Comments You Will Not Hear at the 6-19-05 WT Study (May 1, 2005 issue) Review comments will be in black and parentheses ()
WT quotes from today’s WT
will be in red and quotes ""Quotes from other sources
will be in blueTHE RESURRECTION HOPE -WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?
"You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living
thing."-PSALM 145:16.
www.biblegateway.com /cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
This is the third week of the resurrection. How many did not know how often the WTS has defined who will not be resurrected and how often they changed their position?
Thank goodness, God has it straight, right?
Do you know when the WTS says those on earth become perfect and receive everlasting life?
Do you know what the scrolls are and how God gives them to humans?
How many want to experience the joy of being resurrected if they can avoid it?
START OF ARTICLE
NINE-YEAR-OLD
Christopher and his brother had spent the morning, along withtheir
uncle, aunt, and two cousins, calling from house to house in theirChristian ministry near Manchester, England
. Our companion magazine, Awake!,explained what happened. "In the afternoon, they set out together on a
sight-seeing
trip to Blackpool, a nearby seaside resort. All 6 were among 12people
killed instantly in a motorway crash, described by the police as 'anabsolute holocaust.'"
Translation:
Be sure to go out in field service in the morning before any recreational activities. You never know when you will die. It also proves that there is no supernatural protection for faithful JWs.Translation
: Resurrection due to time and unforeseen circumstance. There is no guarantee that individual JWs will survive until the great tribulation, to be able to live through it.w01
8/15 p. 21 Have Faith Like That of Abraham! ***Today, Jehovah does not guarantee us protection from the ravages of death, crime, famine, or natural disaster. We are promised that Jehovah will always make available protection from things that can endanger our spirituality. (Psalm 91:1-4) He does so primarily by providing us timely warnings through his Word and "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) What about the threat of death from persecution? While individuals may be allowed to die
, God will never allow the extermination of his people as a whole. (Psalm 116:15) And if death claims some faithful ones, we can be confident of their resurrection.—John 5:28, 29.2 The night before the tragedy, the family had attended the Congregation
Book Study
, where the subject of death had been discussed. "Christopher wasalways a very thoughtful boy
," related his father. "That night, he spokeclearly about a new world and his hope for the future
. Then, as ourdiscussion continued, Christopher suddenly said: The thing about being one
of Jehovah's Witnesses is that while death hurts, we know we will see each
other again on earth one day
.' Little did any of us present realize how memorable those words were going to be."* (* See Awake! July 8,1988, page 10, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.)( see complete article after review; notice how the first 2 paragraphs are lifted almost verbatim except for the last name of the family, and first names of the parents, David and Ailene Heslop; I wonder if they are still active JWs?)Translation: Not missing meetings is resurrection insurance.Being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses: as opposed to being a Christian?We know we will see each other on earth one day.What does it mean if some of those who died have an earthly hope and others a heavenly hope? Will they see each other in the resurrection?(Sidepoint: In early Christian days, if they lost a minor child to death and the parents had the heavenly hope, would they be reunited with their parents in the resurrection since children were not selected to rule in heaven?)All Christians believe that the resurrection will unite them with loved ones. But they don’t believe the WTS way.Translation: You will not see your loved ones unless you adhere to the WTS dogma.Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses: previously Published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Why the change?Last appeared on 2/15/01 WT page 9 w01 2/15 p. 9 Searching for Deserving Ones in Kenya ***Published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.3 Years earlier, in 1940, an Austrian Witness named Franz was faced with the prospect of execution by guillotine for his refusal to be disloyal to Jehovah. Franz wrote to his mother from a Berlin detention center: "With what I knew, if I had taken the [military] oath, I would have committed a sin deserving death. That would be evil to me. I would have no resurrection. . . . And now, my dear Mother and all my brothers and sisters, today I was told my sentence, and don't be terrified, it is death, and I will be executed tomorrow morning. I have my strength from God, the same as it always was with all true Christians away back in the past. ... If you will stand firm until death, we shall meet again in the resurrection. . . . Until we meet again."* (* Jehovah's Witnesses-Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 662, published by Jehovah's Witnesses.) (see article at end of review; never mentioned is whether Franz and his family had the earthly or heavenly hope; in order for them to see each other again, all would have to be in one group or the other.)Franz ReiterWe shall meet again in the resurrectionWas he of the anointed? Was his family? Some of them? Would they see other then?if I had taken the [military] oath, I would have committed a sin deserving death. That would be evil to me. I would have no resurrection. Taking military oath = sin deserving death = no resurrection = ?unforgivable sinTranslation: Another reason need for the resurrection, persecution.Does the average JW in developed countries even have persecution in their future? 4 The resurrection hope meant much to both Christopher and Franz. It was real to them. Surely these accounts touch our heart! To deepen our appreciation for Jehovah and to strengthen our hope in the resurrection, let us consider why the resurrection will occur and how this should affect us personally. Deepen our appreciation for JehovahFor the WT organization w02 10/1 p. 22 Cultivate Obedience as the End Draws Near ***So let us continue to appreciate Jehovah’s wonderful theocratic organization and what it provides. In this way, we demonstrate our submission to Shiloh, who will reward all his obedient subjects with everlasting life Strengthen our hope in the resurrectionWhich has been eroded by the WT doctrine that millions now living will never die. w03 12/15 p. 19 Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency ***To be preserved through the great tribulation, we must remain in that paradise. w01 1/15 p. 21 Keep in Step With Jehovah’s Organization *** We have absolute confidence that Jehovah will never abandon his faithful people; he will deliver them through the coming "great tribulation." w01 2/1 p. 7 Finding Security in a Risk-Filled World *** True wisdom will soon ‘preserve alive its owners’ in an unprecedented way—protection through the fast-approaching "great tribulation," when God destroys the wicked. (Matthew 24:21) At that time people will be throwing their money into the streets as "an abhorrent thing," according to the Bible. Why? Because they will have learned the hard way that gold and silver will not buy them life during "the day of Jehovah’s fury." (Ezekiel 7:19) On the other hand, "a great crowd," who prudently ‘stored up their treasures in heaven’ by putting spiritual interests first in their life, will benefit from their sure investment and gain eternal life in a paradise earth.ShouldGuilt tripping term
Vision of the Earthly Resurrection5 In a vision of events during the Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus, the apostle John saw the earthly resurrection taking place. "I saw the dead, the great and the small," he reported. "And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them." (Revelation 20:12, 13) Of whatever rank or station--whether "great" or "small"--all those held captive within Hades (Sheol), the common grave of mankind, will be released. Those who lost their lives at sea will also return to life at that time. This wonderful occurrence is part of Jehovah's purpose. Millennial Reign of Christ JesusDoes the average JW know that Russell taught that the Millennial Reign would start in 1914? That the secular governments and religion would be eradicated and the anointed would go to heaven?
Try reading the Studies in the Scriptures. You will be amazed at what has changed.
http://www.agsconsulting.com/volumes/start.htm
Hades (Sheol)The place from which the apostates Korah, Dathan, and Abiram are sent, thus, apostates will be resurrected if they die in this system.
w82 4/1 p. 27 Survival or Destruction at the "Great Tribulation" ***Similarly, unrepentant apostates go, at death, not to Sheol, or Hades, but to Gehenna. (Hebrews 6:4-8; 2 Peter 2:1) Rank or stationWill there be rank and station during the 1,000 reign then?
Princes
Elders
Overseers
Given Ones
Chieftains
Sheiks
Glorious ones
w99 3/1 p. 10 "Set Your Heart Upon" God’s Temple! *** And notice in Ezekiel’s vision that the chieftain, like the priests, would live on land contributed by the people. (Ezekiel 45:16) So in the restored land, the people were to contribute to the work of those whom Jehovah appointed to take the lead, supporting them by cooperating with their direction. In all, this land was a picture of organization, cooperation, and security. w02 2/15 p. 23 A Hiding Place From the Wind *** (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Under the direction of the King, Christ Jesus, these spiritual princes, or overseers, would be like stable rocks, firm in times of stress or affliction. w02 11/15 p. 17 Keep On Serving Shoulder to Shoulder *** The disciple Jude wrote about murmurers who were "disregarding lordship and speaking abusively of glorious ones," or responsible men in the congregation.6 Christ's reign of a thousand years begins with the binding of Satan and his abyssing. None of those resurrected nor any of the survivors of the great tribulation will be misled by Satan during that reign, for he will be inactive. (Revelation 20:1-3) A thousand years may appear to you to be a long time, but in fact, Jehovah views it "as one day." -2 Peter 3:8. Christ’s reign of a thousand years beginsIn the Time is at Hand, Russell point to 1872 as the end of 6,000 years of human history and that the Millennium would start in 1914.
1925Millions Now Living Will Never Die Pamphlet A simple calculation of these jubilees brings us to this important fact: Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A. D. 1 of necessity would end in the fall of the year 1925, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? In the type there must be a full restoration; therefore the great antitype must mark the beginning of restoration of all things. The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth. Based upon the argument heretofore set forth, then, that the old order of things, the old world, is ending and is therefore passing away, and that the new order is coming in, and that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then, based upon the promises set forth in the divine Word, we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die. 1940’s"Receiving the gift, [Rutherford's book, Children] the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." (Watchtower Sept. 15, 1941, p. 288)(64x12)
1975 w80 3/15 p. 17 Choosing the Best Way of Life ***With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man’s existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated.(doesn’t the light get brighter?)
X1984, 1994Dismemberment of the 1914 Generation DoctrineSurvivors of the great tribulation w89 9/1 p. 19 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.7 According to the vision, Christ's Millennial Reign will be a time for judgment. The apostle John wrote: "I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. . . . And they were judged individually according to their deeds." (Revelation 20:12,13) Notice that the basis for this judging is not what the person had or had not done before he died. (Romans 6:7) Rather, it relates to "scrolls" that are to be opened. A person's deeds performed after he learns the contents of the scrolls will furnish the basis for determining whether his name is written in "the scroll of life." Time of judgmentPeople executed during a time of judgment have no hope of a resurrection.
w52 6/1 p. 347 Fixing Destinies in This Judgment Period ***If ignorance during this present judgment period is an excuse and is going to mean a resurrection for ignorant ones in the millennial reign, would it not be advantageous to let all remain ignorant now? If all those not personally preached to now and who are slain by Jehovah at Armageddon are going to return in the resurrection of mankind, why preach now at all? Even those who oppose the view that all Armageddon’s slain are forever dead will admit that those hearing but not accepting the witness now will perish eternally at Armageddon. Scroll of life w87 9/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***As to those with earthly prospects, by proving faithful now, down through Christ’s Millennial Reign, and then through the decisive test to follow, their names will become permanently "written in the book of life."—Revelation 20:5-15.w83 10/1 p. 15 Millions Get Ready for Uninterrupted Life on Earth ***
That symbolic "wild beast" was known at first as the League of Nations. It descended into the abyss of inaction during World War II of the years 1939-45 and then ascended out of the abyss in the form of the United Nations after that war. So since 1945 a perilous situation prevails that might affect the seeker after life eternal on a Paradise earth. He may be deceived into taking a course that will disqualify him for having his name written on "the scroll of life." Hence, we now need to exercise "the intelligence that has wisdom" in our attitude toward the symbolic "wild beast."—Revelation 17:9.The promoters, admirers and supporters of that wild beast will also suffer destruction. Their names are not found written upon "the scroll of life." Things written in the scrollsContents of the scrollsJudged according to their deeds (performed after learning what is in scrolls) w98 7/1 p. 22 "Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing" ***It must be, then, that these scrolls will set forth divine instructions that all must follow in order to benefit fully from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.Revelation Climax book chap. 41 pp. 298-299 God’s Day of Judgment—Its Joyful Outcome! ***However, John has just mentioned other scrolls that will be opened during the Millennial Reign. (Revelation 20:12) What will these be? At times, Jehovah has given specific instructions for particular situations. For example, in Moses’ day he provided a detailed series of laws that meant life for the Israelites if they obeyed. (Deuteronomy 4:40; 32:45-47) During the first century, new instructions were given to help faithful ones to follow Jehovah’s principles under the Christian system of things. (Matthew 28:19, 20; John 13:34; 15:9, 10) Now John reports that the dead are to be "judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds." Evidently, then, the opening of these scrolls will publish Jehovah’s detailed requirements for mankind during the thousand years. By applying in their lives the regulations and commandments of those scrolls, obedient humans will be able to lengthen their days, attaining finally to everlasting life. Did you ever wonder how God was going to transmit these new commandments; how would you know they were from God and not some group’s agenda? "Resurrection of Life" or "Resurrection of Judgment" 8 Earlier in John's vision, Jesus is described as having "the keys of death and of Hades." (Revelation 1:18) He serves as Jehovah's "Chief Agent of life," empowered to judge "the living and the dead." (Acts 3:15; 2 Timothy 4:1) How will he do this? By bringing back to life those who sleep in death. "Do not marvel at this," Jesus said to the crowds to whom he preached, "because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." He then added: "Those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28-30) So, what future awaits faithful men and women of old?Jesus is described as having the keys of death and of HadesJesus empowered to judgeBringing back to life those who sleep in deathThen why does the WTS then presume to judge who will be resurrected? (see last week’s review)
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/92291/1.ashx
9 When these ancient faithful ones return in the resurrection, they will soon find out that the promises they trusted in are now a reality. How interested they will be to learn the identity of the Seed of God's woman, mentioned in the first prophecy in the Bible, at Genesis 3:15! How happy they will be to hear that this promised Messiah, Jesus, proved faithful to death, thereby giving his life as a ransom sacrifice! (Matthew 20:28) Those welcoming them back to life will find great joy in helping them to appreciate that this ransom provision is an expression of Jehovah's undeserved kindness and mercy. When resurrected ones discover what God's Kingdom is accomplishing in fulfilling Jehovah's purpose for the earth, their hearts will no doubt overflow with expressions of praise to Jehovah. They will have ample opportunity to demonstrate their attachment to their loving heavenly Father and his Son. Everyone living will delight in sharing in the vast educational work needed to teach the billions returning from the grave, who will also need to accept God's ransom provision. Ancient faithful ones/Ancient worthiesPerfect when resurrected/Better resurrection/1925rule in earthly Jerusalem over the earthAll points in the Millions Will Never Die
http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/millions/millions.html
Revelation Climax book chap. 41 p. 297 God’s Day of Judgment—Its Joyful Outcome! ***With regard to the earthly resurrection, "the righteous" will include faithful men and women of old—Abraham, Rahab, and many others—who were declared righteous as to friendship with God. (James 2:21, 23, 25) In this same group will be those righteous other sheep who died faithful to Jehovah in modern times. Likely, all such integrity keepers will be resurrected early in Jesus’ Millennial Reign. (Job 14:13-15; 27:5; Daniel 12:13; Hebrews 11:35, 39, 40) No doubt many of these resurrected righteous ones will be assigned special privileges in overseeing the tremendous work of restoration in Paradise.—Psalm 45:16; compare Isaiah 32:1, 16-18; 61:5; 65:21-23.undeserved kindness and mercy praise to Jehovahyet loving attachment to his SonEveryone living will delight in sharing in theVast educational workWill there be door to door any more?
If only 6,000,000 survive GT as WTS says, how long will educational work take?
I heard a talk at a convention where the speaker showed that there would actually be little to for the tribulation survivors to do in this area. Mathematically he showed how in a few short years, all would be educated. He said if people wanted the joy of preaching and teaching, now was the time to do it.
Did anyone else hear that talk?
w95 1/15 p. 28 Assembling With Those Who Fear God ***In the talk "There Will Be a Resurrection of the Righteous," the speaker raised an interesting question: "During that thousand-year Judgment Day, when will those who died faithful in these final years of Satan’s system of things be resurrected?" The answer? "The Bible does not say," the speaker explained. "However, is it not logical that those who die in our day would be resurrected early in order to share with the great crowd of Armageddon survivors in the immense educational work that is to take place throughout Judgment Day? Yes, indeed!" Will there be survivors? There certainly will be. Bible teachings and examples that assure us of this were clearly explained in the next talk, "Saved Alive Through the Great Tribulation." w95 12/1 p. 24 Watchtower Educational Center Sends Out Missionaries *** In his opening remarks, Carey Barber of the Governing Body focused attention on the significance of what was taking place. He said: "This is to be the hub of the greatest divine education activity that has ever been carried forward on this earth." He explained that we are approaching the climax of the warfare between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. (Genesis 3:15) The only ones who will survive the awesome confrontation during the coming great tribulation, he showed, will be those who have accurate knowledge of God’s Word and are obedient to it.10 The resurrected Abraham will find great comfort in experiencing the reality of life under the rule of that "city" to which he looked forward. (Hebrews 11:10) What a thrill faithful Job of old will have when he learns that his life course strengthened other servants of Jehovah who faced tests of their integrity! And how much Daniel will want to know about the fulfillment of the prophecies he was inspired to write! Resurrected Abraham (where’s Sarah)Faithful Job of oldWhat about his 10 children who died to prove Satan’s point
Servants of Jehovah (where’s Jesus?)Daniel will want to know about the fulfillment of the prophecies he was inspired to writeRead the WTS Daniel Prophecy book and the other WTS that flipflopped or will they have been consigned to the fire and only those with new light provided?
11 Indeed, all who gain life in the righteous new world, whether by resurrection or by surviving the great tribulation, will have much to learn about Jehovah's purpose for the earth and its inhabitants. The prospect of living forever and praising Jehovah for all eternity will surely make the Millennial education program a real delight. However, it will be what we do individually as we learn the contents of the scrolls that will count the most. Will we apply what we learn? Will we meditate on and take to heart the vital information that will strengthen us to resist Satan's final attempt to divert us from the truth? New worldBuzzword; previously in vogue; new order, new system of things, new world society; but never new world order; new order disappeared from the WT publications about the time new world order became popular in the media.
Resurrection or bySurviving the great tribulation (only JWs)Education program a real delightOr else
What we DO individuallyApply, meditate, take to heartResist Satan’s final attempt (at the end of the 1,000 Reign) 12 Not to be forgotten are the wonderful blessings that will result from the application of the benefits of Christ's ransom sacrifice. Those restored to life in the resurrection will not have the kind of infirmities or disabilities presently experienced. (Isaiah 33: 24) A sound body and the prospect of perfect health will allow all inhabitants of the new world to share fully in the educational work of instructing those billions resurrected in the way of life. Those inhabitants will also share in the greatest undertaking ever attempted on earth--that of transforming the whole planet into a paradise to Jehovah's praise. Application of the benefits of ransomWill not have the kind of infirmities or disabilities presently experiencedWhat about the survivors? Will limbs and organs grow back? Will disfigurements disappear?
Prospect of perfect health; remember that perfection is still long down the road, at the latest when the 1,000 years endNew WorldShare fully/do as much as the WTS designatesTransforming the whole planet into a paradiseNow this could take an article in itself as to the speculations about what the new system will be like?
Who will maintain the roads?
Who will refine the gasoline? Who will pump the oil?
Will people only use horses? If there are 20 billion people, what would 20 billion horses do to the environment?
Who will run the electric plants? Who will run the treatment plants?
Will you eat bananas if you live in Michigan?
Will people eat meat, eggs, milk?
How will people communicate; will there be telephones, faxes, televisions?
Who will make them, maintain them, run them?
After all this is a paradise, right?
I have heard sisters point out a 8 bedroom mansion for their paradise home. I ask, who will clean it? They say they will hire a maid!!!!! Who is going to be the maid, some sister in paradise? Or maybe sisters will be each others maid on a rotating basis.
13 When Satan is released from the abyss for the final test, he will try to mislead humans once again. According to Revelation 20:7-9, all the 'misled nations' or groups of people, who fall under Satan's wicked influence will meet their judgment of destruction: 'Fire will come down out of heaven and devour them.' For those among them who experienced a resurrection during the Millennium, this destruction will make theirs a resurrection of condemnatory judgment. By contrast, resurrected integrity-keepers will receive the gift of everlasting life. Truly, theirs will be "a resurrection of life."-John 5:29. Final testRebellion against God’s rulership or human rulership on earth?
Judgment of destructionYes, this is considered a judgment period, execution means eternal destruction.
Only then are people truly perfect and worthy of everlasting life.
14 How can the hope of the resurrection comfort us even now? Indeed, what must we do to ensure that we will receive its benefits in the future? What must we DO to ensure that we will receive its benefits in the future?Lessons to Learn Now 15 You may recently have lost a loved one in death and may be coping with the big adjustment that such a great loss brings. The resurrection hope helps you to gain an inner calm and strength that those who do not know the truth fail to obtain. "We do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping in death," Paul consoled the Thessalonians, "that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Do you see yourself in the new world, witnessing the resurrection? Find comfort now by meditating on the prospect of meeting your loved ones again. Lost a loved one in deathCoping with a big adjustmentThat you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hopeDo people outside the KH who are Christians have have no hope?
Do you see yourself in the new world?But remember this point used often by the WTS.
w81 8/15 p. 25 Hidden in the Day of Jehovah’s Anger ***"Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger." (Zeph. 2:3d)16 You may at present be suffering the physical consequences of Adam's rebellion, perhaps in the form of ill health. Do not let the distress this brings cause you to forget the joyful prospect of personally experiencing the resurrection and coming to life again with renewed health and vigor in the new world. Then when your eyes open and you see welcoming faces eager to share with you their joy at your resurrection, you will not fail to thank God for his loving-kindness.Blurb on page 21: How can belief in the resurrection help us now? Suffering physical consequences of Adam’s rebellion, ill healthAs opposed to the illnesses we have because of our own bad choices, eh?
Sister Faithful is at every meeting although she is dying from cancer, why aren’t you there.
Brother Agony is at every meeting faithfully despite his severe depression, why aren’t you there.
Joyful prospect of personally experiencing the resurrectionJoyful as opposed to dying forever?
17 In the meantime, consider two lessons that we should take to heart. One is the importance of whole-souled service to Jehovah right now. In imitation of our Master, Christ Jesus, our life of self-sacrifice demonstrates love for Jehovah and our neighbors. If opposition or persecution rob us of our livelihood or our freedom, we resolve to remain firm in the faith whatever trials we may face. Should opposers threaten us with death, then the resurrection hope comforts and strengthens us to remain loyal to Jehovah and his Kingdom. Yes, our zeal for the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work keeps us in line for the eternal blessings Jehovah has in store for the righteous. Lesson One/whole-souled service to Jehovah right nowLife of self-sacrifice Translation: In the door to door workOpposition/persecution/threatens us with deathRemain loyal to Jehovah and his Kingdom (where is Jesus?)Zeal for Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work keeps in line for the eternal blessings CARROT ALERT18 A second lesson relates to how we face temptations caused by the fallen flesh. Our knowledge of the resurrection hope and our appreciation for Jehovah's undeserved kindness strengthen our resolve to remain firm in the faith. "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world," warned the apostle John. "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world--the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life--does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17) The world's allure in the form of materialism will hold little attraction for us when we compare it to "the real life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19) If tempted to commit immorality, we will firmly resist. We realize that should we die before Armageddon, a continued course of conduct displeasing to Jehovah could put us in the same position as those who have no prospect of a resurrection. Lesson Two/Temptations caused by the fallen fleshResolve to remain firmMaterialismImmorality/we will firmly resist (counsel to pedophiles?)Should we die before Armageddon Conduct displeasing to Jehovah could be us in the same position of those who have no prospect of a resurrectionAgain the WTS presumes to judge who those are
19 Above all, we should never forget the inestimable privilege of making Jehovah's heart glad now and forever. (Proverbs 27:11) Our faithfulness until death or our continued integrity-keeping until the end of this wicked system shows Jehovah on whose side of the issue of universal sovereignty we stand. Then what joy it will be to live in the earthly Paradise either by surviving the great tribulation or by experiencing a miraculous resurrection!Privilege of making Jehovah’s heart glad (where is Jesus?)The issue of universal sovereigntyTo live in the earthly Paradise either bySurviving the great tribulation orBy experiencing a miraculous resurrectionWhich way do you think most JWs see themselves experiencing?
Satisfying Our Desires20 Our discussion of the resurrection leaves some questions unanswered. How will Jehovah arrange matters for those who were married when they died?(Luke 20:34, 35) Will resurrections take place in the area where people
died? Will the resurrected come back to life close to their families? A hostof other questions about the arrangements for the resurrection remain.
Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind the words of Jeremiah: "Good is
Jehovah to the one hoping in him, to the soul that keeps seeking for him.
Good it is that one should wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah." (Lamentations 3:25, 26) In Jehovah's due time, all will berevealed to our fullest satisfaction. Why can we be sure of this?
Some questions unanswered . How will Jehovah arrange matters for those who were married when they died? (really?!)Will resurrections take place in the area where people died?
Will the resurrected come back to life close to their families?
Good it is that one should wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah
In Jehovah’s due time
Wait on God phrases and concepts
21 Reflect on the psalmist's inspired words when he sang of Jehovah: "You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing." (Psalm 145:16) As we age, our desires change. What we hoped for when we were children is not our desire today. How we look at life is affected by what we experience as well as by our hopes. Still, whatever our proper desires will be in the new world, Jehovah will certainly satisfy them. Satisfying the desire of every living thingWhatever our PROPER desires will be in the new world (as defined by the WTS) 22 What concerns each of us now is to be faithful. "What is looked for in stewards is for a man to be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2) We are stewards of the glorious good news of God's Kingdom. Our diligence in proclaiming this good news to all we meet helps keep us in line for life. Never overlook the fact that "time and unforeseen occurrence" befall us all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) To counteract any unnecessary anxiety caused by life's uncertainties, hold fast to the glorious hope of the resurrection. Know that if it appears that you are going to die before the start of Christ's Millennial Reign, you can take comfort in the certainty that relief will come. At Jehovah's time you will be able to echo Job's words addressed to the Creator: "You will call, and I myself shall answer you." Praise be to Jehovah, who yearns to bring back to life all those who are in his memory!-Job 14:15. What concerns each of us now is to be faithfulFaithful to God and Jesus or to the WTS?
We are stewardsWait, aren’t only the anointed remnant the stewards?
Our diligence in proclaiming this good news to all we meet helps keep us in line for life CARROT ALERTProclaiming earns life
If it appears that you are going to die before the start of Christ’s Millennial Reign, you can take comfort (in the hope of the resurrection)Concluding CommentsWell that last sentence is the real reason for theses articles. The generation of 1914 is now 91 years old or older, the generations after them are joining them with the ranks that are dying in this system of things despite the promises of the WTS that they would never die.
Do you know any older JWs that have expressed disappointment in facing death in this system? I have, many.
I happened to meet Knorr towards the end of his life. He knew he had cancer and would die very soon. Trying to comfort him I said, "Remember the resurrection hope and you will be going to heaven to see Christ and all your old friends." (I was sincere, not sucking up) He said he wanted to stay on earth and see how things unfolded not just see them from a distance in heaven. Not what I expected.
So what does the resurrection hope mean to JWs?
Questions1-3. What hope do some entertain for the future? Illustrate.4. What effect do the experiences related here have on you, and what will we next consider?5. 6. What does the vision recorded by the apostle John at Revelation 20:12,13 reveal?7. What will be the basis for judgment during Christ's Millennial Reign?8. What two possible outcomes will there be for the resurrected ones?9. (a) On returning in the resurrection, what will many no doubt learn? (b) What vast educational work will be undertaken?10, 11. (a) The Millennium will afford what opportunities to all on earth? (b) How should this affect us?12. What will help each one to have a full share in both the educational work and the transformation of the earth into a paradise?13, 14. What is the purpose of Satan's release at the final test, and what outcome will be possible for us individually?15. How can belief in the resurrection be of help now?16. What may well be your feelings when the resurrection occurs?17, 18. What two important lessons should we take to heart?19. What inestimable privilege should we not forget?20. 21. What will help us to remain faithful even if we have unanswered questions about the resurrection? Explain.22. Why do we have good reason for praising Jehovah? Do You Recall? On what basis will people be judged during the Millennium?Why will some have "a resurrection of life" and others "a resurrection of judgment"?How can the resurrection hope comfort us now?How do the words of Psalm 145:16 help us to deal with unanswered questions
about the resurrection?
g88 7/8 pp. 10-11 "I Don’t Fear Death!" NINE-YEAR-OLD Christopher Heslop was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as was Matthew, his 14-year-old brother. They had spent the October morning, along with their uncle, aunt, and two cousins, calling from house to house in their Christian ministry near Manchester, England. In the afternoon, they set out together on a sight-seeing trip to Blackpool, a nearby seaside resort. All 6 were among 12 people killed instantly in a motorway crash, described by the police as "an absolute holocaust."The night before the tragedy, death had been the subject discussed at a neighborhood Bible study attended by the Heslop family. "Christopher," said David, his father, "was always a very thoughtful boy. That night, he spoke clearly about a new world and his hope for the future. Then, as our discussion continued, Christopher suddenly said: ‘The thing about being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is that while death hurts, we know we will see each other again on earth one day.’ Little did any of us present realize how memorable those words were going to be."After the accident, the headline of the Manchester Evening News read: "I don’t fear death, said crash child," and the article quoted Christopher’s exact words. How could a child of nine speak so confidently? What had Christopher been taught to believe? Resurrection—The Sure Hope"The most startling characteristic of the first Christian preaching is its emphasis on the resurrection," says the New Bible Dictionary. It adds: "The first preachers were sure that Christ had risen, and sure, in consequence, that believers would in due course rise also. This set them off from all the other teachers of the ancient world."True Christians are just as different today. They do not toy with Greek philosophy, falsely attributing to man an "immortal soul." Rather, they draw strength from Jesus’ declaration that ‘those in the memorial tombs, upon hearing my voice, will come out.’ That is the basis for Christian faith—the resurrection of those in God’s memory from death to life on a paradise earth.—John 5:28, 29; see also Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:14.David Heslop and his wife, Ailene, taught their two sons this basic Bible truth and, as a result, now find great comfort themselves. "Naturally, we now think about the resurrection very much," says David, "and if we ever feel down, as we do from time to time, we quickly start to think about the future and see our loss as just a temporary one." Ailene adds: "It is like having somebody you love emigrate. You do not know how long they will be away but look forward to seeing them again upon their return."A Sincere InvitationWould you like to share such faith? It is not difficult to do so.I wonder who did this survey and if it is available online?Our opening article referred to a survey recently taken in England. Interestingly, when nonchurchgoers were asked which place of worship they would choose if they decided to go to one, 27 percent (the greatest number) specified the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.Further, in reply to the question: "If you desperately wanted to know something about the Bible, Christian Faith, etc., who would you ask?" 19 percent replied: Jehovah’s Witnesses.Wherever you live, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be pleased to help you build your faith on the teachings found in your Bible. All meetings at their Kingdom Halls and personal home Bible instruction are provided free of charge. Why not take the initiative and approach them? You will quickly gain not only comfort, as far as knowledge of death and the resurrection is concerned, but also hope of a new world of righteousness in which "death will be no more."—Revelation 21:4.
[Box on page 11]A Return From Death?It is not unknown for "clinically dead" persons to be revived. Upon recovery, some claim to have had extraordinary experiences of ‘another life.’ There is, however, a medical explanation for this. States the London, England, newspaper The Independent: "It seems likely that these hallucinations occur when people are near death because the same areas of the brain are triggered by high levels of carbon dioxide or low levels of oxygen in the circulation." Upon a return to consciousness, these hallucinations can give rise to the feeling of having died and returned to life.Proclaimers Book chap. 29 p. 662 "Objects of Hatred by All the Nations" ***Letters From Some Who Were Sentenced to DeathFrom Franz Reiter (who was facing death by guillotine) to his mother, January 6, 1940, from the detention center Berlin-Plötzensee:"I am strongly convinced in my belief that I am acting correctly. Being here, I could still change my mind, but with God this would be disloyalty. All of us here wish to be faithful to God, to his honor. . . . With what I knew, if I had taken the [military] oath, I would have committed a sin deserving death. That would be evil to me. I would have no resurrection. But I stick to that which Christ said: ‘Whosoever will save his life will lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will receive it.’ And now, my dear Mother and all my brothers and sisters, today I was told my sentence, and don’t be terrified, it is death, and I will be executed tomorrow morning. I have my strength from God, the same as it always was with all true Christians away back in the past. The apostles write, ‘Whosoever is born from God cannot sin.’ The same goes for me. This I proved to you, and you could recognize it. My dear one, don’t get heavyhearted. It would be good for all of you to know the Holy Scriptures better still. If you will stand firm until death, we shall meet again in the resurrection. . . ."Your Franz"Until we meet again."