Page 4: Therefore, the vital questions that must be considered are: What does living by the Golden Rule involve? Does anyone still live by it? And will there ever be at time when all mankind will live in harmony with the Golden Rule?
Correction: The vital spiritual question is: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?
John 15:5 "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."
Page 4: YES, the Originator of what Jesus taught, including what came to be known as the Golden Rule, is the one who sent Jesus, namely, the Creator, Jehovah God.
Note: The Creator is a plurality of persons.
Genesis 1:26 Then God (singular) said, "Let Us (plural) make man in Our (plural) image, according to Our (plural) likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Note: Jesus Christ is the Creator.
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.
Pages 4-5: God originally purposed that all mankind treat one another as they would like to be treated. He set the finest example in expressing care for the welfare of others in the way he created humans: "God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27) This means that God lovingly endowed humans with a measure of his own outstanding qualities so that they could enjoy life in peace, happiness, and harmony - potentially forever. Their God-given conscience, when properly trained, would guide them to treat others the way they themselves would want to be treated.
Correction: Mankind was created resembling the Trinity.
1 Th. 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: Though mankind as a whole turned their back on the loving ways of Jehovah God, he did not abandon them. For example, Jehovah gave the nation of Israel his Law to guide them. It taught them to treat others as they themselves would want to be treated.
Correction: God gave the Law to guide them to Christ.
Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Page 6: Though having God's Law, the Israelites did not observe it; they allowed selfishness to choke out their concern for others. This, along with apostasy, resulted in hardship to them individually and as a nation. Finally, in the year 607 B.C.E., Jehovah allowed the Babylonians to destroy the kingdom of Judah, the city of Jerusalem, and even the magnificent temple there.
Correction: Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C.E.
In 588 BC Zedekiah led a revolt against Chaldea, and two years later (586 BC) Nebuchadnezzar's army destroyed Judah and razed Jerusalem. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 15, page 57.
Page 6: Finally, in harmony with God's purpose, Jesus willingly suffered and gave his life as a ransom so that mankind could be freed from slavery under sin and death. This was the ultimate example of living by the Golden Rule. - Matthew 20:28; John 15:13; Hebrews 4:15.
Correction: You cannot save yourself by observing the Golden Rule. Only Jesus Christ saves.
Luke 19:9-10 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Page 6: Are there people in our time who really live by the Golden Rule? Yes, and not just when it is convenient. For example, during World War II in Nazi Germany, Jehovah's Witnesses maintained their faith in God and love for neighbor and refused to compromise the Golden Rule.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have never suffered for the name 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 7: Jehovah's Witnesses realize that today many people suffer hopelessly and helplessly. Because of this, the Witnesses voluntarily take positive action to help others to learn about the hope and the practical direction found in the Bible. It is all part of a global educational work now being done on an unprecedented scale. The result?
Answer: Jehovah's Witnesses have never suffered for the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
Page 7: As prophesied at Isaiah 2:2-4, "many peoples," in fact over six million individuals around the world, have been 'instructed in Jehovah's ways and walk in his paths.' Figuratively, they have learned "to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears." They have found peace and security in these troublesome times.
Correction: You cannot save yourself by observing the Golden Rule. Only Jesus Christ saves.
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."
Page 7: Reflect for a moment on the agony and suffering that disregard for the Golden Rule has brought on mankind since the rebellion in Eden, instigated by Satan the Devil. Jehovah purposes to reverse the situation soon. How? "For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, namely, to break up the works of the Devil." (1 John 3:8) This will occur under the reign of God's Kingdom, in the wise and capable hands of Jesus Christ, the one who taught and lived by the Golden Rule. - Psalm 37:9-11; Daniel 2:44.
Correction: True Christians are not spiritually affected by "the works of the Devil."
John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" and bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Page 7: Would you not agree that most people today are taking and grabbing rather than "showing favor and lending"? Clearly, following the Golden Rule can lead to true peace and security because it puts one in line for blessings now and in the future under God's Kingdom.
Correction: Following Jesus Christ leads to true peace and security.
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."
Page 7: God's Kingdom will do away with every last vestige of selfishness and wickedness on earth and replace the present system of corrupt man-made rule with a new system of God's making. Then, all people will enjoy living by the Golden Rule. - Psalm 29:11; 2 Peter 3:13.
Correction: Jesus Christ will do away with every last vestige of selfishness and wickedness.
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 8: Caroline immediately reminded Betty of a main point from their last discussion about God's Kingdom. "Who will be the King?" Caroline asked. "Why, Jesus" answered Betty. "Of course," said Caroline. She then went on to explain that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's Son, but he is not equal to God as part of a Trinity.
Correction: The Son is equal to the Father in substance.
Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Note: The phrase "God's Son" does not appear in Scripture.
Page 8: After a few more visits, it became obvious that although she had a positive, happy spirit, Betty was suffering from poor health. In fact, she had cancer and was afraid of dying. "I wish I had heard these things years ago and had your faith," she confessed. Caroline comforted her by showing her scriptures describing death as a deep sleep from which one could rise in the resurrection. (John 11:11, 25)
Correction: True Christians will have a resurrection to eternal life by sincere belief in Christ.
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 10: Cleverly marketed in the media is a profusion of material that features illicit sex and drugs, violence, and the occult. Feeding one's mind on such a diet is deadly to the figurative heart. God's Word warns: "Everything in the world - the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life - does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." - 1 John 2:16, 17.
Note: True Christians will have a resurrection to eternal life by sincere belief in Christ.
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 10: Likewise, wholesome and solid spiritual food may have little appeal to a person who has become accustomed to feeding his mind and heart on worldly fare. For a time, he may subsist on the "milk" of God's Word. (Hebrews 5:13) In the long run, he does not develop the spiritual maturity needed to shoulder his basic spiritual responsibilities in the Christian congregation and ministry. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Hebrews 10:24, 25)
Note: Spiritual maturity is found in Jesus Christ not your own spiritual exercises.
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Page 11: Or one may attend some Christian meetings but may do little to prepare for and participate in them. There may be no spiritual goals or no appetite or enthusiasm for spiritual things. The lack of spiritual exercise eventually weakens, even deadens, what faith he might once have had. (James 2:26)
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have placed their faith in their own spiritual exercises.
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 11: The apostle Paul noted this danger when writing to Hebrew Christians, some of whom apparently had fallen into such a sedentary spiritual life-style. Notice how he warned of the possible hardening effect this could have on their spirituality. "Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in anyone of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; but keep on exhorting one another each day, as long as it may be called 'Today,' for fear anyone of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin." - Hebrews 3:12, 13.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their confidence in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 3:14-15 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
Page 11: Yet another major cause of physical heart attacks is excessive stress. Similarly, stress, or "anxieties of life," can easily prove fatal to the figurative heart, even causing the victim to cease serving God entirely. Timely is Jesus' warning in this regard: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare." (Luke 21:34, 35)
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their confidence in Jesus Christ.
Mat 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Page 12: Often, checkups or medical examinations were brushed off or even laughed off as completely unnecessary. Similarly, some may feel that since they have been Christians for a while, nothing could possibly happen to them. They may neglect submitting themselves to spiritual checkups or self-examination until disaster strikes. It is vital to keep in mind the good counsel against overconfidence as given by the apostle Paul: "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall." The course of wisdom is to acknowledge our imperfect nature and to examine ourselves spiritually from time to time. - 1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 28:14.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their confidence in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Page 12: It is with good reason that the Scriptures give high priority to the condition of the figurative heart. At Jeremiah 17:9, 10, we read: "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings." But besides examining our heart, Jehovah also makes living provision to help us in making the needed self-examination.
Note: True Christians will receive their reward from Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord (kurios) and not to men, knowing that from the Lord (kurios) you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord (kurios) Christ.
Page 12: Through "the faithful and discreet slave," we are given timely reminders. (Matthew 24:45) For example, one of the chief ways in which our figurative heart could deceive us is by causing us to indulge in worldly fantasies. These are unrealistic imaginations, daydreams, idle mind wanderings. Such can become very harmful, especially if they arouse unclean thoughts. Hence, we must reject them completely. If we hate lawlessness as Jesus did, we will guard our heart against indulging in worldly fantasies. - Hebrews 1:8, 9.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses are not filled with Holy Spirit but with Watch Tower law.
Galatians 5:16-18 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Page 12: Additionally, we have the help of loving elders in the Christian congregation. While the concern of others is certainly appreciated, the responsibility to take care of our figurative heart finally rests with each one of us personally. It is up to us individually to "make sure of all things" and to 'keep testing whether we are in the faith.' - 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their confidence in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified.
Pages 12-13: If there are long-standing secret faults, try hard to eradicate them lest they clog up your figurative arteries. If the world begins to look attractive and seems to be offering much in the way of pleasure and enjoyment, meditate on the wise counsel offered by the apostle Paul. He wrote: "This I say, brothers, the time left is reduced. Henceforth let those ... making use of the world (be) as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing."
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their confidence in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:11 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: Above all, by accepting Jehovah's provisions through his organization, may we regularly submit ourselves to checkups of our figurative heart. Diligently doing so will go a long way toward avoiding the sad consequences of a spiritual heart attack.
Note: Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ or in Watch Tower organizational law?
Romans 3:28 ...that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Page 14: FEAR has haunted mankind for centuries. Fear of hunger, disease, crime, or war keeps millions of people in constant anxiety. For this reason the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights expresses the desire to bring about a world where all humans will enjoy freedom from fear. Happily, God himself assures us that such a world will come - although not by human efforts. Through his prophet Micah, Jehovah promises us that in his new world of righteousness, 'no one will make his people tremble.' - Micah 4:4.
Note: True Christians live in assurance of salvation by God, both of the Father and of the Son.
Colossians 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Page 14: On the other hand, fear can also be a positive force. In the Scriptures, God's servants are repeatedly urged to fear Jehovah. Moses told the Israelites: "Jehovah your God you should fear, and him you should serve." (Deuteronomy 6:13) Centuries later Solomon wrote: "Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Through our witnessing work, carried out under angelic supervision, we likewise urge all people to "fear God and give him glory." (Revelation 14:6, 7)
Note: Fear of God is evidence of lack of a full relationship with God in faith or unbelief.
Revelation 14:9-11 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Page 14: In addition to fearing Jehovah, Christians must love him with their whole heart. (Matthew 22:37, 38) How can we love God and at the same time fear him? Why is it necessary to fear a loving God? What benefits do we derive from cultivating godly fear? To answer these questions, we must first understand what the fear of God means and how this type of fear forms a fundamental part of our relationship with Jehovah.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses have an inadequate relationship with the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:18-19 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
Page 14: Fear of God is a feeling Christians should have toward their Maker. One definition of this fear is "an awe and a profound reverence for the Creator and a wholesome dread of displeasing him." Thus, fear of God influences two important aspects of our lives: our attitude toward God and our attitude toward conduct that he hates.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses have an inadequate relationship with the Father and the Son.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Page 14: How can we develop feelings of awe and reverence for our Creator? We stand in awe when we see a beautiful landscape, an impressive waterfall, or a spectacular sunset. This feeling is heightened when we discern, with eyes of faith, the hand of God behind such creative works.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as God.
John 10:28-30 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one."
Page 15: Feelings of awe and reverence engender a wholesome and respectful fear of God's power as Creator and of his authority as the rightful Ruler of the universe.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Ruler of the universe.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Page 15: Fear of God, derived from a profound reverence for his majesty, leads these co-rulers with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom to honor God as the ultimate authority. When we consider all that Jehovah has accomplished and the righteous way in which he governs the universe, do we not have ample reason to fear him? - Psalm 2:11; Jeremiah 10:7.
Note: Jehovah's Witnesses have not placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Page 15: In addition to awe and reverence, however, fear of God must include a wholesome dread of displeasing him or being disobedient to him. Why? Because while Jehovah is "slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness," we must remember that "by no means will he give exemption from punishment." (Exodus 34:6, 7)
Note: In context, will Jehovah's Witnesses eat bread without yeast for seven straight days?
Exodus 34:18 "The Feast of Unleavened Bread you shall keep. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month of Abib; for in the month of Abib you came out from Egypt."
Pages 15-16: Though loving and merciful, Jehovah does not tolerate unrighteousness and willful wrongdoing. (Psalm 5:4, 5; Habakkuk 1:13) Those who deliberately and unrepentantly practice what is wicked in Jehovah's eyes and who set themselves in opposition to him cannot do so with impunity. As the apostle Paul said, "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Having a wholesome dread of falling into such a situation is ultimately a protection for us.
Note: Have you placed your confidence in Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 10:29-31 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Page 16: Reverential fear of God and acute awareness of his awesome power are precursors of trust and confidence in Jehovah. Just as a young child feels protected when his father is near, so we feel secure and confident under Jehovah's guiding hand. Note how the Israelites reacted after Jehovah led them out of Egypt: "Israel also got to see the great hand that Jehovah put in action against the Egyptians; and the people began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah."
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses have an inadequate relationship with the Father and the Son.
Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
Page 16: Elisha's experience also testifies to the fact that "the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them." (Psalm 34:7; 2 Kings 6:15-17) The modern-day history of Jehovah's people and likely our own personal experience confirm that God does exercise his power in behalf of those who serve him. (2 Chronicles 16:9) Thus we come to appreciate that "in the fear of Jehovah there is strong confidence." - Proverbs 14:26.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses have an inadequate relationship with the Father and the Son.
Ephesians 3:8-12 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 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, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
Page 16: Wholesome fear of God not only fosters trust and confidence in him but also motivates us to walk in his ways. When Solomon inaugurated the temple, he prayed to Jehovah: "May (Israel) fear you by walking in your ways all the days that they are alive upon the surface of the ground that you gave to our forefathers." (2 Chronicles 6:31).
Note: In context, will Jehovah's Witnesses perform animal sacrifices?
2 Chronicles 7:1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
Page 16: Earlier, Moses urged the Israelites: "After Jehovah your God you should walk, and him you should fear, and his commandments you should keep, and to his voice you should listen, and him you should serve, and to him you should cling." (Deuteronomy 13:4) As these verses clearly show, the desire to walk in Jehovah's ways and to "cling" to him comes from trust and confidence in God. Yes, godly fear leads us to obey Jehovah, to serve him, and to cling to him, just as a young child may literally cling to his father in whom he has implicit trust and confidence. - Psalm 63:8; Isaiah 41:13.
Correction: True Christians serve God out of love for Jesus Christ. Do you love Jesus Christ?
John 21:15-17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."
Page 16: From a Scriptural standpoint, fearing God does not in any way rule out loving him. On the contrary, the Israelites were instructed to "fear Jehovah ...so as to walk in all his ways and to love him." (Deuteronomy 10:12) Thus, fear of God and love of God are closely connected. Fear of God moves us to walk in his ways, and this in turn gives proof of our love for him.(1 John 5:3)
Correction: Love for Jesus Christ builds faith and lessens fear leading to spiritual maturity.
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 (not fear). Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Pages 16-17: The life course of Jesus Christ clearly illustrates how we can love and fear God at the same time. Of Jesus the prophet Isaiah wrote: "Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah; and there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:2, 3) According to this prophecy, God's spirit moved Jesus to fear his heavenly Father.
Correction: Nonbelievers feared Jesus Christ as they feared God.
Luke 8:35-37 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.
Page 17: Jesus teaches us to fear Jehovah by helping us to understand the wonderful personality of our heavenly Father. (John 1:18) Jesus' own example reveals how God thinks and how he deals with others, for Jesus reflects his Father's personality perfectly. (John 14:9, 10) Furthermore, through Jesus' sacrifice, we gain access to Jehovah when we pray for forgiveness of our sins. This outstanding expression of God's mercy is in itself a powerful reason to fear him. The psalmist wrote: "There is the true forgiveness with you, in order that you may be feared."
Correction: A full relationship with the God the Father is through love of God the Son.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 14:9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
Pages 17-18: Every king of ancient Israel was instructed to make a copy of the Law and 'read in it all the days of his life, in order that he might learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the words of the law.' (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19) Bible reading and study are just as vital for us if we would learn to fear Jehovah. As we apply Bible principles in our life, we gradually acquire divine wisdom and knowledge. We come to "understand the fear of Jehovah" because we see the good results it produces in our life, and we treasure our relationship with God. Furthermore, by congregating regularly with fellow believers, both young and old can listen to divine teaching, learn to fear God, and walk in his ways. - Deuteronomy 31:12.
Correction: A full relationship with the God the Father is through love of God the Son.
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Page 18: From the foregoing, we can see that fear of God is a wholesome attitude that all of us should cultivate, since it is a fundamental part of our worship of Jehovah. It leads us to trust in him implicitly, to walk in his ways, and to cling to him. As was true of Jesus Christ, fear of God can also move us to fulfill our dedication vow now and for all eternity.
Correction: A full relationship with the God the Father is through love of God the Son.
1 Corinthians 16:22-24 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Page 18: Similarly, if we develop our heart to fear God, it will go well with us. In what ways? First of all, such an attitude will please God and will draw us close to him. David knew from personal experience that "the desire of those fearing him he will perform, and their cry for help he will hear, and he will save them." (Psalm 145:19)
Note: Fear of God is evidence of lack of a full relationship with God in faith or unbelief.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Note: Crying out to God is repentance.
Matthew 9:12-13 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Note: Jesus Christ will save people from their sins to eternal life with the Father.
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 19: "JUST as courage imperils life, fear protects it," observed Leonardo da Vinci. Bravado, or foolhardy courage, blinds a man to danger, whereas fear reminds him to be careful. For example, if we get near the edge of a cliff and see how far down we could fall, most of us instinctively move back. Similarly, a wholesome fear not only promotes a good relationship with God, as we learned in the preceding article, but also helps safeguard us from injury.
Note: The Watch Tower is establishing their doctrine from a Renaissance painter.
LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519), Florentine artist, one of the great masters of the High Renaissance, celebrated as a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, and scientist. His profound love of knowledge and research was the keynote of both his artistic and scientific endeavors.
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 16, page 62.
Page 19: Jehovah has a similar concern for our well-being. As a loving Father, he teaches us through his Word and his organization to benefit ourselves. (Isaiah 48:17) Part of this divine teaching program involves warning us "again and again" about spiritual pitfalls so that we can develop a healthy fear of danger. (2 Chronicles 36:15; 2 Peter 3:1)
Note: We are warning you "again and again" about the wicked Watch Tower spiritual pitfalls.
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.
Page 19: Throughout history many spiritual disasters could have been avoided and much suffering averted 'if only people had developed this heart of theirs to fear God and keep his commandments.' (Deuteronomy 5:29) In these "critical times hard to deal with," how can we develop our heart to fear God and keep out of spiritual danger? - 2 Timothy 3:1.
Answer: True Christians love God the Father through faith in God the Son.
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 20: For this reason Jehovah graphically described the inevitable results of disregarding his commandments and abandoning true worship. Without divine protection, the small, vulnerable nation of Israel would be at the mercy of cruel and powerful neighbors. (Deuteronomy 28:15, 45-48) The tragic outcome of Israel's disobedience was recorded in detail in the Bible "for a warning" so that we can learn the lesson and cultivate godly fear. - 1 Corinthians 10:11.
Note: Without divine protection from God the Son, Jehovah's Witnesses will be destroyed.
1 Corinthians 10:8-11 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. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Pages 20-21: Another powerful reason for cultivating godly fear is our desire to safeguard our relationship with God. We fear to displease Jehovah because we treasure his friendship. Whom does God consider to be a friend, someone he would invite into his figurative tent? Only the one "who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness." (Psalm 15:1, 2) If we value this privileged relationship with our Creator, we will take care to walk faultlessly in his eyes.
Note: True Christians joyfully love their Creator and Friend who is Jesus Christ.
John 15:11-14 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."
Page 21: Sadly, some Israelites in Malachi's day took friendship with God for granted. Instead of fearing and honoring Jehovah, they offered sick and lame animals on his altar.
Note: Sadly, Jehovah's Witnesses have ignored their Creator and Savior.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
Page 21: Today, Jehovah likewise sees the heart-break of many innocent mates and children who have been devastated by selfish and immoral husbands and fathers or even wives and mothers. Surely it grieves him. A friend of God will see matters the way God sees them and will work hard to strengthen his marriage, reject worldly thinking that belittles the importance of the marriage bond, and "flee from fornication." - 1 Corinthians 6:18.
Note: The Jehovah's Witnesses are have problems since they are not guided by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Page 21: In marriage as well as in other areas of our life, hatred for all that is bad in Jehovah's eyes, along with a deep appreciation for his friendship, will bring Jehovah's favor and approval. The apostle Peter firmly stated: "For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." (Acts 10:34, 35) We have many Scriptural examples that show how godly fear moved individuals to do what was right in various trying circumstances.
Note: A full relationship with God the Father is through loving God the Son. Is Christ your Lord?
Acts 10:36-38 "The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ; He is Lord of all; that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."
Page 21: There is one man in the Bible whom Jehovah personally described as his friend - the patriarch Abraham. (Isaiah 41:8)
Note: Sincere belief is what God is looking for from you.
Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Page 21: Abraham's godly fear was put to the test when God asked him to offer as a sacrifice his only son, Isaac, through whom God would fulfill his promise that Abraham's offspring would become a great nation. (Genesis 12:2, 3; 17:19)
Correction: By faith Abraham offered up Isaac knowing God would fulfill His promise.
Galatians 3:7-9 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Page 21: Would "Jehovah's friend" pass this painful test? (James 2:23) At the very moment when Abraham raised his knife to kill Isaac, Jehovah's angel said: "Do not put out your hand against the boy and do not do anything at all to him, for now I do know that you are God-fearing in that you have not withheld your son, your only one, from me." - Genesis 22:10-12.
Note: Sincere belief is what God is looking for from you.
James 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
Page 21: Although Abraham had previously proved himself to be one who feared Jehovah, on that occasion he manifested his godly fear in an outstanding way. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac was far more than a show of respectful obedience. Abraham was motivated by an absolute trust that his heavenly Father would fulfill His promise by resurrecting Isaac if necessary.
Correction: By faith Abraham offered up Isaac knowing God would fulfill His promise.
Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith (not fear) Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
Page 21: As Paul wrote, Abraham was "fully convinced that what (God) had promised he was also able to do." (Romans 4:16-21) Are we prepared to do God's will even when it requires major sacrifices? Do we have total confidence that such obedience will bring long-term benefits, knowing that Jehovah is "the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him"? (Hebrews 11:6) That is true fear of God. - Psalm 115:11.
Correction: By faith Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.
Romans 4:16-21 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed; God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Note: Fear is evidence of a lack of faith.
Page 22: Let us examine another example of godly fear in action - that of Joseph. As a slave in Potiphar's household, Joseph daily found himself faced with pressure to commit adultery. There apparently was no way he could avoid contact with his master's wife, who persistently made immoral advances toward him. Finally, when she "grabbed hold of him," he "took to flight and went on outside." What impelled him to turn aside from bad immediately? Undoubtedly, the principal factor was fear of God, the desire to avoid committing "this great badness and actually sin against God." (Genesis 39:7-12) Joseph could rightly describe himself as a man who 'feared the true God.' - Genesis 42:18.
Note: Joseph is only acknowledged for his faith in the New Testament.
Hebrews 11:22 By faith (not fear) Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Note: Fear is evidence of a lack of faith.
Page 22: Job was another outstanding example of one who feared God. Jehovah said to the Devil: "Have you set your heart upon my servant Job, that there is no one like him in the earth, a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad?" (Job 1:8)
Note: By faith Job prophesied that he would see Jesus Christ in the resurrection.
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 22: Fear of God, however, means doing what is good as well as turning aside from what is bad. Thus, Job took a kindly interest in the blind, the lame, and the poor. (Leviticus 19:14; Job 29:15, 16) Job understood that "anyone who withholds loving-kindness from his own fellow, he will also leave off even the fear of the Almighty." (Job 6:14)
Correction: The love of God leads to your love for others.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love (not fear) the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Page 23: While fear of God can impel us to do what is right, fear of man can undermine our faith. For this reason, when encouraging the apostles to be zealous preachers of the good news, Jesus told them: "Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." (Matthew 10:28) Fear of men is shortsighted, Jesus explained, for men cannot destroy our future life prospects.
Note: The disciples had not yet been converted with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
John 20:22-23 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Note: Unbelievers should fear God since they will be destroyed by Jesus Christ.
Page 23: Furthermore, we fear God because we recognize his awesome power, in comparison with which the might of all the nations is insignificant. (Isaiah 40:15) Like Abraham we have absolute confidence in Jehovah's power to resurrect His faithful servants. (Revelation 2:10) Thus, we say with confidence: "If God is for us, who will be against us?" - Romans 8:31.
Note: God the Son will resurrect His faithful servants. Do you love Jesus Christ?
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 23: The time is near when everyone on earth will worship Jehovah and fear of man will disappear. (Isaiah 11:9) Fear of hunger, disease, crime, and war will also be gone. But the fear of God will remain throughout eternity as his faithful servants in heaven and on earth continue to show him due respect, obedience, and honor. (Revelation 15:4)
Correction: Fear of God is only an acknowledgment of God.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Correction: A full relationship with the God the Father is through love of God the Son.
1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.