WATCHTOWER - JUNE 1, 2000

 

Page 3: Yet, when you consider the diversity of views held by today's professed Christians, you see beliefs that are poles apart and that frequently contradict what the Founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, taught. What does that say of their brand of Christianity? - 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Note: True Christians will use the name of Jesus not Jehovah.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

Page 4: Sadly, the story of this portrait is, in essence, the story of the nominal Christian church. History shows that soon after the death of Christ's apostles, the official face of "Christianity" began to change, just as the Bible foretold. - Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43; Acts 20:30.

Correction: Millions of true Christians died for their faith in Jesus Christ.

The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs, pages 16-17. Polycarp, who was a student of the Apostle John and the bishop of the church in Smyrna, heard that soldiers were looking for him and tried to escape but was discovered by a child. After feeding the guards who captured him, he asked for an hour in prayer, which they gave him. He prayed with such fervency, that his guards said they were sorry that they were the ones who captured him. Nevertheless, he was taken before the governor and condemned to be burned in the market place. After his sentence was given, the governor said to him, "Reproach Christ and I will release you." Polycarp answered, "Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never once wronged me. How then shall I blaspheme my King who has saved me?" In the market place, he was tied to the stake rather than nailed, as was the usual custom, because he assured them he would stand immovable in the flames and not fight them. As the dry sticks placed around him were lit, the flames rose up and circled his body without touching him. The executioner was then ordered to pierce him with a sword. When he did, a great quantity of blood gushed out and put out the fire. Although his Christian friends asked to be given his body as it was so they could bury him, the enemies of the Gospel insisted that it be burned in the fire, which was done.

 

Page 4: Jesus taught that his rulership, or Kingdom, is a heavenly one that would, in due time, destroy all human rulerships and rule over the entire earth. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) It would not rule through human political systems. "My kingdom is no part of this world," Jesus said. (John 17:16; 18:36) Thus, Jesus' disciples, while law-abiding, stayed out of politics.

Correction: Paul identified himself as a Roman citizen.

Acts 22:25-29 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?" When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, "Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman." Then the commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?" He said, "Yes." The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen." Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

 

Page 4: After Constantine, Christianity and high politics went hand in hand." The refashioned Christianity became the official "universal," or "catholic," religion or the Roman Empire.

Correction: We are to honor those governing over us and not downgrade them.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

 

Page 5: The encyclopedia Great Ages of Man states that because of this Church-State marriage, "by A.D. 385, only 80 years after the last great wave of persecution of Christians, the Church itself was beginning to execute heretics, and its clerics were wielding power almost equivalent to that of the emperors."

Correction: Many clerics like Augustine exhorted true Christians to endure tribulation.

The Imitation of Christ, chapter 19, verse 5. Make possible to me, O Lord, by grace what seems impossible to me by nature. You know how little I am able to bear, and how quickly I am cast down when a adversity rises up against me. Whatsoever trial of tribulation may come to me, may it become unto me pleasing and acceptable, for to suffer and be vexed for Your sake is exceeding healthful to the soul.

 

Page 5: Thus began an era wherein the sword eclipsed persuasion as the means of conversion, and the titled, power-grasping clergy replaced the humble preachers of the first century.

Correction: Many clerics like Augustine were humble faithful true Christians.

The Imitation of Christ, chapter 3, verse 1. "My Son, hear My words, for My words are most sweet, surpassing all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of this world. My words are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63), and are not to be weighed by man's understanding. They are not to be drawn forth for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and with deep love."

 

Page 5: Christ and his disciples taught that there is only "one God the Father." distinguished by his personal name, Jehovah, which appears some 7,000 times in early Bible manuscripts.

Correction: Christ also taught that YHWH can be the corporate name of God.

Matthew 28:19 "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,"

Note: The phrase "the Father" refers to a particular person of God.

 

Page 5: Jesus was created by God; he is "the firstborn of every creature," says the Catholic Douay Version of the Bible at Colossians 1:15.

Correction: Jesus Christ could not be created since He created everyone and everything.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Correction: The word "firstborn" refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Colossians.

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

 

Page 5: Thus, as a created being, Jesus frankly stated: "The Father is greater than I am."

Correction: Jesus Christ was never created since He is from everlasting.

Micah 5:2 "Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

Note: WT logic would dictate that your children are animals and not human beings like you.

 

Page 5: But by the third century, certain influential clerics, enamored of the Trinitarian teaching of pagan Greek philosopher Plato, began recasting God to fit the Trinitarian formula.

Correction: Plato never taught that God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Funk & Wagalls Encyclopedia, Volume 21, page 73. Plato's influence throughout the history of philosophy has been monumental. When he died, Speusippus became head of the Academy. The school continued in existence until AD 529, when it was closed by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, who objected to its pagan teachings.

 

Page 5: In the following centuries, this doctrine unscriptually elevated Jesus to equality with Jehovah and made God's holy spirit, or active force, into a person.

Correction: Paul refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Correction: Luke refutes the Watch Tower blasphemes.

Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

Note: You can not lie to electricity or a force.

 

Page 5: Concerning the church's adoption of the pagan concept of the Trinity, the New Catholic Encyclopedia says: "The formulation 'one God in three Persons' was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma.

Note: Clerics began noticing attributes that only God can have such as the resurrection of Jesus.

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

 

Page 5: Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective.

Correction: Peter refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

 

Page 5: Similarly, The Encyclopedia Americana says: "Fourth century Trinitarianism did not reflect accurately early Christian teaching regarding the nature of God; it was, on the contrary, a deviation from this teaching."

Note: The Encyclopedia Americana authors are not Bible students.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Note: Did anyone notice the equality of the three persons?

 

Page 5: It is commonly believed today that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the body. But did you know that this church teaching was also a later addition?

Correction: John refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

Revelation 6:9-10 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

 

Page 5: Jesus affirmed the Biblical truth that the dead "are conscious of nothing at all," that they are asleep, as it were. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11-13)

Correction: Jesus Christ refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

Luke 16:22-23 "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom."

 

Page 5: Life would be restored by means of a resurrection - 'a standing up again' from the sleep of death. (John 5:28, 29) An immortal soul, if it existed, would need no resurrection, since immortality precludes death.

Correction: Paul distinguishes the body from the soul and spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Mankind is an inferior trinity compared to God.

 

Page 5: No immortal soul slipped back from heavenly bliss into his body when Lazarus awoke from the dead. If that were the case, Jesus would hardly have done him a favor by resurrecting him! - John 11:39, 43, 44.

Correction: The Watch Tower missed the context of what was happening.

John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

Note: God does not share His glory with anyone.

Isaiah 42:8 I am Jehovah, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.

 

Page 5: What, then, is the source of the immortal-soul theory? The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology says that the concept "owes more to Greek philosophy than to biblical revelation."

Correction: The Watch Tower fully agrees with Aristotle.

Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 20, page 356. The soul, for Aristotle, is the form, or actuality, of the body, and humans, whose rational soul is a higher form than the souls of other terrestrial species, are the highest species of perishable things.

 

Pages 5 - 6: The Jewish Encyclopedia explains: "The belief that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body is a matter of philosophical or theological speculation rather than of simple faith, and is accordingly nowhere expressly taught in Holy Scripture.

Correction: Modern Jews are not Christians and do not rely on Scripture for guidance.

Genesis 35:18 And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

 

Page 6: Often, one falsehood leads to another, and that is true of the immortal-soul teaching. It opened the way for the pagan notion of eternal torment in a fiery hell.

Correction: John refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Note: The unholy trinity of Satan, future world leader and religious leader are tormented forever.

 

Page 6: Yet, the Bible plainly states that "the wages sin pays is death" - not eternal torment. (Romans 6:23) Thus, describing the resurrection, the King James Version states: "The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them." Likewise, the Douay Bible says that "the sea ... and death and hell gave up their dead." Yes, simply put, those in hell are dead, 'asleep,' as Jesus said. - Revelation 20:13.

Correction: The Watch Tower does not know that spiritual death is torture.

Matthew 13:41-42 "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

 

Page 6: Do you sincerely believe that the teaching of eternal damnation in hell draws people to God? Hardly. In the minds of just and loving people, it is a repelling thought! The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that "God is love" and that cruelty, even to animals, is abhorrent to him.

Correction: John the Baptist refutes the Watch Tower blasphemies.

Luke 3:7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"

Luke 3:17 "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire."

Note: The Trinity is a God of love and justice. Jesus Christ demonstrates these attributes.

John 15:9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."

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.

Revelation 6:16 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!"

 

Page 6: Sadly, "the dominant ideology of the day" still tends to win out. It is no secret, for instance, that many churches have changed their stand on various issues so as to appear progressive and open-minded.

Correction: The Watch Tower has changed most of its doctrines.

WT 01/01/2000, page 10: As the years pass, Jehovah continues to give us further clarification of truth, including a clearer understanding of his prophetic word. (Proverbs 4:18) In recent years, we have been encouraged to look again with deeper understanding at - among other things - the generation that will not pass away before the end comes, the parable of the sheep and the goats, the disgusting thing and when it will stand in a holy place, the new covenant, the transfiguration, and the temple vision of the book of Ezekiel. It may be difficult at times to understand such updated explanations, but the reasons for them become clear in due course.

Note: Stay away from people and organizations that are continually changing.

Prov 24:21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; do not associate with those given to change;

 

Page 6: Those clerics did the very same thing to Jehovah's Law through Moses that the clergy of Christendom did, and still do, to Christ's teaching - they splashed the "paint" of tradition over divine truth. But Jesus stripped away all falsehoods for the benefit of honesthearted people.

Note: Jesus also condemned those who dressed nicely on the pretense of being godly.

Matthew 23:27-28 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

 

Page 7: These "myths," of which we have considered a few, are spiritually destructive, whereas the truth of God's Word builds up, and it leads to everlasting life. This is the truth that Jehovah's Witnesses encourage you to examine. - John 4:24; 8:32; 17:3.

Contradiction: The Watchtower practices judging and then disavows being judgmental.

Page 13: Holding to God's moral standards, however, does not mean becoming judgmental of others. We are not the ones to decide the eternal destiny of our fellow humans.

 

Page 7: For at least ten years after Jesus' death, his followers were known as belonging to "The Way." (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4) Why? Because their way of life was centered around faith in Jesus Christ, who is "the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6)

Note: Is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart about Jesus Christ?

Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

 

Page 9: Similarly, for thousands of years, hope in "the salvation of Jehovah" has sustained men and women of faith in times of trouble, and this hope has never led to disappointment.

Note: Have you obtained salvation through the Lord 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.

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 10: First, the salvation of Jehovah's servants is tied in with his own name. The psalmist Asaph prayed: "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of your name; and deliver us." (Psalm 79:9; Ezekiel 20:9)

Note: True Christians will have God's final testament have the final say in spiritual matters.

John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

 

Page 10: Moreover, having confidence in Jehovah's promised blessings is essential to having a good relationship with him. Paul, put it this way: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Note: True Christians will place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

 

Page 11: For instance, calling Jehovah "the Provider of escape," David said: "My God is my rock .... My place for flight, my Savior; from violence you save me.

Note: True Christians will have Jesus Christ as their "rock of salvation."

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 11: Pre-Christian servants of Jehovah also entertained the hope of a future life. (Job 14:13-15; Isaiah 25:8; Daniel 12:13) In fact, many of the promises of rescue found in the Hebrew Scriptures were prophetic of a greater salvation - one leading to everlasting life.

Note: True Christians will see God in the resurrection.

Job 19:26-27 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

 

Page 11: Ultimately, for God's faithful servants, salvation by God means not only deliverance from oppression and distress but also the opportunity to have everlasting life. (John 6:40; 17:3)

Note: True Christians will see Jesus Christ as their God and have everlasting life.

John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

 

Page 11: Jesus taught that for a "little flock," salvation means their being resurrected to heavenly life to share with Christ in Kingdom rule. (Luke 12:32)

Correction: Only a few people were following Jesus Christ at that time.

John 6:66-68 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

 

Page 11: For the rest of mankind, salvation means a restoration to the perfect life and relationship with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed in the garden of Eden before they sinned.

Correction: The "rest of mankind" who are saved will be in heaven.

Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"

Note: Only saved mankind sing a song of salvation.

 

Page 11: Jesus was the one whose sacrifice fulfilled those prophetic pictures. Jehovah's angel announced before Jesus' birth: "He will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21.

Note: Only God can save people eternally.

Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

 

Page 11: Jesus was born miraculously to the virgin Mary, and as the Son of God, he did not inherit death from Adam. This fact along with his course of perfect faithfulness gave his life the value needed to repurchase mankind from sin and death. (John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Correction: Required Biblical restoration is far greater than the original offense.

Exodus 22:1 If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.

Note: True Christians will never compare Adam and Jesus as equals.

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

 

Page 11: Unlike all other men, Jesus was not condemned to die because of sin. He purposely came to earth "to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28) Having done so, the now resurrected and enthroned Jesus is in a position to give salvation to all who meet God's requirements. - Revelation 12:10.

Note: True Christians will testify of Jesus Christ and place their faith in the Lamb of God.

1 Peter 1:10-11 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

 

Page 12: Salvation is a gift from God, but it does not come automatically. (Romans 6:23) There are certain basic conditions that each individual must meet to qualify for that gift.

Correction: True Christians will know that you can not work for a gift.

Acts 11:17 "If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"

Note: Have you sincerely placed your belief in the Lord Jesus Christ?

 

Page 12: Clearly, God requires faith and obedience from each individual who hopes to obtain everlasting salvation. Each one must make the decision to accept the ransom and to follow in Jesus' footsteps.

Correction: Sincere belief in Jesus Christ is obedience to God.

Hebrews 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

 

Page 12: Since we are imperfect, it is not our natural inclination to obey and it is impossible for us to obey perfectly. That is why Jehovah provided a ransom to cover our sins. Nevertheless, we must continually strive to live in accord with God's ways.

Correction: True Christians will know that God doing the work.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

 

Page 12: The disciple Jude wanted to write to early Christians about "the salvation (they held) in common." However, the prevailing bad moral climate obliged him to counsel his brothers to "put up a hard fight for the faith."

Correction: Jude was warning true Christians about false teachers like the Watch Tower.

Jude 1:3-4 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Page 12: Yes, to gain salvation it is not enough to have faith, to stick to the true Christian faith, and to obey when everything is going along smoothly. Our devotion to Jehovah must be strong enough to help us resist temptations and immoral influences.

Correction: True Christians will allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into righteousness.

Romans 8:9-10 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

 

Page 12: To help them combat such tendencies, Jude urged fellow Christians to keep clearly in mind their objective: "Beloved ones, by building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying with holy spirit, keep yourselves in God's love, while you are waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view." (Jude 3, 4, 8, 19-21) The hope of gaining salvation could strengthen them in their fight to remain morally clean.

Correction: True Christians are kept by God in His love from habitual sin.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

 

Page 13: Jehovah God expects exemplary moral conduct on the part of those to whom he will grant salvation. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)

Correction: True Christians are kept from habitual sin by the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

 

Page 13: Holding to God's moral standards, however, does not mean becoming judgmental of others. We are not the ones to decide the eternal destiny of our fellow humans. Rather, God will do so, as Paul told the Greeks in Athens: "He has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed" - Jesus Christ.

Note: True Christians will honor Jesus Christ as Jehovah.

John 5:22-23 "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him."

 

Page 13: Quoting the prophet Joel, Paul wrote: "Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved." Then he added: "However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?" A few verses later, Paul points out that faith does not come spontaneously; rather, it "follows the thing heard," that is, "the word about Christ."

Note: True Christians are saved through their sincere confession of Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:8-9 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

Page 13: When we engage in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work, we are doing just what the apostle Paul wrote about, this time quoting Isaiah: "How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!" Even if many do not accept the good news we bring, our feet are still "comely" to Jehovah. - Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7.

Correction: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

 

Page 13: Fulfilling this commission serves two important purposes. First, the good news must be preached so that God's name will be magnified and those who want salvation will know where to turn.

Correction: The good news is about Jesus Christ not paradise earth.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the good news which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

 

Page 13: Second, the preaching of the good news lays the foundation for God's righteous judgment.

Note: The Jehovah's Witnesses are under a curse of God.

Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other good news to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other good news to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

 

Page 14: Though the judging and separating will be done "when the Son of man arrives in his glory," the preaching work is providing people today with the opportunity to recognize Christ's spiritual brothers and thus to work in support of them for their own eternal salvation.

Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not doing the "work of God."

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

 

Page 14: "It is difficult to describe the joy and satisfaction we have, working among these interesting people," explains the husband. "We really feel involved with the fulfillment of Revelation 14:6, 7, declaring glad tidings 'to every nation and tribe and tongue.' There are few frontiers left where the good news has not yet penetrated, and this is certainly one of them.

Note: Red China a country of 1.3 billion people has no publishers! Watchtower 1-1-2000.

 

Page 14: "We have almost more Bible studies than we can handle." Clearly, this couple hope to save not only themselves but also those who listen to them. As Christians, do we not all hope to do the same?

Answer: True Christians recognize that only God can save people eternally.

Ephesians 2:8-9 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.

 

Page 14: The apostle Paul counseled Timothy, "Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching," and this applies to all Christians. (1 Timothy 4:16)

Note: True Christians are saved by Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

 

Pages 14-15: Indeed, to help others gain salvation, we must first pay attention to ourselves. How can we do this? For one thing, we must stay alert to the times in which we live.

Correction: True Christians will pay attention to Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 15: Jesus gave a composite sign so that his followers would know when "the conclusion of the system of things" had arrived. Yet, Jesus also said that we would not know precisely when the end would come. (Matthew 24:3, 36) How should we react to that fact?

Answer: True Christians will not be concerned about the end but will be Jesus Witnesses.

Acts 1:7-8 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 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 15: Each of us might ask, 'Am I using whatever time remains for this system to save myself and those who listen to me?'

Correction: True Christians put their sincere belief in Jesus Christ for everlasting life.

1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

 

Page 15: Surely this is not the time to lose our enthusiasm for Jehovah's service or to look to the world for security or satisfaction. - Luke 21:34-36.

Note: True Christians will be serving Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

 

Page 15: Another way that we can show that we are paying attention to ourselves is by faithfully enduring as Christians.

Note: True Christians will endure by suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.

John 15:21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me."

 

Page 16: In fact, as late as 98 C.E., the apostle John wrote: "The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - 1 John 2:17, 28.

Note: True Christians will be confessing Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

 

Page 16: In modern times Jehovah's Witnesses have also persevered in the Christian work, even though they have experienced vicious persecution. Has their endurance been in vain?

Answer: Yes! They have not been suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.

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 16: In the resurrection, Jehovah will remember and reward all his faithful servants who have died. - Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 6:10.

Note: True Christians will abide in the doctrine of Christ not of the Watch Tower.

2 John 1:8-9 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

 

Page 16: Our assignment includes not only preaching but also teaching. Jesus commissioned us to teach people to observe all the things he commanded. True, in some territories, few seem to want to learn about Jehovah.

Note: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

 

Page 17: An important purpose of conducting a Bible study is to help the student become a teacher. (Galatians 6:6).

Correction: True Christians will not all be teachers.

James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

 

Page 17: The primary goal of every Christian teacher is to help the student to gain Jehovah's friendship.

Note: True Christian teachers will tell people about the friendship of Jesus Christ.

John 15:14-15 "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."

 

Page 17: You want the student to serve Jehovah not merely because he does not want to be destroyed at Armageddon but because he loves him.

Note: True Christians will be in love with Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:22-24 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

Page 17: You can also help the student to grow closer to Jehovah by teaching him to pray from the heart. How can you do this?

Answer: True Christians will pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

John 16:23-24 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

 

Page 18: Among those whom we want to save, of course, are our family members.

Correction: True Christians realize that only Jesus Christ can save people.

1 John 2:12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.

 

Page 18: Many of these young people leave the Christian way when they approach or enter adulthood. If you are a parent, what can you do to make such an outcome less likely?

Answer: Tell your children about Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God."

Note: Have you told your children about the Savior of the world?

 

Page 19: Is Jehovah real to them? You can find the answers to these and other vital questions only if you personally study with your children. - 2 Timothy 1:5

Note: Jesus Christ will be real to true Christians.

2 Timothy 1:9-10 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the good news,

 

Page 19: One day soon, at just the right time, Jesus will come to execute God's judgment on this system. That great event will then pass into universal history, but Jehovah's faithful servants will keep right on serving him with eternal salvation in view.

Correction: True Christians are saved by the recognition of the death of Jesus for their sins.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

 

Page 19: Do you hope to be among them, along with your children and Bible students? Then remember: "Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you." - 1 Timothy 4:16.

Note: True Christians salvation is validated by their message.

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.

 

Page 26: When the ark of the covenant, representing Jehovah's presence, arrived at Jerusalem, David arranged for some of the Levites "to call to remembrance and to thank and praise Jehovah." They accompanied their vocal praise "with instruments of the string type and with harps, ... with the cymbals playing aloud, ... with the trumpets."

Note: None of these instruments are played at the local kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

 

Pages 26-27: The superscriptions to the psalms indicate the widespread use of musical instruments. Psalm 150 makes mention of the horn, harp, tambourine, pipe, and cymbals, in addition to strings.

Note: None of these instruments are played at the local kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

 

Page 27: More than that, their resolve to remain faithful servants of the Supreme Sovereign of the universe, Jehovah, must have deepened as they five times sang the refrain "for his loving - kindness is to time indefinite." - Psalm 118:1-4, 29.

Note: This was the Psalm sung to Jesus Christ by the great crowd upon His entry to Jerusalem.

Psalm 118:26-29 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

 

Page 27: The early Christians of Ephesus and Colossae sang "psalms and praises to God" (literally, "hymns"). To these they added "spiritual songs" that were sung in their hearts.

Note: A song of praise will be sung to Jesus Christ in heaven.

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth."

Note: A song of praise will be sung to the Father and the Son in heaven.

Revelation 5:13 I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"

 

Page 27: Pagan fertility rites, the doctrine of the immortality of the human soul, and the veneration of Mary as "mother of God" are often featured as themes of musical compositions. Yet, these beliefs and practices dishonor the God of truth, for they are contrary to what is revealed in his inspired Word, the Bible. - Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Ezekiel 18:4; Luke 1:35, 38.

Note: Jesus Christ is the God of truth.

John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

 

Page 28: Her time for concert performances decreased as she engaged in the Christian ministry of preaching the good news of God's Kingdom in obedience to Jesus' instructions.

Correction: The good news of the kingdom of God is about Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

 

Page 29: The 19th-century American preacher Henry Ward Beecher said: "The Bible is God's chart for you to steer by, to keep you from the bottom of the sea, and to show you where the harbor is, and how to reach it without running on rocks or bars."

Note: Henry Ward Beecher was a Trinitarian.

In 1847, after serving as pastor to Presbyterian congregations in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and Indianapolis, Ind., he became the pastor of the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn, N.Y. He held this post for the rest of his life and became one of the most famous pulpit orators and lecturers in American history. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 3, page 381.

 

Page 29: The Bible's contents originate with the very Source of life, Jehovah God. (Psalm 36:9)

Note: Jesus Christ is the source of eternal life and spiritual light.

Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

John 8:12 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."

John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

Backcover: The apostle Paul was another person who remained loyal to Jehovah. The record of his ministry as found in the Christian Greek Scriptures bears eloquent testimony to Paul's constancy in rendering whole-souled service to God. Toward the end of his earthly life, Paul could say of himself: "I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Note: The apostle Paul remained loyal to Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,

2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

 

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