To Active JW's Who Think Outside the Box: 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12 Reconsidered...

by MADMARY 14 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  MADMARY

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why?

  God's Word certainly warns anyone who would dare, or be so audacious to deliberately change, twist or distort His Holy Message of Truth by saying:

  “5 Every saying of God is refined. He is a shield to those taking refuge in him. 6 Add nothing to his words, that he may not reprove you, and that you may not have to be proved a liar.” -- Proverbs 30:5, 6

  As we progress in our discussion below, we will see just how appropriate such words spoken of above, are for our day and time, as it affects Jehovah’s Witnesses today.
  
  Referring specifically to the "operation of error" and it’s horrible effect upon the "Man of Lawlessness," and those who follow him, 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12, in the New World Translation, specifically says:
  
  "So that is why GOD LETS an operation of error GO TO THEM, that they may get to believing the lie, in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness." -- New World Translation
  
  Millions of Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught by the Watchtower Society, the "operation of error" is permitted to go forth from Satan, as Jehovah "lets" this happen to the "Man of Lawlessness." And this particular understanding of prophecy is even suggested in the actual wording of the New World Translation itself, since as shown above, the translation clearly says 'God LETS...LETS an operation of error go to them.'

  However if you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses, had you ever considered the possibility it was Jehovah himself who actually SENDS [not "lets go"] this "strong delusion" (English Standard Version) or "powerful delusion" (New International Version), or "operation of error" upon these wicked people, His Own People in fact?

  Would that thought surprise you?
  
  Many keen students of scripture have noticed to date, no other bible translation on record so far, other than the New World Translation itself, renders 2 Thessalonians 2:11 in this peculiar manner. In fact upon investigation we find, it is a unique Watchtower rendering, this 'letting go' the operation of error itself. Perhaps, you may have noticed this too in your personal bible study and research. Yes, it seems all other bible translations available to date, all render the expression as saying:
  
  God SENDS...SENDS

  the "operation of error" or "powerful delusion" upon the "Man of Lawlessness" and his wicked followers. Were you aware of these facts?
  
  Therefore, if the above bible renderings cited above of this verse (verse 11) is more accurate, more correct, then this would automatically mean, Jehovah himself is taking an ACTIVE ROLE in blinding this nefarious entity, the "man of lawlessness," explicitly for the express purpose of PERMANENTLY BLINDING these people because as it says,
  
  "in order that they ALL MAY BE JUDGED,"

  
  

  …just as the verse says, "… because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness," no doubt, even refusing it when it was repeatedly offered to them. Think about it! -- 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12

  For more information on this topic, please see the link below:

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why?

  
  

  MM
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  Smiles

  Good post, MadMary.

  And in the original Greek, 2:11 reads something like: 'God working within the error'...

  Like you said, an active role, not an passive allowance.

  Working is different from letting.

  Letting is different from sending.

  Doctrinal bias in translation... But Watch Tower will quickly point to something like one of Byington's works as a supportive alibi, even though Steven Byington himself saw both "faults and merits" in the Watch Tower scriptural translation works.
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  Bobcat

  It may not be as blatant as that. The verse starts out, literally, "And through this . . ." (καὶ διὰ τοῦτο . . .).

  Depending on what you take "this" (τοῦτο) as referring to, the next part, "God sends . . ." (literally, "sends himself the God . . ." or "God himself sends . . .") could be understood or interpreted passively, even though the verb "sends" is active (and emphatic also). True, it (the NWT rendering) is a departure from the literal active meaning of "sends." But I think they are interpreting "this" to be referring to what Satan does in verses 9 & 10, and in effect, they are making God the 'passive allower' (if you will).

  In effect, God has put Satan in a position to where Satan sees the need to pursue "this" scheme, and, having put Satan in the position where he needs to do "this", God simply 'allows' or 'lets" Satan proceed to do what was prophetically expected of him.

  I see your point that the verb "sends" is active. And I do appreciate your pointing this out. It is interesting that the NWT engages in a bit of interpretation here. But I don't see it being all that significant in this instance.

  Maybe if I look at your argument a little longer my view will change some.
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  Smiles

  @Bobcat

  Seems like you would make a fine writer for the Watch Tower corporation.

  God had the wicked spirits sent to the vicinity of Earth. So, of course, God only allowed that to happen, hands off.

  And Jesus only allowed the comforting helper to be sent at Pentecost of 33.

  As you said, it is a departure! That's the point; exactly as MadMary opened with the proverb: "add nothing"...

  'Faithful in what is least' ?
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  Sea Breeze

  Good Points. King James Version is more to the point.

  
  

  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
  12 That they all might be damned - KJV

  
  The possibility of repentance or believing the truth must be first taken away so that they can be damned. Otherwise, repentance would elicit a pardon under the terms of the new testament contract. There is a point when a person no longer has the possibility of repentance. Repentance is a gift. After repeated rejection, the gift is removed as an offer.
  
  Watchtower leaders fall into this catagory ; they are completely deluded regarding the grace and judgment of God.
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  MADMARY

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why? (Part 2)

  Even though such a drastic action upon God's own part may seem surprising to many Jehovah's Witnesses themselves, still such a scenario is not without biblical precedence, that is Jehovah taking an active role in blinding his own people. Apparently, He has done this before. For instance we have Jesus' own words at:

  
  John 12:39, 40, where Jesus does actually say, JEHOVAH HIMSELF, yes Jehovah, purposely blinds his own people, when they deliberately turn a deaf ear to his prophetic message of truth.
  
  John 12:39, 40 (New World Translation) says:
  
  "The reason why they were not able to believe is that again Isaiah said: He [Jehovah, and not Satan] has blinded their eyes and he [Jehovah] has made their hearts hard, that they should not see with their eyes and get the thought with their hearts and turn around and I should heal them."
  
  Also please consider God's direct actions upon the wicked false prophet as shown at Ezekiel 14:9, 10 which says:

  
  "And as for the prophet, in case he gets fooled and actually speaks a word, I MYSELF, JEHOVAH, HAVE FOOLED THAT PROPHET; and I will stretch out my hand against him and annihilate him from the midst of my people Israel. And they will have to bear their error. The error of the inquirer will prove to be just the same as the error of the prophet."
  
  

  Does not Jehovah say above, he himself has taken this direct action against the false prophets among His Name People? That point is quite clear, isn't it? We can see clearly exactly who is taking this Divine Action against these wicked prophets among His People. -- See also 1 Kings 22:19-23 where Jehovah is said to have put "a deceptive spirit into the mouths" of all the false prophets among His people.

  THE REAL REASON FOR THIS ACTION ON GOD’S PART

  We must keep in mind, the real reason for God's drastic action here is shown for us in Acts 28:27 which says:

  
  "For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes; that they should never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn back, and I should heal them." -- New World Translation
  
  

  You will notice above, Paul points out these individuals have deliberately "shut their eyes," so that they would never, ever see with any understanding of the message from God. They are doing this, deliberately! Is it any wonder, in all such cases Jehovah chooses to deliberately blind such individuals, on a permanent basis? This is because they have blatantly refused the truth, from God's own hand in fact. Think about it.
  
  Therefore after considering the above situation, if we consider the possibility that Jehovah Himself is actually blinding these people, and actually "SENDS" ... SENDS [instead of "lets go"] this "operation of error" to them, we can better understand His actions here, since ALL of these people have been righteously "Judged" by Him for deliberately refusing the truth and worse, "taking pleasure in unrighteousness" before Him.
  
  At this time, it would be good for us to seriously examine other bible translations, OUTSIDE of the New World Translation itself, to get a more accurate rendering, yes to really get at the truth of the matter.
  
  For example, the New International Version renders 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12 more correctly by saying:

  
  "For this reason GOD SENDS THEM a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."

  Clearly, Jehovah takes this action (sending a powerful delusion) because THESE WICKED INDIVIDUALS "refused to love" and believe the truth (verse 10) and have instead taken pleasure in outright "wickedness" and falsehoods before God. In other words, they prefer "wickedness" over righteousness and truth. Think about it!
  
  Therefore, Jehovah "SENDS" this "powerful delusion" upon the "Man of Lawlessness," as a righteous recompense for "taking pleasure in unrighteousness." -- 2 Thessalonians 2:12 New World Translation
  
  The apostle John advised first century Christians to always, "test" every inspired expression, to see if this really came from God. Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses today, should be willing to also "test" every saying, every so-called "inspired" saying (found in a particular translation of the bible, like the New World Translation), even those expressions coming forth from the mouth of the Watchtower Society. No, the Watchtower Society and the New World Translation itself, is not exempt from this kind of examination, isn't that so? Still, we notice many, many Jehovah's Witnesses actually refuse to do this, repeatedly, to their own harm in the end. In other words, they publicly display to all they are NOT "Beroeans" actually, as they should be. -- See Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1.

  For more information on this topic, please see the link below:

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why?

  MM
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  MADMARY

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why? (Part 3)

  THE ACTUAL GREEK WORD “PEM’PO” USED IN THE NEW WORLD INTERLINEAR TRANSLATION AND IT’S MEANING

  
  Therefore, taking John's counsel to heart at 1 John 4:1, let’s examine 2 Thessalonians 2:11 very closely, as recommended at James 1:25. Upon close examination, we find the Greek word, pem'po (Strongs Concordance #3992), translated "let go" in the New World Translation in verse 11, is defined to mean:
  
  "pem'po," (a primary verb) means to dispatch, transmit, bestow or wield; SEND, thrust in.
  
  Therefore we notice, all bible translations other than the Watchtower's New World Translation to date, accurately render this Greek word (pem'po) properly as "sends" rather than "lets ... go" which means God personally takes some direct action against this "Man of Lawlessness" before handing him over to Satan, for the final death blow and trip to the land of no return, spiritually-speaking. In this way, Jehovah does exactly what Paul said he did with Hymenaeus and Alexander, when he handed such wicked men (Man of Lawlessness) "over to Satan" for the "destruction of the flesh." Think about it. -- See 1 Timothy 1:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5.
  
  In fact, it may be shocking for most Jehovah's Witnesses to find out, the Watchtower's OWN, their own New World Interlinear Translation clearly shows in their literal rendering of this Greek text, the Greek word in question (pem'po), should be rendered LITERALLY, as "sending." Did you know this??? [Please see our diagram below.]

  
  

  So that means, even the Watchtower Society themselves acknowledges this indisputable fact. And yet, to the surprise and horror of many, they arbitrarily, yes deliberately render the Greek word (pem'po) as "lets go" in the New World Translation, apparently to support their own faulty theology on the "Man of Lawlessness." Did you know this?
  
  In so doing, the New World Translation bible itself, becomes a work of shame for the Watchtower Society. In so doing, yes, they are openly "twisting" the scripture, distorting its true meaning, to make it mean something Jehovah did not intend. (See 2 Peter 3:16 New World Translation Large Print Reference Bible footnote for "twisting" which literally means "distorting" God's message.) There can be no question, this is a blatant example of INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY on the Watchtower Society's part, in translating verse 11 of 2 Thessalonians 2nd chapter, to deliberately "twist" or "distort" God message of truth. Think about it!
  
  We recall, the latter part of 2 Thessalonians 2:10 additionally gives the real reason why God takes a direct hand in this matter. We are reminded it says:
  
  ".... They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved," (NIV)
  
  or, as the New World Translation renders it,
  
  "...those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved."
  
  The operative word here in verse 10, is "refused" or "did not accept" the love of truth. They "refused" the truth, when it was presented, no doubt, repeatedly. Therefore, Jehovah "sends" them the "operation of error" or a "strong delusion" in this instance, as these ones (the "Man of Lawlessness" and followers) had already made their final choice, on their own volition, and this choice proved to be a clear rejection of God himself and His Sacred Message of Truth. So, in keeping with their own desires, Jehovah takes direct action against them, in harmony with their own desires. -- See Romans 1:25, 26.
  
  The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, page 720, explains it this way:
  
  "They choose to believe the lie and GOD SENDS THEM the delusion that is inherent in their choice. This powerful judgment from God is justified by the unbelievers' decision to refuse the truth."

  “… GOD DOES NOT ACTUALLY “SEND” THE “OPERATION OF ERROR”???

  
  In review, we recall according to Watchtower Society publications, Jehovah merely "allowed" or "let go" (by means of Satan) the "operation of error" to go to the clergy of Christendom (“Man of Lawlessness”) at approximately the same time they were "revealed," back in the 4th century.-- See "God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached," pg 381-384 par 40-43.
  
  Amazingly, a direct quote from the 1975 Watchtower magazine, page 271, paragraph 4 makes this blatant statement in full contradiction of the inspired contents of 2 Thessalonians 2:11:
  
  "God DOES NOT DIRECTLY SEND this 'operation of error,' but lets it go to the deceived ones in order to prove that it is what they really want.(Compare Hebrews 4:12) In this way all honest-hearted persons can see that God is just in his judgment."
  
  Were you aware of such a statement published in the Watchtower magazine on this topic?
  
  As stated above, this published statement shown above by the Watchtower Society, is an absolute CONTRADICTION of what verse 11 actually says, even as noted in their own New World Interlinear Translation. In other words, they are blatantly and brazenly contradicting the bible itself on this matter. And the proof for this is their own interlinear rendering itself. Now, how wicked is that?
  
  Obviously, the Watchtower Society doesn't have much confidence in the bible scholarship of rank & file Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as their full readership of their magazines, nor in their ability to reason, proving them (Jehovah's Witnesses) to be a most, pitiable people, so opposite of ancient Beroeans of Paul's day.-- See Acts 17:11.

  For more information on this topic, please see the link below:

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why?

  MM
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  Finkelstein

  The Watchtower Publishing house changed the wording in its bible to support themselves, their own self established doctrines and the self proclaimed recognition of their organization being the most interpretive truth and chosen by god because of their truthful bible adherence.

  All of this calculated supportive bias flies in contradiction to the actual words spoken by Jesus and his instructions for preaching his Gospel and what the bible really says in its originality.
  
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  MADMARY

  Watchtower Society “Contradicts” the Bible – Where and Why? (Part 4)

  So, as noted above, the Watchtower Society openly teaches the "operation of error" (NWT) or "strong delusion" (NIV) was simply "allowed" to go to these people who are unfortunately under the control of the Man of Lawlessness. Yes, Jehovah simply "allows" Satan to cause this to happen, but He does not actually do this himself. In this way, the Watchtower Society can teach, the "operation of error" emanating from Satan has gone forth to the churches of Christendom (centuries ago) resulting in demonic teachings like the trinity and hellfire to be taught to their members. And of course, the people of the churches of Christendom, need the invaluable help of 8 million Jehovah's Witnesses, to liberate them from these demonic teachings, with help from Almighty Jehovah God. See how it works? Think about it.

  
  So, if such a scenario were true, then could Jehovah’s Witnesses teach Jehovah has merely "allowed" this "operation of error" or "strong delusion" to emanate from Satan for centuries now, until such a person trapped in the churches of Christendom, could be rescued, or recovered from it with of course, Jehovah God's Almighty help. And certainly, we can conclude this to be the case since many, many former members of Christendom felt they have been rescued from teachings like hellfire and trinity, with Jehovah's help using the door-to-door preaching of Jehovah's Witnesses, resulting in their becoming Jehovah's Witnesses themselves. Isn't that so?
  
  Now if the above viewpoints are correct, then it would seem one could recover from the "operation of error" or "strong delusion" that God Almighty "let go" by the hand of Satan, and did not personally "send" Himself. They could be recovered from these "strong delusions," with the help of Almighty Jehovah. But if, as we assert, this "strong delusion" (NIV) or "operation of error" (NWT) is sent directly by Jehovah himself, then we know, it would be impossible for anyone to recover from it. It is Jehovah's final judgment upon those wicked individuals.
  
  Which viewpoint do you think is more reasonable? Do you think Jehovah simply "lets" the operation of error go to individuals by the hand of Satan? Or do you think, as the bible plainly says, Jehovah directly "SENDS" the operation of error to such ungodly persons? Which viewpoint do you prefer? (Please see below scanned copies of the 1994 edition of The “REPORT” Book, Volume 1, pages 172-175 which covers the above topic in detail.)

  
  

  
  

  If you prefer the former viewpoint, then think: If the "operation of error" or "strong delusion" comes directly from Jehovah, and additionally had gone out centuries ago as the Watchtower Society asserts, then we know it would have been impossible for Jehovah's Witnesses to have converted any member of Christendom to become one of their members and leave any false teachings, it would have made the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses, completely invalid and futile.

  Think about it.
  
  Therefore at this time, it would behoove all Jehovah's Witnesses to pay note of this most important point, namely If the "operation of error" (NWT) or "strong delusion" (from Jehovah), has not been sent out as of yet, when will it be sent out? And upon whom will such be "sent" out, we must ask ourselves? Remember, the bible plainly says, it comes directly from Jehovah Himself, and is "SENT" [not "let go"] by Him to the "Man of Lawlessness" and his followers, as a FINAL JUDGMENT upon these wicked ones clearly, for "refusing" or "not accepting" divine truth from God's Own Hand. Verse 12 clearly says of wicked ones, namely the "Man of Lawlessness" and his wicked followers,
  
  ...they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness

  Therefore, they were "judged" by God, and that final "judgment" is still before us. Yes, please remember, the "SENDING" out of the "operation of error" or "strong delusion" from God upon these people, is still a future event, a future happening for all to see. Yes, such a thing will come upon such a wicked one that would openly and blatantly "twist" God's word to their own destruction, namely the "Man of Lawlessness" and all of his followers. -- Ezekiel 14:9, 10; 2 Peter 3:16.
  
  This judgment is just, and becomes the fulfillment of the holy words of Revelation 22:18, 19 which say,

  "I am bearing witness to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll." -- New World Translation

  
  

  Think about it!

  
  

  MM
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  Anna Marina

  Madmary - the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society constantly play with language. They are not even Jehovah's Witnesses, its like calling themselves Jews. Jehovah's Witnesses were the descendants of Jacob. There was nothing wrong with Jehovah's genuine faithful witnesses.
  

  The Watchtower leaders played with the word Christianity and came up with Christendom. So the collective term for Watchtower adherants should be something like Towerdom, Lie-dom or Errordom. Some favour Babylon.