Hi "Englishman":
I`m trying to understand the process by which JW`s link the "Faithful and discreet slave" parable to a belief that this refers to a number of people who will go to heaven ie: 144,000...Also, I am trying to understand how, by extension, some of this number comprise a "Governing body" that is at the top of "Jehovahs earthly organisation"...I really dont understand how these conclusions are reached and would appreciate some input. Please note that when I posted this question on H20 some months ago I received only 1 reply from Friday, who saw fit to ridicule me for my lack of knowledge on this subject. I still don`t know the answer!
This is a good question!
Actually, you have revealed something here...
...the "Faithful Slave" as mentioned Matthew 24:45-47 IS NOT the same as the "144,000" of Revelation 7th and 14th chapters.
Most Bible readers do have a hard time believing that there has been only "144,000" faithful followers of Jesus, since Pentecost down to 1935, the time WTS says the "heavenly call" was discontinued.
It is not a sound belief at all.
Originally, the WTS, under CT Russell, really wanted to say that the first President of the WTS was the "Faithful Slave." Since, he was in total control of what went into print, total control of the entire "belief System" of the "International Bible Students" ... up until his death in 1916.
Still, many in the organization BELIEVED that Russell was that "Slave." That's why many left the organization, when he died. Many were called "Russellites," "Millenial Dawners," and so forth. There was essentially, a break in the organization, because of this belief...after Russell died, in 1916...some left the organization.
Judge Rutherford, maintained that the "Faithful Slave," and "domestics," were one in the same, and so was, in reality, the congregation of anointed, which at that time, did comprise the congregation supposed up until 1935. Everyone was thought to be of the anointed at that time, up till then.
However, they "invented" the thought that the "mouthpiece" of the FD&S was the Headquarters staff, the G.B. and so forth. Supposedly, the WTS proxy holders of the Corporation, was some 500 original members of the "anointed congregation." But that has greatly changed...these supposedly were the ones that made the decisions at the Annual Corporate Meetings and appointed who would "take the lead" from among the Anointed Members or congregation. The "proxy-holders" were there actually, as a "rubberstamp" of what had already been decided by the higher-ups and have never had a "voice," in anything.
There really is no connection between the "144,000" and the "Faithful Slave," scripturally, that can be proven. The doctrine IS NOT sound, to start with...especially the part about the "Domestics" being same as the "Slave," ... so that the "Slave," is "appointed over," himself, or the "Domestics." This does not make good sense.
Obviously a lot could be said on this topic...and I did not try to cover everything...but if you have more questions, I'd be happy to respond on this topic.
Take Care,
MDS
Edited by - MDS on 24 March 2001 15:31:12
