"Do Not Put Your Trust in...the Sons of Earthling Man"

Welcome Brothers and Sisters

As Jehovah's Witnesses, we must be loyal to Jehovah God and not man. "Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish. Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God...Jehovah is opening the eyes of the blind ones; Jehovah is raising up the ones bowed down; Jehovah is loving the righteous ones."-Ps. 146:3-5,8

As the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and the Creator, Jehovah God deserves our full devotion - He expects it of us. (Rev. 4:11; Ex. 20:4-6; 34:14; Deut. 4:24) When men make the statement that they deserve our full trust, we have every reason to not trust that. (Romans 3:4) Even worse, when men make the statement that we can only be saved by trusting them alone we must reject them. Remember: Jehovah's Word says, "Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."

When we put our full trust in men we are really rejecting Jehovah God. "This is what Jehovah has said: 'Cursed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in earthling man and actually makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from Jehovah himself. And he will certainly become like a solitary tree in the desert plain and will not see when good comes; but he must reside in parched places in the wilderness, in a salt country that is not inhabited." (Jer. 17:5-6) Jehovah has provided a man, the Son of Man, that we can look to for salvation. (Acts 4:12) The devotion that many of our misled brothers and sisters give to the Governing Body should actually go to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and, more importantly, our great God, Jehovah.

Why can we trust Jehovah and Jesus? We are told, "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." "Jehovah [is] a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth." Jesus Christ said, "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." "The Lamb...will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life."-Prov. 18:10; Ex. 34:6; Matt. 11:28-30; Rev. 7:17

We can also trust the Bible. "Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth," Jesus said. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial." (John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16) So, we can trust Jehovah, Jesus, and the Bible. There is no one else on the earth that deserves our trust, not even the Governing Body. Remember, ones who are of the "faithful and discreet slave" can become the "evil slave." (Matt. 24:45-51) Keeping that in mind, we must constantly check to see if what we are being fed is good food or not. (Acts 17:11) If we find something there that doesn't quite fit with the Bible yet we find it hard to reject we need to "keep testing whether [we] are in the faith, keep proving what [we ourselves] are."-2 Cor. 13:5

With Sincere Christian Love and Affection,
Brother Ebed Abodah


On this site you will find such information as:

Is the Watchtower still associated with the United Nations?

Who Really Is the Man of Lawlessnes?

What is the Truth About the Year 1914?

What Did the Society Say Regarding 1975?

Plus, there is more information on here that you may find enlightening concerning the Watchtower, Bible and Tract Society. I want it to be known before you enter this site that I am in no way trying to make people believe that Jehovah's Witnesses are wrong or even that there is no "faithful and discreet slave". All I want to accomplish is for people to see that the Governing Body gone beyond their assignment and lifted themselves up over us all. Yes, they have tried to take the place of Jehovah God.

Enter

Praise Jehovah: Scripture of the Week!

"Praise Jah, you people, For it is good to make melody to our God; For it is pleasant—praise is fitting. Jehovah is building Jerusalem; The dispersed ones of Israel he brings together. He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots. He is counting the number of the stars; All of them he calls by their names. Our Lord is great and is abundant in power; His understanding is beyond recounting."
-Psalm 147:1-5, New World Translation

I would love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at "ebed.abodah@yahoo.com" anytime.

Faith or Works; Knowing or Knowing About

Many people outside of the Truth constantly criticize Jehovah's people for our preaching work, claiming that we try to earn our salvation by means of it. These people may claim to see the need for such a work but then try to lead people away from Jehovah and His Son by putting us down for doing it. Fortunately, this has not stopped us.

Jesus Christ told us that we had to preach the Kingdom. (Matt. 10:7; 28:19-20) And, like a good leader, he did not make us do something that he himself would not do, unlike the hypocritical pharisees. (Luke 4:43; 8:1; Matt. 23:2, 4) In fact, he knew without a doubt that he could trust his followers to complete this work. - Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:10

When we think about the seven million plus Christian's that undertake this monumental task, though, what do we think about? Well, the Governing Body tells us all of the time how enthusiastic Jehovah's Witnesses are when doing this work. Is this actually the case? Are you enthusiastic out in the field ministry? Do you want to do this work or do you feel like it is more of a burden?

While there are in fact many Christians who want to do the preaching-work, there are others who are less then enthusiastic or even downright don't like to participate. Is this an indication of spiritual weakness on their part?

We all know that the preaching-work is a command, really, and that no commandments of Jesus or Jehovah are burdensome. (Matt. 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3) So, then, why do so many Jehovah's Witnesses fell burdened with this work? Maybe the Bible can help us to figure this out.

Joyful Proclaimers of God's Will

Proclaiming messages from or for Jehovah is not new. The first person in the Bible to preach was fearless even unto death. That person was Enoch. Concerning him the Bible says, "Enoch prophesied...when he said: 'Look! Jehovah came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.' " (Jude 13-14; Gen. 5:21-24; Heb. 11:5) Then we have Noah who the Bible calls "a preacher of righteousness." (2 Pet. 2:5) He built an ark at Jehovah's command and did all that he could to help others see the need to come aboard with him. - Gen. 6:13-16, 22

Moses was someone else who had to speak for Jehovah. He was sent before the most powerful man in the world to tell him that he had to free the Israelites from bondage. (Ex. 3:10) He even had to go before the those same Israelites and convince them that he was indeed sent from Jehovah. (Ex. 3:13-18) This was not an easy task. Moses did it, though.

In the times of King Hezekiah of Judah, that righteous king made it his duty to hold a Passover to Jehovah and invite as many people as possible. He set up a campaign to do this. Regarding this the Bible says, "At the king's command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials...The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and ridiculed them. Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD." (2 Chron. 30:6, 10-12, New International Version) The joy that resulted from this Passover was tremendous.

Even when we look at the prophets of Israel, we can see how fearlessly they proclaimed Jehovah's messages. Jeremiah described his desire to do Jehovah's work as "a burning fire shut up in [his] bones." (Jer. 20:9) We can be sure that all of the prophets had that burning desire to do Jehovah's will and Jehovah blessed them for it. (Isa. 6:1, 8) Yes, even the angels wanted to do Jehovah's will. - 2 Chron. 18:19-21; Dan. 9:20-21

However, there were people who were less then enthusiastic about doing Jehovah's will. A good example of this was Jonah. He completely ran the other way when Jehovah told him to go to Nineveh and proclaim a judgment message. Despite Jonah's reluctance, Jehovah still used him and even when Jonah's preaching produced fine results, Jonah was still upset. Even though, the Bible does not speak negatively of Jonah. - Jon. 1:1-3; 3:4-7; 4:1-4

The Early Christians Find Joy

When Jesus formed the Christian Congregation in the first-century, the command to preach was not neglected. With the help of holy spirit, the Christians then were able to preach despite persecution. (Acts 2:14-42; 8:1, 4) Philip the Evangelist was such a zealous brother that Jehovah used him many times to speak to people about the good news. Each of these yielded fine results. - Acts 8:5-6, 12-13, 34-39

The Apostle Paul was someone who was someone set aside specifically for people of the nations, although he was not to neglect any Jews who showed interest in the good news. Indeed, he would "by any means incite those who are [his] own flesh and blood to jealousy and save some from among them." (Rom. 11:13-14) His main concern was the preaching work, saying the words that all of us should know and repeat daily: "Woe is me if I did not declare the good news." - 1 Cor. 9:16

Paul's knew that his preaching helped him be "clean from the blood of all man." (Acts 20:26) It also helped him to know that he was approved by God. Yes, not preaching would have incurred bloodguilt and Jehovah's disfavor. (1 Cor. 9:27) The one thing that we all neglect in reference to the Apostle Paul's preaching activity is that, while he did it freely, if he had done it "against [his] will" then he would still have had "a stewardship entrusted to him." - 1 Cor. 9:17

No matter the circumstances, not only Paul but all the Christian's preached the good news everywhere they went. The disciple Stephen preached to the entire Sanhedrin although he knew that it would probably mean his death. (Acts 6:8-13; 7:2-60) When faced with severe beatings, jail and death, the Christians remained faithful to their commission. - Acts 12:1-5; 14:19-21; 16:25-32

How did the early Christians manage to do this? Jesus Christ said, "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 1:8) Yes, it was only by the power of the holy spirit that this work was able to be completed. In those days, the holy spirit was very active. - Acts 9:31; 13:2-4, 52; 15:28; 16:6; 19:6; 20:28; 21:10-11

Is the holy spirit active today?

God's Power or Man's Power

How is the world-wide preaching work being done today? Is Jehovah's spirit active among us as Jehovah's Witnesses, declarers of the good news? That is a hard question. The visible evidence suggests that it is and who am I to declare otherwise? On the other hand, the dislike for the ministry on the part of some of our brothers - and believe me, many brothers do not like the ministry - leaves my mind somewhat confused on the matter.

If the ministry was loved as much as the Writing Department at Bethel would have us believe, why are there so many articles encouraging us to do more in the ministry? Is it perhaps that the number of irregular publishers is at an alarming high?

I have heard rumors of brothers (and when I say brothers I am referring to brothers and sisters) who have falsified their time reports. I know brothers who always quit service after only an hour in the ministry on a Saturday morning.

Back in the seventies, there was "new light" and it was taught that sacred service was more then just the preaching activity, like it has previously been thought. Now sacred service was anything that Jehovah required of you as brought out in the Bible. The Watchtower Aug. 1, 1977 said this:

"Sacred service also includes doing good to others, sharing things—how we live our lives each day. Our conduct at work, for example, reflects on our worship of God. As Colossians 3:23, 24 says: 'Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ.' This would include every facet of our lives—in our witnessing to others, at home, at work—it all reflects on how we respond to Jehovah’s direction.

"For example, both men and women have certain God-given responsibilities and assignments to perform within the family circle. Those who recognize Jehovah’s direction in their lives see the applying and the carrying out of such heavenly instruction as a part of their sacred service in the sight of God. Thus Colossians 3:18-22 (Good News for Modern Man) reminds us: 'Wives, be obedient to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God. Parents, do not irritate your children, or they might become discouraged. Slaves [today, employees], obey your human masters in all things, and do it not only when they are watching you, just to gain their approval, but do it with a sincere heart, because of your reverence for the Lord.'

"Thus a woman’s devoted care for her family is a part of her sacred service, since Jehovah has given her that assignment. And she should be whole-souled in carrying it out as befits an assignment from God. (Prov. 31:15, 27) The same is true of the husband, for he must carry out his assigned role to provide things needful and to give loving oversight to the family. So wives’ obedience to husbands, husbands’ love for wives, children’s obeying parents—all should be whole-souled to be pleasing to Jehovah."

When people found out that their sacred service to Jehovah involved all aspects of their life, being good employees, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children, Christians, they reasoned that this meant they could spread their time evenly between these duties and their duties as a Christian, namely, the ministry. Hours spent preaching dropped. Although I was not in the Truth at this time, I have spoken to many who were.

In a few years, the Society realized this was a problem so in The Watchtower of Aug. 15, 1980 reneged on that previous understanding and went back to the original.

"When all Christian witnesses of Jehovah do what the apostle Paul instructs them to do in Romans 13:1-7, they are doing only what is required of all other citizens or alien residents of a country. Properly we do so as good and orderly persons, and this keeps us from getting into trouble with the “superior authorities.” We also do so with a higher motivation, that is, to keep a good conscience and an appreciation of what is right and fitting. But our now acting in this way under the name of Christian witnesses of Jehovah does not automatically change our proper conduct into the Scriptural 'sacred service.' All other law-abiding citizens do the same things, even without the same motivations that we have. So how do we differ in these respects?

"However, suppose the authorities of the land forbid us to carry on our worship as Christian witnesses of Jehovah? What now if we take up the words of the apostles of Christ: 'We must obey God as ruler rather than men'? (Acts 5:29) Our continuing to do what all other citizens do not do, in order to obey what God orders his dedicated, baptized witnesses to do keeps what we are doing a service sacred to him. This holds true even though the authorities and other citizens of the land may denounce it as illegal, lawless.

"For instance, God’s Word commands: 'Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom. but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.'—Heb. 10:23-25

"Undeniably our obedience to this inspired exhortation, even though we suffer for it at men’s hands, is a sacred service to the Supreme Being, Jehovah God. Let the displeased 'superior authorities' of the land brand it as they choose to do, legalistically.—2 Tim. 2:8-10"

This "new light" made sacred service only our preaching activity. The hours went up and the Governing Body was pleased.

Further back, when the preaching work "virtually stopped", as the Society says in our publications, it wasn't until Rutherford and his associates were released from prison that it started back up again. It seemed the brothers needed a visual figure leading the way. Even before that, when it was first becoming mandatory for brothers to preach to be considered in the truth, many left because they just didn't want to do it.

What a contrast between the first-century Christians and modern-day Christians. The holy spirit was working through those ones in an obvious way but, for us today, could it be said it is less obvious? And if the holy spirit isn't as active today is it was back then, the fault only lies with us and the Governing Body. How so?

Many of our brothers and sisters preach because it is required of them. They do the bare minimum to remain in the truth and keep their good standing in the congregation. Others who are pioneers go out to get their hours instead of to actually please Jehovah in the field ministry. How often do we hear such ones talk about needing a long day so they can get the required hours before the end of the month? I, for one, hear it quite often and am displeased whenever I hear it.

Also not uncommon, is to hear of people who pioneer because they feel pressured into it. About six years ago I read a few random pages from a book by an ex-Witness sister who was a stay-at-home mom. She had been pioneering for two or three years because other sisters would speak negatively of her, complaining that she was weak because she could spend her free time in the ministry as a pioneer but wasn't doing and and, oh, if only they had the time she had!

An experience closer to home was when a sister that I worked under lost her job, she told me that she didn't really have to work because her husband made enough money to support the family on his own but she worked because she liked it. When another sister in the congregation expressed worry over this first sister losing her job, I, not really thinking about it, repeated what I had been told. The demeanor of this second sister completely changed. She said, "I thought she was a good sister. If she doesn't have to work then she should be pioneering!"

People today feel forced to take part in an activity that they would rather not, even though it is a command, which they know. Why do they do it despite finding no joy in it? In short, fear of what their brothers and sisters in the Truth will think or say about them if they went out for five hours a month instead of ten. Can the holy spirit bless this situation with more of a burning zeal?

Another reason we may not have the holy spirit to the extent that the first-century Christians have is because, many times, our spirituality and, therefore, the amount of privileges we have is based entirely on how many hours we get in the ministry. If we get fewer hours, we're supposedly spiritually weak and less trustworthy for congregational privileges.

Where, though, is the command to report our time in the field ministry? The Society many times will allude to Mark 6:30 as "Scriptural" backup for reporting time. What they fail to remember though is this Scriptural counsel: "Take good care not to practice your righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. Hence when you go making gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, just as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, They are having their reward in full. But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you." - Matt. 6:1-4

Following the Model: Failing Where They Failed

Doing the preaching work in this environment is not conducive to success. We are doing it, really, based on our own power and because of being leaned on by man. We can never succeed. The preaching work, and any form of service to Jehovah, is viewed as a necessary burden that has to be shouldered.

That is exactly what the Israelites felt about the Law. They viewed it as 600+ rules that had to followed rigidly. They would tell themselves, "Okay, I can do this, I can't do this. I can do that, I can't do that." That is how they saw Jehovah's Law and that is how they followed Jehovah's Law.

In actuality, the Israelite's should have known all along that they couldn't follow Jehovah's Law. It was impossible and yet they tried anyway. This led to miserable failure on their part. If they had only realized from the beginning that they couldn't do it on their own and had faith that Jehovah would help them then things may have turned out differently for them. That is why the Apostle Paul said, "Israel, although pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain to the law. For what reason? Because he pursued it, not by faith, but as by works." - Rom. 9:31-32

We have the same problem today. Instead of learning from the Israelite's example, since all this was written "for our instruction," we ignore it and again try to follow Jehovah by works instead of faith. (Rom. 15:4) We have to understand that we cannot follow Jehovah's perfect expectation without His help. When we are forced to do it like we are, we view it as a burden and we begin to dread it.

Brothers, we are breaking all of the rules and Jehovah's spirit cannot have a part in that. We have to come back to Jehovah's way. When we follow an Organization run by man, we leave off the path Jehovah tells us to follow for an unknown path. Jehovah is no longer our shepherd but a man is. - Ps. 23:1

How can we change this course we are on?

Changing Course; Finding Jehovah

Can we return to Jehovah? Well, how can we return to Him if we had never drawn close to Him in the first place? What do I mean?

Jehovah says to us through the Apostle James, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones." (James 4:8) How can we "draw close to God" and why do I wonder if we ever did in the first place?

In a recent news report about our "Keep on the Watch" district convention the news reporter said at the end we will have "just an analytical approach, [we] promise, to let people know why the end is near." Unfortunately, this is how we do everything.

At John 17:3 we read, "This means everlasting life. Their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." The English Standard Version of the Bible translates John 17:3 this way: "This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (Other Bibles read similarly.) The Amplified Bible explains further, saying, "to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand." Which translation of this verse is better?

While many have probably never thought about it, probably reading this verse out of many translations at the door, the wording in the New World Translation is inferior to the wording in the other versions of God's Word. How so?

Pick your favorite actor, actress, or musician. How much do you know about them? Do you know their first, middle, and last name? Do you know their life story? Do you know their birthday? Favorite color? Favorite food? Likes and dislikes? Have you ever met them?

No matter how much knowledge you have about someone, you still don't know them. You may know all of the above information regarding your favorite actor or singer but you are not friends with them. You have to get to know them or you are just another fan. That is what we are in regards to Jehovah. We are fans. We'll cheer when He walks down the red carpet but we won't feel His emotions when someone He loves hurts Him like the angels in Noah's day or the wayward Israelite's did. We can't really feel His pain when Jesus died or empathize with Him like a close friend would.

Everything we do at our meetings is entirely analytical. We learn about Jehovah and the Bible but we never get to know Jehovah. This, in turn, weakens our resolve to do all we can in the preaching word for Jehovah. Our worship of Jehovah is based on works and knowledge, not faith and relationships.

Until that changes, we'll be walking down the same path, heading nowhere. Let us change that, starting today. Stop looking at the Bible with an analytical approach, trying to gain intelligence about God's Book. Stop looking at it with physical eyes and look at it with spiritual eyes. We're lost until then.

With Sincere Christian Love and Affection,
Brother Ebed Abodah

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Who Will Save Us?

Throughout the years, the Watchtower has repeatedly pointed to itself as our means of salvation. Statements like these were at one time commonplace in the pages of our publications:

"The ark of salvation that we enter is not a literal ark but is God's organization." - The Watchtower, June 1, 1950

"Those desiring salvation must make for God's organization, and find entrance into it and remain there permanently." - The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1952

"Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization of the 'one flock' Jesus spoke about at John 10:16. They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah's organization is essential to their salvation. (Rev. 7:9-10, 15) Therefore, we should start directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established." - Our Kingdom Ministry, Nov. 1990

From here, I thought it would be beneficial to look at the Scripture quote they use in the last paragraph from the KM to see if it says the same thing they say.

"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, standing before the throne and before the 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'...That is why they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them." - Rev. 7:9-10, 15

Tell me, where does it say anything about an Organization? All I can personally see is that "salvation we owe to our God...and to the Lamb." Nowhere is there an indication that we are supposed to go into an Organization for salvation.

Even more importantly, though, what does Jehovah have to say on this matter? Only by looking in His Word, the Bible, can we truly find out Who Will Save Us.

Salvation From Jehovah Alone

"You will not need to be afraid of any sudden dreadful thing, nor of the storm upon the wicked ones, because it is coming. For Jehovah Himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence, and He will certainly keep your foot against capture." (Pro. 3:25-26) The Bible tells us that a storm is coming and that our only means of salvation is Jehovah alone.

Lately, I have been having a conversation with a brother who is faithful to the Watchtower Society and he keeps saying over and over in all his emails that the only way we can attain to salvation is to stick to Jehovah's Organization. If we leave that Organization then we will not be saved. However, his major problem is that not even once did he present a Scripture to back himself up.

On the other hand, I was arguing in favor of Jehovah. I was telling this brother that only by running into our "Strong Tower" can we hope to be saved through the coming storm. (Pro. 18:10) We cannot ascribe to salvation to any other source. Doesn't the Bible tell us to "stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah?" (Ex. 13:14) Yes, although this was in conjecture with the Israelites, we can apply it to today. We have to rely on Jehovah. Moses couldn't save those Israelites. Neither could the "organization" of the past, which the Society claims is the "organization" of priests and sacrifices. There was no hope in that. "It is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take sins away." - Heb. 10:4

Even today, only one type of blood can save us and that is The Blood of the Lamb. (Heb. 9:11-14) Through that blood we have a spiritual deliverance and through the good standing with Jehovah that this blood gives us, we have another deliverance. Psalm 91 explains this deliverance.

"I will say to Jehovah: 'You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I will trust.' For he himself will deliver you from the trap of the birdcatcher, from the pestilence causing adversities...A thousand will fall at your very side and ten thousand at your right hand; to you it will not come near. Only with your eyes will you look on And see the retribution itself of the wicked ones. Because you said: 'Jehovah is my refuge,' you have made the Most High himself your dwelling; no calamity will befall you, and not even a plague will draw near to your tent. For he will give his own angels a command concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. Upon their hands they will carry you, that you may not strike your foot against any stone...Because on me he has set his affection, I shall also provide him with escape. I shall protect him because he has come to know my name. He will call upon me, and I shall answer him. I shall be with him in distress. I shall rescue him and glorify him. With length of days I shall satisfy him, and I shall cause him to see salvation by me." - Psalm 91:2-3, 7-12, 14-16

Did you notice that last verse? "I shall cause him to see salvation by me" that being after "a thousand will be falling" at Armageddon. Yes, the storm is coming and only by running into the ark of Jehovah can we hope to be saved through it.

Something Bad

The Apostle John closed his very first letter with the words, "Little children, guard yourselves from idols." (1 John 5:21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 10:14; 2 Cor. 6:16) Throughout the entire Bible we are constantly warned to not have idols. In fact, Christians were not even to eat anything sacrificed to idols, which is how serious this was to Jehovah. - Acts 15:29

What, though, is an idol? The Insight books explains. "An image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion, whether material or imagined. Generally speaking, idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol. It is usually practiced toward a real or supposed higher power, whether such power is believed to have animate existence (as a human, an animal, or an organization) or is inanimate (as a force or lifeless object of nature)." -Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1 pg. 1167

In a past Watchtower we read concerning idols: "As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry - be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of salvation to a person or an organization." (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1990) Yet, didn't we always see quotes like these below?

"And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah's organization for salvation, the time no doubt will come when the message takes on a harder tone, like a "great war cry." - The Watchtower, Nov. 15, 1981, pg. 21

"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy." - The Watchtower, Sept. 15, 1993, p. 22

Whether the Watchtower and its Governing Body wants to admit it, it has unwittingly made itself into an idol by ascribing salvation to itself. Even welling-meaning brothers believe this. Read this excerpt from an e-mail conversation I had with a brother.

"Armageddon is coming?! Are you crazy?! If you don't have any more sense than that, seriously you can't convince me of anything! No other group of people has made God's name known all over the world, despite protests from the very powerful ruler of the world. Not even Satan can stop them. The Watchtower CANNOT INTENTIONALLY PRODUCE A FAULT that is going to push me away from them when I know calamity for all the earth is coming."

"If you were on a ship and heard an unfavorable rumour about the captain, whether it is true or not do you jump off the boat into the middle of the ocean? Is that considered an intelligent thing to do? Does that rumour make the boat any less of a means of transportation? No one who had a problem with Noah survived the Flood. Last I heard, there were no other boats...Where did YOU go that the group is "thinking upon the name of Jehovah" worldwide? I ALREADY KNOW that you've not found a second 'ark.' There is only one. So why are you standing around trying to persuade those who are already going to live and be unimaginably BLESSED to come out of the ark to practice their breast stroke with you?! I promise you, if I thought a great deluge of waters was coming, Noah COULDN'T PRODUCE ON PURPOSE a fault that would have 'stumbled' me. If he was messing with my mama, I'd just have to deal with it AFTER the Flood. But until then, one ticket for Noah's Ark please."

This poor brother is imputing salvation to the Watchtower. That was the entire point of our conversation. He has unintentionally made the Watchtower, not only his means of salvation but also his idol. Unfortunately, he is on a sinking ship.

Again, who will save us? "Salvation belongs to Jehovah. Your blessing is upon your people." (Ps. 3:8) "The horse is something prepared for the day of battle, but salvation belongs to Jehovah." (Pro. 21:31) "Look! God is my salvation. I shall trust and be in no dread; for Jah Jehovah is my strength and my might, and he came to be the salvation of me." (Isa. 12:2) "Salvation belongs to Jehovah." (Jonah 2:9) "But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation." (Mic. 7:7) "Yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah himself; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:18) Salvation is only through Jehovah.

Trusting in Men

The Watchtower Society has done a good job making people have to rely on them. Even when brothers and sisters see the truth about the control the Watchtower has over us and that it is wrong, sometimes they have a hard time accepting it. Intellectually they want to follow the Watchtower while emotionally they know the faultiness of that thinking.

When something has been drilled into our brain for so long we can have a hard time forgetting it just like we can have a hard time forgetting how to ride a bike or tie a shoe. We just know how to do it and nothing (except for a good conk on the head!) can take it away from us.

The Apostle Paul speaks of "strongly entrenched things" that need to be overturned. (2 Cor. 10:4) These things are so ingrained in their brains - their way of living - that it can take years to get those out. Even the Apostle Paul, after seeing the Lord Jesus Christ, possibly still had to take time to meditate on the things he had seen and heard. (See Gal. 1:13-17) It is the same with brothers and sisters who finally are able to see the Truth regarding the Governing Body. They need milk at first and not solid food. Yes, they have to start over in a way. - Heb. 5:11-14

Unfortunately, we are going to have people who, no matter how we explain or how many Bible Scriptures we use, just cannot see the Truth. Like the unbelievers who cannot see the "glorious good news about the Christ", these brothers are having their eyes blinded, no, not by "the god of this system of things" but by the Governing Body, the Man of Lawlessness. - 2 Cor. 4:4

In ancient Jerusalem, there were basically two types of people. Those who were "sighing and groaning" over the detestable things going on in that city and then there were those who "have loved it" the way it is. (Eze. 3:4; Jer. 5:31) The second type of people will never, without Jehovah's help, be able to see the need to change and become the former. They will believe everything the Governing Body tells them to, thinking that the "ark" they need to be in is the Organization. They trust men for their salvation. Jehovah gives a message to all those who are trusting men, telling us their final outcome.

"This is what Jehovah has said: “Cursed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in earthling man and actually makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from Jehovah himself. And he will certainly become like a solitary tree in the desert plain and will not see when good comes; but he must reside in parched places in the wilderness, in a salt country that is not inhabited." -Jeremiah 17:5-6

The ones who trust in men for salvation will find that "no salvation belongs" to them. We can never trust anyone who is a 'son of earthling man'. They will die. "Their spirit [will go] out" and their thoughts will perish. (Ps. 146:3-4) In the end, there will only be One Person left that we can put our trust in for salvation. Who is This?

"Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become. And he will certainly become like a tree planted by the waters, that sends out its roots right by the watercourse; and he will not see when heat comes, but his foliage will actually prove to be luxuriant. And in the year of drought he will not become anxious, nor will he leave off from producing fruit."Jeremiah 17:7-8

Just as we cannot "serve both God and riches", we can trust in both Jehovah and man. (Matt. 6:24) We have to pick just one. Will you hold onto the Organization or will you hold onto Jehovah?

The Governing Body tells us that Jesus is the Greater Noah and the Organization is the "antitypical ark" that we have to enter for salvation. On the other hand, Jehovah says that He will bring us through the storm that is coming. This makes the "antitypical ark", not the Organization but Jehovah Himself. Like the "Strong Tower" that He is, let us run there for our salvation from the coming storm "for it is coming." - Eze. 7:5-7; Pro. 1:22-33

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Interesting Quotes from the Watchtower

"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from god must be like its author. a new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. new light never extinguishes older light, but adds to it. If you were lighting up a building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every time you lighted another, but would add one light to another and they would be in harmony and thus give increase of light. So is it with the light of truth; the true increase is by adding to, not by substituting one for another." (Watchtower Feb. 1, 1881, Reprints p. 188)

"Q. Could not an earnest, aggressive organization (or sect), built upon Scriptural lines, be the best means of spreading and publish the real good tidings?
A. We believe that a visible organization and the adopting of some particular name would tend to increase the numbers and make us appear more respectable in the estimation of the world. The natural man can see that a visibly organized body, with a definite purpose, is a thing of more or less power. But the natural man cannot understand how a company of people, with no organization which they can see, is ever going to accomplish anything." (Zion's Watch Tower, 1883, page 6.)

"In view of these facts and also of the nature of the harvest work, and the addition. In fact that each one so gathered is expected to enter into the harvest work as a reaper, and will do so to the extent of his ability and opportunity, it is plain that the forming of a visible organization of such gathered out ones would be out of harmony with the spirit of the divine plan; and, it done, would seem to indicate on the part of the Church a desire to conform to the now popular idea of organization or confederacy.” (Zion's Watch Tower, 1894, p. 384)

"Beware of 'organization.' It is wholly un-necessary. The Bible will be the only rules you need. Do not seek to bind other consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's word today, and so continue to growing in grace and knowledge day by day." (Zion's Watch Tower, Sept. 15, 1895, p. 216.)

“To the whole series or messages of truth which he gave and which he continues to gives ever since the lighting have been flashing from the temple and upon the record of his word. The expression 'the word', therefore includes every revelation of truth down to and including the book Vindication and whatsoever shall be revealed and published, by the Lord's grace , as long as the remnant is on earth.” (Watchtower, April 1, 1932 p. 101)

"The claim of any individual or religious organization to be the interpreter of Gods sacred Word is false and misleading. No creature or organization on earth can truly presume to sit as the supreme tribunal of interpretation of the holy bible...Jehovah God is therefore the only Supreme Court of Interpretation of His inspired Word.” (Watchtower, July 1, 1943, p. 202)

"The ark of salvation that we enter is not a literal ark but is God's organization." (Watchtower, June 1, 1950, p. 176)

“We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization” (Watchtower, Feb. 1, 1952, p. 79-80)

“Those desiring salvation must make for God's organization, and find entrance into it and remain there permanently.” (Watchtower, October 1, 1952, p. 603)

"We are not living today among theocratic nations where such members of our fleshly family relationship could be exterminated for apostasy from God and his theocratic organization, as was possible and was ordered in the nation of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai and in the land of Palestine. 'Thou shalt surely kill him; thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw thee away from Jehovah thy God. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is in the midst of thee.' Being limited by the laws of the worldly nation in which we live and also by the laws of God through Jesus Christ, we can take action against apostates only to a certain extent, that is, consistent with both sets of laws. The law of the land and God’s law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship. However, God’s law requires us to recognize their being disfellowshiped from his congregation, and this despite the fact that the law of the land in which we live requires us under some natural obligation to live with and have dealings with such apostates under the same roof" (Watchtower November 15, 1952 p. 703-704)

"The slave’s will is Jehovah’s will. Rebellion against the slave is rebellion against God." (Watchtower June 1, 1956 p. 346)

“Let us now unmistakably identify Jehovah's channel of communication for our day, that we may continue in his favor. It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the 'slave' as we would to the voice of God.” (Watchtower; June 15, 1957; p. 370)

"Whom has God actually used as his prophet?....Jehovah's witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them....Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths." (Watchtower, January 15, 1959, p. 40-41)

“To hold to the headship of Christ, it is therefore necessary to obey the organization that he is personally directing. Doing what the organization says is to do what he says. Resisting the organization is to resist him.” (Watchtower, May 1, 1959, p. 269)

"Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect. We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his Word and channel of communication." (Watchtower October 1, 1967 p. 591-92)

"If you have a tendency towards 'apostasy', get a hobby and keep yourself busy to keep your mind off of it. Stay away from deep Bible study." (GB Member Karl Klein, Address to WT, April, 30, 1980)

"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago." (Watchtower, August 15, 1981, p. 28)

"Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." (Watchtower, February 15, 1983, p. 12)

"Jehovah God caused the Bible to be written in such a way that one needs to come in touch with His human channel before one can fully and accurately understand it. True, we need the help of God's holy spirit, but help comes to us primarily by association with the channel Jehovah God sees fit to use." (Watchtower, February 15, 1983 p.17)

“Bible students need to get acquainted with the organization of the "one flock" Jesus spoke about at John 10:16. They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovah's organization is essential to their salvation. (Rev. 7:9, 10, 15) Therefore, we should start directing our Bible students to the organization as soon as a Bible study is established.” (Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1990, p. 1)

“A mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and ‘the faithful and discreet slave.’” (Watchtower, August 1, 2001, p. 14)

"By submitting to the slave class, God’s people also show their subjection to the Master, Jesus Christ." (Watchtower, October 1, 2002, p. 19)

“Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same? After all, the slave has shown itself to be faithful in doing its assigned work. . .The faithful slave is also discreet in that it neither acts immodestly, running ahead of Jehovah, nor lags behind when God's direction on a matter is clear. . .The slave is able to provide wise and timely warnings because Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are blessing it. The slave thus deserves our complete trust.” (Watchtower, February 15, 2009)

"If the Society told me that this book is black instead of green, I would say, `Y'know, I could have sworn that it was green, but if the Society says it's black, then it's black!'” (Brother Bart Thomson, District Overseer)

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Questions and Answer Regarding Revelation

This is the final entry into our look on the Bible book of Revelation. Since there is so much more that can be learned (although there is much of this book I still don't understand) from Revelation about how the future will play out, I thought that this could be done differently.

This article will be more question and answer. If anyone wants to write me a question in the future, feel free to do so. I would love to do the extra research. If I cannot answer it, I will write back in a private email stating that I cannot. If I can, I will add it to the article and leave a note stating that it has been updated.

Questions

Question #1: Can People Who Die During the Great Tribulation Receive a Resurrection?

Answer: I wrote in my very first article that the Bible indicates that the Great Tribulation will start immediately after Jesus Christ becomes King. His first act after receiving the Kingdom will be to destroy Satan's system of things at Armageddon.

Keeping this in mind, Revelation 6 gives us the answer to that question. What is Revelation 6 about? Well, the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) is given a sealed scroll that no one else is worthy to open. When he opens it, the Apostle John sees "a white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest." (Rev. 6:2) Who is the rider of the white horse? Revelation 19 reveals him to be Jesus Christ as King.-Rev. 19:11-16

How do we know that this white horse is telling us that Jesus just became King? Well, the Scripture says that " a crown was given him" revealing that he received the crown after the vision started. He also goes "forth conquering and to complete his conquest." This shows that Armageddon is still future.

The next horse that John sees is "a fiery-colored horse." The one seated on it is spoken of as being "granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another; and a great sword was given him." (Rev. 6:4) So, this indicates that one thing that will happen during the Great Tribulation is that war will take place. This could be World War III. Whatever may happen, we know that it will be bad, for Satan knows that he has an even shorter period of time.

The next horse and rider is "a black horse." The one seated upon him has "a pair of scales in his hand." Then John hears a voice say, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine." (Rev. 6:6) A denarius was the wage people received for one day of work in the time of the Apostles. So this is telling us that during the Great Tribulation, people will have to work all day just to buy a little bit of food for themselves and their families. In other words, food will be scarce.

The next horse is "a pale horse; and the one seated upon it had the name Death. And Hades was closely following him." Unlike the other horsemen of whom the Bible says does not have the authority to kill (although the red horse has the authority to cause people to kill one another), this one does. "And authority was given them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortage and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth." (Rev. 6:8) The rider of this horse has the ability to kill people with the same plagues the two horsemen before him have but he can also kill them with pestilence and wild beasts.

When the Lamb of God opens the fifth seal, then John sees the anointed who have been killed standing underneath the altar. So, the resurrection of the anointed must take place during the Great Tribulation. Jehovah God tells them that more of their anointed brothers still alive must be killed. The number seems to be set.

The sixth seal brings about a great earthquake. At this time the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light and the stars of heaven will fall to the earth like a "fig tree shaken by a high wind [casting] its unripe figs." (Rev. 6:12-13; Matt. 24:29) The Bible calls this day "the wrath of the Lamb" and says that it also the wrath of Jehovah. Obviously, this earthquake represents Armageddon.-Compare Zeph. 1:18

So, how does this answer the question presented above? Well, the fourth horse, the black one, has the power to kill people. And what is following him? Gehenna or Hades? We know that when someone dies and goes to Hades, they have the hope of a resurrection. And since this time period obviously takes place after Jesus becomes King and, therefore, after the Great Tribulation has begun, then the people who die during the Great Tribulation will still go to Hades and get a resurrection. This goes hand in hand with Jehovah's loving - kindness and mercy.-Ex. 34:6-7; Ps. 136; Eze. 18:23; 33:11; 2 Pet. 3:9

Question #2: Does the Bible Indicate What the Course of Events Will Be That Play Out in the Future Leading to the Great Tribulation?

Answer: The Society says that there are eight prophecies that still remain to be fulfilled:

1. The cry of "Peace and Security." (1 Thess. 5:3)
2. The Fall of Babylon the Great. (Rev. 18:1-2)
3. The attack by Gog of Magog against Jehovah's people. (Eze. 38:10-23)
4. Armageddon (Rev. 16:14, 16)
5. Satan and Demons abyssed. (Rev. 20:1-3)
6. New World and Resurrection (Rev. 22:3-4)
7. Jesus returns the Kingdom to Jehovah God (1 Cor. 15:24-28)
8. "Final Test" for mankind (Rev. 20:7-9)

They say this is the exact order in which these things will take place. However, if you will notice, these things are not listed in any particular order in the Bible and so are open to questioning. How can we be sure that this is the right way?

The simple answer? We cannot.

However, the book of Revelation gives us a simple time line that we can see to understand.

The Watchtower tells us in the Revelation book that this book of the Bible is actually a series of sixteen visions given to the Apostle John. I cannot agree with that. While I do agree that Revelation is actually a series of visions given to John, I believe that the number is far less then sixteen. It is probably closer to five, six, or seven. Understandably, by not knowing where one vision begins and another one ends, we cannot have a perfect understanding of future events.

We can be confident, though, that visions that end with Armageddon conclude, like in Revelation chapter eleven and Revelation chapter fourteen, chapters twelve and fifteen start a new vision.* It seems that Revelation 14:6-20 gives us an indication of what we can wait for. **

At Revelation 14:6-7 we hear of an angel sounding in mid-heaven. He is shouting, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters." This is part of the "everlasting good news." The Society points to this Scripture as proof that angels are helping us in our preaching work. While they are right about having angelic help (See Hebrews 1:14) this Scripture seems to indicate something more.

Before the end, the Bible seems to indicate that we are going to step up our message from one of the declaring the "good news of the Kingdom", the "good news about Jesus", and the "good news of God" and start to preach a judgment message. (Matt. 24:14; Mark 1:1; Rom. 15:16) Right now, our message should be about the Kingdom, Jesus, and Jehovah and only about those. Articles about wealth, rearing children, and other secondary things are fine when people ask for that kind of help but the Bible never instructs us to preach those things. We are told what to preach and we are told what we are going to preach: Judgment from God on this wicked system.

After we step up our preaching something will happen that will hinder it a great deal. An angel proclaims: "She has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen, she who made all the nations drink of the wine of the anger of her fornication!" (Rev. 14:8) Yes, the great harlot, false religion, will crumble. It is revealed that the nations turn against her and destroy her. (Rev. 17:16-17) What does this mean for us? Naturally, it will not be only false religion that will be targeted but true religion also, for the nations cannot distinguish between the two. So, using this as an excuse, it could be as the Society says, Satan will lead the nations in an attack against us. However, this attack comes later, as we will see.

After Babylon has fallen, the nations (who have given their power to "the beast", or the United Nations) will want the worshipful devotion that went to the false gods of the people to be directed towards that beast. (Perhaps also this is when 1 Thess. 5:3 will be fulfilled). To accomplish this the beast will cause force everyone to receive a mark "on his forehead or upon his hand." (Rev. 14:9) Is this mark literal or symbolic? For the answer, see question 3.

After these things, we are given a word of encouragement from heaven itself. " Happy are the dead who die in union with the Lord from this time onward. Yes, says the spirit, let them rest from their labors, for the things they did go right with them." (Rev. 14:13) We can be sure that major persecution will come. Jehovah's people, we alone, will not stop worshiping formally like the only religions will do. We will not accept the mark of the wild beast. We will have preached an intense judgment message with the assistance of the angels.

We will be attacked for all of this. (Eze. 38:10-23) But then what will happen? Either directly before or directly after the prophecy at Eze. 38:10-23 has been fulfilled, we find that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will become King! (Rev. 14:14) After a relatively short period of "great tribulation" we will be saved by Jesus Christ at Armageddon. Praise Jehovah!-Rev. 14:15-20; 16:14, 16; 19:11-21

Question #3: Is the Mark of the Beast literal or symbolic?

Answer: Throughout the Bible we are told of various marks that people are given. Deuteronomy 11:18, Ezekiel 9:1-7, and Revelation 14:1 all tell of marks that are spoken of in a context that lets us know that they are without a doubt figurative.

Obviously, that does not prove without a doubt that this particular mark is symbolic. Personally, while I cannot be sure, I am of the persuasion that this mark is in fact literal. Why? Well, in all of the other instances mentioned above, none of those people receiving those marks were "under compulsion" or "forced" (New International Version) to receive them. Neither were there immediate physical consequences for not receiving them. The Bible makes it clear that those who do not receive this particular mark will not "be able to buy or sell." If the mark were not literal, how could they tell one person who had it from someone who did not have and thus prevent them from 'buying or selling?' (Rev. 13:16-17) What would be the point in mentioning that those who do not have it can not "buy or sell" if it were only a symbolic mark?

We also see that those who take this mark will have to answer to Jehovah for doing this. These people "will also drink of the wine of the anger of God that is poured out undiluted into the cup of his wrath, and [they] shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, and day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." (Rev. 14:9-11) The description is clear: If you receive the mark on your forehead or right hand and worship the beast you will answer to Jehovah. Evidently, times will be so hard that even Jehovah's people will want to take the mark. That is why the Bible says, "Here is where it means endurance for the holy ones, those who observe the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." By not taking the mark it will prove our endurance.-Rev. 14:12

Also, receiving this mark is not synonymous with worshiping the wild beast, as the Society would have us believe. The Bible makes it clear that people who receive this mark must also worship the beast. We are also told from the Bible that those who do not receive this mark will be killed. (Rev. 20:4) Unfortunately, while the Bible is not absolutely clear whether or not this mark is literal, it cannot be faulted against someone to believe that it is. Why not read Scriptures pertaining to this mark before coming to your own conclusion?-Rev. 13:16-18; 14:9-12; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4

With Sincere Christian Love and Affection,
Brother Ebed Abodah


*One exception seems to be Revelation chapter six, which concludes at Revelation 8:1. Revelation 7 seems to be a sort of intermission in the vision or an epilogue to the vision. The Bible purposely does not give us the events following the opening of the seventh seal, only telling us that "a silence occurred in heaven for about a half hour." (Rev. 8:1) Since this occurred after Armageddon (see Rev. 6:16-17) it could possibly be a good silence (Satan abyssed) or a bad silence (the releasing of Satan). Perhaps it is neither. To claim to know definitely would be going "beyond the things that are written."-1 Cor. 4:6

**Why not all of Rev. 14? Well, Rev. 14:1-5 is a vision of the resurrection of the anointed. Rev. 6 reveals, though, that this resurrection happens after the start of the Great Tribulation but before the climax of that awful time, Armageddon.-See Rev. 6:1-2, 9-11

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Revelation Chapter Twenty

From early days, the Society has taught us that the resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous was going to take place gradually, over a period of time, and that we were going to have to teach each newly resurrected one the Truth from the Bible so that he or she could have proper knowledge to accept or reject what they have learned. All of this would take place during Christ's Millennial Reign.

That idea of a resurrection is certainly Biblical. For example, Paul said, "I have hope toward God, which hope these men [the High Priest and older men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) Paul even showed that people could be resurrected by resurrecting a young man named Eutychus.-Acts 20:7-12

Many people in the Old Testament had this same hope. Daniel was personally told by an angel that he would have a resurrection. (Dan. 12:13) Job acknowledged that Jehovah would bring him back to life. (Job 14:13-15) Abraham's faith in Jehovah's resurrecting power moved him to willingly offer his son at Jehovah's request. (Gen. 22:1-12; Heb. 11:17-19) The most adequate evidence of a resurrection (besides from Jehovah himself) is from his son who 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...most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."-John 5:21, 25, 28-29, See also Luke 23:42-43

Did you know that the Bible speaks of two different resurrections, a heavenly one and an earthly one? Yes, it mentions that only 144,000 anointed ones receive the heavenly calling. The Bible writer of Hebrews calls these people those "who have once for all been enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit." (Heb. 6:4) Their resurrection to heaven will happen before the Millennial Reign.

Regarding these, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first...caught up together...in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thess. 4:16-17, New American Standard Bible) Now, a look at Revelation 20 will give us a clear outline as to how this resurrection will take place and what will precede it and what will follow it.

"And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while."-Revelation 20:1-3

Revelation 17 and 18 speaks of the fall of Babylon the Great. Revelation 19 tells us that after the fall of that disgusting harlot, Jehovah will turn his attention, using the newly enthroned Jesus Christ, to the political systems and their ruler, Satan the Devil, at Armageddon. Now we see what will happen to their ruler.

The destruction of Satan will not come first. He will be bound for 1,000 to be let loose for a little while. Why? The Bible tells us of that a little later.

Next we read, "And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them. Yes, I saw the souls of those executed with the ax for the witness they bore to Jesus and for speaking about God, and those who had worshiped neither the wild beast nor its image and who had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand. And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years."-Revelation 20:4

After Satan is abyssed, it is then that Jehovah will resurrect the anointed to heavenly life. Unlike what the Society teaches, it is obvious that this did not happen back in 1918-1919. The resurrection to heavenly life is when all of the anointed who have died will go to heaven, but interestingly, the Bible indicates that not all of them will die.

The Apostle Paul said, "Look! I tell you a sacred secret: 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." (1 Cor. 15:51-52) Contrary to what the Society says, the Bible is clear that not all of the anointed have to die to go to heaven. Yes, they point to 1 Cor. 15:50 to prove that they have to die but Paul addresses that by saying "We shall all be changed...in the twinkling of an eye."

To the congregation in Thessalonica Paul says, "We the living who survive to the presence of the Lord shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death...we the living who are surviving will, together with [the resurrected dead who had been of the anointed], be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord." (1 Thess. 4:15, 17) The Bible is clear that there will be a sort of rapture* to heaven of the surviving anointed.

Notice how the Scriptures say that these anointed will only rule for 1,000 years with Christ. This shows that they have a specific reason for going to heaven. It is not, as many in Christendom teach, in fulfillment of Christ's statement at Revelation 3:10: "Because you kept the word about my endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of test, which is to come upon the whole inhabited earth, to put a test upon those dwelling on the earth."

The Apostle John continues, "This is the first resurrection. Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years."-Revelation 20:5b-6

Again, John tells us what the responsibility of the anointed will be in heaven. He also tells us that these ones are immortal - they can never die again! Unfortunately, this is not the case with those that John spoke of briefly in verse 5.

"(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.)"-Revelation 20:5a

The differences in Society teaching and Bible teaching are very pronounced to many people nowadays. For some reason they want to continue to believe that the resurrection of those who have died (who did not have a heavenly hope) will happen gradually over a period of time. This is the clearest verse in the Bible regarding the time of the earthly resurrection.

How does the Society explain this Scripture? "The expression 'come to life' has to be understood according to context...all others who are resurrected...must yet be raised to human perfection. This will be accomplished by Christ and his associate kings and priests during the thousand-year Judgment Day, on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. By the end of that Day, 'the rest of the dead' will have 'come to life' in the sense that they will be perfect humans."-Revelation - It's Grand Climax at Hand!, ch. 40, para. 14, 15

The actual context suggests nothing about humans being perfected and, therefore, coming to life. We can tell by what John tells us later in this same chapter. We will look at that in a bit.

Next, John reveals something else: "Now as soon as the thousand years have been ended, Satan will be let loose out of his prison, and he will go out to mislead those nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war. The number of these is as the sand of the sea. And they advanced over the breadth of the earth and encircled the camp of the holy ones and the beloved city. But fire came down out of heaven and devoured them. And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet already were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."-Revelation 20:7-10

This is the reason for Satan not being destroyed immediately. The Society says that we will all be perfected at this point but the Bible gives no indication of this. It seems plausible - even probable - that by this time we will be perfect so that perfect humans have one more opportunity to choose between Jehovah and Satan, something Adam and Eve failed to do. (Gen. 3:1-6) Yes, Jesus Christ proved that a faithful human could maintain perfect obedience to Jehovah but it is time for all of us to prove it.

Why, though, will people who have lived under the perfect king, Shiloh (who is Jesus), rebel? Well, it is plausible (and we can only speculate because the Bible is silent about this) that most if not all of the people who go to Satan will be those who are born during the Millennium. Whatever happens we can be assured that Jehovah will destroy Satan because His Word of Truth says it will happen.-John 17:17; Isa. 55:11

"And I saw a great white throne and the one seated on it. From before him the earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds."-Revelation 20:11-13

At this point, the rest of the dead will be resurrected, just as John had said. (Rev. 20:5) I do not know why Jehovah sees fit to resurrect them after Satan is abyssed except to say it is due to his infinite love and mercy. How is that?

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (English Standard Version) What does that have to do with anything? Well, these resurrected ones now have the opportunity to choose Jehovah God without Satan the Devil to 'blind their eyes.'-2 Cor. 4:4

Another truth that this verse communicates to us is that Jehovah is not going to judge them by the deeds they committed before they died. "He who has died has been acquitted from his sins...the wages sin pays is death." (Rom. 6:7, 23) The Bible makes it clear that at death our sins are forgiven.

Now, once those people have been resurrected, the Bible says that "scrolls will be opened." It is significant that this happens first. Why? Well, right afterward the "scroll of life" will be opened. The Bible makes it clear that "the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds." Since these scrolls are opened after the thousand years and we still have eternity to go, they will most likely contain new information pertaining to those resurrected.

Do these scrolls apply to all of us? Evidently not, for the Bible says that "the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls." No one else is mentioned.

Next, the Bible says, "And death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire."-Revelation 20:14

We can understand from the Bible that anyone who goes to what the Bible calls Sheol will receive a resurrection. The words of Job indicate that he himself knew that. "O that in Sheol you would conceal me, that you would keep me secret until your anger turns back, that you would set a time limit for me and remember me...you will call, and I myself shall answer you." (Job 14:13, 15) The Greek equivalent of Sheol is Hades. That is why that the Greek Septuagint at Job 14:13 says "hai'dei." So, what does it mean that death and Hades are thrown into the Lake of Fire?

Well, John reveals that the Lake of Fire is not literal, it is only "the second death." Yes, the Bible says that people who are thrown into the Lake of Fire are in torment forever and ever. However, what does the term "fire" in the Bible mean in a literal sense? The disciple Jude gives the answer when he says, "So too Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them...are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire." (Jude 7) But Sodom and Gomorrah are not literally burning; they are completely destroyed. So burning forever and ever means that someone has been destroyed. That is why the Bible says that Jesus will completely "destroy" Satan.-Heb. 2:14, King James Version

The Lake of Fire, though, must be the equivalent of what the Bible calls Gehenna. What is Gehenna? Well, the Bible only uses the term twelve times, all in the New Testament. In New Testament times, Gehenna was a garbage dump outside of Jerusalem where the bodies of criminals were tossed who were deemed too unworthy to receive a proper burial. Since it was a pit in the ground their bodies (or skeleton) would remain there for all time. This was a perfect description of everlasting destruction.

So, from the time of the resurrection at the end of the Millennium, death (from Adamic sin) and Hades (the symbolic place where people go who will receive a resurrection) are done away with. "The last enemy, death" has been done away with. Now Jesus can return the Kingdom to his Father.-1 Cor. 15:24-29

The Bible gives the final destination for the people who receive the scrolls badly. "Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire."-Revelation 20:15

The people who receive the scrolls badly will be destroyed for all time, never to receive a resurrection. They will be thrown into the symbolic garbage pit never to be taken out.

I do not say that everything that I write is correct. I know that no human can have a full understanding of the Bible. (Ecc. 3:11) However, I personally feel that this is closer to the truth then what the Society has written. It also makes more sense. No longer will people have to ask the question presented in the "Insight" book under the heading "Resurrection": "How would it be possible in 1,000 years to resurrect and educate the billions now in the grave?" These people will stand before the throne and Jehovah will instruct them personally.

This gives us a new incentive. Many have said that if they die they understand they will be brought back to life during the Millennium and have the opportunity to see the final test, Satan destroyed, and be able to teach others who may not have known the Truth. This is not the case. This is a new incentive for all of us to try to make it through Armageddon so that we can see the fulfillment of all of Jehovah's glorious promises.

With Sincere Christian Love and Affection,
Brother Ebed Abodah


*This is not to say that Christendom is correct in their idea of the rapture. To a Christian the rapture is the time when what they think of as all true Christians will be taken from the earth to heaven to be with Christ. Some of them believe it will take place before the Great Tribulation and Millennium and some believe that it will take place after the Great Tribulation and, possibly, the Millennium.

In actuality, the word rapture should not be rejected because it has been employed by many Christian groups. The word rapture is taken from the Latin word, rapios (used in the Latin Vulgate at 1 Thessalonians 4:17) which literally means, "caught up."

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The Anointed

As of late, I have been reading, meditating, and praying over the book of Revelation. Before I came into the Truth I was obsessed with this twenty-two chapter book of the Bible. After I came into the Truth my obsession waned. Then, when I really learned the Truth, my interest has suddenly peaked again.

You see, I was confused by the Society explanation given in the book "Revelation - It's Grand Climax At Hand!" The "fulfillment's" didn't seem right. How could the trumpet blasts be Witness conventions? For example:

"And the first one blew his trumpet. And there occurred a hail and fire mingled with blood, and it was hurled to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees was burned up, and all the green vegetation was burned up."-Revelation 8:7

Society Explanation: "The plague scenario reveals that Christendom’s third of the earth is scorched by the searing heat of Jehovah’s disapproval. Her prominent ones—standing like trees in the midst of her—are burned up by the proclaiming of Jehovah’s adverse judgment. All her hundreds of millions of church members, if they continue to support Christendom’s religion, become like scorched blades of grass, spiritually wilted in God’s eyes. How is this judgment message delivered? Generally, not by the world’s news media, which are part of the world and often reproachful of God’s 'slave.' It was proclaimed in a notable way at the second historic gathering of God’s people at Cedar Point, Ohio, September 10, 1922. These unanimously and enthusiastically adopted a resolution entitled 'A Challenge to World Leaders.'"-Revelation - It's Grand Climax at Hand!, chpt. 21, pg. 133-34, para. 17, 18

The explanation that I am about to give about three significant events in Revelation will most likely not be agreed with by some.* That is okay. I am not saying that what I am about to write will be one hundred per cent correct - but I feel that it is. I have felt Jehovah's holy spirit guiding me of late and I cannot deny - or keep to myself - what I am learning.

What Will Happen to the Anointed in the Future?

We know without a doubt that the Anointed are going to join Jesus Christ in heaven. (Rev. 14:1-3) However, are they going to stay there? What is the point of their going to heaven? Yes, we know that they will rule as kings and serve as priests. "And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them...And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years...but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years."-Rev. 20:4, 6

How long, though, will they rule with Christ, who we know is in heaven, as pictured by Mount Zion? "They...will rule as kings with him for the thousand years!"

Interestingly, when speaking of the reigning of the Anointed, the Bible gives two different time periods as to the length of their reign. One is "for the thousand years" and the other? "They will rule as kings forever and ever." (Rev. 22:5) Why the seeming contradiction? And did you notice: In Revelation 20:4, 6 the Scriptures say that they will rule with Christ for the thousand years. Revelation 22:5 does not say that they will rule with Christ. Why? Because Christ will not reign forever and ever.

"After that the end will come when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having put down all enemies of every kind. For Christ will be King until he has defeated all his enemies, including the last enemy--death. This too must be defeated and ended. For the rule and authority over all things has been given to Christ by his Father; except, of course, Christ does not rule over the Father himself, who gave him the power to rule. When Christ has finally won the battle against all his enemies, then he, the Son of God, will put himself also under his Father's orders, so that God who has given him the victory over everything else will be utterly supreme."-1 Corinthians 15:24-28, The Living Bible

So, how come Christ is said to rule for only a thousand years but the Anointed are going to rule forever? Well, simply put, their rule will be on the earth and not in heaven.

However, some may say, doesn't Revelation 5:10 say "you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth?" No, it doesn't.

If you quote this Scripture from the New World Translation you are reading it from a biased source. The Proclaimers book admits as much. "Nathan H. Knorr...first proposed that the Society produce a fresh translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Actual work on the translation got under way on December 2, 1947. The complete text was carefully reviewed by the entire translation committee, all of them spirit-anointed Christians." (Proclaimers, ch. 27, pg. 607, para. 17) These men, if they knew Greek (which I think they did) absolutely knew that the Greek term rendered "over" in the NWT, which is e‧pi', actually means "on." That is why most translations of the New Testament say at Revelation 5:10: "They will reign on the earth." (NIV; NASB, NLT, KJV, ESV, CEV, NKJV, NCV, ASV, YLT, HCSB, NIrV, TNIV read similarly)

If you look in the Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures you will see that the original Greek word is translated as "upon". If you look at the Emphatic Diaglott, you will see that the original Greek word is translated as "on." The Watchtower admits their mistake for all to see!

Make no mistake, the Anointed are going to heaven to rule for only a thousand years! They are coming back!

But, why? To answer that, we must first look at one other thing.

The New Jerusalem

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul said, "For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, for I personally promised you in marriage to one husband that I might present you as a chaste virgin to the Christ." (2 Cor. 11:2) The Anointed are the bride of Christ. That also makes them the New Jerusalem.

"I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband...and there came one of the seven angels...and he spoke with me and said: 'Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.' So he carried me away in the power of the spirit to a great and lofty mountain, and he showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God and having the glory of God." (Rev. 21:2, 9-11) So, the New Jerusalem and the Anointed are spoken of as the Bride of Christ. And since Christ only has one Bride, these two must be the same!

Now, notice two things concerning the New Jerusalem, or the Anointed. First, they are coming down out of heaven from God and, second, they have the glory of God. What does this mean?

In the Revelation book the Society explains this (the City coming down out of heaven) by saying, "The 'bride comes down out of heaven,' not literally, but in the sense of directing attention to the earth." (ch. 42, pg. 301, para. 3) Yes, they teach that these are the blessings that come to the people of the earth from the Anointed in heaven. But they are wrong. This is literal.

In Revelation 21:2, right after John says that the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven, he says, "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." (Rev. 21:3, 4) Yes, now that the Anointed are on earth, the "tent of God is with mankind!" As the original Greek puts it, "and they are reigning upon the earth" (KIT) or "and they shall reign on the earth."-ED

The statement "and having the glory of God" is revealing also. While this could be literal, like in the case of Moses after seeing Jehovah's glory, it could also be symbolic. Remember, Jesus Christ was "the image of the invisible God", the "reflection of his glory and the exact representation of His very being" because he had been in heaven with Jehovah and knew him intimately. (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3) That is one of the reasons Jesus Christ was such a kind, gentle man, and why he will be a kind, gentle King.

Now, the Anointed have had the opportunity to get to know Jehovah God intimately for a thousand years. By this time they know all about Jehovah and will be able to reflect his qualities and personality, if not perfectly, then pretty closely - just like Jesus Christ.

So, after getting to know Jehovah for one thousand years they will return to the earth, this time as true representatives of Him. They will be good, perfect rulers. We could never ask for anything more nor expect Jehovah to give us anything less. What a wonderful plan our God has! Praise Jehovah!

With Sincere Christian Love and Affection,
Brother Ebed Abodah

(If you have any thoughts, questions, comments, or complaints about this article I would like to hear them. "ebed.abodah@yahoo.com")

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