The suggested answers provided to all questions below are based on and in harmony with the views of the original Watchtower Bible and Tract Society when under the guidance of Pastor Charles Taze Russell. Comments will often include a link to Pastor Russell’s own explanation. However, in any case, we leave your conclusions to your own personal study, prayer, conscience and the influence of the Holy Spirit.
- Who are the Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses who have created this website?
- Why have the Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses set up this site? What is your purpose?
- Should we really want to be on earth rather than heaven? Does the Bible give us that option?
- Are the Great Crowd the same as all the people in Paradise Earth?
- What is the role of the Great Crowd on Paradise Earth?
- Is the Great Crowd to be in heaven or on earth?
- Who are the “other sheep” of John 10:16?
- What happens to Anointed who do not make the 144,000
- As the Path Shines Brighter, does the Truth Change?
- Why does God Permit Evil and Human Suffering?
- What is the future mission of the Anointed for which they are now being prepared?
- Will Present Unbelievers Serve and Worship Jehovah on Paradise Earth?
- Will Everyone Be Resurrected from the Dead?
- Have People Received Final Judgment for the Past 6,000 or will they have an Opportunity for Judgment and Restitution on Paradise Earth?
- Will the wicked get an opportunity to repent in Paradise earth?
- Who will occupy the land of Israel in Paradise earth?
- Who does Jehovah make the New Covenant with?
- What prophecies regarding Israel’s regathering have already been or are being fulfilled?
Jerome Harris,
In discussing Bible topics,why is it okay for you to resort to White European bashing? Why is it wrong,and so-called “Racist,” if I as a White European say that some Blacks,such as yourself,come off as arrogant by hiding behind the Bible to vent your anger and expose your emotional instability?
Just curious.
Oh really! Who told you that?
So Christs Kingdom of 1000 years has come and gone?
Satan has ascended from the Abyss?
So God’s Kingdom in Revelation Chapter 22 has come down to the earth?
It is because of statements like this that I write. Almost all of you speak of The Book of Revelation as having had some fulfillment from the backdrop and periphery of something European. The world is a much bigger place than Europe.
The Papacy? No!
These are presentations of the “Revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him” through the eyes of persons of European-descent who have misled the entire world concerning Christs teachings.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him is a warning of the events that are to occur AFTER his 1000 year kingdom ends and Satan is released from the Abyss.
What good would the events of that book be in this day when this world will be destroyed prior to Christs establishing his 1000 year kingdom over the earth?
Many of you forget that Christ’s kingdom is a “definite” one; meaning that it will end. (Rev 20:6)
And, when it ends, something else has to “begin.” Satan is released upon the human family and he will have a throne (Wild Beast) on the earth for a time span.
This what Jesus is the warning and events of Revelation. Why does one think Jesus makes the statement at Revelation 1:1 to show his slaves the things that must “shortly” take place?
How can “shortly take place” apply to Jesus’ slaves – even the Apostle John – who lived more than 2000 years ago and who are dead and buried?
“Shortly take place” would only make sense if ALL of mankind (slaves) will have been resurrected from the dead, lived through Christs 1000 year kingdom up to its end, and then Satan is released JUST AS THE BOOK OF REVELATION SAYS. (Rev 20:7-8)
So it is what will shortly take place after Christs kingdom ends.
Almost all of you arr stuck in this time period and trying to make a size 9 shoe fit on a size 12 foot.
Most of you also equate antichrist with revelation. Antichrist is NOT mentioned in revelation. But many of you are aggressive in pushing this error on others as you do with all of this selfish “European” stuff which disses an entire world made of up people of the many “nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” who WILL ALL stand before Christs throne. In other words, they ALL will be in his 1000 year kingdom over the earth. (Rev 7:9)
What is being taught about The Book of Revelation today is in gross error.
It is taught by many that “people” will or are declaring the Good News of the Kingdom. Yet, Jesus’s revelation says “one” angel will declare it. (Rev 14:6)
So my point here is that there are so many reasons to show what is being taught about The Book of Revelation today by so many is in error because they have been misled about it and – more importantly – REFUSE and I mean absolutely REFUSE – to see that Jesus was referring to a time period after his future kingdom of 1000 years would end.
NOTE: At Matthew 24:3, that is what Jesus’ disciples are asking him. They are asking him,
“What will be the sign of your presence (beginning of your kingdom) and of the conclusion of the (that) system of things (the end of his kingdom).
Jesus gives “the sign” at Matthew 24:30 which shows his coming with power and glory. In other words, as a king.
His revelation speaks about what happens “shortly” when his kingdom of 1000 years concludes (conclusion of the system of things or end of that age of 1000 years).
But very few listen or see this.
Nothing you have written I have not at one point believed or even taught. I am wiser now and know differently because I no longer listen to the teachings of religious organizations, I listen to the one God commanded me to listen to. (Luke 9:35)
Many of European descent have no conscience. They arrogate themselves to make the Revelation European-based and based on European history. This is another reason why these views are false. One does not base something of monumental importance around European history.
My God, the European has already misled the world by FALSELY portraying God, Adam and Eve, Angels, Jesus, the Prophets, etc as White people and they do so arrogantly, righteously and without conscience. And, to FURTHER arrogate a revelation applicable to ALL members of the human family based on European history.
I don’t think so.
All persons have to do is listen to the Master Jesus [the] Christ and ask God “through” him in prayer for His Wisdom, His Knowledge and His Understanding of this matters. God will give those asking these things “through” the same channel they were asked: His Son.
It is not by man’s intelligence and wisdom that they will understand The Book of Revelation or any utterance of God and Christ. As man’s wisdom is foolishness to God.
It is only by Gods Wisdom and Understanding that one will.
Sadly, many insist on relying upon human wisdom and intelligence and will never get it right.
What I have written about the subject of The Book of Revelation cannot be found ANYWHERE. No one is saying that the revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave them are about the events that will “shorty” take place after his 1000 year kingdom ends and Satan is released from the abyss.
But …
Almost EVERYONE is applying the events of revelation as having some occurred in the past and are occurring now.
I believe them ALL wrong and have no problem saying so.
Jerome – I of course understand that you are not interested in reading our material on Revelation. That explains why you don’t understand our point of view. We of course do see parts of Revelation being fulfilled now and into the future – Revelation 14 and on. However, the 7 Churches, 7 Seals and 7 Trumpets align with each other as 6 historical periods covering the Gospel Age from the early Church on, with the 7th being the period we have been in know for over 100 years.
Why is it when anyone critiques JWs or – in this case – Bible Students, the initial response is “anger?” Where is this coming from?
There are many, like myself who do not write fueled by anger. I find that when people feel they have to do this, they Drag a Red Herring and make the writer the subject rather than the subject being discussed. It is a distraction.
My critique even of Bible Students – not one of anger as you would like to make it – is that we are NOT to be Bible Students, we are to be disciples or STUDENTS (taught ones) of Christ. (John 8:31-32)
The two are NOT the same.
Is is a MAJOR MAJOR problem that has misled so many. There is an obsession with “The Bible” as if “it” is what Jehovah sent us. He sent His Son and commanded us to listen to him. (Luke 9:35)
Who told YOU that we are supposed to be students of the Bible? Who gave this book it’s name? Who made it holy? Who authorized it? Men did.
Jehovah God identifies only ONE as “His Word” and it is NOT a book that European men arrogated themselves to make The Word of God and mislead the world into being students of it.
When Christ sat with his first disciples did he tell them to be students or disciples of a book? No! Discipleship was to him as a person.
Now, if you do as many others do and you label the observations and critiques of others towards you as “anger,” then what you are doing no different from the Watch Tower and the many other so-called “Christian” religious organizations: You do not want others to think; you want to control what they think.
I believe ALL of you are dead wrong because the mistake you have made is that you have elevated a book to a lofty and holy position where only Christ can be?
Your very title “Bible Students” show your preference over the one you should be a student of.
Why not say instead that you are Students or Disciples of Christ. He is the Word of God, you know. (Rev 19:13)
You do not see that you are engaged in an unwitting act of idolatry and blasphemy by placing a book above and in preference of Christ who is The Word of God.
If Jehovah command us at Luke 9:35 to listen to His Son, how are you doing this when you refer to the Bible as The Word of God? You obey God and listen to His Son by referring to His Son as The Word of God and listening to the things “he” says. Everything in the Bible is not spoken by Jesus.
I champion Christs teachings, not the Bible. Sadly, when persons like me mention these things, many of you use the “emotion” thing and unfairly speak of the person being angry. You just do not know.
You are the same as JWs in that aspect because what they do is label persons who are no longer with their program as being disobedient or rebellious. You say “angry.”
Maturity prompts one NEVER to conclude such things about anyone. Persons can critique, strongly disagree and do so out of love and concern.
My concern is very great that many of you are still in captivity religious organization and not free to listen to what The Master teaches.
Jerome – No one is angry at you that I can see. We are simply trying to reason with you on scriptures. A problem I have with your comments, is you are ignoring any rebuttals. As best as I understand your point of view, you believe that only Jesus’ direct words should be accepted as authority. Yet even though Jesus and the Apostles quoted the Old Testimant with the authority of inspired scriptures, you have not presented us with a compelling reason why we should not do the same.
I see you have five long comments all at once. Although we welcome you to continue commenting, one of our policies is not to let any one person dominate the conversation on this website. I will therefore ask you to limit your posts to one (or two maximum) in any one day and let’s see how that goes. I don’t mind if you have as many brief replies (3 or 4 sentences) as you want.
Hi R Jerome Harris. when do you believe the great tribulation Takes place what time period ? thanks bro humbleman
Alan, your question was not answered.
I thought your questions where straight-forward and therefore, should be straight-forwardly answered. They were not.
I can answer your questions.
Firstly, Jesus has NOT returned invisibly and it is NOT because it is my opinion. Jesus himself says this. The Watch Tower teaches that Jesus – our Master – returned invisibly in the fall of 1914. Is this true? Well Jesus says that no human, no angel, and not even himself knows when he (our Master) will return. Read this for yourself at Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:42 and Acts 1:7. Either you believe Christ or you do not. 1914 is a false date that has served to mislead millions upon millions and it is a date that many of the prophetic teachings of the Watch Tower hinge upon. Naturally, they will uphold it as the truth. Yet, you and I and others who love and recognize the voice of our Master should listen to what “he” says. Jehovah has commanded us to listen to his Son and His Son has spoken about this.
With regard your second question: The 144000 have not arrived on the scene yet. They will be the first to be resurrected by Christ (First Resurrection) and they will be his “visible” representatives given “kingly” authority for the 1000 year rule of Christ over the earth. They will NEVER go to heaven as no human from earth can go to heaven. ONLY those who “come from” heaven can go there. (John 3:13)
Revelation 14:1 proves this as well as they are seen standing “upon Mount Zion” (which is figuratively Christs kingdom over the earth) and a sound is heard “out of heaven.” If a sound is heard “out” of heaven, then it means it is heard elsewhere. Where? On earth.
These 144000 privileged persons will stand with “The Lamb” in the sense that they will be kings and priest with him “on the earth” as his visible representatives with kingly authority.
Christ will NEVER be seen on earth as he is an invisible spirit creature.
Try this: Read the entire Book of Revelation from start to finish with the following mindset. I am not asking you to believe me, but just try it:
1. That nothing in the Book of Revelation has had a START of being fulfilled yet.
2. That the entire Book of Revelation is a WARNING about what is to occur “shortly” AFTER Christs 1000 year kingdom ENDS and when Satan ascends out of the Abyss. (Rev 1:1; Rev 20:7-8)
3. That the references to the “Kings of the Earth” in The Book of Revelation ARE NOT references to today’s political kingdoms but to the 144000 who will be Kings with Jesus for the 1000 years. (Rev 1:5; Rev 5:10)
I am 100% convinced that many are applying what will happen after Christs future 1000 year kingdom ends to our present day are in gross error. Many are looking within the WRONG period of time. They are trying to make a size 7 shoe fit on a size 18 foot.
Jerome – Actually much of Revelation has been historically fulfilled as the Reformers asserted, but the counter reformation Papacy rejected, placing it all future. Check out the evidence and make a decision here: http://www.revelation-today.com/
More details on Revelation can be found in the right panel under “Books-electronic.”
If Jesus has not invisibly returned, as you insist, then to what do you attribute the following dramatic changes in our world?
1) Israel restored as a nation
2) Technology and knowledge increasing rapidly since late 1800s.
3) Travel – cars, trains, planes, modern shipping
4) Communication – phones, mobile phones, Internet
5) Great trouble on a world-wide scale as never before in history (i.e. WWI, WWII, Cold War, Coordinated terrorism, Mass Genocide, etc.)
How have these changes comes about?
1) From Jesus?
2) From Satan?
3) Coincidence? If so, then why now and not 1,000 years ago?
4) Other? explain
To understand God’s plan Jerome, you need to understand that Jehovah has had various ages and epochs planned out in advance, each one as a stepping stone, accomplishing a planned purpose and leading to the next age. We are now of the verge of the sweeping away of the current system of things to be replaced by Jehovah’s government from heaven on earth. Read more about Jehovah’s ages and epochs here: http://www.godsplan-today.com/English/ENG_Ch_4_Epochs.htm
Jerome, hello. I notice you refer a lot to what the witnesses say on a matter and you have great emotion when refuting them. They are. so transparent and easy to see their changes and logic is about control, wealth and manipulation for the GB wealthy benefit. That being said, please Jerome don’t let this blind you to others have to say. The Bible Students do not believe exactly like the JW. Your anger will subside, thanks for being here we are your friends. It is a tiny tugboat but we just saw how one pulled a stranded luxury liner in just this month with 4,000 people. The tow line broke once and it was slow but the little boat was steady.
May I invite you to actually meet face to face with us? We have lots of conventions coming up. Next weekend I and others will be in Florida,the next weekend in Gulfport, MS at the New orleans convention. Are you near any of these? There will be a carload of us and maybe in between we can sit face to face. But you are still here and that is good. Some xjw elders checked for you yesterday and thought you were gone. Again welcome. Jacqueline
PS: I see you are not located in the south but still if you would like to meet face to face there are bothers in your area.
Hi,
I am curious about two points in your statement of faith:
1. Jesus returned and has been invisibly present on earth since the early days of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Q: If Jesus is on the earth; where is he located; assuming he is not omnipresent?
2. The 144,000 of Revelation 7 are the anointed Bride of Christ in heaven. Q: How can the 144,000 be in heaven when Rev 14:1 shows them standing on earth upon Mount Zion with Jesus. It is whilst there they hear the ‘voice from heaven’in verse2.
May Jehovah bless you.
Alan
Alan – Thanks for some very thoughtful questions.
Your Question: If Jesus is on the earth; where is he located; assuming he is not omnipresent?
Answer: To answer your question with a question, how can Satan tempt each one of us if he cannot be in more than one place at the same time? Just as Jesus has body members and angels at his disposal, so does Satan. I can supply scriptures at your request. Just as Satan can tempt us through his agents, so Jesus can impact activity worldwide through his body members and the angels at his disposal.
We see this in Matt 13 when he sends forth his messengers to gather the wheat into the barn and to cast out of his kingdom all things that offend.
Remember also that Jesus has the same divine nature as Jehovah. We do not understand the full power and abilities of the divine nature, but I would imagine that Jesus can exercise his power in thousands of different locations and events at the same time. Some day we will find out more.
Another factor is that since Jesus is an invisible spirit being, it would be impossible for us to geographicaly locate him, other than to say that 1 Thess 4:17 puts him in earth’s atmosphere at his return.
Your question: How can the 144,000 be in heaven when Rev 14:1 shows them standing on earth upon Mount Zion with Jesus. It is whilst there they hear the ‘voice from heaven’in verse2.
Revelation is a book of symbols with a beast and a dragon, etc. These are not a literal beast and dragon any more than the Mount Zion is the literal earthly mountain. In Revelation, heaven represents ruling powers, which can be in the literal heaven or earth. So the location in Rev 14 is interpretive.
In Isa 2 Mount Zion is the heavenly government and Jerusalem represents the earthly kingdom government.
Isa 2: 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Jacqueline, is there a telephone study tonight?
Ken, sorry I didn’t see this question yesterday. There was but for the next 2 weeks no. Many of us will be away with family as most are off during this season. January the 8th I believe is the next. Sharon will also send out notices as I am sure Br. Peter will post. I am leaving now for grandchildren talk at KH and plays at their schools so parents don’t have to take off. Their grandfather and I will spit it up since there are 3 children.(:)
To Jacueline;
You asked where am I wrong. Not one word or letter typed by me has ever been reported as time to any on this earth or heaven. Maybe, I am what you call a wierd duck. And maybe I am wierder then a wierd duck.
Why do I refer to him as Pastor. In all my references to him, I have used C.T.R., Mr. Russell, C.T. Russell, Pastor Russell, Charles Taze Russell. None of them show disrepect in my eyes. True perception is differnt with all of us.
As to am I trying to cause problems, not really. Someone says hey here is a new religion I found. So I ask some questions about it. In so many words he told me where to go, Joe Knapp. Not sure where I find him though.
Today I am studying the long and short conclusion to Mark 16:9 onward, so I will be busy. Also working with some on John 1:1-18 which makes for an interesting study of God’s word.
Sometimes I like to share things with open minded free thinkers. Why should I keep it all to myself?
Have a wonderful day!
Max
Thanks for replying Max. I apologize as I read your references ,”Pastor says”, as mocking but if this is truly your way of referring I accept that. This is a very different site than most Bible Student sites and persons coming here are generally xjw that are trying to heal get help with changed doctrine etc. I just thought you said you were a practicing going to the meetings Jehovah Witness and having been one for 61yrs I was seriously doubting that. We won’t decieve persons coming on this site. I for one am upfront and try to be truthful. No one need fear they are secretly talking to someone other than what they present themselves as.
I still didn’t get an answer as to whether you were a witness now. Maybe you don’t want to say and truthfully you don’t have to. But thanks for answering. Jacqueline
To Ken;
See if they believe the Pastor on this one. The Battle of Armageddon pp.369,370,”So with these modern corporate giants: they are great, powerful and cunning, to an extent which discourages the thought of their being conquered without divine interference.” He coined the phaze Corporate Giants!
Max, you can e-mail Joe knapp for CMF Q&A
Max may I ask you a question, please? What is your religious belief? Are you a Jehovah Witness or are you and xjw or inactive? If a witness have they relaxed their policies on going on websites that are religious and commenting. And why do you refer to Br. Russell as the pastor all the time? It just seems very insincere. I am just curious. I hope you don’t take offense, it’s just I have never seen a witness quite like you. Most take a stand. In fact most people take a stand, you seem to be straddling the fence. It is one thing max to dialogue and get answers to questions and pose some even for a goal or purpose. I know you are counting time to report for the month and I don’t have a problem with that. It’s just I don’t get the feeling from your dialogue that you are really interested but sometimes meaning to disrupt. I am being upfront and in the open Max. The integrity of the site has to be upheld.
If my assumptions are incorrect feel free to let me know where I have assumed wrongly. Thank you Jacqueline
Max, I was thinking the same thing as Jacqueline, what’s your angle? Are you a JW or not?
To Ken;
Does CMF believe the Pastor as regards global warming?
Zion’s Watch Tower, Sep. 1886 page 1,”It seems certain that to make the earth into a paradise like Eden, such as the prophcies picture, and a fit place for the restored race, some great nges of climate, etc., must occur.”
Max. I’m working through my basic level Bible course with them right now, so I don’t know how they feel about global warming…