We all know, any avid student of scripture in our time, can easily learn from their personal study of the Holy Writings, that Jesus Christ was clearly given the inestimable privilege to "sit upon God's throne," yes, being enthroned in the first century, and upon his resurrection where he was magnificently proclaimed a PERMANENT "SON OF GOD," on an everlasting basis. (See Romans 1:4; Revelation 3:12.) This is an indisputable fact. Hardly anyone today would argue this point. Additionally, key verses such as Matthew 28:18 and Ephesians 1:20-22 impressively remove all doubt so that one, cannot reach any other conclusion other than he gained All Heavenly Authority from His Heavenly Father, in the first century. This fact is irrefutable and need little or if any, defense or explanation at all. Then too, added to that fact would be a correct understanding of Hebrews 10:12, 13 and Psalms 110:1 which shows the reign of Jesus can only last, until one special, glorious event...one event. And this event would be this: Jesus' heavenly reign lasts only until his "enemies" are put underneathe "his feet," in destruction. Then, his reign or rule, must end. This is clearly God's Will. (Please compare 1 Corinthians 15:25 .)
(Interestingly, Jehovah's Witnesses mistakenly think the beginning and end of Jesus' heavenly reign, is explained and foretold for us in Hebrews 10:12, 13 . According to that verse, they think Jesus is "awaiting" to rule. They think he is "waiting" to reign, which begins when he cast down his "enemies" and makes them a "stool" for his feet, upon earth. So, Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus' reign actually begins with this event. [Satan cast out of heaven in 1914.] And they think the "placing" of his "enemies" under his feet, also ends his reign, too. [Inherited Adamic "Death" completely removed at the end of 1,000 reign of peace upon earth.] Of course, this does not make good sense, does it? Namely, that Jesus' heavenly reign would begin and end, with the exact same event. I personally don't think so.)
Nevertheless today, Jehovah's Witnesses are still faced with a special, baffling mystery about Jesus' heavenly reign. Remember, the reign of Jesus, his triumphant, glorious rise to incorruption and immortality is heralded, over and over again in the Greek text, and is something that any elementary student of scripture or novice of scripture, knows ever so well. The heavenly reign of Jesus is accepted and known by just about anyone who reads the bible these days. However, there is a problem, that Jehovah's Witnesses have noted, and even the International Bible Students of yesteryear, before them. It has to do with Daniel 7th chapter. How do we explain it, particularly the 7th chapter and verses 13, 14 and alsoverses 21, 22 & 27? Now going back, we note what Jehovah's Witnesses tried to do with the teaching of 1914, is try to figure out just how Daniel 7:13 would be fulfilled, in our modern-day time. You see, Daniel 7:13, 14 (also Revelation 11:15 ) is indeed a modern-day prophecy, to be fulfilled in the "last days," during the life of the mysterious "Small Horn," who of course plays such an intricate role in this particular bible prophecy. (See Daniel 7:11, 21, 25)
Therefore, can you figure such a dilemma out, yourself personally, today, as a critic of the Watchtower Society? Can you, as a critic, as a bible student or scholar, do better than all Jehovah's Witnesses (and International Bible Students), world wide in resolving this apparent conflict in biblical prophecy understanding?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Any insights volunteered or contributed much appreciated.
bjc