AboutRobert 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 said, "When a person is first witnessed to by one of Jehovah's Witnesses they are told about a paradise earth that all mankind are to enjoy and how wonderful that will be. If the person continues with the discussions, called Bible studies as you once had, they are eventually taught that the "144,000 anointed ones" have already been chosen and that the hope for heavenly life is generally closed and that the hope for those who accept the truth at this late date is the paradise earth, not heaven. If this person continues and becomes one of Jehovah's Witnesses, they do so with the newly-taught hope of life on earth. Furthermore, they are taught that the New Testament verses, such as Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 10 and 11 that you mention, are written to the anointed ones, not to those with the earthly hope. So the new JW views the verses as not applying directly to themselves, only to the anointed remnant. Similarly, where Jesus says unless you partake you have no share in me, this is taught as applying to the anointed, not to those who will inherit life on earth."
Question #1: Do you believe that only JW's will be saved?
Question #2: Can you show me where in the bible it says that , when speaking of a heavenly hope, only the "annointed ones" are being told this?
Thanks you for your time and may Christ be the center of your life,
Ben
ANSWER: Question #1: No.
Question #2: No. The teaching about "the anointed" and that the anointed are a heavenly group of literally 144,000 is an understanding, not a direct Biblical statement. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that these understandings are the result of increasing light (Proverbs 4:18) that Jehovah reveals through the faithful and discreet slave (anointed ones) at the proper time. The truth, as it is called, is the body of teachings that are available only through Jehovah's organization. So if an individual Jehovah's Witness has a question about a current teaching, he waits on Jehovah's spirit to direct the organization and accepts whatever comes from the organization as Jehovah's will at that time. The "anointed" say that the heavenly hope is for them. If anyone seriously questions this, well then, they are not being faithful to organizational arrangements and teachings and will not be allowed it contaminate the rest of the congregation with independent thinking.
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QUESTION: Hi,
And thanks for the speedy response. I also appreciate the clarity of your response.
I am, however, not sure of a few things in which you made mention of. Maybe you can help.
Your answer to question #1 was no. But in question #2 you said "The truth, as it is called, is the body of teachings that are available only through Jehovah's organization."
So now my question is, what is the difference? Please help me understand.
Also, what is the "truth" that only the society has or teaches? I thought Jesus said that He is the Way, Truth, and the Life, and no man comes to the Father but through him? I have trouble with this verse because the Society teaches that they are the way, truth and the life. Are the claiming to be the Christ? Who should I believe Jesus or the Society? *** Please answer these questions...
Also, if it is just an "understanding" of the teaching on the "anointed", then is just an understanding worth risking our salvation over? I personally need to see facts in scripture to form my beliefs. Am I wrong for this?
And regarding the faithful and discreet slave, is it possible this term can refer to individuals, opposed to a group? Can you please give me a scriptural answer for this?
And last but not least, how can we be sure that when the faithful and discreet slave gives error, this verse is meant to cover that error?
I thank you so much and look forward to understanding how you explain the answers to my several questions,
Ben
Answer Hi Ben,
Thank you for the questions. I will try to answer them. As stated in my profile, I can answer questions on what Jehovah's Witnesses believe and how the congregations are run. I am not able to answer questions in the nature of "Who should I believe Jesus or the Society?" or "is just an understanding worth risking our salvation over?" or "Am I wrong for this?" Each person must decide these things for themselves. This forum is about Jehovah's Witnesses, their practices and beliefs. I attempt only to give accurate answers on what the belief is. If you want my comments on personal things, please feel free to write me privately and I will try to follow the discussion that way.
I will make a general reply to cover most of what you have asked. Jehovah's Witnesses refer to Matthew 24:45-47 quite often, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods."
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus made an inspection of all Christians groups in 1918 and that he found only those associated with The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society faithfully proclaiming the kingdom message. As result, Matthew 24:45-47 was fulfilled upon them and Jesus appointed them as his "faithful and discreet slave" over all his earthly belongings. If any current teaching needs to be adjusted, it will be done through the organization as the appointed time. This relieves an individual JW from being concerned about questions such as those that you asked. It is not for them to question, but rather, to keep in step with the organization and current truth.
Please feel free to ask personal questions privately.
Robert Jones
