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?
Kyle, for a different point of view regarding the date of Jerusalem’s destruction, you might want to read the article in 2043AD.com.
http://2043ad.com/journal/2008/03_mj_08.pdf
It offers more information and may be of interest to you. Be sure to read footnote 1.
I have another question , what happens to the children of those who are members of the 144000 or the Great Company – who for example die before being old enough to make a consecration of their own ? Do they go to heaven also or are they resurrected onto the New Earth and if its the later how are these families blessed by being separated ?
Kyle – The default is that everyone will be resurrected on Paradise Earth. Jesus Ransom (Greek – anti-lutron = corresponding price), means that Jesus as a Perfect Man, died for Adam, a Perfect Man, so that all Adams decedents could one day be resurrected on earth as Perfect Men (and Women) –Rom 5:12, 18; John 5:28, 29; Matt 8:11; Isa 11:9.
The Anointed/consecrated, on the other hand, receive the benefit of Jesus Ransom sacrifice now, justification to life-Rm 59, 18. Through this justified standing that they now have with Jehovah, they are able to present their bodies a living sacrifice -Rom 12:1, 2. Only those baptized into Christ’s death – Rom 6:4 – have this heavenly opportunity (2 Cor 5:1). Eph 4:3-4 says, “you were called to the one hope of your calling.” This “one hope” is the heavenly hope as the Apostle Peter explains in 1 Pet 1:3 saying, “…God… has caused us to be begotten to a living hope … to obtain an inheritance …reserved in heaven for you”
The children of the anointed who do not consecrate their lives to Jehovah (baptized into Christ’s death), will be brought back to Paradise Earth with the rest of mankind.
So Kyle, you asked, “how are these families blessed by being separated.” The answer is faith. “For we know that all things work together for good to those who are called according to his purposes.” Do you trust Jehovah (God is love – 1 John 4:8)? Do you believe his plan is the best possible plan for your family and the whole human family? What is there to say that as a divine being you will not be able to communicate with your children whenever you want to? Why would a loving God prevent that?
Rev 21:4 says, “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
Hi ,
Do the Bible Students also believe that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE , as most scholars seem to disagree with this date – yet JWs continue to hold to it as it supports their 1914 date for the end of the Gentile times and the year of Christs invisible return ??
Hi Kyle !
I am a Christian (not BS) and while you are waiting for the answer from BS , I will tell you that Jesus did not commanded us to spend time for researching the ancient events and their exact time of happening .
WHY ?
Because it is of no necessity for the worshiper “with spirit and with truth” !
Take a little time to read here:
The Kingdom of God – when in Heaven ? — according to “Jesus’ teaching”
http://reslight.net/forum/index.php/topic,862.0.html
and read also here
http://www.biblestudents.net/forum/index.php?topic=127.0 and continue with the link given there.
be also patient you will receive an answer from the Bible Students .
I greet you with the Son’s advice for us:
“seek ye first his (Father’s) kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Kyle, a more learned Bible Student will answer, I am reviewing the latest article in the October 1,2011 pg. 26 article of the watchtower so I will know what is now taught. I want to check and see if although holding to that date, is it still how 1914 is derived. The thought may change and part 2 is not out yet only part one. But I will also wait for one of the most knowledged BS brothers to answer. I do however agree that 1914 is the year that the times of the trampling on the Jewish nation ended, or the times of the gentiles ended. Secular history deals as you know with the year Nebuchadnezzar invaded and conquered. The Bible phophecy however deals with the complete desolation of the land, that happened some 20 years or so later, thus fulfilling Bible prophecy. Now as to the beginning of the last days starting in the year 1914 and subsequent generation debacle that has plagued the watchtower society, only they can answer that. There are many prophecies that hinge on the Jewish nation being re-established in it’s homeland, that is why that prophecy is important. JW, however don’t believe those prophecies appy to the natural Jews. That is just my little imput. I am sure Br. Peter or others will give more scriptural support.Thank you & Christian love.Jacqueline
Kyle – I believe that the JWs are correct on the 607 BCE date. Like evolutionists, most modern scholars follow the pack and agree with a 587 BCE date (rather than be ostracized), however remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and secular scholar dating has many weak links. The scholar evidence and problems with the 587 BCE date are covered in detail here: http://www.biblechronology.org/studies/datingdesolation.pdf in the book called “Dating the Desolation.”
The strength of the 607 BCE date is that it trusts the Bible testimony (i.e. 70 years of desolation), which is it’s bases. For example, Dan 9:1, 2 says “In the first year of Darius… I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.” The NUMBER OF YEARS for the COMPLETION of the DESOLATIONS is 70 years, not 51 years, as must be deduced if the 587 BCE date were correct.
Let’s notice two other more clear translations…
“the number of years… to fulfill the desolations of Jerusalem, 70 years.” – Rotherham.
“the number of years… that he would let pass full seventy years over the ruins of Jerusalem.” – Isaac Leeser.
We find it difficult to read this passage any other way then that the period of desolation would last a full 70 years. The 607 BCE date is the alternative that works for 70 full years of desolation. Much more can be said, but it would be easiest to find it in the link for the book above.
The early Watchtower taught that Jesus invisibly returned in 1874 and Bible Students agree. You can find information on this topic here: http://www.christsecondpresence.com/Signs/signs.htm
sorry about the spelling I woild like to correct that as I was typingfast friends…Please contact me …I need more J.W. friends…Jehovah’s Witneses! <3
Hi countregirl, how are you? We are the original Bible Students from Br. Russell. Some of us have been witnesses so we will understand your perspective, so feel free to tell us a little bit about yourself. Go to the ask Jacqueline tab and just talk about whatever is on your mind. See you there. Sincerely Jacqueline
Yes bro. Peter my mind is not emptied. But I see nothing usually a contemplation of what I just read. I.e bible verse or bible based publication. Like the new creation. Sorry for the confusion in tramce like state.
So Paul saw a gentleman fourteen years back (in vision) but it seems to me, that Paul was able to fully use his senses physically while seeing this vision, meaning all 5 senses, and the 6th one, which Jehovah Was giving him. (vision) Maybe im stretching this scripture out to almost on a tangent. But In a way i can cleary see this scripture come to life.. And theres certain Scriptures that directly tells us that Modern day Christans cannot see visions like Paul and John did. But I must admit. sometimes i pray to Jehovah and go into deep trance like state. and it is very real. As a former JW it does scare me, because I was never taught to ever pray in such manner to where i go into deep trance.. Or I meditate on Jehovah and Jesus both, and that will take me into deep thought..
I dont want to go beyond what the bible says, Because that could lead to trouble, but I just want to understand truth, and more truth, and have the most favor i can with Jesus and Jehovah. Since i’ve been associate with the bible students, my prayers to the Lord are much deeper, it’s almost scary. But at the same time awe inspiring and very loving. so yes i do meditate and pray..
and i was wondering about this scripture, becuase it sounded like Paul was saying he was somewhere else, but yet he wasnt. and It was very confusing..And i didnt want to interpret the wrong way. So thats why I ask, was Paul fully functional while these Revelations were shown to him.. And If there are scriptures explaining that Latter day Christians cannot recieve gifts from the spirit, but in a different manner, then why do Some christians claim they have the closeness with God to be able to recieve visions.. I dont buy that personally
Michael – I believe Paul was speaking illustratively of himself regarding the man who went in vision to the third heavens. You will recall another example of a vision when Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah in vision (Matt 17:9) on the Mount of Transfiguration. Trance-like states are often associated with eastern religions and New Age. With Bible Mediation, we focus on scriptures and Jehovah’s dealings with us. With eastern religion trance-like meditation, the mind is emptied so that fallen angels can gain a foothold in the mind. Be careful brother. Hopefully your experience is different than this.
I wanted to further elborate on my question..
From KJV
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell ; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth 😉 such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth 😉 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter . 5 Of such an one will I glory : yet of myself I will not glory , but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory , I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear , lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure . 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Verse 9 is clear, The Lord Said that the ailment he had which seemed as a stumbling block for him .. The Lord’s grace was sufficient. But verse 2-6 Im not quite clear.. So, I wanted to be a bit clearer on what Im asking about.. If that helps everyone.
Michael S.
Michael S, This very same question was asked by a former JW elder. He was finally satified that someone had a thought because the witnesses skip over this one. I will let a more seasoned Bible Student answer what they think it is saying. I will only mess up the answer.(:) Keep checking back. Welcome.
I would Love to be friends with other Jehovah;s Witnneses
Michael – This is the ‘Paradise of God.’ Peter calls this the new heavens and new earth, referring to the third of three great periods of time, beginning with man’s creation and extending into the illimitable future. The first of these periods, termed the first heavens and earth— the old order of things— passed away at the time of the deluge of Noah’s day. The second period—’ The heavens and earth which are now’ the present order of things, are reserved of God to pass away with a great symbolic fire of trouble— revolution, etc.— which will utterly destroy the present spiritual powers and present social arrangements. The third period is to be a world without end, under divine administration. This will be the third heavens and the third earth, or new heavens and new earth which will differ from the present heavens and earth in that they will be righteous.
The new Heavens will consist of the new spiritual ruling powers of the future— Christ the Head and the Church the body. The present heavens consist of the nominal religious systems which, while claiming Christ as their head, yet bow in very large degree to Antichrist—’ the god of this world’— the Prince of this world, who now worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience and who is captivating and blinding the whole world, with the exception of those few whose eyes of understanding have been opened.
Paul perhaps received more direct revelations than any of the other Apostles, except for John’s receiving of the book of Revelation in vision. Gal 1:11, 12 says, “11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”(NASV) see also Gal 2:2
In 2 Cor 12:7, Paul says, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself…” So Paul was receiving direct revelations regarding Jehovah’s plans and purposes.
I have a question. it’s at 2 Corinthians 12:2 and it says “I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I know not, or out of the body I know not, God knows) such a one caught up to the third heaven…”‘
from what i can deduce it’s the spiritual heavens, and the reward of that was promised of us in the sence Paul is using.. But people have interpreted this very loosely, What do the bible students examine in this chapter.. and Jehovah’s Witnesesses don’t really examine this verse, for it may be too deep, or unimportant to them as far as what they consider vindicating Jehovah’s Name. But this verse is a deep part of scripture, and I wanted some thoughts on this.
Thanks
In Christian Love
Michael S.
I don’t think it’s that easy to get those publications without being formally associated with a Kingdom Hall since it’d be assumed you were an ex-JW since how else would you even know about them? I think the Witnesses are instructed to suggest to a newly interested person that they should start off with a bible study book first. Especially since the “Make Sure..” book is used for background information for those in the theocratic ministry school – which would suggest you are an ex-JW or have things changed?
In any event I think your best bet is going on ebay or trying Amazon to get those publications. Everything is online these days. 🙂
LOKING TO SURPRISE WIFE WITH MAKING SURE OF ALL THINGS BIBLE AID BOOK.DOES ANYONE HAVE ONE.
Hello cesar, Is there a Kingdom Hall near you? They will give you a new one. Also if you see a witness doing street work or door to door, they will get you one and deliver it. I have one but not new.
Also if you would go to http://www.chicagobible.org or Dawnbible.com, there are lots of booklets on the chicago site that would interest any serious bible student. It seems she has questions if you want to give her that book. Take a look at the booklet section you will be amazed at the questions and answers. Take care hope we have helped.
Cesar – Sometimes you can find these books on eBay and Amazon.com