One of the main teachings of Pastor Russell was that all would be enlightened with a knowledge of God's Truth before they are placed on trial and judged for their final destiny.
For the majority of mankind this would be when they are raised from the dead at the time of the general resurrection. Their final judgment would be based on their conduct while enlightened and not on their conduct while in ignorance. This teaching separated Pastor Russell's Bible Students from all other religious groups,"Jehovah's Witnesses" as well.
Pastor Russell taught a future probation because millions have died and continue to die without hearing the Gospel. Of those that hear, uncertainty and confusion exists in their minds because Churchianity of today is burdened with contradictory beliefs and teachings.
"Jehovah's Witnesses" see no further probation for any of the present generation who do not subscribe to their teachings - which means that a large percentage of the world's population is to perish eternally in Armageddon.
In this respect their views are less generous than most established Churches. They not only see no hope for those who live today, who do not subscribe to their teachings, but they entertain no hope for a large percentage of the millions who have gone into the grave since the creation of man. For example, those of Sodom, Samaria, Gomorrah, etc., - they believe those people perished eternally, with no hope for a resurrection, while Pastor Russell pointed to the Scriptures, such as Ezek. 16:55, where it declares that these are all going to return to their "former estate." And God, in Matt. 10:15, confirms this thought when He said, "It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city" - (speaking of the Jews) Thus Jehovah pointed forward to a day of judgment for those people who died centuries ago. And again it says, in Acts 17:31 that, "He has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness."
The "Jehovah's Witnesses" deny that Adam will ever have a resurrection, while the Scriptures plainly state that Jesus Christ tasted death "for every man." Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2: 5,6. Pastor Russell pointed out these Scriptures and many others such as 1 Cor. 15: 22, - "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Also Hosea 13:14, --"I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: 0 death, I will be thy plagues; 0 grave, I will be thy destruction."
Pastor Russell taught, according to the Scriptures, that now is "the day of salvation" for those who are to be the Bride of Christ, the Little Flock; and that another day - a day of salvation is awaiting mankind in general, in the Millennial Age -"the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:21)
This view broke with the concept of salvation current in his day. At that time nearly all evangelists taught a literal hell of torment for those who did not accept Christ in this life. They felt hell-fire threats were necessary to restrain evil and, if need be, to bring salvation by fear. Many theologians have since broadened their concept of salvation beyond this life, but "Jehovah's Witnesses" hold strongly to the position that those who reject their message are rejecting salvation. Contrary to our Lord's Word, every "Jehovah's Witness" becomes a missionary of life or death, using the fear of eternal destruction or second death, as their final appeal.
Interesting to contemplate when/where/why the change from Russell's view to Rutherford's view.
My guess is that Russell was a kind man and Rutherford a vindicative one.
Your opinion?