October 15, 2020 Publisher Edition of The Watchtower: "Previously, this journal has explained how Christ's invisible presence started in 1914, a date clearly pointed to in Bible prophecy. (Daniel 4:10-17) It was felt that the "seven times" of Daniel's prophecy, starting in 607 B.C.E. and ending in 1914, was undeniable. However, this is not necessarily the case. Evidently, as in Daniel's time, there was a need to reevaluate the meaning of this divine prophecy in light of the calendar being used at that time. Using the 360 day calendar instead of the 365 day calendar results in a difference of 12,600 days. Thus, upon careful, prayerful consideration of God's Word, it has become evident that Jesus' invisible presence as King of God's Kingdom started in 1879.
"Does this year have any importance on the world scene? No. As was foretold by Jehovah's angel upon Jesus' ascension to heaven, Jesus' invisible return, "in the same manner" as he departed, would be discerned only by his faithful servants, those keenly alert to Bible prophecy. True Christians thus clearly see that, as Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence began to be published in 1879, it is reasonable to conclude that Christ's invisible presence certainly started then. After all, certainly there is no evidence of any other group making mention of God's Kingdom during that or any other era of modern history. Unlike apostate Christendom, with its focus on political alliances and false doctrines, the 'faithful and discreet slave' of modern times pointed to Jesus Christ's presence and to God's Kingdom as the only hope for mankind.
"What does this mean for us? Should we reason, then, that because Christ has been invisibly present for 130 years, that the end of this wicked system is far off? Of course not. Such reasoning, in fact, is what the apostle Peter warned true Christians to be on guard against. (2 Pet. 3:3, 4) Rather than falling asleep like all others who claim to be Christian, true servants of Jehovah keep on the watch, knowing that "our salvation is nearer than when we first became believers." "
While you'd think pushing back the chronology would do unspeakable damage, we all know it would be welcomed. Hmm...I wish I had the humor of Farkel, or the Stephen Colbert-like savvy of All Time Jeff, or the no-nonsense demeanor of undercover. Or the quick wit of Outlaw. Or the ability to laugh at life like jamiebowers. Or even the once-cherished loyalty, devotion to an unfading standard of right, of Reniaa or Angel Eyes. I'd take any of those qualities now. ... It's time to go. Post-haste.
SD-7