Is this another WT flip flop? Here is what I read in the mags:
Keep on the Watch
WT January 1, 2003, page 19, paragraph 5
...So our reviewing from time to time the Scriptural proof that we are living close to the end of this system will help us not to lose sight of the important truths regarding that coming end*. It is also good to take note of unfolding world events that fulfill Bible prophecy. One brother in Germany wrote: "Every time I watch the news - the wars, the earthquakes, the violence, and the contamination of our planet - it drives home to me the nearness of the end."
*It may be helpful to review the six lines of evidence indicating that we are living in the “last days” that were outlined on pages 12-13 of the January 15, 2000, issue of the Watchtower 2 Timothy 3:1
Six Convincing Lines of Evidence
WT January 15, 2000 p. 12, 13 paragraph 13-18
18 Sixth, the number of genuine anointed disciples is dwindling, though some will evidently still be on earth when the great tribulation begins. Most of the remnant are quite elderly, and over the years the number of those who are truly anointed has been getting smaller. Yet, referring to the great tribulations, Jesus stated: “Unless those days were cut short, no flesh could be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.” (Matthew 24:21, 22). Evidently, then, some of Christ’s “chosen ones” will still be on earth when the great tribulation begins.
From this I infer that the current WT stance, though fuzzy on the dates, is that the time of the end will come before all anointed have passed away. Note, however, that the number of professed anointed has remained steady at 8,000 for years, with little variation.
My thread on the six lines of "convincing" evidence
Run Don’t Walk’s thread on what happens when the GB is gone?
ha! Blondie, you beat me to it! ...great minds?
