JW Changes

Exploring Watchtower Bible & Tract Society Material

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Watchtower History

The history of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society compared to the present.

Views on Watchtower Bible And Tract Society Book Studies

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The book study or examining organizational material is of the utmost importance when it comes to any group like the Jehovah’s Witnesses (Book of Mormon, Ellen G. White books).  I try to shy away from using the term “cult” but one of the characteristics of a cult is this according to the University of California-Berkley in the “Programming Phase”:  Intense Study-Focus is on group doctrine and writings.  Bible, if used at all, is referred to one verse at time to "prove" group teachings.  This was prevalent since the early days of Russell with the following quote:

Here’s what was said, 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 he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years --if he then lays them aside and ignores them 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.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  September 15, 1910 Reprints Page 4685

 

Here are some parallels:

Topical bible examination.  Started under Charles Taze Russell, still done to this day.    

The writings of fallible man is equal with the infallible word of God. 

The organization’s writings have a greater emphasis then the Bible itself.

Without the organization, you are going into darkness.

 

With this in mind, I went ahead and looked at the newest version of the What Does the Bible Really Teach? book published in 2005,  2014 edition.  This is the latest “introductory book” to get people interested in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

I won’t go over the verses, you can do that on your own.  However, we see the influence of Russell today.  There is much by what the Watchtower says and there is an occasional sprinkling of scripture.  One thing I did find interesting is the following quote:

2 Timothy 3:16: Page 7 says-You will quickly become familiar with the Bible by looking up the scriptures cited in this publication. Also, why not start a program of daily Bible reading? By reading three to five chapters a day, you can read the entire Bible in a year.

If you are under the auspices of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, how many times have you actually read through the entire bible?  There are numerous ways to do this. 

 

Regardless, the overall trend is this:

To get one interested, they “paint the picture” of a future without sorrow.  This is not unusual.    

To build confidence in the Bible, they do mention some attributes of God.

Then it starts to go downhill from there to build up confidence within the organization.  The Watchtower language, in words and/or phrases ever so subtly, is integrated.   Reproved is one example I saw.  This is where cults have a similar vocabulary to mainstream Christianity, but their own dictionary. 

 


Spirit creature and firstborn on page 41.


How Jesus died on page 52 versus John 20:25.

Proof texting such as Ecclesiastes 9:5  on page 57

 

Due to time, look more at the Appendix of that publication since the Watchtower needs that to further ingratiate perspective members to their way of thinking.  With this in mind, let’s take a look back at some publications and what they say regarding the book studies.

 

With that in mind, let’s look at things from the historical perspective:


Show how congregation book study is valuable meeting that Jehovah has arranged.

Kingdom Ministry.  May 1975 p. 2

 

What we have is something that Jehovah himself has arranged.  Is something like this specifically mentioned in the Bible?  If not, would this be considered going a violation in I Corinthians 4:6 which says (New World Translation), Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and Apollos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other. Why is this not specifically mentioned in the bible that a certain book should be studied?

 

Let’s read on.

 

Consider some of the following benefits of the book study arrangement of which all of us can take advantage: (1) The groups are smaller, with better opportunities for close fellowship. (2) It is easier for all to comment freely since the material to be covered is not too lengthy and the group is small; also, we can get answers to questions on points not entirely clear from our personal study. (3) It provides a convenient center for organizing field service where this can be arranged during the week. (4) Conductors can get to know you better and are in a good position to assist with personal problems, give training in field service and help you with Scriptural questions.

Kingdom Ministry.  December 1978 p. 3

 

Personally, I am in agreement with Watchtower when it comes to small group interaction.  Large groups will have a few attempt to dominate the conversation.  However, Christianity was spread without a specific plan in place.  When you read the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, there is no implication that it says go in an organized fashion. 

 

Those who regularly attend the book study are convinced that it has Jehovah's blessing.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  January 1983 p. 7

 

Again, we have an affirmation that it is positive and Jehovah blesses it.

 


The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the spiritual development of Jehovah’s people.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  July 1991 p. 3

 

I’m going to read two verses-II Timothy 3:16, 17 (New World Translation): All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness,17  so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

 

So the question is this, what would you choose for spiritual development: Congregation Book Study or the Bible?

 

The Congregation Book Study has been designed to help us study and apply God’s Word and in this way grow in wisdom and spiritual comprehension. Regularly attending the Congregation Book Study, therefore, should be an integral part of our personal program for acquiring wisdom.—Prov. 4:7-9.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  August 1991 p. 7

 

A simple question, prior to the Watchtower instituting the Congregation Book Study, how did one acquire wisdom?

 

Again, we have a provision delivered directly from Jehovah. 

Our Kingdom Ministry.  October 1991 p. 8

 

Yet again, we have another affirmation that Jehovah provided the book study.


What a blessing the Congregation Book Study is! This loving arrangement from Jehovah helps us maintain our sure spiritual footing during the challenging times in which we live.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  August 2007 p. 8

 

In January 2009, the Congregation Book Study began to be held on the same evening as the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting. One reason for this adjustment was to give families an opportunity to fortify their spirituality by scheduling a specific evening each week for family worship. Each family was encouraged to move its family study to the night formerly used for the book study, if practical, and to use this time for unhurried Bible discussion and study tailored to the needs of the family.

Our Kingdom Ministry.  January 2011 p. 3

 

Unceremoniously, this provision by Jehovah himself used for spiritual development and acquiring wisdom was now discarded without a mention by Jehovah.  Here’s part of a verse that came to mind: For I am Jehovah; I do not change. Malachi 3:6 (New World Translation).  So what we have is something instituted that didn’t exist. Was used and is now no longer used. 

 

Let’s look at one verse that would counter this: Ecclesiastes 12:12 which says in the (New World Translation): As for anything besides these, my son, be warned: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.

 

Consider how much studying of Watchtower material alone you do.  There is a special section on the organization’s website for “Meeting Workbooks.”  The interesting thing here is that yes the organization claims to have “unity” in that whenever there is a Watchtower meeting, everyone is being taught the same thing all around the world.  I would contend that it is nothing more than uniformity.  However, this is to assume that the organization is a spiritual paradise.  Early church problems are readily seen throughout the New Testament.  They are summarized in the second and third chapters of Revelation where each church is addressed.  They receive a specific type of commendation or condemnation. 

 

Another point of consideration is this, where in the Bible does it say that all are to study the exact same thing at the same time.  John 4:24 refers to “worship in spirit and in truth” which isn’t limited to being taught and/or singing the exact same thing wherever you are.  There can be a great variety.  Look at nature and you can see it demonstrated.  It’s time you stop being wearied by studying Watchtower material continually like a hamster on the wheel and read God’s word alone.  You will definitely make more progress than those who stay within this organization. 

The Watchtower and What Is Truth?

By

Watchtower and What Is Truth?

The organization brands itself as “the truth.”  By and large to the untrained ear this seems to be a casual saying.  However, in the mind of the Watchtowerite, it carries a far deeper meaning.  If you are a Jehovah’s Witness encountering someone that attends a mainstream church, when you say, “the truth,” you are inadvertently engaging in what’s called “loaded language.”  By saying you have the truth, that means that everyone else has a lie.  When I asked a pair of Witnesses something out of the New World Translation, they couldn’t answer the question specifically so they simply said, “well we have the truth.”  I let it go and they were out in their vehicle 10 minutes later still trying to figure out what the appropriate answer was.  Regardless, truth as defined is the following:

I’m going to spend much time speaking in relation to leadership.  Here’s a quote I saw: The leaders of organized religion oppose the truth; and they do so because they are under the influence of Satan.

Prophecy.  1929 p. 312

 

Is that the case here?

So let’s examine truth according to the Watchtower from the leadership:

To start, let’s go on back to the days of Pastor Russell.  I’m going to read from the booklets Some Facts and More Facts About the Self-Styled “Pastor” Charles T. Russell by Reverend J.J. Ross, published in 1913.

On the first two pages, we have the following statement: He never attended the higher schools of learning, knows comparatively nothing of philosophy, systematic,or historical theology, and is totally ignorant of the dead languages, and yet he is successful in making his disciples believe that the most difficult passages in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation are as simple as a sunbeam to him.

This is a pretty strong statement early on.  Looking a little further into it, perhaps a reason Russell was so adamant against higher education for teaching evolution is the fact that he never attended an institution himself.  Looking at theology, Russell himself would appear to have “borrowed” things from other people.  I’m going to focus on a statement being ignorant of “language.”

The following is from a court trial that was held in March of 1913: “Under the examination, he admitted that, at most, he had attended school only seven years of his life, that the public school, and that he had left school when he was about fourteen years of age, just at the opening of the adolescent period, when the directional element is so necessary in a boy's life. "Do you know the Greek"? Asked the Attorney. "Oh, yes," was Russell's reply. Here he was handed a copy of the New Testament in Greek, by Westcott & Hort, and asked to read the letters of the alphabet as they appear on the top of page 447.  He did not know the alphabet. "Now," asked Mr. Staunton, "Are you familiar with the Greek language?" "No," said Mr. Russell, without a blush. When he saw that he was caught, then he admitted that he knew nothing about Latin, and Hebrew and neither had he ever taken a course in Philosophy, Systematic Theology and neither had he ever attended any of the higher schools of learning.”

Interestingly Westcott & Hort will show up later. 

 

The next president is of course Judge Rutherford.  He was sentenced to jail but did you get the entire story?  If you’ve read your Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom book, you’d see the following on page 720:

They were imprisoned and sentenced to 20 years.  However, they were released from prison.  Why? 

The clergy-inspired opposition came to a head on May 7, 1918, when U.S. federal warrants were issued for the arrest of J. F. Rutherford and several of his close associates. By mid-1918, Rutherford and seven associates found themselves in the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom.  1993 p. 70

1919 The Society’s officers and associates are released on bail, on March 26; on May 14 the court of appeals reverses the decision of the lower court, and a new trial is ordered; the next year, on May 5, the government withdraws from the case, declining to prosecute.

 

What is not said is there was language that violated the Espionage Act during World War I. 

The blame for the present day Witness is laid at the feet of the clergy.  I have a website that has information but doesn’t have a source.  With that, here’s what it says:

 

THE FACTS: The Society’s attorneys were successful in showing cause that there were “errors” made in trial … based on many exceptions and objections made by the defense attorneys ... and allowed by the trial judge in an effort to protect their rights. In law, the term “Exonerated” is not found … at least I have never been able to find a legal definition of exoneration. Rather, when a person has been wrongfully convicted and later deemed innocent, they are given a “Pardon” … because legally, a “Pardon” is used in criminal law to both “forgive” the guilty and to release the innocent … a pardon assures that if there was any possible crime, it was forgiven too.

What then did the Government do? The Government issued what is called a WRIT OF ERROR. This merely means that the Government agrees and recognizes that “errors” were made in trial, and that it is not saying the defendants are innocent, but rather, that the defendants will have to be retried to correct the errors. The Government decided that since the war was over, it was not worth it to try the case again, though they could have.

Taken from: Free Minds

 

 

Here's more: 

Rutherford Trial

Rutherford Trial-More 

 

Since the administration of Knorr took the focus off of one person, I wanted to just look for a few minutes at the Kingdom Interlinear Translation.  Remember how I mentioned earlier Westcott and Hort?  Well they are back.  In the forward it says the following: Presenting a literal word-for-word translation into English under the Greek text as set out in "The New Testament in the Original Greek.  How literal is this?  Here are just some of the things I’ve noticed that the Watchtower has done in it:

Underserved kindness is used in the Greek side.  The term should be “grace.” 

Jehovah is used 237 times even though the society admitted in the Aid To Bible Understanding, Jehovah wasn’t used until 1271. 

There are other instances but one I wish to focus on is a work by Justus Lipsius.  The work is De Crux Libre.  Page 1156 of the KIT has this:

 

Justus Lispus JW Changes

 

 

 

 

However what you will see when you look through the actual book is that this is not the case.  https://archive.org/details/ivstilipsidecruce00lipsuoft is a link for the book.  Pages 650 and 661 are the two pages that Justus explicitly quotes Pope Innocent III with the following words, “In the Lord's cross there were four pieces of wood, the upright beam, the crossbar, a tree trunk (piece of wood) placed below, and the title (inscription) placed above.

 

So again, we have an account where the Watchtower has been dishonest after being right in the early days since Russell and for part of Rutherford’s leadership, Jesus was on a cross. 

The next two events deal with Franz who has developed important doctrinal revisions that are adhered to today in the Revelation Climax book.  Viewed by some as a prominent theologian within the Watchtower, he was one who on the surface shunned higher education himself with the following on his background:

 

Frederick William Franz was born in Covington, Kentucky, U.S.A., on September 12, 1893. In 1899 the family moved to Cincinnati, where Frederick graduated from high school in 1911. He then entered the University of Cincinnati, taking a liberal arts course. He had decided that he would become a Presbyterian preacher, so he vigorously applied himself to the study of Bible Greek. At the university Frederick was chosen to receive a Rhodes scholarship, qualifying him for admission to Oxford University in England. However, before an announcement could be made, Frederick lost all interest in the scholarship and asked that his name be dropped from the list of contestants.  The picture below says something contrary. 

Proclaimer’s of God’s Kingdom.  1993 p. 111

 

Franz Rhodes Scholarship JW Changes

 

 

The second deals with a  legal proceeding.  For this we will go to 1954.  The Douglas Walsh Trial.

 

The important part is on November 24, 1954.  Here’s what it says:

Q: Have you also made yourself familiar with Hebrew?

A: (Franz) Yes.

Q: So that you have a substantion linguistic apparatus at your command?

A: Yes, for use in my biblical work.

Q: I think you are able to read and follow the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French?

A: Yes.

—-LATER, DURING THE SAME CROSS-EXAMINATION:

Q: You, yourself, read and speak Hebrew, do you?

A: I do not speak Hebrew.

Q: You do not?

A: No.

Q: Can you, yourself, translate that into Hebrew?

A: Which:

Q: That fourth verse of the second chapter of Genesis?

A: You mean here?

Q: Yes.

A: No.

So again what we have here is a case here where within Witness circles, he is a genius, in court, he perjured himself. 

Jackson lied to the Australian Commission

Most recently Geoffrey Jackson was examined by the Austrian Commission.  The following is the title of the article: Royal Commission’s Angus Stewart accuses Watchtower Representative of Deliberate Deception.

 

JW Survey Royal Commission

 

 

Now that is the leadership.  What about you?  Do you truly tell people when you go from door to door that part of the reason is that your eternity as the Watchtower teaches it is dependent upon you doing this?  When you say you’re going to talk about the “good news of the kingdom being established in 1914,” how much do you tell the householder they will have to do just to have a chance to live on a paradise earth?  What you know as a Witness, how much is hidden from them? 

Let’s take a look at what the bible says through one individual-Jesus Christ.  For this, turn to John 14:6.  It says, John said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me (NWT).  The irony here is that “the truth” is not found in an organization but only within an individual.  What is the biblical support for saying the organization is the truth vice an individual. 

Contrasting that with Watchtower theocratic warfare.  Truth can be hid.  Here are some of the ways information is hidden from you (it can be obtained though searching the internet):

  • Body of Elders Letters
  • Shepherd the Flock of God
  • Possible child exposure to abusive individuals: Bill Bowen on Silent Lambs

 

A current trend is consistently refusing comment when legal issues are raised.  Biblically speaking, there is only one account of this happening.  Jesus did that in Mark 15:5, But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate began to marvel (NWT).  and it raised amazement not more questions.  However, we have the exact opposite with this organization.  Since Jehovah’s spirit is guiding, should they be able to answer clearly and concisely on a regular basis?

Since I enjoy reading “old light,” why does the organization hide it’s truth from you. The organization goes against what it said in The Watchtower May 15, 1957 p. 315: There is much in the way of spiritual riches and aids toward mature knowledge in these earlier publications, and their study is most certainly worth your time.

It’s hard to get “spiritual riches” when you can’t see it yet Brooklyn Bethel has a copy of everything.  For what it’s worth, groups like the Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists allow their members to see material from the very beginning (although there are instances where it’s been altered). 

As long as you allow yourself to stay under the guidance of this organization, you have no chance of having “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”  The time is now for you to leave this organization. 

 

 

 

Watchtower and Deliverance

By

Watchtower and Deliverance

I want to start off by expanding upon a prior topic that will dovetail into this one today.  A few months ago, I wrote about the Christadelphians.  I found this on  I was able the following quote in its entirety.  I’m going to post it and it fits in with today’s topic of the Watchtower and Deliverance. 

 

Christadelphians believe the organized churches are apostate, do not believe in the "trinity", do not believe in the "inherent immortality of the soul" or in "eternal torment", but hold that eternal death is the punishment awaiting the wicked.

Through free from these basic errors, they are in bondage to religion, and there are isolated instances where Mr. Wilson’s religious leanings seem to influence his work to some extent. 

Consolation. November 8, 1944 p. 26

 

The portion I’d like to connect with the Christadelphians and the Watchtower is “bondage to religion” by looking at the concept of deliverance.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary uses terms such as liberation, rescue, set free.  How does this connect to the Watchtower throughout its history?

Here we go and I’ll have very little in the way of thoughts like last week regarding Armageddon with a focus on “deliverance at hand”:

Let us, dearly beloved, live up to our covenant, and not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom--which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  September 1880 Reprints p. 134

 

Let us, dearly beloved, see to it, that we not only bury ourselves and our wills in Christ's, but also keep our bodies under--dying daily until fully delivered into the blessed kingdom --which deliverance we believe to be so very nigh at hand.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  December 1881 Reprints p. 302

 

How it comforts and cheers us now to hear the Lord's voice telling us of the deliverance that is just at hand, and sending by us his messages of love and power to all those who have and are to hear, and who are desirous of having liberty from the power of the world, the flesh and the Adversary.

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  May 1, 1907 Reprints page 3990

Thank God for the great Deliverer; thank God also, for his great day of deliverance, the Millennial age, now nigh at hand!

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  June 1, 1910 Reprints page 4627

 

In the clear light of unfolding time-prophecy, we see that we are now living at the very end of the reign of sin and death; that the night of sorrow, pain and tears is almost over; that the glorification of the last members of the Christ body is very soon to be completed. Yes, beloved, "the night is far spent" [about ended] and the glorious day of deliverance and blessing is at hand. Even now the first faint streaks of dawn appear.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  August 1, 1918 Reprints page 6300

 


Behold, the evidence daily increases that the old world has ended! The kingdom of heaven is here! Let the saints look up and lift up their heads. Let them sing aloud for joy because the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  January 1, 1921 Page 13

 

 

To this end the Lord is now sending forth a worldwide proclamation that the time of DELIVERANCE is at hand.
The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  August 15, 1926 Page 248

 

 

God has now given his people an understanding of The Revelation which he gave to Jesus Christ to show unto his servants. The publication of the two books called Light, giving the explanation of The Revelation, will greatly anger the Devil and all who have not the spirit of Christ. We may therefore expect the opposition to the kingdom to quickly become stronger than ever. It will be of short duration, however, because the day of deliverance is at hand. The remnant is now giving honor to Jehovah’s name by faithfully serving him.

The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  September 15, 1930 p. 281

 

 

Let Jehovah’s witnesses now be strong in faith and bold in the warfare, knowing for a certainty that the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.  July 1, 1936 p. 195, 196

 

 

Jehovah is the King of Eternity. He has enthroned Christ Jesus, his King of the Theocratic Government. Jehovah has appeared in his glory, and the day of deliverance is at hand for all those who flee to the Theocratic Government and give their allegiance and unselfish devotion to the Theocracy.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  December 1, 1939 p. 363

 

 

For some time many of God’s people have said, and say: "Oh that the salvation of Israel [spiritual Israel] were come out of Zion !" (Ps. 14: 7) Let all such who have hope and who look for salvation now rejoice because the day of deliverance is at hand. By faith we now see the climax of Armageddon and, like David, continue to say: "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation."--Ps. 13:5.
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  January 1, 1940 p. 10

 

 

These see it is their privilege now to be his witnesses, and to declare his name and his glory in the earth. As his witnesses these faithful ones the great Jehovah God bids to go and tell the glad news to the sorrowing world, and to advise mankind that Jehovah is God, that Christ Jesus is the King of kings, and that the day of deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 1, 1941 p. 303

 

Deliverance and release have come! Jehovah’s witnesses can testify to that. So on with the song in a continual crescendo, that more and more people may hear the message which tells of the fuller and complete deliverance and release so near at hand for all men of good-will!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 15, 1949 p. 307

 

Instead of sobbing about the present anguish of nations and praying for its abatement, true Christians see that these turbulent times, indeed such calamities as famines, earthquakes and wars, are fulfillment of Bible prophecy pertaining to the sign of the “last days,” hence they rejoice, as Jesus said they should. (Luke 21:28) They rejoice because they know deliverance to a new world is at hand, that this present evil world must end in that “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again,” namely, the war of Armageddon. This is Jehovah’s decree.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  October 15, 1954 p. 624

 

 

In lighting up the fact that we are living in the “last days,” God’s Word shows the Christian how to view the distressing happenings in the world. War, crime, juvenile delinquency, food shortages, pestilences and similar woes make many persons despondent, but those walking in the light from God have the positive mental attitude that the Lord Jesus Christ said we should have: “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28) Despite the woes that have come upon our generation, those who walk in the light from God can be happy. Deliverance is at hand.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  July 1, 1959 p. 388

 

 

Please note that God’s judgment will adversely affect only “ungodly men.” It is only those who refuse to submit to God’s laws that will suffer destruction. On the other hand, for those who love righteousness and long for God’s kingdom to remove wickedness from the earth, the “last days” are indeed a time in which to rejoice. True Christians can rejoice because God’s kingdom is near and deliverance from this wicked system of things is at hand. (Luke 21:28-32) But to be among those blessed with survival when this entire system goes down in destruction, positive action is urgent.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  March 15, 1967 p. 168

 

 

True, those words were written long ago, but fulfillment of Bible prophecy gives us reason to believe that this generation will see Jehovah God rising up in burning zeal to devour all wickedness. (Matt. 24:3-34; Zeph. 3:8) Since this is so you have reason to do as Jesus said, ‘Raise yourself erect and lift your head up, because your deliverance is at hand.’—Luke 21:28.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 1, 1971 p. 262


Mankind desperately needs a Liberator from these ruinous demonic heavens. Jehovah God has raised up the needed Deliverer! Jehovah’s marked time for the desired deliverance is at hand!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  April 15, 1972 p. 233

 

 

As the Israelites of old went free from captivity in ancient Babylon, so Bible prophecy reveals that a marvelous deliverance is at hand for humankind today. Read of this heartwarming prospect in the new 384-page, hardbound book, Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! Only 50 cents, postpaid.
Awake!  November 22, 1975 p. 3

 

 

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES are declaring “everlasting good news,” and millions are responding to the message.—Rev. 14:6.Although people can see that world conditions are critical, they may not understand their significance. Jehovah’s Witnesses are proclaiming that these events are a sign of the time of the end for this system of things and that God’s day of deliverance is at hand. That is “good news”!

Yearbook.  1984.  p. 3

 

While we eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us show zeal in telling others about God’s loving Kingdom promises. Deliverance is at hand! May we walk forward, ever forward, as enlightened children of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah!

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 1, 1993 p. 26

 

The morning program will continue with a talk that introduces a convention highlight, the full-costume drama based on chapter 13 of the Bible book of First Kings. The convention’s final session Sunday afternoon features the public talk “Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!”

Awake!  June 6, 2006 p. 32

 

 

Those who attended these conventions experienced firsthand the unity that exists among Witnesses from different lands and cultures. This was very evident at the conclusion of the conventions. All were applauding, hugging new friends, and taking the last photos. (1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:17) Happy and convinced that deliverance from all troubles and cares is at hand, the delegates returned to their homes and congregations with renewed determination to keep a very tight grip on God’s “word of life.”—Philippians 2:15, 16.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  July 1, 2007 p. 10

 

May you experience great joy in your ministry as you declare this good news and help those " rightly disposed for everlasting life " to realize that deliverance by God's Kingdom is at hand! - Acts 13:48

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 15, 2008 p. 15, 16

 

I’d like to now contrast that against the Bible I’m going to read Jude 1:3 (New World Translation) that says, “Beloved ones, though I was making every effort to write YOU about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write YOU to exhort You to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones.”

Let’s look at this verse in light of Watchtower doctrine.  The New World Translation is still currently used by the organization even though doctored, it still is useful.  I’m going to ask you Watchtowerite some questions pertaining to this verse:

How is the salvation common between the great crowd and the 144,000?  One group as the Watchtower teaches is destined for paradise earth while select few are going to heaven. 

Why does the Jude talk about salvation being held (Jude was written between 60-80) yet you can’t be sure of your salvation since you have to make it through the Millennial Reign of Christ which is after Armageddon? For more info about the final test read The Watchtower May 15, 2015 p. 30

(During the final test at the end of the 1,000 years, those who rebel against Jehovah will manifest the same murderous attitude as ‘Gog of Magog,’ those nations that attack God’s people at the end of the great tribulation)

Was the faith spoken of in the Bible the same that the Watchtower teaches?  If so why is there often “new light” as described in Proverbs 4:18 the society uses?

Given these considerations, I trust that you are giving serious consideration to putting down that man made material and reading the inerrant Word of God.  The Consolation quote spoke of being in “bondage to religion.”  It’s time you broke free.