Sunday, August 19, 2012

"Christian Neutrality"

ADDITIONAL QUESTION AND REPLY ADDED AT BOTTOM

QUESTION:


Sister Pearl,
 How nice to finally talk with you. I've been following your answers for months and you seem to always give great scriptural advice. I'm sorry that you are having problems with the Elders in what you are trying to set straight.
 I am a newly baptised sister here in the Dominican Republic and I am still learning many things in the truth and how to prepare talks etc. I recently received an assignment to give a talk titled: "Does Neutrality Mean That Christians Are Not Interested in Their Neighbor's Welfare?" I really don't know where to start in preparing this talk. We don't have but 1 Elder and its hard to understand him when he talks. Another sister tried to help me but we are still undecided how to proceed; the format etc. Can you help me? Please?
 Thank you ever so much.


ANSWER:


Hello Xxxx,

It is also nice to hear from you. I don't know if I will be much help for this talk you have been given. 
The title of it is misleading to both the speaker and the audience. As such, in good conscience, I cannot help you to give it.

"Jehovah's Witnesses" believe that neutrality mostly means, not going to war. That is what is inferred by this talk title. They know that most people in the world view a refusal to fight war, as a refusal to protect your countrymen. Hence, a disinterest "in their neighbor's welfare" might be concluded. Can you see that this is the interpretation that this title assumes?

 According to "Jehovah's Witnesses", Christian "neutrality" is based, upon Jesus' words, at John 17:16...

"They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."
The problem is that John17:16, means something very different.

This says nothing about the military, or the wars of the Nations.
It may help to look at the context of John17:16, as well as 1John2:15,16,17...

John17:14-18
  "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."

Do you notice that Christian "neutrality" means imitating Christ's example? In what ways? Three things are mentioned...
"keeping from the evil one", 
being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
and preaching truth in a world of deception.

The opposite of those things would be:
Doing the will of Satan (John8:44) (hating and lying) (1John3:15; 4:8,20)
An ignorance of God and His Word (2Thess.1:8; 1John4:8)
Not loving the Truth (2Thess.2:10; Rev.2:4)

THESE are the very things that make one, a part of Satan's world...and they can even be practiced by those claiming to be God's people (John8:13,23), including "Jehovah's Witnesses".

Note how 1John2:15,16,17 defines being a part of the world...

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Once again we see that when we lack Christian "neutrality", we lack a love of God, His Truth, and the doing of His will. The world is defined...NOT as being a soldier and going to war...but as "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life". Even many anointed ones in the first Century, fell to those temptations...especially "the pride of life" (1Cor.4:8; Mark9:33,34).

Remember...when Jesus was praying at John 17:14,15,16,17,18; he was praying for his apostles. These were the ones Jesus was concerned about falling prey to the world (Matt.6:13)...it's desires of prominence, dominion, and power (Matt.4:8,9,10), just as the religious leaders of God's people had become a part of the world (John8:13,23; 15:18; 8:40; Luke12:1) (Matt.15:24; John15:22-24,18) by relying on Gentiles to do their dirty work (John19:15; Acts13:27,28; Rev.17:3,6; 18:24; Matt.23:35,33,34; John16:2; Mark13:13). These desires for power, dominion, and prominence are the things that originate in Satan's world! (1John2:17,16,15; James4:4)
Jesus left his disciples an example of Christian "neutrality", regarding these very things...
(John6:15; 18:36)
John13:12,13,14,15,16,17:
 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." 
(also John6:2,15)
Humility, love, and truth are no part of Satan's world.
To have true Christian "neutrality", is to imitate Christ in humility, love, and truth (2Pet.1:8).
If we do not possess these things, we are a part of Satan's world, and are imitating his spirit...
Pride, hatred, and deception.

Now I must tell you that those very things (pride, hatred, deception) which the scriptures call "lawlessness",
are prophesied to be practiced by God's own people in the last days (Matt.7:21,22,23; 24:12). The very ones whom Jesus rejects, are those anointed chosen ones, seeking to "enter into the kingdom of the heavens"; which is proven by Matt.25:11,12.

Remember too, that the man of whom Jesus said had faith greater than all Israel, was a practicing soldier (Matt.8:9,10,13).

So I hope you can see, that the man-made doctrine of Christian "neutrality", (which term is not in the Bible), comes from the scripture at John17:16...according to "Jehovah's Witnesses". But the meaning of that scripture ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, does not mean what that doctrine teaches. The proper scriptures to use for an exclusive devotion to spiritual war, would be 2Cor.10:3,4,5; 2Tim.2:3,4; and 1Tim.6:12. 
By "Jehovah's Witnesses" using John17:16 to teach the idea that "Christian Neutrality" means an abstinence from secular warfare; the real meaning of this scripture, is then lost. 

John17:16 does really mean, that we must be no part of Satan's world...and it's spirit of pride, lack of love, and turning away from Truth. Jesus earnestly prayed that his anointed followers would be able to stay clean from that stain of  Satan's worldly enticements (John17:1,15,16,17; James1:27), because he knew many of them would succumb (Matt.24:48,49,50,51; Mark10:40,41,42,43,44; John13:14; Luke22:31; Matt.4:8,9)...
just as the leaders had succumbed before (Luke20:46; Matt.5:20).
They were the "world" that hated Jesus. These false prophets were also the "world" which he sent his disciples to preach to (John17:18; Matt.15:24; 10:6,16; 7:15; 10:23).

We see even more with these words of Christ...
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John15:18)
Who was "the world" that hated Jesus? Was it the Gentile Nations? Soldiers? Who hated Jesus so much, that they wanted him dead (John15:24,25)?
(John8:40; 5:18; Matt.12:14; John10:39) How did the Roman leader feel about Christ? (Luke23:4; John19:12,6)
Jesus was no threat to Rome, and Rome had no hatred of Christ, nor any interest in his demise. The "world" that hated Jesus, was the religious leaders who felt that the truth of Christ threatened their position (John3:19,20; 11:48).
Those leaders fulfilled the scriptural traits of the world's spirit, as I mentioned above...pride (Luke20:46), hatred (John8:42,40; 15:24,25), deception (John8:44; Luke6:39; Isa.9:16). These are the things that make a man "of the world".

Jesus said that the same world would also hate his followers. Once again, the source of persecution toward Christ's disciples, was predominantly the religious leaders (John16:2; Acts5:28,30; 4:18; 7:52,53; 2:36; 9:1,2; Matt.23:35; 27:25). That was "the world" that hated both Jesus, and his followers. Jesus did not want his followers to be a part of that self-righteous pride, lack of love, and false doctrines. to cultivate such traits within the heart, is to become a "weed".

If I really care about your life, I will now tell you that those who are now ruling over the Organization, are, the wicked steward of Matt.24:48,49,50,51. That "steward" has appointed spiritual "Gentile" elders to rule over each Congregation of Jehovah's sheep (Rev.9:3; 13:15; Eze.44:8), replacing Jehovah's Chosen Priests (Eze44:7,9; 2Chron.13:9; Rom.2:29) . This alliance between the anointed leaders and the Gentile organization beneath them, constitutes spiritual fornication. The leaders have betrayed the anointed body of Christ/God's genuine priesthood... and have authorized a counterfeit Gentile priesthood to trample down the genuine.
(note: NWT Eze.44:8 is wrong. Check any other translation, or the Greek interlinear. Even the context makes clear what is being said.). 
The faithful anointed who refuse to obey and worship that Organization or it's unfaithful leaders (1Cor.6:15-16), are being expelled (John16:2; Mark13:13; Heb.13:13). The unfaithful anointed who share in the harlot's sins, agree with that fornication (Rev.17:1-2). That is why "Jehovah's Witnesses" are no longer receiving the "proper food at the proper time". Jesus tells us that when we recognize this end-time reality, we are to flee for our lives (Matt.24:15,16; Luke17:27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37; Matt.24:28; Rev.12:14; 11:8)! I hope this warning can be accepted by you, to your eternal salvation. 
I pray it can.
"Jehovah's Witnesses" are amid the spirit of "The World", in a far greater way than they can imagine.
Love,
Pearl
For more on this subject:
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html)
**************************************************
PART TWO

QUESTION:
It was announced from the platform that you are no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  What do you tell people? (I would still call myself one of Jehovah’s Witnesses)
Also, do you still keep the Watchtower library in your computer and use it for reference, etc? What about going door to door?  What about the daily text? I guess now we should read a portion of the Bible in the morning? 

REPLY:


As with any question we might have, if we want God's answer, we turn to the Bible.
Who does Jehovah say his witnesses are?
 Jehovah's definition of His "Witnesses", is found at Isa.43:10,11,12,21; and 1Pet.2:9. There it shows that those whom JEHOVAH calls His Witnesses, are the CHOSEN Anointed....NOT the 8 Million non-anointed who have taken the title for themselves. Yet, we all can and should "witness" about Jehovah, sharing our faith to any who are disposed to listen. Although even the Creation witnesses about God (Psalm.19:1; 69:34), it is not called a chosen witness by Him. That name is for those who are given it.
It is not up to men to tell Jehovah who His chosen witnesses are. The true ones get their approval, not from men, but from God (Rom.2:29; Gal.1:10; John12:43; Rev.11:3,4).
Yet if we are learning to discipline our lives according to the teachings of Christ (Matt.28:20), anointed or not, we are all  "disciples"/"followers" of Christ (Matt.16:24; Luke14:26) if we make our own choice to voluntarily follow him. This is not the same as being "chosen" (John15:16).

Generally, people don't ask what religion I call myself by. But for those who do, I show them the above scriptures.
I do not use the WT library for reference (1Cor.10:21,22; John16:13; 7:17,18; 3:21; 1John2:27). At times, I will refer to it in an article, only to verify what the Society's doctrines state. God's true sons, are led by His spirit (Rom.8:14), not by the vacillating doctrines of false prophets, or controlling rules enforced by means of a heirarchy established by men.
I go door to door when I am able (that's how I got some of my Bible studies), but Jehovah has made clear to me what my priorities must be at this time. He wants his own people preached to more than anything else. Like Jesus (Matt.10:6,7) the priority is to wake up the anointed (Matt.10:23) before Christ arrives (Matt.25:5,6,11,12,30). Why? Because the Kingdom is waiting for the last of them to get sealed (Rev.7:3; 6:9,10,11). Jehovah will judge those "outside" (1Cor.5:12,13). He can read hearts, knows what opportunities to know truth each person has received, and knows what their heart's response was. He also knows how each treated his messengers of truth (Matt.25:40,45).
There are two harvests; wheat and grapes. Jesus' harvests the anointed wheat (Rev.14:14,15,16 check the Greek for "ripe"/"dried out" [wheat].) (NWT is mis-translated, and mis-interpreted in the Revelation Climax book.). The "judgment" starts with God's own anointed house [wheat] (1Pet.4:17) which is easily discerned by reading Rev., chapters 1-3. 

The prophecy of the wine-press of God's anger (Rev.14:17,18,19,20) is for those who call themselves by God's name, Jehovah (Jer.25:29,30). Their lives are more in peril than anyone, because they should know better (Eze.3:4,5,6,7,11; Rev.13:10; John9:41) than to commit idolatry (Rev.13:8; Exodus20:5; Rev.2:14), by worshipping the image of the organization as directed by God's spirit (Rev.13:14,15; 19:20). Spirit-direction is reserved for God's chosen priesthood, according to scripture (1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20,21,22; 1Pet.2:5,9).

I have heard from a couple of anointed, who say they go door to door to those in their own congregation.
I personally have found that the "daily text" is loaded with doctrinal ideas that are not from the Bible, and even often against it.
It will be up to you (1John4:1), as you learn the Bible more (Heb.5:14), to distinguish those who are really serving God from those who are not (Mal.3:18; Matt.7:15,16,17,18,19,20; 24:24,25). The articles I gave you, contain the scriptures that will help you with this.

Reading the Bible is the best thing we can do. But remember the Ethiopian Eunuch? He was reading the scriptures, but needed help to understand. He needed someone guided by Holy Spirit, who could in turn, guide him (Acts8:26,27,28,29,30,31) (pearl-divineeducation.blogspot.com ). We need to employ Jesus' guidance, to discern who those true ones are, before we eat the "fruit" they offer (pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com ). Again, the scriptures in the articles you have, should help with that. I knew this is the first thing all need help with. So that is why I gave you those articles, first.

As you learn more Xxxx, you will understand where we are in the stream of time, and what we all need to be doing to please Jehovah. I think that if you read all the scriptures in the articles and contemplate what they are saying, more and more of your questions will be answered.
If any questions come up while doing so, just write me.

Christian Neutrality includes not following after false religious leaders (2Cor.11:13,14,15)
Christ’s example was:
                         "keeping from the evil one", 
                         being "sanctified" by the scriptures, 
                         and preaching truth in a world of deception....
      (which the worldly religious leaders failed to do)
      (John8:44,47,19,26,23; Matt.23:13,15,23,25,27,28,31,34)
      Anyone under Satan's dominion, is "part of the world" 
      (John8:44,23; 1John5:19; 2Cor.11:13,3) 
      Everyone not under Christ's dominion,
       is under Satan's.

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4 comments:

  1. Hello Pearl!

    I have a question regarding your reply to the post from the newly baptized person in the Dominican Republic...I realize that the concept of neutrality doesn't appear in the bible but wouldn't being no part of the world imply it, especially in view of John 13:34,35; Matt. 26:51,52 and Revelation 13:10? In addition, it is my understanding that early christians avoided worldy conflicts --political and otherwise; is this not the case?

    I really enjoy reading your blogs as they have provided many scriptural missing links that for so long prevented me from gaining a truly accurate understanding of God's word. However, your explanation on this particular topic --christian neutrality --threw me for a bit of a loop so i am hoping you can provide more information on the subject, incorporating the scriptures i cited above in your reply....Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Because of the length of my reply to this comment, I have posted it on the front page (4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com )
    on Aug.21,2012

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Pearl.
    This was a question a friend ask me, which really was a lot of questions! What they ask me was. You know how God is the same yesterday today and forever, He never changes! Well can you tell me why in the O/T God gave Holy days, yet we don,t keep them! The apostles and Jesus did in the N/T! Plus Jesus said that he did,nt come to do away with the law, but to fore fill it! So why are we not keeping them. I can understand the questions that was ask of me, but at the same time, not understand it! I did ask a pastor and his answer was a bit lame. He also used 2 Corinthians 8 in refers to idlols as l brought in about christmas trees in the O/T yet 2 Cor seem to do away with this! ( So he says.) Now am not convinced about a lot of things! 1 being, (we can use scriptures to say anything we want it to say! But is it truth) Or by doing this, are not we not deceiving ourselves then!! We will ALL give an account some day, and l just need to have more understanding in what Jehovah is telling us all. Pearl could you give me a more explained account with scriptures, it would be a blessing to me and help to let light in were darkness seem to be. Blessings x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please let me ask you.....
    Is an empty glass, different from a full glass?
    When the glass becomes full, is the glass gone?
    Does it still need to be filled?

    Jesus said,
    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matt.5:17

    Is the "Law" enough for Christians to follow?
    Jesus said,
    "For I tell you, unless your righteousness EXCEEDS that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt.5:20

    So, when Jesus "fulfills" the Law, it does not disappear. But that which is required of us, does change (2Cor.3:7,8). For now we are under the "fulfillment" of the Law, which expects MORE than the Law (Mark12:30,31; Matt.5:21-48; Rom.6:14).

    Christians have not abandoned the Law, but have fulfilled it. If we practice the original Law, it is never fulfilled (Gal.3:10,11,12,13; Heb.8:6,7). The new laws which are written NOT ON TABLETS, but on hearts (2Cor.3:3; Jer.31:31,32,33) are what Christians must follow. That Law... of loving God and neighbor, finally fulfills the whole purpose of the Law. Christians are set free from the sins which the Law constantly tried to atone for. (Gal.3:19,21,23,24,25). The Passover Lamb, was fulfilled in Christ (1Cor.5:7; John1:29). If we do not recognize how Jesus fulfilled the law, our faith in Christ becomes worthless (Rom.4:14,15,13; Gal.4:4,5,9,10,11; Col.2:17; Gal.2:16; 3:24).

    For example, the Sabbath.
    Many think that this part of the Jewish Law is thrown aside by Christians.
    Yet, Jesus and his followers actually fulfill the Sabbath. (please read pearl-sabbath.blogspot.com)
    By considering that article, you should receive your answer. Christians do not need to continuing practicing something partial, but rather something made perfect and complete....
    Just as you do not have to continue to pour water into a glass, that is already full. (Gal.4:21,24,25,26,30,31) Gal.5:14; Rom.13:10
    Jesus said;
    "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
    "UNTIL ALL IS ACCOMPLISHED"
    The Law is "accomplished", when it is fulfilled,
    which Jesus did accomplish (Matt.5:17; Rom.10:4).
    The glass is now full.
    If we return to dead work that only partially remove sins, then we are still under sin; and not under Faith in Christ, who blesses us...not by means of the Law, but through a promise.

    ReplyDelete

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