Bible Study Questions

Examining the New World Translation (NTW) and The Kingdom Interlinear (KI) In Light Of Jehovahs Witnesses Literature And Doctrinal Beliefs

By Bobby Long 2008

(Paper Index beginning at pg. 130 with References)

Witness Name: Max. Study Time:

___________________________________Witness Ph: ______________________ ___________________________________

Acts 17:11 Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. NWT 1 Thes. 5:21 Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine. NWT Points of Agreement:

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. NKJV

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. NKJV

It is agreed that it is the truth that is sought after. The Bible is the final source of Truth. ___________ No

__________ Yes

Charles Taze Russell: A truth presented by Satan himself is just as true as a truth stated by God. Accept truth where ever you find it no matter what it contradicts. Zions Watchtower. 7/1879 ===================================== Clarification on Doctrinal Beliefs of Jehovahs Witness: 1. 2. 3. Jehovah is the one true God. There is no such thing as the Trinity. It is a pagan concept. Jesus was an exalted man that God used to create the earth, a. but Jesus himself is a created being-- not God. b. Jesus is Michael the Archangel 4. Jesus has divine attributes, but is only god-like and not The God. 5. When Jehovah raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus was a spirit-being, not a physical being. 6. The Holy Spirit is not a person, but a force. 7. Only 144,000 people will go to heaven-- in general this includes only Jehovahs Witnesses alive in 1935. 8. Other faithful Jehovahs Witnesses will have eternal life on paradise earth. 9. All others disintegrate at death. 10. There is no hell. 11. All "religions" besides JW are of the devil.

Is the above a fair assessment of the core beliefs of the Jehovahs Witness Doctrine? ___________ Yes ____________No

======================================== NOTE: The vast majority of the material found in this paper are direct quotes taken from Watchtower literature, books, publications, the New World Translation, and the Jehovahs Witness own Kingdom Interlinear Translation. The questions that are posed are not meant to hostile in any way. They are, however, straight and to the point and deserve a fair and unbiased answer. The Bible says, to be ready in season and out of season to give a reason for the hope that lies within you. The questions ask you to provide that reason. REMEMBER: If you have the right Jesus, then you are right for all eternity, but if you have the wrong Jesus, then you are wrong for all eternity.

Understanding John 1:1 (See Index of Comparison)Wkbk ref: (pg. 88, 89, 90)

John 1:1 "In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." NWT

IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NKJV

***

The Watchtower quotes William Barclay as scholarly support for this rendering:
"theos [in John 1:1c] becomes a description, and more of an adjective than a noun...[John] does not say that Jesus was God" (Barclay, Many Witnesses, One Lord, p. 23 - 24). - The Watchtower, May 15, 1977, p. 320

However, to give clarity to the article one must continue reading. Barclay says that,
The only modern translator who fairly and squarely faced this problem is Kenneth Wuest, who said: 'The Word was as to his essence, essential deity.' But it is here that the NEB has brilliantly solved the problem with the absolutely correct rendering: 'What God was the Word was (Barclay, p. 23).

Barclay also makes his position clear in a response to the Watchtower's citation:
"The Watchtower article has, by judicious cutting, made me say the opposite of what I meant to say. What I was meaning to say, as you well know, is that Jesus is not the same as God, to put it more crudely, that is of the same stuff as God, that is of the same being as God, but the way the Watchtower has printed my stuff has simply left the conclusion that Jesus is not God in a way that suits themselves. If they missed from their answer the translation of Kenneth Wuest and the N.E.B., they missed the whole point" (A letter to Donald P. Shoemaker, 8/26/1977. A photocopy of this letter can be found in Watters, (Thus saith ... the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 74).

Here Barclay is referencing the rendering of the NEB What God was the Word was. This misrepresentation of quotes from noted scholars can be found in the back of this paper. Another example is Hans Jurgen Becker who was quoted in the 1984 appendix of the NWT as saying,
"ein Gott war der Logos "a god was the Logos "Das Evangelium nach Johannes, Jrgen Becker" - New World Translation, 1984, Appendix 6A. Through this Mediator all things came to be. In contrast to Genesis 1:1, the creation comes into existence not directly from God, but from the Logos. This corresponds with the Wisdom literature...There is no past creation of the Logos. The totality of Creation is his work" (Ibid).

When Becker says that the Logos has a "divine Nature" and is a "divine Person," he means the Son has the same eternal nature as God. Thus, Becker does not understand his translation to imply that the Logos was a created being. His emphasis on the distinction between theos and ho theos is to safeguard against modalism, [the teaching that God in one person ].not Trinitarianism.

S.G. Green is cited by the Watchtower as saying But further examination of his writings reveals that Green's point is that John 1:1c is not convertible - if it were (that is, if theos were articular)[With the article. In reference to a noun. Greek does not have an indefinite article. Nouns either occur with the article
(hO) - and are thus articular - or without it. Greek often uses the article in places where the definite article would be awkward in English, and translators generally omit the article in translation in these cases.],

John would have been stating that God and the Word were exact equivalence. As Green puts it would mean that "the Word was the entire Godhead." All of God would have been the Word, and the Word would have been the totality of God (to the exclusion of the Father and the Spirit). To argue that this statement is a tacit admission that the Word is "not the same god as the God" is both a strawman (because it fails to address the Trinitarian view of the Word's relationship to the Godhead) and a circular argument. For only by assuming that the "Godhead" is one Person can one conclude that the Word cannot be the God He is with.

Julius R. Mantey says about the Watchtowers use of his statements in this manner:
Michael Van Buskirk of the Christian Apologetics: Research and Information Service (CARIS) wrote to Dr. Mantey (Dr. Dana had died), asking him if he had been quoted accurately by the Watchtower. Dr. Mantey replied in a letter dated February 25, 1974. It read: In response to your request, I give you the following facts: In Jehovah's Witnesses' Translation of the New Testament, where I am quoted in a footnote on John 1:1 (cf., D-M Gk. Gram. Pg. 148 (3)), I was writing on how the article "distinguishes the subject from the predicate in a copulative sentence," not on the significance of the absence of the article before THEOS. My closing statement in the paragraph was: "As it stands, the other persons of the Trinity may be implied in THEOS." My interpretation of John 1:1 in that same paragraph was "The Word was Deity," i.e., that Christ is of the same essence as the Father, of the same family. So I was quoted out of context. Is that honest scholarship?

And finally, Robert Young, of Youngs Literal Translation was sited as a support for this rendering, but when read in the total context of the article we find that: Here are some other comments on Young's rendering:
"John 1:1 And the Word was God, ] more lit. 'and a God (i.e., a Divine Being) was the Word,' that is, he was existing and recognized as such" (Young, Concise Critical Comments on the Holy Bible). It is significant that Young capitalizes "God" and "Divine Being" in his commentary. His definition of theos reads "God, a god." In the list of verses which follow, "God" with a capital is the true God, while lower-case "god" is a pagan god or idol. Further, Young says that this "God" was "existing" in the timeframe of "the Beginning" which he defines as "the beginning of creation." Thus, it seems clear that Young believed John 1:1c pointed to the Word as "a" God that was already existing when creation began. Finally, Young's own "literal" translation of John 1:1 reads, "And the Word was God." If the Jehovahs Witness wishes to use Young as a source then, it is reasonable to use his rendering of the passage as well as the final authority on any of his commentaries on that subject. We must view his commentary in light of the final product which is his rendering of the passage.

The Watchtower Society quoted Johannes Greber extensively in their publications. ("The Word, Who is He? page 5; "Make Sure of all Things" (1965), page 489; "Aid to Bible Understanding", pages 1134, 1669, etc.) Upon examining this "New Testament" we find that Johannes Greber was a spirit-medium, and also authored a book called "Communication with the Spirit World of God". He reported seeing the translation come in "large illuminated letters and words passing before his eyes". Other times he reports that his wife, "a medium of God's spirit world" conveyed the correct answers from "God's messengers to Pastor Greber". As we examine this New Testament further we find constant references to God's holy spirits (plural), and it becomes more and more obvious that we are dealing with a man deep into spiritism. This, of course is forbidden by God's word. Leviticus 19:31 says, "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them." Did the Watchtower Society seek out this spirit medium? Yes, for the Johannes Greber Memorial Foundation has provide documentation of a photo-copy of a letter from the Watchtower Society acknowledging receipt of not only several of his New Testaments, but also Greber's book, "Communication with the Spirit World of God".
( Greber: wkbk ref. pg. 124)

Why has the Watchtower Society of Jehovah's Witnesses willingly and knowingly been in communication with a spiritist society? It's true that in the April 1st, l983, "Watchtower" magazine, page 31, under "Questions From Readers", the Society claimed that they found out from the 1980 Edition of the New Testament by Johannes Greber, that he was involved in spiritism, and therefore they would not quote his bible in future. However, the facts are that the Watchtower Society knew, at least from 1956, that Johannes Greber was involved with demon spirits! (Read Rev. 22:15) They published an article to that effect in the "Watchtower" of February 15th, 1956. With this knowledge, they deliberately used Greber's "translation" of the bible as a basis for their "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures", which was first released in its entirety in 1961. These dates do not lie. Why would the Watchtower Society knowingly embrace a translation of John 1:1, given by demon spirits? Every Jehovah's Witness needs to check this out. Also, why is the Society still teaching Greber's views on the resurrection received from the same source. Continuing on with the precedents for translating John 1:1, "...and the Word was a god", we also find the Watchtower Society quoting on page 5 of, "The Word, Who is He? According to John", "This reading is found in "The New Testament in An Improved Version", published in London England in 1808". We are directed to a footnote which reads, "The title page reads: "The New Testament in An Improved Version, upon the basis of Archbishop Newcome's New Translation: with a corrected Text, and Notes Critical and Explanatory. Published by a Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and the Practice of Virtue, by the Distribution of Books--Unitarian". Yes, the key word above is "UNITARIAN". This is a cult group teaching that Jesus was an extraordinarily good man only, nothing more. Mr. Thos. Belsham, after Archbishop Newcome's death, altered his text. (See page 394, "Manual of Bible Bibliography"). This altered text dishonoring Archbishop Newcome's careful scholarship also provides a basis for the New World Translation's "...and the Word was a god". (See also the Kingdom Interlinear Translation (l969), page 1160). Why did the Watchtower choose to miss-lead reader in believing scholarly sources meant one thing when really they meant another? Per the documented responses in the list, do you view the Watchtowers assertions as to the meaning these scholars gave as accurate to the authors original intent of the translation of John 1:1? Why is the Watchtowers NWT so different that virtually ALL other translations when all others are written by a body of hundreds of GREEK and HEBREW scholars with outstanding credentials, each reviewing others work for accuracy and clarity of thought?

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HOW MANY TRUE GODS

Please read: Isa. 44:6 This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him. Jehovah of armies. I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. NWT Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. KJV

Who is the first and last in Isa. 44:6? _______ (Jehovah) Deut. 4:35 You you have been shown, so as to know that Jehovah is the [true] God; there is no other besides him. NWT Who is the true God Deut. 4:35? ____________

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him. KJV

(Jehovah)

Is there any other true God besides Him? _______ (No) Deut. 4:39 And you well know today, and you must call back to your heart that Jehovah is the [true] God in the heavens above and the on the earth beneath. There is no other. NWT

Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else. KJV

Who is the true God Deut. 4:39? __________ (Jehovah) Is there another true God on earth or in heaven? ______ Yes ______No Isa. 43:11 I I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior. NWT

I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour. KJV

Is there another savior besides Jehovah?_______ Yes ________No

So Jehovah is the ONLY true God and the ONLY savior? _______ Yes _________No

============================================================= John 17:3-5 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the This means everlasting life, their taking in of knowledge of you, the only true God. And of the one only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. KJV

The word for know is ginsk: It means to intimately know as in a husband knowing his wife [Jewish idiom]. The word indicates a deep understanding that goes beyond factual knowledge but is experiential in the inner being of the subject. The KIT indicates that we need to be in a continual state of intimacy with Jehovah and with Jesus Christ. Is this the indication from the NWT?

If not, what is the explanation for the deviation from the meaning?

============================================================= 1 Cor. 8:5-6 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in For even thought there are those who are called heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many gods whether in heaven or on earth, and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of lords, there is actually to us one God the Father, out of whom all things are, and we fore him; and whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through things are, and we through him. NWT whom we live. NKJV

Jehovah God made all things? ____Yes ____ No

POINTS OF AGREEMENT: Is it right to say that If anything is not TRUE it is FALSE? QUESTION: How many true Gods are there? QUESTION: Is Jesus a FALSE God or a TRUE God? Why the question: If Jesus is a true God, then there are 2 Gods. Jesus cannot be a false god like the golden calf or like the "so-called gods" mentioned in 1 Cor 8:5. He is not a false God either, because John says he is "a" god in the NWT. If Jesus is "lesser god. Then Is Jesus a lesser true God or a lesser false God?" _______ YES _______ _______ _______ NO

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CREATION
(Wkbk Ref. pg. 42)

John 1:3 All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. NWT

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. KJV

Who does John attribute creation to? ________________ (Jesus) Isaiah 44:24 This is what the Jehovah has said, your Repurchases and the Former of you from the belly: I, Jehovah, am doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth. Who was with me? NWT

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, "I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, NASB

Who is the creator of the earth and everything in Isaiah 44:24? _______________ (Jehovah)

Who created everything in John 1:3?

_______________ (Jesus)

It is my understanding that in Jehovahs Witness doctrine, Jesus was Jehovahs FIRST CREATION. Then Jehovah used Jesus to create not only the heavens and the earth but all of creation. If this is true, then Why did Jehovah say in Isaiah 44:24, that he is doing EVERYTHING, stretching out the heavens by his self, and laying out the earth.. WHO WAS WITH HIM? Who Created Everything? ______________ Jesus _______________ Jehovah

TO KNOW JEHOVAH
I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect. NWT Kingdom Interlinear but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always {being} ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; NASB

In the footnotes under 15b it states that vs. 15 is clarified as the Textus Receptus says to sanctify Jehovah God or sanctify the Lord God, Substituting the footnote clarification into the text we have 15 Sanctify the Christ as Jehovah in your hearts 15 Sanctify the Christ as the Lord God in your hearts Does the Kingdom Interlinear Translation agree with the NWT? According to this, Can Christ be Jehovah God in the hearts of man? ____ yes ____ yes ______ no ______ no

Would this be a way that we can KNOW God, through Christ Jesus in a way that is more that just knowledge?

Does this rendering bring more or less continuity of scripture that Christ could be so intimate with us because he dwells IN us through Holy Spirit?

========================================================= QUESTION: Who is the ALPHA and OMEGA of Revelation 1:8? REVELATION 1:7-8 7Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Yes, Amen. 8I am the Alpha and the Omega, says Jehovah God, the One who is and who was and who is coming, The Almighty. NWT NOTES: Who is coming in vs. 7? _____________ (The one coming in vs. 7 has been pierced) Who is coming in vs. 8? _____________ (The Alpha & Omega The Almighty) Is it true that the speaker is calling himself the Alpha and Omega in vs. 8? ____ Yes Is it true that vs. 7 is Jesus because it says he was pierced Who is speaking in vs. 7? ___________________ Who is speaking in vs. 8? ___________________ Doesnt it seem that by the flow of the passage that the speaker in vs. 7 is pointing to the one coming and vs. 8 is the Grand Entrance of the one coming? If NO, why not? ____ Yes No ____ No ____

7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. KJV

Can you please read Rev. 22: 12-13 out Loud.

REVELATION 22: 12-13 --- The Alpha and Omega in Vs. 13 is identified in vs. 16. 12Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give 12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] is with me, to render to each one as his work is. 13 I with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. NWT end, the first and the last. Is it true that the speaker calls himself The Alpha and Omega? Is it true that the speaker calls himself the first and the last? _____ Yes _____ Yes _____No _____No

Is it true that the Alpha and Omega say, Look! I am coming quickly? _____ Yes _____ No In Rev. 1:8, John says, Look, He is coming quickly, In Rev. 22:13, the Alpha and Omega says, Look, I am coming quickly In Rev. 1:8, the one coming quickly was pierced.

How was Jehovah God pierced?

Revelation 22:16 takes all the guess work out. The one coming quickly is identified again.

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Can you Please read back up to vs. 12 Revelation 22:12-16 ---- Jesus gave himself the title of Alpha and Omega in vs. 13 12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My 12 Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I reward is with Me, to give to every one according to give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. 13 his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." last, the beginning and the end. 14 Happy are those 14 Blessed are those who do His who wash their robes, that the authority [to go] to the commandments, that they may have the right to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the entrance into the city by its gates. 15 Outside are the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and dogs and those who practice spiritism and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and whoever loves and practices a lie. everyone liking and carrying on a lie. 16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to 16 I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you you these things in the churches. I am the Root and people of these things for the congregations. I am the the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning root and the offspring of David, and the bright and Star."17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And morning star. 17 And the spirit and the bride deep on let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who saying: Come! And let anyone hearing say: Come! thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes of life freely.18 For I testify to everyone who hears take lifes water free. 18 I am bearing witness to the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes things, God will add to him the plagues that are away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God written in this scroll: 19 and if anyone takes anything shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from away from the words of this scroll of prophecy, God the holy city, and from the things which are written in will take his portion away from the trees of life and out this book.20 He who testifies to these things says, of the holy city, things which are written about in this "Surely I am coming quickly."Amen. Even so, scroll. come, Lord Jesus! NKJV

In the above passage, the speaker identifies himself as, the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, the one that is coming quickly (vs.12 & 13). Then in vs. 16, total clarification is made and the speaker identifies himself as I, Jesus Can you Please read Revelation 22:20 He that bears witness of these things says, Yes; I am coming quickly. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus. NWT

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. KJV

Note that the quotation marks in the NWT are doubled at the beginning of vs. 12 and do not end until the end of vs. 16. This indicates that it is the same speaker throughout the passage. How can Jesus identify himself as the Alpha and Omega, the First and that Last, and without being the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last not to mention the one coming quickly?

Who is Jesus claiming to be? __________________ Who is bearing witness to everyone in vs. 18 _____________ The speaker (Jesus) JESUS, identifies himself as the speaker of the passage from 22:16 to the end inclusive of 22:20. Is it true that this is Jesus speaking since he identifies himself in both passages: ____ Yes ___ No By vs. 20, can it be understood that it is Jesus is coming quickly in Revelation 22:20? ___ Yes ___ No

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WHO IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST

Can you please read Isaiah 44:6 This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him. Jehovah of armies. I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. NWT Who is the first and the last? Is there any other God? Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. KJV

_______________ Jehovah

_______________No

Can you please Read Isaiah 48: 12-13 12Listen to me, O Jacob, and O Israel my called one. I am the same One. I am the first. Moreover, I am the last. 13Moreover, my own hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my own right hand extended out the heavens. I am calling to them, that they may keep standing together. NWT

Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: [when] I call unto them, they stand up together. KJV

Is it true that in both passages, that (Jehovah) calls himself the first and the last? ____ Yes

____ No

Creation of the heavens and the earth are attributed to WHOM? _____________ (The First and Last) Who would you say is speaking in this passage? _______________________ Read Revelation 1:8 8- I am the Alpha and the Omega, says Jehovah God, the One who is and who was and who is coming, The Almighty. NWT

8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. KJV

The Alpha and the Omega also gives himself the Title of The Almighty. ______ yes _____ no The Almighty is also identified as the one who is coming? _____ yes ____ no Who is coming in Revelation 1:8? Who is coming in Revelation 12: 12 13? _____________________ _____________________

Who is the First and the Last in Isaiah 44:6 And Isaiah 48: 12-13? ______________________ (this is what Jehovah said..)

Is it true that Revelation 1:7 indicates that this one that is coming is also pierced? ___ Yes ___ No

So, the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8, 22:13), the First and the Last (Isa. 48:12, 44:6, Rev 22:13) the One who Is Coming (Rev. 1:7-8, 22:20, 22:12) is identified as The Almighty (Rev. 1:8), Jehovah God (Rev. 1:8) who was PIERCED (Rev. 1:7) and has DIED (Rev. 1:17, 2:8) the same is identified as Jesus (Rev. 22:16, Rev. 22:20)

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Has Jehovah God even DIED? _______ Yes

________ No

Are you not from long ago, O Jehovah? O my God, my Holy One, you do not die. Habakkuk 1:12 New World Translation

Revelation 1:17-18 17 And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. And he laid his right hand upon me and said: Do not be fearful. I am the First and the Last, 18 and the living one; and I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. NWT

17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.NKJV

Revelation 2:8 also see Rev. 1:18 And to the angel of the congregation of Smyrna write: These are the things that he says, the First and the Last, who became dead and came to life [again]. NWT

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; KJV

Isaiah 48:12 12Listen to me, O Jacob, and O Israel my called one. I am the same One. I am the first. Moreover, I am the last. NWT

Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last. KJV

Is it true that the speaker identifies himself as the First and the Last? Is it true that the speaker says that he was once dead but is alive?

____ Yes ____ Yes ____ No

____ No

Who is talking in Revelation 2:8? __________ Jesus or ____________ Jehovah Who is talking in Revelation 1:17-18? __________ Jesus or _________Jehovah (for more context, please read the passage beginning with vs. 11. John hears the Alpha and Omega talking and turns to see who was talking to him and he describes Jesus, because he identifies himself as the one that was PIERCED.. Is Scripture calling Jesus the First and the Last? ____ Yes ____ No

How many Firsts and Lasts can there be? _____ (1) - What are the only Options? ================================================================

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Insertion of "Jehovah in the Text

Is it true that the NWT claims to be the best word for word translation of the Greek and Hebrew Text? ___ Yes ___ No Is it true that when comparing the KIT and the NWT, that all the places in the NWT New Testament where Jehovah was inserted, there was no corresponding word Jehovah in the KIT? Why was Jehovah inserted? Please provide a list of verses where Jehovah was properly translated from the original Greek from the Kingdom Interlinear Translation:

If I understand the Jehovahs Witness teaching correctly, it was Satan that corrupted the text in our manuscripts and was the one that removed the name of Jehovah from the manuscripts. If this is correct, then explain how Satan got to each on of the 24,000 manuscripts we have today taking into account that the original manuscripts were written at various times and by a multitude of people?

Could it be that Satan didnt revise the manuscripts but the NWT has miss-translated the text and inserted Jehovah in places that it does not belong?

======================================================================= Jehovahs Witness says that the New World Translation is an accurate word for word translation of the original text. One of the textual rules used is that consistent usage of a translated word would be used throughout the translation. If this is the case, please explain the following: Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:58-59? (see wkbk ref. pg. 94) 58Most assuredly I say to you, Before Abraham came 58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, into existence, I have been. Before Abraham was, I am. 59Therefore they picked up stones to hurl [them] at him; but Jesus hid and when tout of the temple. NWT 59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. KJV **** Below is a scanned exert from the Kingdom Interlinear ***

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EGO I used empathically EIMI- Am to exist by way of distinction from things non-existent. Jesus was claiming to exist prior to ANY CREATED THING. In other words, there has never been a time when Jesus DID NOT EXIST. To say that I have been is to deny the very meaning of the word EIMI which means to exist and to have never been non-existent. Please look at the KIT and confirm the word used in vs. 58 is EGO EIMI which is in the present tense of to be. Why did the Watchtower clearly miss-translate I AM to I HAVE BEEN when the Greek Text is so plain?

How does the KIT translate that Greek phrase EGO EIMI in John 13:19?

19 From this moment on I am telling YOU before it `From this time I tell you, before its coming to pass, that, when it may come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he]; occurs, in order that when it does occur YOU may Youngs Literal Translation believe that I am [he]. NWT
How does the KIT translate that Greek phrase EGO EIMI in John 8:24? 24 Therefore I said to YOU, YOU will die in YOUR sins. For if YOU do not believe that I am [he], YOU will die in YOUR sins. NWT I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins. KJV

Why did the Watchtower translate that phrase differently in John 8:58 when their pledge was to use a word consistently throughout the entire Bible?

Please write insert the word used in John 13:19 and John 8:24 into the John 8:58 Passage below: 58Most assuredly I say to you, Before Abraham came into existence, ______________________.

What does the KIT say will happen to those that do not believe Jesus is I AM in John 8:24?

=================================

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I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE

Understanding John 10: 30-33 (see wkbk ref. pg. 95) John 10:30-33 Jesus speaking 29What the Father has given me is something greater than all other things, and no one can snatch them out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one. 31Once more the Jews lifted up stones to stone him. NWT My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. I and [my] Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. KJV

If it is true that the Watchtowers explanation of this passage is that they have unity of purpose then please explain why they Jew picked up stones to stone him which was the Jewish death punishment for Blasphemy or in other words, proclaiming to be Jehovah?

The Jews also felt they had unity of purpose with the Father as well. So why did the Jews get so mad, even to the point of stoning Jesus?

If the Father has given Jesus something, then how can they still be in the Fathers hand? Vs. 29- What the Father has given me.. - no on can snatch them out of the hand of the Father

=====================

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THE DIVINE QUALITY

Please read Colossians 2:9 Colossians 2:9 in the Kingdom Interlinear Translation (purple 1969 edition)

Colossians 2:9 Because it is in him that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily. NWT

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ESV

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; NKJV For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. KJV For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, NASB because in him doth tabernacle all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, YOUNGs Literal Translation Fullness: pleroma: COMPLETE

Does the NWT support complete divinity that the Kingdom Interlinear clearly indicates. The K.I.T. says, In him [Jesus] indwelling down all the fullness of the divinity bodily. Or, In the BODY of JESUS, dwells COMPLETE or FULL DEITY. In your opinion, is this an accurate interpretation of the text.? ____ yes ____ no

Why do all other translations along with the vast body of Greek and Hebrew Scholars get this wrong and only the NWT get it right?

Even Robert Young who wrote Youngs Literal Translation agrees.

What are the credentials of the Translators of the NWT that would make one believe they have an understanding of scripture and linguistics that would be superior to the those hundreds that render this passage differently?

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THE LORD OF ME AND THE GOD OF ME

Understanding John 20:27-28 Please read John 20:27-28--- (he is Jesus) 27Next he said to Thomas: Put your fingers here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop being unbelieving but become believing 28 In answer Thomas said to him: My Lord and my God!

27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

KIT.

"The title ho theos (the God, or God), which now designates the Father as a personal reality, is not applied in the N(ew) T(estament) to Jesus Himself; Jesus is the Son of God (of ho theos)..."Watchtower Magazine July 1, 1986. pg. 31

Question: Who did Thomas come to believe Jesus was? _______________________ Question: Wouldnt it have been blasphemy for Jesus to accept the title of THE God? ____ Yes ____ No Question: Why didnt Jesus rebuke Thomas for calling him THE God? The term Thomas used is ho theos or The God BUT the Watchtower said that ho theos in NOT applied to Jesus in the New Testament (see quote above); When really it is per their own Kingdom Interlinear Translation. Notice also the word the in front of God. With that in mind, please tell me:

Who is wrong? ______ Thomas

_______ Watchtower

If Thomas was wrong then why didnt Jesus rebuke him?

What reason would the Watchtower have in purposefully miss-translating this verse?

How can the Watchtower be wrong if they are Jehovahs chosen channel of explanation of Scripture?

If the Watchtower can be wrong, then what else could they have gotten wrong?

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========================================================== Would Jehovah allow Jesus to be worshipped? _____ yes ____ no

Would Jesus accept worship as Jehovah?

_____ yes ____ no

In the above passage, the Greek word was translated worshipped as they worshipped God around the throne. However, the same word in Matt. 14:33, is translated did obeisance.

--------------------------

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As you can tell, the two Greek words are the same in Matt. 14:33 and in Rev. 7:11 (Both NT text).

Why did the Watchtower translate the same Greek word in two different ways?

Purple Edition Hebrews 1:6 *** Notice the same word in the KIT is translated do obeisance but in the NWT it is translated WORSHIP him speaking of Jesus Same text but taken from the Blue Edition 1985

Why would the Watchtower purposefully miss-translate Matt. 14:33 and not use worshipped?

The word used for worshipped is proskuneo- This word is translated worshipped over 60 times in the Greek New Testament alone in all other English versions of the Bible. Why wasnt translated as worshipped as in Rev. 17:11?

Doesnt this go against their own rules of using the same word when translated throughout the entirely of the Scripture?

If it does not violate this rule, then please explain? Again, these are questions arising from the Watchtowers own translations?

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============================================================

Taking the Bible Test:

Please read 2 Corinthians 13:5 out loud Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are. Or do you not recognize that Jesus Christ is in union with you? Unless you are disapproved. NWT How does the K.I.T. translate this verse? Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? KJV

Please read Galatians 1: 6-9 6I marvel that you are being so quickly removed from the One who called you with Christs underserved kindness over to another sort of good news. 7 But it is not another: only there are certain ones who are causing you trouble and wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. 8 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said above, I also now say again, Whoever it is that is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed. NWT What does this passage say to you?

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV

Please read out loud Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth. NWT Who is speaking in Acts 1:8?

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. KJV

_______________________ (Jesus)

Whos witnesses are you Jehovahs or Jesus?

_______________________ (or both)

Could it be that they are the same?

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The NATURE of Jesus (DIVINE AND HUMAN)

(see also, wkbk. Pg. 89, 90,91, 92)

While there is much to say from Scripture about this, we suggest simply explaining what Trinitarians believe: o We do not believe in 3 Gods in one person. o Rather, we believe in 3 persons in one God. For example, water comes in 3 forms-- solid, liquid, and gas. But water is still the same chemical substance regardless of the form. (see Tertullian below) 2nd Century Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the holy spirit. NWT

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: KJV

Note: THE NAME, but then after that it list 3 persons. Why didnt the write say, The names of. Is this not a case of a very obvious SINGULAR being used in a PLURAL sense? ___ yes ___ no In what name does the Watchtower baptize in? Does that follow the scriptural guideline? ___ Yes ___ No

One might say that nowhere in scripture is the word TRINITY mentioned. However, neither are the words THEOCRACY, MILLINIUM, OR RAPTURE. Even though these words are not used, the concept is taught throughout scripture. If this logic is used to discredit the teaching of the Trinity, then it would have to apply to the other words as well. With this said, QUESTION: Could the concept of what we call the Trinity be supported in scripture without the actual word being implemented? ____ yes ____ no

It is widely known that many early church fathers from the 1st and 2nd century discussed the Trinity. There writings are a part of the historical record and can be verified and read. As well as the biblical pattern of Trinitarianism, there is also ample evidence that the early Church, immediately after the New Testament period, held to a Trinitarian pattern. Here are a few quotes from these early church historical figures- Please check these quotes with the records of antiquity for yourself.
Polycarp (70-155/160). Bishop of Smyrna. Disciple of John the Apostle. "O Lord God almighty...I bless you and glorify you through the eternal and heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be glory to you, with Him and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever" (n. 14, ed. Funk; PG 5.1040). Justin Martyr (100?-165?). He was a Christian apologist and martyr. "For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water" (First Apol., LXI). Ignatius of Antioch (died 98/117). Bishop of Antioch. He wrote much in defense of Christianity. "In Christ Jesus our Lord, by whom and with whom be glory and power to the Father with the Holy Spirit for ever" (n. 7; PG 5.988). "We have also as a Physician the Lord our God Jesus the Christ the only-begotten Son and Word, before time began, but who afterwards became also man, of Mary the virgin. For the Word was made flesh.' Being incorporeal, He was in the body; being impassible, He was in a passable body; being immortal, He was in a mortal body; being life, He became subject to corruption, that He might free our souls from death and corruption, and heal them, and might restore them to health, when they were diseased with ungodliness and wicked lusts." (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, eds., The ante-Nicene Fathers, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975 rpt., Vol. 1, p. 52, Ephesians 7.)

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Irenaeus (115-190). As a boy he listened to Polycarp, the disciple of John. He became Bishop of Lyons. "The Church, though dispersed throughout the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, has received from the apostles and their disciples this faith: ...one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became incarnate for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who proclaimed through the prophets the dispensations of God, and the advents, and the birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord, and His manifestation from heaven in the glory of the Father to gather all things in one,' and to raise up anew all flesh of the whole human race, in order that to Christ Jesus, our Lord, and God, and Savior, and King, according to the will of the invisible Father, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess; to him, and that He should execute just judgment towards all...'" (Against Heresies X.l) Tertullian (160-215). African apologist and theologian. He wrote much in defense of Christianity. "We define that there are two, the Father and the Son, and three with the Holy Spirit, and this number is made by the pattern of salvation...[which] brings about unity in trinity, interrelating the three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are three, not in dignity, but in degree, not in substance but in form, not in power but in kind. They are of one substance and power, because there is one God from whom these degrees, forms and kinds devolve in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Adv. Prax. 23; PL 2.156-7). Origen (185-254). Alexandrian theologian. Defended Christianity and wrote much about Christianity. "If anyone would say that the Word of God or the Wisdom of God had a beginning, let him beware lest he direct his impiety rather against the unbegotten Father, since he denies that he was always Father, and that he has always begotten the Word, and that he always had wisdom in all previous times or ages or whatever can be imagined in priority...There can be no more ancient title of almighty God than that of Father, and it is through the Son that he is Father" (De Princ. 1.2.; PG 11.132). "For if [the Holy Spirit were not eternally as He is, and had received knowledge at some time and then became the Holy Spirit] this were the case, the Holy Spirit would never be reckoned in the unity of the Trinity, i.e., along with the unchangeable Father and His Son, unless He had always been the Holy Spirit." (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, eds., The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975 rpt., Vol. 4, p. 253, de Principiis, 1.111.4) "Moreover, nothing in the Trinity can be called greater or less, since the fountain of divinity alone contains all things by His word and reason, and by the Spirit of His mouth sanctifies all things which are worthy of sanctification..." (Roberts and Donaldson, Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 4, p. 255, de Principii., I. iii. 7).

If, as the anti-Trinitarians maintain, the Trinity is not a biblical doctrine and was never taught until the council of Nicea in 325, then why do these quotes exist? The answer is simple: the Trinity is a biblical doctrine and it was taught before the council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Part of the reason that the Trinity doctrine was not "officially" taught until the time of the Council of Nicea is because Christianity was illegal until shortly before the council. It wasn't really possible for official Christian groups to meet and discuss doctrine. For the most part, they were fearful of making public pronouncements concerning their faith. Additionally, if a group had attacked the person of Adam, the early church would have responded with an official doctrine of who Adam was. As it was, the person of Christ was attacked. When the Church defended the deity of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity was further defined. The early church believed in the Trinity, as is evidenced by the quotes above, and it wasn't necessary to really make them official. It wasn't until errors started to creep in, that councils began to meet to discuss the Trinity as well as other doctrines that came under fire. These Christians were the generation after Paul and John for example. They took the lead after the Apostolic age . This can be verified very easily online in many websites containing first and second century antiquity writings. Please feel free to check it out. It was only in the fourth century when the Church was challenged by Arius of Alexandria who asserted that Christ was not God but rather a creation, that the debate around the Godhead really began. Prior to the challenge of Arius, the Church had never before had to contend with such a concentrated attack, which eventually escalated to mammoth proportions. But the point is that the Church had to have already had a belief in the Deity of Christ before it could be attacked.

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Christ's Deity was always believed by the Church but was officially declared at the Council of Nicea in 325. The same is true for the related doctrine of the Trinity. It was inevitable that the storm which surrounded the doctrine of the Deity of Christ would eventually lead to discussion about the Holy Spirit as well. Eventually, the Personhood, and Deity of the Holy Spirit was asserted at the Council of Constantinople in 381 in response to a number of Church leaders who disputed this. However, as with the Deity of Christ, there could not have been a dispute about the Deity of the Holy Spirit if there hadn't already been an existing belief which followed this pattern. With this said, why does the Watchtower insist that the Trinity is a concept that was introduced in the 4th century when historical record proves otherwise? Other Things To Consider: If Jehovah's Witnesses reject a doctrine, or concept, because it was formulated late then they would have to reject the New Testament canon as well as it was also formulated late, in the fourth century! Another point is that the same people who defended the Deity of Christ and the Trinity, such as Athanasius, were also responsible for the formulation of the New Testament canon. So the very canon of the New Testament which Jehovah's Witnesses carry with them was actually put together by Trinitarians late in Church history. Also, (wkbk ref on Trinity on pg. 113-115 //// On the 144,000 on pg. 39, 40) It might also be noted that if rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity is based on its late formulation, then rejection of some of the teachings of the Jehovahs Witnesss own unique teachings should be in order as well. For example, the Watchtower two class system of 144,000 in heaven and the Great Crowd on earth, did not originate as an official formulated doctrine until 1935. Jehovahs Witnesses may object that even though this was the case, the actual doctrine is implicitly taught in the Bible, and point to various texts in the book of Revelation, for example. Even though Christians dispute the interpretation of the passages which Jehovah's Witnesses would offer to support this view, the point is that the Watchtower has formulated a late doctrine, for which they feel there is biblical support. This is exactly the case with the formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity.

Philippians 2:7-8 (see wkbk pg. 92) No, but he emptied himself and took a slaves form and came to be in the likeness of men. 8 More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake. 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. NKJV

Can you see by an examination of Philippians that Jesus can be truly God and truly Man by voluntarily humbling himself and becoming man in order to redeem mankind and pay for the sins of man? It is true that 1 Timothy said that Jesus is the mediator between God and man. However, if the same logic is implied, then Jesus could not be man either. He would be between God and man. Can you see that the Bible teaches that there is non that is righteous, no not one. It took the death of God Himself to satisfy the Justice of God toward the sin of mankind? Can you see that ONLY a man could pay for the sins of man-kind. An angel coming in the form of a man would be deception. God added Humanity to His Divinity by purposefully setting aside his divinity and becoming Human while still retaining the fullness of his Godly nature. He was born of a woman, lived a sinless life as a man, willingly submitting himself to our restrictions for a time, then dying for the sins of all humanity as a man.

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Who Raised Jesus From the Dead?

(see wkbk ref pgs. Resurrection: 98, 99, 100)

It is agreed that God (the Father) raised Jesus from the dead. However, please read the following passages out loud: John 2:18-19 Therefore, in answer, the Jews said to him: What sign have you to show us, since you are doing these things? 19 In answer Jesus said to them: Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 There fore the Jews said: This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days? 21 But he was talking about the temple of his body. NWT

18So the Jews said to him, What sign do you show us for doing these things?19Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.20The Jews then said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?21But he was speaking about the temple of his body. ESV

John 10:17-18 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I surrender my soul, in order that I may receive it again. 18 No man has taken it away from me, but I surrender it of my own initiative. I have authority to surrender it, and I have authority to receive it again. NWT

17 "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." NKJV

"Don't you agree that it is clear that Jesus raised himself?" Is this different from the Watchtower teaching?

_____ Yes _____ Yes

____ No ____ No

Jesus said he was going to raise himself from the grave, the Watchtower said God did? Whose right? ________ Jesus Other Questions: "Did God not have any witnesses between the time of the New Testament and the late 1800's when the Watchtower organization was formed?" ___________ Watchtower

"How did people understand the Bible for 1800 years prior to the Watchtower and the teaching of Charles T. Russell?"

"Do you believe in Jesus' resurrection? Do you believe 1 Cor. 15:17, that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, your faith is in vain?

Does it seem that Jesus is the central point of the New Testament?"

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"What would you do if you ever discovered that the Watchtower taught something different from the Bible?"

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GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Can you please explain why The Watchtower magazine differs from the NWT on Romans 10:13, which says, 'everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.' NWT But The Watchtower magazine, May 1, 1978, p.12, says this refers to Jesus! o I do not have the magazine, but could you look that up for me by the next meeting to see if that's true?" Romans 10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved. NWT

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. KJV

"Isn't it true that The Watchtower magazine has given changing, contradictory statements about whether to worship Jesus? Would you check these old issues for me: I understand that certain passages say that you should worship Jesus March 1880, p. 83 and 8/15/1941, p. 252 But other passages say we should not worship Jesus 1/1/1954, p.31 and 11/1/1964, p. 671 "Why don't you, instead of focusing on what the Watchtower says about the Bible, take a week or a month to let Jehovah speak to you directly from the Bible?"

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THE POSITION OF MICHAEL (see wkbk pgs: 50, 102)

================================================================ I understand that Jehovahs Witness Doctrine say that Jesus is the archangel Michael. Please show you where in the Bible this idea comes from. Daniel 10:13 13 But the prince of the royal realm of Persia was standing in opposition to me for twenty-one days, and, look! Michael, one of the foremost princes, came to help me; and I, for my part, remained there beside the kings of Persia. NWT Jude 1:9 9 But when Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: May Jehovah rebuke you. NWT

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. KJV

yet Michael, the chief messenger, when, with the devil contending, he was disputing about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring up an evil-speaking judgment, but said, `The Lord rebuke thee!' Youngs Literal Translation

From the two passages above, please answer the following questions: If in Watchtower doctrine, Jesus is suppose to be unique, why is he described as just one of the foremost princes in Daniel 10:13?

If Michael is suppose to turn into Jesus when he is on earth, then why wasnt it Jesus that was disputing over Moses body instead of Michael? Why did Michael DARE NOT BRING UP AN EVIL-SPEAKING JUDGEMENT against Satan? If Michael is Jesus, then why didnt he rebuke Satan.. Jesus did

The Security of a Christian is not in Himself, but it is in the Work of JESUS CHRIST"I know I have eternal life now (1 Jn. 5:13), and will be with Jesus forever (Jn. 14:1-6). Isn't that great?" "I have so much freedom (2 Cor. 3:17) since I learned that I am saved by faith and not by works (Eph. 2:8-9)!" "Since Jesus came into my life (Rev. 3:20), he has become my best friend."

If you have the right Jesus, You are right for eternity, If you have the wrong Jesus, You are wrong for eternity.
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This list is not "apostate literature,"

Only a list of Bible passages with notes from the New World Translation. The following is a list of scriptures that seem to suggest that Jehovah and Jesus are the same, I would like your opinion on each please: Worthy of the Same Status Jehovah Isa. 12:2, 43:11, Lk. 1:47 Isa. 43:10 the savior/only savior we are to be his witnesses* *Given the Bible's instructions to be witnesses of Jesus, do you believe that you are being faithful? have faith in knees bend/ tongues swear to worthy to receive honor and glory believe in to be saved ** **Can you see that these references are referring to the same person? whoever calls on his name is saved serve him is worshipped by angels others worship him speaks with divine authority Jesus Titus 2:13, Lk. 2:11, Jn. 4:42, Acts 4:12 Acts 1:8

Jn. 14:1a Isa. 45:22-23 Rev. 4:11 Acts 16:34

Jn. 14:1b Phip. 2:10-11 Rev. 5:12 Acts 16:31

Joel 2:32 Joshua 24:24 Neh. 9:6, Rev.7:11 Mt. 4:10, Jn. 4:24, Rev. 5:13-14, 11:16 "Thus saith the Lord." (used dozens of times)

Acts 2:21 Col. 3:24 Heb. 1:4-6 Mt. 14:33, 28:9, Jn. 9:38, Rev. 5:14 "Truly, I say to you..." (used dozens of times)

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Have Same Names and Titles Jehovah Ex. 20:2-3, Deut. 32:39, Isa 41:10, 43:10, 44:6,8, 45:5,22, 1 Cor. 8:452 Rom. 10:12-13 Deut. 10:17, Jer. 32:18 God Jesus Mt. 1:23, Jn, 1:1, 20:28, Heb 1:8, 1 Tim. 1:17 Lk. 2:11 Isa. 9:6

Lord Mighty God*** *** "Since both Jehovah and Jesus are called Mighty God, does this mean that there are 2 Gods in heaven?" Almighty God First and Last I Am

Gen. 17:1, Ex. 6:3 Rev. 1:8, Isa. 44:6, 48:12 Ex. 3:14, Deut. 32:39, Isa. 44:6, 48:12

Rev. 1:8 Rev. 1:17, 2:8, 22:13 Jn., 8:58, (Same Greek phrase as Jn. 8:24, 13:19, 18:5 per KIT) Rev. 17:14, 19:16 Acts 3:14 Acts 3:14, 1 Jn. 2:1 Jn. 10:11 1 Cor. 10:4

Deut. 10:17, Ps. 136:2-3, Dan. 2:47, King of King, Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6:15 Hosea 11:9 Ps. 116:5 Ps. 23:1 Ps. 18:31 Holy One Righteous One Shepherd Rock

Perform the Same Acts Jehovah Acts 2:32 Gen. 1:1, Isa. 44:24, 45:12, Nem. 9:6, Rev. 4:11 Ps. 65:3, Is. 43:25, Jer. 31:34 2 Chron. 7:14, et. al. Jer. 17:10 Gen. 18:25, Ps. 96:13 Prov. 3:12 Ps. 107:29, Ps. 89:9 Jn. 5:21a Rom. 6:23 Isa. 41:10 who resurrected Jesus created heaven & earth/all things forgives sins hears prayer examines the heart & rewards conduct judges all reproves those he loves calms wind & waves raises the dead offers eternal life is with us Jesus Jn. 2:19, 10:17-18 Jn. 1:3, Col. 1:16 Lk. 5:20-21, Mk. 2:7-9 Jn. 14:14 (KIT "ask me") Rev 2:23 Jn. 5:22, 2 Tim. 4:1 Rev. 3:19 Lk. 8:24, Mk. 4:39-41 Jn. 5:21b Jn. 5:39-40, 10:28 Mt. 28:20

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Have the Same Attributes Jehovah Ps. 90:2, Prov. 8:23 Ps. 139:7-12, Pr. 15:3, Isa. 45:5-13 1 Kgs. 8:39, Jer. 17:9,10,16, 1 Jn. 3:20 Mal. 3:6 Jer. 42:5 Ps. 27:1 Ps. 71:5 Ps. 46:1 Jer. 17:13 Rev. 15:4 eternal "from time indefinite" omnipresent omnipotent omniscient does not change true and faithful witness light our hope our strength source of living water righteous Jesus Isa. 9:6, Mic. 5:2, Jn. 1:2 Mt. 18:20, 28:20 Mt. 28:18 Mt. 11:27, Lk. 5:4-6, Jn. 2:25, 16:30, 21:17 Heb 13:8 Rev. 3:14 Jn. 8:12 1 Tim. 1:1 Phip. 4:13 Jn. 4:14, Rev. 21:6 Acts 3:14

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HOLY SPIRIT (see wkbk pg: 110)

"To qualify as an intelligent person, does one need to think, act, communicate, and have a will? ____ Yes ___ No We believe the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit has all these attributes of a person. Could we get your opinion on these passages?" Acts 5:3-4 Holy Spirit can be lied to. When you lie to the Holy Spirit, you lie to God. 3 But Peter said: Ananias, why has Satan emboldened you to play false to the holy spirit and to hold back secretly some of the price of the field? 4 As long as it remained with you did it not remain yours, and after it was sold did it not continue in your control? Why was it that you purposed such a deed as this in your heart? You have played false, not to men, but to God. NWT

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. KJV

Acts 13:2 Holy Spirit speaks and uses a personal pronoun of himself. He can be obeyed. As they were publicly ministering to Jehovah and [2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy fasting, the holy spirit said: Of all persons set Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work Barnabas and Saul apart for me for the work to which I whereunto I have called them. (Act 13:2 KJV) have called them. NWT 1 Cor. 2:10 Holy Spirit has a mind/searches. For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God. NWT Eph. 4:30 Holy Spirit has emotions/may be grieved. Also, do not be grieving Gods holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom. NWT

[10] But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1Cr 2:10 KJV)

[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30 KJV)

John 16:7-8 and 13-14 Holy Spirit has a will, he convinces, speaks, declares, teaches, travels, gives, and glorifies JESUS. 7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for benefit I am going away. For if I do not go away. For if you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him you: but if I do go my way, I will send him to you. 8 unto you. [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the And when that one arrives he will give the world world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment. [13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he Skip to 13-14: will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of However, when he arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall and he will declare to you the things coming. 14 That shew [it] unto you. (Jhn 16:7-8, 13-14 KJV) one will glorify me. NWT

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John 14:26 Holy Spirit teaches and reminds. But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all that things I told you. NWT

[26] But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Jhn 14:26 KJV)

John 15:26 Holy Spirit testifies. When the helper arrives that I will send you from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me, 27 and you, in turn, are to bear witness because you have been with me from when I began. NWT Acts 8:29 Holy Spirit issues commands. So the spirit said to Philip: Approach and join yourself to this chariot. NWT Rom. 8:26 Holy Spirit intercedes/prays. In like manner the spirit also joins in with help for our weakness; for the [problem of] what we should pray for as we need to we do not know, but the spirit itself pleads for us with groaning s unuttered. NWT

[26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (Jhn 15:26 KJV)

[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (Act 8:29 KJV)

[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Rom 8:26 KJV)

Given these clear examples that the Holy Spirit is more than just a force, but is in fact a person of the godhead, can you see that the Watchtower's teaching about the Holy Spirit is incomplete and more that just a force?

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Prophecy (see wkbk pgs: 65-77, 83)

QUESTION: "Do the JEHOVAHS WITNESSES claim to be prophets?" ___ Yes ___No "We have reason to believe that the Watchtower does claim to be a prophet of God. Would you read the article or perhaps bring the following article back with you at our next meeting: (emphasis and italics added) ' They Shall Know that A Prophet was Among Them' on page 197 of the April 1, 1972 Watchtower magazine People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovahs Christian witnesses. Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. ( Watchtower 1972 April 1 p.197 They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them) =============== First look up together Deut. 18:22, which defines how to know a false prophet. Deut. 18:22a When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. NWT

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, KJV

"If a someone utters prophecy that does not come to pass, is he a false prophet?" ___ Yes ___No True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved In view of this strong bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A.D. 1914(The Time is at Hand- Studies in the Scriptures, vol. II), 1908 reprint (1889 orign.) pp.98,99) "It matters not whether he proclaims his message with deliberate, willful and malicious intent to deceive, or whether he is the blinded and deluded dupe of Satan and hence unwittingly used of him. In either case, he is a false prophet and hence the agent of Satan." Watchtower, May 15, 1930

Russell says that by 1914, all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God will be accomplished. 1914 is set up as the end date not the beginning.
"The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from Oct. 1874".(Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1892 p.22)

This chronology is not of man but of God and that the battle is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914.
Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of "Christianity". (The Finished Mystery (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. VII) 1917 (1917 edition) p.485

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"..Pastor Russell's warnings to Christendom, coming direct from God, has been the imminent collapse of the present 'Christian' civilization in a welter of war...to be succeeded by the early establishment of the Kingdom of God. He said that he could never have written the books by himself. It all came from God, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit." (The Finished Mystery, 1917, p. 387)

In these 1917 article above, Russell tries it again and determines that in 1918 God will destroy the churches and its members by the millions. He also warns Christendom that what he says is coming direct from God.
"Some of them are of so remarkable a character as clearly to indicate that this chronology is not of man, but of God. Being of divine origin and divinely corroborated, present-truth chronology stands in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct". (Watchtower July 15, 1922 p.217) "The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the 'time of the end' began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874". (Watchtower March 1, 1922)

It is established that the Watchtower does claim to be Jehovahs Prophet.

The above quote actually reinforces an earlier Watchtower article of May 15, 1930. On page 154 it states: "Since the Bible was completed and `inspiration' is no longer necessary, a true prophet is one who is faithfully proclaiming what is written in the Bible." The magazine went on to say that a true prophet's words will come to pass exactly as prophesied and that if it does not come to pass, the prophet is a false prophet. That same magazine states: "It matters not whether he proclaims his message with deliberate, willful and malicious intent to deceive, or whether he is the blinded and deluded dupe of Satan and hence unwittingly used of him. In either case, he is a false prophet and hence the agent of Satan." Watchtower, May 15, 1930

The Watchtower indicates that they are in direct contact with angels or Jesus, but
"..this pictures the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instruction on to the remnant...since 1919". (Vindication vol.3 1932 p.250) "..the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones". (Preparation, 1933 p.64)

Below the Watchtower said they dont need to be interpreters because Jehovah and Christ does that for them. All they do is relay the information they get directly from God to the world.
"Jehovah as the great Interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in his due time...Jehovah's witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the 'superior authorities' Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel, that fast do God's people publish them the world over..". (Watchtower April 15,1952) I hope you can see from these references that I was being accurate. Are we not told in Scripture to "test everything, hold on to the good."? The Watchtower itself directed its readers to Deut. 18:21,22 concerning the test for a prophet. (WT 5/15/1930)

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The Watchtower of 4/1/1972 p.197 said the only way to prove a group acts as a prophet of God is to examine the record. On the same page the Society identifies itself as a prophet. It seems to me, after looking at a small portion of "the record", that something is wrong.
Jehovahs people confess no powers of inspiration today. However, they do pray continually for more of Gods holy spirit to understand the many prophecies already uttered and preserved for the final preaching work which Jehovahs witnesses are now undertaking. They know that the inspired infallible Scriptures of prophecy will be fulfilled toward them correctly. They diligently study the visions and dreams of Gods faithful men of old. They can quote and copy the Scriptures of Gods inspired men and can apply them according to the facts. They can observe how God interprets them by Christ Jesus through the events and facts that he causes to appear. They are then faithful in publishing and preaching the revealed prophecies to the utter ends of the earth. The twentieth-century preaching prophets of Jehovah are the ones who are running to and fro over the Bible to gain knowledge of the divine pronouncements which is on the increase.Dan. 12:4.( Watchtower 1952 April 15 p.253 Aids for Understanding Prophecy) How can they make these claims as to the divine source of their information, make scores of mistakes, and then say, "Respond to the directions of the organization as you would the voice of God"?

I honestly can't reconcile these statements. Do you understand my point?

It is documented clearly that the Watchtower organization has made a number of false prophecies. Can you please explain how these prophecies can be wrong and the Organization still be the Channel of God?

How would God allow HIS channel to be so blatantly wrong and bring such disgrace upon HIS chosen organization?

A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovahs Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds. (Watchtower 1980 January 1 p.2 Page Two (inside front cover) Ever since The Watchtower began to be published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future No, The Watchtower is no inspired prophet, but it follows and explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and unfailing till now. The Watchtower is therefore under safe guidance. It may be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against that prophetic Book. (Watchtower 1969 January 1 p.2 Page Two) But. "The date of the close of that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from Oct. 1874".(Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1892 p.22) "It matters not whether he proclaims his message with deliberate, willful and malicious intent to deceive, or whether he is the blinded and deluded dupe of Satan and hence unwittingly used of him. In either case, he is a false prophet and hence the agent of Satan." Watchtower, May 15, 1930

Please explain?

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Other Examples, 1. 2. 3. Predicted the second coming for 1784 (book The Harp of God, pgs. 236, 239-240). Then they set the 'beginning of the end' for 1799 (The Harp of God 1928 edition, pgs. 235-239) Then later they predicted Armegeddon for 1914 (from the book The Time is At Hand, 1911 edition, p. 101). 4. Then Armegeddon was changed to 1918 (book The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p. 485). 5. Then Armegeddon was changed to 1925 (The Watch Tower magazine, July, 15, 1924, p. 211). 6. Then they predicted the return of Abraham and other prophets of old in 1925 (book Millions Now Living Will Die, 1920, p. 89-90). a. Ask them about Beth Sharim Show them pictures of the house and the deed. 7. Next they said that 1914 was really the 'starting date for the last generation before Armegeddon,' (The Watchtower, November 1, 1950, p. 419.) 8. Then, 6000 years of human history come to an end in 1975 (Awake! magazine, October 8, 1966, p. 8). 9. Then they said that 'anyone born by 1914 will see Armageddon' (The Watchtower, May 14, 1984, p. 5). 10. Then they said that 'anyone who sees the events signaling the End, regardless of any relationship to 1914, will see Armegeddon' (The Watchtower, November 1, 1995, pgs. 17-20).

May I give you a list of these prophecies for you to check out on your own?

Given the light of these prophecies, please answer the following questions: 1. "Given that the Watchtower organization has changed many dates and doctrines through the years, what happened to those Jehovahs Witnesses who believed the Watchtower's earlier predictions?

2.

Are they going to heaven?"

============================================================================= Judge Rutherford speaks concerning the bodily resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are to be resurrected as perfect men and constitute the princes or rulers in the earth Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction based upon the promises set forth in the divine Word(Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, 89, 90, 97) "From 1929 on, Brother Rutherford spent the winters working at a San Diego residence he had named Beth Sarim. Beth Sarim was built with funds that were a direct contribution for that purpose. The deed, which was published in full in "The Golden Age" of March 19, 1930, conveyed this property to J.F. Rutherford and thereafter to the Watch Tower Society". Concerning Beth Sarim, the book "Salvation," published in 1939, explains: "The Hebrew words 'Beth Sarim' mean 'House of the Princes'; and the purpose of acquiring that property and building the house was that there might be some tangible proof that there are those on earth today who fully believe God and Christ Jesus and in His kingdom, and who believe that the faithful men of old will soon be resurrected by the Lord, be back on earth, and take charge of the visible affairs of earth." (Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, 1993. p.76)

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The above are pictures of the house that was built when Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were to come back to earth.

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THE 144,000
"Will women be among the 144,000?" ____ yes ____no Also, The passage goes on to actually list the tribes of Jacob and the number from each of the sons. How can 144,000 be literal and the sons of Israel be figurative within the same thought? If YES, Then, QUESTION: What does Rev. 14:4 mean? These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in the fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were brought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. NWT

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. KJV

Doesn't this passage clearly indicate than only men who are celibate bachelors or faithful husbands are among the 144,000?" QUESTION: "Where does Scripture indicate that entrance into the 'little-flock' of anointed believers would be closed in the year 1935?"

"If becoming 'born from God' in 1 Jn. 5:1 is open to 'whoever believes' and if the requirement for entering the kingdom of heaven is being 'born of God' or 'born again' as in Jn. 3:5 then isn't the kingdom of heaven open to 'whoever believes' and not just 144,000 people?"

1 John 5:1 Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, and everyone who loves the one that caused to be born loves him who has been born from that one. NWL

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. KJV

John 3:5 Jesus answered: Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born from water and spirit, they cannot enter in to the kingdom of God. NWT

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. KJV

=================================================================== Also, "What justification is there for switching methods of interpretation -- from literal to figurative-- right in the middle of Rev. 7:4?" Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel. NWT

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. NWT

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Believers in heaven now?

2 Kings 2:11 11 And it came about that as they were walking along, speaking as they walked, why, look! a fiery war chariot and fiery horses, and they proceeded to make a separation between them both; and Elijah went ascending in the windstorm to the heavens. NWT Luke 23:43 And he said to him: Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise. NWT Matt. 8:11 But I tell you that many from eastern parts and western parts will come and recline at the table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens; NWT 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. KJV

"How do you reconcile the Watchtower teaching that Old Testament saints look forward to an earthly destiny, with the scriptural evidence that says Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., are with God in heaven?

When Charles Rutherford built Beth Serim in 1929, wasnt it for deeded to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so they would have a place to live when their bodies were resurrected?

"What did Jesus mean in Luke 23:43 when he told the thief on the cross that 'today he would be with him in paradise'?"

"What does 2 Kings 2:11 say in the Watchtower Bible?" [Elijah ascending into heaven]

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HELL

(see wkbk pg.: 105-110)

Jesus discusses hell in numerous passages, such as Mat. 10:28 and And 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. KJV Lk. 13:28 There is where [your] weeping and the gnashing of [your] teeth will be, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown outside. NWT

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. KJV

There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out. KJV

Luke 16:22-31 [Rich man and Lazarus]. Is this not a literal account seeing as how Abraham was mentioned? Rev. 20:14 And death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death. The lake of fire. NWT Rev. 1:18 And the living one; and I became dead but look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. NWT

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. KJV

I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. KJV

QUESTION: Would Jesus teach a falsehood about hell?

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Creator
Gen. 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. NWT In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. KJV

Isaiah. 44:24 say that Yahweh is creator of all things...all alone. Isaiah 44:24 This is what the Jehovah has said, your Repurchases Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and the one and the Former of you from the belly: I, Jehovah, am who formed you from the womb, "I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth. Who was with me? NWT Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, NASB How do you reconcile John 1:3 that states Christ is the creator of all things, but Isaiah say that Yahweh is the creator of all things and was alone when he laid out the earth and stretched out the heavens? In Jehovahs Witness doctrine, wasnt Jesus (Michael) suppose to have been Jehovahs first creation, then used Jesus to create everything else?

John 1:3 All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. NWT =====================================

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. KJV

Second coming
QUESTION: From my understanding of Jehovahs Witness doctrine, Jesus will never be seen again on this earth, but will rule from the heavens. But the following passages indicate that Jesus will return visibly, and not as a spirit as Jehovahs Witness doctrine claim? Acts 1:11 And they said: Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who was received up from you into the sky will come thus in the same manner as you have beheld him going into the sky. NWT Mt. 24:30 And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and the n all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. John 1:51 Most truly I say to you men, You will see heaven opened up and the angels of god ascending and descending to the Son of man.

[11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Act 1:11 KJV)

[30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Mat 24:30 KJV)

[51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. (Jhn 1:51 KJV)

The above passages clearly explain that we will be able to see Jesus when he returns, thus he will have a physical body. QUESTION: Doesn't this conflict with Watchtower teaching and Jesus will return visibly and not as a spirit?"

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Translations

(see wkbk pg: 123, 124, 118-122)

"How do you explain the fact that 4 of the 5 translators of the NWT had no Hebrew or Greek language training whatever, and the fifth Frederick Franz admitted in a court of law in 1954 that he could not read Hebrew?" The men that comprised the Translation Committee were not even Greek scholars qualified to translate the Bible. These men were: N.H. Knorr, F. W. Franz the 4th President, A.D. Schroeder, G.D. Gangas and M. Henschel (write to Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, St. Louis, Missouri 63136 for paper documentation). All met together in these translation sessions. The translation committee requested that the names of the translators remain secret even after their deaths (Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, p. 258). In an attempt to get more information on the New World Translation of the Watchtower Society, many have written the headquarters in Brooklyn, asking them for the names of their scholars, in order to verify these mens credentials in scholarship. What most received back from the Society is a letter saying that they do not make known the names of their scholars because they want to maintain their humility. However, Paul signed his letters, Peter signed his letters, as did Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jude, John, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and so on. They signed their letters as a testimony of validity to their writings. Keeping with scriptural precedent, why did it take extremes for the 5 of the names to finally surface? The Jehovah's Witnesses claim that seven Greek scholars in the Watchtower did the New World Translation (NWT).

Are their any noted Greek / Hebrew scholars residing at Watchtower organization today?
Why were there many who claim to have the ability to translate Greek in fact could not and were caught in their lie? Why did Russell perjured himself under oath in the Russell vs. Ross "defamatory libel" case of March 17, 1913 by first claiming to understand the Greek alphabet when he later admitted he did not know the Greek language in which the Bible was originally written upon being confronted with translating the language?

The following reproduction of the Russell v. Ross transcript relative to the perjury charge made against Russell is taken from a copy on file in the headquarters of the cult in Brooklyn and is presented in the interests of thorough investigation.

Question: (Attorney Staunton) - "Do you know the Greek alphabet? Answer: (Russell) - "Oh yes." Question: (Staunton) - "Can you tell me the correct letters if you see them?" Answer: (Russell) - "Some of them, I might make a mistake on some of them." Question: (Stauton) - "Would you tell me the names of those on top of the page, page 447 I have got here?" Answer: (Russell) - "Well, I don't know that I would be able to." Question: (Stauton) - "You can't tell what those letters are, look at them and see if you know?" Answer: (Russell) - "My way..." Question: (Stauton) - "Are you familiar with the Greek language?" Answer: (Russell) - "No."

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It should be noted from this record of the testimony that Russell frequently contradicted himself, claiming first to "know" the Greek alphabet, then claiming under pressure that he might make mistakes in identifying the letters, and then finally admitting that he couldn't read the alphabet at all when confronted with a copy of it. From this it is easy to see that Russell did not "know" the Greek alphabet, in any proper sense of the term, since it is assumed that when we say we "know" the English alphabet, for example, we shall be able upon request to name the letters by their correct titles. "Pastor" Russell in failing to name the letters of the Greek alphabet, therefore, proved himself a perjurer, for he had previously stated that he "knew" them, thereby implying the ability to recite them, which he could not do. Why did he do that?

With this in mind, why does the FORWARD of the New World Translation in 1961 edition, on page 5 state that, "It is a very responsible thing to translate the Holy Scriptures from their original languages, Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, into modern speech ... The translators who have a fear and love of the divine Author of the Holy Scriptures feel especially a responsibility toward Him to transmit his thoughts and declarations as accurately as possible." Have their translators been responsible? Are they true to the original languages? The men that comprised the Translation Committee were not Greek scholars qualified to translate the Bible. These men were: 1. N.H. Knorr, 2. F. W. Franz the 4th President, 3. A.D. Schroeder, 4. G.D. Gangas and 5. M. Henschel (write to Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, St. Louis, Missouri 63136 for paper documentation). All met together in these translation sessions. The translation committee requested that the names of the translators remain secret even after their deaths (Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, p. 258). Franz was asked in a courtroom in Scotland, "Why the secrecy?" he said, "Because the committee of translation wanted it to remain anonymous and not seek any glory or honour at the making of a translation, and having any names attached thereto." The attorney replied, "Writers of books and translators do not always get glory and honour for their efforts, do they?" (Pursuer's Proof of Douglas Walsh vs. The Right Honourable James Latham, M.P., P.C., Scottish Court of Sessions, p. 92 Nov. 1954). In 1954, in a Scotland trial, Fred Franz, then head of the Watchtower Editorial Board, admitted that he himself was the one who had checked the accuracy of the translation and recommended its publication. (Douglas Walsh v. The Right Honorable James Latham Clyde, M.P., P.C., etc., Scotland, 1954, (1958 ed.).p.88.)

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The following is from the trial transcript: (Q): Insofar as translation of the Bible itself is undertaken, are you responsible for that? (A): I have been authorized to examine a translation and determine its accuracy and recommend its acceptance in the form in which it is submitted. Later, Franz was asked about his own involvement in the translating (Douglas Walsh v. The Right Honorable James Latham Clyde, M.P., P.C., etc., Scotland, 1954, (1958 ed.).p.92) (Q) : Were you yourself responsible for the translation of the Old Testament? ( A ) : Again I cannot answer that question... Here, under oath, Franz refused to confirm or deny he was the translator of the Hebrew text. Why wouldn't he say that he did not translate the Old Testament? The court also wondered "why" and asked (ibid) (Q): Why the secrecy? (A): Because the committee of translation wanted it to remain anonymous and not seek any glory or honour at the making of a translation, and having any names attached thereto. Why is it the writers of the New Testament books identified their authorship by their names, we know they were not seeking honor. Doesnt it seem that the real reason would be that the translators could not be checked since they had no qualifications and anyone investigating this could not find anyone to assume responsibility for the translation. According to Raymond Franz, only Fred Franz had "sufficient knowledge of the Bible languages to attempt translation of this kind. He had studied Greek for two years in the University of Cincinnati but was only self taught In Hebrew." Raymond Franz, Crisis of Conscience (Atlanta: Commentary Press, 1983), 50 Not one of the men had ever studied Greek, and wouldn't know the difference between an alpha or a omega. Only three of the five had even finished high school. Of those three only one went on to College. His name was Fredrick Franz, the same man who became the President of the Jehovah's Witnesses. He did begin at the University of Cincinnati but only completed two years. He then dropped out of College after the first semester in 1913 because he believed what Russell told him, that Christ was returning in 1914. He does not have even the most basic college degree, and certainly does not possess a degree for advanced study of the Bible. In fact, outside of the Watchtower circle Franz is not recognized by anyone as a scholar.

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REFUSAL TO BELONG TO ANY POLITICAL ORGANIZATION

=============================================================== The Watchtower prohibits inclusion in any governmental politics as depicted in this article called The Judgment upon the Great harlot. The U.N. Building is seen in the background along with its symbol. Depicted here is a Watchtower publication showing the U.N. as in league with the Great Harlot. However, below is a copy of a letter from the U.N. stating that the Watchtower Society applied for membership into a division of the U.N. in 1992. When news of this broke, the Watchtower Society quickly requested to disassociate. This request was granted on October 9, 2001.

Below is an article from 1919 praising the United Nations. To the left is a picture of the UN building associated with the Great Harlot.

"We cannot but admire the high principles embodied in the proposed League of Nations, formulated undoubtedly by those who have no knowledge of the great plan of God. This fact makes all the more wonderful the ideals which they express... the league shall not be established merely for the purpose of promoting peace by threat or coercion; but that its purpose, when put into operation, will be to make of all nations of earth one great family, working together for the common benefit in all the avenues of national life. Truly this is idealistic, and approximates in a small way that which God has foretold that he will bring about after this great time of trouble." (Watchtower, Feb, 15, 1919, p51)

Why the switch in Doctrinal beliefs?

Light in any form from God is pure and is light. Wouldnt dim light still be just as true and just as trust worthy as bright light especially when the light is speaking of Truth?

Is truth more true as it gets brighter?

The Watchtower has claimed itself to be the channel by which Jehovah disseminates his scriptural truth to the world and to the millions of Jehovahs Witness. If this is the case, and the Governing Body is indeed that body of individuals who receives that message directly from Jesus, then doctrine from the Governing Body should be immovable and immutable regardless of the age or time shouldnt it?

However, this letter (below on the next page) was sent to the Watchtower on October 9, 2001, terminating an association agreement that was applied for by the Watchtower and was in force from 1992.

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The Cross:
John 20:25 Consequently the other disciples would say to him: `We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them: `Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will certainly not believe.' NWT The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. KJV

Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails.. nails is Plural. It would have only taken one nail for both hands for a torture stake. Please explain:

The Watchtower attributes the Cross to paganism, however for over 50 years the Watchtower held it in high regard. Even so much as to make it a part of the cover of Watchtower Magazine.

At its inception in 1884 and for more than half a century, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society held the cross in high esteem. Many of the sects publications during these early years contained references some with vivid illustrations of Christs death upon a cross. The Societys early symbol, a cross and crown, was featured on the cover of each edition of The Watch Tower magazine. Founder Charles Taze Russells pyramid monument at his gravesite in Pittsburghs Rosemont United Cemetery bears the image (of a cross); a testimony to the Societys former esteem of that which it now calls pagan. Was Charles Taze Russell aware that he was promoting a pagan symbol?

If Russell was the first slave why would Jehovah allow him, or any of the Governing Body to be wrong or to promote something or some teaching that is would be so despicable to Jehovah?

Beginning on Oct. 15th,1931, the Watchtower Society changed their stand, and began to teach that Jesus died on an upright 'stake', rather than upon a 'cross'.

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Here are picture of Russells head stone and the pyramid that marks the location of the headstone. You can see Russells grave marker in the background. The picture below shows that the pyramid that marks the location of the founding father of Jehovahs Witnesses has a CROSS on the maker.

Irenaeus of Lyons (died 200 AD): said The very form of the cross, too, has five extremities, two in length, two in breadth, and one in the middle, on which [last] the person rests who is fixed by the nails. And since He is the Word of God Almighty, who invisibly pervades the whole creation, and encompasses its length, breadth, height, and depth - for by the Word of God everything is administered - so too was the Son of God crucified in these fourfold dimensionsthat He might demonstrate, by His visible form on the cross, His activity which is on the invisible level, for it is He who illumines the heights, that is, the things in heaven, and holds the deeps, which is beneath the earth, and stretches the length from the East to the West, and who navigates the breadth of the northern and southern regions, inviting the dispersed from all sides to the knowledge of the Father. And again, concerning His cross, Isaiah says, I stretched out my hands all the day to a disbelieving and contrary people, for this is a sign of the cross. The Following is a list of Watchtower Publications that show Christ on an actual CROSS: 1927 Picture of Christ on a cross. (Creation; 1927; 2,175,000 ed.; p. 265) 1927 Picture of Christ on a cross. (Creation; 1927; 2,175,000 ed.; p. 336) 1928 Picture of Christ on a cross. (The Harp of God; 1921; 1928 ed.; p. 113) 1929 Picture of Christ carrying a cross. (Life; 1929; 1,000,000 ed.; p. 198)

"Jesus was crucified upon the cross; but it is a well-known fact that, contrary to the custom in respect to the victims of crucifixion, not one bone of his body was broken." (Life; 1929; 1,000,000 ed.; p. 216)
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To say that the cross is a pagan symbol just because pagan use the symbol doesnt belittle the meaning or the historical use. The watchtower for decades used Mason symbols and even Russell himself used the symbol of the sun god Rah on the cover of his Study in the Scripture volumes.

Michael and Christ Jesus

It is understood that The Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus existed as Michael the archangel prior to coming to earth and became Michael again at his resurrection. They claim that Jesus was only a man when he was on earth, and when He died, the man Jesus ceased to exist, being raised as a spirit creature the archangel Michael: So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God. (Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 218) It is my understanding that, in order to prove that Jesus is Michael the archangel, Jehovahs Witnesses often point to passages like Daniel 10:13 where Michael is seen as one of the chief princes. The fact that Michael is one of the chief princes, however, indicates that Michael is not unique. Jesus is more than just a Prince or Ruler. The Bible calls Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 17:14; 19:16) This title indicates absolute sovereignty and authority and is a far cry from being one of the chief princes who is one among a group of equals. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.... Jehovahs Witnesses use this verse to try to prove that Jesus is Michael the archangel because He comes with the voice of the archangel. However, the fact that Jesus is coming with the archangels voice doesnt mean that He is an archangel. Notice that this verse also says that Jesus is coming with Gods trumpet, but one wouldnt argue that Jesus is God simply because He is coming with Gods trumpet.

Please show me one verse that calls Michael the Arch Angel?

Please show me one verse that would indicate that Michael is superior to any other one of the chief princes?

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WATCHTOWER CONDEMNS MILITARY SERVICE- or do they?

"Notice that there is no command in the Scriptures against military service" (Watchtower, Aug. 1, 1898, pg. 231).

"There could be nothing against our conscience in going into the army. Wherever we would go we could take the Lord with us, the Captain of our salvation, and wherever we would go we could find opportunities to serve him and his cause" (THE WATCHTOWER, April 15, 1903, pg. 120).

Are these articles in conflict with current Watchtower teaching?

Were the writers of these articles truly hearing from God and communicating His message properly?

If not, then how can you be sure that what you are staking your eternal salvation on is TRUE?

What if, after your dead, new light comes and what you were taught was WRONG?

What happens to you?

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SUMMARY:
At Matthew 24:45-51, Jesus describes two types of slaves (or servants) who were put in charge of their masters belongings while their master was away. The faithful and discreet (New World Translation - NWT) was thus rewarded by being appointed over all of his masters possessions. The other slave was unfaithful in his handlings and he was thrown out with the hypocrites when the master returned. Jehovahs Witnesses claim that this passage is prophetically speaking of the Watchtower organization, even though there is nothing in this passage to indicate that this passage is describing an organization of any kind. This class of people and their organization was appointed by Jehovah God to give spiritual food to Gods people in the last days through the publication of its many books and magazines. Does the spiritual food the Watchtower dispenses in its literature prove that it qualifies to be Gods faithful and discreet slave, His channel of communication to mankind?

1.

DISTORTING GODS WORD: (Proverbs 30:6): The Watchtower claims that the translators of their New World Translation remained anonymous, but when research uncovered who the translators were, it was discovered that most of the translators were on the Watchtower Governing Body and all of them lacked the necessary education needed to produce an accurate translation. Greek Scholars have consistently found it to be a biased translation by distorting verses to fit Watchtower doctrine and adding to Gods Word by inserting Jehovah in the Christian Greek Scriptures against all Christian Greek manuscripts. Would Jehovah be behind an organization that adds and takes away from His Word? VIOLATING THE PRINCIPLES OF NEUTRALITY: (John 18:36): While claiming that the United Nations represents the Wild Beast of Revelation 17, the Watchtower associated with the United Nations for 10-years. They also claim that they were neutral during World War II, but in a letter to Hitler in 1933, they admitted to him that they supported the principles of his regime. Is this true neutrality or compromise? FALSE PROPHECYING: (Deuteronomy 18:20-22): While proclaiming to be Gods Prophet and speaking in the name of Jehovah, the Watchtower announced several false dates for the end of the world and even proclaimed that Christs presence had began in 1874. This false proclamation of Christs presence is the precise warning that Jesus gave to His followers when He said that false prophets would proclaim this in the last days! (See Matthew 24:11, 23-24)

2.

3.

Why would Jehovah appoint a group to represent Him that was doing the very thing Jesus warned false prophets would do in the last days?

Why would Jehovah allow his chosen channel picked from all the religions in the world in 1918 to be his mouthpiece and distributor of his message to the multitudes all over the world to be consistently and methodically wrong about a multitude of dates for Armageddon?

New light has nothing to do with false prophecies. The Old Testament prophets were right or wrong. They did not have the excuse of new light. Not only did the Watchtower predict the end of the world and Armageddon, but when it didnt come to pass, they seemed to conveniently make up a reason that it didnt and set another date. The Watchtower even published articles stating that 1914 wasnt when it was to end, but what was meant was that it was the beginning of the end. Lets review the actual article again that Russell himself wrote: True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved In view of this strong bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A.D. 1914(The Time is at Hand- Studies in the Scriptures, vol. II), 1908 reprint (1889 orign.) pp.98,99)

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4. BLOOD GUILTY ACTIONS: (Jeremiah 22:17): The Watchtower has misinterpreted Gods Law on Blood and this misinterpretation of Gods Word has lead to the innocent deaths of countless children. Jehovahs Witnesses have perished, not only by the Watchtower Societys current rejection of all blood transfusions, but by its earlier rejection of hemophiliac preparations, vaccinations and organ transplants all of which it now accepts as no longer violating Gods Blood Law! Did the people who died under the Watchtowers misapplication of Gods Blood Law, die in vain? When we consider the fact that the Watchtower organization is guilty of violating Gods Word (the Bible) in these ways, one has to ask, How can this organization truly qualify to be Gods representative on earth? CHANGES IN WATCHTOWER TRUTH: The Watchtower admits it is a serious matter to reverse ones teaching on key doctrines of religious faith. They state, It is a serious matter to represent God and Christ in one way, then find that our understanding of the major teachings and fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures was in error, and then after that, to go back to the very doctrines that, by years of study, we had thoroughly determined to be in error. Christians cannot be vacillating wishy-washy about such fundamental teachings. What confidence can one put in the sincerity or judgment of such persons? The Watchtower, May 15, 1976, p. 298 The Watchtower claims that the teaching it promotes in its literature is the Truth. Yet, since its inception in 1879, the Watchtower has reversed its position on a number of key doctrines as the following chart demonstrates:

Wishy-Washy to say the least?

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EPHESIANS 4:14-15: As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, and craftiness in deceitful scheming... In His parable at Matthew 24:45-51, far from speaking of a religious organization, Jesus was speaking of individual Christians who would prove faithful or unfaithful to Him by the way they live their lives. This parable was no different than any other parable Jesus gave concerning faithful and unfaithful slaves. The point of Jesus parable at Matthew 24:45-51 is that every Christian is to strive to be a faithful to the Lord so that when he comes for His people, He will find these Christians faithful and reward them with more authority and responsibility. Just as any individual can become part of the evil slave group by being unfaithful to God, so anyone can become part of the faithful slave group by being faithful in the tasks given by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we place our souls in great peril if we entrust our eternal destiny to the hands of human leaders for spiritual security. The Bible says, Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength. (Jeremiah 17:5). The only One we are to look to for eternal life and spiritual Truth is Jesus Christ. He declares, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. (John 14:6) If you want to know more about being truly saved from Hell by trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ as YOUR payment for ALL of you sin, then please contact me. Bobby Long You can find me at www.therockofnea.com. Then scroll to the banner called e-berean. In that section, you will see a button that says, contact us. This will send an email directly to me. I promise, I will email you back within days. Our email conversations will be confidential. That is my promise to you.

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The Gospel message offers a remedy for man's sin disease that separates him from God. Jesus is the ONLY Way: a. [5] For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1Ti 2:5-6 KJV) Jesus ALONE Could Die For Our Sin: a. [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hbr 9:28 KJV) Jesus Work on the Cross is Sufficient NOT Any Work or Any Thing We Do: Jesus is the New Covenant of Grace The Old Covenant was of Works a. [28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Mat 26:28 KJV) It is By the Faith Of Jesus and In Jesus that We Have Salvation: a. [25] Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Rom 3:25 KJV) b. "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). - and that what is that it is FAITH. Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Rom. 3:22 KJV) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Phil. 3:9)

c.

d.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Rom. 5:12) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2) Jesus offers Forgiveness If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Jesus offers us a New Beginning Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Cor. 5:17) What Does Jesus Offer? Love of the Father Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

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The ROMANS ROAD....is a pathway you can walk. It is a group of Bible verses from the book of Romans in the New Testament. If you walk down this road you will end up understanding how to be saved. Salvation is a PERSONAL invitation.. Therefore, the all aspects must turn from the General to the Personal. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We (I) all have sin in our hearts. We (I) all were born with sin. We (I) were born under the power of sin's control. - Admit that you are a sinner. Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..." Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain. - Understand that you deserve death for your sin. Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it. - Ask God to forgive you and save you. Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!" When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us! - Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you! Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!" - Call out to God in the name of Jesus and you will be saved! Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." - If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door, ask Him to come into your heart. Jesus said, Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." - Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door? Believe in Him. Ask Him to come in to your heart by faith, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Open the Bible to the Gospel of John and read what God says about Jesus, about you, and about being born again. God will help you. He loves you. Lets Pray Here is sample prayer It is by no means a formula.. Talking to God asking Him to forgive us of all our sins should be as easy as breathing. God is not only Jehovah, He wants to be ABBA Father, or Daddy.. We can approach Him with fear and admonition but also as a loving Daddy who wants the best for us.

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"Lord Jesus, I need You. I know that I have sinned against you and deserve punishment. I know that there is nothing I can do or say that would make me right with you if I were to stand before you now. My sin has separated me from You and I ask You to forgive me of my sin in the name of Jesus. The Bible says that if I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God has raised You from the dead, I will be saved. Thank you Jesus that Your Word is True. Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. My hope is in You and You alone. In Jesus Name I Pray. AMEN. You need to look for a local church where God's word is preached. I would consider it an honor to have you visit my local church, The Rock of NEA. The directions are on the web page given earlier. A church is not for salvation or to get a list of Dos and Donts, but so that we can help you as YOU learn from the Word and the Holy Spirit teaches you. Paul wrote the things he did so we could know we have eternal life. Jesus Christ can offer assurance of salvation based on his work, not ours. The Bible says that we are to desire God's word like a newborn baby desires mother's milk. Aren't you hungry to know the truth? Be Baptized: Water baptism is one of the ways you first show that you have been joined to Jesus. This is an action, and actions will not save you. However, it is an act of obedience and a symbol of commitment. The symbolism is this: When you go down in the water you show that You have been crucified and buried with Him, And when you come up out of the water you show that you have been raised to walk with Him in newness of life. (See Romans chapter 6) If you prayed that prayer to ask Jesus into your heart to rule and reign, please let me know.. In Christ Bobby Long The Rock of NEA e-berean Contact Us.

FOR FURTHER INFO ON PAST PUBLICATIONS FROM THE JEHOVAHS WITNESS PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES..

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APPENDIX OF SORTED MATERIAL

Russell used Masonic imagery from the Knights Templar logo of the Masons as an emblem on the cover of the Watchtower. 1. Jehovahs Witnesses Proclaimers of Gods Kingdom 1993, pg 88, Has a picture of emblems on Watchtower in upper left hand corner, its a cross & crown and a armored knight with two swords.

Russell used the symbol of the sungod Ra on the covers of his books. 1.Jehovahs Witnesses Proclaimers of Gods Kingdom 1993,pg 88, Has a picture the books The Finished Mystery and Pastor Russells Sermons with the symbol on it. 2.Jehovahs Witnesses Proclaimers of Gods Kingdom 1993,pg 651, Has a picture the book The Finished Mystery with the symbol on it. The Egyptian winged disc symbol (the Uatchti), which appeared in Watchtower literature from 1911 to 1920. It represents Heru (Moonlight), an avatar of the Egyptian god Horus. A personification of the daytime sky and sun, some priests claimed he predated his own birth.

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Flip Flop on position of Blood:

If the channel of God is the Watchtower, then consistent interpretation should be a sign that the channel is correctly hearing from God because doesnt change. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. In light of this please explain the following changes concerning Blood.. How many thousands of men, women, and children died because they would not take blood?

Blood transfusions spoken of favorably in 1940. Consolation 12/25/1940 page 19 In New York city a house wife in moving a boarder's things accidentally shot herself through the heart with his revolver. She was rushed to a hospital, her left breast was cut around, four ribs were cut away, the heart was lifted out, three stitches were taken, one of the attending physicians in the great emergency gave a quart of his blood for transfusion, and today the woman lives and smiles gaily over what happened to her in the busiest 23 minutes of her life. Blood officially banned in 1945. Watchtower 7/1/1945, page 201 See, then, that the Most High and Holy God gave plain instructions as to the disposition of blood, in harmony with his everlasting covenant made with Noah and all of his descendants; and see that the only use of blood that he authorized in order to furnish life to humankind was the use of it as a propitiation or atonement for sin; and seeing that it was to be done upon his holy altar or at his mercy seat, and not by taking such blood directly into the human body; therefore it behooves all worshipers of Jehovah who seek eternal life in his new world of righteousness to respect the sanctity of blood and to confirm themselves to God's righteous ruling concerning this vital matter. The Society disallowed the use of "blood fractions". Awake! 01/08/1954 page 24 We are told that it takes one and a third pints of whole blood to get enough of the blood protein or "fraction" known as gamma globulin for one injection. And since from the foregoing it must be admitted that such use of human blood is highly questionable, what justification can there be for the use of gamma globulin? Further, those interested in the Scriptural aspect will note that its being made of whole blood places it in the same category as blood transfusions as far as Jehovah's prohibition of taking blood into the system is concerned. - See Leviticus 17:10 - 14; Acts 15:20, 28, 29. Awake 9/8/1956 page 20 While this physician argues for the use of certain blood fractions, particularly albumin, such also come under the Scriptural ban. In fact, these fractions are being used not only by physicians but also by food processors, and so it would be well to note the labels on such products to see if they contain any blood substances or fractions. When in doubt, it would be best to do without. The Society changed and allowed "blood fractions" in 1958. Watchtower 9/15/1958 page 575 Are we to consider the injection of serums such as diphtheria toxin antitoxin and blood fractions such as gamma globulin into the blood stream, for the purpose of building up resistance to disease by means of antibodies, the same as the drinking of blood or the taking of blood or blood plasma by means of transfusions? - N.P., United States. No, it does not seem necessary that we put the two in the same category, although we have done so in times past. While God did not intend for man to contaminate his blood stream by vaccines, serums or blood fractions, doing so does not seem to be included in God's expressed will forbidding blood as food. It would therefore be a matter of individual judgment whether one accepted such types of medication or not.

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The Society changed again, and disallowed "blood fractions" in 1961. Watchtower 9/15/1961 pages 558-599 Respect for the Sanctity of Blood But regardless of whether it is whole blood or a blood fraction, whether it is blood taken from ones own body or that taken from someone else, whether it is administered as a transfusion or as an injection, the divine law applies. God has not given man blood to use as he might use other substances; he requires respect for the sanctity of blood. The Society changes again, and now allows "blood fractions" in 1964 Watchtower 11/15/1964 pages 680, 681, 682, 683 The Society does not endorse any of the modern medical uses of blood, such as the uses of blood in connection with inoculations. Inoculation is, however, a virtually unavoidable circumstance in some segments of society, and so we leave it up to the conscience of the individual to determine whether to submit to inoculation with a serum containing blood fractions for the purpose of building up antibodies to fight against disease. If a person did this, he may derive comfort under the circumstances from the fact that he is not directly eating blood, which is expressly forbidden in God's Word. It is not used for food or to replace lost blood. Here the Christian must make his own decision based on conscience. Therefore, whether a Christian will submit to inoculation with a serum, or whether doctors or nurses who are Christians will administer such, is for personal decision. Christians in the medical profession are individually responsible for employment decisions....In harmony with Deuteronomy 14:21, the administering of blood upon request to worldly persons is left to the Christian doctor's own conscience. This is similar to the situation facing a Christian butcher or grocer who must decide whether he can conscientiously sell blood sausage to a worldly person. Awake 08/22/1965 page 18 The fact that serums are prepared from blood makes them undesirable to Christians because of the Biblical law against the use of blood. However, since they do not involve the use of blood as a food to nourish the body, which the Bible directly forbids, their use is a matter that must be decided by each person according to his conscience. Watchtower 6/1/1974 pages 351, 352 Serums or antitoxins are used. These are obtained from the blood of humans or animals that have already developed the antibodies for fighting the disease. Usually the blood is processed and the blood fraction (gamma globulin) containing the antibodies is separated and made into a serum. When this is injected into the patient it gives him temporary passive immunity. This is temporary, for the antibodies do not become a permanent part of his blood; when these pass out of his body he is no longer immune to the disease. It can thus be seen that serums (unlike vaccines) contain a blood fraction, though minute....What, then, of the use of a serum containing only a minute fraction of blood and employed to supply an auxiliary defense against some infection and not employed to perform the life - sustaining function that blood normally carries out? We believe that here the conscience of each Christian must decide.

Parent's must not allow children to have blood transfusions. Watchtower 12/01/1967 page 724 Whereas the Mosaic law with its provisions about fat was abolished when Christ died as a sacrifice, the Apostolic Christian Council of Jerusalem reaffirmed God's law to Noah and applied it to the true Christian congregation. Christian fathers are obliged to teach this law and enforce it with regard to their minor children, for by God's law the fathers are the spiritual, religious guardians as well as the domestic parental caretakers of their underage children. The Christian witnesses of Jehovah today recognize that fact and follow the divine rule of conduct. They endeavor to keep their children from violating God's law to Noah and also the Jerusalem Council's decree. (Eph. 6:4) Rightly they try to protect their children from taking foreign blood into them.

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Watchtower 6/15/1991 page 18 If you have children, are you sure that they agree with and can explain the Bible - based stand on transfusions? Do they truly believe this stand to be God's will? Are they convinced that to violate God's law would be so serious that it could put at risk a Christian's prospect for everlasting life? Wise parents will review these matters with their children, whether they be very young or almost adults. Parents may hold practice sessions in which each youth faces questions that might be posed by a judge or a hospital official. The goal is not to have a youth repeat by rote selected facts or answers. It is more important that they know what they believe, and why. Of course, at a court hearing, the parents or others might present information about the risks of blood and the availability of alternative therapies. But what a judge or an official would likely seek to learn from speaking with our children is whether they maturely understand their situation and options and also whether they have their own values and firm convictions.

Hemophilia treatments are wrong. Awake 2/22/1975 page 30 Hemophilia Treatment Hazard Certain clotting "factors" derived from blood are now in wide use for the treatment of hemophilia, a disorder causing uncontrollable bleeding. However, those given this treatment face another deadly hazard: the Swiss medical weekly Schweizer Med Wochenschrift reports that almost 40 percent of 113 hemophiliacs studied had cases of hepatitis. "All these patients had received whole blood, plasma, or blood derivatives containing [the factors]," notes the report. Of course, true Christians do not use this potentially dangerous treatment, heeding the Bible's command to 'abstain from blood.' Hemophilia treatments are allowed now. Watchtower 06/15/1978 pages 29 thru 31 What, however, about accepting serum injections to fight against disease, such as are employed for diphtheria, tetanus, viral hepatitis, rabies, hemophilia and Rh incompatibility? ...This seems to fall into a 'gray area.'... Hence, we have taken the position that this question must be resolved by each individual on a personal basis....How concerned should a Christian be about blood in food products? ...This may call for a degree of care.... Christians, individually, must decide what to do.

The Society published what is the main components of blood: Awake 10/22/1990 page 4 The Main Components of Blood Plasma: about 55 percent of the blood. It is 92 percent water; the rest is made up of complex proteins, such as globulins, fibrinogens, and albumin Platelets: about 0.17 percent of the blood White Cells: about 0.1 percent Red Cells: about 45 percent

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The Society now allows these parts of blood, and most Jehovah's Witnesses are unaware of this. Where in the Bible is this written? Awake 6/22/1982 page 25 While these verses are not stated in medical terms, Witnesses view them as ruling out transfusion of whole blood, packed RBCs, and plasma, as well as WBC and platelet administration. However, Witnesses religious understanding does not absolutely prohibit the use of components such as albumin, immune globulins, and hemophiliac preparations; each Witness must decide individually if he can accept these. Watchtower 6/1/1990 page 31 Questions From Readers Others have felt that a serum (antitoxin) such as immune globulin containing only a tiny fraction of a donors blood plasma and used to bolster their defense against disease is not the same as a life-sustaining blood transfusion. So their consciences may not forbid them to take immune globulin or similar fractions.* They may conclude that for them the decision will rest primarily on whether they are willing to accept any health risks involved in an injection made from others blood. That some protein fractions from the plasma do move naturally into the blood system of another individual (the fetus) may be another consideration when a Christian is deciding whether he will accept immune globulin albumin or similar injections of plasma fractions. One person may feel that he in good conscience can; another may conclude that he cannot. Each must resolve the matter personally before God. *One example is Rh immune globulin which doctors may recommend when there is Rh incompatibility between a woman and her fetus. Another is Factor VIII which is given to hemophiliacs. Watchtower 10/1/1994 page 31 Currently a small amount of albumin is also used in injections of the synthetic hormone EPO (erythropoietin). Some Witnesses have accepted injections of EPO because it can hasten red blood cell production and so may relieve a physician of a feeling that a blood transfusion might be needed....As noted, many Witnesses have not objected to accepting an injection that contains a small quantity of albumin. Awake 2/22/1995 page 21 The doctors decided to provide alternative treatment. Plasma was extracted from the blood, and thus antibodies attacking my blood cells and kidney tissues were removed. I was then given injections of Ringer's solution together with albumin. I had discussed this treatment with the doctors and gave them written permission to administer it. The Society does not let an individual store their own blood before an operation. Watchtower 10/15/1959, page 640 Consequently, the removal of one's blood, storing it and later putting it back into the same person would be a violation of the Scriptural principles that govern the handling of blood....if the blood were stored, even for a brief period of time, this would be a violation of the Scriptures...Again, if one's own blood would have to be withdrawn at intervals and stored until a sufficient amount had accumulated to set a machine in operation, this too would fall under Scriptural prohibition. Awake 4/8/1972 29-30 Men of science are constantly developing new methods for performing surgical operations. The Journal of the American Medical Association, dated November 15, 1971, described a procedure for open-heart surgery that employs sever hemodilution. Early in the operation a large quantity of blood is drawn off into a plastic blood bag. Though the bag is left connected to the patient by a tube, the removed and stored blood is no longer circulating in the patient's system. It is replaced with a plasma volume expander, which dilutes the blood remaining in the veins and which gradually dissipates during the operative procedure. Near the conclusion of the operation the blood storage bag is elevated, and the stored blood is reinfused into the patient..... These techniques are noteworthy to Christians, since they run counter to God's Word. The Bible shows that blood is not to be taken out of a body, stored and then later reused.

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Blood outside the body is now permitted as long as it is flowing continuously, and so is Hemodilution. Watchtower 3/1/1989 pages 30 & 31 Do Jehovah's Witnesses allow the use of autologous blood (Autotransfusion), such as by having their own blood stored and later put back into them? This clearly rules out one common use of autologous blood - preoperative collection, storage, and later infusion of a patient's own blood....Jehovah's Witnesses, though, DO NOT accept this procedure....In a somewhat different process, autologous blood can be diverted from a patient to a hemodialysis device (artificial kidney) or a heart - lung pump. The blood flows out through a tube to the artificial organ that pumps and filters (or oxygenates) it, and then it returns to the patient's circulatory system . Some Christians have permitted this if the equipment is not primed with stored blood....What, though, if the flow of such autologous blood stopped briefly, such as if a heart - lung machine is shut down while the surgeon checks the integrity of coronary - bypass grafts?...a Christian having to decide whether to permit his blood to be diverted through some external device ought to focus, not primarily on whether a brief interruption in flow might occur, but on whether he conscientiously felt that the diverted blood would still be part of his circulatory system. Galatians 6:5. What about induced Hemodilution?...Some Christians have accepted this, others have refused. Again, each individual must decide whether he would consider the blood diverted in such a Hemodilution circuit to be similar to that flowing through a heart/lung machine, or he would think of it as blood that left him and therefore should be disposed of. A final example of autologous blood use involves recovering and reusing blood during surgery. Equipment is used to aspirate blood from the wound, pump it out through a filter (to remove clots or debris) or a centrifuge (to eliminate fluids), and then direct it back into the patient. Many Christians have been very concerned whether in such salvage there might be any brief interruption of blood flow. Yet, as mentioned, a more Biblical concern is whether the blood escaping into a surgical wound is still part of the person. Does the fact that the blood has flowed from his circulatory system into the wound mean that it should be 'poured out,' like the blood mentioned at Leviticus 17:13? If an individual believes so, he would probably refuse to permit such blood salvage. Yet, another Christian (who also would not let blood flow from him, be stored for some time, and later be put back into him) might conclude that a circuit with recovery from a surgical site and ongoing reinfusion. would not violate his trained conscience....When faced with a question in this area, each Christian is responsible to obtain details from medical personnel and then make a personal decision....While modern medicine might be able to help us extend our lives for a time, we certainly would not want to extend our present life by doing anything that would violate our Christian conscience or would displease our Life - Giver. The writer/editer of the blood brochure seems to not be aware that intraopertive collection and induced hemodilution is now allowed. How Can Blood Save Your Life?, 1990, page 27 brochure Witnesses believe that blood removed from the body should be disposed of, so they do not accept autotransfusion of predeposited blood. Techniques for intraoperative collection or hemodilution that involve blood storage are objectionable to them.

As mentioned above, the Society does allow the use of these blood components such as: "gamma globulin" and "Factor VIII" which is from stored blood. The Society even acknowledges these components come from donors. Awake! 1/8/1954 page 24 We are told that it takes one and a third pints of whole blood to get enough of the blood protein or "fraction" known as gamma globulin for one injection. Watchtower 6/15/1985 page 30 Each batch of Factor VIII is made from plasma that is pooled from as many as 2 500 blood donors. It seems that by importing this blood product the AIDS virus was transferred to the British supply.

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The Society threatens its members if they take a blood transfusion. Watchtower 1/15/1961 63-4 Questions from Readers In view of the seriousness of taking blood into the human system by a transfusion, would violation of the Holy Scriptures in this regard subject the dedicated, baptized receiver of blood transfusion to being disfellowshiped from the Christian congregation? If, however, he refuses to acknowledge his nonconformity to the required Christian standard and makes the matter an issue in the Christian congregation and endeavors to influence others therein to his support; or, if in the future he persists in accepting blood transfusions or in donating blood toward the carrying out of this medical practice upon others, he shows that he has really not repented, but is deliberately opposed to Gods requirements. As a rebellious opposer and unfaithful example to fellow members of the Christian congregation he must be cut off there from by disfellowshiping. The Society allows Jehovah's Witness Doctors to give blood transfusions to "worldly people" Watchtower 11/15/1964 pages 682-683 Employment and Your Conscience Christians in the medical profession are individually responsible for employment decisions. They must bear the consequences of decisions made, in keeping with the principle at Galatians 6:5. Some doctors who are Jehovahs witnesses have administered blood transfusions to persons of the world upon request. However, they do not do so in the case of one of Jehovahs dedicated witnesses. In harmony with Deuteronomy 14:21, the administering of blood upon request to worldly persons is left to the Christian doctors own conscience. This is similar to the situation facing a Christian butcher or grocer who must decide whether he can conscientiously sell blood sausage to a worldly person.

Who is blood guilty before Jehovah God?

If the Society believes you should not have blood according to the Bible, then where in the Bible does it allow certain parts of blood?

What about all of the followers of the Society that needed a blood fraction when they where in there "not allowed mode"?

Did any of these die needlessly?

Does Jehovah give "new light blinking back and forth" to the Governing Body so they can keep adjusting their stand on parts of blood?

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The Winepress mentioned in Revelation 14 mentions a distance of 1600 furlongs is determined to be the place where the Finished Mystery was completed Brooklyn NY and then measuring the distance to Bethel; but only if you took the Hoboken Ferry

Scriptural references are give to John 6:60,61 and Matthew 20: 11 as support for this calculation. Notice, it can only be achieve by way of the Hoboken Ferry. This was all gathered from scripture?

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In this part of the book, Russell attributes Michael as being the POPE and his angels were the Bishops. Who is Michael Jesus or the Pope?

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Perhaps the most frequently repeated lie in the Watchtower Society's (WTS) publications is that from 1876 onwards - 38 years before 1914 - they forecasted that 1914 marked the START of "the conclusion of the system of things". In support the WTS often quotes the Bible Examiner. This paper was published by one George Storrs (1796-1879) who greatly influenced Charles Russell the first president of the WTS. Russell wrote in the Bible Examiner of 1876 an article called Gentile Times: When Do They End? This article is frequently referred in WTS publications but has never been quoted in full for obvious reasons. We are quoting below an extract from this article to show that what WTS now says about what Russell actually wrote in 1876 is dishonest. Russell referring to the Gentile Times as a period of 2520 years wrote:

At the commencement of our Christian era, 606 years of this time had passedwhich deducted from 2520, would show that the seven times would end in 1914We will ask, but not now answer, another question: If the Gentile Times end in 1914, (and there are many other and clearer evidences pointing to the same time) and we are told that it shall be with fury poured out; a time of trouble such as never was before, nor ever shall be; a day of wrath etc., how long before does the church escape? as Jesus says, "watch that ye may be accounted worthy to escape those things coming upon the world". Bible Examiner October 1876 pp. 27-28 The fact is that the article by Russell does not and could not have referred to 1914 as the START of the "conclusion of the system of things". Russell firmly believed that "the conclusion of the system of things" (also called the "time of the end") began in 1799, and that Christ came invisibly in 1874 and that the church would "escape" before 1914. It was taught by Russell almost right up to 1914, that 1914 was going to be the END of the "system of things". For example: We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

Following are a few extracts from WTS's CD-ROM acclaiming or implying their prescience about 1914 marking the START of "the conclusion of the system of things". Awake! 1973 1/22 p. 8 Of all men used by God to prophesy, Jesus is outstanding. Based on what he said, along with the words of Daniel and John, Jehovah's witnesses pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance*, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things." *See, for example, the Bible Examiner, Vol. XXI, No. 1 (Whole No. 313), October 1876, pages 27, 28. Awake! 1973 10/8 p.18 So counting from 607 B.C.E. when the Gentile nations gained exclusive domination of the earth, when do those "appointed times" end? The answer is 1914. Jehovah's witnesses pointed to that year as early as 1876 in an article written by C. T. Russell and published in the Bible Examiner. Thirty-eight years later that marked year of 1914 arrived.

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Yearbook 1975 p.37 Even earlier, however, C. T. Russell wrote an article entitled "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" It was published in the Bible Examiner of October 1876, and therein Russell said: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914." He had correctly linked the Gentile Times with the "seven times" mentioned in the book of Daniel. (Dan. 4:16, 23, 25, 32) True to such calculations, 1914 did mark the end of those times and the birth of God's kingdom in heaven with Christ Jesus as king. Just think of it! Jehovah granted his people that knowledge nearly four decades before those times expired. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 The Watchtower 1981 2/15 p. 10 Hence, another respected authority (Harold Macmillan) adds his voice to those of numerous statesmen and historians who, in looking back, recognized the significance of the year 1914. Yet, decades before that year arrived, dedicated students of Bible prophecy were able to identify 1914 as a climactic turning point. (The "Bible Examiner," October 1876, pp. 27, 28) These Bible prophecies also reveal that the "generation" that saw the events beginning in 1914 would also see the "conclusion of the system of things."Matt. 24:3, 7-22, 32-35. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 The Watchtower 1983 5/15 p. 16 As early as in the year 1876, in an article that he submitted for publishing in The Bible Examiner, the president had pointed forward to 1914 as the date for "the times of the Gentiles" to end, with serious consequences for the whole world of mankind. (Luke 21:24, Authorized Version) Amazingly, at the time that the president announced to the Brooklyn Bethel family that the Gentile Times had ended, the first world war of all human history was in its 66th day. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 Revelation - Its grand Climax At Hand! (1989) p.105 From the mid-1870's, Jehovah's people had been anticipating that catastrophic events would start in 1914 and would mark the end of the Gentile Times. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

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The Watchtower 1990 10/15 p. 19 For 38 years prior to 1914, the Bible Students, as Jehovah's Witnesses were then called, pointed to that date as the year when the Gentile Times would end. What outstanding proof that is that they were true servants of Jehovah! But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 Our Incoming World Government (1977) p. 131 Ever since the year 1876 those who became associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and the International Bible Students Association had been publicly declaring that the Gentile Times would terminate in early autumn of 1914.

What should be remembered is that the present leaders of the WTS have rescued only the phrase "end of the Gentile Times" from pre-1914 WTS publications as can be seen from the above quotations.

What they deceitfully do not tell is that 1914 marked, in pre-1914 publications, the end of the world and the ushering in of Armageddon at that time. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226

The Watchtower says:

A religion that teaches lies cannot be true. (WT December 1, 1991 p. 7)

Lets review again the teaching of Russell: It was taught by Russell almost right up to 1914, that 1914 was going to be the END of the "system of things". For example: We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

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Above is an article that says that Jehovah thrust out His hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths The Watchtower is claiming to be the mouthpiece of Jehovah. In a publication called, The Nations Shall Know 1971, pg. 58-62 they say ..as a mouthpiece and active agent...... commission to speak as a prophet in the name of Jehovah...

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But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226

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Lets look at a previous publication from the Wathchtower.

We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14-) which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earths present rulership, is already commenced.

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What the above charts shows is that in the May 1, 1968 issue of the Watchtower pg. 273, they indicate that

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in 1975 that ARMEGEDON would happen and that would usher in the 1000 Year Reign to end in 2975

Then in June 15, 1974, pg. 381, the write about false prophets and give another description of the actions and what they do.

They say that the false prophet is not a person, but is a system or an organization. A false prophet would mislead others, to turn them away from God and toward false worship.

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The above article says there there was disappointment concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925. were glad to learn that they were fixed dates and they learned. to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass

However, they

In order for the Watchtower to quit fixing dates they must have fixed dates They admit to predicting future events which is prophecy. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226

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But they just cant help themselves: The Watchtower 1968 May 1 p. 271 Thus, Adam's naming of the animals and his realizing that he needed a counterpart would have occupied only a brief time after his creation. Since it was also Jehovah's purpose for man to multiply and fill the earth, it is logical that he would create Eve soon after Adam, perhaps just a few weeks or months later in the same year, 4026 B.C.E. After her creation, God's rest day, the seventh period,immediately followed. Therefore, God's seventh day and the time man has been on earth apparently run parallel. To calculate where man is in the stream of time relative to God's seventh day of 7,000 years, we need to determine how long a time has elapsed from the year of Adam and Eve's creation in 4026 B.C.E. From the autumn of that year to the autumn of 1 B.C.E., there would be 4,025 years. From the autumn of 1 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1 C.E. is one year (there was no zero year). From the autumn of 1 C.E. to the autumn of 1967 is a total of 1,966 years. Adding 4,025 and 1 and 1,966, we get 5,992 years from the autumn of 4026 B.C.E. to the autumn of 1967. Thus, eight years remain to account for a full 6,000 years of the seventh day. Eight years from the autumn of 1967 would bring us to the autumn of 1975, fully 6,000 years into God's seventh day, his rest day.

The Motto was Stay Alive till 75

Jehovahs Witnesses leaders claim that their organization is, "the only organization on earth that understands the 'deep things of God'!" (The Watchtower 1973 July 1 p. 402) But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 They call their publications "true religion" and say of true religion, "its teachings must all be in harmony with God's word." (The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life 1968 p. 130) But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 The Watchtower recognizes the truth as belonging to Jehovah, and not to any creature. The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of men. No man's opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. God feeds his own people, and surely God uses those who love and serve him according to his own will. (Watchtower, November 1, 1931 p. 327) But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226 the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

Please tell me what is being fed?

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Furthermore The Watchtower (1943 July 1 p. 202) says: "Jehovah God is therefore the only Supreme Court of interpretation of His inspired word." The subsequent page adds: To such remnant of faithful servants of Jehovah God Christ Jesus has entrusted all "his goods", or earthly interests of the Kingdom. This does not signify that the faithful remnant or society of Jehovah's anointed witnesses are an earthly tribunal of interpretation, delegated to interpret the Scriptures and its prophecies. No; Christ Jesus the King has not entrusted that office to them. THE SUPREME COURT STILL INTERPRETS, thank God; and Christ Jesus, the Court's official mouthpiece of interpretation, reserves to himself that office as head of Jehovah's "faithful and wise servant" class. He merely uses the "servant" class to publish the interpretation after the Supreme Court by Christ Jesus reveals it. (p. 203)

In the days of the Old Testament, sometimes the prophet understood what the prophecy meant and other times, they did not. In the above passage, the faithful and wise servant class has put themselves in a much higher position that even the OT prophets. They dont have to worry about interpreting the prophecy, Jesus is doing that for them. All they are doing is publishing the interpretation after Jesus has already interpreted it. This can only mean one thing, that the Governing Body is putting itself in a position of indisputable and unequivocal authority in declaring that what comes out of their mouth is ex-cathedra or from the throne. If it is from Jesus, Himself, then it CANNOT BE WRONG. But. We see no reason in changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. The Watchtower July 15, 1894 p. 226

the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. The Time Is At Hand 1889 p. 76-77.

If it is wrong, then, Who is wrong? _______________ Governing Body _______________ Jesus

If the Governing Body is wrong, then by their own definition, they are declared THEMSELVES to be false prophets. Please explain how this can be viewed any other way?

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BIBLICAL ANSWER TO JEHOVAHS WITNESS PROOF TEXTS:

.: Did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram after his ascension into heaven? 2 CHRONICLES 21:12: "then a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet...." JEHOVAH'S WITNESS ARGUMENT: Jehovah's Witnesses teach that no person who lived prior to the coming of Jesus Christ went to heaven. In order to support their ideology, they explain Elijah's ascension into heaven as a temporary removal from one place on earth to another and claim that Elijah reappeared on earth to send a letter to King Jehoram at 2 Chronicles 21:12 years after he went up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11).1. BIBLICAL RESPONSE: There is no indication that Elijah went up to heaven before he sent the letter to King Jehoram of Judah. We read at 1 Kings 22:50 and 2 Kings 1:17 that Jehoram became King of Judah two years before a different King Jehoram became king of Israel. It wasn't until the NEXT chapter at 2 Kings 2:11 (during the reign of this other King Jehoram of Israel) that we read of Elijah's ascension into heaven. It is important to note that nowhere does the Bible give a specific year for Elijah's translation into heaven. We only know that it happened sometime during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel. Since King Jehoram of Judah (who received the letter from Elijah) had already been reigning two years by the time King Jehoram of Israel took the throne, Elijah could have easily sent his letter to King Jehoram of Judah before his ascension into heaven at 2 Kings 2:11. 2 Chronicles 21:19 notes that Jehoram of Judah began to experience the effects of the condemning words in Elijah's letter two years before he died in the eighth year of his reign, so it is reasonable to conclude that Elijah's letter and his subsequent translation to heaven occurred sometime between Jehoram of Judah's second to sixth year of reign. Furthermore, if Elijah was to reappear on earth and resume his ministry after ascending into heaven for a few years, one would have to question why Elijah spoke of being "taken from" his apprentice Elisha and why he would have gone to the effort of requesting for Elisha a "double portion" of his spirit upon leaving.2. Such commitment to Elisha would hardly seem relevant if Elijah was to resume his work on earth only a few years after the whirlwind incident. Thus, we see that not only does the Scriptural account negate the Watchtower's view of Elijah's ascension, but the circumstances surrounding the event speak of the permanence of his ascension into heaven until he appears with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration at Matthew 17:3. ============

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PROVERBS 8:12, 22-23 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence....The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way....From everlasting I was established.... The Societys New World Translation translates Proverbs 8:22 as Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way. They use these verses in Proverbs 8 attempting to prove that Jesus was created and thus has not always existed. Although the Society admits that these verses in context are speaking of wisdom personified, they claim that this passage is actually a figure of speech for Jesus as a spirit creature prior to his human existence.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 14

If the wisdom in Proverbs 8 is actually referring to Jesus, who is the prudence16. then Jesus (as wisdom) dwells with? If wisdom had to be created (was produced), are we to conclude that God had no wisdom until a certain time when He created it? It is obvious that God wouldnt be God if there was a time when He was without wisdom. Therefore, we must recognize that wisdom is just as eternal as God is. In fact, the same Hebrew word translated everlasting or time indefinite (owlam) which is used to express Gods eternal nature at Psalm 90:2 is used to express the eternal nature of wisdom at Proverbs 8:23. The New American Translation better translates these passages as it states that God possessed wisdom, rather than produced wisdom. These passages reveal how God brought forth wisdom to take part in His creation.

PROVERBS 8:22-23

PSALM 90:2

The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His Even from everlasting [owlam] to everlasting, works of old. From everlasting [owlam] I was established, From the Thou art God. beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

At Proverbs 1:20-21, wisdom is personified as a woman who cries in the streets. As is seen by examining the context, there is no indication in this passage that the wisdom which is being discussed in Proverbs 1-9 is to be associated with Christ. Nevertheless, even if one takes the position that the Watchtower Society maintains (that this wisdom is referring to Christ), one would have to come to the conclusion that Jesus is just as eternal as God is, since it is obvious that wisdom could not have been created. Proverbs 8:22-23 cannot be used to prove that Jesus is a created being. In fact, quite the opposite is true, for by utilizing the Societys position, one can argue for the eternal nature of Christ from these passages!

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HABAKKUK 1:12 Are you not from long ago, O Jehovah? O my God, my Holy One, you do not die. Habakkuk 1:12 New World Translation The Society argues that Jesus cant be God because God doesnt die, and the Bible clearly reveals that Jesus died. (Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 18)

While it is true that one of the attributes of our immutable God is that He does not die, the Societys translation of you do not die at Habakkuk 1:12 is not supported by the Hebrew text. Recognized translations such as the King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, and Revised Standard Version all state, we shall not die. This is significant when one considers the fact that in this passage, Jehovah God is called the Holy One while at Acts 2:27, 3:14, and John 6:69 we read that this Holy One is Jesus who, as foretold by David at Psalm 16:10, was to die but whose body would not undergo decay. Since it required more than just a mere man to atone for the sins of mankind,6. it was necessary for God to become man in the person of Christ in order to die and atone for the sins of the world. Although Jesus (in His human nature) had completely died, He (in His Divine nature) did not die and as a result, He still possessed the power to raise His physical human body. ...I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.John 10:17-18; 2:19 ISAIAH 43:15; 47:4; 54:5 I am Jehovah your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.There is One repurchasing us. Jehovah of armies is his name, the Holy One of Israel. Jehovah of armies being his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Repurchaser. The God of the whole earth he will be called.New World Translation JOHN 6:69 And we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God.New World Translation ACTS 2:27: Because Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, Nor allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.New American Standard Bible

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MATTHEW 11:11: Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Does the fact that John the Baptist was not as great as someone who is least in the kingdom of heaven, prove that he did not go to heaven when he died? While the Watchtower makes this claim,6. nowhere in the passage does it state that John the Baptist would not go to heaven when he died. In fact, when Jesus stated at Luke 13:28 that all the prophets will be in the kingdom of God, this must have included John the Baptist, so we can be certain that he too will be in heaven with the rest of the Old Testament prophets. Also, at the time that Jesus made this statement, no one had yet ascended into heaven.7. Thus, Jesus could not have had anyone in mind who was already in heaven when he made this statement. John the Baptist lived under the Old Covenant, and as such, his ministry was not as great as someone who proclaimed the New Covenant in Christ. While John the Baptist paved the way for Christ, as great as he was, he could not match the least of Jesus followers who were agents of God's kingdom of heaven while yet on earth at the time. Thus, the least one of Jesus followers, by nature of the message he proclaimed, was greater than John the Baptist. ============

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MARK 13:32 But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Had Jesus been the equal Son part of a Godhead, he would have known what the Father knows. But Jesus did not know, for he was not equal to God.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 19 Prior to the incarnation, Jesus was one in person and one in naturebeing totally Divine. At the incarnation, Jesus took on a human nature and henceforth became two in nature while yet remaining one in person. As a result, attributes from His Divine and human natures both became credited to His one person. In this passage, Jesus was speaking from the standpoint of His human nature; thus, demonstrating the limitations of His human nature by not being able to foretell the future. Nevertheless, there where many other occasions where Jesus, speaking from the perspective of His divinity, demonstrated the Divine quality of omniscience. Note the following passages: 1 KINGS 8:39 then hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart thou knowest, for Thou alone dost know the hearts of all the sons of men; JOHN 2:24-25 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man for He Himself knew what was in man.

JOHN 16:30: Now we know that You know all things.... JOHN 18:4: Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth.... MATTHEW 9:4: And Jesus knowing their thoughts said.... JOHN 21:17: ...And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love you.... JEREMIAH 17:9-10 The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds. REVELATION 2:18, 23 The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: .and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

At 1 Kings 8:39, we read that God is the only one who knows the hearts of all men; yet as seen in these and many other passages, Jesus knew the hearts of all men. How can Jesus have the very omniscience of Jehovah and not be Jehovah Himself?

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WARTIME: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is the Christian's duty to remain "neutral" during warfare. In countries throughout the world, many have faced imprisonment and even death for their conscientious objection to bearing arms in war. Historically, the Watchtower organization permitted Jehovah's Witnesses to go to war as long as they did not "kill" anyone or they sought non-combative, civilian service in place of active duty. The August 1, 1898 issue of Zion's Watch Tower claimed on page 231: "Notice that there is no command in the Scriptures against military service. Obedience to a draft would remind us of our Lord's words, 'If any man compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.' The government may compel marching or drilling, but cannot compel you to kill the foe. You need not be a good marksman. Question. You suggested in a recent WATCH TOWER that, if drafted and in the army, we need not shoot to kill. Would such a course be right? Would it not be fraudulent? Answer. No; it would be quite right to shoot, not to kill. You forget, perhaps, our provisos, which were that we explain our conscientious scruples against war, and seek to be excused; if not excused, that we seek noncombatant positions, as nurses, etc; but if compelled to go a mile or many miles as a soldier, we still need not kill anybody." In addition to allowing alternative service in 1918, the Watchtower encouraged Jehovah's Witnesses to purchase "Liberty Bonds" which help funded the United States war effort for World War I: "A Christian, unwilling to kill, may have been conscientiously unable to buy government bonds; later he considers what great blessings he has received under his government, and realizes that the nation is in trouble and facing dangers to its liberty, and he feels himself conscientiously able to lend some money to the country, just as he would lend to a friend in distress."The Watch Tower, June 1, 1918, p. 168 "Some members of the Brooklyn Tabernacle congregation had previously purchased Liberty Bonds....Members of our Association who have some personal means have bought Liberty Bonds, including Tabernacle workers who are paying 25 per cent. of their monthly allowances to purchase a bond."The Watch Tower, May 15, 1918, p. 152

While the organization originally permitted some support of the national governments during wartime, later the Watchtower changed its position and prevented Jehovah's Witnesses from even accepting alternative, civilian service. Over the years, many Jehovah's Witnesses have been imprisoned for this stand and some have even been "executed." " '...But what really is your objection to civil, alternative service?' The Witnesses explained that it is not that they are opposed to civil service as such, but, rather, it is a matter of strict neutrality. Therefore, any work that is merely a substitute for military service would be unacceptable to Jehovah's witnesses....Civilian servitude as a substitute for military service would be just as objectionable to the Christian."Awake!, December 8, 1974, p. 23 "Whether the issue was shedding blood, noncombatant military work, alternative service, or saluting an image such as a national flag, faithful Christians took the position that there was no middle ground. In some cases they were executed because of this stand."The Watchtower, September 1, 1986, p. 20 The position of the Watchtower Society against any type of substitute military service remained in effect until 1996, when the Watchtower made it a matter of conscience for the individual Jehovah's Witnesses. "Could a dedicated Christian undertake such service? Here again, a dedicated, baptized Christian would have to make his own decision."The Watchtower, May 1, 1996, p. 19 To minimize the backlash that this change in position could have on the Jehovah's Witnesses who had been imprisoned for their inability to accept alternative service in exchange for combative service, the Watchtower printed positive feedback from imprisoned Jehovah's Witnesses. "The May 1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower contained an in-depth discussion of Christian neutrality and how to balance our responsibilities to Jehovah and to 'Caesar.'...Many expressions of appreciation have been heard for the new information provided. Among them is the following letter, written by a Witness in Greece and addressed to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses: 'I want to express my deepest gratitude to all you dear brothers for taking such good care of us spiritually. Having spent some nine years in prison because of my Christian faith, I truly appreciate the wonderful thoughts in the May1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower....The increased light in the May 1 Watchtower has been well received here in Greece, especially by those who spent several years in prison or who are still in prison because of their faith."The Watchtower, November 1, 1996, p. 27 Imagine spending a good portion of your life in prison over a position that the organization would later determine to be in error! How would one rationalize these years spent in prison for nothing? And what about the Jehovah's Witnesses who died for this position that has now been changed? By printing positive statements such as these in the Watchtower, the organization seeks to condition Jehovah's Witnesses into viewing these changes as evidence of divine leadership, rather than human manipulation.

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Having examined the historical position of the Watchtower in regard to war and neutrality, we will now turn our attention to Scripture that they use in an attempt to substantiate their position. MATTHEW 26:52: "Then Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword."1. JOHN 18:36: "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My Kingdom is not of this realm.' "

The Watchtower claims that in these passages, Jesus was indicating that his disciples "were not to resort to weapons of physical warfare."2. However, attention must be given to the context which takes place during the arrest and trial of Jesusprior to His ransom sacrifice for our sins. The Jews were anticipating a triumphant Messiah to take the throne and rescue Israel from Roman tyranny. Since a suffering Messiah did not fit with their expectations, the natural inclination of Jesus' disciples was to fight in order to deliver Him from death. But Jesus corrected them with the command not to "take up the sword" in His defense. Thus, Jesus' purpose in His first coming was to die for our sins, and in so doing, establish a Kingdom that "is not of this realm." John's gospel account of the incident provides further insight into Jesus' command, for it states: "Jesus therefore said to Peter, 'Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?'"3. By this explanation, we can clearly see that Jesus intended this injunction strictly for the time of His death and not to be a binding command for all believers to avoid self-defense at all times. In fact, we see at Luke 22:36, Jesus even encouraged his followers by saying, "Let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one." Why would Jesus encourage his followers to "buy" a sword, if they were to "lay it down" and never to use it in self-defense? Obviously, Jesus is not against self-defense, but was only against it in the specific case involving His death for our sins. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-4: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses."

Regarding this verse, that Watchtower claims, "Paul here states that he never resorted to fleshly weapons, such as trickery, highsounding language, or carnal weapons, to protect the congregation against false teachings."4. The Society is correct in assessing that this passage is talking about Paul's method of defense against spiritual attack. Indeed, fleshly weapons (such as swords and shields) against spiritual forces cannot prevail. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."5. Since this passage is dealing with spiritual warfare and not physical battles between nations, it has no bearing on the subject at hand namely, Christian involvement in war. LUKE 6:27-28: "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

The Watchtower claims that Jesus' command to "love your enemies" precludes military service for Christians, for one cannot be loving his enemies if he is trying to kill them in war. Again, this argument is invalidated by the context of the passage, for the following verses state: "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back."6. Was Jesus saying that it is wrong for Christians to protect their belongings? Did Jesus want Christians to lay down their lives to the extent of enduring any abuse afflicted, regardless of circumstances? Are we to take these verses as a blueprint for handling disputes among the people of society? Common sense demonstrates the absurdity of such practice, for to do so would be to invite any type of malice and injustice upon a people. No civilization can endure where people are not held accountable for their actions. The Jews of Jesus' day were very concerned about justice being served in equal proportion to evils endured. For this reason, they had a law that if one took the eye of his neighbor, he would forfeit his own eye. It was in reference to this law that Jesus made these statements.7. Thus, we see that far from advocating Christian pacifism, Jesus was rather challenging his disciples to be more concerned about living a life of grace and mercy, than of personal revenge for evils endured. In no way was Jesus giving a blueprint for governments to operate when dealing with "enemy" nations. Just as mercy cannot endure where justice is not upheld, both must be in balance to maintain order in society and with nations at large.

JOHN 13:35: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

The Watchtower asserts that "Christ's followers were to make disciples of people of all nations; so worshipers of the true God would in time be found in all those nations.....If true Christians in one nation were to go to war against another nation, they would be fighting against fellow believers, against people who prayed for help to the same God that they did. "8. Reasoning that Christian "love" for brother is destroyed by the possibility of Christian soldiers fighting in enemy countries, the Watchtower uses this verse to convince Jehovah's Witnesses that it is wrong to engage in national war. We believe there is a right side and a wrong side to every war engagement. Scripture makes it clear that the governments "which exist are established by God"9. Thus, we are to "submit...to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to the governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right."10.

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Just as Romans 13:4 states, governments are a "minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." Therefore, we see that God has given the jurisdictional requirement for those in national and governmental authority to guard and protect those under their care by upholding justice and not allowing evil to stand. Exodus 22:2 states: "If a thief is caught while breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there will be no blood-guiltiness on his account." Just as this passage notes, whether it is a person breaking into a house under the protection of a father, or a country who is breaking in (going to war) against another country to try to take what does not belong to it, bloodshed in these instances is justified. Since it is clear that in the case of self-defense, there is no "bloodguilt" involved for the person who kills an intruder, we maintain that the same is true for Christians who evaluate the sides of any given war and only engage on the selfdefense side of the war. If Christians truly evaluate the sides of the war prior to engagement, the chances of them killing each other in war on both sides will be eliminated, for they will only be fighting on the righteous (just) side of the war. To aid in evaluating the moral ethnicity of a given war, in the 13th century, Saint Thomas Aquinas formulated an outline of principles that eventually became known as the "Just War Theory." In his Summa Theologicae, Aquinas discusses not only when a righteous war would permissible but the kinds of activity that would be morally acceptable during war. Over the centuries as various philosophers and theologians expanded upon the principles of "just war" advocated by Aquinas, the following seven qualifications emerged: 1. Proper Authority: Just War Theory maintains that only those of legitimate authority may declare war. The primary purpose of this principle is to prevent criminal insurrections. Thus, actions taken by individuals or groups who do not constitute an authority sanctioned by the national government (or those whom society deems as legitimate) cannot wage war. Real Injury: In order to justify going to war, there must be a genuine loss for which the war is fought to redress the wrong suffered. Self-defense against an armed attack is often considered a legitimate cause for war though only with the intention of rectifying the injury endured. Proportionality: The harm caused by the war must be proportional to the wrong suffered and must not go beyond those boundaries. Thus, force is dealt in equal to less measure to that of the enemy's attack and limited only to what is necessary to accomplish the original goal of merely redressing the wrong suffered. Just Means of Fighting: The weapons used in fighting the war must be targeted toward disabling the enemy military forces, keeping civilian causalities to a minimum. A righteous war takes every effort to avoid targeting innocent civiliansthe death of which is only permissible if they are unavoidable victims of an intentional attack on a military entity. Good Chance of Victory: A nation should not engage in war unless there is a reasonable chance of victory without endangering the lives of its own people. Jesus advocated this principle when he said at Luke 14:31-32: "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and take counsel whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks terms of peace." Failed Negotiations: At Deuteronomy 20:10-12, God gives the following command to Israel, "When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. And it shall come about, if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it." Accordingly, a war can only be waged as a last resortwhen all non-violent options for peace have been exhausted within a reasonable amount of time. Right Motive: The primary purpose of the war is to establish peace. If preemptive strikes are to be justified, they must be done with the focus of neutralizing the enemy's capacity to kill and destroythe ultimate goal being that of establishing (or maintaining) peace.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

John 15:13 states: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." Thus, true Christian love for brother can be seen during war engagement when one is willing to lay down his life to protect his home and country from enemy invasion. Indeed, we do well to consider the admonition in Ecclesiastes 3:8: "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven....A time for war and a time for peace." ISAIAH 2:2, 4: "Now it will come about that in the last days....He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war." The Watchtower claims, "Individuals out of all nations must personally decide what course they will pursue. Those who have heeded Jehovah's judgment give evidence that he is their God."11. Accordingly, Jehovah's Witnesses view this evidence consists in not participating in the "carnal warfare" of earthly nations. By looking to Christ Jesus as the King of Jehovah's heavenly Kingdom, to whom all allegiance is sworn, Jehovah's Witnesses do not engage in earthly battles. In evaluating this argument, it is important to note that the event in which "nations will...never again...learn war" does not occur until Jesus Christ judges "between the nations" and takes rulership over the earth. Since this does not occur until the prophesied Millennial (1,000 year) reign of Christ,12. we are not in a position today were we can avoid war. Daniel 9:26 prophecies that war is inevitable, for it proclaims "...even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined." Furthermore, Jesus said that we "will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end."13. Therefore, Christians would do well to consider the following advice from Proverbs in matters related to war:

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"Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance....For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory."Proverbs 20:18; 24:6 Jehovah's Witnesses acknowledge that it is true that Jehovah God sanctioned war for the nation of Israel in taking over the land that God had promised them, but what about the Christian congregation? Is there any evidence that Christians at the time of Christ and in the early church participated in carnal warfare? Jehovah's Witnesses assert that they did not.14. However, we have examples of godly men who were soldiers and were not condemned for their choice of career. Keep in mind that at this time, these men were serving under the pagan Roman empire. If Jesus and the apostles of His day did not condemn them, why should we? LUKE 3:14: "And some soldiers were questioning him, saying, 'And what about us, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.'" If it is wrong to be a "soldier," why did John the Baptist encourage the soldiers to "be content" with their wages? How could they be content with their pay if they were not to remain soldiers? MATTHEW 8:5-10, 13: "And when He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, entreating Him, and saying, 'Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering great pain.' And He said, 'Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I, too, am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, "Go!" and he goes, and to another one, "Come!" and he comes, and to my slave, "Do this!" and he does it. ' Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, 'Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.....And Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go your way; let it be done to you as you have believed.' " ACTS 10:1-2, 22: "Now there was a certain man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually.... And they said, 'Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you....' "

ECCLESIASTES 3:1, 3, 8: "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven....A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up....A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace." ===============================

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Did Jesus advocate hating one's mother, father, spouse, and children for His sake (Luke 14:26)?
In Luke 14:26 Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple." It may initially appear in this verse that Jesus is saying that we should have the emotion of hate for our families for His sake. But I do not think that is what He was intending with His words. The beginning point for properly understanding this statement is that in Jesus' ethic there is no room for truly hating anyone. We are to love even our enemies (Luke 6:27). As well, the fifth commandment instructs us: "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12), a commandment repeated in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20).10 The Bible Knowledge Commentary notes: "Literally hating one's family would have been a violation of the Law. Since Jesus on several occasions admonished others to fulfill the Law, He must not have meant here that one should literally hate his family." Jesus in this verse is apparently using a vivid hyperbole (an exaggeration or extravagant statement used as a figure of speech). In understanding Jesus' point, one must keep in mind that in the Hebrew mind-set, to "hate" means to "love less" (see Genesis 29:31-33; Deuteronomy 21:15). Jesus is communicating that our supreme love must be for Him alone. Everything else (and everyone else) must take second place. This is in keeping with what Jesus said in Matthew 10:37: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Measuring our supreme love for Christ against other lesser loves may make these lesser loves seem like hate by comparison. Other Bible scholars have suggested that while the terms "love" and "hate" are manifestations of emotion in the Western mindset, the ancient Jews used these terms to refer more to a decision of the will. To "love" often carried the idea of choosing to submit, whereas "hate" often carried the idea of choosing not to submit. "When Christ demanded that one hate those to whom he is bound by the closest of blood ties, He was not speaking in the area of emotions but in the area of the will. A disciple must make a choice and submit to the authority of Christ rather than to the authority of the family headship." Whichever interpretation is correct above, this passage clearly communicates that one's loyalty to Jesus Christ must come before loyalty to family. Jesus takes first priority. =====================================================

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JOHN 1:1 The Word Was God In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. New American Standard In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. New World Translation Note, however, that here again the context lays the groundwork for accurate understanding. Even the King James Version says, The Word was with God. (Italics ours.) Someone who is with another person cannot be the same as that other person.The Koine Greek language had a definite article (the), but it did not have an indefinite article (a or an).So John 1:1 highlights the quality of the Word, that he was divine, godlike, a god, but not Almighty God.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 27

Attempting to disprove the Deity of Christ that is so clearly articulated at John 1:1, the Society setup a straw-man argument based on the preposition with found in this passage, and thus, they proceeded to knock that argument down. This type of reasoning serves as a clever way to sidestep the key issue being addressed and to confuse people as to how the doctrine of the Trinity is defined. Since Trinitarians do not believe that God the Father and God the Son are the same person, this argument has no basis in reality. When one defines the doctrine of the Trinity as consisting of three separate and distinct persons who are one God, it is not inconceivable to comprehend how Jesus is with God the Father, and yet possesses the same power, authority, and Divine nature that God the Father possesses. At Isaiah 44:24, the Societys New World Translation states: I, Jehovah, am doing everything, stretching out the heavens by myself, laying out the earth. Who was with me? Since no one was with Jehovah when He created the earth, Jesus must be Jehovah God! Likewise, John 1:3 states: All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. Upon consideration of this passage, the crucial questions that must be asked are: Which category does Jesus fall under? Is He in the created being category, or the eternal, non-created category? THINGS THAT CAME INTO BEING (WERE CREATED) THROUGH CHRIST: All CREATION: UNIVERSE Time: Past, Present, Future Space: Length, Width, Height Matter: Energy, Movement, Phenomenon THINGS THAT NEVER CAME INTO BEING BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALWAYS EXISTED: THE TRIUNE GOD: THE FATHER: Psalm 90:2 THE SON: Jn. 8:58; Isa. 9:6; Heb. 7:3 THE HOLY SPIRIT: Hebrews 9:14

Since it is preposterous to assert that Jesus created Himself, the only rational conclusion one can draw is that Jesus must be as eternal as God the Father is. Thus, this passage is one of the clearest passages that demonstrates the eternal and omnipotent nature of the Son. Since Jesus created all things and no created thing came into existence apart from Him, Jesus certainly cannot be a created creature, as the Society claims, but must reign supreme as the eternal God who is without beginning of days, nor end of life. (Hebrews 7:3) ======================================================

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JESUS THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON THE Bible calls Jesus the only-begotten Son of God. (John 1:14; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9) Trinitarians say that since God is eternal, so the Son for God is eternal. But how can a person be a son and at the same time be as old as his father?Does that sound logical to you? Can a man father a son without begetting him?Hebrews 11:17 speaks of Isaac as Abrahams only-begotten son.The basic Greek word for only-begotten used for Jesus and Isaac is mo-no-ge-nes, from monos, meaning only, and gino-mai, a root word meaning to generate, to become (come into being), states Strongs Exhaustive Concordance.So Jesus, the only-begotten Son, had a beginning to his life. And Almighty God can rightly be called his Begetter, or Father, in the same sense that an earthly father, like Abraham, begets a son. (Hebrew 11:17).Hence, the phrase Son of God refers to Jesus as a separate created being, not as part of a Trinity. As the Son of God, he could not be God himself, for John 1:18 says: No one has ever seen God.RS, Catholic edition. The disciples viewed Jesus as the one mediator between God and men, not as God himself. (1 Timothy 2:5) Since by definition a mediator is someone separate from those who need mediation, it would be a contradiction for Jesus to be one entity with either of the parties he is trying to reconcile.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, pp. 15-16

Concerning Jesus claim to be Son of God, the Watchtower Society argues, Can a man father a son without begetting him?...Almighty God can rightly be called his Begetter, or Father, in the same sense that an earthly father, like Abraham, begets a son. What is the Society implying? Are they implying that Jehovah literally begot Jesus in the same way humans beget their children? If so, who is Jehovahs wife? Are they saying that Mary was literally the wife of God, and therefore, could not be a virgin? Although every Jehovahs Witness would cringe at the implications of these assertions, these are the logical conclusions one can draw if he reasons the way the Society does here. Bowman comments: The JWs are employing an argument having the following logical form: (a) All sons are begotten; (b) the prehuman Jesus was a son; therefore (c) Jesus was begotten; but (d) all who are begotten also begin to exist at some point in time, and are thus creatures; therefore (e) Jesus, having been begotten, must also be a creature. This sounds good, and it is logically valid, meaning that if the premises, or assertions of fact on which the argument is based, are true, then the conclusion would also have to be true. But consider the following parallel argument: (a) All sons had mothers; (b) the pre-human Jesus was a son; therefore (c) the prehuman Jesus had a mother. The argument may also be put this way: (d) All who are begotten have a mother; therefore (e) Jesus, having been begotten, also had a mother. There are only two ways to escape this argument. The first is to point out that the Bible does not say that Jesus had a heavenly Mother. This does not actually refute the argument, but it shows that biblically there may be something wrong with it. The second is to argue that what is true of earthly fathers and sons need not be true of the divine Father and his divine Son. What this does is to show that the statements all sons had mothers and all who are begotten had mothers are hasty generalizationsthey are only true of earthly beings.Moreover, what is true of earthly fathers and sons (that the sons are always younger than the fathers and are born in time) is not necessarily true of the eternal Father and his Son.Why You Should Believe in the Trinity, pp. 82-83 Contrary to the Societys arguments, the Jewish people in Jesus day understood the term son of... to mean of the order or nature of... Therefore, when Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, the Jews understood Him to be claiming to be of the order and nature of God. Note the following passages: 1 KINGS 20:35: Sons of the prophets means of the nature of the prophets. NEHEMIAH 12:28: Sons of the singers means of the order of the singers. EPHESIANS 2:2: Sons of disobedience means having a disobedient nature. JOHN 6:62: Son of Man means of the order and nature of Man.18. JOHN 5:18: Son of God means of the order and nature of God.

For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.John 5:18 89

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God. John 19:719. Scripture refers to Jesus as the only-begotten Son of God. While it is true that Strongs Exhaustive Concordance does render the Greek word monogenes as only-born, i.e. sole:only (begotten, child)20. , under the section Plan of the Book found on page 5, Strongs Concordance notes that these definitions are merely the different renderings of the word in the Authorized English Version. Therefore, these renderings found in Strongs Concordance do not necessarily convey the complete definitions of the Biblical words. Concerning the term monogenese, James White21. observes: The translation only-begotten is inferior to unique. It was thought that the term came from monoV (monos), meaning only and gennaw (gennao), meaning begotten. However, further research has determined that the term is derived not from gennaw but from genoV (genos), meaning kind or type. Hence the better translation, unique or one of a kind. See Louw and Nida, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains (1988) p. 591; Newman and Nida, A Translators Handbook on the Gospel of John, 1980, p. 24; and Moulton and Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, 1930, pp. 416-417. 22. At Hebrews 11:17, Isaac is called Abrahams only-begotten son. Since Isaac was not the only son born to Abraham23. , it is clear from the context of Hebrews 11 that Isaac is called Abrahams only-begotten in the sense of his uniqueness as Gods covenant purposes were to be carried out through Isaac and his descendants. In the same way, Jesus is called the only-begotten Son of God in the sense of His uniqueness as the second person of the Triune God. Endeavoring to argue that by virtue of the fact that people have visibly seen Jesus, this proves that He cannot be God, the Society quotes John 1:18 which states that No man has seen God at any time. Is this a valid argument? Didnt Isaiah see Jehovah in His temple (Isaiah 6:1-5)? By cross-referencing John 12:41 with Isaiah 6,24. it becomes evident that the Jehovah that Isaiah saw is Jesus! ISAIAH 6:1, 3-5 In the year King Uzziahs death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted....And one called out to another and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory. And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, Woe is me, for I am ruined!...For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. JOHN 12:36-37, 41-42 These things Jesus spoke.yet they were not believing in Him; that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled....These things Isaiah said, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him. Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him....

Since no one has seen God the Father, He has revealed Himself in the unique, one and only GodJesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Fathers side, has made him known.John 1:18, New International Version Not that any man has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.Jesus said to him, Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, Show us the Father? John 6:46; 14:9 At 1 Timothy 2:5, Jesus is said to be the mediator between God and men. The Society argues that Jesus cannot be God because He is the mediator between God and man and a mediator is someone separate from those who need mediation. Is this a tenable argument? If we take the Societys statement to its logical conclusion, we would also have to draw the connection that Jesus, by virtue of His mediator role between God and man, cannot be a man. When we consider this fact, it is evident that the Societys reasoning falls apart on account of the latter part of the verse which demonstrates that although Jesus is the mediator between God and man, He is sill a man: For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. =================================================================

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JOHN 5:18: Making Himself Equal To God

It says that the Jews (as at John 10:31-36) wanted to kill Jesus because he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God. But who said that Jesus was making himself equal to God? Not Jesus. He defended himself against this false charge in the very next verse (19): To this accusation Jesus replied: the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing. JB.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 24 JOHN 5:17-23: But He answered them, My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working. For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. Jesus therefore answered and was saying to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Far from defending Himself from the Jews accusations, the context of John 5:18 demonstrates that Christ responded to the Jewsnot by denying their claimsbut by affirming that they were correct in their understanding. Notice how Jesus responded to the Jews by continuing to describe how He possesses all the power and authority of Jehovah and does things that only Jehovah can do. Finally, He claims that He receives the same honor and worship that Jehovah receives. Is it any wonder the Jews endeavored to stone Him for blasphemy? DIVINE WORKS OF JEHOVAH DEUTERONOMY 32:39: See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. DIVINE WORKS OF JESUS JOHN 5:21; 10:28; ACTS 9:34: For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you.

PSALM 98:9: Before the LORD; for He is coming to JOHN 5:22: For not even the Father judges anyone, but He judge the earth; He will judge the world with has given all judgment to the Son, righteousness, and the peoples with equity. EXODUS 34:14: for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. JOHN 5:23: in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

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PHILIPPIANS 2:6: Equal With God

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being [uparcwhuparcho] in very nature [morfhmorphe] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped [arpazw harpazo], but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:4-7, New International Version In the Watchtower Societys response to Philippians 2:6, they overlook the first half of this verse which speaks of Christ having the nature of God, and they focus instead on the second half of the verse which states that Christ did not seek to grasp at equality with God. They then conclude that Philippians 2:6 is teaching that Christ is not equal in nature to God the Father. (Should You Believe in the Trinity?, pp. 25-26)

BEING IN VERY NATURE GOD: 3 CONCEPTS TO NOTE: 1. The Greek word translated being (huparcho) is in the present tense and therefore carries the idea of continual existence as God.4. 2. The Greek word translated nature (morphe) is unique in that it is only used twice in the New Testament and in both cases, only of Christ. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old And New Testament Words offers the following insights concerning this word: morpheis used with particular significance in the NT, only of Christ, in Phil. 2:6,7, in the phrases being in the form of God, and taking the form of a servant. An excellent definition of the word is that of Gifford: morphe is therefore properly the nature or essence, not in the abstract, but as actually subsisting in the individual, and retained as long as the individual itself exists.Thus in the passage before us morphe Theou is the Divine nature actually and inseparably subsisting in the Person of Christ.For the interpretation of the form of God it is sufficient to say that (1) it includes the whole nature and essence of Deity, and is inseparable from them, since they could have no actual existence without it; and (2) that it does not include in itself anything accidental or separable, such as particular modes of manifestation, or conditions of glory and majesty, which may at one time be attached to the form, at another separated from it.The true meaning of morphe in the expression form of God is confirmed by its recurrence in the corresponding phrase, form of a servant. It is universally admitted that the two phrases are directly antithetical, and that form must therefore have the same sense in both. (From Gifford, The Incarnation, pp. 16,19,39.) Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, p. 251 In the same way that Christ possesses the nature of a man and, as a result, is considered to be a complete human being (not a creature who is half man and half divine), Jesus possesses the nature of God and is therefore considered to be fully Divine as the infinite God. 3. While it is true that in the incarnation, Christ did not seek to grasp (arpazwharpazo) at equality with God, this does not in any way contradict the fact that Christ, in His Divine nature, is equal to God the Father. An examination of the context of Philippians 2:6 reveals that Paul is exhorting Christians to humbly give their lives in sacrifice for the brethren. It is in this context of humility that Paul uses the example of Christ who, although existing eternally in Gods nature, laid aside the equality which He possesses with the Father in order to give His life for us. If Christ did not possess this equality with the Father prior to the incarnation, the whole example would be destroyed. Not trying to exalt oneself and become equal with God is hardly a vivid example of humility. 3 WAYS JESUS MADE HIMSELF NOTHING: 1. HE CONCEALED HIS PREINCARNATE GLORY: Matt. 17:2; Rev. 1:12-18 2. SUBMITTING TO THE LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN WEAKNESS, HE VOLUNTARILLY CHOSE NOT TO USE HIS DIVINE QUALITIES ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS. DIVINE QUALITIES OMNIPOTENCE: Mark 2:7-12; 14:62-64; Jn. 2:7-11 OMNIPRESENCE: John 1:48; Matt. 18:20; 28:20 OMNISCIENCE: John 2:24-25; 6:64; 16:30 HUMAN QUALITIES HUNGER & WEARINESS: Lk 4:2; Jn 4:6; Mt 8:24 FINITE PHYSICAL BODY: Mark 3:9; John 11:32 LIMITED KNOWLEDGE: Mark 13:32; John 11:34

3. BEING MADE IN HUMAN LIKENESS: HE TOOK ON AN ADDITIONAL NATURE = THE NATURE OF A MAN: Prior to the incarnation Jesus was one in person and one in nature; but at the incarnation, Jesus took on an additional

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nature and thus became a full man while He still retained His full Deity as God. Although, on certain occasions, attributes of His Divine nature are applied to His human person (John 16:30), His natures are not mixed. He is not half God and half man, but is two in nature while yet remaining one person. It is for this reason that we see in Scripture certain occasions where Jesus (while operating under the limitations of His human nature) was unable to foretell the future (Mark 13:32), while on other occasions, He (demonstrating His Divine attribute of omniscience) was able to foretell the future (John 6:64). But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all thingsto make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:9, 14-17 JEHOVAH GOD ISAIAH 45:23: that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. JESUS CHRIST PHILLIPIANS 2:10-11: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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JOHN 8:58: I Am
Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am. New American Standard Bible Jesus said to them: Most truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into existence, I have been. New World Translation ...in NW the latter part of John 8:58 reads: Before Abraham came into existence, I have been. Which rendering agrees with the context? The question of the Jews (verse 57) to which Jesus was replying had to do with age, not identity. Jesus reply logically dealt with his age, the length of his existence. Reasoning, pp. 417-418 Thus, the real thought of the Greek used here is thatJesus had existed long before Abraham was born.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 26 I have been (e-go ei-mi). The action expressed by this verb began in the past, is still in progress, and is properly translated by the perfect indicative.attempting to identify Jesus with Jehovah, some try to use Exodus 3:14 (LXX) which reads: E-go ei-mi ho on, which means I am The Being, or, I am The Existing One. This attempt cannot be sustained because the expression in Exodus 3:14 is different from the expression in John 8:58. The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures, 1985 pp. 451, 1145-1146

3 REASONS THE SOCIETYS TRANSLATION OF JOHN 8:58 IS INCORRECT: 1. The present infinitive to be (einai) is a derivative of the present tense verb eimi (eimi) which literally means I am. If Jesus had wanted to say I have been (as the Watchtower Society asserts), He would have had to use the imperfect tense en

not the present tense ego eimi.

2. Contrary to the Societys claims, the Greek phrase ho ohn, which is employed in the LXX (Septuagint) translation of Exodus 3:14, is actually a present participle, and while eimi is present indicative, both are present tense forms of the same infinitive to be (einai) and both indicate timeless existence.5. The Jews who lived at the time of Christ were well familiar with the Greek Septuagint, and as a result, clearly saw the connection (Leviticus 24:16), for they tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy (verse 59). The Jews had no laws commanding the stoning of people who merely thought of themselves as being angels!! Indeed, Jesus in His Divine nature has neither beginning of days nor end of life (Hebrews 7:3) for He has always existed as God throughout all eternity. 3. The New World Translation correctly translates ego eimi as I am every place in the New Testament except where it appears in John 8:58. Why the inconsistency in translation? The translation of the present tense ego eimi as I am indicates a continuous existence without beginning and without end, and therefore, contradicts the Societys claims that Jesus is a created beingthe archangel Michael. Thus, in an attempt to make this verse compatible with their doctrine, the Society chose to translate the present tense ego eimi as I have been. The bias of the Societys New World Translation is easily demonstrated when one compares their translation with the Greek-English Interlinear translation which the Watchtower Society also distributes. Note the following chart: KINGDOM INTERLINEAR JOHN 8:58: Said to them Jesus Amen amen I am saying to you Before Abraham to become I am. NEW WORLD TRANSLATION JOHN 8:58: Jesus said to them: Most truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.

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JOHN 10:30: I and the Father Are One

But Jesus himself showed what he meant by his being one with the Father. At John 17:21,22, he prayed to God that his disciples may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us,that they may be one just as we are one. Was Jesus praying that all his disciples would become a single entity? No, obviously Jesus was praying that they would be united in thought and purpose, as he and God were.So when he used the word one (hen) in these cases, he was talking about unity of thought and purpose.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 24

The context of John 17:21-22 where Jesus prays that his followers would be one just as He and the Father are one is totally different from the context of John 10:30. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, the test of being a true believer is having Christ living in you. When God, through the Holy Spirit, comes to dwell within a new believer (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), He changes that persons heart (2 Corinthians 5:17) and gives him a new nature and a new love for fellow believers (Ephesians 1:15). God imparts each believer with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 14) which equip him to be able to work together in unity with other believers for the cause of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10). This oneness of unity of purpose found among believers, however, is different from the oneness that Jesus at John 10:30 was expressing that He and the Father possess. This is evident by the Jews immediate reaction to Christs claim, for they took up stones to stone Him as they understood His claim to be an affirmation of Deity. I and the Father are one. The Jews took up stones again to stone Him.The Jews answered Him, For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God. Jesus answered them, Has it not been written in your Law, I said, you are gods? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You are blaspheming, because I said, I am the Son of God?.believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father. Therefore they were seeking again to seize Him, and He eluded their grasp.John 10:30, 32-36, 38-39 If Jesus was merely claiming to have unity of purpose with the Father (as the Society asserts), why would the Jews try to stone Him for something that they believed they possessedthat is, unity of purpose with the Father? If the Jews simply misunderstood Christs statements, why didnt Jesus correct their misunderstanding? Instead of correcting their understanding, however, Jesus indicated that the Jews understood His statements correctly. By contrasting His claim to be the true God with the vain claims of unrighteous judges who thought of themselves as gods but to whom Gods judgment was pronounced (Psalm 82), Jesus demonstrated that what these judges claimed in falsehood, He is in realitythe true God! ...the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, in order that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father, He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.I and the Father are one.Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, Show us the Father?All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said, that He takes of Mine, and will disclose it to you.John 5:19, 22-23; 10:30; 14:1, 9; 16:15 ============================================================

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JOHN 20:17
I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God. The Society argues that Since Jesus had a God, his Father, he could not at the same time be that God. Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 17

One fact about this passage that the Society fails to note is that Jesus was always very careful to distinguish His relationship with the Father from the relationship His disciples had with the Father. He never addressed God as our Father in reference to Himself and the disciples, but rather addressed Him as My Father and your Father.2. This is significant to note because Jesus is Gods Son by nature; whereas, His disciples are Gods sons by adoption (John 1:12). As the Son of God, Jesus has the same nature as God (John 5:18, 19:7), but in the incarnation, Jesus took on the nature of man and thus became the Son of Man.3. While in His Divine nature, Jesus still has all the power and authority of God, it is in his human nature that Jesus refers to the Father as His God. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.Hebrews 1:3 In human affairs, the right hand is the symbol of strength and power. Someone who is said to be the presidents right hand man is someone who is in a high position of honor. Thus, Scripture often employs the phrase sitting at the right hand of the Father to denote Christs preeminence as the one in the highest position of authority. PSALM 98:9 JOHN 5:22-23

Before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth; For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples judgment to the Son, in order that all may honor the Son, with equity. even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

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ARGUMENT #4: FLESH AND BLOOD CANNOT NOT INHERIT HEAVEN 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50: Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Jehovahs Witnesses claim that Jesus could not have risen in His human body of flesh and bones, because Scripture states that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus did not say that His resurrected body was made of flesh and blood. Rather, He said His body was made of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). This is significant because the term flesh and blood is often used in Scripture to refer to mortal humanity, 3. in contrast to the imperishable, resurrected body alluded to by the phrase, flesh and bones. As noted earlier, Jesus blood provided the atonement for sin. Thus, He did not take His blood back, but merely resurrected his body of flesh and bones. Far from claiming that the resurrected human body cannot inherit Gods kingdom, this passage asserts that the mortal, perishable human body (made of flesh and blood) cannot inherit the immortal, imperishable kingdom of God.

Indeed as 1 Corinthians 15:53 states, this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
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THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESS VIEW OF THE RESURRECTION

Jehovahs Witnesses claim to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but their definition of resurrection differs from the historic Christian position that teaches that Jesus raised His human body of flesh and bones. Instead, the Watchtower Society claims that Jesus did not raise His physical human body, but rather an invisible spiritthe archangel Michael. They state: in his resurrection he became a life-giving spirit. That was why for most of the time he was invisible to his faithful apostles He needs no human body any longer The human body of flesh, which Jesus Christ laid down forever as a ransom sacrifice, was disposed of by Gods power.Things in Which it is Impossible for God to Lie, pp. 332, 354 So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God.Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, 1989, p. 218 Romans 10:9 articulates two requirements for salvation. The first is to confess Jesus as Lord. The second requirement is to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Similarly, the Apostle Paul summarizes the gospel at 1 Corinthians 15:3-5: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.1. Paul not only states that one of the main tenants of the gospel is the belief that Jesus rose from the dead, but in verse 17, he goes on to say that if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. For centuries, Christians have taught and defended the doctrine of the resurrection teaching that Jesus physically rose in the same human body in which He died. Notice the correlation between the perishable human body and the imperishable resurrected body as described in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. The Greek term, soma for body is always used in Scripture to refer to physical nature. Likewise, the term spiritual is used in the Scripture to denote supernatural behaviornot a spiritual essence of being. Thus, the phrase spiritual body in the passage above speaks of a physical supernatural bodynot a spirit body. Another example of the term spiritual referring to supernatural behavior is 1 Corinthians 2:15 where we read, But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. The spiritual person in both of these passages is behaving in a supernatural way, not ontologically transforming human essence into spirit essence. THE RESURRECTION CONTROVERSY - A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Jehovahs Witnesses are not the first to deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus. During the time of the Biblical apostles, the heretical movement of Gnosticism began to invade Christianity, and flourished in the second and third centuries. Gnosticism was an esoteric belief that promised deliverance from the material world which it viewed as completely evil. This deliverance would come through the revelation of secret gnosis (knowledge) of the divine, transcendent spiritual realm that only Gnostics possessed. Gnostic dualism taught that the spiritual nature was good and anything to do with the physical, material world was evil. Thus, Gnostics argued that Jesus could not have been wholly divine if He possessed a physical, human body. In response to this heresy, John replied, every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 1 John 4:2-3 He went on to say that many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.2 John 1:7 Likewise, Ignatius who lived from A.D. 35-107, defended the bodily resurrection of Christ. He had been a student of the Biblical Apostle John and was serving as the bishop of Antioch when convicted for his faith in Christ. On the way to his martyrdom in Rome, Ignatius wrote seven letters that testify to the theology of the earliest Christians. He proclaimed: Chapter III.Christ was possessed of a body after His resurrection For I know that after His resurrection also He was still possessed of flesh, and I believe that He is so now And I know that He was possessed of a body not only in His being born and crucified, but I also know that He was so after His resurrection, and believe that He is so now. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, Lay hold, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit. For a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. And thus was He, with the flesh, received up in their sight unto Him that sent Him, being with that same flesh to come again, accompanied by glory and power. The Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, p. 87 (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, Eardmans Publishing Company, 1969)

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Indeed, Scripture bears witness to this fact when it states that in Christ, all fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). At Luke 24:37-39, this testimony is given of our Lords resurrection: But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. ARGUMENTS AGAINST A BODILY RESURRECTION Even though Jesus testified that He did not resurrect as a spirit, the Watchtower Society asserts that Jesus rose as the Archangel Michael, an invisible spirit person. Claiming that Jesus existed as Michael prior to his descent to earth, the Jehovahs Witnesses believe that at his death, the man Jesus ceased to exist.2. So, what about Jesus post resurrection appearances in human flesh? What happened to Jesus real body? The Society offers the following explanation: War broke out in heaven: Michael [who is the resurrected Jesus Christ] and his angels battled with the dragon Having given up his flesh for the life of the world, Christ could never take it again and become a man once more. However, many persons believe that Christ took his fleshly body to heaven. They point to the fact that when Christ was raised from the dead, his fleshly body was no longer in the tomb. (Mark 16:5-7) Also, after his death Jesus appeared to his disciples in a fleshly body to show them that he was alive Does this not prove that Christ was raised alive in the same body in which he was put to death? No, it does not. The Bible is very clear when it says: Christ died once for all time concerning sins... he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) Humans with flesh-and-blood bodies cannot live in heaven Only spirit persons with spiritual bodies can live in heaven Well, then, what happened to Jesus fleshly body? Did not the disciples find his tomb empty? They did, because God removed Jesus body But since the apostle Thomas was able to put his hand into the hole in Jesus side, does that not show that Jesus was raised from the dead in the same body that was nailed to the stake? No, for Jesus simply materialized or took on a fleshly body, as angels had done in the pastWhile Jesus appeared to Thomas in a body similar to the one in which He was put to death, He also took on different bodies when appearing to His followers. Thus Mary Magdalene at first thought that Jesus was a gardener. At other times his disciples did not at first recognize him. Jesus Christwas the first to be raised as a spirit person. (1 Peter 3:18)You can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982, 21, 1989, pp. 143-145, 172 As can be seen in the above quote, the Watchtower gives several arguments against the idea that Jesus raised in his physical, human body. We will now examine them: ARGUMENT #1: HIS BODY - THE FINAL SACRIFICE The Watchtower Society argues that Jesus yielded His body of flesh as a final sacrifice for sin so that He could not take his body back without voiding the sacrifice. This argument is flawed because nowhere in the Bible is any example given where the sacrifice of flesh atones for sin. On the contrary, all references to the cleansing of sin speak of the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22 states: And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Thus, Jesus was able to shed his blood in payment for sin, and yet resurrect his human body of flesh and bones without compromising salvations sacrifice. Thus, He proclaimed: For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father. John 10:17-18 Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews then said, It took 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.John 2:19-21 ARGUMENT #2: THE LAST ADAM A LIFE GIVING SPIRIT 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45: So also it is written, The first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. Regarding this passage Apologist Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe explain: life-giving spirit does not speak of the nature of the resurrection body, but of the divine origin of the resurrection. Jesus physical body came back to life only by the power of God (cf. Rom. 1:4). So, Paul is speaking about its spiritual source, not its physical substance as a material body In summation, the resurrection body is called spiritual and life-giving spirit because its source is the spiritual realm, not because its substance is immaterial. Christs supernatural resurrection body is from heaven, as Adams natural body was of the earth (v. 47). But just as the one from earth also has an immaterial soul, even so the One from heaven also has a material body. When Critics Ask, A Popular Handbook of Bible Difficulties, pp 467468 (Victor Books, 1992)

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ARGUMENT #3: MADE ALIVE IN THE SPIRIT 1 PETER 3:18: For Christ also died for sins once for all having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. Scripture often employs the terms in the flesh and in the spirit to contrast the fleshly, carnal or sinful way of life with that of the spiritual, godly way of life. For example, at Romans 8:8-9 we read that Christians who have Gods Spirit walk in the spirit rather than in the flesh. It is obvious that Paul is not teaching that Christians who walk in the spirit are spirit creatures. Rather, Paul is proclaiming that by walking in the spirit, one is walking by the power of Gods Holy Spirit. In the same way, 1 Peter 3:18 proclaims that Jesus rose from the dead in the [power of Gods] Spirit. Indeed, Jesus who was made alive in the spirit, did not become a spirit, but was made alive to the supernatural, eternal, spiritual realm of life. Jesus was put to death in the flesh that is, in the fleshly realm of sinful man (not that He was sinful, but that He lived among sinners), and He was made alive in the spirit that is, in the eternal (spiritual) realm, no longer bound to earthly life with all its limitations. ARGUMENT #4: FLESH AND BLOOD CANNOT NOT INHERIT HEAVEN 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50: Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Jehovahs Witnesses claim that Jesus could not have risen in His human body of flesh and bones, because Scripture states that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus did not say that His resurrected body was made of flesh and blood. Rather, He said His body was made of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). This is significant because the term flesh and blood is often used in Scripture to refer to mortal humanity, 3. in contrast to the imperishable, resurrected body alluded to by the phrase, flesh and bones. As noted earlier, Jesus blood provided the atonement for sin. Thus, He did not take His blood back, but merely resurrected his body of flesh and bones. Far from claiming that the resurrected human body cannot inherit Gods kingdom, this passage asserts that the mortal, perishable human body (made of flesh and blood) cannot inherit the immortal, imperishable kingdom of God. Indeed as 1 Corinthians 15:53 states, this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ARGUMENT #5: JESUS WAS NOT RECOGNIZED One of the most common arguments Jehovahs Witnesses bring against the bodily resurrection of Christ is the fact that Jesus wasnt always recognized after His resurrection. Claiming that Jesus returned to life as a spirit creature, they assert, Jesus simply materialized or took on a fleshly body, as angels had done in the past in order to prove that He had risen from the dead. 4. Thus, they claim Jesus wasnt readily recognized because He was not raised in His original body. Does the disciples lack of recognition prove that Jesus rose from the grave as an invisible spirit who manifested different bodies to His followers? We will now examine the Scripture passages in question: Luke 24:13-35 describes an event when Jesus appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus, but they did not recognize Him at first. Nowhere in the passage does it say that Jesus had a different looking body. On the contrary, the passage says that the disciples eyes were prevented from recognizing Him (Luke 24:16). It was not until He had finished talking and eating with them that God allowed their eyes to be opened so that they could recognize Jesus (Luke 24:31). John 20:15 gives the account of Mary who thought Jesus was the gardener at her first visit to the empty tomb. When we consider the fact that Mary was blinded by her grief and it was still dark because it was very early in the morning (John 20:1), it is not surprising that Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener. John 21:4 states, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Context reveals that the disciples were far from the shore and were not expecting the Lord to be there. However, in verse seven we read that John did indeed recognize Jesus. In each of these incidents, there are logical and reasonable explanations as to why Jesus was not immediately recognized in every one of His post-resurrection appearances. Furthermore, in the same way that Jesus was not immediately recognized after His resurrection, we read examples where He was not readily recognized prior to His death. Matthew 14:26 records an event in which Jesus disciples mistook Him for a spirit. Are we to assume that prior to Jesus death, He took on a different body at this incident because His disciples did not recognize Him? Obviously not! At Luke 4:28-30, we read of an incident in which the Jews were about to stone Him for blasphemy. Scripture records that instead of stoning Him, Jesus walked through the midst of the Jews and they did absolutely nothing about it. Dont you think that if the Jews had recognized Jesus in the crowd, they would have continued to try to stone Him? Since this event took place prior to Jesus death, we know He was not manifesting a different body in this incident either. So,

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the simple fact that Jesus disciples did not always recognize Him at certain times prior to and after His resurrection does not prove that He was in a different body! Indeed, Watchtower reasoning against Jesus bodily resurrection falls apart under scrutiny.

ARGUMENT #6: SUPERNATUAL ACTIONS PERFORMED The Watchtower argues that Jesus could not have performed the supernatural activities He did with His body if it was a physical human body. John 20:26 states, Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, Peace be with you. The Society asks, how was it possible on that occasion for him suddenly to appear in their midst even though the doors were locked? Reasoning from the Scriptures, p. 217 In answer, we must consider the fact that Jesus created all things and presently holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17). It is certainly not unreasonable to conclude that the Lord of this universe, Jesus Himself, can arrange and rearrange the molecular structure of anything at will. The text simply states that Jesus appeared and stood in the midst of His disciples. It does not say the He passed through the walls or roof. Consider also that Jesus did miraculous works with His body prior to His resurrection as at Matthew 14:26 where Jesus is seen walking on the water. Hence, supernatural appearances with His post-resurrected, human body would not have been difficult for Him. RESURRECTION OR REINCARNATION? Page 317 of the 1989 edition of Reasoning from the Scriptures (a book published by the Watchtower Society) proclaims that Reincarnation is the belief that one is reborn in another body. The Watchtower goes on to state that this is not a Bible teaching. As we have already noted, the Watchtower asserts that Jesus took on different bodies when He appeared to His followers. They also state on page 335 of their Reasoning book, Jesus did not always appear in the same body of flesh. How is this view of resurrection any different from reincarnation? We would submit that the only difference lies in the manner of returning to lifenamely, birth rather than arising from the grave. Either way, the end result a different body is not a resurrection, but a reincarnation! On page 333 of the Societys Reasoning book, they admit that the Greek word for resurrection (anastasis) means a standing up again, or revival of the dead. Thus, to qualify as a resurrection, there must be a real connection between the body that died and the body that was raised. Since, Jesus did not die as a spirit-creature, He could not have been raised as a spiritcreature. Since Michael the Archangel did not die, Michael the Archangel could not have been resurrected. If Jesus resurrected body is not the original, it must be counterfeit. It is as simple as that! At John 2:18-22, Jesus answered the Jews who challenged Him to show them the sign of His authority. At verse 19, He said, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews misunderstood what He was referring to and thought He spoke of the temple in Jerusalem. Then, at verse 21, John explained that Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body. Could Jesus have been talking about the spirit body of Michael the Archangel being raised up? No! He could not have been referring to a spirit body, because the Jews did not destroy Jesus spirit body. They destroyed His physical human body, so it was His human body that He promised to raise. When did Jesus disciples know what He meant back in verse 19? We find the answer at verse 22 where John wrote, When therefore He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had spoken. Indeed, if the physical body that the Jews destroyed was not resurrected, Jesus prophecy proved false and our faith is worthless. The Bible plainly teaches that the man Jesus who died is the same man Jesus who was resurrected. 1 Timothy 2:5 states, For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. He presently sits at the right hand of God as the man who mediates on our behalf. One day, Jesus will physically and visibly return to judge the world as the Son of Man a Messianic term, denoting His humanity: Jesus said to him, You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Matthew 26:64 (cf. Daniel 7:13) And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30 (cf. Revelation 1:7) He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.Acts 17:31

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IS MICHAEL THE RESURRECTED JESUS? It is beyond the scope of this article to present all of the Biblical reasons for denying that Jesus is Michael the Archangel, but consider these points: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Jesus is never directly called Michael in Scripture. Jesus has the authority to rebuke Satan (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33) while Michael the Archangel cannot (Jude 9; 2 Peter 2:11). Jesus is God the Creator of all, including the angels (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-16) Jesus is called Gods Son in a way that no angel has ever been called (Hebrews 1:5). Jesus is better than the angels (Hebrews 1:4), receives worship from the angels (Hebrews 1:6), and has inherited the Kingdom, not given to angels (Hebrews 2:5).

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WILL ALL CHRISTIANS RECEIVE RESURRECTED BODIES? The Watchtower claims that there are two groups of Christians: those who resurrect to life in heaven and those who resurrect to life on earth. Not only does the Watchtower Societys doctrine deny Jesus of His physical human body, but it denies all who are destined to life in heaven of their bodies as well. Only those destined to life on earth are said to receive physical human bodies. Does the Bible support the idea that only some will receive resurrected bodies? Weve already seen how the Watchtower misinterprets Scripture to deny the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and this teaching is no exception. We will now consider what the following Scriptures have to say: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 1 John 3:2 Scripture promises that our physical human bodies will be transformed to the likeness of Jesus glorious body. It explains that this will occur by the transforming of our perishable, mortal bodies into imperishable supernatural bodies that are physically able to inherit Heaven. Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 It is significant that the phrase put on is used throughout 1 Corinthians 15. It indicates adding something to humanity, not taking something away. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 also describes this event. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. These passages describe two groups of Christians: Those who receive resurrected bodies after death and those whose living bodies are transformed from perishable to imperishable at Christs second coming. We know from Scripture that immediately upon death, the souls of Christians who die prior to the return of Christ, immediately go to be with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:6-9; Philippians 1:21-23). Since their souls are with Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:14 explains that when Christ returns, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. It is not until verses 16 that we see the souls of these Christians reunited with their resurrected bodies. Thus, the first to receive their resurrected bodies are the souls of Christians whose bodies have fallen asleep in the grave and are presently with Christ. 5. Christians who are alive at the time of Christs second coming are the second group to receive glorified bodies. They do not die because their mortal bodies are immediately transformed into imperishable bodies of flesh and bone. Just as Scripture states, we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:42) and caught up together with them (those who had died) to meet the Lord Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At 1 Peter 3:7-13 and Revelation 21, the Bible declares that after the 1,000-year reign of Christ, God will create a new heaven and a new earth for all Christians to enjoy. It is our position that since Jesus was able to travel between heaven and earth in his physical, glorified resurrected body, Christians will be able to do the same in their glorified bodies. Thus, just as the Bible states God will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His [Jesus] glory (Philippians 3:21). Nowhere is there any distinction given between the resurrected bodies of Christians inheriting heaven, and those inheriting the earth. In fact, one will search in vein to find any allusion to the Jehovahs Witness idea that only 144,000 people will inherit heaven while the rest will remain on earth. It is true that Christians will rule over inhabitants of earth during the 1,000-year reign of Christ, but the Bible describes these Christians as those who were killed during the Great Tribulation and resurrected to life to rule with Christ over the unbelieving inhabitants of earth. Revelation 20:4-5 explains: Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.

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Finally, we read about the last group of people destined to be resurrected. They are those who rejected salvation in Christ. The Bible declares that when they died, immediately their souls went to abide in punishment called hell or Hades (Luke 16:2229). Although their bodies remain in the grave until after the 1,000-year reign of Christ has been completed upon the earth, Revelation explains that at the end of this time, God will resurrect both death and Hades for final judgment and throw them into the eternal torment of second death, called the lake of fire. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyones name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:5-6; 12-15 ======================================================

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A LITTERAL HELL ETERNAL. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and other religious groups deny the idea that a literal "hell" exists in which all who reject Jesus Christ will be eternally tormented with fire. They question how a "loving God" could send people to such a place with no hope of an end to the torment. In answer, we must examine what the Bible teaches in regard to "hell," God's love, justice and the sinfulness of man. Summary of Topic Contents: 1. How does the Bible describe Hell? 2. How do we know that these descriptions of Hell are not symbolic? 3. Why did God create Hell? 4. How can a loving God send people to Hell? 5. If Hell is punishment for sins committed in mortality, why is Hell forever? 1. How does the Bible describe Hell? There are two Greek words in the Bible that are often translated "hell." One word is "hades" and the other word is "gehenna." In the Greek Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament), the word "hades" is the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word "sheol." Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament notes that the term "hades" often refers to "the realm of the dead," and in some cases "it denotes...the infernal regions, a dark...and dismal place... in the very depths of the earth...the common receptacle of disembodied spirits...." Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, by Joseph H. Thayer, 2002ed Hendrickson Publishers, p. 11 While the word "hades" is used to refer to mankind's "grave" or the "realm of the dead," the Greek word "gehenna" is more commonly used in connection with the idea of eternal fire. Concerning this word, Vine's Complete Expository of Old and New Testament Words notes: "Geenna represents the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom (the valley of Tophet) and a corresponding Aramaic word....To the passage in Matt. 18, and in Mark 9:43-47, is parallel; here to the word 'hell' are applied the extended descriptions 'the unquenchable fire' and 'where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.'" Vine's Complete Expository of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., 1985 Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 300 "Tophet: Once a part of a king's garden in Hinnom; it became a place where people in Jerusalem sacrificed their children (Isa. 30:33; Jer. 19:6, 11-14; 2 Kings 23:10)." Nelson's Quick Reference: Bible People & Places, 1993 Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 349 Thayer explains: "Gehenna, the name of a valley on the S. and E. of Jerusalem...which was so called from the cries of the little children who were thrown into the fiery arms of Moloch....The Jews so abhorred the place after these horrible sacrifices had been abolished by king Josiah....that they cast into it not only all manner of refuse, but even the dead bodies of animals and of unburied criminals who had been executed. And since fires were always needed to consume the dead bodies, that the air might not become tainted by the putrefaction, it came to pass that the place was called gehenna tou puros [gehenna of fire]....and then this name was transferred to that place in Hades where the wicked after death will suffer punishment." Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, p. 111 Keep the above definitions in mind and take note of how hell is described in the following verses: MATTHEW 10:28: "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [gehenna]." 1. LUKE 12:5: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell [gehenna]; yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

If "hell" is simply mankind's grave, why would Jesus exhort us to "fear" it more than death? MATTHEW 25:46: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." 2. DANIEL 12:2: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt." There are only two options for eternity i.e., "everlasting life" or "everlasting punishment." Hebrews 9:27 states, "...it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." One does not have a second chance after death. In whatever state one may be found, it will last for eternity. MATTHEW 3:12: "And His winnowing fork is in His hand...and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." MATTHEW 8:11-12, 28-29: " 'And I say to you, that many shall come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness, in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'...and when He had come to the other side...two men who were demon-possessed met Him....and behold, they cried out, saying, 'What do we have to do with You, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?' "

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* Here we have an interesting statement made by the demons mentioning a "torment" that shall occur at a future "time." This "torment" is alluding to the "eternal fire" of hell that was "prepared for the devil and his angels." (See Matthew 25:41) Although this punishment was originally created for Satan and his followers, Jesus warns that "weeping and gnashing of teeth" in "unquenchable fire" also awaits those who have rejected Him. MATTHEW 13:41-42, 49-50: "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth....So it will be at the end of the age; the angels shall come forth, and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." MATTHEW 18:8: "...it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the eternal fire." MATTHEW 22:13: "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' " MARK 9:43, 47-49: "...it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having your two hands, to go into hell [gehenna], into the unquenchable fire....it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell, [gehenna] where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire." ISAIAH 66:24: "Then they shall go forth and look on the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched; and they shall be an abhorrence to all mankind." LUKE 3:17: "And His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." LUKE 13:28: "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth there when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being cast out." LUKE 16:22-29: "...the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. And being in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me...for I am in agony in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, Father, that you send him to my father's housefor I have five brothersthat he may warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment. But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' " 2 THESSALONIANS 1:9: "And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." HEBREWS 10:26-27, 29, 31: "For if we go on sinning willfully...there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries....How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve....And again, 'The LORD will judge His people.' It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." REVELATION 14:9-11: "And another angel...followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image...he will be tormented with fire and brimstone....and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night...." REVELATION 19:20: "And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence...these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone." REVELATION 20:10: "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." REVELATION 20:13-15: "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." REVELATION 21:8: "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

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2. How do we know that these descriptions of Hell are not symbolic? Jesus described the "torment" of "gehenna" with severe illustrations and the acute language. It is evident that He did not regard such a place as a figurative expression of symbolism. Take note of the following passage: "...it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having your two hands, to go into hell [gehenna], into the unquenchable fire....it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell, [gehenna] where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire." Mark 9:43, 47-49 Likewise, just as Jesus utilized strong language to express the utter terror of hell, Jesus used real life experiences in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths in a way that could be grasped by His audience. Such was the case with His parable of the rich man and Lazarus at Luke 16. This was the first and only parable in which Jesus mentioned the name of one of the individuals in His account as He related their real-life story. This detailed exposition of the afterlife leaves little doubt as to the reality of hell and its subsequent affect on the fervency of the gospel message. Furthermore, we know from Scripture that God is a God of love (1 John 4:8) and that He is "not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."2 Peter 3:9 We also know from Scripture that it was out of God's great love for all mankind "that He gave His only begotten Son, and that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."John 3:16 If there was any other way for mankind to be saved, Jesus would not have had to die to atone for our sins. (See Matthew 26:39) By the same token, if "hell" is merely a symbolic icon of complete annihilation, or is a figurative expression of a destruction of one's reputation that will live on in infamy, what would be God's purpose for sending His Son to pay an eternal price for our redemption? If all who die apart from the ransom provision will merely undergo the destruction of annihilation in which they will cease to exist for eternity, why wouldn't God just start over with a new creation of humanity and let the current one run its course and cease with annihilation? After all, God did not send His Son to die for any other part of His creation. (See Hebrew 2:16-17) If humans are like animals in that they become unconscious after death and dissolve into dust, why would God send His Son to die for our sins and to eternally bear the marks of our redemption in His body? (See John 20:25-28) It is true that one can only speculate as to the reason God chose to exercise His overwhelming love to pay such a high price for us. However, when one grasps the existence of a literal hell to shun and an everlasting life to gain, this conveys a whole new dimension to the significance of Jesus' ransom sacrifice on account of our sins, for there was a lot more at stake than just the atonement of Adam's sin and its subsequent effects on human nature. Jesus' ransom sacrifice paid the eternal price not only to redeem mankind from the curse of the law of Moses and Adamic sin nature, but to bring about permanent propitiation for each one of our personal sins and to deliver us from an everlasting torment in hell.

3. Why did God create Hell? Hell is the opposite of everything that is good, righteous, pure and holy. This is why hell is described as a place of great pain and suffering. Scripture explains that in the new heavens and the new earth, "righteousness" will "dwell" (See 2 Peter 3:13) and there will be no more "death," "pain" and suffering. It is for this reason, that God created hell as a place where evil could be separated from good for eternity. God did not create hell with the intention of using it for mankind. Jesus explained that "the eternal fire...has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (See Matthew 25:41) When Satan rebelled against God and drew one-third of God's angels after him (See Revelation 12:4), God created Hell in order to provide a place where the devil, his angels and everything that is evil could dwell in everlasting separation from God and His goodness. Sin is like cancer or leaven (yeast) which infects the entire substance in which it is located (See 1 Corinthians 5:6). Just as cancer must be separated and removed from the body in order to keep it from spreading throughout the rest of the body, so it is with sin. God is a God of purity and holiness, and as a result, nothing unclean can stand in His presence. "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear."Isaiah 59:1-2 Because sin cannot exist in the presence of good without soiling the good, God provided an everlasting place where every immortal creature that has been permeated by sin and wickedness and has not been cleansed by the blood of Christ can dwell in everlasting separation from God and everything that is pure and holy.

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4. How can a loving God send people to Hell? This question is misleading in that it implies that God "sends" people to Hell. As we just discussed, God does not send people to Hell. It is our sin and wickedness that cause us to be condemned before the perfect and righteous standard of God's holy law, and cause us to be tainted in a way that will not allow us to enter God's presence where His glory dwells. "As it is written, 'there is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God....' Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin....for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."Romans 3:10-11, 19-20, 23 We must recognize that God is just as much a God of righteousness and true justice as He is a God of love and mercy. Just as oil cannot mix with water, neither can God overlook sin and allow it to dwell in His presence. It is for this reason that God in His love and mercy provided a means by which His justice could be fully satisfied. Scripture declares that, "...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."Hebrews 9:22 Thus, the only way God could extend love and mercy to sinful humanity, was to redeem mankind by allowing the blood of His Son to be shed to pay the price for our sin. All who have embraced the free gift of forgiveness granted in Jesus Christ will be spiritually cleansed from their sins and will thus be able to dwell in God's presence forever in everlasting life. (See Romans 6:23; John 5:24; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 10:20, 14) Those who reject the cleansing offered in Christ, however, will have no other choice than to enter everlasting punishment in hell as this is the only place that they will be able to reside with their sin and impurity apart from the presence of God. Just as hell stands for everything that is evil and wicked, so God stands for everything that is righteous, pure and holy. By rejecting God and His provision for spiritual cleansing in His Son, those who will end up in hell, have made the decision to reject everything that is good and righteous. Thus, on judgment day, God merely confirms the decision they have already made by allowing them to dwell in everlasting punishment away from His presence and virtue. Thus, hell (which encompasses all pain, suffering and wickedness) becomes the everlasting abode of those who reject God. "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:46

5. If Hell is punishment for sins committed in mortality, why is Hell forever? We have discussed how hell is the opposite of everything that is good, holy, pure and virtuous. It is the place that God has designated for unclean, immortal creatures to dwell in everlasting separation from Him and His holy presence. Since we were created with immortal souls that continue to exist after physical death (See Matthew 10:28), our eternal destiny will either be spent in God's presence or in everlasting hell away from the presence of God. Because God's righteous holiness will not allow one to receive His love and mercy apart from personal acceptance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice for sin, those who reject the spiritual cleansing offered in Christ, have as a result, made the personal decision to dwell in everlasting separation from God. It is for this reason that hell is described as torment that will last forever. Quite often, those who struggle with the concept of an everlasting hell, do so because they fail to grasp the eternal consequence of sin. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the extensive gap that God bridged to redeem mankind. God Himself who eternally stands outside of time, space and created matter, entered His creation by being born a human, in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. Confining Himself to the limitations of His creation and experiencing all the boundaries of human weakness, Jesus died an excruciating death for all of our past, present and future sins. Thus, in His human body, Jesus will forever bear the marks of our redemption. (See John 2:18-22; 20:25-27; Luke 24:39-40) And just as the scars of our redemption live on in eternity, so the penalty for anyone who rejects God's gift of salvation results in everlasting punishment and separation from God. Jehovah's Witnesses who deny the concept of a literal "hell," often rationalize Biblical passages on this subject by claiming that they merely symbolize the "destruction" of a complete "annihilation" of the human soul in judgment. However, in reality, the Jehovah's Witness concept of "annihilation" results in an avoidance of judgment, rather than the righteous recompense for various degrees sin. If "annihilation" of the human soul and the repudiation of one's character after death is to be equated with righteous judgment, one would question how this type of judgment would be "torment" when people today often commit suicide in this life as a means of "escape" from reality. Furthermore, if annihilation were God's permanent judgment against those who reject Him, how would this type of judgment be righteous as it would treat everyone alike regardless of the kind of life he or she lived here on earth? How could God be righteous to allow someone who lived a relatively moral life to undergo the same kind of judgment of "annihilation" that a person like Adolph Hitler who killed over 6 million Jews through his Nazis regime would receive? As can be seen, such reasoning does a disservice to the righteous character of God as it fails the test of equitable standards in judgment. Scripture is clear that not only is hell a literal place of torment, but there will be degrees of punishment based on one's level of sin in this life. In closing, we ask Jehovah's Witnesses, if indeed "annihilation" is

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the "destruction" of "everlasting fire" spoken about in the Scriptures, why does Scripture speak of degrees of punishment? One cannot have degrees of annihilation, can he? LUKE 10:12, 14: "I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city....But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment, than for you." HEBREWS 10:26-27, 29, 31: "For if we go on sinning willfully...there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries....How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God....And again, 'The LORD will judge His people.' It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

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THE SOUL AND THE SPIRIT The Watchtower teaches that the soul and spirit of a person constitutes the life-force of the individual, and thus, the Society claims that this life-force (soul and spirit) ceases to exist at the point of death. Does the Bible teach that the human soul and spirit become annihilated at death? The following verses demonstrate the fallacy of such reasoning: * Note: This first example is a parable of Jesus in which He describes a conscious existence at death. Given the fact that Jesus always used real-life experiences in his parables and the fact that this is the only parable in which Jesus mentions people by name, we know that Jesus was not speaking in symbolic terms, but giving a clear illustration of life after death: LUKE 16:22-29: "...the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. And being in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me...for I am in agony in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, Father, that you send him to my father's housefor I have five brothersthat he may warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment. But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' " If the soul ceases to exist at death, why does Jesus state that humans do not have the ability to "kill the soul"? MATTHEW 10:28: "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." LUKE 12:4-5: "And I say to you, 'My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

How can "souls of those who had been slain" during the Tribulations cry out to God and ask how long it will be before their blood is avenged? REVELATION 6:9-11: "And when He broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained. And they cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, wilt Thou refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, should be completed also."

If our soul does not exist apart from the body, how could Moses who died (Jude 9) and Elijah who went up to Heaven (2 Kings 2) appear on earth prior to the resurrection? LUKE 9:30-31: "And behold, two men were talking to Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." MATTHEW 17:3-4: "And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' " MARK 9:2, 4-8: "...Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; ...And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, 'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' And all at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone."

How can God be the God of the "living" if Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ceased to exist at death? How can the dead in the tombs "hear" the "voice" of Jesus, if they no longer exist after death? JOHN 5:25, 28-29: " 'Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live. ...Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.' " LUKE 20:37-38: "But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to Him." How can one "be pleasing" to the Lord if one ceases to exist at the point that one is "absent" from the body? How can death be considered "gain"? PHILIPPIANS 1:21-23: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the

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desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-9: "Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."

How can non-existent people be "blessed" and have deeds that "follow with them"? How can death not "separate us" from God, if we cease to exist at death? ROMANS 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." REVELATION 14:13: "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, 'Write, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!"' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.' If godly people cease to exist at death, why is their death "precious" to Jehovah God? PSALM 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones."

Why make a distinction between spirit, soul and body if the soul and the spirit are part of the body? Why must the spirit and soul "be preserved complete" if they cease to exist at death? 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."

Since the soul and spirit are described as the "hidden person of the heart" and something that exists deep "within" a person, how can the soul and spirit be nothing more than the life force of the person? MARK 2:8: "And immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, 'Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?'" MARK 8:12: "And sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, 'Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.' " ACTS 17:16: "Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols." JOHN 13:21: "When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me." 1 PETER 3:4: "but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." MATTHEW 26:41: "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 2 CORINTHIANS 7:1: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

If spirits do not exist apart from the body, why are they enrolled in heaven and "made perfect" after death? HEBREW 12:23: "to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect."

If the spirit and soul of a person ceases to exist after the "outer man" (i.e. flesh) decays, how can the "inner man" be renewed while the flesh is decaying?
2 CORINTHIANS 4:16: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."

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1 CORINTHIANS 11:3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. The Society uses this passage as well as 1 Corinthians 15:28 to try to prove that since Jesus is subordinate to the Father, He cannot be God. (Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 20) 1 Corinthians 11:3 states that the man is the head of a woman. Are women inferior to men because men are to be in authority over women? Luke 2:51 states that Christ was in subjection to Mary and Joseph. Was Christ inferior to them because He was in subjection to them? While it is true that a functional subordination or functional hierarchy exists among the persons of the Triune God, they are still equal in their Divine nature. Jesus is equal to God the Father in His Divine being (John 10:30). Yet, because Jesus still possesses His human nature (1 Timothy 2:5), He is still in submission to the Father (1 Cor. 15:28). In the same way that a wife is not considered inferior to her husband because she is in subjection to his authority, the functional subordination that exists among the persons of the Trinity does not in any way imply that Jesus is inferior to the Father or any less God than the Father is God. What 1 Corinthians 15:28 is really teaching concerning the subjection of Christ is that once Jesus mediator role is completed and all things are in subjection to Him, He will surrender His kingdom to the Triune Jehovah God who will rule forever. Thou hast put all things in subjection under His feet. For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. Hebrews 2:8 DEUTERONOMY 32:39 See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. JOHN 5:21; 10:28; ACTS 9:34 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; arise, and make your bed. And immediately he arose.

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====================================================== DOES MONOTHEISM (BELIEF IN ONE GOD) SUPPORT THE TRINITY? THE Bible teaching that God is one is called monotheism. And L.L. Paine, professor of ecclesiastical history, indicates that monotheism in its purest form does not allow for a Trinity....Here, O Israel, the Lord our God is one God. Those words are found at Deuteronomy 6:4.In the grammar of that verse, the word one has no plural modifiers to suggest that it means anything but one individual.Thousands of times throughout the Bible, God is spoken of as one person. When he speaks, it is as one undivided individual. The Bible could not be any clearer on this.Surely, if God were composed of three persons, he would have had his Bible writers make it abundantly clear so that there could be no doubt about it.Should You Believe in the Trinity?, pp. 12-13 The Watchtower quotes Levi Leodard Paine in support of their claims that monotheism rules out trinitarianism, but just like other authors the Society has quoted, Paine is a liberal scholar who does not believe the Bible is of a divine miraculous origin and character, differentiating the Bible from all other religious literature.1. Therefore, one must conclude that he is not a reputable source that one should consult for information on the Bible. After quoting Paine, the Society quotes Deuteronomy 6:4, stating that the word one should not be interpreted to mean anything but one individual. While Deuteronomy 6:4, known as the Hebrew Shema, is a clear declaration from God stating that He alone is God, the Hebrew word echod translated one in this passage can refer to plurality within unity. Notice how echod is employed in the following passages: GENESIS 2:24: and they shall become one flesh. GENESIS 29:20: served seven yearsthey seemed to him but a few days.... 1 CHRONICLES 12:38: all the rest also of Israel where of one mind.2. The Society argues that since God is often spoken of in singular terms, such as He, Him, I, and Myself, He cannot be a Trinity. While Trinitarians agree that God speaks of Himself in singular terms, this does not contradict the fact that He is a composite being of three persons. Even in the Old Testament, shadows of the Trinity can be seen as is demonstrated by the following verses: GENESIS 1:26-27: Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;...And God created man in His own image.3. ISAIAH 48:16b: And now the Lord God has sent Me, and His Spirit.4. 2 SAMUEL 23:2-3: The Spirit of the LORD spoke.The God of Israel saidThe Rock of Israel spoke.5. ZECHARIAH 2:8-11: For thus says the LORD of hosts, Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me.behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. ZECHARIAH 12:10: they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him. The Society makes the claim that if God were composed of three persons, he would have had his Bible writers make it abundantly clear so that there could be no doubt about it. Lets now take a moment and observe how abundantly clear God has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is based on three premises which are distinctly revealed in the Scriptures. 1. THE THREE PERSONS OF THE TRINITY ARE SHOWN TO BE DISTINCT: As noted earlier, by employing the term person to represent the uniqueness of the individuals of the Trinity, one must not perceive that we are implying that these persons each have bodies of flesh an bones.6. The term person is used to designate the qualities and attributes of personhood that they manifest as they relate to each other. For example, note how the Son prays to the Father (John 17), the Father sends the Son (John 3:16-17; Matthew 3:16-17), and the Father knows the mind of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:27), while the Holy Spirit searches the depths of God and knows the thoughts of God (1 Cor. 2:10-11).

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2. 2. WHILE EACH OF THE THREE PERSON POSSESS THE ATTRIBUTES OF DEITY, THEY ARE EACH ADDRESSED AS GOD: The following charts illustrate some of the passages from which the doctrine of the Trinity is derived. Take note of how each member of the Trinity has the attributes of Deity and each perform tasks that only God can do.7. DIVINE QUALITY OMNIPRESENCE OMNISCIENCE THE FATHER Jeremiah 23:24; 1 Kings 8:27 Psalm 147:5; 1 John 3:20; 1 Kings 8:39 THE SON Matthew 28:20; 18:20; John 1:48 John 16:30; 2:24-25 THE HOLY SPIRIT Psalm 139:7 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

OMNIPOTENCE

Jeremiah 32:17,27; Matthew Matthew 28:18; 19:26; John 16:15; Luke 1:37; Hebrews 1:3 Psalm 135:6 Revelation 15:4 Psalm 90:2; Romans 16:26 Acts 3:14 Hebrews 7:3; Isaiah 9:6; John 8:58 John 8:32,36; 14:6; Revelation 3:7 Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11 2 Peter 1:1; Titus 2:13; John 1:1; 20:28; Hebrews 1:8 Revelation 1:8; 22:12-13, 20

Romans 15:19

HOLINESS ETERNITY

Romans 1:4 Hebrews 9:14

Each described as TRUTH John 7:28 LORD GOD Luke 1:32; 10:21 1 Peter 1:2; Philippians 2:11

John 16:13; 1 John 5:6-7 2 Corinthians 3:17 Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

ALMIGHTY

Genesis 17:1

Zechariah 4:6

DIVINE WORK CREATION

THE FATHER Genesis 2:7; Psalm 102:25; Isaiah 44:24 Hebrews 10:5 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 1:20 Exodus 31:13; Jude 1 Deuteronomy 30:20 Romans 6:23 John 5:21a; Deuteronomy 32:39

THE SON John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Hebrews 1:2 Hebrews 2:14; Philippians 2:7 John 10:17-18; John 2:18-22 Hebrews 2:11; 10:10 Colossians 3:4; John 14:6 John 10:28 John 5:21b

THE HOLY SPIRIT Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30 Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18 Romans 1:4; 8:11

INCARNATION CHRIST'S RESURRECTION THEY SANCIFY THEY ARE LIFE GIVE ETERNAL LIFE RAISE THE DEAD

1 Peter 1:2 Romans 8:10 Galatians 6:8 Romans 8:11

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INSPIRE PROPHETS 3.

Hebrews 1:1

2 Corinthians13:3

Mark 13:11; Acts 28:25-27

THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD: While it is clear that only God can possess the attributes of Deity, the Bible is very explicit in its revelation that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6, 8, 24; 45:21-22; 46:9; 1 Timothy 1:17), and all other so-called Gods are in reality false gods (1 Corinthians 8:5-6; John 17:3; Galatians 4:8). Throughout this publication as we continue to respond to the Societys claims, it will become more and more evident that the doctrine of the Trinity is definitely revealed abundantly clear so that there could be no doubt about it being a Biblical teaching.

JESUS called God the only true God. (John 17:3) Never did he refer to God as a deity of plural persons. That is why nowhere in the Bible is anyone but Jehovah called Almighty. Otherwise, it voids the meaning of the word almighty. Neither Jesus nor the holy spirit is ever called that, for Jehovah alone is supreme.In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word elolah (god) has two plural forms.These plural forms generally refer to Jehovah, in which case they are translated in the singular as God. Do these plural forms indicate a Trinity? No, they do not.... It is either what grammarians call the plural of majesty, or it denotes the fullness of divine strength, the sum of the powers displayed by God. Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 13

The phrase only true God in John 17:3 is not intended to contrast the Father and the Son, but rather, to contrast the one true God with that of false gods (Jeremiah 10:10-11; 1 John 5:20). The Society has a valid point when they claim that Jehovah is the only one who is called Almighty. This is one reason why Trinitarians believe that Jesus is Jehovah. At Revelation 1:8, the Alpha and the Omega is called Almighty, and when we compare this with Revelation 22:12-13, 20, we find that this Alpha and Omega is Jesus Christ. Since we know that Jehovah is Almighty and that there can only be one Almighty, it is obvious that Jesus is Jehovah God! Concerning the Hebrew plural term elo-him which is translated God in the Old Testament, it is true that various scholars feel that this term is used only to express Gods fullness of power rather than the persons of the Trinity. While this debate exists among recognized scholars, one should not accept or deny the Trinity solely on his personal interpretation of this term, because support for the doctrine of the Trinity is far more extensive than this.

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COLOSSIANS 1:15-16 And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created. The Society argues that the fact that the Bible calls Jesus first-born proves that Jesus had to be created. They then assert that because Scripture teaches that God created the universe through Jesus, he cannot be God, but merely the instrument that God used in creation. 3 REASONS WHY THE SOCIETYS ARGUMENTS BASED ON THIS VERSE ARE UNSOUND: 1. FIRST-BORN MEANS SUPREMACY OF POSITION: PSALM 89:27: David, who was the last born son of Jesse,8. is called first-born. JEREMIAH 31:9: Ephraim, who was born after Manasseh,9. is called first-born. EXODUS 4:22: Israel is called Gods first-born son. JOB 18:13: An illness is called the first-born of death. It was the Hebrew custom that the position of the first-born son held special privileges within the family. He received the special family blessing, which meant spiritual and social leadership and a double portion of the fathers possessionsor twice what all the other sons received (Deut. 21:17). He could lose this blessing through misdeeds (Gen. 35:22) or by selling it (Gen. 25:29-34).10. Context determines whether the term first-born in a particular passage should be interpreted as referring to supremacy of position as the preeminent one or the first one physically born. Since the whole context of Colossians chapter one is speaking about the supremacy of Christ as being the Creator rather than being of the creation,11. it is in this sense that Christ is called the firstborn or preeminent one of creation. Indeed, He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him. Colossians 1:1819 2. PAUL USED THE GREEK TERM PROTOTOKOS RATHER THAN PROTOXTIOTI: If the Apostle Paul had intended to convey the concept that Jesus was the first creature created by Jehovah, he would have used the term protoxtioti (prwtoctioti) which means first-created rather than using the term prototokos (prwtotokoV) which means firstborn or preeminent one. According to Hebrews 7:3, Melchizedek, who was a picture of Christ, had neither beginning of days nor end of lifelike the Son of God.12. Indeed, our eternal High/Priest Mediator, Jesus Christ, has no beginning of days, for nothing that was created came into being apart from Him. (John 1:3) 3. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED THROUGH BOTH THE FATHER AND THE SON: Because the universe is said to be created through Christ, the Society endeavors to argue that Jesus is not the Supreme Creator but only the instrument that Jehovah used to accomplish His act of Creation. While the Society makes an issue of the universe being created through (diadia) Jesus, they neglect the fact that at Romans 11:36 and Hebrews 2:10 all things are said to be created through the Father. Since it is untenable to argue that the Father is not the Supreme Creator because all things were created through Him, it is untenable to argue that Jesus is not the Supreme Creator simply because all things were created through Him. ISAIAH 44:24B I, the LORD, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading out the earth all alone.13. JOHN 1:3 All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

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REVELATION 3:14 the Beginning of the creation of God. The Society argues that the word Beginning [Greek, ar-khe] cannot rightly be interpreted to mean that Jesus was the beginner of Gods creation. In his Bible writings, John uses various forms of the Greek word ar-khe more than 20 times, and these always have the common meaning of beginning. Yes, Jesus was created by God as the beginning of Gods invisible creations. Should You Believe in the Trinity?, p. 14 At Revelation 21:6 and 22:13, John quotes God Almighty as stating that He is the beginning and the end.14. Why is Jehovah God called the beginning? Is this passage teaching that Jehovah God had a beginning? Obviously, Not! So, what is He the beginning of? It is obvious that He is the beginning of the created universe. Thus, if Jehovah God is called the beginning of the created universe and He is not regarded as being part of what He began, why cant Jesus be called the beginning of creation and He is not regarded as being part of the creation which He began? If the Greek word arche is used in Scripture to indicate Almighty Gods power and authority as the originator and beginner of creation, is it plausible to argue that arche cannot be applied to Christ to indicate His power and authority as the beginner of creation? Obviously, Not! Contrary to the Societys claims, the Greek word arche (arch) is used to denote not only someone who is an originator, but also someone who is a ruler or magistrate. In fact, it is from this Greek word that our English words architect and archbishop are derived.15. Notice how arche is translated in the following passages found in the King James Version of the Bible: LUKE 12:11: And when they bring youunto magistrates, and powers.... LUKE 20:20: ...deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:24: ...put down all rule and all authority and power. COLOSSIANS 2:10: the head of all principality and power. As far as arche being used to signify the originator of something, notice how archegos (archgoV), a derivative of arche, is translated in the following passages found in the New American Standard Bible: ACTS 3:15: but put to death the Prince of life. HEBREWS 2:10: ...to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. HEBREWS 12:2: fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.... As is evident by the way arche is translated in these passages, the Watchtower Societys assertion that arche cannot be applied to Christ as the beginner of Gods creation is entirely without merit. At Revelation 3:14, Scripture is actually teaching that Jesus Christ is the Architect and Ruler of creation, for all creation began with Christ.

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INDEX OF COMPARISON
We hope interested and discerning readers have access to a copy of the KIT for verification of the following comparisons. Space does not allow for a comprehensive discussion of these passages so we leave it to the reader to examine the contexts, and the implications of the NWTs renderings. The following are a small but significant sampling of verses in question. The words to be compared are in red. Reference English under Greek New World Transl. (NWT)

Colossians 1:16-17

all (things)

all [other] things Other added 4 times, though it is not present in the Greek; sometimes quoted without brackets in the publications [e.g. WT, 4/1/93, page 11]. Addition of other makes Jesus a thing. The brackets are not present in the 1950 edition of the NWT.

Philippians 2:9

over every name

above every other name Why this addition of other? For consideration: what is the name above every name?

Romans 8:1

nothing really now condemnation to the (ones) in Christ Jesus;

therefore those in Christ Jesus have no condemnation; Greek word now is omitted, weakening the assurance of present reality.

Hebrews 11:13

strangers and alien residents they are upon the earth. [Context is Hebrew patriarchs]

strangers and temporary residents in the land. The WT teaches that Old Testament believers do not go to heaven, but will live on the earth.]

Romans 8:23

awaiting the release by ransom of the body of us [Jesus speaking] ask me in the name of me

waiting for adoption as sons, the release from our bodies by ransom. The WT does not believe in the resurrection of the body. ask anything in my name. me is left out. On page 9 of the Foreword in the 1969 edition it says, Where we have varied from the Westcott and Hort text, our footnotes show the basis for our preferred reading. [No such footnotes here. Jehovahs Witnesses do not pray to Jesus.]

John 14:14

2 Corinthians 5:17

if anyone in Christ, new creation;

if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; The adding of union with occurs very often in NWT:

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Col. 1:2,28; Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor.13:5; Rom. 16:7; etc. In Gal.2:20, Christ in union with me. Union with isnt in the Greek.

1 Corinthians 11:23,25

This of me is the body. The new covenant is in the my blood to whom willed the God to make known what the riches f the glory of the mystery this in the nations which is Christ in YOU ,the hope of the glory;

this means my body. This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood

Colossians 1:27-28

To whom God has been pleased to make known what are the glorious riches of this sacred secret among the nations. It is Christ in union with YOU, the hope of [his] glory. The Greek musterion is always translated Sacred secret by the WT. Christians sometimes speak of the Trinity as a mystery, hence, conceivably, the WT avoids the word. See Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: In the ordinary sense a mystery implies knowledge withheld; its Scriptural significance is truth revealed.

Romans 5:18

all men into condemnation all men into justification of life. Before Abraham to become I am.

men of all sorts was condemnation men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life

John 8:58

Before Abraham came into existence, I have been The WTs footnote to John 8:58 gave, consecutively, three different grammatical rules as basis for this have been rendering. In fact, the footnote in the KITs 1969 edition says, properly rendered in the perfect tense, while the KITs 1985 edition says, properly translated by the perfect indicative! And earlier explanations, like perfect indefinite tense in the 1950 edition, have been discarded. The correct rendering is I AM. Compare Exodus 3:14.

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Probably the most serious mistranslations the Watchtower made are in the first chapter of The Gospel of John. As we compare some of the following passages, we refer the reader to Greek scholars for further detail and deeper understanding of this subject. We suggest Robert Bowmans book, Why You Should Believe in the Trinity. John 1:18 Direct English Under the Greek in the KIT NWT in the KIT, 1969 Edition NWT in the KIT, 1985 Edition

God no one has seen at any time; only begotten god the (one) being into the bosom of the Father that (one) explained.

No man has seen (God) at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom position with the Father is the one that has explained him

No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom [position] with the Father is the one that has explained him. position and with added in NWT; brackets added around position in 1985 edition, perhaps to soften criticism of 1969 edition.

Additional notes on this John 1:18 passage: All three columns have god in the lower case. Greek manuscripts were written in all upper case letters, so whether to capitalize a word has to be determined by other means, such as context. The parenthesis around a word means that the parenthesized word is implied in the Greek. The Watchtowers argument has always been that where there is no definite article (the), in front of the Greek word for God, it should be translated, god, but where there is a definite article (the), in front of the Greek word for God, it should be translated God, with a capital. [The Watchtower considers Jesus a god, not the God]. The WTs dilemma here in John 1:18 is that neither occurrence of GOD in this passage has a definite article in front of it! This is proven in the left hand column of the Watchtowers own KIT. Yet the WT arbitrarily translates the first occurrence of THEOS [Greek for God] as God [capital G], and the second occurrence of God as god [no capital],* because it is referring to Jesus, the only-begotten. See more on this subject in the comments below, under John 1:1-3. The New American Standard Bible translates John 1:18 like this: No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

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* Keep in mind that the word [God] will not always look the same in Greek, as it depends on which case it is in; it nevertheless is the same word, God.

John 1:1-3
Direct English Under the Greek KIT, 1969 Edition KIT, 1985 Edition

In beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward the God and god was the Word. This (one) was in the beginning toward the God. All (things) through him came to be, and apart from him came to be not-but one (thing).

In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.* This one was in [the] beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. * A god in contrast with the God. See Appendix under John 1:1.[the WTs footnote]

The edition reads the same as the 1969, with the exception of the footnote which reads * A god in contrast with the God See App. 2A [the WTs footnote]

Additional notes on this John 1:1-3 passage: There is no definite article in the Greek before the second occurrence of God, so the WT translated the word a god. So far, they are consistent with their supposed rule that if a noun has no definite article it is indefinite. However, just five verses later, in the New World Translation, we have this: John 1:6 There arose a man that was sent forth as a representative of God: his name was John. There is no definite article in the Greek before the word God in John 1:6, yet the WT translates it God, with a capital G! This translation is absolutely correct, but it demolishes the WTs rule that when there is no definite article present the noun must, of necessity, be translated as an indefinite [a God, hence a god]. The following occurrences of the word God, in the WTs own New World Translation, are translated with a capital G even though there is no definite article, no the, present: John 3:2; John 13:3; 1 Thess. 2:5, 1 Pet. 4:10,11 (four occurrences of the word God, two with the article, two without, yet all four are translated by the WT as God, capital G! And to show how flexible the WT is in observing its own rule when it doesnt serve the WTs purpose, we quote Heb. 9:14 in the NWT: How much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works that we may render sacred service to [the] living God? There is no definite article before the word God in the Greek, yet the WT not only translates it God with a capital G, but supplies the definite article that is not present in the Greek! The WT translates it correctly here, but it broke its own rule to do that! So the rule is not absolute, just convenient in places like in John 1:1 where the Word, Jesus, is called God! The Watchtower is bent on depriving Jesus of His Divine nature and it will do what it has to, even to the point of knowingly twisting the Scriptures.

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We add one final point on the above passage, John 1:1-3. We quote the Watchtowers own translation of verses 2 and 3: This one was in [the] beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. You will remember that in the comparison chart at the top of this article it was shown that the WT had inserted the word other before the word things in Colossians chapter one. The WT apparently did not dare to insert other before things in this first chapter of John, so it stands as God wrote it: Apart from Jesus not even one think came into existence! Jesus is not created, not the first thing created, as the Watchtower would have you believe! The point in this passage is that Jesus is the Creator! The New American Standard Bible translates John 1:1-3 like this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. I once read this passage from her own NWT, not even one thing came into existence, to a Jehovahs Witness I emphasized the point that nothing came into being except that Jesus was along in the creating. She helpfully and cheerfully responded, Well, except Jesus, thinking that I had made a slip. She had missed the point entirely; so deeply is this misinterpretation ingrained in a Witness mind! This inspection of the New World Translation is obviously very limited; it is only a starter. We advise the reader to do his/her own investigation by getting a copy of the KIT and by reading the claims in the Foreword to each edition. It is very important to compare the two editions as to the Foreword, the Appendix and the text, because the WT made significant changes to the 1985 edition. Not the least of the WTs changes is the list of Bible translations on page 1139 in the Appendix in the 1985 KIT. The list was, no doubt, added to support the WTs a god rendering of John 1:1. This list of eight translations includes three that are in German, another one that is the work of Unitarians. One is the Watchtowers own translation (circular reasoning). Perhaps the most telling is that the second translation in the list is the work of a documented spiritist, John S. Thompson. All the translations are suspect. Is it any wonder if the Watchtowers grand Interlinear, the KIT, is now off the shelves of the Kingdom Halls library? Witnesses need to know the issues behind the Watchtowers Interlinear. I once had an arranged meeting with two Witness women. They surprised me by bringing a third woman with them, to help with the study. She was from Greece, the wife to a prominent Witness in the district. The subject of the deity of Christ came up. We read John 1:1 from the KIT. I showed her that in verse six there is no definite article in front of God, (as was her argument for the a god rendering in verse one), and yet the Watchtower translated it with a capital G, God, in verse six. This woman, whose native language was Greek, was stunned. She stood up and walked out alone. The other two followed her slowly. The meeting was over and, sadly, I never saw them again. It is always our hope and prayer that such people will, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, think about what they have seen and about the cost of following an organization that uses deception to twist Gods Word. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and hence He is God by nature, John 5:18. Our salvation depends on this fact, Rev. 17:14, John 3:16, Rev. 1:8 and 22, Titus 2:13, etc

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NOTES ON DOUGLAS WALSH TRIAL AND GERBER INFO

Under oath at a trial in Scotland As a Bible scholar Franz would have to know the Hebrew Language. Mr. MacMillan, a former leader of the Jehovah's Witnesses, said, "He is also a scholar of Hebrew..."(FAITH ON THE MARCH, 1957, p. 182.) Mr. Franz, under oath in a trial in Scotland, was asked: (Walsh Trial, P. 7). Scottish Court of Sessions in November, 1954. (Q): I think you are able to read and follow the Bible in Hebrew .... (A). Yes. The next day, he was put to the test. Could he really follow the Bible in Hebrew? Franz was asked to translate a simple Bible text at Genesis 2:4:6 (Q): I think we come to the name Jehovah in the forth verse, don't we, of the second chapter of Genesis ... [page 34] (A). Yes. (Q): You, yourself, read and speak Hebrew, do you? (Remember, Franz had admitted to this the previous day) (A): I do not speak Hebrew. (The examiner was surprised to hear this) (Q): You do not! (A). No. Q): Can you, yourself, translate that into Hebrew? (A): Which? (Q): That fourth verse of the second chapter of Genesis? (A): You mean here? (Q). Yes? (A): No, I won't attempt to do that. What Franz "wouldn't attempt" to translate into Hebrew is what many have said as a simple exercise an average first or second-year Hebrew student in seminary would be able to do. Franz could neither speak Hebrew nor translate the English to Hebrew. The President of the Watchtower allowed Jehovah's Witnesses to believe he is a Bible scholar having an education in Biblical languages. The facts show otherwise. He is not a scholar. In fact, there is not one Bible scholar among the Watchtower leaders. There couldnt be one in good conscience because of their theology and what they have done in their translation.

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So they searched for camaraderie in their unique teaching of a greater and lesser God in Jn.1:1. F. W. Franz found a translation that agrees with his, THE NEW TESTAMENT by Johannes Greber. (SEE MAKE SURE OF ALL THINGS p. 4891965 revision) In the Watchtower's assessment the similar wording made the Bible an outstanding example of good translating and Greber became their scholar of choice. The New Testament by Johannes Greber is presented as a legitimate and accurate Bible. Lack of qualified Greek scholarship does not stop the Watchtower from citing support for their translation however. In many of their books and magazines over the years they have cited support from a New Testament translation by Johannes Greber (Aid to Bible Understanding, 1971 edition, pp. 1669, 1134 ). The Kingdom Hall libraries have documentation in their own literature if any Jehovah's Witness will care to seek the truth by examining the evidence. Both Watchtower publications, MAKE SURE OF ALL THINGS: page 489, and THE WORD WHO IS HE? ACCORDING TO JOHN, page 5, quote Grebers translation to support their own rendering of that verse. Citing Johannes Greber As an Authority: It is true that Johannes Greber rendered the latter part of John 1:1 as "the Word was a god" (The New Testament, 1937) However, was Greber really a biblical scholar? Who was Johannes Greber? In 1923, Greber, a Roman Catholic priest, became interested in communication with spirit beings. These spirits often spoke through his wife, a spirit medium, and told him the Bible was full of errors. Johannes Greber was a known spiritist. He authored the book: COMMUNICATION WITH THE SPIRIT WORLD OF GOD. In this book, Greber claims that spirits helped him in his translation of the New Testament. Greber also saw the translation come by words passing before his eyes. Greber writes: "After I had convinced myself at the spiritistic meetings that God's spirits speak to men through mediums, as they had spoken to the early Christian communities, my first thought was to beg for full enlightenment on these problems concerning Christ. Who was Christ? My request was granted, to the smallest details, and that knowledge thenceforth constituted the most precious possession of my soul. In what follows, I shall repeat the truths regarding Christ. His life, and his work of Redemption, as they were imparted to me by the spirit which taught them." The spirit said: "At that time you were told that Christ is the highest of the spirits created by God and the sole one to be created directly; Christ Himself was not God, but only the first of God's sons." (COMMUNICATION WITH THE SPIRIT WORLD OF GOD p. 300) It is interesting that this is exactly what Franz the president of Jehovah's Witnesses teaches. Franz also gets information from angels. Mr. F. W. Franz during a court trial in Scotland (1954) was asked these questions under oath. (P. 39-40 from court transcript) FRANZ: Well, we believe that the angels of God are used in directing Jehovah's Witnesses." This is not anything new as Franz was only citing what the J.Ws have taught "the servant class on earth are directed by the Lord through his duly constituted deputies or angels. " (Light. Volume II.1930 p. 20). "Visible human creatures had to do with that message, yet in fact, it was a message of the Lord sent through his invisible angels, because without a doubt these are clothed with authority to direct the course of earthly members of God's organization." (Light Vol.1 l930, p.106). " Our understanding is that God's foreknowledge of our affairs and interests is gained by methods with which we are acquainted. We may assume, however, that the mediums used are largely the angelic messengers." (Watchtower, 2/15/15, p. 56) Notice the language, is it any wonder that they were open to Grebers translation through spirits.

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The WT even wrote The Apostle John warns: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world" 1 John 4:1. Greber's translation is directly from the spirit world that is used by demons. So Greber was not a scholar but an occultist! According to the April 1, 1983. issue of The Watchtower magazine, the Watchtower Society claims that when they discovered this damaging information, it immediately ceased citing Greber. This is a blatant lie a misrepresentation of the facts. The Bible clearly forbids all contact with demons professing to bring messages from God: the Society Knew this, and attempted to hinder research about Greber and this continues today. The Watchtower Society first began quoting Greber's translation of John l:1 in 1962. Their deception becomes clear when we find out that they knew exactly what they are doing. For six years earlier, in the 1956 Watchtower, number 4 on page 111, the Society mentions Greber and warns readers against his demon-inspired translation!" Very plainly the spirits in which ex-priest Greber believes helped him in his translation." In reality, the Watchtower knew as far back as 1956, that Johannes Greber was a spiritist. The February 15, 1956, issue of The Watchtower magazine contained nearly a full page on Greber and his Spiritism. The Watchtower admits. "Very plainly the spirits in which ex-priest Greber believes helped him in his translation." (Watchtower 2/15/1956) Yet, despite the knowledge that Greber was a spiritist, the Society continued to cite him as a authority in support of its translation of John 1:1 (see the 1961 edition of the New World Translation). So why did they quote him? Because they could find no one else that would render Jn.1:1 the way their own translation did. Has the Watchtower's own NEW WORLD TRANSLATION, been influenced by the teachings of demons. Judge for yourself Advertisement Johannes Greber memorial fund -Johannes Greber was surely an Apostle of Truth. It is the purpose of his book, written in a spirit of love for his fellow man, to describe the path which brought- him into contact with the world of God's Spirits and laid the Truth open to him.when Pastor Greber- first contacted Gods Spirit World he felt compelled to continue.Pastor Johannes Greber also translated the New Testament. The task was not simple. Many contradictions between what appears in the ancient scrolls and the New Testament, as we have grown to know it, arose and were the subject of his constant prayers for guidance-prayers that were answered, and the discrepancies clarified to him, by God's Spirit World. "At times he was given the correct answers in large illuminated letters aid words passing before his eyes. Other times he was given the correct answers during prayer meetings. His wife, a medium of God's Spirit world was often instrumental in conveying the correct answer from God's Messengers to Pastor Greber." Preceding the introduction of Greber's New Testament, we read: At times he was given the correct answers in large illuminated letters and words passing before ' his eyes. Johannes Greber did not like any of the existing translations of the Bible Greber speaks for himself in the introduction, page 15. "In the rare instances in which a test pronounced correct by the divine spirits can he found is none of the manuscripts able to-day, I have used the text as it was given to me by those spirits." (The New Testament by Johannes Greber p. 15). Notice he used the text as given to him by "spirits" in the plural. How is the WT able to justify a man who received his understanding from evil spirits and the Watchtower would be in total agreement with in their translation.

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WHY DOES THE WATCHTOWER QUOTE JOHANNES GREBER A CATHOLIC PRIEST WHO WAS A SPIRIT MEDIUM TO SUPPORT THEIR DOCTRINES? Books where Greber is quoted by the Watchtower. AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING Page 1669 THE WORD AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING Page 1134 MEMORIAL TOMBS MAKE SURE OF ALL THINGS Page 489 "A GOD" THE WATCHTOWER 9/15/1962 Page 554 THE WORD THE WATCHTOWER 10/15/1975 Page 640 NO RESURRECTION THE WATCHTOWER 4/15/1976 Page 231 NO RESURRECTION THE WORD Page 5 "A GOD" They actually can claim "Without wresting Greek grammar, a translator can render ...Thus the translation by Johannes Greber (1937) renders these verses ...Compare the New World Translation." (Watchtower, October 15, 1975, p. 640). Examples: "Similar is the reading of a former Roman Catholic priest-: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. "' Watchtower, September 15,1962, p. 544; "The Word"-Who Is He? According to John, 1963 ed., p. 5. Many WT issues claimed Johannes Greber's Bible was, "Based on the Oldest Manuscripts." That speaks of approval! More approval "Modern translations and Greek grammar make the meaning clear..." Make Sure of All Things, 1965, p. 489. Again they were recommending Greber and his book, and as usual claiming to have the last word on Greek grammar. Aid to Bible Understanding 1971 pp.1134 and 1669 "A translation by a former catholic priest. Johannes Greber (1937 ed.) renders the second appearance' a of the word "god" In the sentence as "a god." And The Four Gospels-A New Translation, by Professor Charles Cutler Torrey (second ed., 1947), says: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was god. When he was in the beginning with God all things were created through him: without him came no created thing into This Word or Logos was God's only direct creation, the only-begotten son of God, and evidently the close associate of God to whom God was speaking when he said: "Let us make man In our image, according to our likeness." (Gen. 1:26) Hence John continued, saying: "This one was 1n the beginning with God. All things came Into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence." -John 1:2, 3. How could the influence of demons be held up as a fine translation by anyone except those in the occult? The Watchtower does not call it a "paraphrase " but implies that it is the correct literal translation of the text. WATCHTOWER, Oct.15 1975 They are still using Greber. Without wresting the Greek grammar, a translator can render Matthew 27:52, 53 in a way that suggests that a similar exposing of corpses resulted from the earthquake occurring at Jesus' death. Thus the translation by Johannes Greber (1937) renders these verses: "Tomb: were laid open, and many bodies of those buried there were tossed upright. In this posture they projected from the graves and were seen by many who passed by the place on their way back to the city."-Compare the New World Translation.

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THE WATCHTOWER - APRIL 15, 1976 Insight on the News- the Watchtower is still using Greber to prove their doctrine. Referring to a Guatamalan earthquake that affected gravesites"A report in the Bible, as translated by Johannes Greber, says that when Jesus died, "the earth quaked, and the rocks were shattered. Tombs were laid open, and many bodies of those buried there were tossed upright. In this posture they projected from the graves and were seen by many who passed b y the place on their way back to the city." Hence, rather than a resurrection, as some Bible translations imply, there appears to have been merely an exposure of the dead to observers, as in Guatemala. Matt. 27:51-53."(Watchtower April 15, 1976, p. 231) What the Watchtower failed to tell its followers and hides from them is that Johannes Greber was a spiritist who translated the New Testament through his spirit-medium wife. According to Greber, the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6:9-10) begins like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy spirit world come to us. Thy will be done in the beyond and on earth." (Greber p. 6), Greber's spiritism is condemned by God's Word in Deuteronomy 18:9-14, and many other places. The Watchtower, on page 624 wrote, Since spiritism is condemned by God, it becomes obvious that a person appealing to spiritism for knowledge or help is not appealing to God. He is looking to a source opposed to God...' (WT Oct. 15 1977) So if Spirits that lie helped Greber in his translation, and the WT promotes the same inspired text (as they used his), then what does this mean? This is not just a side issue but the issue; the nature of Christ. Do we trust God's Book "translated" by a man who had Satan's influence? How good are these bibles? Greber also influenced the WT in other areas - Jesus Christ is a created being, (Communication with the Spirit World p. 301-J.Ws "Aid to Bible Understanding "p. 918). Christ's body was not resurrected. (CSWp.385- J.W.s "things in which It is Impossible For God to Lie" p. 355). Body of Jesus was dematerialized. (CSWp.385- J.W.s "Time Is At Hand" p. 129). You can no longer order Greber's New Testament from Johannes Greber Memorial Foundation, so you will have to personally check the WT organization. I'm sure they would love too hear from you on this issue.

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LEVIATHAN
The Watchtower on Leviathan of the Book of Job. The following description was extracted from www.watchtower.org on February 14, 2008. Job next heard about Leviathan. (Job 41:1-34) The Hebrew word denotes a wreathed animal apparently the crocodile. (http://www.watchtower.org/e/20060115a/article_01.htm)

The Following was taken from Charles Taze Russells The Finished Mystery. Thou wilt lengthen out leviathan (the locomotive) with a hook (automatic coupler) or with a snare (coupling-link) to drop down. Wilt thou not place a ring (piston) in his nostrils (cylinders) or pierce through his cheeks (piston-ends) with a staff (piston rod)? Will he make repeated supplications unto thee (to get off the track)? Or will he utter soft tones unto thee (when he screeches with the whistle)? [] Wilt thou play with him as with a bird (make him whistle at will)? Or wilt thou bind (enslave) him for thy maidens (so that you can take them to a picnic or convention)? Companies (of stockholders) will feast upon him (his earnings) The Finished Mystery. 1926 Edition. P.85

Who was wrong? _______ Or _______ The current Watchtower Organization. Charles Taze Russell The founder of Jehovahs Witness and the first chosen slave of Jehovah.

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BAPTISM
MATTHEW 28:19, 20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things. QUESTION: Is it true that the Jehovahs Witness is baptized, they are baptized:In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the spirit directed organization? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

If so, why is this not in direct conflict with Jesus own instructions in Matthew 28:19?

Jesus said that he would be with them all the days until the conclusion of the system of things. It is my understanding that Jesus is no longer Jesus but is not reverted back to Michael the Arch Angel upon his return to heaven?

Is Jesus speaking to them in Matthew chapter 28: 19 20 the same Jesus that is with them now?

Doesnt the Jehovahs Witness teach that Jesus body was vaporized and he was recreated again?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Clarification of Doctrine Understanding of John 1:1 How Many True Gods Creation To Know Jehovah The Alpha and Omega Who Is the First and the Last Insertion of Jehovah into the Text I and the Father are One The Divine Quality The Lord of Me and The God of Me Taking the Bible Test The Nature of Jesus Who Raised Jesus from the Dead? General Questions: The Position of Michael List of Scripture: Jehovah and Christ Worthy of Same Status Worthy of Same Name and Title Performs Same Acts Have Same Attributes Prophecy Varied Quotes Beth Sarim Pics The 144,000 Believers Now in Heaven Hell Creator Bible Translation NWT Russell Transcript Douglas Walsh Trial Refusal to Belong to Political Organization UN Pic UN Letter The Cross Scan Pic of Pyramid Marker Michael and Jesus Military Service Flip Flop Doctrine Chart The Biblical Gospel Message ASSORTED PICS AND QUOTES Cover of the Finished Mystery / Ra Symbol Flip Flop on Blood The Finished Mystery scan text The Winepress and the Hoboken Ferry The Finished Mystery scan text Michael is Pope Bishops are Angels 1914 Prophecy Quote A Religion that Teaches Lies QUOTE Scan Text Jesus Touched Their Lips / Jehovahs Mouthpiece JW position on others who have failed in Prophecy 1914 Scan text Times of the Gentiles 1975 Chronology Chart Scan False Prophet is Organization Scan Text- Quit Fixing Dates MOTTO Stay Alive Till 75 Various Quotes Dates not our own, not mans opinion, etc.. Watchtower Just the Publisher ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 3 6 -7 8 9 10 12 14 15 17 18 21 22 24 27 28 29 30 30 31 34 35-36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 43 45 46 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 -56

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58 59 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 76 77

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Answers to Proof Texts

2nd Chronicles 21:12 Proverbs 8:12 and 22 -23 Habakkuk 1:12 Matthew 13:32 Mark 13:32 WARTIME Hate Father and Mother? John 1:1 The Only Begotten Son John 5:18 Making Himself Equal to God Philippians 2:6 Equal with God John 8:58 I AM John 10:30 I and the Father are ONE John 20:17 Flesh and Bone Not in Kingdom Resurrection Super Natural Acts Resurrection or Reincarnation Michael and Jesus Christians & Resurrected Bodies Literal HELL Symbolic? Why did God Create Hell Loving God Sends People to Hell? Why an Eternal Hell for Mortal Sins? The Soul and the Spirit 1 Corinthians 11:3: God is Head of Christ Trinity and Monotheism Colossians 1: 15-16 Revelation 3:14 NWT comparison Chart with KIT More Complete Transcript of Douglas Walsh Trial Johannes Greber Quotes from WT from Johannes Greber Leviathan Baptism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------78 79 80 81 82 83 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98 100 101 101 102 103 104 105 107 107 108 108 110 112 113 115 116 117 118 123 124 126 128 129

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