There was a
time that one could, if they dug deep enough, come up with the answer that JW’s
teach that one is “Saved” by grace or the NWT preferred “undeserved kindness.” For instance, in the Reasoning Book p. 360
under the heading “Salvation” there is a sub-heading under the section, “If
someone says”: ‘Are you saved?’ Here is
what it says you could say if someone asks, “Are You Saved?’ You might reply:
‘So far, I am.’…….
The conclusion
being, you are saved right now. And yes, you need to remain faithful, but you
are right now in a saved state. I remember giving the talk, “Are You Marked
For Survival?” and I would ask the
audience, “Do you think you are saved?”
Interestingly, almost no one would raise their hands. The ones who DID raise their hands were
usually the more studious witnesses.
Even though the Reasoning book clears says, “so far, I am.” The majority just couldn’t bring themselves to
acknowledge that. Why do you think that
is? Do Jehovah’s Witnesses really
believe that Jesus paid the price of sin and that they can be saved or declared
righteous by God?
I was so
happy to be able to show that, yes Jehovah’s Witnesses teach you are saved. I would use three lines of reasoning to come
to that conclusion.
1.)
The parable of the sheep and goats
2.)
The “mark” one receives in the book of Ezekiel
3.)
Your name is written in the book of life.
Now of
course that is all falling apart. First
came the adjustment on the sheep and goats parable. This has been extensively commented on
elsewhere on this board, and thank you for that. But briefly, JW’s used to teach that one is judged
as a “sheep” right now, on this side of the Great Tribulation. Now you are not
marked as a sheep just yet. No, you must await the time when Jesus returns to
render judgment and he will determine if you are to be saved. So…..on that one point, you are not saved yet. You have to keep working for your salvation! They use the Scripture at Philippians 2:12, “keep
working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” So, Point 1 from above, Jesus ransom
sacrifice did not save you, at least not yet.
Secondly, “the
mark” of Ezekiel 9:4. “Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through
Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and
groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”
The Public
Talk: “Are You Marked for Survival?” Outline number 34 is all about that “Mark”
and how and when you get this mark of survival.
In that outline it states: “The mark is evidence that one is dedicated,
baptized Witness of God has a Christlike personality.” So the thinking was, once dedication is made
to God, you put on the “new personality,” and get baptized……NOW you are
saved. But, NOPE, hold on a minute, we
got that one wrong. You do not get the
Mark on this side of the Great Tribulation.
The WT 6-15-16 says, “The great crowd will receive their mark when they
are judged as sheep during the great tribulation.” So, on Point 2, you are not saved by grace yet, not until the
start of the Great Tribulation.
So, what
about Point 3? I also used to give
Public Talk number 55: “What Kind of Name Are You Making With God? The last subheading is: Is Your Name In the
Scroll of Life?
The outline
states: “From time of Abel, founding of world of mankind, Jehovah has been
writing names in “the scroll of life” (Re 17:8) It refers back to Insight Book
Vol 2 p 468. The outline goes on to
state: “we can get our names inscribed in that book even now.” Of course, the outline reminds us that the
name is not indelibly inscribed
yet. It can be removed at any time.
Now, I haven’t
seen any changes to this name in the book of life teaching yet. But, is that the only reference we can use to
show that, right now one is saved by grace or undeserved kindness?
How long
will it be before the GB reviews this teaching?
Is it this persistent thinking that you have to earn it, have to keep up
that meeting attendance, field service, donations etc. if you want to be saved?
It would seem so. In other words, when it comes to the matter
of “Salvation” Jesus death did not put me in a saved condition with God. I have to somehow wait and see. And, make sure you keep working in the
meantime to guarantee your salvation.
How is this saved by “undeserved kindness” or ”grace” and not a matter
of working for your salvation and earning it based on your works? I guess time will tell what the future “light”
will reveal on the matter.
Of course, I
realize this is not a big deal to those of you who are not Bible believers or
those who do not identify themselves as Christian. This post is addressed primarily to those who
still have a semblance of faith and are hoping for changes to JW doctrine that
aligns more with what your conscience tells you is right. Things such as judicial actions etc.
At least
some food for thought.
