Urim and Thummim Looks At The Following Organization!
The JW's
![[Jehovah's Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse book cover]](jwavbv.gif)
"Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the middle of wolves. Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way. And into whatsoever house you shall enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall turn to you again. And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. Luke 10:3-7
With this evaluation I will use the research material of others to form an educated opinion! The first will be by Tim Campbell.
TACKING INTO THE WIND WITH NO DESTINATION
A Short History of Jehovah's Witnesses
Copyright (C) 1995, 2001 by Tim Campbell
This article may be freely distributed in unaltered form
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (the organization run by the Governing
Body of the Jehovah's Witnesses) claims that it is the sole channel of
information between g-d and humanity.
They base this claim on a complicated, Bible-based chronology devised by the
Adventist N.H. Barbour in 1875. The founder of Jehovah's Witnesses, Charles Taze
Russell, obtained many of his ideas from Adventists and others who speculated in
Bible prophecy. In 1884, Russell founded the Watchtower Society, which became
the legal corporation used by the International Bible Students, the early name
for Jehovah's Witnesses.
The chronology stated that je--s had invisibly returned to earth in 1874 to set
up his kingdom, and that in 1914, at the end of the "Gentile Times", je--s would
come to judge the earth and annihilate the wicked.
When nothing supernatural happened in 1914, the Watchtower Society started
transferring all of the doctrines about 1874 to 1914. They explained that
chr--t's kingdom had been set up invisibly in 1914, and that although secular
governments were still in place, their rule was no longer valid. Based on the
Society's writings, Jehovah's Witnesses looked forward to momentous events in
the year 1918.
When nothing supernatural happened in 1918, the Watchtower Society looked
forward to momentous events in 1925.
When nothing supernatural happened in
1925, the Watchtower Society lost three quarters of its members.
Charles Taze Russell had been held to be the "Faithful and Wise Servant" of
Matthew 24:45-47, but by 1928 the Society applied that to its leaders. They
taught that the scripture was a prophecy, and that in 1918 they had been chosen
by je--s "over all that he hath". Since they believed je--s was ruling the world
invisibly, they claimed for themselves a position as g-d's channel of
communication with mankind.
The Society checked its predictions and explained that all of the prophecies in
Matthew 24 and 25 would take place within a "single generation" (Matthew 24:34),
so the time of "the end of the world" (Matthew 24:3) could be delayed as long as
30 or 40 years. In 1929, the Society built a mansion ("Beth Sarim") to house the
resurrected prophets, who were expected to arrive soon. The new definition of
"generation" promised momentous events during the 1940's.
When nothing supernatural had happened by 1945, the Society extended the meaning
of "generation" to 80 years (the maximum lifespan of a typical man, as explained
in Psalms 90:10). "Beth Sarim" was eventually sold.
Although 1914 plus 80 equals 1994, in 1966 the Watchtower Society decided that
the year 1975 was "significant", because they had calculated that it marked the
end of six thousand years since the creation of Adam and Eve.
Watchtower publications strongly hinted
that "the end" would come in 1975.
When nothing supernatural happened in 1975, the Watchtower Society lost many
members. It explained that the time between Adam's creation and Eve's creation
was not known, so the 1975 date was only speculative.
In 1980, the Society suggested that the Witnesses and the publishing staff had
been overly enthusiastic about the "possibility" of Armageddon in 1975. This
failed to lure back thousands who had left,
but regular door-to-door preaching
restored the rapid growth the Witnesses had enjoyed since the
"significance" of 1975 had been announced.
When the year 1994 arrived (1914 plus 80 years), nothing supernatural happened.
The Society had not ascribed any special significance [1] to 1994, but the
"generation" issue was becoming awkward. The ranks of the Society's special
members (the 144,000 who were "anointed", based on an interpretation of
Revelation) were dying out. The claim that je--s had appointed the Watchtower
Society special status in 1918 was becoming hard to defend.
In 1995, the Watchtower Society decided that "generation" did not mean a
physical generation (i.e. 80 years) but meant "age", as in "era". This extended
the "end times" indefinitely, although when the last of the 144,000 special
members die out, the Society will have to be run by regular members.
A close inspection of Matthew 24:34 in context makes the "age" interpretation
hard to understand, since je--s speaks of the generation "passing away" (which
sounds like a physical event). The Watchtower Society states that it alone
understands that "generation" means "age" because it has special status, which
was granted to it in 1918.
The Watchtower magazine, published by the Society, has said the end is "soon",
in every issue since it was first printed ... in 1879.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes
[1] "No Special Significance"
The Society did not consider 1994 "special", because the end was supposed to
occur within the time of a typical human lifespan (as "generation" was then
interpreted), not at the end of a generation. Here are some quotations from
Watchtower literature that illustrate their position prior to November 1995:
Watchtower 1968/12/01 p. 715:
... did not je--s say that this generation will not pass away until all things
are fulfilled? A generation, according to Psalm 90:10, is from seventy to eighty
years. The generation that witnessed the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 does
not have many more years left. - Luke 21:24, 32-36.
Watchtower 1967/12/15 p. 751:
... the expression "this generation" was used by je--s to mark a very limited
period of time, the life-span of members of a generation of people living during
the time that certain epoch-making events occurred. According to Psalm 90:10,
that life-span could be of seventy years or even of eighty years. Into this
comparatively short period of time must be crowded all the things that je--s
prophesied in answer to the request for a "sign when all these things are
destined to come to a conclusion." (Mark 13:4)
Awake! masthead from March 1988 until November 1995:
Most importantly, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a
peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914
passes away.
Copyright (C) 1995, 2001 by Tim Campbell
This article may be freely distributed in unaltered form
(Hawke dash dashed the names and Pagan titles!)
Responding to the first article takes me to the book of Deuteronomy chapter 13.
Deuteronomy 13:1-11
If there arise in the middle of you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, which he spoke to you, saying, Let us go after other elohim, which you have not known, and let us serve them; you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams: for Yahweh your Elohim proves you, to know whether you love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after Yahweh your Elohim, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Yahweh your Elohim commanded you to walk in. So shall you put away the evil from the middle of you.
If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, that is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other elohim, which you have not known, you, nor your fathers; of the elohim of the peoples that are around about you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; you shall not consent to him, nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him: but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And you shall stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw you away from Yahweh your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do not more any such wickedness as this is in the middle of you.
Also in Deuteronomy:
But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other elohim, that same prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken? when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:20-22
We need to see some quotes from their own publications! Observe!
The date of the close of that ‘battle’ is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874.
We see no reason for changing the figures — nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, G-d’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.
The culmination of the trouble in October, 1914, is clearly marked in the Scriptures; and we are bound therefore to expect a beginning of that severe trouble not later than 1910; — with severe spasms between now and then.
Question. — If the ‘Times of the Gentiles’ can be changed as suggested in the July Tower, so that the anarchy will follow 1914 A.D., instead of preceding it, might not similar changes be made in respect to all the various lines of prophetic time proof set forth in Millennial Dawn, Vols. II and III?
Answer. — You are entirely in error. Not a figure, not a date, not a prophecy is in any sense or degree affected by the article to which you refer. Indeed the harmony and unity of the whole is the more fully demonstrated… The harmony of the prophetic periods of the correctness of out Bible chronology. They fit together like the cog-wheels of a perfect machine. To change the chronology even one year would destroy all this harmony, — so accurately are the various proofs drawn together in the parallels between the Jewish and Go-pel ages.
THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW AS CHR--TIAN BIBLE STUDENTS
DO YOU KNOW THAT
— We are now living in "the Time of the End" of this G-spel age?
— Our epoch is "the Day of G-d's Preparation" for the Millennial age?
— The "Days of Waiting" are ended and the "Cleansing of the Sanctuary" — the Ch--ch, — the separating of its Wheat and Tares, is now in progress?
— This is the reason for the beginning of the Return of D-vine Favor to Fleshly Israel — blinded for centuries — to permit the gathering of an elect class from among the Gentiles?
— This favor is gradually taking shape and known as Zionism?
— Immanuel's Kingdom is now in process of establishment?
— The Great Pyramid in Egypt is a Witness to all these event of the ages and of our day — testifying in symbols?
— The Pyramid's downward passage under "A Draconis" symbolizes the course of Sin? Its First Ascending Passage symbolizes the Jewish age? Its grand Gallery symbolized the G-spel age? Its Upper Step symbolized the approaching period of tribulation and anarchy, "Judgments," upon Christendom? Its King's Chamber the Divine Nature, etc., of the Overcoming chu--h — the Ch--st, Head and Body? Its Ante-Chamber the Correction in Righteousness of the "Great Company" etc.? Its Queen's Chamber those of Israel and the world who attain Restitution?
All these interesting topics with ten Pyramid illustrations can be had in "Thy Kingdom Come" [Studies in the Scriptures vol III]
In this chapter we will present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men...
Firstly, That at that date the Kingdom of G-d, for which our L-rd taught us to pray, saying, "Thy Kingdom come," will obtain full, universal control, and that it will then be "set up," or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions.
Secondly, It will prove that he whose right it is thus to take the domination will then be present as earth’s new Ruler...
Thirdly, It will prove that some time before the end of A.D. 1914 the last member of the divinely recognized chu--h of Ch--st, the "royal priesthood," "the body of Ch--st," will be glorified with the Head...
Fourthly, It will prove that from that time forward Jerusalem shall no longer be trodden down by the Gentiles...
Fifthly, it will prove that by that date, or sooner, Israel’s blindness will begin to be turned away...
Sixthly, It will prove that the great "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation," will reach its culmination in a world-wide reign of anarchy...
Seventhly, It will prove that before that date [italics in original] G-d’s Kingdom, organized in power, will be in the earth and then smite and crush the Gentile image (Dan. 2:34) - and fully consume the power of these kings.
In 1876, C. T. Russell wrote the first of many articles in which he pointed to the year 1914 as the end of the Gentile Times referred to by Je--s Chr--t. (Luke 21:24, KJ) In the second volume of Millennial Dawn, published in 1889, Brother Russell set out in a reasoned manner details that would enable readers to see the Scriptural basis for what was said and to check it for themselves. Over a period of nearly four decades leading up to 1914, the Bible Students distributed millions of copies of publications focusing attention on the end of the Gentile Times. A few other religious papers took note of the Bible chronology that pointed to the year 1914, but what group other than the Bible Students gave it ongoing international publicity and lived in a manner that showed that they believed that the Gentile Times would end in that year?
As 1914 neared, expectations heightened. What would it mean? In The Bible Students Monthly (Volume VI, No. 1, published early in 1914), Brother Russell wrote: "If we have the correct date and chronology, Gentile Times will end this year-1914. What of it? We do not surely know. Our expectation is that the active rule of Messiah will begin about the time of the ending of the lease of power to the Gentiles. Our expectation, true or false, is that there will be wonderful manifestations of Divine judgments against all unrighteousness, and that this will mean the breaking up of many institutions of the present time, if not all." He emphasized that he did not expect the "end of the world" in 1914 and that the earth abides forever, but that the present order of things, of which Satan is ruler, is to pass away.
In its issue of October 15, 1913, The Watch Tower had stated: "According to the best chronological reckoning of which we are capable, it is approximately that time-whether it be October, 1914, or later. Without dogmatizing, we are looking for certain events: (1) The termination of the Gentile Times-Gentile supremacy in the world-and (2) For the inauguration of Messiah's Kingdom in the world."
How would this come about? It seemed reasonable to the Bible Students then that it would include the glorification of any still on earth who had been chosen by G-d to share in the heavenly Kingdom with Ch--st. But how did they feel when that did not occur in 1914? The Watch Tower of April 15, 1916, stated: "We believe that the dates have proven to be quite right. We believe that Gentile Times have ended." However, it candidly added: "The L-rd did not say that the Ch--ch would all be glorified by 1914. We merely inferred it and, evidently, erred."
In this they were somewhat like Je--s' apostles. The apostles knew and thought they believed the prophecies concerning G-d's Kingdom. But at various times they had wrong expectations as to how and when these would be fulfilled. This led to disappointment on the part of some.-Luke 19:11; 24:19-24; Acts 1:6.
When October 1914 passed without the expected change to heavenly life, Brother Russell knew that there would be serious searchings of heart. In The Watch Tower of November 1, 1914, he wrote: "Let us remember that we are in a testing season. The Apostles had a similar one during the interim between our L-rd's death and Pentecost. After our L-rd's resurrection, He appeared to His disciples a few times, and then they did not see Him for many days. Then they became discouraged and said, 'There is no use waiting'; 'I go fishing,' said one. Two others said, 'We will go with thee.' They were about to go into the fishing business and leave the work of fishing for men. This was a testing time for the disciples. So also there is one now. If there is any reason that would lead any to let go of the L-rd and His Truth and to cease sacrificing for the L-rd's Cause, then it is not merely the love of G-d in the heart which has prompted interest in the L-rd, but something else; probably a hoping that the time was short; the consecration was only for a certain time."
That evidently was the case with some. Their thoughts and desires had been fixed primarily on the prospect of being changed to heavenly life. When this did not occur at the anticipated time, they closed their minds to the significance of the amazing things that did take place in 1914. They lost sight of all the precious truths that they had learned from G-d's Word, and they began to ridicule the people who had helped them to learn these.
Humbly, the Bible Students examined the Scriptures again, to let G-d's Word readjust their outlook. Their conviction that the Gentile Times had ended in 1914 did not change. Gradually they came to see more clearly how the Messianic Kingdom had begun-that it was established in heaven when Jehovah bestowed authority on Je--s Chr--t, his Son; also, that this did not have to wait until Je--s' joint heirs were raised to heavenly life but that they would be glorified with him later. In addition, they came to see that the spreading of the influence of the Kingdom did not require that first the faithful prophets of old be resurrected, but that the King would use loyal Chr--tians now living as his representatives to set before people of all nations the opportunity to live forever as earthly subjects of the Kingdom.
As this grand picture opened before their eyes, further testing and sifting resulted. But those who truly loved Jehovah and took delight in serving him were very grateful for the privileges of service that opened up to them.-Rev. 3:7, 8.
Look at the tap dancing when their prophesied dating failed! If only they would read the scriptures! The word of Almighty Yahweh would have saved them a lot of embarrassment. Let's read!
But of that day and hour knows no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only. And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man." Matthew 24:36-37
They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Master, do you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. Acts 1:6-7
Now! How easy was that? All we had to do was know what the Bible teaches!
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts should be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But you watch at every season, making supplication, that you may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:34-36
I really did not put too much effort into this diagnosis! The JW's are not an organization to get involved with! You would do well to keep these people at a distance. I wanted you to read from their own writings exactly what they believed. I hope you can see they a false prophesying group of people, who when they fall short, rearrange the Bible to suit themselves!
Yours in Messiah, Hawke
"You shall not make wrong use of the name of Yahweh your Elohim: for Yahweh will not leave unpunished the man that misuses his name." Deuteronomy 5:11
The reproach this organization brings upon the True Name and true teachings of the Bible is a shame! You cannot mingle truth with error and be guiltless!
Judging by Urim and Thummim this group fails the test!
THE BLACK STONE!
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; Elah hath numbered your kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; You art weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. Daniel 5:25-27
Therefore Hawke judges these people to be in serious false doctrine and you should beware of this organization!
