Hi "Perfect":
I thought the following information may help. It is an excerpt taken from the publication called "The Report" Volume II, a portion of Chapter 9, published in 1994. I do believe already some information dealing this subject was posted some months back on this subject on the Bible Research forum. I decided to re-post the pertinent part dealing with your question from that publication.
Hope this helps.
bjc
--------excerpt from Chapter 9: "The Report" Volume II-------
THE QUESTION OF ESCAPE FROM "MYSTERIOUS" BABYLON OF OUR DAY
We are all reminded that, Jehovah's Witnesses really pride themselves as being different from all other forms of religion in matters of doctrinal confusion as we see evident in such teachings as the "trinity," or eternal torment in "hellfire," and the widely observed celebrations of pagan holidays. It is believed that these teachings and many others really make Jehovah's Witnesses different from all forms of religions today. However, is this enough to prove that the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses are no part of Babylon the Great? Can Jehovah's Witnesses truly say that they have left or totally gotten out of Babylon the Great as of the year 1919? (Revelation 18:4) To properly answer these questions and finally ascertain what the mystery of Babylon really means for our day and time, we must understand what the Watchtower Society teaches concerning the following:
(a) When and how did "Babylon the Great" fall?
(b) How did Jehovah's Witnesses make their escape from "Babylon" after its fall?
HOW BABYLON THE GREAT `FELL,'
ACCORDING TO THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY
The Watchtower Society has taught for many years that strenuous and persistent efforts toward establishment of a separate organization free from Babylonish influence and political control were made back in the 1870's under Charles T. Russell. However, `escape from Babylon' was not fully accomplished or achieved until 1919. Why??? Because that was the year Babylon the Great fell! (Revelation 18:2) Following is a verbatim quote presenting the position of Jehovah's Witnesses on this matter. Notice this lengthy and indepth explanation on the subject:
"In 1914 `the Son of man arrived in his glory,' and since that time Jesus, installed `on his glorious throne' in the heavens, has been exercising authority over the earth as Jehovah's associate King and Judge. It is fitting, then, that he should announce the fall of Babylon the Great. -- Matthew 25:31, 32.
"Whom does this angel with great authority use in heralding such amazing news before mankind? Why, it is the very people that are released as a result of that fall, the remaining anointed ones on earth, the John class. From 1914 to 1918, these suffered greatly at the hands of Babylon the Great, but in 1918 the Lord Jehovah and his `messenger of the [Abrahamic] covenant,' Jesus Christ, began judgment with `the house of God,' those professing to be Christians. Thus apostate Christendom was brought to trial. (Malachi 3:1; 1 Peter 4:17) Her tremendous bloodguilt incurred during the first world war, her complicity in persecuting Jehovah's faithful witnesses, and her Babylonish creeds did not help her in the time of judgment; nor did any other part of Babylon the Great merit God's approval. -- Compare Isaiah 13:1-9.
"So by 1919 Babylon the Great had fallen, opening the way for God's people to be released and restored, in one day as it were, to their land of spiritual prosperity. (Isaiah 66:8) By that year, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, the Greater Darius and the Greater Cyrus, had maneuvered matters so that false religion could no longer keep a hold on Jehovah's people. No more could it prevent them from serving Jehovah and making known to all who might hear that harlot-like Babylon the Great is doomed and the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty is at hand! -- Isaiah 45:1-4; Daniel 5:30, 31.
"True, Babylon the Great was not destroyed in 1919 -- any more than the ancient city Babylon was destroyed in 539 B.C.E. when it fell to the armies of Cyrus the Persian. But from Jehovah's viewpoint, that organization had fallen. She was judicially condemned, awaiting execution; therefore, false religion could no longer hold Jehovah's people in captivity. (Compare Luke 9:59, 60.) These were released to serve as the Master's faithful and discreet slave in providing spiritual food at the proper time. They had received a judgment of `Well done' and were commissioned to get busy again in Jehovah's work. -- Matthew 24:45-47; 25:21, 23; Acts 1:8." -- Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!, pg. 259-260, par. 4b-7.
Perhaps, after reading this extensive quote, you may see some serious flaws in the Watchtower's Society's explanation of Babylon's fall. But in case you didn't, we will list a few reasons why this explanation cannot be true. We will discuss these point by point as this is the only way we will truly know just what the facts reveal.
WHAT THE FACTS REVEAL
1) This entire explanation of how `Babylon fell,' is based upon the erroneous premise that Jesus was enthroned and came into Kingdom power in the fateful year of 1914 to make this `announcement.' C See the "REPORT," Chapter 2 for details.
2) In what way could we say that Jehovah's Witnesses were "released" from The World Empire of False Religion in 1919? Were they released say, doctrinally speaking?
Well, let's keep in mind that the focus of the escape of Jehovah's Witnesses from the clutches of Babylon the Great really has nothing to do with the early efforts of Charles T. Russell in liberating the "International Bible Students." This part of the story must be conveniently left out since all of the religious works of Russell came before Jesus supposedly came into kingdom power in the year of 1914. And so, if you were to ask a witness: "Did Charles Russell and the International Bible Students escape from Babylon the Great?" -- they usually look puzzled. However, if one were to think about it, he would have to admit that there must have been at least TWO ESCAPES from "Babylon the Great":
(A) One during Russell's day, and
(b) one during the year of 1919, right?
But again, is this what the Bible teaches about true escape from Babylon the Great?
Also, the Watch Tower Society has taught for many years the remnant of anointed actually shared bloodguilt for their misdeeds during the war years of 1914-1918. It is taught that they, the "anointed," did not take a neutral stand during those years. Let's notice this quote:
"In similar fashion, the modern-day remnant of spiritual Israel had to do some reforming as to their way and thoughts as World War I ended on November 11, 1918, and they entered still alive on earth into the postwar period. Their exile from God's full favor in Babylon the Great's realm was about to end, and it became the proper time for they to think about their failings and shortcomings with regard to God's worship and service. They had come under a community responsibility because of the bloodshed and violence of World War I. They needed to search for Jehovah and to call upon his name in prayer..." -- Man's Salvation Out of World Distress At Hand pgs. 114
And so, according to the Watch Tower Society, since Jehovah and Jesus visited the "temple" class in 1918 and rendered appropriate "judgments" upon Christendom as well the anointed "temple" of God, the captivity of Jehovah's Witnesses would prove to be very brief, occurring between the years of 1918 and 1919. A very brief period indeed. However, if the "International Bible Students" of 1919 were really freed from the influences and control of the churches of Babylon the Great, why is it that the organization retained so many teachings and practices that are today viewed as of "pagan" origin? And what about the teachings and beliefs of Charles T. Russell and his early companions? Are these present teachings in harmony with the belief of Charles T. Russell and his understanding of escape from Babylon the Great? Let's examine the following.
As you may remember, prior to 1919 under Charles T. Russell, the International Bible Students, as they were known then, had exposed several false religious teachings such as eternal suffering in hellfire for the wicked, immortality of the human soul, and the trinity doctrine. Even so, it was to be many years after the date of 1919 when Jehovah's Witnesses would discover that Christmas, Birthdays, and the Cross were of pagan origin. (See Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Pages 200, 201 - released 1993) Note this quote from the 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 148, paragraph 3:
" . . . beginning with its issue of October 15, 1931, The Watchtower no longer bore the cross and crown symbol on its cover." (see 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pg. 147-149)
So could we say Jehovah's Witnesses were truly free from Babylonish teachings in 1919? Hardly! (See Proverbs 30:12) This raises still another question. What in fact did the Watchtower Society teach as to the identity of Babylon the Great itself during those years?
"BABYLON THE GREAT" AND CHARLES T. RUSSELL
It might surprise you to know that the Watchtower Society has taught THREE, that's three (3) different viewpoints concerning the identity of Babylon the Great over the years. Namely,
1) The Watchtower Society first taught, under Pastor Russell, that Babylon the Great was the "Papacy of Rome."
2) Secondly, the Watchtower Society taught that Satan's World in general was "Babylon the Great.
3) And finally, in 1963 the world empire of false religion (inclusive of Christendom and Pagandom) was thought to be mysterious "Babylon the Great" from which one should escape.
According to the publication, Jehovah's Witnesses -- Proclaimers of Gods Kingdom, Pg. 52, Charles T. Russell published in the November 1879 Watch Tower magazine that "Babylon the Great" was the "Papacy as a system." This was apparently their first viewpoint.
The second viewpoint is revealed in the following excerpt taken from the article "Get Out of Her, My People" printed in the October 1, 1960 Watchtower magazine which says in part:
"... Babylon of old was the pride and joy of God's adversary, Satan the Devil. It was his organization. It so completely represented his foul works that in the Bible, especially in the book of Revelation, it became a symbol of his wicked world organization."
Now notice how the Society makes the actual breakdown of exactly what Babylon the Great is suppose to represent. The articles explains:
"This Babylonish world boasts of its [1] military might, [2] political ideologies, [3] economic prosperity and [4] great religions. However, God has decreed the same fate for modern Babylon that befell its ancient counterpart..."
"Now, in this year, the handwriting on the wall for modern Babylon, Satan's world, is clear. Since the beginning of World War I in 1914 this world has entered its foretold "time of the end," the warning of which has been sounded faithfully by Jehovah's modern witnesses for over eighty years. Detailed Bible prophecies are being fulfilled before our eyes." (pg. 581, & 5, 6 thru 582, & 4)
Did you notice that this message had been "faithfully sounded" for over "eighty years" as of the year of 1960! That would mean that from the Watchtower Society's conception, during Russell's day, they have carried this message to "Get Out of Babylon" to the people! Yes, in Russell's day. In other words, they [Watchtower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses] had been liberated from Babylon the Great way back in Russell's day. Certainly C.T. Russell didn't feel that he was still in Babylon the Great, the Harlot, did he??? Understandably, he must have felt he had successfully escaped from the Great `Harlot,' as is bore out by the following comments by Pastor Russell himself in the May, 1884 Watch Tower magazine pg. 5, and also quoted in the Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose publication, (pg. 37) which said:
"Since 1878 (and never before that) we have felt at liberty to call God's children out of the nominal churches to a position of freedom and liberty, where they would be free to serve Him fully, as well as to study his word and be taught of Him: saying, `Babylon ... is fallen and become a habitation of devils and a hold of every foul spirit and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'
Yes, since the year 1878, Charles T. Russell believed that "escape" was made possible by Jehovah God for all of his people, from "Babylon the Great," or the religious institutions of his time. That point is quite clear we must admit. But let's also notice something else that is very important. In the 1884 Watch Tower, Russell explained the actual "fall" itself of Babylon the Great during his lifetime by saying, and we quote:
"(This falling of the nominal church and receiving into her bosom the corruptions of earth has been in progress for some time). Now comes the message: `And I heard another voice saying, Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and receive not of her plagues.' " (Rev. xviii. 2-4)."
Now we ask:
What was Charles T. Russell's position as to his "escape" from the clutches of "Babylon the Great" of his time? Does he not clearly show that he, and numerous others, had indeed "escaped" the "nominal church" organizations of Babylon the Great? Clearly, Charles T. Russell did indeed teach that he and many others had actually "escaped" from Babylon the Great, did he not?
However, consider this. If we adopt the latest viewpoint of the Watchtower Society, that is the one expounded in 1963 on the real `escape from Babylon,' which supposedly occurred in the year of 1919, and not 1878 as Russell taught, we must ask:
"Where does this new explanation, given in the year of 1963, leave Pastor Russell, the leader and founder of the corporate Watch Tower Society, as to his "escape" from Babylon the Great? Yes, where does this new explanation, leave the founder and first publisher of the official journal called the "Watch Tower" magazine, in relation to his actual "escape" from Babylon the Great? Again, where does this new explanation of the true "escape" from Babylon, leave the founder of the modern-day movement of Jehovah's Witnesses, or International Bible Students, as they were known during his time? Did Charles T. Russell, after more than 40 years of preaching and teaching God's Word, himself die, in 1916, `unliberated' from Babylon the Great? Or were there "two escapes" from Babylon -- one during Russell's day and one in 1919?
Remember, the true escape from "fallen" Babylon the Great occurred in 1919, as first published in the book, Babylon the Great HAS FALLEN!" God's Kingdom Rules! in 1963. Now, we repeat, if we adopt this more recent viewpoint, then we must face the fact that either Charles T. Russell had not "escaped from Babylon," or after his death in 1916, the organization was re-captured again by Babylon the Great for a brief period of time? We can actually see that what the Watch Tower Society teaches on this subject is very confusing.
Now, lets review in our minds what Revelation 18:2, 4 says. Remember, Babylon would have to "fall" first, BEFORE God's people could "escape," isn't that so? (Please reread Revelation 18:2,4.) And there is no mention of any second captivity or re-capturing of God's "people." And so, how did Charles Russell and thousands of "International Bible Students," make their escape from what was thought to be "Babylon the Great" before Babylon actually "falls" in 1919?
Further, if Babylon the Great only `fell' in 1919, three years after Russell had died (1916), then how could C.T. Russell, the founding father of the Watchtower Society and it's first President, have made his escape from it? Actually, if this present explanation of matters is true, then C.T. Russell himself, had not really "escaped" from Babylon the Great, that is, before it had "fallen," in God's sight. Remember, the scripture says Babylon "falls" first then God's people make their escape. And certainly, there is no mention of any second captivity, is there?
Therefore, we must ask the Watchtower Society this question in view of their past position on the "escape" from Babylon the Great:
Where does C.T. Russell stand in relation to the great "fall" of Babylon in 1919 C.E.? Did C.T. Russell himself make his escape before Babylon "fell" in 1919, or did he die "unliberated" from Babylon, the Harlot, because he died before Babylon could experience the great "fall" of 1919 C.E.?
However, let us continue along with the explanations in this revealing article. The same 1960 Watchtower magazine furthers points out:
"A heavy responsibility falls on yet another part of the Babylonish world, the false religious element, which has divided people and confused their knowledge of God." -- Watchtower 1960 pg. 583 par. 3
Also, the summation of the matter is made for us in these comments under the heading "Get Out of Her," in the same magazine which says:
"All these things are part of the great sign of the times that Jesus gave, indicating the near end of this world. The complete wrecking of modern Babylon with her [1] hurtful politics, [2] commerce and [3] false religions is fast approaching, yes, within our lifetime!"
And how should the sincere seeker of Truth "get out of Her???" Notice this point:
"God is judging the nations today. The warning work of Jehovah's witnesses grows day by day. Take heed to it for your own safety during the coming universal war of Armageddon. What should you do? Study God's Word to ascertain his will and purposes. Then, as you make your mind over to conform to his will, separate yourself from this world's wicked practices and schemes. Put your hope and trust in God's established kingdom." (pg. 583 par. 5-7)
Yes, that is how the Jehovah's Witnesses escaped Babylon the Great -- the world under Satan's control! They must "separate from the "world's wicked practices" and "schemes." Now what do you think of that? (See also 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pg. 147-149.)
MAKING THE VITAL POINT
Now we bring this entire discussion and line of reasoning up to demonstrate how illogical and unreasonable the doctrinal message of the Watchtower Society really is on the subject of Babylon the Great and escape from it. Actually, the vital point of this discussion. And it is this:
Giving the Watchtower Society the benefit of the doubt today, yes assuming that the Watchtower Society has the correct understanding of what Babylon the Great is NOW, then how can Jehovah's Witnesses themselves be sure they have escaped from the mysterious Babylon the Great in the all important year of 1919, when in fact it was still a mystery to them as their own explanations of the subject clearly demonstrate right up until the year of 1963!
Yes, in the year 1919, the year the Watchtower Society says the Jehovah's Witnesses escaped, they, the Watchtower Society, had absolutely no earthly idea or clue of what Babylon the Great really was by any stretch of the imagination!
And, as the Watchtower Society admits, they didn't arrive at the proper conclusion of what the mysterious Babylon the Great was, until 1963! (See "Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom," pg. 147) Therefore, how can Christians really "get out" of something that they cannot properly define or admittedly don't understand??? (See Revelation 18:4) Yes, you can't take effective steps to get out of something unless you FIRST find out what it is you are escaping from -- Correct?
Therefore, this would certainly be an impossibility since it was 44 years before the Society officially identified Babylon the Great! It would not be reasonable to believe such a thing. (Romans 12:1) We must remember that Babylon the great is a `mystery' (mysterion) or `sacred secret' and if we are not very careful, we may deceive ourselves with `false reasoning.' (Revelation 17:5; James 1:22) Let's remember also that Babylon the Great, the mystery would come to be understood in the `time of the end' and not before! -- Daniel 12:4, 9, 10.
3) How can it be said:
"No more could it [Babylon] prevent them [Jehovah's Witnesses] from serving Jehovah and making known to all who might hear that harlot-like Babylon the Great is doomed. . ." (Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!, pg. 260, par. 6)
This is a very empty and wholly unsubstantiated statement. It cannot be proven historically that Babylon the Great (particularly Christendom) held back Jehovah's Witnesses from service to Jehovah before 1919 in any discernable way. Nor can it be proven or demonstrated that after 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses (as an organization) experienced any great `release' from the supposed control and power of Babylon the Great. Neither statement nor viewpoint is true and thus cannot be substantiated!
Jehovah's Witnesses (International Bible Students) have been very busy preaching a judgment message against the churches of Christendom, a prominent part of so-called Babylon the Great, ever since their beginning in the 1870's. From the beginning of Charles T. Russell's ministry, while still a youth he struggled with the Presbyterian church's erroneous teaching that a God of Love would torment individuals endlessly in Hellfire. He could never accept that teaching! Then later in life as an adult, his disenchantment and confusion compounded with the complete rejection of the Bible's teachings on these doctrines from the self-centered clergy of Christendom in his local area, convinced Russell of the all-important ministry he had before him, namely, the liberation of as many as possible from the clutches of false religion. His life story shows he was busy in doing just that! The publication Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose points out:
"In 1877 Pastor Russell called a meeting of all the ministers of Allegheny and Pittsburgh, showed them the Scriptures which indicated our Lord's presence and urged them to investigate and proclaim the message. All of the ministers of the two cities were present; all of the ministers of the two cities refused to believe." -- Pg. 18, & 7.
Since that time, Pastor Russell became quite famous lecturing and even debating other ministers of Christendom upon numerous occasions, exposing the errors and unscripturalness of the clergy's teachings of hellfire, immortality of the human soul, etc. He became a world famous author and publisher of Bible literature that proved the shortcomings and wicked ends of false religion during his day.
4) Can it be said that Jehovah's Witnesses were freed of religious persecution in 1919 from Babylon the Great, the so-called world empire of false religion?
Jehovah's Witnesses suffered some of the greatest persecution ever during World War II, after 1919 around the world. (See "Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom," pgs. 666 & 667)
Also, even in this country, during this time in America, the flag salute issue, neutrality toward military service, and other issues caused numerous imprisonments, beatings, and even death to many there and about. Mob action was present in 48 states against Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States during World War II. Notice this comment:
"As the Nazi-Fascist-Catholic war drive stampeded throughout Europe, legal restrictions and imprisonment came upon Jehovah's Witnesses, crushing branch office after branch office of the Watch Tower Society, forcing them to close down. Connections with Brooklyn headquarters were severed. Following the pattern already established in Germany, Nazi occupation forces in country after country banned the Witnesses, as had been done in Austria and Czechoslovakia. This flood of CATHOLIC-INSPIRED ACTION SWAMPING IN UPON Jehovah's Witnesses now became overwhelming and seemed about to engulf them completely." -- Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Purpose, pg. 153, & 3
Yes, this persecution was inspired, encouraged by the clergy of Christendom, a very prominent part of so-called Babylon the Great! Therefore, how can we, as Jehovah's Witnesses, teach that Babylon fell in regards to its persecution or it's ability to manipulate such demonic attacks upon God's People. Christendom was an enemy of Jehovah's people before 1919 and after 1919. True, Jehovah's Witnesses suffered greatly at the hands of Christendom during World War I (1914-1918) with the 9-month imprisonment of the Headquarters staff. However, even these turbulent days could not be equated with the very great suffering of the brothers world-wide, particularly the unspeakable horrors of the Nazi concentration camps during Hitler's reign of terror, as well as the sufferings of the brothers in America and abroad during World II (1939-45) at the hands of Christendom! So, where is the difference in the before and after of 1919??? And, more importantly where is the `Fall of Babylon' in relation to God's people after this particular year?
IDENTIFYING THE REAL "HOUSE OF GOD" -- 1 PETER 4:17
5) First Peter 4:17 plainly states:
"Judgment starts with the house of God."
And yet, how is it that the Watchtower Society in the book Revelation It's Grand Climax at Hand, page 260, paragraph 5, applies this scripture of Jehovah's expression of judgment to Christendom? Why would they do such a thing? Is Christendom really the "house of God?" "Of course, not!" you say. But isn't this the Watchtower Society's official position according to the publication, Revelation Its grand Climax At Hand!, pgs. 259 and 260? Let's examine that quote again. It states in part:
"...From 1914 to 1918, these [International Bible Students] suffered greatly at the hands of Babylon the Great, but in 1918 the Lord Jehovah and his `messenger of the [Abrahamic] covenant,' Jesus Christ, began judgment with `the house of God,' those professing to be Christians. Thus apostate Christendom was brought to trial. (Malachi 3:1; 1 Peter 4:17)"
Did you get it? Yes, "apostate Christendom was brought to trial!" Christendom, and not God's Name people, the Jehovah's Witnesses, now represents the "house of God" under "judgment."
However, this is not all. The article continues:
"Her [Christendom's] tremendous bloodguilt incurred during the first world war, her complicity in persecuting Jehovah's faithful witnesses, and her Babylonish creeds did not help her in the time of judgment; nor did any other part of Babylon the Great merit God's approval. -- Isaiah 13;1-9"
Clearly, we see that the Watchtower Society has taken this information that should have been applied to "God's Household," Jehovah's Witnesses, and promptly applied it to Christendom, their convenient "scapegoat." How ridiculous!
But let's keep in mind, that on other occasions, the Watchtower Society applies the same expression of "God's Household" mentioned at 1 Peter 4:17 to Jehovah's Witnesses themselves. As proof of this, according to another one of their many publications, Choosing the Best Way of Life, page 133, paragraphs 48, 49 and page 135, paragraph 52, they state that this judgment of 1 Peter 4:17 is actually upon the "Christian congregation." Notice this comment based upon the scripture in question 1 Peter 4:17 as of the year of 1979. It states on the subject:
"As a "house of God," the Christian congregation had its beginning in 33 C.E. From that time onward its members have been under divine judgment. Their response to his will, and their attitude, words and actions toward the things that Jehovah God allows to befall them have much to do with what his final verdict will be."
The article continues on page 135 & 52 in further development of 1 Peter 4:17 this way:
"Since Jehovah God allows his loyal servants to undergo severe treatment to refine them and for them to demonstrate their devotion, how could we imagine that the "ungodly man and the sinner" inside the Christian congregation or "house of God" could even "make a showing" before Him along with "the righteous man" inside the same congregation? The psalmist states: `The wicked ones will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of righteous ones.' (Psalm 1:5) No, the wicked will not stand as approved but will be condemned. They may be found in the assembly of righteous ones, but they will never make a favorable "showing" before God. Because of what all believers must face in this world, their finally being saved for everlasting life takes real effort, love and faith in the way of righteousness. Hence, their salvation is "with difficulty." Consequently it behooves all members of the Christian congregation ("house of God") to avoid being "ungodly" and "sinners" in this "appointed time" of judgment."
Now, what do you think of that quote? There can be no question but that the Watchtower Society teaches with a slippery, yes "tricky tongue," as the prophets foretold she would during these "last days." -- Zephaniah 3:11-13
Yes, the Watchtower Society knows full well that the "House of God" of 1 Peter 4:17 is in fact the "Christian Congregation" of Jehovah's Witnesses! Let's make no mistake about that. Therefore, this viewpoint taken from the publication Choosing the Best Way of Life, is more scriptural, more accurate, more precise. No, the "House of God" under judgment is NOT Christendom at all! It is, in fact, Jehovah's Witnesses themselves as the scriptures and this quote clearly proves. This viewpoint is more in harmony with Peter's words at 1 Peter 4:17 which says:
"Now if it [judgment] starts first with US, what will the end be for those who are not obedient to the good news of God?"
Did you notice the word "us." Yes, "us," God's people! Think about it.
Now, if the Society knows that the "house of God" represents the true Christian congregation, then why would they present a different view in the publication Revelation -- It's Grand Climax which clearly pins the blame for a bad "judgment" upon Christendom! Why would they do that??? As we know, Christendom has nothing to do with this judgment! No, nothing at all! Therefore, why bring up a crucial event in Biblical prophecy dealing with the rendering of judgment upon "God's House" and then make the ridiculous application to `CHRISTENDOM as being brought to trial?' This is absolutely inexcusable on the part of someone who is supposed to be "Faithful and Discreet," wouldn't you agree??? Is this how we, as custodians of Jehovah's Word, teach that "Babylon has fallen?" Is this how we get our point across?
However, this IS how the Watchtower Society teaches that "Babylon has fallen," whether we know it or not! And no thinking person, no reasonable person could accept this explanation as real proof. Clearly this judgment, also spoken of at Malachi 3:5 is upon GOD'S PEOPLE [Jehovah's Witnesses] and not Christendom. It is God's own name people who are on `trial,' AND NOT CHRISTENDOM, in this instance as Jeremiah 25:29 clearly says:
"For, look! It is upon the city upon which my name is called that I am starting off in bringing calamity."
And there is no explanation needed as to who today is called by Jehovah God's personal name, is there? Yes, they are Jehovah's Witnesses!
"SHE HAS BECOME A DWELLING PLACE OF DEMONS"
Revelation 18:2 and 4 reads as follows:
"And he cried out with a strong voice, saying: `She has fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen, and she has become a dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhalation and a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird!...And I heard another voice out of heaven say: `Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues."
6) Now after reading the aforementioned verses, a curious thought could be raised concerning Revelation 18:2b in particular, where it states:
". . . and she [Babylon the Great] has become a dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhalation and a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird!"
Therefore, how and when did Babylon the Great become a "dwelling place for demons and a lurking place of every unclean exhalation," "every unclean and hated bird?" Let's give this particular part of the scriptural text special attention. First, let's notice how the Watchtower Society explains Revelation 18:2 in the following comment:
"The word `demons' here is likely a reflection of the word `goat-shaped demons' (se`i-rim') found in Isaiah's description of fallen Babylon: `And there the haunters of waterless regions will certainly lie down, and their houses must be filled with eagle owls. And there the ostriches must reside, and goat-shaped demons themselves will go skipping about there.' (Isaiah 13:21) It may not refer to literal demons but rather to shaggy-haired, desert-dwelling animals whose appearance made onlookers think of demons. In the ruin of Babylon the Great, the figurative existence of such animals, along with stagnant, poisonous air (`unclean exhalation') and unclean birds, signifies her spiritually dead condition. She holds forth no life prospect whatever for mankind." -- Revelation It's Grand Climax at Hand!, pg. 261, & 11.
Did they say the word "demons" mentioned is "likely a reflection" of some sort??? What do you think of that? In other words, according to the Watchtower Society, Babylon the Great, since the year 1919 has become `spiritually dead,' or revealed or exposed as a spiritual wasteland or a desolated land. But, we must ask ourselves this question:
Have we actually seen the spiritual devastation of the world-wide church organizations, so-called Babylon the Great, since the fateful year of 1919?
Well, there are two (2) ways we can look at this particular explanation of Revelation 18:2. First of all, there is no way to prove that the Greek word for demons [daimonion] does not, in this case, refer to actual wicked spirit creatures under the control of Satan the Devil since, in each and every instance of the usage of the word in the book of Revelation, it is applied this very way! The Watchtower Society is making a simple matter into a very complicated matter. Remember what Paul said:
`spiritual matters are taught by spiritual words.' (1 Corinthians 2:13)
We would have to say at this point that the Society has chosen a very unscholarly approach toward this `spiritual word,' daimonion. Why?
The answer is obvious. If Babylon the Great has BECOME a `lurking place' of literal demons since the year 1919 -- that would mean that they (demons) were NOT PRESENT before the fateful year of 1919 in Christendom! In view of the church's hideous record, looking back on such events as the "Spanish inquisition," which happened before 1919, or the ignominious role by complicity of the Catholic Church during the time of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, which happened after 1919 -- in no way could we prove any difference in the spiritual condition prevalent in church organizations today. No, neither before nor after 1919. There can be no question that wicked spirit forces are very active, as they have been for centuries, in the church organizations of our time. There has been no change in that "spiritual devastation" of the churches over the years.
Also, we must ask the following question, namely:
How can we say that the churches of Christendom, or even pagandom for that matter, have "become a lurking place of every unclean exhalation," since the year of 1919?
Clearly, the nominal church organizations have been guilty of "unclean exhalations" or false religious doctrines such as the blasphemous "trinity" teaching and other false doctrines, for centuries before the year of 1919, isn't that so? Therefore, how could they "become a place of..." such things? The expression, "become a place" clearly suggests that the former "place," was simply not this way, originally, is that not so?
Yes, "Babylon" has to "BECOME a dwelling place of demons," and other hideous things, according to scripture, right??? Yes, Babylon, must "become a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird." Babylon has to "become a lurking place of every unclean exhalation" or false teaching. That's why the scriptures plainly say,
"She has fallen, she has fallen!"
Yes, she has "fallen" because she at one time did indeed stand upright before Jehovah. Yes, she, at one time, had a favorable standing before Jehovah and had not "become" this utterly filthy, demon-infested, "swampy-place" like spiritual environment. (Ezekiel 47:11) Now we must ask, if the nominal church organizations of this world, or the "world empire of false religion," pagandom and Christendom, are really the fulfillment of mysterious "Babylon the Great" as the Watchtower Society claims, then:
When, yes when, did the nominal church organizations of our time prove themselves to be completely free of the filthy, ungodly false doctrinal, demonic messages and blasphemous teachings? Yes, when did the churches get their start in teaching such blasphemous things as the Trinity doctrine, for instance? Was it in the year of 1919? Further, ask yourself, did the nominal church organizations of our time, just "become" this way, as the scripture says, since the fateful year of 1919?
We are sure you know the answer to these questions. The nominal church organizations of our time, the "world empire of false religion," have in actuality, been quite filthy with such false teachings or "unclean exhalations" for centuries!
And again, neither can we say that only Jehovah's Witnesses exposed such teachings since the year of 1919. We remember, as mentioned in the article God's Name People and the Framework of the Truth, many many Bible study groups have exposed these same false teachings for centuries and centuries. Such groups include the "Arians," "Waldenses," "Lollards," "Paulicans," "Albigensians," and the early "Unitarians." All of them have revealed and exposed nominal church organizations as being teachers of much falsehood. Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses or the "International Bible Students" as they were known at that time, were last among a long list of heroic individuals who took their stand against the masses, and endured religious persecution and death because of such strict adherence to Bible Truth and principle. No, the year of 1919 did not prove itself to be the year that the "world empire of false religions" were "exposed" as having such false teachings.
Therefore, as we mentioned at the outset, the Greek word damanion, at Revelation 18:2, literally means "demons" or wicked spirit forces that assist Satan the Devil in his evil ends. Make no mistake about that! And these "demons" can easily be linked with "unclean and hated birds" in the Bible. For example, Luke 8:5, 12 says:
"A sower was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down, and the birds of heaven ate it up...Those alongside the road are the ones that have heard, the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved."
There can be no question but that this verse, definitely connects "Satan the Devil" and his "demons," with these "birds of heaven" that ate of up the seeds of the "word of God" before some people could understand it. Yes, they are "demons," wicked spirits. These "demons" or "hated birds" find themselves a home, or a "resting-place." Jesus pointed out that the "demons" or wicked spirit angels are always looking for, searching for a "resting-place." He further pointed out that the entire Jewish nation of his day was shortly to become this filthy habitation or "resting-place," of demons, because of their rejection of Jehovah's chief messianic personage. Matthew 12:43-45 says:
"When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through parched places in search of a resting-place, and finds none. Then it says, `I will go back to my house out of which I moved'; and on arriving it finds it unoccupied but swept clean and adorned. Then it goes its way and takes along with it seven different spirits more wicked than itself, and, after getting inside, they dwell there; and the final circumstances of that man becomes worse than the first. That is how it will be also with this wicked generation."
Yes, the entire "generation" or nation was shortly to come under complete demon control. And there can be no question but that when one reads the historical writings of Josephus, and examines the mental and spiritual conditions prevailing among the Jewish nation and it's priesthood, just prior to their destruction in 70 C.E. by General Titus, one sees the complete accuracy of Jesus' prophecy concerning the nation. Yes, as Jesus said, their `house had truly been abandoned' by Jehovah. (Matthew 23:37, 38)
Clearly, all of these texts that you have just read, and many many others, show that these "birds of heaven" that find lodging among the branches of the initially small "mustard seed," or the "birds" that eat up the seed before others can understand the "word" of God, are wicked demonic spirit forces. These ones are "demons!" Let's make no mistake about that. Therefore, the word "damanion," as mentioned in Revelation 18:2, means just what it says: DEMONS -- wicked spirit creatures in heavenly places! -- Ephesians 6:12
ANOTHER EXPLANATION
Of course, the Watchtower Society is very much aware of what the Greek word for "demons" [damanion] in Revelation 18:2 really means. They have therefore invoked another explanation for the whole matter. "Well, what is that?" you say. THIS: The Watchtower Society says that Babylon the Great (particularly Christendom) "has become a dwelling place of demons" in the sense of the word "demon" actually becoming a "reflection" of the HEBREW WORD seririm which means [goat-shaped] demons. Yes, the word "demons" does not really mean wicked spirit creatures from heaven. No, but actually mean according to the Society "goat-shaped demons," denoting spiritual devastation or wilderness conditions. Now, what do you think of that?
Therefore, this would mean Christendom as well as the rest of so-called Babylon the Great, "the world empire of false religion" has been reduced to a spiritual wilderness condition or desert, as of 1919! Yes, she has come to be exposed (by the Watchtower Society of course, who else) as being a desolate wasteland since 1919 CE. Now again we ask, what do you think of that explanation?
One thing is clear, either explanation you take, it still proves to be absolutely ridiculous! One could probably in all honesty make the observation that Christendom (as well as all the other false religions of the world) have been spiritually dead for a very long, long time! Yes, long before the year of 1919 CE! Neither Babylon the Great, the so-called world empire of false religion nor Christendom died spiritually in the year of 1919. However, the Society can probably get the most "mileage" out of the latter explanation by familiar rhetoric and double-talk. Obviously, the Watchtower Society does not know itself how Babylon the Great became a "dwelling place of demons and a lurking place of every unclean and hated bird." Yes, they do not know just how Babylon the Great ultimately `Fell.' They don't have a clue.
BABYLON STILL THE UNSOLVED MYSTERY
Therefore, we are still left with the haunting question: When and how did Babylon the Great actually fall? To get the answer, please consider the following.
First, we must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that the organization of Jehovah`s Witnesses, led by the Watchtower Society, cannot prove that they are COMPLETELY FREE of Babylon the Great. In fact, they cannot prove actually what Babylon the Great really is, in our day! They have no earthly idea of what Babylon the Great purports to be in our perilous times. Yes, their own explanations of this matter gives them away! Therefore, we must ask:
Perhaps, "Babylon the Great," even in our day and time, is still very much that great unsolved mystery that has baffled Bible students for over 1900 years, don't you think?
Yes, we repeat for the benefit of those of Jehovah's Witnesses who are reading this information for the first time: Jehovah's Witnesses thought as late as the 1960's that it represented Satan's World in general.
THE "GREAT CITY"
To demonstrate further the Watch Tower Society's confusion concerning the identity of Babylon the Great, notice the explanation given concerning the `great city' of Revelation 11:8 in the publication Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand:
"But what was this `great city'? John gives us some clues. He says that Jesus was impaled there. So we immediately think of Jerusalem. But he also says that the great city is called Sodom and Egypt. Well, literal Jerusalem was once called Sodom because of her unclean practices. (Isaiah 1:8-10; compare Ezekiel 16:49, 53-58.) And Egypt, the first world power, sometimes appears as a picture of this world system of things. (Isaiah 19:1, 19; Joel 3:19) Hence, this great city pictures a defiled `Jerusalem' that claims to worship God but that has become unclean and sinful, like Sodom, and a part of this satanic world system of things, like Egypt. It pictures Christendom, the modern equivalent of unfaithful Jerusalem, the organization whose members had so much reason to rejoice when they silenced the disturbing preaching of the two witnesses." (Revelation It's Great Climax, pages 168, & 21, 22.)
We notice the immediate application of the `great city' to Christendom. But should it be only "Christendom" and not to "Babylon the Great" herself? This is because the Watchtower Society knows that it has not acted as the "Two Witnesses" to Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion! No, the hundred of millions of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, yes billions of people in China, India, yes, the vast MAJORITY of people who makeup of the world empire of false religion (Babylon the Great) have not been "witnessed" to by the Watchtower Society! (Revelation 11:3-8)
In fact, the publication "Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom pg. 422 & 423 says that only a few hundred were preaching during the early 1880's and that by 1914 there were only about 5,100 that participated in the witnessing work. It further reports, that by 1918, this number had dropped 20%. Therefore, the obvious question would be:
How could less than 5,000 people, act as the "Two Witnesses" and handle a preaching assignment that embraced the world of humanity?
No, they simply did not have the man-power for the assignment. No one would believe that this was the case. Similarly, it is difficult to believe that this same group of less than 5,000 individuals were even successful in preaching to the nations of Christendom, yes, hundreds of millions of people, on a world-wide scale.
No doubt, the Watchtower Society believes that it can sell the second argument better than the first. Yes, they realize that they must show that this "great city" that the "Two Witnesses" preaches to must be Christendom and not Babylon the Great! However, every single instance of the use of the expression "The Great City" in the book of Revelation shows it has been directed clearly to Babylon the Great and not to so called "Christendom." As we know, the word "Christendom" does not appear in the book of Revelation or for that matter any where in the entire Bible! Therefore, the Society must invent or concoct a fictitious answer for the identity of this "Great City" of Revelation 11:8.
Also, interestingly, the eleventh chapter of Revelation is apparently dealing with someone who has a relationship with Jehovah God, though not approved. This is highlighted by a consideration of the "measuring" work that John is invited to do in verses 1-3. This work, no doubt, acts as a prelude to that of the "Two Witnesses." However, again this explanation would actually place the identity of the real culprits "too close to home." Therefore the Society takes the view that the "Great City" of Revelation 11:8 must be Christendom! This of course contradicts some very plain Biblical statements mentioned in Revelation itself. For example, let us look at Revelation 17:18, which says:
"And the woman [Babylon the Great] whom you saw means the GREAT CITY that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth."
Also Revelation 16:19 which says:
"And the great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell; and Babylon the Great was remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of the anger of his wrath."
Again, the "great city" is actually "Babylon the Great." Also, in your spare time read: Revelation 18: 10, 16, 18, 19 and 21 and you will plainly see that the "great city" is not Christendom, but Babylon the Great itself! Therefore, the Great city of Revelation chapter 11 must also be, in fact, Babylon the Great of chapters 17 and 18.
---------end of quote from "The Report" Volume II, chapter 9----
bjc
