Page 4: THE Persian King Xerxes I, known in the Bible as Ahasuerus, was reviewing his troops prior to a battle in the year 480 B.C.E. (Esther 1:1, 2)
Correction: King Xerxes threw a six month party for all of his officials.
Esther 1:1-4 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants; the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him; when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all.
Page 8: However, the Bible does not say that the tree of life in itself had life-giving qualities. Rather, that tree simply represented God's guarantee of everlasting life tot he one who would be allowed to eat its fruit. - Revelation 2:7.
Note: Only overcomers are allowed to eat of its fruit!
Rev. 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Page 9: Well, then, when Adam and Eve disobeyed and were put out of the garden of Eden, did God change his purpose for humans to live forever in Paradise on earth? Not at all! For God to have that would have been to admit defeat as to his ability to carry out his original purpose.
Note: True Christians will first be blessed by being in heaven.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Ephesians 2:6-7 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
Note: True Christians will be protected in heaven from the pouring out of wrath on earth.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
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 9: That the purpose of God for the earth has not changed is made clear in the Bible, where God promises: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."
Note: True Christians will return to the earth with Jesus Christ after Armageddon.
Jude 1:14-15 ..."Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds ..."
Page 9: IN HIS famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares the way to everlasting life to a road that a person enters through a gate. Notice that Jesus emphasizes that this way to life is not an easy one, saying: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into (everlasting) life, and few are the ones finding it."
Note: Jesus Christ is the narrow gate that allows you into everlasting life!
John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
Page 10: Clearly, Jesus has an important role relative to that way, as his apostle Peter proclaimed: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven (except that of Jesus) that has been given among men by which we must get saved." (Acts 4:12)
Correction: Jesus Christ is the only way into everlasting life!
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Pages 10-11: Who is this "woman" for whom Satan has enmity, or hatred? Just as "the original serpent" is identified in Revelation chapter 12, so is this woman that Satan hates. Observe in verse 1 that she is said to be "adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, with the twelve stars on her head." This woman represents God's heavenly organization of faithful angels, and the "male child" to whom she gives birth represents God's Kingdom, with Jesus Christ ruling as King. - Revelation 12:1-5, The Jerusalem Bible.
Correction: The woman in Genesis 3:15 is Eve who gives birth to "Messianic" line of Seth.
Correction: The sun, moon, and twelve stars represent Jacob, Rachel, and his twelve sons.
Genesis 37:9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, "Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me."
Correction: The woman in Revelation 12 is the nation of Israel which gave birth to Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:1-2 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.
Correction: The "male child" is Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Page 11: Who, therefore, is the "seed," or offspring, of the woman, mentioned at Genesis 3:15, that will bruise Satan "in the head," thus giving him a deathblow? It is the one whom God sent from heaven to be born miraculously of a virgin, yes, the man Jesus.
Correction: Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Page 11: Chapter 12 of Revelation reveals that as a resurrected heavenly Ruler, this Seed, Jesus Christ, would take the lead in the conquest of Satan and would establish, as Revelation 12:10 says, "the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ."
Correction: Jesus Christ is not Michael the archangel.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "Jehovah (kurios) rebuke you!"
Jude 1:17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Jehovah (kurios) Jesus Christ:
Note: Jesus watched Michael cast Satan out of heaven.
Luke 10:18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
Page 11: After Satan's rebellion, Jehovah immediately acted to undo all the bad consequences of wickedness by means of this new Kingdom government.
Correction: The Father had planned for a Savior for the world before the world was created.
Hebrews 4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest,'" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Page 11: Others were to be selected from among humankind, and these would join him in heaven to share in ruling, and thus they would come to constitute a subsidiary part of the woman's seed.
Correction: The disciples will rule Israel on the earth during the regeneration.
Mat 19:28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Page 11: In the Bible the number of these corulers with Jesus - all taken from among sinful humankind on earth - is given as 144,000. - Revelation 14:1-3.
Correction: The 144,000 witnesses are on the earth on Mount Zion.
Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
2 Kings 19:31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Page 11: Before that Kingdom could begin to rule, however, it was vital that the primary part of the seed, Jesus Christ, appear on earth. Why? Because he had been appointed by Jehovah God as the One "to break up (or, undo) the works of the Devil." (1 John 3:8)
Correction: The main purpose for Jesus Christ is to save people eternally.
Matthew 1:21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
Luke 19:10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
Page 12: Since the life of Jesus was transferred from heaven to the womb of a woman, he was born a perfect human untainted by the sin from Adam. He had the potential of living forever on earth.
Correction: Jesus Christ is more than a mere man with the potential of everlasting life.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob."
Page 12: The similarity between these two - the only perfect men to have walked the earth - is underscored by the Bible's declaration that Jesus "gave himself a corresponding ransom for all." (1 Timothy 2:6) To whom did Jesus correspond? Why, to Adam when he was still a perfect man!
Correction: The Watchtower has added "corresponding" thereby perverting Scripture.
1 Timothy 2:6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
Page 12: This provision of God should make us so happy! Are you not thrilled that a Savior has been provided?
Note: True Christians recognize that God is their Savior not Michael the archangel.
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.
Page 12: According to the Bible, God's Kingdom "will crush and put an end to all" oppressive governments of this world. (Daniel 2:44)
Correction: Jesus Christ Himself will crush oppressive governments.
Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Page 12: In God's new world, after the earth has been cleansed of all badness, the benefits of Jesus' ransom will be applied fully. Yes, all who qualify will be restored to perfect health!
Note: Qualifiers have received Jesus Christ into their lives and are born again of God.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Page 12: To people living in God's new world, this Bible passage will have an application: "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor."
Note: Here are more verses from Job that will have an application!
Job 19:25-27 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Page 13: God does not, in effect, just throw the gift at us. He extends it to us, but we must reach out and take it. Yes, effort is involved.
Note: Have you asked or received Jesus Christ into your life?
John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Page 14: You can show that you are exercising faith in the Son by making changes in your life and bringing it into harmony with God's will.
Correction: Exercising faith is sincerely placing your trust in Jesus Christ not an organization.
John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
Page 14: You need to do what the apostle Peter commanded: "Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the person of Jehovah." - Acts 3:19.
Note: Peter was preaching about Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of Jehovah (kurios) Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Page 14: May we never forget that it is only by exercising faith in Jesus that we can enjoy everlasting life. (John 6:40; 14:6) We show that we exercise faith in Jesus by 'following in his steps closely.' (1 Peter 2:21)
Note: Peter was using Jesus as an example on how to live in this world.
Correction: Exercising faith is focusing or abiding in Jesus Christ.
John 15:4-8 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
Page 14: It is vital to imitate Jesus in agreeing to do God's will and dedicating your life to Jehovah.
Note: Paul dedicated his life to Jesus Christ.
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Page 14: The Bible says that when 3,000 were baptized at Pentecost 33 C.E., they "were added." Added to what? "They continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to sharing with one another," Luke explains. (Acts 2:41, 42)
Note: The first Christians were baptized into the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Page 14: Millions now are following the cramped road leading to life. Staying on this cramped road takes real effort! (Matthew 7:13, 14) Paul indicated this in his warmhearted appeal: "Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called." Putting up this fight is needed to "get a firm hold on the real life." (1 Timothy 6:12, 19)
Note: Do you have a "firm hold the everlasting life" by confessing Jesus Christ?
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Romans 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 14: That life is not the present life of aches and pains and suffering brought upon us by Adam's sin. Rather, it is life in God's new world, which will soon be realized when Christ's ransom sacrifice is applied in behalf of all lovers of Jehovah God and his Son after this system of things is removed.
Correction: Eternal life is already guaranteed to true Christians.
Hebrews 10:19-23 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Page 16: If you are a Servant of God, you can be sure that both Jehovah God and Jesus Christ deeply appreciate your efforts to promote pure worship.
Note: Pure worship undefiled worship involves the Father and the Son.
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Page 17: Satan accuses servants of God. Jesus appreciates them and pleads on their behalf. As imitators of Christ, Christians should strive to look for the good in one another.
Correction: True Christians are to love another.
John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Page 19: One common symptom that may indicate spiritual weakness is a slacking off in our personal study habits.
Correction: Are studying about the Father and the Son?
1 John 2:23-24 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
Page 20: Another symptom of spiritual weakness is loss of the sense of urgency in our spiritual warfare. A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle.
Correction: Are you serving Jesus Christ?
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Page 21: Wearing "the breastplate of righteousness" properly requires that we constantly check ourselves regarding our love of righteousness and hatred of lawlessness.
Correction: The "righteousness of God" is faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
Page 21: Putting on "the helmet of salvation" involves keeping vividly in mind the marvelous blessings ahead, not allowing ourselves to be sidetracked by the glitter and glamour of the world.
Correction: Are you keeping in mind Jesus Christ?
2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
Page 22: When we have the habit of turning to Jehovah with prayers of "every form" (confession of our sins, petition for forgiveness, request for guidance, thanksgiving for blessings, praises from the heart) and "on every occasion" (publicly, privately, personally, spontaneously), we gain an intimacy with Jehovah.
Correction: Do you know Jesus Christ?
John 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Page 22: Jehovah has lovingly given us all that we need to help us root out any spiritual weakness and to keep spiritually strong. By means of Christian meetings, Bible publications, and mature and caring fellow Christians, he provides constant reminders and pointers as to what we must do.
Correction: Are you reading the Holy Bible?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Page 25: One of the founders of the Amsterdam college, Daniel de Breen (1594-1664), wrote that Christ's Kingdom was not a spiritual kingdom residing in one's heart.
Correction: Daniel de Breen was not a true Christian.
Romans 2:29 ... and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit,...
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.