Galatians 1:7-9 (NWT)But it is not another; only there are certain ones who are causing YOU trouble and wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. 8
However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to YOU as good news something beyond what YOU accepted, let him be accursed.
Actually, willyloman, I would use this scripture whenever an elder would push his personal opinion without scriptural support (WTS publications did not count.)
In fact, I always pointed to this statement in the WT:
w88 4/1 p. 30 Is Obedience Always Proper? ***What about the authority in the Christian congregation? Since those in responsible positions are appointed by the operation of the holy spirit and they base their counsel and admonition on the Word of God, we can be sure that obeying duly appointed authority in the Christian congregation is appropriate. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17) But it does not mean that we obey such authority without giving due consideration to what is being said. Why?
The apostle John offered this counsel: "Do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God." (1 John 4:1) This does not mean that we should be suspicious of everything others tell us. Rather, we bear in mind Paul?s words at Galatians 1:8: "Even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed."
So I would always say that the Bible is the final authority. And if I wouldn't listen to an angel if what he said disagreed with the Bible, I shouldn't listen to an imperfect man if what he said was not in agreement with the scriptures.
But of course, the WTS back pedals and says earlier:
***
w59 9/1 p. 530 Walking in the Name of Jehovah ***The voice of Jehovah speaks to us today through his organization, giving us correction and instruction in righteousness and in active ministerial service.
I thought God spoke to us through the Bible!
g82 2/8 p. 6 A Closer Look ***
However, the apostle Paul said: "Even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond ["at variance with" (NE)] what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8) Now, if an apostle or an angel should not go beyond the good news recorded in the Bible, is a charismatic personality today authorized to do so?
Blondie