So my old man and I went hunting the other day (he used to be a PO, and myself an MS), and eventually the conversation came around to JW (he detests them after the fucked him over royal). We start talking about Jesus, and how the WTS changes the comma when the Bible says that Jesus told the thief, "Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise". However is aware that the Greek had no punctuation and it probably should have the comma before "today". Then my father made an interesting comment that I NEVER thought of. He said, "why does the WTS harp on such trivial matters, and not see it for what it is? Jesus, who professed to be the son of god, could basically do as he pleased (within reason). After all he speaks of resurrection in the last days, but he offered a "freebie" to those within his time - he didn't have to resurrect anyone, but he did. The same is true with the thief. Why couldn't Jesus, the son of god, be so impressed with this mans faith that he gave him a "freebie" and granted him heavenly life? Why would that be so hard to comprehend - if he is the son of god?" After my father said these things I really must admit that I never thought of it that way. I think the problem is that we tend to read the words, instead of feel the words. Although I don't believe in the bible or Christianity, I must admit it was a thought provoking question.
Jesus, the Cross, and the Thief
by sinis 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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bigmouth
You mean like doing a 'one off' job?
Actually, that could change the meaning of a number of Bible events. It could mean that some things that are viewed as prophetic patterns or types and antitypes could just be 'an event', nothing more!
Cooool idea. -
Lady Liberty
Dear Sinus,
Good reasoning!! I agree! The problem is the JWs have had to add a "comma" in order for the scriptures to seem to support their teaching that Jesus did not recieve his Kingship until 1914. If they left the comma out, like it read originally, it would seem to indicate that Jesus was going to be in his Kingdom immediatly following his death!
Also, they don't believe in salvation based on faith. They believe it has to be worked for. So since the guy didn't have a chance to "knock on doors" in their opinion, he couln't possibly recieve a "freebie" because he didn't work for it. They are so screwed up!!
Recently my Mother, an exJW, gave me a print out of all the places she could find in the Bible where it speaks of "works". Every place was speaking of doing good..not the kind of works the JWs pound in your head...meetings, hours in service...etc. It certainly is a eye opener for anyone who still believes that their salvation is based on their meeting attendance or hourly report!
JWs just cannot comprehend that love of God and neighbor, the two commands Jesus gave his followers, would move them to do "good works" for God and neighbor. The message is so simple..one of faith and love..that most JWs miss it all together! That is why so many are on depression medication, because they feel like they could never possibly "earn" salvation! I am so glad I am out from under that HEAVY YOKE! Indeed Jesus message is light and refreshing!
Sincerely,
Lady Liberty
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buffalosrfree
they always change wording and punctuation to suit their needs and their own particular take on things. they like to take minutia (spelling) and make a mountain out of it. (i.e. mountain out of an molehill) so to speak. I don't use the NWT and thats probably why I don't get asked to read scriptures
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Liberty
The Watch Tower salvation plan is simply not Biblical nor does it mirror or represent any Biblical examples as your observation proves. I don't even believe in the Bible anymore but for those who do I think it is important to note just how off track the JWs really are. The WTB&TS conversion/baptism requirements are completely against Bible examples where on numerous occasions converts were convinced and baptized on the spot the same day WITHOUT any study questions, meetings, and field service.
The Watch Tower Society also tries to use the Noah/Flood story as an example to compare to their big "A" interpretation. Read the account straight from the Bible without the Watch Tower's extra speculations and it becomes clear that the destruction of all humans is a foregone conclusion predertermined by God with NO preaching work by Noah and NO provision in the Ark to save any converts. Noah is saved based only upon his covenent (grace) with God and Noah's family is saved NOT by working out their own salvation or even being judged good by God but saved only as a favor to Noah as a part of his covenent. Even the Ark building is not a "work" which saves Noah since God has already made His promise of salvation before it's construction.
Obviously, as you pointed out, the thief could not have worked for his salvation in those final hours on the cross but was saved only by faith and Christ's grace.