How many realize that in 1999 the WT slipped it by that the disgustting thing (UN/League of nations) did not start standing in a holy place when Christendom declared the League, the earthly expression of God's kingdom on earth in 1919? (Matthew 24:15)
Old:
w96 6/1 p. 17 Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation" ***
What is that modern-day "disgusting thing"? The evidence points to the League of Nations, which went into operation in 1920, shortly after the world entered its time of the end. But how could that be a "disgusting thing that causes desolation"?
Remember, the Hebrew word for "disgusting thing" is used in the Bible principally with reference to idols and idolatrous practices. Was the League idolized? Indeed it was! The clergy put it "in a holy place," and their followers proceeded to give it passionate devotion. The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America declared that the League would be "the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth." The U.S. Senate received an avalanche of mail from religious groups urging it to ratify the Covenant of the League of Nations. The general body of Baptists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians in Britain lauded it as "the only available instrument for attaining [peace on earth]."?See Revelation 13:14, 15.
New:
w99 5/1 pp. 17-18 "Let the Reader Use Discernment" ***
Since the start of the great tribulation is yet future, is the "standing in a holy place" still ahead of us? Evidently so. While "the disgusting thing" made its appearance early in this century and has, thus, existed for decades, it will take a position in a unique way "in a holy place" in the near future. As first-century followers of Christ must have keenly watched to see how the "standing in a holy place" would develop, so do present-day Christians. Admittedly, we will have to wait for the actual fulfillment to know all the details. Yet, it is noteworthy that in some lands there is already a detectable and growing antipathy toward religion. Some political elements, in league with former Christians who have deviated from the true faith, are promoting hostility against religion in general and true Christians in particular. (Psalm 94:20, 21; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21) Consequently, political powers even now "battle with the Lamb," and as Revelation 17:14 indicates, this fight will intensify. While they cannot literally get their hands on the Lamb of God?Jesus Christ in his exalted, glorified state?they will further vent their opposition against God?s true worshipers, his "holy ones" in particular. (Daniel 7:25; compare Romans 8:27; Colossians 1:2; Revelation 12:17.) We have divine assurance that the Lamb and those with him will be victorious.?Revelation 19:11-21.