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Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 6
Declare the Everlasting Good News
(Revelation 14:6-8)
1. Around the earth with urgency God’s angel flies
With everlasting good news, high amid the skies.
He says: ‘Give glory and fear him upon the throne.
Yes, worship God Jehovah and serve him alone.
For now has come the Most High’s awesome judgment hour;
Soon all the wicked ones will feel his mighty pow’r.’
Accordingly, God’s Kingdom preachers must not fear
But speak out boldly this good news both far and near.
2. And then what does a second angel loud declare
That we, Jehovah’s Witnesses, therein may share?
He tells about the fall of Babylon the Great,
That soon destruction by our God will be her fate.
And so Jehovah God commands that we proclaim
His vengeance and the vindication of his name.
The field in which we preach and teach is great indeed;
But God’s own angel in midheaven takes the lead.
3. The Son of man with all his angels in array
Begins his work of judging nations in this day.
Hate what is bad. Apply the good, you faithful sheep.
Fear God alone, and his commandments fully keep.
The obligation laid upon us by our Lord
Is, ‘Preach the good news, teach the whole truth of God’s Word.’
As ministers, we do exhort courageously,
“Come, worship God Jehovah; serve him joyfully.” |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Chapter 15
Many Nations Go to the City of Divine Favor
1. For the would-be fasters, what was the good news from Jehovah through Zechariah?
HERE IS the good news—for the would-be fasters of almost twenty-five centuries ago, and for those of today: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth month, and the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will become for the house of Judah an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons.’”—Zechariah 8:19.
2. Such a change in attitude called for what other change in the background, as in David’s case according to Psalm 30:1, 11?
2 Such a change meant indeed a change in the mental attitude of the members of the restored “house of Judah” away back there in the sixth century B.C.E.—and of us today! As a background for such a radical change in viewpoint and conduct, there had to be a great change in the set of circumstances that are involved. Also, since it was predicted and thus decreed by their God, there had to be a merciful expression of divine favor toward them. It was just as King David, who captured Mount Zion and Jerusalem, stated matters in his own case: “I shall exalt you, O Jehovah, for you have drawn me up and you have not let my enemies rejoice over me. You have changed my mourning into dancing for me; you have loosened my sackcloth, and you keep me girded with rejoicing.”—Psalm 30:1, 11.
3. This change in the set of circumstances would come about because of what feeling on Jehovah’s part toward his worshipers and toward their enemies?
3 How this was to come about was told to the prophet Zechariah, just after the question of fasting by the restored Jews had come up. On this we read Jehovah’s first statement of a series in Zechariah’s account: “And the word of Jehovah of armies continued to occur, saying: ‘This is what Jehovah of armies has said, “I will be jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and with great rage I will be jealous for her.”’” (Zechariah 8:1, 2) Jehovah’s feelings in this regard would be like those of a man whose wife had been abused, outraged, by his enemies. Since he had not rejected Mount Zion (or, Jerusalem) in complete abandonment of her, he would be very zealous, earnestly active in recovering her from the disgraced state into which she had been brought before the eyes of the world. He would be very vigilant in safeguarding her interests and demonstrating that she had been reinstated in his favor. Whereas this meant divine favor to her, it meant rage against those who had disgraced her and those who were trying to hinder her complete recovery, especially as a worshiper of Jehovah. His zeal for this would equal in degree his rage upon his enemies.
4. Had Jehovah by that time fully returned to Jerusalem, and when was such a full return possible for Him?
4 For seventy years, while the deported Jews were exiles in Babylon, the city of Jerusalem and the land of Judah had lain desolate, without man or domestic animal. In 537 B.C.E. Jehovah of armies proved true to his word and brought back to their homeland the repentant remnant. But in a sense Jehovah had not then fully returned to Mount Zion or Jerusalem. He had brought them back to build a second temple for his worship at Jerusalem. For sixteen years they had permitted the enemies to suppress the building of that holy house of worship, and now, when Jehovah here spoke by his prophet Zechariah, the temple was still not completed or inaugurated into divine service. So, not until that temple had its culminating feature, its headstone, put in place and was inaugurated by his priests, yes, not until then would Jehovah have fully returned to the holy city. First then would he be taking up residence in her by taking up residence in the Most Holy of the finished temple, by His spirit.
5. According to Jehovah’s declaration, what was Jerusalem yet to be called as a city, and also Jehovah’s mountain?
5 Hence now comes the second divine promise introduced by the declaration “This is what Jehovah [of armies] has said,” as a formal introduction: “This is what Jehovah has said, ‘I will return to Zion and reside in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem will certainly be called the city of trueness, and the mountain of Jehovah of armies, the holy mountain.’”—Zechariah 8:3.
6. Why was Jerusalem’s mountainous elevation to be called “the holy mountain,” and she herself called “the city of trueness”?
6 The completed temple would sanctify the mountainous height of Jerusalem, and this elevation would consequently be called “the holy mountain.” Because Jerusalem as the provincial capital of Judah had thus proved true to her commitment to the worship of Jehovah and had put the interests of his pure worship first and ahead of all else, Jerusalem would be correctly called “the city of trueness.” The true worship would be practiced in her. The truths of the pure and undefiled worship of the true God would be spoken in her. Her mountainous location would be called “the mountain of Jehovah.” How much this promise of God means to us today!
7. According to Jehovah’s third promise, what was to indicate the life expectancy of Jerusalem’s people, and what was to mark her public squares?
7 But that was not all, for now comes a third promise of divine favor: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘There will yet sit old men and old women in the public squares of Jerusalem, each one also with his staff in his hand because of the abundance of his days. And the public squares of the city themselves will be filled with boys and girls playing in her public squares.’”—Zechariah 8:4, 5.
8. That prophetic picture borders on the fulfillment of what prophecy in chapter sixty-five of Isaiah?
8 What a delightful picture this is of good physical health and peace and security and of a good population growth, unmarred by the sorrowful early death of infants! It borders on the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy as delivered more than one hundred and twenty-five years before the seventy-year-long desolation of Jerusalem and the land of Judah without man and domestic animal:
“For here I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart. But exult, you people, and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For here I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joyfulness and her people a cause for exultation. And I will be joyful in Jerusalem and exult in my people; and no more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or the sound of a plaintive cry.
“No more will there come to be a suckling a few days old from that place, neither an old man that does not fulfill his days; for one will die as a mere boy, although a hundred years of age; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age he will have evil called down upon him. And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full. They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance; because they are the offspring made up of the chosen ones of Jehovah, and their descendants with them.”—Isaiah 65:17-23.
9. How does the spiritual estate on earth of Jehovah’s worshipers compare with the worldly nations as to peace and security today?
9 In these days, since the faithful remnant of spiritual Israel was restored to its God-given spiritual estate in the year 1919 C.E., what do we find? The political nations of the earth are putting on a show of trying to maintain world peace and security by means of the United Nations with now a membership of 132 member countries, but there is little security anywhere on earth. Also, the peace of all mankind is constantly under threat of nuclear warfare by the superpowers of the nations, democratic and communistic. However, within the spiritual estate of Jehovah’s worshipers there are to be found blessed peace and security. Even though the spiritual remnant has been joined, particularly since 1935 C.E., by a “great crowd” of dedicated, baptized disciples of Christ from “all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues,” yet there is no international rivalry or tension or conflict among them. Instead, brotherly love, the fruitage of God’s spirit, prevails among them.
10. How can we see a fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise in Zechariah 8:4, 5 in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense?
10 Since the end of World War I in 1918 till now it has been well over fifty years, and yet a number of the original remnant that survived the afflictions of that trialsome period have lived on, yes, even through World War II. By now they have literally grown old physically, yes, some even using a staff or cane when walking, because of the ‘abundance of their days.’ And many of these have raised up children, rearing them in the worship of the one living and true God. But, when we look for a spiritual fulfillment of this charming prophecy, we can see how the ‘old men and women sitting in the public squares of Jerusalem’ picture the members of the remnant of spiritual Israel who passed through the persecutions and disciplining of the first world war. The “boys and girls playing in her public squares” picture those members of that remnant whom Jehovah of armies added to the spiritual remnant from the postwar year of 1919 and onward. Together both old and young grow spiritually in faith, hope and love while enjoying together the peace and security of their spiritual estate.
11. Back there, what did it require to expect fulfillment of such a prophecy, and so what did Jehovah’s fourth declaration say?
11 At first it took tremendous faith to believe that such things would take place, and accordingly it took faith to hold fast to the newly restored organization of Jehovah’s worshipers. God showed that he realized how his people felt about the matter, when he made his fourth statement of promise, saying to his repatriated remnant: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Although it should seem too difficult in the eyes of the remaining ones of this people in those days, should it seem too difficult also in my eyes?’ is the utterance of Jehovah of armies.”—Zechariah 8:6.
12. How did Jehovah aid the surviving remnant as to organization and discernment of issues, and according to today’s realities was fulfillment of the promise too hard for Jehovah?
12 At the beginning of the work in 1919 C.E. to restore and to expand the pure and undefiled worship of Jehovah of armies, it was indeed difficult for the restored remnant to discern and appreciate all the marvelous things that Jehovah purposed to accomplish toward them and through them during this “conclusion of the system of things,” this “time of the end.” But patiently, little by little he corrected their understanding of the prophecies and their attitude toward theocratic organization. He directed them and protected them in the Christian work that was to be done in this most momentous time. He helped them to discern the issues that confronted a Christian worshiper of Jehovah amid the international struggle for domination of the world. More than that, he helped them to take the Biblical stand on such issues so as to abide in His favor. A half century ago what we now see accomplished within and by means of His theocratic organization seemed too difficult of realization in the eyes of the small remnant of spiritual Israel. But did it prove to be too difficult for Jehovah of armies? Today’s realities say No!
13. In contrast with loss of membership for Babylon the Great, what did Jehovah say in his fifth promise?
13 As we examine the facts of today when the multitudinous religious systems of Babylon the Great are losing members to the attractions of this modern world, we note that God has irresistibly carried out his fifth utterance of promise: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Here I am saving my people from the land of the sunrise and from the land of the setting of the sun. And I shall certainly bring them in, and they must reside in the midst of Jerusalem; and they must become my people, and I myself shall become their God in trueness and in righteousness.’”—Zechariah 8:7, 8.
14. According to promise, to where has Jehovah gathered those of the spiritual remnant, and into what?
14 In obedience to the divine commands through Jesus Christ, the restored remnant of spiritual Israelites has proclaimed the good news of God’s Messianic kingdom in all the inhabited earth and for a witness to all the nations. They have endeavored to make disciples of Christ from people of all the nations, baptizing them in water according to Christ’s own example and teaching these disciples what Christ commanded as the one to whom Jehovah God had given all necessary power in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20) From the Far East and from the Far West the final members of the “holy nation” of spiritual Israel have been gathered, under angelic guidance. But not to the earthly Jerusalem that stands as the capital of the Republic of Israel. To where, then? To the God-given spiritual estate of the “Israel of God” on earth, and into a unity of theocratic organization and a unity of activity and of pure worship of Jehovah at His spiritual temple.—Galatians 6:15, 16.
SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY TO BE NOTICED BY NATIONS
15, 16. (a) In proof that they have become his people and He their God, what does he do? (b) According to Jehovah’s sixth declaration, what had been the economic condition and social state of the restored remnant?
15 The real God proves just who are his accepted people by the way he favors them in the fulfillment of his prophetic promises. He proves that He, the Bible God, has become their God by showing trueness to his prophecies and to his covenant with them and by doing what is righteous for their sakes. Yes, he counts them as righteous in His sight, forgiving them through the ransom sacrifice of His High Priest, Jesus the Messiah. In harmony with this, He favors his restored remnant with spiritual prosperity to such an extent that peoples of the nations take notice of it and speak of it as a fine example of blessedness. So in God’s sixth statement of promise, he tells of a change of action on his part:
16 “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Let the hands of you people be strong, you who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, on the day on which the foundation of the house of Jehovah of armies was laid, for the temple to be built. For before those days there were no wages for mankind made to exist; and as for the wages of domestic animals, there was no such thing; and to the one going out and to the one coming in there was no peace because of the adversary, as I kept thrusting all mankind against one another.’
17. What change of conditions would now take place, and therefore how would the nations change their speech about the restored remnant?
17 “‘And now I shall not be as in the former days to the remaining ones of this people,’ is the utterance of Jehovah of armies. ‘For there will be the seed of peace; the vine itself will give its fruitage, and the earth itself will give its yield, and the heavens themselves will give their dew; and I shall certainly cause the remaining ones of this people to inherit all these things. And it must occur that just as you became a malediction among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I shall save you, and you must become a blessing. Do not be afraid. May your hands be strong.’”—Zechariah 8:9-13.
18. Why would it have been inconsistent for Jehovah to bless the restored remnant while they were letting the temple work go unfinished for fear of men?
18 These divine words remind us that the temple of Jerusalem was not yet finished at Jerusalem. About two years before this, work had been resumed at the foundation of the temple by the remnant from all the tribes of Israel, from the “house of Judah and house of Israel.” Such work had been taken up anew under the stimulation and encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. (Haggai 2:10-19; Zechariah 1:1-7; Ezra 4:23 to 5:2) Up till that time the temple work had lain dormant for about sixteen years. If Jehovah had blessed them and prospered them materially during all those years of neglect of his temple, it would have appeared that it did not matter with him whether his house of worship was brought to completion and into use or not. He had prophesied that that second temple would be constructed at Jerusalem. He had liberated the remnant of Jewish exiles from Babylon that they might return to their homeland specifically to rebuild His temple. (Isaiah 44:26 to 45:6) How could he bless them when they feared men and ceased from building His house of worship and took up materialism?
19. Why was there no peace from outside nor peace inside, and what did the remnant need to do in behalf of a change?
19 During those years when the restored exiles were neglecting their commission from God and were not seeking to magnify Jehovah of armies by completing a temple to His name, conditions in Jerusalem and the province of Judah were bad, not only spiritually but also materially, economically. There was unemployment for man and domestic animal. Weather conditions hurt their growing crops and cut down on their harvests. Hostile neighbor nations interfered with their affairs religiously and otherwise. There was no peace among themselves as fellow Israelites because of their pursuing each one his own selfish, materialistic aims. Evidently God’s indignation was against them. In repentance they needed to return to Him that he might return to them with favor.
20. With what command did Jehovah open and close his sixth statement of promise, and why?
20 Mercifully God called their shortcomings to their attention, by his prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Assured that Jehovah of armies was with them although all the Persian Empire might be against them, they took courage and, defiant of all likely human interference, they resumed God’s assigned work at the temple foundation, with a determination to push through to the end of the work. “From this day I shall bestow blessing,” said Jehovah of armies by his prophet Haggai (2:19). That was in the second year of the reign of King Darius I of Persia. Now, when Jehovah made his ten statements of promise through Zechariah, it was the fourth year of King Darius. The divine blessings upon the nation of temple builders had now begun. But there was yet much work to do in order to finish that house of worship despite the displeasure of those who hated Jehovah. The temple builders needed to work on. Appropriately he opened and closed his sixth statement of promise with the command that their working hands be strong. “Do not be afraid,” he said. Fear not men, but God.
21. When the surrounding nations would call down a malediction or a blessing upon others, whom would they use as an illustration, and why?
21 At the completing of the temple divine favor and blessing would be upon them to the full. During the many years of their indifference to building the temple, their condition had become so bad as regards peace, security and material well-being that the surrounding nations felt that the land of Judah and its restored exiles were under a curse. And so, when cursing others, those nations would call upon such ones to be cursed with a malediction such as rested upon those Israelites in the land of Judah. But no longer would this be true when Jehovah’s temple was finished. Then the astonished nations would observe that restored Israel had come into a blessed condition under the favor of their God. Accordingly, when calling down blessings upon others, those nations would use the blessedness of Israel as an example.
22. How has it been similar in this twentieth century, and, after five decades of work, how do Jehovah’s witnesses compare with Christendom in a spiritual sense?
22 So, too, in this twentieth century C.E., in this “conclusion of the system of things.” Until the restored remnant of spiritual Israel got down to sincere hard work at restoring and extending, first of all in their own lives, the pure, undefiled worship at Jehovah’s spiritual temple, there were difficulties from without and within. Religious opposers of Christendom cursed them, interfered with them, feverishly tried to stamp them out or suppress their temple work. But after five decades of undeviating attention to the worship of Jehovah and to the interests of his Messianic kingdom, how does the anointed remnant of the Christian witnesses of Jehovah compare with Christendom? Who is it that is prospering in a Christian spiritual sense? Who is it that has the divine blessing because of sticking strictly to the Holy Bible and doing God’s work as set out therein? Even the clergymen of Christendom express the wish that their church members had the zeal, faith, courage and knowledge of the Bible that Jehovah’s Christian witnesses had and prospered religiously as such witnesses did.
GOD’S CHANGE OF MIND TOWARD HIS PEOPLE
23. Because of what change of mind on God’s part did the remnant now not need to be afraid?
23 Further strengthening encouragement comes to God’s obedient remnant as He makes his seventh statement of promise, saying: “For this is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Just as I had in mind to do what was calamitous to you people because of your forefathers’ making me indignant,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘and I felt no regret, so I will again have in mind in these days to deal well with Jerusalem and with the house of Judah. Do not be afraid.’”—Zechariah 8:14, 15.
24. Why was Jehovah’s having in mind to bring calamity upon their forefathers not a case of ill-temper on His part?
24 Jehovah here admits that he had had in mind to do what was calamitous to the nation of Israel because the forefathers of the faithful remnant had made him indignant. But this did not mean any sort of ill-temper and fuming vexation on His part. The calamity that he had in mind to bring upon the nation or to let come upon the nation was strictly in harmony with the calmly stated set of warnings against the curses that they would suffer for breaking their part of their national covenant with Him. In all fairness he had warned them long previously through the prophet Moses:
“Jehovah will raise up against you a nation far away, from the end of the earth, just as an eagle pounces, a nation whose tongue you will not understand, a nation fierce in countenance, who will not be partial to an old man or show favor to a young man.
“And it must occur that just as Jehovah exulted over you to do you good and to multiply you, so Jehovah will exult over you to destroy you and to annihilate you; and you will simply be torn away from off the soil to which you are going to take possession of it.
“And Jehovah will certainly scatter you among all the peoples from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth, and there you will have to serve other gods whom you have not known.”—Deuteronomy 28:49, 50, 63, 64; see also Leviticus 26:27-43.
25. (a) Why was it no injustice when Jehovah let those curses take effect? (b) What divine change of mind was now in effect, and why?
25 It was therefore only a just enforcement of His part of the national covenant with Jehovah, when he let the lawbreaking Israelites be “torn away from off the soil” by the Assyrians and by the Babylonians and then let the land of Judah lie utterly desolate for seventy years. But now, after he had disciplined the nation according to the terms of His covenant with them, he had the opposite things in mind to do to them in mercy. He started by bringing the repentant faithful remnant back to Jerusalem and the land of Judah. Their fear-induced holding back from building the temple could not and did not have His blessing. But now, “in these days,” in the days when they trustfully took up the temple work anew and courageously went ahead with it, Jehovah appreciatively had in mind “to deal well with Jerusalem and with the house of Judah.” So if Jehovah of armies was for them and with them for their wholehearted worship of Him, they should not fear men.
26. In this twentieth century, how has this seventh statement of promise been seen to apply equally as much to the spiritual remnant?
26 In modern times Jehovah has been true to this promise which applies equally as much to the faithful remnant of spiritual Israel. For delinquencies, they were scattered from their God-given spiritual estate during World War I. But today they can look back over the many years since their restoration in 1919 C.E. and can see how marvelously well the God whose name they bear has dealt with them for their work at restoring his pure worship.
27. What did Jehovah now have in mind for the restored remnant to do, and in harmony with what two commandments was this in agreement?
27 However, there are vital things for those who have mercifully been restored to divine favor to do. What Jehovah tells them to do is in agreement with the two greatest commandments of the Law, namely, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We read: “‘These are the things that you people should do: Speak truthfully with one another. With truth and the judgment of peace do your judging in your gates. And calamity to one another do not you scheme up in your hearts, and do not love any false oath; for these are all things that I have hated,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”—Zechariah 8:16, 17.
28. Hence, how were truth and justice to be upheld in their “gates” or law courts, and what was the object of judging with the “judgment of peace”?
28 The things that Jehovah of armies hates the restored remnant must not do, in order to remain in His favor. Justice must be executed in their gates or law courts. There no false oath should be resorted to in order to bring undeserved calamity upon one’s fellowman. One should be honest in what one says to a fellowman or swears to in court, always speaking the truth and not saying one thing with one’s mouth but having another thing in one’s deceptive heart. In settling any matter of dispute in a judicial way, the aim should be to bring about peace among those going to law; and this peace objective can be reached only if truth and justice are upheld in the court. We should love what God loves, not what he hates.
29. How did the apostle Paul show that Zechariah 8:16 applies to the Christian remnant, and how do they thus speak the truth?
29 Does this apply to the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel? Most certainly it does. When writing to the believers in Ephesus, Asia Minor, in behalf of Christian unity, the apostle Paul said: “Speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. Wherefore, now that you have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another.” (Ephesians 4:15, 25) Evidently the apostle was here quoting part of Zechariah 8:16 and was properly applying it to Christians who were the “Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:15, 16) Speaking truthfully or speaking the truth with one another would also mean telling the Bible truths to one another, and not the religious falsehoods of Babylon the Great. In that way we promote pure worship of God at his spiritual temple.
FROM FASTING TO FEASTING
30. According to Jehovah’s eighth statement of promise, the hitherto times of fasting were to become what kind of occasions?
30 Just because seven is a Scriptural number denoting perfection in a spiritual way, God does not stop with the above seventh statement of promise. He carries on to an eighth, just as we now read: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth month, and the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will become for the house of Judah an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons. So love truth and peace.’”—Zechariah 8:19.
31. Whose question about fasting did that answer, and why was it now not proper to continue such fasts with mourning?
31 Here was a direct and positive answer to Sharezer and Regem-melech, who were sent from the city of Bethel to ask whether they should continue observing an abstinence from food, together with mourning, during the fifth month. (Zechariah 7:1-3) Now that the building of the second temple at Jerusalem was going on to grand completion, it was not the time to bemoan the past destruction of Jerusalem and its temple back there in 607 B.C.E., or more than eighty years ago. It was His will for them to rejoice in his present goodness to them and to exult in the undoing of all the destructive work that the Babylonians had done in Jerusalem and the land of Judah. Away with mournful fasts! Enjoy good festal seasons!
32. How has this divine promise been fulfilled in Christian spiritual Israel, and what one day each year does the remnant observe in obedience to Christ’s command?
32 How grandly this divine promise uttered to ancient Israel has been fulfilled in Christian spiritual Israel! The anointed remnant today do not observe any of the fasts and mournful seasons of ancient Israel. Not even the annual Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh lunar month (Tishri). (Leviticus, chapter 16) They rejoice in the true Atonement Day as carried out by Jehovah’s High Priest, Jesus Christ, by means of his perfect atoning sacrifice, the merit of which Jesus Christ presented to Jehovah in heaven in 33 C.E. in behalf of all mankind. (1 John 1:7 to 2:2) The only day that the remnant of spiritual Israel observe each year is the day of Christ’s sacrificial death on Passover Day, Nisan 14, in obedience to Christ’s own command to his disciples. Thus, when the surviving remnant observed the Lord’s Supper after sundown of April 13, 1919, there were upward of 17,961 that came together world wide to observe his atoning death. But on Friday, April 9, 1971, after sundown, there were 3,453,542 who attended, 10,384 of these partaking of the emblematic unleavened bread and wine.—Luke 22:7-20.
33. That large attendance at the Lord’s Supper in 1971 world wide is explained by what prophecy in Jehovah’s ninth statement of promise?
33 From where did all those more than 3,400,000 observers come, in addition to the 10,384 partakers, on this latter observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal? This worldwide phenomenon of the year 1971 is explained by the fulfillment of Jehovah’s ninth statement of promise, as recorded in Zechariah 8:20-22: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies. I myself will go also.” And many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to soften the face of Jehovah.’”
INTERNATIONAL GATHERING TO GOD’S CITY
34. (a) In what way do “peoples” and “nations” now come to Jehovah’s center of worship? (b) Does this gathering include individuals from “many peoples and mighty nations” and “many cities”?
34 No whole “peoples” and whole “nations” were thus to come to Jehovah’s center of worship and to appease him to gain his favor. Individual persons from those peoples and nations were to do so. World conversion to Judaism was by no means meant here. So, when we examine the 1972 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses we learn that these Christian witnesses of Jehovah are found in 207 lands and islands. The list of these lands and islands includes “many peoples and mighty nations.” And as for the “inhabitants of many cities,” the 1972 Yearbook reveals that, by the time of August 31, 1971, there were 27,154 congregations of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses around the globe. New York city alone had 212 of those congregations in a number of languages. All together, the Bibles and Biblical literature of these Christians who worship Jehovah is printed in 165 languages. They worship Jehovah as Jesus Christ himself did.
35. Why is it that they do not go to the present-day earthly Jerusalem, and so where do they worship Jehovah?
35 No, they do not go to the present-day earthly Jerusalem, where a Mohammedan mosque, the Dome of the Rock, sits on the location where the temple of Jerusalem used to stand. They recognize the existence of what Hebrews 12:22 calls “a Mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem.” They exult and rejoice in the fact that at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E., God’s Messianic kingdom was established on that Mount Zion, and there Jesus Christ, “son of David, son of Abraham,” is enthroned. (Matthew 1:1) No longer therefore is the God-given right of the royal family of David to reign in God’s city being trampled upon by the Gentile nations. (Luke 21:20-24) They give their allegiance to this Messianic kingdom, which, shortly now, will destroy all Gentile governments on earth and will reign forever for the vindication of the universal sovereignty of Jehovah of armies. In the earthly courtyards of His spiritual temple they worship Him and enjoy his favor.—Psalms 84:2, 10; 116:18, 19.
36. According to Jehovah’s culminating statement of promise, how many were to take hold of the skirt of a Jew, and what were they to say to him?
36 Marvelous indeed is the modern-day fulfillment of that ninth statement of promise by the Sovereign Lord God. But there is yet a culminating utterance of promise, a tenth one, to this grand series of divine promises. So in the closing verse (23) of this eighth chapter of Zechariah’s prophecy we read: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’”—Zechariah 8:23.
37. To understand who is meant here by the term “Jew,” what guiding rule stated by a natural Jew do we need to consider?
37 In order to understand aright this prophecy about the “skirt of a man who is a Jew,” we have to consider the guiding rule set forth by a man who was “circumcised the eighth day, out of the family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews; as respects law, a Pharisee”; namely, the apostle Paul, who was aforetime, “as respects zeal, persecuting the congregation.” (Philippians 3:5, 6) When writing the Christian congregation of the first century in Rome, this natural-born Jew or Israelite said: “He is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision that which is on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code. The praise of that one comes, not from men, but from God.”—Romans 2:28, 29.
38. (a) So, if racial extraction does not count in this matter, what does, even with natural Jews? (b) Till when was the Christian congregation made up exclusively of natural Jews and proselytes, and then what choice did Cornelius have to make?
38 For this reason the fulfillment of Zechariah 8:23 does not rest upon any racial superiority according to the flesh. The “skirt of a man who is a Jew” is not taken hold of because he is a Jew according to natural birth. One’s fleshly connection does not count at all in this matter. What counts is, Whom does he worship? Or, if he is a professed worshiper of God, Is God really with him? It is true that, during the second half of the seventieth week of years of the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27, namely, from Pentecost of 33 C.E. to the autumn of 36 C.E., the Christian congregation was made up exclusively of natural Jews and circumcised Jewish proselytes. But what distinguished such natural Jews comprising the Christian congregation? During that time there were natural Jews and natural Jews. God was definitely not with both kinds. God was not divided. Hence, at the end of the seventieth week of years in early fall of 36 C.E., with what kind of Jews did the Gentile, the Italian centurion Cornelius, go to join with them in worship? What does Acts 10:1-48 show?
39. With which group of natural Jews did Cornelius decide to go?
39 This Cornelius of Italian language ceased to go along with the worship of the natural Jews and make “many gifts of mercy” to the natural Jews who had Jesus Christ put to a violent death as a blasphemer of God and as a false Christ. Cornelius and his fellow Gentile converts went with only those natural Jews who had become disciples of Jesus Christ and upon whom God poured out his holy spirit through Jesus Christ, thereby manifesting that He (God) was with the Christian congregation. (Acts 2:1-47; 11:1-18) That Christian congregation was made up of spiritual Jews, spiritual Israelites, in the new covenant with God through Christ as mediator. The Italian Cornelius was just as much a spiritual Jew or Israelite as those believing natural Jews. Cornelius saw that the Christian congregation was made up of spiritual Jews and that God was with those people. Hence he decided to go with spiritual Jews.
40. How can we determine whether, especially since Jerusalem’s destruction by the Romans, there is any basis for applying Zechariah 8:23 to non-Christian natural Jews?
40 Could the destruction of Jerusalem and its material temple by Roman legions be interpreted as a proof that God was with the Jews caught in that awful calamity, just because they were Jews according to their circumcised flesh? How could any honest reasonable person accept such an interpretation? Today there is no Jewish temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah for any of the Gentiles to go up there and worship with the Jews. Nor are the Jewish religious leaders and political leaders imitating High Priest Joshua and Governor Zerubbabel and rebuilding the temple upon its historical location, even though the Jews took over the old walled city of Jerusalem in the six-day war of 1967. What basis, therefore, is there to apply Zechariah 8:23 to the non-Christian natural, circumcised Jews today or even in the foreseeable future? None whatsoever!
41. Is Zechariah 8:23 being fulfilled upon Christendom today?
41 Well, then, is the prophecy’s fulfillment being realized in religious Christendom today, which has long held to the idea of world conversion to her multi-sectarian religious organization? Are ten non-Christians of all peoples and nations taking hold of the skirt of a church member of Christendom and saying, “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people”? And by “God” the prophecy means “Jehovah of armies.” Certainly the pagan world is not being converted to the sects of Christendom at the rate of ten pagans to one church member. Christendom estimates her church membership today as being 924,274,000 and ten times that would mean more than twice the present world population.
42. To determine which ones of all the professed spiritual Jews of today Zechariah 8:23 applies to, on what questions must we get the facts?
42 Just as there were natural Jews and natural Jews in the days of Christ’s apostles, so today there are professed spiritual Jews and professed spiritual Jews. Christendom has more than 900 million such professed spiritual Jews who are supposed to be in the new covenant through Christ as mediator. But of all these two kinds of professed spiritual Jews, we ask: Which kind is really worshiping and serving Jehovah of armies at his true spiritual temple? To which kind are the peoples of all nations, big and small, saying that they will go with them because they have heard, not that some nameless “God” is with them, but that Jehovah God is with them? In this case only the facts should be relied upon. Let these speak for themselves.
43. What things today distinguish those spiritual Israelites to whom Zechariah 8:23 applies, and how many of them are there now?
43 According to worldwide evidences, it is the anointed remnant of spiritual Israelites whom Jehovah God began to liberate from Babylon the Great, that world empire of false Babylonish religion. These are engaged in spiritual work like that of building the second temple of Jehovah in the days of High Priest Joshua and Governor Zerubbabel. They are wholeheartedly promoting the worship of Jehovah of armies world wide, by persons of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages. Annually they meet on Passover Day to celebrate the sacrificial death of Jehovah’s Son, the Messiah Jesus, and on that occasion they eat the unleavened bread and drink the wine just as Jesus Christ commanded. From this eloquent testimony on their part, they seem to number today only around ten thousand anointed spiritual Israelites. Much less than the remnant in Zechariah’s day.
44. Who is it that join themselves to these true spiritual Israelites, and in what numbers, according to reports?
44 Who, though, are joining themselves to these spiritual Jews in worship of the one living and true God at his spiritual temple? Just as was foretold in Revelation 7:9-17, it is a numberless “great crowd” “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.” These also are becoming disciples of Jehovah’s Messiah. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Just in the year 1971 alone there were 149,808 of these baptized as dedicated disciples of Jehovah’s Messiah. During that same year there was an average of 1,510,245 who reported joining together in obeying the Messiah’s command to preach “this good news” of Jehovah’s Messianic kingdom everywhere down to the approaching end of this system of things. (Matthew 24:14) How remarkable already the fulfillment of Zechariah 8:23! |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 159
Our Possession of Peace
(John 14:27)
1. Peace have not the godless kind,
None of Satan’s crowd;
Neither those who have his mind,
Who are bad and proud.
Peace through Christ comes from above,
From a source divine,
To all men of faith and love
Who t’ward God incline.
2. Praise Jehovah, God of peace,
God of equity.
He will make all wars to cease,
Bring in harmony.
Prince of Peace is Christ his Son,
Friend of all the meek.
When the fight for right he’s won,
Peace to them he’ll speak.
3. We have left off bitter words,
Left off selfish fears.
We have made from spears and swords
Plows and pruning shears.
So that this peace we may keep,
Quickly let’s forgive.
Lovingly, as Jesus’ sheep,
May we work and live.
4. As a fruit of righteousness,
Peace we all must bear,
Proof of wisdom from above,
Which we gain through pray’r.
We would recommend our way
By our peacefulness,
Till the light of perfect day
Brings full happiness. |
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Can the World Cup Really Unite People?—What Does the Bible Say? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100060 | Manuel Reino Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Can the World Cup Really Unite People?—What Does the Bible Say?
An estimated five billion people are expected to watch the FIFA World Cup being held from November 20 through December 18, 2022. Many feel that such sporting events have the potential to accomplish much more than just unite people as spectators.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”—Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.
“Football . . . unites in hope, it unites in joy, it unites in passion, it unites in love, as well [as] in diversity.”—Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.a
Can the World Cup or any sporting event achieve such lofty goals? Is there any hope for peace and unity?
A source of unity?
This year’s World Cup has been about more than just football. The games have sparked debate on social and political issues involving human rights, racism, and economic inequality.
Even so, many find that international sporting events like the World Cup provide enjoyable entertainment. However, as much as people want them to, these events cannot provide lasting unity. Instead, they often showcase the divisive attitudes and actions that the Bible said would mark the time period called “the last days.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
To learn more about this Bible prophecy, read the article “Did the Bible Predict the Way People Think and Act Today?“
Real hope for world unity
The Bible contains a real hope for global unity. It promises that all people on earth will be united under a heavenly government called “the Kingdom of God.”—Luke 4:43; Matthew 6:10.
The King of that Kingdom, Jesus Christ, will ensure that there will be peace worldwide. The Bible states:
“The righteous will flourish, and peace will abound.”—Psalm 72:7.
“He will rescue the poor who cry for help . . . From oppression and from violence he will rescue them.”—Psalm 72:12, 14.
Even today, Jesus’ teachings have already united millions of people in 239 lands. They have learned to let go of hatred. To find out more, read the series of articles with the input “Breaking the Cycle of Hatred.”
a Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for association football (soccer). |
Virus Outbreaks—What You Can Do | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100013 | Virus Outbreaks—What You Can Do
How can you protect yourself from virus outbreaks?
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United in Worship (uw)
1983 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/uw | Chapter 7
What We Learn From God’s Permission of Evil
1. (a) If Jehovah had promptly executed the rebels in Eden, how would that have affected us? (b) Instead, what loving provisions has Jehovah made available to us?
REGARDLESS of the difficulties that may come our way in life, our being born was no injustice on God’s part. He endowed the first humans with perfection and gave them Paradise as their home. If he had immediately executed them after they rebelled, there would have been no human race as we know it with its sickness, poverty and crime. Mercifully, however, Jehovah allowed Adam and Eve to bring forth a family before they died, even though these would inherit imperfection. Through Christ he made provision for those of Adam’s descendants exercising faith to have what Adam forfeited—eternal life under circumstances that would make possible the greatest enjoyment of life.—Deut. 32:4, 5; John 10:10.
2. Was all of this done only for our salvation?
2 The benefits of this to us personally are immeasurable. But from the Bible record we learn that something far more significant than our personal salvation was involved.
For the Sake of His Great Name
3. What was at stake in connection with fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose for the earth and mankind?
3 Jehovah’s name, his reputation as the Universal Sovereign and the God of truth, was involved in the fulfillment of his purpose regarding the earth and mankind. Because of Jehovah’s position, the peace and well-being of all the universe require that his name be given the full respect it deserves and that all be obedient to him.
4. Exactly what did that purpose include?
4 After creating Adam and Eve, he gave them an assignment to fulfill. He made it clear that his purpose was not only to subdue all the earth, thus extending the boundaries of Paradise, but to populate it with descendants of the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. (Gen. 1:28) Was this purpose going to fail because of their sin, with resulting reproach to the name of God?
5. (a) According to Genesis 2:17, when would anyone eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad die? (b) How did Jehovah fulfill that, while also respecting his purpose regarding the populating of the earth?
5 Jehovah had warned Adam that if he disobediently ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad he would positively die “in the day” of his eating. (Gen. 2:17) True to God’s word, on the very day of Adam’s sinning Jehovah called the transgressors to account and pronounced sentence of death. The punishment was inescapable. Judicially, from God’s standpoint, Adam and Eve died that day. (Compare Luke 20:37, 38.) But so as to carry out his own stated purpose regarding the populating of the earth, Jehovah allowed them to produce a family before they literally died. Nevertheless, from the standpoint of God’s viewing 1,000 years as one day, when Adam’s life ended at 930 years, this was within one “day.” (Gen. 5:3-5; compare Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8.) Thus Jehovah’s truthfulness was upheld as to the time when punishment would be executed, and his purpose to populate the earth with Adam’s offspring was not thwarted. But it has meant that, for a time, sinful people have been allowed to live.
6, 7. (a) What does Exodus 9:15, 16 indicate as to why Jehovah allows the wicked to continue for a time? (b) In Pharaoh’s case, how was Jehovah’s power shown and how was His name made known? (c) So what will be the outcome at the end of the present wicked system?
6 What Jehovah said to the ruler of Egypt in the days of Moses further indicates why God has allowed the wicked to continue for a time. When Pharaoh forbade the departure of the sons of Israel from Egypt, Jehovah did not immediately strike him down. Ten plagues were brought on the land, demonstrating Jehovah’s power in amazing and diversified ways. When warning of the seventh, Jehovah told Pharaoh that he could easily have effaced Pharaoh and his people from the earth. “But, in fact,” Jehovah said, “for this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.”—Ex. 9:15, 16.
7 When Jehovah delivered Israel, his name did indeed come to be widely known. Today, nearly 3,500 years later, what he did has not been forgotten. Not only was the personal name Jehovah declared but so was the truth about the One bearing that name. This established Jehovah’s reputation as a God who keeps his covenants and takes action on behalf of his servants. It demonstrated that because of his almighty power nothing can block his purpose. Even more impressive will be the approaching destruction of the entire wicked system, visible and invisible. That display of almighty power and the glory it brings to Jehovah’s name will never be forgotten in universal history. Its benefits will be unending!—Ezek. 38:23; Rev. 19:1, 2.
‘O the Depth of God’s Wisdom!’
8. What additional factors does Paul urge us to consider?
8 In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul raises the question: “Is there injustice with God?” And then he answers by emphasizing God’s mercy and by referring to what Jehovah said to Pharaoh. He also calls to mind the fact that we humans are like clay in the hands of a potter. Does the clay complain about the use to which it is put? Paul adds: “If, now, God, although having the will to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, tolerated with much long-suffering vessels of wrath made fit for destruction, in order that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, namely, us, whom he called not only from among Jews but also from among nations, what of it?”—Rom. 9:14-24.
9. (a) Who are the “vessels of wrath made fit for destruction”? (b) Why has Jehovah shown great long-suffering in the face of their hostility, and how will the final outcome be for the good of those who love him?
9 Ever since Jehovah made the prophetic statement recorded at Genesis 3:15, Satan and his seed have been “vessels of wrath made fit for destruction.” During all that time Jehovah has exercised long-suffering. The wicked have ridiculed his ways; they have persecuted his servants, even killed his Son. But Jehovah has shown great restraint, with lasting benefit to his servants. All creation has had opportunity to see the disastrous results of rebellion against God. At the same time, Jesus’ death provided the means for delivering obedient mankind and for ‘breaking up the works of the Devil.’—1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14, 15.
10. Why has Jehovah continued to tolerate the wicked during the past 1,900 years?
10 During the more than 1,900 years since Jesus’ resurrection Jehovah has tolerated further the “vessels of wrath,” holding off their destruction. Why? Because he has been preparing the secondary part of the woman’s seed, those who are to be associated with Jesus Christ in his heavenly Kingdom. (Gal. 3:29) These ones, 144,000 in number, are the “vessels of mercy” spoken of by the apostle Paul. First, individuals from among the Jews were invited to make up this class. Then the circumcised Samaritans were added and, finally, people of the Gentile nations. With much long-suffering Jehovah has worked out his purpose, forcing no one to serve him, but bestowing grand blessings on those who responded appreciatively to his loving provisions. Now the preparation of that heavenly class is nearly complete.
11. What other group is now benefiting from Jehovah’s long-suffering?
11 But what about inhabitants for the earth? In God’s due time billions will be resurrected as earthly subjects of the Kingdom. Also, particularly since 1935 C.E. Jehovah’s long-suffering has made possible the gathering together of a “great crowd” out of all nations with a view to their salvation.—Rev. 7:9, 10; John 10:16.
12. (a) As a result, what have we learned about Jehovah himself? (b) How do you react to how Jehovah has handled these matters?
12 Has there been any injustice in all of this? Certainly not! If God holds off the destruction of the wicked, the “vessels of wrath,” so that he can show compassion to others in harmony with his purpose, how can anyone rightly complain? Instead, as we observe the unfolding of his purpose, we learn much about Jehovah himself. We marvel at the facets of his personality that have come to light—his justice, his mercy, his long-suffering, the diversity of his wisdom. Jehovah’s wise handling of the issue will forever stand as a testimony to the fact that his way of ruling is best. With the apostle Paul we say: “O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and past tracing out his ways are!”—Rom. 11:33.
Opportunity to Show Our Devotion
13. (a) When we undergo personal suffering what opportunity is presented to us? (b) What will help us to respond wisely?
13 There are situations that involve real personal suffering because God has not yet destroyed the wicked and brought about the foretold restoration of mankind. What is our reaction to such? Do we see in them opportunities to share in clearing Jehovah’s name of reproach and proving the Devil a liar? We can be greatly strengthened to do so by keeping in mind the counsel: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Prov. 27:11) Satan, the one who taunts Jehovah, charged that if people suffer material loss or physical affliction they will blame God, even curse him. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4, 5) We bring joy to Jehovah’s heart when, by our loyalty to God in the face of hardships, we demonstrate that such is not true in our case. We have full confidence that Jehovah has tender affection for his servants and that, as in the case of Job, in due time Jehovah will reward us generously if we prove faithful.—Jas. 5:11; Job 42:10-16.
14. If we rely on Jehovah when we undergo trials, what other benefits can come to us?
14 If we trustingly rely on Jehovah when we undergo grievous trials, we can develop priceless qualities. As a result of the things Jesus suffered, he “learned obedience” in a way that he had never known it before. We, too, can learn—cultivating long-suffering, endurance and a deepened appreciation of Jehovah’s righteous ways. Will we patiently accept that training?—Heb. 5:8, 9; 12:11; Jas. 1:2-4.
15. As we patiently endure hardship, how may others benefit?
15 Others will observe what we do. Because of what we undergo on account of our love for righteousness, some of them may in time come to appreciate who truly are Christ’s “brothers” today, and by uniting with his “brothers” in worship they can come in line for the blessings of eternal life. (Matt. 25:34-36, 40, 46) Jehovah and his Son want them to have that opportunity. Do we? Are we willing to put up with hardship to make it possible?
16. How is our view of such personal hardship related to the matter of unity?
16 How fine it is when we thus view even difficult situations in life as opportunities to show our devotion to Jehovah as well as to share in accomplishing his will! Our doing so can give evidence that we are indeed moving toward the unity with God and Christ for which Jesus prayed on behalf of all true Christians.—John 17:20, 21.
Review Discussion
● While permitting evil, how has Jehovah properly shown great respect for his own name?
● How has God’s tolerating “vessels of wrath” enabled his mercy to reach all the way to us?
● What should we endeavor to see in situations that involve suffering that we personally experience? |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Ransom
Definition: A price paid to buy back or to bring about release from some obligation or undesirable circumstance. The most significant ransom price is that of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. By paying over the value of that ransom in heaven, Jesus opened the way for Adam’s offspring to be delivered from the sin and death that we all inherit because of the sin of our forefather Adam.
How was the death of Jesus Christ different from that of others who have become martyrs?
Jesus was a perfect human. He was born without any blemish of sin and he maintained that perfection throughout his life. “He committed no sin.” He was “undefiled, separated from the sinners.”—1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 7:26.
He was the unique Son of God. God himself testified to this audibly from the heavens. (Matt. 3:17; 17:5) This Son had lived previously in heaven; through him God had brought into existence all other created persons and things in the entire universe. To carry out His will, God had miraculously transferred the life of this Son to the womb of a virgin girl so that he might be born as a human. To emphasize that he truly had become a human, Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man.—Col. 1:15-20; John 1:14; Luke 5:24.
He was not powerless before his executioners. He said: “I surrender my soul . . . No man has taken it away from me, but I surrender it of my own initiative.” (John 10:17, 18) He declined to appeal for angelic forces to intervene on his behalf. (Matt. 26:53, 54) Though wicked men were permitted to carry out their schemes in having him put to death, his death was truly sacrificial.
His shed blood has value to provide deliverance for others. “The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Mark 10:45) So his death was far more than a case of martyrdom because of refusal to compromise his beliefs.
See also pages 266, 267, under the heading “Memorial.”
Why was it necessary for the ransom to be provided in the manner that it was in order for us to have eternal life?
Rom. 5:12: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (No matter how uprightly we may live, all of us are sinners from birth. [Ps. 51:5] There is no way that we can earn the right to live forever.)
Rom. 6:23: “The wages sin pays is death.”
Ps. 49:6-9: “Those who are trusting in their means of maintenance, and who keep boasting about the abundance of their riches, not one of them can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him; (and the redemption price of their soul is so precious that it has ceased to time indefinite) that he should still live forever and not see the pit.” (No imperfect human can provide the means to deliver someone else from sin and death. His money cannot buy eternal life, and his soul laid down in death, being the wages that are to come to him anyway because of sin, has no value toward delivering anyone.)
Why did God not simply decree that, although Adam and Eve must die for their rebellion, all of their offspring who would obey God could live forever?
Because Jehovah is “a lover of righteousness and justice.” (Ps. 33:5; Deut. 32:4; Jer. 9:24) So, the way he dealt with the situation upheld his righteousness, met the demands of absolute justice, and, at the same time, magnified his love and mercy. How is that so?
(1) Adam and Eve had produced no children before they sinned, so none were born perfect. All of Adam’s offspring were brought forth in sin, and sin leads to death. If Jehovah had simply ignored this, that would have been a denial of his own righteous standards. God could not do that and so become a party to unrighteousness. He did not sidestep the requirements of absolute justice; so no intelligent creature could ever legitimately find fault in this respect.—Rom. 3:21-26.
(2) Without ignoring the requirements of justice, how could provision be made to deliver those of Adam’s offspring who would demonstrate loving obedience to Jehovah? If a perfect human was to die sacrificially, justice could allow for that perfect life to provide a covering for the sins of those who would in faith accept the provision. Since one man’s sin (that of Adam) had been responsible for causing the entire human family to be sinners, the shed blood of another perfect human (in effect, a second Adam), being of corresponding value, could balance the scales of justice. Because Adam was a willful sinner, he could not benefit; but because the penalty that all mankind was due to pay for sin would in this way be paid by someone else, Adam’s offspring could be delivered. But there was no such perfect human. Humankind could never meet those demands of absolute justice. So, as an expression of marvelous love and at great personal cost, Jehovah himself made the provision. (1 Cor. 15:45; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8) God’s only-begotten Son was willing to do his part. Humbly leaving behind his heavenly glory and becoming a perfect human, Jesus died on behalf of mankind.—Phil. 2:7, 8.
Illustration: A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be left destitute, hopelessly in debt. Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes on their behalf, making provision through a son who is living with him to pay their debts and to open up for them the possibility of a new life. Of course, to benefit, the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things as assurance that the children will not imitate the course of their father.
To whom first was the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice applied, and with what objective?
Rom. 1:16: “The good news [regarding Jesus Christ and his role in Jehovah’s purpose] . . . is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (The invitation to benefit from the provision for salvation through Christ was extended first to the Jews, then to non-Jews.)
Eph. 1:11-14: “In union with [Christ] we [Jews, including the apostle Paul] were also assigned as heirs [Heirs of what? Of the heavenly Kingdom] . . . that we should serve for the praise of his glory, we who have been first to hope in the Christ. But you also [Christians taken out of the Gentile nations, as were many in Ephesus] hoped in him after you heard the word of truth, the good news about your salvation. By means of him also, after you believed, you were sealed with the promised holy spirit, which is a token in advance of our inheritance, for the purpose of releasing by a ransom God’s own possession, to his glorious praise.” (That inheritance, as shown at 1 Peter 1:4, is reserved in the heavens. Revelation 14:1-4 indicates that those who share in it number 144,000. Along with Christ, these will serve as kings and priests over mankind for 1,000 years, during which God’s purpose for the earth to be a paradise populated by perfect offspring of the first human pair will be accomplished.)
Who else in our day are experiencing benefits from Jesus’ sacrifice?
1 John 2:2: “He [Jesus Christ] is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins [those of the apostle John and other spirit-anointed Christians], yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s [others of mankind, those for whom the prospect of eternal life on earth is thus made possible].”
John 10:16: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” (These “other sheep” come under the loving care of Jesus Christ while the remnant of the “little flock” of Kingdom heirs is still on earth; thus the “other sheep” can be associated with the Kingdom heirs as part of the “one flock.” They all enjoy many of the same benefits from Jesus’ sacrifice, but not identically so, because they have different destinies.)
Rev. 7:9, 14: “After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues . . . ‘These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” (So, the members of this great crowd are living when the great tribulation begins, and they have a clean standing before God because they exercise faith in the ransom. The righteousness counted to them as a result of this is sufficient for them to be preserved alive on earth through the great tribulation.)
What future blessings will be enjoyed as a result of the ransom?
Rev. 5:9, 10: “They sing a new song, saying: ‘You [the Lamb, Jesus Christ] are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.’” (The ransom was a vital factor in opening the way to heavenly life for those who are to rule with Christ. Soon all the rulers in earth’s new government will be on their heavenly thrones.)
Rev. 7:9, 10: “Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus Christ, who died as if a sacrificial lamb], dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Faith in Christ’s sacrifice is a key factor in the survival of this great crowd through the great tribulation.)
Rev. 22:1, 2: “And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its broad way. And on this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.” (Thus, application of the value of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is an important part of the provision made by God to cure mankind of all the effects of sin and to enable them to enjoy eternal life.)
Rom. 8:21: “The creation itself [mankind] also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
What is required of us in order to benefit lastingly from Jesus’ perfect sacrifice?
John 3:36: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”
Heb. 5:9: “After he [Jesus Christ] had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.”
What does the provision of the ransom reveal as to how God feels about mankind?
1 John 4:9, 10: “By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.”
Rom. 5:7, 8: “Hardly will anyone die for a righteous man; indeed, for the good man, perhaps, someone even dares to die. But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
What effect should this provision have on how we use our lives?
1 Pet. 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in his own body upon the stake, in order that we might be done with sins and live to righteousness.” (In view of all that Jehovah and his Son have done to cleanse us from sin, we should strive diligently to overcome sinful tendencies. It should be completely unthinkable for us deliberately to do anything that we know is sinful!)
Titus 2:13, 14: “Christ Jesus . . . gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works.” (Appreciation for this marvelous provision should move us to have a zealous share in those works that Christ assigned to his true followers.)
2 Cor. 5:14, 15: “The love the Christ has compels us, because this is what we have judged, that one man died for all; so, then, all had died; and he died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.” |
This Life (ts)
1974 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ts | Chapter 21
How Can You Have More than This Life?
FROM all the foregoing information it is abundantly clear that there is much, much more to life than what we now experience. Just think of it—Jehovah God has set before mankind the grand prospect of life here on earth under righteous conditions, with freedom from sickness and death! It can be yours to enjoy, not just for a hundred years or a thousand years, but forever. And the time when this will become reality is so near at hand!
Will you be among those to benefit from the realization of God’s glorious purpose for man and his home, the earth? You definitely can be. But you need to act without delay. We are now living at the time when the Bible’s warning takes on great urgency: “Before there comes upon you people the burning anger of Jehovah, before there comes upon you the day of Jehovah’s anger, seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”—Zephaniah 2:2, 3.
The “burning anger of Jehovah” is against all who have misled their fellowmen by lying about God and his purpose. And he does not hold guiltless those who support such men by attending their religious services or being members of their organizations. The time left before the execution of divine judgment is short. If you are a lover of righteousness you need to act quickly to obey the Scriptural command to break all ties with the world empire of false religion. Take seriously the urging of God’s Word, which says: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.”—Revelation 18:4.
But it is not enough simply to break off one’s connections with organizations that have tolerated and encouraged unrighteousness. The Bible puts us on notice that God’s “wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness,” yes, against the practices themselves and those who continue to indulge in them. (Romans 1:18) It does not leave us in any doubt as to what those practices are. It dearly identifies them and urges all who would have Jehovah’s approval to clean such things out of their lives. Love for Jehovah and gratitude for his goodness can make such a change possible.—Ephesians 4:25-5:6; Colossians 3:5, 6.
This is no time to seek to justify oneself, presuming that the good deeds that one does from day to day more than offset one’s shortcomings. Setting their own standards of good and bad led to calamity in the case of Adam and Eve. And even in our day the Bible proverb is true that says: “There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward.” (Proverbs 16:25) Now is the time, then, to learn Jehovah’s ways, to seek his “righteousness.” This is also the time to “seek meekness,” that is, to be submissive to God’s judgment and humbly to accept his correction and discipline, conforming to his will. Only by doing this will it be possible for you to be “concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”
Do not conclude, as some have, that your way of life has been too bad for God to forgive you. Rather, take comfort from the words addressed to unfaithful Israelites of old: “Let the wicked man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:7) Also, find encouragement in his promise that says: “Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow; though they should be red like crimson cloth, they will become even like wool.”—Isaiah 1:18.
Jehovah God has no pleasure in executing judgment against anyone but wants all to enjoy life. (2 Peter 3:9) Still, Jehovah cannot and will not condone unrighteousness. Hence, it is necessary for all who would have his approval to repent of their former way of life and to change their ways to conform to his righteous will.—Isaiah 55:6.
The thing to do now is to start to learn what God requires of you, to take in the vital knowledge contained in his Word, and then to act in harmony with it. This is the way that leads to eternal life. (John 17:3) Jehovah’s Christian witnesses will gladly give you personal help in acquiring an accurate knowledge of the Bible, free of charge. They also welcome you to their Kingdom Halls, where they regularly discuss God’s Word.
A TRULY BENEFICIAL WAY
By responding to the things you learn from the Bible, you will experience beneficial changes in your life. You will find that the application of Bible principles will improve relationships at home, at work and in your daily contacts with fellowmen. (Romans 12:17-21; 13:8-10; Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7) This will contribute much toward making your life happier, more outputed and meaningful even now.
Of course, this does not mean that you will be immune from the problems and pressures of the world. You are still going to be living among people who have no love of righteousness, and some of them will no doubt endeavor to discourage you from learning and applying the Bible in your life. (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:4) But, as you grow in knowledge of God’s Word, you will find that you are able to cope with the problems of life far more effectively than do those who rely on mere human reasoning. Instead of becoming bitter because of injustices that you may suffer, you will know the reason for them and will have the firm conviction that God’s kingdom by Christ will soon put an end to all these things that detract from full enjoyment of life.—2 Peter 3:11-13.
As you acquire faith in God’s loving provisions for eternal life, you will gain freedom from the oppressive influence that the prospect of death has had on all mankind. No longer will the falsehoods that have been taught concerning death mar your enjoyment of life. The shortsighted view that this life is all there is will lose any influence that it may have had toward tempting you to sacrifice right principles and a good conscience in an effort to get ahead in the world. The conviction that God can and will bring the dead back to life will enable you to gain freedom from the fear of death itself. Faith based on an accurate knowledge of God’s Word will make it possible for you to enjoy life now as never before and to rejoice in the grand prospect of the future—everlasting life in God’s righteous new order.
May appreciation for the loving provisions that God has made for mankind kindle in you a burning desire to know and to do his will. May it move you, with a sincere heart, to join with the psalmist who said: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me, for you are my God of salvation.”—Psalm 25:4, 5. |
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Opposed to Vaccination? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501400104 | Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Opposed to Vaccination?
No. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed to vaccination. We view vaccination as a personal decision for each Christian to make. Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to get vaccinated.
We seek quality medical care and appreciate the many advancements of medical science to reduce the risk of serious illness. We are grateful for the commitment and dedication of health-care professionals, especially in times of crises.
Jehovah’s Witnesses cooperate with public health officials. For example, since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to publish reminders in hundreds of languages on this website, encouraging adherence to local safety guidelines. These include the importance of physical distancing and of following regulations on public gatherings, quarantining, hand washing, and the wearing of face coverings as well as other practical measures required or recommended by the authorities.—Romans 13:1, 2.
For decades, the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses have emphasized the following principles:
Health-care decisions are a personal matter.—Galatians 6:5.
“[This magazine] does not recommend any one type of medicine or therapy over another and does not offer medical advice. Its aim is simply to present facts and to leave it to the reader to make judgments and decisions.”—Awake!, February 8, 1987.
“The question as to whether you and your children should be vaccinated is something for personal decision.”—Awake!, August 22, 1965.
We seek medical treatment because we place a high value on life.—Acts 17:28.
“Witnesses avail themselves of the various medical skills to assist them with their health problems. They love life and want to do whatever is reasonable and Scriptural to prolong it.”—The Watchtower, July 1, 1975.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses gladly accept medicine and medical treatment. They want to maintain good health and to prolong life. In fact, like the first-century Christian Luke, some of Jehovah’s Witnesses are physicians. . . . Jehovah’s Witnesses certainly appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who provide medical care. They are also grateful for the welcome relief from illness that those individuals provide.”—The Watchtower, February 1, 2011. |
Young People Ask (yp)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp | Chapter 28
How Can I Get Over a Crush?
“FOR most teens,” wrote one youth-oriented magazine, “crushes are as common as colds.” Almost all youths experience them, and almost all manage to survive to adulthood, with their pride and sense of humor intact. However, when you are caught in the grip of a crush, there is little to laugh about. “I was frustrated,” recalls one youth, “because I couldn’t do anything about it. I knew she was too old for me, but I liked her. I was really bent out of shape over the whole thing.”
The Anatomy of a Crush
It is no sin to have strong feelings for someone—provided such are not immoral or improper (such as for someone married). (Proverbs 5:15-18) When you are young, though, “desires incidental to youth” often rule your thoughts and actions. (2 Timothy 2:22) Still learning to control the new and potent desires unleashed by puberty, a youth can be full of whipped-up romantic feelings—and have no one to lavish them on.
Furthermore, “girls become poised and socially at ease at an earlier age than boys.” As a result, “they often find their male classmates immature and unexciting compared to teachers” or other older, unattainable men. (Seventeen magazine) A girl might thus imagine that a favorite teacher, pop singer, or some older acquaintance is the “ideal” man. Boys often become similarly infatuated. However, the love felt for such distant figures is obviously rooted more in fantasy than reality.
Crushes—Why They Can Be Harmful
While most crushes are amazingly short-lived, still they can do a lot of damage to a youth. For one thing, many objects of teenage affection are simply not worthy of esteem. A wise man said: “Foolishness has been put in many high positions.” (Ecclesiastes 10:6) Thus a singer is idolized because he has a smooth voice or striking looks. But are his morals worth praising? Is he or she “in the Lord” as a dedicated Christian?—1 Corinthians 7:39.
The Bible also warns: “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” (James 4:4) Would it not jeopardize your friendship with God if you set your heart on a person whose conduct God condemns? Too, the Bible commands, “Guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) What would you call it when a youth decorates his or her room wall to wall with pictures of a singing star? Would not the word “idolatry” fit? How could this possibly please God?
Some youths even allow their fantasies to override reason. One young woman says: “Whenever I ask him how he feels—he always denies having any feelings for me. But I can tell by the way he looks and acts that this isn’t true.” The young man in question has tried to be kind in expressing his disinterest, but she just won’t take no for an answer.
Writes another girl of her infatuation with a popular singer: ‘I want him to be my boyfriend, and I have prayed that it come true! I used to sleep with his album because that was the closest I could get to him. I’m at the point where if I can’t have him, I’ll kill myself.’ Could such mindless passion be pleasing to God, who commands us to serve him with “a sound mind”?—Romans 12:3.
Says the Bible at Proverbs 13:12: “Expectation postponed is making the heart sick.” Cultivating romantic expectations for an impossible relationship is thus unhealthy, unrequited love being cited by doctors as a cause of “depression, anxiety, and general distress . . . sleeplessness or lethargy, chest pains or breathlessness.” (Compare 2 Samuel 13:1, 2.) One infatuated girl confesses: “I can’t eat. . . . I can’t study anymore. I . . . daydream about him. . . . I’m miserable.”
Think of the havoc you wreak when you allow a fantasy to dominate your life. Dr. Lawrence Bauman observes that one of the first evidences of a runaway crush is a “slackening off of school effort.” Isolation from friends and family is another common result. There can also be humiliation. “I’m embarrassed to admit this,” says writer Gil Schwartz, “but I behaved like a buffoon during my crush on Judy.” Long after the crush has dissipated, memories of your following someone around, making a scene in public, and in general making a fool of yourself can linger.
Facing Reality
King Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived, fell desperately in love with a girl who did not return his feelings. He poured upon her some of the most beautiful poetry ever written, telling her she was “beautiful like the full moon, pure like the glowing sun”—and got absolutely nowhere with her!—Song of Solomon 6:10.
Nevertheless, Solomon eventually quit his attempts to win her over. How can you, too, regain control of your feelings? “He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid,” says the Bible. (Proverbs 28:26) This is particularly true when you are caught up in a romantic fantasy. However, “he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.” This means seeing things the way they are.
“How do you tell legitimate hope from unfounded hope?” asks Dr. Howard Halpern. “By looking carefully and coldly at the facts.” Consider: How much of a chance is there of a real romance developing with this person? If the person is a celebrity, the odds are you will never even meet this person! Your chances are equally dim when some older person, such as a teacher, is involved.
Furthermore, has the person you like thus far shown any interest in you at all? If not, is there any real reason to believe that things will change in the future? Or are you simply reading romantic interest into innocent words and actions on his or her part? Incidentally, in most lands it is customary for men to take the initiative in romance. A young girl can humiliate herself by aggressively pursuing someone who simply is not interested.
Besides, what would you do if the person actually returned your affections? Are you ready for the responsibilities of marriage? If not, then “remove vexation from your heart” by refusing to dwell on fantasy. There is “a time to love,” and that might be years later when you are older.—Ecclesiastes 3:8; 11:10.
Analyzing Your Feelings
Dr. Charles Zastrow observes: “Infatuation occurs when a person idealizes the person she or he is infatuated with as being a ‘perfect lover’; that is, concludes that the other person has all of the characteristics desired in a mate.” However, no such “perfect lover” exists. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” says the Bible.—Romans 3:23.
So ask yourself: How well do I really know this person I have set my heart on? Am I in love with an image? Am I blinding myself to this person’s flaws? One objective look at your dream lover may be enough to pull you out of your romantic stupor! It is also helpful to analyze the kind of love you feel for this person. Says writer Kathy McCoy: “Immature love can come and go in a moment . . . The focus is on you, and you’re simply in love with the idea of being in love . . . Immature love is clinging, possessive, and jealous. . . . Immature love demands perfection.”—Contrast 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5.
Getting Him or Her Off Your Mind
Admittedly, all the reasoning in the world does not entirely erase how you feel. But you can avoid feeding the problem. Reading steamy romance novels, watching TV love stories, or just listening to certain kinds of music can worsen your feelings of loneliness. So refuse to dwell on the situation. “Where there is no wood the fire goes out.”—Proverbs 26:20.
A fantasy romance is no substitute for people who really love you and care for you. Do not ‘isolate yourself.’ (Proverbs 18:1) You’ll probably find that your parents can be quite helpful. For all your attempts to conceal your feelings, they have probably already discerned that something is eating away at you. Why not approach them and give your heart to them? (Compare Proverbs 23:26.) A mature Christian may also prove to have a good listening ear.
“Keep busy,” exhorts teen writer Esther Davidowitz. Take up a hobby, do some exercise, study a language, begin a Bible research project. Staying engrossed in useful activities can ease the withdrawal symptoms quite a bit.
Getting over a crush is not easy. But with the passage of time, the pain will subside. You will have learned much about yourself and your feelings, and you will be better prepared to deal with real love should it come in the future! But how will you be able to recognize ‘real love’?
Questions for Discussion
◻ Why are crushes common among youths?
◻ Who often are the objects of youthful romantic fantasies, and why?
◻ Why can crushes be harmful?
◻ What are some things a youth can do to get over a crush?
◻ How can a youth avoid feeding a romantic fantasy?
[Blurb on page 223]
‘I can’t eat. I can’t study anymore. I daydream about him. I’m miserable’
[Picture on page 220]
Crushes on older, unavailable members of the opposite sex are quite common
[Picture on page 221]
Taking a cool, objective look at this person may cure you of your romantic notions |
Why Does Love Fade? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102001002 | Why Does Love Fade?
“It seems much easier to fall into love than to stay in love.”—DR. KAREN KAYSER.
THE proliferation of loveless marriages is perhaps not surprising. Marriage is a complex human relationship, and many enter it with little preparation. “We are required to demonstrate some proficiency when obtaining a driver’s license,” observes Dr. Dean S. Edell, “but marriage licenses can be had for a signature.”
Hence, while many marriages thrive and are truly happy, a number experience strain. Perhaps one or both spouses entered marriage with high expectations but lack the skills that are necessary for a long-term relationship. “When people first become close,” explains Dr. Harry Reis, “they feel a tremendous sense of validation from each other.” They feel as if their partner were “the only other person on earth who sees things as they do. That feeling sometimes fades, and when it does, it can take a heavy toll on the marriage.”
Happily, many marriages do not come to that point. But let us briefly consider a few of the factors that in some cases have caused love to fade.
Disillusionment—“This Is Not What I Expected”
“When I married Jim,” says Rose, “I thought we’d be the local version of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming—all romance and tenderness and consideration for each other.” Yet, after a while, Rose’s “prince” didn’t seem so charming. “I ended up being terribly disappointed in him,” she says.
Many movies, books, and popular songs paint an unrealistic portrait of love. While courting, a man and a woman may feel that they are experiencing a dream come true; but after a few years of marriage, they conclude that truly they must have been dreaming! Anything less than a storybook romance might make a workable marriage seem like an utter failure.
Of course, some expectations in marriage are entirely proper. For example, it is appropriate to expect love, attention, and support from one’s mate. Yet, even these wishes may go unfulfilled. “I almost feel that I am not married,” says Meena, a young bride in India. “I feel lonely and neglected.”
Incompatibility—“We Have Nothing in Common”
“My husband and I are about 180 degrees apart on virtually everything,” says one woman. “Not a day passes that I don’t bitterly regret my decision to marry him. We are just badly mismatched.”
Usually it does not take long for a married couple to discover that they are not as much alike as they seemed to be during courtship. “Marriage often showcases characteristics that the partners had managed to hide from themselves throughout their single lives,” writes Dr. Nina S. Fields.
As a result, after marriage some couples may conclude that they are completely incompatible. “Despite some similarities in taste and personality, most people enter marriage with major differences in style, habits, and attitudes,” says Dr. Aaron T. Beck. Many couples do not know how to reconcile those differences.
Conflict—“We’re Always Arguing”
“We were amazed at how much we were fighting—yelling even, or worse, steaming around in silence for days,” says Cindy, reflecting on the early days of her marriage.
In marriage, disagreements are inevitable. But how are they handled? “In a healthy marriage,” writes Dr. Daniel Goleman, “husband and wife feel free to voice a complaint. But too often in the heat of anger complaints are expressed in a destructive fashion, as an attack on the spouse’s character.”
When this happens, conversation is a battleground where viewpoints are defended with grim determination and words are weapons instead of tools of communication. Says one team of experts: “One of the most damaging things about arguments that are escalating out of control is that partners tend to say things that threaten the very lifeblood of their marriage.”
Apathy—“We’ve Given Up”
“I’ve given up on trying to make our marriage work,” confessed one woman after five years of marriage. “I know that it will never work now. So all I’m concerned about is our kids.”
It has been said that the true opposite of love is not hate but apathy. Indeed, indifference can be every bit as destructive to a marriage as hostility.
Sadly, though, some spouses become so accustomed to a loveless marriage that they give up all hope of any change. For example, one husband said that being married for 23 years resembled “being in a job you don’t like.” He added: “You do the best you can in the situation.” Similarly, a wife named Wendy has given up hope for her husband of seven years. “I tried so many times,” she says, “and he always let me down. I ended up in a depression. I don’t want to go through that again. If I get my hopes up, I’ll only get hurt. I’d sooner expect nothing—I won’t enjoy things, but at least I won’t get depressed.”
Disillusionment, incompatibility, conflict, and apathy are just some of the factors that may contribute to a loveless marriage. Obviously, there are more—a few of which are noted in the box on page 5. Regardless of the cause, is there hope for spouses who seem to be trapped in a loveless marriage?
[Box/Picture on page 5]
LOVELESS MARRIAGES—SOME OTHER FACTORS
• Money: “One might imagine that budgeting would help unite a couple through the necessity of working together, pooling their resources for the basics of living, and enjoying the fruits of their labors. But here, too, what could bond a couple in a joint venture often serves to separate them.”—Dr. Aaron T. Beck.
• Parenthood: “We’ve found that 67 percent of couples experience a significant drop in marital outputment after their first child is born, and there is eight times more conflict. This is partly because parents are tired and don’t have a lot of time for themselves.”—Dr. John Gottman.
• Deceit: “Infidelity usually involves deceit, and deceit, pure and simple, is a betrayal of trust. With trust identified as a crucial component in all successful long-term marriages, is it any wonder that deceit can wreak havoc on a marital relationship?”—Dr. Nina S. Fields.
• Sex: “By the time people file for divorce, sexual deprivation of many years’ standing is shockingly common. In some cases the sexual relationship was never established, and in others, sex was mechanical, merely a vent for one partner’s physical needs.”—Judith S. Wallerstein, clinical psychologist.
[Box/Picture on page 6]
HOW ARE CHILDREN AFFECTED?
Can the quality of your marriage affect your children? According to Dr. John Gottman, who has researched married couples for some 20 years, the answer is yes. “In two ten-year studies,” he says, “we found that babies of unhappy parents have higher heart rates during playful interactions and aren’t as able to soothe themselves. Over time, marital conflict leads to lower achievement in school, regardless of the children’s IQ.” In contrast, Dr. Gottman says, children of well-adjusted married couples “do better both scholastically and socially, because their parents have shown them how to treat other people with respect and handle emotional upsets.” |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Awake!—A Magazine With Broad Public Appeal
This magazine originally bore the input The Golden Age. The first issue was dated October 1, 1919. This was a magazine that reported on many fields of human endeavor. It alerted people to what was going on in the world and showed them that the real solution to mankind’s problems is Christ’s Millennial Reign, which will truly usher in a “golden age” for humankind. The cover design of the magazine underwent changes, but the message remained the same. The Golden Age was designed for public distribution, and for many years its circulation was far in excess of that for The Watch Tower.
Beginning with the issue of October 6, 1937, the input was changed to Consolation. This was very appropriate in view of the oppression that many were experiencing and the turmoil in which the world became embroiled in World War II. The consolation that the magazine offered, however, was the sort that appeals only to those who have genuine love for truth.
As of the issue of August 22, 1946, the input Awake! was adopted. Emphasis was placed on awakening people to the significance of world events. The magazine used conventional news sources, but it also had its own correspondents around the globe. The balanced, practical in-depth articles in Awake! that discuss a wide range of subjects encourage readers to give consideration to this magazine’s most important message, namely, that world events fulfill Bible prophecy, which shows that we live in the last days and that soon God’s Kingdom will bring eternal benefits to those who learn and do God’s will. This magazine has been an effective instrument in the global proclamation of the good news of the Kingdom of God and a bridge to deeper study material as set forth in The Watchtower and bound books.
By early 1993, Awake! was being printed in 67 languages, 13,240,000 copies per issue. |
Imitate (ia)
2013 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ia | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Imitate Their Faith
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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References.
August 2016 Printing
English (ia-E)
© 2013
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 8
Escape From a Tyrant
JOSEPH wakes up Mary to give her urgent news. Jehovah’s angel has just appeared to him, saying: “Get up, take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I give you word; for Herod is about to search for the young child to destroy it.”
Quickly, the three of them make their escape. And it is just in time because Herod has learned that the astrologers have tricked him and have left the country. Remember, they were supposed to report back to him when they found Jesus. Herod is furious. So in an attempt to kill Jesus, he gives orders to put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its districts who are two years of age and younger. He bases this age calculation on the information that he obtained earlier from the astrologers who had come from the East.
The slaughter of all the baby boys is something horrible to see! Herod’s soldiers break into one home after another. And when they find a baby boy, they grab him from his mother’s arms. We have no idea how many babies they kill, but the great weeping and wailing of the mothers fulfills a prophecy in the Bible by God’s prophet Jeremiah.
In the meantime, Joseph and his family have safely made it to Egypt, and they are now living there. But one night Jehovah’s angel again appears to Joseph in a dream. “Get up, take the young child and its mother,” the angel says, “and be on your way into the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the soul of the young child are dead.” So in fulfillment of another Bible prophecy that says God’s Son would be called out of Egypt, the family return to their homeland.
Apparently Joseph intends to settle in Judea, where they were living in the town of Bethlehem before they fled to Egypt. But he learns that Herod’s wicked son Archelaus is now the king of Judea, and in another dream he is warned by Jehovah of the danger. So Joseph and his family travel north and settle in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Here in this community, away from the center of Jewish religious life, Jesus grows up. Matthew 2:13-23; Jeremiah 31:15; Hosea 11:1.
▪ When the astrologers do not return, what terrible thing does King Herod do, but how is Jesus protected?
▪ On returning from Egypt, why does Joseph not again stay in Bethlehem?
▪ What Bible prophecies are fulfilled during this period of time? |
Why Look to the Bible for Guidance? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102006007 | The Bible’s Viewpoint
Why Look to the Bible for Guidance?
“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.”—2 Timothy 3:16.
WHERE do you go for guidance in your life? Today there is a superabundance of advice available on virtually every imaginable subject. Still, many people look to the ancient writings of the Bible for guidance.
The majority, however, regard the Bible as of little value, especially in this age of information and modern technology. Some respected educators and scientists hold to the idea that the Bible is no longer relevant. Are they right? Considering the many sources of guidance so prevalent today, why should anyone look to the Bible?
A Book of Truth
On one occasion Jesus Christ was resting by a fountain and had a conversation with a Samaritan woman. He said to her: “God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) These words show that there is a form of worship acceptable to God. For our worship to be rendered with truth, it must harmonize with what God has revealed about himself in the Bible. God’s Word contains the truth.—John 17:17.
However, there are many religions professing belief in the Bible, and each one seems to teach different things. As a result, there is much confusion as to what the Bible really teaches. Is Jesus God, or is he the Son of God? Is there life after death or not? Is hell a real place where people are tormented after death? Is Satan an actual person? What does it mean to be a Christian? Do our actions and thoughts really matter to God? Does true love justify premarital sex? Is it wrong to drink alcoholic beverages?a Various religions claim to teach the truth about these matters. But religious doctrines are often in conflict with one another. They cannot all be the truth.—Matthew 7:21-23.
How, then, are you to find the truth about God and the form of worship that pleases him? Suppose you found out that you needed surgery to correct a serious medical condition. What would you do? If possible, you would thoroughly search to find the best surgeon available for that type of operation. You would consider his credentials and experience, contact him, and talk with him. Finally, after you were convinced on the basis of the evidence that he was the best, you would place your trust in him and let him operate on you. Others may have a different opinion. But your faith in this surgeon is now well-grounded.
In the same way, if you make an honest and thorough examination of the available evidence, you can build faith in God and the Bible. (Proverbs 2:1-4) In seeking answers to questions about the kind of worship that is acceptable to God, you have a choice. You can look to the conflicting teachings and opinions of men, or you can consider the Bible’s viewpoint.
Accurate and Practical
A careful examination of the Bible will provide you with considerable evidence that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.”b (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) For instance, the Bible is filled with detailed prophecies. History documents their fulfillment. (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Daniel 8:3-8, 20-22; Micah 5:2) Although not a science textbook, the Bible is scientifically accurate. It contains facts about nature and health that were written thousands of years before scientists were able to reach similar conclusions.—Leviticus 11:27, 28, 32, 33; Isaiah 40:22.
Moreover, the Bible helps us make wise decisions. Its pages contain an abundance of practical advice on family life, physical and emotional health, business, and other day-to-day matters. Proverbs 2:6, 7 says: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment. And for the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom.” By looking to the Bible for guidance, you can train your perceptive powers “to distinguish both right and wrong.”—Hebrews 5:14.
God’s Word also helps us to understand the purpose of life. (John 17:3; Acts 17:26, 27) It explains the meaning of world conditions. (Matthew 24:3, 7, 8, 14; 2 Timothy 3:1-5) In it God shows us how he will remove badness from the earth and enable mankind to enjoy perfect health and eternal life.—Isaiah 33:24; Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:3, 4.
Millions have experienced firsthand that the Bible is indeed a reliable and trustworthy source of practical wisdom. The publishers of Awake! invite you to examine the series of articles eninputd “The Bible’s Viewpoint,” featured in every issue of this magazine. By doing so, you may find additional evidence pointing to the Bible as the best source of guidance for your own life.
[Footnotes]
a “The Bible’s Viewpoint”—a regular feature of Awake!—will consider these and other questions in future issues.
b For evidence that the Bible is divinely inspired, see the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
HAVE YOU WONDERED?
◼ What form of worship is acceptable to God?—John 4:24.
◼ What must you do to benefit from the wisdom of God?—Proverbs 2:1-4.
◼ In what way is the Bible a source of practical guidance?—Hebrews 5:14. |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Spiritism
Definition: Belief that a spirit part of humans survives death of the physical body and can communicate with the living, usually through a person who serves as a medium. Some people believe that every material object and all natural phenomena have indwelling spirits. Sorcery is the use of power that is acknowledged to be from evil spirits. All forms of spiritism are strongly condemned in the Bible.
Is it really possible for a human to communicate with the “spirit” of a dead loved one?
Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all . . . Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun. All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol [the grave], the place to which you are going.”
Ezek. 18:4, 20: “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (So the soul is not something that survives the death of the body and with which living humans can thereafter communicate.)
Ps. 146:4: “His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish.” (When the spirit is said to ‘go out’ of the body, this is merely another way of saying that the life-force has ceased to be active. Thus, after a person dies, his spirit does not exist as an immaterial being that can think and carry out plans apart from the body. It is not something with which the living can communicate after a person’s death.)
See also pages 100-102, under the heading “Death.”
Does not the Bible indicate that King Saul communicated with the prophet Samuel after Samuel’s death?
The account is found at 1 Samuel 28:3-20. Verses 13, 14 show that Saul himself did not see Samuel but only assumed from the description given by the spirit medium that she saw Samuel. Saul desperately wanted to believe that it was Samuel and so let himself be deceived. Verse 3 says that Samuel was dead and buried. The scriptures quoted under the preceding subheading make clear that there was no part of Samuel that was alive in another realm and able to communicate with Saul. The voice that pretended to be that of Samuel was that of an impostor.
With whom are those who endeavor to speak with the dead actually communicating?
The truth about the condition of the dead is clearly stated in the Bible. But who tried to deceive the first human pair about death? Satan contradicted God’s warning that disobedience would bring death. (Gen. 3:4; Rev. 12:9) In time, of course, it became obvious that humans did die as God said they would. Reasonably, then, who was responsible for inventing the idea that humans really do not die but that some spirit part of man survives the death of the body? Such a deception fits Satan the Devil, whom Jesus described as “the father of the lie.” (John 8:44; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.) Belief that the dead are really alive in another realm and that we can communicate with them has not benefited mankind. On the contrary, Revelation 18:23 says that, by means of the spiritistic practices of Babylon the Great, “all the nations were misled.” The spiritistic practice of ‘talking with the dead’ is actually a fraudulent deception that can put people in contact with the demons (angels that became selfish rebels against God) and often leads to a person’s hearing unwanted voices and being harassed by those wicked spirits.
Is there harm in seeking healing or protection by spiritistic means?
Gal. 5:19-21: “The works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism . . . As to these things I am forewarning you, the same way as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Resorting to spiritism for help means that a person believes Satan’s lies about death; he is seeking advice from people who endeavor to draw power from Satan and his demons. Such a person thus identifies himself with those who are avowed enemies of Jehovah God. Instead of being truly helped, anyone persisting in such a course suffers lasting harm.)
Luke 9:24: “Whoever wants to save his soul [or, life] will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake [because he is a follower of Jesus Christ] is the one that will save it.” (If a person deliberately violates the clearly stated commands of God’s Word in an endeavor to safeguard or preserve his present life, he will lose out on the prospect of eternal life. How foolish!)
2 Cor. 11:14, 15: “Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.” (So we should not be misled when some of the things done by spiritistic means seem to be temporarily of benefit.)
See also pages 156-160, under “Healing.”
Is it wise to resort to spiritistic means to learn what the future holds or to assure oneself of success in some undertaking?
Isa. 8:19: “In case they should say to you people: ‘Apply to the spiritistic mediums or to those having a spirit of prediction who are chirping and making utterances in low tones,’ is it not to its God that any people should apply?”
Lev. 19:31: “Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them. I am Jehovah your God.”
2 Ki. 21:6: “[King Manasseh] practiced magic and looked for omens and made spirit mediums and professional foretellers of events. He did on a large scale what was bad in Jehovah’s eyes, to offend him.” (Such spiritistic practices actually involved turning to Satan and his demons for help. No wonder it was “bad in Jehovah’s eyes,” and he brought severe punishment upon Manasseh for it. But when he repented and gave up these bad practices, he was blessed by Jehovah.)
What harm can there be in playing games that involve a form of divination or in seeking the meaning of something that seems to be an omen of good?
Deut. 18:10-12: “There should not be found in you anyone who . . . employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.” (Divination seeks to disclose hidden knowledge or to foretell events, not as a result of research, but by the interpretation of omens or by the help of supernatural powers. Jehovah prohibited such practices among his servants. Why? All these practices are an invitation to communication with or possession by unclean spirits, or demons. Engaging in such things would be gross unfaithfulness toward Jehovah.)
Acts 16:16-18: “A certain servant girl with a spirit, a demon of divination, met us. She used to furnish her masters with much gain by practicing the art of prediction.” (Obviously, no one who loves righteousness would consult such a source of information, whether with serious intent or as a game. Paul tired of her crying out, and he ordered the spirit to come out of her.)
Are wicked spirits able to take on human form?
In the days of Noah, disobedient angels did take on human form. They actually married, and they fathered children. (Gen. 6:1-4) However, when the Flood came, those angels were forced back into the spirit realm. Regarding them, Jude 6 says: “The angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place he has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” Not only did God abase them from their former heavenly privileges and consign them to dense darkness regarding Jehovah’s purposes, but the reference to bonds indicates that he has restrained them. From what? Evidently, from taking on physical bodies so they could have relations with women, as they had done before the Flood. The Bible reports that faithful angels, as messengers of God, did materialize in the performance of their duties down until the first century C.E. But following the Flood, those angels that had misused their gifts were deprived of the ability to take on human form.
It is of interest, however, that demons apparently can cause humans to see visions, and what they see may appear to be real. When the Devil tempted Jesus, he evidently made use of such means in order to show Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.”—Matt. 4:8.
How can a person be freed from spiritistic influence?
Prov. 18:10: “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.” (This does not mean that use of God’s personal name serves as a charm to ward off evil. The “name” of Jehovah represents the Person himself. We are protected when we come to know him and put our full trust in him, submitting to his authority and obeying his commands. If we do this, then when we call out to him for help, using his personal name, he provides the protection that he has promised in his Word.)
Matt. 6:9-13: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘ . . . Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’” You must also “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) (God hears such prayers from those who truly desire to know the truth and to worship him in a manner that is pleasing to him.)
1 Cor. 10:21: “You cannot be partaking of ‘the table of Jehovah’ and the table of demons.” (Those who want Jehovah’s friendship and protection must break off all participation in spiritistic meetings. In harmony with the example recorded at Acts 19:19, it is also important to destroy or properly dispose of all objects in one’s possession that relate to spiritism.)
Jas. 4:7: “Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” (To do this, be diligent to learn God’s will and to apply it in your life. With love for God fortifying you against fear of man, firmly refuse to share in any customs related to spiritism or to obey any rules laid down by a spiritist.)
Put on “the complete suit of armor from God” that is described in Ephesians 6:10-18 and be zealous about keeping every part of it in good condition. |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102003000 | Table of outputs
January 8, 2003
U.S. Supreme Court and Free Speech
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 8 to 1 in favor of the right to free speech without the need for local government license. What arguments influenced their decision?
3 The Issue—How It All Began
4 The Supreme Court Accepts the Case
6 The First Hurdle—Oral Argument Before the Supreme Court
9 Supreme Court Rules for Freedom of Speech
12 Making Your Pregnancy Safer
21 Mobile Phone “Addiction”
22 Autos, Past and Present
26 The Bible’s ViewpointMust Christians Be Poor?
28 Watching the World
30 From Our Readers
31 ‘We Obey God Rather Than Men’
32 The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?
A Close Encounter With Marmots 15
One couple got some rare glimpses of these elusive creatures. What did they see?
Freed From the Chains of Hate 18
Learn how the Bible halted one man’s murderous quest for revenge.
[Picture Credit Lines on page 2]
COVER and above: Photo by Josh Mathes, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
Gerken/Naturfoto-Online.de |
Government (bp)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/government-bp | The Government That Will Bring Paradise
When Jesus was on earth, he told his followers to pray for God’s Kingdom: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10) He also spoke constantly about “the good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 4:23) In fact, he spoke more about the Kingdom than he did about anything else. Why? Because the Kingdom is the instrument that God will use to solve the problems that make life so difficult today. By means of the Kingdom, God will soon put an end to wars, hunger, disease, and crime, and he will bring about unity and peace.
Would you like to live in a world like that? If so, then you should read this brochure. In it, you will learn that the Kingdom is a government, but it is better than any government that has ever ruled over mankind. You will also see the thrilling way that God gradually explained to his servants his purposes regarding the Kingdom. In addition, you will see how the Kingdom can help you even today.
In fact, you can become a subject of God’s Kingdom right now. But before you choose to do this, you will need to know more about it. So we encourage you to examine this brochure. Everything it will tell you about the Kingdom is taken from the Bible.
First of all, let us see why we need God’s Kingdom so much.
In the beginning of human history, God made man perfect and put him in a paradise. At that time there was no need of the Kingdom.
However, Adam and Eve, our first parents, listened to Satan, a rebellious angel. He told them lies about God and caused them also to rebel against God. Thus they deserved to die, because “the wages sin pays is death.”—Romans 6:23.
An imperfect, sinful man cannot have perfect children. So all of Adam’s children were born imperfect, sinful, dying.—Romans 5:12.
From then on, humans needed God’s Kingdom to help them recover from the curse of sin and death. The Kingdom will also clear God’s name from the lies Satan told against it.
Jehovah God promised that a special “seed” (or offspring) would be born to rescue mankind from sin. (Genesis 3:15) This “seed” would be the King of God’s Kingdom.
Who would that be?
About 2,000 years after Adam sinned, there lived a very faithful man named Abraham. Jehovah told Abraham to leave his own city and live in tents in the land of Palestine.
Abraham did all that Jehovah told him to do, including one very difficult thing. Jehovah told him to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar.
Jehovah did not really want a human sacrifice. But he wanted to know how much Abraham loved him. Abraham was at the point of killing Isaac when Jehovah stopped him.
Because of Abraham’s great faith, Jehovah promised to give the land of Palestine to his offspring and said that the promised Seed would be through his line, and that of his son Isaac.—Genesis 22:17, 18; 26:4, 5.
Isaac had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Jehovah said that the promised Seed would come through Jacob.—Genesis 28:13-15.
Jacob, whom Jehovah also named Israel, had 12 sons, all of whom eventually had children. So the children of Abraham started to multiply.—Genesis 46:8-27.
When there was a bad famine in the area, Jacob and his family moved down to Egypt at the invitation of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.—Genesis 45:16-20.
In Egypt it was revealed that the promised Seed would be a descendant of Jacob’s son Judah.—Genesis 49:10.
Eventually Jacob died, and his offspring grew in number until they were like a nation. Then the Egyptians became afraid of them and made them slaves.—Exodus 1:7-14.
Eventually Jehovah sent Moses, a very faithful man, to demand that the Pharaoh of that time let the children of Israel go free.—Exodus 6:10, 11.
Pharaoh refused, so Jehovah brought ten plagues on the Egyptians. As the last plague, he sent the angel of death to kill all the firstborn sons of Egypt.—Exodus, chapters 7 to 12.
God told the Israelites that if they would kill a lamb for their evening meal and put some of its blood on their doorposts, the angel of death would pass over their houses. So the Israelite firstborn were saved.—Exodus 12:1-35.
As a result, Pharaoh ordered the Israelites out of Egypt. But then he changed his mind and chased after them to bring them back.
Jehovah opened a way for the Israelites to escape through the Red Sea. And when Pharaoh and his armies tried to follow them, they were drowned.—Exodus 15:5-21.
Jehovah led the sons of Israel to a mountain named Sinai in the desert. There, he gave them his Law and said that if they would keep it, they would become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Thus, in the course of time, the Israelites had the opportunity to be an important part of God’s Kingdom.—Exodus 19:6; 24:3-8.
After the Israelites had been at Mount Sinai about a year, Jehovah led them toward Palestine, the land that he had promised to Abraham their forefather.
In Palestine, God later allowed the Israelites to be ruled by kings. Then, God had a kingdom on earth.
The second king of Israel was David, a descendant of Judah. David conquered all of Israel’s enemies, and he made Jerusalem the capital city of the nation.
Events in David’s reign show that when Jehovah supports a king, no earthly ruler can conquer him.
Jehovah said that the promised Seed would be one of David’s descendants.—1 Chronicles 17:7, 11, 14.
Solomon, David’s son, ruled after him. He was a wise king, and Israel prospered under his reign.
Solomon also built a fine temple to Jehovah in Jerusalem. Conditions in Israel under Solomon’s reign show us some of the blessings God’s coming Kingdom will bring to mankind.—1 Kings 4:24, 25.
However, many of the kings after Solomon were very unfaithful.
But while David’s descendants were still ruling in Jerusalem, Jehovah used his prophet Isaiah to tell of a future Son of David who would rule the whole earth in faithfulness. This would be the promised Seed.—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
The prophet Isaiah foretold His rule as being even more glorious than Solomon’s.—Isaiah, chapters 11 and 65.
Now, more than ever, God’s servants wondered who this Seed would be.
Before the Seed came, though, the kings of Israel became so wicked that in 607 B.C.E. Jehovah allowed the nation to be conquered by the Babylonians, and most of the people were exiled to Babylon. But God had not forgotten his promise. The Seed would still appear in David’s line.—Ezekiel 21:25-27.
What happened to Israel showed that although a wise, faithful human king could bring benefits, these benefits were limited. Faithful men die and their successors may not be faithful. What was the solution? The promised Seed.
Eventually, after thousands of years, the Seed appeared. Who was it?
An angel from God gave the answer to an unmarried Israelite girl named Mary. He told her she was to have a son whose name would be Jesus. Here is what the angel said:
“This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king.”—Luke 1:32, 33.
So Jesus was to be the promised Seed and eventually the King of God’s Kingdom. But why was Jesus different from faithful men who had lived before?
Jesus was born by a miracle. His mother was a virgin, and he had no human father. Jesus had lived previously in heaven and God’s holy spirit, or active force, transferred Jesus’ life from heaven into the womb of Mary. Hence, he did not inherit Adam’s sin. All through his life, Jesus did not sin.—1 Peter 2:22.
When he was 30 years old, Jesus was baptized.
He told people about God’s Kingdom and eventually introduced himself as the King of that Kingdom.—Matthew 4:23; 21:4-11.
He also performed many miracles.
He healed the sick.—Matthew 9:35.
He miraculously fed the hungry.—Matthew 14:14-22.
He even raised the dead.—John 11:38-44.
These miracles show what kind of things Jesus will do for mankind as King of God’s Kingdom.
Do you remember how King David had made Jerusalem the capital city of his kingdom? Jesus explained that God’s Kingdom would not be on earth, but in heaven. (John 18:36) That is why the Kingdom is called “heavenly Jerusalem.”—Hebrews 12:22, 28.
Jesus outlined the laws that those who would be subjects of the Kingdom would have to obey. These laws are now in the Bible. The most important laws were that people should love God and love one another.—Matthew 22:37-39.
Jesus also revealed that he would not be alone in ruling his Kingdom. There would be humans chosen to go to heaven and rule there with him. (Luke 12:32; John 14:3) How many would there be? Revelation 14:1 answers: 144,000.
If only 144,000 go to heaven to rule with Jesus, what can the rest of mankind hope for?
The Bible says: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”—Psalm 37:29.
Those who will live on earth forever are called the “other sheep.”—John 10:16.
So there are two hopes. There are 144,000 invited by Jehovah God to go to heaven to rule with Jesus Christ. But millions of others have the sure hope of living on earth forever as subjects of his Kingdom.—Revelation 5:10.
Satan hated Jesus and opposed him. After Jesus had preached for three and a half years, Satan had him arrested and killed by being nailed to a stake. Why did God allow this?
Remember, because of being descended from Adam, we all sin and deserve to die.—Romans 6:23.
Remember, too, that because of the miraculous way Jesus was born, he was perfect and did not deserve to die. However, God allowed Satan to ‘bruise Jesus in the heel,’ to kill him. But God raised him to life again as an immortal spirit. Since he still had the right to perfect human life, he could now use this to ransom us humans from sin.—Genesis 3:15; Romans 5:12, 21; Matthew 20:28.
To help us fully understand what Jesus’ sacrifice means, the Bible speaks about it by means of prophetic patterns.
For example, do you remember how Jehovah told Abraham to sacrifice his son, as a test of his love?
This was a prophetic pattern of the sacrifice of Jesus. It showed how Jehovah’s love for mankind was so great that he allowed his Son, Jesus, to die for us that we might have life.—John 3:16.
Do you remember the way Jehovah rescued the Israelites from Egypt and saved their firstborn by having the angel of death pass over them?—Exodus 12:12, 13.
This was a prophetic pattern. Just as the blood of the lamb meant life for the firstborn of the Israelites, Jesus’ shed blood means life for those who believe in him. And as the events of that night meant freedom for the Israelites, the death of Jesus affords mankind freedom from sin and death.
That is why Jesus is called “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”—John 1:29.
However, while Jesus was on earth he also gathered disciples and trained them to preach the good news of the Kingdom, even after his death.—Matthew 10:5; Luke 10:1.
These were the first humans chosen by God to rule with Jesus in his Kingdom.—Luke 12:32.
Do you remember that God promised the Jews that if they would keep the Law, they would be “a kingdom of priests”? Now they had a chance to be part of God’s Kingdom and serve as heavenly priests if they would accept Jesus. But most of them rejected Jesus.
So from that time on, the Jews were no longer God’s chosen nation; Palestine was no longer the Promised Land.—Matthew 21:43; 23:37, 38.
From Jesus’ day till ours, Jehovah has been gathering these ones who would reign in heaven with Jesus. There are still a few thousand of them alive on earth today. We call them the anointed remnant.—Revelation 12:17.
Now, you are beginning to see what God’s Kingdom is. It is a government in heaven, its King is Jesus Christ, and he is joined by 144,000 people from the earth. It will rule over faithful mankind on earth and will have the power to bring peace to the earth.
After his death, Jesus was resurrected and went to heaven. There, he waited for God to say when it would be time for him to start ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. (Psalm 110:1) When would that be?
Sometimes Jehovah sent people dreams in order to tell them things about his Kingdom.
In Daniel’s day, Jehovah sent such a dream to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. It was of a huge tree.—Daniel 4:10-37.
The tree was cut down and the trunk was banded for seven years.
The tree represented Nebuchadnezzar. Just as the trunk was banded for seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity for seven years. Then his sanity was restored.
All of this was a prophetic pattern. Nebuchadnezzar pictured Jehovah’s worldwide rulership. At first, this was exercised through descendants of King David in Jerusalem. When Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., that line of kings was interrupted. There would never be another king in David’s line “until he comes who has the legal right.” (Ezekiel 21:27) That was Jesus Christ.
How long would it be from 607 B.C.E. until Jesus would begin to reign? Seven prophetic years. That is, 2,520 years. (Revelation 12:6, 14) And 2,520 years from 607 B.C.E. brings us to 1914 C.E.
So Jesus began to rule in the heavens in 1914. What did that mean?
The Bible tells us by means of a vision seen by the apostle John.
He saw a woman in heaven give birth to a man-child.—Revelation 12:1-12.
The woman pictured God’s heavenly organization, made up of all the angelic servants of God in heaven. The man-child pictures God’s Kingdom. This was “born” in 1914.
What happened next? The first thing Jesus did as King was to cast Satan, and those angels that rebelled with him, out of heaven down to the earth.—Revelation 12:9.
The Bible tells us the result: “Be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”—Revelation 12:12.
So when Jesus began to reign in heaven, his enemies became very active on earth. As the Bible foretold, he began to rule in the midst of his enemies.—Psalm 110:1, 2.
What would this mean for mankind?
Jesus told us: wars, food shortages, diseases, and earthquakes.—Matthew 24:7, 8; Luke 21:10, 11.
We have seen these things happen since 1914, which is another reason why we know that the Kingdom began to rule then.
The book of Revelation tells us that men would be “ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) We have seen that, too, especially since 1914.
The apostle Paul added that people would be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . disobedient to parents, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Now you know why life is so hard today. Satan has been very active. But God’s Kingdom has been active too.
Soon after 1914, the remnant of those who hope to rule in heaven with Jesus began telling the good news that the Kingdom was established. This work has now spread throughout the earth, as Jesus said it would.—Matthew 24:14.
What is the purpose of this preaching work?
First, it is to tell people about God’s Kingdom.
Second, it is to help people decide whether they want to be subjects of the Kingdom.
Jesus said that in our days all mankind would be divided into sheeplike and goatlike people.—Matthew 25:31-46.
The “sheep” would be those who love him and his brothers. The “goats” would be those who do not.
The “sheep” would get everlasting life and the “goats” would not.
This dividing work is being accomplished by the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.
Here is a prophecy by the prophet Isaiah.
“And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream.”—Isaiah 2:2.
Mankind is now facing “the final part of the days.”
Jehovah’s “house” of worship is “lifted up” above false religions.
“And many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’”—Isaiah 2:3.
So, many from all nations come to worship Jehovah and invite others to join them. They learn how to act in a way that Jehovah wants.
“And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”—Isaiah 2:4.
Those who worship Jehovah are united and peaceable.
The result of this activity by God’s Kingdom is that now there are almost three million people worldwide who are subjects of the Kingdom.
They are gathered around the remnant, the remaining ones of those whose hope is to go to heaven and rule with Christ.
They receive spiritual food through God’s organization.—Matthew 24:45-47.
They are an international brotherhood of Christians who truly love one another.—John 13:35.
They enjoy peace of mind, a hope for the future.—Philippians 4:7.
Soon, the good news will have been preached. The “sheep” will have been gathered. Then what will the Kingdom do?
Do you remember that faithful King David conquered all the enemies of God’s people? Well, King Jesus will do the same.
King Nebuchadnezzar once had a dream of a huge image that symbolized all the world empires from his day to ours.
Then he saw a stone carved out of a mountain, and it smashed the image to pieces. The stone represented God’s Kingdom.
This means the destruction of the present wicked system of things.—Daniel 2:44.
Here are some things that the Kingdom will overturn.
False religion will disappear, like a millstone thrown into the sea.—Revelation 18:21.
That is why all lovers of God are encouraged to get out of false religion NOW.—Revelation 18:4.
Next King Jesus will “strike the nations . . . and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron.”—Revelation 19:15.
Consequently, Jehovah’s Witnesses, although they pay their taxes and obey the laws of the land, do not get involved in politics.
Finally, Satan himself, the great “dragon,” is thrown into the abyss.—Revelation 20:2, 3.
Only the “sheep,” those who submit to Jesus as King, will survive this tribulation.—Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46.
The apostle John saw a vision of the “sheep” who survive the tribulation.
“I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands.”—Revelation 7:9.
The “great crowd” is made up of all those who respond to the preaching of the good news.
They “come out of the great tribulation.”—Revelation 7:14.
The “palm branches” show that they welcome Jesus as their King.
Their wearing “white robes” pictures that they have faith in Jesus’ sacrifice.
The “Lamb” is Jesus Christ.
What blessings do they then enjoy? Do you remember the happiness in Israel when faithful King Solomon was reigning? This gave a small picture of the happiness on earth under King Jesus.
There will be literal peace among mankind and between men and the animals, just as Isaiah foretold.—Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 11:6-9.
Just as Jesus healed the sick while he was on earth, so he will remove sickness from all mankind.—Isaiah 33:24.
Just as he fed the multitudes, so he will abolish food shortages from all mankind.—Psalm 72:16.
Just as he raised the dead, so he will raise those dead ones who did not have a full opportunity to submit themselves to God’s Kingdom.—John 5:28, 29.
Gradually, he will bring mankind back to the perfection that Adam lost.
Is that not a wonderful future? Would you like to see it? If so, work so that you can submit yourself now to God’s Kingdom and become one of the “sheep.”
Study the Bible and get to know Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.—John 17:3.
Associate with others who are also subject to the Kingdom.—Hebrews 10:25.
Learn the laws of the Kingdom and obey them.—Isaiah 2:3, 4.
Dedicate your life to serve Jehovah, and be baptized.—Matthew 28:19, 20.
Avoid bad things, such as stealing, lying, immorality, and drunkenness, which displease Jehovah God.—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Share in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.—Matthew 24:14.
Then with God’s help, you will see the Paradise that Adam lost for his descendants restored, and you will see this promise fulfilled: “I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 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.’”—Revelation 21:3, 4.
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THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
I Wanted to Fight Injustice | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018114 | THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
I Wanted to Fight Injustice
Rafika joined a revolutionary group to fight injustice. But she found the Bible’s promise of peace and justice under God’s Kingdom.
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Knowledge (kl)
1995 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kl | Chapter 3
Who Is the True God?
1. Why do many agree with the Bible’s opening words?
WHEN you look at the sky on a clear night, are you not amazed to see so many stars? How do you account for their existence? And what about the living things on earth—colorful flowers, birds with their delightful songs, powerful whales that leap in the ocean? The list goes on and on. All of this could not have come about by chance. No wonder many agree with the Bible’s opening words: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”!—Genesis 1:1.
2. What does the Bible say about God, and what does it encourage us to do?
2 Mankind is greatly divided on the question of God. Some think that God is an impersonal force. Millions worship dead ancestors, believing that God is too remote to be approached. But the Bible reveals that the true God is a real person who shows warm interest in us as individuals. That is why it encourages us to “seek God,” saying: “He is not far off from each one of us.”—Acts 17:27.
3. Why is it impossible to make an image of God?
3 What does God look like? A few of his servants have seen visions of his glorious presence. In these he has symbolized himself as seated on a throne, awesome brightness extending from him. However, those who beheld such visions never described a distinct face. (Daniel 7:9, 10; Revelation 4:2, 3) That is because “God is a Spirit”; he does not have a physical body. (John 4:24) In fact, it is impossible to make an accurate physical image of our Creator, for “no man has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18; Exodus 33:20) Yet, the Bible teaches us much about God.
THE TRUE GOD HAS A NAME
4. What are some meaningful inputs applied to God in the Bible?
4 In the Bible, the true God is identified by such expressions as “God Almighty,” “the Most High,” “Grand Creator,” “Grand Instructor,” “Sovereign Lord,” and “King of eternity.” (Genesis 17:1; Psalm 50:14; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 30:20; Acts 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17) Meditating upon such inputs can help us grow in the knowledge of God.
5. What is God’s name, and how often does it appear in the Hebrew Scriptures?
5 However, God has a unique name that appears almost 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures alone—more often than any of his inputs. Some 1,900 years ago, the Jews superstitiously ceased to pronounce the divine name. Biblical Hebrew was written without vowels. Hence, there is no way to be precise about how Moses, David, or others of ancient times pronounced the four consonants (יהוה) that make up the divine name. Some scholars suggest that God’s name may have been pronounced “Yahweh,” but they cannot be sure. The English pronunciation “Jehovah” has been in use for centuries, and its equivalent in many languages is widely accepted today.—See Exodus 6:3 and Isaiah 26:4 in the King James Version.
WHY YOU SHOULD USE GOD’S NAME
6. Psalm 83:18 says what about Jehovah, and why should we use his name?
6 God’s unique name, Jehovah, serves to differentiate him from all other gods. That is why that name appears so often in the Bible, especially in its Hebrew text. Many translators fail to use the divine name, but Psalm 83:18 clearly says: “You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” So it is appropriate for us to use God’s personal name when we speak of him.
7. What does the meaning of the name Jehovah teach us about God?
7 The name Jehovah is a form of a Hebrew verb meaning “to become.” Thus, God’s name means “He Causes to Become.” Jehovah God thereby identifies himself as the Great Purposer. He always causes his purposes to become reality. Only the true God can rightly bear this name, for humans can never be sure that their plans will succeed. (James 4:13, 14) Jehovah alone can say: “So my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. . . . It will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”—Isaiah 55:11.
8. What purpose did Jehovah announce through Moses?
8 The Hebrew patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each “called on the name of Jehovah,” but they did not know the full significance of the divine name. (Genesis 21:33; 26:25; 32:9; Exodus 6:3) When Jehovah later revealed his purpose to deliver their descendants, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt and give them “a land flowing with milk and honey,” this may have seemed impossible. (Exodus 3:17) Nevertheless, God emphasized the everlasting significance of his name by telling his prophet Moses: “This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘Jehovah the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation.”—Exodus 3:15.
9. How did Pharaoh view Jehovah?
9 Moses asked Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to let the Israelites go to worship Jehovah in the wilderness. But Pharaoh, who himself was viewed as a god and who worshiped other Egyptian gods, replied: “Who is Jehovah, so that I should obey his voice to send Israel away? I do not know Jehovah at all and, what is more, I am not going to send Israel away.”—Exodus 5:1, 2.
10. In ancient Egypt, what action did Jehovah take to fulfill his purpose involving the Israelites?
10 Jehovah then took progressive action to fulfill his purpose, acting in harmony with the meaning of his name. He brought ten plagues upon the ancient Egyptians. The last plague killed all of Egypt’s firstborn, including proud Pharaoh’s son. Then the Egyptians were eager for Israel to go. However, some Egyptians were so impressed by Jehovah’s power that they joined the Israelites in leaving Egypt.—Exodus 12:35-38.
11. What miracle did Jehovah perform at the Red Sea, and what were his enemies forced to acknowledge?
11 Stubborn Pharaoh and his army, with hundreds of war chariots, set out to recapture his slaves. As the Egyptians drew near, God miraculously divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites could cross on dry land. When the pursuers entered the seabed, Jehovah “kept taking wheels off their chariots so that they were driving them with difficulty.” The Egyptian warriors cried: “Let us flee from any contact with Israel, because Jehovah certainly fights for them against the Egyptians.” But it was too late. The vast walls of water crashed down and “covered the war chariots and the cavalrymen belonging to all of Pharaoh’s military forces.” (Exodus 14:22-25, 28) Jehovah thus made a great name for himself, and that event has not been forgotten to this day.—Joshua 2:9-11.
12, 13. (a) God’s name has what meaning for us today? (b) What do people urgently need to learn, and why?
12 The name that God has made for himself has great meaning for us today. His name, Jehovah, stands as a guarantee that all he has purposed he will cause to come true. That includes accomplishing his original purpose that our earth become a paradise. (Genesis 1:28; 2:8) To that end, God will eliminate all opposers of his sovereignty today, for he has stated: “They will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 38:23) Then God will fulfill his promise to deliver his worshipers into a new world of righteousness.—2 Peter 3:13.
13 All who want God’s favor must learn to call upon his name in faith. The Bible promises: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Yes, the name Jehovah has rich meaning. Calling upon Jehovah as your God and Deliverer can lead you to endless happiness.
QUALITIES OF THE TRUE GOD
14. What basic qualities of God does the Bible highlight?
14 A study of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt highlights four basic qualities that God possesses in perfect balance. His dealings with Pharaoh revealed his awesome power. (Exodus 9:16) The masterful way God handled that complex situation showed his matchless wisdom. (Romans 11:33) He revealed his justice in meting out punishment to stubborn opposers and oppressors of his people. (Deuteronomy 32:4) A preeminent quality of God is love. Jehovah showed outstanding love by fulfilling his promise respecting Abraham’s descendants. (Deuteronomy 7:8) He also showed love by allowing some Egyptians to forsake false gods and benefit greatly by taking their stand for the only true God.
15, 16. In what ways has God shown love?
15 As you read the Bible, you will notice that love is God’s principal attribute, and he demonstrates it in many ways. For instance, it was out of love that he became a Creator and first shared the joy of life with spirit creatures. Those hundreds of millions of angels love God and praise him. (Job 38:4, 7; Daniel 7:10) God also showed love in creating the earth and preparing it for happy human existence.—Genesis 1:1, 26-28; Psalm 115:16.
16 We benefit from God’s love in ways too numerous to mention. For one thing, God has lovingly made our bodies in such a marvelous way that we can enjoy life. (Psalm 139:14) His love is shown in that he provides “rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling [our] hearts to the full with food and good cheer.” (Acts 14:17) God even “makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) Love also moves our Creator to help us gain the knowledge of God and serve him happily as his worshipers. Indeed, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) But there is much more to his personality.
“A GOD MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS”
17. What do we learn about God at Exodus 34:6, 7?
17 After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they still needed to know God better. Moses felt this need and prayed: “If, please, I have found favor in your eyes, make me know, please, your ways, that I may know you, in order that I may find favor in your eyes.” (Exodus 33:13) Moses got to know God better upon hearing God’s own declaration: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) God balances his love with justice, not shielding willful sinners from the consequences of their wrongdoing.
18. How has Jehovah proved to be merciful?
18 As Moses learned, Jehovah shows mercy. A merciful person has pity on those who suffer and tries to bring them relief. Thus God has shown compassion for mankind by making provision for permanent relief from suffering, sickness, and death. (Revelation 21:3-5) Worshipers of God may experience calamities because of conditions in this wicked world, or they may act unwisely and meet up with trouble. But if they humbly turn to Jehovah for assistance, he will comfort and help them. Why? Because he mercifully shows tender regard for his worshipers.—Psalm 86:15; 1 Peter 5:6, 7.
19. Why can we say that God is gracious?
19 Many people in authority treat others harshly. In contrast, how gracious Jehovah is toward his humble servants! Though he is the highest authority in the universe, he shows outstanding kindness in a general way to all mankind. (Psalm 8:3, 4; Luke 6:35) Jehovah is also gracious to individuals, answering their specific pleas for favor. (Exodus 22:26, 27; Luke 18:13, 14) Of course, God is not obligated to show favor or mercy to anyone. (Exodus 33:19) Therefore, we need to manifest deep appreciation for God’s mercy and graciousness.—Psalm 145:1, 8.
SLOW TO ANGER, IMPARTIAL, AND RIGHTEOUS
20. What shows that Jehovah is both slow to anger and impartial?
20 Jehovah is slow to anger. Yet, this does not mean that he does not take action, for he did so in destroying stubborn Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. Jehovah is also impartial. Hence, his favored people, the Israelites, eventually lost his favor because of their persistent wrongdoing. God accepts as his worshipers people from all nations, but only those who conform to his righteous ways.—Acts 10:34, 35.
21. (a) What does Revelation 15:2-4 teach us about God? (b) What will make it easier for us to do what God says is right?
21 The Bible book of Revelation highlights the importance of learning about God’s “righteous decrees.” It tells us that heavenly creatures sing: “Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.” (Revelation 15:2-4) We show wholesome fear of Jehovah, or reverence for him, by conforming to what he says is right. This is made easier by reminding ourselves of God’s wisdom and love. All his commands are for our good.—Isaiah 48:17, 18.
“JEHOVAH OUR GOD IS ONE”
22. Why do those who accept the Bible not worship a Trinity?
22 The ancient Egyptians worshiped many gods, but Jehovah is “a God exacting exclusive devotion.” (Exodus 20:5) Moses reminded the Israelites that “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Jesus Christ repeated those words. (Mark 12:28, 29) Therefore, those who accept the Bible as God’s Word do not worship a Trinity consisting of three persons or gods in one. In fact, the word “Trinity” does not even appear in the Bible. The true God is one Person, separate from Jesus Christ. (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28) God’s holy spirit is not a person. It is Jehovah’s active force, used by the Almighty to accomplish his purposes.—Genesis 1:2; Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.
23. (a) How will your love for God grow? (b) What did Jesus say about loving God, and what do we need to learn about Christ?
23 When you consider how wonderful Jehovah is, do you not agree that he deserves your worship? As you study his Word, the Bible, you will get to know him better and will learn what he requires of you for your eternal welfare and happiness. (Matthew 5:3, 6) In addition, your love for God will grow. That is fitting, for Jesus said: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) Obviously, Jesus had such love for God. But what does the Bible reveal about Jesus Christ? What is his role in Jehovah’s purpose?
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What is God’s name, and how often is it used in the Hebrew Scriptures?
Why should you use God’s name?
What qualities of Jehovah God especially appeal to you?
[Picture on page 29]
How well do you know the Creator of all things? |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Proverbs 17:17—“A Friend Loves at All Times” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300162 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Proverbs 17:17—“A Friend Loves at All Times”
“A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress.”—Proverbs 17:17, New World Translation.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”—Proverbs 17:17, New International Version.
Meaning of Proverbs 17:17
Real friends are reliable and trustworthy. Like close siblings, they are loyal and caring, especially during difficult times.
“A true friend shows love at all times.” This phrase can also be rendered “friends always show their love.” The Hebrew word for “love” used in this phrase involves more than an emotion or a feeling for a person. It is an unselfish love that is shown to another through actions. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Friends bonded by that kind of love stick together when their relationship is tested, perhaps by misunderstandings or the trials of life. They also forgive each other freely. (Proverbs 10:12) And a friend does not become envious when things go well for the other person. Rather, he rejoices with his friend.—Romans 12:15.
“A true friend . . . is a brother who is born for times of distress.” The proverb draws on the fact that siblings can be especially close. So when we do our very best for a friend who is going through a stressful time, we are acting just as a true brother or sister would act. Moreover, the bond that unites such friends is not weakened by tests. Rather, it is strengthened thanks to increased love and respect.
Context of Proverbs 17:17
The book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom in the form of concise sayings that make the reader think. King Solomon wrote much of this Bible book. His writing style is typical of Hebrew poetry that instead of using rhyme uses both parallel and contrasting thoughts, where one line may build on the other or contrast with it. Proverbs 17:17 is an example of parallel poetry, the second part of the verse building on the first. Proverbs 18:24 is an example of contrasting thoughts. “There are companions ready to crush one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
When writing Proverbs 17:17, Solomon may have had in mind the close friendship that his father, David, had with Jonathan, a son of King Saul. (1 Samuel 13:16; 18:1; 19:1-3; 20:30-34, 41, 42; 23:16-18) Although David and Jonathan were not related, they were closer than brothers. Jonathan even risked his life for his young friend.a
Other Renderings of Proverbs 17:17
“A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.”—The Bible in Basic English.
“A friend is always a friend, he is a born brother for adversity.”—The Moffatt Translation of the Bible.
“A friend shows his friendship at all times—it is for adversity that [such] a brother is born.”—The Complete Jewish Study Bible.
Read Proverbs chapter 17 in the study edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This easy-to-read Bible contains audio recordings, explanatory notes, cross-references, pictures, videos, and maps.
Watch this short video to see an overview of the book of Proverbs.
a See the article “Bound Together in Close Friendship.” |
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in Action | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502500221 | HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in Action
JANUARY 1, 2023
The Bible foretold that our days would be marked by wars, earthquakes, pestilences, and other “fearful sights.” (Luke 21:10, 11) Those prophetic words continued to be fulfilled during the 2022 service year.a For example, the conflict in Ukraine persisted unabated, touching the lives of millions. Much of the world was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, countless people were affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Haiti and destructive storms in Central America, the Philippines, and southeastern Africa. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses helped those affected?
During the 2022 service year, our organization provided relief to victims of some 200 disasters! In total, we spent nearly 12 million dollars in providing relief.b Consider how donated funds were used to help victims of two disasters.
Earthquakes in Haiti
On August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southern Haiti. Sadly, three Witnesses died—two of our sisters and one brother. Those who survived have had to deal with the physical and emotional damage that the earthquake caused. A brother named Stephane says: “Throughout the city so many people died that there were several funerals every week for more than two months.” Another brother, Éliézer, says: “Many Witnesses had no shelter, no clothes, no shoes, and no other basic necessities. For months, many lived in fear because of the constant aftershocks.”
Our organization was quick to help. The Haiti branch supplied over 53 tons of food, as well as tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, and solar chargers for cell phones. Additionally, during the 2022 service year, over 100 homes were rebuilt or repaired. More than a million dollars went into relief efforts.
Delivering food, Haiti
Our brothers and sisters are extremely grateful. Lorette says: “The earthquake completely destroyed our house and our business. We had nothing to eat. But Jehovah’s organization stood by us, supplying us with everything we needed.” Micheline says: “The earthquake damaged the shelter where my two sons and I lived. I didn’t know what to do except pray for help, and Jehovah answered through his organization. We now have a sturdy house in which to live. I am determined to do all that I can to show my gratitude to Jehovah.”
Our relief efforts did not go unnoticed by the local authorities. The director of the city hall of L’Asile said: “I congratulate you for the fast way in which you came to help. I praise you because you show great respect for the authorities. I am happy to see that you are not interested in money. Instead, you want to help people. You act out of love.”
Tropical Storm Ana Strikes Malawi and Mozambique
On January 24, 2022, Tropical Storm Ana made landfall in Mozambique and then headed west into Malawi. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds—up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). It downed power lines, washed away bridges, and caused extensive flooding.
The storm affected more than 30,000 Witnesses in Malawi and Mozambique. Charles, a brother who assisted with the relief work, says: “When I saw the suffering of the brothers and how much they had lost, I felt heartbroken and helpless.” To make matters worse, their meager food supplies and crops were all swept away. Many lost their homes. Tragically, one brother lost his wife and two young daughters, who drowned when their rescue boat capsized.
Damaged house of a Witness couple, Mozambique
The rebuilt home
The storm was terrifying. At 1:00 a.m. in Nchalo, Malawi, the Sengeredo family heard the frightening sound of rushing water. Two rivers had flooded! Brother Sengeredo decided that they should vacate the house. It was a wise decision because the flood soon caused the house to collapse. Their belongings were either damaged or washed away. The family decided to go to the Kingdom Hall, which is normally a 30-minute walk from their home. This time, however, it took two hours. They arrived drenched and tired, but safe.
The Malawi and Mozambique branches quickly began relief efforts. They directed circuit overseers and elders to evaluate the needs of the affected brothers and to provide spiritual and emotional support. Several Disaster Relief Committees (DRC) were assigned to oversee the relief work, and these committees promptly began helping our brothers obtain food and other necessities. Over $33,000 was spent on humanitarian aid and over $300,000 on repairing and rebuilding homes.
The DRCs used funds wisely, which was especially important because of high inflation. For example, in the first seven months of the relief work, the price of maize flour—a staple in Malawi—increased about 70 percent. Fuel prices also rose. To save funds, the brothers purchased food and building materials locally and in bulk. They thus received discounts and avoided high transportation costs.
The relief work touched the hearts of Jehovah’s people. Felisberto, a brother in Mozambique, says: “I have never seen an organization that has given so much: building materials, transport, construction workers, food, and loving guidance. This relief was an outstanding example of the brotherly love that Jesus described at John 13:34, 35.” Ester, a widow in Malawi whose home was destroyed, says: “I was in despair because I had little means to build another house. So when the brothers came and built one for me, I felt that I was already in Paradise.”
As we approach the promised new world, we expect to see even more disasters. (Matthew 24:7, 8) Nevertheless, thanks to your generous donations, we are confident that Jehovah’s people will receive the needed relief. Ways to donate are explained at donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generosity.
a The 2022 service year began on September 1, 2021, and ended on August 31, 2022.
b All dollar amounts in this article refer to U.S. dollars. |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102006000 | Table of outputs
January 2006
What Will the Future Bring?
Have you ever wondered what kind of world this will be in 10, 20, or more years? The Bible provides solid reasons for us to believe that the best of times are ahead.
3 To Our Readers
5 A Brighter Tomorrow?
6 Where Is This World Heading?
13 Mold—Friend and Foe!
16 Off They Go!
18 The Bible’s ViewpointWhy Look to the Bible for Guidance?
20 Watching the World
21 Michael Agricola—A “Man of the Dawn”
24 Your Marvelous Red Blood Cells
30 From Our Readers
31 How Would You Answer?
32 When a Child Dies
Why Do I Hurt Myself? 10
Learn about those who fall prey to self-injury, also called cutting or self-mutilation, and why they do it.
Sustained by My Faith—Living With ALS 25
Read about a young man who has led a happy, productive life despite having a disease that has left him totally paralyzed. |
My Life as a Gypsy | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101973002 | My Life as a Gypsy
As told to “Awake!” correspondent in Canada
“WHEN God paints his pictures you had better keep quiet. Look with your eyes, but keep your foolish tongue still!” My Aunt Lila counseled me in this way while I was still a young boy as we stood in awe of a particularly beautiful sunrise. This was typical Gypsy thinking regarding God and his marvelous creative works.
We believed in a Creator and had a sincere respect for him, even though in a simple, childish sort of way. Our philosophy of life was that the satisfying of our daily needs always depended on a Creator, God. Hence, we would never think of ill-treating the lovely creatures inhabiting the forests, streams, lakes and seas. They were his creations, and we were glad to recognize that fact.
A further part of our philosophy and way of life could be summed up in the old adage: “Tomorrow will always take care of itself!” For this reason our life was easygoing and generally peaceable. We would put forth effort to meet only present needs. With these satisfied, we would relax and enjoy life with our families and the closeknit society of our own people. We would use the world to make a living, but beyond that we would not involve ourselves with it. Its political squabbles were not our concern.
Life as a Gypsy Boy
From the East Anglia section of England, where I was born, I traveled with my aunt in a Gypsy group all over the British Isles. I was taught to have real respect for older persons, always addressing older males as “uncle” and older females as “aunt.” Never was I allowed to call them by their first names. In my later years I have always been grateful for the discipline given me whenever I was disrespectful of my aunt’s authority.
Gypsy children are never allowed to run loose, so I was not. My aunt loved me and kept me busy. She took me with her to pick watercress, mushrooms and berries, and the next day we would peddle these from house to house or take them to a nearby market.
Part of our making a living was for my aunt and me to go to farms to buy piles of manure. After putting it in bushel baskets, we would peddle it from door to door among people who had small flower or vegetable gardens.
During my early training, petty thievery was indulged in by my aunt and others in our camp. Hence, I learned dishonesty, including how to make shady deals to benefit myself financially. Once, while a youth, I befriended a lad whose parents were not Gypsies. His mother was dying of tuberculosis, and the family was so poor that they had little food to eat. Desiring to provide her with some strengthening nourishment, I took my friend along to a nearby chicken pen where we appropriated a nice plump hen. I gave it to my friend to take home, but the father made his son return the feathered booty to me upon learning that it had been stolen.
Early Religious Training and Views
My aunt’s simple faith in God always made a strong impression on my mind. At the end of day she would have me kneel beside her as she gave thanks to God as our daily Provider—even though we may have stolen a rabbit or the mushrooms, watercress and berries from other people’s property!
Most Gypsies with whom I was familiar belonged to a religious denomination, such as the Methodist Church, the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church, but my aunt had no use for organized religion in any form. Her attitude toward the clergy of various denominations was one of disgust for their hypocrisy. This influenced my own religious thinking for many years. To her, some priests were hypocritical “so-and-so’s”; money-grabbing clergymen she viewed as “unclean as a goose’s excrement,” and she did not mind telling them so.
She also instilled in my young mind a strong distaste for violence. Never will I forget the scolding she gave me one day. A lady to whom we were selling goods had asked me what I was going to be when I grew up. Having been attracted by the uniforms on men in the armed services, I told her that I wanted to become a soldier. My aunt told me she never wanted to hear me say such a thing again, and if I ever did appear at her door in a military uniform I had better just keep on traveling! She impressed upon me that no human creature had the right to shed blood in man-made wars.
While growing up I began to observe the hypocrisy of the clergy for myself. World War II was approaching, and it became very evident how they shared in recruiting young men for war. One approached my aunt to ask her to let me join, and she told him off in no uncertain terms.
The more I came into association with so-called religious people, the more I was impressed with the hypocrisy of world religion. Young men would get drunk and indulge in wild revelries on a Saturday evening and then go to Mass on Sunday morning. The fact that they supposedly got their sins forgiven, only to carry on in the same immoral way in the days preceding the next Sunday Mass, disgusted me.
A Different Kind of Religion
By 1942 I was married. One day I came home and my wife told me that two women had called and talked to her about the Bible and its promises for a better future. Being inclined to ridicule anything that smacked of religion, I showed no desire to discuss the matter. Later, in northern Scotland, a man called at our camp and played a Gramophone record for my wife while I was away. It really impressed her that the man had the courage to play a record exposing world religion as a snare and a racket. My wife gave the man a meal before he went on his way.
Later, when we were around Newcastle in England again, my wife suggested we try to find these people because she felt they had spoken the truth. But shortly afterward we moved to Canada, where I thought it might be possible to make a better living.
Rearing Children
Meanwhile, I was raising my family. I took my son along with me in my business, which was then buying and selling scrap metal. When enough scrap metal was collected to sell to a dealer, I would give my boy a pile of his own and let him deal it off, but under my supervision to make sure he did not get gypped. Thus he was trained to make his way in life.
My wife provided our daughter typical Gypsy training, teaching her to cook, wash clothes, mend and care for a baby so that she would eventually make a good wife for a Gypsy husband. My wife also trained her in peddling linens. She would take her to the warehouses when making purchases so she could observe how this business was transacted. In addition, an uncle taught our daughter how to become adept at making flowers out of wood. Thus when accompanying her mother from house to house, if the linens were not accepted, she would offer her “flowers,” making a little money for herself.
Life in North America
While living in North America, I traveled with other Gypsies all over Canada, the United States and Mexico. We schemed up a way to make some “easy money” for ourselves. What we did was not a common practice among Gypsies in general, because, as a rule, they do not go in for such blatantly fraudulent practices.
We professed to be selling “smuggled” Oriental carpets. Going into a town, we would head straight for someone we knew had lots of cash—the local priest! I would suggest that perhaps he might have friends who would also be interested, and, if so, he could get a carpet at an even lower price. Usually he referred us to the local doctor or funeral director. No priest we approached ever refused to buy our “smuggled” carpets, even when we told him they were “hot” merchandise. This further sickened me as far as having anything to do with so-called Christian religions.
A New Way of Life Opens Up
A few years went by until one day we were camped near Sarnia, Ontario. I was at home when a young woman called at our tent. The earnest way in which she talked and the things she spoke about roused my interest. A new system of things where people would live together in peace and unity and according to righteous principles was almost unbelievable! Upon leaving she promised to send a couple of men to speak to me further. Hence I told my wife that, if the men came, she was to hold them there should I be away. The young woman kept her word, and the day they called I was at home. Our discussion lasted for about five hours. When they left, my wife and I were convinced we had at last found “the truth.”
After that first long visit we saw the need to live by Bible principles. I turned to my wife and said: “What are we going to do with what we have buried under the floor of our tent?” My wife suggested: “Maybe we should throw it into the river.” My thought was that we should return the stolen goods to their rightful owner. That would be no easy job! Much danger and difficulty would be involved in returning two tons of lead ingots. Nevertheless, I think it must have been with Jehovah’s help that the task was finally done.
With regular visits from the two Witnesses we progressed in knowledge of God’s truth. Soon we could see that more was involved than just knowing the truth of God’s Word. Other big changes in our lives would have to come. One of these was to share in proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom, and at this point I could not see myself doing this. So I began to find fault with the things I was learning and to plague the Witnesses with unreasonable questions. However, the kindly answers that they gave me from the Bible left no way out. It was I who had to change, not the truth of the Bible!
Our children were not left out of our discussions. It was a family study from the beginning, and we moved along together to the point where my wife and I symbolized our dedication to Jehovah in 1954. In 1960 our children were baptized after making their own decision to serve their Creator in the days of their youth.
Later, my son married a Gypsy girl from Mexico named Paulina, who had originally learned God’s truth in Argentina. (See Awake!, December 8, 1962, page 23.) She has shared with her husband from time to time in preaching the good news of God’s kingdom full time. Our daughter has been a full-time proclaimer of God’s kingdom for about five years. She is now serving with a Cuban Spanish congregation in southern Florida.
A Time of Testing
Some years ago a time of testing came on us as a family. I had an experience in which I was severely disappointed in my Christian brothers. Perhaps I should have realized that they have shortcomings just as I do, but, instead, I allowed these to make me draw back from the service of my Creator, with whom I really had no reason to find fault. As a result, we left God’s truth for about four years.
Nevertheless, we often thought about the things we had learned from God’s Word and would freely talk about them. It seemed that the truth had touched us, and we could never again be the same kind of people we had been in the past. Even though we disassociated ourselves from God’s organization and told ourselves we were free once more to enjoy the Gypsy way of life, our consciences told us we had a responsibility to our Creator, Jehovah, and in some way we must try to repay him for providing us with his truth.
Our not adhering to God’s truth bothered us. Eventually we realized that there is only one way of true freedom and that is within the safe confines of Jehovah’s visible organization on earth. Only here could we have true Christian brothers and sisters, whom we needed and who needed us. The small congregation at Melville, Saskatchewan, was where we started associating again at the Kingdom Hall. The loving-kindness of our Christian brothers there in getting us started again in Jehovah’s precious service will never be forgotten. Since that time, and due to Jehovah’s goodness, we have never turned back or stopped trying to make our advancement manifest.
Superior to Gypsy Life
Even though we can never go back to Gypsy “freedom,” yet we have a high regard for them as a people. Though many still live according to quite good principles, yet a sizable number are now infected with the materialistic ideas of the Western world. No longer output with simple things, they want flashy cars and trailers and will even cheat and steal to get them. As a result, much of the carefree spirit of the Gypsies of yesteryear has been lost, and that to their own hurt.
No longer is it our desire to steal from our neighbors, but we sincerely try to help them know that “the blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.”—Prov. 10:22.
How much we owe to the great God of truth for the Bible, which we now heartily accept, “not as the word of men [as the clergy of Christendom do], but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.”—1 Thess. 2:13.
For this reason it is our earnest prayer that still others who now follow the Gypsy way of life may yet turn to the truth that will really set them free and thereby enjoy a superior way of life. (John 8:32) Also, it is my personal hope that one day soon I will see my dear Aunt Lila again, resurrected to life in God’s righteous new order. There I feel confident that her appreciation of Jehovah’s goodness and the beauties of his creation will continue increasing with each successive sunrise in a world without end. |
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500100102 | What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
The Bible’s answer
As part of their contribution to support true worship, the ancient Israelites were commanded to donate a tithe,a or a tenth, of their annual income. God told them: “You must without fail give a tenth [“tithe,” King James Version] of everything your seed produces in the field year by year.”—Deuteronomy 14:22.
The command to tithe was part of the Mosaic Law, a law code that God gave to ancient Israel. Christians are not legally subject to the Mosaic Law and so are not required to tithe. (Colossians 2:13, 14) Instead, each Christian is to contribute financially “as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.
Tithing in the Bible—The “Old Testament”
Tithing in the Bible—The “New Testament”
Tithing in the Bible—The “Old Testament”
Tithing is mentioned several times in the section of the Bible commonly known as the Old Testament. Most instances relate to a period after the Law code (the Mosaic Law) was given to Israel through Moses. However, a couple of instances relate to a period before that.
Before the Mosaic Law
The first person recorded as offering a tithe was Abram (Abraham). (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:4) Abram’s tithe appears to have been a one-time gift to the king-priest of Salem. There is no evidence in the Bible account that Abraham or his children tithed again.
The second person mentioned in the Bible as offering a tithe was Abraham’s grandson Jacob. He promised that if God would bless him, he would give to God “a tenth of everything” he received. (Genesis 28:20-22) According to some Bible scholars, Jacob likely paid this tithe in the form of animal sacrifices. While Jacob bound himself by this vow, he did not impose such a tithe on his family.
Under the Mosaic Law
The ancient Israelites were commanded to tithe as a means of supporting their religious activity.
The tithe provided for full-time religious workers—the Levites, including the priests—who did not have their own land to cultivate. (Numbers 18:20, 21) The nonpriestly Levites received tithes from the people and contributed the very best “tenth part of the tenth part” to the priests.—Numbers 18:26-29.
It appears that a second yearly tithe was required, which benefited both Levite and non-Levite people. (Deuteronomy 14:22, 23) Israelite families used this provision in connection with special festivals, and on certain years it was shared with the very poor to help with their sustenance.—Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; 26:12.
How was the tithe calculated? Israelites set aside a tenth of the yearly produce of their land. (Leviticus 27:30) If they chose to pay this tithe in money rather than produce, they had to increase its value by 20 percent. (Leviticus 27:31) They were also commanded to give a “tenth part of the herd and flock.”—Leviticus 27:32.
To determine their livestock tithe, Israelites selected every tenth animal that came out of their pen. The Law stated that they could not examine or exchange these selected animals, nor could they convert their livestock tithe into money. (Leviticus 27:32, 33) However, the second tithe for use at the annual festivals could be converted into money. This provision made it more convenient for the Israelites who had to travel a long distance to attend the festivals.—Deuteronomy 14:25, 26.
When did the Israelites tithe? The Israelites tithed each year. (Deuteronomy 14:22) However, every seventh year an exception was made. That year was a sabbath, or year of rest, when the Israelites did not cultivate any crops. (Leviticus 25:4, 5) In recognition of this special circumstance, no tithe was collected at harvesttime. Every third and sixth year of the seven-year Sabbath cycle, the Israelites shared the second tithe with the poor and the Levites.—Deuteronomy 14:28, 29.
What was the penalty for not paying tithes? The Mosaic Law did not state a penalty for failing to tithe. Tithing was a moral obligation. The Israelites were to declare before God that they had rendered the tithe and to request God’s blessing for having done so. (Deuteronomy 26:12-15) God viewed withholding the tithe as stealing from him.—Malachi 3:8, 9.
Was the tithe an excessive burden? No. God promised the nation that if they brought in the tithe, he would pour out his blessing on them and they would lack nothing. (Malachi 3:10) On the other hand, the nation suffered when they withheld the tithe. They lost God’s blessing and did not benefit from the work of the priests and Levites whom they had thereby neglected.—Nehemiah 13:10; Malachi 3:7.
Tithing in the Bible—The “New Testament”
During Jesus’ lifetime as a human, tithing was still a requirement for God’s worshippers. However, this requirement was abolished after Jesus’ death.
In Jesus’ time
In what is commonly called the New Testament, the Bible shows that the Israelites continued tithing while Jesus was on earth. He acknowledged that tithing was an obligation for them, but he condemned the religious leaders who scrupulously paid tithes but “disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness.”—Matthew 23:23.
After Jesus’ death
Tithing was no longer required after Jesus died. Jesus’ sacrificial death erased, or abolished, the Mosaic Law, including the “commandment to collect tithes.”—Hebrews 7:5, 18; Ephesians 2:13-15; Colossians 2:13, 14.
Tithes and the “Early Church”
“In the early Christian Church the custom of consecrating to religious purposes a tenth of the income was voluntary, and it was not made obligatory until the Council of Tours in 567.”—Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and, Ecclesiastical Literature, by McClintock and Strong, Volume X, page 436.
a A tithe is “the tenth part of one’s income set aside for a specific use. . . . Usually the tithe in the Bible implies a religious objective.”—Harper’s Bible Dictionary, page 765. |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Romans 5:8—“While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died for Us” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300120 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Romans 5:8—“While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died for Us”
“God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8, New World Translation.
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8, New International Version.
Meaning of Romans 5:8
Jehovaha God showed great love when he allowed his Son, Jesus Christ, to die in behalf of sinful humans. (John 3:16) As sinners, humans tend to think and act in ways that go against God’s righteous standards. (Colossians 1:21, 22) However, God made it possible for us to become reconciled to him “through the death of his Son.” (Romans 5:10) As a result, we can have the opportunity to enjoy a good relationship with God now and the prospect of eternal life in the future.—Romans 5:11; 1 John 4:9, 10.
Context of Romans 5:8
The apostle Paul wrote these words to Christians living in Rome. In what is now chapter 5 of his letter to the Romans, Paul explained why Christians could rejoice and be confident of their hope. (Romans 5:1, 2) That hope “does not lead to disappointment,” because it is based on God’s great love expressed through Jesus. (Romans 5:5, 6) Jesus maintained perfect obedience to God, something that the first man, Adam, failed to do. (Romans 5:19) Adam’s disobedience resulted in sin and death for his descendants. (Romans 5:12) In contrast, Jesus’ perfect obedience and sacrificial death make it possible for obedient humans to have the hope of everlasting life.—Romans 5:21.
a Jehovah is the personal name of God as revealed in the Bible.—Psalm 83:18.
Read Romans chapter 5 along with explanatory footnotes and cross-references. |
A Judge Who Always Does What Is Right | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009008 | Draw Close to God
A Judge Who Always Does What Is Right
Genesis 18:22-32
JUSTICE. Fairness. Impartiality. Are you not drawn to such noble attributes? We humans have an innate need to be treated fairly. Sadly, justice often proves to be elusive in today’s world. There is, however, a Judge who deserves our trust—Jehovah God. He always does what is right. This was made clear in a conversation that took place between Jehovah and Abraham, as recorded at Genesis 18:22-32.a
When Jehovah told Abraham of His decision to investigate conditions in Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham feared for the safety of any righteous people living there, including his nephew Lot. Abraham implored Jehovah: “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous men in the midst of the city. Will you, then, . . . not pardon the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are inside it?” (Verses 23, 24) God said that he would spare the cities if just 50 righteous men were there. Abraham pleaded with Jehovah five more times, gradually reducing the number until it was down to ten. Each time, God said he would not bring the cities to ruin if that many righteous men were there.
Was Abraham arguing with God? By no means! That would have been the height of arrogance. Abraham’s tone reflected due reverence and humility. He referred to himself as mere “dust and ashes.” Four times he respectfully said “please.” (Verses 27, 30-32) Furthermore, Abraham’s words revealed his confidence in Jehovah’s fairness. The idea that God would destroy the righteous along with the wicked would be “unthinkable,” said Abraham—not once but twice. The faithful patriarch voiced his conviction that “the Judge of all the earth” would “do what is right.”—Verse 25.
Was Abraham correct in the things he said? Yes and no. He was mistaken in suggesting that there were at least ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah. But he was certainly right in saying that God would never “sweep away the righteous with the wicked.” When God later destroyed those wicked cities, righteous Lot and his two daughters escaped with angelic help.—2 Peter 2:7-9.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah? By informing Abraham of His intention to inspect the cities, Jehovah had, in effect, invited the dialogue. Then he listened patiently as his friend Abraham expressed the concerns of his heart. (Isaiah 41:8) How beautifully this teaches us that Jehovah is a humble God, who dignifies and honors his earthly servants! Clearly, we have every reason to place our complete trust in Jehovah, the Judge who always does what is right.
[Footnote]
a On that occasion, Jehovah was personally represented by an angel who spoke for Him. For another example, see Genesis 16:7-11, 13.
[Picture on page 24]
Abraham implored Jehovah regarding Sodom and Gomorrah |
Good News (gh)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gh | Chapter 15
Superstitions Can Lead to Unhappiness
1. When do seemingly innocent practices become dangerous? (John 8:31, 32)
IS IT harmless to follow superstitions? Some people think so. Consider, for example, the innocent-looking “seven gods of good luck” of Japanese folklore—imported three hundred years ago from India. These are said to represent the seven virtues: longevity, fortune, popularity, candor, amiability, dignity and magnanimity. Some of these “virtues” may be fine in themselves, but when they are embodied in images, to which people look for “good luck,” they enter the realm of superstition.
2. What superstitious practices have you noticed in your locality, and have these been beneficial?
2 Superstitious people the world over place much store in “good luck” charms. In Catholic lands, some travelers still have their St. Christopher medals, and in the Orient many persons carry “protection charms” that bear the name of a temple, or “good luck” threads of cotton tied around the wrists. In Western countries, many people avoid the “unlucky 13,” while in Japan superstitious persons frown on the number “4,” because it is pronounced the same as “death.” In many countries, local superstitions exercise a strong influence on the lives of the people.
3. Why should we take note of Jehovah’s view? (Matthew 4:10)
3 How does the living God, Jehovah, view such superstitions? If we want to be truly happy, it will be to our benefit to take the same view that he takes. When the Israelites fell away from the pure worship of Jehovah into the superstitious practices of neighboring peoples, God’s prophet told them:
“You men are those leaving Jehovah, those forgetting my holy mountain, those setting in order a table for the god of Good Luck and those filling up mixed wine for the god of Destiny. And I will destine you men to the sword.” (Isaiah 65:11, 12)
Those who honored “the god of Good Luck” were destroyed!
4. Why does Jehovah strongly oppose superstitions? (Acts 16:16-18; Deuteronomy 6:5, 14)
4 Why is Jehovah so strongly opposed to superstitious practices? It is because they originate with Satan the Devil and his demons, who use these to turn and keep people away from worshiping God “with spirit and truth.” If Satan could get men to trust in “lucky” charms, fortune-telling and popular superstitions, he could keep them in his grasp, blinding them to the “good news” that comes forth from the true and living God. In this regard, Paul said:
“If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4)
Satan would like to have all mankind follow blind superstition, rather than make right decisions based on the “good news” in the Bible.
PROTECTION AGAINST DEMON ATTACK
5. How may we find protection against wicked spirits?
5 In another of his letters, Paul makes it clear that we must stand firm “against the wicked spirit forces,” and that we can do this by putting on “the complete suit of armor from God,” spiritual armor that is far different from “good luck” charms or idolatrous practices. He tells us:
“Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with your feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles. Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit.” (Ephesians 6:11-18)
By learning the truth, cultivating righteousness and telling “the good news of peace” to others, we can have the strong faith that will shield us against all demon attacks.
6. How may persons free themselves from the demons? (James 4:7, 8)
6 However, there are some who have dabbled in demonistic practices, such as spiritism, before learning the “good news.” Such persons may have to put up quite a fight to get free from the demons. For example, there was one person who daily received a message from a wicked spirit, urging her to commit suicide. Another was harassed continually by the demons—until she finally broke completely free from her previous way of life. Such persons have gotten rid of the demons by filling their minds with wholesome Bible teachings, praying to Jehovah, and even calling aloud on his name.
“The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”—Proverbs 18:10.
7. (a) What items may cause difficulty? (b) Why were new believers in Ephesus blessed by God?
7 Anyone who comes under demon attack would be wise to remove from his person and from his home any items that may have had a connection with demonism. Wicked spirits have been known to come back to such items and to attack the owner by making him ill, weak or fearful. When Paul preached in Ephesus, new believers there took a course of action that was richly blessed by Jehovah:
“Quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their hooks together and burned them up before everybody. . . . Thus in a mighty way the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.”—Acts 19:19, 20.
BEWARE OF THE “PRACTICE OF SPIRITISM”!
8. (a) What are some forms of spiritism, which God condemns? (b) What will result to those who practice spiritism? (Revelation 21:8)
8 How does Jehovah regard fortune-telling? This is made very clear at Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where he identifies it with spiritism:
“There should not be found in you anyone who . . . employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”
Thus, demonistic practices such as reading crystal balls, palmistry, casting hypnotic spells, consulting Ouija boards or spirit mediums are all abominable in Jehovah’s sight. Mediums that claim to speak with “departed spirits” are actually communicating with wicked spirits who impersonate dead persons. A wicked spirit impersonated the dead prophet Samuel in conveying a message to unfaithful King Saul, in the incident recorded at 1 Samuel 28:8-14. At Galatians 5:19-21, “practice of spiritism” is listed among the corrupt “works of the flesh” that will exclude a person from the kingdom of God.
9. (a) What is the literal meaning of the Greek word phar·ma·kiʹa? (b) What practices have a connection with spiritism?
9 It is of interest that the Greek word here translated “practice of spiritism” is phar·ma·kiʹa, which literally means “druggery.” In Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words we read:
“PHARMAKIA . . . primarily signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poisoning; then, sorcery, . . . See also Rev. 9:21; 18:23. . . . In sorcery, the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, was generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision of various charms, . . . to impress the applicant with the mysterious resources and powers of the sorcerer.”
Persons today who take drugs such as opium, heroin, marijuana and other narcotics are laying themselves open to demon attacks. This is indicated in that some who have taken “trips” with drugs say that they ‘approached God,’ ‘expanded their minds,’ and so forth. Also to be tied in with “druggery” is addiction to betel nut or to tobacco, “unclean” practices that dull the senses and weaken the power to make right decisions, and that are devoid of neighbor love.—2 Corinthians 6:17–7:1.
THE SNARE OF ASTROLOGY
10. What is the basis of astrology? (2 Chronicles 33:5, 6)
10 In recent years, great numbers of people have turned to astrology for guidance. Also, history records that many famous persons—Hitler, Mussolini, Napoleon, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and others—have superstitiously followed “the stars.” On what is astrology based? Astrology divides a belt of the heavens, the zodiac, into twelve sections of stars, or constellations, each of which was long ago named after a particular animal or person. It is said that a person’s relation to the zodiac at the moment of birth will determine his future and his characteristics. Charts, or horoscopes, are drawn up to show what a person’s “fortune,” good or bad, will be day by day.
11. How does science show astrology to be in error?
11 But do the stars affect humans at the time of their birth? According to scientists, the basic personality of an individual is determined not at birth but at conception—nine months earlier than reckoned in astrology charts. However, the stars are too far removed to influence a person by gravitation or radiation, either at birth or at conception. All that can come from outer space by way of astrology is demon influence, and that is where dabbling in “the stars” can lead—to control by wicked spirits.
12. Where did astrology originate? (Isaiah 47:1, 12-14)
12 Where did astrology get started? The Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed., Vol. II, p. 796) answers:
“The history of astrology can now be traced back to ancient Babylonia, and indeed to the earliest phases of Babylonian history. . . . In Babylonia as well as in Assyria . . . astrology takes its place in the official cult as one of the two chief means at the disposal of the priests . . . for ascertaining the will and intention of the gods, the other being through the inspection of the liver of the sacrificial animal [for omens].”
Thus astrology got started in the same place as did the entire world empire of false religion—in ancient Babylon.
13. (a) What stand did good King Josiah take as to the practice of astrology? (b) Why should we put superstitions out of our lives? (Job 31:26-28)
13 What, then, should be our attitude toward astrology, fortune-telling, “good luck” charms and other forms of superstition? If we want to please God, our stand should be similar to that of good King Josiah, who “put out of business . . . those making sacrificial smoke to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations of the zodiac and to all the army of the heavens.” (2 Kings 23:5) We too should put all kinds of superstition right out of our lives. By relying in any way on astrologists or other fortune-tellers, not only would we displease the living God, but we could be led into wrong decisions or practices, to the ruination of our lives.
14. Where should we put our trust, and why? (Psalm 25:8, 9)
14 Where, then, should we place our trust for the future? King Solomon tells us:
“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Through the wise counsel provided in the Bible, Jehovah frees us from slavery to useless superstitions, and gives us a sure guide leading to a truly happy life under his righteous kingdom.
[Picture on page 133]
Superstitions related to “good luck” gods, charms and fortune-telling are dangerous
[Picture on page 138]
Fortune-telling is not approved by God
[Pictures on page 139]
The astrologer’s zodiac originated in Babylon, the cradle of the world empire of false religion |
Watch! (kp)
2004 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/watch-kp | What Does It All Mean?
JESUS CHRIST said: “The conclusion of the system of things” would be identified by war, food shortages, pestilence, and earthquakes.—Matthew 24:1-8; Luke 21:10, 11.
Since 1914 life has been marred by wars between nations and between ethnic groups, often as a result of political interference by clergymen and now by widespread terrorist attacks.
In spite of scientific developments, extreme food shortages are the lot of hundreds of millions of people earth wide. Each year millions of people die because of shortage of food.
Pestilence, that is, widespread epidemics of infectious disease, is also part of the sign given by Jesus. Following World War I, an epidemic of influenza claimed over 21,000,000 lives. Unlike fairly localized plagues in ages past, it touched nations earth wide as well as remote islands. AIDS is now sweeping the globe, and such plagues as TB, malaria, river blindness, and Chagas’ disease persist in developing nations.
Reportedly, there are tens of thousands of earthquakes of varying intensity every year. Regardless of available equipment and improved reporting methods, disasters in population centers as a result of earthquakes have become frequent news.
The Bible also foretold: “Know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Do you not agree that we are living in “critical times hard to deal with”?
Have you observed that people, to an excessive extent, are lovers of self, lovers of money, and driven by pride?
Who would dispute that the world is filled with people who are demanding but unthankful, not open to agreement, disloyal?
Are you aware that disobedience to parents along with a shocking lack of affection has dramatically increased, not only in a few places but around the globe?
No doubt you realize that we live in a world that is intoxicated with love of pleasure but is lacking in love of goodness. That is how the Bible describes attitudes that would prevail in “the last days.”
Is more needed in order to identify the time in which we live? Jesus also foretold that during this same time, the good news of God’s Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabited earth. (Matthew 24:14) Is that being done?
The Watchtower, a Bible-based journal that is devoted to announcing the good news of Jehovah’s Kingdom, is regularly printed in more languages than any other periodical.
Every year, Jehovah’s Witnesses devote more than a billion hours to witnessing personally to others about God’s Kingdom.
Literature explaining the Bible is currently published by them in some 400 languages, even languages that reach remote and small population groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses have reached all nations with the good news; they have also preached in many islands and territories that are too small to be significant in the political world. In most lands, they carry on a regular program of Bible education.
Indeed, the good news of God’s Kingdom is being preached in all the inhabited earth, not to convert the world, but to give a witness. People everywhere are being given an opportunity to show whether they care who created the heavens and the earth and whether they will show respect for his laws and demonstrate love for their fellowman.—Luke 10:25-27; Revelation 4:11.
Soon now, God’s Kingdom will cleanse the earth of all the wicked and make it a global paradise.—Luke 23:43.
[Box on page 6]
The Last Days of What?
Not the last days of humankind. For those who do the will of God, the Bible holds out the prospect of living forever.—John 3:16, 36; 1 John 2:17.
Not the last days of the earth. God’s Word promises that the inhabited earth will endure forever.—Psalm 37:29; 104:5; Isaiah 45:18.
Instead, these are the last days of this violent, loveless system of things and those who cling to its ways.—Proverbs 2:21, 22.
[Box/Picture on page 7]
Is the Bible Really God’s Word?
Repeatedly, the Bible prophets wrote: “This is what Jehovah has said.” (Isaiah 43:14; Jeremiah 2:2) Even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, emphasized that he ‘did not speak of his own originality.’ (John 14:10) The Bible itself clearly says: “All Scripture is inspired of God.”—2 Timothy 3:16.
No other book is published in as many languages—over 2,200, as reported by the United Bible Societies. No other book has such a large circulation—now more than four billion copies. Is that not what you would expect of a message from God that is for all mankind?
For a fuller discussion of the evidences that the Bible is inspired of God, see the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
If you read the Bible with appreciation for the fact that it truly is God’s Word, you will greatly benefit.
[Box/Pictures on page 8]
What Is God’s Kingdom?
It is the government in heaven that expresses rulership by the true God, Jehovah, the Creator of heaven and earth.—Jeremiah 10:10, 12.
The Bible identifies Jesus Christ as the one to whom God gives such ruling authority. (Revelation 11:15) When on earth, Jesus demonstrated that he already had amazing authority from God—authority that enabled him to control the natural elements, to cure all sorts of illnesses, and even to raise the dead. (Matthew 9:2-8; Mark 4:37-41; John 11:11-44) Inspired Bible prophecy foretold that God would also give him “rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.” (Daniel 7:13, 14) That government is called the Kingdom of heaven; it is from heaven that Jesus Christ now exercises his rulership.
[Pictures on page 7]
Global preaching of the good news |
A Permissive Society—Where Does It Lead? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101975000 | A Permissive Society—Where Does It Lead?
TODAY’S modern society is becoming increasingly permissive. In more and more lands, many activities once considered criminal are now either legal or simply are not prosecuted.
Gambling (with or without a license), prostitution, homosexual acts, sale of pornographic literature, drinking to the point of intoxication, use of addictive drugs, nudity on the stage, on the screen and on public beaches, men dressing as women and vice versa—all of these are being engaged in with decreasing likelihood of arrest or prosecution.
Some persons feel that this trend is actually for the good of human society. In fact, they believe that all the activities mentioned should be viewed as ‘none of the business’ of law-enforcement agencies. How so?
The Arguments for Permissiveness
They present a number of arguments. But the central theme is that these are “crimes without victims.” “Who,” they ask, “is the victim in prostitution? The man obtained the sexual relations he sought and the woman got the money she was after. So who is the victim?”
Similarly with gambling, which many would classify as mere “entertainment.” Even though unlicensed by law, if both sides play the game according to the rules, who is the victim? True, a person may lose money, but before he took part in the game he knew that could happen and yet he chose to gamble. So where is the crime?
In all those cases, therefore, the basic claim is made that as long as those involved share of their own free will, then law-enforcement agencies should not intervene.
Put more bluntly, they say that ‘a law-enforcement agency should not be a “moral busybody,” poking its nose into people’s private affairs.’ If the point is raised of the possible damage to the person’s own health or financial status that certain activities may bring, those favoring a more permissive society may respond by quoting John Stuart Mill, an English philosopher and economist, who wrote:
“The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community against his will is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.”
Not only this, but they also argue that laws that try to enforce good morals in such areas as sex, drinking, use of drugs, or gambling are basically unenforceable and should be repealed. In fact, the claim is made that such laws even contribute to the growth of “more serious” crimes. How so?
In that they occupy the police forces’ attention so extensively that these are hindered from concentrating on such crimes as violent assaults or theft. It is reported that almost half of the arrests made in the United States are in connection with so-called “victimless crimes.” From the police these pass on to the courts. At a national conference on the criminal courts, the president of the United States said:
“We have to find ways to clear the courts of the endless stream of ‘victimless crimes’ that get in the way of serious consideration of serious crimes.”
In brief, then, many today are saying that the fight against gambling, marijuana, sexual excesses and obscenities, and drunkenness is futile and counterproductive. ‘Free the police and the courts so they can stem the tide of attacks on people’s life, person and property,’ they urge.
What do religious leaders say about all of this? Many take a somewhat similar position, particularly as regards standards of sex. Increasing numbers of them have said that they see no serious danger or wrong in homosexuality, premarital or extramarital sex. The view of many religious leaders is much like that of an actress of earlier times who said: “It doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses.” In a time when even among married persons sex perversions (such as oral and anal intercourse) are becoming more and more common, the clergy have little or no word of counsel or caution to offer.
Where Does the Trend Lead?
Is this permissive trend for people’s good? Will it really help to make life, person and property more secure? Is it reasonable to think that, so long as your actions do not physically harm another or affect his property, what you do does not really matter?
No one can deny that governments and their law-enforcement agencies today are heavily pressured by a flood tide of violent crime and theft. And, in the end, they must themselves decide just what they can or cannot do as to enforcing certain standards of conduct and what things they feel need priority for the public interest. They admittedly face very thorny problems, and the past history of mankind gives them little encouragement as to success by political governments in promoting high morals.
But aside from what political governments feel forced to do by the circumstances, can permissiveness ever bring lastingly improved conditions? Or does it prove just a stopgap measure, one such as is resorted to in the face of impending defeat or even disaster?
Whatever apparent benefits permissiveness brings must be short-lived. Ignoring bad conditions will not make them go away. Nor does ‘turning a blind eye’ toward the many so-called “crimes without victims” give any real assurance that thereby crimes of violence or crimes against people’s property will be more easily contained.
When a man gambles and falls seriously into debt, where will he turn to make it up? It is a known fact that many gangster organizations operating “loan shark” businesses find a large portion of their customers among people who gamble themselves into debt. Many acts of embezzlement in banks and businesses result from the same source.
Making drugs available at a low price to addicts might free some of them from resorting to theft to pay for an expensive drug habit. But it gives no assurance that, while under the influence of such drugs, they would not commit irrational and harmful acts.
It is a proven fact that most violent assaults and murders take place—not among complete strangers—but among persons who know one another. Much violence stems from jealousies and disputes of passion. Would the lifting of more and more restraints on sexual immorality lessen or increase the atmosphere in which such violent ‘crimes of passion’ are spawned? Actually the one—the so-called “victimless crime”—is often parent to the other—the ‘crime with a victim.’
Yes, to focus attention so strongly on crimes having obvious “victims” ignores the root causes of those crimes. Just as laziness, for example, breeds poverty, and pride produces friction and disunity, so too with gambling, drunkenness, sexual immorality, pornography and obscenity; these things are not “self-contained” or “static.” (Prov. 24:30-34) They are almost invariably the seed of other kinds of wrongdoing. The Bible principle holds true that “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh.” (Gal. 6:7, 8) To ignore this is to ignore the facts of life.
Some wrongs, such as murder, produce immediately visible results. Others are like a cancer that may have a slow, insidious, and, for a while, painless development. But the end results of such wrongs can be just as devastating as a homicidal attack. This can be true not only of individuals but of an entire society. As the apostle Paul succinctly stated: “A little leaven ferments the whole lump.” (1 Cor. 5:6) When moral fiber weakens, moral sickness is not far away.
What Personal Choice Can You Make?
Christians genuinely guided by the Bible will appreciate the extent to which human governments serve as “an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.” (Rom. 13:4, 5) But they will not expect the political governments of this world to bring a climate of spiritual health and morality. They are not equipped to do so, lacking knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and his purposes, as well as lacking the power to clean out corruption. Besides this, the interests of the political governments obviously lie in other directions. Only the replacement of political rule of earth by the rule of God’s Messianic kingdom will bring such a morally clean and healthful climate.—Dan. 2:44.
“Where there is no vision the people go unrestrained, but happy are they that are keeping the law,” says Proverbs 29:18. The hope of life in God’s new order of righteousness alone can give a clear and sure vision of the future. If we have faith in God’s promises, this will protect us from slipping into the course of unrestraint now growing among people of the world who have no sure vision or hope regarding the future. We will appreciate and apply the counsel at Proverbs 4:25-27:
“As for your eyes, straight ahead they should look, yes, your own beaming eyes should gaze straight in front of you. Smooth out the course of your foot, and may all your own ways be firmly established. Do not incline to the right hand or to the left. Remove your foot from what is bad.”
We will not be ‘taken in’ by the subtle argument that “anything goes just so long as you don’t hurt anyone,” or that so long as both parties to an action engage in it willingly there is “no victim.” Direct bodily injury is not the greatest harm one can suffer, nor is being robbed of material things the greatest loss. Injury to heart and mind and loss of reputation, honor, integrity and a good standing with God are of the most serious consequence, and produce the greatest damage.
Christ Jesus showed how vital it is to protect our hearts when he said: “The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies.” (Matt. 15:18, 19) If we defile ourselves or another by immoral practice, even though it be by mutual consent, we show either gross ignorance or a gross lack of neighbor love and concern, as well as a lack of love of God.—Rom. 13:8-10.
We are all imperfect creatures, prone to wrongdoing. But we do not help ourselves by catering to our human weaknesses or enticing others to give in to theirs. Human governments can never legislate righteousness into people’s hearts, true, but to give in to permissiveness can lead to moral anarchy.
You cannot stop the trend toward permissiveness that is growing in the world. But there is something you can do. You can help yourself and others by guarding your heart against being “hardened by the deceptive power of sin.” (Heb. 3:13) The hardening that leads to corruption does not come overnight. It is a deceptively gradual process that often has small beginnings. The only way to avoid slipping into its powerful grip is to hold to the standards of conduct found in God’s Word, letting its wisdom discipline us in righteousness.
Rather than feel shackled and cramped as to what you can do, such holding to divine discipline will give you a grand sense of freedom, freedom to do those things that bring true happiness in life. Yes, it will “cause you to tread in the tracks of uprightness. When you walk, your pace will not be cramped; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold on discipline; do not let go. Safeguard it, for it itself is your life.”—Prov. 4:11-13.
Jehovah’s witnesses have found this to be true. Visit one of their Kingdom Halls and experience the healthful moral climate that the strengthening and upbuilding principles of God’s Word can bring.
[Box on page 4]
A MAJOR CAUSE
“Senator John L. McClellan, who has spent many years investigating crime and corruption is quoted in the “U.S. News & World Report” as saying: “There seems to be a lack of proper respect and discipline in the home. And in the schools today there is certainly a great lack of discipline. And I think this is also true in the churches. In my judgment, some churches no longer demand a truly high standard of integrity and morality today. They don’t have the same ideals of Christian living that were observed and practiced in the past.”
[Box on page 5]
PERMISSIVENESS—ONLY IN THE WEST?
In an article that is largely favorable to the Soviet Union’s trading abilities, “The Atlantic” of December 1974 also comments: “Soviet executives admit privately to problems with their younger generation. One Soviet executive said he had to take a fourteen-year-old daughter out of school to get her married because of pregnancy. Others privately voice exasperation with the craze of their youngsters for Western rock, jeans, and hair, though drugs are not generally a problem. . . . But many executives cater to these whims of their young.”
[Picture on page 3]
The modern generation asks: “Why should anyone try to impose a moral code on other people?” |
God’s Word (gm)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gm | input Page/Publishers’ Page
The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?
2006 Printing
This publication is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References, 1984 Edition
Cover Credits:
▪ Third-century papyrus and Hebrew scroll of Esther: The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin
▪ Bust of Alexander the Great: Musei Capitolini, Roma |
True Peace (tp)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp | Chapter 6
What Has God Been Doing?
1. What do many people today believe about God, but is it true?
MANY people today believe that God is not actively interested in the earth or that he is not doing anything about the problems troubling mankind. But the truth is that God does care very much. True, he may not have done what men expected him to do. But this does not mean he has done nothing. Actually, he has been doing things for mankind from the beginning of human history right down to the present day.
2. How may their own short life span affect people’s thinking on this matter?
2 One reason some people conclude that God is not doing anything is their own short life span. This makes them impatient to get things done in the brief time their life allows. So a desire to see changes during their own lifetime dominates their thinking. Their tendency, then, is to judge God on the basis of such human experience, with all its limitations.
3. How does the length of Jehovah’s life affect his ability to handle situations at the best possible time?
3 On the other hand, Jehovah lives forever. (Psalm 90:2, 4; Isaiah 44:6) From his viewpoint he can see precisely where in the stream of time his acts will accomplish the most good for everyone concerned as well as most effectively develop his purpose. (Isaiah 40:22; 2 Peter 3:8, 9) That is exactly what God has been doing.
How God Has Revealed Himself
4. What has Jehovah declared his purpose to be, and so what knowledge has he provided for mankind?
4 Jehovah’s purpose is to provide a righteous administration for all creation, one that will bring mankind together in peace and unity, enjoying full security. (Ephesians 1:9, 10; Proverbs 1:33) However, God does not force anyone to come under his administration. Only those who serve him and who love his way of ruling are welcome. With a view to founding an entire world that would live by his administration’s righteous standards, God has made available to mankind a knowledge of those standards and how his administration operates. At the same time God has been making it possible for mankind to gain vital knowledge concerning himself and his personal qualities.—John 17:3.
5. From the works of creation what can we learn about God?
5 Being spirit, Jehovah is, of course, invisible to man. So, how would he make men of flesh and blood understand these things? For one thing, much can be learned about the qualities of the Creator from his handiwork. (Romans 1:20) The marvelous interrelationships among living things and the physical laws that govern all matter bear testimony to his wisdom. The tremendous power manifest in the oceans, in the weather, and in the energy of the stars gives evidence of his almightiness. (Job 38:8-11, 22-33; 40:2) And the variety of foods to delight the palate, the beauty of flowers, birds, sunrises and sunsets, the playful antics of animals—all tell of the Creator’s love for mankind and his desire that we find life a joy. Yet God’s revelation of himself does not stop with these things.
6. (a) By what means has God provided specific revelations of his will? (b) By what other means has God revealed his principles and qualities to man?
6 On various occasions he has also spoken from the heavens. In some cases he did this personally. In other instances he spoke through angels, as at Mount Sinai on the Arabian Peninsula, where he gave his law to millions of Israelites. (Exodus 20:22; Hebrews 2:2) Then, by means of his prophets he communicated with men over many centuries and had them write down the revelations of his will. (2 Peter 1:21) Thus, Jehovah gradually has acquainted man with His righteous standards and His will. An important aspect of this is the way he has revealed his principles and qualities by means of his dealings with humans. This has added the warm appeal of human experience to his written Word. How much more instructive and convincing it is not only to hear and read God’s declarations of purpose but also to have in the Bible record living examples that help us to understand his will better! (1 Corinthians 10:11) And what does that record reveal?
7. (a) How has God demonstrated that he does not forever tolerate unrighteousness? (b) On learning how God views such conduct, what should we do?
7 It provides evidence that God does not forever tolerate unrighteousness. True, he let the offspring of Adam and Eve go their own way, building up the inevitable record of man’s inability to govern himself successfully. But God did not leave mankind without evidence of His judgment against their unrighteous ways. Thus he brought a flood in Noah’s day because ‘the earth had become full of violence.’ (Genesis 6:11-13) He destroyed the morally depraved cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:24, 25; Jude 7) He let the nation of Israel, which professed to serve him, go into exile because they practiced false religion. (Jeremiah 13:19, 25) On learning how God views such conduct, we have an opportunity to make changes in our lives to show our love for what is right. Will we?
8. When God brings destruction, are there any survivors? Illustrate.
8 The Bible record also reveals that God differentiates between the righteous and the wicked. In the global Flood, God did not destroy Noah, who was “a preacher of righteousness,” but spared him and seven others. (2 Peter 2:5) And, before fire and sulfur rained down on Sodom, escape was made possible for righteous Lot and his household.—Genesis 19:15-17; 2 Peter 2:7.
9. What do we learn from the way that Jehovah dealt with ancient Israel?
9 When the people of Israel, who had sworn to serve God, proved unfaithful he did not immediately cast them off. As he told them: “I kept sending to you all my servants the prophets, daily getting up early and sending them.” But they did not listen. (Jeremiah 7:25, 26) Even when the time drew near for the destruction of Jerusalem, Jehovah said: “Do I take any delight at all in the death of someone wicked, . . . and not in that he should turn back from his ways and actually keep living? . . . So cause a turning back and keep living, O you people.”—Ezekiel 18:23, 32.
10. Besides his being patient, what else do these Bible accounts teach us about God?
10 What do we see, then? That in a way that deeply touches the heart of righteously disposed persons, Jehovah has made clear his great patience with mankind. At the same time, his dealings also forcefully impress on us his love of righteousness and the importance of our living in harmony with his requirements.
11. (a) What statement of purpose did Jehovah make in Eden? (b) What has God been doing since then?
11 Something else, very basic, stands out. From the beginning it becomes clear that God has had a definite purpose in everything that he has done. And he has never failed to act when the fulfillment of his purpose required action. This fundamental purpose was stated right in Eden. When passing judgment on Satan, Jehovah foretold that Satan would have opportunity to raise up a “seed,” those who would manifest his traits and support him. He also foretold the producing of another “seed,” a righteous deliverer. This One would fatally wound “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan,” thus releasing mankind from his ruinous domination. (Genesis 3:15; Revelation 12:9) After declaring this statement of purpose, Jehovah proceeded to make definite preparations for the eventual administration of earth’s affairs under the promised “seed.” This preparatory work would take time, as we shall see.
Why He Dealt Specifically With Ancient Israel
12, 13. (a) Why did God select Israel and give his laws to just that one nation? (b) So, what can we learn from the history of Israel and from that of other nations?
12 Long before the nations of today came into existence, God selected one nation that he used for hundreds of years as his own people. Why? In order to provide a living demonstration of the operation of his righteous principles. That nation, ancient Israel, was made up of descendants of Abraham, a man who had displayed great faith in the Creator. To them Jehovah said: “It was not because of your being the most populous of all the peoples that Jehovah showed affection for you so that he chose you, for you were the least of all the peoples. But it was because of Jehovah’s loving you, and because of his keeping the sworn statement that he had sworn to your forefathers.”—Deuteronomy 7:7, 8; 2 Kings 13:23.
13 After delivering them from slavery in Egypt, Jehovah offered to take them into a special relationship with him, and they replied: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.” (Exodus 19:8) Jehovah then gave them his regulations, thus setting them apart from all other nations and providing detailed information concerning his righteous standards. (Deuteronomy 4:5-8) So, the history of ancient Israel provides a record of what happens when God’s righteous laws are either obeyed or disobeyed. Meanwhile, the history of other nations reveals the outcome to those who live without God’s law.
14. (a) Did God wrong the non-Israelite nations by not interfering in their affairs? (b) Yet, how did they benefit from God’s undeserved kindness?
14 What about those other nations? They went their own way, choosing their own forms of government. Their people were not totally without goodness in their lives. They still had the faculty of conscience, and this at times moved them to act with humanitarian concern for their fellowman. (Romans 2:14; Acts 28:1, 2) But their inherited sin and rejection of divine guidance caused them to pursue a self-seeking course that led to cruel wars and depraved practices. (Ephesians 4:17-19) God certainly could not be held responsible for the woes brought on by a course of life that they themselves chose. The only times that God intervened were when human activities conflicted with the outworking of his purposes. In the meantime, God kindly allowed them a share in the joy of living, in the beauties of creation and in earth’s fruitage.—Acts 14:16, 17.
15. What arrangements for the eventual blessing of people of these nations was God working out?
15 Nor did Jehovah exclude the people of these nations from eventually receiving the benefits promised through the “seed” of Abraham. Jehovah said of this “seed” that was to come through Abraham’s family line: “By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice.” (Genesis 22:18) So even though Jehovah was dealing exclusively with Israel, he also was impartially working out his purpose to bless the other nations later, although they were unaware of this.—Acts 10:34, 35.
16. (a) During all this time, what was God doing in connection with the promise about the Seed? (b) Who did that Seed of promise prove to be?
16 During the time that Jehovah was dealing with ancient Israel, he provided numerous prophecies that filled a vital need for men of faith—how to identify the promised Seed of Abraham when he eventually arrived. Even his family line, through the tribe of Judah and the house of David, was specified. (Genesis 49:10; Psalm 89:35, 36) The place of his birth, Bethlehem, was named. (Micah 5:2) Centuries in advance the very year when he would be anointed as Messiah was indicated. (Daniel 9:24-27) His priestly services on behalf of mankind were foreshadowed. And so was the sacrifice of himself that opened the opportunity for eternal life to people of all nations. (Hebrews 9:23-28) Thus, when the appointed time arrived, everything unmistakably identified Jesus Christ as the Seed of promise through whom blessings would eventually come to mankind.—Galatians 3:16, 24; 2 Corinthians 1:19, 20.
The Preparing of Rulers for Mankind
17. Through Jesus, what was God going to bring about, and how was this emphasized at the time of his birth?
17 Before Jesus’ birth his mother Mary had been told by an angel that her son would be given an everlasting kingdom. Shepherds near Bethlehem were notified of his birth, and then they heard a multitude of the armies of heaven praising God and saying: “Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill.”—Luke 1:31-33; 2:10-14.
18. (a) In what way did his experiences on earth prepare him for the offices of king and priest? (b) What effect did his death have on the gaining of peace?
18 Consider the benefits of this future heavenly King’s having lived on earth. As a man he came to know and understand the problems of mankind. He lived and worked with them, sharing their grief and personally suffering hardship. Under the most severe tests he proved both his loyalty to Jehovah and his love of righteousness. In this way God was preparing Jesus to be an understanding King as well as High Priest to administer life-giving benefits to mankind. (Hebrews 1:9; 4:15; 5:8-10) Furthermore, by sacrificing his own life, Jesus Christ opened the way for mankind to regain peaceful relations with God.—1 Peter 3:18.
19. (a) How do we know that Jesus was resurrected and ascended to heaven? (b) As to his kingship, what did he do after returning to heaven?
19 After Jesus’ death, God raised him to life again, and he was seen by over 500 human witnesses who could testify that the resurrection had actually occurred. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Forty days after Jesus was raised, he ascended heavenward and disappeared from the sight of his onlooking disciples. (Acts 1:9) From heaven he proceeded to exercise his kingship toward his own faithful followers, and the benefits of his rule made them stand out in contrast to the rest of mankind. But was now the time for him to begin ruling the nations? No, for other matters in God’s grand program required attention.—Hebrews 10:12, 13.
20. What new work had Jesus opened up for his disciples on earth?
20 A great task remained to be done earth wide. Prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection none of the Israelites had gone out as preachers to convert people of other nations. Yet any who desired to take up the worship of Jehovah could always share in the benefits along with Israel. (1 Kings 8:41-43) However, the advent of Christianity opened up a major new undertaking. Jesus Christ himself set the example and left it as a legacy with his disciples, telling them before his ascension to heaven: “You will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8.
21. Instead of world conversion, what was God accomplishing by means of that witnessing?
21 Was world conversion the objective? No. Rather, Jesus showed that during the period down into “the conclusion of the system of things” there would be a gathering primarily of “the sons of the kingdom.” Yes, the other members of the coming Kingdom government had to be selected. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) Anyone reading the Christian Greek Scriptures can readily see that starting with Pentecost of 33 C.E., others were being invited to share with Jesus Christ in his heavenly Kingdom rule.—2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 1:3, 4.
22. (a) What qualities did God require in these prospective heirs of the heavenly Kingdom? (b) So, was the choosing done hastily?
22 Selecting these future corulers over mankind would take time. Why? For one thing, that opportunity had to be extended to people of all nations. And, while many professed to lay hold of it, few truly proved to be faithful followers of God’s Son. (Matthew 22:14) High standards had to be met. Though Christians have not lived as a separate national group like ancient Israel, they have been viewed as aliens, advocating another way of life. (1 Peter 2:11, 12) They must keep clean from the immoral and corrupt practices of the world around them. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) To be real “sons of God,” they must prove themselves “peaceable,” not participating in the wars of the nations and not retaliating when persecuted for their faith. (Matthew 5:9; 26:52; Romans 12:18, 19) They must demonstrate loyalty to God’s rulership by refusing to advocate political governments, pictured in the Bible as ‘beasts.’ (Revelation 20:4, 6) Because of all of this and because they have held high the name of Jesus Christ in his role as God’s anointed King, they have been “objects of hatred by all the nations.” (Matthew 24:9) So those who are to be the heavenly rulers of mankind along with Christ have not been hastily chosen.
23. (a) How many are to be in that heavenly administrative body with Christ? (b) From among whom have they been selected, and why?
23 It is not because the number chosen was to be great that selection has taken so long. According to the Scriptures, God limited the number of this select administrative body under Jesus Christ to just 144,000 persons. (Revelation 14:1-3) But God has chosen them carefully. They have been taken “out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9, 10) Among them are people from all walks of life, men and women, persons who have shared all the varied problems of mankind. In the course of their putting on the new Christian personality, there is simply no problem that some of them have not faced and overcome. (Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Corinthians 10:13) How glad we can be for this! Why? Because it gives us the assurance that they will be sympathetic and merciful kings and priests, able to help men and women of all kinds to benefit from God’s provision for eternal life.
24. What about the millions of other persons who lived and died during this time, many of them ignorant of the Bible?
24 What of mankind outside this arrangement? During all this time, God did not interfere with the various governments. He let men go in the way that they chose. Of course, millions of people lived and died, many of them never hearing about the Bible or the Kingdom of God. Yet God had not forgotten them. He was preparing for the time spoken of by the apostle Paul: “I have hope toward God . . . that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) Then, under the favorable conditions of God’s New Order, they would be given a full opportunity to learn Jehovah’s ways. Based on this, they could take a personal stand on the issue of universal sovereignty. Those who love righteousness would gain the opportunity to live forever.
As “the End” Draws Near
25, 26. (a) In due time, what further authority would Christ be given, and against whom would he take action? (b) How would this affect conditions on the earth?
25 Before the incoming of that New Order, thrilling events must occur. The Bible foretold a momentous change in world affairs. Jesus Christ would then be enthroned as King not merely to rule over his own disciples but with authority to act toward the whole world. The proclamation would be made in heaven: “The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15) The King’s first move would be against “the ruler of the world” himself, Satan the Devil, and his demons. (John 14:30) These wicked forces would be hurled down from the heavens and confined to the vicinity of the earth. With what result?
26 The prophetic description records a voice out of heaven as saying: “On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Revelation 12:12) Unprecedented turmoil would take place among the nations, but the end would not come at once.
27. (a) As “the end” would draw near, what great separating work would take place, and how? (b) How great will the foretold world destruction be?
27 This would be the time for a great separating work. Under the direction of the enthroned Jesus Christ, his faithful followers would press the preaching of “this good news of the kingdom” into all the inhabited earth for a witness to all nations. People everywhere would be given an opportunity to show their attitude toward divine rulership. (Matthew 24:14; 25:31-33) With this accomplished, as Jesus explained, “then the end will come.” It will be a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Matthew 24:21) Never again will men ask, What has God been doing? The only ones to survive will be those who cared enough to find out what he was doing and to bring their lives into harmony with his requirements before the world destruction arrived.
28. (a) When do the enthronement of Christ and the dividing of people of all nations take place? (b) So, what is it urgent for you individually to do?
28 But when are all these events to take place? When is Christ given power to rule as King and to proceed with separating people of all nations? The facts show that God has been doing these things during this 20th century. Christ is already on his heavenly throne, and the separating work is now nearing completion. The time for identifying yourself with Jehovah’s side of the issue of universal sovereignty is very short. The “great tribulation” is near at hand! An examination of Bible prophecy in the light of recent history proves this to be true. We urge you to consider it carefully.
[Picture on page 62]
By living among humans, earth’s new ruler came to understand mankind better |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018016 | Table of outputs
3 Is the Bible’s Guidance Relevant Today?
4 Bible Teachings—Timeless Wisdom
6 Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? (Box)
8 Help to Avoid Problems
10 Help to Resolve Problems
12 Help to Cope With Problems
14 The Bible and Your Future
16 What Do You Think? |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 7
Identifying Messiah, the King
1. Why, appropriately, did Jehovah use Daniel to prophesy about the timing of events?
THE prophet Daniel will be among those resurrected to share in God’s Kingdom arrangement on earth. As he ended his long life of service to Jehovah he was told: “You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” Daniel was deeply interested in “the time of the end” and the “wonderful things” that would then happen, just as we are interested today. Therefore, it was appropriate that the great Time-Keeper, Jehovah God, use Daniel as his prophet in connection with his timetable for the ‘coming’ of the Kingdom.—Daniel 12:4, 6, 13; 11:27, 35; compare Amos 3:7; Isaiah 46:9-11.
“THE DEVASTATIONS OF JERUSALEM”
2. (a) What prophecy of Isaiah was suddenly fulfilled in 539 B.C.E., and how? (b) What miracle was needed for Jeremiah 25:11, 12 to be fulfilled on time?
2 In line with Jehovah’s prophecy uttered centuries in advance, the Babylonian Empire fell before the armies of Cyrus the Persian and Darius the Mede. (Isaiah 44:24, 27, 28; 45:1, 2) Darius became king over the former Babylonian kingdom. That was in the year 539 B.C.E. Sixty-eight years had now passed since Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had devastated Jerusalem and its temple, desolated the land of Judah and transported the surviving Jews to Babylon. It was therefore with keen anticipation that aged Daniel wrote, in the first year of Darius: “I myself, Daniel, discerned by the books the number of the years concerning which the word of Jehovah had occurred to Jeremiah the prophet, for fulfilling the devastations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.” (Daniel 9:2; Jeremiah 25:11, 12) By what miracle could the captive Jews, within two more years, return and restore Jehovah’s worship in Jerusalem?
3. Therefore, what fervent prayer did Daniel utter?
3 Daniel petitioned Jehovah fervently in behalf of his people, acknowledging their sins and calling on Jehovah to exercise mercy. Above all, he requested Jehovah to remove from His great name the reproach heaped upon it by Israel’s neighbor nations. He entreated his God: “O Jehovah, do hear. O Jehovah, do forgive. O Jehovah, do pay attention and act. Do not delay, for your own sake, O my God, for your own name has been called upon your city and upon your people.”—Daniel 9:4-19.
4. How did Jehovah answer that prayer?
4 Did Jehovah answer this prayer? He did! And in doing so, he also fulfilled his prophecy. He caused Darius’ successor, Cyrus of Persia, to issue the decree for the Israelite remnant to go up to Jerusalem and rebuild Jehovah’s temple. As the “seventy years” ended, in 537 B.C.E., those restored Jews began again to offer sacrifices to Jehovah at his rebuilt altar in Jerusalem.—2 Chronicles 36:17-23; Ezra 3:1; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1.
TIMING MESSIAH’S FIRST COMING
5. (a) What sequel followed immediately? (b) What time period is made prominent at Daniel 9:24-27?
5 There was also an immediate sequel to that prayer by Daniel. The angel Gabriel materialized before him in human form, and began speaking to him. He referred to Daniel as “someone very desirable [to Jehovah]” and proceeded to give him further “insight with understanding.” (Daniel 9:20-23) What he had to say was entirely new, a fresh revelation to Daniel. It was a startling prophecy, involving events that would cover a period of, not “seventy years,” but “seventy weeks.” Please read it in full at Daniel 9:24-27. What does the prophecy mean?
6. How long are the “seventy weeks”?
6 It says that “seventy weeks” had been determined with regard to the appearing of “Messiah the Leader,” the promised King in the line of David. Could these be literal weeks? No, for all the things prophesied could hardly happen within a year and a half. They proved to be “weeks” in which each day counts as a year. (Compare Leviticus 25:8.) In fact, several Bible translations use expressions such as “seventy weeks of years” at Daniel 9:24. (An American Translation, Moffatt, Today’s English Version; also see footnotes in Rotherham, The New American Bible, The Jerusalem Bible.) The “seventy weeks” are clearly 490 literal years.
7, 8. (a) Why did the “seventy weeks” not count from Cyrus’ decree? (b) How was Nehemiah’s prayer answered? (c) How did the Jews respond to the king’s “word”? (d) When did this take place?
7 When do the “seventy weeks” begin to be counted? Daniel 9:25 tells us: “From the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem.” However, Cyrus’ decree contained no such “word.” It was limited to ‘rebuilding the house of Jehovah,’ which would include the altar for sacrifice. (Ezra 1:1-4) Until more than 80 years thereafter, the city itself remained “devastated,” with its walls broken down. At that time a faithful Jew, Nehemiah, was employed as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, at the castle of Shushan. On hearing of the plight of the Jews at Jerusalem, he prayed that this “reproach” on Jehovah’s name might be removed.—Nehemiah 1:3, 11; 2:17.
8 Sad of countenance, Nehemiah brought wine to the king. Artaxerxes asked him: “Why is your face gloomy when you yourself are not sick? This is nothing but a gloominess of heart.” On learning the reason, the king immediately proceeded to give Nehemiah instructions to return to Jerusalem, that he might build the “walls” and “gates” of the city. When Nehemiah arrived there to report on God’s favor shown, and to convey the king’s “word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem,” how did the people respond? “At this they said: ‘Let us get up, and we must build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.” All of this took place “in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king.”—Nehemiah 2:1-18.
9. How may we determine the 20th year of Artaxerxes?
9 What year was this? The weight of evidence is that this Artaxerxes (called also “Longimanus” on account of his long right hand) came to the Persian throne at the death of his father Xerxes. Artaxerxes’ first year of reigning would be 474 B.C.E. Thus his 20th year would be 455 B.C.E.a
10. How was the prophecy concerning the first “seven weeks” fulfilled?
10 So, then, the “weeks” of Daniel 9:25 would start to count from 455 B.C.E. We read:
“And you should know and have the insight that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks. She will return and be actually rebuilt, with a public square and moat, but in the straits of the times.”
Apparently, the first “seven weeks,” or 49 years, cover the time of rebuilding the city, up until 406 B.C.E. “The straits of the times” have reference to the bitter opposition this building work received from neighboring peoples. (Nehemiah 4:6-20) Nevertheless, as history indicates, Jerusalem was a large and flourishing city by the end of that century.b
11. How did “Messiah the Leader” appear right on time?
11 However, beyond this there were to be “sixty-two weeks”—making a total of 69 weeks of years, or 483 years, from 455 B.C.E. “until Messiah the Leader.” These 483 years, including only part of 455 B.C.E. and part of the final year, would extend into 29 C.E. Did Messiah then appear? Luke 3:1-3 states that “in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,” John the Baptizer “came into all the country around the Jordan, preaching baptism.” Since historians establish that Tiberius became Roman emperor on August 17, 14 C.E. (Gregorian calendar), it would follow that John’s preaching and baptizing would commence during Tiberius’ 15th year—in the spring of 29 C.E. In the fall of that same year—29 C.E.—Jesus was baptized, and holy spirit descended from heaven to anoint him as Messiah. Indeed, right on time in fulfillment of divine prophecy!—Luke 3:21, 22.
12. (a) What were many of the Jews then expecting? (b) Why did they miss the point of the prophecy? (c) But how may we be benefited?
12 In those days, many of the Jews were anticipating the coming of Messiah, due no doubt in part to their knowing about the “seventy weeks.” (Luke 3:15; John 1:19, 20) But because of having hard hearts, the majority missed the point of the prophecy. (Matthew 15:7-9) However, we today can be strengthened in our faith by paying attention to all such features of “the prophetic word.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) Not only does that “word” clearly identify Messiah, as explained in the chart on page 67; it also points us to marvelous blessings to be enjoyed under the kingdom of “Messiah the Leader.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
MESSIAH THE KING “CUT OFF”
13, 14. How was Messiah’s appearance and course far different from the Jews’ expectations?
13 Did the appearance of “Messiah the Leader” result in an immediate deliverance for the Jews? They expected him to be a mighty warrior, a potentate who would deliver them from harsh bondage to the Roman Empire. (John 6:14, 15) However, his Father, Jehovah, purposed a different kind of deliverance.
14 In the prophecy of the “seventy weeks,” Gabriel made it clear that, rather than the Messiah’s becoming a great political ruler, he was to be “cut off, with nothing for himself.” He was to die a shameful death without name or material wealth to leave for posterity. How striking the fulfillment! When Jesus was stripped for execution, the soldiers even cast lots for all that had remained to him—his outer garments.—Daniel 9:26a; Matthew 27:35.
15. (a) When was Messiah “cut off”? (b) How is the accuracy of this time feature confirmed?
15 When did this execution take place? Gabriel said it would be “at the half of the [final] week” of years, that is, in the spring of 33 C.E., three and a half years after Jesus’ baptism and anointing. In proof of the accuracy of the prophecy, John’s Gospel indicates that Jesus was then attending the fourth Passover following his baptism.—Daniel 9:27b; John 2:13; 5:1; 6:4; 13:1.
16, 17. (a) How were the further words of Daniel 9:26 tragically fulfilled? (b) How were Messiah’s true followers of that time an example to us?
16 Yes, “Messiah the Leader” was “cut off.” How tragic it was that the Jews did not recognize their king! But more was to come. Jerusalem must again be devastated. As Daniel’s prophecy foretold:
“The city and the holy place the people of a leader that is coming will bring to their ruin. And the end of it will be by the flood. And until the end there will be war; what is decided upon is desolations.”—Daniel 9:26b.
17 True to the prophecy, the period following Messiah’s ‘cutting off’ was marked by war “until the end.” Finally, in 70 C.E., the Roman army swept like a flood into beleaguered Jerusalem. The city and its temple were demolished, ‘brought to their ruin.’ According to the historian Josephus, 1,100,000 Jews perished in that holocaust. Happily, by that time Messiah’s true followers had heeded the warning “sign” and had fled to safety in the mountains beyond the Jordan. (Matthew 24:3-16) This emphasizes also for us today how vital it is that we give attention to God’s prophetic “sign” before the Kingdom ‘comes’ to execute judgment on the present wicked world system.—Luke 21:34-36.
MESSIAH BRINGS BENEFITS
18. What of benefit was accomplished at Messiah’s first coming?
18 What, then, would be accomplished by Messiah’s first coming? Gabriel had told Daniel:
“There are seventy weeks that have been determined upon your people and upon your holy city, in order to terminate the transgression, and to finish off sin, and to make atonement for error, and to bring in righteousness for times indefinite.” (Daniel 9:24a)
Before and through his death “Messiah the Leader” would accomplish all of this! This would be not a political deliverance but a marvelous spiritual one. Through the ransoming power of his perfect human life, given in sacrifice, Jesus would remove the stain of sin and transgression from those who would accept him as Messiah, and bring them into “a new covenant” as the spiritual “Israel of God.”—Galatians 6:16; Jeremiah 31:31, 33, 34.
19. How did Messiah “cause sacrifice and gift offering to cease”?
19 So what the Law covenant mediated by Moses had been unable to do, on the basis of its animal sacrifices, the new covenant mediated by Messiah would now accomplish, on the basis of his one perfect human sacrifice, made “at the half of the week.” Thus he would “cause sacrifice and gift offering to cease,” in that the offerings of the Law would no longer be of any value. (Daniel 9:27) As the apostle Paul stated later: “The old things passed away, look! new things have come into existence. But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation.”—2 Corinthians 5:17, 18.
20. You may be happy about what prospect for mankind?
20 In due course, the benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice would extend far beyond the spiritual Israel of which Paul became a part, for he goes on to say that, by means of Christ, God reconciles “a world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) As a part of the world of mankind, are you not happy that your trespasses due to human imperfection may be forgiven on the basis of the sacrifice of the One who reconciles you to God?
21, 22. (a) How did the 70th week “imprint a seal upon vision and prophet”? (Daniel 9:24) (b) How was “the Holy of Holies” anointed?
21 However, not only would the ‘seventieth week’ “bring in righteousness for times indefinite.” Also, it would “imprint a seal upon vision and prophet.” As Revelation 19:10 states, “the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.” And Jesus, at his first coming as Messiah, literally fulfilled hundreds of prophetic utterances in what he did and what he said. This was like the implanting of an indelible seal on those prophecies, showing them to be true, accurate and having as their source the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. Now, by means of the Messiah, all of God’s promises of blessing for his people would be accomplished. “For no matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of him”—the Messiah, Jesus.—Daniel 9:24b; 2 Corinthians 1:20.
22 Also to be accomplished during that ‘seventieth week’ was the anointing of “the Holy of Holies.” No longer could the “holy place made with hands,” in Jerusalem’s temple, serve God’s purpose in connection with the forgiveness of sins. It had been only a copy of the reality in the great spiritual temple arrangement that came into existence with Messiah’s anointing in 29 C.E. There, following his death and resurrection, Christ entered heaven to present “once for all time” the value of his human sacrifice before God’s Person. (Hebrews 9:23-26) God’s heavenly abode had thus taken on a new aspect. It had been anointed as “the Holy of Holies,” becoming the spiritual reality typified by the Most Holy of the temple at Jerusalem. So, starting from the day of Pentecost, 33 C.E., and through to the end of the ‘seventieth week,’ those Jews who accepted God’s provision had a unique privilege. On the basis of Christ’s sacrifice presented in that “Holy of Holies,” they, too, were anointed to serve as underpriests at God’s spiritual temple.
23. (a) How were the Jews especially favored during the 70th week? (b) How were others favored after the “seventy weeks” ended?
23 With regard to such Jews who would be brought into spiritual Israel, the prophecy says: “He must keep the covenant in force for the many for one week.” This is the ‘week of years’ of 29-36 C.E., during which natural Jews were especially favored in being adopted as part of the spiritual ‘seed of Abraham.’ (Daniel 9:27a) But then, with Peter’s preaching to the uncircumcised Gentile Cornelius, the way opened up for uncircumcised people of the nations also to be brought into the Abrahamic covenant. Concerning this, Paul writes: “You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one person in union with Christ Jesus. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.”—Galatians 3:26-29; Acts 10:30-35, 44-48.
24. (a) What wonderful assurance does the Abrahamic promise carry for still others? (b) As indicated by Luke 9:23, how may you share?
24 However, what of the rest of mankind—the billions who have not been gathered to become part of the “little flock” with an inheritance in the heavens? Ah, the Abrahamic promise carries a wonderful assurance for these, too, in that God states therein: “By means of [Abraham’s] seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.” (Genesis 22:18) Is it your desire to share in that blessing? You may, and to this end you should pray for ‘God’s kingdom to come.’ Also, as you keep on investigating God’s Word, you will learn how you may “disown” yourself in dedication to God and follow Messiah the Leader “continually.”—Luke 9:23.
[Footnotes]
a See The Watchtower, October 15, 1965, pages 629-631; Aid to Bible Understanding, page 1473.
b For example, the fourth century B.C.E. historian Hecataeus of Abdera is quoted by Josephus in Against Apion, Book I:22, as writing: “The Jews have many fortresses and villages in different parts of the country, but only one fortified city, which has a circumference of fifty stades [about 33,000 feet] and some hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants; they call it Jerusalem.”
[Chart on page 67]
PROPHECIES FULFILLED WITH REGARD TO “MESSIAH THE LEADER” TOWARD END OF “SEVENTY WEEKS”
PROPHECY SUBSTANCE THEREOF FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:3 John the Baptizer prepares way Matthew 3:1-3
Micah 5:2 Jesus born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:1-6
Genesis 49:10 Out of tribe of Judah Luke 3:23-33
Isaiah 7:14 Of a virgin Matthew 1:23-25
Isaiah 9:7 Descendant, heir of David Matthew 1:1, 6-17
Jeremiah 31:15 Babes killed after birth Matthew 2:16-18
Hosea 11:1 Called out of Egypt (refuge) Matthew 2:14, 15
Daniel 9:25 Appears at end of 69 “weeks” Luke 3:1, 21, 22
Psalm 40:7, 8 Presents self to do God’s will Matthew 3:13-15
Isaiah 61:1, 2 Spirit anointed to preach Luke 4:16-21
Psalm 2:7 Jehovah declares Jesus “Son” Matthew 3:17
Isaiah 9:1, 2 Light in region of Galilee Matthew 4:13-16
Psalm 40:9 Boldly preaches “good news” Matthew 4:17, 23
Psalm 69:9 Zealous for Jehovah’s house John 2:13-17
Isaiah 53:1, 2 Jews do not put faith in him John 12:37, 38
Psalm 78:2 Speaks in illustrations Matthew 13:34, 35
Zechariah 9:9 Enters city on colt of ass Matthew 21:1-9
Psalm 69:4 Hated without a cause John 15:24, 25
Isaiah 42:1-4 Hope of nations; no wrangling Matthew 12:14-21
Psalm 41:9 Unfaithful apostle betrays John 13:18, 21-30
Zechariah 11:12 For 30 pieces of silver Matthew 26:14-16
Psalm 2:1, 2 Rulers act against anointed Matthew 27:1, 2
Psalm 118:22 Rejected, but sure foundation Matthew 21:42, 43
Isaiah 8:14, 15 Becomes stone of stumbling Luke 20:18
Psalm 27:12 False witnesses against him Matthew 26:59-61
Isaiah 53:7 Silent before his accusers Matthew 27:11-14
Psalm 22:16 Impaled by hands and feet John 20:25
Isaiah 53:12 Counted with transgressors Luke 22:36, 37
Psalm 22:7, 8 Is reviled while on stake Matthew 27:39-43
Psalm 69:21 Given wine drugged with myrrh Mark 15:23, 36
Zechariah 12:10 Pierced while on stake John 19:34
Psalm 22:18 Lots cast for his garments Matthew 27:35
Psalm 34:20 None of his bones broken John 19:33, 36
Psalm 22:1 Forsaken to enemies by God Matthew 27:46
Daniel 9:26, 27 Cut off after 3 1/2 yearsc John 19:14-16
Zechariah 13:7 Shepherd struck, flock scattered Matthew 26:31,56
Jeremiah 31:31 New covenant, sins removed Luke 22:20
Isaiah 53:11 Bears the errors of many Matthew 20:28
Isaiah 53:4 Carries sicknesses of mankind Matthew 8:16, 17
Isaiah 53:9 Burial place with the rich Matthew 27:57-60
Psalm 16:10 Raised before corruption Acts 2:24, 27
Jonah 1:17 Resurrected on third day Matthew 12:40
Psalm 110:1 Exalted to God’s right hand Acts 7:56
[Footnotes]
c See pages 61, 62 herein. |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Bible Book Number 37—Haggai
Writer: Haggai
Place Written: Jerusalem
Writing Completed: 520 B.C.E.
Time Covered: 112 days (520 B.C.E.)
1, 2. What information is given about the prophet Haggai, and what was his twofold message?
HAGGAI was his name; a prophet and “messenger of Jehovah” was his position, but what was his origin? (Hag. 1:13) Who was he? Haggai is the tenth of the so-called minor prophets, and he was the first of the three that served after the Jews returned to their homeland in 537 B.C.E., the other two being Zechariah and Malachi. Haggai’s name (Hebrew, Chag·gaiʹ) means “[Born on a] Festival.” This may indicate he was born on a feast day.
2 As handed down by Jewish tradition, it is reasonable to conclude that Haggai was born in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua. Haggai served side by side with the prophet Zechariah, and at Ezra 5:1 and Ezr 6:14, the two are shown encouraging the sons of the exile to resume temple building. He was a prophet of Jehovah in two respects, in that he both exhorted the Jews to fulfill their duties toward God and foretold, among other things, the shaking of all nations.—Hag. 2:6, 7.
3. What had the Jews failed to realize as to the purpose of their return from exile?
3 Why did Jehovah commission Haggai? For this reason: In 537 B.C.E., Cyrus had issued the decree permitting the Jews to return to their homeland to rebuild the house of Jehovah. But it was now 520 B.C.E., and the temple was far from being completed. All these years the Jews had let enemy opposition along with their own apathy and materialism prevent them from realizing the very purpose of their return.—Ezra 1:1-4; 3:10-13; 4:1-24; Hag. 1:4.
4. What had hindered the temple building, but what developments took place when Haggai started to prophesy?
4 As the record shows, no sooner had the foundation of the temple been laid (in 536 B.C.E.) than “the people of the land were continually weakening the hands of the people of Judah and disheartening them from building, and hiring counselors against them to frustrate their counsel.” (Ezra 4:4, 5) Finally, in 522 B.C.E., these non-Jewish opposers succeeded in having an official ban placed on the work. It was in the second year of the reign of the Persian king Darius Hystaspis, that is, in 520 B.C.E., that Haggai began to prophesy, and this encouraged the Jews to resume their temple building. At that, a letter was sent to Darius by the neighboring governors asking for a ruling on the matter; Darius revived the decree of Cyrus and supported the Jews against their enemies.
5. What proves that the book of Haggai belongs in the Bible canon?
5 There was never any question among the Jews about Haggai’s prophecy belonging in the Hebrew canon, and this is also supported by the reference to him at Ezra 5:1 as prophesying “in the name of the God of Israel,” as well as at Ezra 6:14. That his prophecy is part of ‘all Scripture inspired of God’ is proved by Paul’s quoting it at Hebrews 12:26: “Now he has promised, saying: ‘Yet once more I will set in commotion not only the earth but also the heaven.’”—Hag. 2:6.
6. Of what does Haggai’s prophecy consist, and what emphasis is put on Jehovah’s name?
6 Haggai’s prophecy consists of four messages given over a period of 112 days. His style is simple and direct, and his emphasis on Jehovah’s name is particularly noteworthy. In his 38 verses, he mentions Jehovah’s name 35 times, 14 times in the expression “Jehovah of armies.” He leaves no doubt that his message is from Jehovah: “Haggai the messenger of Jehovah went on to say to the people according to the messenger’s commission from Jehovah, saying: ‘I am with you people,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”—1:13.
7. What did Haggai encourage the Jews to do, and what was the tenor of his message?
7 This was a very important time in the history of God’s people, and Haggai’s work proved to be most beneficial. He was not the least backward in performing his task as a prophet, and he did not mince words with the Jews. He was straightforward in telling them that it was time to quit procrastinating and to get down to business. It was time to rebuild Jehovah’s house and to restore pure worship if they wanted to enjoy any prosperity from the hand of Jehovah. The whole tenor of Haggai’s message is that if a person is to enjoy blessings from Jehovah, he must serve the true God and do the work Jehovah commands to be done.
outputS OF HAGGAI
8. Why are the Jews not being blessed materially by Jehovah?
8 The first message (1:1-15). This is directed to Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, but in the hearing of the people. The people have been saying, “The time has not come, the time of the house of Jehovah, for it to be built.” Jehovah through Haggai asks a searching question: “Is it the time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house is waste?” (1:2, 4) They have sown much in a material way, but it has benefited them little in the way of food, drink, and clothing. “Set your heart upon your ways,” admonishes Jehovah. (1:7) It is high time to bring in lumber and build the house, that Jehovah may be glorified. The Jews are taking good care of their own houses, but Jehovah’s house lies waste. Therefore, Jehovah has withheld the dew of heaven and the increase of the field and his blessing from upon man and his toil.
9. How does Jehovah rouse up the Jews to get to work?
9 Ah, they get the point! Haggai has not prophesied in vain. Rulers and people begin “to listen to the voice of Jehovah their God.” Fear of Jehovah replaces fear of man. Jehovah’s assurance through his messenger Haggai is: “I am with you people.” (1:12, 13) It is Jehovah himself who rouses up the spirit of the governor, the spirit of the high priest, and the spirit of the remnant of His people. They get to work, just 23 days after the start of Haggai’s prophesying and despite the official ban of the Persian government.
10. What do some Jews feel about the temple they are building, but what does Jehovah promise?
10 The second message (2:1-9). Less than a month passes after the building activity is revived, and Haggai gives his second inspired message. This is addressed to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remaining ones of the people. Evidently some of the Jews who returned from the exile and who had seen the former temple of Solomon felt that this temple would be nothing by comparison. But what is the utterance of Jehovah of armies? ‘Be strong and work, for I am with you people.’ (2:4) Jehovah reminds them of his covenant with them, and he tells them not to be afraid. He strengthens them with the promise that he will rock all the nations and cause their desirable things to come in and that he will fill his house with glory. The glory of this later house will be even greater than that of the former, and in this place he will give peace.
11. (a) By what allegory does Haggai point out the priests’ neglect? (b) What has resulted therefrom?
11 The third message (2:10-19). Two months and three days later, Haggai addresses the priests. He uses an allegory to drive home his point. Will a priest’s carrying holy flesh make holy any other food he touches? The answer is no. Does the touching of something unclean, such as a dead body, make the one touching it unclean? The answer is yes. Haggai then applies the allegory. The people of the land are unclean by reason of their neglect of pure worship. Whatever they offer appears unclean to Jehovah God. Because of this, Jehovah has not blessed their labors, and in addition he has sent on them scorching heat, mildew, and hail. Let them change their ways. Then Jehovah will bless them.
12. What final message does Haggai direct to Zerubbabel?
12 The fourth message (2:20-23). Haggai delivers this message on the same day as the third message, but it is directed to Zerubbabel. Again Jehovah speaks of “rocking the heavens and the earth,” but this time he extends this theme to the complete annihilation of the kingdoms of the nations. Many will be brought down, “each one by the sword of his brother.” (2:21, 22) Haggai concludes his prophecy with an assurance of Jehovah’s favor for Zerubbabel.
WHY BENEFICIAL
13. Of what immediate benefit was Haggai’s prophesying?
13 Jehovah’s four messages communicated through Haggai were beneficial to the Jews of that day. They were encouraged to go right to work, and in four and a half years, the temple was completed to advance true worship in Israel. (Ezra 6:14, 15) Jehovah blessed their zealous activity. It was during this time of temple building that Darius the king of Persia examined the state records and reaffirmed the decree of Cyrus. The temple work was thus completed with his official backing.—Ezra 6:1-13.
14. What wise counsel does Haggai provide for our day?
14 The prophecy also contains wise counsel for our day. How so? For one thing, it underscores the need for the creature to put the interests of God’s worship ahead of his own personal interests. (Hag. 1:2-8; Matt. 6:33) It also drives home the point that selfishness is self-defeating, that it is futile to pursue materialism; it is the peace and blessing of Jehovah that make rich. (Hag. 1:9-11; 2:9; Prov. 10:22) It also stresses that the service of God itself does not make one clean unless it is pure and whole-souled, and that it must not be contaminated by unclean conduct. (Hag. 2:10-14; Col. 3:23; Rom. 6:19) It shows that God’s servants must not be pessimistic, looking back to “good old days,” but be forward-looking, ‘setting their heart upon their ways’ and seeking to bring glory to Jehovah. Then Jehovah will be with them.—Hag. 2:3, 4; 1:7, 8, 13; Phil. 3:13, 14; Rom. 8:31.
15. What does the book of Haggai show as to the results of zealous obedience?
15 Once they got busy in the temple work, the Jews were favored by Jehovah, and they prospered. Obstacles vanished. The work was accomplished in good time. Fearless, zealous activity for Jehovah will always be rewarded. Difficulties, real or imagined, can be overcome by exercising courageous faith. Obedience to “the word of Jehovah” gets results.—Hag. 1:1.
16. What relation does the prophecy of Haggai have to the Kingdom hope, and to what service should it stir us today?
16 What of the prophecy that Jehovah will ‘rock the heavens and the earth’? The apostle Paul gives the application of Haggai 2:6 in these words: “But now [God] has promised, saying: ‘Yet once more I will set in commotion not only the earth but also the heaven.’ Now the expression ‘Yet once more’ signifies the removal of the things being shaken as things that have been made, in order that the things not being shaken may remain. Wherefore, seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe. For our God is also a consuming fire.” (Heb. 12:26-29) Haggai shows that the rocking is in order to “overthrow the throne of kingdoms and annihilate the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.” (Hag. 2:21, 22) In quoting the prophecy, Paul speaks, in contrast, of God’s Kingdom “that cannot be shaken.” In contemplation of this Kingdom hope, let us, then, ‘be strong and work,’ rendering God sacred service. Let us be mindful, too, that before Jehovah overthrows the nations of earth, something precious is to be stirred up and is to come out of them, for survival: “‘I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory,’ Jehovah of armies has said.”—2:4, 7. |
Are You a ‘Steward of God’s Undeserved Kindness’? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009042 | Are You a ‘Steward of God’s Undeserved Kindness’?
“In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead.”—ROM. 12:10.
1. What assurances do we find in God’s Word?
GOD’S WORD repeatedly assures us that Jehovah will come to our aid when we are discouraged or brokenhearted. Note, for instance, these comforting words: “Jehovah is giving support to all who are falling, and is raising up all who are bowed down.” “He is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” (Ps. 145:14; 147:3) Moreover, our heavenly Father himself states: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.’”—Isa. 41:13.
2. How does Jehovah provide support to his servants?
2 How, though, does Jehovah, who dwells in the invisible heavens, ‘grasp our hand’? How does he ‘raise us up when we are bowed down’ by heartache? Jehovah God provides such support in various ways. For example, he gives his people “power beyond what is normal” by means of his holy spirit. (2 Cor. 4:7; John 14:16, 17) God’s servants also feel the uplifting power that is exerted by the message found in God’s inspired Word, the Bible. (Heb. 4:12) Is there still another way by which Jehovah fortifies us? We find an answer in the book of First Peter.
“God’s Undeserved Kindness Expressed in Various Ways”
3. (a) What statement about trials is made by the apostle Peter? (b) What is discussed in the latter part of Peter’s first letter?
3 Addressing spirit-anointed believers, the apostle Peter writes that they have good reason to be joyful because a rich reward awaits them. Then he adds: “Though for a little while at present, if it must be, you have been grieved by various trials.” (1 Pet. 1:1-6) Note the word “various.” It suggests that trials will be varied. However, Peter does not stop there, leaving his brothers to wonder if they will be able to cope with such a diversity of tests. Instead, Peter points out that Christians can be sure that Jehovah will help them to cope with each trial they encounter, no matter what its nature may be. That assurance is given in the latter part of Peter’s letter, where the apostle discusses matters related to “the end of all things.”—1 Pet. 4:7.
4. Why are the words of 1 Peter 4:10 comforting to us?
4 Peter states: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.” (1 Pet. 4:10) Peter again uses the word “various.” He, in effect, says, ‘Trials come in many different forms, but God’s expressions of undeserved kindness come in many different forms as well.’ Why is that statement comforting? It implies that whatever the nature of our trial may be, there will always be an expression of God’s undeserved kindness that will match it. Did you notice in Peter’s statement, though, just how Jehovah’s undeserved kindness is conveyed to us? By means of fellow Christians.
“Ministering to One Another”
5. (a) What should each Christian do? (b) What questions arise?
5 In speaking to all members of the Christian congregation, Peter says: “Above all things, have intense love for one another.” He then adds: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another.” (1 Pet. 4:8, 10) Hence, each one in the congregation is to have a share in building fellow Christians up. We have been placed in charge of something valuable belonging to Jehovah, and we are responsible for distributing it to others. So, then, with what are we entrusted? Peter says that it is “a gift.” What is the gift? How do we “use it in ministering to one another”?
6. What are some of the gifts with which Christians are entrusted?
6 God’s Word states: “Every good gift and every perfect present is from above.” (Jas. 1:17) Indeed, all gifts with which Jehovah entrusts his people are expressions of his undeserved kindness. One outstanding gift Jehovah imparts to us is the holy spirit. That gift enables us to cultivate such godly qualities as love, goodness, and mildness. Such qualities move us, in turn, to show fellow believers heartfelt affection and give them willing support. True wisdom and knowledge are also among the good gifts that we acquire with the help of the holy spirit. (1 Cor. 2:10-16; Gal. 5:22, 23) In fact, all our energies, abilities, and talents may be viewed as gifts to be used to bring praise and honor to our heavenly Father. We have the God-given responsibility to use our abilities and qualities as a means of conveying expressions of God’s undeserved kindness to our fellow believers.
“Use It in Ministering”—How?
7. (a) What is indicated by the term “in proportion”? (b) What questions should we ask ourselves, and why?
7 Regarding gifts we have received, Peter also states: “In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it.” The qualifying term “in proportion” indicates that qualities and abilities may vary not only in nature but also in extent. Even so, each one is urged to “use it [that is, any particular gift he has received] in ministering to one another.” Moreover, the expression “use it . . . as fine stewards” is a command. Hence, we should ask ourselves: ‘Do I, indeed, use the gifts with which I am entrusted to fortify my fellow believers?’ (Compare 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.) ‘Or do I use the abilities that I received from Jehovah mainly to benefit myself—perhaps to acquire riches or to attain social status?’ (1 Cor. 4:7) If we use our gifts “in ministering to one another,” we will be pleasing Jehovah.—Prov. 19:17; read Hebrews 13:16.
8, 9. (a) What are some ways in which Christians worldwide serve in behalf of fellow believers? (b) How do the brothers and sisters in your congregation help one another?
8 God’s Word mentions various ways in which first-century Christians ministered to one another. (Read Romans 15:25, 26; 2 Timothy 1:16-18.) Similarly today, the command to use one’s gift in behalf of fellow believers is wholeheartedly carried out by true Christians. Consider some of the ways in which that is being done.
9 Many brothers spend hours each month preparing meeting parts. At the meetings, when they convey some of the spiritual gems they have found during their Bible study, their insightful words motivate all in the congregation to endure. (1 Tim. 5:17) Numerous brothers and sisters are known for their warmth and compassion toward fellow believers. (Rom. 12:15) Some regularly visit those who are depressed and pray with them. (1 Thess. 5:14) Others thoughtfully write some heartfelt words of encouragement to fellow Christians who are coping with a trial. Still others kindly help those with physical limitations to attend the congregation meetings. Thousands of Witnesses share in relief work, helping fellow believers rebuild homes that have been struck by disasters. The tender affection and practical assistance rendered by such caring brothers and sisters are all manifestations of “God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.”—Read 1 Peter 4:11.
Which Is More Important?
10. (a) Paul was concerned with what two aspects of his service to God? (b) How do we imitate Paul today?
10 God’s servants are entrusted not only with a gift to be used in behalf of their fellow believers but also with a message to be shared with their fellow man. The apostle Paul recognized these two aspects of his service to Jehovah. He wrote to the congregation in Ephesus regarding “the stewardship of the undeserved kindness of God” that was given to him for their benefit. (Eph. 3:2) Yet, he also stated: “We have been proved by God as fit to be entrusted with the good news.” (1 Thess. 2:4) Like Paul, we too recognize that we are entrusted with the assignment of serving as preachers of God’s Kingdom. By sharing zealously in the preaching work, we strive to imitate the example that Paul set as an untiring proclaimer of the good news. (Acts 20:20, 21; 1 Cor. 11:1) We know that preaching the Kingdom message can save lives. At the same time, however, we also strive to imitate Paul by looking for opportunities to “impart some spiritual gift” to fellow believers.—Read Romans 1:11, 12; 10:13-15.
11. How should we view our assignments to preach and to build up our brothers?
11 Which of these two Christian activities is more important? Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird, Which of his two wings is more important? The answer is obvious. A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly. Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians. Thus, instead of regarding our assignments to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers as unrelated, we view them just as the apostles Peter and Paul did—as responsibilities that complement each other. In what way?
12. How do we serve as an instrument in Jehovah’s hand?
12 As evangelizers, we employ whatever teaching skills we may have in trying to touch the hearts of our fellow men with the uplifting message of God’s Kingdom. In that way, we hope to help them to become Christ’s disciples. However, we also use whatever abilities and other gifts we may have in trying to warm the hearts of our fellow believers with uplifting words and helpful deeds—expressions of God’s undeserved kindness. (Prov. 3:27; 12:25) In that way, we hope to help them to remain Christ’s disciples. In both activities—preaching to the public and “ministering to one another”—we have the wonderful privilege of serving as an instrument in Jehovah’s hand.—Gal. 6:10.
“Have Tender Affection for One Another”
13. What would happen if we held back in “ministering to one another”?
13 Paul urged his fellow believers: “In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead.” (Rom. 12:10) Indeed, having affection for our brothers impels us to serve wholeheartedly as stewards of God’s undeserved kindness. We realize that if Satan succeeded in holding us back from “ministering to one another,” he would weaken our unity. (Col. 3:14) In turn, a lack of unity would lead to a lack of zeal in the preaching work. Satan well knows that he needs to harm only one of our wings, so to speak, in order to ground us.
14. Who benefit from our “ministering to one another”? Give an example.
14 “Ministering to one another” benefits not only those who receive God’s undeserved kindness but also those who convey it. (Prov. 11:25) Take, for example, Ryan and Roni, a couple in Illinois, U.S.A. When they learned that Hurricane Katrina had destroyed hundreds of homes of fellow Witnesses, brotherly love moved them to quit their jobs, give up their apartment, buy a secondhand trailer, fix it up, and travel 900 miles [1,400 km] to Louisiana. There they lived for over a year while giving of their time, strength, and resources to help their brothers. “Sharing in relief work drew me closer to God,” says Ryan, age 29. “I saw how Jehovah takes care of his people.” Ryan adds: “Working with older brothers taught me much about how to care for the brothers. I also learned that there is much for us younger ones to do in Jehovah’s organization.” Roni, age 25, notes: “I am grateful for having had a share in helping others. I feel happier than I have ever felt in my life. I know that in years to come, I will continue to reap benefits from this wonderful experience.”
15. What good reasons do we have to continue to serve as stewards of God’s undeserved kindness?
15 Indeed, obeying God’s commands to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers brings blessings to all. The ones we help are spiritually strengthened, while we experience the heartfelt joy that only giving can bring. (Acts 20:35) The congregation as a whole grows in warmth as each member takes a loving interest in others. Furthermore, the love and affection that we show for one another clearly identifies us as true Christians. Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Above all, honor goes to our caring Father, Jehovah, as his desire to strengthen those in need is reflected in his earthly servants. What good reasons we have, therefore, to use our gift “in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness”! Will you continue to do so?—Read Hebrews 6:10.
Do You Remember?
• In what ways does Jehovah strengthen his servants?
• With what are we entrusted?
• What are some ways in which we can serve our fellow believers?
• What will move us to continue to use our gift “in ministering to one another”?
[Pictures on page 13]
Do you use your “gift” to serve others or to please yourself?
[Pictures on page 15]
We preach the good news to others and support fellow Christians
[Picture on page 16]
Relief workers deserve commendation for their self-sacrificing spirit |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 13
Christian Dedication
(Exodus 39:30)
1. Because Jehovah created
The universe so grand,
To him belong the earth and sky,
The works of his own hand.
The breath of life he has given
And to his creatures shown
That worthy is he to have the praise,
The worship of all his own.
2. The ancient nation of Israel,
At Sinai they did say:
‘The Law Jehovah’s given us
We gladly will obey.’
He was their husbandly owner;
He bought them from the sea.
A nation of dedicated ones
They always should prove to be.
3. In water Jesus was baptized
To righteousness fulfill,
And humbly he did there present
Himself to do God’s will.
When he came up from the Jordan
As God’s anointed Son,
Obedient and loyal he would serve
As God’s consecrated One.
4. We come before you, Jehovah,
To praise your name so great.
Disowning self, with humble hearts,
Our lives we dedicate.
You gave your only-begotten,
Who paid the price so high.
No longer as living for ourselves,
For you we shall live or die. |
Examining the Scriptures—2019
2018 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2019 | November
Friday, November 1
Reject ungodliness and worldly desires and . . . live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion.—Titus 2:12.
Self-discipline includes exercising control over ourselves in order to improve in our behavior and thinking. We are not born with an inclination toward self-discipline. We have to learn it. When parents consistently and patiently train their little ones “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah,” they are also helping their children to develop self-discipline and wisdom. (Eph. 6:4) The same principles apply to those who come to know Jehovah as adults. True, they may already have developed a measure of self-discipline. Spiritually speaking, however, a new disciple starts off being immature. But he or she can steadily grow toward maturity as part of learning to put on the Christlike “new personality.” (Eph. 4:23, 24) Self-discipline is an important part of that growth. w18.03 29 ¶3-4
Saturday, November 2
Follow the course of hospitality.—Rom. 12:13.
We welcome all who attend our Christian meetings as fellow guests at a spiritual meal. Jehovah and his organization are our hosts. (Rom. 15:7) When new ones attend, we become cohosts, as it were. Why not take the initiative to welcome these new ones, no matter how they may be dressed or groomed? (Jas. 2:1-4) If a visitor is not already being cared for, could you invite him to sit with you? He might appreciate help to follow the program and perhaps to find scriptures being read. This would be a fine way to “follow the course of hospitality.” Visits of public speakers from other congregations, as well as visits of circuit overseers and, at times, representatives from the local branch office, provide opportunities for us to extend hospitality. (3 John 5-8) Providing refreshments or a meal is one fine way of doing this. Could you assist? w18.03 15 ¶5, 7
Sunday, November 3
What prevents me from getting baptized?—Acts 8:36.
Consider the example of a Jewish man who was persecuting Christians. He was born in a nation that was dedicated to God. However, the Jews had lost their special relationship with Jehovah. That man was zealous for the traditions of Judaism, but he learned a better way. He received a personal witness from the resurrected and glorified Jesus Christ. What was the man’s response? He welcomed assistance from the Christian disciple Ananias. Regarding that man the Bible tells us: “He then got up and was baptized.” (Acts 9:17, 18; Gal. 1:14) You certainly recognize that Jewish man as the one who came to be known as the apostle Paul. But reflect on the fact that once he gained appreciation for the truth about Jesus’ role in the outworking of God’s purpose, Paul acted. He got baptized without delay. (Acts 22:12-16) It is much the same with Bible students today, whether young or old. w18.03 5-6 ¶9-11
Monday, November 4
I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men.—1 Cor. 3:1.
Jacob did not have an easy life. He had to put up with his fleshly-minded brother, Esau, who intended to kill him. On top of that, he had to deal with a deceitful father-in-law, who repeatedly tried to exploit him. Yet, despite being surrounded by “physical” men, Jacob was a spiritual man. (1 Cor. 2:14-16) He had faith in the promise made to Abraham and devoted himself to caring for the family who would play a special role in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. (Gen. 28:10-15) Jacob’s words and actions reveal that he had God’s standards and will in mind. For example, when he felt threatened by Esau, Jacob said to God: “Save me, I pray you . . . You have said: ‘I will certainly deal well with you, and I will make your offspring like the grains of sand of the sea.’” (Gen. 32:6-12) He obviously put faith in Jehovah’s promises and wanted to act in harmony with God’s will and purpose. w18.02 20 ¶9-10
Tuesday, November 5
He is an upright man of integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad.—Job 1:8.
The life of Job is a study in contrasts. Before his trial, he was “the greatest of all the people of the East.” (Job 1:3) He was wealthy, well-known, and highly respected. (Job 29:7-16) Yet, despite all of this, Job did not develop a lofty view of himself or feel that he did not need God. In fact, Jehovah called him “my servant.” Satan launched a series of vicious attacks against Job, leading Job to assume that God was to blame. (Job 1:13-21) Then three false comforters arrived and attacked Job with cruel words, basically saying that God was giving him what he deserved! (Job 2:11; 22:1, 5-10) Yet, Job maintained his integrity. When the trial was over, Jehovah gave Job double what he had before the trial began, as well as an added 140 years of life. (Jas. 5:11) During that time, he continued to give Jehovah exclusive devotion. w18.02 6 ¶16; 7 ¶18
Wednesday, November 6
Men will be . . . boastful, haughty, . . . puffed up with pride.—2 Tim. 3:2, 4.
People with such traits crave to be admired and adored. One scholar wrote the following about the person who has an all-consuming pride: “In his heart there is a little altar where he bows down before himself.” Some have said that inordinate pride is so distasteful that even the proud dislike it in others. Jehovah certainly detests pride. He hates “haughty eyes.” (Prov. 6:16, 17) Pride hinders approach to God. (Ps. 10:4) It is a characteristic of the Devil. (1 Tim. 3:6) Sadly, though, even some loyal servants of Jehovah have become infected with pride. Uzziah, a king of Judah, proved faithful for years. “However,” the Bible states, “as soon as he was strong, his heart became haughty to his own ruin, and he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah his God by entering the temple of Jehovah to burn incense.” Later, King Hezekiah too fell prey to haughtiness, though only temporarily.—2 Chron. 26:16; 32:25, 26. w18.01 28 ¶4-5
Thursday, November 7
Each of you should set something aside according to his own means.—1 Cor. 16:2.
The aspect of giving from personal resources is well-established in the Scriptures. In some cases, Jehovah’s people contributed for specific projects. (Ex. 35:5; 2 Ki. 12:4, 5; 1 Chron. 29:5-9) When the brothers in the early Christian congregation were made aware of the need that arose because of a famine, they “determined, each according to what he could afford, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:27-30) Of course, the sources of such donations varied. In the first century, some Christians sold items that they owned, such as fields or houses, and brought the money to the apostles. The apostles distributed these funds to those in need. (Acts 4:34, 35) Others set aside money and gave regular donations to support the work. Thus, people of all walks of life—from the very wealthy to the very poor—had a share.—Luke 21:1-4. w18.01 18 ¶7; 19 ¶9
Friday, November 8
Boys will tire out and grow weary.—Isa. 40:30.
No matter how qualified we may be, we are limited in what we can accomplish in our own strength. That is a lesson we all must learn. Although he was a capable man, the apostle Paul had limitations that prevented him from doing everything he wanted to do. When he expressed his concerns to God, he was told: “My power is being made perfect in weakness.” Paul got the point. He concluded: “When I am weak, then I am powerful.” (2 Cor. 12:7-10) What did he mean by that? Paul realized that there was only so much he could do without help from a higher source. God’s holy spirit could supply the power that Paul lacked. Not only that, but God’s spirit could empower Paul to perform tasks that he would never have been able to complete in his own power. The same is true of us. If the strength we have comes from Jehovah, we will be strong indeed! w18.01 9 ¶8-9
Saturday, November 9
From infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation.—2 Tim. 3:15.
When your child expresses interest in getting baptized, make good use of material that Jehovah’s organization has provided for parents. Your doing so may lay the groundwork for stressing both the seriousness and the blessings of being dedicated to Jehovah and of being a baptized Christian. As a parent, you have the weighty responsibility—and privilege—to bring up your children “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) That requires not only teaching them what the Bible says but also helping them to develop conviction about what they learn. Yes, they need a conviction that is so strong that it moves them to dedicate themselves to Jehovah and to serve him wholeheartedly. May Jehovah’s Word, his spirit, and your efforts as a parent help your children to become “wise for salvation.” w17.12 22 ¶17, 19
Sunday, November 10
You will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.—Dan. 12:13.
Daniel was almost 100 years old and nearing the end of his life. Would Daniel get to live again? Absolutely! At the end of the book of Daniel, we read God’s assurance to him: “As for you, go on to the end. You will rest.” Elderly Daniel knew that the dead are at rest, with no “planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave.” Daniel would soon be going there. (Eccl. 9:10) But that would not be the end of him. He was promised a future. The message to the prophet Daniel continued with the words of today’s text. No date or length of time was given. Daniel was to come to his end in death and then rest. Yet, saying that he would ‘stand up for his lot’ in the future amounted to a clear promise of a resurrection to come—long after he had died. That would be “at the end of the days.” The Jerusalem Bible renders the promise to Daniel: “You will rise for your share at the end of time.” w17.12 7 ¶17-18
Monday, November 11
No one will be put to death on the testimony of just one witness.—Num. 35:30.
Jehovah commissioned Israelite elders to imitate his high standard of justice. First, the elders needed to establish the facts. Further, they had to weigh carefully a manslayer’s motive, attitude, and previous conduct when deciding whether to show mercy. To reflect divine justice, they had to determine whether the fugitive acted “out of hatred” and “with malicious intent.” (Num. 35:20-24) If the testimony of witnesses was considered, at least two witnesses had to substantiate a charge of intentional murder. Thus, after establishing the facts of the case, the elders had to look at the person, not just the action. They needed insight, the ability to look beyond the obvious and to see into a matter. Above all, they needed Jehovah’s holy spirit, which would enable them to reflect his insight, mercy, and justice.—Ex. 34:6, 7. w17.11 16 ¶13-14
Tuesday, November 12
Ponder over these things.—1 Tim. 4:15.
We discovered some priceless truths when we first began to associate with God’s people. We learned that Jehovah is our Creator and Life-Giver and that he has a purpose for mankind. We also learned that God lovingly provided the ransom sacrifice of his Son so that we might be freed from sin and death. We further learned that his Kingdom will end all suffering and that we have the prospect of living forever in peace and happiness under Kingdom rule. (John 3:16; Rev. 4:11; 21:3, 4) From time to time, our understanding of a Bible prophecy or some Scriptural passage may be adjusted. When such new understandings are provided, we ought to take time to study the information carefully and meditate on it. (Acts 17:11) We seek to understand clearly not only the major adjustments but also the subtle differences between the old understanding and the new one. In this way, we are certain to place the new truth securely in our own treasure store. w17.06 12-13 ¶15-16
Wednesday, November 13
Deaden . . . your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion.—Col. 3:5.
It is especially important to be on guard when we are confronted by circumstances that could tempt us to compromise Jehovah’s moral standards. For example, it is wise for a couple, right from the start of a courtship, to set clear limits for themselves about such matters as touching, kissing, or being alone together. (Prov. 22:3) Morally dangerous situations may also come up when a Christian is away from home on a business trip or when a Christian has to work with someone of the opposite sex. (Prov. 2:10-12, 16) We may also find ourselves at greater risk if we are depressed and vulnerable. We may even become so desperate for emotional support that we will accept attention from just about anyone. If that ever happens to you, turn to Jehovah and his people for help.—Ps. 34:18; Prov. 13:20. w17.11 26 ¶4-5
Thursday, November 14
Select for yourselves the cities of refuge.—Josh. 20:2.
Jehovah took seriously all cases of bloodshed in ancient Israel. Willful murderers were put to death by the victim’s nearest male relative, known as “the avenger of blood.” (Num. 35:19) This act atoned for the innocent human blood that had been spilled. Swift execution protected the Promised Land from becoming defiled, for Jehovah commanded: “You must not pollute the land in which you live, for [the shedding of human] blood pollutes the land.” (Num. 35:33, 34) How, though, did the Israelites handle cases of accidental bloodshed? Although his deed was accidental, an unintentional manslayer was still guilty of shedding innocent blood. (Gen. 9:5) Mercifully, however, he was allowed to flee from the avenger of blood to one of the six cities of refuge. There, he could find protection. The unintentional manslayer had to remain in the city of refuge until the high priest’s death.—Num. 35:15, 28. w17.11 9 ¶3-5
Friday, November 15
The shrewd man overlooks an insult.—Prov. 12:16.
A sister from Australia relates: “My father-in-law strongly opposed the truth. Before calling to check on him, my husband and I would pray that Jehovah help us not to respond in kind to angry reactions. To avoid long conversations that would usually lead to a heated discussion about religion, we set a time limit for the visit.” Conflict can make you feel guilty, especially if you love your relatives dearly and have always tried to please them. However, strive to put your loyalty to Jehovah ahead of your love for your family. Such a stand may actually help your relatives to see that applying Bible truth is a life-and-death matter. In any case, remember that you cannot force others to accept the truth. Instead, let them see in you the benefits of following Jehovah’s ways. Our loving God offers to them, just as he does to us, the opportunity to choose the course they will follow.—Isa. 48:17, 18. w17.10 15-16 ¶15-16
Saturday, November 16
We should love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.
Our love must not be limited to words, especially when the circumstances call for action. For example, when a fellow Christian lacks the basic necessities of life, he needs more than our good wishes. (Jas. 2:15, 16) Similarly, love for Jehovah and our neighbor moves us not only to ask God ‘to send out workers into the harvest’ but also to have a full share in the preaching work. (Matt. 9:38) The apostle John wrote that we must love “in deed and truth.” Thus, our love must be “without hypocrisy,” or “free from hypocrisy.” (Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 6:6) This means that we cannot show genuine love while pretending to be something that we are not, as if we were wearing a mask. We might wonder, ‘Is there such a thing as love with hypocrisy?’ Not really. This would not be love at all but a worthless imitation. w17.10 8 ¶5-6
Sunday, November 17
You must read it in an undertone day and night, . . . then you will act wisely.—Josh. 1:8.
If God’s Word is to have an effect on us, we need to read it regularly—daily if possible. Of course, most of us lead very busy lives. Still, we cannot afford to let anything—even legitimate responsibilities—disrupt our Bible reading routine. (Eph. 5:15, 16) Many of Jehovah’s people have found creative ways to make time for daily Bible reading, whether at the start of their day or at the end or somewhere in between. They feel as did the psalmist, who wrote: “How I do love your law! I ponder over it all day long.” (Ps. 119:97) In addition to reading the Bible, it is important for us to meditate on what we read. (Ps. 1:1-3) Only then will we be able to make the best personal application of its timeless wisdom. Whether reading God’s Word in printed or electronic form, our goal should be to get it off the page and into our heart. w17.09 24 ¶4-5
Monday, November 18
All of you have . . . tender compassion.—1 Pet. 3:8.
Compassion does not necessarily need to be shown in every situation. For example, King Saul was disobedient when he showed what he may have felt was compassion. He spared the life of Agag, an enemy of God’s people. Consequently, Jehovah rejected Saul from being king over Israel. (1 Sam. 15:3, 9, 15, ftn.) Jehovah, of course, is the righteous Judge. He can read people’s hearts, and he knows when compassion is not warranted. (Lam. 2:17; Ezek. 5:11) The time is coming when he will execute judgment on all those who refuse to obey him. (2 Thess. 1:6-10) That will not be the time for him to show compassion for those whom he has judged to be wicked. Rather, executing them will be an appropriate expression of God’s compassion for the righteous, whom he will preserve. Clearly, it is not our role to judge whether people should be executed or preserved alive. Instead, we need to do all we can now to help people. w17.09 10-11 ¶10-12
Tuesday, November 19
The fruitage of the spirit is . . . self-control.—Gal. 5:22, 23.
Self-control is a godly quality. Jehovah possesses self-control in perfect measure. Humans, however, are imperfect and therefore struggle to maintain self-control. Indeed, many of the problems that people face today stem from a lack of self-control. That lack may result in procrastination and underperformance in school or at work. It may also lead to verbal abuse, drunkenness, violence, divorce, needless debt, addiction, imprisonment, emotional trauma, sexually transmitted disease, and unwanted pregnancy, to name a few. (Ps. 34:11-14) And the problem of lacking self-control is worsening. Self-discipline was studied in the 1940’s, but recent studies have shown that people have become much worse at exercising self-discipline. This is no surprise to students of God’s Word because the Bible foretold that one evidence that we are living in “the last days” is that men would be “without self-control.”—2 Tim. 3:1-3. w17.09 3 ¶1-2
Wednesday, November 20
The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts.—Phil. 4:7.
When we have “the peace of God,” our hearts and minds remain at rest. We know that Jehovah cares for us and wants us to succeed. (1 Pet. 5:10) That knowledge guards us from becoming overwhelmed by anxiety or discouragement. Soon mankind will face the greatest tribulation that will ever occur here on earth. (Matt. 24:21, 22) We do not know all the details of what that will mean for us individually. However, there is no need for us to be consumed by anxiety. Even though we do not know everything Jehovah will do, we do know our God. We have seen from his past dealings that no matter what happens, Jehovah will always accomplish his purpose, and sometimes he does it in an unexpected manner. Each time Jehovah does so for us, we may experience in a new way “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” w17.08 12 ¶16-17
Thursday, November 21
Be patient . . . until the presence of the Lord.—Jas. 5:7.
“How long?” That was the question raised by the faithful prophets Isaiah and Habakkuk. (Isa. 6:11; Hab. 1:2) Even our Lord Jesus Christ asked this question when confronted with the faithless attitude of those around him. (Matt. 17:17) So we should not be surprised if we find ourselves at times asking the very same question. Perhaps we have had to deal with some form of injustice. Or maybe we are enduring old age and sickness or the pressures of living in these “critical times” that are so “hard to deal with.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Or maybe the wrong attitudes of those around us are wearing us out. Whatever the cause, how encouraging it is to know that Jehovah’s faithful servants in the past felt free to express the same question that may loom in our minds, and they were not condemned for asking it! But what can help us when we come face-to-face with such difficult circumstances? The disciple James answers with the words of today’s text. w17.08 3-4 ¶1-3
Friday, November 22
Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches.—Luke 16:9.
Jesus urged his followers to use “unrighteous riches” to make friends in heaven. An obvious way to prove ourselves faithful with our material things is by contributing financially to the worldwide preaching work that Jesus foretold would take place. (Matt. 24:14) A young girl in India kept a small money box and gradually added coins, even giving up toys to do so. When the box was full, she handed the money over to be used for the preaching work. A brother in India who has a coconut farm contributed a large number of coconuts to the Malayalam remote translation office, reasoning that since the office needs to buy coconuts, his supplying them directly will help his contribution to go further than it would if he gave cash. That is practical wisdom. Likewise, brothers in Greece regularly contribute olive oil, cheese, and other foods for the Bethel family. w17.07 8 ¶7-8
Saturday, November 23
Sing for us one of the songs of Zion.—Ps. 137:3.
As captives in Babylon, the Jews did not feel like singing. They needed comfort and consolation. However, true to God’s prophetic word, deliverance came through Cyrus, king of Persia. He conquered Babylon and proclaimed: “Jehovah . . . has commissioned me to build him a house in Jerusalem . . . Whoever there is among you of all his people, may Jehovah his God be with him, and let him go up.” (2 Chron. 36:23) What a comforting effect this development must have had on the Israelites dwelling in Babylon! Jehovah gave comfort not only to the nation of Israel as a whole but also to each individual. The same is true today. God “heals the brokenhearted; he binds up their wounds.” (Ps. 147:3) Yes, Jehovah cares for those who are having problems—whether physical or emotional. He is eager to comfort us and to soothe our emotional wounds. (Ps. 34:18; Isa. 57:15) He gives us wisdom and strength so that we can cope with any troubles we may face.—Jas. 1:5. w17.07 18 ¶4-5
Sunday, November 24
Where your treasure is, there your hearts will be also.—Luke 12:34.
Jehovah is the wealthiest Person in the universe. (1 Chron. 29:11, 12) As a generous Father, he openhandedly shares his spiritual riches with all who discern their excelling value. How grateful we are that Jehovah has given us spiritual treasures, which include (1) God’s Kingdom, (2) our lifesaving ministry, and (3) the precious truths found in his Word! If we are not careful, though, we could lose appreciation for these treasures and, in effect, throw them away. To hold on to them, we must use them well and constantly renew our love for them. Granted, many of us have made life-transforming changes to become subjects of God’s Kingdom. (Rom. 12:2) Even so, our work is not finished. We must remain alert to things that actively compete for our affection, including the desire for material things and any immoral sexual desires.—Prov. 4:23; Matt. 5:27-29. w17.06 9 ¶1; 10 ¶7
Monday, November 25
Do you know this?—Job 38:21.
Nowhere do we read of God’s telling Job specifically the reason behind his suffering. The main point of Jehovah’s words was not to explain to Job why he was suffering, as if God had to justify himself. Rather, Jehovah wanted to help Job recognize his insignificance in comparison with God’s greatness. And he helped Job to see that there were greater issues with which to be concerned. (Job 38:18-20) This helped Job regain the proper perspective. Was Jehovah harsh in giving such straightforward counsel after Job had endured so severe a trial? God was not, and Job did not think so. Despite his ordeal, Job finally began to speak appreciatively. He even stated: “I take back what I said, and I repent in dust and ashes.” Such was the effect of Jehovah’s pointed but refreshing counsel. (Job 42:1-6) After Job responded to God’s reproof and corrected his view, Jehovah expressed to others his approval of Job’s faithfulness under trial.—Job 42:7, 8. w17.06 24-25 ¶11-12
Tuesday, November 26
Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.—Luke 10:42.
To help determine whether we have a balanced view of secular matters and spiritual responsibilities, it is good to ask ourselves: ‘Do I find my secular work interesting and exciting but view my spiritual activities as ordinary or routine?’ Thinking about and meditating on these matters can help us to determine where our true affection lies. Jesus set the standard in balancing secular interests and spiritual matters. On one occasion, Jesus visited the home of Mary and her sister, Martha. While Martha scurried about preparing a meal, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him. When Martha complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus told Martha the words of today’s text. (Luke 10:38-42) Jesus was teaching Martha a valuable lesson. To avoid being distracted by secular matters and to prove our love for Christ, we must continue to choose “the good portion,” to give priority to spiritual things. w17.05 24 ¶9-10
Wednesday, November 27
Listen . . . to the discipline of your father.—Prov. 1:8.
Jehovah has assigned parents—not grandparents or anyone else—the privilege of raising their children in the truth. (Prov. 31:10, 27, 28) Still, parents who do not know the local language may need help to reach their children’s heart. Arranging for such help need not mean abdicating their spiritual responsibility; rather, it can be part of bringing up their children “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) For example, parents may ask elders in the congregation for suggestions on conducting family worship and for help in providing good association for their children. Also, they may invite other families to join them in family worship from time to time. Further, many young people thrive under the influence of spiritually balanced companions who may, for example, accompany them in the ministry and share with them in wholesome recreation.—Prov. 27:17. w17.05 11-12 ¶17-18
Thursday, November 28
Flee to Egypt.—Matt. 2:13.
After Jehovah’s angel warned Joseph that King Herod intended to kill Jesus, young Jesus and his parents became refugees in Egypt. They remained there until Herod died. (Matt. 2:14, 19-21) Decades later, Jesus’ early disciples “were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” because of persecution. (Acts 8:1) Jesus had foreseen that many of his followers would be forced from their homes. He said: “When they persecute you in one city, flee to another.” (Matt. 10:23) This has been the case for thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many have lost loved ones and nearly all their possessions. Some faced danger when fleeing or when living in a refugee camp where people drank, gambled, stole, and were immoral. Yet, they kept a positive attitude by recalling that, like Israel’s trek in the wilderness, their stay in the camp would eventually come to an end.—2 Cor. 4:18. w17.05 3-4 ¶2-5
Friday, November 29
Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.—Ps. 119:165.
On rare occasions, you or someone you know may experience or observe what seems to be an injustice in the congregation. Do not let yourself be stumbled. Instead, as faithful servants of God, we loyally and prayerfully rely on him. At the same time, we modestly acknowledge that we likely do not have all the facts. We are keenly aware that the fault may lie in our imperfect view of matters. We want to avoid negative speech, knowing that such speech only makes a bad situation worse. Finally, rather than taking matters into our own hands, let us be determined to be loyal and wait patiently on Jehovah to correct matters. Such an approach is sure to bring Jehovah’s approval and blessing. Yes, we can be certain that Jehovah, “the Judge of all the earth,” will always do what is right, “for all his ways are justice.”—Gen. 18:25; Deut. 32:4. w17.04 22 ¶17
Saturday, November 30
Let the wicked man leave his way . . . Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him.—Isa. 55:7.
What of those individuals who refuse to change, who continue to support this system right up to the time of the great tribulation? Jehovah has promised to rid the earth of wicked people for all time. (Ps. 37:10) The wicked may think that they are safe from such judgment. Many have learned to hide what they do, and in this world they often seem to escape justice and consequences. (Job 21:7, 9) Yet, the Bible reminds us: “God’s eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness or deep shadow where wrongdoers can conceal themselves.” (Job 34:21, 22) There is no hiding from Jehovah God. No impostor can fool him; no shadow is so dark or deep that God’s limitless vision cannot pierce right to the heart of matters. After Armageddon, then, we may look where the wicked used to be, but we will not see them. They will be gone—forever!—Ps. 37:12-15. w17.04 10 ¶5 |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | Worksheet Locator
PAGE input
42 Identify the Real Issue
82-83 Wardrobe Worksheet
93 To Relieve Your Sadness
116 Write Your Thoughts
127 Plan Your Response
139 My Educational Goals
209-210 What Would You Do?
211 Is It Love or Is It Infatuation?
216-217 Are You Ready to Get Married?
224 What Can I Learn From the Breakup?
More information online! Log on to www.jw.org/en/teenagers |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Jeremiah 29:11—“I Know the Plans I Have for You” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300106 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Jeremiah 29:11—“I Know the Plans I Have for You”
“‘I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah,a ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’”—Jeremiah 29:11, New World Translation.
“‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”—Jeremiah 29:11, New International Version.
Meaning of Jeremiah 29:11
Jehovah God promised his worshippers that he had a peaceful future in mind for them. Although written to people in the past, these words still describe God’s thoughts. He is “the God who gives hope.” (Romans 15:13) In fact, he recorded such promises in the Bible so that “we might have hope” for a better future.—Romans 15:4.
Context of Jeremiah 29:11
These words were part of a letter sent to the Israelites in Babylon, who had been taken captive from Jerusalem.b (Jeremiah 29:1) God told the exiles that they would remain in captivity for a long time and that they should build homes, plant gardens, and raise families. (Jeremiah 29:4-9) However, God added: “When 70 years at Babylon are fulfilled, I will turn my attention to you, and I will make good my promise by bringing you back to [Jerusalem].” (Jeremiah 29:10) God thus guaranteed that he would not forget them and that their hope of returning home would come true.—Jeremiah 31:16, 17.
God kept his promise to the Israelites. As he had foretold, Babylon was conquered by Persian King Cyrus. (Isaiah 45:1, 2; Jeremiah 51:30-32) Thereafter, Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to their homeland. After 70 years of captivity, they were back in Jerusalem.—2 Chronicles 36:20-23; Ezra 3:1.
The fulfilled promise of Jeremiah 29:11 assures those who hope in God’s promises today. These promises include earth-wide peace by means of the Kingdom of God under Christ Jesus.—Psalm 37:10, 11, 29; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 6:10.
Misconceptions About Jeremiah 29:11
Misconception: God has a specific “plan” for each individual.
Fact: God lets people choose for themselves the course they will follow. His words at Jeremiah 29:11 were addressed to the Israelites in Babylon as a group, and he had a thought in mind for that group—a future of peace. (Jeremiah 29:4) However, God allowed each person to choose whether to benefit from His promise or not. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Jeremiah 29:32) Those who chose to seek God did so by praying to him with a sincere heart.—Jeremiah 29:12, 13.
Misconception: God will prosper his worshippers with material riches.
Fact: The word “prosper” found in some Bibles at Jeremiah 29:11 is translated from a Hebrew word that means “peace, health, and well-being.” According to the context, God promised to give the exiled Israelites not wealth but peace and welfare. They would continue to exist as a people and would one day return to Jerusalem.—Jeremiah 29:4-10.
Read Jeremiah chapter 29 along with explanatory footnotes and cross-references.
a Jehovah is the personal name of God.—Psalm 83:18.
b Regarding Jeremiah 29:11, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary states: “It is difficult to find a more wonderful promise anywhere in Scripture that expresses the tender compassion of Yahweh [Jehovah] toward these exiles and setting before them, at last, a real reason for optimism and expectation.”—Volume 7, page 360. |
Peace and Security (tp73)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp73 | Other Bible Teachings Made Clear
Would you like to know what the Bible really teaches about many other subjects? Then obtain the pocket-size book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. This hard-covered, 192-page Bible study aid will be sent to you postpaid for just 25c. It will tell you:
✔ Where the dead are.
✔ How you can identify the true religion.
✔ What the Bible says about popular customs.
✔ How wicked spirits mislead mankind.
✔ What to do to build a happy family life.
Do you have a sincere desire to know what Good has to say on these matters? Jehovah’s witnesses will be happy to give you further help. How? By a free, one-hour-a-week discussion of the Bible in your home, for six months.
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Youth (yy)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yy | Chapter 18
Does Sexual Morality Make Sense?
1-3. How do many people in the world feel about premarital sex?
THE pressure to engage in premarital sex today is powerful in many places. The world, in fact, is caught up in a “sexual revolution.” The New York Daily News explains: “Sexual relationships without marriage are now broadly recognized by parents, colleges and the public generally. There is a sort of quiet tolerance of immorality, as if it would be futile to stem a new irresistible tide.”
2 Many people demand freedom to have sexual relations with whomever they wish and in any way that they choose. Such attitudes cause uncertainty for many individuals. A college girl tells of a typical problem she encountered on a date: “He would say, Why not? I would spend half the date trying to explain to him what was so special about morality. Then afterward I would ask myself, Why not?” Might you, too, have wondered, “Why not?” Does sexual morality really make sense?
3 Youths commonly believe that, since they are physically capable of having sexual intercourse, and since it reportedly is ‘a lot of fun,’ this is something for them to do. But is it really? Is sex prior to marriage proper? Does it help to make life worth living?
GOOD EFFECTS OR BAD?
4-7. (a) What are some of the common results from engaging in premarital sex? (b) What shows that loose sex practices are not really a “new” morality? (Judges 19:22-25; Jude 7) (c) Why is the counsel at 1 Corinthians 6:18 such a serious matter? (Acts 15:28, 29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7, 8)
4 What about the claim of some that sexual freedom brings greater personal happiness, that it’s ‘a lot of fun’? The Journal of the American Medical Association reported this conclusion of a youth who had premarital sex relations with many girls: “I have learned that this did not bring me happiness.” Girls are even less likely to realize happiness from premarital relations. A tearful young college student said of such an experience: “It sure wasn’t worth it—it was no fun at the time, and I’ve been worried ever since.”
5 Such worry often is justified for a number of reasons. Pointing to one reason, a health official said that gonorrhea threatened to infect 50 percent of United States teen-agers in just five years! And medical authorities say that modern drugs are proving ineffective in stopping the growth of both gonorrhea and syphilis, the major venereal diseases. All too often those affected realize it too late to avoid serious and irreversible damage to their bodies. Does it make sense to risk the chance of suffering permanent damage, perhaps even blindness or sterility, as a result of immorality?
6 Also, there exists the strong possibility of becoming pregnant. Millions of unmarried girls do. Many of these go through the dangers and emotional strains of abortions. Others are forced into unhappy marriages. Still others face a long, unhappy struggle to rear an illegitimate child. So it is easy to see that, although contraceptives are becoming more easily available to teen-agers, they don’t give “guaranteed” freedom from pregnancy.
7 Really, there is nothing new or “modern” about sexual looseness. It has been around for a long, long time. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah practiced it nearly two thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ. If you read the history of the old Roman Empire you will see that it was notable for sexual looseness of all the kinds carried on today. In fact, its fall came largely because of moral decay. Surely, it is a wise thing to heed the Bible’s command to “flee from fornication.”—1 Corinthians 6:18.
MORALITY A SIGN OF WEAKNESS?
8-11. (a) Why does refraining from premarital sex call for moral strength? (b) As related at Proverbs chapter 7, what shows that the young man who got immorally involved lacked good motive? (c) How is the firmness for right principles on the part of a young woman of Shunem illustrated?
8 However, you may be challenged to commit fornication and, if you refuse, others may accuse you of being weak. In some places fornication has become an accepted practice. Two doctors writing in Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality observe: “Young people have come to feel guilty for refusing to have ready sex, and there are instances where young women have expressed shame at still being virgins at the age of 25.” Is it a sign of weakness to refuse to enter sexual relations before marriage? Well, which would you say takes more strength—to give in to passion or to contain it?
9 Actually, any weakling can give in to the sex urge. But it takes a real “man” (or a real “woman”) to control that urge until taking a mate in marriage. It takes even more strength now when the global trend is going the other way, because it means bucking the current.
10 The Bible book of Proverbs presents an account illustrating this point. It relates the way a young man from among the “inexperienced ones,” lacking in good heart motive, wanders down into a street where he is approached by a prostitute. Under the pressure of her shrewd persuasiveness, he caves in and “all of a sudden he is going after her, like a bull that comes even to the slaughter, and just as if fettered [or shackled] for the discipline of a foolish man.” (Proverbs 7:6-23) He did not have the moral strength to resist.
11 But earlier in this publication we read about the attractive young maiden of Shunem who resisted all the enticements that wealthy King Solomon could offer, preferring to remain true to the young shepherd she hoped to marry. Yes, instead of being like a “door” that could easily be swung open, she proved to her older brothers that she was as firm as a “wall” in her determination to keep her virginity for the man she was waiting for.—Song of Solomon 8:8-10.
WHY SEXUAL MORALITY MAKES SENSE
12-14. (a) Why does it make good sense to conform to God’s rules regarding sex? (b) What do Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 say that the future holds for fornicators? What is meant by fornication?
12 The main reason sexual morality makes sense is that it is the way set out by the One who knows the most about human happiness: Jehovah God. Think about it. Jehovah God has lovingly made provision for the transmission of human life by means of sex relations, and this is a very wonderful and sacred thing. We have all received of its benefits, because we are living. If we accept its benefits, doesn’t this place an obligation on us to accept God’s regulation of the entire process? Surely, as our Life-Giver, Jehovah God has the right to set forth rules of conduct as to the use of our procreative organs with the life-transmitting powers.
13 Through the apostle Paul, God tells us: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) Fornication includes not only promiscuous sex relations with just anyone—it also includes premarital sex, as between persons who are engaged but not yet married.
14 God’s Word is very definite in condemning fornication and other loose conduct. It says that persons practicing such things will have no part in God’s kingdom. The Bible says: “Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
15-19. (a) Why should we actually hate sexual immorality? (Psalm 97:10) (b) What can help us to cultivate such proper hatred?
15 This positiveness of God’s law is really for our good. The sexual urges can be very strong, and occasions come in the life of most persons when it would be easy to give in under the pressure of temptation. If God’s law on the matter were vague or weak, it certainly would not help us much in those times. But because it is so clear and forceful it helps us to keep our senses, bolsters our moral courage and, most important, it helps us to learn to hate the wrong course. Do you actually hate the course of sexual immorality? Why should you?
16 If that course at times seems appealing, ask yourself: ‘Would I want those of my own family to engage in it, my parents or my brothers and sisters? Would I want them to have illegitimate children? Would this increase my love and respect for them?’ If not, then isn’t that course worth hating? Surely you would not want to make yourself like a public towel on which any man or woman can wipe his or her hands by means of immorality.
17 What of children born from such an immoral course? Suppose you, if a girl, gave birth to such a child—who would care for it? Your mother and father? You yourself? How would you do it? And how would the child feel when it grows up and finds out how it was conceived? Or if you refused to shoulder the responsibility and you put the child up for adoption, how would other people feel about you? How would you feel about yourself? You might try to cover up the birth, then put the child out of sight by giving it up for adoption and thus try to run away from shame and responsibility. But you can never run away from yourself, can you?
18 If you, as a male, fathered an illegitimate child, would your conscience be at rest? Think of all the trouble and shame brought on the mother as well as your child. Certainly that is something to avoid.
19 Really, what good has ever come from the course of sexual immorality? Why is it that so many undesirable things are associated with it, including crippling venereal diseases, abortions, jealous fights and even murders? Why is it that in lands where great sexual “freedom” is allowed, the divorce rates are often among the highest in the world? Does divorce spell success or is it evidence of failure? Is it a sign of true happiness or of unhappiness and dissatisfaction?
20, 21. How can avoiding sexual immorality improve your prospects for a successful marriage?
20 On the other hand, sexual morality does make sense because those who hold to it have a far better likelihood of a successful marriage. This is because they have kept marriage in high regard, respecting God’s arrangement and respecting their future mates and their mutual right to receive a clean partner in marriage.
21 In fact, the more careful you are to avoid loose conduct or the taking of liberties during courtship and engagement periods, the more likely will be your success in marriage. Then neither you nor your mate will have nagging doubts of the genuineness of the other’s love due to suspicion that sex was the sole motive for marrying. For marriage, after all, is not just a union of two bodies—it is a union of two persons. And there must be mutual high regard and love for the person if the marriage is to bring lasting happiness.
MAKING A WISE CHOICE
22-24. (a) What helpful lesson can a young woman learn from the Bible account about Amnon and Tamar? (b) What shows that the passion displayed by Potiphar’s wife was not enduring love?
22 Love based solely on passion is not an enduring love. It is a selfish, greedy love. That kind of love is well illustrated in the Bible by the case of one of David’s sons, named Amnon. He “fell in love” with his beautiful half sister Tamar. Then, through trickery, he forced her into having relations with him. After that, what? The record tells us: “And Amnon began hating her with a very great hatred, because the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her.” He sent her out into the street. (2 Samuel 13:1-19) Now, if you are a young woman, should you naïvely think that, because some boy expresses passionate love for you and wants you to have relations with him, this means he sincerely loves you? He may very well turn out to be just as Amnon was.
23 The Bible tells us that the wife of Egyptian officer Potiphar expressed the same kind of interest in young Joseph, who served in their house. When he resisted all her attempts to seduce him, she then showed her true colors. She viciously lied to her husband about Joseph, causing him to be unjustly imprisoned.—Genesis 39:7-20.
24 Yes, so-called sexual “freedom” changes what should be pleasurable and clean into something cheap and detestable. So, which do you want—an occasional brief moment of illicit sexual excitement with all the risks and problems it involves, or the satisfaction of having a clean conscience before God and all persons, with self-respect, day in and day out?
25, 26. What things will help us to avoid getting involved in sexual immorality? (Ephesians 5:3, 4; Philippians 4:8)
25 If you want to stay free from immorality, then stay free from the things that lead to it: conversation that always dwells on the opposite sex, also reading material or pictures that have only one aim—to excite sexual passion. Keep your mind, your eyes and your tongue occupied with clean, positive things, working toward worthwhile goals that bring enduring benefits and that leave no shame or heartache.
26 Above all, strengthen your knowledge and appreciation of your Creator and of the rightness and wisdom of his ways. Look to him in prayer and fix your heart on the things he promises to those who serve him. You can hold firmly to the course of sexual morality if you really want to, for Jehovah God and his Son will give you the strength you need to do it. |
My Bible Lessons (mb)
2013 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/my-bible-lessons-mb | Lesson 5
Printed Edition
1 Thessalonians 5:18
If a friend gives you a present or does something nice, you can give him a smile—or even smile twice!
But wherever you are and whatever you do, always remember to say “Thank you!”
ACTIVITIES
Read to your child:
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Have your child point to:
Present Boy
Door Food
Find the hidden objects.
Apple Telephone
Ask your child:
Why is it good to say “Thank you”? |
Education (ed)
2015 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/education-ed | The Challenge of Religious Diversity
As an educator, you are confronted with a challenge that educators in previous centuries seldom faced—religious diversity.
THROUGHOUT the Middle Ages, citizens of the same country usually practiced the same religion. As recently as the end of the 19th century, Europe was familiar with only a few major religions: Catholicism and Protestantism in the west, Orthodoxy and Islam in the east, and Judaism. Diversity is, without doubt, much more common today in Europe and throughout the world. Unfamiliar religions have taken root, either adopted by some in the native population itself or introduced by immigrants and refugees.
Thus, today in countries such as Australia, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, we find many Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. At the same time, Jehovah’s Witnesses, as Christians, are actively ministering in 239 lands. In each of 14 countries, the number of active Witnesses is over 150,000.—See the box “Jehovah’s Witnesses—A Worldwide Religion.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses—A Worldwide Religion
Country
Active Witnesses
Argentina
150,171
Brazil
794,766
Colombia
166,049
Democratic Republic of Congo
216,024
Germany
166,262
Italy
251,650
Japan
215,703
Mexico
829,523
Nigeria
362,462
Philippines
196,249
Ukraine
150,906
U.S.A.
1,243,387
Zambia
178,481
The diversity of local religious practices may present challenges to the educator. For example, some important questions may be raised concerning popular celebrations: Should all observances be imposed upon every student—regardless of his or her religion? The majority may find nothing wrong with such celebrations. However, should not the viewpoint of families belonging to a minority group also be respected? And there is another factor to be considered: In countries where the law separates religion from the State and religious instruction is not to be included in the curriculum, would not some find it inconsistent to make such celebrations obligatory in school?
Birthdays
Misunderstandings may even arise with celebrations that appear to have few, if any, religious connections. This is true of birthdays, celebrated in many schools. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses respect the right of others to celebrate birthdays, you are no doubt well aware that they choose not to share in such celebrations. But perhaps you are unaware of the reasons why they and their children have decided not to participate in these celebrations.
Le livre des religions (The Book of Religions), an encyclopedia widely distributed in France, calls this custom a ritual and lists it among “secular rites.” Although considered to be a harmless secular custom today, birthday celebrations are actually rooted in paganism.
The Encyclopedia Americana (1991 edition) states: “The ancient world of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Persia celebrated the birthdays of gods, kings, and nobles.” Authors Ralph and Adelin Linton reveal the underlying reason for this. In their book The Lore of Birthdays, they write: “Mesopotamia and Egypt, the cradles of civilization, were also the first lands in which men remembered and honoured their birthdays. The keeping of birthday records was important in ancient times principally because a birth date was essential for the casting of a horoscope.” This direct connection with astrology is a cause of great concern to any who avoid astrology because of what the Bible says about it.—Isaiah 47:13-15.
Not surprisingly then, we read in The World Book Encyclopedia: “The early Christians did not celebrate His [Christ’s] birth because they considered the celebration of anyone’s birth to be a pagan custom.”—Volume 3, page 416.
Witnesses enjoy having good times together
With the foregoing in mind, Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to share in birthday festivities. To be sure, the birth of a child is a happy, glorious event. Naturally, all parents rejoice as their children grow and develop with each passing year. Jehovah’s Witnesses also find great joy in demonstrating their love for their family and friends by giving gifts and having good times together. However, in view of the origin of birthday celebrations, they prefer to do so at other times throughout the year.—Luke 15:22-25; Acts 20:35.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated worldwide, even in many non-Christian countries. Since this holiday is accepted by the majority of the religions of Christendom, it may seem rather surprising that Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to celebrate it. Why is that so?
As many encyclopedias clearly state, Jesus’ birthday was arbitrarily set as December 25 to coincide with a Roman pagan festival. Note the following declarations taken from different reference works:
“The date of Christ’s birth is not known. The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month.”—New Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III, page 656.
“The Saturnalia in Rome provided the model for most of the merry customs of the Christmas time.”—Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics
“Most of the Christmas customs now prevailing in Europe, or recorded from former times, are not genuine Christian customs, but heathen customs which have been absorbed or tolerated by the Church. . . . The Saturnalia in Rome provided the model for most of the merry customs of the Christmas time.”—Encyclopædia of Religion and Ethics (Edinburgh, 1910), edited by James Hastings, Volume III, pages 608-9.
“Christmas has been celebrated on December 25 in all Christian churches since the fourth century. At that time, this was the date of the pagan winter-solstice festival called the ‘Birth (Latin, natale) of the Sun,’ since the sun appeared to be reborn as the days once again became longer. In Rome, the Church adopted this extremely popular custom . . . by giving it a new meaning.”—Encyclopædia Universalis, 1968, (French) Volume 19, page 1375.
“The development of the Christmas festival was influenced by the contrast with the pagan celebrations of the Sol Invictus (Mithra). On the other hand, December 25, being the day of the winter solstice, was identified with the light that broke forth into the world through Christ, and the symbolism of the Sol Invictus was thus transferred to Christ.”—Brockhaus Enzyklopädie, (German) Volume 20, page 125.
When learning the facts about Christmas, how have some reacted? The Encyclopædia Britannica observes: “In 1644 the English puritans forbad any merriment or religious services by act of Parliament, on the ground that it [Christmas] was a heathen festival, and ordered it to be kept as a fast. Charles II revived the feast, but the Scots adhered to the Puritan view.” The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas, nor do Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate it today or take part in activities that are associated with Christmas.
The Bible, however, speaks favorably of giving gifts or inviting family and friends for a joyful meal on other occasions. It encourages parents to train their children to be sincerely generous, instead of giving gifts simply when socially expected to do so. (Matthew 6:2, 3) Children of Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to be tolerant and respectful, and this includes recognizing the right of others to celebrate Christmas. In turn, they appreciate it when their decision not to participate in Christmas celebrations is respected.
Other Celebrations
Jehovah’s Witnesses take the same position on other religious or semireligious holidays that occur during the school year in various lands, such as June festivals in Brazil, Epiphany in France, Carnival in Germany, Setsubun in Japan, and Halloween in the United States. With regard to these or any other specific celebration not named here, Witness parents or their children would surely be happy to answer any questions you may have.
What the Children Say
“Even though I don’t get presents on my birthday, my parents still buy me gifts on other occasions. I like it that way because I get surprised.”—Gregory, age 11.
“The way most kids view Christmas is that it’s just a time for lots of presents. But I get presents and go places all through the year. My family has taken me to other countries, like Fiji, New Zealand, and Brazil.”—Caleb, age 10.
“I have fun with my friends, and we surprise each other with gifts from time to time.”—Nicole, age 14.
“Many at school ask me how I can bear going without Christmas or other holidays. I’m not deprived of having fun. My family and I often do things together. We have wonderful friends that we enjoy going on vacation with. We go camping and skiing, and we often have gatherings at our home. I think if others knew how much fun we have, they would be surprised!”—Andriana, age 13.
“I never feel left out because I don’t celebrate Christmas or other holidays. During the holidays, when we are off from school and Dad is off from work, we play games, go to movies, watch TV. We spend a lot of time doing things together as a family.”—Brian, age 10. |
Bible Topics (td)
1997 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/bible-topics-td | Bible Topics for Discussion
1. Ancestor Worship
A. Worship of ancestors is in vain
Ancestors are dead, unconscious. Ec 9:5, 10
Original ancestors unworthy of worship. Ro 5:12, 14; 1Ti 2:14
God forbids such worship. Ex 34:14; Mt 4:10
B. Humans may be honored, but only God worshiped
Youths should honor older persons. 1Ti 5:1, 2, 17; Eph 6:1-3
But God alone to be worshiped. Ac 10:25, 26; Re 22:8, 9
2. Armageddon
A. God’s war to end wickedness
Nations gathered to Armageddon. Re 16:14, 16
God fights, using Son and angels. 2Th 1:6-9; Re 19:11-16
How we may survive. Zep 2:2, 3; Re 7:14
B. Love of God not violated
World extremely corrupt. 2Ti 3:1-5
God patient, but justice requires action. 2Pe 3:9, 15; Lu 18:7, 8
Wicked must go so righteous can prosper. Pr 21:18; Re 11:18
3. Baptism
A. A Christian requirement
Jesus set example. Mt 3:13-15; Heb 10:7
Symbol of disowning or dedication. Mt 16:24; 1Pe 3:21
Only for those old enough to be taught. Mt 28:19, 20; Ac 2:41
Immersion in water is proper way. Ac 8:38, 39; Joh 3:23
B. Does not wash sins away
Jesus was not baptized to wash away sins. 1Pe 2:22; 3:18
Jesus’ blood washes away sins. 1Jo 1:7
4. Bible
A. God’s Word is inspired
Men were moved by God’s spirit to write. 2Pe 1:20, 21
Contains prophecy: Da 8:5, 6, 20-22; Lu 21:5, 6, 20-22; Isa 45:1-4
Entire Bible inspired and beneficial. 2Ti 3:16, 17; Ro 15:4
B. Is a practical guide for our day
Ignoring Bible principles is fatal. Ro 1:28-32
Man’s wisdom no substitute. 1Co 1:21, 25; 1Ti 6:20
A defense against strongest enemy. Eph 6:11, 12, 17
Guides man in the right way. Ps 119:105; 2Pe 1:19; Pr 3:5, 6
C. Written for peoples of all nations and races
Bible writing began in the East. Ex 17:14; 24:12, 16; 34:27
God’s provision not just for Europeans. Ro 10:11-13; Ga 3:28
God accepts men of all sorts. Ac 10:34, 35; Ro 5:18; Re 7:9, 10
5. Blood
A. Transfusions violate sacredness of blood
Noah was told that blood was sacred, was the life. Ge 9:4, 16
Law covenant prohibited feeding on blood. Le 17:14; 7:26, 27
Prohibition repeated to Christians. Ac 15:28, 29; 21:25
B. Question of saving life not justify breaking God’s law
Obedience is better than sacrifice. 1Sa 15:22; Mr 12:33
Putting one’s life ahead of God’s law is fatal. Mr 8:35, 36
6. Chronology
A. 1914 (C.E.) ends Gentile Times
Line of kingdom rulers interrupted, 607 B.C.E. Eze 21:25-27
“Seven times” to pass until rule restored. Da 4:32, 16, 17
Seven = 2 × 3 1⁄2 times, or 2 × 1,260 days. Re 12:6, 14; 11:2, 3
A day for a year. [Makes 2,520 years] Eze 4:6; Nu 14:34
To run until Kingdom’s establishment. Lu 21:24; Da 7:13, 14
7. Church
A. Church spiritual, built upon Christ
God does not dwell in man-made temples. Ac 17:24, 25; 7:48
True church is spiritual temple of living stones. 1Pe 2:5, 6
Christ, cornerstone; apostles, secondary foundation. Eph 2:20
God to be worshiped with spirit and truth. Joh 4:24
B. Church not built upon Peter
Jesus did not say church built upon Peter. Mt 16:18
Jesus identified as the “rock-mass.” 1Co 10:4
Peter identified Jesus as foundation. 1Pe 2:4, 6-8; Ac 4:8-12
8. Creation
A. Agrees with proved science; disproves evolution
Science agrees with order of creation. Ge 1:11, 12, 21, 24, 25
God’s law of “kinds” holds true. Ge 1:11, 12; Jas 3:12
B. Creative days not 24-hour days
“Day” can mean simply period of time. Ge 2:4
Day with God can be long time. Ps 90:4; 2Pe 3:8
9. Cross
A. Jesus hanged on an execution stake as a reproach
Jesus was hanged on an execution stake or tree. Ac 5:30; 10:39; Ga 3:13
Christians must bear stake as reproach. Mt 10:38; Lu 9:23
B. Should not be worshiped
Displaying Jesus’ stake a reproach. Heb 6:6; Mt 27:41, 42
Use of cross in worship is idolatry. Ex 20:4, 5; Jer 10:3-5
Jesus a spirit, not still on stake. 1Ti 3:16; 1Pe 3:18
10. Death
A. Cause of death
Man had perfect start, prospect of endless life. Ge 1:28, 31
Disobedience brought sentence of death. Ge 2:16, 17; 3:17, 19
Sin and death have passed on to all Adam’s children. Ro 5:12
B. Condition of the dead
Adam was made to be a soul, not given one. Ge 2:7; 1Co 15:45
It is man, the soul, that dies. Eze 18:4; Isa 53:12; Job 11:20
Dead are unconscious, know nothing. Ec 9:5, 10; Ps 146:3, 4
Dead asleep awaiting resurrection. Joh 11:11-14, 23-26; Ac 7:60
C. Talking with the dead impossible
The dead not alive with God as spirits. Ps 115:17; Isa 38:18
Warned against trying to speak with dead. Isa 8:19; Le 19:31
Mediums, fortune-tellers, condemned. De 18:10-12; Ga 5:19-21
11. Devil, Demons
A. The Devil is a spirit person
Not evil within oneself but a spirit person. 2Ti 2:26
Devil as much a person as the angels. Mt 4:1, 11; Job 1:6
Made himself Devil by wrong desire. Jas 1:13-15
B. The Devil is the invisible ruler of the world
World under his control as god. 2Co 4:4; 1Jo 5:19; Re 12:9
Allowed to remain until issue settled. Ex 9:16; Joh 12:31
To be abyssed, then destroyed. Re 20:2, 3, 10
C. Demons are rebellious angels
Joined Satan before Flood. Ge 6:1, 2; 1Pe 3:19, 20
Abased, cut off from all enlightenment. 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6
Fight against God, oppress mankind. Lu 8:27-29; Re 16:13, 14
To be destroyed with Satan. Mt 25:41; Lu 8:31; Re 20:2, 3, 10
12. Earth
A. God’s purpose for the earth
Paradise made on earth for perfect humans. Ge 1:28; 2:8-15
God’s purpose is certain. Isa 55:11; 46:10, 11
Earth to be filled with peaceful, perfect men. Ps 72:7; Isa 45:18; 9:6, 7
Paradise to be restored by Kingdom. Mt 6:9, 10; Re 21:3-5
B. Will never be destroyed or depopulated
Literal earth to be permanent. Ec 1:4; Ps 104:5
Mankind of Noah’s time destroyed, not earth. 2Pe 3:5-7; Ge 7:23
Example gives hope of surviving in our time. Mt 24:37-39
Wicked destroyed; “great crowd” survive. 2Th 1:6-9; Re 7:9, 14
13. False Prophets
A. False prophets foretold; existed in apostles’ day
Rule to determine false prophets. De 18:20-22; Lu 6:26
Were foretold; recognized by fruits. Mt 24:23-26; 7:15-23
14. Healing, Tongues
A. Spiritual healing has permanent benefits
Spiritual sickness is destructive. Isa 1:4-6; 6:10; Ho 4:6
Spiritual healing the primary commission. Joh 6:63; Lu 4:18
Removes sins; gives happiness, life. Jas 5:19, 20; Re 7:14-17
B. God’s Kingdom will bring permanent physical cures
Jesus cured infirmities, preached Kingdom blessings. Mt 4:23
Kingdom promised as means of permanent cure. Mt 6:10; Isa 9:7
Even death will be abolished. 1Co 15:25, 26; Re 21:4; 20:14
C. Modern faith healing lacks evidence of divine approval
Disciples did not miraculously heal selves. 2Co 12:7-9; 1Ti 5:23
Miraculous gifts ended after apostles’ day. 1Co 13:8-11
Healing not sure evidence of God’s favor. Mt 7:22, 23; 2Th 2:9-11
D. Speaking in tongues only a temporary provision
Was sign; greater gifts to be sought. 1Co 14:22; 12:30, 31
Miraculous gifts of spirit foretold to pass away. 1Co 13:8-10
Wonderful works not sure proof of God’s favor. Mt 7:22, 23; 24:24
15. Heaven
A. Only 144,000 go to heaven
A limited number; to be kings with Christ. Re 5:9, 10; 20:4
Jesus was forerunner; others chosen since. Col 1:18; 1Pe 2:21
Many others will live on earth. Ps 72:8; Re 21:3, 4
144,000 in special position no others have. Re 14:1, 3; 7:4, 9
16. Hell (Hades, Sheol)
A. Not a literal place of fiery torment
Suffering Job prayed to go there. Job 14:13
A place of inactivity. Ps 6:5; Ec 9:10; Isa 38:18, 19
Jesus was raised from grave, hell. Ac 2:27, 31, 32; Ps 16:10
Hell will deliver up other dead, be destroyed. Re 20:13, 14
B. Fire is a symbol of annihilation
Cutting off in death symbolized by fire. Mt 25:41, 46; 13:30
Unrepentant wicked destroyed forever as by fire. Heb 10:26, 27
Satan’s fiery “torment” is everlasting death. Re 20:10, 14, 15
C. Rich man and Lazarus account no proof of eternal torment
Fire no more literal than Abraham’s bosom. Lu 16:22-24
Abraham’s favor also contrasted with darkness. Mt 8:11, 12
Babylon’s annihilation called a fiery torment. Re 18:8-10, 21
17. Holidays, Birthdays
A. Birthdays, Christmas, not observed by early Christians
Those not true worshipers observed. Ge 40:20; Mt 14:6
Jesus’ death day to be commemorated. Lu 22:19, 20; 1Co 11:25, 26
Celebration revelries improper. Ro 13:13; Ga 5:21; 1Pe 4:3
18. Images
A. Use of images, statues, in worship is a reproach to God
No image of God possible. 1Jo 4:12; Isa 40:18; 46:5; Ac 17:29
Christians warned against images. 1Co 10:14; 1Jo 5:21
God must be worshiped with spirit, truth. Joh 4:24
B. Image worship proved fatal to the nation of Israel
Worship of images prohibited to Jews. Ex 20:4, 5
Cannot hear, speak; makers become like them. Ps 115:4-8
Brought a snare, destruction. Ps 106:36, 40-42; Jer 22:8, 9
C. “Relative” worship unauthorized
God refused to allow “relative” worship of himself. Isa 42:8
God is the only “Hearer of prayer.” Ps 65:1, 2
19. Interfaith
A. Joining with other religions not God’s way
Only one way, is narrow, few find it. Eph 4:4-6; Mt 7:13, 14
Warned that false doctrine contaminates. Mt 16:6, 12; Ga 5:9
Commanded to be separate. 2Ti 3:5; 2Co 6:14-17; Re 18:4
B. “Good in all religions” is not true
Some have zeal but not in accord with God. Ro 10:2, 3
Badness spoils what else might be good. 1Co 5:6; Mt 7:15-17
False teachers bring destruction. 2Pe 2:1; Mt 12:30; 15:14
Clean worship demands exclusive devotion. De 6:5, 14, 15
20. Jehovah, God
A. God’s name
“God” indefinite term; our Lord has a personal name. 1Co 8:5, 6
We pray for his name to be sanctified. Mt 6:9, 10
Jehovah is God’s name. Ps 83:18; Ex 6:2, 3; 3:15; Isa 42:8
Name in KJ. Ex 6:3 (Dy footnote). Ps 83:18; Isa 12:2; 26:4
Jesus made name known. Joh 17:6, 26; 5:43; 12:12, 13, 28
B. God’s existence
Impossible to see God and live. Ex 33:20; Joh 1:18; 1Jo 4:12
No need to see God to believe. Heb 11:1; Ro 8:24, 25; 10:17
God is known by his visible works. Ro 1:20; Ps 19:1, 2
Fulfillment of prophecy proves God’s existence. Isa 46:8-11
C. God’s attributes
God is love. 1Jo 4:8, 16; Ex 34:6; 2Co 13:11; Mic 7:18
Excels in wisdom. Job 12:13; Ro 11:33; 1Co 2:7
Is just, exercises justice. De 32:4; Ps 37:28
Is almighty, has all power. Job 37:23; Re 7:12; 4:11
D. Not all are serving the same God
Way that appears good not always right. Pr 16:25; Mt 7:21
Two roads, only one leads to life. Mt 7:13, 14; De 30:19
Many gods but only one true God. 1Co 8:5, 6; Ps 82:1
Knowing true God essential for life. Joh 17:3; 1Jo 5:20
21. Jehovah’s Witnesses
A. Origin of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah identifies his own witnesses. Isa 43:10-12; Jer 15:16
Line of faithful witnesses began with Abel. Heb 11:4, 39; 12:1
Jesus was faithful and true witness. Joh 18:37; Re 1:5; 3:14
22. Jesus
A. Jesus is God’s Son and appointed King
Firstborn of God, used in creating all other things. Re 3:14; Col 1:15-17
Made a man born of woman, lower than angels. Ga 4:4; Heb 2:9
Born of God’s spirit, with destiny in heaven. Mt 3:16, 17
Exalted higher than during prehuman existence. Php 2:9, 10
B. Belief in Jesus Christ essential to salvation
Christ is promised Seed of Abraham. Ge 22:18; Ga 3:16
Jesus only High Priest, ransom. 1Jo 2:1, 2; Heb 7:25, 26; Mt 20:28
Life through knowing God and Christ, obedience. Joh 17:3; Ac 4:12
C. More than belief in Jesus is required
Belief must be accompanied by works. Jas 2:17-26; 1:22-25
Must obey commands, do work he did. Joh 14:12, 15; 1Jo 2:3
Not all using name of Lord will enter Kingdom. Mt 7:21-23
23. Kingdom
A. What God’s Kingdom will do for mankind
To bring God’s will to pass. Mt 6:9, 10; Ps 45:6; Re 4:11
A government with king and laws. Isa 9:6, 7; 2:3; Ps 72:1, 8
Destroy wickedness, rule entire earth. Da 2:44; Ps 72:8
1,000-year rule to restore mankind, Paradise. Re 21:2-4; 20:6
B. Operation begins while Christ’s enemies still active
After Christ raised he had long wait. Ps 110:1; Heb 10:12, 13
Takes power, wars against Satan. Ps 110:2; Re 12:7-9; Lu 10:18
Kingdom established then, earth’s woes follow. Re 12:10, 12
Trouble now means time to stand for Kingdom. Re 11:15-18
C. Not ‘in hearts,’ not developed through men’s efforts
Kingdom is in heaven, not earth. 2Ti 4:18; 1Co 15:50; Ps 11:4
Not ‘in hearts’; Jesus addressing Pharisees. Lu 17:20, 21
Not any part of this world. Joh 18:36; Lu 4:5-8; Da 2:44
Governments, world standards, replaced. Da 2:44
24. Last Days
A. What is meant by “the end of the world”
Windup of the system of things. Mt 24:3; 2Pe 3:5-7; Mr 13:4
Not end of earth, but of wicked system. 1Jo 2:17
Time of end precedes destruction. Mt 24:14
Escape for righteous; new world follows. 2Pe 2:9; Re 7:14-17
B. Need to be awake to signs of last days
Signs provided by God for our guidance. 2Ti 3:1-5; 1Th 5:1-4
World fails to realize seriousness. 2Pe 3:3, 4, 7; Mt 24:39
God not slow, but gives warning. 2Pe 3:9
Reward for being awake, concerned. Lu 21:34-36
25. Life
A. Everlasting life is assured for obedient mankind
God, who cannot lie, has promised life. Tit 1:2; Joh 10:27, 28
Eternal life assured those exercising faith. Joh 11:25, 26
Death will be destroyed. 1Co 15:26; Re 21:4; 20:14; Isa 25:8
B. Heavenly life is limited to those in Christ’s body
God selects members as it pleases him. Mt 20:23; 1Co 12:18
Only 144,000 taken from earth. Re 14:1, 4; 7:2-4; 5:9, 10
Not even John the Baptizer to be in heavenly Kingdom. Mt 11:11
C. Earthly life promised to unlimited number, “other sheep”
Limited number with Jesus in heavens. Re 14:1, 4; 7:2-4
“Other sheep” not Christ’s brothers. Joh 10:16; Mt 25:32, 40
Many now gathering for earthly survival. Re 7:9, 15-17
Others raised for life on earth. Re 20:12; 21:4
26. Marriage
A. Marriage union must be honorable
Likened to Christ and bride. Eph 5:22, 23
Marriage bed must be undefiled. Heb 13:4
Couples counseled not to separate. 1Co 7:10-16
Por·neiʹa only Scriptural ground for divorce. Mt 19:9
B. Headship principle must be respected by Christians
Husband as head must love, care for family. Eph 5:23-31
Wife, in subjection, loves, obeys husband. 1Pe 3:1-7; Eph 5:22
Children must be obedient. Eph 6:1-3; Col 3:20
C. Christian parents’ responsibility to children
Must show love, giving time, attention. Tit 2:4
Do not irritate them. Col 3:21
Provide, including spiritual things. 2Co 12:14; 1Ti 5:8
Give them training for life. Eph 6:4; Pr 22:6, 15; 23:13, 14
D. Christians should marry only Christians
Marry only “in the Lord.” 1Co 7:39; De 7:3, 4; Ne 13:26
E. Polygamy not Scriptural
Originally man was to have only one wife. Ge 2:18, 22-25
Jesus restored standard for Christians. Mt 19:3-9
Early Christians not polygamous. 1Co 7:2, 12-16; Eph 5:28-31
27. Mary Worship
A. Mary mother of Jesus, not “mother of God”
God is without beginning. Ps 90:2; 1Ti 1:17
Mary was mother of God’s Son, in his earthly state. Lu 1:35
B. Mary not “ever virgin”
She married Joseph. Mt 1:19, 20, 24, 25
Had other children besides Jesus. Mt 13:55, 56; Lu 8:19-21
These not then his “spiritual brothers.” Joh 7:3, 5
28. Memorial, Mass
A. Commemoration of Lord’s Evening Meal
Observed once a year on Passover date. Lu 22:1, 17-20; Ex 12:14
Commemorates Christ’s sacrificial death. 1Co 11:26; Mt 26:28
Those with heavenly hope partake. Lu 22:29, 30; 12:32, 37
How a person knows he has such hope. Ro 8:15-17
B. Mass unscriptural
Forgiveness of sins requires shedding of blood. Heb 9:22
Christ is sole Mediator of new covenant. 1Ti 2:5, 6; Joh 14:6
Christ in heaven; not brought down by priest. Ac 3:20, 21
No need to repeat Christ’s sacrifice. Heb 9:24-26; 10:11-14
29. Minister
A. All Christians must be ministers
Jesus was God’s minister. Ro 15:8, 9; Mt 20:28
Christians follow his example. 1Pe 2:21; 1Co 11:1
Must preach to accomplish the ministry. 2Ti 4:2, 5; 1Co 9:16
B. Qualifications for the ministry
God’s spirit and knowledge of his Word. 2Ti 2:15; Isa 61:1-3
Follow Christ’s pattern in preaching. 1Pe 2:21; 2Ti 4:2, 5
God trains by spirit, organization. Joh 14:26; 2Co 3:1-3
30. Opposition, Persecution
A. Reason for opposition toward Christians
Jesus was hated, foretold opposition. Joh 15:18-20; Mt 10:22
Adhering to right principles indicts world. 1Pe 4:1, 4, 12, 13
Satan, god of this system, opposes Kingdom. 2Co 4:4; 1Pe 5:8
Christian does not fear, God sustains. Ro 8:38, 39; Jas 4:8
B. Wife should not allow husband to separate her from God
Forewarned; others may misinform him. Mt 10:34-38; Ac 28:22
She must look to God and Christ. Joh 6:68; 17:3
By faithfulness may save him also. 1Co 7:16; 1Pe 3:1-6
Husband is head, but not to dictate worship. 1Co 11:3; Ac 5:29
C. Husband should not allow wife to prevent his serving God
Must love wife and family, want life for them. 1Co 7:16
Responsible to decide, provide. 1Co 11:3; 1Ti 5:8
God loves man who stands for truth. Jas 1:12; 5:10, 11
Compromise for sake of peace brings God’s disfavor. Heb 10:38
Lead family to happiness in new world. Re 21:3, 4
31. Prayer
A. Prayers that God hears
God does listen to prayers of men. Ps 145:18; 1Pe 3:12
Unrighteous not heard unless course changed. Isa 1:15-17
Must pray in Jesus’ name. Joh 14:13, 14; 2Co 1:20
Must pray in harmony with God’s will. 1Jo 5:14, 15
Faith essential. Jas 1:6-8
B. Vain repetition, prayers to Mary or “saints” not valid
Must pray to God in Jesus’ name. Joh 14:6, 14; 16:23, 24
Repetitious words will not be heard. Mt 6:7
32. Predestination
A. Man not predestinated
God’s purpose sure. Isa 55:11; Ge 1:28
Individuals given choice of serving God. Joh 3:16; Php 2:12
33. Ransom
A. Jesus’ human life paid as a “ransom for all”
Jesus gave his life a ransom. Mt 20:28
Value of shed blood provides remission of sin. Heb 9:14, 22
One sacrifice was sufficient for all time. Ro 6:10; Heb 9:26
Benefits are not automatic; must be acknowledged. Joh 3:16
B. Was corresponding price
Adam created perfect. De 32:4; Ec 7:29; Ge 1:31
Lost perfection for self and children by sin. Ro 5:12, 18
Children helpless; exact equal of Adam needed. Ps 49:7; De 19:21
Jesus’ perfect human life a ransom. 1Ti 2:5, 6; 1Pe 1:18, 19
34. Religion
A. Only one true religion
One hope, one faith, one baptism. Eph 4:5, 13
Commissioned to make disciples. Mt 28:19; Ac 8:12; 14:21
Recognized by its fruit. Mt 7:19, 20; Lu 6:43, 44; Joh 15:8
Love, agreement among members. Joh 13:35; 1Co 1:10; 1Jo 4:20
B. False doctrine is properly condemned
Jesus condemned false doctrine. Mt 23:15, 23, 24; 15:4-9
Did so for protection of blinded ones. Mt 15:14
Truth made them free to be Jesus’ disciples. Joh 8:31, 32
C. Changing one’s religion essential if proved wrong
Truth makes free; proves many are wrong. Joh 8:31, 32
Israelites, others, left former worship. Jos 24:15; 2Ki 5:17
Early Christians changed views. Ga 1:13, 14; Ac 3:17, 19
Paul changed his religion. Ac 26:4-6
Whole world deceived; must make mind over. Re 12:9; Ro 12:2
D. Apparent “good in all religions” does not assure God’s favor
God sets the standard for worship. Joh 4:23, 24; Jas 1:27
Not good if not as God wills. Ro 10:2, 3
“Good works” can be rejected. Mt 7:21-23
Recognized by fruitage. Mt 7:20
35. Resurrection
A. Hope for the dead
All in tombs to be raised. Joh 5:28, 29
Resurrection of Jesus is a guarantee. 1Co 15:20-22; Ac 17:31
Sinners against spirit will not rise. Mt 12:31, 32
Those showing faith assured of it. Joh 11:25
B. Resurrection to life either in heaven or on earth
All die in Adam; receive life in Jesus. 1Co 15:20-22; Ro 5:19
Difference in nature of those raised. 1Co 15:40, 42, 44
Those with Jesus will be like him. 1Co 15:49; Php 3:20, 21
Those not ruling will be on earth. Re 20:4b, 5, 13; 21:3, 4
36. Return of Christ
A. Return invisible to humans
Told disciples world would see him no more. Joh 14:19
Only disciples saw ascension; return similar. Ac 1:6, 10, 11
In heaven, an invisible spirit. 1Ti 6:14-16; Heb 1:3
Returns in heavenly Kingdom power. Da 7:13, 14
B. Recognized by physical facts
Disciples asked for sign of presence. Mt 24:3
Christians “see” presence through understanding. Eph 1:18
Many events make up evidence of presence. Lu 21:10, 11
Enemies “see” as destruction overtakes. Re 1:7
37. Sabbath
A. Sabbath day not binding on Christians
Law abolished on basis of Jesus’ death. Eph 2:15
Sabbath not binding on Christians. Col 2:16, 17; Ro 14:5, 10
Reproved for observing Sabbath, etc. Ga 4:9-11; Ro 10:2-4
Enter God’s rest by faith and obedience. Heb 4:9-11
B. Sabbath observance required only of ancient Israel
Sabbath first observed after Exodus. Ex 16:26, 27, 29, 30
Unique to natural Israel as sign. Ex 31:16, 17; Ps 147:19, 20
Sabbath years also required under Law. Ex 23:10, 11; Le 25:3, 4
Sabbath not necessary thing for Christians. Ro 14:5, 10; Ga 4:9-11
C. God’s Sabbath rest (7th day of creative “week”)
Began at close of earthly creation. Ge 2:2, 3; Heb 4:3-5
Continued past Jesus’ day on earth. Heb 4:6-8; Ps 95:7-9, 11
Christians rest from works of self-interest. Heb 4:9, 10
Ends when Kingdom completes work toward earth. 1Co 15:24, 28
38. Salvation
A. Salvation is from God through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice
Life is God’s gift through his Son. 1Jo 4:9, 14; Ro 6:23
Salvation is possible only through Jesus’ sacrifice. Ac 4:12
No works possible in “deathbed repentance.” Jas 2:14, 26
Must work energetically to attain. Lu 13:23, 24; 1Ti 4:10
B. “Once saved, always saved” is not Scriptural
Partakers of holy spirit can fall. Heb 6:4, 6; 1Co 9:27
Many Israelites destroyed though saved from Egypt. Jude 5
Salvation is not instantaneous. Php 2:12; 3:12-14; Mt 10:22
Those turning back are worse off than before. 2Pe 2:20, 21
C. “Universal salvation” is unscriptural
Repentance impossible for some. Heb 6:4-6
God has no pleasure in death of wicked. Eze 33:11; 18:32
But love cannot condone unrighteousness. Heb 1:9
Wicked will be destroyed. Heb 10:26-29; Re 20:7-15
39. Sin
A. What sin is
A violation of God’s law, his perfect standard. 1Jo 3:4; 5:17
Man, as God’s creation, accountable to him. Ro 14:12; 2:12-15
Law defined sin, made men aware of it. Ga 3:19; Ro 3:20
All in sin, short of God’s perfect standard. Ro 3:23; Ps 51:5
B. Why all have suffered from Adam’s sin
Adam passed imperfection, death to all. Ro 5:12, 18
God was merciful in tolerating humankind. Ps 103:8, 10, 14, 17
Jesus’ sacrifice atones for sins. 1Jo 2:2
Sin and all other works of Devil to be erased. 1Jo 3:8
C. Forbidden fruit was disobedience, not sex act
Prohibition of tree made before Eve created. Ge 2:17, 18
Adam and Eve told to have children. Ge 1:28
Children not result of sin, but of God’s blessing. Ps 127:3-5
Eve sinned when husband absent; ran ahead. Ge 3:6; 1Ti 2:11-14
Adam, as head, rebelled against God’s law. Ro 5:12, 19
D. What sin against holy spirit is (Mt 12:32; Mr 3:28, 29)
Inherited sin not such kind. Ro 5:8, 12, 18; 1Jo 5:17
One may grieve spirit, yet recover. Eph 4:30; Jas 5:19, 20
Willful practice of sin leads to death. 1Jo 3:6-9
God judges such, removes his spirit. Heb 6:4-8
We should not pray for such unrepentant ones. 1Jo 5:16, 17
40. Soul
A. What the soul is
Man is a soul. Ge 2:7; 1Co 15:45; Jos 11:11; Ac 27:37
Animals also called souls. Nu 31:28; Re 16:3; Le 24:18
Soul has blood, eats, can die. Jer 2:34; Le 7:18; Eze 18:4
Man, having life, is said to have soul. Mr 8:36; Joh 10:15
B. Difference between soul and spirit
Life as a person or creature is soul. Joh 10:15; Le 17:11
Life-force activating souls called “spirit.” Ps 146:4; 104:29
When one dies, control of life-force returns to God. Ec 12:7
God alone can put life-force into action. Eze 37:12-14
41. Spirit, Spiritism
A. What the holy spirit is
God’s active force, not a person. Ac 2:2, 3, 33; Joh 14:17
Used in creation, inspiration of Bible, etc. Ge 1:2; Eze 11:5
Begets, anoints, Christ’s body members. Joh 3:5-8; 2Co 1:21, 22
Empowers, leads God’s people today. Ga 5:16, 18
B. Life-force called spirit
Principle of life, sustained by breathing. Jas 2:26; Job 27:3
Power over life-force resides with God. Zec 12:1; Ec 8:8
Life-force of humans, beasts, belongs to God. Ec 3:19-21
Spirit committed to God with hope of resurrection. Lu 23:46
C. Spiritism must be shunned as work of demons
God’s Word forbids. Isa 8:19, 20; Le 19:31; 20:6, 27
Fortune-telling is demonism; condemned. Ac 16:16-18
Leads to destruction. Ga 5:19-21; Re 21:8; 22:15
Astrology forbidden. De 18:10-12; Jer 10:2
42. Trinity
A. God, the Father, one Person, greatest in universe
God is not three persons. De 6:4; Mal 2:10; Mr 10:18; Ro 3:29, 30
Son created; God alone before. Re 3:14; Col 1:15; Isa 44:6
God ruler of universe at all times. Php 2:5, 6; Da 4:35
God to be exalted above all. Php 2:10, 11
B. Son inferior to Father before and after coming to earth
Son obedient in heaven, sent by Father. Joh 8:42; 12:49
Obedient on earth, Father greater. Joh 14:28; 5:19; Heb 5:8
Exalted in heaven, still subject. Php 2:9; 1Co 15:28; Mt 20:23
Jehovah is Christ’s head and God. 1Co 11:3; Joh 20:17; Re 1:6
C. Oneness of God and Christ
Always in complete harmony. Joh 8:28, 29; 14:10
Oneness, like that of husband and wife. Joh 10:30; Mt 19:4-6
All believers must have same oneness. Joh 17:20-22; 1Co 1:10
One worship of Jehovah through Christ forever. Joh 4:23, 24
D. God’s holy spirit is his active force
A force, not a person. Mt 3:16; Joh 20:22; Ac 2:4, 17, 33
Not a person in heaven with God and Christ. Ac 7:55, 56; Re 7:10
Directed by God to accomplish purposes. Ps 104:30; 1Co 12:4-11
Those serving God receive, guided by it. 1Co 2:12, 13; Ga 5:16
43. Wickedness, World Distress
A. Who is responsible for world distress
Wicked rule cause of bad times today. Pr 29:2; 28:28
Ruler of world the enemy of God. 2Co 4:4; 1Jo 5:19; Joh 12:31
Woes brought by Devil, time short. Re 12:9, 12
Devil bound, glorious peace follows. Re 20:1-3; 21:3, 4
B. Why wickedness permitted
Devil challenged loyalty of creatures to God. Job 1:11, 12
Faithful given opportunity to prove loyal. Ro 9:17; Pr 27:11
Devil proved a liar, issue to be settled. Joh 12:31
Faithful rewarded with everlasting life. Ro 2:6, 7; Re 21:3-5
C. Prolonged time of the end is merciful provision
As in Noah’s day, takes time to give warning. Mt 24:14, 37-39
God not slow, but merciful. 2Pe 3:9; Isa 30:18
Bible helps us avoid being caught unawares. Lu 21:36; 1Th 5:4
Seek God’s provision now for protection. Isa 2:2-4; Zep 2:3
D. Solution to world distress not from men
Men very fearful, perplexed. Lu 21:10, 11; 2Ti 3:1-5
God’s Kingdom, not men, will succeed. Da 2:44; Mt 6:10
To live, sue for peace with King now. Ps 2:9, 11, 12
44. Witnessing
A. All Christians must witness, tell good news
Must acknowledge Jesus before men to be approved. Mt 10:32
Must be doer of Word, demonstrating faith. Jas 1:22-24; 2:24
New ones, too, should become teachers. Mt 28:19, 20
Public declaration brings salvation. Ro 10:10
B. Need for repeated calls, continued witnessing
Warning of end must be given. Mt 24:14
Jeremiah announced Jerusalem’s end for years. Jer 25:3
Like early Christians, cannot stop. Ac 4:18-20; 5:28, 29
C. Must bear witness to be free of bloodguilt
Must warn of approaching end. Eze 33:7; Mt 24:14
Failure brings bloodguilt. Eze 33:8, 9; 3:18, 19
Paul freed of bloodguilt; spoke full truth. Ac 20:26, 27; 1Co 9:16
Saves both witness and one listening. 1Ti 4:16; 1Co 9:22 |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 117
Marriage—God’s Arrangement
(Matthew 19:4-6)
1. Marriage is God’s arrangement.
By him it was designed.
It forms a bond of union,
Brings blessings to mankind.
Yoking a man and woman
In this most sacred state
Helps them serve God together
—Each one with his own mate.
2. God has an ancient guidebook
With counsel good and wise.
It tells of godlike headship,
Which husbands exercise.
‘Love her as your own body.’
This God requires of them.
She who respects her husband
Is like a precious gem.
3. Cords of three strands are stronger
Than those of only two.
When God is in a marriage,
Then problems will be few.
There’s greater joy in giving.
This truth we all must learn.
So as we serve Jehovah,
To give is our concern. |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Chapter 11
“Not by a Military Force, Nor by Power, But”—
1. How do Israel of Zechariah’s days and the Republic of Israel compare as to military force?
WAS there any military force under arms in the Israel of the days of the prophet Zechariah? No; unlike in the Republic of Israel of today, in which even the womenfolk are conscripted for the army.
2. How long had the repatriated remnant been without a military force, and therefore what question arises as to building the temple?
2 Back in the year 522 B.C.E., during the brief reign of Artaxerxes (Gaumata the Magian) as king of Persia, when the Samaritan adversaries stopped the Israelite temple builders “by force of arms,” the Israelites at Jerusalem did not muster out a military force to combat them. (Ezra 4:7-24) Later, in the eleventh lunar month (Shebat) of the year 519 B.C.E., on the twenty-fourth day of the month, when Zechariah received his fifth vision, there was still no military force in Jerusalem and the land of Judah. This was still in the second year of King Darius I, who had succeeded Artaxerxes as the ruler of the Persian Empire. Would it be possible for the Israelites to complete the temple of Jerusalem without operating from a “position of strength” by means of having an impressive military force? The fifth vision to Zechariah answered the question.
3. (a) Out of what kind of state is Zechariah aroused before being given the fifth vision? (b) To the interpretative angel, what does Zechariah report seeing?
3 After the faith-inspiring vision concerning High Priest Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the prophet Zechariah appears to have lapsed into an attitude of meditation and contemplation, in which he appeared to be asleep. But the series of visions was not yet over; there was more for him to see. That is why he goes on to tell us concerning the interpretative angel who was explaining things to him: “And the angel who was speaking with me proceeded to come back and wake me up, like a man that is awakened from his sleep. Then he said to me: ‘What are you seeing?’ So I said: ‘I have seen, and, look! there is a lampstand, all of it of gold, with a bowl on top of it. And its seven lamps are upon it, even seven; and the lamps that are at the top of it have seven pipes. And there are two olive trees alongside it, one on the right side of the bowl and one on its left side.’”—Zechariah 4:1-3.
4. The sight of that lampstand stirs up in us recollections of what house, and why so?
4 Do we have a mental picture of what Zechariah was shown? That golden lampstand with its seven branches topped by seven lamps that are fed with olive oil stirs up recollections of Jehovah’s house of worship. In earlier Israel, from the days of the prophet Moses down to the days of King David, that house of worship had a golden lampstand in its first compartment, The Holy. (Exodus 40:1-25) The vision of this lampstand was therefore very fitting, inasmuch as this vision had to do with the rebuilding of the temple.
5. How were the seven lamps furnished with illuminating fuel from a central reservoir, and how was this central supply kept full?
5 The seven lamps had a central supply of illuminating oil. It was that bowl on the top of the golden lampstand, from which bowl there extended seven pipes, an individual pipe running to each individual lamp to convey oil to it from the central supply. But from where did this bowl get its supply of oil, and how regularly? From those two olive trees that stood alongside the bowl, one tree to its right and the other tree to its left. Those trees could be a constant source of supply, and they were immediately at hand, with no need for transporting oil from afar.
6. Despite there being seven lamps, how was it one lampstand?
6 The lampstand being all one, its seven lamps were all connected with it by branches running from a central support.
7. What did Zechariah now ask the angel concerning the lampstand?
7 There was a meaning to this vision. So Zechariah at once responded to it: “Then I answered and said to the angel who was speaking with me, saying: ‘What do these things mean, my lord?’ So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me: ‘Do you not really know what these things mean?’ In turn I said: ‘No, my lord.’”—Zechariah 4:4, 5.
8, 9. (a) By what course can we, like Zechariah, benefit from this vision? (b) What answer does the angel give to Zechariah, and what does this convey to us as instead of explanation of details?
8 Like the prophet Zechariah, we do not care to place our own interpretation upon the vision. We are willing to be taught from Jehovah of armies, by means of his angel. Only by getting the divine truth from the right source can we benefit from the vision. On being inquired of by Zechariah, the angelic interpreter does not first go into the meaning of all the details of the vision. Rather, he gives us the force, the all-embracing lesson, of the vision as a whole. This adds vigor to a vision of just a lampstand.
9 “Accordingly,” says Zechariah, “he answered and said to me: ‘This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a level land. And he will certainly bring forth the headstone. There will be shoutings to it: ‘How charming! How charming!’”’”—Zechariah 4:6, 7.
THE BARRIER TO BE REDUCED TO NOTHING
10. What opposition did Zerubbabel face, and what might it seem to be like, especially in view of what circumstances?
10 How would anyone of us have liked to have the opposition of the pagan governors of the Persian provinces on this side (the western side) of the Euphrates River? Not just that, but how would any single one of us have liked to have the opposition of the emperor of the whole Persian Empire, King Darius I? That is the opposition that, for the time being, stood in the way of Zerubbabel as he went ahead with rebuilding Jehovah’s temple at Jerusalem in that year 519 B.C.E. (Ezra 5:3 to 6:2) That would indeed appear like a “great mountain” in the way of carrying the temple’s reconstruction to a successful finish, would it not? He did not have any military force among the less than fifty thousand who had returned with him from Babylon back in 537 B.C.E. How, then, could he withstand any armed invasion by protesters to stop the temple work? What power did he or his fellow Israelites have? He did not know King Darius I personally, and had no political pull or influence with him. How, then, could he ever expect to finish Jehovah’s house of worship—without being severely punished?
11. (a) What is the divine answer to the question? (b) So what did Zerubbabel need to have behind him in the temple work, and why?
11 Do we today ask or did Governor Zerubbabel ask “How”? Back comes the answer from the greatest military Commander in Chief of all: “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zechariah 4:6) Zerubbabel did not need to worry about having a military force or power of any human source. All he had to do was to trust in the One who had told him by his prophets to go ahead with the work and to depend upon the spirit of that One, the Supreme Authority. That spirit of that One is, to be sure, an invisible active force, but it is irresistible, overwhelming, ever successful, always triumphant. Work invisibly it does, but it does produce results as purposed by the divine Source of that spirit. All the military might in the whole earth and all the political, religious power among all mankind cannot hold their ground against His holy active force in operation. In going ahead with the temple work, Governor Zerubbabel had that spirit behind him!
12. That figurative “great mountain” before Zerubbabel was to become what, and how was the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:4, 5 an assurance of this?
12 What, then, is a figurative “great mountain” in the way? To it Jehovah of armies says: “Before Zerubbabel you will become a level land.” Before Zerubbabel and the faithful remnant that had returned with him from Babylon Jehovah had fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 40:4, 5: “Let every valley be raised up, and every mountain and hill be made low. And the knobby ground must become level land, and the rugged ground a valley plain. And the glory of Jehovah will certainly be revealed, and all flesh must see it together, for the very mouth of Jehovah has spoken it.” He could now do a similar thing in the case of this “great mountain” that confronted Governor Zerubbabel in that year 519 B.C.E. Let us note how He did so, by no strenuous effort on Zerubbabel’s part, but by His spirit.
13. (a) How had Jehovah earlier, on Chislev 24, 520 B.C.E., given Zerubbabel an assurance against enemy military force, through Haggai? (b) What would the adversaries do, certainly after Zerubbabel acted under stimulation by Zechariah’s fifth vision?
13 Just two months previously He had declared how he would deal with the enemy military hosts, saying: “I am rocking the heavens and the earth. And I shall certainly overthrow the throne of kingdoms and annihilate the strength of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariot and its riders, and the horses and their riders will certainly come down, each one by the sword of his brother. ‘In that day,’ is the utterance of Jehovah of armies, ‘I shall take you, O Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, my servant,’ is the utterance of Jehovah; ‘and I shall certainly set you as a seal ring, because you are the one whom I have chosen,’ is the utterance of Jehovah of armies.” (Haggai 2:20-23) Because of what Governor Zerubbabel and his fellow workers did that day (Chislev 24, 520 B.C.E.) at the foundation of the temple in Jerusalem, the provincial governors west of the Euphrates River may have taken their appeal to King Darius I in Shushan, Persia. But certainly those provincial governors must have protested to King Darius I after Zerubbabel went forward with the temple work under the stimulation of this fifth vision that Zechariah reported to him.
14. According to Ezra 6:1-13, what did King Darius I do on getting the appeal of the aroused provincial governors?
14 Up till then King Darius I had let the ban as imposed by King Artaxerxes stand against the temple building. But on getting the appeal of the aroused provincial governors, what did he do?
It was then that Darius the king put an order through, and they made an investigation in the house of the records of the treasures deposited there in Babylon. And at Ecbatana, in the fortified place that was in the jurisdictional district of Media, there was found a scroll, and the memorandum to this effect was written within it:
“In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king put an order through concerning the house of God in Jerusalem: Let the house be rebuilt as the place where they are to offer sacrifices, and its foundations are to be fixed, its height being sixty cubits, its width sixty cubits, with three layers of stones rolled into place and one layer of timbers; and let the expense be given from the king’s house. And also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God that Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon be returned, that they may reach the temple that is in Jerusalem at its place and be deposited in the house of God.
“Now Tattenai the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues, the lesser governors that are beyond the River, keep your distance from there. Let the work on that house of God alone. The governor of the Jews and the older men of the Jews will rebuild that house of God upon its place. And by me an order has been put through as to what you will do with these older men of the Jews, for rebuilding that house of God; and from the royal treasury of the tax beyond the River the expense will promptly be given to these able-bodied men without cessation. And what is needed, young bulls as well as rams and lambs for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine and oil, just as the priests that are in Jerusalem say, let there be given them continually day by day without fail; that they may continually be presenting soothing offerings to the God of the heavens and praying for the life of the king and his sons. And by me an order has been put through that, as for anybody that violates this decree, a timber will be pulled out of his house and he will be impaled upon it, and his house will be turned into a public privy on this account. And may the God who has caused his name to reside there overthrow any king and people that thrusts his hand out to commit a violation and destroy that house of God, which is in Jerusalem. I, Darius, do put through an order. Let it be done promptly.”
Then Tattenai the governor beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues, just as Darius the king had sent word, so they did promptly.—Ezra 6:1-13.
15. (a) To what alone can we assign that startling turn of events, and why so? (b) Foreknowing this, what did Jehovah say that Zerubbabel would do with the headstone of the temple?
15 Was the spirit of Jehovah of armies acting and directing in this matter? It is only to His spirit that we can assign this startling turn of events, for it was done without any military force or human power on the part of Governor Zerubbabel. The figurative “mountain” that was raised up by opposition forces in the way of Zerubbabel was made a “level land” for him. His faith in Jehovah of armies and his courage to do the temple work were amply rewarded. Foreknowing what he would accomplish by means of his invincible spirit, Jehovah went on to say in that fifth vision to Zechariah: “And he will certainly bring forth the headstone. There will be shoutings to it: ‘How charming! How charming!’”—Zechariah 4:7.
THE “CHARMING” HEADSTONE
16. How essential was that headstone, and what would Zerubbabel’s bringing it forth certify?
16 That “headstone” was the crowning stone of the temple to be rebuilt at Jerusalem. That headstone was the essential stone that would put the finishing touch to the temple. Governor Zerubbabel’s bringing it forth would certify that he would bring the temple work through to a completion. There would be no stopping of him as Jehovah’s servant now. Jehovah’s spirit would see to that!
17. Why would that day of putting the headstone in place be one of exultation, and why would the spectators cry out, “How charming!”?
17 A day of boundless exultation it would be when he put that headstone into its place, to signalize the successful finishing of the temple at the city where God had put his holy name. The enraptured crowd of spectators on beholding this crowning feat would cry out in admiration of that headstone in its prominent place: “How charming! How charming!” It was beautiful in itself, for it was the same stone that was laid before High Priest Joshua the son of Jehozadak and the engraving of which Jehovah himself had engraved by means of his agent. (Zechariah 3:9) But that engraved headstone took on added beauty as it now occupied its assigned position in the temple structure and gave to the temple structure a gratifying appearance. Not only were the charmed eyes of the temple worshipers on that headstone, but Jehovah’s “seven eyes” were specially upon that stone in undivided attention. Its being put in place was a vindication of his word of prophecy by Haggai and Zechariah.
18. According to recorded history, when did that day of exultation come?
18 That day of exultation and of vindication came on the third day of the lunar month Adar of the year 515 B.C.E., for this is what recorded history says: “And the older men of the Jews were building and making progress under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the grandson of Iddo, and they built and finished it due to the order of the God of Israel and due to the order of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes the king of Persia. And they completed this house by the third day of the lunar month Adar, that is, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.”—Ezra 6:14, 15.
19. What grand prospect does that prophetic religious occasion set before us today, and by what means will this be brought about?
19 What a grand prospect that historic but prophetic occasion sets forth before all lovers of the pure, undefiled worship of the one living and true God today! It points ahead to the time when the true worship of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will be brought to its perfected state at his spiritual temple. This will be when Babylon the Great (the world empire of false religion, including sectarian Christendom) is destroyed and all the political, military and social elements of this world who are opposed to even the pure religion are destroyed, and the cleansed earth is left with only the remnant of spiritual underpriests of spiritual Israel and their fellow worshipers out of all nations and peoples and tribes. This crowning achievement will be brought about, as Jehovah says, “not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit.”
20. What governor has a specially privileged part in that coming fulfillment of prophecy?
20 The antitypical Governor Zerubbabel will have a specially privileged part in bringing to reality the modern-day fulfillment of this divine prophecy. We know who he is—Jesus Christ, who now governs from his heavenly throne over the faithful remnant of his spiritual underpriests and their dedicated, baptized companion worshipers.
21. Zerubbabel and Joshua picture what capacities that are combined in Jesus Christ and also prefigured in Melchizedek?
21 Zerubbabel prefigured the glorified King Jesus Christ in an aspect different from what High Priest Joshua the son of Jehozadak did. High Priest Joshua (whom Greek-speaking Jews called “Jesus”) pictured Jesus Christ in his priestly functions. Zerubbabel, being appointed governor of the province of Judah, pictured the Lord Jesus Christ in his governmental capacity as of a king. These two capacities, that of high priest and that of governor, are combined in the glorified Jesus Christ, for he is also prefigured by Melchizedek, concerning whom Genesis 14:18 says: “Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine, and he was priest of the Most High God.” Hebrews 7:1 calls him “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God.”—Psalm 110:1-4.
22. (a) Zerubbabel used his governing power in protecting and promoting what work, under whose decree? (b) Whom did Zerubbabel prefigure in a like work and as leveling what “great mountain”?
22 Zerubbabel as governor of Jerusalem and Judah would promote the rebuilding of the temple as decreed by King Cyrus. He would use his governmental power to safeguard the temple work. To him, evidently under the input of Sheshbazzar, the sacred “utensils of the house of Jehovah” were entrusted by King Cyrus, and these holy utensils Zerubbabel brought from Babylon to Jerusalem to be used in the rebuilt house of Jehovah. (Ezra 1:7 to 2:2; 5:13-16) Rightly, then, Governor Zerubbabel took the leading part in the laying of the foundation of the second temple of Jehovah at Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:8-10) In this way Zerubbabel foreshadowed how the reigning King Jesus Christ would give stimulus to the work of restoring the pure worship of Jehovah at his spiritual temple. He would protect the remnant of anointed spiritual underpriests now on earth in their efforts since 1919 C.E., to restore Jehovah’s pure worship among all mankind. The “great mountain” of opposition and difficulty in the way of their doing this he has reduced to “level land.”
23. (a) How does Jesus Christ compare with Governor Zerubbabel in promoting the temple-building work? (b) How does he fulfill the picture of bringing forth the headstone and placing it?
23 To compare with Governor Zerubbabel in bringing forth the headstone and putting it in place in the temple in 515 B.C.E., the glorified Jesus Christ will bring the work of reestablishing Jehovah’s worship at His spiritual temple to triumphant completion. By means of his invisible holy angels he will gather all the needed remnant of spiritual underpriests and will aid them in carrying out their duties in the antitypical Holy of Jehovah’s spiritual temple. He himself will fulfill the role of the “headstone” in that spiritual arrangement for Jehovah’s worship. At God’s due time he will take his own assigned place in that spiritual framework of worship and thus give the finishing touch to its completion. He is the Key One, like a figurative headstone, to the perfecting of that divine arrangement for worship, in which he serves as the Royal High Priest in behalf of all mankind. When he takes his place and reports to Jehovah God that he has completed the work on restoring the full-scale worship by means of all the necessary underpriests at the spiritual temple, that will result in a “charming” sight.
24. When will Jehovah’s worshipers cry out to the Greater Headstone, “How charming!”?
24 At that sacred moment, when it becomes manifest that the work with regard to true worship has been perfected despite the opposition of Babylon the Great and her political patronizers, all true worshipers of Jehovah on earth will be filled with irrepressible appreciation of the part that the Greater Governor, Jesus Christ, has successfully performed. Jubilantly they will shout out to him as the Greater Headstone: “How charming! How charming!”
THE “DAY OF SMALL THINGS” NOT TO BE DESPISED
25. When the postwar work of building up the theocratic organization for Jehovah’s worship began in 1919 C.E., why did it look despicable?
25 When this work of building up the theocratic organization for Jehovah’s worship began in the postwar year of 1919 C.E., it looked despicable in the eyes of religious Babylon the Great and her military, political paramours. It looked so impossible of realization to them. Why so? Because the surviving remnant of anointed spiritual Israelites was so small and was in international disrepute. (Matthew 24:9) For example, when the general convention of the International Bible Students Association was held on September 1-8, 1919, at the resort grounds of Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., there were only about 6,000 that attended the weekday sessions; and other thousands, who could not attend this convention so early after World War I, were scattered all around the earth, some 17,961 (according to incomplete reports) having attended the previous celebration of the Lord’s Supper on April 13, 1919. What were these thousands of Jehovah’s dedicated, baptized worshipers in comparison with Christendom’s hundreds of millions of church members? As nothing!
26. (a) Was the surviving remnant to be despised for its smallness? (b) Who brought a corrective message, and by whom was he sent?
26 Yet, was this surviving remnant of spiritual Israelites to be despised for its smallness? Because it had no “military force”? Facts that are available today, more than fifty years later, give a resounding answer, and they prove that it was the infallible God who sent his prophet Zechariah with a message to correct all wrong ideas drawn from the early appearance of things. Listen, as Zechariah goes on to report: “And the word of Jehovah continued to occur to me, saying: ‘The very hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his own hands will finish it. And you will have to know that Jehovah of armies himself has sent me to you people. For who has despised the day of small things? And they will certainly rejoice and see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of Jehovah. They are roving about in all the earth.’”—Zechariah 4:8-10.
27. When was the absolute proof furnished that it was Jehovah who had sent Zechariah to the people?
27 If there had been any doubts in the minds of any of the repatriated remnant of Jews in the land of Judah, they positively knew that it was no other than Jehovah who had sent Zechariah to His people—on the third day of the twelfth lunar month (Adar) of 515 B.C.E. The record of Ezra 6:14, 15 tells us: “And the older men of the Jews were building and making progress under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the grandson of Iddo, and they built and finished it due to the order of the God of Israel and due to the order of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes the king of Persia. And they completed this house by the third day of the lunar month Adar, that is, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.” Jehovah’s prophetic word was vindicated!
28. (a) Why did Jehovah’s eyes not fail to see it when Zerubbabel, with the plummet in hand, placed the headstone on the temple? (b) At what similar but greater event will his eyes rejoice still more?
28 Governor Zerubbabel may have had a plumb line with a plummet in his hand when he finished Jehovah’s house of worship by laying that essential headstone in its place. Eyes did rejoice at seeing that sight. Especially did Jehovah’s eyes. Nothing escapes His eyes. It is as if He has a complete set of eyes—seven—eyes that rove about in all the earth to observe everything done, whether done by His enemies or done by his dedicated people. His eyes did not fail to see the laying of the headstone by Zerubbabel with the plummet in his hand. His own eyes rejoiced with those of his faithful remnant who put the worship of the true God in the first place in their lives. How much more will his all-observing eyes rejoice when they behold the Greater Zerubbabel finish the work with regard to restored pure worship on earth at His spiritual temple!
“THE TWO ANOINTED ONES”
29. When Zechariah first asked what the vision of the golden lampstand meant, what was he told, and how are we now enabled to see the fitness of that answer?
29 At this point, do we remember what the angel told the prophet Zechariah when he asked what the meaning of the golden lampstand with seven lamps was? Yes, it was this: “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zechariah 4:6) Now we are enabled to see the fitness of this mighty statement by further details that appear in the vision, with further explanation. To satisfy us on the matter we are told:
30. What did the angel tell Zechariah that the two olive trees alongside the lampstand pictured?
30 “And I proceeded to answer and say to him: ‘What do these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on its left side mean?’ Then I answered the second time and said to him: ‘What are the two bunches of twigs of the olive trees that, by means of the two golden tubes, are pouring forth from within themselves the golden liquid?’ So he said to me: ‘Do you not really know what these things mean?’ In turn I said: ‘No, my lord.’ Accordingly he said: ‘These are the two anointed ones who are standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth.’”—Zechariah 4:11-14.
31. How was the supply of oil delivered to the lamps, why was the supply constant, and what did the oil picture?
31 Zechariah saw good to follow up his first question immediately with a second one, in order not to miss inquiring about a feature that he had not mentioned in his first question. Those two olive trees, we recall, stood to the right and the left of the golden bowl from which seven pipes extended out to the seven lamps on the lampstand in order to deliver to them oil from the central supply. From where did the golden bowl atop the lampstand get its own supply of illuminating liquid? From the bunch of twigs of the olive tree to the right and the bunch of twigs of the olive tree to the left, and this by means of a golden tube from each bunch of twigs. The liquid thus delivered looked golden, and it could no more be turned off than those two olive trees could be turned off. The supply was constant, just as the source of it was living and constant. That illuminating liquid pictured, not a military force, nor human power, but, as Jehovah said, “my spirit.” Oil was thus used to picture God’s spirit.—Zechariah 4:6.
32. (a) What is the source of the symbolic “olive oil”? (b) What is symbolized by the lampstand that gets such oil?
32 Just as the olive tree was created by Jehovah God and so He is the Source of its oil, likewise he is the Source of the spirit or invisible active force, that kindles the flame of the true worship of Him. The two olive trees accordingly picture the two agents by means of which he conveys his spirit to the symbolic lampstand, that is, to his “holy nation,” the anointed remnant of the spiritual Israelites. Who, then, are the two agents that are symbolized by the two olive trees?
33. How does Revelation 11:3, 4 use olive trees to symbolize God’s living creatures, and so whom do the two olive trees in Zechariah’s vision symbolize?
33 It is not going contrary to the Scriptures to say that the two olive trees picture intelligent creatures of God. In connection with the vision of the temple as reported by the Christian apostle John in the last book of the Bible, we read: “And I will cause my two witnesses to prophesy . . . dressed in sackcloth. These are symbolized by the two olive trees and the two lampstands and are standing before the Lord of the earth.” (Revelation 11:3, 4) The two olive trees of Zechariah’s vision are explained to be the “two anointed ones [literally, two sons of oil] who are standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth.” Whom, then, do these picture? Not the inspired prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, but two individuals to whom Zechariah was commanded to transmit the word of Jehovah of armies, namely, High Priest Joshua the son of Jehozadak and Governor Zerubbabel.
34. (a) How did the high priest and the governor impart the symbolic oil to the symbolic lampstand? (b) How did Zerubbabel and Joshua themselves keep constant in their supply of God’s spirit?
34 By means of the inspired prophets Haggai and Zechariah Jehovah’s spirit was imparted to Joshua and Zerubbabel. These, in turn, were to take the lead in the building of the second temple of Jehovah and to impart Jehovah’s spirit to the Israelite remnant in that behalf. These two “anointed ones” were to imbue the whole restored nation with Jehovah’s spirit constantly, by sticking to the work to the finish and by encouraging on the temple workers both by words of exhortation and by personal example. They could do this if they constantly stood alongside Jehovah, “the Lord of the whole earth.” They must stand on His side as respects the issue of the only true worship, and they must constantly attend upon Him in favor of that worship of Him exclusively. In this way the sacred work would be accomplished by Jehovah’s spirit. Being “Lord of the whole earth,” he fulfills his will toward it.
35. In the modern-day fulfillment of the vision, whom do the two olive trees symbolize?
35 In the fulfillment of this vision in the present “time of the end,” whom do the “two olive trees,” the “two anointed ones,” picture? Since, in the first fulfillment of the vision in Zechariah’s own day, they pictured High Priest Joshua and Governor Zerubbabel, they must picture just the one personage, namely, Jehovah’s Anointed One, Messiah or Christ, Jesus who was anointed with the holy spirit of God.—Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:1.
36. (a) How has Jesus Christ acted like Joshua the high priest and Governor Zerubbabel in connection with God’s spirit? (b) How has he, like the two olive trees, kept in constant supply of the spirit, and to what symbolic lampstand has he imparted it?
36 Yes, indeed, Jesus the Messiah was prefigured by both High Priest Joshua and Governor Zerubbabel. Before he left his loyal apostles on earth he promised to send them the spirit, which proceeds from the Heavenly Father. (John 14:16, 17; 15:26; 16:13, 14) Then, on the festival day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., he served like the two olive trees of Zechariah’s vision. On that day Jehovah God began to use him to channel and pour out the holy spirit upon the “holy nation” of spiritual Israel. (Acts 1:5; 2:1-35; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7, 8; Luke 3:16) Like the “two anointed ones” or “two sons of oil” in Zechariah’s fifth vision, Christ Jesus stands “alongside the Lord of the whole earth” as High Priest and Governor and constantly attends upon Him, for he is at the right hand of God in the heavens. (Acts 2:34-36; 7:56) In this position he can be the channel of a constant supply of the spirit of the Lord God to the symbolic “lampstand” on earth, the faithful remnant of spiritual Israel.
37. (a) Energized by what and under whose leadership do the remnant keep on in the temple work? (b) To whom, therefore, will the complimentary praise and credit go for success in the temple work?
37 Not by a military force, but by the unfailing spirit of God Almighty, the anointed remnant work on under their heavenly Governor and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Stimulated and energized by holy spirit they will carry on the temple work until it is fully accomplished. Accordingly, the compliments, praise and credit for the final, crowning success will go, not to the remnant of spiritual underpriests, but to Jehovah God the Source of the spirit and through Jesus Christ as His loving channel. |
Man’s Salvation (sl)
1975 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/sl | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER AND input
7 1. The Outlook After Sixty Years of World Distress
16 2. The Reliable Commentator on This World Distress
30 3. A Transformed Messiah with Whom Politicians Must Cope
46 4. The Transforming of the Messianic “Servant”
64 5. The Tested Integrity of the “Servant” Rewarded
90 6. The Promise of a Spiritual Paradise
111 7. Requirements for Entering the Spiritual Paradise
130 8. A Spiritual Paradise on a Polluted Earth
153 9. The “Way of Holiness” to the Spiritual Paradise
169 10. The God-fearing King of the Spiritual Paradise
183 11. No Harming nor Ruining in the Spiritual Paradise
205 12. Christendom and Judaism Now Facing Desolation
228 13. When Christendom and Judaism Are No More!
242 14. When Man’s Old Order Makes Way for God’s New Order
273 15. Disaster for Fighters Against God’s New Order
283 16. Awaiting the “New Heavens and a New Earth”
314 17. The Creating of “New Heavens and a New Earth”
327 18. On Whose Side Are We When World Distress Climaxes?
350 19. From World Distress into a Peaceful “New Earth”
372 Subject Index
376 Scripture Index |
THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
My Life Was Spiraling Out of Control | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502019151 | THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
My Life Was Spiraling Out of Control
As told by SOLOMONE TONGA
Year Born: 1971
Country of Origin: Tonga
History: Drug abuse, prison
MY PAST
My family is from Tonga, a country consisting of some 170 islands, which is located in the southwestern Pacific. In Tonga we lived simply, without electricity or a vehicle. But our home had running water, and we had a few chickens. During school vacations my two brothers and I helped our father care for our family plantation, where we grew bananas, yams, taro, and cassava. These crops supplemented the meager income he earned from doing odd jobs. Like many fellow islanders, our family had great respect for the Bible, and we attended church regularly. Still, we believed that the only path to a good life was to move to a wealthier country.
When I was 16 years old, my uncle arranged to relocate our family to California, U.S.A. What a difficult cultural adjustment that was for us! Although our economic situation improved, we lived in a poor area where violent crime and drugs were rampant. We often heard gunfire at night, and most of our neighbors were afraid of criminal gangs. Many people carried firearms to protect themselves or to settle disputes. I still have a bullet in my chest from one such dispute.
At high school, I wanted to fit in with other young people. I gradually got more and more involved in wild parties, heavy drinking, violence, and the use of illegal drugs. In time, I became addicted to cocaine. To buy drugs, I started stealing. Although my family members were devout churchgoers, I never received guidance that would help me resist peer pressure to do wrong. Many times I wound up arrested for my violent acts. My life was spiraling out of control! Eventually I ended up in prison.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE
One day in 1997, while I was in prison, another prisoner noticed that I was holding a Bible. It was Christmas, a time most Tongans consider to be very holy. He asked me if I knew what the Bible really says about the birth of Christ, but I had no idea what it says. He showed me the Bible’s simple account of Jesus’ birth, and I saw that many of the traditional elements of Christmas are not even mentioned. (Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:5-14) I was dumbfounded, and I wondered what else the Bible says. The man had been attending weekly meetings that Jehovah’s Witnesses held there in the prison, and I decided to join him. They were discussing the Bible book of Revelation. Although I understood little of what was said, I realized that everything they taught was from the Bible.
When the Witnesses offered me my own personal Bible study, I gladly accepted. For the first time, I learned about the Bible’s promise of a future paradise on the earth. (Isaiah 35:5-8) It became plain to me that in order to please God, I needed to make major changes in my life. I realized that Jehovah God was not going to allow any of my vices in the promised Paradise. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) So I resolved to control my bad temper, give up smoking, and never go back to heavy drinking and drug abuse.
In 1999, before finishing my prison sentence, the authorities transferred me to an immigration camp. For more than a year, I had no contact with the Witnesses. But I was determined to continue making changes. In the year 2000, the government canceled my permission to remain in the United States, and I was deported to Tonga.
Back in Tonga, I eagerly located Jehovah’s Witnesses and resumed my Bible study. I loved what I was learning, and I was impressed when I saw that the Witnesses on the island backed up all their teachings with the Scriptures, just as the Witnesses did in the United States.
My father was known in the community because he held a very responsible position in his church. So at first my family was puzzled and irritated by my association with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Later, however, my parents were pleased that Bible principles were helping me to clean up my life.
Like many Tongan men, I spent hours every week drinking kava
One of the most difficult changes for me was related to a drink commonly abused in my culture. Many Tongan men spend hours every week drinking kava, a sedative drink brewed from the roots of the pepper plant. Now back in my homeland, I adopted the custom of going to a kava club almost every night and drinking kava until I fell into a stupor. Part of the problem was my association with friends who cared little for Bible standards. Eventually, I was helped to see that my habits offended God. I made changes so that I could have God’s blessing and approval.
I began attending all the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This association with others who were trying to please God helped me to resist temptations. In 2002, I was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED
I have benefited from God’s patience as expressed in the Bible: “Jehovah . . . is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) He surely could have put an end to this corrupt old system long ago, but he has allowed it to go on long enough for people like me to develop a friendship with him. I like to think he may use me to help others do the same.
With Jehovah’s help I stopped my life from spinning completely out of control. I no longer steal from others to fuel a deadly addiction. Rather, I try to help my neighbors become Jehovah’s friends too. Through my association with Jehovah’s Witnesses, I met my lovely wife, Tea. Along with our young son, we have a very happy family life. Together we teach others what the Bible says about the future hope of living forever in a peaceful paradise. |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 4
The Kingdom ‘Comes’—from Where?
1. On the basis of 1 Timothy 1:17 and Revelation 15:3, what important questions are raised?
SINCE the Bible describes Jehovah as the “King of eternity,” why does a kingdom have to “come” to sanctify his name? (1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 15:3) And from where does it come?
2. What conditions in government have brought reproach on God’s name, and in what way?
2 In the first place, it is obvious that some sweeping change must take place in order to restore righteousness, peace and happiness to this earth. Not only have individual governments in many ways failed to care for the welfare of their citizens, but the nations are in turmoil among themselves. Hatreds, rivalries and nationalistic prejudices divide people and races. These conditions grossly misrepresent the purpose of the Creator and have caused much reproach to be heaped upon his name.—Romans 2:24; Ezekiel 9:9.
3. (a) How does God’s kingdom “come” into this picture? (b) What is so special about the Kingdom?
3 To correct this situation, a very special government is needed. And that is what Jehovah provides. From where does it come? From Jehovah himself, who dwells in the heavens. It is a dependent kingdom that expresses Jehovah’s own universal sovereignty. It derives its authority from the kingship that Jehovah has exercised from the beginning, long before our heavens and earth were created. Since it is born from God’s heavenly organization, this very special divine government inherits the marvelous characteristics of Jehovah’s agelong sovereignty.—Revelation 12:1, 2, 5.
JEHOVAH’S UNIVERSAL SOVEREIGNTY
4. What expression at Revelation 4:11 aptly describes Jehovah’s sovereignty?
4 Because he “created all things” God is the rightful Sovereign over all existing creation. Even those whom God exalts to kingship in the heavens must “fall down before the One seated upon the throne and worship the One that lives forever and ever.” These humbly acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the “King of eternity”—as shown by this further description of them:
“And they cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.’” (Revelation 4:10, 11; Ephesians 3:9)
Is that the way you view God’s sovereignty? It should be.
5. In comparison with human governments, how is Jehovah’s kingship all-embracing?
5 Among humans a kingdom governs according to law. This is necessary for maintaining order. Usually, governments include judges who try cases at law, parliaments to make the statutes of the law, and a king or a president who administers the law. In the universe that he created, Jehovah God fills all three of such offices, as the prophet Isaiah indicates, saying: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King.” (Isaiah 33:22) And to this King David adds the words: “Jehovah himself has firmly established his throne in the very heavens; and over everything his own kingship has held domination.” (Psalm 103:19) Let us examine some aspects of that kingship.
GOD’S UNIVERSAL LAWS
6. What demonstrates the superiority of God’s laws?
6 Governments of men seek to regulate the actions of their human subjects, but they cannot control the forces of nature that so profoundly affect their lives. Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign, can, and he does. Men of science have often marveled at the exactness of the laws by which the physical universe keeps running. These are laws of God. It is because such laws apply without variation that men have been able to land on the moon, communicate through satellites, forecast eclipses and bring forth thousands of intricate inventions. God’s laws also control the sun and the rain, and he can regulate these for the blessing of those who obey him.—Psalm 89:8, 11-13; Job 38:33, 34; Zechariah 14:17.
7. (a) How do Jehovah’s laws testify to his godship? (b) Like Job, how should we regard God’s ways?
7 With reference to the stupendous array of heavenly bodies, God’s prophet says: “Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing. Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth, is a God to time indefinite.” (Isaiah 40:26, 28) Through billions of years Jehovah has controlled his vast universe by so-called “natural” laws. Humans have tried to unlock the secrets of these laws, but there is so much they have yet to learn! They have advanced little farther than that faithful man of 3,500 years ago, who declared: “Look! These are the fringes of his ways, and what a whisper of a matter has been heard of him! But of his mighty thunder who can show an understanding?”—Job 26:14.
8. What other qualities of God blend in, showing him to be a Grand Provider?
8 However, in creating our earth, Jehovah did much more than establish it on the basis of his physical laws. His fathomless wisdom and immeasurable love were blended in with his power and his laws, in making marvelous preparation for earth’s future inhabitants. What kindly foresight, what masterful skill, is to be observed in God’s creative works here on earth! (1 John 4:8; Psalm 104:24; 145:3-5, 13) As we noted in an earlier chapter, Jehovah is indeed the Grand Provider!
9. What are some of the things for which we should thank God?
9 We should be thankful to God for all of his marvelous provisions. Also, we should thank him for the way he designed and made us humans, with our physical and mental abilities and our senses whereby we may find delight in his creations. Yes, we should be ready to acknowledge to God, as did the psalmist: “I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware. My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was woven in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your [design] book all its parts were down in writing, as regards the days when they were formed and there was not yet one among them.”—Psalm 139:14-16.
10. What shows Jehovah to be fully capable of righting matters on earth?
10 The Sovereign Lord Jehovah, who created the universe and all things in it, establishing the systems of things out of his love and wisdom, and according to his righteous laws, is also the one of whom the Bible says: “Righteousness and judgment are the established place of your throne; loving-kindness and trueness themselves come in before your face.” (Psalm 89:14) Surely Jehovah is in position to bring forth a Kingdom government that will set matters right in the earth. (Psalm 40:4, 5) But how does he do this?
REVEALING A SECRET
11. (a) Why, today, should we be happy that true knowledge is available? (b) How may we identify “Michael,” and what does his name signify?
11 In the Bible we find many prophecies that refer to God’s setting up a kingdom that will sanctify his name and cause his will to be done on earth. One of these is the prophecy of Daniel, which points to “the time of the end” when “true knowledge will become abundant.” We can be happy that such knowledge is available to us today. For Daniel tells us:
“There will certainly occur a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time. And during that time your people will escape.”
As Daniel states, this will be at the time when the great prince Michael stands up on behalf of God’s people. The Bible identifies Michael as Jesus Christ, who wars against God’s enemies in order to sanctify Jehovah’s name. Appropriately, then, the name “Michael” means “Who Is Like God?” for it is Michael who proves that no one can successfully challenge Jehovah’s sovereignty.—Daniel 12:1, 4; Revelation 12:7-10.
12. What is the dream picture at Daniel 2:31-33, and why should it interest us today?
12 The prophecy of Daniel tells also of a dream had by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, a dream about a succession of kingdoms. The king promptly forgot what the dream was about, though it continued to agitate him greatly. Finally, the “Revealer of secrets,” Jehovah God, used Daniel to make known to the king not only the dream but also its interpretation. (Daniel 2:29) Since the fulfillment of this prophetic dream continues right down to and beyond our day, we should be deeply interested in its meaning. The dream was about an “immense image” of human form—dreadful in appearance. You may read about it at Daniel 2:31-33. What does that image picture?
13. What do the various sections of the image picture?
13 Daniel made known to Nebuchadnezzar that its head of gold stood for the “king” of Babylon, and that the lower parts of its body represented other kingdoms that would arise after Babylon. Today, we can recognize these as the mighty empires of Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, with the “legs” extending down into the dual Anglo-American World Power of modern times. But what of the feet, made “partly of molded clay of a potter and partly of iron”? In recent years, socialistic popular movements have greatly weakened ironlike authority in the Anglo-American World Power, even as the feet of the immense image were made fragile due to the iron “not mixing with molded clay.” Thus, this dreadful image represents successive human “kings,” or world powers that terminate when God’s kingdom destroys them.—Daniel 2:36-44.
14, 15. What does the “stone” do to the image, and how can we identify that “stone”?
14 For, look! A “stone” is miraculously cut out from a mountain, “not by hands.” No human physical agency is responsible for this operation. Rather, Jehovah himself brings it forth, according to his holy will. Hurtling toward the mighty image, the stone strikes it at the feet. It crushes the entire structure of human rulership, so that the remains are scattered as chaff before the wind. The stone itself then becomes a large mountain that fills the whole earth.—Daniel 2:34, 35.
15 What could this “stone” be? The prophecy removes all doubt when it states:
“In the days of those kings [the Anglo-American World Power and the surviving remnants of the world powers that have preceded it] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”—Daniel 2:44.
16. In praying, “Let your kingdom come,” what things are we petitioning?
16 What does this mean for us today? It means that when we pray for God’s kingdom to “come,” we are in fact petitioning that the heavenly kingdom use its destructive power in crushing all man-made governments, which have failed so miserably to bring in peace and prosperity. Happily, that “stone,” on completing its mission of destruction, will itself grow into a governmental mountain that fills the whole earth. It will bring peace such as mankind has not known since the days of King Solomon, “the abundance of peace until the moon is no more”—which means forever!—Psalm 72:7.
17. (a) Why should the relationship of the “stone” to the original “mountain” give us confidence? (b) What further action does the Kingdom take? (c) As stated at Psalm 85:8-12, what confidence should we have?
17 However, what of the “mountain” out of which this Kingdom “stone” is cut? (Daniel 2:45) The “stone” must be dependent on, and be made of the same stuff as the mountain, and indeed it is. This Kingdom rulership is cut out from the all-embracing, overall sovereignty of the King of eternity—Jehovah God. Just as the universal sovereignty of Jehovah reflects all of his fine qualities, so the kingdom that is cut out of that sovereignty must exalt Jehovah God and his grand purposes. It sanctifies his name by crushing his enemies, showing that he is not a party to their wicked deeds. Then this kingdom by Christ Jesus fills the earth with law and order, and with love and joy, transforming it into the righteous, peaceful place that God purposed from the beginning. Truly, we should be praying for ‘the Kingdom to come’!—Psalm 85:8-12. |
Near-Death Experiences—What Do They Not Mean? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013286 | Near-Death Experiences—What Do They Not Mean?
The Bible’s answer
Many people who have come close to dying say that they recall being separated from their body or seeing a bright light or a place of great beauty. ‘Some consider the experience to be a privileged glimpse of another realm of existence,’ states the book Recollections of Death. Although the Bible doesn’t mention such near-death experiences, it does contain a fundamental truth that shows that they are not visions of the next life.
The dead are unconscious.
The Bible says that the dead “are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) At death we pass, not into another plane of existence or thinking, but into nonexistence. The teaching that we have an immortal soul that survives after our body dies does not come from the Bible. (Ezekiel 18:4) Thus, any memories from a near-death experience cannot be glimpses of heaven, hell, or the afterlife.
What did Lazarus say about an afterlife?
The Bible’s account of Lazarus describes an actual death experience: He was resurrected by Jesus after being dead for four days. (John 11:38-44) If Lazarus had been enjoying some form of afterlife, it would have been cruel of Jesus to bring him back to life on earth. However, the Bible records no comments from Lazarus about the afterlife. Surely Lazarus would have spoken about his afterlife experience if he had had one. Significantly, Jesus described Lazarus’ death as being like sleep, indicating that while Lazarus was dead, he was conscious of nothing at all.—John 11:11-14. |
Will Terrorism Ever End? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100025 | Will Terrorism Ever End?
In the wake of a terrorist attack, you may naturally ask yourself: ‘Does God care? Why do these things happen? Will terrorisma ever end? How can I live with the fear I feel?’ The Bible provides satisfying answers to these questions.
How does God feel about terrorism?
God hates violence and terrorism. (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 6:16, 17) And Jesus, God’s representative, rebuked his disciples when they resorted to violence. (Matthew 26:50-52) Although some claim to commit violent attacks in God’s name, he does not authorize their actions. In fact, he does not even listen to their prayers.—Isaiah 1:15.
God cares about all those who suffer, including those affected by terrorist attacks. (Psalm 31:7; 1 Peter 5:7) The Bible also indicates that God will act to bring an end to violence.—Isaiah 60:18.
The root cause of terrorism
The Bible reveals the underlying reason for terrorism: “Man has dominated man to his harm.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Throughout history, people with power have used terror tactics to oppress others. In response to oppression, others have used terrorism to fight back.—Ecclesiastes 7:7.
The end of terrorism
God promises to eliminate fear and violence and to establish peace on earth. (Isaiah 32:18; Micah 4:3, 4) He will:
Remove the root cause of terrorism. God will replace human domination with his worldwide government. The Ruler of this government, Jesus Christ, will treat everyone fairly, and he will eliminate oppression and violence. (Psalm 72:2, 14) At that time, no one will resort to terrorism. People “will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:10, 11.
Undo all the effects of terrorism. God will heal people of the effects of terrorism, whether physical harm or emotional trauma. (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:3, 4) He even promises to resurrect the dead, bringing them back to life on a peaceful earth.—John 5:28, 29.
The Bible offers us good reasons to believe that God will act soon. However, you may wonder, ‘Why hasn’t God ended terrorism already?’ To find the answer, watch the video Why Does God Allow Suffering?
a “Terrorism” generally refers to the use or threat of violence—especially against civilians—to instill fear and bring about a political, religious, or social objective. However, people may disagree on whether a particular act should be considered terrorism.
The Bible helps people cope
Here are two things the Bible recommends that can help you.
Pray to God.—Philippians 4:6, 7.
Focus on the Bible’s message of hope.—Hebrews 6:19.
For more Bible-based tips, see the article “How to Control Worry.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses who have endured terrorism have also found support from fellow believers. Consider two examples:
Natalya and her nine-year-old son, Aslan, were at a school in Beslan, Russia, when armed terrorists stormed in and took more than 1,000 hostages. Sadly, hundreds died, the majority of them children. Although Natalya and Aslan survived, they were left traumatized. See what has helped them to heal.
Pablo and Sophie lost their son when the Twin Towers were attacked in New York. Watch this video to see what has helped them and others affected by terrorist attacks.
The Bible helps people change
Many people feel frustrated by the injustice and oppression in the world. They may feel that violence and terror are their only options. Can such people change? Yes. To learn how the Bible’s message has helped some to do so, read the article “Is a World Without Terrorism Possible?” |
Youth (yy)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yy | Chapter 4
Moving into Womanhood
1-3. During adolescence, what might cause a girl concern as to her own physical growth? But what eventually happens?
SPRINGTIME eventually passes into summer. Flowering trees in time become fruit-bearing trees. So, also, do young girls naturally become young women. As when a bud has opened up, revealing what the flower is like, so, too, when this transitional period of adolescence is over, the woman you are going to become is more clearly evident. In this development there is much you can do to contribute toward happy results.
2 During your adolescent years, you grow taller, adding perhaps five or six inches (12 to 15 centimeters) to your height. You also become heavier. As a rule, there will be a couple of years when you experience a “growth spurt,” a time when your rate of growth in height and weight speeds up remarkably. You may see other girls of your same age suddenly outgrowing you, or you may find yourself swiftly outgrowing them. Either way, there is no need to become concerned about this. Each individual’s time for this rapid growth period comes at its own point. Girls generally enter this “growth spurt” a year or two earlier than boys. There is, in fact, a time when girls may tend to be taller than boys of the same age. But the boys catch up and, since their growth continues longer than that of girls, generally the boys finish up taller and stronger.
3 Sometimes this growth spurt is initially more rapid in one part of the body than in another. Your feet or hands may seem to become distressingly long in proportion to the rest of your body. But, in time, the rest of the body gets into the swing of growth and things equalize. Usually the lengthening of the torso and the deepening of the chest cavity develop last. Facial contours change. At the same time other parts of the body begin to develop fatty deposits that give the rounded form of the feminine figure.
OTHER BODILY CHANGES
4-6. (a) What “customary thing with women” begins during adolescence? What purpose is served by this bodily process? (b) What other physical changes also occur at this time, and why?
4 But another development takes place during feminine adolescence. It is the start of what Rachel, a woman spoken of in the Bible, called “the customary thing with women,” menstruation. (Genesis 31:34, 35) In a sense, it is a thrilling moment—it shows that you have reached the threshold of womanhood. Hormone secretions have begun to work in your body. They stimulate your ovaries to begin releasing egg cells, quite irregularly at first, but then about once every four weeks. The egg cell, when released, passes down into your womb, which has been stimulated to develop a special lining for receiving the egg in case it should become fertilized. When the egg remains infertile, this lining is in time discarded. This is what produces menstruation, the periodic discharge of blood, fluid and some tissue. While some accompanying pain or discomfort may be experienced, it is a normal process and should cause no undue concern.
5 When do these monthly cycles begin? Their start varies from person to person. While in many lands the average is at around thirteen years, one girl may begin menstruating as early as ten years of age or even earlier, while another may not begin until sixteen or even later. Similarly, the length of the menstrual flow may vary from three to five days.
6 Along with this change from childhood to womanhood, there is a broadening of your hips, and your breasts begin to develop. These many developments, some visible, some invisible, are all preparations for the dual role in life that mankind’s Creator has reserved for women—that of being a wife and a mother. The broader hips that girls develop not only aid in making childbirth easier but also make it easier to carry small children. During pregnancy the normal fatty deposits on the woman’s body are a reserve supply that can be drawn on as she nourishes unborn or newly born children, and with birth the breasts begin producing milk.
GROWING ATTRACTION TO MEN
7-10. (a) How does the development of a girl’s body place upon her added responsibility as to her conduct? (b) How is this responsibility illustrated in The Song of Solomon by the comparisons of a certain girl to “a wall” and “a door”?
7 The privileges granted to women by mankind’s Creator, Jehovah God, carry with them the responsibility to respect and act in harmony with the Creator’s purpose. The mutual attraction that God has caused to exist between the sexes is largely related to procreation. As a girl’s body develops so that she is capable of bearing children, she exerts a stronger attraction toward males who have reached the stage of being able to father children. But this attraction can be misused or abused. What, then, needs to be kept in mind so that you can take the right course, one that will contribute to your lasting future happiness and assure God’s blessing?
8 In the Bible book The Song of Solomon we find an interesting expression evidently made by the older brothers of a maiden from Shulem. First, one is quoted as saying: “We have a little sister that does not have any breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day that she will be spoken for?” That is, what would they do for their sister when she had ceased to be flat-chested, had grown up and someone now asked to arrange for her marriage? Another brother answered, saying: “If she should be a wall, we shall build upon her a battlement of silver; but if she should be a door, we shall block her up with a cedar plank.” (Song of Solomon 8:8, 9) What does this mean?
9 Their figurative language apparently meant that if their sister proved to be firm as a “wall” they would handsomely reward and honor her. How could she prove firm as a wall? By showing firm determination to remain chaste, showing strength in resisting any attempts to involve her in immoral conduct. When suitable for marriage, she would show herself steady and constant in holding to right principles. On the other hand, if she was like a “door” that swings open to anyone exerting a little strength toward it, even to someone unwholesome, then they would have to take steps to restrict her, in effect, to ‘bar her shut’ as someone not to be trusted as regards the opposite sex. She could also be like a door that swings open and shut in her affections, becoming infatuated first with one person and then rejecting him for another.
10 The Shulammite maiden, now a matured woman with breasts, successfully passed this test and was able to say to her brothers: “I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. In this case I have become in his eyes [that is, the eyes of her prospective husband] like her that is finding peace.”—Song of Solomon 8:10.
11-14. (a) Why might the wearing of short skirts or tight sweaters lead to unwanted problems for a young woman? (b) As a young woman, for what reasons especially would you like to be attractive to a young man?
11 You, too, face a similar test as you approach womanhood. If you want to enjoy true peace of mind, heart and conscience, and protect yourself against experiencing peace-wrecking problems, you need to exercise self-control and show strength for what is right. Ought you to draw attention deliberately to those parts of your body that relate to motherhood by wearing short, snug-fitting skirts, low-cut blouses or tight sweaters? That would have a sexually stimulating effect on those of the opposite sex. Then what?
12 Well, will you have the firmness and strength to resist all advances that such emphasis on those body parts might induce? And, even though you show physical development, do you have the mental and emotional development you would need for marriage and possible motherhood? A cat is ready to have kittens at twelve months of age and instinctively can do a good job of caring for her offspring. But humans are not creatures of instinct like animals. Humans have to learn far more than they inherit, and learning takes time. To try to rush the process would be like trying to force the petals of a rosebud to open before their time. That would only ruin the flower and damage any future beauty it might have. Remember, too, marriage is not just being a bride. It also means being a housekeeper, a cook and a clothes washer, and being a mother requires great patience and endurance toward children—all of this in good times and bad, in sickness and in health.
13 Besides this, even though a young woman might feel that she is prepared for marriage, what kind of husband does she want to try to attract? If a young man is attracted simply by what a girl appears to be able to give in the way of sexual satisfaction, is he likely to make a good husband? Rather than trying to attract on that basis, would it not be far better to seek enduring friendships on the basis of what you are as a person—in your mind and heart? You can do that by developing personality traits that are attractive to others. Also, by such things as your conversation, by showing a wholesome, cheerful outlook on life, by showing that you appreciate such things as honesty, modesty, decency, kindness and unselfishness.
14 You can prove that you are genuine in this by refusing to throw away these fine qualities for a few moments of pleasure that would only cheapen and lower you in your own estimation and in that of others whom you respect, admire and cherish. Especially by showing that you have truly worthwhile goals in life, that you want to ‘remember your Creator in the days of your young womanhood,’ can you gain as friends persons whose friendship you will always treasure and which can bring you real happiness.—Ecclesiastes 12:1.
PROPER VIEW OF APPEARANCE
15, 16. (a) Though it’s natural to be concerned about your physical appearance, what will have a far greater effect on your future happiness? (b) In terms of everyday life, explain Proverbs 11:22. Also Proverbs 31:30.
15 It is natural for teen-age girls to be concerned with their personal appearance. But do not be overly anxious or dissatisfied with your physical form or face, as if your whole future depended on this. Look at the grown-ups around you—people you like and admire. Are not many, perhaps most of them, of rather ordinary appearance? Physical attractiveness is not the real key to future happiness.
16 And this is just as true of the girl who does have physical beauty. She should realize that many beautiful women wind up leading very empty, and often immoral, lives. How true is the Bible proverb: “As a gold nose ring in the snout of a pig, so is a woman that is pretty but that is turning away from sensibleness.”! (Proverbs 11:22) Yes, as the Bible also says, “charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.”—Proverbs 31:30.
STRIVING FOR EMOTIONAL BALANCE
17-19. (a) What emotional changes may a girl experience during adolescence? What can help her to attain emotional balance? (Galatians 5:22, 23) (b) What personal habits can also contribute to one’s stability?
17 The physical changes of adolescence may bring emotional changes. Even as a young girl may feel full of energy one minute and exhausted the next, so too her emotions may tend to fluctuate widely. Periods of brightness and joy may be quickly followed by periods of gloom and depression. You may find yourself wondering if you are really normal or just what kind of person you are turning out to be. Especially in the modern industrial society, with its shifting sets of values, adolescent girls are subject to tension and uncertainty.
18 It would be easy to give in to this instability, become withdrawn, introverted, or become very independent and assertive. Some girls do give in to displays of rudeness, flashes of bad temper or coarse speech. Others begin to make a pretense of being something they are not, becoming superficial. But this does not help; it only worsens matters. Now that you are coming out of childhood, it is a time to make a serious personal effort to cultivate the fruits of God’s spirit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control.
19 Cultivate, too, habits that contribute toward stability. Instead of letting your room become messy, keep it orderly and neat. Strive for regularity in sleeping and eating habits; your developing body needs all the help you can give it. The more you can do along these lines, the more calm and stable you will feel, and this will help to moderate your emotional experiences.
20, 21. (a) When you have questions about life, why will you get more reliable information from your parents than from other teen-agers? (b) What, in particular, will make you a truly attractive person?
20 By all means do not let this period of transition cause you to pull away from your parents. They can provide the solid help and reliable firmness you need to lean on so as to keep your balance during this time of change. While you are subject to much “peer pressure”—pressure from others of your age to be like them—realize that they themselves are changing. That is why what pleases them today may not please them at all tomorrow. To be overly concerned about what they think of you will only increase your problems. That is why, too, when you have personal, intimate questions, your parents are by far the better source of information. They can give you a much fuller, more balanced answer than your schoolmates could ever give.
21 Just as early showers are followed by pretty flowers, so, too, if you learn to weather the storm and take things in your stride, you will find the way to stability and confidence. While you should be concerned about keeping yourself physically well and clean (by good diet and regular hygiene), you need to concentrate—not so much on what you are on the outside—but on what you are on the inside. The adornment of a “quiet and mild spirit” produced by the ‘secret person of your heart’ is what will make you truly attractive—in the eyes of God and of humans.—1 Peter 3:3, 4.
[Picture on page 28]
Are you like a door . . .
[Picture on page 29]
. . . or like a wall?
[Picture on page 32]
Do you put too great an emphasis on physical appearance? |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 51
Murder During a Birthday Party
AFTER giving instructions to his apostles, Jesus sends them out into the territory in pairs. Probably the brothers Peter and Andrew go together, as do James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James and Thaddaeus, and Simon and Judas Iscariot. The six pairs of evangelizers declare the good news of the Kingdom and perform miraculous cures everywhere they go.
Meanwhile, John the Baptizer is still in prison. He has been there almost two years now. You may recall that John had declared publicly that it was wrong for Herod Antipas to take Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, as his own. Since Herod Antipas claimed to follow the Mosaic Law, John had properly exposed this adulterous union. So Herod had John thrown into prison, perhaps at the urging of Herodias.
Herod Antipas realizes that John is a righteous man and even listens to him with pleasure. Therefore, he is at a loss as to what to do with him. Herodias, on the other hand, hates John and keeps seeking to have him put to death. Finally, the opportunity she has been waiting for comes.
Shortly before the Passover of 32 C.E., Herod arranges a large celebration of his birthday. Assembled for the party are all Herod’s top-ranking officials and army officers, as well as the leading citizens of Galilee. As the evening progresses, Salome, the young daughter of Herodias by her former husband Philip, is sent in to dance for the guests. The male audience is enthralled by her performance.
Herod is highly pleased with Salome. “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you,” he declares. He even swears: “Whatever you ask me for, I will give it to you, up to half my kingdom.”
Before answering, Salome goes out to consult with her mother. “What should I ask for?” she inquires.
The opportunity at last! “The head of John the baptizer,” Herodias answers without hesitation.
Quickly Salome returns to Herod and makes the request: “I want you to give me right away on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
Herod is greatly distressed. Yet because his guests have heard his oath, he is embarrassed not to grant it, even though this means murdering an innocent man. An executioner is immediately dispatched to the prison with his grisly instructions. Shortly he returns with John’s head on a platter, and he gives it to Salome. She, in turn, takes it to her mother. When John’s disciples hear what has happened, they come and remove his body and bury it, and then they report the matter to Jesus.
Later, when Herod hears of Jesus’ healing people and casting out demons, he is frightened, fearing that Jesus is actually John who has been raised from the dead. Thereafter, he greatly desires to see Jesus, not to hear his preaching, but to confirm whether his fears are well-founded or not. Matthew 10:1-5; 11:1; 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9.
▪ Why is John in prison, and why does Herod not want to put him to death?
▪ How is Herodias finally able to have John killed?
▪ After John’s death, why does Herod want to see Jesus? |
Good News (gh)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gh | Chapter 3
What the Book Contains
1. What does the Bible tell us about life? (Proverbs 21:21)
WHEN you pick up a Bible, what is your impression? Do you say, ‘What a large book!” or ‘It looks too difficult for me‘? True, it is large. But a large book is needed to set out all of our Creator’s loving purpose for mankind. The Bible deals with the lives of people—people like us. It shows life as it really is, with its joys and sorrows, its successes and mistakes. It tells us how to avoid problems or to solve them, and how to have a real purpose in living. When you get absorbed in its outputs, you will find it—no, not difficult, but a thrilling explanation of how to “get a firm hold on the real life” that is in store for mankind.—1 Timothy 6:19.
THE FIRST FIVE BOOKS
2. (a) What are the first five Bible books? (b) Who wrote them, in what language, and when?
2 Let us look first at the five opening “little books” of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These are often called the Pentateuch, meaning “Five Rolls,” as they were apparently written originally on separate animal-skin scrolls. The prophet Moses wrote all these books in the Hebrew language more than 3,400 years ago! It is of great value for us to learn what these books contain.
3. (a) What does Genesis tell about early history? (b) What does it indicate concerning the Deliverer?
3 The first of these five books, Genesis, gives the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth, of things on the earth, and of man. It describes how wickedness got its start on earth, when the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, disobeyed their Creator, and how God promised a Deliverer, the “seed.” It calls attention to the faithfulness of a few men, such as Noah, and tells of the annihilation of the corrupt world by a global flood. It gives the origin of present-day nations and their languages, and shows that the Deliverer, the “seed,” would come through the family line of faithful Abraham. (Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 22:17, 18) Genesis also describes in detail events in the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Jacob was also called Israel, hence his descendants were called Israelites. This thrilling history helps us to get a long-range view of God’s purposes.
4. (a) What do the books from Exodus to Deuteronomy contain, and with what value to us today? (Deuteronomy 32:46, 47) (b) What laws are contained in these books, and how have they affected mankind?
4 The last four books of the Pentateuch describe events of Moses’ lifetime, including the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea, and the people’s behavior under various trials, this being recorded as a warning for us today. These books also include the Ten Commandments and other laws that have greatly benefited mankind, many of the laws being repeated and amplified by Moses in Deuteronomy.
LATER HISTORICAL BOOKS
5. What events are related in the next twelve Bible books?
5 There follow a series of twelve “little books,” from Joshua to Esther, that make up more than one quarter of the Bible record. This is the history of God’s chosen nation, Israel, covering more than a thousand years, from 1473 B.C.E., when Moses’ successor, Joshua, led them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, to about 443 B.C.E. The real-life events related in these pages make exciting and instructive reading. As we observe how God dealt with people in Bible times, we can learn how we may be pleasing to him today, so as to enjoy his blessing on our lives.
6. What candid picture is given in Joshua, Judges and Ruth? (Judges 2:7, 11, 20-22)
6 The books Joshua, Judges and Ruth cover this period up to 1107 B.C.E. and give a candid picture of the blessings and disasters experienced by the nation of Israel, according to how they obeyed or disobeyed their God.
7. (a) What do the books from First Samuel to Esther describe? (b) Why are they more than just history? (Romans 15:4)
7 The history in First Samuel through to Second Kings includes the establishing of the kingdom in Israel in 1117 B.C.E. and the glorious reigns of Kings David and Solomon during the next century. Then it describes the splitting of the nation into the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah in 997 B.C.E., and also events leading to the desolation of Israel by Assyria in 740 B.C.E., and of Judah by Babylon in 607 B.C.E. The two books of Chronicles set out early family lists, and repeat the histories of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as written by a skilled copyist and priest, Ezra. The books Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther trace events in Jewish history from the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which restored the Jews from Babylonian captivity in 537, down to about 443 B.C.E. All these books are much more than just history. They contain valuable admonition for all who love righteousness, and point forward to the promised Deliverer of mankind.
POETIC BOOKS
8. Who wrote the book of Job, and why is this book important to us? (Job 2:4, 5)
8 The next five “little books,” the poetic books, were written at various times during Israel’s history. The book of Job was evidently written by Moses, about the same time as the Pentateuch. It shows God’s chief adversary to be Satan, a spirit person; it indicates why God has permitted Satan’s wicked domination of earth’s affairs for so long, and makes known that God rewards those who keep integrity to him in the face of reproaches and persecutions from Satan.
9. (a) Who wrote many of the Psalms, and what do they contain? (b) Who wrote the other poetic books, and how are they valuable to us? (Proverbs 3:5, 6) (c) When were these books written?
9 The Psalms, of which about half were written by King David, feature prayers of praise and of thankfulness for the loving-kindnesses of God. They also give many prophecies concerning the promised Deliverer. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and The Song of Solomon were written almost entirely by David’s son Solomon. They express much practical wisdom that is especially valuable in helping us to meet the problems of life today. For the most part, these poetic books were written in the eleventh century B.C.E. They are of special interest in that they point the way to true happiness. In all, the Hebrew word describing “happiness” appears dozens of times in them.
PROPHETIC BOOKS
10. (a) What do the prophetic books contain, and why are they of interest to us today? (Isaiah 2:2) (b) During what period of time were the prophetic books of the Bible written?
10 Would you not like to know what the future holds for you? Well, you can know. The seventeen “little books” from Isaiah to Malachi, nearly all of which bear the name of their writer, contain prophecies that have had remarkable fulfillments in past ages. They also foretell events of our own day, such as the power struggle between the Democratic and Communistic nations, which now nears its climax, and the deliverance of God’s own people in the world’s greatest “time of distress.” (Daniel 11:40–12:1) They speak of judgments from God and of a glorious paradise that may be enjoyed by all persons who love him. These prophetic books were all written during the period of the later historical books previously described, starting with the book of the prophet Jonah about 844, and ending with Malachi’s prophecy about 443 B.C.E.
THE FOUR GOSPELS
11. (a) When at last does the promised “seed” appear? (b) What do his name and input mean? (c) What do the Gospels tell us about this Messiah? (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14, 15; Luke 7:19, 22; John 21:25)
11 At last, in the year 29 C.E., the promised “seed” and Deliverer appears! He is Jesus Christ, his name “Jesus” meaning “Salvation of Jehovah,” and his input “Christ” meaning “Anointed One.” Jehovah God commissions Jesus as Deliverer by anointing him—not with a fragrant oil, as was the custom in installing kings in ancient times, but with His own empowering holy spirit. This is the same active force of God that empowered the Bible writers to record His “word.” The “little books” Matthew, Mark, Luke and John describe from various standpoints Jesus’ works and preaching, his martyrdom and resurrection, and his fulfilling many prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures that identify him as the Deliverer.
12. (a) When, and in what languages, were the Gospels written? (b) Why should we humans be thankful for this “good news”? (2 Corinthians 9:15)
12 Matthew wrote his account of the life of Jesus in Hebrew about 41 C.E. and later translated this into Greek. Mark and Luke also wrote their accounts prior to the second destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. John wrote his account about 98 C.E. These Gospels, all written in common Greek, the universal language of that day, contain the “good news” of Jesus’ Kingdom rule under which we humans may come to enjoy “life . . . in abundance”! (Matthew 9:35; John 10:10) We should thank God for this marvelous provision.
ACTS AND THE LETTERS
13. (a) What is described in the “Acts of Apostles”? (b) Who wrote Acts, and what period does it embrace?
13 The “little book” eninputd “Acts of Apostles” describes first the ascension of the resurrected Jesus to heaven and his organizing the congregation of Christians, whom God also anoints and empowers by his spirit. Then it tells of the zeal of these early Christians in proclaiming the good news throughout the world of that time, describing particularly the preaching activity of the apostles Peter and Paul. This vivid account was compiled by Paul’s traveling companion Luke, a doctor, and embraces the period of 33 to about 61 C.E.
14. (a) Who wrote the twenty-one letters of the Greek Scriptures? (b) What do they contain, and why should this interest us today? (1 Timothy 4:15, 16)
14 From Romans through to Jude, there follow twenty-one letters of admonition and encouragement, the first fourteen written by Paul and the remainder by other apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ. These “little books” speak confidently of the resurrection hope, and encourage those who love God to right works and zeal in doing his will. They also call attention to the fulfillment of many prophecies. Paul’s letters carry the names of the congregations or persons to whom he wrote. Then, from James onward, the letters are identified by the name of the writer.
A REVELATION
15. (a) Who wrote “A Revelation,” where and when, and what does it contain? (Revelation 1:1-3) (b) What does it say about the present “woe,” and about future events?
15 This final prophetic book, written by John while in exile on the isle of Patmos, about 96 C.E., records a series of visions given from heaven by God through the glorified Jesus. It is written in highly symbolic language, and sets forth God’s judgment messages. It tells why the people of earth suffer so much “woe” and how God and his Christ will deliver mankind from all enemies—religious, political, military and demonic—preparatory to Christ’s thousand-year reign of peace over the earth.—Revelation 12:12.
16. How does this last “little book” of the Bible show the glorious fulfillment of Genesis 3:15?
16 The Bible’s last “little book” thus shows how God’s promise of a Deliverer for mankind, described in the first book, Genesis, is brought to glorious fulfillment, and how “God himself . . . will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:3, 4) Truly, this is “good news” for all of us today!
[Chart on page 21]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
FIRST 4,000 YEARS OF MANKIND’S HISTORY
(Based principally on Bible record; parentheses indicate approximate date only)
LIVES OF MEN YEAR EVENTS
B.C.E.
Adam created 4026 Rebellion; God promises “seed”
God ‘takes’ Enoch 3039 Enoch prophesied of judgment
Noah’s 600th year 2370 Global flood begins
(2189) Tongues confused at Babel
Abraham is born 2018
1943 God’s promise regarding Abraham’s
“seed”
Isaac is born 1918
1913 “Seed” promised through Isaac
Jacob is born 1858
1781 “Seed” promised through Jacob
Joseph is born 1767
Death of Jacob 1711 Jacob prophesies “seed” to come from
tribe of Judah
Job keeps integrity (1613) God turns back Satan’s challenge
Moses starts Bible 1513 God delivers Israel from Egypt
Death of Moses 1473 Joshua leads Israel into “Land”
David becomes king 1077 [“Seed” promised through King David
of Judah]
Solomon becomes 1037
king
Death of Solomon 997 Kingdom split: Israel and Judah
Isaiah prophesies (778)
Hezekiah king 745
in Judah
740 Assyria destroys 10-tribe Israel
Jeremiah prophesies 647
Ezekiel prophesies 613
607 Babylon desolates Judah
Daniel prophesies 605
537 Cyrus of Persia restores Jews to
“Land”
Malachi ends (443) Hebrew Scriptures now complete
prophesying
332 Greece rules over Judea
63 Rome begins to rule Jerusalem
[Chart on page 26]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
EVENTS OF HISTORY, PAST AND PENDING
(Based on Bible and secular records and prophecy that is in the course of fulfillment; parentheses indicate approximate date only)
YEAR
B.C.E.
Jesus born 2 From line of Abraham, David
YEAR
C.E.
Jesus anointed 29 Jesus becomes Messianic “seed”
Martyrdom of Jesus 33 Disciples scattered
Jesus resurrected 33 Christian congregation formed
Paul converted (34)
Cornelius converted 36
Matthew writes (41)
Gospel
Paul’s first tour (47-48)
Paul’s second tour (49-52)
Paul’s third tour (52-56)
Luke writes Gospel (56-58)
Mark writes Gospel (60-65)
66 Romans besiege Jerusalem, withdraw.
Christians flee city
70 Romans destroy Jerusalem, temple
John pens (96)
Revelation
John writes Gospel (98)
Death of apostle (100) No restraint now to apostasy
John
325 Constantine founds Christendom
Christ becomes King 1914 Christendom starts World War I
Kingdom preaching 1919 Christendom sponsors League
intensifies
1939 Christendom starts World War II
1945-1975 ‘Cold war’; hot wars (Korea, Vietnam,
Holy Land)
Man ends 6,000 years 1975
of history on earth
— U.N. “horns” devastate
“Babylon”
“Great crowd” — Christ destroys nations at
survives Har–Magedon
Christ abysses Devil — 1,000-year reign starts
and demons
[Picture on page 23]
Like King David, we should thank God for his loving-kindness
[Picture on page 25]
God empowered Jesus to be the Deliverer
[Picture on page 28]
God’s promised Deliverer will restore happiness to all races of mankind |
Website tract (T-37)
2014 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/T-37 | Where Can We Find Answers to Life’s Big Questions?
Are the answers in . . .
science?
philosophy?
the Bible?
A BIBLE WRITER SAID TO GOD
“Give me understanding . . . Your word is truth.”—Psalm 119:144, 160, New World Translation.
The Bible is providing answers for millions of people.
Would you like to be one of them?
The jw.org website can help you.
READ online output
The Bible in hundreds of languages
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DOWNLOAD publications
The brochure Enjoy Life Forever!
The magazines The Watchtower and Awake!
WHICH OF THESE BIG QUESTIONS CONCERNS YOU MOST?
What is the meaning of life?
Is God to blame for our suffering?
What happens when you die?
Find the Bible’s answers to these questions at jw.org.
(Go to BIBLE TEACHINGS › BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED) |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 154
Jehovah, Our Creator
(Isaiah 42:5)
1. Our Sov’reign Lord, Jehovah, designed the earth well.
To man he did give it for him there to dwell.
Vast myriads of angels cried out in delight
At God’s finished product; it was a grand sight.
2. A paradise of beauty the earth must yet be.
Jehovah so purposed by his own decree.
Sin started with rebellion, bad use of free choice.
This soon will be ended; for this we rejoice.
3. The coming of God’s Kingdom will set matters straight.
With great expectation that time we await.
We joyfully go forth to make known this good news,
To lighten men’s darkness and truth to diffuse.
4. With eyes toward Jehovah we lovingly gaze,
For he’s our Creator, so worthy of praise.
How wisely he made ev’rything for all mankind!
We laud him and serve him with heart, soul, and mind. |
God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr)
2014 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kr | A Letter From the Governing Body
Dear Fellow Kingdom Publisher:
PICTURE yourself as a member of the Brooklyn Bethel family on Friday morning, October 2, 1914. You are seated at your usual place at the breakfast table, awaiting the arrival of Brother C. T. Russell. Suddenly the door to the dining room opens and Brother Russell appears. He pauses for a moment, as is his custom, and greets the Bethel family with a cheery “Good morning, all.” But then, instead of immediately taking his place at the head of the table, he claps his hands and makes a thrilling announcement: “The Gentile Times have ended; their kings have had their day!” You can hardly contain your joy—you have been looking forward to this moment for a long time! Along with the rest of the Bethel family, you greet this exciting news with sustained, enthusiastic applause.
Many decades have passed since Brother Russell made that electrifying statement. What has the Kingdom accomplished since then? A great deal! Through the Kingdom arrangement, Jehovah has been progressively refining and training his people—from just a few thousand in 1914 to more than seven-and-a-half million today. How many ways have you personally benefited from such training?
Today we often hear our brothers say, “Jehovah’s celestial chariot is on the move!” and that is true. However, the fact is that since 1914, the celestial chariot, depicting the invisible part of Jehovah’s organization, has been moving at an extremely brisk pace, as a careful reading of this publication will demonstrate. With a view to getting the good news preached worldwide, Kingdom publishers have used a variety of innovative methods, including newspapers, information marches, picture presentations, testimony cards, phonographs, radio, and even the Internet.
With Jehovah’s blessing on the work, we are now able to publish our attractive Bible literature in more than 670 languages and to offer it to everyone without charge. Self-sacrificing volunteers assist in the construction of Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities, both in prosperous lands and in lands with limited resources. And when disaster strikes, loving brothers and sisters rush to the aid of those in the affected areas, proving that they truly are “born for times of distress.”—Prov. 17:17.
At times, the clergy and other opposers frame “trouble in the name of the law,” but it is faith-strengthening to see how, time and again, their misguided efforts have turned out to be “for the advancement of the good news.”—Ps. 94:20; Phil. 1:12.
It is an honor for us to be associated with you, our fellow “domestics.” Please know that we love all of you very much. It is our prayer that the outputs of this publication will help you to appreciate your spiritual heritage as never before.—Matt. 24:45.
With every good wish, we are
Your brothers,
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses |
Young People Ask (yp)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp | outputs
Section 1The Home Front: Dealing With Family Members
Page Chapter
11 1 Why Should I ‘Honor My Father and My Mother’?
18 2 Why Don’t My Parents Understand Me?
26 3 How Can I Get My Folks to Give Me More Freedom?
34 4 Why Did Dad and Mom Split Up?
42 5 How Can I Deal With My Parent’s Remarriage?
50 6 Why Are My Brother and Sister So Hard to Get Along With?
56 7 Should I Leave Home?
Section 2You and Your Peers
65 8 How Can I Make Real Friends?
73 9 How Can I Cope With Peer Pressure?
Section 3A Look at How You Look
82 10 How Important Are Looks?
90 11 Do My Clothes Reveal the Real Me?
Section 4Why Do I Feel This Way?
98 12 Why Don’t I Like Myself?
104 13 Why Do I Get So Depressed?
115 14 How Can I Make My Loneliness Go Away?
121 15 Why Am I So Shy?
127 16 Is It Normal to Grieve the Way I Do?
Section 5School and Work
134 17 Should I Quit School?
140 18 How Can I Improve My Grades?
150 19 Why Won’t the Kids Leave Me Alone?
158 20 How Can I Get Along With My Teacher?
166 21 How Can I Get (and Keep!) a Job?
174 22 What Career Should I Choose?
Section 6Sex and Morals
181 23 What About Sex Before Marriage?
192 24 How Can I Say No to Premarital Sex?
198 25 Masturbation—How Serious Is It?
205 26 Masturbation—How Can I Fight the Urge?
212 27 Honesty—Is It Really the Best Policy?
Section 7Dating, Love, and the Opposite Sex
219 28 How Can I Get Over a Crush?
225 29 Am I Ready to Date?
236 30 Am I Ready for Marriage?
242 31 How Do I Know If It’s Real Love?
252 32 How Can I Carry On a Successful Courtship?
Section 8The Trap of Drugs and Alcohol
262 33 Drinking—Why Not?
272 34 Why Say No to Drugs?
Section 9Leisure Time
283 35 Does It Matter What I Read?
289 36 How Can I Control My TV Viewing Habits?
296 37 Why Can’t I Have a Good Time Once in a While?
Section 10Your Future
305 38 What Does the Future Hold for Me?
311 39 How Can I Get Close to God? |
How Do You View Poverty? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101982001 | How Do You View Poverty?
CARMEN is a mother of sixteen children. Her husband was an alcoholic. When he died, he left her with nine children still dependent and absolutely no income. What would you say were her chances of making her way in life and finding peace of mind?
As it turned out, Carmen was able to make a happy life for herself and her children in spite of being poor. How she did it, and what gave her the strength to do it, provide an encouraging example for those who have to endure poverty. But before discussing Carmen’s experience, let’s define our terms. What do you understand by the word “poverty”?
Can You Recognize It?
“Poverty” is defined as the “lack of money or material resources.” But it is not always easy to recognize. Elderly Simon Goldstein looked poor. He “was always dirty and lived like a beggar,” according to a newspaper report. Yet, when he died, the police found his junk-strewn apartment full of money. They gave up counting it when they reached 500,000 dollars!
Of course, this old man was not typical. But the truth is that many of the beggars who line the streets of the world have more money than those who give them alms. On the other hand, some who are genuinely poor hide their poverty because of pride or shame. Ancient King Solomon showed an understanding of human nature when he said: “There exists the one that is pretending to be rich and yet he has nothing at all; there is the one that is pretending to be of little means and yet he has many valuable things.”—Proverbs 13:7.
They Learn that They Are Poor
Then again, poverty can be learned. How? Well, consider a rural village where most people live on small farms. Their farms give them enough to eat, but not much more. Still, their needs are few, and they are output with what they have.
Then some of the villagers move to the big city. They earn money and buy things that were unobtainable back home. After some time they return, wearing fashionable clothes, spending money and talking about good times in the city.
Now the villagers feel that they are missing something. Their situation has not changed, but their attitude has. They have lost their outputment and now feel that they are poor. This kind of thing has happened in many countries of the world.
Richer than They Think
Finally, poverty may be relative, so much so that a poor man in one country would be considered rich in another. Yet he is poor in comparison with others in his own country.
For example, in the poorest county in the poorest state of the United States, eight out of ten families are poverty-stricken. Yet many of them have television sets, washing machines and even automobiles. Doubtless, many of these families feel unhappy when they compare themselves with their wealthier fellow countrymen. They might feel better, however, if they knew about Tony.
Tony is a father of seven children who lives in southeast Asia. He lives in a two-story house with eight rooms. Seven other families share the house with him—one family to each room. All of Tony’s possessions would fit into an automobile trunk. To make a living, Tony works 24-hour shifts as a taxi driver, snatching sleep when he can between fares. There is no welfare system where Tony lives. But his life is more comfortable than that of Mohan.
Who is Mohan? A six-year-old boy in southern Asia. His abdomen is swollen and he suffers from night blindness because of malnutrition. The water he drinks is polluted. He probably has never eaten his fill during his short life. He does not have a shred of clothing to cover his little body, and he has never seen a doctor, a toilet, a piece of soap or an electric light bulb.
How Does This Help?
This analysis of poverty highlights at least two valuable things that can help many poor people to live with their poverty. First is the matter of outputment. A person output with what he has is happier and more stable than one who is constantly striving for things that are at present unattainable.
Second, there is the encouragement to count our blessings. What blessings? If we compare ourselves with those who are worse off than we are, we will find that there are many things for which to be thankful.
And did you realize that many wealthy persons are worse off than many poor ones?
Which Would You Prefer?
What could be worse than poverty? Consider for a moment the parents of Anna. Her father is a wealthy businessman, and the family has a comfortable home in a beautiful area in Europe. However, when Anna was 15 years old she started taking drugs. Now, at 23, her mind is ruined. A dark cloud of sadness and uncertainty hangs over this wealthy family.
Their experience is not uncommon. Countless young people, many of them from wealthy families, are ruined by drugs and alcohol. Perhaps even more sad are the teenage suicides. Imagine the feelings of the parents of a popular 17-year-old boy, a good student, who one day was found hanging from a tree in the garden, a suicide. In the United States suicide is the second most widespread cause of death among adolescents, and many of these come from wealthy families. Think of the mental torment suffered by these young people that drives them to such an act—torment that their parents’ money can do nothing to relieve.
Add to this the horrifying picture that social researchers paint of violence in the family; add the tragically widespread incidence of incestuous abuse of girls and boys, which inflicts mental scars that are very hard to remove; and add the skyrocketing figures of divorce and abortions. You can see that there are many things causing suffering in today’s world besides poverty.
True, these problems exist in poor households too. But which would you rather be—a rich man with heartbreaking family problems or a poor man whose wife loves him and whose children respect and obey him? The Bible proverb says: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.” (Proverbs 15:17) While being rich or poor is often beyond our control, there is much we can do—whether rich or poor—to build up happiness and love within our own families. A poor man who succeeds in doing this possesses a rare and valuable kind of wealth.
Nevertheless, poverty is a difficult problem. Is there any way in which a poor man can reduce the hardships of the situation that confronts him?
[Blurb on page 4]
A person output with what he has is happier than one who constantly strives for what is not now attainable
[Blurb on page 4]
If we compare ourselves with people who are worse off than we are, we will find that there is much to be thankful for |
Does God Require a Tithe? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101974008 | What Is the Bible’s View?
Does God Require a Tithe?
THE ancient practice of tithing or giving a tenth for religious purposes has continued to the present day. Parishes of the Church of England are maintained by a “tithe rent charge.” Tithes support the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec, Canada. The members of various other denominations believe that they are Scripturally obligated to contribute a tenth of their income to their church. Does God really require this? What does the Bible say?
The first recorded instances of tithing in the Holy Scriptures were voluntary, unsolicited acts. Abraham, the forefather of the Israelites, gave King-Priest Melchizedek one tenth of the spoils of his victory over Chedorlaomer and his allies. (Gen. 14:18-20) Later, Abraham’s grandson Jacob made a vow to God, saying: “If God will continue with me and will certainly keep me on this way on which I am going and will certainly give me bread to eat and garments to wear and I shall certainly return in peace to the house of my father, then Jehovah will have proved to be my God. And this stone that I have set up as a pillar will become a house of God, and as for everything that you will give me I shall without fail give the tenth of it to you.”—Gen. 28:20-22.
Clearly, Abraham had not imposed the payment of tenths on his family as a regular duty. It would have been superfluous for Jacob to vow to pay a tenth had he already been under obligation to do so. Moreover, Jacob’s vow about giving a tenth of everything in no way implied that his descendants would have to do the same. That vow was a solemn promise by which Jacob alone bound himself.
Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites, however, did eventually receive a law from God requiring the payment of tithes. What was the purpose of this law? Is it binding on Christians today?
The prime reason for tithes in Israel was to support the priesthood and the services at the sanctuary, because neither the priests nor other members of the tribe of Levi were given a land inheritance of their own. Their main work was to look after the spiritual interests of fellow Israelites. The tithes, therefore, served as a divinely arranged means of support, a payment for services rendered in behalf of the nation. God’s law stated: “The Levites themselves must carry on the service of the tent of meeting, and they are the ones who should answer for their error. It is a statute to time indefinite during your generations that in the midst of the sons of Israel they should not get possession of an inheritance. For the tenth part of the sons of Israel, which they will contribute to Jehovah as a contribution, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance.” (Num. 18:23, 24) The nonpriestly Levites, in turn, gave a tenth of what they had received to the Aaronic priesthood for its support.—Num. 18:25-29.
The Christian congregation forming the “Israel of God,” or a nation of spiritual Israelites, differs from natural Israel. (Gal. 6:16) It has no special priestly class nor a body of sanctuary workers who cannot own land or are otherwise prevented from using their hands to the full in caring for their material needs. All the members of spiritual Israel are a “holy priesthood.” (1 Pet. 2:5) Thus there is no need for the kind of material support Jehovah God outlined for natural Israel.
Furthermore, the activities carried on at the sanctuary by Israel’s priests and the Levites pointed to realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Respecting the provisions of God’s law to Israel, the Bible tells us: “Those things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ.” (Col. 2:17) “Since the Law has a shadow of the good things to come, but not the very substance of the things, men can never with the same sacrifices from year to year which they offer continually make those who approach perfect.” (Heb. 10:1) When the reality came into being, the functions pointing to it ceased to have any value. And tithes for supporting these functions were no longer required.
The Law covenant, with its commands about tithing, was abolished on the basis of Jesus’ death on the torture stake. Of this, the inspired apostle Paul wrote: “[God] blotted out the handwritten document . . . and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.” (Col. 2:14) Hence, the command on tithing given to the Israelites cannot be used to prove that God requires this of Christians.
An examination of the Christian Greek Scriptures gives no indication that members of the first-century church had to pay tithes. True, they made contributions for relief measures in behalf of needy fellow believers. They also gave assistance to elders who worked hard in speaking and teaching. At no time, though, do we read of a specific amount of income being set aside for such contributions.—Acts 11:29; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; Phil. 4:15, 16.
In the Christian Greek Scriptures the emphasis is on voluntary giving that stems from the heart. We read: “If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have.” (2 Cor. 8:12) “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) Manifestly, if tithing had been enjoined upon Christians, the amount would already have been determined for them by a specific command.
Regarding material assistance to elders, Christians were instructed: “Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the Scripture says: ‘You must not muzzle a bull when it threshes out the grain’; also: ‘The workman is worthy of his wages.’” (1 Tim. 5:17, 18) Again there is no mention of any tithe to be used in assisting elders materially. Then, too, we should not conclude from this text that any of the elders received a fixed salary. What they received were voluntary gifts from those who appreciated that the time these elders spent in behalf of the congregation could have been used by them in working for money. The apostle Paul and other faithful elders, however, did not seek after such material assistance. They worked with their hands to care for their physical needs.—1 Thess. 2:9.
Thus there is no Biblical proof that early Christians considered tithing to be a divine requirement. It was such only during the time the Law covenant was in force. With the abolition of the Law, the command about tithing was also canceled. And no command to tithe was given to the Christian congregation. Contributions for furthering the interests of true worship were strictly voluntary. Jehovah’s Christian witnesses today follow the example of the first-century congregation in this regard. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 208
A Song of Rejoicing
(Revelation 11:15)
1. Trumpets are sounding. Joy is abounding.
God’s royal Son is enthroned on high.
Cymbals are clashing; bright garments flashing.
Throughout the earth now is heard the cry:
(Chorus)
2. Through Kingdom preaching and Christian teaching,
Many are drawn to Jehovah’s side.
These too are voicing songs of rejoicing,
Sounding them out, O so far and wide!
(Chorus)
3. May we keep dealing in fellow feeling
With all God’s people, our brotherhood.
And may our singing ever be bringing
Praise to Jehovah, for he is good.
(CHORUS)
This is Jehovah’s day. (Come rejoice.)
His Kingdom here shall stay. (Be glad.)
Let ev’ry living thing (leap for joy)
Praises to God now bring and sing:
“To you, our God, we owe our salvation
And to Christ Jesus, who’s now our King.” |
Daniel’s Prophecy (dp)
1999 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/dp | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER
4 1 The Book of Daniel and You
12 2 Daniel—A Book on Trial
30 3 Tested—But True to Jehovah!
46 4 The Rise and Fall of an Immense Image
68 5 Their Faith Survived the Crucible
82 6 Unraveling the Mystery of the Great Tree
98 7 Four Words That Changed the World
114 8 Rescued From the Jaws of Lions!
128 9 Who Will Rule the World?
164 10 Who Can Stand Against the Prince of Princes?
180 11 The Time of Messiah’s Coming Revealed
198 12 Strengthened by a Messenger From God
210 13 Two Kings in Conflict
230 14 The Two Kings Change Identities
256 15 The Rival Kings Enter the 20th Century
270 16 The Contending Kings Near Their End
286 17 Identifying True Worshipers in the Time of the End
306 18 Jehovah Promises Daniel a Wonderful Reward |
Cultivating Orchids—How Patience Pays Off | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102010007 | Cultivating Orchids—How Patience Pays Off
GROWING orchids can be habit-forming. Some admirers spend hours studying the Latin names of their favorites so they can pronounce them properly. Why are people so fascinated with orchids?
The number of different kinds of orchids is vast. Some 25,000 different species have been discovered in the wild, and official organizations recognize more than 100,000 artificial hybrids! The label “artificial hybrid” does not mean that botanists have created new living organisms from soil, water, and air. Rather, such hybrids are the product of controlled cross-pollination.
Naturally occurring orchids as well as those produced with human assistance come in a variety of sizes. There are tiny orchids that are best observed with a magnifying glass, while others display themselves nicely on a windowsill. One orchid that grows in the Indonesian rain forest can weigh over 1,000 pounds [500 kg]!
Orchids flaunt a rainbow of colors and come in many shapes. Some of them bear a striking resemblance to bees, moths, and birds, while others with forms unlike anything you have ever seen before are particularly captivating, especially to breeders. For many years, only the rich could acquire these beautiful plants, but now orchids are available to those of lesser means. Here is the story behind the beautiful orchids you can enjoy today.
The “Orchid Rush”
People have admired orchids for centuries, but only in fairly recent times have growers learned effective ways to reproduce them. In 1856 the first man-made orchid hybrid flowered. However, cultivating these splendid but fussy flowers was often more tedious than delightful.
Orchid seeds are small—some are like fine dust. Handling such tiny seeds was, and often still is, a challenge, but the greatest difficulty has been getting them to grow. For decades, growers experimented with different materials and conditions to find the right medium for the germination of orchid seeds. In 1922, Dr. Lewis Knudson, a scientist at Cornell University in the United States, discovered that when the seeds were placed in a mixture of water, sugar, and agar (a jellylike substance extracted from seaweed), they sprouted and flourished. Soon enthusiasts were producing new orchid hybrids in abundance. This “orchid rush” continues, with many hybrids never before seen in public appearing each year.
But long before humans cultivated them, orchids grew in the wild. How do orchids produce hybrids in their natural environment?
Orchids in the Wild
When two or more closely related orchid species are flowering in the same area, there is a chance that a natural hybrid will develop. In nature, insects and other creatures act as pollinators. When a pollinator visits orchids in search of nectar, pollen from one plant sticks to its body and pollinates subsequent plants visited. The pollinated orchids may then become fertilized. As such, they will produce seedpods.
In time, the seedpod ripens, splits open, and sets loose thousands, or even millions, of seeds. Some of these fall to the ground, while the wind carries off many others. The seeds that take root have a hard time, and very few reach maturity. Those that grow as a result of pollen from one species fertilizing another species are known as natural hybrids. But how is an artificial orchid hybrid made?
Making the Hybrid
An orchid hybrid is the combination of characteristics from each of its parents. Hence, a grower first considers what kind of flower he wishes to produce. He may be looking for a certain color or stripes or spots. He may be seeking to combine those features in a plant with small flowers or large ones. Fragrance is another factor. With those points in mind, the grower selects two orchids that will hopefully endow their offspring with the desired characteristics. For instance, an orchid cultivator may choose the golden slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum armeniacum) as one of the species he will use. That orchid was discovered in China in 1979. It often imparts a rich golden-yellow to its hybrid offspring, some of which are stunningly beautiful.
Once the grower has acquired his two parent plants, he removes all existing pollen from the pod parent, the flower that will receive pollen from the other plant. The orchid that supplies the pollen is known as the pollen parent. With a toothpick or similar tool, the grower removes pollen from the pollen parent and smears the pollen at the base of the column of the flower of the pod parent. He labels this cross-pollinated orchid with the names of both parents and the pollination date.
Patience Is a Must
If fertilization takes place, an amazing thing occurs in the blossom of the pod parent. Threadlike tubes stretch out from the column to a part of the blossom known as the ovary. The ovary then swells and forms a seedpod. Inside, hundreds of thousands of tiny seeds are forming, each one connected to a single pollen tube. It may take months or more than a year for the seedpod to ripen. At that point, the grower gathers the seeds from the seedpod. He places them in a sterilized flask with a solution of agar and nutrients. If the seeds germinate, tiny orchids will soon appear like a carpet of green grass.
After a few months, the grower removes the seedlings from the flask and places them close together in a community pot. He keeps an eye on the seedlings, frequently watering them so they will not dry out. In time, the grower transplants his new orchids to individual pots. At this point, patience is a true virtue. Orchids may take from a few years to over a decade to bloom.
Imagine a grower’s satisfaction when he sees a blossom on an orchid he has worked to produce! If the hybrid is new, the grower can register it using a name of his choosing. All hybrids developed thereafter using that genus/species blend will thus be referred to by the registered name.
At times, a grower finds an ideal combination that creates a sensation among orchid hobbyists. He may receive awards, and his beautiful plants will command high prices. But regardless of the monetary outcome, the pleasure of seeing a blossom on an orchid that he has crossed is a delight.
Now you know that it took much time and patience to produce the beautiful orchids that you admire. But in reality, the work humans do in producing orchid hybrids is simple compared with that of the grand Creator of every living thing, Jehovah. He has put the complex genetic code in each plant, allowing for such gorgeous blossoms. We are merely the recipients of his artistic love demonstrated among the fascinating variety of orchid hybrids. It is truly as the psalmist David wrote: “How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions.”—Psalm 104:24.
[Picture on page 17]
“Beallara” hybrid
[Picture on page 17]
“Doritaenopsis” hybrid
[Picture on page 18]
“Brassidium” hybrid |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 82
The Women Are a Large Army
(Psalm 68:11)
1. Jehovah himself gives the saying.
The women who go out to preach
All form a large army to witness;
Humanity they want to reach.
It means getting started right early,
To look to one’s household with care.
By planning and diligent forethought,
In service they have a fine share.
2. On these fellow workers, our sisters,
Jehovah’s rich blessing we pray.
For much they accomplish in preaching,
The menfolk with pride justly say.
But many are widows, old-timers,
And all have their problems to face.
From meetings they seldom are absent;
Endurance they show in life’s race.
3. We must give them all due attention
As mothers and daughters and wives.
They share in the joys of the harvest,
Attempting to save precious lives.
This army of women is worthy.
Their efforts result in great gain.
Look after these with fellow feeling.
God’s saying was not said in vain. |
Did You Know? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015006 | DID YOU KNOW?
As used in the Bible, what does the term “eunuch” mean?
Detail of an Assyrian relief of a eunuch
At times, the word may refer to a man who was castrated. In Bible times, some men were castrated as punishment or on being captured or enslaved. Trusted men who had been castrated oversaw the women’s quarters, or harems, in royal households. For example, the eunuchs Hegai and Shaashgaz served as guardians of the wives and concubines of Persian King Ahasuerus, who is thought to be Xerxes I.—Esther 2:3, 14.
However, not all whom the Bible calls eunuchs were actually castrated. Some scholars say that the term was also used in a broader sense to refer to an official assigned to duties in the court of the king. This appears to be the sense in which the term is applied to Ebed-melech, the associate of Jeremiah, and to the unnamed Ethiopian to whom the evangelizer Philip preached. Ebed-melech evidently was a high-ranking official, for he had direct access to King Zedekiah. (Jeremiah 38:7, 8) And the Ethiopian is described as a royal treasurer who “had gone to Jerusalem to worship.”—Acts 8:27.
Why did shepherds in Bible times separate sheep from goats?
When describing a future time of judgment, Jesus said: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, . . . he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31, 32) Why would literal shepherds separate these animals?
Normally, sheep and goats were herded and allowed to graze together during the day. At night they would be gathered into enclosures that protected them from wild animals, thieves, and the cold. (Genesis 30:32, 33; 31:38-40) The two types of animals would be placed in separate enclosures to protect the relatively docile sheep, particularly the ewes and the lambs, from harm that could be inflicted on them by the more aggressive goats. The shepherd also separated the sheep from the goats when “breeding, milking, and shearing,” says the book All Things in the Bible. Jesus’ illustration thus drew on practices and imagery that would be familiar to listeners in a pastoral environment like that of ancient Israel. |
Has Anyone Ever Seen God? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014268 | Has Anyone Ever Seen God?
The Bible’s answer
No human has literally seen God. (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12) The Bible says that “God is a Spirit,” a form of life that is invisible to the human eye.—John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17.
God can be seen directly by angels, though, because they are spirit creatures. (Matthew 18:10) Moreover, some humans who die will be raised to life in heaven with a spirit body and will then be able to see God.—Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 John 3:2.
How to “see” God now
The Bible often uses the idea of seeing figuratively, to represent enlightenment. (Isaiah 6:10; Jeremiah 5:21; John 9:39-41) In this sense, a person can see God now with “the eyes of [his] heart” by having faith so as to know Him and appreciate His qualities. (Ephesians 1:18) The Bible describes steps to build this kind of faith.
Learn about God’s qualities, such as his love and generosity as well as his wisdom and power, through his creation. (Romans 1:20) After being reminded of God’s creative works, the faithful man Job felt as though God were right before his eyes.—Job 42:5.
Get to know God by studying the Bible. “If you search for [God], he will let himself be found by you,” the Bible assures us.—1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 119:2; John 17:3.
Learn about God through the life of Jesus. Since Jesus perfectly reflected the personality of his Father, Jehovah God, he could rightly say: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.”—John 14:9.
Live in a way that pleases God, and see how he acts in your behalf. Jesus said: “Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God.” As noted earlier, some who please God will be resurrected to heaven and will thus “see God” there.—Matthew 5:8; Psalm 11:7.
Did not Moses, Abraham, and others actually see God?
In accounts where it might seem that the Bible says that humans literally saw God, the context shows that God was represented by an angel or appeared by means of a vision.
Angels.
In ancient times, God sent angels as his representatives to appear to humans and to speak in his name. (Psalm 103:20) For example, God once spoke to Moses from a burning bush, and the Bible says that “Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at the true God.” (Exodus 3:4, 6) Moses did not literally see God, though, for the context shows that he actually saw “Jehovah’s angel.”—Exodus 3:2.
Similarly, when the Bible says that God “spoke to Moses face-to-face,” it means that God conversed with Moses intimately. (Exodus 4:10, 11; 33:11) Moses did not actually see God’s face, for the information he received from God “was transmitted through angels.” (Galatians 3:19; Acts 7:53) Still, Moses’ faith in God was so strong that the Bible described him as “seeing the One who is invisible.”—Hebrews 11:27.
In the same way that he spoke to Moses, God communicated with Abraham through angels. Granted, a casual reading of the Bible might give the impression that Abraham literally saw God. (Genesis 18:1, 33) However, the context shows that the “three men” who came to Abraham were actually angels sent by God. Abraham recognized them as God’s representatives and addressed them as if he were speaking directly to Jehovah.—Genesis 18:2, 3, 22, 32; 19:1.
Visions.
God has also appeared to humans through visions, or scenes presented to a person’s mind. For instance, when the Bible says that Moses and other Israelites “saw the God of Israel,” they really “saw a vision of the true God.” (Exodus 24:9-11) Likewise, the Bible sometimes says that prophets “saw Jehovah.” (Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Amos 9:1) In each case, the context shows that they were given a vision of God rather than a direct view of him.—Isaiah 1:1; Daniel 7:2; Amos 1:1. |
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Video Production for 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention Program | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502500102 | For the feature Bible drama, over 27,500 kilograms (60,000 lb) of crushed stone was brought into the Mt. Ebo studio
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Video Production for 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention Program
AUGUST 10, 2020
The videos at our regional conventions touch our hearts and enhance our understanding of Scriptural teachings. The 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention features 114 videos, including the 43 talks delivered by members of the Governing Body and their helpers. Have you ever wondered how much effort and cost is involved in these video productions?
Nearly 900 of our brothers and sisters from around the world offered their time and skill to help produce the program. In total, they spent almost 100,000 hours over a two-year period on the project. This included the 70,000 hours needed to complete the 76-minute feature Bible drama Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold.”
As you might imagine, there were significant costs involved in providing the living necessities for these self-sacrificing volunteers, as well as the technical infrastructure, equipment, and facilities needed to complete the work.
“The Teaching Committee of the Governing Body is very interested in having a variety of cultures and locations featured in our videos. This approach helps to reflect accurately the global nature of our brotherhood,” relates Jared Gossman, who works with Audio/Video Services. “To accomplish this goal, 24 teams in 11 different countries worked together on this project. Such a worldwide effort takes a tremendous amount of resources, planning, and coordination.”
Many of our videos also call for specialized equipment and sets. For example, sets for Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold” were built inside the Mt. Ebo studio near Patterson, New York, U.S.A. To make the best use of dedicated funds while giving the film a historically accurate appearance, the brothers constructed lightweight set pieces designed to mimic the walls of ancient Jerusalem. Each structure consisted of a six-meter-tall (20 ft) wood frame covered in foam with a faux finish that looked like stone. These “walls” could be moved to fit different scenes, reducing the total number of sets needed. Even so, nearly $100,000 (U.S.) was required to construct sets for the drama alone.a
Knowing these details increases our appreciation for this year’s regional convention program. We are confident that the effort involved in producing this program will result in a global shout of praise to Jehovah. Thank you for your generous donations to the worldwide work through donate.jw.org and other means.
a The sets for Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold” were created before the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing was not required at that time. |
True Peace (tp)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp | Chapter 13
Your View of Sex—What Difference Does It Make?
1-3. (a) How does the Bible show that sexual relations between man and woman have divine approval? (b) Would it be for a person’s good to indulge in unrestrained use of his sexual powers?
SOME people have the idea that the Bible frowns on anything having to do with sex. However, an examination of the Bible itself reveals that this is not true. After telling about God’s creation of the first man and woman, it goes on to relate: “God blessed them and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.’”—Genesis 1:27, 28.
2 Sexual relations between man and woman, then, clearly have divine approval. But does God approve of unrestrained sex? Would this bring the greatest enjoyment in life? Would it result in true peace and security for us and for those around us?
3 Sex is just as subject to misuse as are other human functions. Eating is good and essential for life. Yet gluttony can impair health and shorten one’s life. Sleep, too, is vital. But an excess robs life of accomplishment and can even weaken the body. Just as real enjoyment of life does not result from gluttony, drunkenness, and laziness, so too it does not result from unrestrained use of one’s sexual powers. Human experience for thousands of years bears testimony to this. Must we learn this from bitter personal experience? There is a better way.
4. What should motivate us to uphold God’s standards regarding sex?
4 God’s Word gives a balanced view of sex that will protect our happiness now and in the future. Yet, it is not just for the sake of our own peace and security that we should learn and hold to God’s standards concerning the use of these faculties. More importantly, we should do so out of respect for our Creator. If we truly take his side on the issue of sovereignty, we will gladly submit to his superior wisdom and sovereign authority in this matter, too.—Jeremiah 10:10, 23.
Keeping Marriage Honorable Among All
5. What does the Bible say about engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage?
5 The Bible counsels: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) So, God is against sexual relations outside of marriage. This is consistent with the fact that when providing the first man with a mate, God showed that his will was for the two to become “one flesh,” in a lasting bond of union. Some four thousand years later, God’s Son showed that his Father had not abandoned this standard. (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6) But is such a standard needlessly restrictive? Does it deprive us of something good?
6. What shows that God’s law against adultery is for our good?
6 Adultery violates the divine standard, and Jehovah God promises to become “a speedy witness” in judgment against adulterers. (Malachi 3:5) The bad fruits of sexual relations outside the marriage union emphasize the wisdom of God’s law. Adultery produces broken confidence and distrust. It causes insecurity and undermines marital peace. The resulting bitterness and heartbreak often lead to divorce. Children suffer as they see their family torn apart. Clearly, God’s condemnation of adultery is for our good. His Word shows that anyone having genuine love of neighbor will not commit adultery.—Romans 13:8-10.
7. Explain what is meant by fornication, as referred to in the Bible.
7 As we have observed, the Bible also expresses God’s judgment against fornicators. Exactly what is fornication? While the Bible’s use of this term can include sexual intercourse on the part of unmarried persons as well as adultery, it often has a much wider meaning. The word for “fornication” that was used when recording the statements of Jesus and his disciples is the Greek word por·neiʹa. It is drawn from the same root as the modern term “pornography.” In Bible times por·neiʹa was used in referring to a broad range of unlawful sexual relations outside of marriage. Por·neiʹa involves the grossly immoral use of the genital organ(s) of at least one human (whether in a natural or a perverted way). Also, there must have been another party to the immorality—a human of either sex or a beast.
8. For what strong reasons did the apostle Paul urge Christians to “abstain from fornication”?
8 When urging Christians to “abstain from fornication,” the apostle Paul gave strong reasons, saying: “That no one go to the point of harming and encroach upon the rights of his brother in this matter, because Jehovah is one who exacts punishment for all these things . . . For God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness . . . So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not man, but God.”—1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
9, 10. (a) Why do some people hold back from legal marriage, even though living with someone of the opposite sex? (b) Even though fornication is by mutual agreement, how is there ‘harm and an encroaching on the rights of others’?
9 One committing fornication does indeed ‘harm and encroach upon the rights of others.’ This is true, for example, of couples who live together without benefit of legal marriage. Why do they do it? Frequently it is so that they can abandon the union whenever they please. They do not give their partner the security that responsible marriage ought to bring. But if both persons enter the relationship willingly, are they still ‘harming and encroaching on the rights of others’? Yes, definitely so.
10 There are many effects of the actions of fornicators that do ‘encroach on the rights of others.’ For one thing, anyone participating in fornication shares in damaging the other person’s conscience as well as any clean standing that one may have had with God. The fornicator destroys the other person’s opportunity to enter marriage with a clean start. He likely brings disrespect, reproach, and distress on members of the other person’s family, as well as his own. He may also endanger the mental, emotional, and physical health of the other person. Dreadful sexually transmitted diseases such as the deadly AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are often instructioned with sexual immorality.
11. Why is there no reason for anyone to believe that God will condone fornication?
11 Many choose to be blind to these harms. But do you believe that God, in his righteousness, will condone such callous disregard for the rights of others? God’s Word calls for ‘honoring,’ not debasing or repudiating, his sacred marriage arrangement.—Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 22:39.
12. (a) What is God’s view of homosexuality? (b) Against what does God’s law forbidding homosexuality protect us?
12 What of homosexuality? As we have seen, this practice is covered by the word por·neiʹa (“fornication”), used by Jesus and his disciples. The disciple Jude used that word when referring to the unnatural sex acts of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 7) Homosexuality there caused degradation that produced a loud “cry of complaint.” And it led to God’s destruction of those cities and their inhabitants. (Genesis 18:20; 19:23, 24) Has God’s view changed since then? No. First Corinthians 6:9, 10, for example, lists “men who lie with men” among those who will not inherit God’s Kingdom if they continue such a practice. Also, describing the results to persons who ‘dishonor their bodies in uncleanness,’ going after “flesh for unnatural use,” the Bible says that they “became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error.” (Romans 1:24, 27) Such persons not only fall under God’s condemnation, but they also receive a “recompense” of mental and physical corruption. Today, for example, there is a disproportionately high rate of syphilis, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases among homosexuals. The high moral standards of God’s Word protect us against such harm, rather than deprive us of something good.
Accepting God’s View of Divorce
13. How serious is the matter of faithfulness to one’s marriage vows?
13 “I hate divorce.” That is how Jehovah God expressed himself when reproving those who ‘dealt treacherously’ with their marriage mates. (Malachi 2:14-16, Revised Standard Version) His Word gives abundant counsel to help couples to make a success of marriage and to avoid the bitterness of divorce. It also makes clear that God views faithfulness to one’s marriage vows as a sacred responsibility.
14, 15. (a) What is the only proper basis for divorce? (b) Does fornication automatically break the marriage tie? (c) Under what circumstances is remarriage allowable?
14 This is emphasized by the fact that he acknowledges only one proper basis for divorce. Jesus showed what this is: “Whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication [por·neiʹa], and marries another commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9; 5:32) Por·neiʹa, as we have seen, refers to sexual relations outside of marriage, whether natural or unnatural.
15 If one’s mate becomes guilty of fornication, does this automatically break the marriage tie? No, it does not. The innocent mate can decide whether to forgive or not. Where divorce is decided upon, the Christian’s recognition of secular authority will cause him to dissolve the marriage legally, doing so on a truthful basis. (Romans 13:1, 2) When the proceedings are finalized, remarriage is allowable. But the Scriptures counsel that any such marriage should be only to another Christian, one who is really “in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 7:39.
16. In lands where secular law does not allow for divorce on any basis whatsoever, how do Jehovah’s Witnesses show respect for God’s law on the matter?
16 What if the laws of a land do not allow any divorce, even on the ground of sexual immorality? An innocent mate in such a case might be able to obtain a divorce in a country where divorce is permitted. Circumstances, of course, may not allow for this. But some form of legal separation may be available in one’s own country and could be sought. Whatever the case, the innocent mate could separate from the guilty one and present definite proof of Scriptural ground for divorce to the overseers in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What if that person were later to decide to take another mate? The congregation would not act to remove him as an adulterer if he provided the congregation with a written statement containing a vow of faithfulness to the present mate and an agreement to obtain a legal marriage certificate if the former marriage should be dissolved either legally or by death. Nevertheless, the individual would have to face whatever consequences might result as far as the world outside the congregation is concerned. For the world does not generally recognize that God’s law is superior to human laws and that human laws have only relative authority.—Compare Acts 5:29.
Wisely Avoiding All Uncleanness and Sexual Greed
17. From the Scriptures, explain the proper place that sexual relations have in the lives of married persons.
17 Sexual relations plainly have a proper place in the lives of married persons. God provided this as the means by which children would be produced, and also as a source of pleasure to the parents. (Genesis 9:1; Proverbs 5:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5) Nevertheless, he warned against abusing this gift.—Ephesians 5:5.
18, 19. (a) Why is the practice of masturbation, or self-abuse, not proper for a Christian? (b) What can help a person to avoid such a practice?
18 Because of the emphasis placed on sex today, many young folks find that their desire for sexual satisfaction is aroused even before they are in position to marry. As a result, some of them seek pleasure through self-stimulation of their sexual parts. This is masturbation, or self-abuse. Is it a proper or wise practice?
19 The Scriptures counsel: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness.” (Colossians 3:5) Is one who practices masturbation ‘deadening his body members as respects sexual appetite’? On the contrary, he is stimulating the sexual appetite. The Bible urges that one avoid the thinking and conduct that lead to such problems, replacing them with wholesome activity, and that one cultivate self-control. (Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:22, 23) When earnest effort is put forth to do this, such self-abuse can be avoided, with benefits mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
20. What shows that it would not be proper for husband and wife to throw off all restraint in their sexual relations with each other?
20 What the Bible says respecting “uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire” applies to all Christians, single and married. It is true that husband and wife have a Scriptural right to engage in sexual relations with each other. But does this mean that they can throw off all restraint? The fact that God’s Word urges all Christians to cultivate self-control argues against such a view. (2 Peter 1:5-8) The inspired Bible writer did not have to explain the natural way in which the reproductive organs of husband and wife complement each other. Homosexual relations obviously cannot follow this natural way. So, male and female homosexuals employ other forms of intercourse in what the apostle refers to as “disgraceful sexual appetites” and “obscene” practices. (Romans 1:24-32) Could married couples imitate such homosexual forms of intercourse in their own marriage and still be free in God’s eyes from expressing “disgraceful sexual appetites” or “hurtful desire”?
21. Regardless of what a person’s way of life may have been in the past, what opportunity is open to him now?
21 On considering what the Scriptures say, a person may realize that his former thinking on these matters was molded by those who are, as the Bible says, “past all moral sense.” But, with God’s help, one can “put on the new personality,” which is molded in accord with God’s standards of righteousness. (Ephesians 4:17-24) In this way a person shows that he truly means it when he says that he wants to do God’s will.
Your View Vitally Affects Your Peace and Security
22. What immediate benefits come to those who apply the counsel of God’s Word in regard to sexual morality?
22 Applying the counsel of God’s Word as respects sexual morality is not burdensome. Contrast the fruitage of the course the Bible outlines with the world’s high rate of divorce, broken homes, delinquent children, prostitution, disease, and the violence and murders committed in connection with sexual passion. (Proverbs 7:10, 25-27) How evident the wisdom of God’s Word! When you reject worldly thinking based on selfish desire and bring your thinking into harmony with Jehovah’s counsel, your heart is greatly strengthened in right desires. Instead of fleeting pleasures of sexual immorality, you enjoy a clean conscience and enduring peace of mind. Marriage and family ties are fortified with the growth of mutual trust between marriage mates and with respect from the children.
23. How is a person’s view of sex a factor in his being ‘marked’ for survival into God’s “new earth”?
23 And do not lose sight of the fact that your very hope of eternal life is involved. So Scriptural morality will contribute to more than your present health. (Proverbs 5:3-11) It will become part of the evidence that you truly deplore the detestable things done by people who have no regard for God and that you have been ‘marked’ for survival into God’s “new earth,” where, not immorality, but righteousness is to dwell. How vital, then, that you ‘do your utmost now to be found finally by God spotless and unblemished and in peace.’—Ezekiel 9:4-6; 2 Peter 3:11-14. |
Survival (su)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/su | Chapter 1
What Will Become of Planet Earth?
1. What kind of future do you anticipate, and why?
WHAT does the future hold for you as one of the billions of persons now living on planet Earth? Would you like it to be a life of peace and security, among people who really love one another? That and much more can be yours. But it is not the future that the majority expect. Why not?
2, 3. How does the threat of nuclear war influence the way many people view the future?
2 Threat of nuclear war has raised serious doubts as to whether there will be any future at all for vast portions of the human race. When an atom bomb was first used in warfare in 1945, over 70,000 men, women and children were killed instantly. Many thousands more experienced agonizing deaths during the following days and years. But today a single typical warhead has the explosive output of all the bombs dropped during World War II. There are tens of thousands of nuclear weapons deployed for immediate use. Still the world spends some $2,000,000,000 a day on an arms race that leaves many people gasping in horror.
3 But what if there is only a “limited nuclear war”? The results would still be appalling. According to Carl Sagan, a well-known scientist, if the nations were to use even a fraction of their nuclear capacity, “there is little question that our global civilization would be destroyed. . . . And there seems to be a real possibility of the extinction of the human species.” Many people try to put such prospects out of their minds, but that does not remove the danger. A rapidly growing number of others have formed survivalist societies. In the hope that some will survive, they have built places of refuge in isolated areas and stocked these with food and medical supplies, also with guns to drive off unwanted intruders.
4. Why is abuse of the environment viewed as a serious threat?
4 Apart from nuclear war, scientists warn of possible global disaster from the way the environment is being abused. Pollution of the air we breathe is a source of serious concern. Forests are being decimated at an appalling rate; yet these are important to the earth’s oxygen cycle, its rain cycle and soil conservation. Through ignorance and greed, vital cropland is being ruined. Water supplies are being polluted, often with deadly chemicals. Yet these resources are necessities for sustaining human life.
5, 6. What other situations prevent people from expecting life to be secure and happy?
5 Of more immediate concern, you may feel, is the fact that violent crime is making people prisoners in their own homes. Political and social unrest makes life hazardous. Widespread unemployment and soaring inflation result in privation and frustration. The homelife of many is far from satisfying; the bonds of love that should hold a family together are often missing. Everywhere the attitude of people is “Me first!”
6 Where, then, can anyone find a sound basis for expecting to enjoy a life of security? If our future as inhabitants of the earth depended solely on what men and nations that share responsibility for these problems are willing and able to do, the outlook would truly be bleak. But is that the case?
FACTS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED
7. (a) What evidence shows that the Bible is God’s Word? (b) Why is it vital for people to know what the Bible says?
7 In their calculations, humans all too often leave out of account the Creator of the earth and of humankind. But how can we know what His purpose is? The Bible tells us. Repeatedly this Book states that what it contains is of divine origin, inspired by God. Is this claim true? If it is, your life depends on acting in harmony with it. Because of the importance of this matter, we urge you to examine the Bible personally. You will find outstanding its many prophecies reflecting detailed knowledge of the future. Unmatched is its wisdom when it is discussing matters that are most important to your lasting happiness. We feel confident that, if you open-mindedly consider the evidence, you will realize that the Bible could only have come from a supernatural source, from a God who truly loves mankind.a The Bible contains information that is vital to our survival at this critical time in human history. Appropriately, it is the most widely circulated book on earth.—See 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 3:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 14-17.
8. By what name does the Bible identify the Creator of planet Earth?
8 The opening verse of the Bible states as a fundamental truth that “God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)b Although some people prefer to leave God nameless, the Bible does not. Identifying the Creator by name, Genesis 2:4 informs us that “Jehovah God made earth and heaven.” (See also Genesis 14:22; Exodus 6:3; 20:11.) Much of the Bible was written originally in Hebrew, and in the Hebrew Bible text God’s personal name appears nearly 7,000 times as a sacred tetragrammaton (יהוה). Some translators render it as Yahweh, but in English the most commonly used form of the name is Jehovah.
9. (a) With whom did that name for God originate? (b) How important is God’s name to us? (Joel 2:32; Micah 4:5)
9 This name was not devised by devout humans. It was chosen by the Creator himself. (Exodus 3:13-15; Isaiah 42:8) It is not a name to be used interchangeably with Buddha, Brahma, Allah or Jesus. Appropriately the prophet Moses reminded the ancient nation of Israel: “You well know today, and you must call back to your heart that Jehovah [Hebrew: יהוה] is the true God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. There is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39) This is the God to whom Jesus Christ prayed, the One whom he addressed as “the only true God.” Today He is worshiped by informed persons out of every nation on earth.—John 17:3; Matthew 4:8-10; 26:39; Romans 3:29.
10. Why will the threat of nuclear war and the damage done by pollution not thwart God’s purpose for the earth?
10 By virtue of the fact that Jehovah is the earth’s Creator, the entire planet belongs to him, and its future rests in his hands. (Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 89:11) The problems of mankind are not beyond God’s ability to handle. The prospect of nuclear war terrifies humans. But whose laws control the nuclear reactions that take place on an awesome scale in the countless billions of stars? Does God not have the knowledge and the power needed to safeguard life on planet Earth? Likewise, the problems that have developed because humans have both ignorantly and selfishly polluted their environment will not block the purpose of Almighty God. The One who had the wisdom and the power needed to create the earth and the fascinating life forms on it can also give them a cleaned-up start if that is his will. (Isaiah 40:26; Psalm 104:24) What, then, is Jehovah’s purpose in connection with our planet home?
HOW LONG WILL THE EARTH REMAIN?
11. (a) What do some scientists believe will eventually happen to the earth? (b) Who knows more about these matters than they do, and why?
11 Is it God’s purpose to destroy the earth and all living things on it? Some astronomers theorize that eventually our sun will experience an explosive enlargement in size and will engulf the earth. There are those who reason that, because of the very nature of the physical universe, the time must come when the sun will no longer shine and the earth will no longer sustain life. But are they correct? What does the Creator say—the One who brought into existence energy and matter, the One who originated the laws on which our existence depends?—Job 38:1-6, 21; Psalm 146:3-6.
12. How have the words of Ecclesiastes 1:4 proved true?
12 Jehovah inspired wise King Solomon to write about man’s life span as compared with the duration of the earth itself. At Ecclesiastes 1:4 Solomon penned these words: “A generation is going, and a generation is coming; but the earth is standing even to time indefinite.” Human history testifies to the truthfulness of this. Although one generation of mankind has been replaced by another, the earth, the globe on which we live, remains standing. But for how long? According to the literal rendering of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it will be “to time indefinite.” What does that mean?
13. (a) What can “time indefinite” mean? (b) How can we be sure, then, that the earth will endure forever?
13 The Hebrew word ‘oh·lamʹ, here rendered “time indefinite,” basically means a period of time that, from the standpoint of the present, is indefinite or hidden from sight but of long duration. That can mean forever. Does it in this instance? Or does this expression indicate that perhaps at some indefinite future time, now hidden from us, the earth will come to its end? Some things that the Bible says would continue “to time indefinite” did eventually end. (Compare Numbers 25:13; Hebrews 7:12.) But the Scriptures also associate ‘oh·lamʹ with that which is eternal—for example, the Creator himself. (Compare Psalm 90:2 and; 1 Timothy 1:17.) As to what the expression means in connection with the earth, we are not left in doubt. At Psalm 104:5 we are told: “He has founded the earth upon its established places; it will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever.”c—See also Psalm 119:90.
14. How do we know that the globe will not someday become a barren waste?
14 What will endure forever is not merely a barren, unproductive globe. At Jeremiah 10:10-12 we are informed: “Jehovah is in truth God. . . . He is the Maker of the earth by his power, the One firmly establishing the productive land by his wisdom, and the One who by his understanding stretched out the heavens.” Notice that he not only made “the earth” but also firmly established “the productive land.” In place of this latter expression, many translators render the Hebrew word te·velʹ simply “world.” However, according to Old Testament Word Studies by William Wilson, te·velʹ means “the earth, as fertile and inhabited, the habitable globe, world.” As to Jehovah’s purpose regarding this fertile, inhabited earth, Psalm 96:10 reassuringly declares: “Jehovah himself has become king. The productive land also becomes firmly established so that it cannot be made to totter.”—See also Isaiah 45:18.
15. How do these facts agree with the prayer that Jesus taught his followers?
15 Thus it is regarding the planet Earth on which we live that Jesus Christ taught his followers to pray to God: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”—Matthew 6:9, 10.
16. (a) What kind of people will then live on earth? (b) What is the “new earth” of which the Bible speaks?
16 Jehovah’s will is not for the earth to be inhabited by people who have no regard for its Owner and little love for one another. Long ago he promised: “Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” (Psalm 37:9, 29) “The inhabited earth to come,” of which the Bible speaks, will be populated by people who fear God and sincerely love their fellowmen. (Hebrews 2:5; compare Luke 10:25-28.) So great will be the changes that take place under God’s heavenly Kingdom that the Bible speaks of “a new earth”—not a different globe, but a new human society that will live amid the paradisaic conditions that mankind’s Creator purposed from the time he began his earthly creation.—Revelation 21:1-5; Genesis 2:7-9, 15.
17. Why is it important to learn God’s requirements for survival now?
17 The establishing of that “new earth” will, of necessity, be preceded by great destruction—one surpassing anything that mankind has yet experienced. For the good of the earth itself and all who are truly grateful to its Creator, he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:17, 18) God’s time for doing this is very near! When it is completed, will you be found among the survivors?—1 John 2:17; Proverbs 2:21, 22.
[Footnotes]
a See the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God?, published by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
b Unless otherwise indicated, Bible texts in this book are quoted from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1981 edition.
c Some lexicographers therefore understand ‘oh·lamʹ as used at Ecclesiastes 1:4 to mean “for ever.” The New English Bible, Revised Standard Version, The Jerusalem Bible, The Bible in Living English, King James Version and others render it in that way.
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Happiness (hp)
1980 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/hp | Chapter 5
You Can Cope with Life’s Problems
“LIFE is full of problems,” people say. You may agree.
2 Money troubles plague many—bills, inflation, job insecurity, or finding decent housing. Serious marriage and family problems are common. Sex, alcohol or drugs are problems with many young persons. For the elderly, failing health brings difficulties. All these things give rise to damaging emotional tension or stress.
3 How well are you coping with life’s problems? News reports of widespread depression and of suicides clearly indicate that many persons just cannot cope. But there are millions who do not lose their balance when faced with adversity. Why?
4 These latter ones have learned to rely on the advice of mankind’s Creator as found in the Bible. No psychologist, no marriage counselor, no writer of a newspaper advice column knows more about life than God does. He created the first humans, so he has a thorough knowledge of our physical, mental and emotional makeup. (Psalm 100:3; Genesis 1:27) Better than any short-lived human, Jehovah knows what is going on inside us and why we do the things we do.—1 Samuel 16:7.
5 Furthermore, he is better acquainted with the problems that confront us in this world than any of us are. Not for just a few years, but since the time of the first man, Jehovah has observed the problems of humankind—all of them. The Bible tells us: “From the heavens Jehovah has looked, he has seen all the sons of men. . . . He has gazed at all those dwelling on the earth. . . . He is considering all their works.” (Psalm 33:13-15) That means that he knows what succeeds and what does not succeed in coping with whatever problems we have.
6 Generously, he makes it possible for us to benefit from his knowledge and experience. The Bible contains his counsel, set out in such a way that it fits our needs no matter what our circumstances in life, regardless of where we live. As Psalm 19:7-11 says: “The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.”
7 Let us consider briefly how those reminders can help a person to cope with two serious personal problems, namely, severe stress and loneliness. After considering the Bible’s practical help on these, we will examine other common problems—involving money, marriage and drugs.
HOW CAN YOU COPE WITH STRESS?
8 Few people would say that they never experience severe stress. The more that our individual troubles grow—over money, the family, sex, crime—the more severe the stress becomes. A recent newspaper report commented that what best characterizes our times is not a way of acting or a style of dress. It is “the terrible feeling of tension.”
9 Did you know that stress can even shorten your life? Note:
“Dubbed the ‘Twentieth Century Killer,’ stress arises mainly from the psychological demands of contemporary life. The physical ills it generates now contribute to a vast number of hospital cases and deaths each year—at least tens of millions.”—To the Point, African news magazine.
“Severe or prolonged stress can make the body more vulnerable to ailments ranging from skin rashes and the common cold to heart attacks and cancer.”—The Wall Street Journal, U.S.A.
Even the unborn are affected. Stress on pregnant women, such as from marital discord or the fear of unemployment, can cause physical, mental and emotional damage to children in the womb.
10 Stress also does damage in that it creates other problems. Because of it many lose work time, increasing their money troubles. It gives rise to violence, even in marriage. One husband wrote:
“Each day I get more uptight and nervous. I feel like lashing out at everybody and my wife usually gets it. I feel like getting stoned, but it doesn’t do any good.”
11 Some stress is normal in life, and not necessarily bad. Getting out of bed in the morning involves stress, as does watching an exciting ball game. It is the severe, prolonged stress (or, distress) that is damaging. Of course, many of the pressures on us may seem unavoidable, involving other people or circumstances in our own life. Is there, nonetheless, something that we can do about harmful stress? If we could better cope with stress, it might lessen other problems, such as those affecting our health.
12 A key to coping with stress was given by a man recognized world wide as one of the greatest teachers who ever lived, Jesus Christ. When asked which was the most vital of all of God’s commands, Jesus replied, ‘You must love Jehovah with all your heart, soul and mind. And you must love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39) Apply that and you will be helped to cope with stress.
13 For example, as you deal in a loving way with your mate or relatives, it is very likely that peace will increase. An atmosphere of warmth and happiness will develop. Tension will diminish. Yes, this Scriptural counsel can be followed with positive results in reducing stress.
14 Nor is it limited to the family. As you apply the Bible’s advice to show love—including the ‘golden rule’ of doing to others as you would like them to do to you—people will like you more. (Luke 6:31) That has proved true on the job, at school, in the community. Oh, there may be some friction, but certainly less. It is easy to see that, as a result, you will face less stress.
15 Even in scientific circles it is being appreciated that what the Bible recommends will help persons to reduce stress and cope with it. Professor Hans Selye (University of Montreal), one of the foremost authorities on the effects of stress, advised:
“Rather than relying on drugs or other techniques, I think there’s another, better way to handle stress, which involves taking a different attitude toward the various events in our lives.”
He emphasized the need for a “philosophy of behavior by which people could live,” which would “do much more for humanity in general than any discovery.” What? After 40 years of studying stress, he said that the solution essentially came down to—love.
16 Why is it that, even in day-to-day life, showing love as the Bible recommends is so practical? Why does it work? Dr. Selye said:
“The two great emotions that cause the absence or presence of stress are love and hate. The Bible makes this point over and over again. The message is that if we don’t somehow modify our built-in selfishness, we arouse fear and hostility in other people. . . . The more we can persuade people to love us rather than hate us, the safer we are, and the less stress we have to endure.”
17 Anger is another cause of stress. We all get angry at times, as the Bible acknowledges. Yet it counsels: “He that is slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and he that is controlling his spirit than the one capturing a city.” (Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:26) So if we become angry, God’s warning is to avoid flying into a fit of rage or ‘blowing our top.’ Often those who ignore that advice let out a burst of vicious words or get into violent fights. The results sometimes are physical harm or ill will, with lasting stress. Hence, to the extent that you can follow the Bible’s wise and practical advice about anger, you will be helped in coping with stress.
18 As another example, the Bible also helps us to reduce stress by encouraging a varied and balanced life. Some persons are always frantically working, others seldom work. Some persons are always serious, others never. Any such extreme almost invariably causes problems and results in stress. However, read the comments in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, where God says there is a time for every activity. You see, the Bible presents a realistic as well as a more balanced view of life. Work is good, as opposed to laziness. The Bible also urges people to relax some and enjoy the fruits of their labor. (Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13; 10:18; Proverbs 6:9-11) There is benefit to be gotten from some time spent in serious thought about what life means and how we should live it. Yet there is also value in relaxing with one’s family and friends. To the extent that we can apply the Bible’s counsel about balance, we will have less of a problem with stress.
COPING WITH THE AGONY OF LONELINESS
19 “Loneliness is universal,” said Toronto social worker Henry Regehr. “Stop anyone on the street and say ‘tell me about your loneliness’ and you will get story after story after story.” In a poll of 52,000 persons, over 40 percent said that they “often feel lonely.” It was the feeling that most consistently brought discomfort, spoiling happiness. Nor is it a respecter of persons, it strikes old and young, male and female. Though we might think of a single person, such as a widow, as the typical lonely one, some of the most desperately lonely are married persons who cannot communicate.
20 Many persons try to block out loneliness with illicit sex, or to drown it with alcohol or to deaden it by compulsive eating. But the causes remain. One factor is the growth of large cities, where you can be surrounded by people yet feel extremely alone. The breakup of marriages has increased the problem. Even television seems to add to loneliness by cutting down conversation.
21 What can be done to help to cope with loneliness? While not wanting to oversimplify the problem, it may be said that the Bible can help anyone to cope better with loneliness. Why is that? For one thing, loneliness often leads to depression and loss of self-respect. Cultivating a good relationship with one’s Creator can help to restore such a person. He can develop a greater sense of worth, appreciating that God is interested in him, which can lead to a more positive view of life. (Matthew 18:10) Furthermore, the Bible outlines for Christians a way of life that can help to relieve loneliness.
22 Lonely persons are often told to “keep busy.” This has some value. But the Bible offers more realistic and practical advice. It urges Christians to be active in doing good for others, which also produces happiness. (Acts 20:35) We have an example in Dorcas, who spent time making things for other Christians, many of whom were widows. Her efforts helped them materially, and likely also helped them to overcome loneliness. At the same time Dorcas herself was not lonely but loved. You may enjoy reading about her in Acts 9:36-42.
23 A very rewarding activity for many Christians has been that of helping others to learn about God and the Bible. In fact, the apostle Paul said that freedom to do that to a greater extent was an advantage single persons have, which, of course, would also help them to cope with loneliness. (1 Corinthians 7:32-35) Paul himself is an example of this. Read in Acts 17:1-14 how, despite unusual opposition, Paul kept occupied, helping many in the city of Thessalonica. Then note the resulting feeling of closeness between them, mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Hundreds of thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses today can testify how rewarding it is to be busy teaching the Bible to others.
24 Also, Jehovah’s Witnesses regularly meet in groups to study the Scriptures. While learning, they are enjoying warm Christian fellowship. True, just being around other people is not itself the answer to loneliness, as many city people know. But those attending such meetings are among Christians who are striving to apply from the heart the Bible’s encouragement to be genuinely interested in others. (Philippians 2:4) These meetings are stimulating, happy occasions. Those in attendance join in brief prayer to God, something that many have found helps them to realize that they are never alone. (John 16:32) We encourage you to attend a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses. There you can observe how following Bible advice is helping many persons to cope with loneliness and other problems, such as those involving money or the family.
[Study Questions]
What reasons have we for optimism as to life’s problems? How is God involved? (1-7)
How severe is the problem of stress? (8-11)
How can Bible counsel help us to cope with stress? (12-14)
Scientists have found what about the Bible’s counsel on love? (15, 16)
How else can the Bible’s counsel help us with stress? (17, 18)
How serious a problem is loneliness? (19, 20)
What Bible counsel can help with loneliness? How? (21-23)
Of what value is Christian association? (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10) (24)
[Box on page 45]
LIFE’S MOST ‘STRESSFUL’ SITUATIONS
RANK LIFE EVENT
1 Death of spouse
2 Divorce
3 Marital separation
4 Jail term
5 Death of close family member
6 Personal injury or illness
7 Marriage
8 Fired at work
9 Marital reconciliation
10 Retirement
11 Change in health of family member
12 Pregnancy
13 Sex difficulties
14 Gain of new family member
15 Business readjustment
Based on research by Drs. T. Holmes and R. H. Rahne—“Modern Maturity.”
[Box on page 50]
“In their own congregational life Witnesses form a genuine community of trust and acceptance. . . . The Jehovah’s Witnesses offer [one] an alternative life strategy that gives its adherents a way to find identity and self-respect, a community of acceptance, and hope for the future.”—“Religious Movements in Contemporary America.”
[Picture on page 41]
INFLATION
SICKNESS
JOB INSECURITY
FAMILY PROBLEMS
HOUSING
[Picture on page 49]
Doing good for others, as Dorcas did, helps to prevent loneliness. |
Holy Spirit (hs)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/hs | Chapter 6
A Congregation Anointed for Kingdom Proclamation
1. What were questions about world salvation two thousand years ago?
QUESTIONS of world importance confront us today. They are related to questions that we would have faced if we had lived nearly two thousand years ago, in the Middle East. Back there those questions were of world importance because they revolved around a world savior, a Messiah! The time was then due for him to make his first appearance. Hence interested people were in expectation of him. At his appearance would he be hailed with delight by all the world of mankind? Or would he disappoint them in doing what he was commissioned to do at that time? Who would be convinced that he was the Messiah who did exactly what the Holy Scriptures foretold about him, and so follow him as their Leader? Who would not be offended at him but be drawn to him? Who today are being drawn to the world-saving Messiah, and how?
2. (a) The Principal One of the “seed” of God’s “woman” was to fulfill what role? (b) The other ones of the woman’s “seed” were to be who, and be taught by whom?
2 For our safe guidance today, let us remember that the true Messiah was to be the Principal One of the foretold “seed” of God’s “woman,” and was to be ‘bruised in the heel’ by the Great Serpent, Satan the Devil. The “woman” or mother of the “seed” is God’s wifelike heavenly organization made up of holy spirit creatures, angelic “sons of the true God.” The woman’s promised “seed” is made up of sons of hers, the Principal One thereof being the Messiah and the others being his spiritual followers. With respect to these lesser members of the woman’s “seed” we have these words of Isaiah 54:13 as addressed to the symbolic “woman”: “And all your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant.” Properly, the “sons” would be taught by the woman’s heavenly Husband, Jehovah, the Father of the “seed.”—Isaiah 54:5.
3. To whom did Jesus apply the word “sons” in Isaiah 54:13, and how are these now taught without the Teacher’s being visible?
3 The Principal One of the woman’s “seed,” Jesus Christ, made an application of the words addressed to the woman in Isaiah 54:13. In what connection? Well, when talking to Jews who were not drawn to him as the Messiah and so were murmuring against him, Jesus said: “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him; and I will resurrect him in the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by Jehovah.’ Everyone that has heard from the Father and has learned comes to me.” (John 6:44, 45) Of course, Jehovah is not the visible Teacher of any of us, but he has provided an inspired Textbook for us. So by means of this and by the operation of his holy spirit, he teaches us the facts about the Messianic “seed” of his “woman.” In this way he drew the lesser ones of the “seed” to the Principal One thereof, the Messiah, and forms a congregation.
4. By the third year of Jesus’ public activity, how did the views of Jesus’ apostles compare with those of the people as to who he was?
4 By that time, in the third year of Jesus’ public activity, the Jewish people should have come to some decision as to who this miracle worker was in God’s purpose. How many of them showed that they were being “taught by Jehovah” with respect to his Messiah? It was timely for Jesus to ask his apostles about this:
“He questioned them, saying: ‘Who are the crowds saying that I am?’ In reply they said: ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah, and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has risen.’ Then he said to them: ‘You, though, who do you say I am?’ Peter said in reply: ‘The Christ of God.’ Then in a stern talk to them he instructed them not to be telling this to anybody, but said: ‘The Son of man must undergo many sufferings and be rejected by the older men and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised up.’”—Luke 9:18-22; compare Mark 8:27-32.
5. According to Matthew 16:16-19, what did Jesus say to Peter in response to his answer to the question?
5 The apostle Matthew’s account enlarged on the matter, saying: “In answer Simon Peter said: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ In response Jesus said to him: ‘Happy you are, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but my Father who is in the heavens did. Also, I say to you, You are Peter, and on this rock-mass I will build my congregation, and the gates of Haʹdes will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will be the thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loose on earth will be the thing loosed in the heavens.’”—Matthew 16:16-19.
6. What shows that Peter did not misinterpret Jesus’ words about the “rock-mass,” and who did Paul say was the “rock-mass”?
6 From this commendation given to Peter it is evident that he was one who had been taught by Jehovah and had learned from Him. So he was drawn to Jesus and came to him as the Messiah or Christ. Peter’s name means “stone,” or “piece of rock.” But this did not mean that he was the “rock-mass” upon which Jesus would build his congregation. Neither was the “rock-mass” the confession that Peter had made: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The “rock-mass” was Jesus himself. Peter did not misinterpret Jesus’ words. Never did he claim to be the “rock-mass” (Greek, petra) according to 1 Peter 2:4-10. Furthermore, the apostle Paul, whose writings Peter recognized as part of the inspired Scriptures, wrote: “For they [the Israelites in the wilderness] used to drink from the spiritual rock-mass that followed them, and that rock-mass meant the Christ.”—1 Corinthians 10:4; 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
7, 8. (a) What did the apostles mistakenly think the kingdom of the Messiah was to be? (b) To whom were the “keys” of the kingdom of the heavens to be given, but upon whom was the congregation to be built?
7 When Jesus spoke to his apostles about the kingdom, they thought of a kingdom based upon the government that would have its capital at Jerusalem, where King David had ruled. They expected Jesus as the Messiah to set up his government at Jerusalem, as a successor to King David. As an evidence that this was their idea, they said to Jesus after his resurrection from the dead: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6) For the time being, before the festival day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., they did not understand that the kingdom of the risen Christ was to be a superhuman one ruling over far more than the earthly nation of Israel. That being the case, it was quite in order for Jesus, after Peter’s confession of him as the Christ, to bring up the subject of “the kingdom of the heavens.”
8 The “keys” thereof he was giving to Peter. (Matthew 16:19) Still, the congregation was to be built by Jesus Christ on the royal “rock-mass,” the Messianic king. And, just as the “gates of Haʹdes” would not overpower the foundation “rock-mass” but Jesus Christ would be raised from the grave on the third day, so those “gates of Haʹdes” would not overpower the Messiah’s congregation. It too must rise from the dead.
THE INVISIBLE HELPER OF THE CONGREGATION
9. Christ’s followers were to be brought together to form what, and yet what would they also be, like ancient Israel?
9 Unlike Christ’s apostles, the nation of Israel remained confused as to who Jesus was in Jehovah’s purpose. Hence the individual Israelites who accepted him as Messiah or Christ would be brought together to form a new nation. This nation would be as much a congregation as ancient Israel had been. They would be a congregation of proclaimers of the Messianic king and his kingdom!
10. In 1 Peter 2:8-10, how did Peter point out that striking fact, and what is included among the “excellencies” that are to be declared abroad?
10 This striking fact was learned by the apostle Peter as one who was “taught by Jehovah.” One of the last things he wrote to fellow believers contained these words: “To this very end they [the unbelieving Israelites] were also appointed. But you are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:8-10) The “excellencies” of that wonderful One would include his ability to carry out his purpose regarding his Messiah in spite of all the antagonism of those who rejected his Son as Messiah. His “people for special possession” are obligated to praise Jehovah for his Messianic kingdom.—Isaiah 43:21.
11, 12. Why did Jesus promise to send his disciples a “helper,” and what did Jesus say about the helper?
11 Such an obligation the new “holy nation” could not carry out in their own strength amidst a hostile world. Jesus, knowing this, said to his faithful apostles before he was taken away from them under arrest by his enemies: “I shall not leave you bereaved. . . . But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.” Also: “When the helper arrives that I will send you from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me; and you, in turn, are to bear witness, because you have been with me from when I began.”—John 14:18, 26; 15:26, 27.
12 Jesus also added: “If I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to you; but if I do go my way, I will send him to you. . . . when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things coming. That one will glorify me, because he will receive from what is mine and will declare it to you. All the things that the Father has are mine. That is why I said he receives from what is mine and declares it to you.”—John 16:7, 13-15.
ARRIVAL OF “THE HELPER,” THE HOLY SPIRIT
13. The promised “helper” was to be imparted in whose name, and to the believers in whose name?
13 Not quite five hundred years before Jesus Christ made that promise to his apostles, Governor Nehemiah at Jerusalem recorded the prayer respecting God’s dealings with the Israelites: “You were indulgent with them for many years and kept bearing witness against them by your spirit by means of your prophets.” (Nehemiah 9:30) And now, during the physical absence of Jesus the Messiah from his disciples, that same spirit of Jehovah God was to come to their help. It would be imparted to them only in Jesus’ name. It would be imparted only to those who would believe that Jesus was the name of the true Messiah. When was it first imparted?
14, 15. (a) Jesus climaxed his forty days after his resurrection by promising his disciples what thing different from John’s baptism? (b) What question would there be about this promised baptism?
14 For forty days after Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on Sunday, Nisan 16, 33 C.E., he remained here at the earth, but invisibly so. At times, he did like holy angels of old, materialize in human form, to furnish his disciples the proof that he was indeed risen from the dead, but as a spirit. On such appearances to them he kept “telling the things about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:1-3) Some of the apostles had been disciples of John the Baptizer. And now on the fortieth day, the day of his ascension to heaven, Jesus Christ made his disciples highly expectant when he said to them: “John, indeed, baptized with water, but you will be baptized in holy spirit not many days after this.” (Acts 1:4, 5) John’s baptism of the repentant Jews had been in symbol of their repentance over their sins committed against God’s law through Moses.
15 Such water baptism may have given them a sense of relief together with a good conscience. But what would be the effect upon Jesus’ disciples from being “baptized [immersed] in holy spirit”? It ought to be energizing, because God’s holy spirit is his holy, invisible active force.—Matthew 3:11.
16. According to Jesus’ words in Acts 1:6-8, what was the holy spirit to energize them to do?
16 On its arrival, what would God’s holy spirit energize the receivers to do? Just before his ascension to heaven, Jesus said to his disciples: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8) In those words lies the answer to our question: Energize the receivers of holy spirit to give a worldwide witness to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ.
17. On the fiftieth day from his resurrection, under what circumstances was Jesus’ promise to his disciples fulfilled?
17 Jesus Christ ascends to heaven. Ten days pass. The fiftieth day from his resurrection arrives! At Jerusalem the Jewish festival day of Weeks or Pentecost (meaning “Fiftieth” as applying to a day) proceeds. Early in the morning about one hundred and twenty disciples are met together, not at the festive temple, but in an upper chamber, waiting. “Suddenly there occurred from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And tongues as if of fire became visible to them and were distributed about, and one sat upon each one of them, and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance.”—Acts 2:1-4.
18, 19. As explained by Peter, what prophecy began to come true on that day of Pentecost, and how long after its utterance?
18 Ah, at last, after more than eight hundred years since its utterance, the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 had begun to be fulfilled. Startled Jews gathered to observe the phenomenon. Some charged the disciples with being drunk. Boldly the apostle Peter said to them:
19 “On the contrary, this is what was said through the prophet Joel, ‘“And in the last days,” God says, “I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams; and even upon my men slaves and upon my women slaves I will pour out some of my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. And I will give portents in heaven above and signs on earth below, blood and fire and smoke mist; the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and illustrious day of Jehovah arrives. And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”’”—Acts 2:16-21.
20. What baptism there took place, and whom did Peter identify as the one used to do the baptizing?
20 Baptism in holy spirit had taken place, just as Jesus had promised. The spirit’s being said to be ‘poured out’ would harmonize with the fact that it is like a fluid element for baptism or immersion. We remember that God gave John the Baptizer the sign regarding Jesus, to show that “this is the one that baptizes in holy spirit.” (John 1:33) True to this fact, the apostle Peter identified the glorified Jesus Christ as being God’s agent in pouring out the holy spirit upon these first Christians. Said Peter further to those Jewish celebrators of Pentecost: “This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses. Therefore because he was exalted to the right hand of God and received the promised holy spirit from the Father, he has poured out this which you see and hear.”—Acts 2:32, 33.
21. How could Peter say that they saw and heard that which the glorified Jesus poured out?
21 They saw and heard the operation of holy spirit, in that they saw the tongues as if of fire above the heads of the disciples and heard the foreign languages miraculously spoken by the disciples.
22. What else then took place with the disciples, to correspond with what took place upon Jesus after his baptism in water?
22 However, more than a mere baptizing of Jesus’ disciples in holy spirit had taken place on that day of Pentecost. The anointing of them with holy spirit had also taken place. Just as Jesus was anointed with holy spirit after his baptism in water and he thus became Christ or Anointed One, so too with his disciples. They were anointed with that in which they are baptized.
23. Also, with what were the disciples sealed, as explained by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22?
23 Furthermore, they were sealed with that spirit in token of their spiritual inheritance to come. This accords with what the apostle Paul said to the Christian congregation in ancient Corinth, Greece: “He who guarantees that you and we belong to Christ and he who has anointed us is God. He has also put his seal upon us and has given us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in our hearts.”—2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.
24. What did the apostle John later write about the anointing in 1 John 2:20, 27?
24 The apostle John, who was there at that Pentecostal outpouring of holy spirit, understood what had taken place. So this is what he wrote to fellow believers: “You have an anointing from the holy one; all of you have knowledge. And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.”—1 John 2:20, 27.
BEGETTING BY HOLY SPIRIT
25. For a baptized Christian to have a heavenly inheritance in view, what operation of holy spirit was it necessary for him to undergo?
25 There is another feature about this operation of God’s active force. Jesus indicated it when he said: “Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, 5) A Christian with a heavenly inheritance in view must imitate his Master Jesus by being baptized in water. In this way he symbolizes the dedication of himself to Jehovah God, to do the divine will. (Matthew 28:19, 20) But there must also be an operation of holy spirit upon him. Why? Because, as the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:50, “flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s kingdom, neither does corruption inherit incorruption.”
26. After writing about the anointing, the apostle John speaks about what relationship of the anointed ones with God?
26 If the disciples are to be put in line for entrance into God’s heavenly kingdom, they need to be “born again” and thus become spiritual sons of God. As in Jesus’ own case, it is the spiritual son of God that is anointed with holy spirit. This accounts for it that, after speaking about the anointing, the anointed apostle John goes on to say, in 1 John 3:1-3:
“See what sort of love the Father has given us, so that we should be called children of God; and such we are. That is why the world does not have a knowledge of us, because it has not come to know him. Beloved ones, now we are children of God, but as yet it has not been made manifest what we shall be. We do know that whenever he is made manifest we shall be like him, because we shall see him just as he is. And everyone who has this hope set upon him purifies himself just as that one is pure.”
27. How is it shown in John 1:11-13 that human parents have nothing to do with a Christian’s being “born again”?
27 Human parents do not have anything to do with a person’s being “born again.” Out of a person’s own conviction he has to accept Jesus as the Messiah and follow him as the one anointed by God to be the King in the heavenly Messianic kingdom. Then it rests with God’s will as to whether to beget such a follower of Christ by holy spirit. Not human parents, but God begets children for heaven. That is what the apostle John says. Here are John’s words: “He,” that is, Jesus Christ at his coming to the Jewish nation nineteen centuries ago, “came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in. However, as many as did receive him, to them he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name; and they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.” (John 1:11-13) By God’s begetting they become his spiritual sons. He does not beget them in a mother’s womb.
“A NEW CREATION”
28. Who is it that determines that there shall be spiritual children for God, and how are these, in a sense, “firstfruits of his creatures”?
28 Do not human parents decide for themselves about having children of their own flesh and blood? Yes! So, too, God decides about whom he will beget to be his spiritual son with a heavenly inheritance. “Because he willed it, he brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be certain firstfruits of his creatures.” So writes the disciple James to Christians whom he calls “the twelve tribes that are scattered about.” (James 1:1, 18) In agriculture, “firstfruits” are taken out from a new crop and are dedicated to God as something holy and something due him. Who, then, are the spiritual firstfruits? Those whom the heavenly Father begets according to his own will and by means of the “word of truth.” These he takes out from the human family to be a heavenly Kingdom class.
29. For a Christian to be able to enter into the heavenly kingdom, what does 1 Peter 1:3, 4 show to be required of him?
29 To the same “firstfruits” class the Christian apostle Peter wrote: “You have been given a new birth, not by corruptible, but by incorruptible reproductive seed, through the word of the living and enduring God.” (1 Peter 1:23) The “new birth” or the being “born again” is required for a Christian’s final entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Hence Peter writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you.”—1 Peter 1:3, 4; note also 1 John 3:9.
30, 31. (a) Those who have received the “adoption as sons” make what outcry to God? (b) Those having such an adoption are in what covenant and form what kind of nation?
30 To Christians in the Roman province of Galatia who had received the “adoption as sons,” the apostle Paul wrote: “Now because you are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his Son into our hearts and it cries out: ‘Abba, Father!’ So, then, you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, also an heir through God.”—Galatians 4:5-7.
31 Christianized Jews, like Paul himself, were no longer slaves under the Law covenant that had been mediated by the prophet Moses. They were now spiritual sons of God and were in the “new covenant” mediated by Jesus Christ, a Prophet greater than Moses. That new covenant produces what the old Mosaic Law covenant failed to produce, namely, “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5, 6; Hebrews 8:6-13; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6) The “holy nation” that is in the new covenant is therefore a spiritual Israel, made up of Christians who are Jews or Israelites inwardly. These have been circumcised in their hearts rather than outwardly in the flesh. So we read in Romans 2:28, 29.
32. According to 2 Corinthians 5:16-18, why do we know no Christian, not even Christ himself, according to the flesh?
32 In the face of all these new features about the spiritual sons of God, can we be surprised at all that the apostle Paul speaks about “a new creation”? No! It is just logical for him to do so. Reasoning from the fact that Jesus Christ had been raised up from the dead as a heavenly spiritual Son of God, the apostle Paul says: “Consequently from now on we know no [Christian] man according to the flesh. Even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, certainly we now know him so no more. Consequently if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away, look! new things have come into existence. But all things are from God.”—2 Corinthians 5:16-18.
33. To gain entrance into the heavenly kingdom, is circumcision in the flesh necessary, or, if not, what is?
33 From all of this it follows that fleshly circumcision of a person as a fleshly descendant of the patriarch Abraham or as a natural Jew is not a requirement for us to gain salvation through the Messiah, Christ. In the case of those persons who expect to go to heaven, what really is necessary? The inspired apostle Paul answers with these straightforward words: “Neither is circumcision anything nor is uncircumcision, but a new creation is something. And all those who will walk orderly by this rule of conduct, upon them be peace and mercy, even upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:15, 16) This whole “Israel of God” is a “new creation.”
34. For a settlement of the dispute on whether fleshly circumcision was necessary for eternal salvation, what did the Antioch congregation do?
34 Today some persons who have the fleshly circumcision may dispute those words of the inspired apostle Paul, a Christianized Jew. But even for sixteen years after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ there were those who argued for fleshly circumcision as being necessary to eternal salvation. This proved to be the case in Antioch, Syria, where Christ’s disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26) So, what then? The Antioch congregation sent Paul and his missionary companion Barnabas and others “to go up to the apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding this dispute.” (Acts 15:1, 2) So a council of the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem congregation took place, to render a decision as to whether non-Jewish believers in Christ needed to be circumcised outwardly in the flesh.
35. What did holy spirit have to do with the decree issued by the Jerusalem Council, and what did the decree say?
35 Finally, after much discussion and the producing of evidence bearing on the case, the disciple James appealed to the pertinent words of Amos 9:11, 12 that had been inspired by God’s holy spirit and that were already being fulfilled under the guidance of the holy spirit. Plainly this was the direction of God’s holy spirit that outward circumcision in the flesh was not necessary for Gentile believers who had been taken out from the nations for Jehovah’s name. Undoubtedly God’s holy spirit had called up this deciding scripture in James’ mind and also guided him as to recommending the salient points to be covered in the resolution to be issued by the Jerusalem Council. Here is how the Council’s decree read:
“The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” (Acts 15:3-29; 21:25)
Thus it was decided that what was necessary for Christians to realize a heavenly inheritance was, not outward circumcision in the flesh, but one’s being a “new creation.”
36. By their anointing, it is incumbent upon the spirit-begotten congregation to carry out what commission, and with respect to that what does Jehovah teach them?
36 Back there in the first century C.E. the Christian believers rejoiced over that decision of the Jerusalem Council. We ourselves today can still rejoice over that same inspired decision. From the Holy Scriptures we recognize that the spirit-begotten Christian congregation as a “new creation” is anointed with Jehovah’s spirit, just like the Chief One of that congregation, Jesus Christ. So now it is incumbent upon that congregation to do what that anointing commissions them to do, namely, “to tell good news to the meek ones.” Jesus Christ himself did not sidestep the obligation to do this but set the pattern for all his followers. (Isaiah 61:1-3) As spiritual sons of God they are taught by Jehovah what to tell out as “good news” from Him. (Isaiah 54:13) By the faithful example and words of his Son Jesus Christ, Jehovah teaches the Christian congregation that the lifesaving news to tell out everywhere is the good news of the Messianic kingdom of God. |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 17
The King Fights at Armageddon
1, 2. What have people of the world been saying about Armageddon?
AS WORLD War II drew to its close, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur said: “Men from the beginning of time have sought peace. . . . Military alliances, balances of power, leagues of nations, all in turn failed, leaving the only path to be by the crucible of war. The utter destructiveness of war now blocks out this alternative. We have had our last chance. If we will not devise some greater and more equitable system, our Armageddon will be at our door.”
2 Some 35 years later, how were the nations making out with regard to this “last chance”? The Times of London, England, had this to say under the headline “West Germans Fear Armageddon”: “The spectre of war has returned to haunt West Germany as the international situation seems to be slipping inexorably out of control.” And in an article eninputd “World Stumbles into a Darkness,” the editor of the Miami Herald, U.S.A., asked his readers whether it had dawned on them “that Armageddon isn’t just some allegory that you read about in the Bible, it’s real,” and added: “Anyone with half a logical mind can put together the cataclysmic events of the past few years and see that the world is at a historic threshold. . . . It will change forever the way men live.”
3, 4. How does the Bible view of Armageddon differ?
3 True, mankind stands at the threshold of great changes. But do we now face Armageddon? What is meant by Armageddon?
4 Interestingly, Armageddon is different from what most people think. For the Bible describes the war at Armageddon, not as a cataclysmic war among earthly nations or blocs of nations, but as “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” It is God’s war against “the kings of the entire inhabited earth”—meaning the rulers who refuse to submit when God’s kingdom ‘comes’ to cause his will to be done on earth. (Psalm 2:6-12; Daniel 2:44) It is God’s great act of destroying wicked nations and men, in preparing the way for Messiah’s peaceful reign of 1,000 years.—Revelation 16:14, 16; Psalm 46:8, 9; 145:20; Joel 3:9-17; Nahum 1:7-9.
PRELIMINARIES TO THE BATTLE
5. How may we identify the “great harlot” of Revelation 17?
5 Revelation, chapters 16 to 18, tells us much about developments on earth just prior to the war at Armageddon. In the course of the prophecy, the invitation is extended: “Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters.” This “great harlot” is later identified for us as “Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.” Just as ancient Babylon, sitting astride the Euphrates River, became “mother” to the mystic system of religion that spread from Babylon throughout the earth, so “Babylon the Great” today is the world empire of false religion that holds spiritual dominion over “peoples and crowds and nations and tongues,” to their hurt. (Revelation 17:1, 5, 15) It embraces the thousands of religious sects, great and small, “Christian” and non-Christian, that do not acknowledge and serve the true God, Jehovah.
6. Revelation 16 refers to what event that reminds of ancient Babylon?
6 As a prelude to the war at Armageddon, we are shown an angel pouring out a bowl “of the anger of God.” Where? “Upon the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the rising of the sun.” (Revelation 16:1, 12) More than 600 years before the apostle John wrote down that prophecy, Kings Darius of Media and Cyrus of Persia invaded the land of Babylon from the east. Under cover of darkness, Cyrus diverted the Euphrates into other channels, and as the waters fell away he sent his army into the city by way of the riverbed. In one night, while Babylon’s rulers and nobility were blaspheming Jehovah in a drunken orgy, that great city was overthrown.—Daniel 5:1-4, 30, 31.
7. What modern-day parallel do we now see?
7 Do we see a modern-day parallel to this? Why, yes! The time has come for God to execute judgment on “Babylon the Great,” and especially her “daughter” organizations of Christendom. Christendom’s apostasy and bloodguilt have now come to the full! (Revelation 18:24; Jeremiah 51:12, 13) In recent times the “waters,” or “peoples,” that formerly supported her religion have been falling away. Support for religion has been drying up, with many persons turning to the teachings of Darwin, Marx, Lenin and Mao. Also, as prophesied concerning the “last days,” people have become “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.”—2 Timothy 3:1, 4.
8. (a) What call have righteously inclined persons obeyed? (b) How does the state of false religion now contrast with that of true religion?
8 Contributing to the falling away of the “waters” has been the action of righteously inclined persons who have obeyed heaven’s call with regard to “Babylon the Great”:
“Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)
The world empire of false religion, and Christendom in particular, laments the closing of church buildings, the empty pews and the dwindling numbers of priests and nuns. However, those who now place themselves on the side of the Greater Darius, Jehovah God, and the Greater Cyrus, Christ Jesus, enter into a marvelous spiritual prosperity. Are you one of these?
PLAYING THE HARLOT
9, 10. (a) What fearsome “beast” appears in these “last days”? (b) In a public talk in 1942, how was it identified and its course described?
9 “Babylon the Great,” while professing to belong to God, has always had political connections, and in this sense ‘the kings of the earth have committed fornication’ with her. But now, in “the last days,” she has her big opportunity! What is that? Ah, there comes to view “a scarlet-colored wild beast.” What might this “beast” be? Without doubt it has reference to the political nations of earth, for these are so often referred to in the Bible under the symbol of ‘beasts.’ (Revelation 13:1-4, 11-15; Daniel 7:3-8, 17-25; 8:5-8, 20-22) But here we have a combination “beast,” for this fearsome animal has “seven heads and ten horns.”—Revelation 17:3.
10 What composite “beast” has appeared in these “last days,” and what has been its performance on the world stage? At an international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1942, the public talk eninputd “Peace—Can It Last?” called attention to the prophecy at Revelation 17:7, 8. The speaker, Watch Tower president N. H. Knorr, identified “the wild beast that . . . was” as the League of Nations—brought forth in 1920. But now, in that wartime year of 1942, he stated: “The League is in effect in a state of suspended animation, and needs to be revived if it is ever to live again. It has gone into the abyss of inaction and ineffectiveness. It ‘is not.’” President Knorr went on to show that “the wild beast that . . . was, but is not, . . . is about to ascend out of the abyss, and it is to go off into destruction.” True to the Bible prophecy, that “beast” was revived in 1945 as the United Nations.
11. (a) Why is this “beast” described as being “full of blasphemous names”? (b) What judgment is in store for the “beast”?
11 This international “beast,” brought forth to maintain “peace and security” among the nations, is in fact “full of blasphemous names,” for it claims that it can do what only God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus can accomplish. (Revelation 17:3) The apostle Paul prophesied of an occasion when the boastful rulers of Satan’s world would be lauding themselves as peacemakers. He said:
“Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3)
According to God’s Word, the ‘peace and security beast’ will meet up with a quick, decisive execution of Jehovah’s judgment!
“TOO BAD” FOR THE HARLOT!
12. What description of the “harlot” caused John to wonder?
12 Despite God’s declared disapproval of the blasphemous U.N. beast, “Babylon the Great” seeks to have amorous relations with it. Yes, she is pictured as sitting like a queen atop the “wild beast”: “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and was adorned with gold and precious stone and pearls and had in her hand a golden cup that was full of disgusting things and the unclean things of her fornication.” Little marvel that John wrote of this situation: “Well, on catching sight of her I wondered with great wonderment”!—Revelation 17:4, 6.
13, 14. (a) What woeful end awaits false religion? (b) How will it come? (c) Who will mourn for Babylon the Great, but why from a distance?
13 This liaison between the Babylonish world empire of false religion and the U.N. ‘peace and security beast’ turns out disastrously. Although the harlot-like “Babylon” may think that she sits pretty with that world body, God’s Word foretells something else for her:
“And the ten horns that you saw, and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire.” (Revelation 17:16)
A woeful end indeed for the world empire of false religion!
14 The desolating of “Babylon the Great” will be swift.
“In one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong.” (Revelation 18:8)
But there will be those who mourn her. These will not be the militaristic “ten horns” that treacherously turn upon her, but others among the political rulers who used to hobnob with the clergy for the sake of appearances, and to help cover up their shady practices. These will lament over her from a distance, for fear they may share her fate, saying:
“Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!”—Revelation 18:9, 10.
15. Who else take up the refrain, and why?
15 There will also be men of Big Business, gangsters and other racketeers, who have used their religious connections to cast a veneer of “holiness” over their corrupt dealings and to soothe their guilty consciences. These, too, will take up the refrain:
“Too bad, too bad . . . , because in one hour such great riches have been devastated!” (Revelation 18:11-19)
The costly cathedrals, the accumulated lands and wealth, the huge bank accounts and commercial investments of the world’s religion—all of these will have been laid waste.
16. What three groups are in line for execution?
16 Hypocritical world religion, greedy commerce, corrupt politics—all three branches of Satan’s organization on earth are in line for the execution of Jehovah’s judgment. After false religion goes down, what next?
THE KING GOES INTO ACTION!
17, 18. (a) What follows the desolating of “Babylon the Great,” and why? (b) Who finally conquers? (c) Who will be preserved alive? (d) How may you be one of these?
17 Those radical political powers that devastate world religion have no eyes of spiritual understanding. They do not acknowledge the Messianic kingdom, established in 1914. Instead, they vigorously oppose those who proclaim that kingdom and who declare their Christian neutrality with regard to the politics and wars of worldly ‘kingdoms.’—Revelation 12:17; John 17:14, 16.
18 After disposing of “Babylon the Great,” those beastly “horns” can be expected to make their final attack on the Christian witnesses of Jehovah, the apparently defenseless followers of the Lamb here on earth. (Ezekiel 38:14-16; Jeremiah 1:19) How will these foes make out in that warfare? The prophecy answers:
“These will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.” (Revelation 17:14)
Though they take no part in that battle, the remaining ones of Jesus’ anointed followers on earth, along with their companions who have also answered the call to “sacred service,” will be preserved alive. Are you one of these who are praying even now for God’s kingdom to “come” at Armageddon?—Romans 12:1, 2; compare 2 Chronicles 20:5, 6, 12-17.
19. (a) Of what may you be an eyewitness and a survivor? (b) What valuable things will then fail?
19 Yes, you may be an eyewitness and a survivor of that catastrophic war at Armageddon. You may be an observer as the “King of kings,” accompanied by the angelic armies of heaven, fights in vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. There you may see the climactic battle against wicked men, against proud nations and their mighty armies and the wealthy “merchants” that support them! Their multibillion-dollar nuclear arsenal will fail them in that warfare! Greedy profiteers, who have trafficked in oil and food supplies will find their ill-gotten gains valueless, as the world’s stock markets collapse and the value of gold as a means of deliverance plummets to zero. For “this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘A calamity, a unique calamity, look! it is coming. Into the streets they will throw their very silver, and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury. . . . and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’”—Ezekiel 7:5, 19, 27.
20. Where may you find real security?
20 In that day of Armageddon, you may find security, not in any material possession, but in standing firmly on the side of Jehovah and his “King of kings.” It will depend on your obedience to the prophet’s words:
“Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3; see also Isaiah 26:20, 21; Daniel 12:1.)
For at Armageddon, the King seated upon the symbolic white horse “judges and carries on war in righteousness.” While he ‘shepherds the nations with a rod of iron,’ to their destruction, he will bring the white-robed “great crowd” out of the “great tribulation,” shepherding them in love and ‘guiding them to fountains of waters of life.’ May you be one of these!—Revelation 19:11-16; 7:9, 14, 17.
21. Who will assemble at Armageddon, but why in vain?
21 Alas for the U.N., its supportive governments and their amassed military might! Let them assemble at Armageddon “to wage the war with the one seated on the [white] horse and with his [heavenly] army”! All in vain! The “King of kings” hurls them, as it were, into a “fiery lake,” to their destruction. The remnants of Satan’s organization on earth are likewise liquidated, for the long sword of the King is powerful indeed, able to search out and destroy any enemy.—Revelation 19:17-21.
22. How do God’s prophets describe the fight at Armageddon?
22 By missiles and plagues dispatched from heaven, “Jehovah will scourge all the peoples” that fight in opposition to his kingdom, and, no doubt, in their confusion these will hurl their armaments of destruction against one another, for ‘the hand of each one will actually come up against the hand of his companion.’ But if you are one of those calling on the name of Jehovah, you “will get away safe.”—Joel 2:31, 32; Zechariah 14:3, 12, 13; Ezekiel 38:21-23; Jeremiah 25:31-33.
23. (a) Of what will this be the grand climax? (b) What words of Jesus should make us glad?
23 That will be the grand climax of Jesus’ prophetic “sign”—“great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” How glad we can be that those days will be “cut short” for the sake of the “chosen ones”! You, too, may survive as one of the “sheep” whom Jesus invites to “inherit the kingdom”!—Matthew 24:21, 22; 25:33, 34.
24. (a) What action will then be taken against Satan, and why? (b) What follows?
24 When the war at Armageddon is finished, Satan, the wicked instigator of man’s misrule of the earth, will himself be seized, bound and hurled into the abyss “for a thousand years.” Why so? It is “that he might not mislead the nations anymore.” (Revelation 20:2, 3) Then will dawn the most glorious era in all human history. And what will the 1,000 years mean for those loyal ones who have worked and prayed for the ‘coming’ of the Kingdom? Doubtless, you will be interested to know.
[Box on page 169]
THE “HARLOT” AND THE “BEAST”
What has been the relationship of the world empire of false religion with the ‘peace and security beast’? Has “Babylon the Great” sought a controlling interest in the League of Nations and, later, the United Nations? Let the facts answer:
After the League of Nations was proposed in 1918, the “Bulletin” of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America went so far as to state: “As Christians we urge the establishment of a League of Free Nations at the coming Peace Conference. Such a League is not a mere political expedient; it is rather the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth. . . . The heroic dead will have died in vain unless out of victory shall come a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
On the occasion of the 20th birthday of the United Nations, in 1965, the Associated Press reported from San Francisco: “Seven international leaders of religious faiths with more than 2,000 million world-wide members joined prayerful hands under one roof today in support of the UN quest for world peace. Pope Paul VI sent his blessings from Rome . . . to the convocation for Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Christians. . . . Rabbi Louis Jacobs . . . described ‘the UN as the sole hope for lasting peace in a world whose survival depends on it.’”
In October 1965, Pope Paul VI described the United Nations as “that greatest of all international organizations,” and added: “The peoples of the earth turn to the United Nations as the last hope of concord and peace.”
Addressing the U.N. General Assembly on October 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II said: “The formal reason for my intervention today is, without any question, the special bond of cooperation that instructions the apostolic see with the United Nations organization. . . . I hope that the United Nations will ever remain the supreme forum of peace and justice, the authentic seat of freedom of peoples and individuals in their longing for a better future.” Yet not once in his 62-minute speech did the pope mention Jesus Christ or the Kingdom.
In embracing man-made substitutes in place of God’s kingdom, false religion looks to a vain hope. After warning against trusting in human rulers, Psalm 146:3-6 tells us: “Happy is the one . . . whose hope is in Jehovah his God, the Maker of heaven and earth.” And Luke 2:10-14 identifies mankind’s Savior as “Christ the Lord.”
[Box on page 173]
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS LEADING TO ARMAGEDDON
● Issue of world domination raised, nations multiply arms
● Drying up of people’s support of world religion
● A notable cry of “Peace and security!” by the nations
● Militaristic “ten horns” of U.N. devastate world religion
● Beastly “horns” make final attack on ‘Lamb’s’ followers
● “King of kings” destroys nations, armies at Armageddon
WITH SATAN AND DEMONS HURLED INTO ABYSS CHRIST’S GLORIOUS MILLENNIAL REIGN BEGINS |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 129
Now’s the Time!
(Mark 13:10)
1. Now’s the time to preach God’s Word,
Time to let the truth be heard.
Never be by threats deterred;
Show why God’s rule is to be preferred.
Let’s warn men before it is too late.
Help them flee from Babylon the Great
And escape in sharing in her fate.
Zeal for God’s house let them demonstrate.
Now’s the time our zeal to demonstrate!
2. Now’s the time to prove we’re true,
Showing love in all we do,
Helping brothers old and new,
Whether we be many or be few.
Yes, we must serve God unselfishly,
Daily love the truth that makes us free
If his smile of favor we would see
And maintain our full integrity.
Now’s the time to keep integrity!
3. Soon will come the final fight,
Victory for truth and right.
Then will end earth’s darksome night.
Till then each must be a shining light.
In due time we’ll welcome back the dead,
Help them feed on Christ, the Living Bread.
No more evils will there be to dread.
Yes, all these things are what God has said.
Now’s the time to preach what God has said! |
Choosing (bw)
1979 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bw | Chapter 8
Help for Bearing Up Under Suffering
1, 2. Why can disciples of Jesus Christ not escape suffering?
AT SOME time in our lives, we may need help with our problems, even desperately. If a series of tragedies were to befall us in quick succession, we could easily find ourselves sinking into hopeless despair. The burden might well seem more than we could bear. How good it is to have help at such a time!
2 Our being disciples of Jehovah God’s Son does not exempt us from needing aid. We are not immune to afflictions. The common lot of humankind continues to include sickness, accidents, floods, earthquakes, storms, crime, injustice and oppression. We should not expect the Supreme Sovereign to use his power to manipulate hereditary factors and environment so that we, as his servants, become uniquely free from any suffering due to these things. God’s time for undoing all the hurtful effects of human sin is yet future. If he now caused his people to lead ‘charmed lives,’ we would doubtless see huge numbers flocking to serve him—for purely selfish reasons, not due to love and faith.—Compare John 6:10-15, 26, 27.
3, 4. What suffering may true Christians experience that others do not undergo, and what questions may this bring?
3 Not only will we inevitably experience distress from unpleasant conditions, but, because we are God’s servants, we may also face persecution—perhaps from relatives, from neighbors or acquaintances, or from governmental authorities. Jesus Christ went so far as to say: “People will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” (Matthew 24:9) The facts show that this has happened, right in the 20th century.
4 Why does the Almighty God permit his servants to undergo various trials? Since their way of life does not guarantee them freedom from common afflictions and since pursuing that way can even make them “objects of hatred,” a person may wonder how such a way of life could truly be the best. Are there benefits that compensate for, yes, outweigh the afflictions? Can there actually be greater happiness in enduring some trial than in avoiding it? What will help us to succeed in bearing up under severe pressures? The answers to these questions can greatly aid and strengthen us.
WHO BEARS THE REAL RESPONSIBILITY?
5. What do we need to recognize about the source of suffering?
5 It is vital that we never forget that our heavenly Father is not the source of suffering. He did not introduce sin into the world. A spirit son of God chose to rebel against his Maker, thus making himself Satan, a resister of the Most High. On account of his influence, the first human pair, Adam and Eve, deliberately violated divine law, bringing the judgment of death on themselves. (Genesis 3:1-19; John 8:44) Because Adam ruined his perfection, all his offspring were born in sin, subject to sickness, infirmity, old age and death. (Romans 5:12) As born sinners, we all fall short of being the kind of person we would like to be and ought to be. By our words and actions, we may unintentionally hurt others, adding to their afflictions. So we need to remember that God is not to blame for the difficulties produced by our own imperfections or those of our fellow humans. If his law had been obeyed, sickness, infirmity, old age and the many other causes of suffering would never have come into existence.
6. How does Jehovah feel about man’s inhumanity to man?
6 Then, too, our heavenly Father does not approve of man’s inhumanity to man. The Bible says: “To trample underfoot any prisoner in the land, to deprive a man of his rights in defiance of the Most High, to pervert justice in the courts—such things the Lord has never approved.” (Lamentations 3:34-36, The New English Bible) Those who mistreat fellow humans, in violation of God’s law, will have to render an account to him. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” (Romans 12:19) Consequently, we need to exercise care that we do not become embittered toward our heavenly Father because of the suffering that results when men willfully and rebelliously disregard divine law.
7. Since Jehovah God has permitted situations to develop that result in suffering for us, what must we conclude about his reasons for doing so?
7 Of course, Jehovah God has the ability to prevent Satan, the demons, wicked men and human sinfulness from causing all kinds of trialsome situations. However, since he does permit distressing circumstances to beset even his servants, this must be for good reasons.
FOR THE BENEFIT OF “VESSELS OF MERCY”
8. What reasons are presented in Romans 9:14-24 as to why Jehovah God does not act immediately against those who cause others to suffer?
8 The Scriptures explain that God’s purpose in not taking action immediately against those responsible for bringing great suffering on others is for the ultimate benefit of righteously disposed ones. In his letter to the Romans, the Christian apostle Paul wrote:
“Is there injustice with God? Never may that become so! For he says to Moses: ‘I will have mercy upon whomever I do have mercy, and I will show compassion to whomever I do show compassion.’ So, then, it depends, not upon the one wishing nor upon the one running, but upon God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘For this very cause I have let you remain, that in connection with you I may show my power, and that my name may be declared in all the earth.’ So, then, upon whom he wishes he has mercy, but whom he wishes he lets become obstinate.
“You will therefore say to me: ‘Why does he yet find fault? For who has withstood his express will?’ O man, who, then, really are you to be answering back to God? Shall the thing molded say to him that molded it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’ What? Does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for an honorable use, another for a dishonorable use? If, now, God, although having the will to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, tolerated with much long-suffering vessels of wrath made fit for destruction, in order that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, namely, us, whom he called not only from among Jews but also from among nations, what of it?”—Romans 9:14-24.
9. How did Pharaoh reveal himself to be a ‘vessel of wrath’?
9 What Jehovah God may cause or may allow to develop in the lives of people can reveal just what kind of “vessels” they are. The Pharaoh on whom Jehovah, through Moses and Aaron, served notice for the release of the enslaved Israelites continued to harden himself against the Most High. As one plague after another came upon the Egyptians, this Pharaoh became more stubborn in his refusal to let the Israelites leave Egypt as a free people. Thus he revealed himself to be a ‘vessel of wrath,’ meriting destruction for rebellious defiance against the authority of the Supreme Sovereign, Jehovah God. At the same time, the cruel, unjust treatment given to the Israelites amply demonstrated that they were deservedly in need of mercy, pity or compassion.
10. By allowing Pharaoh to maintain his defiant course for a time, how did Jehovah make a great name for himself?
10 Note, too, that the apostle Paul called attention to the fact that God’s name was involved in Jehovah’s allowing Pharaoh to continue in stubborn defiance. If this haughty ruler had been destroyed immediately, there would not have been the opportunity for Jehovah God’s power to be made known in such an extensive and diversified way, humiliating the many deities of the Egyptians and the magic-practicing priests. The ten plagues, climaxed by the destruction of Pharaoh and his military forces in the Red Sea, were such an impressive display of divine power that for years thereafter the surrounding nations were still talking about it. Thus the name of Jehovah came to be declared throughout the earth, bringing glory and honor to that name, and moving honesthearted ones to recognize his supreme position.—Joshua 2:10, 11; 1 Samuel 4:8.
11. How did the Israelites benefit from their experience with Pharaoh?
11 Surely, the Israelites, as “vessels of mercy,” benefited from what the Most High had done. His permission of oppression and then bringing it to an end in a magnificent demonstration of power helped them to know him better, providing them with a glimpse of his greatness that could not have been gained otherwise. Though painful, Israel’s experience in Egypt certainly should have helped them to see the importance of having faith in his saving power, as well as having a wholesome fear of God. This was essential if they were to continue pursuing a way of life that would lead to happiness, security, peace and good health.—Deuteronomy 6:1-24; 28:1-68.
12. As illustrated in the case of Job, what does Jehovah’s permission of suffering enable us to do?
12 Just as the inclination of people’s hearts became manifest in that time, so the testing and trials that may befall us by God’s permission can reveal whether our service to him is rightly motivated. It is the outpution of God’s adversary, Satan, that those who do the divine will are basically selfish. Respecting faithful Job, the adversary declared: “Everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul. For a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch as far as his bone and his flesh and see whether he will not curse you to your very face.” (Job 2:4, 5) By faithful endurance under suffering, we share in proving Satan’s outpution to be a lie and share in vindicating the good name of our heavenly Father, who trusts his loyal servants. What if Jehovah were to allow Satan, by means of his agents, to subject true Christians to very cruel treatment that ended in death or crippling infirmity? What if some were even sexually assaulted or abused in other vile ways? These things are shocking. Yet there is nothing beyond the power of our heavenly Father to rectify fully in his due time. So, in some cases, he may see fit to let the trial be pushed to such an extreme point. Through faithfulness, even to the point of death, God’s servants are thus given the opportunity to show beyond denial the genuineness of their devotion.
13. What do the words of 1 Peter 1:5-7 reveal about the suffering to which Christians may be submitted?
13 Surprising as it may seem to some, the trials to which we may be submitted, whether from natural causes or from persecution, can nevertheless bring improvement in us in a personal way. The apostle Peter called attention to this. After pointing out that Christians are “safeguarded by God’s power” so that their final salvation might be secured, the apostle states:
“In this fact you are greatly rejoicing, though for a little while at present, if it must be, you have been grieved by various trials, in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”—1 Peter 1:5-7.
14. Why Can Christians rejoice when they are “grieved” by trials?
14 As Peter acknowledges, the suffering that we may experience is by no means pleasant. We can be actually “grieved” or pained by trials. Yet we can, at the same time, rejoice. Why? In part, the joy comes from recognizing that there is a spiritual benefit to be gained from successfully bearing up under affliction. What is that spiritual benefit?
THE WAY SUFFERING CAN REFINE FAITH
15. What effect can trials have on faith?
15 The apostle Peter likened the effects that trials can have on a Christian’s faith to the refining of gold by fire. The refining process removes the dross, leaving behind the pure gold. The highly increased value of the gold certainly makes the refining process worth while. Still, as Peter said, even gold tested by fire is perishable. It can wear away or be destroyed by other means. But not so with tried or tested faith. Genuine faith cannot be destroyed.
16. Why is it highly beneficial for us to have genuine faith?
16 If we are to gain divine approval, it is absolutely essential that we have such faith. The Bible tells us: “Without faith it is impossible to please [God] well.” (Hebrews 11:6) Truly, faith that is proved genuine under test greatly exceeds the value of refined gold. Our eternal future depends on such faith.
17. What question might be raised about the effect of trials on faith?
17 But how can trials refine faith so that it “may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”? This can happen in a variety of ways.
18. How might faith reveal itself under trial, and how can this strengthen us?
18 If our faith is strong, it will comfort and support us during a time of hardship. Then, having passed one trial successfully, we are strengthened to meet any further test. The experience will have demonstrated what our faith can do for us.
19. What might a particular trial manifest as to weaknesses in faith, and how can this help us?
19 On the other hand, a particular trial may show up personality flaws, perhaps pride, stubbornness, impatience, worldliness or a love of ease and pleasure. Such traits are really born of weaknesses in faith. How so? In that they reveal that a person is not fully submitting himself to God’s guidance and will regarding him. He is not convinced that his Father really knows best what will lead to happiness, and that following divine direction will always result in blessing. (Hebrews 3:12, 13) When trials expose weaknesses, the Christian can be alerted to the need to strengthen his faith in order to remain an approved servant of the Most High.
20. When trials expose weaknesses in our faith, what should we do?
20 Therefore, if a particular situation shows up a defect in our faith, we can examine ourselves and determine what corrective measures to take. A person does well to ask: ‘Why is my faith weak? Do I neglect study and meditation on God’s Word? Do I take full advantage of opportunities to assemble with fellow believers in order to be strengthened by their expressions of faith? Do I tend to rely more on myself than I should, instead of committing all my cares and anxieties to Jehovah God? Are prayers, heartfelt prayers, really a daily part of my life?’ Once the areas are established where improvement is needed, we need to put forth diligent effort to make changes in our routine of life, with a view to strengthening our faith.
21. What is meant by our faith’s being “found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”?
21 By looking to God for guidance and patiently trusting in him to show us the way to relief from our trials, we can let these trying experiences aid us to become better servants of his. Then our faith will indeed “be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The Son of God will “praise,” laud or commend our faith. By reason of our faith, he will richly reward us, thus bestowing “glory” on us. Before Jehovah God and the angels, he will “honor” us as his disciples. (Compare Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; 18:8.) This will mean our having before us an endless future of happy living. But what can we do while undergoing severe suffering to keep our faith from weakening?
HOW TO REACT UNDER STRONG PRESSURE
22. Our recognizing what fact about the length of trials can help us to endure?
22 One thing that can help us to endure difficult trials successfully is to recognize their temporary nature. The refining of gold has a beginning and an end. So, too, any affliction we undergo will not continue indefinitely. If we keep near to our hearts God’s promise of eternal life without sickness, outcry or pain, then even the worst of suffering in this system of things can be seen as being but “momentary and light.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Look forward to the time when surely “former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” (Isaiah 65:17) How grand to know those hard experiences will then not even be a painful memory!
23. Why would suffering not usually come on us for fine conduct?
23 Then, too, our undergoing great suffering at the hands of men is rarely a daily experience. Our fine conduct actually gives little reason for anyone to harm us. It being the job of governmental authorities to maintain law and order, they may well praise Jehovah’s servants for being law-abiding. In modern times, even opposers have been forced to make an acknowledgment similar to that made by the enemies of God’s faithful prophet Daniel: “We shall find in this Daniel no pretext at all, except we have to find it against him in the law of his God.” Yes, Daniel was “trustworthy and no negligence or corrupt thing at all was found in him.” (Daniel 6:4, 5) The fact that fine conduct in itself usually would not be the reason for a Christian’s being the object of hostility may be why the apostle Peter raised the following question: “Indeed, who is the man that will harm you if you become zealous for what is good?”—1 Peter 3:13.
24. Why can humans not inflict permanent injury on us?
24 By his question, however, the apostle may have instead been asking: ‘Who can do real harm to the upright Christian?’ No man can inflict lasting injury on us. Jesus Christ told his disciples: “Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matthew 10:28) Yes, men can go to the point of killing us, but they cannot take away our right to be living souls. The Most High God, by means of his Son, can and will restore his faithful servants to life. It is Jehovah alone who can destroy our input to life as living beings for all eternity, consigning us to unending death with no hope of a resurrection.
25, 26. (a) Why can we be happy when suffering for the sake of righteousness? (b) Why should we not fear the object of our persecutors’ fear?
25 Because of these truths, the apostle Peter could say to his Christian brothers: “Even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, the object of their fear do not you fear, neither become agitated.”—1 Peter 3:14.
26 If we suffer “for the sake of righteousness,” we can be happy because we have a clean conscience before God and men. We suffer for the right reason. A deep inward satisfaction and peace result from doing what we know to be pleasing to the Most High. However, as the apostle noted, to do this successfully depends on not giving way to fear. The apostle may here refer to the fear persecutors can inspire by their bringing affliction on God’s people. Or, it could be the fear that the persecutors themselves have. For instance, because of not having faith that Jehovah God, through Christ, will resurrect the dead, the opponents of true Christians fear a threatened premature death. (Hebrews 2:14, 15) We servants of God, though, do not need to fear what unbelievers fear, as we have been freed from the fear of such a death and know that our heavenly Father will never forsake us. Therefore, we should not become “agitated,” as by rising up in anger against our persecutors.
27, 28. How can the counsel of 1 Peter 3:15 help us when brought before governmental officials and questioned in a harsh, belittling manner?
27 What if we were to be brought before governmental authorities and questioned in a harsh, belittling manner? We would never want to retaliate in kind. Our confidence that God is backing us up may give us boldness, but it gives no excuse for belligerence or arrogance. (Compare Acts 4:5-20.) The apostle’s counsel is: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) If we failed to heed this advice and allowed ourselves to express contempt and disrespect, we would cease to suffer for the sake of righteousness. The governmental authority would feel justified in acting against us for disrespectful insubordination. Worldlings burst out in irritation, anger and bitter resentment when they feel that their rights are abused. The Christian must be different.
28 As the apostle counsels, under such circumstances we need to keep our Lord or Master in mind, to remember his example. We need to be careful to accord Jesus Christ the greatest respect, assigning him a sacred place in our hearts. We are his disciples, and we want to speak to any interrogating authority as if we were standing in the very presence of our Lord. The reasons for our Christian position should be presented respectfully in a calm, even-tempered way.
GOOD EFFECT ON OPPOSERS
29. What effect can a person’s faithful endurance under suffering have on opposers?
29 Faithful endurance under suffering may also serve to silence opposers. The apostle Peter presents this as an incentive for preserving a clean conscience, saying: “Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which you are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of your good conduct in connection with Christ.” (1 Peter 3:16) Opposers observing the patient, uncomplaining manner in which God’s servants act may become ashamed for having slandered them. This is especially the case when we treat opposers kindly.—Romans 12:19-21.
30. (a) Why is there no benefit in suffering for doing evil? (b) In connection with suffering for righteousness’ sake, why did Peter say, “if the will of God wishes it”?
30 The fact that such benefits can come from faithfully bearing up under affliction for the sake of righteousness adds force to Peter’s next words: “For it is better to suffer because you are doing good, if the will of God wishes it, than because you are doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:17) What merit could there be in a person’s suffering as a thief, an extortioner, a tax evader or as one who defies authority out of a false sense of piety or mistaken zeal? His being punished for this would only bring reproach on himself and his fellow believers. But a Christian’s patiently bearing up under unjust mistreatment can impress others with the sustaining power that upholds true worshipers and can muzzle misrepresentations of God’s truth and its upholders. Since the suffering that may befall a Christian comes on him by divine permission, Peter was not misrepresenting matters but said rightly, “if the will of God wishes it.”
A REWARDING COURSE AS SHOWN IN JESUS’ CASE
31. How did Jesus Christ’s faithful endurance under suffering work out beneficially?
31 That faithful endurance under suffering can lead to grand blessings for the Christian is well illustrated in the case of Jesus Christ. Sinless, he did nothing deserving of ill treatment. Yet his bearing up under affliction, finally to die a shameful death on a stake, worked out in marvelous benefits for us and resulted in his being richly rewarded. The apostle Peter wrote:
“Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, that he might lead you to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit. In this state also he went his way and preached to the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.”—1 Peter 3:18-20.
32. How have we benefited from Christ’s bearing up under suffering to the point of death?
32 It was because Jesus Christ maintained flawless integrity under suffering that he was able to lay down his life as a perfect human sacrifice. Thus his death paved the way for humans to be ‘led to God,’ being reconciled with the Most High and having set before them the prospect of everlasting life. In view of our having benefited so greatly from Christ’s dying in our behalf, should we not be willing to follow his example and suffer for righteousness’ sake?
33. Of what should the resurrection of Jesus Christ assure us when we are faced with the threat of death for being his disciples?
33 Moreover, just as in his case, we can rest assured that our faithful endurance will be blessed. The fact that Jesus Christ was “made alive in the spirit” or was resurrected to spirit life stands as an unchangeable guarantee that his disciples will be restored to life.—1 Corinthians 15:12-22.
34. Because of his record of faithfulness, what was Jesus Christ able to do in connection with wicked spirits?
34 Because he came off the victor through faithful endurance, the Son of God, as a spirit person, was able to proclaim a message of judgment against the “spirits in prison.” Since the disobedience of these spirits is instructioned with the time of Noah, they must be the angelic sons of God who left their original dwelling place in the heavens and took up living as husbands with women. (Genesis 6:1-4) They are spoken of as “spirits in prison” because their punishment included a form of restraint, being forever debarred from their original place among the faithful angels. The words of Jude confirm that only a message of condemnatory judgment could be directed to these fallen angels: “The angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place [God] has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 6) It was Jesus’ faithful endurance to the very death that eninputd him to be restored to life and thus put him in a position to preach or proclaim such a condemnatory judgment to the fallen angels.
35. Why can the fact about Jesus’ preaching destruction to the “spirits in prison” encourage us to endure faithfully?
35 This preaching of destruction for the wicked spirits should encourage us to endure faithfully when having to undergo affliction. Why? Because such wicked spirit forces are largely responsible for stirring up mankind alienated from God against the disciples of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us: “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) “We [Christians] have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12; see also Revelation 16:13, 14.) Hence, the fact that the resurrected Jesus Christ could preach a message of judgment against the wicked spirits provides the assurance that, eventually, their hateful influence will be totally abolished. (Compare Mark 1:23, 24.) What marvelous relief this will mean!
36. (a) How was Jesus Christ rewarded for his faithfulness? (b) In view of Jesus’ position, how should we feel about suffering for the sake of his name?
36 Besides being raised from the dead as God’s approved servant and thus enabled to direct a message of judgment against the disobedient angels, Jesus Christ was highly exalted. The apostle Peter tells us: “He is at God’s right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.” (1 Peter 3:22) This statement agrees with Jesus’ own words after his resurrection from the dead: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matthew 28:18) Many persons have been willing to suffer and lay down life itself in the service of human rulers who had far, far less authority. They viewed it as a great honor to serve some king or queen in this way. How much more should we feel honored for being able to suffer for being loyal to our heavenly King, Jesus Christ!
IMITATE JESUS CHRIST
37. Whose example should we seek to imitate when experiencing affliction?
37 Under affliction, then, look always to God’s Son as your model. The apostle writes: “Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, to the end that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will.”—1 Peter 4:1, 2.
38. What was the mental disposition of Jesus Christ?
38 What was Jesus’ mental disposition? He humbly submitted to the physical and verbal abuse heaped on him, finally to die a painful death on a stake. By never retaliating in kind, the Son of God fulfilled the prophetic words: “As a sheep he was brought to the slaughter, and as a lamb that is voiceless before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.”—Acts 8:32; Isaiah 53:7.
39. What proves that we have desisted from sins?
39 We servants of the Most High would want to bear up similarly under suffering, not yielding to a spirit of rebellion or retaliation. For us to threaten our persecutors, to look for opportunities to do them harm, would show us up as still subject to the passions of the sinful flesh. Any suffering experienced at the hands of men should be solely because we do not follow the selfish course and ways of this world. (John 15:19, 25) Thus we can demonstrate that in attitude, word and action, we are living, “no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will.”
A REASON FOR HAPPINESS
40. Why might it have seemed strange to many first-century believers to have to undergo suffering for the sake of Christ?
40 Back in the first century C.E., the idol-worshiping populace did not experience suffering for religious reasons. Any who became Christians, however, did become objects of hatred. To be subjected to persecution must have been a strange experience, puzzling. It was so different from the blessings that embracing the “good news” offered them. Those Christians very much needed the right perspective of affliction. The apostle Peter’s following words were surely refreshing to them:
“Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among you, which is happening to you for a trial, as though a strange thing were befalling you. On the contrary, go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon you.”—1 Peter 4:12-14.
41, 42. (a) In harmony with 1 Peter 4:12-14, how might we regard suffering for the sake of righteousness? (b) What does such suffering confirm?
41 Instead of regarding with astonishment or surprise the affliction that may befall us, we may view it as being preparatory for our sharing in the blessings to be received at the revelation of our Master. Peter referred to the suffering as “burning,” since metals are refined by fire. Similarly, God allows his servants to be refined or purified through the tribulations that they experience. Of course, Jehovah God did not make us sinful. But, since we are, he may permit us to experience certain suffering as one means of purifying us. The affliction that we may experience can aid us to become kinder, more humble, sympathetic and understanding in dealing with our fellow humans. Also, when we ourselves have endured severe trials, our words of comfort and encouragement to others carry far more weight. The ones whom we console know that we understand what they are going through.
42 Since the Son of God suffered, the afflictions we experience are a confirmation that we are really his disciples, enjoying a oneness with him. Jesus said to his apostles: “Bear in mind the word I said to you, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) In being persecuted for the same reasons as was our Master and undergoing affliction for righteousness’ sake as he did, we are ‘sharing in the suffering of the Christ.’ And just as his faithfulness led to his being rewarded by his heavenly Father, our continued faithfulness in bearing up under affliction assures us of being found approved at the revelation of the Son of God. Surely our joy will overflow at then being favored with endless life in a new order where all the causes of present sorrows are to be no more.
43. Faithful endurance under suffering proves that we have what spirit upon us, and why?
43 As Peter also stated, the bearing of reproach for the name of Christ, that is, for being his disciples, should be a cause for happiness. It proves that those so reproached or defamed do have God’s spirit or the honorable “spirit of glory” that emanates from God. Being holy, that spirit can rest only on persons who are clean or pure from God’s standpoint.
44. What kind of suffering should we avoid?
44 This is why it is so vital that we make sure that any suffering befalling us cannot be attributed to wrong action on our part. The apostle Peter urges: “However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters.”—1 Peter 4:15.
45. What results when a professed Christian suffers for committing a crime?
45 A person who professes to be a Christian and who becomes guilty of a crime against his fellowman cannot expect exemption from some punishment. (Compare Acts 25:11.) That punishment will bring reproach on him, the congregation with which he is associated and the name of Christ. He gets, not joy, but shame.
46. (a) What is a busybody? (b) How might a Christian suffer as a busybody?
46 Meddling in the affairs of others can make one an object of hatred. How a person becomes a meddler is suggested by the Greek term for “busybody” that Peter used. It literally means an “overseer of what is another’s.” Perhaps because of having gained Scriptural knowledge, a Christian may now feel qualified to tell people of the world how to run their personal affairs. He may push his own opinions on standards of dress, disciplining children, handling marriage and sex problems, entertainment, diet and the like. When he injects himself, uninvited, into the personal problems of others, telling them what to do or not to do, he is trying to be an “overseer” of their affairs. This usually meets with resentment. The busybody may be told in no uncertain terms to mind his own business. He might even experience rough physical treatment from people who react angrily to his meddling in their private lives. The busybody who prys into matters that are not his concern brings trouble on his own head and misrepresents Christianity and its message to outsiders. Of course, even inside the congregation, there is no place for busybodies.—Compare 1 Timothy 5:13.
47. How can a Christian’s bearing up under suffering bring glory to God?
47 In contrast to the shame of being publicly exposed as a lawbreaker or as a busybody, suffering as a Christian brings honor. Peter writes: “If he suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name.” (1 Peter 4:16) When the affliction comes upon us because of our Christian way of life, our bearing up under it patiently and uncomplainingly brings glory to the Most High. It proves that what we have as Christians—a precious relationship with God and Christ, a clean conscience, spiritual well-being and a solid hope for the future—is a treasure of great worth. We show that we are willing to suffer and, if necessary, to die for it, and this glorifies the God we earnestly serve. To yield to pressure and renounce our faith would, instead, disgrace his name. To observers, it would call into serious question the inestimable value of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.—Compare Ephesians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.
A FORM OF DISCIPLINE OR TRAINING
48. How does 1 Peter 4:17-19 show that we are not without help when undergoing suffering for the sake of righteousness?
48 We have seen that unjust suffering by Christians could be prevented by Jehovah God in his all-powerfulness, but that he does permit it for good reasons. Meanwhile, the Most High never leaves his servants without help. In developing this point the apostle Peter writes:
“For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the end be of those who are not obedient to the good news of God? ‘And if the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, where will the ungodly man and the sinner make a showing?’ So, then, also let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on commending their souls to a faithful Creator while they are doing good.”—1 Peter 4:17-19.
49. (a) Since when has the “house of God” been under judgment? (b) What determines the final verdict that is rendered?
49 As a “house of God,” the Christian congregation had its beginning in 33 C.E. From that time onward its members have been under divine judgment. Their response to his will, and their attitude, words and actions toward the things that Jehovah God allows to befall them have much to do with what his final verdict will be. At times what Jehovah God sees fit to permit them to undergo may be very severe. But the persecution brings a form of discipline that God can cause to work out for the benefit of his people.—Hebrews 12:4-11; see also Hebrews 4:15, 16, where it is shown that the suffering that Jesus Christ underwent equipped him to be a compassionate and sympathetic high priest.
50, 51. How do the experiences of Joseph and Paul illustrate that Jehovah can turn into a blessing the very thing that men may use in an effort to harm us?
50 By mistreatment, men under the control of Satan may try to destroy our faith. But Jehovah can frustrate their wicked objective. Yes, while himself hating the bad, our heavenly Father can cause what is intended to harm us to work out to some good result. Take the case of Jacob’s young son Joseph. His half brothers hated him and sold him into slavery. For years, Joseph suffered much, including unjust imprisonment. Yet, afterward, Jehovah God made use of this circumstance to preserve alive the family of Jacob. Regarding this, Joseph told his half brothers:
“Now do not feel hurt and do not be angry with yourselves because you sold me here; because for the preservation of life God has sent me ahead of you. For this is the second year of the famine in the midst of the earth, and there are yet five years in which there will be no plowing time or harvest. Consequently God sent me ahead of you in order to place a remnant for you men in the earth and to keep you alive by a great escape. So now it was not you who sent me here, but it was the true God, that he might appoint me a father to Pharaoh and a lord for all his house and as one dominating over all the land of Egypt.”—Genesis 45:5-8.
51 Similarly, when the apostle Paul found himself in confinement at Rome, this unfavorable circumstance served to further the cause of true worship. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote:
“Now I want to assure you, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in furthering the preaching of the good news. Thus it is generally known throughout the Imperial Guard and elsewhere that it is for the sake of Christ that I am in prison, and so most of the Christian brothers have been exceedingly encouraged by my example to declare God’s message without any fear of the consequences.”—Philippians 1:12-14, An American Translation, 1944 edition.
52. Why can the “ungodly man and the sinner” not expect to make a showing?
52 Since Jehovah God allows his loyal servants to undergo severe treatment to refine them and for them to demonstrate their devotion, how could we imagine that the “ungodly man and the sinner” inside the Christian congregation or “house of God” could even “make a showing” before Him along with “the righteous man” inside the same congregation? The psalmist states: “The wicked ones will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of righteous ones.” (Psalm 1:5) No, the wicked will not stand as approved but will be condemned. They may be found in the assembly of righteous ones, but they will never make a favorable “showing” before God. Because of what all believers must face in this world, their finally being saved for everlasting life takes real effort, love and faith in the way of righteousness. Hence, their salvation is “with difficulty.” Consequently it behooves all members of the Christian congregation (“house of God”) to avoid being “ungodly” and “sinners” in this “appointed time” of judgment.—1 Peter 4:17, 18; Proverbs 11:31.
53. (a) When undergoing suffering, what comfort can we draw from the fact that Jehovah is a “faithful Creator”? (b) How should we react toward our persecutors?
53 Trials that we simply could not endure in our own strength may befall us. However, no matter how pathetic our situation may become, Jehovah God can sustain us and totally undo all the hurt that we may experience. When we commit ourselves fully to him, he can strengthen us by means of his spirit to bear up under suffering. Being, as Peter states, a “faithful Creator,” a God whom we can trust, he will not prove unfaithful to his promise to come to the aid of his servants. (1 Peter 4:19) This knowledge can help us to avoid reacting in a God-dishonoring way toward our persecutors. Instead of fighting against them, retaliating in kind, we will want to keep on doing good.—Luke 6:27, 28.
54. How do we humble ourselves under God’s hand, and how does this benefit us?
54 If we humbly submit ourselves to what may befall us, maintaining a Christlike disposition, we can be confident that Jehovah will exalt us. No trial will continue indefinitely. It will have an end. As long as we conduct ourselves in harmony with the divine will while being subjected to ill treatment, we remain under Jehovah’s hand. And that hand can lift us up, exalting us as his approved, tried servants. This is what the apostle Peter recommends: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:6, 7.
55. Though we cannot run away from trials, of what can we relieve ourselves, and how?
55 How encouraging it is to know that Jehovah genuinely cares for us! His love warms our hearts; his spirit strengthens and sustains us. Then, when a particular trial is over and we look back on Jehovah’s loving care, we are drawn closer to him. The situation is comparable to that of an appreciative child that has experienced the love and care of concerned parents in a time of serious illness. His confidence and love are greatly strengthened. True, when circumstances are very trying, we cannot simply run away from them. But we can cast our anxiety or worry on Jehovah God. We do not need to fret as to how long we might be able to put up with a merciless beating by an enraged mob, sexual assaults by attackers, or other atrocities. With the help of our loving heavenly Father, we can endure and gain a moral victory over our persecutors by remaining faithful to our God. This assurance removes from us the anxiety that would rob us of the peace of mind and heart that is so essential in remaining firm in the face of trials.
56. Why does casting our anxieties upon Jehovah not mean that we can be unconcerned about our reaction to trials?
56 However, this does not mean that, by throwing our anxieties on Jehovah, we now can be complacent or indifferent. We do have an enemy. “Keep your senses, be watchful,” Peter wrote. “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”—1 Peter 5:8.
57. What is Satan interested in doing?
57 In harmony with the apostle’s counsel, we cannot afford to be careless in the face of afflictions. The adversary is just waiting for an opening to cause us to fall. If Satan can get us to doubt the faithfulness of our brothers or in some other way weaken us spiritually, he will do so. For us to withdraw from association with the Christian congregation or to stop making expression of our faith to others would mean being swallowed up by Satan, the “roaring lion” that is ever watchful for unwary prey.
58. What knowledge about our brothers can aid us to remain faithful?
58 To maintain our alertness, it will help us to remember always that we are not alone in bearing up under suffering. Throughout the earth, our Christian brothers are putting up with various kinds of affliction. And, with the help of God’s spirit, they are succeeding in faithfully enduring trials. This realization can aid us to avoid falling victim to Satan’s snares, for it gives us confidence that we also can endure in the strength of Jehovah. So, then, “take your stand against him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.”—1 Peter 5:9.
59, 60. How can we get the greatest benefit from our trials?
59 Since Jehovah God wants us to succeed and to gain salvation, we may confidently look to him for help. At the same time, we may accept whatever befalls us by God’s permission as valuable discipline to make us complete, fully developed Christians, strong in faith. The apostle Peter beautifully expresses this, saying:
“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training, he will make you firm, he will make you strong. To him be the might forever. Amen.”—1 Peter 5:10, 11.
60 Just as Jesus Christ suffered for a little while on earth and was then highly exalted, so disciples of God’s Son look forward to a glorious reward. If the suffering that may come upon us by divine permission makes us stronger in our adherence to Bible standards, and more humble, sympathetic and compassionate disciples of God’s Son, this form of training or molding will have served its purpose. For that to be the case, we need to trust our heavenly Father fully, confident that whatever he allows to come will eventually secure our eternal welfare and happiness if we humbly submit to it. (Romans 8:28) In the spirit of the apostle Peter, we can raise our voice, saying: ‘Thanks be to God for letting us be trained by trials and helping us to be firm and strong as his approved servants with everlasting life in view! |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What if I’m Failing at School? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500600101 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What if I’m Failing at School?
“I see some of my classmates who just sit in class with no textbook and with headphones on, listening to music while the teacher is speaking. And these students wonder why they are failing! Then there are people like me who try their best, study like crazy, and still get a bad grade on a test. I honestly don’t know why that happens. It definitely doesn’t feel good to get a bad grade after I put in a week’s worth of late-night studying.”—Yolanda.
Can you identify with Yolanda’s feelings? Let’s face it, it can be demoralizing to get a bad grade—or a series of bad grades.
Some young people who are failing at school may give up trying to improve their grades. Others might even drop out of school altogether. While both of those approaches can be tempting, there is another way to handle the problem. Consider six steps you can take to get better grades.
What you can do
What your peers say
What you can do
Show up for class. This step may seem like a no-brainer, but if you skip too many classes, your grades will surely suffer.
“In my school, the kids who really didn’t care about their grades were usually the ones who skipped school, which is self-destructive.”—Matthew.
Bible principle: “Whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap.”—Galatians 6:7.
Make the most of each class. Merely being present is a good start, but once you are there, do what you can to get the most out of class. Take good notes. Try to follow the logic of what your teacher is saying. If you are permitted to, ask questions during class.
“I ask a lot of questions during class because I find that the teacher will explain the topic better if he or she knows that a student doesn’t understand it.”—Olivia.
Bible principle: “Pay attention to how you listen.”—Luke 8:18.
Resist the urge to cheat. Cheating is dishonest. There are many ways to cheat in school. One is to copy other people’s work. This is not only dishonest but also counterproductive.
“If you don’t understand something, do not copy answers from other students’ tests. By cheating, you really aren’t helping yourself. Instead of learning to solve problems on your own, you are teaching yourself to rely on others.”—Jonathan.
Bible principle: “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of.”—Galatians 6:4, Contemporary English Version.
Make homework a priority. If possible, do your homework before other activities—especially recreation.a That way, once your homework is done, you’ll enjoy your leisure time even more!
“I set homework as a priority, and this made a difference in my grades. When I got home, I often had the itch to take a nap or listen to music. But I tried to take care of my homework first and then relax.”—Calvin.
Bible principle: “Make sure of the more important things.”—Philippians 1:10.
Ask for help. Don’t be ashamed to accept help from others. Approach your parents for advice. Ask your teacher for help to get better grades. In some cases, you may also be able to get help from a tutor.
“Go to the teacher directly. Ask for help to understand the subject and to improve your grades. The teacher will likely be impressed by your determination to pass and will help you.”—David.
Bible principle: “There is accomplishment through many advisers.”—Proverbs 15:22.
Take advantage of every opportunity available. In some countries, tests have bonus questions that can improve your grade. You may also be able to volunteer for extra-credit assignments. If you fail a test, you might be able to redo it if you ask for the opportunity.
Improving your grades is like learning to play an instrument. It’s hard work, but the payoff is worth it
“If I want to improve my grades in a subject, I must be the first to take action. I ask my teachers if there are any extra-credit assignments I can do or if I can redo any of my work for a better grade.”—Mackenzie.
Bible principle: “There is benefit in every kind of hard work.”—Proverbs 14:23.
What your peers say
“When it comes to succeeding at school, remember that you are only going to get this opportunity once in your life, and you’ll only get out of it what you put into it.”—Alexandra.
“Let your teachers know your goal. When I was in school, I asked my teachers what options I had to improve my grades, even if it meant redoing assignments or doing extra homework.”—Elijah.
“Take the initiative and ask for help. Usually teachers will work with you if they see that you are willing to put effort into improving your grades.”—Mackenzie.
Review: What if I’m failing at school?
Show up for class.
Make the most of each class.
Resist the urge to cheat.
Make homework a priority.
Ask for help.
Take advantage of every opportunity available.
a For specific suggestions on improving your study skills, see the article “Young People Ask . . . How Can I Finish My Homework?” |
Live Forever (pe)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pe | Chapter 20
Resurrection—for Whom, and Where?
1, 2. How do we know that ancient servants of God believed in the resurrection?
GOD’S SERVANTS have always believed in the resurrection. Of Abraham, who lived 2,000 years before Jesus was born as a human, the Bible says: “He reckoned that God was able to raise him [his son Isaac] up even from the dead.” (Hebrews 11:17-19) Later God’s servant Job asked: “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?” In answer to his own question, Job said to God: “You will call, and I myself shall answer you.” Thus he showed that he believed in the resurrection.—Job 14:14, 15.
2 When Jesus Christ was on earth, he explained: “That the dead are raised up even Moses disclosed, in the account about the thornbush, when he calls Jehovah ‘the God of Abraham and God of Isaac and God of Jacob.’ He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him.” (Luke 20:37, 38) In the Christian Greek Scriptures the word “resurrection” is used more than 40 times. Indeed, the resurrection of the dead is a main Bible teaching.—Hebrews 6:1, 2.
3. What faith in the resurrection did Martha express?
3 When her brother Lazarus died, Jesus’ friend Martha showed faith in the resurrection. On hearing that Jesus was coming, Martha ran out to meet him. “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died,” she said. Seeing her sorrow, Jesus comforted her with the words: “Your brother will rise.” Martha answered: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”—John 11:17-24.
4-6. What reasons did Martha have for believing in the resurrection?
4 Martha had strong reasons for her faith in the resurrection. She knew, for example, that many years earlier God’s prophets Elijah and Elisha, with God’s power, had each resurrected a child. (1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37) And she knew that a dead man had come to life when he was thrown into a pit and touched the bones of dead Elisha. (2 Kings 13:20, 21) But what had strengthened her faith in the resurrection the most was what Jesus himself had taught and done.
5 Martha may have been present in Jerusalem less than two years before, when Jesus spoke of the part that he would have in resurrecting the dead. He said: “For just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”—John 5:21, 28, 29.
6 Up until the time Jesus spoke those words, there is no Bible record that he had resurrected anyone. But shortly afterward he raised to life a young man, the son of a widow in the city of Nain. The news of this was carried south to Judea, so Martha was sure to have heard about it. (Luke 7:11-17) Later, Martha also would have heard what happened near the Sea of Galilee in the home of Jairus. His 12-year-old daughter had become very sick and had died. But when Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, he went over to the dead child, and said: “Girl, get up!” And she did!—Luke 8:40-56.
7. What proof did Jesus give Martha that he can resurrect the dead?
7 Still Martha did not expect Jesus to resurrect her brother at this time. That is why she said: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” However, to impress on Martha the part he has in raising the dead, Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.” Jesus was soon afterward taken to the tomb where Lazarus had been laid. “Lazarus, come on out!” he cried. And Lazarus, who had been dead four days, came out!—John 11:24-26, 38-44.
8. What evidence is there that Jesus was resurrected?
8 A few weeks later Jesus himself was killed and placed in a tomb. But he was there only parts of three days. The apostle Peter explains why, saying: “This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses.” The religious leaders could not stop God’s Son from coming out of the tomb. (Acts 2:32; Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-7) There can be no doubt that Christ was raised from the dead, for afterward he showed himself alive to many of his disciples, once to some 500 of them. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) So strongly did Jesus’ disciples believe in the resurrection that they were willing to face even death to serve God.
9. What nine persons does the Bible say were resurrected?
9 Further proof that the dead can be raised was given later through the apostles Peter and Paul. First, Peter resurrected Tabitha, also called Dorcas, of the city of Joppa. (Acts 9:36-42) And then Paul brought back to life young Eutychus, who had died when he fell from a third-floor window while Paul was speaking. (Acts 20:7-12) Surely these nine resurrections recorded in the Bible give certain proof that the dead can be brought back to life!
WHO WILL BE RESURRECTED?
10, 11. (a) Why did God arrange for the resurrection? (b) According to Acts 24:15, what two classes of people will be resurrected?
10 In the beginning it was not God’s purpose to resurrect anyone, because if Adam and Eve had remained faithful no one would have had to die. But then Adam’s sin brought imperfection and death upon everyone. (Romans 5:12) So to make it possible for any of Adam’s children to enjoy everlasting life, Jehovah God arranged for the resurrection. But what determines whether a person is resurrected or not?
11 The Bible explains: “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) This may surprise some. ‘Why bring the “unrighteous” back to life?’ they may wonder. What happened while Jesus was hanging on the torture stake will help us to answer this question.
12, 13. (a) What promise did Jesus make to a criminal? (b) Where is the “Paradise” Jesus spoke about?
12 These men next to Jesus are criminals. One of them has just finished insulting him, saying: “You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us.” However, the other criminal believes Jesus. He turns to him and says: “Remember me when you get into your kingdom.” At that, Jesus promises: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”—Luke 23:39-43.
13 But what does Jesus mean when he says: “You will be with me in Paradise”? Where is Paradise? Well, where was the paradise God made at the beginning? It was on earth, was it not? God put the first human pair in the beautiful paradise called the garden of Eden. So when we read that this former criminal will be in Paradise, we should picture in our minds this earth made into a beautiful place in which to live, for the word “paradise” means “garden” or “park.”—Genesis 2:8, 9.
14. In what way will Jesus be with the former criminal in Paradise?
14 Jesus Christ, of course, will not be right here on earth with the former criminal. No, Jesus will be in heaven ruling as king over the earthly Paradise. So he will be with that man in the sense that He will raise him from the dead and care for his needs, both physical and spiritual. But why will Jesus permit a man who was a criminal to live in Paradise?
15. Why are the “unrighteous” resurrected?
15 It is true that this man did bad things. He was “unrighteous.” Also, he was ignorant of God’s will. But would he have been a criminal if he had known about God’s purposes? To find out, Jesus will resurrect this unrighteous man, as well as thousands of millions of others who died in ignorance. For instance, in past centuries many people died who did not know how to read and who had never seen a Bible. But they will be raised from Sheol, or Hades. Then, in the paradise earth, they will be taught God’s will, and they will have the opportunity to prove that they really do love God by doing his will.
16. (a) Who of the dead will not be resurrected? (b) Why should we not try to judge matters? (c) What should be our main concern?
16 This does not mean that everyone will receive a resurrection. The Bible shows that Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, will not. Because of his willful wickedness, Judas is called “the son of destruction.” (John 17:12) He went to the symbolic Gehenna from which there is no resurrection. (Matthew 23:33) Persons who willfully do what is bad after knowing God’s will may be sinning against the holy spirit. And God will not resurrect those who sin against his holy spirit. (Matthew 12:32; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26, 27) However, since God is the Judge, there is no reason for us to try to figure out whether certain wicked people in the past or in modern times will be resurrected or not. God knows who is in Hades and who is in Gehenna. For our part, we should do everything we can to be the kind of persons that God wants in his new system.—Luke 13:24, 29.
17. Who will not need to be resurrected to enjoy everlasting life?
17 The fact is that not all who receive everlasting life will need to be resurrected. Many servants of God now living in these “last days” of this system of things will live through Armageddon. And then, as part of the righteous “new earth,” they will never need to die. What Jesus said to Martha can in a literal way be true of them: “And everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.”—John 11:26; 2 Timothy 3:1.
18. Who are the “righteous” that will be resurrected?
18 Who are the “righteous” that are to be resurrected? These will include faithful servants of God who lived before Jesus Christ came to earth. Many of these persons are mentioned by name in Hebrews chapter 11. They did not hope to go to heaven, but hoped to live again on earth. Also among the “righteous” to be resurrected are faithful servants of God who have died in recent years. God will see to it that their hope of living forever on earth is realized by raising them from the dead.
WHEN AND WHERE RESURRECTED
19. (a) In what sense was Jesus the first to be resurrected? (b) Who are resurrected next?
19 Jesus Christ is spoken of as “the first to be resurrected from the dead.” (Acts 26:23) This means that he was the first to be resurrected of those who would not have to die again. Also, he was the first to be raised as a spirit person. (1 Peter 3:18) But the Bible tells us that there would be others, saying: “Each one in his own rank: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) So in the resurrection some would be raised up before certain others.
20. (a) Who are “those who belong to the Christ”? (b) What resurrection do they have?
20 “Those who belong to the Christ” are the 144,000 faithful disciples chosen to rule with him in the Kingdom. Of their heavenly resurrection, the Bible says: “Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will . . . rule as kings with him for the thousand years.”—Revelation 20:6; 14:1, 3.
21. (a) When does “the first resurrection” begin? (b) Who no doubt have been raised already to heavenly life?
21 So following the resurrection of Christ, the 144,000 are the next to be raised. They have part in “the first resurrection,” or “the earlier resurrection.” (Philippians 3:11) When does this take place? “During his presence,” the Bible says. As we have learned in earlier chapters, Christ’s presence began in the year 1914. So the “day” for “the first resurrection” of faithful Christians to heaven has already come. No doubt the apostles and other early Christians have already been raised to heavenly life.—2 Timothy 4:8.
22. (a) Who else will have part in “the first resurrection”? (b) When are they resurrected?
22 But there are Christians living now during Christ’s invisible presence who have this same hope of ruling in heaven with Christ. They are the remaining ones, a remnant of the 144,000. When are they resurrected? They do not need to sleep in death, but they are raised immediately when they die. The Bible explains: “We shall not all fall asleep in death, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, during the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised.”—1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
23. How does the Bible describe the change to spirit life?
23 Of course, this “first resurrection” to heavenly life is unseen to human eyes. It is a resurrection to life as spirit creatures. The Bible describes the change to spirit life this way: “It is sown in corruption, it is raised up in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised up in glory. . . . It is sown a physical body, it is raised up a spiritual body.”—1 Corinthians 15:42-44.
24. (a) What resurrection follows “the first resurrection”? (b) Why is it called a “better resurrection”?
24 However, the very expression “first resurrection” shows that another one will follow. This is the resurrection to life on the paradise earth of both righteous and unrighteous persons. This will occur after Armageddon. It will be a “better resurrection” than that of the boys resurrected by Elijah and Elisha and of others once resurrected on earth. Why? Because if those resurrected after Armageddon choose to serve God they will never need to die again.—Hebrews 11:35.
A MIRACLE OF GOD
25. (a) Why is it not the body that died that is resurrected? (b) What is resurrected, and what is given to those who are resurrected?
25 After a person dies, what is resurrected? It is not the same body that died. The Bible shows this when it describes the resurrection to heavenly life. (1 Corinthians 15:35-44) Even those who are resurrected to life on earth do not receive the same body they had when they lived before. That body probably decayed and returned to the ground. In time the elements of the dead body may have become a part of other living things. So God resurrects not the same body but the same person that died. To persons who go to heaven, he gives a new spiritual body. To those who are raised to live on earth, he gives a new physical body. This new physical body will no doubt be similar to the one the person had before he died so that he will be recognized by those who knew him.
26. (a) Why is the resurrection such a wonderful miracle? (b) What inventions of humans can help us to understand God’s great ability to remember people who have died?
26 The resurrection is indeed a wonderful miracle. The person that died may have built up a great amount of experience and knowledge and many memories over a lifetime. He developed a personality that made him different from any other person that ever lived. Yet Jehovah God remembers every detail, and will restore this complete person when He resurrects him. As the Bible says of the dead to be resurrected: “They are all living to him.” (Luke 20:38) Humans can record voices and pictures of people, and play them back long after the people have died. But Jehovah can, and actually will, bring back to life all persons who are living in his memory!
27. What questions regarding the resurrection will we have answered later?
27 The Bible tells us much more about life in Paradise after the dead are resurrected. For example, Jesus spoke of persons coming out, some to “a resurrection of life” and others to “a resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:29) What did he mean? And will the situation be any different for the “righteous” that are resurrected from what it will be for the “unrighteous”? A consideration of Judgment Day will answer such questions for us.
[Pictures on page 167]
“I know he will rise in the resurrection”
Elijah resurrected a widow’s son
Elisha resurrected a child
A man who touched Elisha’s bones came to life
[Pictures on page 168]
Persons resurrected by Jesus:
Widow of Nain’s son
Lazarus
Jairus’ daughter
[Pictures on page 169]
Others who were resurrected:
Dorcas
Jesus himself
Eutychus
[Picture on page 170]
Where is the Paradise that Jesus promised the evildoer? |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 144
We Must Have the Faith
(Hebrews 10:39)
1. On many occasions God spoke long ago
By means of his prophets on earth here below.
But lastly he spoke by his heavenly Son;
By paying attention our safety is won.
(Chorus)
2. Let’s not throw away our great freeness of speech,
For we need such boldness to preach and to teach.
If we by faith follow the steps of our Lord,
Jehovah will give us a fine, rich reward.
(Chorus)
3. We are not the shrinking sort God will destroy,
But we are the trusting sort he will employ.
Though ever so many foes ’gainst us arise,
Our faith in Jehovah we’ll still exercise.
(CHORUS)
We must have the faith that the Bible does revive.
We must build such faith if God’s war we would survive.
Do we have a faith accompanied by works?
This kind of faith preserves our souls alive. |
Scriptures for Christian Living (scl)
2023 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/scl | Heart
How does the Bible show that the figurative heart is the inner person, including thoughts, intentions, qualities, and emotions?
Ps 49:3; Pr 16:9; Lu 5:22; Ac 2:26
See also De 15:7; Ps 19:8
Relevant Bible account(s):
Lu 9:46-48—Jesus corrects his apostles for the ambitious spirit he sees in their hearts
Why is it vital that we safeguard our heart?
1Ch 28:9; Pr 4:23; Jer 17:9
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 6:5-7—The wickedness in man’s heart leads to violence and causes God to bring a global Flood
1Ki 11:1-10—King Solomon fails to protect his heart, marrying foreign wives who incline his heart away from Jehovah
Mr 7:18-23—Jesus explains that the heart is the source of all that can defile a man in God’s eyes
How can we protect our heart?
Ps 19:14; Pr 3:3-6; Lu 21:34; Php 4:8
See also Ezr 7:8-10; Ps 119:11
Relevant Bible account(s):
Eph 6:14-18; 1Th 5:8—In describing the spiritual armor, the apostle Paul explains that righteousness, faith, and love can protect the figurative heart just as the breastplate protects the literal heart
How can we know if there is a problem with our figurative heart?
Pr 21:2-4; Heb 3:12
See also Pr 6:12-14
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Ch 25:1, 2, 17-27—For a while, King Amaziah does what is right in God’s eyes but not with a complete heart; in time, he becomes arrogant and unfaithful and suffers the consequences
Mt 7:17-20—Jesus shows that just as a bad tree produces bad fruit, a bad heart condition produces bad conduct
Why should we cultivate a good heart, and how can we do so?
Pr 10:8; 15:28; Lu 6:45
See also Ps 119:97, 104; Ro 12:9-16; 1Ti 1:5
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Ki 20:1-6—When facing death, King Hezekiah implores Jehovah for mercy on the basis of having served Him with a complete heart
Mt 21:28-32—Jesus uses an illustration to show that a man’s heart condition is revealed by what he does, more so than by what he says he will do
Why is it reassuring to know that Jehovah examines our heart?
1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10
See also 1Sa 2:3
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Sa 16:1-13—The prophet Samuel learns that Jehovah is not swayed by outward appearances; rather, He sees into a person’s heart
2Ch 6:28-31—King Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of Jehovah’s temple shows that God reads the human heart mercifully and accurately |
Worldwide Security (ws)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ws | Chapter 5
Enlightenment for “the Conclusion of the System of Things”
1. For this “conclusion of the system of things,” what notable marriage did the “Prince of Peace” foretell, and in what parable?
CONCERNING “the conclusion of the system of things,” the “Prince of Peace” said at Matthew 24:38 that there would be “men marrying and women being given in marriage.” But during the same period, there begins in heaven the greatest marriage of all. It is the marriage referred to in Jesus’ illustration of ten lamp bearers, ten virgins.—Matthew 24:3; 25:1-12.
2. (a) At what time of day does this parabolic marriage take place? (b) What follows the wedding, and how is illumination provided?
2 The scene of this marriage is in the Middle East. It takes place late at night, verging onto midnight. The wedding of the bride and her bridegroom is held first and is followed by a procession to the house of feasting. The way is not lighted up by street lamps. Illumination is provided by those sharing in the gala procession, and bystanders can watch the procession go by, wishing the newlyweds happiness.
3, 4. (a) Who interest themselves in the procession that follows, and with what preparations? (b) Fulfillment of this parable adds proof of what fact? (c) We can be happy if we do what?
3 True to their feminine inclination, virgins are interested in the wedding. So, along the line of march, ten virgins wait until the wedding procession reaches their location. They desire to brighten the occasion, and for this reason all of them bring along lighted hand lamps, but only five of them have an emergency supply of lighting oil. These five are discreet virgins. The fulfillment of this parable should interest us today, for according to Jesus Christ, it further confirms that we are in the conclusion of this old system.—Matthew 25:13.
4 We can be happy if we are discreet and discern the realization of this marriage of all marriages and its attendant features! Who today are the ones favored with admittance to the feast? Are any of us? Let us see!
5. What made a distinction among those composing the ten virgins, and what happened during the bridegroom’s delay?
5 The illustration that Jesus gave of the ten virgins has to do with “the kingdom of the heavens,” the world government for the blessing of all mankind. So Jesus Christ went on to say: “The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delaying, they all nodded and went to sleep.”—Matthew 25:1-5.
6. (a) Whom did the ten virgins picture? (b) Why is a bride not mentioned in the parable?
6 Now whom did those ten virgins illustrate? They illustrated the prospective members of the bride of the spiritual Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Doubtless for this reason a bride is not mentioned in Jesus’ illustration; merely the bridegroom appears. Thus, there is no confusion regarding the explanation, as if the virgins pictured still another class.
7. During what period did it seem that the Bridegroom had delayed his coming for the bride, and why?
7 The uniting of the prospective members of the bride class to their heavenly Bridegroom in marriage did not take place, as had been expected, at the close of “the appointed times of the nations” in 1914. (Luke 21:24) Logically, to them it appeared as if the Bridegroom had delayed his coming, although his presence in his heavenly Kingdom did take place in 1914. Those mournful years of World War I proved to be like a pitch-black night in the experience of the virgins class.
8. (a) How was it that, figuratively speaking, a nodding and going to sleep on the part of the virgins occurred? (b) For what purpose had the Bridegroom come to the temple, and why did this concern the bride class?
8 Figuratively speaking, a nodding and going to sleep on the part of the virgins occurred. The public preaching of the good news of Christ’s coming reign of a thousand years for the blessing of all mankind practically ceased. From the final year of World War I, a crucial period of judgment set in for those figurative virgins. This was because the reigning King Jesus Christ had come to the spiritual temple. On his arrival there, he started judgment proceedings in order to clean up those appointed to render temple service to Jehovah God. (Malachi 3:1-3) This was the time for his manifestation when, as the heavenly Bridegroom, he was due to receive to himself in heaven the approved members of the bride class who were then already dead.
9. When did it become the time for the virgins class to be awakened from inactivity, and why?
9 In 1919, following the release of eight prominent members of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society from unjust imprisonment, it was the due time for the virgins class still alive on earth to be aroused from their sleep of inactivity. The work of worldwide enlightenment lay ahead. It was time for them, with lighted lamps, to meet the Bridegroom, who had come to the spiritual temple. This was so that people out of all nations might stream to “the house of Jehovah” that had been exalted above the tops of the mountains, as it were.—Isaiah 2:1-4.
Putting Their Lamps in Order
10. What did the oil that was drawn from the receptacles of the discreet virgins picture?
10 The discreet ones of the virgins class had brought along an emergency supply of lighting fuel in their receptacles. They underwent no delay in refilling their lamps. The liquid fuel for enlightenment pictured Jehovah’s enlightening Word and his holy spirit. So, what did the oil that was drawn from the receptacles of the discreet virgins picture? The reserve amount of Jehovah’s spirit that throws light on his written Word and which the anointed remnant of spirit-begotten disciples of the Bridegroom had in themselves when the postwar work of worldwide enlightenment regarding “the kingdom of the heavens” was destined to start.
11. What were the symbolic receptacles in which the oil was contained?
11 The receptacles pictured the figurative discreet virgins themselves as possessors of the symbolic oil of enlightenment. This does not mean that the virgins class was first then anointed with Jehovah’s spirit. No, the virgins do not anoint themselves with his spirit. He does it!—Isaiah 61:1, 2; Luke 4:16-21.
12. (a) What prophecy of Joel was due to be fulfilled upon the discreet virgins? (b) When did the time arrive for them to let enlightenment shine by means of their lamps?
12 In support of their being assigned to the vast work of world enlightenment regarding “the kingdom of the heavens,” the discreet virgins were favored with the fulfillment of Joel 2:28, 29 upon them. This is the way the apostle Peter quotes those verses: “‘And in the last days,’ God says, ‘I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams.’” (Acts 2:17) So from 1919 onward the discreet ones of the figurative virgins class were to take up their means of illumination, their symbolic lamps—themselves. This they did in order to impart enlightenment to all those who were yet in spiritual darkness. Because of the kind of lives that they live under the influence of God’s Word and spirit, they become “illuminators in the world.” (Philippians 2:15) Thus they took up following in the footsteps of the Bridegroom as he prepared to take all the members of the bride class to himself in the heavenly Kingdom after their death on earth.—Matthew 5:14-16.
Consequences of Spiritual Foolishness
13. How did the discreet virgins respond to the request of the foolish virgins?
13 What, now, about the foolish ones of the virgins class? Jesus goes on to say: “The foolish said to the discreet, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.’ The discreet answered with the words, ‘Perhaps there may not be quite enough for us and you. Be on your way, instead, to those who sell it and buy for yourselves.’”—Matthew 25:8, 9.
14. Why were the virgins who refused to share their oil discreet rather than selfish?
14 Those refusing to share with the foolish ones were not selfish, just discreet. They were sticking to the carrying out of their original, well-wishing purpose of brightening up the dark surroundings in behalf of the Bridegroom. They were in no way obliged to compromise, to reduce their own amount of Jehovah’s holy spirit in order to accommodate those who were spiritually foolish. Such foolish ones had not prepared themselves to enter promptly into the privilege of service opening up to them in 1919.
15. (a) When the peace period opened up, who among the virgins class began to display tendencies toward spiritual foolishness? (b) Why were the discreet virgins unable to help the spiritually foolish virgins?
15 As the peace period opened up, some of those who were professedly dedicated, baptized associates began to show spiritual foolishness. After the death of the Watch Tower Society’s first president, Charles Taze Russell, they did not fully enter into the spirit of developments with the visible instrument of Jehovah God under its new president, J. F. Rutherford. Their hearts were not really in line with the way things were being done. They showed a lack of appreciation for the way Jehovah was dealing with his people. Thus, those who were like discreet virgins could not infuse the real spirit of heartfelt cooperation into these foolish ones who were alienating themselves more and more.
16. How was spiritual foolishness made to surface on the part of the foolish virgins?
16 Spiritual foolishness was thus made to surface. How? Through a failure to have the symbolic oil at the momentous time when there was a dire need for spiritual enlightenment as new developments moved forward, showing that the Bridegroom was present. So it was the time to go out to meet him with one’s lamp all lighted up brilliantly, figuratively speaking. But instead, those resembling the foolish virgins, whose lamps were going out, parted company with the discreet ones.
17. What irreparable loss do those pictured by the foolish virgins suffer, as indicated at Matthew 25:10?
17 What an irreparable loss is incurred when one who professes to be counted among the virgins class misses out on the unrepeatable privilege and opportunity of welcoming the spiritual Bridegroom, Jesus Christ! Such a loss the foolish ones among the modern-day virgins suffer, as is indicated in the further words of Jesus’ illustration: “While they were going off to buy, the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.”—Matthew 25:10.
18. (a) With what privilege do the foolish virgins of this century fail to be associated? (b) Why do the foolish ones prove to be too late for taking part in the marriage procession and for entering into the feast?
18 What a tragic experience the modern-day foolish virgins undergo! In this blackest period of all human history, they fail to share in the work of enlightening those who sit in spiritual darkness and in the shadow of death at “the war of the great day of God the Almighty”! (Revelation 16:14) With no oil in their figurative lamps to brighten their path, they left and had to make their way through midnight darkness. For this reason they are not on time to follow in the footsteps of the Bridegroom in the joyous procession through the door and into the brilliantly lighted marriage feast. They have lost their identification as his followers who are in line for being wedded to him in the heavenly Kingdom. They are not found “ready” at the designated time. What a warning example they furnish!
19. What experience awaits us for pursuing this matter to its conclusion?
19 This painful fact is vividly portrayed in the final part of the illustration given by Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom, particularly for us living in “the conclusion of the system of things.” So let us now pursue the matter further! Joy-inspiring enlightenment awaits us for doing so, as we shall see in the next chapter.
[Picture on page 45]
Those resembling the foolish virgins will not get into the wedding feast |
Saving the Human Race (sv)
1970 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/saving-the-human-race-sv | Bible Prophecy is Being Fulfilled!
The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life
Only 25c
What the Bible really teaches
Get proof that we are living in the last days of a wicked world. Read the evidence for yourself by obtaining the book
THE TRUTH THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE
Among other Bible truths discussed in this easy-to-understand book are:
—Why we grow old and die
—The hope for dead loved ones
—How wicked spirits mislead mankind
—Why God has permitted wickedness till now
—How to pray and be heard by God
—How to have a happy family life
Pocket size, 192 pages, hardbound; sent postpaid for only 25c.
To order, see page 31 for addresses
[Addresses of branch offices]
(See publication) |
“Jehovah Saved Our Lives” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500200121 | “Jehovah Saved Our Lives”
In 2005, a woman in India named Sowbhagya lost her beloved husband in death. He had cared well for her and their three-year-old daughter, Meghana. Now Sowbhagya was struggling to make ends meet.
To make matters worse, Sowbhagya found herself being rejected by others. Her family treated her and her daughter as beggars, and they repeatedly told her that she was a burden to them. Searching for comfort, Sowbhagya started attending a local church, but the people there looked down on her because she was poor. Sowbhagya began searching for a job so that she could gain financial independence. However, no matter how hard she tried, she could not find employment.
Sowbhagya says: “I felt hopeless, so I decided to commit suicide. Still, I knew that without me, my daughter would face many problems. So I decided to end both of our lives.” Feeling worthless and unloved, Sowbhagya went out to buy poison.
While Sowbhagya was traveling back home by train, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses named Elizabeth approached her and began talking to her. Sowbhagya explained that she was unemployed, and Elizabeth kindly offered to help her find a job. Elizabeth also mentioned that she was on her way to a Bible study. This surprised Sowbhagya because although she had visited many churches, she had never heard of people studying the Bible. Elizabeth invited Sowbhagya to visit her to learn more about a Bible study.
When Sowbhagya arrived home, she was still planning to commit suicide. However, a relative took Meghana on a trip, so Sowbhagya decided to wait until her daughter returned before carrying out the plan.
In the meantime, she visited Elizabeth, who received her warmly. During the visit, Elizabeth showed her the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? Sowbhagya was drawn to the chapter “Where Are the Dead?” This chapter interested her because of the recent death of her husband. That very day, Sowbhagya accepted a Bible study.
Elizabeth invited Sowbhagya to a convention being held the next week, and Sowbhagya accepted. She was so motivated by the program that she decided that she wanted to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And as she returned home from the convention, she was offered a job.
Sowbhagya continued studying the Bible. Now, instead of wanting to end her life, she had something to live for. She was baptized, and later her daughter, Meghana, was baptized as well. Today, both of them serve as regular pioneers, and Meghana works as a remote volunteer for one of the translation offices in India.
Sowbhagya and Meghana today
How thankful Sowbhagya and Meghana are that Elizabeth approached Sowbhagya on the train, showed sincere interest, and spoke to her about the truth! They are also extremely grateful to Jehovah. Meghana says: “We would be long buried by now if we had not learned of the truth that day. Now, we are so happy. My mom and I eagerly wait for the moment when we can hug my dad again, teach him about Jehovah, and tell him how Jehovah saved our lives.” |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Earth
Definition: The term “earth” is used in more than one sense in the Scriptures. Usually we think of it as referring to the planet itself, which Jehovah generously endowed so that it could sustain human life with a view to making our lives richly satisfying. It should be realized, however, that “earth” also may be used in a figurative sense, referring, for example, to people living on this planet or to a human society that has certain characteristics.
Will planet Earth be destroyed in a nuclear war?
What does the Bible show to be God’s purpose regarding the earth?
Matt. 6:10: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”
Ps. 37:29: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”
See also Ecclesiastes 1:4; Psalm 104:5.
Is there a possibility that, since the nations show little regard for God’s purpose, they might completely ruin the earth for habitation anyway?
Isa. 55:8-11: “[The utterance of Jehovah is:] As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. . . . My word . . . will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”
Isa. 40:15, 26: “Look! [From the standpoint of Jehovah God] The nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted. . . . ‘Raise your eyes high up and see [the sun, the moon, and the billions of stars]. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.’” (The nuclear power developed by the nations is fear inspiring to men. But billions of stars employ nuclear power on a scale that is beyond our ability to comprehend. Who created and controls all these heavenly bodies? Can He not prevent the nations from using their nuclear weapons in a way that would hinder his purpose? That God would do this is illustrated by his destroying the military power of Egypt when Pharaoh sought to stop the deliverance of Israel.—Ex. 14:5-31.)
Rev. 11:17, 18: “We thank you, Jehovah God, the Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and begun ruling as king. But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time . . . to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
Will God himself destroy the earth by fire?
Does 2 Peter 3:7, 10 (KJ) support that view? “The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition [“destruction,” RS] of ungodly men. . . . The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up [“burned (burnt) up,” RS, JB; “will vanish,” TEV; “will be made manifest,” NAB; “will be laid bare,” NE; “will be discovered,” NW].” (Note: The Codex Sinaiticus and Vatican MS 1209, both of the 4th century C.E., read “be discovered.” Later manuscripts, the 5th-century Codex Alexandrinus and the 16th-century Clementine recension of the Vulgate, read “be burned up.”)
Does Revelation 21:1 (KJ) indicate that our planet will be destroyed? “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”
To be correct, the explanation of these verses must agree with the context and with the rest of the Bible
If these texts (2 Peter 3:7, 10 and Revelation 21:1) mean that the literal planet Earth is to be consumed by fire, then the literal heavens (the stars and other heavenly bodies) are also to be destroyed by fire. Such a literal view, however, conflicts with the assurance contained in such texts as Matthew 6:10, Psalm 37:29 and 104:5, also Proverbs 2:21, 22. Furthermore, what effect would fire have on the already intensely hot sun and stars? So the term “earth” in the above-quoted texts must be understood in a different sense.
At Genesis 11:1, First Kings 2:1, 2, First Chronicles 16:31, Psalm 96:1, etc., the term “earth” is used in a figurative sense, referring to mankind, to human society. Might that be the case at 2 Peter 3:7, 10 and Revelation 21:1?
Note that, in the context, at 2 Peter 3:5, 6 (also 2:5, 9), a parallel is drawn with the Flood of Noah’s day, in which wicked human society was destroyed, but Noah and his household, as well as the globe itself, were preserved. Likewise, at 2 Peter 3:7 it says that the ones to be destroyed are “ungodly men.” The view that “the earth” here refers to wicked human society fully agrees with the rest of the Bible, as is illustrated by the texts cited above. It is that symbolic “earth,” or wicked human society, that is “discovered”; that is, Jehovah will sear away as by fire all disguise, exposing the wickedness of ungodly human society and showing it to be worthy of complete destruction. That wicked society of humans is also “the first earth,” referred to at Revelation 21:1 (KJ).
Consistently, Jesus’ expression at Luke 21:33 (“heaven and earth will pass away, but . . . ”) must be understood in the light of the parallel statement at Luke 16:17 (“it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than . . . ”), both of which simply emphasize the impossibility of the situations presented.—See also Matthew 5:18.
Will the righteous be taken to heaven and then returned to earth after the wicked are destroyed?
Does Revelation 21:2, 3 support that view? It says: “I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them.’” (Does the fact that God will “reside” with mankind and “be with them” mean that he will become a fleshly Being? That cannot be, because Jehovah told Moses: “No man may see me and yet live.” [Ex. 33:20] Consistently, then, the members of the New Jerusalem will not return to earth as physical beings. In what sense, then, could God “be with” mankind and how would the New Jerusalem ‘come down out of heaven’? No doubt an indication is found in Genesis 21:1, which says that God “visited” Sarah, blessing her with a son in her old age. Exodus 4:31 tells us that God “visited” Israel by sending Moses as a deliverer. Luke 7:16 says that by means of Jesus’ ministry God “visited” his people. [All from KJ and RS] Other translations use the expression God “turned his attention” to his people [NW] or ‘showed concern’ for them [NE]. So Revelation 21:2, 3 must mean that God will ‘visit,’ or be with, mankind by means of the heavenly New Jerusalem, through which blessings will come to obedient humans.)
Prov. 2:21, 22, KJ: “The upright shall dwell in the land [“on earth,” NE], and the perfect [“blameless men,” NE] shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.” (Notice that it does not say the blameless will return to the earth but that they “shall remain in it.”)
Has God’s original purpose for the earth changed?
Gen. 1:27, 28: “God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. Further, God blessed them and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.’” (Thus God indicated his purpose to have the earth filled with the offspring of Adam and Eve as caretakers of a global paradise. After God had magnificently designed this earth for human habitation, making it unique among all the planets that man has examined with his telescopes and spaceships, did the Creator simply abandon his purpose, leaving it forever unfulfilled because of Adam’s sin?)
Isa. 45:18: “This is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: ‘I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.’” (See also Isaiah 55:10, 11.)
If no one is ever going to die in God’s New Order, how will all the people fit on earth?
Keep in mind that when God expressed his purpose for the earth he said: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Gen. 1:28) God gave man the ability to procreate, and when His purpose in that regard is fulfilled He can cause procreation to cease on earth.
What kind of people will God favor with endless life on earth?
Zeph. 2:3: “Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”
Ps. 37:9, 11: “Those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. . . . The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” |
United in Worship (uw)
1983 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/uw | Chapter 9
Power of the Resurrection Hope
1. What marvelous prospects are made possible by the resurrection?
WITHOUT the resurrection, there is no hope for any future life for the human dead. But Jehovah, out of undeserved kindness, has opened up for billions who have died the priceless opportunity to enjoy eternal life. As a result, we also have the heartwarming hope of being reunited with loved ones who have fallen asleep in death.—Compare Mark 5:35, 41, 42; Acts 9:36-41.
2. (a) In what ways has the resurrection proved to be important in the carrying out of Jehovah’s purpose? (b) When in particular is the resurrection hope an important source of strength to us?
2 Because of the resurrection Jehovah can, without lasting harm to his faithful servants, let Satan go to the limit in trying to prove his malicious charge, “Everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul.” (Job 2:4) Because Jesus was raised from the dead he was able to present the value of his human sacrifice before his Father’s heavenly throne, with lifesaving benefit to us. By means of resurrection those who are joint heirs with Christ are united with him in the heavenly Kingdom. And for all of us who have faith, the resurrection is a source of strength beyond what is normal when we undergo trials that bring us face to face with death.
Why Fundamental to Christian Faith
3. (a) In what sense is resurrection a “primary doctrine”? (b) What does resurrection mean to the world in general?
3 The resurrection is, as stated at Hebrews 6:1, 2, a “primary doctrine,” part of the foundation of faith without which we could never become mature Christians. But it is alien to the thinking of the world in general. Lacking spirituality, more and more people live in pursuit of pleasure. They see only this life as real. (1 Cor. 15:32) Those who adhere to traditional religions, both inside Christendom and outside, think they have an immortal soul, which would make resurrection unnecessary. Any who try to reconcile these two concepts find it more confusing than hope inspiring. How can we help those who are willing to listen?—Acts 17:32.
4. (a) Before a person can appreciate resurrection, what may we need to discuss with him? (b) What scriptures would you use to explain what the soul is? The condition of the dead? (c) But what if someone uses a Bible translation that seems to obscure the truths found in those texts?
4 Before such ones can appreciate what a wonderful provision the resurrection is, they need to understand what the soul is and the condition of the dead. Often, just a few scriptures are sufficient to make these matters clear to a person who is hungry for the truth. (Gen. 2:7; Ezek. 18:4; Ps. 146:3, 4) But some modern translations and paraphrase editions of the Bible obscure these truths. So it may be necessary to consider the expressions used in the Bible’s original languages.
5. How would you help such a person to understand what the soul is?
5 The New World Translation is especially valuable in doing this, because it consistently renders the Hebrew term neʹphesh and the corresponding Greek word psy·kheʹ as “soul,” and in its appendix are listed many texts where these terms are found. Other modern versions may render the same original words not only as “soul” but also as “creature,” “being,” “person” and “life”; “my neʹphesh” may be rendered “I,” and “your neʹphesh” as “you.” A comparison of these Bibles with some older translations or with the New World Translation will help a sincere student to appreciate that the original-language terms rendered “soul” refer to (1) persons, (2) animals and (3) the life that they enjoy as such. But never do they convey the idea that a soul is an invisible, intangible thing that can escape from the body at death and have a continued conscious existence somewhere.
6. (a) Why do some modern translations leave readers confused as to the meaning of Sheol, Hades and Gehenna? (b) How would you explain from the Bible the condition of persons in Sheol, or Hades? In Gehenna?
6 Likewise, the New World Translation is consistent in its use of Sheol to transliterate the Hebrew term sheōlʹ and in its use of Hades for the Greek term haʹdes and Gehenna for geʹen·na. But some other modern translations and paraphrases of the Bible confuse the reader by rendering BOTH haʹdes and geʹen·na as “hell,” in addition to using “the grave” and “the world of the dead” as other renderings of sheōlʹ and haʹdes. By comparing translations, where necessary, it can be shown that Sheol is the equivalent of Hades. (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27) The Bible makes it clear that Sheol, or Hades, mankind’s common grave, is associated with death, not life. (Ps. 89:48; Rev. 20:13) It also points to the prospect of return from there by means of resurrection. (Job 14:13; Acts 2:31) In contrast, no hope for future life is held out for those who go to Gehenna, and, of course, the soul is not spoken of as having conscious existence there.—Matt. 18:9; 10:28.
7. Properly understood, how can the resurrection influence a person’s attitude and actions?
7 With those matters cleared up, the death and resurrection of Christ take on real meaning. A person can now be helped to grasp what the resurrection might mean to him and can begin to appreciate Jehovah’s love in making such a marvelous provision. The grief felt by those who have lost dear ones in death can now be replaced with joyful anticipation of reunion in God’s New Order. First-century Christians realized that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Zealously they witnessed to others about it and the hope that it assured. So, too, those who appreciate it today are eager to share this precious truth with others.—Acts 5:30-32; 10:40-43; 13:32-39; 17:31.
Using the ‘Key of Hades’
8. What does Jesus’ use of “the keys of death and of Hades” mean for his spirit-anointed followers?
8 All who are to be associated with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom must eventually die. But they know well the assurance that he gave when he said to the apostle John: “I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” (Rev. 1:18) What did he mean? He was calling attention to his own experience. He, too, had died. But God did not leave him in Hades. On the third day Jehovah personally raised him to spirit life and conferred immortality upon him. Not only that, but God gave him “the keys of death and of Hades” to use in releasing others from mankind’s common grave and from the effects of Adamic sin. Because of being in possession of those keys, Jesus is able to raise his faithful followers from the dead. When he does so, he confers upon the spirit-anointed members of his congregation the precious gift of immortal heavenly life, just as his Father did for him.—Rom. 6:5; Phil. 3:20, 21.
9. When does the resurrection of faithful anointed Christians take place?
9 When would faithful anointed Christians experience that resurrection? It has already begun. The apostle Paul explains that they would be raised ‘during Christ’s presence,’ which presence began in 1914 C.E. (1 Cor. 15:23) Now, when these finish their earthly course, they do not have to wait in death for the return of their Lord. As soon as they die they are raised up in the spirit, being “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” What happiness is theirs, because “the things they did go right with them”!—1 Cor. 15:51, 52; Rev. 14:13.
10. What other resurrection will there be, and when will it begin?
10 But theirs is not the only resurrection. The fact that it is called the “first resurrection” indicates that another must follow. (Rev. 20:6) Those who benefit from this latter resurrection will have the happy prospect of everlasting life on a Paradise earth. When will that take place? The book of Revelation shows that it will be after “the earth and the heaven” of the present wicked system of things are removed. That end of the old system is very near. Thereafter, at God’s appointed time, the earthly resurrection will begin.—Rev. 20:11, 12.
11. Who will be included among the faithful ones raised to life on earth, and why is that a thrilling prospect?
11 Who will be included? Faithful servants of Jehovah from earliest times. Among them will be men who, because of their strong faith in the resurrection, “would not accept release by some ransom”—some compromise of their integrity to God in order to escape a violent death. (Heb. 11:35) What a delight it will be to get to know them personally and to hear from them, firsthand, the details concerning events that are reported on only briefly in the Bible! Among others, there will be Abel, the first faithful witness of Jehovah. Enoch and Noah, fearless proclaimers of God’s message of warning before the Deluge. Abraham, who entertained angels. Moses, through whom the Law was given at Mount Sinai. Courageous prophets such as Jeremiah, who saw the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. And John the Baptizer, who heard God himself identify Jesus as His Son. There will also be loyal ones who died during the last days of the present system.—Heb. 11:4-38; Matt. 11:11.
12. (a) How many of the dead in Hades will be raised? (b) So who will be included, and why?
12 In time, others, too, will be raised. The extent to which Jesus will use the ‘key of Hades’ on behalf of mankind is shown in a vision given to the apostle John in which he saw Hades “hurled into the lake of fire.” What does that mean? That it is destroyed; it goes out of existence because of being completely emptied. Thus, in addition to raising faithful worshipers of Jehovah, Jesus will mercifully bring back from Hades, or Sheol, even unrighteous persons. None of these are raised simply to be judged worthy of death again. In the righteous environment under God’s Kingdom they will be helped to bring their lives into harmony with Jehovah’s ways. The vision showed “the scroll of life” opened, and they will have opportunity to get their names entered in it. They will be “judged individually according to their deeds” performed after their resurrection. (Rev. 20:12-14; Acts 24:15) Thus, viewed from the standpoint of the final outcome, theirs can prove to be “a resurrection of life” and will not unavoidably be “a resurrection of [condemnatory] judgment.”—John 5:28, 29.
13. (a) Who will not be resurrected? (b) How should knowledge of the truth about the resurrection affect our lives?
13 Of course, not all who have ever lived will be resurrected. Some committed sins for which no forgiveness is possible. Those executed in the “great tribulation,” now near at hand, will be included among those who experience everlasting destruction. (Matt. 12:31, 32; 23:33; 24:21, 22; 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:6-9) Thus, while extraordinary mercy is shown in releasing all who are in Hades, the resurrection provides no basis for our being indifferent about how we live now. Rather, it should motivate us to show how deeply appreciative we are of this truly undeserved kindness of God.
Strengthened by Hope of the Resurrection
14. How can the resurrection be a source of great strength to a person who is nearing the end of his present life?
14 Those who have made the resurrection hope their own are able to draw great strength from it. When they near the end of their life, they know that they cannot indefinitely postpone death, regardless of the medical procedures used. (Eccl. 8:8) If they have kept busy in the work of the Lord and served loyally with his organization, they can look to the future with full assurance. They know that by means of resurrection they will in God’s due time enjoy life again. And what a life it will be! “The real life,” as the apostle Paul called it.—1 Tim. 6:19; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 6:10-12.
15. If we are threatened by violent persecutors, what can help us to maintain integrity to Jehovah?
15 Not just knowing that there is a resurrection, but knowing the One who is the Source of that provision is what enables us to be strong. This fortifies us to be loyal to God even if threatened with death at the hands of violent persecutors. Satan has long used fear of untimely death as a means of holding people in slavery. But Jesus did not give in to such fear; he proved faithful to Jehovah right down to death. By what his death accomplished he provided the means for emancipating others from such fear. (Heb. 2:14, 15) As a result of their faith in that provision, his true followers have built up an outstanding record as integrity keepers. When put under pressure, they have proved that ‘they do not love their own souls’ more than they love Jehovah. (Rev. 12:11) Wisely, they do not try to save their present life by abandoning Christian principles, only to lose the prospect of eternal life. (Luke 9:24, 25) Do you have that kind of faith? You will if you truly love Jehovah and have taken to heart what the resurrection hope means to you.
Review Discussion
● Why does a person need to understand what the soul is and the condition of the dead before he can appreciate the resurrection?
● Who will return from the dead? How should this knowledge affect us?
● How does the resurrection hope strengthen us? |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 179
On Jehovah We Must Wait
(Romans 8:19)
1. There’s a faithful little flock.
On Jehovah it must wait.
And its heav’nly kings will reign;
This their hope is truly great.
Christ Jesus is reigning;
His right he’s maintaining.
He will give a grand reward
To all who are his own,
Who make the Kingdom known.
2. As companions they now have
A great crowd of other sheep.
And with them their one desire
Is integrity to keep.
As light keeps increasing,
They wait without ceasing
The revealing of God’s sons,
Which will bring lasting peace,
Yes, will bring lasting peace.
3. God has promised to mankind
A new heaven and new earth.
In these righteousness will dwell,
Following the Kingdom’s birth.
For this we are yearning,
As truth we are learning.
In Jehovah we do trust;
On him we all must wait.
Yes, on him we must wait. |
More to Life (ml)
1975 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/more-to-life-ml | The Answer to Mankind’s Problems
There really is an answer. Learn what it is. Read the 192-page hardbound book True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? Only $1, postpaid. (Price subject to change.)
To order, see inside front cover for addresses. |
Watching the World | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102012008 | Watching the World
According to 76.3 percent of adults surveyed in Germany, flirting is “totally harmless” and “does not commit those involved to anything.” Almost half of those polled said it was all right for a married person to flirt with a stranger.—APOTHEKEN UMSCHAU, GERMANY.
A nationwide poll shows that 48 percent of Russians believe that terrorist attacks have become a “fully expected” and “routine part of life.”—KOMMERSANT, RUSSIA.
“In a brazen attempt reminiscent of a medieval siege,” Mexican smugglers recently tried a novel method to evade border security—a “hefty catapult” mounted on a trailer and equipped with powerful elastic, “to hurl drugs north” over the U.S. border fence.—REUTERS NEWS SERVICE, U.S.A.
“Two of every five pregnancies” in New York City end in abortion. The proportion has “barely changed in more than a decade.”—THE NEW YORK TIMES, U.S.A.
Pest controllers were amazed when they were called to catch a fox on the 72nd floor of a skyscraper under construction in central London. The animal, which was “living off scraps left by builders,” was released nearby.—THE TELEGRAPH, LONDON.
Russian Orthodox Priests Can Run for Office
“The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church has given approval for its clerics to run for political office in exceptional circumstances to protect the church from schisms and other direct threats,” reports the news agency RIA Novosti. According to a statement by the bishops, such circumstances arise when there is a need “to confront forces, including schismatic ones and those from other confessions, who seek to use electoral power to fight the Orthodox Church.”
New Legal Problems
Practices in reproductive medicine, which were once considered science fiction, are creating new legal dilemmas. “Every year, more babies are born stemming from sperm or embryos that have been stored for months or years,” explains The Wall Street Journal. “In some cases, one parent has already died, usually the father.” In the United States, some orphans receive monthly payments from the Social Security system. But the laws of different states vary as to whether such payments ought to be made if the child is conceived after the death of one of the parents. “Technology has gone far beyond where the law ever dreamed it would,” states Minnesota lawyer Sonny Miller. |
When We Die (ie)
1998 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/when-we-die-ie | Is There Life After Death?
“There exists hope for even a tree. If it gets cut down, it will even sprout again . . . If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?”—MOSES, AN ANCIENT PROPHET.
1-3. How do many seek comfort when they have lost a loved one in death?
IN A funeral parlor in New York City, friends and family quietly file by the open casket. They gaze at the body, that of a 17-year-old boy. His friends from school hardly recognize him. Chemotherapy has thinned his hair; cancer has caused him to lose weight. Can this really be their friend? Just months before, he was so full of ideas, of questions, of energy—of life! The heartbroken mother of the boy tries to find hope and solace in the idea that somehow her son still lives. Over and over she tearfully repeats what she has been taught: “Tommy’s happier now. God wanted Tommy in heaven with him.”
2 Some 7,000 miles [11,000 km] away, in Jamnagar, India, the three sons of a 58-year-old businessman help lay their father’s corpse on a funeral pyre. In the bright midmorning sun, the eldest son begins the cremation procedure by lighting the logs of wood with a torch and pouring a sweet-smelling mixture of spices and incense over his father’s lifeless body. The crackling of the fire is overpowered by the Brahman’s repeated utterances of Sanskrit mantras meaning: “May the soul that never dies continue in its efforts to become one with the ultimate reality.”
3 As the three brothers observe the cremation, each silently asks himself, ‘Do I believe in life after death?’ Having been educated in different parts of the world, they give different answers. The youngest feels confident that their beloved father will be reincarnated to a life of greater status. The middle brother believes that the dead are in a sense asleep, conscious of nothing at all. The oldest simply tries to accept the reality of death, for he thinks that no one can know for sure what happens to us when we die.
One Question, Many Answers
4. What question has distressed mankind for ages?
4 Is there life after death? is a question that has perplexed mankind for millenniums. “Even theologians are embarrassed when faced with [it],” says Hans Küng, a Catholic scholar. Over the ages, people in every society have pondered the subject, and there is no shortage of proposed answers.
5-8. What do various religions teach about life after death?
5 Many nominal Christians believe in heaven and hell. Hindus, on the other hand, believe in reincarnation. Commenting on the Muslim view, Amir Muawiyah, an assistant at an Islamic religious center, says: “We believe there will be a day of judgment after death, when you go before God, Allah, which will be just like walking into court.” According to Islamic belief, Allah will then assess each one’s life course and consign a person to paradise or to hellfire.
6 In Sri Lanka, both Buddhists and Catholics leave the doors and windows wide open when a death occurs in their household. An oil lamp is lit, and the casket is placed with the feet of the deceased facing the front door. They believe that these measures facilitate the exit of the spirit, or soul, of the deceased from the house.
7 Australian Aborigines, says Ronald M. Berndt of the University of Western Australia, believe that “human beings are spiritually indestructible.” Certain African tribes believe that after death ordinary people become ghosts, whereas prominent individuals become ancestor spirits, who will be honored and petitioned as invisible leaders of the community.
8 In some lands, beliefs regarding supposed souls of the dead are a blend of local tradition and nominal Christianity. For example, among many Catholics and Protestants in West Africa, it is customary to cover mirrors when someone dies so that no one might look and see the dead person’s spirit. Then, 40 days after the death of the loved one, family and friends celebrate the soul’s ascension to heaven.
A Common Theme
9, 10. On what fundamental belief do most religions agree?
9 Answers to the question about what happens when we die are as diverse as the customs and beliefs of the people giving them. Yet, most religions agree on one fundamental idea: Something inside a person—a soul, a spirit, a ghost—is immortal and continues living after death.
10 Belief in the immortality of the soul is all but universal in Christendom’s thousands of religions and sects. It is an official doctrine in Judaism too. In Hinduism this belief is the very foundation of the teaching of reincarnation. Muslims believe that the soul comes into being with the body but lives on after the body dies. Other faiths—African animism, Shinto, and even Buddhism—teach variations on this same theme.
11. How do some scholars view the idea that the soul is immortal?
11 Some take the opposite view, that conscious life ends at death. To them, the idea that emotional and intellectual life continues in an impersonal, shadowy soul separate from the body seems beyond reason. The 20th-century Spanish writer and scholar Miguel de Unamuno writes: “To believe in the immortality of the soul is to wish that the soul may be immortal, but to wish it with such force that this volition shall trample reason under foot and pass beyond it.” Among those who refused to believe in personal immortality are the noted ancient philosophers Aristotle and Epicurus, the physician Hippocrates, the Scottish philosopher David Hume, the Arabian scholar Averroës, and India’s first prime minister after independence, Jawaharlal Nehru.
12, 13. What important questions arise about the teaching of the immortality of the soul?
12 The question is, Do we really have an immortal soul? If the soul actually is not immortal, then how could such a false teaching be an integral part of most of today’s religions? Where did the idea begin? And if the soul actually ceases to exist at death, what hope could there be for the dead?
13 Can we find truthful and satisfying answers to such questions? Yes! These and other questions will be answered in the following pages. First, let us examine how the doctrine of the immortality of the soul was born. |
A People Without Racial or National Boundaries | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101972013 | A People Without Racial or National Boundaries
Although scattered over 207 countries, Jehovah’s witnesses enjoy a unity that is unique in a world that is divided racially and nationally.
Read about their worldwide growth and activities in the 1972 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of special interest are feature stories on their work in Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Taiwan and Zambia. There is also a Scripture text with comments for each day of the year, to help you to get every day off to a good start. Send only 50 cents.
Please send me the 1972 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, for which I enclose 50c. |
True Peace (tp)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp | Chapter 15
Why Care About Other People?
1. (a) What has caused many people to look out for themselves and not be too concerned about others? (b) What has been the result?
UNSELFISH concern for others is rare today. Though everyone is born with a capacity for love, when others unfairly seek their own advantage or when one’s own efforts to show love are misunderstood, a person may decide it is better just to look out for himself. Others, seeing that some who exploit their fellowman prosper materially, may think that this is the way to success. The result is that many people have a spirit of distrust and have few real friends, if any. What accounts for this unhappy state of affairs?
2. (a) How does the Bible identify the root of the problem? (b) What does it mean to know God?
2 Love is missing, the kind of love that manifests itself in sincere concern for the lasting welfare of others. And why is it missing? Getting right to the root of the problem, the Bible states: “He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Of course, many self-seeking individuals do profess to believe in God and even attend church. But the fact is that they do not really know God. To know God means to be well acquainted with his personality, to recognize his authority, and then to act in harmony with what we know about him. (Jeremiah 22:16; Titus 1:16) So, then, to find the true enjoyment in life that comes only when one expresses love and receives it, we must get to know God well and apply what we learn.
3. How has God shown his great love for mankind?
3 “By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him,” wrote the apostle John. “The love is in this respect, not that we have [first] loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are ourselves under obligation to love one another.” (1 John 4:9-11) God did not let the unloving conduct of mankind stifle his own love. As stated at Romans 5:8: “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
4. How does that make you personally feel toward God?
4 How many people do you love so much that you would lay down your life for them—people who have never done anything for you? If you are a parent, who is there that you would be willing to have your child die for? That is the kind of love that God showed for us. (John 3:16) How does knowing this make you feel toward God? If we really appreciate what he has done, we will find that it is no burden to obey his commandments.—1 John 5:3.
5. (a) What is the “new commandment” that Jesus gave to his disciples? (b) How is our devotion to God as ruler involved in it? (c) What, then, does obedience to this “new commandment” require?
5 On the night before his death Jesus gave his disciples one of those commandments. It would identify them as being different from the rest of the world. He said: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another.” Jesus’ commandment was “new” in that he was saying to love others, not merely as they loved themselves, but “just as I have loved you”—to be willing to lay down their lives for one another. (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:16) This kind of love shows our devotion to God by proving false the Devil’s claim that no human will obey God at the risk of his own life. (Job 2:1-10) Obviously, obedience to this “new commandment” requires deep concern for one another.—James 1:27; 2:15, 16; 1 Thessalonians 2:8.
6. Toward whom else is love to be shown, and why?
6 But Christ died for the world of mankind, not just his disciples. Thus the Scriptures urge: “As long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Opportunities to ‘work good toward all’ arise every day. When our love is not narrow, but openhearted and generous, we imitate God, “since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.”—Matthew 5:43-48.
Respect for the Person and Property of Others
7. What may influence how we treat the person and property of others?
7 We live in the midst of an unloving world. You perhaps realize that you have not always been as considerate of others as you could have been. But if a person is to serve God, there is need for a conscientious effort for him to ‘make his mind over.’ (Romans 12:1, 2) He needs to change his attitude toward the person and property of others.
8. (a) What shows widespread disregard for the property of others? (b) What counsel in the Bible, if followed, would hold a person back from doing such things?
8 In some areas there is shocking disregard for what belongs to others. Just for a thrill, youths destroy both private and public property. Or they deliberately deface things that others have worked hard to acquire. Some may express dismay at such vandalism, yet contribute to it by discarding litter in parks, on streets, or in public buildings. Are these actions consistent with Jesus’ admonition: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them”? (Matthew 7:12) Such unloving conduct demonstrates that one is not in full accord with God’s purpose for this earth to become a paradise.
9. (a) How does stealing affect the lives of all? (b) Why is stealing wrong in the eyes of God?
9 In many places, concern for one’s life and possessions makes locked doors, barred windows, and watchdogs commonplace. Stores raise prices to compensate for what is stolen. But stealing will have no place in God’s New Order. Hence, any who hope to be there must learn to live now in a way that contributes to the security of their fellowmen. The Bible shows that a “gift of God” is that a man “see good for all his hard work.” So it is wrong to try to deprive him of the results of his work. (Ecclesiastes 3:13; 5:18) Many people who were dishonest in the past have changed. Not only do they refrain from stealing but they have also learned the joy of giving to others. (Acts 20:35) With a desire to please God, they have taken to heart what is written at Ephesians 4:28: “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.”
10. (a) How, by the way we speak to others, can we show consideration for them? (b) What will help a person to learn to show love in this way?
10 Often, especially when things go wrong, what others need is not something material, but they need kindness. However, what happens in situations where a person’s failings come to light? There may be angry outbursts, abusive speech, or cutting remarks. Even some who acknowledge that this course is wrong fail to control their tongue. How can a person overcome such a habit? Basically, what is lacking is love, and that indicates a need to get to know God. When a person comes to appreciate the extent of God’s mercy to him, he will find it far less difficult to forgive others. He may even begin to see ways to aid the offender, offering kind assistance with a view to improvement.—Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:31–5:2.
11. Why should we not be abusive in our speech, even when others are unkind to us?
11 It is true that other people may not apply this fine counsel from God’s Word in their dealings with us. Despite our sincere motives, we may at times find ourselves the object of their abuse. What will we do then? The Bible counsels: “Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.” (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:21-23) Continued kindness on our part may in time soften their attitude and bring out their better qualities. Whatever their reaction, when we continue to display kindness, we show that we uphold God’s way of ruling, which is based on love.
Overcoming Racial, National, Social Prejudice
12, 13. How does the Bible help a person to eliminate any feelings of racial, national, or social prejudice?
12 An individual who has real love is not influenced by race, skin color, nationality, or social status. Why not? Because he appreciates the Bible truth that “[God] made out of one man every nation of men.” (Acts 17:26) All humans are therefore related. No race is inherently superior to another.
13 No one has any reason to boast because of his ancestry, race, color, nationality, or station in life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Therefore everyone is dependent on the ransom sacrifice of Christ. And the Bible shows that those who will be spared through the coming “great tribulation” come from “all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.”—Revelation 7:9, 14-17.
14. Why is a bad personal experience not a valid basis for prejudice against people of a certain race or nationality?
14 Attempting to justify his prejudice, a person may call to mind a bad experience that he had with someone of a certain race or nationality. But was everyone of that race or nationality involved in the wrongdoing? And have not people of one’s own race or nationality been guilty of the very same thing? If we hope to live in God’s peaceful New Order, we need to clean out of our hearts any pride that tends to alienate us from other people.
15. If a person’s comments about race or nationality were to stumble a fellow believer, how would this affect his own standing before God and Christ?
15 What is in our hearts sooner or later comes out of our mouths. As Christ Jesus said: “Out of the heart’s abundance [the] mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) What if remarks reflecting prejudice were to stumble someone who was showing interest in Jehovah’s organization? The matter is so serious that Jesus warned: “Whoever stumbles one of these little ones that believe, it would be finer for him if a millstone such as is turned by an ass were put around his neck and he were actually pitched into the sea.”—Mark 9:42.
16. How did Jesus indicate the impartiality we should show other people?
16 Christians are obligated to show a loving interest in others regardless of their race, nationality, or station in life. (James 2:1-9) As Jesus urged: “When you spread a feast, invite poor people, crippled, lame, blind; and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you.” (Luke 14:13, 14) By taking this kind of caring interest in other people, we reflect the loving qualities of our heavenly Father.
Loving Concern for the Eternal Welfare of Others
17. (a) What is the most valuable thing that we can share with others? (b) Why should we feel moved to do so?
17 Our concern for others should not be limited to their physical needs. Nor would our love be complete simply because we were kind to all sorts of people. For life to have real meaning, people need to know Jehovah and his purposes. In prayer to his Father, Jesus said: “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) If you have read this book from the beginning, you know how to gain that prize. You have seen for yourself what the Scriptures foretell about the “great tribulation,” and the physical evidences that confirm its nearness. You know that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for mankind. But does love for Jehovah and for your fellowman move you to share this vital knowledge with others?
18. (a) At Matthew 24:14, what work did Jesus foretell for our day? (b) How should we view participation in it?
18 When speaking of “the conclusion of the system of things,” Jesus foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:3, 14) What a privilege it is to represent the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, Jehovah himself, as one shares in this “witness”! Opportunity to take part in this special work is still open, but not for much longer.
19. Why should we not allow any feeling of lack in personal ability to hold us back from sharing in this work?
19 When considering the prospect of sharing in this “witness to all the nations,” it is good to realize that it is, not one’s personal ability, but God who causes the message to produce results. (Acts 16:14; 1 Corinthians 3:6) If you are moved by a willing heart, Jehovah can use you to accomplish his will. As the apostle Paul said: “Now through the Christ we have this sort of confidence toward God. Not that we of ourselves are adequately qualified to reckon anything as issuing from ourselves, but our being adequately qualified issues from God.”—2 Corinthians 3:4-6.
20. (a) Will everyone respond favorably to the good news? (b) What good is accomplished by preaching to people who are indifferent or even opposed?
20 We should not expect, of course, that everyone will respond favorably. Many will be indifferent. Some will oppose. Yet they can change. Saul of Tarsus, who was once a persecutor of Christians, became a zealous apostle of Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12, 13) Whether others know it or not, they need the Kingdom message. So we need to be concerned about them, willing to expend ourselves to further their lasting welfare. (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8) Even if they do not want the Kingdom message, good is still accomplished. The witness is given, Jehovah’s name is magnified, the ‘separating’ of the people is done, and we demonstrate our own loyalty to Jehovah.—Matthew 25:31-33.
Caring About What Happens to Your Own Family
21. What responsibility does a family head have as to the spiritual well-being of his household?
21 Your efforts to help others to benefit from Jehovah’s loving provisions should also be directed to your own family. A family head, for example, is responsible for the spiritual growth of his family. This is directly influenced by the regularity of his arrangements for family discussion of God’s Word. And when a father’s prayers on behalf of the family show depth of devotion and gratitude, this can mold the attitude of the entire household.
22. Why is it important for a father to discipline his children, and what should motivate him?
22 His responsibility also includes administering discipline. When problems arise, it may seem easier to ignore them. But if discipline is administered only when the father becomes irritated, or if problems are handled only when they become serious, something is missing. Says Proverbs 13:24: ‘The father who loves his son is he that does look for him with discipline.’ Hence a loving father administers discipline consistently. He patiently explains things to his children and considers the mental, emotional, and physical limitations of each one. (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21) If you are a father, do you have that kind of love for your children? Are you willing to shoulder this responsibility, with an eye not only on the present but also on the future welfare of your family?—Proverbs 23:13, 14; 29:17.
23. How can a mother contribute toward the spiritual welfare of her family?
23 A wife, too, can make a major contribution to the family. Her cooperation with her husband and her wise use of time in molding their children’s lives in a godly way is usually reflected in the conduct and attitude of the children. (Proverbs 29:15) Even where there is no father in the home, careful teaching from the Bible coupled with a fine example yields good results.
24. (a) If faced with opposition from one’s marriage mate, what issue should the believer keep in focus? (b) Under such circumstances, how would love be shown for the unbelieving mate?
24 But what if a father who is in the home does not accept God’s Word, or even persecutes his wife? What should she do? If she loves Jehovah, she certainly will not turn her back on Him. It is Satan who charged that humans would forsake God if subjected to hardship. She surely does not want to be doing Satan’s bidding. (Job 2:1-5; Proverbs 27:11) At the same time, the Bible urges her to seek the lasting welfare of her husband. Forsaking what she knows to be the truth would mean the loss of eternal life for both of them. But if she remains firm in her faith, she may help him to gain salvation. (1 Corinthians 7:10-16; 1 Peter 3:1, 2) Furthermore, by continuing to honor her marriage vows, even under difficulty, she shows her deep respect for the Author of marriage, Jehovah God.
25. How does the decision of the parent affect the life prospects of children?
25 Another powerful reason for a believing parent to be loyal to God when faced with opposition is the children. God gives assurance that the young children of his devoted servants will be preserved through the coming “great tribulation.” Even if only one parent is a servant of Jehovah, He counts such young children as “holy.” (1 Corinthians 7:14) But if the parent were to “beg off” from doing the will of God, what then? Such parent would give up an approved standing before God not only for himself or herself but also for the young children. (Hebrews 12:25) What a tragic loss that would be!
26. To act with real benefit to ourselves and others, what do we need to do?
26 No matter what aspect of life we view, then, it is evident that we need to consider not just ourselves but others too. We will receive love if we practice showing love to others. (Luke 6:38) But to demonstrate genuine love and not to be misled by shortsighted human reasoning, we need to know Jehovah and to enjoy a good relationship with him. Our doing so, however, involves a choice that we must personally make.
[Picture on page 171]
The kind of love Jehovah’s servants must have obligates them to show genuine consideration for others regardless of race, nationality, or station in life |
Isaiah’s Prophecy II (ip-2)
2001 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ip-2 | Chapter Twenty
Jehovah’s Hand Has Not Become Short
Isaiah 59:1-21
1. What is the situation in Judah, and what do many wonder?
THE nation of Judah claims to be in a covenant relationship with Jehovah. Yet, there is trouble everywhere. Justice is in short supply, crime and oppression are rampant, and hopes for improvement go unrealized. Something is seriously wrong. Many wonder if Jehovah will ever correct matters. This is the situation in the days of Isaiah. But Isaiah’s account of this time is more than mere ancient history. His words contain prophetic warnings for any who claim to worship God but ignore His laws. And the inspired prophecy recorded in Isaiah chapter 59 provides warm encouragement for all who strive to serve Jehovah despite living in difficult and dangerous times.
Isolated From the True God
2, 3. Why is Jehovah not protecting Judah?
2 Just imagine—Jehovah’s covenant people have lapsed into apostasy! They have turned their backs on their Maker, thus removing themselves from under his protective hand. Because of this, they are experiencing severe distress. Do they perhaps blame Jehovah for their hard times? Isaiah tells them: “Look! The hand of Jehovah has not become too short that it cannot save, nor has his ear become too heavy that it cannot hear. No, but the very errors of you people have become the things causing division between you and your God, and your own sins have caused the concealing of his face from you to keep from hearing.”—Isaiah 59:1, 2.
3 Those words are frank but true. Jehovah is still the God of salvation. As the “Hearer of prayer,” he listens to the prayers of his faithful servants. (Psalm 65:2) However, he does not bless wrongdoers. The people themselves are responsible for their alienation from Jehovah. Their own wickedness has led him to conceal his face from them.
4. What charges are leveled against Judah?
4 The truth is, Judah has a terrible record. Isaiah’s prophecy lists some of the charges against them: “Your own palms have become polluted with blood, and your fingers with error. Your own lips have spoken falsehood. Your own tongue kept muttering sheer unrighteousness.” (Isaiah 59:3) The people lie and speak unrighteous things. The reference to “palms . . . polluted with blood” indicates that some have even committed murder. What a dishonor to God, whose Law not only prohibits murder but also forbids ‘hating your brother in your heart’! (Leviticus 19:17) The unbridled sinfulness of the inhabitants of Judah and the inevitable outcome should remind each one of us today that we need to control sinful thoughts and feelings. Otherwise, we could end up committing wicked acts that would separate us from God.—Romans 12:9; Galatians 5:15; James 1:14, 15.
5. How far has Judah’s corruption gone?
5 The disease of sin has infected the whole nation. The prophecy says: “There is no one calling out in righteousness, and no one at all has gone to court in faithfulness. There has been a trusting in unreality, and a speaking of worthlessness. There has been a conceiving of trouble, and a bringing of what is hurtful to birth.” (Isaiah 59:4) No one is speaking righteousness. Even in courts of law, it is rare to find someone who is reliable or faithful. Judah has turned her back on Jehovah and put her trust in alliances with nations, even in lifeless idols. All of these are “unreality,” of no value whatsoever. (Isaiah 40:17, 23; 41:29) As a result, there is much talk, but all of it is worthless. Plans are conceived, but they result in trouble and hurtfulness.
6. How is Christendom’s record like that of Judah?
6 Unrighteousness and violence in Judah find a striking parallel in Christendom. (See “Apostate Jerusalem—A Parallel of Christendom,” on page 294.) Two vicious world wars have been fought involving so-called Christian nations. Down to the present, Christendom’s form of religion has proved powerless to stop ethnic cleansing and intertribal slaughter among her own members. (2 Timothy 3:5) Although Jesus taught his followers to trust in God’s Kingdom, the nations of Christendom continue to rely for security on military arsenals and political alliances. (Matthew 6:10) Indeed, most of the world’s major arms producers are found in the nations of Christendom! Yes, when Christendom trusts in human efforts and institutions for a secure future, she too is trusting in “unreality.”
Reaping Bitter Fruit
7. Why do Judah’s schemes result only in what is harmful?
7 Idolatry and dishonesty cannot produce a healthy society. Because of resorting to such measures, the unfaithful Jews are now reaping the trouble that they themselves have sown. We read: “The eggs of a poisonous snake are what they have hatched, and they kept weaving the mere cobweb of a spider. Anyone eating some of their eggs would die, and the egg that was smashed would be hatched into a viper.” (Isaiah 59:5) From conception to realization, Judah’s schemes produce nothing substantial. Their wrong thinking results only in bad, just as the eggs of a poisonous snake produce only poisonous snakes. And the nation suffers.
8. What demonstrates Judah’s flawed thinking?
8 Some inhabitants of Judah may resort to violence in an effort to protect themselves, but they will fail. Physical force cannot replace trust in Jehovah and works of righteousness as protection any more than cobwebs can replace real fabric as protection against the elements. Isaiah declares: “Their mere cobweb will not serve as a garment, nor will they cover themselves with their works. Their works are hurtful works, and the activity of violence is in their palms. Their own feet keep running to sheer badness, and they are in a hurry to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are hurtful thoughts; despoiling and breakdown are in their highways.” (Isaiah 59:6, 7) Judah’s thinking is flawed. By resorting to violence to try to solve her problems, she demonstrates an ungodly attitude. It matters little to her that many of her victims are innocent and that some are genuine servants of God.
9. Why is true peace beyond the grasp of Christendom’s leaders?
9 These inspired words remind us of the bloody record of Christendom. Surely, Jehovah will call her to account for her tragic misrepresentation of Christianity! Like the Jews of Isaiah’s day, Christendom has pursued a morally twisted course because her leaders believe it to be the only practical one. While they talk of peace, they act with injustice. What duplicity! Since Christendom’s leaders continue using this tactic, true peace will remain beyond their grasp. It is as the prophecy goes on to say: “The way of peace they have ignored, and there is no justice in their tracks. Their roadways they have made crooked for themselves. No one at all treading in them will actually know peace.”—Isaiah 59:8.
Wandering in Spiritual Darkness
10. What confession does Isaiah make on behalf of Judah?
10 Jehovah cannot bless Judah’s devious and destructive ways. (Psalm 11:5) So speaking on behalf of the entire nation, Isaiah confesses Judah’s guilt: “Justice has come to be far away from us, and righteousness does not catch up with us. We keep hoping for light, but, look! darkness; for brightness, but in continuous gloom we kept walking. We keep groping for the wall just like blind men, and like those without eyes we keep groping. We have stumbled at high noon just as in evening darkness; among the stout ones we are just like dead people. We keep groaning, all of us, just like bears; and like doves we mournfully keep cooing.” (Isaiah 59:9-11a) The Jews have not let God’s Word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their roadway. (Psalm 119:105) As a consequence, things look dark. Even at high noon, they grope about as if it were night. It is as though they were dead. In their longing for relief, they groan loudly like hungry or wounded bears. Some coo pitifully, like lonely doves.
11. Why are Judah’s hopes for justice and salvation in vain?
11 Isaiah is only too aware that the reason for Judah’s plight is revolt against God. He says: “We kept hoping for justice, but there was none; for salvation, but it has stayed far away from us. For our revolts have become many in front of you; and as for our sins, each one has testified against us. For our revolts are with us; and as for our errors, we well know them. There have been transgressing and a denying of Jehovah; and there was a moving back from our God, a speaking of oppression and revolt, a conceiving and a muttering of words of falsehood from the very heart.” (Isaiah 59:11b-13) Since the inhabitants of Judah have not repented, their sins still count against them. Justice has left the land because the people have left Jehovah. They have proved false through and through, even oppressing their brothers. How like those in Christendom today! Not only do many ignore justice but they also actively persecute faithful Witnesses of Jehovah, who seek to do God’s will.
Jehovah Executes Judgment
12. What is the attitude of those responsible for administering justice in Judah?
12 There seems to be no justice, righteousness, or truth in Judah. “Justice was forced to move back, and righteousness itself kept standing simply far off. For truth has stumbled even in the public square, and what is straightforward is unable to enter.” (Isaiah 59:14) Behind the city gates in Judah, there are public squares where the older men meet to consider legal cases. (Ruth 4:1, 2, 11) Such men should judge in righteousness and pursue justice, not accept bribes. (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) Instead, they judge according to their own selfish ideas. Worse yet, they view any who sincerely try to do good as easy prey. We read: “The truth proves to be missing, and anyone turning away from badness is being despoiled.”—Isaiah 59:15a.
13. Since Judah’s judges are derelict in their duty, what will Jehovah do?
13 Those who fail to speak out against moral perversion forget that God is not blind, ignorant, or powerless. Isaiah writes: “Jehovah got to see, and it was bad in his eyes that there was no justice. And when he saw that there was no man, he began to show himself astonished that there was no one interposing. And his arm proceeded to save for him, and his own righteousness was the thing that supported him.” (Isaiah 59:15b, 16) Since appointed judges are derelict in their duty, Jehovah will intervene in the matter. When he does, he will act in righteousness and with power.
14. (a) What attitude do many today have? (b) How does Jehovah prepare himself for action?
14 There is a similar situation today. We live in a world where many have “come to be past all moral sense.” (Ephesians 4:19) Few believe that Jehovah will ever intervene to eliminate evil from the earth. But Isaiah’s prophecy shows that Jehovah closely observes human affairs. He makes judgments, and in his own time, he acts according to those judgments. Are his judgments fair? Isaiah shows that they are. In the case of the nation of Judah, he writes: “Then [Jehovah] put on righteousness as a coat of mail, and the helmet of salvation upon his head. Furthermore, he put on the garments of vengeance as raiment and enwrapped himself with zeal as if a sleeveless coat.” (Isaiah 59:17) These prophetic words picture Jehovah as a warrior girding himself for battle. He is intent on the salvation of his cause. He is sure of his own absolute and unassailable righteousness. And he will be fearlessly zealous in his acts of judgment. There is no doubt that right will prevail.
15. (a) In what way will true Christians conduct themselves when Jehovah executes judgment? (b) What can be said about Jehovah’s judgments?
15 Today in some lands, enemies of truth try to hinder the work of Jehovah’s servants by spreading false and defamatory propaganda. True Christians do not hesitate to stand up for the truth, but they never seek personal vengeance. (Romans 12:19) Even when Jehovah settles accounts with apostate Christendom, his worshipers on earth will have no hand in her destruction. They know that Jehovah has reserved vengeance for himself and that he will take appropriate action when the time comes. The prophecy assures us: “In accordance with the dealings he will reward correspondingly, rage to his adversaries, due treatment to his enemies. To the islands he will recompense due treatment.” (Isaiah 59:18) As in Isaiah’s day, not only will God’s judgments be fair but they will also be complete. They will even reach “to the islands,” to distant parts. No one will be so remote or isolated that he will be out of reach of Jehovah’s judgment acts.
16. Who will survive Jehovah’s judgment acts, and what will they learn from their survival?
16 Those who exert themselves to do right are judged righteously by Jehovah. Isaiah foretells that from one horizon to the other—throughout the entire earth—such ones will survive. And their experiencing Jehovah’s protection will profoundly strengthen their reverence and respect for him. (Malachi 1:11) We read: “From the sunset they will begin to fear the name of Jehovah, and from the rising of the sun the glory of him, for he will come in like a distressing river, which the very spirit of Jehovah has driven along.” (Isaiah 59:19) Like a powerful windstorm pushing a destructive wall of water ahead of it and washing away all in its path, Jehovah’s spirit will sweep away all barriers to the fulfillment of his will. His spirit is more powerful than any force that man possesses. When he uses it to execute judgment on men and nations, he will have certain and complete success.
Hope and Blessing for Repentant Ones
17. Who is Zion’s Repurchaser, and when does he repurchase Zion?
17 Under the Law of Moses, an Israelite who sold himself into slavery could be bought back out of slavery by a repurchaser. Previously in Isaiah’s prophetic book, Jehovah has been characterized as the Repurchaser of repentant individuals. (Isaiah 48:17) Now he is again described as the Repurchaser of repentant ones. Isaiah records Jehovah’s promise: “‘To Zion the Repurchaser will certainly come, and to those turning from transgression in Jacob,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 59:20) This reassuring promise is fulfilled in 537 B.C.E. But it has a further fulfillment. The apostle Paul quoted these words from the Septuagint version and applied them to Christians. He wrote: “In this manner all Israel will be saved. Just as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come out of Zion and turn away ungodly practices from Jacob. And this is the covenant on my part with them, when I take their sins away.’” (Romans 11:26, 27) Indeed, Isaiah’s prophecy has a greatly extended application—one that reaches down to our time and beyond. How so?
18. When and how did Jehovah bring into existence “the Israel of God”?
18 In the first century, a small remnant of the nation of Israel accepted Jesus as the Messiah. (Romans 9:27; 11:5) On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., Jehovah poured out his holy spirit on about 120 of those believers and brought them into his new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ. (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 9:15) On that day there came into existence “the Israel of God,” a new nation whose members are characterized, not by fleshly descent from Abraham, but by a begetting by God’s spirit. (Galatians 6:16) Starting with Cornelius, the new nation included uncircumcised Gentiles. (Acts 10:24-48; Revelation 5:9, 10) Thus they were adopted by Jehovah God and became his spiritual children, fellow heirs with Jesus.—Romans 8:16, 17.
19. What covenant does Jehovah make with the Israel of God?
19 Jehovah now makes a covenant with the Israel of God. We read: “‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ Jehovah has said. ‘My spirit that is upon you and my words that I have put in your mouth—they will not be removed from your mouth or from the mouth of your offspring or from the mouth of the offspring of your offspring,’ Jehovah has said, ‘from now on even to time indefinite.’” (Isaiah 59:21) Whether these words had an application upon Isaiah himself or not, they were certainly fulfilled in Jesus, who was assured that ‘he would see his offspring.’ (Isaiah 53:10) Jesus spoke words that he had learned from Jehovah, and Jehovah’s spirit rested upon him. (John 1:18; 7:16) Fittingly, his brothers and fellow heirs, members of the Israel of God, also receive Jehovah’s holy spirit and preach a message that they have learned from their heavenly Father. They are all “persons taught by Jehovah.” (Isaiah 54:13; Luke 12:12; Acts 2:38) Either through Isaiah or through Jesus, whom Isaiah prophetically pictures, Jehovah now covenants never to replace them but to use them to time indefinite as his witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10) Who, though, are their “offspring” who also benefit from this covenant?
20. How was Jehovah’s promise to Abraham fulfilled in the first century?
20 In ancient times Jehovah promised Abraham: “By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.” (Genesis 22:18) In harmony with this, the small remnant of natural Israelites who accepted the Messiah went out into many nations, preaching the good news about the Christ. Starting with Cornelius many uncircumcised Gentiles ‘blessed themselves’ by means of Jesus, Abraham’s Seed. They became part of the Israel of God and a secondary part of the seed of Abraham. They are part of Jehovah’s “holy nation,” whose commission is to “declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9; Galatians 3:7-9, 14, 26-29.
21. (a) What “offspring” has the Israel of God produced in modern times? (b) How are the “offspring” comforted by the covenant, or contract, that Jehovah has made with the Israel of God?
21 Today the full number of the Israel of God appears to have been gathered. Still, the nations continue to be blessed—and on a grand scale. How? In that the Israel of God has had “offspring,” disciples of Jesus whose hope is everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Psalm 37:11, 29) These “offspring” are also taught by Jehovah and are instructed in his ways. (Isaiah 2:2-4) While not baptized with holy spirit or considered to be participants in the new covenant, they are strengthened by Jehovah’s holy spirit to overcome all the obstacles that Satan puts in the way of their preaching work. (Isaiah 40:28-31) Their number now reaches into the millions and continues to increase as they produce offspring of their own. Jehovah’s covenant, or contract, with the anointed ones gives these “offspring” confidence that Jehovah will continue to use them too as his spokesmen to time indefinite.—Revelation 21:3, 4, 7.
22. What confidence can we have in Jehovah, and how should this affect us?
22 May all of us, then, maintain our faith in Jehovah. He is both willing and able to save! His hand will never be short; he will always deliver his faithful people. All who trust in him will continue to bear his good words in their mouths “from now on even to time indefinite.”
[Box on page 294]
Apostate Jerusalem—A Parallel of Christendom
Jerusalem, the capital city of God’s chosen nation, pictures God’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures and also the body of anointed Christians resurrected to heaven as the bride of Christ. (Galatians 4:25, 26; Revelation 21:2) Often, however, Jerusalem’s inhabitants were unfaithful to Jehovah, and the city was described as a prostitute and an adulteress. (Ezekiel 16:3, 15, 30-42) In that state, Jerusalem provided a fitting model of apostate Christendom.
Jesus called Jerusalem “the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her.” (Luke 13:34; Matthew 16:21) Like unfaithful Jerusalem, Christendom claims to serve the true God but deviates widely from his righteous ways. We can be confident that Jehovah will judge Christendom by the same righteous standards with which he judged apostate Jerusalem.
[Picture on page 296]
A judge should judge in righteousness, seek justice, and accept no bribes
[Picture on page 298]
Like a river in flood, Jehovah’s judgments will sweep away all barriers to the doing of his will
[Picture on page 302]
Jehovah covenants that his people will never lose the privilege of being his witnesses |
Revelation Climax (re)
1988 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/re | Chapter 15
“Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll?”
1. What happens now in John’s vision?
SUBLIME! AWE INSPIRING! Such is the stirring vision of Jehovah’s throne in its setting amid the lamps of fire, the cherubs, the 24 elders, and the glassy sea. But John, what do you see next? John focuses on the very center of this heavenly scene, telling us: “And I saw in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne a scroll written within and on the reverse side, sealed tight with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice: ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals?’ But neither in heaven nor upon earth nor underneath the earth was there a single one able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I gave way to a great deal of weeping because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.”—Revelation 5:1-4.
2, 3. (a) Why is John eager that someone be found to open the scroll, but what appears to be the prospect for that? (b) For what have God’s anointed people eagerly waited in our time?
2 Jehovah himself, Sovereign Lord of all creation, is holding out that scroll. It must be full of vital information, for it has writing on the front and on the back. Our curiosity is aroused. What does the scroll contain? We recall Jehovah’s invitation to John: “Come on up here, and I shall show you the things that must take place.” (Revelation 4:1) With tingling expectation, we look forward to learning about those things. But alas, the scroll is tightly closed, sealed shut with seven seals!
3 Will the strong angel find someone worthy to open the scroll? According to the Kingdom Interlinear, the scroll is located “upon the right hand” of Jehovah. This suggests that he holds it out on his open palm. But it appears that no one in heaven or on earth is worthy to accept and open that scroll. Not even underneath the earth, among faithful servants of God who have died, is anyone qualified for this high honor. No wonder that John is visibly upset! Perhaps he is not going to learn “the things that must take place” after all. In our day, too, God’s anointed people have anxiously waited for Jehovah to send forth his light and truth on Revelation. This he would do progressively at the appointed time for the prophecy’s fulfillment, in order to lead his people in the way of a “grand salvation.”—Psalm 43:3, 5.
The Worthy One
4. (a) Who is discovered that is worthy to open the scroll and its seals? (b) In what reward and privilege do the John class and their companions now share?
4 Yes, there is someone able to open the scroll! John relates: “But one of the elders says to me: ‘Stop weeping. Look! The Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so as to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5) So John, dry those tears! The John class and their loyal companions today have also endured decades of severe trials while waiting patiently for enlightenment. What a comforting reward we now have in understanding the vision, and what a privilege to share in its fulfillment by proclaiming its message to others!
5. (a) What prophecy was spoken concerning Judah, and where did Judah’s descendants rule? (b) Who is Shiloh?
5 Ah, “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah”! John is familiar with the prophecy that Jacob, ancestor of the Jewish race, pronounced concerning his fourth son, Judah: “A lion cub Judah is. From the prey, my son, you will certainly go up. He bowed down, he stretched himself out like a lion and, like a lion, who dares rouse him? The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.” (Genesis 49:9, 10) The royal line of God’s people stemmed from Judah. Starting with David, all the kings who ruled in Jerusalem until the Babylonians destroyed that city were Judah’s descendants. But not one of them was the Shiloh prophesied by Jacob. Shiloh means “He Whose [Right] It Is.” Prophetically, this name pointed to Jesus, the one to whom the Davidic Kingdom now permanently belongs.—Ezekiel 21:25-27; Luke 1:32, 33; Revelation 19:16.
6. In what way was Jesus “a twig” of Jesse and also “the root of David”?
6 John quickly recognizes the reference to “the root of David.” The promised Messiah is prophetically called both “a twig out of the stump of Jesse [father of King David] . . . a sprout” and “the root of Jesse that will be standing up as a signal for the peoples.” (Isaiah 11:1, 10) Jesus was a twig of Jesse, being born into the royal line of David, son of Jesse. Further, as a root of Jesse, he was the One that caused the Davidic dynasty to sprout again, giving it life and sustenance forever.—2 Samuel 7:16.
7. What makes Jesus worthy to take the scroll from the hand of the One seated upon the throne?
7 Jesus preeminently is the one who, as a perfect human, served Jehovah in integrity and under excruciating trials. He supplied the complete answer to Satan’s challenge. (Proverbs 27:11) Thus, he could say as he did on the night before his sacrificial death, “I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33) For this reason, Jehovah entrusted the resurrected Jesus with “all authority . . . in heaven and on the earth.” He alone of all servants of God is qualified to receive the scroll, with a view to making known its momentous message.—Matthew 28:18.
8. (a) With regard to the Kingdom, what shows Jesus’ worthiness? (b) Why is it appropriate that one of the 24 elders reveals to John the person who is worthy to open the scroll?
8 It is appropriate, indeed, that Jesus should open the scroll. Since 1914 he has been enthroned as King of God’s Messianic Kingdom, and that scroll reveals so much concerning the Kingdom and what it will accomplish. Jesus faithfully bore witness to Kingdom truth while he was here on earth. (John 18:36, 37) He taught his followers to pray for the coming of the Kingdom. (Matthew 6:9, 10) He initiated the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom at the beginning of the Christian era and prophesied the culmination of that preaching work during the time of the end. (Matthew 4:23; Mark 13:10) It is likewise appropriate that one of the 24 elders should reveal to John that Jesus is the one to open the seals. Why? Because these elders sit on thrones and wear crowns, being joint heirs with Christ in his Kingdom.—Romans 8:17; Revelation 4:4.
‘The Lamb That Was Slaughtered’
9. Instead of a lion, what does John see standing “in the midst of the throne,” and how did he describe it?
9 John looks to see this “Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.” But how astounding! A completely different symbolic figure appears: “And I saw standing in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a lamb as though it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which eyes mean the seven spirits of God that have been sent forth into the whole earth.”—Revelation 5:6.
10. Who is the “lamb” that John saw, and why is the term appropriate?
10 Right in the center, beside the throne, within the circles formed by the four living creatures and the 24 elders, there is a lamb! Doubtless John quickly identifies this lamb with “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah” and “the root of David.” He knows that, more than 60 years earlier, John the Baptizer introduced Jesus to onlooking Jews as “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) All during his life on earth, Jesus remained untainted by the world—just like an unblemished lamb—so that he could offer his blameless life as a sacrifice for mankind.—1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 7:26.
11. Why is it not undignified to represent the glorified Jesus as “a lamb as though it had been slaughtered”?
11 Is it somehow belittling or undignified to represent the glorified Jesus as “a lamb as though it had been slaughtered”? Not at all! The fact that Jesus stayed faithful to the death was a major defeat for Satan and a great triumph for Jehovah God. Representing Jesus in this way vividly portrays his conquest of Satan’s world and is a reminder of the deep love that Jehovah and Jesus have for mankind. (John 3:16; 15:13; compare Colossians 2:15.) Jesus is thus pointed to as the promised Seed, outstandingly qualified to open the scroll.—Genesis 3:15.
12. What do the seven horns of the Lamb picture?
12 What else adds to our appreciation of this “lamb”? He has seven horns. Horns in the Bible are often a symbol of power or authority, and seven would indicate completeness. (Compare 1 Samuel 2:1, 10; Psalm 112:9; 148:14.) Hence, the Lamb’s seven horns represent the fullness of power that Jehovah has entrusted to Jesus. He is “far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22) Jesus has particularly exercised power, governmental power, since 1914 when Jehovah enthroned him as heavenly King.—Psalm 2:6.
13. (a) What do the seven eyes of the Lamb picture? (b) What does the Lamb proceed to do?
13 Moreover, Jesus is filled to completeness with holy spirit, as pictured by the Lamb’s seven eyes, which “mean the seven spirits of God.” Jesus is a channel through whom the fullness of Jehovah’s active force flows to His earthly servants. (Titus 3:6) Evidently, it is by this same spirit that he sees from heaven what is happening here on earth. Like his Father, Jesus has perfect discernment. Nothing escapes his notice. (Compare Psalm 11:4; Zechariah 4:10.) Clearly, this Son—the integrity keeper who conquered the world; the Lion of the tribe of Judah; the root of David; the one who offered his life for mankind; the one with complete authority, fullness of holy spirit, and perfect discernment from Jehovah God—yes, this one is outstandingly worthy to take the scroll from Jehovah’s hand. Does he hesitate to accept this commission of service in Jehovah’s lofty organization? No! Rather, “he went and at once took it [the scroll] out of the right hand of the One seated on the throne.” (Revelation 5:7) What a fine example of willing compliance!
Songs of Praise
14. (a) How do the four living creatures and the 24 elders react to Jesus’ taking the scroll? (b) How does the information John receives about the 24 elders confirm their identity and position?
14 How do those others before Jehovah’s throne react? “And when he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense, and the incense means the prayers of the holy ones.” (Revelation 5:8) Like the four cherubic living creatures before God’s throne, the 24 elders bow to Jesus in acknowledgment of his authority. But these elders are alone in having harps and bowls of incense.a And they alone now sing a new song. (Revelation 5:9) Thus they resemble the 144,000 of the holy “Israel of God,” who also carry harps and sing a new song. (Galatians 6:16; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 7:3-8; 14:1-4) Further, the 24 elders are shown to fulfill a heavenly, priestly function, pictured by that of the priests in ancient Israel who burned incense to Jehovah in the tabernacle—a function that ended on earth when God took the Mosaic Law out of the way, nailing it to Jesus’ torture stake. (Colossians 2:14) What conclusion do we draw from all of this? That here the anointed overcomers are seen in their ultimate assignment as ‘priests of God and of the Christ, ruling as kings with him for the thousand years.’—Revelation 20:6.
15. (a) In Israel, who only was privileged to go into the Most Holy of the tabernacle? (b) Why was it a matter of life or death for the high priest to burn incense before entering the Most Holy?
15 In ancient Israel, entry into the Most Holy before the symbolic presence of Jehovah was limited to the high priest. For him, carrying incense was a life-or-death matter. Jehovah’s law said: “[Aaron] must take the fire holder full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before Jehovah, and the hollows of both his hands full of fine perfumed incense, and he must bring them inside the curtain. He must also put the incense upon the fire before Jehovah, and the cloud of the incense must overspread the Ark cover, which is upon the Testimony, that he may not die.” (Leviticus 16:12, 13) It was impossible for the high priest to penetrate successfully into the Most Holy unless he burned incense.
16. (a) In the Christian system of things, who penetrate the antitypical Most Holy? (b) Why do anointed Christians have to ‘burn incense’?
16 In the Christian system of things not only the antitypical High Priest, Jesus Christ, but also each of the 144,000 underpriests eventually gets to enter the antitypical Most Holy, the place of Jehovah’s presence in heaven. (Hebrews 10:19-23) Entry into this Most Holy is impossible for these priests, as represented here by the 24 elders, unless they ‘burn incense,’ that is, constantly offer up prayers and supplications to Jehovah.—Hebrews 5:7; Jude 20, 21; compare Psalm 141:2.
A New Song
17. (a) What new song do the 24 elders sing? (b) How is the expression “new song” usually used in the Bible?
17 A melodic song now rings forth. It is sung to the Lamb by his priestly associates, the 24 elders: “And they sing a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.’” (Revelation 5:9) The expression “new song” occurs several times in the Bible and usually refers to praising Jehovah for some mighty act of deliverance. (Psalm 96:1; 98:1; 144:9) Thus, the song is new because the singer can now proclaim additional wonderful works of Jehovah and express renewed appreciation for His glorious name.
18. For what do the 24 elders praise Jesus with their new song?
18 Here, though, the 24 elders sing a new song before Jesus rather than before Jehovah. But the principle is the same. They praise Jesus for the new things that he, as God’s Son, has done in their behalf. By means of his blood, he mediated the new covenant and thus made possible the bringing forth of a new nation as Jehovah’s special possession. (Romans 2:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 7:18-25) Members of this new spiritual nation came from many fleshly nations, but Jesus united them into one congregation as one nation.—Isaiah 26:2; 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
19. (a) What blessing did fleshly Israel fail to realize because of their unfaithfulness? (b) What blessing does Jehovah’s new nation get to enjoy?
19 When Jehovah formed the Israelites into a nation back in the days of Moses, he made a covenant with them and promised that if they would remain faithful to that covenant, they would become a kingdom of priests before him. (Exodus 19:5, 6) The Israelites were not faithful and never experienced the realization of that promise. On the other hand, the new nation, formed by virtue of the new covenant mediated by Jesus, has remained faithful. Its members therefore get to rule over the earth as kings and also to serve as priests, helping righthearted ones among mankind to be reconciled to Jehovah. (Colossians 1:20) It is just as the new song expresses it: “And you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” (Revelation 5:10) What joy those 24 elders have in singing this new song of praise to the glorified Jesus!
A Heavenly Chorus
20. What song of praise to the Lamb is now sounded?
20 How do others of the vast heavenly host of Jehovah’s organization respond to this new song? John thrills to behold their heartfelt accord: “And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘The Lamb that was slaughtered is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’” (Revelation 5:11, 12) What an impressive song of praise!
21. Does the praising of the Lamb detract from Jehovah’s sovereignty or position? Explain.
21 Does this mean that now Jesus has somehow replaced Jehovah God and that all creation has turned to praising him rather than his Father? Far from it! Rather, this song of praise is in harmony with what the apostle Paul wrote: “God exalted [Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) Jesus is here extolled because of his part in settling the primary issue before all creation—the vindication of Jehovah’s rightful sovereignty. What glory, indeed, this has brought to his Father!
A Swelling Anthem
22. In what anthem do voices from the earthly realm join?
22 In the scene described by John, the hosts of heaven are rendering melodious acclaim to Jesus in acknowledgment of his faithfulness and his heavenly authority. In this, they are joined by voices from the earthly realm as these too share in praising both the Father and the Son. Just as the achievements of a human son can bring great credit to parents, so Jesus’ loyal course redounds among all creation “to the glory of God the Father.” Thus, John goes on to report: “And every creature that is in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and all the things in them, I heard saying: ‘To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.’”—Revelation 5:13.
23, 24. (a) What indicates when the anthem would begin in heaven, and when on earth? (b) How does the anthem swell in volume as the years pass?
23 When does this superb anthem sound forth? It began early in the Lord’s day. After Satan and his demons were cast out of the heavens, “every creature that is in heaven” could unite in this song of praise. And, as the record shows, since 1919 a growing multitude on earth have united their voices in praising Jehovah, increasing from a few thousand to well over six million by the year 2005.b After Satan’s earthly system has been destroyed, “every creature . . . on earth” will be singing the praises of Jehovah and his Son. In Jehovah’s own due time, the resurrection of the countless millions of dead will begin, and then “every creature . . . underneath the earth” that is in the memory of God will have the opportunity to join in singing the anthem.
24 Already, “from the extremity of the earth . . . the sea and . . . islands,” millions of humans are singing a new song in association with Jehovah’s global organization. (Isaiah 42:10; Psalm 150:1-6) This joyous praise will reach a crescendo at the end of the Millennium, when mankind has been raised to perfection. That old serpent, the archdeceiver, Satan himself, will thereafter be destroyed in complete fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, and in a triumphant climax, all living creation, spirit and human, will sing in unison: “To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.” There will be no dissenting voice in all the universe.
25. (a) Reading John’s account of the universal anthem moves us to do what? (b) What splendid example is set for us by the four living creatures and the 24 elders as the vision ends?
25 What a joyful time that will be! Surely, what John describes here makes our hearts swell with happiness and stimulates us to join the heavenly hosts in singing heartfelt praises to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Are we not more determined than ever to endure in right works? If we do so, we can expect that, with Jehovah’s help, we will be there individually at the happy climax, adding our voices to that universal chorus of praise. Certainly, the cherubic four living creatures and the resurrected anointed Christians are in full accord, for the vision ends with the words: “And the four living creatures went saying: ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.”—Revelation 5:14.
26. In what should we exercise faith, and what is the Lamb preparing to do?
26 May you, dear reader, exercise faith in the sacrifice of the Lamb—the ‘worthy one’—and be blessed in your humble efforts to worship and serve Jehovah—“the One seated upon the throne.” Let the John class help you today as it provides the needed “measure of [spiritual] food supplies at the proper time.” (Luke 12:42) But look! The Lamb prepares to open the seven seals. What exciting disclosures are now in store for us?
[Footnotes]
a Grammatically speaking, the expression “having each one a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense” could refer both to the elders and to the four living creatures. The context, however, makes it clear that the expression refers only to the 24 elders.
b See the chart on page 64.
[Full-page picture on page 86] |
Katri Haarla: I Found What I Was Looking For | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501000012 | Katri Haarla: I Found What I Was Looking For
One of the first female priests in Finland finally finds the spiritual home she was looking for.
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Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 13
Recognized by Our Conduct
WE LIVE in an era in which moral standards that were long respected have been discarded by large segments of mankind. Most religions of Christendom have followed suit, either in the name of tolerance or with the argument that times are different and the taboos of earlier generations no longer apply. As to the result, Samuel Miller, a dean of Harvard Divinity School, said: “The church simply does not have a cutting edge. It has taken the culture of our time and absorbed it.” The effect on the lives of those who looked to such churches for guidance has been devastating.
In contrast, when discussing Jehovah’s Witnesses, L’Eglise de Montréal, the weekly bulletin of the Catholic archdiocese of Montreal, Canada, said: “They have remarkable moral values.” Large numbers of schoolteachers, employers, and government officials agree with that. What accounts for this reputation?
Being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses involves much more than holding to a certain framework of doctrinal beliefs and witnessing to others about these beliefs. Early Christianity was known as “The Way,” and Jehovah’s Witnesses realize that true religion today must be a way of life. (Acts 9:2) As was true in other things, however, the modern-day Witnesses did not immediately achieve a balanced appreciation of what this involves.
“Character or Covenant—Which?”
Although they started with sound Scriptural counsel about the need to be Christlike, the emphasis that some of the early Bible Students gave to “character development,” as they called it, tended to minimize certain aspects of real Christianity. Some of them seemed to be of the opinion that being genteel—always appearing to be kind and good, speaking softly, avoiding any display of anger, reading the Scriptures daily—would guarantee their entrance into heaven. But these lost sight of the fact that Christ had given his followers a work to do.
This problem was firmly addressed in the article “Character or Covenant—Which?” in the May 1, 1926, issue of The Watch Tower.a It showed that efforts to develop a “perfect character” while in the flesh caused some to give up in discouragement, but at the same time, it produced a “more holy than thou” attitude in others and tended to cause them to lose sight of the merit of Christ’s sacrifice. After emphasizing faith in the shed blood of Christ, the article highlighted the importance of ‘doing things’ in the active service of God to give evidence that one was pursuing a course pleasing to God. (2 Pet. 1:5-10) At that time, when much of Christendom still made a pretense of holding to Biblical moral standards, this emphasis on activity strengthened the contrast between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christendom. The contrast became even more evident as moral issues that were becoming common had to be dealt with by all who professed to be Christians.
“Abstain From Fornication”
The Christian standard regarding sexual morality was set out long ago in plain language in the Bible. “This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication . . . For God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not man, but God.” (1 Thess. 4:3-8) “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Heb. 13:4) “Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, . . . nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Cor. 6:9, 10.
In the Watch Tower, attention was drawn to this standard for true Christians as early as November of 1879. But it was not discussed repeatedly or at length as if this were a major problem among the early Bible Students. However, as the attitude of the world became more permissive, increased attention was directed to this requirement, especially in the years surrounding World War II. This was needed because some among Jehovah’s Witnesses were adopting the view that as long as they were busy witnessing, a little laxness in sexual morality was just a personal matter. It is true that The Watchtower of March 1, 1935, had clearly stated that participation in the field ministry gave no license for immoral conduct. But not everyone took it to heart. So, in its issue of May 15, 1941, The Watchtower again discussed the matter, and at considerable length, in an article eninputd “Noah’s Day.” It pointed out that the sexual debauchery in Noah’s day was one reason why God destroyed the world of that time, and it showed that what God did then set a pattern for what he would do in our day. In plain language it warned that an integrity-keeping servant of God could not devote part of his day to doing the Lord’s will and then, after hours, indulge in “the works of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:17-21) This was followed up, in The Watchtower of July 1, 1942, with another article that condemned conduct that was out of line with the Bible’s moral standards for single and for married persons. No one was to conclude that sharing in public preaching of the Kingdom message as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses gave license for loose living. (1 Cor. 9:27) In time, even firmer measures would be taken to safeguard the moral cleanness of the organization.
Some who were then expressing a desire to be Jehovah’s Witnesses had grown up in areas where trial marriage was accepted, where sex relations between engaged persons were tolerated, or where consensual relationships between persons not legally married were viewed as normal. A few married couples were endeavoring to practice celibacy. Other individuals, though not divorced, were unwisely separated from their mates. To provide needed direction, The Watchtower, during the 1950’s, considered all these situations, discussed marital responsibilities, emphasized the Bible’s prohibition of fornication, and explained what fornication is, so there would be no misunderstanding.b—Acts 15:19, 20; 1 Cor. 6:18.
In places where people beginning to associate with Jehovah’s organization were not taking seriously the Bible’s moral standards, this was given special attention. Thus, in 1945, when N. H. Knorr, the third president of the Watch Tower Society, was in Costa Rica, he gave a discourse on Christian morality in which he said: “All of you here tonight who are living with a woman but haven’t got your marriage legally arranged, I’m giving you some advice. Go to the Catholic Church and put your name down as a member, because there you can practice these things. But this is God’s organization, and you can’t practice these things here.”
Beginning with the 1960’s, when homosexuals became more open about their practices, many churches debated the matter, then accepted them as members. Some churches now even ordain homosexuals as clergymen. In order to help sincere persons who had questions on these matters, the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses also discussed these issues. But among the Witnesses, there was never any question as to how homosexuality would be viewed. Why not? Because they do not treat the Bible’s requirements as if these were merely the opinions of men of another era. (1 Thess. 2:13) They gladly conduct Bible studies with homosexuals so these can learn Jehovah’s requirements, and such persons may attend meetings of the Witnesses to listen, but no one who continues to practice homosexuality can be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.—1 Cor. 6:9-11; Jude 7.
In recent years sexual indulgence by unmarried youths became commonplace in the world. Youths in the families of Jehovah’s Witnesses felt the pressure, and some began to adopt the ways of the world around them. How did the organization deal with this situation? Articles designed to help parents and youths to view things Scripturally were published in The Watchtower and Awake! Real-life dramas were presented at conventions to help everyone to be aware of the fruitage of rejecting the Bible’s moral standards and of the benefits of obeying God’s commands. One of the first of these, staged in 1969, was eninputd “Thorns and Traps Are in the Way of the Independent One.” Special books were prepared to help young folks appreciate the wisdom of Bible counsel. These included Your Youth—Getting the Best Out Of It (published in 1976) and Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work (published in 1989). Local elders gave personal spiritual help to individuals and to families. The congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses were also safeguarded by expulsion of unrepentant wrongdoers.
The world’s breakdown in morals has not led to a more permissive viewpoint among Jehovah’s Witnesses. On the contrary, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has placed increased emphasis on the necessity to avoid not only illicit sexual acts but also influences and situations that erode moral values. During the past three decades, it has provided instruction to fortify individuals against such “secret sins” as masturbation and to alert them to the danger of pornography, soap operas, and music that has a debasing effect. Thus, while the world’s moral trend has been downward, that of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been upward.
Family Life Governed by Godly Standards
Holding firmly to the Bible’s standard of sexual morality has greatly benefited the family life of Jehovah’s Witnesses. But being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is no guarantee that a person will not have domestic problems. Nevertheless, the Witnesses are convinced that God’s Word gives the very best counsel on how to cope with such problems. They have available many provisions made by the organization to help them apply that counsel; and when they follow through on it, the results are, indeed, beneficial.
As early as 1904, the sixth volume of Studies in the Scriptures provided an extensive discussion of marital responsibilities and parental obligations. Since that time, hundreds of articles have been published and numerous discourses have been delivered in every congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses to help each family member to appreciate his God-given role. This education in wholesome family life is not merely for newlyweds but is an ongoing program that involves the entire congregation.—Eph. 5:22–6:4; Col. 3:18-21.
Would Polygamy Be Accepted?
Even though customs affecting marriage and family life differ from one land to another, Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that the standards set out in the Bible apply everywhere. As their work got under way in Africa in this 20th century, the Witnesses taught there, as they do everywhere, that Christian marriage allows for just one marriage mate. (Matt. 19:4, 5; 1 Cor. 7:2; 1 Tim. 3:2) Yet, there were hundreds who accepted the Bible’s exposure of idolatry and gladly embraced what Jehovah’s Witnesses taught concerning the Kingdom of God but who got baptized without abandoning polygamy. To correct this situation, The Watchtower of January 15, 1947, emphasized that Christianity makes no allowance for polygamy, regardless of local custom. A letter sent to the congregations notified any who professed to be Jehovah’s Witnesses but who were polygamists that six months was being allowed for them to bring their marital affairs into harmony with the Bible standard. This was reinforced by a discourse given by Brother Knorr during a visit to Africa that same year.
In Nigeria, there were not a few people of the world who predicted that efforts to abolish polygamy from the ranks of Jehovah’s Witnesses would mean abolishing the ranks. And it is true that not all practicers of polygamy who had earlier been baptized as Witnesses made the required changes even in 1947. For example, Asuquo Akpabio, a traveling overseer, relates that a Witness with whom he was staying at Ifiayong woke him at midnight and demanded that he change what had been announced regarding the requirement of monogamy. Because he refused to do so, his host threw him out into the pouring rain that night.
But love for Jehovah has given others the strength needed to obey his commandments. Here are just a few of them. In Zaire a man who had been both a Catholic and a polygamist dismissed two of his wives in order to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, even though sending away the most-loved one because she was not the ‘wife of his youth’ was a severe test of his faith. (Prov. 5:18) In Dahomey (now Benin) a former Methodist who still had five wives overcame very difficult legal obstacles in order to obtain needed divorces so that he could qualify for baptism. Nevertheless, he continued to provide for his former wives and their children, as did others who dismissed secondary wives. Warigbani Whittington, a Nigerian, was the second of her husband’s two wives. When she decided that pleasing Jehovah, the true God, was the most important thing to her, she faced the wrath of her husband and then of her own family. Her husband let her go, along with her two children, but with no financial help—not even for transportation. Yet, she said: ‘None of the material benefits that I left behind can be compared to pleasing Jehovah.’
What About Divorce?
In Western lands polygamy is not widely practiced, but other attitudes that conflict with the Scriptures are in vogue. One of these is the idea that it is better to get a divorce than to have an unhappy marriage. In recent years some of Jehovah’s Witnesses began to imitate this spirit, suing for divorce on such grounds as “incompatibility.” How have the Witnesses dealt with this? A vigorous campaign of education as to Jehovah’s view of divorce is regularly conducted by the organization to benefit longtime Witnesses as well as the hundreds of thousands who are being added to their ranks each year.
To what Bible guidelines has The Watchtower directed attention? The following, among others: In the Bible record of the first human marriage, the oneness of husband and wife is emphasized; it says: ‘A man must stick to his wife, and they must become one flesh.’ (Gen. 2:24) Later, in Israel, the Law prohibited adultery and prescribed death for any who engaged in it. (Deut. 22:22-24) Divorce on grounds other than adultery was allowed, but only ‘because of their hardheartedness,’ as Jesus explained. (Matt. 19:7, 8) How did Jehovah view the practice of discarding one’s marriage mate in order to marry another? Malachi 2:16 states: “He has hated a divorcing.” Yet, he allowed those who got a divorce to remain in the congregation of Israel. There, if they accepted Jehovah’s disciplining of his people, their heart of stone might in time be replaced with a softer heart, one that could express genuine love for his ways.—Compare Ezekiel 11:19, 20.
The Watchtower has frequently stated that when Jesus was discussing divorce as it was practiced in ancient Israel, he showed that a higher standard was to be instituted among his followers. He said that if anyone divorced his wife except on the ground of fornication (por·neiʹa, “unlawful intercourse”) and married another, he would be committing adultery; and even if he did not remarry, he would be making his wife a subject for adultery. (Matt. 5:32; 19:9) Thus, The Watchtower has pointed out that for Christians any divorce is a far more serious matter than it was in Israel. While the Scriptures do not direct that everyone obtaining a divorce be expelled from the congregation, those who also commit adultery and are unrepentant are disfellowshipped by the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.—1 Cor. 6:9, 10.
Revolutionary changes have taken place in recent years in the world’s attitudes regarding marriage and family life. Despite this, Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to adhere to the standards provided by God, the Originator of marriage, as set out in the Bible. Using those guidelines, they have endeavored to help honesthearted persons to cope with the difficult circumstances in which so many find themselves.
As a result, dramatic changes have been made in the lives of many who have accepted Bible instruction from Jehovah’s Witnesses. Men who were formerly wife beaters, men who did not shoulder their responsibilities, men who provided materially but not emotionally and spiritually—many thousands of such have become loving husbands and fathers who care well for their households. Women who were fiercely independent, women who neglected their children and did not take care of themselves or their home—many of these have become wives who respect headship and pursue a course that causes them to be dearly loved by their husbands and children. Youths who were brazenly disobedient to their parents and rebels against society in general, youths who were ruining their own lives by the things they were doing and thus bringing heartbreak to their parents—not a few of these have come to have a godly purpose in life, and this has helped to transform their personality.
Of course, an important factor in success within the family is honesty with one another. Honesty is also vital in other relationships.
How Far Does the Requirement of Honesty Reach?
Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that honesty is required in everything they do. As the basis for their view, they point to such scriptures as the following: Jehovah himself is “the God of truth.” (Ps. 31:5) On the other hand, as Jesus said, the Devil is “the father of the lie.” (John 8:44) Understandably, then, among the things that Jehovah hates is “a false tongue.” (Prov. 6:16, 17) His Word tells us: “Now that you have put away falsehood, speak truth.” (Eph. 4:25) And not only must Christians speak truth but, like the apostle Paul, they need to ‘conduct themselves honestly in all things.’ (Heb. 13:18) There are no areas of life where Jehovah’s Witnesses can legitimately apply some other set of values.
When Jesus visited the home of the tax collector Zacchaeus, the man acknowledged that his business practices had been improper, and he took steps to make amends for former acts of extortion. (Luke 19:8) In recent years, in order to have a clean conscience before God, some persons who began to associate with Jehovah’s Witnesses have taken similar action. For example, in Spain a confirmed thief began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Soon his conscience began to bother him; so he returned stolen goods to his former employer and to his neighbors, then took other items to the police. He was required to pay a fine and serve a short time in jail, but now he has a clean conscience. In England, after just two months of Bible study with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a former diamond thief turned himself over to the police, who were astonished; they had been looking for him for six months. During the two and a half years that he then spent in prison, he studied the Bible diligently and learned to share Bible truths with others. After his release he presented himself for baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.—Eph. 4:28.
The reputation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for honesty is well-known. Employers have learned that not only will Witnesses not steal from them but they will not lie or falsify records at their employers’ direction—no, not even if threatened with loss of their job. To Jehovah’s Witnesses a good relationship with God is far more important than the approval of any human. And they realize that, no matter where they are or what they are doing, “all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.”—Heb. 4:13; Prov. 15:3.
In Italy the newspaper La Stampa said regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses: “They practice what they preach . . . The moral ideals of love for neighbor, refusal of power, non-violence and personal honesty (which for most Christians are ‘Sunday rules’ only good for being preached from the pulpit) enter into their ‘daily’ way of life.” And in the United States, Louis Cassels, religion editor for United Press International, Washington, D.C., wrote: “Witnesses adhere to their beliefs with great fidelity, even when doing so is very costly.”
Why Gambling Has Not Been an Issue Among Them
In times past, honesty was generally associated with willingness to do hard work. Gambling, that is, risking a sum of money in a bet on the outcome of a game or other event, was looked down on by society in general. But as a selfish, get-rich spirit began to pervade the 20th century, gambling—legal and illegal—became widespread. It is sponsored not only by the underworld but often also by churches and secular governments in order to raise money. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses dealt with this change of attitude in society? On the basis of Bible principles.
As has been pointed out in their publications, there is no specific commandment in the Bible that says, You must not gamble. But the fruitage of gambling is consistently bad, and this rotten fruitage has been exposed by The Watchtower and Awake! for half a century. Furthermore, these magazines have shown that gambling in any form involves attitudes that the Bible warns against. For example, love of money: “The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.” (1 Tim. 6:10) And selfishness: “Neither must you selfishly crave . . . anything that belongs to your fellowman.” (Deut. 5:21; compare 1 Corinthians 10:24.) Also greed: “Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is . . . a greedy person.” (1 Cor. 5:11) In addition, the Bible warns against appeals to “Good Luck” as if it were some kind of supernatural force that could bestow favors. (Isa. 65:11) Because they take these Scriptural warnings to heart, Jehovah’s Witnesses firmly shun gambling. And since 1976 they have put forth special effort to avoid having in their ranks any whose secular employment would clearly identify them as part of a gambling establishment.
Gambling has never been a real issue among Jehovah’s Witnesses. They know that instead of fostering a spirit of gain at the expense of others, the Bible encourages them to work with their hands, to be faithful in caring for what is entrusted to them, to be generous, to share with those in need. (Eph. 4:28; Luke 16:10; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 6:18) Is this readily recognized by others who have dealings with them? Yes, particularly by those with whom they have business dealings. It has not been unusual for secular employers to seek out Jehovah’s Witnesses as employees because they know of their conscientiousness and dependability. They realize that it is the religion of the Witnesses that makes them the kind of people they are.
What About Tobacco and Drug Abuse?
The Bible does not mention tobacco, nor does it name the many other drugs that are abused in our day. But it does provide guidelines that have helped Jehovah’s Witnesses to determine what course of conduct would be pleasing to God. Thus, as far back as 1895, when the Watch Tower commented on use of tobacco, it directed attention to 2 Corinthians 7:1, which says: “Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.”
For many years that counsel seemed to suffice. But as tobacco companies used advertising to glamorize smoking, and then abuse of “illegal” drugs became widespread, more was needed. Other Bible principles were highlighted: respect for Jehovah, the Giver of life (Acts 17:24, 25); love for neighbor (Jas. 2:8), and the fact that a person who does not love his fellowman does not really love God (1 John 4:20); also obedience to secular rulers (Titus 3:1). It was pointed out that the Greek word phar·ma·kiʹa, which basically signifies “druggery,” was used by Bible writers to refer to “practice of spiritism” because of the use of drugs in spiritistic practices.—Gal. 5:20.
Back in 1946, Consolation magazine exposed the often fraudulent nature of paid testimonials used in cigarette ads. As scientific evidence became available, Consolation’s successor, Awake!, also publicized proof that tobacco use causes cancer, heart disease, damage to the unborn child of a pregnant woman, and injury to nonsmokers who are forced to breathe smoke-filled air, as well as evidence that nicotine is addictive. Attention has been drawn to the intoxicating effect of marijuana and to evidence that its use can result in brain damage. Likewise the grave dangers of other addictive drugs have been discussed repeatedly for the benefit of the readers of Watch Tower publications.
Long before government agencies agreed on the extent to which they should alert people to the harm from tobacco use, The Watchtower, in its issue of March 1, 1935, made it clear that no one who was a user of tobacco could be a member of the headquarters staff of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society or be one of its appointed representatives. After all servants in the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses were appointed by the Society (which arrangement began in 1938), The Watchtower of July 1, 1942, stated that the prohibition on tobacco use also applied to all these appointed servants. In some areas a number of years passed before this was fully implemented. However, the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses responded favorably to the Scriptural counsel and the good example of those taking the lead among them.
As a further forward step in consistent application of that Bible counsel, none who were still smoking were accepted for baptism from 1973 onward. During the following months, those who were actively involved in tobacco production or in promoting the sale of tobacco were helped to realize that they could not continue to do that and be accepted as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The counsel of God’s Word must be applied consistently in every aspect of life. Such application of Bible principles to the use of tobacco, marijuana, and the so-called hard drugs has protected the Witnesses. With the use of the Scriptures, they have also been able to help many thousands of persons whose lives were being ruined by drug abuse.
Are Alcoholic Drinks Different?
Watch Tower publications have not adopted the view that use of alcoholic beverages is the same as drug abuse. Why not? They explain: The Creator knows how we are made, and his Word permits moderate use of alcoholic drinks. (Ps. 104:15; 1 Tim. 5:23) But the Bible also warns against ‘heavy drinking,’ and it strongly condemns drunkenness.—Prov. 23:20, 21, 29, 30; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Eph. 5:18.
Because immoderate consumption of intoxicating drinks was ruining the lives of many people, Charles Taze Russell himself favored total abstinence. Yet, he acknowledged that Jesus did use wine. During the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, there was much public agitation for legal prohibition of liquor in the United States. The Watch Tower freely expressed sympathy with those who were trying to combat the harm from liquor, but it did not join their campaign to have prohibition laws passed. However, the magazine did point firmly to the damage resulting from overindulgence and often stated that it would be better to avoid wine and liquor altogether. Those who felt that they could use liquor moderately were encouraged to consider Romans 14:21, which says: “It is well not to eat flesh or to drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles.”
However, in 1930, when the superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League in the United States went so far as to claim publicly that his organization was “born of God,” J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, used the occasion to give radio discourses showing that such a claim amounted to slander against God. Why? Because God’s Word does not outlaw all use of wine; because prohibition laws were not putting an end to drunkenness, which God does condemn; and because the prohibition laws had, instead, given rise to a backlash of bootlegging and government corruption.
Use of alcoholic beverages or abstinence from them is viewed as a personal matter among Jehovah’s Witnesses. But they adhere to the Scriptural requirement that overseers must be “moderate in habits.” That expression is translated from the Greek ne·phaʹli·on, which means, literally, ‘sober, temperate; abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use.’ Ministerial servants too must be men “not giving themselves to a lot of wine.” (1 Tim. 3:2, 3, 8) So, heavy drinkers do not qualify for special service privileges. The fact that those taking the lead among Jehovah’s Witnesses set a good example gives them freeness of speech in helping others who may be inclined to rely on alcoholic beverages to cope with stress or may, in fact, need to be total abstainers in order to remain sober. What are the results?
As an example, a news report from south-central Africa states: “From all accounts, those areas in which Jehovah’s Witnesses are strongest among Africans are now areas more trouble-free than the average. Certainly they have been active against agitators, witchcraft, drunkenness and violence of any kind.”—The Northern News (Zambia).
Another important way in which the conduct of Jehovah’s Witnesses differs from that of the world is with regard to—
Respect for Life
Such respect is rooted in recognition of the fact that life is a gift from God. (Ps. 36:9; Acts 17:24, 25) It includes a realization that even the life of the unborn is precious in the eyes of God. (Ex. 21:22-25; Ps. 139:1, 16) It takes into account that “each of us will render an account for himself to God.”—Rom. 14:12.
In line with these Bible principles, Jehovah’s Witnesses have consistently shunned the practice of abortion. To provide sound direction to its readers, Awake! magazine has helped them to appreciate that chastity is a divine requirement; it has discussed at length the marvels of the procreative process as well as the psychological and physiological factors involved in childbirth. In the post-World War II era, as abortions became more commonplace, The Watchtower showed clearly that this practice is contrary to the Word of God. Mincing no words, the issue of December 15, 1969, said: “Abortion simply to get rid of an unwanted child is the same as willfully taking a human life.”
Why Blood Transfusions Are Refused
The respect for life shown by Jehovah’s Witnesses has also affected their attitude toward blood transfusions. When transfusions of blood became an issue confronting them, The Watchtower of July 1, 1945, explained at length the Christian view regarding the sanctity of blood.c It showed that both animal blood and that of humans were included in the divine prohibition that was made binding on Noah and all his descendants. (Gen. 9:3-6) It pointed out that this requirement was emphasized again in the first century in the command that Christians ‘abstain from blood.’ (Acts 15:28, 29) That same article made it clear from the Scriptures that only sacrificial use of blood has ever been approved by God, and that since the animal sacrifices offered under the Mosaic Law foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ, disregard for the requirement that Christians ‘abstain from blood’ would be an evidence of gross disrespect for the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Lev. 17:11, 12; Heb. 9:11-14, 22) Consistent with that understanding of matters, beginning in 1961 any who ignored the divine requirement, accepted blood transfusions, and manifested an unrepentant attitude were disfellowshipped from the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
At first, physical side effects of blood transfusions were not discussed in the Watch Tower publications. Later, when such information became available, it too was published—not as the reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions but in order to strengthen their appreciation for the prohibition that God himself had put on the use of blood. (Isa. 48:17) To that end, in 1961 the carefully documented booklet Blood, Medicine and the Law of God was published. In 1977 another booklet was printed. This one, eninputd Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood, again emphasized the fact that the position taken by Jehovah’s Witnesses is a religious one, based on what the Bible says, and does not depend on medical risk factors. A further updating of the subject was presented in 1990 in the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? Using these publications, Jehovah’s Witnesses have put forth much effort to win the cooperation of doctors and to help them to understand the Witnesses’ position. However, for many years use of blood transfusions has been held in high esteem by the medical profession.
Even though Jehovah’s Witnesses told doctors that they had no religious objection to alternative treatment, rejecting blood transfusions was not easy. Often, great pressure was brought to bear on the Witnesses and their families to submit to what was then customary medical practice. In Puerto Rico, in November of 1976, 45-year-old Ana Paz de Rosario agreed to surgery and needed medication but requested that because of her religious beliefs, no blood be used. Nevertheless, armed with a court order, five policemen and three nurses went to her hospital room after midnight, strapped her to the bed, and forced a blood transfusion on her, contrary to her wishes and those of her husband and children. She went into shock and died. This was by no means an isolated case, and it was not only in Puerto Rico that such outrages occurred.
In Denmark, Witness parents were pursued by the police in 1975 because they refused to allow a blood transfusion to be forced on their young son but, instead, sought alternative treatment. In Italy, in 1982, a couple who had lovingly sought medical help in four countries for their incurably ill daughter were sentenced to 14 years in prison on the charge of murder after the girl died while being given a court-ordered transfusion.
Frequently, in connection with attempts to force transfusions on the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses, great public hostility has been whipped up by the press. In some instances, even without a legal hearing at which the parents could speak, judges have ordered that their children be transfused. In more than 40 cases in Canada, however, the transfused children were returned dead to their parents.
Not all doctors and judges agree with these high-handed methods. A few began to urge a more helpful attitude. Some doctors used their skills to provide treatment without blood. In the process, they gained much experience in all types of bloodless surgery. It gradually was demonstrated that all types of surgery could be performed successfully, on both adults and infants, without blood transfusions.d
In order to prevent needless confrontations in emergency situations, early in the 1960’s Jehovah’s Witnesses began to make special visits to their doctors to discuss their position and provide them with appropriate literature. Later they requested that a written statement be placed in their individual medical files stating that no blood transfusions were to be given to them. By the 1970’s, they made it a general practice to carry on their person a card to alert medical personnel to the fact that no blood was to be administered to them under any circumstances. After consultation with doctors and lawyers, the nature of the card was adjusted in order to make it a legal document.
To support Jehovah’s Witnesses in this determination to prevent their being given blood transfusions, to clear away misunderstandings on the part of doctors and hospitals, and to establish a more cooperative spirit between medical institutions and Witness patients, Hospital Liaison Committees have been established at the direction of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. From a handful of such committees in 1979, their number has grown to more than 800 in upwards of 70 lands. Selected elders have been trained and are providing such service in North America, the Far East, major lands of the South Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. In addition to explaining the position of Jehovah’s Witnesses, these elders alert hospital staffs to the fact that there are valid alternatives to infusions of blood. In emergency situations they assist in setting up consultations between primary-care physicians and surgeons who have handled similar cases for the Witnesses without blood. Where necessary, these committees have visited not only hospital staffs but also judges who have been involved in cases where hospitals have sought court orders for transfusions.
When respect for their religious belief regarding the sanctity of blood could not be assured by other means, Jehovah’s Witnesses have, on occasion, taken doctors and hospitals to court. They have usually sought simply a restraining order or an injunction. In recent years, however, they have even filed damage suits against doctors and hospitals that have acted high-handedly. In 1990 the Ontario Court of Appeal, in Canada, upheld such a damage suit because the doctor had ignored a card in the patient’s purse that clearly stated that the Witness would not accept blood transfusions under any circumstances. In the United States, since 1985, at least ten of such damage suits have been instituted in various parts of the country, and frequently the ones being sued have decided to settle out of court for a stipulated amount instead of facing the possibility that a jury would award even more in damages. Jehovah’s Witnesses are fully determined to obey the divine prohibition on the use of blood. They would rather not take doctors to court, but they will do it when necessary to stop them from forcing on the Witnesses treatment that is morally repugnant to them.
The public is becoming more and more aware of the dangers inherent in blood transfusions. This is, in part, because of fear of AIDS. The Witnesses, however, are motivated by an earnest desire to please God. In 1987 the French medical daily Le Quotidien du Médecin stated: “Maybe Jehovah’s Witnesses are right in refusing the use of blood products, for it is true that an important number of pathogenic agents can be transmitted by transfused blood.”
The position taken by Jehovah’s Witnesses is not based on superior medical knowledge originating with them. They simply have confidence that Jehovah’s way is right and that ‘he will not hold back anything good’ from his loyal servants. (Ps. 19:7, 11; 84:11) Even if a Witness should die as a result of blood loss—and this has happened on occasion—Jehovah’s Witnesses have full confidence that God does not forget his faithful ones but will restore them to life by means of a resurrection.—Acts 24:15.
When Individuals Choose to Ignore Bible Standards
Millions of persons have studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, but not all of them have become Witnesses. When some persons learn the high standards that apply, they decide that this is not the sort of life that they want. All who do get baptized are first given thorough instruction in basic Bible teachings, and thereafter (especially since 1967) elders in the congregation review such teachings with each baptismal candidate. Every effort is made to be sure that those being baptized clearly understand not only doctrine but also what Christian conduct involves. However, what if some of these later allow love of the world to entice them into serious wrongdoing?
As early as 1904, in the book The New Creation, attention was given to the need to take appropriate action so as not to allow a demoralizing of the congregation. The understanding that the Bible Students then had of the procedure for dealing with wrongdoers as outlined at Matthew 18:15-17 was discussed. In harmony with this, there were, on rare occasions, ‘church trials’ in which the evidence of wrongdoing in serious cases was presented to the entire congregation. Years later, The Watchtower, in its issue of May 15, 1944, reviewed the matter in the light of the entire Bible and showed that such matters affecting the congregation should be handled by responsible brothers charged with congregation oversight. (1 Cor. 5:1-13; compare Deuteronomy 21:18-21.) This was followed, in The Watchtower of March 1, 1952, with articles that emphasized not only proper procedure but the need to take action to keep the organization clean. Repeatedly since then, the subject has been given consideration. But the objectives have always remained the same: (1) to keep the organization clean and (2) to impress on the wrongdoer the need for sincere repentance, with a view to recovering him.
In the first century, there were some who abandoned the faith for loose living. Others were turned aside because of apostate doctrines. (1 John 2:19) The same thing continues to occur among Jehovah’s Witnesses in this 20th century. Sadly, in recent times it has been necessary to disfellowship tens of thousands of unrepentant wrongdoers each year. Prominent elders have been included among them. The same Scriptural requirements apply to all. (Jas. 3:17) Jehovah’s Witnesses realize that maintaining a morally clean organization is vital in order to continue to have Jehovah’s approval.
Putting On the New Personality
Jesus urged people to be clean not only on the outside but also on the inside. (Luke 11:38-41) He showed that the things that we say and do are a reflection of what is in our heart. (Matt. 15:18, 19) As the apostle Paul explained, if we are truly taught by Christ, we will ‘be made new in the force that actuates our mind’ and will ‘put on the new personality, which is created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.’ (Eph. 4:17-24) Those being taught by Christ seek to acquire “the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had” so that they think and act as he did. (Rom. 15:5) The conduct of Jehovah’s Witnesses as individuals is a reflection of the extent to which they have actually done that.
Jehovah’s Witnesses make no claim that their conduct is flawless. But they are earnest in their endeavors to be imitators of Christ as they conform to the Bible’s high standard of conduct. They do not deny that there are other individuals who apply high moral standards in their lives. But in the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is not only as individuals but also as an international organization that they are easily recognized because of conduct that conforms to Bible standards. They are motivated by the inspired counsel recorded at 1 Peter 2:12: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that . . . they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God.”
[Footnotes]
a In The Watchtower of October 15, 1941, the subject was discussed again, in somewhat shortened form, under the heading “Character or Integrity—Which?”
b The Watchtower of April 15, 1951, defined fornication as “willing sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person with a person of the opposite sex.” The issue of January 1, 1952, added that Scripturally the term could also apply to sexual immorality on the part of a married person.
c Earlier discussions of the sanctity of blood appeared in The Watch Tower of December 15, 1927, as well as The Watchtower of December 1, 1944, which specifically mentioned blood transfusions.
d Contemporary Surgery, March 1990, pp. 45-9; The American Surgeon, June 1987, pp. 350-6; Miami Medicine, January 1981, p. 25; New York State Journal of Medicine, October 15, 1972, pp. 2524-7; The Journal of the American Medical Association, November 27, 1981, pp. 2471-2; Cardiovascular News, February 1984, p. 5; Circulation, September 1984.
[Blurb on page 172]
“They have remarkable moral values”
[Blurb on page 174]
Was there ever a question as to how homosexuality would be viewed?
[Blurb on page 175]
The world’s moral breakdown has not caused the Witnesses to become more permissive
[Blurb on page 176]
Some tried to be Witnesses without abandoning polygamy
[Blurb on page 177]
A vigorous program to teach Jehovah’s view of divorce
[Blurb on page 178]
Dramatic changes in the lives of people
[Blurb on page 181]
Tobacco—No!
[Blurb on page 182]
Alcoholic drinks—moderately, if at all
[Blurb on page 183]
Firmly resolved not to accept blood
[Blurb on page 187]
Disfellowshipping—to maintain a morally clean organization
[Box on page 173]
‘Character Development’—The Fruitage Was Not Always Good
A report from Denmark: ‘Many, especially among the older friends, in their sincere efforts to put on a Christian personality, endeavored to avoid everything that had the slightest taint of worldliness and in this way make themselves more worthy of the heavenly Kingdom. Often, it was considered unsuitable to smile during meetings, and many of the older brothers wore only black suits, black shoes, black ties. They were often output to live quiet and peaceful lives in the Lord. They believed it was enough to hold meetings and let the colporteurs do the preaching.’
[Box on page 179]
What Others See in the Witnesses
◆ “Münchner Merkur,” a German newspaper, reported regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses: “They are the most honest and the most punctual taxpayers in the Federal Republic. Their obedience to the laws can be seen in the way they drive as well as in crime statistics. . . . They obey those in authority (parents, teachers, government). . . . The Bible, basis for all their actions, is their support.”
◆ The mayor in Lens, France, said to the Witnesses after they had used the local stadium for one of their conventions: “What I like is that you keep your promises and your agreements, on top of which, you are clean, disciplined, and organized. I like your society. I’m against disorder, and I don’t like people who go around dirtying and breaking things.”
◆ The book “Voices From the Holocaust” contains memoirs from a Polish survivor of the Auschwitz and the Ravensbrück concentration camps who wrote: “I saw people who became very, very good and people who became absolutely mean. The nicest group were the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I take my hat off to those people. . . . They did marvelous things for other people. They helped the sick, they shared their bread, and gave everyone near them spiritual comfort. The Germans hated them and respected them at the same time. They gave them the worst work but they took it with their heads high.” |
How to Pray—Is the Lord’s Prayer the Best Way? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500100123 | How to Pray—Is the Lord’s Prayer the Best Way?
The Bible’s answer
The Lord’s Prayer provides guidance for us as to how we should pray and what we should pray about. Jesus gave it in response to his disciples’ request: “Lord, teach us how to pray.” (Luke 11:1) However, the Lord’s Prayer, or the Our Father prayer, is not the only prayer that God accepts.a Rather, Jesus gave it as a pattern for prayers that God hears.
In this article
What does the Lord’s Prayer say?
What is the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer?
Is reciting the Lord’s Prayer the only way to pray?
How should we pray?
Other prayers in the Bible
What does the Lord’s Prayer say?
The Lord’s Prayer, recorded at Matthew 6:9-13, is worded differently in various Bible translations. Here are two examples.
New World Translation: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. Give us today our bread for this day; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.”
King James Version: “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”b
What is the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer?
Jesus’ teaching agreed with the rest of the Scriptures, so we can expect other parts of the Bible to shed light on the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer.
“Our Father in the heavens”
It is fitting to address God as “our Father” because he created us and gave us life.—Isaiah 64:8.
“Let your name be sanctified”
God’s name, Jehovah, should be honored and treated as holy, or sacred. Humans share in sanctifying God’s name when they speak of his qualities and make known his purposes.—Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 6:3.
“Let your Kingdom come”
God’s Kingdom is a heavenly government with Jesus as its King. Jesus taught us to pray for this government to exercise its rule over the whole earth.—Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15.
“Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth”
Just as there is no evil or death in heaven, God’s will for the earth is that humans live forever on it in peace and security.—Psalm 37:11, 29.
“Give us today our bread for this day”
In Jesus’ time, bread was a staple food. We should remember that we depend on our Creator to provide the things we need in order to live.—Acts 17:24, 25.
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”
In this context, the word “debts” is another word for sins. (Luke 11:4) All humans sin and need forgiveness. But if we want to receive God’s forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others for their sins against us.—Matthew 6:14, 15.
“Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one”
Jehovah God never tempts us to do wrong. (James 1:13) But we are tempted by “the wicked one,” Satan the Devil—who is also called “the Tempter.” (1 John 5:19; Matthew 4:1-4) We ask that Jehovah not permit us to give in when we are tempted to disobey him.
Is reciting the Lord’s Prayer the only way to pray?
Jesus provided the Lord’s Prayer as an example. It is not to be recited word for word. Just before providing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus warned: “When praying, do not say the same things over and over again.” (Matthew 6:7) When he provided a model prayer on another occasion, he used different wording.—Luke 11:2-4.
The best way to pray is to use sincere personal expressions from our heart.—Psalm 62:8.
How should we pray?
The Lord’s Prayer provides a good example of how to pray in a way that God hears. Note how it agrees with other Bible verses about prayer.
Pray only to God
Scripture: “In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.”—Philippians 4:6.
Meaning: Our prayers should be addressed to God—not to Jesus, Mary, or saints. With the opening words, “Our Father,” the Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray to Jehovah God alone.
Pray for things that harmonize with God’s will
Scripture: “No matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us.”—1 John 5:14.
Meaning: We can pray about anything that is in harmony with God’s will. Jesus taught us how important God’s will is by including in the Lord’s Prayer the expression “let your will take place.” We can learn about God’s will for the earth and for humans by studying the Bible.
Pray about personal concerns
Scripture: “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you.”—Psalm 55:22.
Meaning: God cares about our concerns. Just as Jesus included several personal requests in the Lord’s Prayer, we can pray for our daily physical needs, for guidance when making important decisions, for support in troubled times, and for forgiveness for our sins.c
a For example, Jesus and his disciples offered other prayers that did not stick to the specific words used in this model prayer.—Luke 23:34; Philippians 1:9.
b The King James Version concludes the Lord’s Prayer with the phrase: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” This expression of praise to God, also found in some other Bibles, is known as a doxology. However, The Jerome Biblical Commentary states: “The doxology . . . is not found in the most reliable [manuscripts].”
c Those who sense that they need God’s forgiveness might feel too guilty to pray. But Jehovah appeals to such ones: “Let us set matters straight between us.” (Isaiah 1:18) He will not reject any who sincerely seek his forgiveness.
Other prayers in the Bible
The Bible records many prayers. These show the variety of things we may pray about. For example:
Prayers of thanksgiving.—Psalm 92; John 11:41.
Prayers of praise.—1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 145.
Prayers for forgiveness.—Psalm 51; Daniel 9:4-19.
Prayers for guidance and wisdom.—1 Kings 3:5-9; Psalm 25:4, 5.
Prayers for relief from distress.—Psalm 4:1; 17:1. |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Front Endsheets
[Picture on front endsheets]
TEMPLE-PALACE AREA OF JERUSALEM
As it may have appeared in the days of Solomon |
Who Is God? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019004 | Who Is God?
Many people say that they believe in God. But ask who God is, and you will get different answers. To some, God is a harsh judge, bent on punishing people for their misdeeds. To others, he is always loving and forgiving, no matter what they do. Still others believe that God is far away and disinterested in us. Given such conflicting views, many may feel that it is simply impossible to know who God is.
Does it matter? Yes, it does. Knowing God better can add purpose and meaning to your life. (Acts 17:26-28) The closer you draw to God, the more he will love and help you. (James 4:8) Ultimately, having accurate knowledge of God can lead to unending life.—John 17:3.
How can you come to know God? Think of someone you know well, such as a close friend. How did that friendship develop? Likely you got to know that person’s name, personality, likes and dislikes, as well as what he or she has done and plans to do, and more. This is what drew you to that person—you learned about him or her.
Similarly, we can come to know God by considering the following:
WHAT IS GOD’S NAME?
WHAT IS HE LIKE?
WHAT HAS GOD DONE?
WHAT WILL HE DO?
WHAT CAN KNOWING GOD MEAN FOR YOU?
This magazine is designed to provide Bible answers to those questions. The articles will help you learn not only who God is but also what is in store for you as you come into a personal relationship with him. |
THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Am No Longer a Cruel Man” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501000000 | THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Am No Longer a Cruel Man”
As told by SÉBASTIEN KAYIRA
Year Born: 1973
Country of Origin: Uganda
History: Violent and immoral drunkard
MY PAST
I was born in Uganda in the district of Gomba. Most people there were very poor. Our town had no electricity, so at night we used portable fuel lamps.
My parents, who were farmers, had moved to Uganda from Rwanda. They cultivated coffee and bananas, and from the bananas they made a popular liquor called waragi. My parents also raised chickens, goats, pigs, and cows. My culture and upbringing led me to believe that a wife must be obedient to her husband at all times and never express her opinion.
When I was 23 years old, I moved to Rwanda, where I went to dance clubs with others my age. I visited one so often that the management gave me a card that allowed me to enter free of charge. I also enjoyed movies that featured fighting and graphic violence. My environment and entertainment influenced me to become a violent and immoral drunkard.
In 2000, I started living with a young woman named Skolastique Kabagwira, and we had three children. As I had learned when I was younger, I expected her to kneel before me when she greeted me or made a request. I also claimed that all our family’s belongings were my personal property, to do with as I wished. I often went out at night and returned about three in the morning, usually drunk. I would knock on the door, and if Skolastique took too long to open it, I beat her.
At that time, I was working as a supervisor for a private security company, and I earned a good salary. At home, Skolastique tried to persuade me to join her Pentecostal church, no doubt thinking that this would change me. But I was not interested. Instead, I developed a romantic relationship with another woman. As a result of my cruel and immoral behavior, Skolastique took our three children and moved in with her parents.
An elderly friend of ours spoke to me about my way of life. He encouraged me to return to Skolastique. He said that my beautiful children did not deserve to be separated from their father. So in 2005, I stopped drinking, left the other woman, and returned to Skolastique. In 2006 we were married. However, I was still violent and abusive toward my wife.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE
In 2008, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses named Joël called at our home, and I listened to his message. For several months he and another Witness, Bonaventure, visited me regularly, and we had intense Bible discussions. I asked many questions, particularly about the book of Revelation. I was actually trying to prove the Witnesses wrong. For instance, I asked how they could claim that the “great crowd” mentioned at Revelation 7:9 would live on earth, when the verse says that they were “standing before the throne [of God] and before the Lamb,” Jesus Christ. Joël patiently answered my questions. For example, he showed me Isaiah 66:1, where God calls the earth his “footstool.” So the great crowd are actually standing on earth before God’s throne. And I read Psalm 37:29, which says that the righteous will live forever on earth.
Eventually, I agreed to a Bible study. So Bonaventure studied with Skolastique and me. As we studied the Bible, I gained the motivation to make changes in my life. I learned to treat my wife with respect. I no longer wanted her to kneel before me when she greeted me or made a request, and I stopped claiming that everything my family owned belonged to me personally. I also stopped watching violent films. Making these changes was hard and required great self-control and humility.
The Bible helped me to become a much better husband
A few years earlier, I had taken my eldest child, Christian, to live with relatives in Uganda. But after reading Deuteronomy 6:4-7, I realized that my wife and I are responsible before God to care for our children, which includes teaching them godly principles. How happy we and our son were when we brought him home!
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED
I learned that Jehovah is a merciful God, and I have faith that he has forgiven me for my past attitude and conduct. I am delighted that Skolastique joined me in the Bible study. We dedicated our lives to Jehovah and were baptized together on December 4, 2010. Now we trust each other, and we enjoy applying Bible principles in our family. My wife is very happy that I come straight home after work. She also appreciates that I treat her with dignity and respect, that I made a personal decision to abstain from alcohol, and that I am no longer a cruel man. In 2015, I was appointed as an elder to help shepherd our congregation. Of our five children, three are baptized.
When I began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, I did not blindly accept what they taught me. But I was impressed that they used the Bible to answer my questions. Skolastique and I grew to appreciate that those who claim to serve the true God should live in harmony with his standards, not water them down. I am most grateful that Jehovah drew me and that I am now part of his spiritual family. Looking back on my life, I am convinced that with God’s help, any sincere person can make the needed changes to please him. |
Great Teacher (te)
1971 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/te | Chapter 28
A Loving Shepherd
DO YOU ever feel lonely?— Do you ever wonder if anybody loves you anymore?—
Or have you ever been lost?— How did you feel?— It can make you scared, can’t it?—
The Great Teacher once told a story about one that was lost. But it was not a child who was lost. It was a sheep.
You know what a sheep is, don’t you?— It’s a small animal from which man gets wool. In some ways you are like a sheep. How is that?
Well, sheep are not big or very strong. And they get scared when they are lost. They need love and kindness. And they need someone to take care of them and to protect them, just as you do. The man who takes care of sheep is called a shepherd.
In his story Jesus told about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. But then one of the sheep got lost. It may have been busy eating grass when the others left. Or it may just have wanted to see what was on the other side of the hill. But before that sheep knew it, it was away from the others. Can you imagine how that little one felt when it looked around and saw that it was all alone?—
What would the shepherd do when he found that one sheep was missing? Would he say that it was all the sheep’s fault anyway so he wasn’t going to worry about it? Or would he leave the ninety-nine sheep in a safe place and go looking for just the one? Would one sheep be worth that much trouble?— If you were that lost sheep, would you want the shepherd to look for you?—
The shepherd loved all of his sheep very much, even the one that was lost. So he went in search of the missing one.
Think how glad that lost sheep was when it saw its shepherd coming. And Jesus said that the shepherd rejoiced that he had found his sheep. He rejoiced over it more than over the ninety-nine sheep that had not got lost.
Now, who is there that is like that shepherd in Jesus’ story? Who cares for us as much as that shepherd did for his sheep?— Jesus said that his Father in heaven does. And his Father is Jehovah God.
Jehovah is the Great Shepherd of his people. He loves all those who serve him, even young ones like you. He does not want any of us to be hurt or destroyed. Isn’t it wonderful to know that God cares for us that much?— —Matthew 18:12-14.
Do you really believe in Jehovah God?— Is he a real Person to you?—
It is true that we cannot see Jehovah. This is because he is a Spirit. He has a body that is invisible to our eyes. But he is a real Person, and he can see us. He knows when we need help. And we can talk to him in prayer, just as you talk to your father and mother. Jehovah wants us to do this.
So, if you ever feel sad or all alone, what should you do?— Talk to Jehovah. Draw close to him. And he will comfort and help you. Remember that Jehovah loves you, even when you feel as if you are all alone.
Now, let’s get our Bibles. We are going to read together something that should warm our hearts. Turn to the twenty-third Psalm 23:1, and we’ll start with the first verse.a
There it says: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting places he conducts me. My soul he refreshes. He leads me in the tracks of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me; your rod and your staff are the things that comfort me.”
That’s the way people feel if their God is Jehovah. Is that the way you feel?—
As a loving shepherd takes care of his flock, so Jehovah takes good care of his people. They feel refreshed because of the good things that he does for them. He shows them the right way to go, and they gladly follow. Even when there is trouble all around them, they are not afraid. A shepherd uses his rod or his staff to protect the sheep from animals that might harm them. And God’s people know that he will protect them. They feel safe because God is with them.
Jehovah really loves his sheep, and he tenderly cares for them. The Bible says: ‘Like a shepherd he will lead his own sheep. With his arms he will collect the little ones together. The young ones he will help along with care.’—Isaiah 40:11.
Doesn’t it make you feel good to know that Jehovah is like that?— Do you want to be one of his sheep?—
Sheep listen to the voice of their shepherd. They stay close to him. Do you listen to Jehovah?— Do you stay close to him?— Then you never need to be afraid. Jehovah will be with you.
(Jehovah lovingly cares for those who serve him. Read together what the Bible says about this at Psalms 37:25 [36:25, Dy]; Ps 55:22 [54:23, Dy]; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:29-31.)
[Footnotes]
a Psalm 22, Douay Version. |
The Best Life—Soon To Come | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101981004 | The Best Life—Soon To Come
‘SO WHAT if the Bible promises the best life in the near future. You can’t believe everything in that book.’ That’s how many feel. To them, a change from their lifetime of problems would take an unbelievable miracle.
One man who trusted the Bible was taunted: “Surely a sensible man like you cannot believe in the miracles that the Bible tells about. You cannot, for instance, believe that this Jesus of yours turned water into wine.” The man simply replied: “Whether He turned water into wine or not, I do not know; but in my own house, I have seen Him turn beer into furniture.”
You see, this man had been a former drunkard and wasted his family’s money drinking. The Bible helped him to change. Those who have seen their own lives greatly improved by following Bible guidelines are convinced of its truthfulness. They look for the realization of its future promises—regardless of their apparent unlikeliness. But what does the Bible promise?
‘Rescued’ Completely from an Inner Conflict
“Miserable man that I am!” sighed one Bible writer because of the inner struggle between the desires of his body and his Bible-educated mind. “Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?” The Bible shows how God will help us out of this aggravating situation. Though he gives much help now so that we can resist bad desires, he will in the near future remove completely all such bad tendencies. Obedient mankind will be brought to perfection and will be granted everlasting life amid paradisaic conditions on a cleansed earth.—Rom. 7:21-25; 5:21; Luke 23:43; 2 Pet. 3:13.
Imagine what a relief! No longer will you have to struggle to do what is right. Doing the right thing then will be just natural. Gone will be the constant worry about controlling your tongue or temper. You will never feel guilty because of losing your self-control.
The urges to steal, lie, cheat, commit immorality, will be permanently replaced by perfect honesty, loyalty, kindness and love. How wonderful to be able to do exactly the good that wells up in your own heart!
Sickness and Disease Vanish
God will give the inhabitants of earth his full attention. He, as it were, “will reside with” mankind and “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.”—Rev. 21:3, 4.
No more backaches, headaches, or any pain caused by imperfection. Dreaded killers such as cancer, heart disease and snail fever (schistosomiasis) will be permanently eliminated. Imagine each morning to rise refreshed and physically able to do your very best at whatever task you undertake.
Bad Environment Removed
Do you ever recall being so flustered because of surrounding noises or background annoyances that, before you realized it, you lashed out at someone? Our environment can greatly affect how we think and act. Living in a climate of poverty, crime, overcrowding, insecurity and hostility can breed frustration and cause us to react in ways we otherwise might not.
God knows this, so he promises in the Bible: “The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it.”—Prov. 2:21, 22.
This divine action will immediately eliminate fear of crime and violence. The survivors will dwell on the earth in secure, pleasant surroundings. They will have meaningful work that will contribute to their happiness and gradually make the earth a beautiful park with plenty of living space for all.
Imagine life in a world where all show genuine love for you; where crime, injustice, oppression, poverty and loneliness will be no more; where each day will bring satisfying challenges to be met with perfect abilities; where not even death will cut short your activities or tear loved ones away. Truly, God will fulfill completely his promise to “give you the requests of your heart.” Just think: To be given your ‘heart’s desire’! Could God promise us any more than that? It will be the best life!—Ps. 37:3, 4; compare Isaiah 65:17, 21-25.
But How Soon?
For millenniums of time people have looked forward to this “best life.” Why do we say it is “soon to come”? Because the Bible contains detailed prophecies that pinpoint the very generation of people that would see the fulfillment of these precious promises.
The beginning of this “sign” was to be marked by a dramatic change in war. The highly symbolic book of Revelation (6:4) predicted a figurative horseman who would “take peace away from the earth.” The result would be ‘nation rising against nation.’ Peace taken, not merely from a few nations, but from the earth means global warfare.—Matt. 24:7.
Suddenly, without any anticipation of its eventual enormity, World War I shattered the “Golden Years” that led up to its start in 1914. It was “The War That Changed the World.” This “bloodiest and costliest conflict in the history of mankind” up to that time “included every major state and left unrepresented no part of the globe,” according to authorities. It certainly fulfilled the Bible’s prophetic description of a global war.
That same “generation” saw World War II, as well as the fulfillment of scores of other parts of the “sign” of the last days. (Note accompanying chart.) “This generation,” said Jesus, “will by no means pass away until all things occur.” Since we see these prophecies coming true, we can do what Jesus recommended: “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” Yes, the best life is soon to come!—Luke 21:10, 11, 28-32.
Since these blessings are truly near at hand, why not accept the free help of Jehovah’s Witnesses to become better acquainted with your Bible. Write the publishers of this magazine, or go to the local Kingdom Hall and ask for a free home Bible discussion. That is the first step you can take toward a better life now and the best life in the near future.
[Box on page 11]
SIGN OF LAST DAYS
“NATION WILL RISE AGAINST NATION”—Matt. 24:7
“The Great War became a pivotal moment in modern Western history. It did more than decimate a generation; it changed the world.” (Boston Sunday “Globe,” 1978) This was followed by World War II, costing 55 million lives and 4 trillion dollars (U.S.). From then till 1978, 150 wars have been fought, with only 26 DAYS when there was no war going on.
“THERE WILL BE FOOD SHORTAGES”—Matt. 24:7
Not having enough food “now afflicts a thousand million people”! “There have always been famines, but the scale and ubiquity of hunger today is on a totally new scale. . . . as many as 400 million live constantly on the brink of starvation.”—London “Times” (1980).
“EARTHQUAKES IN ONE PLACE AFTER ANOTHER”—Matt. 24:7
“During a period of 1,059 years (from 856 to 1914) reliable sources list only 24 major earthquakes causing 1,973,000 deaths. However . . . we find that 1,600,000 persons have died in only 63 years, as a result of 43 earthquakes which occurred from 1915 to 1978. . . . Our generation is an unfortunate one.”—Italian journal “Il Piccolo” (1978).
“INCREASING OF LAWLESSNESS”—Matt. 24:12
We are experiencing what some call an “epidemic of violence” and a “worldwide wave of terrorism.” Authority Walter Laquer said: “Today’s terrorism has become indiscriminate—far more brutal than in the past. Terrorists leave a bomb in a supermarket and couldn’t care less who gets killed. You see, the period up to the first World War was, on the whole, more humane. I’m sorry to say that human life has become cheaper in our time.”
“IN ONE PLACE AFTER ANOTHER PESTILENCES”—Luke 21:11
“The Spanish-influenza epidemic of 1918 sped over the earth, took 21 million lives, and vanished,” reports “Science Digest” (1977). It adds: “In all history there had been no sterner, swifter visitation of death . . . had the epidemic continued its rate of acceleration, humanity would have been eradicated in a matter of months.” Even since then cancer, heart disease, venereal disease, snail fever, river blindness (onchocerciasis) are at epidemic levels; they maim and kill scores of millions. |