WATCHTOWER - OCTOBER 1, 2000

 

Page 3: Followers of the Pure Land sects of Buddhism in China and Japan believe that by endlessly reciting "Amitabha," the name of the Buddha of Unlimited Light, they will be reborn in the Pure Land, or Western Paradise, where they will live in supreme happiness.

Note: The Pure Land sect of Buddhism is identified as heathens by Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:7 "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words."

 

Page 3: Interestingly, the Bible, the most widely translated and distributed holy book in the world, does not present the earth as a place to escape from, a stepping-stone of sorts. For instance, it states: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it." (Psalm 37:29) In the Bible is also found Jesus' famous statement: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5, King James Version.

Correction: You do not want to be on the earth during the Day of the LORD.

Luke 21:34-36 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

 

Page 3: Nonetheless, because life on earth is fraught with evil and suffering, heaven is still viewed by many as the only place to find true peace and happiness. Is heaven simply a place of blissful peace, totally immune from evil and disharmony? And is a Hereafter to be only in some heavenly realm? You may be surprised at the Bible's answers.

Note: The Watch Tower does not want anyone to have rewards in the Hereafter.

Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

 

Page 4: But what about heaven, or the spirit realm, where many people hope to go after they die? Has it always been a place of blissful peace and tranquillity, without disturbance of any kind, as is commonly supposed?

Note: The Watchtower does not want anyone to have joy in the Hereafter.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

 

Page 4: These fallen angels were not evicted from heaven immediately. Rather, their access was tolerated - apparently with certain restrictions - for thousands of years. However, when God's toleration of these evildoers ended, they were "hurled" out of heaven, ultimately to be destroyed. A voice in heaven then said: "On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!" (Revelation 12:7-12) Evidently, the faithful angels rejoiced greatly that, at last, the heavens were rid of those vile troublemakers!

Correction: You do not want to be on the earth during the Day of the LORD.

Revelation 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."

 

Page 4: Considering these generally unknown details, it is apparent that there can be no true peace whenever intelligent creatures disregard God's laws and principles. (Isaiah 57:20, 21; Jeremiah 14:19, 20) On the other hand, when all obey God's law, peace and tranquillity prevail.

Correction: The Watch Tower wants people to remain faithless.

Galatians 3:24-26 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 4: So if all humans loved and obeyed God and loved one another, would not the earth be a truly delightful, happy abode? The Bible answers yes!

Note: True love must be centered upon Jesus Christ.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

 

Page 5: Just as he purged the heavens of wicked spirits, so he will rid the earth of all wicked people, as the following Bible passages show: "Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth." - Psalm 37:9.

Note: True Christians will 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 5: "It is righteous on God's part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength." - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9.

Note: The Watch Tower has placed Jehovah's Witnesses under a curse of God.

Galatians 1:8 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.

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

 

Page 5: Our main reason for confidence that evil will not arise again is that the earth will no longer be ruled by humans as it was soon after the Flood. Rather, it will be ruled by the Kingdom of God.

Correction: Jesus Christ will rule the earth after the Day of the LORD.

Revelation 19:15 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.

 

Page 5: Ruling from heaven, this Kingdom will be earth's sole government. (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14) It will act quickly against anyone who attempts to reintroduce evil. (Isaiah 65:20)

Correction: Jesus Christ will rule the earth after the Day of the LORD.

Daniel 7:14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.

 

Page 5: In fact, it will eventually destroy the very originator of wickedness - Satan the Devil - along with the demons, the wicked angels that followed him. - Romans 16:20.

Correction: God is not the kingdom of God.

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

Page 5: More important, the Kingdom will educate its subjects in a peaceful way of life while at the same time raising them to the very pinnacle of human perfection. (John 17:3; Romans 8:21)

Correction: True Christians will be perfected in a moment of time at the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

Page 5: Thereafter, humankind will no longer have to struggle with weaknesses and sinful tendencies, making perfect obedience to God both possible and delightful, as it was in the case of the perfect man Jesus. (Isaiah 11:3)

Correction: Jesus Christ was more that just a perfect man.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

Page 5: In fact, Jesus remained loyal to God even in the face of great temptation and torture - things that will be utterly foreign to life in Paradise. - Hebrews 7:26.

Note: True Christians will be loyal to Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

 

Page 6: To begin with, the Bible states that only a limited number of faithful Christians-namely, 144,000 of them-are raised as spirit creatures to live in heaven.

Correction: The "great crowd" of saved humans will be in heaven.

Revelations 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!"

 

Page 6: Why are they given this wonderful reward? Because they make up the group that John saw in a vision who "came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years."

Correction: The 144,000 will be on the earth during the outpouring of the wrath of God.

Revelation 7:2-4 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

 

Page 6: Compared with the billions on earth, the 144,000 truly are a "little flock." (Luke 12:32).

Correction: During the second half of Jesus' ministry, many disciples turned away.

John 6:66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

 

Page 6: By providing the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God began gathering the 144,000 almost 2,000 years ago, and indications are that this group is now complete.

Correction: The 144,000 will not be gathered until after the start of the great tribulation.

Revelation 7:1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.

Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

 

Page 6: However, Jesus' sacrifice was not for the sins of the 144,000 only, "but also for the whole world's." (1 John 2:2) Hence, all who exercise faith in Jesus have the prospect of eternal life. (John 3:16)

Note: Are you exercising faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?

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.

 

Page 6: Those asleep in the grave but who are in God's memory will be resurrected, not to heaven, but to life on a cleansed earth. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11-13, 25; Acts 24:15)

Correction: The apostle Paul disagrees with Babylon Watchtower.

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 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 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 6: Revelation 21:1-4 answers, saying: "Look! The tent of God is with mankind ... And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Imagine-humans being released from death, and the pain and outcry it causes gone forever! At last, Jehovah's original purpose for the earth and humankind will reach its glorious fulfillment. - Genesis 1:27, 28.

Note: Heaven and earth will be united and ruled by God.

Revelation 21:2-3 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God."

 

Page 6: Adam and Eve were never given the option of going to heaven. Their choice was either to obey God and live eternally on a paradise earth or to disobey him and die. Sadly, they chose disobedience and therefore returned to the "dust" of the ground. (Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:2-5, 19)

Correction: Watch Tower assumptions are erroneous in light of the Messianic promise.

Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."

 

Page 6: It was never God's purpose for the human family in general to die and to populate heaven via the grave. God created myriads of angels to live in heaven; these spirit creatures are not humans who are deceased and who have been resurrected to life in heaven.

Correction: True Christians will collect rewards from God in heaven after death.

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

 

Page 6: What must we do to receive the blessing of living forever in Paradise on earth? A first step is to study God's Word, the Holy Bible. "This means everlasting life," Jesus said in prayer, "their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." - John 17:3.

Correction: The Watch Tower has switched a noun for a verb in its New World translation.

John 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

Note: Do you personally know Jesus Christ?

John 8:19 Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."

 

Page 6: Putting that knowledge into practice is another step to everlasting happiness in Paradise.

Correction: Sincerely asking Jesus Christ to come into your life is the only step.

John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

Page 8: To a supreme degree, this is true of Bible reading. Said the inspired psalmist: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice."

Note: The Watch Tower wants to put people back under Old Testament law.

Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

 

Page 8: As the Bible's Author, Jehovah God has preserved it through centuries of virulent opposition from its enemies, both religious and secular. Since it is his will that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth," he has seen to it that his Word is made available to all humankind. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Note: Jesus Christ is the truth.

1 Timothy 2:7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle; I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying; a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

 

Pages 8-9: Do not Christian overseers today need to fear Jehovah, obey his laws, refrain from exalting themselves above their brothers, and avoid deviating from Jehovah's commandments? Daily Bible reading is surely no less important for them than it was for the kings of Israel.

Note: The Watch Tower implies that Jehovah's Witness overseers are godless men.

1 Tim 1:9-10 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

 

Page 9: Yet, a recent letter from the Governing Body to all Branch Committees emphasized the need for daily Bible reading and good study habits. This, the letter pointed out, will increase our love for Jehovah and for the truth, and it "will help us to maintain our faith, joy, and perseverance down to the glorious end."

Correction: The end or the world will not be glorious.

Amos 5:18 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light.

 

Page 9: All elders in congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses feel the same need. Daily reading of the Scriptures will help them to "act wisely." (Joshua 1:7, 8) For them, in particular, Bible reading is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

-2 Timothy 3:16, Revised Standard Version.

Note: For reproof, salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ not your works.

2 Timothy 3:15 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 9: Today, millions of Jehovah's servants are like those "alien residents" in a spiritual sense. At one time, they were living according to the world's standards, but they have transformed their lives. (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:7, 8)

Note: True Christians have been transformed by the truth of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:20-21 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:

 

Page 9: They constantly need to remind themselves of Jehovah's standards of good and bad. (Amos 5:14, 15) Daily reading of God's Word helps them to do this.-Hebrews 4:12; James 1:25.

Correction: True Christians have entered the rest of God and are not relying on their works.

Hebrews 4:9-10 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

 

Page 10: Living under the Law, Jesus at the early age of 12 showed a keen interest in understanding his Father's laws. (Luke 2:41-49) Later, it was his custom to listen to and participate in Scripture reading in the synagogue. (Luke 4:16; Acts 15:21)

Correction: Jesus Christ did not need to learn the law as He is the Word of God.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Page 10: Young ones today would do well to follow Jesus' example by reading God's Word daily and by regularly attending meetings where the Bible is read and studied.

Correction: You cannot follow the example since He fulfilled the Old Testament law.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."

 

Page 10: Wise King Solomon wrote: "Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books published today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind.

Note: Reading the many books of the Watch Tower will lead to mind control for a person.

WHY I LEFT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, Ted Dencher, pages 21-22: I soon found that no individual study or research was allowed, but one's knowledge must be limited by what the Watch Tower organization permits him to have. A person could not think beyond that. He could arrive at no conclusions that the Watchtower literature had not already arrived at! In this way all private thought was discouraged, and the member soon became an automation.

 

Page 11: Remember what Moses wrote-and Jesus repeated-that "man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3) Just as we need to eat bread or its equivalent every day of our lives in order to sustain our physical body, we likewise need to absorb Jehovah's thoughts daily to maintain our spirituality. We can have access to God's thoughts each day by reading the Scriptures.

Note: Are you feasting on the "Word of God" who is also the "living bread"?

John 6:51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

 

Page 11: Paul, on the other hand, uses the need for milk to illustrate the poor feeding habits on the part of some who claim to be spiritual adults. In his letter to Hebrew Christians, Paul wrote: "Although you ought to be teachers in view of the time, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God; and you have become such as need milk, not solid food. For everyone that partakes of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong." (Hebrews 5:12-14) Attentive Bible reading can do much to develop our perceptive powers and to stimulate our appetite for spiritual things.

Note: Don't choke on Watch Tower theology since it is not centered on Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

 

Page 12: So before opening your Bible, ask Jehovah to help you recognize points in your reading that need to be applied in your personal life. Associate new things learned with previous knowledge. Fit them into "the pattern of healthful words" you have come to recognize.

Note: Have you recognized "the pattern of healthful words" centered upon Jesus Christ?

2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

 

Page 12: Wise King Solomon wrote: "Happy is the man that has found wisdom ... Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy." (Proverbs 3:13, 17, 18) The effort needed to acquire wisdom is truly worthwhile, for its ways are ways of pleasantness, peace, happiness, and finally, life.

Note: Have you found 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 12: Christendom's church members have been reading the Bible for centuries, "always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (2 Timothy 3:7)

Note: The Watch Tower has missed the truth.

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 14: Jehovah's laws and reminders revive our soul, enhance our spiritual well-being, bring us inward joy, and make our eyes shine with a clear vision of Jehovah's wonderful purposes.

Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are foolish spiritually.

Galatians 3:1-2 O foolish Galatians (Jehovah's Witnesses)! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 

Page 14: Yes, our love for Jehovah's Word should come from our heart, the seat of emotion. We should take pleasure in lingering over certain passages that we have just read.

Note: Do you love Jesus Christ?

Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

 

Pages 14-15: Like Ezra, we need to prepare our hearts for the reading and study of God's Word. Of him it is written: "Erza himself had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it and to teach in Israel regulation and justice." (Ezra 7:10) Note the triple purpose of Ezra's preparing his heart: to study, to make personal application, and to teach. We should follow his example.

Note: The Watch Tower will not tell you the end result of the teaching ... animal sacrifice.

Ezra 9:4-5 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me, because of the transgression of those who had been carried away captive, and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.

Note: Have you repented and recognized Jesus Christ as your personal Lamb of God?

 

Page 15: The psalmist states that he showed concern for Jehovah's laws, commandments, and reminders. He sings: "With your orders I will concern myself, and I will look to your paths. ... I shall raise my palms to your commandments that I have loved, and I will concern myself with your regulations. How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern. More insight than all my teachers I have come to have, because your reminders are a concern to me." (Psalm 119:15, 48, 97, 99) What is implied by 'concerning oneself' with Jehovah's Word?

Answer: In the context of Psalm 119 it is to keep the Old Testament law through sacrifices.

Psalms 118:27-29 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.

Note: Have you repented and recognized Jesus Christ as your personal Lamb of God?

 

Page 15: And the apostle Paul spoke of "the deep things of God," profound thoughts that Jehovah reveals to his people "through his spirit" operating on the faithful and discreet slave class. (1 Corinthians 2:10; Matthew 24:45) The slave class diligently provides spiritual nourishment for all - "milk" for new ones but "solid food" for "mature people."

Correction: Mature Christians will be focused on Jesus Christ edifying everyone in love.

Ephesians 4:15-16 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Correction: Mature Christians will be taught by the Holy Spirit not by a New York corporation.

John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

 

Page 15: To comprehend such "deep things of God," it is necessary to study prayerfully and reflect on his Word. For example, fine material has been published that shows how Jehovah can at once be just and merciful. His exercising of mercy is not a watering down of his justice; rather, divine mercy is an expression of God's justice as well as his love.

Note: Mature Christians are looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

 

Page 15: When judging a sinner, Jehovah first determines whether it is possible to show mercy on the basis of his Son's ransom sacrifice. If the sinner is unrepentant or rebellious, God allows justice to take its course without unwarranted mercy. Either way, he is faithful to his elevated principles. (Romans 3:21-26) 'O the depth of God's wisdom!' - Romans 11:33.

Note: You cannot be saved by the law!

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.

Note: Have you been eternally saved by the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ?

Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Page 16: Many incomparable study tools are also available to us. Foremost among these is the New World Translation of the Bible, now available in whole or in part in 37 languages. The standard edition of the New World Translation is equipped with cross-references and a "Table of the Books of the Bible" that provides the name of the writer, the place written, and the time period covered.

Note: The New World Translation is a mistranslation of the Word of God.

Dr. Julius R. Mantey: The translation suggested in our Grammar for the disputed passage is, "the Word was deity." Moffatt's rendering is "the Word was divine." William's translation is, "the Word was God Himself." Each translation reflects the dominant idea in the Greek. For, whenever an article does not precede a noun in Greek, that noun can either be considered as emphasizing the character, nature, essence or quality of a person or thing, as theos (God) does in John 1:1, or it can be translated in certain contexts as indefinite, as they have done. But of all the scholars in the world, as far as we know, none have translated this verse as Jehovah's Witnesses have. Portion of letter dated 2/25/83 written to the Watch Tower.

 

Page 17: Jehovah has provided all these tools by means of "the faithful and discreet slave" to enable his servants on earth to 'seek and find the very knowledge of God.' (Proverbs 2:4, 5)

Note: Have you found Jesus Christ?

John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote; Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

 

Page 17: Good study habits enable us to come to a better knowledge of Jehovah and to enjoy a closer relationship with him. (Psalm 63:1-8)

Note: True Christians enjoy a close relationship with the Father by way of the Son.

John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

 

Page 18: In view of the times we live in, all of us need to take heed of the apostle Paul's words: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is." (Ephesians 5:15-17) Of course, this counsel covers all features of our lives as dedicated Christians, including finding time for prayer, study, meetings, and sharing as fully as possible in preaching the "good news of the kingdom." - Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Note: Mature Christians are filled with the Spirit resulting in godly edification of others.

Ephesians 5:18-21 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

 

Page 19: As Jehovah's dedicated servants, we have "plenty to do in the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) For this reason, Paul instructed Christians in Philippi to "make sure of the more important things." (Philippians 1:10) This means that priorities have to be set.

Note: Mature Christians have put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ through sincere faith.

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

 

Page 21: In Luke's Gospel, we read Jesus' words: "Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?" (Luke 12:42) For over 120 years now, spiritual "food supplies at the proper time" have been provided in The Watchtower, as well as in other Bible-based books and publications.

Note: The Watch Tower is not looking for the physical return of Jesus Christ.

Luke 12:40 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Luke 12:43 "Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes."

 

Page 21: Note the expression "at the proper time." At the right moment, our "Grand Instructor," Jehovah, by means of his Son and the slave class, has guided his people in matters of doctrine and conduct.

Correction: True Christians are led by the Holy Spirit not the "slave class" of the Watch Tower.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 

Page 22: Poor spiritual feeding habits have caused some to become weak in the faith - even to fall away. - 1 Timothy 1:19; 4:15, 16.

Note: Strong Christians rely on Jesus Christ for eternal life through sincere belief.

1 Tim 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 22: Just as a good cook prepares the same basic ingredients in many tasty ways, the slave class provides nourishing spiritual food in a wide variety of ways. Even in articles that cover subjects that have frequently been commented on before, there are finer points that we would not want to miss.

Correction: God does not recognize the Watch Tower slave class.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

 

Page 22: The more we read and study the Bible, the more our minds will be filled with God's thoughts. Then, like Paul, we will be able to 'reason with people from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references' the wonderful truth of Jehovah's purposes. (Acts 17:2, 3)

Note: True Christians will preach Jesus Christ not a paradise earth.

Acts 17:2-3 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

 

Page 22: When we apply the knowledge we gain from reading and studying the Bible, we enjoy a free flow of God's spirit in our life, resulting in a greater abundance of the fruitage of the spirit in all that we do. - Galatians 5:22, 23.

Note: Having "a free flow" of the Holy Spirit result in a person being a Jesus Witness.

John 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."

 

Pages 22-23: Paul prayed that his fellow Christians might "be filled with the accurate knowledge of (God's) will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him." (Colossians 1:9, 10) Likewise, for us "to walk worthily of Jehovah," we must be "filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension."

Note: The will of God is for you to have Jesus Christ "first place" in your life.

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 23: This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) That is one of the scriptures most widely used by Jehovah's Witnesses to help others appreciate the importance of studying God's Word.

Note: True Christians will know that Jehovah does not share His glory by studying God's Word.

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.

John 17:5 "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was."

 

Page 23: Our very hope of living forever is contingent on our growing in knowledge of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. And just think what that means. There will never be an end to our learning more about Jehovah - and there will be an eternity in which to learn about him!

Correction: The Christian hope is based upon the sincere belief and confession of Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:8-10 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. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

Page 28: My first effort to read the Bible through was in 1944, after receiving my personal copy of the American Standard Version, released in a special edition at the Buffalo, New York, convention. How thrilled I was to read this translation in which God's name, Jehovah, had been restored to its proper place nearly 7,000 times in the "Old Testament"!

Note: True Christians will do everything in 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 the Father through Him.

 

Backcover: Those to whom Jesus Christ has entrusted "all his belongings" are described in God's Word as "faith and discreet." (Matthew 24:45-47) They do not immodestly run ahead of Jehovah on an impulsive whim; nor do they lag behind when God's direction in a matter is clear. They know when it is time to speak and when it is time to wait silently for further clarification. All Christians do well not only to imitate their faith but also to prove themselves discreet, as the slave class does. - Hebrews 13:7.

Correction: Discreet Christians are not given over to doctrinal changes like the Watch Tower.

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

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