Page 3: IS THERE ANY HOPE OF SALVATION? The 20th century has been called one of the bloodiest centuries humanity has ever known. Crime, wars, ethnic strife, drug abuse, dishonesty, and violence have been especially rampant during the last few decades. Add to this the pain and suffering that have been the result of sickness, old age, and death. Who does not long for liberation from enormous problems that exist in the world today? As we look to the future, is there any hope of salvation?
Answer: Yes! The Christian hope for salvation is in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
Page 3: Just imagine what the fulfillment of God's promises will mean! Mankind will be rescued, or delivered, from oppression and violence, from the causes of suffering and distress. Why, even sickness, old age, and death will not plague us! God's Word, the Bible, promises everlasting life under a perfect conditions on earth. (Luke 23:43; John 17:3)
Correction: Christians are not promised a life free of problems.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Note: Christians will have inner peace through Jesus Christ.
Pages 3-4: To benefit from God's promises, though, we must understand the role Jesus Christ plays in our salvation and exercise faith in him. Jesus himself said: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Pointing to the central role of Jesus Christ in this matter, the apostle Peter said: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been give among men by which we must get saved."
Note: The name of Jehovah won't save you.
John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Page 4: The apostle Paul and his associate Silas urged a sincere inquirer: "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will get saved, you and your household." - Acts 16:30, 31.
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere belief in Jesus Christ?
Page 4: Yes, Jesus Christ is "the Chief Agent of life," and salvation is possible only through him. (Acts 3:15) But how can one man be such a key figure in saving us? Having a clear understanding of his role in this regard should strengthen our hope of salvation.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Page 4: "Jesus saves!" "Jesus is our Savior!" In many countries around the world, such messages are displayed on walls of buildings and in other public places. Millions of people sincerely believe that Jesus is their Savior. If you were to ask them, "How does Jesus save us?" They would probably reply, "Jesus died for us" or, "Jesus died for our sins." Yes, Jesus' death makes it possible for us to be saved. But how can the death of one man pay for the sins of a multitude? If you were asked, "How can Jesus' death save us?" What would you say?
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Page 5: Jehovah God did what was just and fair. "Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, and the Almighty to act unjustly!" Declared the righteous man Elihu. (Job 34:10) And concerning Jehovah, the prophet Moses wrote: "The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4) The solution that the true God provided to the problem created by Adam's sin does not take away our opportunity for everlasting life on a paradise earth.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Page 6: Consider the solution God laid out in the sentence he pronounced on Satan the Devil. Jehovah said to Satan: "I shall put enmity between you and the woman (God's heavenly organization) and between your seed (the world under Satan's control) and her seed (Jesus Christ). He will bruise you (Satan) in the head and you will bruise him in the heel (Jesus' death)." (Genesis 3:15) In this first prophecy of the Bible, Jehovah alluded to his purpose to have his heavenly spirit Son come to earth to live as the perfect man Jesus and then die - be bruised in the heel - in that sinless state.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
Matthew 1:21-23 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Page 6: God's Law to the ancient nation of Israel required "soul for soul (or, life for life)" (Exodus 21:23) According to this legal principle, the death covering mankind's transgressions would have to be of a value equal to what Adam had lost. Only the death of another perfect man could pay the wages of sin. Jesus was such a man. Indeed, Jesus was "a corresponding ransom" for the saving of all redeemable mankind descended from Adam.
Correction: God's Law was for sinful mankind.
Exodus 21:14 "But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die."
Note: This "legal principle" does not apply to Jesus Christ since He was sinless.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Page 6: Jesus saves because he died for us. And what a valuable provision his death is! When we see it as a part of God's solution to the complex problem of Adam's sin, our faith in Jehovah and his way of doing things is strengthened.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Page 6: Yes, Jesus' death is a means of rescuing "everyone exercising faith" in him from sin, disease, old age, and death itself. (John 3:16) Are you thankful to God for making this loving arrangement for our salvation?
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere belief in Jesus Christ?
Galatians 3:22-24 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Page 7: IT TOOK 12 years, 3 months, and 11 days of painstaking work. On March 13, 1960, however, the final segment of text for a new Bible translation was completed. It was called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Note: The Watch Tower translation committee had no Hebrew or Greek scholars.
Dr. Walter Martin: There is not a single Greek scholar in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. I did everything I could to find out the names of the translating committee of the NWT, and the Watchtower wouldn't tell me a thing. Finally, an ex-JW who knew the committee members personally told me who they were, and the men on that committee could not read New Testament Greek; nor could they read Hebrew; nor did they have any knowledge of systematic theology - except what they had learned from the Watchtower. Christian Research Institute.
Page 7: One year later, Jehovah's Witnesses published this translation in a single volume. That edition in 1961 had a printing of one million copies. Today, the number of printed copies has passed the one hundred million mark, making the New World Translation one of the most widely distributed Bibles. What, though, prompted the Witnesses to prepare this translation?
Answer: To twist the Scriptures according to Bible language scholars.
Dr. Julius R. Mantey: The Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) have forgotten entirely what the order of the sentence indicates - that the "Logos" has the same substance, nature, or essence as the Father. To indicate that Jesus was just "a god," (John 1:1) the JWs would have to use a completely different construction in the Greek. Christian Research Institute.
Page 7: In order to understand and proclaim the message of the Holy Scriptures, Jehovah's Witnesses have over the years used many different English Bible translations. While these versions have their points of merit, they are often colored by religious traditions and the creeds of Christendom. (Matthew 15:6) Jehovah's Witnesses therefore recognized the need for a Bible translation that faithfully presented what is in the original inspired writings.
Correction: The New World Translation is not uniform with Colossians 3:23-24 as an example.
(New King James Version) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord (ky'rios) and not to men, knowing that from the Lord (ky'rios) you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord (ky'rios) Christ.
(New World Translation-1970) Whatever YOU are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah (ky'rios), and not to men, for YOU know that it is from Jehovah (ky'rios) YOU will receive the due reward of the inheritance, SLAVE for the Master (ky'rios), Christ.
Note: The New World Translation is colored by Watch Tower religious doctrines.
Page 7: With the translation of the first installment - the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures - in 1950, it became evident that the translators had met their objectives. Bible texts that had previously been only dimly understood became dramatically clear. For instance, consider the perplexing text at Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit." (King James Version) It was rendered: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." The apostle Paul's admonition rendered "be careful for nothing" (King James Version) was translated: "Do not be anxious over anything." (Philippians 4:6) And the apostle John's reference to "the concupiscence of the flesh" (Douay Version) reads, "the desire of the flesh." (1 John 2:16) Clearly, the New World Translation opened up a new world of understanding.
Correction: The New World Translation Committee used poor English such as in Psalm 23:5.
New World Translation: You arrange before me a table in front of those showing hostility to me. With oil you have greased my head; My cup is well filled.
New King James Version: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Page 8: Another outstanding feature of the New World Translation is its use of God's personal name, Jehovah, in both the Hebrew and the Greek portions of the Scriptures. Since the Hebrew name for God appears nearly 7,000 times in the so-called Old Testament alone, it is clear that our Creator wants his worshipers to use his name and to know him as a person. (Exodus 34:6, 7) The New World Translation has helped millions of people to do so.
Correction: The New World Translation has erroneously added Jehovah to the New Testament.
The Watch Tower Society introduces an irreconcilable conflict in its Kingdom Interlinear Translation footnote material. If the Greek text published by the Watch Tower Society is truly inspired by Jehovah and therefore absolutely reliable, then the correct word in these 237 Christian Scripture "Jehovah" passages in the New World Translation is Kyrios. Generally, Kyrios is translated as Lord, and would be a reference to Jesus. (This is the preferred choice of the New World Translation in 406 cases.) On the other hand, the New World Translation uses the divine name Jehovah in these same 237 instances. If Jehovah is indeed the word used by the inspired Christian writers, then the Greek text is in error. www.tetragrammaton.org
Correction: The "so-called" Old Testament distinction is correct.
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.
Page 8: Ever since it appeared in English, Jehovah's Witnesses around the world longed to receive the New World Translation in their native tongue - and for good reason. In some countries, it was difficult to obtain translations in local languages because representatives of the Bible Societies distributing them were not pleased to see their stock of Bibles end up in the hands of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Note: The Bible Societies did not want Scripture to be twisted by the Jehovah's Witnesses.
2 Peter 3:14-16 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
Page 8: Moreover, such vernacular Bibles often conceal vital teachings. A typical example is a version in a southern European tongue that hides an important reference to God's name by replacing Jesus' words "Let your name be sanctified" with "May you be honored by people."
Note: The name of Jehovah won't save you.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Page 8: In 1989 that goal came closer with the setting up of Translation Services at the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses. That department developed a method of translation that combined Biblical word study with computer technology. Using this system has made it possible to translate the Christian Greek Scriptures into some other languages in one year and the Hebrew Scriptures in two years - a fraction of the time normally required for a Bible translation project. Since this method was developed, 29 editions of the New World Translation have been translated from English and released in languages spoken by over two billion people.
Note: The New World Translation is not based upon Hebrew and Greek manuscripts.
Pages 8-9: Over 50 years have now passed since the first part of the New World Translation was released on August 3, 1950, at the Theocracy's Increase Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses in New York City. On that occasion, Nathan H. Knorr urged the conventioners: "Take this translation. Read it through, a thing that will be done with enjoyment. Study it, for it will help you to better your understanding of God's Word. Put in the hands of others." We encourage you to read the Bible daily, for its message can help you to "stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God." - Colossians 4:12.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not in the "will of God."
Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Page 10: JEHOVAH GOD is our Creator and Life-Giver. (Psalm 36:9; Revelation 4:11) No one else could therefore be in a better position to show us how to use our years of life in a wise way.
Note: JESUS CHRIST is the Creator and Life-Giver for Christians.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Page 11: For us "the everlasting God," Jehovah, is "a real dwelling" - a spiritual refuge. (Romans 16:26) We feel secure, for he is always there to help us as the "Hearer of prayer."
Note: Jesus Christ is always there to help Christians.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Page 11: Because we cast our anxieties upon our heavenly Father through his beloved Son, 'the peace of God that excels all thought guards our hearts and mental powers.' - Philippians 4:6, 7.
Note: The Watch Tower loves to misquote Scripture.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Page 11: We enjoy spiritual security because, figuratively speaking, Jehovah is "a real dwelling" for us. He also provides "interior rooms" - likely linked closely with the congregations of his people - as spiritual havens, where loving shepherds contribute greatly to our sense of security.
Note: Jesus Christ prepares "interior rooms" for Christians.
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
Page 11: Jehovah existed before the mountains were "born" or the earth was brought forth as with "labor pains." Viewed from a human standpoint, producing this earth with all its features, chemistry, and complicated mechanisms required a great deal of effort. And by saying that the mountains were "born" and the earth was brought forth as with "labor pains," the psalmist is showing great respect for the amount of work involved when Jehovah created these things. Should we not have similar respect and appreciation for the Creator's handiwork?
Note: The Watch Tower is practicing idolatry by focusing on the creation.
Romans 1:24-25 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.
Page 11: "Even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God," sang the psalmist. "Time indefinite" can refer to things that have an end but the duration of which has not been specified. (Exodus 31:16, 17; Hebrews 9:15) At Psalm 90:2 and elsewhere in the Hebrew Scriptures, though, "time indefinite" means "eternal." (Ecclesiastes 1:4) Our minds cannot understand how it is possible that God has always existed. Yet, Jehovah had no beginning and will have no end. (Habakkuk 1:12) He will always be alive and ready to help us.
Note: Jesus Christ is God eternally.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Page 11: The psalmist was inspired to equate a thousand years of human existence with a very short time in the experience of the eternal Creator. Addressing God, he wrote: "You make mortal man go back to crushed matter, and you say: 'Go back, you sons of men.' For a thousand years are in your eyes but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch during the night." -Psalm 90:3, 4.
Note: Have you recognized Jesus Christ as the eternal Creator?
Hebrews 1:1-4 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Hebrews 11:9-10 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Pages 11-12: This applies to all - strong or weak, rich or poor - for no imperfect human 'can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him, that he should live forever.' (Psalm 49:6-9) But how thankful we are that 'God gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might have everlasting life'! - John 3:16; Romans 6:23.
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere belief in Jesus Christ?
Romans 4:5-8 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin."
Page 12: In contrast with God's eternal existence, present human life is short indeed. Says the psalmist: "You have swept them away; they become a mere sleep; in the morning they are just like green grass that changes. In the morning it puts forth blossoms and must change; at evening it withers and certainly dries up." (Psalm 90:5, 6) Moses saw thousands of Israelites die in the wilderness, 'swept away' by God as in a flood.
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere belief in Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 3:17-19 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Page 12: Faithless Israelites came to an end in 'God's anger.' They were 'disturbed by his rage,' or 'terrified by his indignation.' (New International Version) Some were "laid low in the wilderness" as a result of divine judgments. (1 Corinthians 10:5) Jehovah 'set their errors right in front of him.' He called them to account for their public wrong-doing, but even their "hidden things," or concealed sins, were 'before his bright face.' (Proverbs 15:3) As objects of God's fury, the unrepentant Israelites 'finished their years just like a whisper.' For that matter, our own brief life span is like a breath passing our lips as a mere whisper.
Note: Are you tempting God the Son through unbelief as the Israelites did?
1 Corinthians 10:8-10 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
Page 13: If any of us were to practice sin secretly, we might be able to hide such conduct from fellow humans for a time. But our hidden wrongdoing would be 'before Jehovah's bright face,' and our actions would damage our relationship with him. To regain intimacy with Jehovah, we would need to pray for his forgiveness, leave our transgressions, and gratefully accept the spiritual help of Christian elders. (Proverbs 28:13; James 5:14, 15) How much better that would be than possibly 'finishing our years just like a whisper,' with our hope of everlasting life in jeopardy!
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Page 13: Regardless of our age, though, 'we do not know what our life will be tomorrow, for we are a mist appearing for a little while and then disappearing.' (James 4:13-15) Since 'time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all,' we cannot say how much longer we will live. Let us therefore pray for wisdom to deal with trials, to treat others properly, and to do our best in Jehovah's service right now - today! (Ecclesiastes 9:11; James 1:5-8)
Note: Are you serving the Father and the Son together as God?
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
Page 13: Jehovah guides us by means of his Word, his spirit, and his organization. (Matthew 24:45-47; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Note: The Watch Tower is not an organization of God.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Page 13: The exercise of wisdom moves us to 'seek first God's Kingdom' and to use our days in a way that brings glory to Jehovah and makes his heart rejoice. (Matthew 6:25-33; Proverbs 27:11) Worshiping him wholeheartedly will not remove all our problems, of course, but it certainly results in great joy.
Note: The exercise of godly wisdom moves Christians to preach Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Page 14: So even if we were to err seriously but demonstrate true repentance, Jehovah would 'satisfy us with his loving-kindness,' and we would have reason to "cry out joyfully." (Psalm 32:1-5) And by pursuing a righteous course, we will sense God's loyal love for us and will be able to "rejoice during all our days" - yes, for the rest of our lives.
Note: The exercise of godly wisdom moves Christians to preach Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Page 14: Moses may have been asking God to bless Israel with rejoicing that corresponded to, or lasted as long as, their days of affliction and the years during which they suffered calamity. He asked that God's "activity" of blessing the Israelites become apparent to His servants and that His splendor be made manifest upon their sons, or offspring. We can appropriately pray that blessings be showered upon obedient mankind in God's promised new world. - 2 Peter 3:13.
Note: The exercise of godly wisdom moves Christians to preach Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Note: Are you being led away by the error of the wicked Watch Tower organization?
Page 15: These words show that we can rightly pray for God to bless our efforts in his service. As anointed Christians or their companions, the "other sheep," we rejoice that "the pleasantness of Jehovah" rests upon us. (John 10:16) How happy we are that God has 'firmly established the work of our hands' as Kingdom proclaimers and in other ways!
Page 16: In any case, the 91st Psalm promises spiritual security to anointed Christians as a class and provides similar assurance for their dedicated companions as a group. Let us consider this psalm from the standpoint of all such servants of Jehovah.
Note: Are you being led away by the error of the wicked Watch Tower organization?
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Page 15: Jehovah will continue to show us how to count our days. And if we yield to his instruction, we will be able to keep on counting our days for all eternity. (John 17:3) If we are to keep everlasting life in view, however, Jehovah must be our refuge. (Jude 20, 21)
Note: Are you being led away by the error of the wicked Watch Tower organization?
Jude 1:20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Page 15: JEHOVAH is a true refuge for his people. If we are wholly devoted to him, we may be 'pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; perplexed, but not with no way out; persecuted, but not left in the lurch; thrown down, but not destroyed.' Why? Because Jehovah grants us "power beyond what is normal." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Page 16: As a loving international brotherhood, we give Jehovah exclusive devotion, maintain Scriptural neutrality, and impartially acknowledge that "in every nation the man that fears (God) and works righteousness is acceptable to him." (Acts 10:34, 35; John 13:34, 35; 17:16)
Correction: True Christians give devotion to the Father and the Son in the power of the Spirit.
John 5:22-23 "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him."
Page 16: Although we suffer "adversities" in the form of persecution as Christians, we are joyful and spiritually secure "in the secret place of the Most High."
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:22 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."
Page 17: God protects us, even as a parent bird hovers protectively over its young. (Isaiah 31:5) 'With his pinions he blocks approach to us.' Broadly, a bird's "pinions" are its wings. With them a bird covers its young, protecting them from predators. Like mere fledglings, we are secure under Jehovah's figurative pinions because we have taken refuge in his true Christian organization. - Ruth 2:12; Psalm 5:1, 11.
Correction: True Christians find refuge in Jesus Christ.
Matt. 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Page 17: Like our faith, God's trueness is a large protective shield that stops Satan's burning missiles and wards off enemy blows. (Ephesians 6:16) It is also a bulwark, a strong defensive mound behind which we stand firm.
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere belief in Jesus Christ?
Eph. 1:15-16 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
Page 17: As we persist in presenting truthful information, such open opposition to our sacred service proves futile. Moreover, we do not fear "the pestilence that walks in the gloom." This is a figurative pestilence bred amid the gloom of this morally and religiously diseased world lying in Satan's power. (1 John 5:19) It produces a deadly state of mind and heart, leaving people in the dark regarding Jehovah, his purposes, and his loving provisions.
Note: Are you being led away by the error of the wicked Watch Tower organization?
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Page 18: "The destruction that despoils at midday" does not frighten us either. "Midday" may denote the so-called enlightenment of the world. Those who succumb to its materialistic views suffer spiritual destruction. (1 Timothy 6:20, 21) As we boldly declare the Kingdom message, we do not fear any of our enemies, for Jehovah is our Protector. - Psalm 64:1; Proverbs 3:25, 26.
Note: The Kingdom message concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Page 19: Although this world's security is breaking down, we put God first and take courage from the psalmist's words: "Because you said: 'Jehovah is my refuge,' you have made the Most High himself your dwelling; no calamity will befall you, and not even a plague will draw near to your tent." (Psalm 91:9, 10) Yes, Jehovah is our refuge.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Note: Is Jesus Christ first in your life?
Page 19: However, we also make the Most High God 'our dwelling,' where we find safety. We laud Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign, 'dwell' in him as our Source of security, and declare the good news of his Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) Therefore, 'no calamity will befall us' - none of the calamities described earlier in this psalm. Even when we share with others in such calamities as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, famines, and ravages of warfare, these do not destroy our faith or our spiritual security.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Page 19: Just as a young lion makes an open, frontal attack, some of our enemies show their opposition openly by passing laws designed to stop our preaching work. But unexpected attacks like those of a cobra striking from a place of concealment are also made upon us. Hiding behind the scenes, the clergy sometimes attack us through lawmakers, judges, and others. But with Jehovah's support, we peacefully seek redress in the courts, thus 'defending and legally establishing the good news.' - Philippians 1:7; Psalm 94:14, 20-22.
Correction: Paul did not need attorneys to legally establish the good news of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conduct be worthy of the good news of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the good news,
Page 19: The psalmist speaks of trampling down "the maned young lion and the big snake." A maned young lion can be quite fierce, and a big snake can be a reptile of great size. (Isaiah 31:4) Regardless of how fierce the maned young lion may be when making a frontal attack, though, we figuratively trample on it by obeying God rather than lionlike men or organizations. (Acts 5:29) So the menacing "lion" does not cause us spiritual injury.
Note: True Christians will suffer for the name and person of Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:40-41 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Note: You should not be afraid of the "lionlike" Watch Tower organization.
Page 20: When Satan is trying to wrap his coils around us, crush us with this world's pressures, and swallow us, let us shake ourselves loose and trample down this "big snake." (1 Peter 5:8) The anointed remnant must do this if they are to share in the fulfillment of Romans 16:20.
Correction: True Christians resist Satan in the name of Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit.
Romans 16:25-27 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith; to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Page 20: In turn, God 'provides us with escape' from our enemies. Never will we be wiped off the earth. Rather, we will be saved because we know the divine name and call upon it in faith. (Romans 10:11-13) And we are determined to 'walk in Jehovah's name forever.'
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere confession of Jesus Christ?
Rom. 10:8-9 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Page 20: When we call upon God in prayer according to his will, he answers us.(1 John 5:13-15) We have already passed through much distress because of the hostility fomented by Satan. But the words "I shall be with him in distress" prepare us for future trials and assure us that God will sustain us when this wicked system is destroyed.
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere confession of Jesus Christ?
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Page 20: Despite Satan's rabid opposition, the full complement of anointed ones among us will be glorified in heaven in Jehovah's due time - after a "length of days" on earth. Yet, God's remarkable rescues have already brought spiritual glory to the anointed. And how honored they are to take the lead as Witnesses of Jehovah on earth in these last days! (Isaiah 43:10-12)
Note: Have you exercised Christian faith through sincere confession of Jesus Christ?
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 20: Jehovah's greatest rescue of his people will occur during his great war of Armageddon when he vindicates his sovereignty and sanctifies his holy name.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses are not the nation of Israel.
Romans 11:25-28 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins." Concerning the good news they (Jews) are enemies for your (Gentiles) sake, but concerning the election they (Jews) are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
Page 20: Whether we are anointed Christians or their dedicated companions, we look to God for salvation. During "the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah," those loyally serving God will be saved. (Joel 2:30-32) Those of us who will make up the "great crowd" of survivors into God's new world and who remain faithful during a final test will be 'satisfied by him with length of days' - life without end. He will also resurrect multitudes. (Revelation 7:9; 20:7-15)
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
Joel 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.
Matt. 25:31-32 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats."
Note: The "great crowd" will survive the "day of Jehovah" in heaven.
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!"
Page 20: Jehovah will indeed take great delight in 'causing us to see salvation' through Jesus Christ. (Psalm 3:8) With such grand prospects before us, let us keep on looking to God for help in counting our days to his glory. By our words and deeds, may we continue to prove that Jehovah is our refuge.
Note: Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is? Only God can save you.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Page 21: How do you react to hypocrisy? Do you get angry, for example, when you see cigarette manufacturers promote smoking despite medical evidence that their product is harmful? Are you incensed at the hypocrisy of caretakers who abuse those entrusted to their care? Do you feel hurt when a friend who you thought was genuine turns out to be fake? How does religious hypocrisy affect you?
Note: How does Watch Tower hypocrisy affect you???????????????????????
Page 19: Anointed Christians are like alien residents living in tents apart from this system of things. (1 Peter 2:11) 'Not even a plague draws near their tent.' Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, we are no part of the world, and we are not infected by such spiritually deadly plagues as its immorality, materialism, false religion, and worship of "the wild beast" and its "image," the United Nations. - Revelation 9:20, 21; 13:1-18; John 17:16.
United Nations Memo dated October 11, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
Recently the NGO Section had been receiving numerous inquires regarding the association of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York with the Department of Public Information (DPI). This organization applied for association with DPI in 1991 and was granted association in 1992. By accepting association with DPI, the organization agreed to meet criteria for association, including support and respect of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and commitment and means to conduct effective information progammes with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities.
In October 2001, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York requested termination of its association with DPI. Following this request, the DPI has made a decision to disassociate the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York as of 9 October 2001.
We appreciate your interest in the work of the United Nations.
Yours Sincerely, Paul Hoeffel, Chief, NGO Section, Department of Public Information
Note: A copy of the memo can be viewed at http://www.freeminds.org or in the Oct/Dec 2001 Free Minds Journal.
Page 22: In filing a lawsuit for malpractice against the hospital where this had occurred, the family hired a lawyer who was also a preacher in a local church. Even though the hospital paid $3.4 million in settlement, the family's tragedy was compounded. The mother died a pauper, and there was no money to pay for her funeral. Why? Because the lawyer pocketed most of the money. Regarding this lawyer, a law journal stated: "If he preached the kind of conduct he practised ..., his message would have to be this: let us prey." How can we protect ourselves from people like that?
Note: The Watch Tower will point out other people's failings while ignoring their own!
Page 22: How easy it is for imperfect humans to point out other people's failings while ignoring their own! This inclination, though, makes us vulnerable to hypocrisy. "Hypocrite!" Jesus said. "First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw from your brother's eye." We do well to heed his counsel: "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged ... Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother's eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye?" - Matthew 7:1-5.
Pages 22-23: When others at times do things that seem hypocritical, we must be careful not to label them hastily as hypocrites. The apostle Peter, for example, "went withdrawing and separating himself" from Gentile fellow believers in Antioch so as to please visitors of Jewish background from Jerusalem. Barnabas 'was also led along with Peter and others in this pretense.' Peter did this despite the fact that he had been privileged to open the way for Gentiles to be admitted to the Christian congregation. (Galatians 2:11-14; Acts 10:24-28, 34, 35) But this slip on the part of Barnabus and Peter surely did not put them in the same category as the scribes and Pharisees or Judas Iscariot.
Correction: Paul confronted Peter publicly and to his face for this hypocrisy.
Galatians 2:11-16 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the good news, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."
Note: Will you confront the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses for their hypocrisy?