jwfacts,
that was a good article you really got your bible facts straight to show Jesus is the mediator for all christians. The problem with the Wt is they seperate Christians into two seperate classes, one heavenly and one earthly. By doing this they teach Jesus is only the mediator for the heavenly (which that is true) but they think only 144,000 are heavenly. And the rest of believers will be on earth therefore do not need to be under the new convenant at this time. Becuase we know the covenant is so that our sins are forgiven now and we will be with Christ in heaven. They are part right about the convenant but are totally wrong about who is under it and how many will be in heaven. Their beliefs as you know are based on the understanding that the 144,000 is a literal number and the term "little flock" applies to that number.
I try to point these things out to JWs.
first, the book of revelation itself says it is made of signs and symbols. Just read the opening paragrah. Second, if you take the number 144,000 to be literal then you must take the description of them to be literal also, which means they are all male, Jewish Virigins. See the problem already?
The term "little flock" applies to natural Jews only. Not the total number of the church. Jesus ministry was for them alone and he rarely would preach to others. Remember the woman who asked for help and was told by Jesus he went to the lost sheep of Israel only? She then said, Yes but even the dogs can lick crumbs from the table of the master? There are other scriptures also that show this to be true. Since only a few on the natural Jews converted to Christianity, Jesus was simply telling those who did not to worry because although they were a "little flock" of their kind, (Jews) they would inherit the kingdom. But Jesus next says, "I have other sheep not of this fold, and these I must also bring in".
Now, he does not say who they are at the time he makes that statement, but after his resurrection and prior to going to heaven is the FIRST time ever that Jesus tells the diciples to go to "preach to the nations" Matthew 28:19,20. Apparently they did not know what he meant. Maybe still believing the kingdom was for the Jews only. Because they did not go until Peter was given a heavenly vision showing that it was now o.k to go to the gentiles. "Do not call what God says is clean, unclean".And Peter noted that "God is not partial". Hence the opening of the way for the gentiles. Romans chapter 11, Paul shows this was Gods plan and that only a small remnant (little flock) of natural Jews believed in Messiah - chosen by grace and the rest were put into an unbelief until the full number of the gentiles believers came in.
Now, remember what Jesus said about the other sheep? They are not of this fold (natural Jews) but I will bring them in and they will become one flock, with one shepard. The flock will become one and that is exactly how it played out. Paul later said "there is neither Jew nor Greek", we are all one in Christ.
Therefore if the little flock is in heaven with their shepard, the rest of the fold need to be there too. It is just that simple! We know in Ephesians 4 it says there is one hope, one faith and one baptism. Not two hopes, this is a figment of the WT.
Interestingly the number 144,000 in Revelation is said to be "first fruits", therefore we know there are many more going to heaven if they are only the first fruits. Possible they could be all natural Jews as they were invited into the kingdom first and if all the nation believed, they would have had exclusive rights to the kingship and priesthood in the kingdom of God.
I am working on my own research which includes the above information with scriptures. This is an important issue as like you said Jesus is the mediator of all Christians not only 144,000 of them. There is no basis for the Wts saying the little flock only are in the church or the body of Christ. It is this false belief that keeps them from partaking of the bread and wine at the memorial. What is odd is they will say they ARE in the body of Christ, meaning all of them in the congregation yet reject Christ's ransom. How do they think they will be saved thru the tribulation if they have not accepted Christ's sacrifice and had their sins washed clean with his blood. If they have accepted it, then they MUST partake of the bread and wine to have it (Christ's sacrifice) apply to them..
I for one do believe that someday the earth will be made new and all those who are not believers in Christ - the church, will have another opportunity to learn righteousness and live on the earth. But as of right now in this age known as the gospel age - the calling out to be in Christ is for the church only and not unbelievers. Therefore, there is NO earthly hope yet. The only hope is to go to heaven and be heirs with Christ and part of the kings and priests along with him. This is the first resurrection. The hope to live on earth is not held out yet until the new Jeruselum comes down from heaven onto the earth. (Rev 22). then the nations (all current unbelievers) will be healed from physical and spiritual sickness. And taught from new scrolls which will be opened then.
Anyway, good Job! I hope some active JWs out there really read this information and THINK as they are blindly following and being left out of the chance for immortal life as kings or priests of the kingdom. The door to this heavenly calling is still open if they repent now and accept Christ as their mediator.
