A Closer Look at the Genesis Creation Account

[Aunty Jane]

I asked you previously without answer, I'll ask again

Are you a publisher or a pioneer?

I am laughing out loud now because what possible difference does it make?
Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?
You want to sound like you do, but you have gleaned your information from apostate sources.

Bitter opposers will never tell the truth.....twisted half truths are worse than lies and they know it.
But I have a feeling that your mantra will stick regardless of what I say.
Jesus was on the receiving end of the same kind of slander.....we expect it because he told us to. (Matthew 5:11; John 15:18-21)

I’m still waiting for your definition of God’s Kingdom.....surely it can’t be that hard to use the scriptures to answer that very fundamental question.....?
“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”......what was Jesus telling us to pray for? That is the “good news of the Kingdom” that Jesus said would be preached “in all the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations” before he brings this wicked world to its end. (Matthew 24:14) How do you tell others this “good news” if you have no idea of what it is, let alone what it will accomplish?

Jesus and his disciples preached to those who supposedly worshipped the same God.....their family members and neighbors.....so who is doing that? Who above all others gave Jesus and his disciples more grief than their fellow Jews did? And why did they receive such hostile treatment? Because they dared to preach the truth to a nation who was lost, and who was happy to remain that way.
Under the guidance of corrupt shepherds, they lost their place in God’s Kingdom.

What did Jesus say in Matthew 10:34-37...
“Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.”

The truth, like the Bible is a divider......a ”sword” that cuts through even close family ties. It’s about loyalty and genuine love for God and his Christ and for the truth. It will not tolerate false religious ideas dressed up to look like ‘Christianity’.....and it will be obedient to the teachings of the Master in all things....no matter how difficult, because it is the ‘cramped and narrow road’ they have chosen. (Matthew 7:13-14; Hebrews 4:12-13)

My experience in Christendom revealed that she is disobedient in all the ways that count, just like her first century counterpart...Judaism. They are mirror images of one another.

She makes weak excuses for why she doesn’t preach the way Jesus taught us to. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 20:20; Matthew 10:11-14)

She makes weak excuses to justify meddling in the politics of the nation under whose jurisdiction she resides, encouraging the bloodshed that results in these political conflicts. (John 18:36; 1 John 5:19; Matthew 5:43-44; Isaiah 1:15)

Christians cannot go to war and kill their fellow man.....and especially not their own ‘brothers’, which happened during the two World Wars. (1 John 4:20-21) Catholic killed Catholic and Protestant killed Protestant, with their church’s sanction......but whose side was God on?
He was with the ones who refused to participate in the bloodshed....those who separated their Christianity from their nationalism and were imprisoned for it.

She celebrates pagan holidays under a thin “Christian” disguise as if God doesn’t know what she is doing or where those celebrations originated. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

And worst of all, she has put another god in the place occupied only by the Father, breaching the first Commandment. (Exodus 20:3)

So tell me again who is failing to answer questions?

 

[Truth7t7]

I am laughing out loud now because what possible difference does it make?
Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?
You want to sound like you do, but you have gleaned your information from apostate sources.

Bitter opposers will never tell the truth.....twisted half truths are worse than lies and they know it.
But I have a feeling that your mantra will stick regardless of what I say.
Jesus was on the receiving end of the same kind of slander.....we expect it because he told us to. (Matthew 5:11; John 15:18-21)

I’m still waiting for your definition of God’s Kingdom.....surely it can’t be that hard to use the scriptures to answer that very fundamental question.....?
“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”......what was Jesus telling us to pray for? That is the “good news of the Kingdom” that Jesus said would be preached “in all the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations” before he brings this wicked world to its end. (Matthew 24:14) How do you tell others this “good news” if you have no idea of what it is, let alone what it will accomplish?

Jesus and his disciples preached to those who supposedly worshipped the same God.....their family members and neighbors.....so who is doing that? Who above all others gave Jesus and his disciples more grief than their fellow Jews did? And why did they receive such hostile treatment? Because they dared to preach the truth to a nation who was lost, and who was happy to remain that way.
Under the guidance of corrupt shepherds, they lost their place in God’s Kingdom.

What did Jesus say in Matthew 10:34-37...
“Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.”

The truth, like the Bible is a divider......a ”sword” that cuts through even close family ties. It’s about loyalty and genuine love for God and his Christ and for the truth. It will not tolerate false religious ideas dressed up to look like ‘Christianity’.....and it will be obedient to the teachings of the Master in all things....no matter how difficult, because it is the ‘cramped and narrow road’ they have chosen. (Matthew 7:13-14; Hebrews 4:12-13)

My experience in Christendom revealed that she is disobedient in all the ways that count, just like her first century counterpart...Judaism. They are mirror images of one another.

She makes weak excuses for why she doesn’t preach the way Jesus taught us to. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 20:20; Matthew 10:11-14)

She makes weak excuses to justify meddling in the politics of the nation under whose jurisdiction she resides, encouraging the bloodshed that results in these political conflicts. (John 18:36; 1 John 5:19; Matthew 5:43-44; Isaiah 1:15)

Christians cannot go to war and kill their fellow man.....and especially not their own ‘brothers’, which happened during the two World Wars. (1 John 4:20-21) Catholic killed Catholic and Protestant killed Protestant, with their church’s sanction......but whose side was God on?
He was with the ones who refused to participate in the bloodshed....those who separated their Christianity from their nationalism and were imprisoned for it.

She celebrates pagan holidays under a thin “Christian” disguise as if God doesn’t know what she is doing or where those celebrations originated. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

And worst of all, she has put another god in the place occupied only by the Father, breaching the first Commandment. (Exodus 20:3)

So tell me again who is failing to answer questions?

I'm fully aware of the term publisher and pioneer, and how the different classes are obtained through work in hours spent holding watchtower tracks in public areas, I know many persons that are in bondage to the Watch Tower And Track Society Known As The Jehovahs Witnesses

Yes works and hours spent to obtain a status in the Org, put enough hours in and you might be one of the chosen 144,000 to hang out with the Jehovahs Witness god at his throne

 

[quietthinker]

e

I am laughing out loud now because what possible difference does it make?
Do you have any idea of what you are talking about?
You want to sound like you do, but you have gleaned your information from apostate sources.

Bitter opposers will never tell the truth.....twisted half truths are worse than lies and they know it.
But I have a feeling that your mantra will stick regardless of what I say.
Jesus was on the receiving end of the same kind of slander.....we expect it because he told us to. (Matthew 5:11; John 15:18-21)

I’m still waiting for your definition of God’s Kingdom.....surely it can’t be that hard to use the scriptures to answer that very fundamental question.....?
“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”......what was Jesus telling us to pray for? That is the “good news of the Kingdom” that Jesus said would be preached “in all the inhabited earth as a witness to all the nations” before he brings this wicked world to its end. (Matthew 24:14) How do you tell others this “good news” if you have no idea of what it is, let alone what it will accomplish?

Jesus and his disciples preached to those who supposedly worshipped the same God.....their family members and neighbors.....so who is doing that? Who above all others gave Jesus and his disciples more grief than their fellow Jews did? And why did they receive such hostile treatment? Because they dared to preach the truth to a nation who was lost, and who was happy to remain that way.
Under the guidance of corrupt shepherds, they lost their place in God’s Kingdom.

What did Jesus say in Matthew 10:34-37...
“Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.”

The truth, like the Bible is a divider......a ”sword” that cuts through even close family ties. It’s about loyalty and genuine love for God and his Christ and for the truth. It will not tolerate false religious ideas dressed up to look like ‘Christianity’.....and it will be obedient to the teachings of the Master in all things....no matter how difficult, because it is the ‘cramped and narrow road’ they have chosen. (Matthew 7:13-14; Hebrews 4:12-13)

My experience in Christendom revealed that she is disobedient in all the ways that count, just like her first century counterpart...Judaism. They are mirror images of one another.

She makes weak excuses for why she doesn’t preach the way Jesus taught us to. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 20:20; Matthew 10:11-14)

She makes weak excuses to justify meddling in the politics of the nation under whose jurisdiction she resides, encouraging the bloodshed that results in these political conflicts. (John 18:36; 1 John 5:19; Matthew 5:43-44; Isaiah 1:15)

Christians cannot go to war and kill their fellow man.....and especially not their own ‘brothers’, which happened during the two World Wars. (1 John 4:20-21) Catholic killed Catholic and Protestant killed Protestant, with their church’s sanction......but whose side was God on?
He was with the ones who refused to participate in the bloodshed....those who separated their Christianity from their nationalism and were imprisoned for it.

She celebrates pagan holidays under a thin “Christian” disguise as if God doesn’t know what she is doing or where those celebrations originated. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

And worst of all, she has put another god in the place occupied only by the Father, breaching the first Commandment. (Exodus 20:3)

So tell me again who is failing to answer questions?

Effectively AJ you've set yourself up to be like those you are criticising!

 

[Aunty Jane]

The scriptures I posted, the Bible is my guide, are about the pre-incarnate Jesus, you know the One God who created heaven and earth.

The Bible tells us that creation came from the Father through the agency of his son.
He was the “Master Workman” at his Father’s side in creation. (Proverbs 8:30-31)

Colossians 1:16 states...”All things have been created through him and for him.”
The Son is not the Creator but the fabricator of creation. He used the raw materials provided by his Father to fashion all this exists. “Through him” is not “from him”....and “for him” means that the Father gifted creation to his Son.

Just over 2,000 years ago he came to his own people, having a new name, in the likeness of man for all to see. If you do not want to believe in him, then do not read Colossians 1:16.
.

It was just under 2,000 years ago....but who’s counting?
God has only one name (Psalm 83:18 KJV)....but Jesus has many names, depending upon the role he is fulfilling.
An immortal God cannot become a mere human and be killed by other mere humans. He had to be mortal to die. Jesus was 100% mortal and died the same death as Adam, the one who lost everlasting life for all his children....so he cannot be God because an immortal cannot die.

Colossians 1:15-17 reveals that Jesus was “the firstborn of all creation” or as Revelation 3:14 states “the beginning of God’s creation”. So suggesting that he is not a created “son” of his Father is going against scripture. He was “in the beginning with God”...but since God Jehovah had no beginning (as an eternal Being) but has always existed, this shows that Jesus had a beginning.

Since Jesus never once claimed to be God or even equal to him, to suggest such a thing is actually blasphemous. Unless the Bible specifically states this as a fact, rather than twisting some verses to merely suggest it, it cannot hold true. You cannot build a doctrine, especially a foundational one, on speculation or interpretation of an ambiguous verse of scripture. We need a direct statement.....and there simply isn’t one.

Please provide such a verse and I will be convinced.

 

[Aunty Jane]

e

Effectively AJ you've set yourself up to be like those you are criticising!

It’s called defending your faith QT.

 

[Aunty Jane]

I'm fully aware of the term publisher and pioneer, and how the different classes are obtained through work in hours spent holding watchtower tracks in public areas, I know many persons that are in bondage to the Watch Tower And Track Society Known As The Jehovahs Witnesses

Yes works and hours spent to obtain a status in the Org, put enough hours in and you might be one of the chosen 144,000 to hang out with the Jehovahs Witness god at his throne

I’m sorry but that is just hilarious.....it shows just how much you don’t know whilst pretending to.
You have no idea why we count time in the ministry......it’s for our Yearbook.....one we publish every year to encourage us and to see the results of our work...and to read about some wonderful experiences.....There is no “status”. Though there is appreciation for the self sacrificing efforts of those who enter the full time service. Every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a preacher of “the good news of the Kingdom” ....it’s what being a Christian means.

The only ones you “know” by the sound of things, are defectors from our organisation. Those who want to do the wrong thing and are unrepentant about it, are booted from our ranks because, quite frankly we don’t need their drama or their lame excuses. Jesus set the standard and we abide by it.
If you break God’s law unrepentantly, you can expect to be expelled from our ranks until you get your life in order. This is entirely scriptural. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

Now back to the questions you seem to be dodging......where are your answers....or is this all you can do?

 

[Truth7t7]

You have no idea why we count time in the ministry......it’s for our Yearbook.....one we publish every year to encourage us and to see the results of our work...and to read about some wonderful experiences.....There is no “status”. Though there is appreciation for the self sacrificing efforts of those who enter the full time service. Every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a preacher of “the good news of the Kingdom” ....it’s what being a Christian means.

The only ones you “know” by the sound of things, are defectors from our organisation. Those who want to do the wrong thing and are unrepentant about it, are booted from our ranks because, quite frankly we don’t need their drama or their lame excuses. Jesus set the standard and we abide by it.
If you break God’s law unrepentantly, you can expect to be expelled from our ranks until you get your life in order. This is entirely scriptural. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

Now back to the questions you seem to be dodging......where are your answers....or is this all you can do?

Publisher And Pioneer, positions of status based upon "Works" and hours spent for the Orgs promotion, hours that are published for all to see, gaining the praise of man

No different than religious orgs publishing donations of members, gaining the praise of man

 

[Aunty Jane]

KJV Deuteronomy 30:10
10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
Who was it that spoke His law on Sinai other than Christ, the word of God? Jesus was the God of Israel speaking to them and meeting with Moses, was in the cloud and the fire, represented by the Rock that split to provide "living water".

Ugggh.....I really dislike the KJV because the language is so outdated. Do you speak like this in your everyday life Backlit?

In plain English.....
“For then you will listen to the voice of Jehovah your God and keep his commandments and statutes written in this book of the Law, and you will return to Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul.”
Who was Jehovah’s “spokesman” throughout all of God’s dealing with humankind? His “Logos”...the one who has been “with God” from the “beginning” and who spoke for God as the appointed mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5-6)...he was always there. If you understand the role of the “Logos” as mediator, you will understand that sin created a barrier between us and our Creator. Jehovah himself provided this mediator so that our communication with him could continue. Our prayers are to be offered “in Jesus’ name” because he is the delivery system so to speak. “No one can come to the Father but by me” he said. So what a wonderful provision from God, who could easily have just blocked all contact with himself.

But do you see the problem now? If you maintain that Jesus is God, then we would need a mediator also between him and us.....how fundamentally silly would you like to make this?

 

[Aunty Jane]

Publisher And Pioneer, positions of status based upon "Works" and hours spent for the Orgs promotion, hours that are published for all to see, gaining the praise of man

No different than religious orgs publishing donations of members, gaining the praise of man

You really are a broken record aren’t you?

Can you answer the questions put to you or are you just going to continue this nonsense to cover up the fact that you have no answers....?
Is this somehow a substitute for providing the foundation of your own faith?
Crickets is all I am hearing....

 

[Truth7t7]

Ugggh.....I really dislike the KJV because the language is so outdated. Do you speak like this in your everyday life Backlit?

In plain English.....
“For then you will listen to the voice of Jehovah your God and keep his commandments and statutes written in this book of the Law, and you will return to Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul.”
Who was Jehovah’s “spokesman” throughout all of God’s dealing with humankind? His “Logos”...the one who has been “with God” from the “beginning” and who spoke for God as the appointed mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5-6)...he was always there. If you understand the role of the “Logos” as mediator, you will understand that sin created a barrier between us and our Creator. Jehovah himself provided this mediator so that our communication with him could continue. Our prayers are to be offered “in Jesus’ name” because he is the delivery system so to speak. “No one can come to the Father but by me” he said. So what a wonderful provision from God, who could easily have just blocked all contact with himself.

But do you see the problem now? If you maintain that Jesus is God, then we would need a mediator also between him and us.....how fundamentally silly would you like to make this?

The Jehovahs Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell used the KJV for roughly 100 years, and God nor his word changes

 

[Truth7t7]

The Jehovahs Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell used the KJV for roughly 100 years, and God nor his word changes

I have received the finished work upon Calvary by faith in Jesus Christ and his shed blood, my name is written in the Lambs book of life, I have been sealed by God the Holy Spirit, no org needed

I look forward to the second coming and resurrection of the dead receiving glorified immortal bodies, as this earth is dissolved by the Lords fire in final judgement, as the new heavens, earth, Jerusalem are revealed for eternity, as the wicked are punished to eternal torment in the lake if fire, the righteous enter the eternal kingdom

 

[Aunty Jane]

The Jehovahs Witnesses and Charles Taze Russell used the KJV for roughly 100 years, and God nor his word changes

Again???
Who said that they have changed? We also used the ASV because it contains God’s name where the KJV omitted it in all but 4 places. When Jesus prayed “hallowed be thy name”, it’s hard to do that with a name you never use. I never even knew that God had a name until the Witnesses showed me God’s name in my own KJV Bible. (Psalm 83:18)

I personally studied the KJV when I was investigating the Bible for myself 50 odd years ago. It was the only Bible I owned from childhood, but I also came to understand that a translation is the only as good as the understanding it conveys.....no one uses archaic English anymore, so that language is now confusing to anyone embarking of a study of the scriptures. We have a more up to date understanding of the original languages and their meanings today. The KJV is a dinosaur.

Now unless you want to provide some answers to the questions put to you, I am a bit over your oft repeated mantra, and will put you on ignore. If this is all you can do, why on earth are you here?
Shooting the messenger is an old tactic...but it is no substitute for a scriptural discussion which you seem unable to conduct.
So if you have nothing to add to this thread, which is now way off topic, I really have no need to hear the same rubbish over and over.

 

[Aunty Jane]

I have received the finished work upon Calvary by faith in Jesus Christ and his shed blood, my name is written in the Lambs book of life, I have been sealed by God the Holy Spirit, no org needed

I look forward to the second coming and resurrection of the dead receiving glorified immortal bodies, as this earth is dissolved by the Lords fire in final judgement, as the new heavens, earth, Jerusalem are revealed for eternity, as the wicked are punished to eternal torment in the lake if fire, the righteous enter the eternal kingdom

So what is God’s kingdom?
The first Christians were organised into congregations and taught by the apostles all the things Jesus said and commanded. So how can one be a “Christian” without a brotherhood with whom to meet, and who all speak in agreement? (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:10)

 

[Truth7t7]

Again???
Who said that they have changed? We also used the ASV because it contains God’s name where the KJV omitted it in all but 4 places. When Jesus prayed “hallowed be thy name”, it’s hard to do that with a name you never use. I never even knew that God has pd a name until the Witnesses showed me God’s name in my own KJV Bible. (Psalm 83:18)

I personally studied the KJV when I was investigating the Bible for myself 50 odd years ago. It was the only Bible I owned from childhood, but I also came to understand that a translation is the only as good as the understanding it conveys.....no one uses archaic English anymore, so that language is now confusing to anyone embarking of a study of the scriptures. We have a more up to date understanding of the original languages and their meanings today. The KJV is a dinosaur.

Now unless you want to provide some answers to the questions put to you, I am a bit over your oft repeated mantra, and will put you on ignore. If this is all you can do, why on earth are you here?
Shooting the messenger is an old tactic...but it is no substitute for a scriptural discussion which you seem unable to conduct.
So if you have nothing to add to this thread, which is now way off topic, I really have no need to hear the same rubbish over and over.

Honestly I dont find Jehovahs Witnesses such as yourself as a messenger of truth, I find Witnesses as messengers of Charles Taze Russell and Judge Rutherford in false teachings in deception, it's that simple and my opinion doesn't stand alone

 

[Aunty Jane]

Honestly I dont find Jehovahs Witnesses such as yourself as a messenger of truth, I find Witnesses as messengers of Charles Taze Russell and Judge Rutherford in false teachings in deception, it's that simple and my opinion doesn't stand alone

So everything is judged by what is acceptable to you then, is it? Jesus’ opposers didn’t stand alone either...did it make them right? They thought they were. Jesus said otherwise.

Russell and Rutherford were just early movers and shakers....we have progressed well beyond their teachings....increased understanding was foretold. (Proverbs 4:18) As I have previously mentioned, these men were not prophets nor did they claim to be. Things were to be revealed with more clarity in their own time...and they were.

Let’s just wait and see whom it is that Jesus accepts, and who he rejects at the coming judgment ?
We will all stand before him and he will accept no excuses. And that is the truth of it.

 

[Truth7t7]

So what is God’s kingdom?
The first Christians were organised into congregations and taught by the apostles all the things Jesus said and commanded. So how can one be a “Christian” without a brotherhood with whom to meet, and all speak in agreement? (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 1:10)

I have already explained I'm part of the non-denominational, and I have shown you my belief

 

[Truth7t7]

So everything is judged by what is acceptable to you then, is it? Jesus’ opposers didn’t stand alone either...did it make them right? They thought they were. Jesus said otherwise.

Russell and Rutherford were just early movers and shakers....we have progressed well beyond their teachings....increased understanding was foretold. (Proverbs 4:18) As I have previously mentioned, these men were not prophets nor did they claim to be. Things were to be revealed with more clarity in their own time...and they were.

Let’s just wait and see whom it is that Jesus accepts, and who he rejects at the coming judgment ?
We will all stand before him and he will accept no excuses. And that is the truth of it.

Progression, Big Smiles!

Jehovah's Witnesses and the History of 1914 (Part 1)

In the 1 November 1995 Watchtower magazine, the Jehovah's Witnesses made a major doctrinal change concerning the "Generation of 1914." To better understand the significance of this change it is crucial to understand the importance they place on the year 1914 and how their beliefs concerning that year have radically changed throughout their history. The following is a brief survey of the Watchtower's inconsistencies.

"Beginning of end" in 1799 not 1914
Originally the Watchtower taught that the beginning of "the time of the end" was in 1799 rather than 1914. They continued to teach this well beyond 1914.

"...1799 definitely marks the beginning of 'the time of the end'.... 'The time of the end' embraces a period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete overthrow of Satan's empire....we have been in 'the time of the end' since 1799" (The Harp of God, 1928 ed., pp. 235-36, 239).

Christ's Invisible Second Presence in 1874 not 1914.
Based originally on the teachings of the Second Adventist preacher Nelson H. Barbour (Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of Christ's Kingdom, p. 47), the Watchtower Society taught that Christ's invisible second presence began in 1874 - not 1914 as they currently teach.

"The time of the Lord's second presence dates from 1874....From 1874 forward is the latter part of the period of 'the time of the end'. From 1874 is the time of the Lord's second presence... It was in the year 1874, the date of our Lord's second presence..." (The Harp of God, 1928 ed., pp. 236, 239-40).

Armageddon ends in 1914
Initially the organization taught the "battle of the Great Day of God Almighty" (Armageddon) would end in 1914. Every kingdom of the world would be overthrown in 1914 which was "God's date" not for the beginning but "for the end" of the time of trouble.

"...we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of A.D. 1914" (Watchtower founder, Charles Taze Russell, The Time is at Hand, p. 99).

"¼...the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty' (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced" (Ibid., p. 101).

"CAN IT BE DELAYED UNTIL 1914?...our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They say that they do not see how present conditions can last so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble" (Watch Tower, 15 July 1894, p. 226).

Armageddon ends shortly after 1914
World War I, rather than Armageddon, broke out in 1914. The Society had already begun to modify their prediction. They taught that 1914 was not the end, but the beginning of Armageddon. World War I was supposed to be the beginning of the Battle of Armageddon. That battle was to end shortly after 1914 with the utter destruction of professing Christianity, and the inauguration of Christ's millennial reign. The Watchtower first suggested this would be accomplished in 1915, but later predictions delayed it to 1918.

"The present great war in Europe [World War I] is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures" (Pastor Russell's Sermons, p. 676).

"...our eyes of understanding should discern clearly the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty now in progress... the glorious outcome - Messiah's Kingdom" (Watch Tower, 1 September 1916, p. 265).

"The Scriptures indicate that a great time of trouble similar to that which came upon the Jewish nation will now come upon all Christendom. The experience of Israel in the year 70 [destruction of Jerusalem] will be paralleled in the experiences of the year 1915" (Watch Tower, 15 June 1913, p. 181).

"...in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity'" (The Finished Mystery, 1917, p. 485).

1925 is clearly more biblical than 1914
By 1919-20 the Society began looking to the year 1925 as the date for the visible signs of Armageddon's approach. The Watchtower taught that the year 1925 was more clearly taught in the Bible than 1914. Watchtower president Joseph Rutherford claimed that as a sign that Armageddon was imminent, God would resurrect Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 in the year 1925.

"The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures because it is fixed by the law God gave to Israel. Viewing the present situation in Europe, one wonders how it will be possible to hold back the explosion much longer; and that even before 1925 the great crisis will be reached and probably passed" (Watch Tower, 1 September 1922, p. 262).

"The year 1925 is a date definitely and clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914; but it would be presumptuous on the part of any faithful follower of the Lord to assume just what the Lord is going to do during that year" (Watch Tower, 15 July 1924, p. 211).

"As we have heretofore stated, the great jubilee cycle is due to begin in 1925. At that time the earthly phase of the kingdom shall be recognized... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection" (Millions Now Living Will Never Die! pp. 89-90).

 

[Truth7t7]

(Part 2)

1914 begins the last generation before Armageddon
Years later the Watchtower Society made three important changes for 1914. They taught:

• Christ's invisible "Second Presence" began in 1914 rather than 1874.
• 1914 (rather than 1799) began the "last generation."
• The length of a "generation" was based on the life span of those alive at the time of its beginning. This final point led to the Watchtower's claim that Jehovah had promised there would be "survivors" among those alive in 1914 who would live to see Armageddon.

"Did not Jesus say as much when he spoke of his second presence in these 'last days'?...Christ Jesus has been present since 1914 and witness has been given of the signs that prove it, but the veil will not lift from the sightless 'eyes of understanding' of humanity's majority till his power is revealed in Armageddon's fury" (Watchtower, 15 January 1950, p. 22).

"The thirty-six intervening years since 1914, instead of postponing Armageddon, have only made it nearer than most people think. Do not forget: 'This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.' (Matt. 24:34)" (Watchtower, 1 November 1950, p. 419).

"The foretold events having begun A.D. 1914, the generation of mankind that is still alive from that year is the generation meant by Jesus Christ. Till now we have seen fulfilled the world-shaking features of the 'sign of [Christ's invisible] presence and of the consummation of the system of things.'...The occurrence of these things since 1914 is within the knowledge of millions of this generation.... We, then, are the generation that will not pass away till there is fulfilled that 'great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again'" (Watchtower, 15 April 1961, p. 236; brackets in original, italics added).

"Also, the Bible said that all these things would happen upon the generation that was alive in 1914... After drawing attention to the many things that have marked the period from 1914 onward, Jesus said: 'This generation will by no means pass away until all these things [including the end of this system] occur.' (Matthew 24:34, 14) Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914. Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old. However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. So of this we can be certain: Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon... Some of the generation living in 1914 will see the end of the system of things and survive it" (You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, p.154.

People old enough to understand the events of 1914 will live to see Armageddon
For a while the Society maintained that "1914 Generation" was a reference to those alive "with understanding" in 1914. This significantly shortens the time period for fulfillment. According to the Society, Jesus was not talking about babies born in 1914 when he said, "this generation would not pass away." Thus, those who were old enough to observe and understand the events they witnessed in 1914 (such as teenagers) would live to see Armageddon. This would mean that a very young member of the "1914 generation" (say, a sixteen-year-old) would have been born as early as 1898 or 1899.

"Where Are We According to God's Timetable?... In examining these Scriptural facts, something else also captures our attention. According to Bible chronology, we are already over fifty-two years into the wicked system of things' 'time of the end.' That time began in the autumn of 1914 C.E., at the termination of the 'appointed times of the nations,' and it is already far advanced. Jesus said that 'this generation' that saw the beginning of this time period in 1914 would also see its end. The generation that was old enough to view those events with understanding in 1914 is no longer young. It no longer has many years to run. Already many of its members have died. But Jesus showed that there would still be members of 'this generation' alive at the time of the passing away of this wicked system of things in both heaven and earth. (Luke 21:32, 33) How much longer will it be, then, before God takes action to destroy the wicked and usher in the blessings of his Kingdom rule? (Watchtower, 1 May 1967, p. 262; emphasis added).

"What will the 1970's Bring? The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the 'last days' have already gone by is highly significant... It means only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God. How can we be so certain of this?¼ Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the 'last days' began... Even if we presume that the youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of 'this generation' nearly 70 years old today" (Awake!, 8 October 1968, pp. 13-14).

"Jesus said 'this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' Which generation is this, and how long is it?... [W]hen it comes to the application in our time, the 'generation' logically would not apply to babies born during World War I. It applies to Christ's followers and others who were able to observe that war and the other things that have occurred in fulfillment of Jesus' composite 'sign.' Some of such persons 'will by no means pass away until' all of what Christ prophesied occurs, including the end of the present wicked system" (Watchtower, 1 October 1978, p. 31).

Babies born in 1914 will live to see Armageddon
By 1984 teenagers alive in 1914 were in their 80's. The Watchtower reversed themselves again to include babies born in 1914 when calculating the length of the generation. Using this technique the Watchtower could stretch the 1914 generation by another decade or so.

"If Jesus used 'generation' in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80's or 90's, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them 'will by no means pass away until all things occur.' - Luke 21:32" (Watchtower, 15 May 1984, p.5).

1914 Generation to end in 1975?
As early as the mid 1960's, the Watchtower had strongly suggested that the 1914 generation would end by the Fall of 1975. They based the 1975 prediction in part on their "year for a day" theory and the "fact" that Adam and Eve were created in the year 4,026 B.C. This anticipation was seen to be "particularly true" because some of those who witnessed the events of 1914 would still be alive in 1975. Thus, the 1914 generation theory helped "prove" the 1975 Armageddon theory.

"To calculate where man is in the stream of time relative to God's seventh day of 7,000 years, we need to determine how long a time has elapsed from the year of Adam and Eve's creation in 4026 B.C.E. From the autumn of that year to the autumn of 1 B.C.E., there would be 4,025 years. From the autumn of 1 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1 C.E. is one year (there was no zero year). From the autumn of 1 C.E. to the autumn of 1967 is a total of 1,966 years. Adding 4,025 and 1 and 1,966, we get 5,992 years from the autumn of 4026 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1967. Thus, eight years remain to account for a full 6,000 years of the seventh day. Eight years from the autumn of 1967 would bring us to the autumn of 1975, fully 6,000 years into God's seventh day, his rest day.

"...The seventh day of the Jewish week, the sabbath, would well picture the final 1,000- year reign of God's kingdom under Christ... Hence, when Christians note from God's timetable the approaching end of 6,000 years of human history, it fills them with anticipation. Particularly is this true because the great sign of the 'last days' has been in the course of fulfillment since the beginning of the 'time of the end' in 1914... Some of the generation that discerned the beginning of the time of the end in 1914 will still be alive on earth to witness the end of this present wicked system of things at the battle of Armageddon.-Rev. 16:14, 16" (Watchtower, 1 May 1968, pp. 271-72).[/QUOTE]

 

[Truth7t7]

(Part 3)

1914 Generation to end in 1989?
In a 1988 Awake! article titled, "The Last Days - What's Next?", under the heading, "How Long Can A Generation Last?", the Society seemed to suggest that the 1914 generation would end the next year. After reminding Jehovah's Witnesses that 1914 began the "last generation," the Watchtower announced that Hebrews counted seventy-five years as one generation (note: 1914 + 75 = 1989). Interestingly, to make their case, the Watchtower turned to one of Christendom's scholars rather than their own "anointed" sources.

"J. A. Bengel states in his New Testament Word Studies: 'The Hebrews... reckon seventy-five years as one generation, and the words, shall not pass away, intimate that the greater part of that generation [of Jesus' day] indeed, but not the whole of it, should have passed away before all should be fulfilled.' This became true by the year 70 C.E. when Jerusalem was destroyed. Likewise today, most of the generation of 1914 has passed away. However, there are still millions on earth who were born in that year or prior to it. And although their numbers are dwindling, Jesus' words will come true, 'this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened'" (Awake!, 8 April 1988, p. 14).

1914 Generation to end in 1994?
A more serious problem for the Society is found in their premier two volume Bible dictionary, Insight on the Scriptures. Currently in use, Insight was a major project for the Watchtower and provides Jehovah's Witnesses the definitive answer to biblical meanings. Insight very clearly defines the "reasonable limits" for the length of a generation as 70, or in the case of "special mightiness," 80 years.

"When the term 'generation' is used with reference to the people living at a particular time, the exact length of that time cannot be stated, except that the time would fall within reasonable limits. These limits would be determined by the life span of the people of that time or of that population... Today, much as it was in the time of Moses, people living under favorable conditions may reach 70 or 80 years of age. Moses wrote: 'In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; for it must quickly pass by, and away we fly.' (Ps 90:10) Some few may live longer, but Moses stated the general rule." (Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pp. 917-18).

1914 Generation to end ????
Finally the Society has abandoned all attempts to measure the 1914 generation by the life span of its "survivors." According to the latest "light," 1914 still started "the last generation" that will end in Armageddon. But the 1914 generation now consists of all "the peoples of earth who see the sign" of Christ's 1914 presence but fail to repent (Watchtower, 1 November 1995, p. 19). In Watchtower dogma, this "sign" is a "composite" sign made up of many historical events of which virtually all adults alive today would be aware, regardless of when they were born.

"Rather than providing a rule for measuring time, the term 'generation' as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics" (Ibid., p. 17). With such a definition, a "generation" could, functionally, last indefinitely - conveniently protecting the Watchtower against further charges of failed prophecy over its teaching about the 1914 generation surviving till the "end of the system." To maintain a sense of urgency, the Society claims the time period begun in 1914 is "a short period of time" (Ibid., p. 19). How can they say this after defining "generation" so vaguely? It is short, they say, when "compared with the thousands of years of Satan's rulership" (Ibid.).

The following composite quotations drawn from throughout their recent article, "A Time to Keep Awake" illustrate the Watchtower's current position:

"Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the 'great tribulation' would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However we 'bring a heart of wisdom in' not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation... Is anything to be gained, then, by looking for dates or by speculating about the literal lifetime of a 'generation'? Far from it!... Therefore, in the final fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy today, 'this generation' apparently refers to the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ's presence but fail to mend their ways... Does our more precise viewpoint on 'this generation' mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all" (Watchtower, 1 November 1995, pp. 17, 19-20).

1914 and False Prophecy
The Bible teaches that predictions spoken in God's name which do not come to pass are evidence that the prophet really does not speak for God. The Lord's people are commanded not to "fear" (Hebrew, guwr, to be intimidated by, or have humility towards) this prophet In fact, under the Old Testament law, this prophet was sentenced to death (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The Society has verified this understanding of Deuteronomy on several occasions (See: Awake!, 8 October 1968, p. 23; Watch Tower, 15 April 1930, p. 154).

Jehovah's Witnesses have attempted to blunt criticism of their past prophetic failures by professing never to have claimed to be a prophet - an assertion that is simply false. (See: Watchtower, 1 April 1972, p. 197; The Nations Shall Know that I am Jehovah, pp. 58, 66).

More recently, in an article critical of others who had given "false alarms" concerning Armageddon, the Society did admit to having some problems in this area themselves. Still, the Society attempted to side step false prophecy charges by claiming that their predictions were never said with "these are the words of Jehovah."

"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'" (Awake!, 22 March 1993 p. 4).

The Watchtower surely cannot use this excuse with their latest 1914 failure. The Watchtower plainly said that it was "the Creator's promise" that the new world would come "before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away" (Awake! 22 October 1995, p. 4). Elsewhere they even called this prediction for the 1914 generation, "Jehovah's prophetic word":

"From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene. But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action. Jehovah's prophetic word through Christ Jesus is: 'This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.' (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son's words in a relatively short time...

"Just as Jesus' prophecies regarding Jerusalem were fulfilled within the life span of the generation of the year 33 C.E., so his prophecies regarding 'the time of the end' will be fulfilled within the life span of the generation of 1914... Yes, you may live to see this promised New Order, along with survivors of the generation of 1914 - the generation that will not pass away. (Watchtower, 15 May 1984, pp. 6-7; emphasis added, brackets in original).

 

[Cassandra]

Here's an old Watchtower book concerning this:

The Harp of God: Proof Conclusive That Millions Now Living Will Never Die