NEW LIGHT ON THE 144,000 EXPLAINED

by raymond frantz 18 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  TonusOH

  I think the problem began decades ago, when the steady downtrend of partakers slowed to a near-stop. This is when they opened the door just a bit, by claiming that there could still be partakers after the 'doors were closed' in 1935, to account for replacements. Once that door was opened, more people 'heard the heavenly calling.' The numbers began to stay flat and occasionally increase.

  The WTS then opened that door just a bit wider, by claiming that they couldn't say anyone was wrong to partake. They understood that this stance was risky, so they basically said that new partakers might be mentally ill. But that didn't do anything to slow the increase in partakers, to the point where it was no longer salvageable. Once the number had increased from ~9,000 to more than 20,000, it was clear that the doors had been thrown wide open.

  The problem is that this is one of their core teachings, and fiddling with it is risky. New explanations will replace and supercede older ones, in which case the rank-and-file might have some questions. Such as wondering about the old 'replacement' explanation. Or the old 'mental illness' explanation. Presenting it as new light from Jehovah just shifts the blame-- now it's god's fault that they called people crazy for partaking? Oof.
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  raymond frantz

  TonusOH

  I love your explanation, the thing is most Witnesses reading the Bible they are destined to arrive to the inevitable conclusion that partaking from the bread and the wine is a command you can not ignore, it was obvious to me too as I was waking up
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  Beth Sarim

  John 6:53 clearly states if you do not eat thr bread or drink the wine you have no life in you.
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  DesirousOfChange

  The Watchtower's concept of "new light" allows them to alter previous teachings when they no longer fit current circumstances or interpretations.

  ". . . . when they no longer fit current circumstances or interpretations."

  There are the key words. They NEVER "see the light" in advance. No, it's always AFTER the old light has been proven false and REQUIRES CORRECTION. As 2014 approached and "all those who witnessed the signs" of the beginning of The Last Days were dead, their "OH SHIT!" alarm goes off and they see they have to change the doctrine.

  So it was when the number of the "remnant" started rising instead of diminishing. First, they said any increase was from those still clinging to their doctrines of Christendom, OR . . . . the new (younger) members who were partaking of the Emblems were MENTALLY ILL. (I do still believe the latter excuse.) Since "The Big A" still has not come to bail their ass out of this dilemma, it's time for another CORRECTION.

  So it is with WT and their Divine Direction.

  Holy Spirit my ass!
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  Beth Sarim

  I think it was on Gilberts channel where they were talking about the Borg denying its followers the wine & bread for decades.

  Knowing they were intentionally doing this all along!! That the Borg could have been leading people away from Christ all along !!
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  truthseeker

  "Six Convincing Lines of Evidence" that we are in the Last Days. …
  
  Sixth, the number of genuine anointed disciples of Christ 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." Watchtower 2000 Jan 15 p.13
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  Sea Breeze

  The 800 lb. gorilla in the room when discussing this topic is the fact that the new covenant is "for the forgiveness of sins", not primarily for a heavenly kindgom position of authority to rule the world.

  Mt. 26: 27&28

  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

  I think a lot of JW's have figured this out and naturally would like to get their sins forgiven. They likely believe they must keep quiet about their reason why though, so they won't get disfellowshipped. Cowards.

  Unfortunatelly, their application for forgiveness of sins is rejected by Jesus because they continue to preach a different gospel for everyone else, a message that the apostles NEVER preached. Scripture says they are still cursed because of it.

  I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. - Gal. 1 6-9
  
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  Justaguy

  Lol at some point they will declare that the 144k relate directly to those of the GB not to those going to heaven. Its animal farm in slow motion and control is all that matters.

  Maintain control for a few years, let the next group figure it out from there.

  Simple truth is, PT Barnum said it best and there will always be customers for the WT.
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  Beth Sarim

  And,,,, as long as a sucker is born every minute.

  🙂