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About Robert Jones
Expertise
Answers on what Jehovah's Witnesses believe and how the beliefs effect relationships with non-Jehovah's Witnesses. How congregations are structured. How elders make decisions. How the organization is run. I try not to post replies as to what "I" believe. That is not the purpose of this site, in my opinion. Please let the following serve as a general statement of belief for any who are interested. I was raised as a JW and spent 32 years actively promoting the religion, the last 13 years as an elder. I was never "irregular" or "inactive" as the labels go. I have not attended a meeting since October 2000. The last time I was in a Kingdom Hall was at my daughter's wedding in 2001. I saw much "new light" flash forth from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" from 1968 to 2000, which I embraced and promoted. I do not believe that any one people (the Jews for example) were selected by God to receive a message or blessing that made them special. I believe that sort of thinking to be same sort of delusion that leads to C. T. Russell type religions where the belief is some version of "We are special, God chose us and therefore not you." I am long past preaching anything or trying to convince anyone of anything. I consider spirituality to be a very personal effort that each person must discover for themselves. I do not believe the Bible to be an inspired book any more so than any other preserved ancient writings such as the Koran and Buddhist writings. I do believe that all these writings contain some universal spiritual truths that stand the test of time. I am amazed where these writings compliment each other about the human condition and the higher, or better, way of existence that is possible for those who allow themselves to become enlightened. I see the Jesus person of the Bible as a great teacher of the enlightened way of living. But I also see these writings as influenced by the culture and history of the people from which they come.

Experience
Active Jehovah's Witness for 32 years. Congregation elder 13 years. Pioneer work, Congregation Secretary, Watchtower Study Conductor.

Education/Credentials
Degree in Computer Programming. Not applicable here.

You are here: Experts > Religion/Spirituality > Christianity - Restorationism > Jehovah`s Witness > Bible interpretation

Jehovah`s Witness - Bible interpretation

Expert: Robert Jones - 10/28/2009

Question
Between the time the Bible was written and the WTBTS began getting the understanding of the scriptures was about 2,000 years. My understanding is, that we can't know the truth of the Bible without the instruction of the Watchtower.

1. How did people understand the Bible for that 2,000 years of no Watchtower?

2. What kind of God would leave an instruction book, (the Bible) but no way to understand it for 2,000 years.

3. According to 2 Timothy 3:15, was the Bible alone sufficient enough to give Timothy all he needed for salvation?

4. If the scriptures alone are good enough for the salvation of Timothy, why aren't they good enough for us?

Thanks Robert!

Answer
According to the Faithful and Discreet Slave (I am paraphrasing):

1. After the apostles died the world rapidly entered a period of great spiritual darkness and apostasy. Christendom led the march into false teachings, fornicating with world leaders, and combining truth with pagan practices. Glimmers of light began to shine in the late 1800s when Charles Taze Russell and a group of SINCERE Bible students began to proclaim God's kingdom and the truth of the Bible, untainted by Christendom's influence.

2. Small groups of honest-hearted ones have opposed the corrupting influence of Christendom over the past 2000 years. The truth was "sealed up" (Daniel's prophecy) until the end times. Jehovah's appointed time to shine forth the light of truth came as the end times (1914) approached. Jehovah demonstrated his great love at this time by clearing away the misleading teachings of Christendom.

3. Timothy had all he needed as he worked in cooperation with the faithful slave class and the Governing Body of apostles in Jerusalem.

4. The truth of God's word is complete and sufficient for salvation. We are properly thankful for the Faithful and Discreet Slave for keeping these truths alive and keeping us abreast of current truth.

How's that?
RJ

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