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?
Peter, I don’t see how you think that I am blaming C.T.Russell for the failed speculation of others. I am pointing out that speculation by those that put themselves up as teachers, can have detrimental consequences on the people that believe them. In the forward of the second volume, last paragraph, Russell states, “Our mistake was evidently not in respect to the ending of the Times of the Gentiles; we drew a false conclusion, however, not authorized by the Word of the Lord.” Obviously he read into the scriptures more than what was there. That’s what I meant when I said he had to recant what he had previously written. You’re right it’s a human frailty, but like all human frailties we should strive to avoid falling into that trap. You wrote, “If in the minds of some, such speculation discredits everything else Bible Students have said, then so be it.” I would disagree with that statement, I would rather follow the admonishment of Paul to Timothy at 2 Tim 2:15. “I think we should have the liberty to share our deductions of the evidence, as long as we are not dogmatic and leave it to each one to draw their own conclusions.” Up to a point that may be true, the danger comes when these deductions are taught as facts and influence others not mature enough in the word of God.
Anonymous – Thanks for clarifying and sharing some good thoughts. Glad to have your input.
Wow Jacqueline…you said a mouthfull!:)I think the bottom line is,as was brought out in Matt. 25:13- “Watch for you neither know the day or the hour when the Son of man(Jesus) is coming. The illustration you gave about the fire fighters is excellent.Btw,feel free to e-mail me about anything at my yahoo address.
I told the story on Ask Jacqueline, I figured out a way to tell without revealing names.
BTW Ken, as regards Judas, I don’t desire to say what Jesus will do. But can a person go into 2nd death without first having experienced the first death? Heb.9:27-28″ And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men ONCE TO DIE. and after this cometh judgment; 28 so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin-offering, to them that wait for him, unto salvation.”
I am just saying shouldn’t one be released from the first death before being judged to go to the second death. He I know will not ascend to heaven because he died before Jesus. He really lost out on a lot. Being a member of the foundation was a great lost to him. If he had not done it someone would have for it was prophecied that it would happen that way. Had he lived after the resurrection and the appearance of Jesus would he have had the faith and been a part of the heavenly bride? Maybe, but he killed himself, a cowardly act that didn’t give himself a chance to see his act thru.But is he in second death? Only Jehovah has power over it. Just a thought not nothing written in stone.
I remember reading your story but will read it again to see what you mean. About Judas,the bottom line is nobody knows his future except Jehovah,however, you can see how asking questions gets you into the Bible and thinking!Like you said before we can now think freely and have whatever opinion we want without judgement!
I just wrote. Look about 4 comments down for today and hit my comment on ask Jacqueline. I am just enjoying myself. I lack confidence and often won’t get in on heady conversations but I do have thoughts on the subjects. A hold over from JW that women shouldn’t speak I guess. Sorry it is about number 10 down on comments to the right.
Peter, I don’t see where the book provides damaging information on the trinity, Hislop was a Presbyterian minister and a Trinitarian, take a look at this web site http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-Hislop.htm. The link I provided before also has several examples of misinformation from Hislop. I’m glad you said “arguably the most revered human being on the planet.” I’m forced to wonder, if Shem was so revered how did Nimrod convince so many people into building a tower in opposition to God.
However, that’s not the point of my posts. The point is to show that speculation doesn’t have a place in teaching the Bible. I was at a Bible Student convention several years ago where the speaker, giving a talk on the Great Pyramid, stated from the pulpit that the pyramid had been built by Shem. If I had brought a new person with me, unfamiliar with the teachings of the B S, and he asked me where the speaker got his information, what could I have said to him? Should I have pointed him to some controversial book, written by a Presbyterian minister over a century ago? You may say that speculating on Shem or Melchizedek is not an important point. Perhaps you’re right, however, it throws a cloud of doubt over other teachings. Remember that it was speculation by Miller that lead to the “great disappointment” in 1844. Speculation by C.T.Russell that lead him to state what was to happen in 1914, which he later recanted. It was speculation by the JW’s regarding 1975, that lead them to tell their young men not to get a college education because they’d never have the opportunity to use it. Lately, it was speculation that lead a man in New York to spend his life savings of $180,000 advertising May 21,2011 as the end of the world in the N Y subway billboards. Those that teach the bible will be held to a higher accountability with God (James3:1). I hope you accept this in the spirit of constructive criticism which it was intended. I hold no grudges or animosity toward the B S. All of us are humans and as such we don’t like loose ends, but God gives us information on a need to know basis,(bread in due season), we should avoid the trap of trying to read more into the Bible than what is written.
Anonymous – Yes Hislop was a Trinitarian. As I recall, his point of view was that Satan tried to confuse the truth by creating corruptions of the Trinity in these pagan religions. I think this argument is weak. Much of the language used by the Church Councils to describe the Trinity was taken directly from already existing definitions of the Trinity in pagan worship. As best as I can tell, Nimrod had been killed long ago and at the time of Abraham, Shem remained as the respected ancient survivor of the flood and servant of Jehovah.
I think we agree that the focus should be proving all things directly from the Bible. Yet, we are born with curiosity and when we don’t have direct answers it is tempting to try to put together the pieces of the puzzle and arrive at a reasonable explanation. I don’t think this type of speculation is out of bounds, but I don’t think we should spend much time on it or place much weight on it. Now if I had to guess who built the Great Pyramid, I would guess Shem as well. But I really don’t know. Someday we’ll find out. If in the minds of some, such speculation discredits everything else Bible Students have said, then so be it. I think we should have the liberty to share our deductions of the evidence, as long as we are not dogmatic and leave it to each one to draw their own conclusions.
I accept and welcome you constructive criticism, although I don not fully agree. Please do not hold Russell and Bible Students accountable for the mistakes of Miller and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. C.T. Russell never recanted on 1914 and I personally think he was right on target. What he said, he was wrong to expect the kingdom to be set up soon after that date. However, he was spot on about the rest. Here’s what happened in 1914:
1) Church-State rule was broken
2) Kings lost their earthly authority and thrones
3) The Great World War lead to the Balfour Declaration setting aside a homeland for the Jews.
There is no man in history that was ever able to predict a future date and events from the Bible and get it right to the very year. C.T. Russell is the only person who ever did this and for it he is called a false prophet.
I will not criticize C. T. Russell form expecting the kingdom to be set up shortly after that date. At the time Jesus was born, people were in expectation of the Messiah (Luke 3:15.) The Seventy Weeks prophecy of Daniel 9 had indicated the arrival of Messiah at this time. People expected Messiah to defeat the Romans and set up his earthly kingdom. They were wrong to expect more than the prophecy had promised. Nonetheless, the Seventy Weeks prophecy was correct and did point Messiah, just as the 1914 prophecy was correct and pointed to the breaking up of the world empires and Church-State rule.
You are welcome to differ. My opinion is that fulfilled prophecy is faith strengthening, not speculation.
Ken I am just on vol. 1 and read peices of other volumes when I need info. I went thru parts of the volumes as a child and still remember quite a bit.
Also your question about the virgins. Strange, because I am beg.inning to look up info on them before you asked
Thanks Jacqueline, it’s amazing you remember some of it after so many years!It’s interesting you’re also looking up info. about the ten virgins…let me know what you find.
Ken, today is the day I will devote to this. However, Br. Peter is actually reading what the scriptures says. We as witnesses have been told once that it is the actual marriage in this parable. I am going to look up what the watchtower says also along with first reading the actual scripture without prejudice. I have learned to hold my tongue until I search it out. I don’t like eating “crow” or my “hat”. The society is sort of in line with BS belief however, except who the foolish virgins represent. I will express my opinion after I study up on this today. It has been on my mind heavy for about a month now for some odd reason, can’t explain it.
Jacqueline, I remember many years ago the watchtowers explaination was that the wise virgins represented the spiritually enlightened Jw anointed class and the foolish virgins were the members of Christendom who didn’t have Jehovah’s spirit……something to that effect.
Ken,There are several things I need to consider before I attempt to interpret this parable. First, I need to recognize that this is a selective account. There are many details omitted. From where is the groom coming? Where are the virgins waiting? What will happen there? What role do the lamps play in this ceremony and celebration? And, perhaps most notable, where is the bride? She is never mentioned. It is obviously this is all about the groom who is central to this story. (Messiah at the end of an age). Also we assume that the 5 foolish ones had oil in their lamps, the bible says they took their lamps. Matt 25:3 Jerusalem Bible:”the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil.” (They all trimed the wicks which probably had some oil still on them but would go out pretty quick. Why would all their lamps go out at the same time? Their oil was carried in their vessels with their lamp.(suggest 2 items here no reservoir on lamp itself) The lamps of that time were like the lamps when they arrested Jesus not having a storage space like ours today. The foolish had only the little left on the wicks, residual. (I am just thinking out loud here.)Thank the Lord I can think and not be afraid I will get DF’d if I reason wrong, Hallelujah! (Ken, I am just so happy I have some good news but am afraid to print it here because of who might see it, but i am just overjoyed today.) These Virgins are deficient it seems from the start in getting ready for the event. They tried to get their act together at the last minute after they knew he was there. It seems doubtful if they really prepared for a long wait although Jesus told all Christians it would be after a long journey. (Nominal christianity reminds me of these)(Thinking out loud here.)
Second, this is not a typical wedding. I doubt that in most wedding celebrations the groom would exclude bridesmaids for forgetting to bring oil for their lamps. I doubt that arriving late, as five of the virgins did, would keep them from gaining entrance to the celebration. This seems to be a rather exceptional situation, and not a typical event. Thus, knowledge of how wedding ceremonies were conducted in those days (largely gained from sources outside the Bible) will not prove that helpful. This is not a typical wedding like any I have heard of in history, this is special. So, that is why I have to look directly at the scripture of what it is saying to help me understand.
Also, we need to set aside our 21th century assumptions about weddings, bridesmaids and lamps. Specifically, we must not think of these lamps in terms that are familiar to us. The word which is used for “lamp” here (lampas) is not the normal term for “lamp” in Matthew, or in the New Testament. It is used five times in this parable of the virgins in Matthew 25, once in John 18:3, once in Acts 20:8, and twice in Revelation (4:5; 8:10). The lampas is more of a torch, a larger, brighter “lamp” than that which is normally used inside a house. In John 18:3, the lampas was the torch held by those who came in the night to arrest Jesus near the Garden of Gethsemane. So I know it seems that these lamps light the way but are big enough for others to see you.
I also am keeping in mind that this is in connection with the delay of the Lord in which the evil slave thinks that it is not imminent anymore because he hasn’t come yet. He begins to feed himself and his special buddies instead of the Lord’s people. He uses the resources for himself instead of using to help the Lord’s people.
I am just giving an idea of how I am approaching this, in line with the other parables. Because all of the virgins went to sleep. And the other 5 who were late because of going for oil,did not get into the room at all but wereleft outside with those that were not keeping on the watch. The bible doesn’t say they are destroyed in Gehenna either. He said at Matt25:12-13(RVIC)”But he answered and said, Truly I say unto you, I know you not.13. Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.” verse 10 had said “and the door was shut”.
Firemen know that there will be fires, they sleep with their clothes right by them and are always ready and on the watch. Look at them in a grocery store if the engine is outside, they have their walkie-talkie in their hand. For suddenly at a time they do not expect it a fire will break out. But like faithful slaves they are going about their duties of everyday living AND watching out for the people under their care in their district. I need to ask myself a question, Who best fit the description of the 5 foolish who were not permitted in?And Jesus knew them not.
Ken I am continueing with my study and will add to this. I just wanted to show how I am approaching it to understand it for myself. There is a lot of room left for error in my thinking, but I will consult what others say after I have written to see any flaws in my thinking. Will be back later with more of my little brain thinking. (Of course in prayer for understanding) This is not a quick subject for me.It’s looking like to me that all of the bridesmaids thought they were going to heaven as attendance but some didn’t make it but will be left with the rest of humanity. Their flaxs were empty although they looked like light bearers. They were imitation, not really ever having the right light.
PS: Also I think the lights were for a procession to lead the people to the 2nd coming of Christ after he has arrived. No need for the 5 foolish after the procession is over. 5 good strong lights were sufficient instead of sharing the oil and everybody not havn’t light. So there are some that have recognized the Groom is here.
Hi all, quick question:how many here have read all the volumes of STS at least once and how many have read them more than once?Also,as for the ones who’ve just started, how far along are you?
To all;
Would like to thank Jaqulin and Monigue for there kind comments to come back. All to those who shared their thoughts. If anyone is interested in futher dialog, I can be reached at an email Monigue has.
Why do we see differently?
Lets time travel. And Saul will be king. No that cannot happen, Moses did not have kings.
Ten tribes ripped away. Moses would not allow that.
Prophets telling what is going to happen? Sorry I believe in Moses only.
Jesus shows up. Who are you? Moses never said anything about a Jesus.
Some love to live with no new light. Others of the Jews acceppted the new light.
We all can ask ourselves, what do I like?
Love and pray for your enimies. Hold fast to the truth. Wash your robe in the blood of the Lamb.
max
Hi Max, Sorry I haven’t responded sooner. It has been a pleasure and feel free to email me at any time.
Monique
To Jeff and all;
Thank you all for the feedback.
The following is for what if?
In Zec 14:16 we have to ask. 1. Out of the nations left remaining. 2. What happened to those of the nations who are gone? 3. And what were all the nations doing? 4. Why would only some be left and given a chance?
Lets look at Zec 14:1,”A day coming, belonging to Jehovah.” Remember Zec 12:9,”And it must occur in that day that I shall seek to annihilate all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem. Is 54:17; Hag 2:22; Re 16:14
We see this answers the second question, who are gone. And the third question, and what were all the nations doing? “coming against Jerusalem.”
But question one, why would some be left and given a chance to worship Jehovah for doing the same thing? Is not Jehovah just?
Consider please. The early congregation had many who went aginst it. But what about the time we are living in?
Re 22:17 has a operation going out to all. Those who are living at Re 16:14, and reject his holy city will be removed just like Zec 12:9 said also. That is a judgement. That is different from those who died after rejecting the message and going against it. They come back with a Resurrection. And as stated In 16-21 are given a fair chance to change there way. The Key!!!”NATIONS LEFT REMAINING.” It makes clear sence.
How can we prove it? 1. Was Mt 24:45-47 fulfilled by the seventh Laodiecen messenger?
If you see the wild beast and false prophet destroyed. It is the kings of the earth and it happens before the 1000 year reign. And a little over 1 1000 years later Satan is put into the condition that wild beast and false prophet were already put in. Re 13:8; 16:13,14; 20:10
What do you think of this letter from a member of the little flock. From reports here a long term sentence. Now many will realize that a great mistake has been made, and may be the society will now get on the right basis of the work to carry along as Brother Russell would have wished. I would fain hope so.
Reb Nicholson
Australia 7-2:1918
Here one thinks there in prison for good. Last check he led a group away and am not sure when he died. But his wife remained faithfyl and passed away in 1951, her name was Jane Nicholson.
My last contact with there group they had 89 people at there convention. Little did he know they would get out of prison and at last years Memorial they had 118,624 in attendence.
Likewise you are all invited this year. 4-5-2012 after sundown.
max
Max, how does going to other contexts answer any of the specific questions I’ve asked on this context and several others?
Did you read the post I made recently about fear?
According to the contexts I’ve quoted, it appears you have nothing to fear. And the unbelieving nations and unbelieving Israel will have the spirit poured out on them illustrates what I have been showing from the Scriptures about God’s mercy in giving unbelievers opportunity at salvation after Armageddon.
Where is the love of the GB in not admitting that the Scriptures teach this?
Until you can comment on the specific passages and contexts I’ve quoted, I’m not really sure what you can say that would contradict such clear Scriptural points.
To KEN AND ALL;
I am not one of the bride class.
max
Ok thanks for letting us know Max
Max, may I ask why you wouldn’t want to be? Just curious 🙂
Peter,the book The Two Babylons written by Alexander Hislop in 1853 and published as a book in 1919 is full of misinformation and half-truths. You’d do well to research it, try: http://newprotestants.com/2babylons.htm
Of course it will be criticized since it provides damaging information on the Trinity. Give me one specific error from the book. I will reconsider if evidence can be provided.
Jeff you’re right about the GB trying to keep it’s members afraid;I remember coming home after many meetings and conventions feeling sad,guilty,like I could never do enough or be good enough……always the gloom and doom warning at the last talk:(
Well, the good news of the Scriptures is that everyone will get an opportunity after Armageddon . . . that would include those who don’t think others will have an opportunity. Yes, even the JWs and GB will have an opportunity as well.
What grace! What a wonderful God Yahweh is!
AMEN!!!!