Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-26-09 WT Study (May 15, 2009, pages 21-25)(ANGELS SERVICE)
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THE ANGELS -"SPIRITS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE" ''Are they not all spirits for public service! sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?”--HEB. 1:14.
OPENING COMMENTS
Some sites to read in regard to WTS past and present teachings about angels:
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/review.html
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/medium.html
http://www.pnc.com.au/~fichrist/Spirit-guides.html
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/guided.html
QUOTE
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/guided.html
Starting in 1918, angels were used to help teach the remnant the Truth. These, to a large extent, replaced the Holy Spirit as the medium or channel through which Jehovah and Christ taught the remnant: After the holy spirit as an advocate or paraclete ceased to function in behalf of the consecrated, then the angels are employed in behalf of those who are being made ready for the kingdom. [39]
Instead of the servant's being moved into action by the operation of the holy spirit as a helper, the Scriptures seem to teach clearly that the Lord directs his angels what to do and that they act under the supervision of the Lord in directing the remnant on earth concerning the course of action to take. [40]
Since 1918 the angels of the Lord have had to do with showing the Ezekiel class the truth... [41]
Angelic information
Being under the direction of angels meant the remnant received information and organization instructions from angels.
In Rutherford's words:
Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it. [42]
These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instruction on to the remnant. [43]
... angels are delegated by the Lord to convey his instructions to the members of his organization on earth. Just how this is done is not necessary for us to understand. [44]
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What comfort can we draw from Matthew 18:10 and Hebrews 1:14?
JESUS CHRIST warned any who might stumble his followers: "See to it that you men do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 18:10) Referring to the righteous angels, the apostle Paul wrote: "Are they not all spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?" (Heb. 1:14) Those words are a comforting assurance that God uses these heavenly creatures to help humans. What does the Bible tell us about angels? How do they assist us? What can we learn from their examples?
COMMENTS
So who was Paul thinking of when he said "those who are going to inherit salvation"? Only anointed Christians per the WTS.
his followers--today only jws
What is Jesus talking about when he says "their angels" in regard to "these little ones"? Guardian angels.
Notice the keen WTS reasoning on this:
QUOTE
*** w76 8/15 p. 494 par. 11 Jehovah, a Helper Without Equal ***
(Matt. 18:10) Jesus’ words do not necessarily mean that each devoted Christian has a special guardian angel assigned to him.
Q 2, 3. What are some duties of heavenly spirit creatures?
2. There are millions of faithful angels in heaven. All of them are "mighty in power, carrying out his word." (Ps. 103:20; read Revelation 5:11.) These spirit sons of God have personality, divine qualities, and free will. They are superbly organized and have high positions in God's arrangement, the archangel being Michael (Jesus' heavenly name). (Dan. 10:13; Jude 9) This "firstborn of all creation" is "the Word, or Spokesman, of God and was used by Jehovah in making all other things.--Col.1:15-17; John 1:1-3.
COMMENTS
Where is the PROOF that there are millions of angels?
What are these DIVINE qualities?
What is free will per the WTS?
QUOTE
*** dg part 5 p. 11 par. 10 The Wonderful Gift of Free Will ***
So too with God’s gift of free will. Unlimited freedom would mean anarchy in society. There have to be laws to guide human activities. God’s Word says: “Behave like free men, and never use your freedom as an excuse for wickedness.” (1 Peter 2:16, JB) God wants free will to be regulated for the common good. He purposed for us to have, not total freedom, but relative freedom, subject to the rule of law.
COMMENTS
Where is the PROOF that Jesus is Michael?
3. Under the archangel are the seraphs who declare Jehovah's holiness and help to keep his people clean spiritually. There are also the cherubs who serve as upholders of his majesty. (Gen. 3:24; Isa. 6:1-3, 6, 7) Other angels, or messengers, have various duties in carrying out God's will.--Heb. 12:22, 23.
COMMENTS
How do the seraphs keep God's people clean spiritually?
What specifically do the cherubs do to "uphold" God's majesty?
What various duties do "other angles, or messengers" have?
Q 4. How did the angels react to the founding of the earth, and what could the proper exercise of free will have meant for humans?
4. All the angels rejoiced at the 'founding of the earth' and shared with delight in their assigned work as this unique jewel in space developed into mankind's home. (Job 38:4, 7) Jehovah created man "a little lower than angels" but in His "image," thus enabling humans to reflect the Creator's lofty qualities. (Heb. 2:7; Gen. 1:26) By exercising the gift of free will properly, Adam and Eve and their descendants could have enjoyed life in a paradise home as part of Jehovah's universal family of intelligent creatures.
COMMENTS
So the angels existed before the earth was created? Did they help in creation, "shared with delight in their assigned work"?
Were women created in God's image?
QUOTE
*** it-1 p. 1052 Head Covering ***
The man was created first, prior to the woman; the woman is “out of man” and was created “for the sake of the man.” Her qualities are an expression of the man’s honor and dignity, just as the man’s qualities are a reflection of the honor and dignity of God.
*** it-2 p. 782 Respect ***
A wife is rightly to manifest wholesome fear, or deep respect, for her husband as head of the family. (Eph 5:33) This harmonizes with the preeminence given to man in God’s arrangement. Man, not woman, was created first, and he is “God’s image and glory.” (1Co 11:7-9; 1Ti 2:11-13)
*** w72 7/15 p. 445 Woman’s Regard for Headship—How Demonstrated? ***
Woman, too, was created with these qualities. However, her position is different from that of the man. The Bible tells us: “[Man] is God’s image and glory; but the woman is man’s glory.” (1 Cor. 11:7) But why does not this text say that the woman also is God’s “image”? It should be remembered that man was created first and for some time was alone, being in God’s image by himself. The woman was made from the man and was to be subject to the man. The woman’s position thus is one that cannot reflect God’s position of headship toward his creatures, and it is this matter of headship that is discussed in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. Jehovah God is not subject to anyone. Unlike the woman, the man does not have an earthly head over him when it comes to matters relating to his wife and children. Hence in this respect he alone is “God’s image.” In other respects, of course, the woman shares with the man in reflecting the admirable and lovable qualities of God.
Q 5, 6. What revolt took place in heaven, and how did God respond?
5. Surely the holy angels must have been appalled when they witnessed the beginning of revolt in God's household. One from their midst was no longer content with praising Jehovah but desired to be worshipped. He made himself Satan (meaning "Resister") by challenging the rightfulness of Jehovah's rulership and by launching an ambitious attempt to set up a rival sovereignty. With the first recorded lie, Satan slyly induced the first human pair to join him in rebelling against their loving Creator.--Gen. 3:4, 5; John 8:44.
COMMENTS
MUST HAVE--speculation
"desire to be worshipped"--PROOF?
"slyly induced"--if Satan tricked Adam and Eve, why were they sentenced to death?
6. Jehovah quickly rendered judgment against Satan by stating in the first Bible prophecy: "I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel." (Gen. 3:15) Enmity would persist between Satan and God's "woman." Yes, Jehovah viewed the heavenly organization of faithful spirit creatures as a beloved wife bonded with him as Husband. This prophecy provided a sure basis for hope, although the details remained a "sacred secret" to be revealed progressively. God purposed that one from within the heavenly part of his organization would crush all rebels and that through him "the things in the heavens and the things on the earth" would be brought together.--Eph. 1:8-10.
COMMENTS
QUICKLY? rendered judgment--yet he is still here and yet to live at least 1,000 more years when he is finally executed per the WTS.
PROOF--woman in Genesis 3:15 is God's "heavenly organization of faithful spirit creatures"
Revealed progressively--has the revelation since the WTS set up in 1879 been progressive or has it regressed on many of its explanations?
FLIPFLOP--original statement--new statement--return to original statement; here are just 3.
Definition of superior authorities
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/superior-authorities.php
Whether people of Sodom and Gomorrah would be resurrected
http://www.cftf.com/comments/blinking.html
Can jws have organ transplants
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/medical.php#transplants
Q 7. What did some angels do in Noah's day, and with what consequence for them?
7. In Noah's day, a number of angels left their "proper dwelling place and materialized fleshly bodies in order to pursue selfish pleasure on earth. (Jude 6; Gen. 6:1-4) Jehovah cast those rebels into dense darkness, and they thus joined Satan in becoming "wicked spirit forces" and vicious foes of God's servants.--Eph. 6:11-13; 2 Pet. 2:4.
COMMENTS
How many angels does the WTS say left heaven at that time? 1/3 or was it 1/3 that left altogether?
QUOTE
*** Revelation Climax book chap. 27 p. 179 par. 9 God’s Kingdom Is Born! ***
The dragon has authority also in the spirit realm. With his tail, he “drags a third of the stars of heaven.” Stars can represent angels. (Job 38:7) Mention of “a third” would emphasize that a considerable number of angels have been misled by Satan. Once these came under his control, there was no escape for them. They could not return to God’s holy organization. They became demons, dragged along, as it were, by Satan their king, or ruler. (Matthew 12:24) Satan also cast them down to the earth. This no doubt refers to Noah’s day before the Flood, when Satan induced the disobedient sons of God to go down to earth and cohabit with the daughters of men. As a punishment, these “angels that sinned” have been thrown by God into the prisonlike condition called Tartarus.—Genesis 6:4; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6.
COMMENTS
Note that the WTS says that "a third" is "a considerable number" not exact; but more interestingly they say this NO DOUBT "refers to Noah's day before the Flood" since the BIBLE DOES NOT SAY. It is possible that other angels deserted heaven after that time because the bible does not say.
God's servants--since 1879 only members of the WTS known as jws since 1931
How Do Angels Assist Us?
Q 8, 9. How has Jehovah used angels to assist humans?
8. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, Jesus, Peter, John, and Paul are among those who were ministered to by angels. Righteous angels executed God's judgments and transmitted prophecies and directions, including the Mosaic Law. (2 Ki. 19:35; Dan. 10:5, 11, 14; Acts 7:53; Rev. 1:1) Since we now have the complete Word of God, angels may not need to convey divine messages. (2 Tim. 3:16,17) Behind the scenes, however, the angels are very busy carrying out God's will and supporting his servants.
COMMENTS
So no women were minstered by angels?
Not Mary, Jesus' mother?
Not Hagar?
QUOTE
(Luke 1:26-33) . . .In her sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent forth from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David’s house; and the name of the virgin was Mary. 28 And when he went in before her he said: “Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you.” 29 But she was deeply disturbed at the saying and began to reason out what sort of greeting this might be. 30 So the angel said to her: “Have no fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God; 31 and, look! you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you are to call his name Jesus. 32 This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, 33 and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.”
(Genesis 16:7-12) 7 Later Jehovah’s angel found her at a fountain of waters in the wilderness, at the fountain on the way to Shur. 8 And he began to say: “Hagar, maidservant of Sarai, just where have you come from and where are you going?” To this she said: “Why, from Sarai my mistress I am running away.” 9 And Jehovah’s angel went on to say to her: “Return to your mistress and humble yourself under her hand.” 10 Then Jehovah’s angel said to her: “I shall greatly multiply your seed, so that it will not be numbered for multitude.” 11 Further Jehovah’s angel added to her: “Here you are pregnant, and you shall give birth to a son and must call his name Ishmael; for Jehovah has heard your affliction. 12 As for him, he will become a zebra of a man. His hand will be against everyone, and the hand of everyone will be against him; and before the face of all his brothers he will tabernacle.”
COMMENTS
So "since we now have the complete Word of God, angels may not need to convey divine messages" hedges the WTS bets since some prominent jws have thought that divine messages were being conveyed to them through angels.
angels MAY NOT
QUOTE
"In recent months the Lord has revealed to his people a clearer understanding of the Devil's organization, and of his purpose to wreck that wicked system that the people may have complete deliverance. This message he has been pleased to permit to appear in a book entitled DELIVERANCE. Has not God provided this instrument in the hands of the anointed class? Let those who so believe carefully study the message therein and be prepared to use it" Watchtower 1926 August 15 p.248
"God uses angels to teach His people now on earth." The Golden Age 1933 Nov. 8 p.69
"Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah... and is given to the faithful anointed.... the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones." Preparation p.64
"No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people." Watchtower 1936 Feb. 15 p.52
"Judge Rutherford couldn't write these things unless he were used of God". Golden Age 1935 Oct. 23 p.50
9. The Bible assures us: "The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them." (Ps. 34:7; 91:11) Because of the issue of integrity, Jehovah permits Satan to bring all sorts of trials upon us. (Luke 21:16-19) However, God knows the point beyond which a test would prove nothing more as far as our integrity to him is concerned. (Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.) Angels are ever alert to intervene according to God's will. They rescued Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, and Peter but did not prevent the deaths of Stephen and James at enemy hands. (Dan. 3:17, 18, 28; 6:22; Acts 7:59, 60; 12:1-3, 7, 11) The circumstances and issues were different. Similarly, some of our brothers in Nazi concentration camps were executed, whereas Jehovah saw to it that most of them survived.
COMMENTS
Angels rescue us but not all. Many jws interpret that only the truly worthy survive forgetting that Stephen and James weren't protected. How often has the WTS brought up that point? What does the WTS mean that circumstances and issues were different? The WTS teaches that it is only important that THE GROUP survive not individuals.
No sisters died in the camps?
QUOTE
*** w07 5/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
In 1935 the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-15 was understood to be made up of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, who would appear on the world scene in “the last days” and who as a group would survive Armageddon.
*** w07 12/15 p. 24 par. 11 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed ***
Yet, we are convinced that Jehovah will preserve his people as a group and look out for their welfare.
*** w05 12/15 p. 22 par. 13 Whom Do You Obey—God or Men? ***
But the Nazis failed to break the Witnesses’ resolve to worship God alone, and they failed to eliminate God’s servants as a group.
*** w03 8/15 p. 23 par. 18 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? ***
As we walk with God, he delivers us from Satan’s world, guides us by means of his Word and his organization, and protects us as a group when we are under attack by opposers.
Q 10. In addition to angelic help, what assistance may we receive?
10. The Scriptures do not teach that each person on earth has a guardian angel. We pray in confidence that "no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, [God] hears us." (1 John 5:14) Of course, Jehovah could send an angel to assist us, but help may come in a different manner. Fellow Christians may be motivated to provide help and comfort. God may give us the wisdom and inner strength needed to cope with" a thorn in the flesh" that afflicts us as if we were being slapped by "an angel of Satan." --2 Cor. 12: 7-10; 1 Thess. 5:14.
COMMENTS
"Scriptures do not teach that each person on earth has a guardian angel" but Jesus said, "their angels." The WTS says DO NOT NECESSARILY MEAN.....APPARENTLY.
[God] COULD send a angel.....COME IN A DIFFERENT MANNER, what manner?
Fellow Christians--only jws
MAY give us the wisdom--so it is doubtful?
QUOTE
(Matthew 18:10) See to it that YOU men do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell YOU that their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
*** w76 8/15 p. 494 par. 11 Jehovah, a Helper Without Equal ***
(Matt. 18:10) Jesus’ words do not necessarily mean that each devoted Christian has a special guardian angel assigned to him. But apparently angels are looking out for the spiritual welfare of true Christians as a whole.
Imitate Jesus
Q 11. How were angels used to help Jesus, and what did he accomplish by remaining faithful to God?
11. Consider how Jehovah used angels in the case of Jesus. They announced his birth and resurrection and ministered to him when he was on earth. The angels could have prevented his arrest and cruel death. Instead, however, an angel was sent to strengthen him. (Matt. 28:5, 6; Luke 2:8-11; 22:43) In accord with Jehovah's purpose, Jesus died a sacrificial death and furnished proof that a perfect man can maintain integrity to God despite being tested to the limit. Jehovah therefore resurrected Jesus to immortal heavenly life, giving him" all authority" and making angels subject to him. (Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:32; 1 Pet. 3:22) Jesus thus proved to be the principal part of the "seed" of God's "woman."-Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:16.
COMMENTS
If God used angels in the case of Jesus, why no mention of them ministering to a woman, Mary? COULD HAVE...but it was supposed to be necessary for Jesus to die; why would the angels have interfered with that? Is the WTS saying that jws have to die like Jesus needed to? Is there some ransom that we need to fulfill? Aren't jws told that the majority can hope to live into the "new system" without seeing death?
QUOTE
*** w07 2/1 p. 21 par. 19 Jehovah Is an Appreciative God ***
Of course, Jesus’ love for his anointed followers is also extended toward his loyal “other sheep,” millions of whom now make up the prospective “great crowd . . . out of all nations,” who will survive the coming “great tribulation.”
Q12. In what way can we imitate Jesus' balanced example?
12. Jesus knew that it was wrong for him to put Jehovah to the test by expecting angels to rescue him if he were to engage in reckless behavior. (Read Matthew 4:5-7.) So let us imitate Jesus' example by living with "soundness of mind", not taking unnecessary risks, yet facing persecution confidently. --Titus 2:12.
COMMENTS
Then should jws expect God to rescue them? But they do, even praying for God's protection. What does the WTS consider reckless behavior today? Is snowboarding taking an "unnecessary" risk?
Parachuting
Race car driving
Hang gliding
Mountain climbing
Bungee jumping
Bullfighting
Running of the bulls
Rock climbing
What We Can Learn From the Faithful Angels
Q 13. What can we learn from the example of the righteous angels mentioned at 2 Peter 2:9-11?
13. In reproving those who "speak abusively" of Jehovah’s anointed servants, the apostle Peter points to the fine example of the righteous angels. Although they have great power, the angels humbly refrain from making judgmental accusations "out of respect for Jehovah" (Read 2 Peter 2:9-11.) Let us also keep free from improper judging, respect those entrusted with oversight in the congregation, and leave matters in the hands of Jehovah, the Supreme Judge.--Rom. 12:18, 19; Heb.13:17.
COMMENTS
Reproving THOSE (who?) who "speak abusively" of whom, who are "Jehovah's anointed servants" only jws. What is "improper judging"? Did Paul fail to correct Peter because he was one of the original twelve, given the keys of the kingdom; did Paul leave it it God's hands? Was the WTS/FDS entrusted with oversight as they say in 1919 when they were still using the cross on the cover of the WT, celebrating birthdays and Christmas, teaching that the presence of Jesus occurred in 1874 (not 1914), and were using pyramids to determine Bible chronology, Babylonish doctrines and practices per the WTS?
How was one "anointed servant" corrected? Not by angels but by a fellow Christian.
QUOTE
(Galatians 2:11-14) 11 However, when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him face to face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before the arrival of certain men from James, he used to eat with people of the nations; but when they arrived, he went withdrawing and separating himself, in fear of those of the circumcised class. 13 The rest of the Jews also joined him in putting on this pretense, so that even Barnabas was led along with them in their pretense. 14 But when I saw they were not walking straight according to the truth of the good news, I said to Cephas before them all: “If you, though you are a Jew, live as the nations do, and not as Jews do, how is it that you are compelling people of the nations to live according to Jewish practice?”
*** w05 10/1 p. 24 par. 16 “Keep on the Watch”—The Hour of Judgment Has Arrived! ***
In 1919, Jehovah’s anointed servants were set free from the bondage of Babylonish doctrines and practices, which have dominated peoples and nations for millenniums.
Q 14. What examples of humble service do the angels provide?
14. Jehovah's angels provide us with fine examples of humble service. Certain angels refused to disclose their names to humans. (Gen. 32:29; Judg. 13:17, 18) Although there are millions of spirit creatures in heaven, the Bible reveals the names of only Michael and Gabriel. This may serve as a safeguard against our giving angel’s undue honor. (Luke 1:26; Rev. 12:7) When the apostle John fell down to worship before an angel, he was admonished: "Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers." (Rev. 22:8, 9) Our worship, including our prayers, should go only to God.--Read Matthew 4:8-10.
COMMENTS
If the angels are humble by refusing to disclose their names, how is it that the first thing we learn about a jw is their status or family status in the WT organization, Brother Smith, he's an elder, the PO, the CO, the DO, an ex-Bethelite, at Bethel, was in the missionary work, etc.? Perhaps by not doing this, it would be "a safeguard against our giving" them "undue honor." Do they consider themselves "fellow slaves" or rather OVERseers of "you and your brothers"?
Only worship God--and Jesus?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/worship-jesus.php
Q15. How do the angels set an example for us in patience?
15. The angels also set an example in patience. Though they are intensely interested in knowing God's sacred secrets, they are not privy to all of them. "Into these very things angels are desiring to peer," states the Bible. (1 Pet. 1:12) So, what do they do? They wait patiently until God's due time for his "diversified wisdom" to "be made known through the congregation." --Eph. 3:10, 11.
COMMENTS
But the WTS has not shown patience predicting Armageddon to come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1975, (1984), (1994), VERY SOON NOW since 1995. Have they waited "patiently until God's due time"?
http://www.exposingchristianity.com/Watchtower.html
Q16. How can our conduct affect the angels?
16. Christians under trial are 'a theatrical spectacle to angels.' (1 Cor. 4:9) With great satisfaction, the angels observe our acts of faithfulness and even rejoice over the repentance of a sinner. (Luke 15:10) The godly conduct of Christian women is noted by the angels. The Bible shows that "the woman ought to have a sign of authority upon her head because of the angels." (1 Cor. 11:3, 10) Yes, angels are pleased to see Christian women and all other earthly servants of God comply with theocratic order and headship. Such obedience is a fitting reminder for these heavenly sons of God.
COMMENTS
Christians...earthly servants of God--only jws--"OUR acts of faithfulness," not the acts of the Lutherans, Mormons, Catholics, etc.
Yes, single out women as to "headship" when everyone has a head to report to but God!
PICTURES--a dress with pants?
Angels Actively Support the Preaching Work
Q 17, 18. Why can we say that angels support our preaching?
17. Angels are involved in some of the remarkable things that occur in "the Lord's day." These include the birth of the Kingdom in 1914 and the hurling of Satan and his demons from heaven by "Michael and his angels." (Rev. 1:10; 11:15; 12:5-9) The apostle John saw an "angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth." The angel declared: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters." (Rev. 14:6, 7) Jehovah's servants are thus assured of angelic backing as they preach the good news of the established Kingdom despite the Devil's opposition.--Rev. 12:13,17.
COMMENTS
Has the WTS always taught that Jesus took kingship in 1914? Was the holy spirit in error when it conveyed this to the "anointed"? So do the other religions that preach the good news have angelic backing? No, according to the WTS, only them.
Jehovah's servants--only jws
QUOTE
*** Proclaimers book 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.
That 1878 was a year of significance seemed to be fortified by reference to Jeremiah 16:18 (‘Jacob’s double,’ KJ) along with calculations indicating that 1,845 years had apparently elapsed from Jacob’s death down till 33 C.E., when natural Israel was cast off, and that the double, or duplicate, of this would extend from 33 C.E. down to 1878.
18. Today, angels do not lead us to honest hearted ones by speaking to us as an angel spoke to Philip and directed him to the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:26-29) However, many modern-day experiences give evidence that angels behind the scenes are supporting our Kingdom-preaching work and guiding us to those "rightly disposed for everlasting life."* (Acts 13:48) How important it is to share in the ministry regularly so that we are available to do our part in finding those desiring to "worship the Father with spirit and truth"!--John 4:23, 24.
COMMENTS
But according to Rutherford, the angels did speak to him. Was it angels or just coincidence? I remember one woman who finally was called on after ten years in 1986...what if the end had come in 1975 as the WTS "predicted"?
What does the WTS mean by "rightly disposed," listening to them and becoming a jw...only baptized jws (in good standing) have any hope of not being destroyed at Armageddon (per the WTS).
What does "regularly" mean? In bookkeeping terms, 1 hours a month (or 1/4 hour if you are old or disabled and have permission to do so by the service committee). Can you imagine Peter or Paul or Mary filling out a time slip?
Who determines what OUR PART is?
Q 19, 20. What part do angels have in the events marking "the conclusion of the system of things"?
19. Pointing to our day, Jesus said that "in the conclusion of the system of things," the angels would "separate the wicked from among the righteous." (Matt. 13:37-43, 49) Angels play a role in the final gathering and sealing of anointed ones. (Read Matthew 24: 31; Rev. 7:1-3) Moreover, Jesus is accompanied by angels when he "separates the sheep from the goats."--Matt. 25:31-33, 46.
COMMENTS
What is our day? 1879 to 2009 and beyond?
When the WTS originally teach when the separation began? The separating work has been ongoing to climax by the great tribulation Has it changed? Now that WTS teaches that the separating work is "yet ahead."
QUOTE*** w79 7/15 p. 14 par. 5 Preaching in a Lawless World ***
This separating work is climaxed by the “great tribulation,” at which time the unresponsive “goats” depart “into everlasting cutting-off,” whereas the obedient “sheep” are invited to inherit the kingdom that the Father has prepared for them “from the founding of the world.”—Matt. 24:3, 21; 25:31-46.
*** w95 10/15 pp. 27-28 par. 21 What Future for the Sheep and the Goats? ***
What, though, does this fresh understanding of the parable of the sheep and the goats mean to us? Well, people are already taking sides. Some are on ‘the broad road leading off into destruction,’ while others try to stay on ‘the cramped road leading off into life.’ (Matthew 7:13, 14) But the time when Jesus will pronounce final judgment on the sheep and the goats depicted in the parable is yet ahead. When the Son of man comes in the role of Judge, he will determine that many true Christians—actually “a great crowd” of dedicated sheep—will qualify to pass through the final part of “the great tribulation” into the new world. That prospect should now be a source of joy.
20. "At the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels" all "who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus" will be destroyed. (2 Thess. 1:6-10) When John saw that same event in vision, he described Jesus and the angelic heavenly armies as going forth on white horses in order to carry on war in righteousness.--Rev. 19:11-14.
COMMENTS
What does the WTS believe who are the ones "who do not know God"? Anyone who is not a baptized jw.
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/salvation-only-for-jehovahs-witnesses.php
QUOTE
"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." Watchtower 1989 Sep. 1 p.19
"Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb. 15 p.12
"Is it presumptuous of Jehovah's Witnesses to point out that they alone have God's backing? Actually, no more so than when the Israelites in Egypt claimed to have God's backing in spite of the Egyptians' belief, or when the first-century Christians claimed to have God's backing to the exclusion of Jewish religionists." Watchtower 2001 June 1 p.16
Q 21. What action will the angel "with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand" take against Satan and his demons?
21. John also "saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand." This is none other than the archangel Michael, who will bind the Devil and hurl him--and evidently the demons--into the abyss. They will be released briefly at the end of Christ's Millennial Reign when perfect mankind will experience a final test. Thereafter, Satan and all other rebels will suffer destruction. (Rev. 20: 1-3, 7-10; 1 John 3:8) All rebellion against God will have been removed.
COMMENTS
Angel with key = archangel = Michael---PROOF?
EVIDENTLY the demons--into the abyss--WT terminology for "the bible does not say but our interpretation is"For many years the WTS vindicated God's name--probably Rutherford's way to pound it into the minds of the jws from 1931 onward that they were Jehovah's witnesses not Bible Students. Almost every page of his books has that phrase on it, "vindicate God's name."
I always thought it was amazing that Satan and the demons lived for another 1,000 years in the abyss, while 7 billion humans, men, women, and children descended into eternal destruction although knowing nothing about the WTS.
QUOTE
*** w00 1/15 p. 13 par. 17 “Keep on the Watch” ***
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecedented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah’s due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. (1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah’s satisfaction. Then the end will come.—Compare Matthew 10:23.
Q 22. How are the angels involved in what is just ahead, and how should we feel about their role?
22. Grand deliverance from Satan's wicked system of things is just ahead. Angels will have a definite role in these significant events that will vindicate Jehovah's sovereignty and bring to complete fulfillment his purpose for the earth and mankind. The righteous angels are indeed "spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation." Let us therefore be thankful to Jehovah God for the way he uses the angels to help us do the divine will and gain everlasting life.
JUST AHEAD--another 130 years (1879-2009)?
Definite role--but no detail or defining by the WTS. No EVIDENTLY?
I don't know about you, but it is not any clearer to me how God uses the angels today to help us.
CARROT--gain everlasting life; what about concern that others gain everlasting life?
How Would You Answer?• How are heavenly spirit creatures organized?
• What did some angels do in Noah's day?
• How has God used angels to assist us?
• What role do righteous angels play in our time?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
If you have time check those articles on angels and Rutherford. Much information from that time is buried by the WTS, and rightly so, most jws would find it impossible to believe and consign it to the "apostate" pile.
Next week, "Why Follow 'The Christ'? This was the theme of last year's district convention and main talk. If you have read the older publications from Russell's and Rutherford's time, you know that "The Christ" meant Jesus and the 144,000.
Hope you are finding some joyous moments this summer. My flowers are doing great despite the hail we had. The beans and the tomatoes have bounced back too.
Love, Blondie