Page 4: In contrast, consider Jesus, who had strong faith in God and whose teachings have affected hundreds of millions of people over the centuries.
Correction: Jesus Christ does not need faith in the Father.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
John 6:46-47 "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."
Page 4: How can we satisfy such spiritual needs? Not through transcendental meditation or mere introspection. Rather, Jesus said: "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:4) Notice, Jesus said that God is the source of "every utterance" vital to our life.
Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ in repentance for everlasting life?
John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me."
Page 5: This was the case with two of Jesus' disciples. They were disconsolate following his death. But after learning from the mouth of the resurrected Jesus himself about his role in God's purpose for mankind's salvation, they said: "Were not our hearts burning as he was speaking to us on the road, as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?" - Luke 24:32.
Note: Jesus Christ was proclaiming Himself to the disciples.
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Page 7: So learn to see yourself through God's eyes. Knowing that he views those who love him as desirable and that he has confidence in them - even though they may view themselves as unworthy - can do much to enhance a person's happiness. - 1 John 3:19, 20.
Note: True Christians are viewed righteous by the Father through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Page 7: In Bible usage, hope is more than an optimistic view of a situation. It also refers to the thing upon which one's hope is fixed. (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:3) The Christian hope, for instance, is that all the undesirable things mentioned in the preceding paragraph will soon be done away with. (Psalm 37:9-11, 29) But it embraces more.
Note: True Christians place their hope in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
Page 8: GUSTAVO was raised in a small city in Brazil. Since childhood he had been taught that good people go to heaven after death. He knew nothing about God's purpose that faithful mankind would some day enjoy perfect life in an earthly paradise. (Revelation 21:3, 4)
Note: True Christians will be in heaven during the "great tribulation."
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven,
Note: True Christians will return with Jesus Christ to the earth after the "great tribulation."
Jude 1:14-15 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
Note: Have you spoken harshly about Jesus Christ?
Page 8: The Bible promises that some day the earth will be a physical paradise, a gardenlike home for a sinless human race. (Psalm 37:10, 11) With this in mind, we see that a spiritual paradise is an environment that is pleasing to the eyes and soothing to the nerves, allowing one to enjoy peace with one's fellowman and with God.
Correction: True Christians live by faith not by outward sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Correction: True Christians will have peace in Jesus Christ not necessarily in the world.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Page 9: Gustavo learned that God's name, Jehovah, is not a mere point of interest for a Bible student. (Exodus 6:3) It is a vital part of true worship.
Correction: True Christians will adhere to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God (which person?) the Father through Him.
Page 9: Speaking of Gentiles who became Christians, the disciple James said: "God ... Turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) In the first century, the "people for his name" was the Christian congregation. Is there a people for God's name today?
Answer: Yes! It is the people who adhere to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:24-26 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"; to whom we gave no such commandment; it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 9: Jehovah's Witnesses are active in 235 lands and territories. They number over six million ministers, and another eight million interested ones have attended their meetings. Widely known for their public ministry, they fulfill Jesus' words: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations." (Matthew 24:14)
Note: There are no Jehovah's Witnesses in Red China a land of 1.4 billion people. Watch Tower magazine 1/1/01.
Page 9: One thing that makes Jehovah's Witnesses stand out is their appreciation for Bible knowledge. They believe that the Bible is true and that it is God's Word. Hence, they are not satisfied merely to know the basics of their religion. They have an ongoing program of personal study and Bible and Bible reading. The longer a person associates with Jehovah's Witnesses, the more he learns about God and His will as revealed in the Bible.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses will never proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Page 9: Such knowledge frees Jehovah's Witnesses from things that rob people of happiness, such as superstitions and harmful ideas. Jesus said: "The truth will set you free," and Jehovah's Witnesses find this to be so. (John 8:32)
Note: Have you been set free from the Watchtower by Jesus Christ?
John 8:36 "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Page 9: In the Bible, knowledge of God is closely associated with paradise. The prophet Isaiah said: "They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea."
Note: True Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Note: Are you being led away with the error of the wicked Watch Tower?
Page 10: Of course, knowledge by itself is not enough to bring the peace foretold by Isaiah. A person has to act on what he learns. Fernando made this comment: "When a person cultivates the fruits of the spirit, he contributes to the spiritual paradise."
Correction: Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Page 10: You may have noticed that the first of the fruits of the spirit mentioned by Paul is love. This is a quality that the Bible speaks much about. Jesus said: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:35) True, Jehovah's Witnesses are not perfect.
Note: True, Jehovah's Witnesses are not Jesus' Witnesses or His disciples.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 10: As a result, their fellowship is unique. There is no tribalism or divisive nationalism among them. In fact, many Witnesses who found themselves in the midst of ethnic cleansing and racial genocide during the closing years of the 20th century protected one another even at the risk of their own lives. Although coming "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues," they enjoy a unity that is difficult to comprehend until you experience it.
Correction: There is no "spiritual paradise" within the Watch Tower.
Among Jehovah's Witnesses there are hundreds, thousands of persons who need, and would greatly benefit from, upbuilding, healthful aid, aid that would contribute toward their developing the strength and understanding to meet personal problems that seriously affect their lives. As will be discussed in a later chapter, while there is much boasting of the "spiritual paradise" supposedly found within the international organization, a survey of most congregations would reveal that Witnesses as a collective society are in no way free from the social stress and problems affecting people in general. The large files at the Watch Tower's Brooklyn headquarters contain abundant evidence of this, and their volume grows with each passing year.
IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM, Raymond Franz, page 387.
Page 10: When we live clean, moral lives and do God's will in other ways, we help build the spiritual paradise and we contribute to our own happiness.
Correction: True spiritual paradise is found in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Page 11: Still, having a close relationship with Jehovah God - which is a crucial part of the spiritual paradise - means that we can look to him for support. Indeed, he invites us to 'throw our burdens upon him,' and many can testify to the wonderful way he has supported them in the most difficult situations. (Psalm 55:22; 86:16, 17)
Note: Have you thrown your burdens upon Jesus Christ?
Mat 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Page 11: God promises to be with his worshipers even in "the valley of deep shadow." (Psalm 23:4) Confidence in God's readiness to support us helps to preserve our "peace of God that excels all thought," which is a key to the spiritual paradise. - Philippians 4:7.
Note: Jesus Christ promises to be with true Christians always.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 11: How, then, can one make a meaningful contribution to that paradise? First, you need to associate with a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, study the Bible with them, and acquire the Bible knowledge that is the basis of the spiritual paradise.
Note: The following is what is truly being said.
First, you need to associate with a group of cult members named Jehovah's Witnesses, study cartoon publications with them, and acquire Watch Tower knowledge that is the basis of your spiritual bondage.
Page 11: This includes reading God's Word regularly and thinking about what you read. The knowledge acquired will draw you closer to Jehovah God, and you will come to love him.
Note: True Christians are in love with Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 11: You will also learn to talk to him in prayer and ask for his guidance and for his spirit to support you as you do his will. Jesus told us to persist in prayer. (Luke 11:9-13) The apostle Paul said: "Pray incessantly." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The privilege of speaking to God in prayer with the absolute confidence that he hears you is an important part of the spiritual paradise.
Note: The essence of a "spiritual paradise" is Jesus Christ. Are you in the will of God?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Page 11: As time goes by, your life will be changed for the better by what to talk to others about it. Then you will be able to obey Jesus' command: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens." (Matthew 5:16)
Note: True Christians will be doing the "work of God" through sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Page 11: Sharing with others the knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ and extolling the great love these have shown to mankind brings much happiness.
Note: True Christians will be sharing Jesus Christ with others.
Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Page 11: The existence of the spiritual paradise in these "critical times hard to deal with" is an evidence of the power of God and a token of what he can and will accomplish in the future.
Correction: The power of God is the good news of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Page 11: Even now, those enjoying the spiritual paradise experience a spiritual fulfillment of Isaiah 49:10: "They will not go hungry, neither will they go thirsty, nor will parching heat or sun strike them. For the One who is having pity upon them will lead them, and by the springs of water he will conduct them."
Correction: This is a future prophecy of Jesus Christ being with true Christians.
Rev 7:16-17 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Page 12: JEHOVAH is the Source of light. The Bible calls him "the Giver of the sun for light by day, the statutes of the moon and the stars for light by night." (Jeremiah 31:35; Psalm 8:3) He is the One who created our sun, which is, in effect, an enormous nuclear furnace releasing into space vast quantities of energy, some in the form of light and heat.
Note: JESUS CHRIST is the Source of spiritual light.
John 8:12-13 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." The Pharisees therefore said to Him, "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true."
Note: Beware of the Pharisees of the Watch Tower.
Page 12: With that in mind, we can understand the gravity of a situation described by the prophet Isaiah. He said: "Look! Darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups." (Isaiah 60:2) Of course, this does not refer to darkness in a physical sense. Isaiah did not mean that some day the sun, moon, and stars would cease to shine.
Correction: The Watch Tower is spiritually ignorant of Bible prophecies.
Isaiah 60:2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.
Matthew 24:29-30 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Note: Have you recognized Jesus Christ as Jehovah?
Page 12: Yes, in our time the world is shrouded in spiritual darkness. In such a dangerous situation, spiritual light is of the utmost importance. That is why Christians do well to heed Jesus' exhortation: "Let your light shine before men." (Matthew 5:16) Faithful Christians can lighten the darkness for meek ones, thus giving them the opportunity to gain life. - John 8:12.
Note: True Christians are children of light through sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
John 12:35-36 Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.
Page 13: The religious leaders of Christendom have deceived their flocks. Such leaders claim to serve God, but in truth most of them promote the gods of this world - nationalism, militarism, wealth, and prominent individuals - to say nothing of teaching pagan doctrines.
Note: Only half of Christendom is bogus.
Matthew 25:1-2 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Matthew 25:10-13 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Page 13: In one place after another, Christendom's religions have been involved in wars and civil strife that feature ethnic cleansing and other horrors.
Note: The Watch Tower does not promote honor.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Page 13: As a result of such a rejection of Bible standards, Christendom's flocks are like those men spoken of by the ancient psalmist: "They have not known, and they do not understand; in darkness they keep walking about." (Psalm 82:5) Truly, Christendom, like ancient Judah, is in deep darkness. - Revelation 8:12.
Note: True Christians are children of light through sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
John 12:44-46 Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."
Page 13: Amid such darkness, Jehovah is causing light to shine for the sake of meek ones. For this, he is using his anointed servants on earth, "the faithful and discreet slave," and these are "shining as illuminators in the world." (Matthew 24:45; Philippians 2:15)
Correction: True Christians will sincerely believe in and suffer for Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:29-30 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Note: Are you in the spiritual darkness of the Watch Tower?
Page 13: That slave class, supported by millions of "other sheep" companions, reflects spiritual light based on God's Word, the Bible. (John 10:16)
Correction: The "other sheep" are Gentiles.
Romans 3:29-30 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Note: The is no partiality with God.
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.
Page 14: Divinely provided accurate knowledge strengthened Isaiah to keep on walking in the light. Thus, he was a fine example for us. If we carefully study God's written Word and apply it in our lives, we too will remain in the light. - Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Note: True Christians will be suffering for Jesus Christ. Are you?
2 Corinthians 4:11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Page 14: Today, the principal part of Babylon the Great is Christendom, whose clergy take the lead in opposing the Kingdom-preaching work of Jehovah's people. (Matthew 24:14) Like ancient Babylon, however, Babylon the Great will soon be destroyed, never to rise again.
Page 16: What a relief that will be for those faithful ones who now suffer because of the foretold "food shortages" that are part of "the sign" of Jesus' presence! (Matthew 24:3, 7)
Correction: Anyone not suffering for the name of Jesus Christ is part of Babylon the Great.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Page 15: Was Babylon the Great ever forced to acknowledge Jehovah's powerful works? Yes. During the first world ware, Jehovah's anointed servants preached under tribulation. In 1918 they went into spiritual captivity when leading officers of the Watch Tower Society were imprisoned. The organized preaching work virtually ceased. Then, in 1919, Jehovah restored them and reinvigorated them with his spirit, whereupon they set out to fulfill the commission to preach the good news in all the inhabited earth. (Mark 13:10) All of this was prophesied in the book of Revelation, as was the effect upon their opponents. These "became frightened and gave glory to the God of heaven." (Revelation 11:3, 7, 11-13)
Correction: Judge Rutherford did not die and go to heaven in 1919 with the Pope watching.
Revelation 11:12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
Note: The imprisonment of 1918 was to gain favor of disgruntled Jws by Rutherford.
No sooner had Charles T. Russell died (1916) than there came into play a behind-the-seen tug of war for his mantle. Russell's will left instructions for certain men to succeed him. However, the legal counsel, Judge Rutherford, was able to maneuver proxies of the Corporation in such a way that he emerged President of the Watchtower Society. In order to quiet somewhat the furor which had arisen over the high-handed way in which this subversion was accomplished, he succeeded early in the war to create an issue outside of the Organization through his editorial policy of the Watchtower magazine, the outcome of which was to put him into the position of a hero. 30 YEARS A WATCHTOWER SLAVE, William J. Schnell, page 34.
Page 16: We who walk in God's light confidently look forward to the time when 'the melody of the tyrannical ones will be suppressed.' Yes, we eagerly await the day when Jehovah's enemies will be gone.
Note: The enemies of God are the enemies of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"?
Page 16: After liberating his people from Babylon the Great in 1919, he set before them a victory banquet, an abundant supply of spiritual food. This was foretold at Isaiah 25:6, where we read: "Jehovah of armies will certainly make for all the peoples, in this mountain, a banquet of well-oiled dishes, a banquet of well-oiled dishes filled with marrow, of wine kept on the dregs, filtered." How blessed we are to share in that feast! (Matthew 4:4)
Correction: This prophecy is about the one thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.
Mark 14:24-25 And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Revelation 19:9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
Page 16: "The table of Jehovah" is truly laden down with good things to eat. (1 Corinthians 10:21) Through "the faithful and discreet slave," we are given everything we could ever need in a spiritual sense.
Correction: The Watch Tower is not the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
Note: Most Jehovah's Witnesses do not partake of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Page 16: Comparing sin and death to a "woven work," or an "envelopment," Isaiah says: "In this mountain (Jehovah) will certainly swallow up the face of the envelopment that is enveloping over all the peoples, and the woven work that is interwoven upon all the nations." (Isaiah 25:7) Just think! Sin and death, which have weighted on mankind like a suffocating blanket, will be no more. How we long for the day when the benefits of Jesus' ransom sacrifice are fully applied to obedient and faithful humankind! - Revelation 21:3, 4.
Correction: The full benefit of the death of Jesus Christ is applied at death for true Christians.
2 Corinthians 5:1-4 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.
Page 17: Upon contemplating such manifestations of Jehovah's power, those who walk in the light are moved to exclaim: "Look! This is our God. We have hoped in him, and he will save us. This is Jehovah. We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him. (Isaiah 25:9)
Note: True Christians acknowledge Jesus Christ as their God and Savior.
Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Page 17: JEHOVAH is the Source of the sunlight that makes life possible on earth. (Genesis 1:2, 14) He is also the Creator of spiritual light, which dispels the death-dealing darkness of Satan's world. (Isaiah 60:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8-11; 6:12) Those who choose the light can say with the psalmist: "Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear?"
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have been blinded by the Satanic Watch Tower.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ not paradise earth.
Page 17: And in 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed and the inhabitants of Judah carried off into exile. However, those who listened to Jehovah's word were strengthened to resist the apostasy of those days. Regarding 607 B.C.E., Jehovah promised that those who listened to him would survive. (Jeremiah 21:8, 9)
Correction: Regarding 607 B.C.E., it is a bogus date for the destruction of Jerusalem.
In 588 BC Zedekiah led a revolt against Chaldea, and two years later (586 BC) Nebuchadnezzar's army destroyed Judah and razed Jerusalem. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 15, page 57.
Pages 17-18: "We have a strong city. (God) sets salvation itself for walls and rampart. Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter." (Isaiah 26:1, 2) These are the exultant words of people who trusted in Jehovah.
Correction: This prophecy is about the one thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.
Isaiah 26:1-2 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
Zechariah 14:16-17 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.
Page 18: Faithful Jews in Isaiah's day looked to Jehovah, not to the false gods of their fellow countrymen, as the only real Source of security. Today, we have the same confidence.
Correction: True confident Christians look to Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Page 18: Moreover, we love Jehovah's "righteous nation" - "the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16; Matthew 21:43) Jehovah too loves this nation because of its faithful conduct. With his blessing, the Israel of God has "a strong city," a citylike organization that supports and protects it.
Correction: The "Israel of God" are believing Jews in contrast to believing Gentiles.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them (Gentiles), and upon the Israel of God (Jews).
Page 18: Those within this "city" are well aware that "the inclination that is well supported (Jehovah) will safeguard in continuous peace, because it is in (Jehovah) that one is made to trust." Jehovah supports those mentally inclined to trust in him and comply with his righteous principles.
Note: True Christians have put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:11-12 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Page 18: Thus, the faithful ones in Judah heeded Isaiah's exhortation: "Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite." (Isaiah 26:3, 4; Psalm 9:10; 37:3; Proverbs 3:5)
Note: True Christians heed the Apostle Paul's exhortation. Jesus Christ is Jehovah.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Page 18: What if those who trust in Jehovah suffer tribulation? They need not fear. Jehovah allows such things for a time, but eventually he brings relief, and those causing the tribulation face his judgment. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-10)
Note: The slanderous Watch Tower will be destroyed since it does not obey the good news.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pages 18-19: In our day Isaiah's prophetic words well describe what has happened to "Babylon the Great" since 1919. That elevated town suffered a humiliating fall in that year when it was forced to release Jehovah's people from spiritual captivity. (Revelation 14:8) What occurred next was even more humiliating. That small band of Christians turned to 'trampling down' their old captor. In 1922 they began to announce the coming end of Christendom, publicizing the four angelic trumpet blasts of Revelation 8:7-12 and the three woes foretold at Revelation 9:1-11:15.
Correction: Physical imprisonment is never equated to spiritual captivity in the New Testament.
2 Timothy 2:8-10 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my good news, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Page 19: Jehovah provides salvation for those who turn to his light, and he guides their path, as Isaiah next shows: "The path of the righteous one is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you. For your name and for your memorial the desire of the soul has been."
Note: Have you turned to the light of Jesus Christ according to the Holy Scriptures?
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Page 19: Jehovah is a righteous God, and those who worship him must observe his righteous standards. When they do, Jehovah guides them, smoothing their course. By heeding his guidance, these meek ones show that they hope in Jehovah and wholeheartedly cherish his name - his "memorial." - Exodus 3:15.
Note: True Christians will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Jehovah.
Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
Note: The Watch Tower like the Pharisees cannot stand for Jesus Christ being Jehovah.
John 8:59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Page 19: Isaiah cherished Jehovah's name. That is evident from his next words: "With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me I keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn." (Isaiah 26:9)
Note: True Christians will cherish the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Page 20: Aspects of this prophecy had a fulfillment when God allowed his anointed servants to go into spiritual captivity in 1918 and then liberated them in 1919. From that point on, the future of their former captor, principally Christendom, was bleak. But the blessings in store for Jehovah's people were rich indeed.
Correction: The Apostle Paul disagrees with the Watch Tower.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Page 20: God blessed the repentant spirit of his anointed servants in 1919 and gave them increase. First, attention was given to gathering the final members of the Israel of God, and then "a great crowd" of "other sheep" began to be gathered. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16)
Correction: All true Christians will be in one flock in heaven.
John 10:16 "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great crowd which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Page 20: Today, the borders of the Israel of God have spread around the earth, and the great crowd that has been added now numbers some six million enthusiastic sharers in the work of preaching the good news. (Matthew 24:14)
Note: True Christians will preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient; in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the good news of Christ.
Page 20: Judah needed Jehovah's help to escape from captivity in Babylon. They could not have done it on their own. (Isaiah 26:17, 18) Similarly, the liberation of the Israel of God in 1919 was proof of Jehovah's support. It could not have happened without him. And so startling was the change in their condition that Isaiah likens it to a resurrection: "Your dead ones will live. A corpse of mine - they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth." (Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 11:7-11)
Correction: This is a prophecy of the resurrection for judgment.
Isaiah 26:19 Your dead shall live; Together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Pages 20-21: Jehovah's servants always need his protection. Soon, though, he will stretch out his hand for the last time against Satan's world, and his worshipers will need his help as never before. (1 John 5:19)
Note: True Christians have an understanding that salvation is in the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Page 21: Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us: "Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones." (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14)
Note: Will you be hidden in heaven during the "great tribulation"? Do you know Jesus Christ?
Matthew 25:10-13 "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Note: Do you recognize Jesus Christ as Jehovah?
Revelation 6:15-17 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Page 21: Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah's people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
Correction: Protection from the wrath of God is found only in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Page 21: This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience. - Zephaniah 2:3.
Correction: Survival of the "great tribulation" will depend on your faith in Jesus Christ.
Rev 3:10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Page 21: Regarding that time, Isaiah prophesies: "In that day Jehovah, with his hard and great and strong sword, will turn his attention to Leviathan, the gliding serpent, even to Leviathan, the crooked serpent, and he will certainly kill the sea monster that is in the sea." (Isaiah 27:1) What is the modern-day "Leviathan"? Apparently, it is "the original serpent," Satan himself, along with his wicked system of things, which he uses to wage war against the Israel of God. (Revelation 12:9, 10, 17; 13:14, 16, 17) In 1919, Leviathan lost its hold on God's people. In time, it will disappear altogether. (Revelation 19:19-21; 20:1-3, 10)
Correction: Jesus Christ did not return in 1919.
Revelation 19:11-15 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Note: Have you recognized Jesus Christ as Jehovah?
Page 22: To ensure that his vines continue to produce an abundance of "foaming wine," Jehovah crushes and consumes any weedlike influence that could corrupt them.
Correction: False Christians will be associated with true Christians until the end of the age.
Matthew 13:24-25 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way."
Mat 13:30 "'Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."'"
Page 22: Hence, let no one endanger the welfare of the Christian congregation! Let all 'take hold of Jehovah's stronghold,' seeking his favor and protection. In so doing, we make peace with God - something of such importance that Isaiah mentions it twice. - Romans 5:1.
Correction: The Watch Tower is not the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Page 22: Anointed Christians have filled the earth with "produce," nourishing spiritual food. In the midst of a corrupt world, they joyfully preserve God's elevated standards. And Jehovah continues to bless them with increase. As a result, their millions of companions, the other sheep, "are rendering (God) sacred service day and night." (Revelation 7:15)
Note: All true Christians will be in heaven during the "great tribulation."
Revelation 7:15 "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
Page 22: In these critical times, when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the national groups, are we not thankful that Jehovah sheds spiritual light upon his people? (Isaiah 60:2; Romans 2:19; 13:12) For all who accept it, such light means peace of mind and joy now and nothing less than everlasting life in the future.
Note: Jesus Christ gives a person joy.
John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
Note: Sincere belief in Jesus Christ gives a person everlasting life.
John 6:47 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."
Page 30: At the same time, Cyril launched a quick program of Bible translation. According to tradition, he began by translating from Greek into Slavonic the first phrase of the Gospel of John, using the newly developed alphabet: "In the beginning the Word was ..." Cyril went on to translate the four Gospels, the letters of Paul, and the book of Psalms.
Note: The Watch Tower failed to finish John 1:1 according to Cyril's translation.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Page 30: But opposition from the Frankish clergy continued. Methodius successfully defended himself against accusations of heresy, and he eventually won from Pope John VIII a bull expressly authorizing the use of Slavonic in the church. As the current pope, John Paul II, has admitted, Methodius' life was spent "amidst journeys, privations, sufferings, hostility and persecution, ... Even a period of cruel imprisonment." Ironically, this was at the hands of bishops and princes favorably disposed toward Rome.
Note: Pope John VIII corrected the situation and the church celebrates the lives of these saints.
Cyril and Methodius were canonized in 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. Their feast day is February 14 in the Roman Catholic church; in the Orthodox church it is May 11. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 7, page 419.
Backcover: In 1886, Dr. Muirhead took on the challenge of operating on a 70-year-old man with a bleeding ulcer who, because of his Bible-based beliefs as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, had asked for treatment that did not require a blood transfusion. (Acts 15:28, 29)
Note: Blood digestion should not be confused with blood transfusion.
Leviticus 17:12 "Therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.'"
Backcover: What is behind the firm belief of Jehovah's Witnesses concerning alternative nonblood management? You may be interested in reading the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? Jehovah's Witnesses will be happy to share it with you.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses will not share with you the importance of the shed blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
1 John 1:7 ... and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.