Change in application to Luke 21:28?

by FairMind 13 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  FairMind

  Luke 21:28 tells us that Christians living during the time of the fulfillment of the prophecies showing that the end of this system was near were to hold their heads erect as their deliverance was near. Or at least this is the way the WTS has always explained this scriptural passage. Last night, our visiting CO mentioned in that this is no longer the way we interpret this scripture and that our past understanding was incorrect. He did not go into any further detail. Is this “New Light” and if so how long has this adjustment been in effect? What ramifications would this change have?

  FairMind
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  ezekiel3

  I m not aware of this change. If the understanding has changed, what is the new interpretation??
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  blondie

  Yes, when a CO says something like that, especially from the platform, he should be able to point to an article in a recent WT publication or soon to be released publication or at least give the new understanding and the basis for it. I do the WT reviews and did not notice any change. Did anyone else? In my active days, I would have gone up to him at the KH privately and asked for further information.

  I do know that some active JWs still haven't gotten on the "no 1914 generation" train yet.

  Blondie

  PS I do know that the WTS now ties that scripture Luke 21:25-28 with the beginning of the great tribulation and the starting of the separating of the sheep and the goats and the the signs in the heavens could be literal. But I only have my 2001 CD at work.
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  JustTickledPink

  Hun, so you don't hold your head up high no more? The deliverece isn't near after all?

  I would have asked for an explanation too.
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  Evesapple

  ...and the light keeps getting brighter and brighter....

  I'm sure if you would ask him to further explain, he'd give some bs response like.....'the faithful and discreet slave class will provide that food at the proper time'.....you'd never get a straight answer, but it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway, just to see them dance around the subject.
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  doinmypart

  Blondie is correct. I checked the 2003 CD and nothing has changed. Quote from w97 4/1
  

  At some point after the ?great tribulation? begins, but before Jehovah executes his judgment upon the rest of this world, supernatural events will occur...At that particular time, the prophecy of Luke 21:28 applies...God?s enemies will be trembling with fear because they will know that the supernatural events taking place come from Jehovah. But Jehovah?s servants will rejoice because they will know that their deliverance is getting near.

  
  Prior to 1994 (and the 1995 Generation fiasco) the Org taught that Luke 21:28 applied to then present times as JWs dealt with distressing conditions. Since 1994 the Org teaches this is a future thing. Either the CO was talking about the 1994 change that some may not have picked up on, or there is in fact new lite in the works.
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  metatron

  Some folks have written the Society about this section of Luke and pointed out that they rip it out of context.

  A good side by side comparison of gospel accounts shows that Jesus must have been speaking about the Great Tribulation

  itself and not the 'last days'. Maybe they finally figured this out.

  metatron
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  iiz2cool

  I would write a letter to the governing body and ask them about it. Give them all details including the name of the CO. But don't sign your name on the letter - sign it with the name and address of someone in the hall you don't like.
  
  Walter
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  FairMind

  Thanks to everyone! I believe my question has been answered. I never had picked up on the 1994 change. It makes sense that the application is after the GT starts and that was the CO's point. Also, I like iiz2cool's idea of writing a letter to the WTS under someone else’s name. I've actually thought of confessing some great imaginary sin in the name of one particular elder that has caused me much mental anguish .
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  Honesty

  HOW DARE YOU QUESTION THE WORD OF A CO. IF HE SAYS THE BLACK BIBLE IS REALLY GREEN AND YOURS STILL LOOKS BLACK YOU NEED TO HAVE AN EYE EXAMINATION.