From the Watchtower:
"You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life." Live Forever book p. 255
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
So is Jesus or an organization "the way", the "truth", and the "life"?
Where is the integralness of Watchtower membership heralded in God's holy word? If you have to be in the Watchtower for God's favor and salvation, then surely we would have been told by God's word and not just the Watchtower.
"Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
So, whoever "hears Jesus's word" and "believes in God" has crossed over from death to life. There is no stipulation for organizational membership professed in scripture as a necessity for God's approval, love, grace, and redemption. The body of Christ is certainly heralded as a place we need to reside, but the Watchtower? Not in the least. The Watchtower actually denies you the body of Christ! Well, almost all of you.
1 Corinthians 12:27:Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Notice it says "each one of you." Without qualification.
It's SO integral as a key to one's salvation that the Messiah said :
"If anyone does not ABIDE IN ME he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." (John 15:6)
Notice Jesus didn't say "If anyone does not abide in the Watchtower as a Jehovah's Witness he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered and burned."
Examine how the Watchtower adds to and inserts brackets in the following quote. It changes the meaning of the verse entirely and it is not feasible or justifiable. The Watchtower of November 15, 1979 says:
"What, then, is Christ's role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all."
There is no qualification or exclusion in 1 Timothy 2:5 itself whereby most Christians throughout all of history and time are peculiarly excluded from Christ's mediatorship and all it would beautifully entail for them. There is no number given in the text that we can pinpoint in order to resolutely and haughtily inform myriads of Christ's followers that this just simply does not apply to them. The Watchtower's misinformed and head scratching application of this text is a tragic and egregious error that deserves immediate and profuse repudiation. There is quite literally zero justification for their dangerous claims, and additionally no reason to not just embrace the text exactly as it is given, as the gift it is from God to you. Without the Watchtower's snatching it straight from your hand and shamelessly reworking it before handing it back.
For the Jehovah's Witnesses unready to question what should be questioned, consider Judge Rutherford's words from a major talk called "Face the Facts." He said:
"Previous belief or opinion should never be permitted to hinder one in receiving and considering a statement of facts."
Jesus's words are factual statements. Far more trustworthy than any man's who professes fallibility and who has a history of beliefs changing rapidly when "new light" surfaces. As if the picture hasn't been painted clearly enough yet, I will provide yet another quote from the Watchtower proving that they think we need them for eternal life:
"If we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation." (Watchtower September 15 1993, p. 22)
Wow! Really? No place else, huh? Simon Peter, who followed and served the greatest truth teller and lie-refuter who ever lived, was not in the Watchtower, and he, for one, confirms that Messiah's the place to turn, so much better and far more reliable than an organization or any man in one.
"Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:67, 68)
WHO did Simon Peter say to go to, and WHO has the words of eternal life? The Watchtower?
Amazingly and shockingly enough, the Watchtower actually uses the scriptures just quoted to inform people there is no place to go but a modern day manmade false prophet rich organization, yet the texts refute them explicitly and pointedly.
Patrick Navas, author of "Divine Truth or Human Tradition", aptly describes an unfeasible situation that exists within modern Christianity and in organizations like the Watchtower. From an essay, he says:
"Religious leaders inspire guilt or fear among prospective disciples, insisting that loyalty to their self-assigned authority, adherence to a humanly-fabricated creed, or conformity to a contrived list of regulations and ecclesiastical policies, is—in addition to a living faith in Christ—the true way to salvation. Corruptions of these kinds can be subtle but they are rampant. They are often signaled by an unnecessary emphasis on unbiblical language, by an unwarranted dogmatism over unclear, interpretive, scriptural matters, by an unjustified insistence on a believer’s dependence on an “institution” or “organization” for salvation, and in an overall failure to build faith in “the word of truth” in the form of “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.”
He further notes:
"All have access to the grace of God, as the Lord’s true people, not by conformity to a man-made creed or institution, but through faith in “the holy one of God,” Jesus, who alone has “the sayings of everlasting life”—for it is “through him” that we have “access in one spirit to the Father.” —John 6:68, 69; Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18; 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:5
Yes, it's time to turn to Yah through his REAL "channel of communication" and "spirit-directed" haven, Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:5).
If Christ had returned in the first, second, or third (etc..on and on) century, what would have been the only sound and safe refuge for a true Christian? Obviously not the Watchtower! So the fact that people have been convinced that it's needed for salvation and a relationship with Yahweh is nothing short of preposterous.
Imagine if Paul (or any other Christian for that matter), in the 1st century, had been asked by inquiring minds "sir, are you in Christ?" And Paul answering in pride "no, but I'm in the Watchtower organization and the men I follow are!" Any conscientious Christian listening to such nonsense would have thought he was nuts, not only because the Watchtower didn't exist until modern times but also because there is "no salvation in any other NAME."(Acts 4:12) What is that NAME? The governing body and a manmade organization are NOT that "name." Therefore, they are not essential to your salvation. In a generous plethora of holy inspired texts, there is a particular and uncluttered way to salvation that leaves the Watchtower organization out of their sentiments.
Christ is God's ark, channel of communication, truth, means of salvation, mediator, high priest, etc. Any group of men or organization that pilfers those roles are the types of men God told us to not follow, precisely.
John 10:7 So Jesus said again: “Most truly I say to you, I am the door for the sheep. 8 All those who have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers; but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and that one will go in and out and find pasturage.
Does it sound like Jesus was denying you his mediatorship and a right to membership in the body of Christ? Or requiring an organization as the door to enter eternal life?
Please understand I'm not negating the importance of fellowship, etc. I am simply pointing out that it doesn't make sense to dedicate your life to an organization that pilfers Christ's mediatorship and roles, an organization that claims it's the "truth" and the way to eternal life. Essentially, it would then be an idol instead of a biblically based gathering, would it not? Jehovah's Witnesses are baptized into an organization. Christ's followers are supposed to be baptized into Christ.
"You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life." Live Forever book p. 255
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
So is Jesus or an organization "the way", the "truth", and the "life"?
Where is the integralness of Watchtower membership heralded in God's holy word? If you have to be in the Watchtower for God's favor and salvation, then surely we would have been told by God's word and not just the Watchtower.
"Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
So, whoever "hears Jesus's word" and "believes in God" has crossed over from death to life. There is no stipulation for organizational membership professed in scripture as a necessity for God's approval, love, grace, and redemption. The body of Christ is certainly heralded as a place we need to reside, but the Watchtower? Not in the least. The Watchtower actually denies you the body of Christ! Well, almost all of you.
1 Corinthians 12:27:Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Notice it says "each one of you." Without qualification.
It's SO integral as a key to one's salvation that the Messiah said :
"If anyone does not ABIDE IN ME he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." (John 15:6)
Notice Jesus didn't say "If anyone does not abide in the Watchtower as a Jehovah's Witness he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered and burned."
Examine how the Watchtower adds to and inserts brackets in the following quote. It changes the meaning of the verse entirely and it is not feasible or justifiable. The Watchtower of November 15, 1979 says:
"What, then, is Christ's role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all."
There is no qualification or exclusion in 1 Timothy 2:5 itself whereby most Christians throughout all of history and time are peculiarly excluded from Christ's mediatorship and all it would beautifully entail for them. There is no number given in the text that we can pinpoint in order to resolutely and haughtily inform myriads of Christ's followers that this just simply does not apply to them. The Watchtower's misinformed and head scratching application of this text is a tragic and egregious error that deserves immediate and profuse repudiation. There is quite literally zero justification for their dangerous claims, and additionally no reason to not just embrace the text exactly as it is given, as the gift it is from God to you. Without the Watchtower's snatching it straight from your hand and shamelessly reworking it before handing it back.
For the Jehovah's Witnesses unready to question what should be questioned, consider Judge Rutherford's words from a major talk called "Face the Facts." He said:
"Previous belief or opinion should never be permitted to hinder one in receiving and considering a statement of facts."
Jesus's words are factual statements. Far more trustworthy than any man's who professes fallibility and who has a history of beliefs changing rapidly when "new light" surfaces. As if the picture hasn't been painted clearly enough yet, I will provide yet another quote from the Watchtower proving that they think we need them for eternal life:
"If we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation." (Watchtower September 15 1993, p. 22)
Wow! Really? No place else, huh? Simon Peter, who followed and served the greatest truth teller and lie-refuter who ever lived, was not in the Watchtower, and he, for one, confirms that Messiah's the place to turn, so much better and far more reliable than an organization or any man in one.
"Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:67, 68)
WHO did Simon Peter say to go to, and WHO has the words of eternal life? The Watchtower?
Amazingly and shockingly enough, the Watchtower actually uses the scriptures just quoted to inform people there is no place to go but a modern day manmade false prophet rich organization, yet the texts refute them explicitly and pointedly.
Patrick Navas, author of "Divine Truth or Human Tradition", aptly describes an unfeasible situation that exists within modern Christianity and in organizations like the Watchtower. From an essay, he says:
"Religious leaders inspire guilt or fear among prospective disciples, insisting that loyalty to their self-assigned authority, adherence to a humanly-fabricated creed, or conformity to a contrived list of regulations and ecclesiastical policies, is—in addition to a living faith in Christ—the true way to salvation. Corruptions of these kinds can be subtle but they are rampant. They are often signaled by an unnecessary emphasis on unbiblical language, by an unwarranted dogmatism over unclear, interpretive, scriptural matters, by an unjustified insistence on a believer’s dependence on an “institution” or “organization” for salvation, and in an overall failure to build faith in “the word of truth” in the form of “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.”
He further notes:
"All have access to the grace of God, as the Lord’s true people, not by conformity to a man-made creed or institution, but through faith in “the holy one of God,” Jesus, who alone has “the sayings of everlasting life”—for it is “through him” that we have “access in one spirit to the Father.” —John 6:68, 69; Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18; 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:5
Yes, it's time to turn to Yah through his REAL "channel of communication" and "spirit-directed" haven, Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:5).
If Christ had returned in the first, second, or third (etc..on and on) century, what would have been the only sound and safe refuge for a true Christian? Obviously not the Watchtower! So the fact that people have been convinced that it's needed for salvation and a relationship with Yahweh is nothing short of preposterous.
Imagine if Paul (or any other Christian for that matter), in the 1st century, had been asked by inquiring minds "sir, are you in Christ?" And Paul answering in pride "no, but I'm in the Watchtower organization and the men I follow are!" Any conscientious Christian listening to such nonsense would have thought he was nuts, not only because the Watchtower didn't exist until modern times but also because there is "no salvation in any other NAME."(Acts 4:12) What is that NAME? The governing body and a manmade organization are NOT that "name." Therefore, they are not essential to your salvation. In a generous plethora of holy inspired texts, there is a particular and uncluttered way to salvation that leaves the Watchtower organization out of their sentiments.
Christ is God's ark, channel of communication, truth, means of salvation, mediator, high priest, etc. Any group of men or organization that pilfers those roles are the types of men God told us to not follow, precisely.
John 10:7 So Jesus said again: “Most truly I say to you, I am the door for the sheep. 8 All those who have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers; but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and that one will go in and out and find pasturage.
Does it sound like Jesus was denying you his mediatorship and a right to membership in the body of Christ? Or requiring an organization as the door to enter eternal life?
Please understand I'm not negating the importance of fellowship, etc. I am simply pointing out that it doesn't make sense to dedicate your life to an organization that pilfers Christ's mediatorship and roles, an organization that claims it's the "truth" and the way to eternal life. Essentially, it would then be an idol instead of a biblically based gathering, would it not? Jehovah's Witnesses are baptized into an organization. Christ's followers are supposed to be baptized into Christ.
Hi sister,
ReplyDeleteI am reading some expose of the watchtower and CT Russell etc. By the author Fritz Springmeier. All those leaders were freemasons and occultists. Closely linked with new age. A very deceptive counterfeit. It is all truth mixed with error. Like all the other organized religions. Blessings.
Thanks for your comments. I remember reading that book a long time ago. I don't think I finished it though. Blessings to you too!
DeleteJehovah will deal with those who oppose his Son and his anointed ones.
ReplyDeletehttps://dismythed.blogspot.com/2017/08/since-governing-body-is-not-inspired.html
* https://e-homoreligiosus.blogspot.com/2014/07/jehovahs-witnesses-freemasonry.html
* https://bitterwinter.org/jehovahs-witnesses-and-freemasonry-accusations-in-china-and-the-historical-record/
The Temple of God
ReplyDeleteAnointed Christians have been given a wonderful trust: they have the inestimable privilege of comprising a temple class. Paul discusses this figurative temple of God in 1 Corinthians 3, thereby demonstrating the importance of treating God's sacred edifice with respect. We ultimately learn that both the anointed and the great crowd have the responsibility of being holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:14-16).
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16 NABRE)
In the past humans worshiped God at different material temples and sanctuaries. The Garden of Eden was the first sanctuary of God: it is also conceivable that Melchizedek worshiped Jehovah in an earthly sanctuary. Furthermore, as time progressed, God ordered the Israelites to build the tabernacle in the wilderness and to construct Solomon's temple on Zion. In Ezekiel 40, the ancient prophet of God was shown a glorious temple and blessed with a grand tour of it. In the NT, Hebrews 8 discusses the true tent that God built in heaven--all of these structures enjoyed divine approval and were used as approved sanctuaries. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul focuses on a different temple: this temple is comprised of living stones.
"And, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Pet.2:5 NAB)
The living stones that compose God's temple have been anointed with the holy spirit; all persons in this group have experienced the special work described at 2 Cor. 1:21, 22:
"But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment." (NAB)
This Scripture makes it plain that God works through His anointed congregation since the spirit is not given apart from the temple of God, the "place" in which the spirit of God dwells.
ReplyDelete"Through him [Christ] the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (Eph. 2:21, 22 NAB).
John also professes: "But you have the anointing that comes from the holy one, and you all have knowledge . . . As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you." (1 Jn. 2:20, 27).
These scriptures indicate that God does not work through individuals only, especially through individuals who are not part of the spirit-anointed congregation or associated with it. As a group, God's children have been appointed as stewards of the sacred secrets of God. Jehovah imparts His sacred secrets to the chosen ones (1 Cor. 4:1, 2). With knowledge, however, comes both privileges and responsibilities. In 1 Cor. 3:17, Paul helps us to appreciate what our privileges and duties are toward God.
"If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy." (1 Cor. 3:17) These apostolic words echo the sentiments of 1 Chronicles 16:22: "Touch not my anointed, and to my prophets do no harm." (NAB).
It is a very serious matter for anyone to try wreaking havoc on the temple of God, in any way. Whether one persecutes or opposes those who are part of the true temple, or whether someone attempts to denigrate the congregation of anointed ones--the outcome is the same: if anyone tries to destroy God's temple, God will deal accordingly with that person.
When Paul wrote those words to the Christians in Corinth, there were members of the temple itself, who were doing things to destroy the temple of God. The Corinthians were engaging in schisms and immorality; they were taking their brothers to court and they were not applying biblical standards in their respective marriages. All such actions could result in the destruction of the temple. How apropos Paul's words were! As Christians, we have a responsibility to remain holy before our God. May Paul's warning make us endeavor to uphold holiness in the Christian congregation. In the NAB, an interesting comment appears, "Holy: belonging to God." Since anointed Christians belong to God, may all such ones, as well as the other sheep, remain holy before God.
"What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God." (2 Cor. 6:16 NAB)
It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. By speaking against his anointed that's what a person is setting themselves up for.
You are assuming there's an anointed class and then a lesser class of Christians. You're also assuming that only the Watchtower is where we can find anointed brethren. If I'm misrepresenting, let me know. These are false paradigms. In scripture, you are either a child of God or a child of Satan, yet the WT says the other sheep can't cry "Abba father !" In scripture, you're either an anointed Christian, or not a Christian at all. The little flock are the Jews, and the other sheep are the Gentiles. Read Ephesians 2 very carefully. Every Christian is a slave of God who is either faithful and discreet..or not. We all have duties in God's household as Christians in the body of Christ, who says if you're not in his body, you will be burned up. Read John 15. "In him" means to be in his body. Remember that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are said to be in the Kingdom of Heaven, which the WT claims only the anointed inherit. And Abraham's seed are said to be Christ's anointed brothers! Watchtower dogma doesn't add up.
Delete