Comments You Will Not Hear at the 6-18-06 WT Study (April 15, 2006 issue date, pages 27-31)(KING)
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
jv = Proclaimers book
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)
LOYALLY SERVING CHRIST THE KING
"To him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples,national groups and languages should all serve even him.'-DANIEL 7:14.
Opening Comments
First, while Daniel 7 is a prophecy about the Messiah, is that the only scripture to pick; why not an NT scripture that actually uses Jesus' name?
Also, in this article note how many scripture snippets there are and cited scriptures. How many complete verses let alone context do you think the average JW reads?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) How do we know that Christ did not assume full Kingdom power in 33 C.E.?
1) What ruler could give his life for his subjects yet live again to rule as
king? What king could live on earth, building trust and loyalty in his subjects, and then rule from heaven? The only person who could do this-and more-is Jesus Christ. (Luke 1: 32, 33) At Pentecost 33 C.E., after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, God "made him head over all things to the congregation." (Ephesians 1:20-22; Acts 2: 32-36) Christ thus began to rule but in a limited sense. His initial subjects were spirit-anointed Christians, who made up spiritual Israel, "the Israel of God."-Galatians 6:16; Colossians 1:13.
Pentecost 33 C.E....God "made him head over all things to the congregation"...Christ began to rule but in a limited sense
But what about this scripture?
(Matthew 28:18) And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: "All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.
The WTS even cross references this to Daniel 7:14 or Ephesians 1:21 (not quoted in the paragraph)
(Ephesians 1:21)far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come.
So how limited was it?
*** it-2 p. 61 Jesus Christ ***
Following his resurrection, Jesus informed his disciples, "All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth," thereby showing that he heads a government of universal domain. (Mt 28:18)
spirit-anointed Christians--only JWs
(5 cited scriptures, 2 snippets)
2) Almost 30 years after that Pentecost in 33 C.E., the apostle Paul confirmed that Christ had not yet taken full Kingdom power, but he was "at the right hand of God, from then on awaiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet." (Hebrews 10:12, 13) Then, near the end of the first century C.E., the aged apostle John foresaw in a vision the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah, installing Christ Jesus as King of the newborn heavenly Kingdom. (Revelation 11:15; 12: 1-5) From our vantage point in history, we can review the overwhelming evidence confirming that Christ began to rule as Messianic King in heaven in 1914.* (Footnote: * See Reasoning From the Scriptures, "Why do Jehovah's Witnesses say that God's Kingdom was established in 1914?" pages 95-7, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.)
Paul confirmed that Christ had not yet taken full Kingdom power...right hand
On what basis to we have to believe that Jesus is not still ruling at God's right hand? With Satan and his supporters, earthly and heavenly, still alive and on the loose today, does Jesus exercise "full Kingdom power" since 1914 as the WTS teaches? Or has he had all power since 33 C.E.?
Overwhelming evidence...See Reasoning From the Scriptures...pages 95-7
Where is the overwhelming evidence from the Bible itself...not a Bible crutch?
Alternative information
http://corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/part-1-summary.html
The WTS taught that Christ began reigning in 1878.
*** jv chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King.
(2 cited scriptures, 1 snippet)
Q3) (a) The good news of the Kingdom has taken on what new aspect since 1914? (b) What questions can we ask ourselves?
3) Yes, since 1914 the good news of the Kingdom has taken on a thrilling new aspect. Christ has actively been ruling as King of God's heavenly Kingdom, although "in the midst of [his] enemies." (Psalm 110:1, 2; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 12:7-12) Moreover, throughout the earth, his loyal subjects are responding eagerly to his authority by participating in a global Bible education program unequaled in mankind's history. (Daniel 7: 13,14; Matthew 28:18) Spirit-anointed Christians, "sons of the kingdom," serve as "ambassadors substituting for Christ." They are loyally supported by a flourishing throng of Christ's "other sheep," who function as envoys of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 13:38; 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 10:16) Even so, we need to analyze whether we as individuals truly recognize Christ's authority. Are we unflinchingly loyal to him? How can we show loyalty to a King who rules in heaven? Let us first discuss, though, what reasons we have for being loyal to Christ.
Christ has actively been ruling as King of....Kingdom
Can you rule inactively?
his loyal subjects--only JWs
global Bible education program unequaled in mankind's history
Sort of ignores all the Mormons, Baptists, etc., and missionary programs in the world
spirit-anointed Christians (only JWs)--ambassadors"other sheep"--envoys (secondary to ambassadors)
unflinchingly loyal to him (Christ) = loyal to WTS
Where is Jesus in these statements?
*** w02 4/1 p. 28 Stay Awake, Move Ahead Courageously! ***
Are we going to remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization? 'We will have to display such loyalty as individuals,' noted Brother Jaracz.
*** w02 11/1 p. 21 We Stuck to Our Assignment ***
I was struck by their zeal and loyalty to Jehovah and his organization.
*** w01 10/1 p. 22 What Does It Mean to Be Loyal? ***
Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization. Necessarily, over the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding of certain scriptures.
*** w97 8/1 p. 8 par. 3 Serving Loyally With Jehovah's Organization ***
Expect that Satan will try to undermine your loyalty to Jehovah and to His earthly organization.
*** w97 9/15 p. 31 Aristarchus-A Loyal Companion ***
Nevertheless, similar loyalty to Christ's spiritual brothers and to Jehovah's organization is necessary for all those in the Christian congregation today.
(put the phrase "loyal to Christ" in the WT-CD and see how often it pops up)
(8 cited scriptures, 4 snippets)
A King Who Inspires Loyalty
Q4) What did Jesus accomplish as King-Designate during his earthly ministry?
4) Our loyalty to Christ is founded on appreciation for what he did as well as for his outstanding qualities. (1 Peter 1:8) While on earth, Jesus as
King-Designate displayed on a small scale what he will do as reigning King on a global scale in God's due time. He fed the hungry. He healed the sick, the blind, the disabled, the deaf, and the speechless. He even brought some dead individuals back to life. (Matthew 15:30, 31; Luke 7:11-16; John 6:5-13) Additionally, having knowledge of Jesus' life on earth enables us to get to know his qualities as earth's future Ruler-most notably his self-sacrificing love. (Mark 1:40-45) In this connection, Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly said: "Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires, but upon what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his kingdom upon love, and at this day millions of men would die for him."
in God's due time--ambiguous phrase that allows the WTS to be very flexible to predicting when that will happen.........soon, very soon, very soon now
Napoleon quote:
http://www.web-books.com/Classics/Nonfiction/History/Napoleon_Abbott/Napoleon_AbbottP26.htm
("loyalty to Christ" WT-CD how many times? 9 times)
(5 cited scriptures)
Q5) Why was Jesus' personality so appealing?
5) Because Jesus was mild-tempered and lowly in heart, those who were weighed down with pressures and burdens were refreshed by his upbuilding teachings and kind personality. (Matthew 11:28-30) Children were at ease with him. Humble, discerning men eagerly became his disciples. (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 10:13-16) His considerate and respectful manner won him the loyalty of many God-fearing women, a number of whom contributed their time, effort, and material possessions to care for him as he performed his ministry.-Luke 8:1-3.
mild-tempered and lowly in heart...refreshed
Are elders lowly in heart if they think they are lower than Christ or lower than the sheep?
men eagerly became his disciples...women...care for him as he performed his ministry
Do you see a pattern here...men are disciples, women are caretakers, they contribute their material possessions.
(4 cited scriptures)
Q6) What tender emotions did Jesus reveal when Lazarus died?
6) Christ revealed some of his most tender feelings when his dear friend Lazarus died. He was so deeply moved by Mary and Martha's anguish that he could not restrain a grief-stricken groan, and he "gave way to tears." He "became troubled"--agitated by great heartache and sorrow-even though he knew that he was shortly going to bring Lazarus back to life. Then, moved by love and compassion, Jesus exercised his God-given authority and raised Lazarus from the dead. -John 11:11-15, 33-35, 38-44.
tender emotions...tears
How often have you seen an elder cry at a funeral?
Just because Jesus showed emotion and elders or the rank and file call them Christians, don't assume these emotions dwell in them.
Actions speak louder than words.
(1 cited scripture, 2 snippets)
Q7) Why is Jesus worthy of our loyalty? (See also box on page 31.)
7) We stand in awe of Jesus' strong love for what was right and his abhorrence of hypocrisy and wickedness. Twice he took bold action to clear the temple of greedy merchants. (Matthew 21:12, 13; John 2:14-17) Furthermore, as a human on earth, he was exposed to all kinds of adversity, giving him firsthand insight into the pressures and problems that we face. (Hebrews 5:7-9) Jesus also knew what it was like to be the victim of hatred and injustice. (John 5:15-18; 11:53, 54; 18:38-19:16) Ultimately, he courageously submitted to a brutal death to accomplish his Father's will and give his subjects everlasting life. (John 3: 16) Do such qualities of Christ not move you to continue serving him loyally? (Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 5:6-10) But what is required to be a subject of Christ
the King?
Love for what was right and his abhorrence of hypocrisy and wickedness...clear the temple
What do you think he would have done if he found the WTS associating as a non-governmental organization with the UN, the WTS described scarlet-colored wild beast, God's enemy?
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
all kinds of adversity...firsthand insight...pressures and problems we face
Do the elders show that kind of insight? Or is it pray more, go to more meetings, I don't have those kind of problems.
Victim of hatred and injustice--Jesus found this among his own people his fellow believers...have you found the same?
Does the rank and file say they will die for you but won't live for you?
Does serving Christ loyally mean you have to serve the WTS loyally?
(9 cited scriptures)
Box on page 31: MORE OF CHRIST'S OUTSTANDING QUALITIES
Impartiality-John 4:7-30.
Compassion-Matthew 9:35-38; 12:18-21; Mark 6:30-34.
Self-sacrificing love-John 13:1; 15:12-15.
Loyalty-Matthew 4:1-11; 28:20; Mark 11:15-18.
Empathy-Mark 7:32-35; Luke 7:11-15; Hebrews 4:15,16.
Reasonableness-Matthew 15:21-28. (End box)
Qualifying to Be a Subject
Q8) What is required of subjects of Christ?
8) Think of this comparison: Becoming a citizen of another country usually
entails meeting certain basic qualifications. Prospective citizens may be
required to be of good character and to meet certain health standards.
Similarly, subjects of Christ need to maintain high standards of morality and
good spiritual health.-1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-23.
Citizen of another country
Does the WTS think of the "other sheep" as citizens?
(Philippians 3:20) 20 As for us, our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which place also we are eagerly waiting for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
(Ephesians 2:19-22) 19 Certainly, therefore, YOU are no longer strangers and alien residents, but YOU are fellow citizens of the holy ones and are members of the household of God, 20 and YOU have been built up upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone. 21 In union with him the whole building, being harmoniously joined together, is growing into a holy temple for Jehovah. 22 In union with him YOU, too, are being built up together into a place for God to inhabit by spirit.
(2 cited scriptures)
Q9) How can we show that we are loyal to Christ?
9) Jesus Christ also rightly requires that his subjects are loyal to him and his Kingdom. They show such loyalty by living in harmony with what he taught when he was on earth as King-Designate. For instance, they put Kingdom interests and God's will ahead of material concerns. (Matthew 6:31-34) They also earnestly try to reflect a Christlike personality, even under the most trying circumstances. (1 Peter 2:21-23) Further, Christ's subjects follow his example by taking the initiative to do good to others.-Matthew 7:12; John 13: 3-17.
Blurb on page 29: By showing love for one another, we loyally submit to "the law of the Christ"
loyal to Christ = loyal to WTS
show such loyalty by living in harmony with what he taught
as interpreted by the WTS
put Kingdom interests and God's will ahead of material concerns
Translation: no higher education and give all your money to the WTS, don't spend it on recreation
taking the initiative to do good to others
Translation: spend time "placing" WT publications with the poor and hungry, give your money to the WTS
(4 cited scriptures)
Q10) How can loyalty to Christ be displayed in (a) the family and (b) the congregation?
10) Jesus' followers also show their loyalty to him by reflecting his qualities
in the family. For instance, husbands show loyalty to their heavenly King by the Christlike way they treat their wives and children. (Ephesians 5: 25, 28-30; 6:4; 1 Peter 3:7) Wives show loyalty to Christ by chaste conduct and by displaying "the quiet and mild spirit." (1 Peter 3: 1-4; Ephesians 5:22-24)
Children are loyal to Christ when they follow his example of obedience. As a youth, Jesus remained subject to his parents, even though they were imperfect. (Luke 2:51, 52; Ephesians 6:1) Christ's subjects loyally endeavor to imitate him by "showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection" and by being "tenderly compassionate." They strive to be like Christ, "humble in mind, not paying back injury for injury or reviling for reviling."-1 Peter 3:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 11:1.
husbands...Christlike way they treat their wives and children
No abuse, verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual
Wives...chaste conduct...quiet and mild
Don't men have to be chaste, quiet and mild?
Children...obedience...parents...though they were imperfect
Is pedophilia just an imperfection?
Christ's subjects (only JWs)...brotherly affection...compassionate...humble in mind...not paying back
In my experience, less than 1% exhibited these qualities.
(9 cited scriptures, 4 snippets)
Law-Abiding Subjects
Q11) To which laws do Christ's subjects submit themselves?
11 Just as prospective citizens of a country abide by the laws of their new
land, Christ's subjects submit themselves to "the law of the Christ" by
harmonizing their lives with all that Jesus taught and commanded. (Galatians 6:2) In particular, they loyally live by "the kingly law" of love. (James 2:8) What do these laws involve?
prospective citizens
When does the WTS teach that JWs become full-fledged citizens; the anointed upon death and resurrection to heaven, the rest not until the end of the 1,000 year reign.
(2 scriptures, 2 snippets)
Q12, 13) How do we loyally submit to "the law of the Christ"?
12) Christ's subjects are not free of imperfections and failings. (Romans 3:23) Hence, they need to keep cultivating "unhypocritical brotherly affection" so as to "love one another intensely from the heart." (1 Peter 1: 22) "If anyone has a cause for complaint against another," Christians loyally apply the law of the Christ by "putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely." Obeying this law helps them to keep overlooking imperfections and to find reasons to love one another. Do you not appreciate being with those who in loyal submission to our loving King clothe themselves with love, the "perfect bond of union"?-Colossians 3: 13, 14.
Christ's subjects (only JWs) are not free of imperfections and failings
Translation: Any mistakes the WTS made don't count.
If anyone has cause for complaint
Translation: If your father (or some other authority JW) is sexually molesting you, you must overlook it and forgive them, especially if there aren't 2 eyewitnesses.
13) Furthermore, Jesus explained that the love he exemplified went beyond the love people commonly show for one another. (John 13:34, 35) If we love only those who love us, we would not be doing any "extraordinary thing." In that case our love would be incomplete and defective. Jesus urged us to imitate his Father's love by having principled love even for enemies who hate and persecute us. (Matthew 5:46-48) This love also moves subjects of the Kingdom to persevere loyally in their main work. What is that?
went beyond the love people commonly show....if we only love those who love us...
I can remember an elder telling me that loving others less was okay because Jesus loved John more than the other apostles.
He missed the point that the other 11 were not aware of it based on Jesus' treatment of them or they would not have been arguing about who was the greatest.
(2 cited scriptures, 1 snippet)
Loyalty Put to the Test
Q14) Why is the preaching work so important?
14) Subjects of God's Kingdom now have the crucial work of "bearing thorough witness concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 28: 23) Doing so is vital because the Messianic Kingdom will vindicate Jehovah's universal sovereignty. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) When we preach the good news, hearers have the opportunity to become subjects of God's Kingdom. Further, the way people react to that message provides a touchstone, or standard, against which Christ the King can judge mankind. (Matthew 24:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Hence, a prime way in which we show our loyalty to Christ is by obeying his command to tell others about the Kingdom. -Matthew 28:18-20.
subjects of God's Kingdom (only JWs)--notice how the WTS switches back and forth from God's Kingdom to the Messianic Kingdom
vindicate...universal sovereignty---for many years the WTS preached vindicate God's name; this stopped around 1987 and was replaced with the sovereignty concept.
opportunity to become subjects of God's Kingdom (become JWs)
touchstone...against which Christ can judge
The WTS taught for many years that this judging had already been going on. In 1995, the changed that and said that the judging would not take place until Christ came at the beginning of the great tribulation but then after so many complaints from the rank and file the adjusted it in 1997.
*** w95 10/15 p. 22 par. 23 How Will You Stand Before the Judgment Seat? ***
If we analyze Jesus' activity in the parable, we observe him finally judging all the nations. The parable does not show that such judging would continue over an extended period of many years, as if every person dying during these past decades were judged worthy of everlasting death or everlasting life. It seems that the majority who have died in recent decades have gone to mankind's common grave. (Revelation 6:8; 20:13)
*** w97 7/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
However, the fact that the separation of people to life or to death mentioned at Matthew 25:32 is yet future does not mean that no separating, or dividing, occurs before that.
(5 cited scriptures, 1 snippet)
Q15) Why does the loyalty of Christians come under test?
15) Of course, Satan resists the preaching work in any way he can, and human rulers do not acknowledge Christ's God-given authority. (Psalm 2:1-3, 6-8) Hence, Jesus warned his disciples: "A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20) Christ's followers, therefore, find themselves in a spiritual warfare that puts their loyalty to the test.-2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6: 10-12.
Christians--only JWs
human rules do not acknowledge Christ's God-given authority--I bet Bush and others would be surprised to hear that.
Christ's followers--only JWs
All JWs are told that if they are a good JW they will be persecuted.
*** w04 8/15 p. 12 par. 3 Hated Without Cause ***
Further, the apostle Paul wrote that all of God's servants-including each one of us-should expect to be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12)
(4 cited scriptures, 1 snippet)
Q16) How do subjects of the Kingdom pay back "God's things to God"?
16) Nevertheless, subjects of God's Kingdom remain loyal to their invisible King without disrespecting human authorities. (Titus 3:1, 2) Jesus stated: "Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God." (Mark 12:13-17) Christ's subjects, therefore, obey governmental laws that do not conflict with God's laws. (Romans 13:1-7) However, when the Jewish high court went against God's laws by ordering Jesus' disciples to stop preaching, they firmly but respectfully said that they had to "obey God as ruler rather than men."-Acts 1:8; 5:27-32.
subjects of God's Kingdom--only JWs
What about neutrality? Wasn't associating as a non-governmental organization with the UN for 10 years a conflict with God's laws?
Will JWs stop preaching to you if you ask them to?
Obey God as ruler rather than men--which means that God comes first, WTS second.
(5 cited scriptures, 2 snippets)
Q17) Why can we face tests of loyalty with courage?
17) Naturally, it takes much courage for Christ's subjects to remain loyal to
their King in the face of persecution. Nevertheless, Jesus said: "Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens." (Matthew 5:11, 12) The early followers of Christ experienced the truthfulness of those words. Even when they were flogged for continuing to preach about the Kingdom, they rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name. And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus." (Acts 5: 41, 42) You are to be commended, as you show the same spirit of loyalty when you endure hardships, sickness, bereavement, or opposition.-Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 13:6.
Blurb on page 31: Do Christ's qualities move you to serve him loyally?
Christ's subjects--only JWs
Happy are you...persecute you...lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you...
And that is only your fellow JWs; we haven't even considered those outside.
house to house---how does the WTS translate that Greek phrase; the same in all places?
(4 scriptures, 2 snippets)
Q18) What do Jesus' words to Pontius Pilate indicate?
18) When he was still King-Designate, Jesus explained to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate: "My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source." (John 18: 36) Subjects of the heavenly Kingdom, therefore, neither take up arms against anyone nor take sides in any human conflict. In loyalty to the "Prince of Peace," they remain completely neutral in the partisan affairs of the world. -Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:6, 7.
My kingdom is no part of this world
Unless you are the WTS and decide to associate with the UN for 10 years as a non-governmental organization (see URL at beginning)
Subjects--only JWs
Neither take up arms ...nor take sides... completely neutral (unless...see UN)
Mexican cartillas (see Crisis of Conscience, Ray Franz)
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/12/31982/1.ashx
(3 scriptures, 2 snippets)
Everlasting Rewards for Loyal Subjects
Q19) Why can Christ's subjects look to the future with confidence?
19) Loyal subjects of Christ, the "King of kings," face the future with confidence. They eagerly anticipate his imminent demonstration of supernatural kingly power. (Revelation 19:11-20:3; Matthew 24:30) The remnant of loyal, spirit-anointed "sons of the kingdom" look forward to their priceless inheritance as kings with Christ in heaven. (Matthew 13:38; Luke 12:32) Christ's loyal "other sheep" keenly await their King's approving declaration: "Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the [earthly Paradise realm of the] kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world." (John 10:16; Matthew 25:34) Accordingly, may all subjects of the Kingdom be determined to continue loyally serving Christ the King.
loyal subjects--only JWs
THE DREADED BRACKETS, a device the WTS uses to add to the Bible in this case to "explain" how the great crowd with an "earthly hope" fits into this scripture (John 10:16).
"inherit the [earthly Paradise realm of the] kingdom prepared for you"
face the future with confidence...eagerly anticipate his imminent...look forward
soon...very soon...very soon now (92 years since 1914)
(6 scriptures, 3 snippets)
Can You Explain?
- Why does Christ the organization deserve our loyalty?
- How do Christ's the organization's subjects show their loyalty to it him?
- Why do we want to be loyal to the organization Christ the King?
Concluding Comments
So how many unquoted scriptures and snippets were there?
(80 unquoted scriptures, 27 snippets in 19 paragraphs; do you think the rank and file looked them all up? Did the WT conductor look them all up? Can you be sure they support the paragraph material? What is being studied, the WT or the Bible then?)
Does the WTS/GB/FDS equal "the Christ"?
(The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1906, page 81-82).
"Christ in You, the Hope of Glory"
"This is the great mystery of God which has been hidden from all previous ages, and is still hidden from all except a special class--the saints, or consecrated believers. But what is meant by "Christ in you?" We have learned that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38), and thus we recognize him to be the Christ--the anointed--for the word Christ signifies anointed. And the Apostle John says that the anointing which we (consecrated believers) have received abideth in us. (1 John 2:27) Thus the saints of this Gospel age are anointed company--anointed to be kings and priests unto God (2 Cor. 1:21; Peter 2:9 [sic]); and together with Jesus, their chief and Lord, they constitute Jehovah's Anointed--the Christ."
(Watchtower, 5/15/41, p. 156)...the IT ' means The Christ, the anointed of God, 'Christ meaning anointed .. The Christ is made of many members, yet they form one body ..
*** w52 2/15 p. 111 par. 37 The Memorial-Are You Entitled to Partake? ***
So to the wine-drinker the cup pictures the sufferings which the heavenly Father has poured like a potion for all the Christ company, the Head and the body.
SUMMATION:
LOYALTY TO CHRIST EQUALS LOYALTY TO THE WTS (GB/FDS)
Enjoy the weekend, everybody.
Love, Blondie (how our garden grows)