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What Does the Bible Really Teach?

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Part I

So with you being caught up on my Mormon interactions, let’s switch gears and talk about the Watchtower…..

 

A good contrast is the Jehovah’s Witnesses will try to win your head, Mormons will try to win your heart. 

 

We have been very slowly slogging our way through the introductory book, “What Does the Bible Really Teach?”  Why go slow?  Well, it’s a multi-prong approach.  The most important thing is to establish an unspoken understanding that there is a significant appreciation for the bible.  Witnesses believe those who are in mainstream Christianity do not really read the bible.

The next benefit is to deepen the relationship as people.  It’s much harder to dismiss what is being said considering I take the time to get to know them on a personal level. 

 

As we are working our way through the book what the Bible really? I am using as part of my interaction the publication by former missionary, Wilbur Lingle.  He has written the booklet, "Response to What Does the Bible Really Teach?" With this book and then the information I know from scripture, I am working through addressing things with my friends.  If you are going utilize this booklet (as a bible believing Christian), make sure that you take a look at the updated Watchtower publication as well. There are some subtle differences here and there. The most obvious one is John 17:3.  The old versions of the New World Translation had "their taking in knowledge of you."  The newest version of the New World Translation says, "their coming to know you."  

Those such as Jehovah's Witnesses are known for getting sidetracked on various topics. I can go along with them then make the point I had intended.  Although it's slightly unusual, it does work. This is in addition to leading questions is something that Jesus utilized when He was here on earth performing his ministry. By asking a question you can leave them to say something and it is strictly from their mouth. This is much more difficult to dismiss and much less stress for you and for them as well. The goal here is a simply keep them coming back by giving them one or two things to work thinking about along the way.

What it comes to a Bible study with a Jehovah's Witness, the organization has a very different idea from what you may be accustomed to. If you study the Bible there are two major ways thematically/topically and expository.  The organization has had its people look at things in a topical manner. The church that I have been associated with, predominately focuses in expository studying. Both do have pros and cons associated with them.  The major pro of looking at the Bible in expository fashion is this, Scripture gets look that in context. If you look at things any topical manner, it is possible to “cherry pick” scripture. 

Important point when conducting a Bible study with a Jehovah's Witness is this, you read a paragraph at the bottom of every page there is a question that points back to the paragraph and then you have to look into the paragraph to regurgitate the answer. From there what they do is they may add wanted to some points associated based on their personal knowledge. This is how mind control works. The consistent repetition is what will slowly ingratiate a person into the Watchtower "mindset."  You are also being treated like a child. If you have kids take a look at their text book for school and see if their textbooks treat them like you are being treated.  My suggestion is to NOT read this as there is always the possibility your mind may be twisted as well. 

The next major concept is that of biblical exegesis and eisegesis.  The former is one drawing out information from the text.  The latter is “reading” into the text.  Essentially, one is seeing something that is not there. 

With that in mind, let’s get started with some key information in the previous weeks:

Introduction-Is This What God Purposed?

The opening question associate with the images is meant to draw a stark contrast.  You also see how it has crime, war, terrorism on page three. When you contrast that and open it up with what is present on pages four and five you will see that there are many Biblical statements that talk about the benefits of the Bible teaching.  The organization is right that the bible does have benefits from teaching. Next page after that, the organization talks about getting to know the Bible the verse given is II Timothy 3:16.  It’s ironic this verse is used.  If we use this verse alone, there is zero need to use any extrabiblical publication set forth by the Jehovah's Witnesses. Also, the 66 books of the bible were not set by the Jehovah’s Witnesses but by “evil Christendom.”

One of the quotes given is that “by reading three to five chapters a day, you can read the entire Bible in a year.”

So I asked the study conductor, do you really entire Bible within a year? He said no he does not.  His rationale, “you just simply run through it and don’t get as much information as you possibly can.  I read it and it took five years.”   Interestingly, it can be done in as short as two or three months.  Some people read the Bible in the course of one year and there are a number of reading plans that exists if you want to read the Bible chronologically, Old Testament/New Testament selection, etc. 

 

Chapter 1-What Is the Truth About God?

This is a very good one to use as a foundation. Embracing and acting like a child to ask questions will ensure they are the ones who keep conducting the study.  Also since they are the "adults," they have the answers which is something that groups similar to the Jehovah's Witnesses are trained to do-answer questions. When your interacting/dialogue with these Jehovah's Witnesses one thing that you do not want to do is ask a close ended question. Close ended question are ones that require a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Shoot for an open ended question that requires thought.  This also permits them to maintain the "adult" role.  

 

On to page 12:

Genesis 1:26 is mentioned. If you read that verse that says "let us."  What you were doing is you're not setting something up for a Trinity discussion that comes later. Watchtower theology Jesus do is also known as Michael the Archangel.  He is responsible for creating therefore we must have the image of God AND and angel's image. Page 13 focuses specifically on the word "Jehovah."  

It utilizes the Psalm 83:18 as the supporting scripture.  Jehovah as you may or may not know it is actually not the proper name of God it is a common rendering that has just gain acceptance. The one who was responsible for this is a priests name remind this Martini. The first use was in the year 1278.  Proof?  If your a Witness, take a look at this video and break out the 1971 publication, Aid To Bible Understanding.  

 

The actual term should be YHWH. Regardless your Bible translation depending upon what it maybe may contain Jehovah or not. With that person mind I like to take them into these for other names:

Psalm chapter 68:4 Jah is a term used

Isaiah 57:15 holy is the name use

Isaiah 63:16 redeemer is the name used

One question, how often do you refer to God with those names as well?  

On page 15 Psalm 90:2 is a verse that you may wish to mark. Is going to come up later again for what you're going to want to deal his pair this with the verse on page 16 paragraph 20, it says, "you cannot see God because he is invisible spirit."  Take a look in your New World Translation (JW Library App if need be) and look at Isaiah 6:1. Also take a look at the opening of verses in the Genesis 18. What we have is God the father a.k.a. Jehovah being looked upon. 

Conversations with Mormons

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I’ve been away for awhile.  I wanted to take a bit of a break so here we are.  Although I’ve not written much, that doesn’t mean that I’ve not been busy.  I’ve been meeting with Mormons each Thursday and the Jehovah’s Witnesses every other Saturday.  I wanted to just give some highlights on Mormonism. 

 

If you are not aware about Mormonism, it is similar to the organization in that there is secrecy, has some strange teachings of its own.  Joseph Smith, had a vision, all the churches are wrong, and he set about to create his own religion.  One major thing is the incorporation of Free Masonry.  So the question becomes how did I get to this point? 

 

If you’ve not read the blog, for some time, here’s a quick refresher.

The Witnesses saw me in my garage in the spring of 2011.  I met with them for a few months at various intervals.  They stopped coming when we were going to discuss the fall of Jerusalem.  In the interim, I had ordered a copy of the book of Mormon in January of 2012.  They met a few times but stopped as well. 


That brings us up to 2016.  The Witnesses were the first ones to come back to the door.  I answered and the Witness said, “I know you.”  I didn’t recognize her at first.  Turns out she was a custodian when I was in high school.  She isn’t the best with technology (she freely admitted this).  I was a tad more familiar with the JW Library App.  I was showing her what to do.  Later on, she said that her other Witness friends thought I was giving her a hard time.  However, she remarked that I was being helpful. 

The Mormons showed up on a Saturday afternoon when I was home shortly thereafter.  I set up appointments with both of them.  The Mormons were first when they showed up on a Thursday night.  Their first “chaperone” (my term for an older guy who goes with them on their house calls).  He was a dentist yet very adamant about reading pro-Mormon publications.  I asked about reading the book Doctrine and Covenants.  This is different from the Book of Mormon in that this contains “meaty” things about Mormonism.  The dentist bought up “informed consent.”  I agreed as this is better in opposition to the Book of Mormon which is the publication that you are to “pray about to see if it’s true.”  Ironically, this brings to mind Jeremiah 17:9.  Another advantage is this gets the Mormon off of the standard Mormon “script” and they have to actually start thinking as they will be exposed to things they don’t know and I will have one eye opening thing later on.  So with all that in mind, I’ve placed down all older Watchtower material and took a lot of time to read Doctrine and Covenants from start to finish. 

So with that in mind, I’m going to focus on the Mormon highlights at this point:

 

Doctrine and Covenants official link here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament?lang=eng

 

Doctrine and Covenants 18:20-Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.

I asked the conductor, what is the “church of the devil?”

 

The answer I got was laughable in that it is one that “doesn’t follow the teachings about Jesus.”  This is in stark opposition to what Joseph Smith said in that Joseph declared, “all the churches are wrong.”  However, I let them go and squirm to get that answer out. 

 

Doctrine and Covenants 27:11-And also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days;

So I asked, “is Michael the Archangel really Adam?” I received a good solid “yes.”  If you are are familiar with the Adventists of which the Jehovah’s Witnesses are part of, Michael the Archangel is Jesus.  Will the real Michael stand up please?

Zion is regarded as different physical locations throughout history. 

 

Doctrine and Covenants 60:1-9

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither;

2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

3 And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.

4 For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of God.

5 But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.

6 And from thence let my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati;

7 And in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you.

8 And let the residue take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked, until they return to the churches from whence they came.

9 And all this for the good of the churches; for this intent have I sent them.

So this lead to a conversation regarding how they could go speak in churches yet they cannot.  The response I got was, “it was acceptable at their time, but not so much now.  The purpose was to clear up false doctrine and everything is done via the leadership now”  This is similar to Charles Taze Russell who gained followers for the Bible Students by visiting various churches. 

Callings progressed in this fashion: Lord->prophet->person

 

Doctrine and Covenants 64:23-25

23 Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.

24 For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.

25 Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today.

So one of the reasons why the Mormons have so much in terms of money is they are mandated to tithe.  This concept is present in the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures.  The scriptures cited in support are:

Leviticus 27:30-33

Numbers 18:21-28

Deuteronomy 26:12-13

This is in contrast to the New Testament/Greek Scriptures. 

Here are some applicable verses:

Matthew 6:21

Luke 21:1-4

II Corinthians 9:6-7

 

Doctrine and Covenants 67:11-For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.

This is in stark contrast to John 1:18.  So what we have is the words of Jesus being contradicted by Joseph Smith since he is adding in an exception.  I didn’t get to ask this question, but was Joseph “quickened” when we went to the grove and purportedly saw Jesus and the Father? 

Doctrine and Covenants 70 Introduction-Joseph Smith’s history refers to the revelations as “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.


My question is simply this, why do they use the Book of Mormon as the foundation when Doctrine and Covenants should be what’s used?  Here is the response I got: The Book of Mormon is evidence that Joseph Smith is the prophet.  When you read Deuteronomy 18:20-22, you come across the “test of a prophet.”  Here’s a link that contains some of where Joseph went wrong-http://mit.irr.org/failed-prophecies-of-joseph-smith 

Here’s a link to a list of other prophecies that you can look at on your time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_prophecies_of_Joseph_Smith

 

Doctrine and Covenants 84:3-5

3  Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.

4 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.

5 For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.

So when I inquired about this, I was told it doesn’t refer to a specific “period” of time.  If we use Jesus’ definition of a “generation,” it was about 40 years.  So this “revelation” was given September 22 and 23, 1832 and it’s now October 8, 2016 when this is being written.  Has a generation passed yet?  Also, I was told that the organization does have possession of the land, yet nothing has been done. 

 

Doctrine and Covenants 84:99

The Lord hath brought again Zion;

The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,

According to the election of grace,

Which was brought to pass by the faith

And covenant of their fathers.

Israel is a lot of the world to include the Native Americans and those gathered to Missouri. 

 

Doctrine and Covenants 85:11 And they who are of the High Priesthood, whose names are not found written in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off from the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High;

To be in an apostate condition it was to abandon through “actions or intent of the heart.”  Although one may be cut off, they do not shun.  This is interesting in contrast to the Watchtower with these quotes: http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/disfellowship-shunning.php

We discussed aspects not being translated correctly since Mormons have this in their Articles of Faith: 8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly;

The irony here is this, the Bible has been verified many more times than the plates used for the Book of Mormon. 

 

Here’s a link for the Old Testament: https://carm.org/old-testament-corrupted

 

Here’s an article by the same organization for the New Testament: https://carm.org/manuscript-evidence

 

This is a stark contrast from the Book of Mormon manuscripts.  There are only two listed at this site: http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon_Manuscripts

However, Mormons are the first to say the bible can’t be trusted but there are far more copies of the bible manuscripts when compared to the Book of Mormon. 


This lead to a conversation about the Joseph Smith Translation.  The result I was told is that “nothing can be translated correctly.”  Here’s a list of the verses in the Joseph Smith Translation: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/jst?lang=eng

 

When it came to Doctrine and Covenants 87, there was a “special” visitor, a guy whom I graduated high school with.  This one really stuck out and you’ll see why in a moment.  This entire section deals with the impending Civil War. 

Doctrine and Covenants 87:3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.

What is interesting here is that this was supposed to have Great Britain’s involvement.  If you know you’re history, Great Britain never intervened.  With this in mind, I was able to bring one of the missionaries to near tears over the fact that “if Joseph Smith was a true prophet, he wouldn’t of been wrong at all.”  A major crack was presented as this is something he never saw previously as best I could tell. My classmate tried to cover saying, “it’s undergoing fulfillment and each war is based on the previous one.”  I was able to call him on that and he too was a tad flustered at the end as well.     

Within Section 88, it speaks of various trumpet blasts.  I was informed these are mostly for the resurrection.  If you have ever dealt with a Jehovah’s Witness, you may be aware that the trumpet blasts were “delivered” by the Witnesses from 1919-1922.  For more information you can find it on the Watchtower’s official website here: http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009046

 

Doctrine and Covenants 93:38 Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.

I learned from them that one is “innocent” from birth until they are eight years of age.  I was curious to learn about those who are mentally disabled and may not advance past age eight in terms of mental capacity.  Again, not a good answer.  This is also a stark contrast to Psalm 51:5 and 58:5.

 

Doctrine and Covenants 101: Intro for 76-80 The Lord established the Constitution of the United States

My thought: There are no extra things written in the bible (I say the Mormon Standard works are not written by God).  Since that’s the case, why are there amendments to the Constitution? 

Doctrine and Covenants 110:2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

I was informed that visions still occur, however, they do not discuss this information openly. 

 

Doctrine and Covenants 123:12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

I was curious about this one as there are splinter groups in Mormonism.  I merely asked, “which one is the correct one?”  What I got was an example in circular reasoning in that “our branch of Mormonism is right and all the others are wrong.”  This Wikipedia article gives a good overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_denominations_in_the_Latter_Day_Saint_movement

 

Doctrine and Covenants 125:2 Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them, let them gather themselves together unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come.

 

Doctrine and Covenants 128:12 Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.

So here’s what you need to do: faith, grace, plus works.  I thought about the contrast in the bible where Paul spoke in Ephesians 2:8, 9. 

Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. 

I asked about this in relation to John 4:24.  The answer was summed up with, “the bible isn't translated correctly.”  I bought up Malachi 3:6.  What we again have is a verse is God the Father consistent with what was said in the bible or is He a liar? 

So with all that in mind, we still have a ways to go.  I’m looking forward to these continual interactions with the Mormon members.  They’ve definitely opened my eyes as I have a much deeper understanding of their theology.  For those of you that are curious, the Book of Mormon isn’t a true in the least bit.  If you have time to watch these videos, they are highly educational:

 

 

With that in mind, the last meeting we had on Thursday, I was able to effectively explain the doctrine of the Trinity to them.  They were under the impression that the Trinity resembles Modalism.  Modalism teaches the Father becomes the Son, who becomes the spirit operating in different “modes” depending on the occasion.  We started/been tackling polygamy and there were things he was not aware of.  We used Journal of Discourses for various quotes. 

 

Please pray for the Mormon missionaries and their “chaperones.”  I’ve gotten to know all of them as there have been nights where they come and we spent literally 45 minutes just talking “guy stuff” to getting to know about them and their life’s story.  Missionary wise, two have had their missions end.  The one from Arizona is the one that I had practically in tears is flying out Wednesday.  He may call next Thursday once he gets in, home, and settled.  I trust his trek home will be without incident.  I’m praying he calls in as well.  Lord willing, his family will listen in as well.  Hopefully, the latest “chaperone” will come out next week as I specifically asked for him.  I’ll be back and talk about my Jehovah’s Witness friends next time. 

The First Resurrection According to the Watchtower

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As I’m sure you know, the Watchtower has an affinity with dates.  Often, dates are most associated with the arrival of Armageddon for those who are not in the organization.  The date 1914 had a special significance given that is when, according to Watchtower theology, Jesus was enthroned as king even though he had all authority established post resurrection as is stated in Matthew 28:18 (New World Translation)-Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.”  That was the year 33 A.D. With that information in mind, we are going to turn our sights to another dated prediction, that of the First Resurrection. 

 

The First Resurrection is nothing more than raising up from the dead of believers (partial agreement with the mainstream Christian viewpoint).  As you know, nothing with the Watchtower is ever that easy to figure out.  Based on the information I present from Watchtower Bible and Tract Society quotes, it is apparent that the organization’s first resurrection is for those who are of the anointed class.  Being of the anointed as you may or may not know, gives special privileges and this one is no different either.  This is a holdover in terms of eligibility from the days of Pastor Charles Taze Russell.  Let’s begin: 

We start just after the first year when the Watchtower started getting printed (1879) to find our first quote:

We have no hesitation in saying that it is indispensable, and that no one will have a part in the "little flock" or be of "The bride, the Lamb's wife" who has not been baptized. Further, we have scriptural proof that all who are baptized shall be saved, that all such shall be in the "first resurrection.”

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  September 1880 p. 132

 

Here we already have a bit of an irony between the Bible and what Pastor Russell espoused.  However, remember, he taught (and the Bible Students still believe) is that only 144,000 people would be eligible for salvation.  To the present day Jehovah’s Witness who would see this, since it says “all who are baptized shall be saved” would mean that those who are of the Great Crowd should be eligible but again remember the Great Crowd didn’t exist until 1935. 

 

We shall now present what we adduce from the types and prophetic points as seeming to indicate the translation of the saints and closing of the door to the high calling by 1881.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. January 1881 Reprints p. 180

 

So here we go from having scriptural proof to the early organization making a prophetic statement.  Put yourself back in that timeframe during 1881.  You read this in January, get baptized to be saved and 11 months later, you are no longer here on earth.  The verse Matthew 24:13 (NWT) But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. Comes to mind.  Who couldn’t this present system of things for less than a year then be translated into heaven?  When you’d read this, you’d want to tell everyone you know since you have a very short time since you want them to go as well.  It would be a short period of time that you would have to make it.  From the viewpoint of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, you can quickly gain new readers. 

 

The WATCH TOWER never claimed that the body of Christ will be changed to spiritual beings during this year.  There is such a change due sometime.  We have not attempted to say when, but have repeatedly said that it would not take place before the fall of 1881.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  May 1881 Reprints p. 224

 

Here we have the organization making a bit of a backtrack already.  It only takes four months for the organization to backtrack and state something completely different.  The question is why did the Watchtower Society print in essence what is a retraction?  Could it have been that people were talking so much about it and possibly receiving negative correspondence that they had to make this statement?  The quote from January made a very big buzz.  I’m assuming people didn’t keep much material around for months on end.  So perhaps that’s why the Society figured it could get away with printing this.  Let’s read on though.

 

And since the resurrection of the Church must occur some time during this “end” or “harvest” period (Rev. 11:18), we hold that it is a most reasonable inference, and one in perfect harmony with all the Lord’s plan, that in the spring of 1878 all the holy apostles and other “overcomers” of the Gospel age who slept in Jesus were raised spirit beings, like unto their Lord and Master.

Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891 p. 234

 

Just a mere ten years later, the Watchtower goes back to “old light” yet again.  First we had the statement of being 1881, then it goes to “never,” here we change the date and move the time from 1881 to 1878.  Then we go from the fall to spring.  Perhaps Russell was figuring “life” begins in spring so what better way then to just simply get translated then into a spirit being and go to heaven. 

 

We will jump ahead to the 1990s. 

 

Another amazing happening during Christ’s presence is the start of the heavenly resurrection. The apostle Paul indicated that those anointed Christians long asleep in their graves would be the first to be made alive and live with Christ Jesus in the spirit realm. Evidence has been presented over the years to show that this appears to have happened from 1918 onward.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 1, 1993 p. 13

 

So now we have yet another date change.  First it was 1881.  Then we had to back up to 1881.  Then that was not good enough.  We had to discard the theology of Russell by selecting the year of 1918. 

At this point, it may be helpful to consider what might be viewed as a Bible parallel. Jesus Christ was anointed as the future King of God’s Kingdom in the fall of 29 C.E. Three and a half years later, in the spring of 33 C.E., he was resurrected as a mighty spirit person. Could it, then, be reasoned that since Jesus was enthroned in the fall of 1914, the resurrection of his faithful anointed followers began three and a half years later, in the spring of 1918? That is an interesting possibility. Although this cannot be directly confirmed in the Bible, it is not out of harmony with other scriptures that indicate that the first resurrection got under way soon after Christ’s presence began.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 2007 p. 28

 

So here we are, the concept of the resurrection takes on two more twists.  We go not just from some time in 1918 but we go to a specific season.  We are going to then add in that the resurrection was no longer a definitive act of a one time event, it is now just an event where it is gradual.  Let’s compare this to the bible. 

 

We need to start with Revelation 20:4-6 which is where this is coming from.  The New World Translation renders these verses this way: And I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. Yes, I saw the souls of those executed for the witness they gave about Jesus and for speaking about God, and those who had not worshipped the wild beast or its image and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand. And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for 1,000 years. 5  (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1,000 years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6  Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and they will rule as kings with him for the 1,000 years.

 

What we have is a period of time that would be in the future.  Here are the conditions for those in the first resurrection:

  1. Executed or become a martyr for Jesus and the Father.
  2. Did not worship the wild beast, image, or receive the mark.
  3. Came to life to rule.
  4. They are kings. 

Now given that the Watchtower has said in 2007 that it started in 1918, how many Witnesses are executed for Jesus and speaking about God?  Look at the 2016 Yearbook and the countries where the Witnesses aren’t, they are the places most likely to be executed for those who are considered under the “umbrella” of Christianity.  This would include the countries in the Middle East, North Korea, and China.  Contrast that with where Witnesses are.  How many die for the Watchtower cause? 

Ironically, the Watchtower Society’s anointed die without the majority most likely not being executed.  Do they meet this criteria?  What is the wild beast, image, or receive this mark?    Given that the wild beast, image, and mark are unknown how is it possible for them to meet this criteria?  Also, it says "kings."  Within the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, there are women to be of the anointed.  If they are, why does the bible not say "queens" in addition to kings?  

 

Next, the Bible doesn’t delineate between the anointed and great crowd in these verses.  Biblically speaking, anyone who is in the organization should be eligible.  This in contrast to the organization that says just a few are to be in the first resurrection.  The bigger concern is if you are of the first resurrection, you must be in the second resurrection. 

 

Lastly, John says he saw the souls.  These were to be the ones resurrected.  It is implying a one time act.  The organization implies a gradual resurrection.  Which is going to be the correct one?  The bible which is saying one resurrection or the organization that says a gradual resurrection that started in 1918 and has been occurring for the past 98 years? 

 

As always, I suggest that you simply place the organization’s material down and simply come to Jesus.  Place down the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society material and read the Bible alone.