Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-29-06 WT Study (December 15, 2005 issue, pp. 24-29)(DECISIVE)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxesw = Watchtower
g = Awake
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online)
www.reexamine.org (WT publications online)
www.silentlambs.org (child abuse)
www.ajwrb.org (blood issue)
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
NOW IS THE TIME FOR DECISIVE ACTION
"How long will you be limping upon two different opinions?"-1 KINGS 18:21.
Opening Comments
Once again the WTS reaches into the OT bag of tricks. Decisive action...why not the warning to the Jewish Christians and the destruction of Jerusalem? Is Jehu a good example for Christians today? Did Jehu eliminate all false religion in Israel?
Decisive action...what does that bring to mind? That JWs are not speeding up their activity...that they are slowing down? "God's love for his wayward people" does that mean that JWs today are "wayward" like the Israelites? "False religion's sudden end" does that mean that the end is any closer than it was in 1914? The WTS portrays only the anointed as Israelites, spiritual Israelites. Where does the great crowd fit into this scenario?
START OF ARTICLE
DO YOU believe that Jehovah is the only true God? Do you also believe that Bible
prophecies point to our time as "the last days" of Satan's wicked system? (2
Timothy 3:1) If so, you will surely agree that now, of all times, there is a
need for decisive action. Never before in human history have so many lives been
at stake.
Bible prophecies point to our time as "the last days"
Which Bible prophecies? Can the average JW explain how to arrive at 1914 CE as the beginning of the last days.
1799
Start of "the last days". Napoleon debased the pope and ended the 1260 days of Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 11:1-3. WT Jan-Feb 1889 [repr p1093]. SiS2 p256. SiS3 p58,63,64
"...1799 definitely marks the beginning of 'the time of the end'.... 'The time of the end' embraces a period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete overthrow of Satan's empire....we have been in 'the time of the end' since 1799" (The Harp of God, 1928 ed., pp. 235-36, 239).
Creation; 1927; 2,175,000 ed.; pp. 293
“Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it, and then returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet graphically described in the prophecy, verses 40-44; and its being completed in 1799 marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of "the time of the end….Twelve hundred and sixty years from 539 A.D. brings us to 1799, which is another proof that 1799 definitely marks the beginning of "the time of the end." This also shows that it is from the date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted.”
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/pro2.htm#statements
2 In the tenth century B.C.E., the nation of Israel needed to make a very
serious decision. Whom would they serve? King Ahab, under the influence of his
pagan wife, Jezebel, promoted Baal worship in the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel.
Baal was a fertility god who was supposed to provide rain and fruitful crops.
Many Baal worshippers may have blown a kiss or bowed down to an idol of their
god. To induce Baal to bless their crops and livestock, his worshippers took
part in sex orgies with temple prostitutes. They also had the custom of cutting
themselves to make blood flow. -1 Kings 18:28.
Sex orgies...temple prostitutes
Since the WTS is talking about the nation of Israel and by inference today JWs who claim to be spiritually anointed, the 144,000, the remnant of them on earth today...are they suggesting that these are participating in sex orgies with temple prostitutes. Has the WTS been prostituting itself with its non-governmental organization association with the UN from 1991 to 2001?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/wildbeast.jpg
3 A remnant of some 7,000 Israelites refused to take part in this idolatrous,
immoral, violent form of worship. (1 Kings 19:18) They loyally stuck to their
covenant relationship with Jehovah God, and for this they were persecuted. For
example, Queen Jezebel murdered many prophets of Jehovah. (1 Kings 18:4, 13)
Because of these trying conditions, the majority of the Israelites practiced
interfaith, trying to please both Jehovah and Baal. But it was apostasy for an
Israelite to turn away from Jehovah and worship a false god. Jehovah promised to
bless the Israelites if they loved him and obeyed his commandments. However, he
warned them that if they failed to give him "exclusive devotion," they would be
annihilated. -Deuteronomy 5:6-10; 28:15, 63.
A remnant of some 7,000 Israelites (only men per Romans 11:4)--is it an accident that "remnant" is used here? They did not bend a knee...but did they blow a kiss? Was the WTS committing spiritual adultery when they associated as an NGO for ten years only breaking off the relationship when it was published the the UK Guardian newspaper?
Was the WTS committing apostasy when it turned away from God and associated with an organization they depict as a "scarlet-colored wild beast" doomed to destruction by God?
Were the Israellites "annihilated" in the same sense the WTS speaks of God eternally destroying all non-JWs today? No, because those Israelites will be resurrrected and those non-JWs destroyed descend into Gehenna the WTS symbol of eternal destruction from which there is no resurrection.
4 A similar situation exists in Christendom today. Church members claim to be Christians, but their holidays, behavior, and beliefs conflict with Bible teachings. Like Jezebel, Christendom's clergy spearhead the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses. Christendom's clergy also have a long record of supporting wars and are thus responsible for the deaths of countless millions of church
members. Such religious support of worldly governments is identified in the
Bible as spiritual fornication. (Revelation 18:2, 3) In addition, Christendom
has become increasingly tolerant of literal fornication, even among its clergy.
Jesus Christ and his apostles foretold this great apostasy. (Matthew 13:36-43;
Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Peter 2:1, 2) What will be the final outcome for the more than one billion adherents of Christendom? And what responsibility do true worshippers of Jehovah have toward these and all others who have been misled by false religion? We get a clear answer to such questions by examining the dramatic events that led to the `annihilation of Baal out of Israel.'-2 Kings 10:28.
A similar situation exists in Christendom today. Church members claim to be Christians...
JWs claim to be Christian but do not bear his name, not even as Jehovah's Christian Witnesses. The WTS teaches that no one can approach Christ or God except through the "faithful and discreet slave" (FDS). Are JWs followers of Christ or followers of the FDS?
Then tarring all religions claiming to be Christian except their own
Christendom's clergy...supporting wars...responsible for deaths of countless millions of church members
Is the WTS responsible for the deaths of countless millions of their members?
What about the wavering details of blood transfusions, organ transplants, alternative service, etc.
http://www.ajwrb.org/victims/index.shtml
http://www.ajwrb.org/experiences/stories.shtml
Tolerant of literal fornication, even among its clergy
The WTS is tolerant of literal fornication/rape of children, even among its "clergy"
True worshippers of Jehovah--only JWs, where's Christ in this name?
God's Love for His Wayward People
5 Jehovah God takes no delight in punishing those who become unfaithful to him.
As a loving Father, he desires that wicked ones repent and turn back to him.
(Ezekiel 18:32; 2 Peter 3:9) As evidence of this, Jehovah used many prophets in
the days of Ahab and Jezebel to warn His people of the consequences of Baal
worship. Elijah was one such prophet. After a devastating drought, which was
announced in advance, Elijah told King Ahab to gather the Israelites and Baal
prophets together on Mount Carmel.-1 Kings 18:1,19.
Jehovah God takes no delight in punishing those who are unfaithful to him--but the WTS does take delight in punishing those who are unfaithful to the WTS
*** w84 11/15 p. 22 "The Time Left Is Reduced" ***
Happily, the Creator of planet Earth and mankind will soon destroy this wicked, suicidal system.
*** w68 10/15 p. 638 Why God Decreed Extermination for the Canaanites ***
Therefore, how happy we can be that very soon, by means of his chief executioner Jesus Christ, he will destroy this wicked system of things and usher in a new order of righteousness!
Of course, the WTS neglects to mention that this wicked system of systems will be all people who are not JWS, over 6 billion men, women and children, who descend into eternal destruction without hope of resurrection.
Repent and turn back--does God or the elders determine repentance?
Jehovah used many prophets...to warn...Elijah was one such prophet
The WTS says that they are a prophet
*** w82 10/1 p. 27 Be as Men Who Are Facing Har-Magedon Unafraid ***
In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek God's rule instead of man's rule, the "prophet" whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this class are, like the prophet-priest Jeremiah, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovah's holy spirit, they have been made part of "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession." (1 Peter 2:9) At this late date there is a mere remnant of this "prophet" class yet on earth. The "war of the great day of God the Almighty" at Har-Magedon could not start before this composite "prophet" ends his work.
*** Holy Spirit book chap. 8 p. 148 "Spirit of Life from God Entered into Them" ***
The announced purpose behind God's pouring out of his spirit upon all sorts of flesh was that the recipients thereof might prophesy. The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations for a witness in favor of God's kingdom. Logically, then, they must be the ones upon whom God's spirit has actually been poured out. That spirit is behind their worldwide preaching. Why argue about it?
Blurb on page 26: Regularly sharing in Kingdom preaching and attending Christian
meetings are vital aspects of true worship
Regularly--means coming and sleeping if need be, coming when sick with a communicable disease, coming to the 5 nonscripturally mandated gatherings, regularly sharing means putting in at least 10 hours a month to be considered "approved" and turning a time slip to the elders each month (as Jesus disciples did, right?)
6 The meeting took place at the site of an altar of Jehovah that had been "torn
down," probably to please Jezebel. (1 Kings 18:30) Sadly, the Israelites in attendance were not sure who Jehovah or Baal-was in the best position to produce the much-needed rain. Baal was represented by 450 prophets, where as Elijah was the only prophet representing Jehovah. Getting to the root of their problem, Elijah asked the people: "How long will you be limping upon two different opinions?" Then, in even plainer words, he placed the issue before them: "If Jehovah is the true God, go following him; but if Baal is, go following him." To move the indecisive Israelites to render exclusive devotion to Jehovah, Elijah proposed a test of Godship. Two bulls were to be slaughtered as a sacrifice, one
for Jehovah and the other for Baal. The true God would consume his sacrifice
with fire. The Baal prophets got their sacrifice ready, and then for hours they
kept calling: "O Baal, answer us!" When Elijah began to mock them, they cut
themselves until blood flowed, and they shouted at the top of their voice. But
there was no answer. -1 Kings 18:21, 26-29.
Probably--WTS buzzword meaning they are adding to the Bible canon.
Elijah was the only prophet representing Jehovah
How is this possible? In paragraph 5, the WTS said, "Jehovah used many prophets in the days of Ahab and Jezebel to warn His people of the consequences of Baal worship. Elijah was one such prophet."
Indecisive Israelites--indecisive spiritual Israelites in the WTS?
Test of Godship--would God send down fire from heaven today to validate the WTS' status as a "true prophet."
7 Now came Elijah's turn. First, he repaired the altar of Jehovah and placed the
pieces of the young bull on it. Next, he ordered that four large jars of water
be poured on the sacrifice. This was done three times until the trench around
the altar was filled with water. Then Elijah prayed: "0 Jehovah, the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in Israel and
I am your servant and it is by your word that I have done all these things.
Answer me, 0 Jehovah, answer me, that this people may know that you, Jehovah,
are the true God and you yourself have turned their heart back."-1 Kings
18:30-37.
Did Elijah have to go through a mediator to be heard by God?
Who does the WTS say Elijah represents"
*** w95 4/15 pp. 24-25 The Day That 'Burns Like a Furnace' ***
The Elijah class, the faithful and discreet slave, is alert to providing bountifully for all "those conscious of their spiritual need."
*** w02 5/1 p. 22 Who Will Survive the Day of Jehovah? ***
Malachi's prophecy showed that this great Elijah work would be done before "the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah." That day concludes with the rapidly approaching war of the great day of God the Almighty, at Armageddon. This means that the end of this wicked system of things and the beginning of the Millennial Reign of God's heavenly Kingdom under the enthroned Jesus Christ would be preceded by a work corresponding to the activity of Elijah. True to that prophecy, before Jehovah destroys this wicked system, the modern-day Elijah class, supported by millions of fellow Christians with an earthly hope, enthusiastically carry on the work of restoring pure worship, exalting the name of Jehovah, and teaching Bible truths to sheeplike ones.
8 The true God responded by consuming both sacrifice and altar with fire from
heaven. That fire consumed even the water in the trench around the altar!
Imagine the effect on the Israelites. "They immediately fell upon their faces
and said: 'Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!"' Elijah now took
further decisive action, ordering the Israelites: "Seize the prophets of Baal!
Do not let a single one of them escape!" All 450 Baal prophets were then
executed at the foot of Mount Carmel.-1 Kings 18:38-40.
Imagine the effect on the Israelites
What would light a fire under JWs today. Not since the years preceding 1975 has the WTS see fiery activity on the part of the rank and file. How long do you think the enthusiasm of these Israelites lasted after the fire burned out?
Can you imagine JWs today slaughtering 450 people? I wonder what they used as weapons? Using this OT example seems to indicate that the role of God's true people is to execute the wicked...is that the doctrine for today's JWs?
9 On that same unforgettable day, Jehovah caused rain to fall upon the land for
the first time in three and a half years! (James 5:17, 18) You can imagine all
the talk among the Israelites as they returned home; Jehovah had vindicated his
Godship. The Baal worshippers, however, did not give up. Jezebel continued her
campaign of persecuting Jehovah's servants. (1 Kings 19:1, 2; 21:11-16) Thus the
integrity of God's people was again tested. Would they be giving exclusive
devotion to Jehovah when his day of judgment against Baal worshippers came?
Imagine--talk but did it change their actions
Jehovah's servants...God's people--only JWs
Act Decisively Now
10 In modern times, anointed Christians have done a work like that of Elijah. By
word of mouth and by the printed page, they have warned people of all nations
inside and outside of Christendom about the danger of false religion. As a
result, millions have taken decisive action to end their membership in false
religion. They have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and have become baptized
disciples of Jesus Christ. Yes, they have heeded God's urgent appeal respecting
false religion: "Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her
in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues."-Revelation
18:4.
anointed Christians--only JWs
become baptized disciples of Jesus Christ--yet taken the name of Jehovah's Witnesses not Christians
false religion--all religion except the WTS
At one time the WTS taught that all religion was false and that they were not a religion.
11 Other millions, while attracted to the Bible-based message spread by
Jehovah's Witnesses, are still unsure about what they should do. Some of these
occasionally come to Christian meetings, such as the observance of the Lord's
Evening Meal or sessions of a district convention. We urge all such ones to
consider carefully Elijah's words: "How long will you sit on the fence?" (1
Kings 18:21, New English Bible) Instead of delaying, they need to take decisive
action now and zealously work toward the goal of becoming dedicated, baptized
worshippers of Jehovah. Their prospects for everlasting life are at stake!-2
Thessalonians 1:6-9.
Other millions...occasionally come to Christian (JW) meetings...sit on the fence
take decisive action...dedicated, baptized worshippers of Jehovah--not disciples of Christ?
CARROT--prospects for everlasting life are at stake
The WTS teaches that only dedicated, baptized JWs will survive the destruction at Armageddon
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
12 Sadly, some baptized Christians have become irregular or inactive in their
worship. (Hebrews 10:23-25; 13:15, 16) Some have lost their zeal because of fear
of persecution, the anxieties of making a living, efforts to get rich, or the
pursuit of selfish pleasures. Jesus warned that these very things would stumble,
choke, and ensnare some of his followers. (Matthew 10:28-33; 13:20-22; Luke
12:22-31; 21:34-36) Instead of `limping on two opinions,' as it were, such ones
should "be zealous and repent" by taking decisive action to carry out their
dedication to God.-Revelation 3:15-19.
Sadly, some baptized Christians--only JWs
Irregular--in 6 consecutive months, did not turn in a time slip for one to 4 months
Inactive--has not turned in a time slip for 6 consecutive months
Lost their zeal because of
fear of persecution--only persecution they need fear is that by fellow JWs at the KH
anxieties of making a living--because they lack the education to compete for better paying jobspursuit of selfish pleasures--like sleeping at least 6 hours a day, being able to do the laundry, get the vehicle repaired, help their children with their homework
DO MORE DO MORE DO MORE DO MORE DO MORE DO MORE DO MORE
False Religion's Sudden End
13 The reason why it is urgent for humans to take decisive action now is seen in
what happened in Israel about 18 years after the issue of Godship was settled on
Mount Carmel. Jehovah's day of judgment against Baal worship came suddenly and unexpectedly during the ministry of Elijah's successor, Elisha. King Ahab's son
Jehoram was ruling Israel, and Jezebel was still alive as queen mother. Quietly,
Elisha sent his attendant to anoint Israel's army chief, Jehu, as the new king.
At the time, Jehu was on the cast side of the Jordan at Ramoth-gilead, directing
a war against Israel's enemies. King Jehoram was at Jezreel in the valley plain
near Megiddo, recovering from a battle wound.-2 Kings 8:29-9:4.
Day of judgment--the people who died then will be resurrected per the WTS; will the people who die at Armageddon be resurrected; is it a day of judgment?
Suddenly and unexpectedly--yet the WTS has predicted the end for 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's and 1975, (1984), (1994).
Blurb on page 28: Like Jehu, all who want to survive Jehovah's day must take
decisive action
14 This is what Jehovah commanded Jehu to do: "You must strike down the house of Ahab your lord, and I must avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the
blood of all the servants of Jehovah at the hand of Jezebel. And the whole house
of Ahab must perish; . . . Jezebel the dogs will eat up in the tract of land at
Jezreel, and there will be no one burying her."-2 Kings 9:7-10.
blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of Jehovah at the hand of Jezebel
my servants the prophets = FDS
all the servants of Jehovah = only JWs
Jezebel = Christendom (Babylon the Great)
Jezebel the dogs will eat up...no one burying her--per WTS doctrine, Jezebel will be resurrected but not the minor children of non-JWs who will be executed at Armageddon to descend into eternal destruction because they were born at the wrong time to the wrong parents.
The WTS highlights Ezekiel 9:4 but slides by verse 6.
*** w04 3/15 p. 12 "Do the Work of an Evangelizer" ***
Soon, the wicked will be destroyed.
(never mentioning that children will be among the wicked who are destroyed)
(Ezekiel 9:4-6) 4 And Jehovah went on to say to him: "Pass through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and you must put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it." 5 And to these [others] he said in my ears: "Pass through the city after him and strike. Let not your eye feel sorry, and do not feel any compassion. 6 Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women YOU should kill off-to a ruination. But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near, and from my sanctuary YOU should start." So they started with the old men that were before the house.
*** w60 1/15 p. 55 This Is a Time of Judgment ***
Parents who reject the good news of the Kingdom and who ignore the good principles and wonderful purposes of Jehovah God cannot expect their minor children to survive the execution of divine judgment. Until a child reaches the age where it can be held responsible for its actions, it is under family responsibility. Divine punishment or blessing that comes to its parents automatically falls upon it. This principle is seen at Ezekiel 9:6, where God's command was to "slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark."-AS.
*** w52 1/15 p. 43 Training Children for Life in the New World ***
Hence in this day of final judgment since 1918 parents are responsible for the final destiny of their minor children. When Armageddon strikes all minor children who are not under such "family merit" arrangement will meet annihilation with no hope of a resurrection. This is strongly indicated at Ezekiel 9:6
15 Jehu was a decisive man. Without delay, he got into his chariot and sped
toward Jezreel. A watchman at Jezreel recognized the driving of Jehu and
reported to King Jehoram, whereupon Jehoram got into his chariot and went out to
meet his army chief. When they met, Jehoram asked: "Is there peace, Jehu?" Jehu
replied: "What peace could there be as long as there are the fornications of
Jezebel your mother and her many sorceries?" Then, before King Jehoram could
flee, Jehu drew his bow and killed Jehoram with an arrow that pierced his
heart-2 Kings 9:20-24.
Jehu was a decisive man.
Was he?
***Insight book Volume-1 p. 394 Calf ***
Even King Jehu, who eradicated Baal worship in Israel, let calf worship remain, likely in order to keep the ten-tribe kingdom distinct from the kingdom of Judah. (2Ki 10:29-31)
(2 Kings 10:28-31) 28 Thus Je´hu annihilated Ba´al out of Israel. 29 It was only the sins of Jer·o·bo´am the son of Ne´bat, with which he caused Israel to sin, that Je´hu did not turn aside from following them, [that is,] the golden calves of which one was in Beth´el and one in Dan. 30 Consequently Jehovah said to Je´hu: "For the reason that you have acted well in doing what is right in my eyes, [and] according to all that was in my heart you have done to the house of A´hab, sons themselves to the fourth generation will sit for you upon the throne of Israel." 31 And Je´hu himself did not take care to walk in the law of Jehovah the God of Israel with all his heart. He did not turn aside from the sins of Jer·o·bo´am with which he caused Israel to sin.
*** g73 4/8 p. 28 Is Doing "Good Works" Enough? ***
Jehu apparently came to believe that independence from Judah could be maintained only by continuing to have a distinct state religion, calf worship. And he sought to keep his position at all costs, even if that meant perpetuating idolatry
So how was Jehu any better than Jezebel?
Wasn't calf worship spiritual 'fornication' and spiritual 'sorcery'?
Jehu killed Jehoram yet he will be resurrected, not the minor children of non-JW adults who die at Armageddon.
16 Wasting no time, Jehu raced to the city in his chariot. Looking down from a
window, the heavily made-up Jezebel greeted Jehu with a challenging threat.
Ignoring her, Jehu called for support: "Who is with me? Who?" Jezebel's
attendants now had to act decisively. Two or three court officials stuck their
heads out of the window. Immediately, their loyalty was put to the test. "Let
her drop!" ordered Jehu. The officials let Jezebel drop to the street below,
where she was trampled by Jehu's horses and chariot. Thus the instigator of Baal
worship in Israel came to her deserved end. Before there was time to bury her,
dogs had eaten up her fleshy parts, just as foretold.-2 Kings 9:30-37.
Wasting no time--are JWs wasting time in their ministry? Are they going at times when people are likely to be home? Are they driving from one end of the territory to the other wasting time supposedly making return visits on the the few people they did find home? How long are JW 'coffee breaks' in your area?
instigator of Baal worship in Israel = Jezebel = no burial
continuation of calf worship in Israel = Jehu = burial with his forefathers
(2 Kings 10:35) 35 Finally Je´hu lay down with his forefathers, and they buried him in Sa·mar´i·a; and Je·ho´a·haz his son began to reign in place of him.
17 A similar shocking end will come to the symbolic harlot who has the name
"Babylon the Great." The harlot represents the false religions of Satan's world,
which have their origin in the ancient city of Babylon. After false religion's
end, Jehovah God will turn his attention to all humans who make up the secular
parts of Satan's world. These will also be destroyed, preparing the way for a
righteous new world.-Revelation 17:3-6; 19:19-21; 21:1-4.
Similar shocking end..."Babylon the Great"
And who has the WTS said will bring about this shocking end but fails to mention here?
*** w96 6/1 p. 18 Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation" ***
At Revelation 17:16, it is foretold that a figurative scarlet-colored wild beast, which has proved to be the United Nations, will turn on harlotlike Babylon the Great and violently destroy her.
The same United Nations that the WTS had a 10-year association with from 1991 to 2001 as a non-governmental organization. Can the WTS be associated with the UN who has in its charter's preamble:
to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/preamble.htm
all humans...will be destroyed--all non-JWs, including babies who don't have the intelligence to make a personal decision, destroyed forever, without the hope of a resurrection unlike Jezebel and Jehoram.
18 After Jezebel's death, King Jehu wasted no time in executing all Ahab's
descendants and key supporters. (2 Kings 10:11) But many Baal-worshipping
Israelites remained in the land. Concerning these, Jehu took decisive action to
show his "toleration of no rivalry toward Jehovah." (2 Kings 10:16) Pretending
to be a Baal worshipper himself, Jehu organized a great festival at the temple
of Baal that Ahab had built in Samaria. All Baal worshippers in Israel came to
the festival. Trapped inside the temple, they were all slaughtered by Jehu's
men. The Bible concludes the account with the words: "Thus Jehu annihilated Baal
out of Israel."-2 Kings 10:18-28.
Jehu wasted no time--consolidating his rulership over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. The kings there did not have the right through family line like the 2-tribe kingdom. Thus Jehu maintained calf worship to consolidate his kingdom not relying on God to keep his promise.
Pretending to be a Baal worshipper himself--is this a suggestion that JWs should pretend to be Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Hindus, or Buddhists and attend religious services in their buildings?
Jehu annihilated Baal out of Israel--but not calf worship.
19 Baal worship was eradicated from Israel. Just as surely, this world's false
religions will come to a sudden, shocking end. On whose side will you be during
that great day of judgment? Act decisively now, and you may be privileged to be
included among the "great crowd" of human survivors of "the great tribulation."
Then you will be able to look back with joy, and you will praise God for
executing judgment on "the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her
fornication." United with other true worshippers, you will be in agreement with
the thrilling words that heavenly voices sing: "Praise Jah, you people, because
Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king."-Revelation 7:9,10,14;
19:1, 2, 6.
Baal worship was eradicated--but not calf worship
If Jehu reprensents Jesus, how is it possible that Jesus would support false worship?
*** w98 4/15 p. 31 Do You Remember? ***
Jehu pictures Jesus Christ, who is represented on earth by "the Israel of God," anointed Christians. (Galatians 6:16; Revelation 12:17)
On whose side you be during that great day of judgment.?
Almost 40 years ago the WTS said:
*** w68 6/15 p. 359 A Man Whose Heart Was Upright ***
Are you similarly in heart harmony with the executional work of Jesus Christ? Have you publicly declared that support?
This is done by publicly supporting the representatives of the Greater Jehu, who are now proclaiming earth wide the message that God's kingdom will soon 'crush and put an end to all these kingdoms of earth,' and will then usher in righteous conditions. (Rev. 21:3, 4) Even as Jehonadab got into the chariot, so it is vital that you, too, join yourself with these earthly representatives of the Greater Jehu. It is important that you thereby show publicly that you believe that Jesus Christ is right in executing the bloodguilty political system, as well as all false religion and its supporters.-2 Thess. 1:7-9.
How urgent, therefore, it is to learn the facts about the appointment and commissioning of Jesus Christ as God's Executioner, and then adjust your attitude and your life to conform to that knowledge! Even now current developments throughout the earth underline the fact that the foretold destruction draws on apace. It will come and accomplish its devastating work just as surely as Jehu's executional forces wiped out the house of Ahab and all Baal worshipers in Israel. Will you be a surviving witness of that just judgment, as Jehonadab was in his day? It depends on you.
Make sure, then, that your course today clearly identifies you as one whose heart is upright, that you agree with Christ Jesus in his attitude toward a doomed system of things. By so doing you can avoid the certain disaster that is coming upon all those who refuse or neglect to identify themselves publicly as friends and supporters of the Greater Jehu, God's anointed King, Christ Jesus.
If you aren't on the WTS side, you die, per their doctrine.
May be privileged to be included among...survivors
May be???
Other true worshippers--only JWs
Where's Jesus?
Concluding Comments
I remember that article in 1968. I remember then wondering how Jehu could be used as an example of Jesus when Jehu did not eradicate calf worship? Did Jehu really tolerate no rivalry toward God? What would I have thought, would I have gotten out of Jehu's chariot when I saw that he still supported calf worship?
(2 Kings 10:16) 16 Then he said: "Do go along with me and look upon my toleration of no rivalry toward Jehovah." And they kept him riding with him in his war chariot.
It took awhile, but eventually I saw that while the WTS might have eliminated some spiritual fornication and sorceries, that more remained. I got out of the chariot finally, what about you?
Love Blondie
Questions for Meditation
- How did ancient Israel become guilty of Baal worship?
- What great apostasy did the Bible foretell, and how has that prophecy been
fulfilled?
- How did Jehu eradicate Baal worship?
- What must we do to survive God's day of judgment?
Questions
1. What makes our time so different from the past?
2. What happened in the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel during the reign of King
Ahab?
3. What effect did Baal worship have on God's people?
4. What did Jesus and his apostles foretell would happen among Christians, and
how has it been fulfilled?
5. How did Jehovah show loving concern for his wayward people?
6, 7. (a) How did Elijah expose the root cause of Israel's apostasy? (b) What
did the Baal prophets do? (c) What did Elijah do?
8. How did God respond to Elijah's prayer, and what action did the prophet take?
9. How were true worshippers still tested?
10. (a) In modern times, what have anointed Christians been doing? (b) What does
it mean to obey the command found at Revelation 18:4?
11. What is needed to have Jehovah's approval?
12. Into what dangerous condition have some baptized Christians slipped, and
what should they do?
13. Describe the situation in Israel when Jehu was anointed as king.
14, 15. What commission did Jehu receive, and how did he respond?
16. (a) What situation did Jezebel's court officials suddenly face? (b) How was
Jehovah's word about Jezebel fulfilled?
17. God's judgment upon Jezebel should strengthen our faith in what future
event?
18. After Jezebel's death, what happened to Baal worshippers in Israel?
19. What grand prospect awaits the "great crowd" of Jehovah's loyal worshippers?