Page 4: AN ANCIENT proverb says: "Do not toil to gain riches. Cease from your own understanding. Have you caused your eyes to glance at it, when it is nothing? For without fail it makes wings for itself like those of an eagle and flies away toward the heavens."
Note: The same writer of the proverb also wrote about this life being filled with vanities.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?
Page 4: Would you enjoy life if you had no contact with your family and had no close friends? Obviously not. Our Creator made us with a need to love and be loved.
Note: You can have abundant life now from Jesus Christ.
John 10:10-11 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Page 5: Good friends also contribute to a satisfying and meaningful life. (Proverbs 27:9) We can make many friends by showing fellow feeling. (1 Peter 3:8) Genuine friends help to lift us up when we stumble. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)
Note: Is Jesus Christ your friend?
John 15:15 "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Page 5: We have been created with both a spiritual and a moral capacity. Hence, the Bible refers to "the spiritual man" and "the secret person of the heart." - 1 Corinthians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.
Correction: Each person has been created with a body, soul, and spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 5: How can we satisfy the needs of "the spiritual man," or "the hidden man," that is, "the secret person of the heart"? We take an important step in doing this and satisfying our spiritual need when we acknowledge the point made by the inspired psalmist who sang: "Know that Jehovah is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasturage." (Psalm 100:3)
Note: Do you personally know Jesus Christ?
John 8:19 Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."
Note: True Christians are the sheep of Jesus Christ.
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."
Page 5: "Happy is the man in fear of Jehovah, in whose commandments he has taken very much delight," says Psalm 112:1. Reverential fear of God and heartfelt obedience to his commandments can give our lives greater meaning.
Note: Obeying is placing your sincere belief in God.
Hebrews 3:18-19 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 6: Our Creator made us in such a way that the desires and needs of fellow humans affect us. Helping others produces pleasure in our own hearts. Additionally, the Bible assures us that when we give to someone in need, God considers this a favor done to him. - Proverbs 19:17.
Note: Jesus Christ considers this a favor done to Him.
Matthew 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."
Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"
Page 6: To those serving Jehovah God though, the Bible promises an inner contentment - "the peace of God." How do we acquire this peace?
Answer: Put your sincere trust and belief (faith) into Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Page 6: Instead of trying to carry our problems alone, we need to pray fervently, throwing our daily burdens on God. (Psalm 55:22) Faith that he responds to such supplication through his Son, Jesus Christ, will increase as we grow spiritually and discern how God helps us.
Note: True Christians have discerned that God is a trinity of persons who will be with us.
John 14:16-17 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."
Page 6: After we have built up our confidence in Jehovah God, the "Hearer of prayer," we are better able to cope with trials, such as prolonged sickness, old age, or bereavement. (Psalm 65:2) For a truly meaningful life, however, we must also take the future into account.
Note: Have you put your confidence in Jesus Christ?
John 14:13-14 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Correction: For a truly meaningful life, you must take Jesus Christ seriously today.
2 Cor 6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Page 6: The Bible promises "new heavens and a new earth," a righteous, caring heavenly government ruling over an obedient human family. (2 Peter 3:13)
Correction: Jesus Christ will be the ruler.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Pages 6-7: In that new world promised by God, war and injustice will be replaced by peace and justice. This is not just a fleeting wish, but it is a conviction that can grow stronger every day. It is good news indeed and surely a reason for rejoicing. - Romans 12:12; Titus 1:2.
Correction: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Page 7: Like John, perhaps you have let your spiritual capacity lie dormant for many years. By developing "a heart of wisdom," however, you can revive it. (Psalm 90:12) With determination and effort, you can have genuine joy, peace, and hope. (Romans 15:13) Yes, and your life can have greater meaning.
Correction: You cannot have joy, peace, and hope through your own efforts.
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
Note: Only in Jesus Christ can a person truly have joy, peace, and hope.
Page 10: JEHOVAH has given us sound reasons for hope in the resurrection. We have his word that the dead will rise, standing up again to life. And his purpose regarding those asleep in death is sure to be fulfilled. (Isaiah 55:11; Luke 18:27)
Note: True Christians will place their hope in Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
Page 10: Faith in God's provision for raising the dead by means of his Son, Jesus Christ, can sustain us in times of stress.
Note: Have you put your faith in Jesus Christ?
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Page 10: The sureness of the resurrection hope can also help us to maintain integrity to our heavenly Father even to the point of death. Likely, our resurrection hope will be strengthened as we consider restorations to life recorded in the Bible. All these miracles were accomplished through power from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.
Correction: Having Jesus in your life is having God and that gives you hope.
Ephesians 2:11-13 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh; who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Page 11: When the child later died, Elijah laid him on a couch, prayed, stretched himself upon the boy three times, and pleaded: "O Jehovah my God, please, cause the soul of this child to come back within him." God did cause the soul, or life, to come back within the boy.
Note: The body is not the soul since God has a soul contrary to Watch Tower theology.
Isaiah 42:1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles."
Page 11: But how much happier they will be when raised to life on earth in the "better resurrection" - one that sets before them the possibility of never having to die again! What a cause for thankfulness to the loving God of resurrection, Jehovah! - Hebrews 11:35.
Page 13: Abraham now sleeps in death, awaiting a resurrection to life on earth under God's Messianic Kingdom. - Hebrews 11:8-10, 13.
Correction: Abraham and other God servers will be resurrected to heaven.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Page 11: When the (dead) man touched the bones of Elisha, he immediately came to life and stood upon his feet. (2 Kings 13:20, 21) How surprised and happy that man must have been! Imagine the joy that will be experienced when our loved ones are raised to life in harmony with the unfailing purpose of Jehovah God!
Note: The unfailing purpose of the Father is for everyone to trust the Son for everlasting life.
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 11: God's Son, Jesus Christ, has given us sound reasons for believing that the dead can be resurrected, with the prospect of everlasting life.
Note: Have you placed your sincere belief into the person and name of Jesus Christ?
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.
Note: The phrase "God's Son" does not exist in Scripture.
Page 11: Urging grief-stricken Jairus to exercise faith, Jesus accompanied him to his home, where a crowd was weeping.
Correction: Jesus urged Jairus to only believe.
Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe."
Page 12: Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus approached his tomb and had the stone at its entrance removed. After praying publicly so that observers would know that he depended on God-given power, Jesus said in a loud voice: "Lazarus, come on out!"
Note: The Father glorified the Son. Will you?
John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
Note: God does not share His glory with anyone.
Isaiah 42:8 I am Jehovah, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another,
Page 12: "Loose him and let him go," said Jesus. Seeing this miracle, many who were there to comfort Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, put faith in Jesus. (John 11:1-45) Does not this account fill you with hope that your loved ones may be raised to life in God's new world?
Note: Are you living for Jesus? Have you put your sincere belief in Jesus? Do you believe this?
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Page 12: Since Jesus when on earth resurrected the dead, he can surely do so as a mighty spirit creature empowered by God.
Correction: Jesus Christ was resurrected with a material glorified body.
Luke 24:36-43 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.
Page 12: Jesus is "the resurrection and the life," and how comforting it is to know that in the near future "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out"! - John 5:28, 29.
Note: The Watch Tower will not tell people about the resurrection of condemnation.
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."
Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Page 12: When Jesus sent his apostles out as Kingdom preachers, he said: "Raise up dead persons." (Matthew 10:5-8) To do this, of course, they had to rely on God's power.
Correction: The power of God enables true Christians to be Jesus Witnesses.
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 13: He "was picked up dead," not merely unconscious. Paul threw himself upon Eutychus, embraced him, and told onlookers: "Stop raising a clamor, for his soul is in him." Paul meant that the young man's life had been restored.
Note: The body is not the soul since God has a soul contrary to Watch Tower theology.
Jeremiah 6:8 "Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest My soul depart from you; lest I make you desolate, a land not inhabited."
Page 13: Today, God's servants find great comfort in the knowledge that their former associates in God's service will experience the fulfillment of the resurrection hope.
Note: True Christians serve Jesus Christ. Are you?
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant (slave) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,
Page 13: Jesus declared: "That the dead are raised up even Moses disclosed, in the account about the thornbush, when he calls Jehovah 'the God of Abraham and God of Isaac and God of Jacob.' He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him." (Luke 20:27, 37, 38; Exodus 3:6) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were dead, but God's purpose to resurrect them was so sure to be fulfilled that to him they were as good as alive.
Correction: There is consciousness after death.
Luke 16:22-24 "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'"
Luke 20:38 "For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."
Page 13: Abraham hoped in a resurrection under the rule of the Messiah, the promised Seed. From his prehuman vantage point, God's Son noted Abraham's faith. As the man Jesus Christ, he therefore told the Jews: "Abraham your father rejoiced greatly in the prospect of seeing my day." (John 8:56-58; Proverbs 8:30, 31)
Correction: Jesus as Jehovah appeared to Abraham to announce the birth of Isaac.
Genesis 18:1 Then Jehovah appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.
John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
John 8:56 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
Page 14: As "the firstfruits," Jesus was resurrected on Nisan 16, 33 C.E. Later during his presence, there would be a resurrection of 'afterfruits' - his spirit-anointed followers. - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27.
Note: WT theology states that the presence of Christ has been occurring since 1914.
Page 14: Though we personally have never seen anyone raised from the dead, we have noted certain Scriptural accounts that assure us of the resurrection.
Note: The Watch Tower has mistranslated the physical return as presence of Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Page 14: Some days later, Peter stood before the Sanhedrin and again quoted from the Psalms. Asked how he cured a lame beggar, the apostle said: "Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of you. This (Jesus) is 'the stone that was treated by you builders as of no account that has become the head of the corner.' Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved." - Acts 4:10-12.
Note: Are you willing to suffer for the name 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.
Page 14: 'The builders' rejecting the stone' resulted in Christ's death, but 'the stone's becoming the head of the corner' signified his being raised to spirit glory in heaven. As the psalmist foretold, 'this came to be from Jehovah himself.' (Psalm 118:23) Making "the stone" the Head of the corner involved exalting him as King-Designate. - Ephesians 1:19, 20.
Correction: Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone in the life every true Christian and church.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Pages 14-15: We can, therefore, entertain the hope expressed by the upright man Job. When he was suffering, he pleaded: "O that in Sheol you (Jehovah) would conceal me, ... that you would set a time limit for me and remember me! If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? ... You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning." (Job 14:13-15) God 'will yearn for the work of his hands,' keenly desiring to resurrect Job. What hope that gives us!
Note: Job can't wait to see Jehovah Jesus!
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 15: A God-fearing family member may become seriously ill, as Job was, and may even succumb to the enemy death. The bereaved may shed tears of grief, even as Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus. (John 11:35) But how comforting it is to know that God will call and those in his memory will answer!
Note: Will you hear the voice of Jehovah Jesus?
John 5:25 "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live."
Page 16: Resurrection through a reorganization of original atoms is illogical, and humans do not have an immortal soul. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4)
Note: The Watch Tower does not believe that Jesus Christ can resurrect a dead body.
Genesis 18:14-18 "Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh!" Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. And Jehovah said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?"
Page 16: Jehovah, the God of resurrection, does not need to reassemble atoms of matter that originally constituted a human body. He can fashion new bodies for those resurrected. To his Son, Jesus Christ, Jehovah has granted the power to raise the dead, with the possibility of everlasting life. (John 5:26)
Note: The Watch Tower loves to speculate by twisting the word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:35-36 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
Page 16: So Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life." (John 11:25, 26) What a heart-warming promise! It strengthens us to endure trials and even to face death as faithful Witnesses of Jehovah.
Note: Are you a witness for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
Pages 16-17: The resurrection does not harmonize with the idea that humans have an immortal soul - a view held by the Greek philosopher Plato. So, what happened when the apostle Paul witnessed to prominent Greeks on the Areopagus in Athens, alluded to Jesus, and said that God resurrected him? "Well," says the account, "when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some began to mock." (Acts 17:29-34)
Correction: The Greeks did not believe in a physical resurrection of a dead body.
Acts 17:31-32 "He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter."
Note: Aristotle is the champion of Watch Tower doctrine!
Aristotle defined a soul as a "kind of functioning of a body organized so that it can support vital functions." In considering the soul as essentially associated with the body, he challenged the Pythagorean doctrine that the soul is a spiritual entity imprisoned in the body. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 2, pages 327-328.
Page 17: Note how Paul opened his defense. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) Unless the Corinthians became believers to no purpose, they will hold fast the good news of salvation. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised up. In fact, the resurrected Jesus appeared to Cephas (Peter), "then to the twelve." (John 20:19-23)
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the good news of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the good news.
Page 17: Observe Paul's line of reasoning. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19) Since eyewitnesses preach that Christ was resurrected how can it be said that there is no resurrection?
Note: Are you a witnesses for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Acts 4:1-2 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Page 17: If the dead are not raised up, 'we are still in our sins,' and those dead in union with Christ have perished. Moreover, "if in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied."
Note: Have you placed your hope 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 17: Then Christ will hand the Kingdom over to his God and Father, subjecting himself to "the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone."
Correction: The Watch Tower interpretation contradicts the prophecy of Daniel.
Daniel 7:14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.
Note: God is always in charge of His kingdom whether it is the Father or the Son.
Page 17: Anointed Christians are "baptized for the purpose of being dead ones" by being immersed into a life course that leads to death and resurrection. This type of baptism begins when God's spirit engenders the heavenly hope in them and ends when they are raised from death to immortal spirit life in heaven. - Romans 6:3-5; 8:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 6:14.
Correction: True Christians are baptized after they have made a sincere commitment to Jesus.
Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Page 18: As Paul's words indicate, the resurrection hope enables Christians to stand in jeopardy hourly and to face death daily for doing the Kingdom-preaching work. (1 Corinthians 15:30, 31)
Correction: True Christians are ready to die for the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 15:24-26 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"; to whom we gave no such commandment; it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 18: They know that Jehovah can resurrect them if he permits Satan and his servants to kill them. Only God can do away with their soul, or life, in Gehenna, symbolizing eternal destruction. - Luke 12:5.
Note: The body is not the soul contrary to Watch Tower theology.
Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Page 18: The resurrection hope sustained Paul. While he was in Ephesus, his foes man have thrown him into the arena to fight wild beasts. (1 Corinthians 15:32.)
Note: Do you have the hope of Jesus Christ?
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Page 18: In this "time of the end," we need to act in harmony with accurate knowledge of God and Christ. (Daniel 12:4; John 17:3) This will keep our resurrection hope.
Note: Do you personally 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 18: Paul next dealt with certain questions. (1 Corinthians 15:35-41) Perhaps in an effort to cast doubt on the resurrection, an inquirer might ask: "How are the dead to be raised up? Yes, with what sort of body are they coming?"
Body defined: flesh or material substance, as opposed to spirit. Webster's Dictionary.
Note: The resurrection involves a physical resurrected body.
Page 18: Just as a plant rises from a seed as a new body, so the resurrected body of the anointed Christian is different from human flesh.
Body defined: flesh or material substance, as opposed to spirit. Webster's Dictionary.
Correction: The resurrection involves a physical resurrected glorified body.
Page 18: Though he has the same life pattern that he had before dying, he is raised up as a spirit body able to live in heaven. Naturally, those resurrected on earth will be raised in human bodies.
Body defined: flesh or material substance, as opposed to spirit. Webster's Dictionary.
Correction: All true Christians will receive a glorified heavenly body.
1 Corinthians 15:48-49 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
Correction: True Christians are not treated with partiality by God.
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.
Page 18: Having mentioned differences, Paul added: "So also is the resurrection of the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) He said: "It is sown in corruption, it is raised up in incorruption." Here Paul may mean the anointed as a group. Sown in corruption at death, it is raised up in incorruption, free from sin. Though dishonored by the world, it is raised to heavenly life and made manifest with Christ in glory. (Acts 5:41; Colossians 3:4)
Body defined: flesh or material substance, as opposed to spirit. Webster's Dictionary.
Correction: All true Christians will receive a glorified heavenly body.
Revelation 19:7-8 "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Page 18: At death it is sown "a physical body" and raised "a spiritual body." Since this is possible in the case of spirit-begotten Christians, we can be sure that others can be raised to life on earth.
Correction: True Christians are not treated with partiality by God.
James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.
Page 19: When anointed Christians die, they are not raised in the flesh. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) A corruptible body of flesh and blood cannot inherit incorruption and the heavenly Kingdom.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are non-believers.
John 20:26-27 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
Page 19: Some anointed ones would not have to experience a long sleep in death. Finishing their earthly course in faithfulness during Jesus' presence, they would "be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." They would be raised instantaneously to spirit life in incorruption and glory.
Correction: JWs have strayed from the truth by saying resurrections are occurring.
2 Timothy 2:17-18 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
Page 19: Eventually, Christ's heavenly "bride" will number 144,000. - Revelation 14:1.
Correction: The 144,000 will be on the earth during the "great tribulation" and not in heaven.
Revelation 7:1-4 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
Page 19: "Consequently, my beloved brothers," said Paul, "become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Those words apply to today's anointed remnant and to Jesus' "other sheep" even if they die in these last days. (John 10:16)
Correction: The "other sheep" refer to Gentiles.
Acts 11:17-18 "If therefore God gave them (Gentiles) the same gift as He gave us (Jews) when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."
Page 19: Their labors as Kingdom proclaimers are not in vain, for a resurrection awaits them. As Jehovah's servants, then, let us keep busy in the Lord's work while awaiting the day when we can joyously cry out: "Death, where is your victory?"
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants (slaves) of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Pages 19-20: The apostle was willing to submit to a death like that of Christ in the hope of receiving "the earlier resurrection." Also called "the first resurrection," it is experienced by Jesus' 144,000 anointed followers. Yes, they are raised to spirit life in heaven, whereas "the rest of the dead" will be resurrected on the earth. - Phillippians 3:8-11; Revelation 7:4; 20:5, 6.
Note: The WT "rest of the dead" Christians will not be resurrected until after the millennium.
Revelation 20:4-5 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Page 20: Survivors of "the great tribulation" will see the resurrection hope realized on earth as 'the sea gives up those dead in it, and death and Hades give up those dead in them.'
Correction: Survivors of "the great tribulation" will not be resurrected since they didn't die.
Correction: The second resurrection will be for the judgment of non-believers.
Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Page 20: What a blessing it will be when Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah - yes and so many others, including "all the prophets" - are raised to life on earth! (Luke 13:28)
Note: Do you personally know Jesus Christ?
Luke 13:27-28 "But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.' There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out."
Page 20: What a thrill it will be to welcome back not only faithful ones of old but also your own father, mother, son, daughter, or other dear ones taken from you by the enemy death!
Correction: Not everyone will be resurrected to eternal life with God.
Matthew 8:11-12 "And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Page 20: Jehovah is "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) His Word comforts us and helps us to comfort others with the powerful resurrection hope.
Correction: The Christian hope is in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Page 20: Until we witness the fulfillment of that hope by the raising of the dead to life on earth, let us be like Paul, who had faith in the resurrection.
Correction: Paul had his faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Page 20: May we especially imitate Jesus, whose hope in God's power to resurrect him was realized.
Note: Jesus Christ raised Himself from the dead.
John 2:19-22 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
Page 20: Those in the memorial tombs will soon hear Christ's voice and come out. May this bring us comfort and joy. But above all, may we be thankful to Jehovah, who has made victory over death possible through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Note: Is the Lord Jesus Christ "first place" in your life?
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.
Page 22: Christians are told to "become imitators of God." (Ephesians 5:1) If Almighty God chooses to exhibit mercy and an abundance of loving-kindness rather than be "disposed to rail or find fault," surely Christians should try to do the same.
Note: Will you imitate Paul who was imitating Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Page 23: Since Jesus was perfect, he could easily have found fault with imperfect people. Instead of manifesting an unbelieving and faultfinding spirit, however, he sought to refresh people. - Matthew 11:29, 30.
Note: Have you come to Jesus Christ in worship and prayer?
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Page 23: God loves and trusts his servants. He knows their limitations even better than they do. However, Jehovah never treats his people with suspicion, and he does not expect more of them than they can reasonably do. (Psalm 103:13, 14)
Note: Specifically, the Holy Spirit helps true Christians with their limitations.
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Page 23: Moreover, God looks for the good in humans, and in a trusting way, he grants privileges and authority to his loyal, though imperfect servants. - 1 Kings 14:13; Psalm 82:6.
Note: Specifically, Jesus Christ searches the minds and hearts of mankind.
Rev 2:23 "I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
Pages 24-25: Most of Jesus' persecuted followers who scattered from Jerusalem shared their faith with Jews only. In Antioch, however, some disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene spoke to "Greek-speaking people." (Acts 11:20)
Note: True Christians will be preaching Jesus Christ. Will you?
Acts 11:20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Page 25: True, the Gentile Cornelius and his family had already become disciples. But it took a vision from Jehovah to convince the apostle Peter of the propriety of preaching to Gentiles, or people of the nations. - Acts 10:1-48.
Note: It was Jesus Christ who gave Peter the vision.
Acts 10:13-14 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
Acts 10:36 "The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ; He is Lord of all;"
Page 25:Apparently because Paul, though not one of the 12 apostles, had received an apostleship to the nations. (Acts 9:15, 27; Romans 1:5; Revelation 21:14) Hence, Paul was well suited as an associate in proclaiming the good news in the Gentile city of Antioch. (Galatians 1:16)
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
Page 26: Jesus' disciples could no longer be mistaken for a sect of Judaism, from which they were quite distinct. By about 58 C.E., Roman officials knew very well who the Christians were. (Acts 26:28) According to the historian Tacitus, by 64 C.E., the name was current among the masses in Rome too.
Note: True Christians will tell others about Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:15-16 "So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
Page 26: As in the first century, people today must be given the opportunity to hear about God's Kingdom and to take their stand on its side. Your determination to continue serving Jehovah faithfully may be just what is required to help someone come to an accurate knowledge of truth.
Correction: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.