contrary was
based on the subjective observations of some who were not directly
involved in the preparation of the "Declaration." Their conclusions may
also have been influenced by the fact that Balzereit renounced his faith
only two years later." [regarding the
1934 statement about no "money contributed to our work by Jews" and
"commercial Jews of the British-American empire…exploiting and
oppressing the peoples of many nations"]
This statement clearly did not refer to the
Jewish people in general, and it is regrettable if it had been
misunderstood and has given cause for any offense" |
1998, Awake, 8 juli,
p 14 |
g1998 7-8_14.tif |
|
Organ transplant |
|
|
| "Humans were allowed
by God to eat animal flesh and to sustain their human lives by taking
the lives of animals, though they were not permitted to eat blood. Did
this include eating human flesh, sustaining one’s life by means of the
body or part of the body of another human, alive or dead? No! That would
be cannibalism, a practice abhorrent to all civilized people." |
1967, 15 november, p
702 |
w1967 11-15_702.tif |
| "Clearly, personal
views and conscientious feelings vary on this issue of transplantation.
It is well known that the use of human materials for human consumption
varies all the way from minor items, such as hormones and corneas, to
major organs, such as kidneys and hearts. While the Bible specifically
forbids consuming blood, there is no Biblical command pointedly
forbidding the taking in of other human tissue. For this reason, each
individual faced with making a decision on this matter should carefully
and prayerfully weigh matters and then decide conscientiously what he or
she could or could not do before God. It is a matter for personal
decision. (Gal. 6:5) The congregation judicial committee would not take
disciplinary action if someone accepted an organ transplant." |
1980, 15 mars, p 31 |
w1980 3-15_31.tif |
|
Voting |
|
|
| "It is here that they
are called upon to mark the ballot or write in what they stand for. The
voters do what they will with their ballots. So here in the presence of
God is where his witnesses must act in harmony with his commandments and
in accordance with their faith. It is not our responsibility to instruct
them what to do with the ballot. They must act in accord with their
conscience as enlightened by the study of God's Word. Since they do not
exercise the popular vote to put even consecrated servants into office
even within the theocratic organization, they consider it improper to
exercise the democratic vote by which unconsecrated persons are put into
worldly political offices. They do not choose to share in the
responsibility for the sins of such worldlings in governmental offices." |
1950, 15 nov, p 445 |
w1950 11-15_445.tif |
| "In no country do
Jehovah's witnesses take part in politics. They are not of this world.
(John 17:14) Therefore they do not take part in voting at elections.
They do not compromise their neutral standing in matters of politics,
however, if they go to the polls and make the ballot void in some
manner, either by crossing it out or by putting down, for example, the
words "For God's Kingdom."" |
1964, 15 maj, p 308 |
w1964 5-15_308.tif |
| "Jehovah's witnesses
keep separate from all politics, not even voting," |
1973, 15 okt, p 627 |
w1973 10-15_627.tif |
| "as well as being
clean from all political involvement, not even voting" |
1977, 15 nov, p 686 |
w1977 11-15_686.tif |
| "As to whether they
will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of
Jehovah's Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained
conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the
State. In view of the Scriptural
principles outlined above, in many lands Jehovah's Witnesses make a
personal decision not to vote in political elections, and their freedom
to make that decision is supported by the law of the land. What, though,
if the law requires citizens to vote? In such a case, each Witness is
responsible to make a conscientious, Bible-based decision about how to
handle the situation. If someone decides to go to the polling booth,
that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him
and his Creator." |
1999, 1 nov, p 28 |
w1999 11-1 nov_28.tif |
|
Military service |
|
|
| "Notice that there is
no command in the Scriptures against military service" |
1898, 1 aug, 231 |
w1898 8-1_231.tif |
| "Obedience to the
laws of the land might at some time oblige us to bear arms, and in such
event it would be our duty to go into the army, if unable in any legal
and proper manner to obtain exemption,... There could be nothing against
our conscience in going into the army. Wherever we would go we could
take the Lord with us, the Captain of our salvation, and wherever we
would go we could find opportunities to serve him and his cause" |
1903, 15 April, p
120-121 |
w1903 5-15_120.tif
w1903 5-15_121.tif |
| "On March 26, 1971,
three representatives of Jehovah’s witnesses met with a forum
representing the ministries of Defense and Justice. The discussion
lasted two and a half hours. One of the first points of discussion
presented by the forum was this: "That you wish no part in performing
military service is clear and needs no further explanation. But what
really is your objection to civil, alternative service?" The Witnesses
explained that it is not that they are opposed to civil service as such,
but, rather, it is a matter of strict neutrality. Therefore, any work
that is merely a substitute for military service would be unacceptable
to Jehovah’s witnesses. Other questions narrowed the issue down still
further. "When a person objects to military service," the government’s
agents declared, "he passes from military jurisdiction on to civil
jurisdiction and from that moment has nothing at all to do with the
military. Why, then, is the accepting of such civil service still so
objectionable?" |
1974, Awake, 8 dec, p
22-23 |
g1974 12-8_22.tif
g1974 12-8_23.tif |
| "In some places a
required civilian service, such as useful work in the community, is
regarded as nonmilitary national service. Could a dedicated Christian
undertake such service? Here again, a dedicated, baptized Christian
would have to make his own decision on the basis of his Bible-trained
conscience.... [C]itizens in some countries today are required by the
State or by local authorities to participate in various forms of
community service.... Where such civilian service is for the good of the
community and is not connected with false religion or is not in some
other way objectionable to the consciences of Jehovah's Witnesses, they
have often complied.... This has usually resulted in an excellent
witness... What if the Christian's honest answers to such questions lead
him to conclude that the national civilian service is a 'good work' that
he can perform in obedience to the authorities? That is his decision
before Jehovah. Appointed elders and others should fully respect the
conscience of the brother and continue to regard him as a Christian in
good standing. If, however, a Christian feels that he cannot perform
this civilian service, his position should also be respected. He too
remains in good standing and should receive loving support" |
1996, 1 maj, p 19-20 |
w96 5-1_19.tif
w96
5-1_20.tif |
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