Scriptures JW's Apply Exclusively To Themselves

stevieb1

One example of this trend that I came across is found in Acts 15:14 which according to the NWT reads:

"Symeon has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name."

We can also add v.17 which states: "in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people from all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah, wh is doing these things,"

Have you noticed that JW's like to apply this to themselves? Of course, most JW''s on reading this text will automatically think - "wow, that says that God has chosen us exclusively since we are called His Witnesses" not thinking of course that the original application of this verse was towards Gentile Christians who joined a remnant of the Jewish people in coming to Christ.

Any more thoughts?

zenpunk

You're exactly right. It's funny how they view themselves as the "new" chosen people because the Jews were rejected. When I read these things I used to wonder why God was a bigot - only selecting certain people throughout time and to hell with the rest.

Mary

I thinks it's amazing how quickly the Witnesses can apply scriptures to suit their needs. Anytime there are scriptures that show the nation of Israel was faithful to God, it's applied to Witnesses today, but any time they were UNfaithful, then it's applied to Christendom!!!

There are several scriptures in both the Old and New Testament that seem to indicate that the Jews are still considered a "favoured" nation:

That one (I should remember where it is, but I can't think off-hand) where it says that in the Last Days, people would "take hold of the skirt of a JEW......" Of course, this is applied to Witnesses today, but the book of Isaiah is full of references to fleshly Isreal in the Last Days that there's no way it can be applied to JWs...........here's one I showed an elder a few years ago and I really stumped him. Naturally, he at first said that this is talking about "Spiritual Israel", but I asked him how that was possible, because vs. 27 says He will "take their sins away." I asked him: When did "Spiritual Israel" sin against Jehovah? He had no answer.

The Restoration of Israel
25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye
should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to
Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written,
27
for this is my covenant unto them, when I take their sin away.

ozziepost

How about "You are my witnesses........." from Isaiah 43.

Ozzie

butalbee

OMG--I'm getting that dull ache in my head again....

Gopher

Anything that pertains to being "discreet" or having "wisdom" or "insight" -- they apply to themselves, since obviously nobody else has any discretion, wisdom or insight!!

"Wisdom keeps crying aloud in the very street" -- Proverbs 1:20 (obviously applies to the modern-day preaching of JW's, right???)

"As regards those having INSIGHT among the people, they will impart understanding to the many" -- Daniel 11:33 (obviously applies to the anointed among JW's, who provide all that wonderful literature)

"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave...?" -- Matthew 24:45 (obviously applies to the anointed JW's who provide all that wonderful literature)

"The WISDOM from above is chaste, peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical" -- James 3:17 (Obviously, the teachings of JW's are perfect, never requiring second thought -- and it's only the PEOPLE who are imperfect)

Edited by - Gopher on 2 July 2002 12:27:13

Nowfree

I had this same sort of conversation in the supermarket the other day with a particularly brave JW who i have known for about 20 years. I mean brave in the sense that they had the guts to actually stand and talk to me in public (and give me a hug as well!!)

The JW argument went that they are Gods people because of the scripture where it says that "You are my witnesses", and also that they use God's name, so they must be Gods people.

Fine I said - I could change my name by deed poll to Jesus Christ, and then refer to the fact that I am mentioned in the Bible, so I am therefore God's son (well daughter but then I wasn't going to start getting pedantic!).

Anyone can call their organisation/business/religion anything they like - it doesn't mean a thing, it doesn't prove anything.

I think the JW got the point - they are of the periphery JW class, not the kissing the Circuit Overseers butt class!

Anyway, I got another hug, everyone was happy - and we went off to continue our shopping.

Which is how it should be - agree to disagree - but don't let it spoil friendships!

Nowfree

BluesBrother

This is clearly helped by the liberal use of the name Jehovah in the Greek Scriptures (New Testament if you like) of NWT

Eg. Romans 10.13.

"Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved" (Kyrios)

Where else do you call on the name of Jehovah except at the Kingdom hall?..

Scriptures JW's Apply Exclusively To Themselves

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