This comment was given by "randomabstractness", but due to space, I am posting my reply here. It follows the other comments, under the post of Aug.21st.
COMMENT:
COMMENT:
Isn’t there more than one application of a verse? Would you have preferred that JW's go to war and kill...and vote as well? Haven’t JWs set a bible standard in this respect? Yes. And you haven’t answered the questions about why you won’t vote or go to war. Is it not because, you are neutral? The Org will finish when Jehovah decides, but there are many bible standards they follow which are correct. Why can’t you admit this?
REPLY:
I will take your questions one at a time…
Isn’t there more than one application of a verse ?
Satan twisted God’s own words to mislead Eve (Gen.3:1; 2Cor.11:3). Satan used some truth as bait (Gen.3:5). Satan used Bible verses, even against the Son of God (Matt.4:6). Will he do less with prospective Sons of God? (Luke22:31; Rev.12:15) He is the master of deception (John8:44; Rev.12:9) and his target today, are those who serve God (Rev.12:17; 13:7). Through his messenger angels, Satan is still misusing Bible verses to mislead the unwary into death (2Cor.11:14,15; Rev.13:11,13; 2Thess.2:4,2). Therefore, we cannot accept any “application of a verse” (1John4:1; Rev.16:13,15; 1Tim.4:1). This is especially true if the application is a twisted interpretation (2Pet.3:16), designed to castrate its true meaning, that Satan might deceive, ensnare, and kill (Rev.8:11; 1Pet.5:8).
Don’t you realize that Satan cannot ensnare his target [the Chosen Ones (Matt.24:24)], if he does not bait his trap with Truth? (2Thess.2:2)
That is the only lure that would attract his target (Psalm91:3). Satan knew this was the case with Christ (Matt.4:6), and that it is also the case with the faithful anointed. Can we then afford, to accept and teach any “application of a verse” which misleads?
I freely admit that Bible verses can be applied in various ways. That is precisely the root of all the confusion which now envelopes the religious world.
I freely admit that some of what the WTBTS teaches, is truth. That is precisely what has ensnared me and other anointed ones. That is what disarms and lures God's people into idolatry and spiritual fornication (Rev.2:14,20,23; 13:8; 17:2)
I also freely admit that some of what EVERY CHURCH teaches, is truth. What do you believe to be the outcome for all these other religions, according to divine judgment? Do you hold to a hypocritical double standard, when it comes to those who teach lies in Jehovah’s name; as if the use of God’s name cleanses those lies?
We are told that "Wormwood" only poisons 1/3 of the "waters" (Rev.8:10,11). That means most of it's waters, are still truth (John4:14). Does that make "Wormwood" good in your eyes?
God's standard for anointed, is higher than that (Rev.14:5,4).
If there is just enough falsehood, to get "JW's" to commit idolatry (by worshiping an Image of an organization);
then that's enough to "kill"...and it doesn't matter how much truth surrounds that poison.
How many times did we hear the "just a little poison in a glass of water" talk?
Now it is time to apply that truth, not just to "Christendom", but at home (Rom.2:23; Matt.7:3,5).
We are told that "Wormwood" only poisons 1/3 of the "waters" (Rev.8:10,11). That means most of it's waters, are still truth (John4:14). Does that make "Wormwood" good in your eyes?
God's standard for anointed, is higher than that (Rev.14:5,4).
If there is just enough falsehood, to get "JW's" to commit idolatry (by worshiping an Image of an organization);
then that's enough to "kill"...and it doesn't matter how much truth surrounds that poison.
How many times did we hear the "just a little poison in a glass of water" talk?
Now it is time to apply that truth, not just to "Christendom", but at home (Rom.2:23; Matt.7:3,5).
Would you have preferred that they (“JW’s”) go to war and kill...and vote as well?
Would Jesus have preferred that the Jewish Nation break the Ten Commandments? The subject of physical neutrality is covered at 2Cor.10:3. I believe and honor all scripture, to the best of my ability; and I recommend that others do so, as well.
Spiritual neutrality is a higher standard than both that of the Jews and of “JW’s”. Spiritual Neutrality is vital (Matt.5:20; John17:16). Jesus did not say “They are no part of the world, just as conscientious objectors are no part of the world”! NO! We are to be “no part of the world” in exactly the way Jesus was no part of the world… the very ways he clarified and stated in the context of John17 (which I have already illuminated in depth for those who care about Jesus’ words, more than the words of men.).
You should also consider the account, where Jesus honored a Roman warrior (Matt.8:8,9,10,12,13).
Jesus did not cite or criticize that man's occupation, but rather he cited and honored that man's faith, as greater than that of God's own people.
Spiritual neutrality is a higher standard than both that of the Jews and of “JW’s”. Spiritual Neutrality is vital (Matt.5:20; John17:16). Jesus did not say “They are no part of the world, just as conscientious objectors are no part of the world”! NO! We are to be “no part of the world” in exactly the way Jesus was no part of the world… the very ways he clarified and stated in the context of John17 (which I have already illuminated in depth for those who care about Jesus’ words, more than the words of men.).
You should also consider the account, where Jesus honored a Roman warrior (Matt.8:8,9,10,12,13).
Jesus did not cite or criticize that man's occupation, but rather he cited and honored that man's faith, as greater than that of God's own people.
Haven’t JWs set a bible standard in this respect?
The nation of Israel also set divine standards (Deut.18:9; Lev.20:23). This did not guarantee continuing favor (Matt.23:38) with the merciful God who graced them with the advantage of His standards (Isa.48:17,18; 2Tim.3:16,17)….especially when they broke them (2Chron.16:9 b)…as “JW’s” are breaking them today (Rev.13:8; 2Thess.2:4,10,11,12).
“JW’s” have not set precedent in being politically and nationally neutral in times of war. Even Nations themselves can claim Instrumentalist, Isolationist, or Normative Neutrality. Regarding neutrality on religious basis, here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:
“The reasons for refusing to perform military service are varied. Many conscientious
objectors cite religious reasons. Unitarian Universalists object to war in their sixth
principle "The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all".
Members of the Historic Peace Churches such as Quakers, Mennonites, Amish,
Old Order Mennonite, Conservative Mennonites and Church of the Brethren
object to war from the conviction that Christian life is incompatible with military
action, because Jesus enjoins his followers to love their enemies and to refuse violence.
Since the American Civil War, Seventh-day Adventists were known as
non-combatants, and had done work in hospitals or to give medical care rather than
combat roles, and the church has upheld the non-combative position.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Christadelphians, while not pacifist in the strict sense,
refuse to participate in the armed services on the grounds that they believe they
should be neutral in worldly conflicts and often cite the latter portion
of Isaiah 2:4 which states, "…neither shall they learn war anymore."
Other objections can stem from a deep sense of
responsibility toward humanity as a whole, or from simple denial that any
government possesses the moral authority to command warlike behavior from its
citizens. In the early Christian Church followers of the Christ refused to take up
arms. In as much as they [Jesus’ teachings] ruled out as illicit all use of violence
and injury against others, clearly implied [was] the illegitimacy of participation
in war… The early Christians took Jesus at his word, and understood his
inculcations of gentleness and non-resistance in their literal sense. They closely
identified their religion with peace; they strongly condemned war for the bloodshed
which it involved.
— The Early Christian Attitude to War.
So no, “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have not “set the Bible standard” and are not the source of physical neutrality.
And you haven’t answered the questions about why you won’t vote or go to war
As I have already stated, I strive to be guided by scripture (Psalm146:3; 2Cor.10:3), and not men…whether those men be politicians or religious leaders.
I clearly perceive that you honor the “organization” more than the Creator and His Word.
When Jehovah does decide that the “Org will finish”, those in association with it are doomed.
When Jehovah does decide that the “Org will finish”, those in association with it are doomed.
(Rev.13:16,8; Jer.25:29,30; Rev.14:18,19). Guess who these are???
They have been mislead into thinking they have peace with Jehovah (Eze.13:10,14,16; 1Thess.5:2,3,6).
They have been mislead into thinking they have peace with Jehovah (Eze.13:10,14,16; 1Thess.5:2,3,6).
You put your hope in an organization consisting of spiritually "uncircumcised" Gentiles and "sons of pride" (Job.41:34; Rev.9:11; 2Thess.2:3,4); more than the kingdom to come (Heb.13:14; Rom.8:24,25; Heb.12:22; Rom.10:11). You have before you, disappointment, and worse.
Luke21:36,35; Matt.24:24,25; Rev.6:16; Zech.12:9; 1Cor.3:17
How ironic, that the very Christian neutrality you wish to discuss, is what you yourself violate, as you do put your trust in men... and their power and authority under Satan's system. You also condone the warfare against the least of Christ's brothers, who are being "killed" by the very organization you defend (Rev.11:7; 13:15; John16:2; Isa.66:5).
Why?
Because you have swallowed the interpretation of neutrality according to WTBTS, instead of the protection that the teachings of Christ afford, ....his explanation of what it really means, to be "no part of Satan's world".
Endorsing and following a politician is no different that endorsing and following the GB and elders.
NO MAN or "mountain-like organization", can provide salvation (Rev.6:14,16; 16:20; 8:8; Ps.146:3; Jer.10:23; Rev.7:10)
(w11 1/15 pp. 3-7 par.8)
Jesus made plain, that the "Judean HillS" are plural (Zech.6:1,5), and that this end-time refuge corresponds to the slain ones (Matt.24:15,16,17; Luke17:31,35,37; Rev.11:7,8,3). The "eagles" will gather to these faithful slain anointed witnesses (Matt.24:28; Rev.11:8,4; Zech.4:14,3,9; 6:1; Jer.3:14; 23:3; Isa.11:12; 62:10)....not to a single "great" mountain/star (Zech.4:7; Rev.8:8,10)...all "great" mountains of which, are to be leveled (Eze.21:26; Jer.51:25; Rev.8:8; Zech.4:7).
The "mountain of the house of Jehovah" (Isa2:2,3,4) is Mount Zion (Isa.2:3; Rev.14:1; Heb.12:22,23,26,27), NOT WTBTS!
Isa.28:14-22
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
LINK TO MAIN HOMEPAGE
How ironic, that the very Christian neutrality you wish to discuss, is what you yourself violate, as you do put your trust in men... and their power and authority under Satan's system. You also condone the warfare against the least of Christ's brothers, who are being "killed" by the very organization you defend (Rev.11:7; 13:15; John16:2; Isa.66:5).
Why?
Because you have swallowed the interpretation of neutrality according to WTBTS, instead of the protection that the teachings of Christ afford, ....his explanation of what it really means, to be "no part of Satan's world".
Endorsing and following a politician is no different that endorsing and following the GB and elders.
NO MAN or "mountain-like organization", can provide salvation (Rev.6:14,16; 16:20; 8:8; Ps.146:3; Jer.10:23; Rev.7:10)
(w11 1/15 pp. 3-7 par.8)
Jesus made plain, that the "Judean HillS" are plural (Zech.6:1,5), and that this end-time refuge corresponds to the slain ones (Matt.24:15,16,17; Luke17:31,35,37; Rev.11:7,8,3). The "eagles" will gather to these faithful slain anointed witnesses (Matt.24:28; Rev.11:8,4; Zech.4:14,3,9; 6:1; Jer.3:14; 23:3; Isa.11:12; 62:10)....not to a single "great" mountain/star (Zech.4:7; Rev.8:8,10)...all "great" mountains of which, are to be leveled (Eze.21:26; Jer.51:25; Rev.8:8; Zech.4:7).
The "mountain of the house of Jehovah" (Isa2:2,3,4) is Mount Zion (Isa.2:3; Rev.14:1; Heb.12:22,23,26,27), NOT WTBTS!
Isa.28:14-22
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
LINK TO MAIN HOMEPAGE
The Watchtower Society is clearly an organizational IDOL. Anyone who has been a JW for even a short length of time should have no problem discerning this as we are continually commanded to: 1. Reject ALL information pertaining to the bible and its interpretation if it does not come from the "spirit-anointed organization" exclusively 2. Reject ALL persons that do not fully agree with and adhere to all the "spirit-anointed organization's" doctrines, policies and procedures 3. Reject/dismiss ALL our inner doubts/concerns and even our God-given conscience when these bring into question any of the teachings of the "spirit-anointed organization". Further, just as in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar and the three Hebrews, bowing down to this imposing, shiny image-- the "spirit-anointed organization"--is required by all who do not wish to be thrown into the Governing Body's fiery furnace by their attendants --the elders and others in the congregation! Those that refuse to bow down to, or worship (i.e., loyally obey) this image/idol/god are either marked, shunned or disfellowshipped and also told that they are rejecting Jah; spearing His slave; mentally diseased; awaiting death at Armageddon, etc. (I was marked and shunned [an old WT teaching that's still practiced by some] though never disfellowshipped.) Any who may be shaking their heads in disbelief can prove this to themselves by simply commenting at their meeting that the "faithful and discreet slave" as mentioned in Matthew and Luke has not been appointed by Jesus yet (this is an accurate statement scripturally [Luke 12:39-46], but not organizationally). It may take more than one attempt before the elders and others decide to act, but they will without fail nonetheless. (Try it –I dare you! Lol)
ReplyDeleteAnyone with even a negligible amount of bible knowledge should be able to see that these man-made commandments and policies in themselves directly violate Jah's command to "have no other gods/images against my face...nor be induced to serve them" (Exodus 20:3-5). Contrary to the frequent admonition by the Gov. Body to resist "independent thinking", God's word also tells us to use the thinking ability He gave us to distinguish false prophets from true (Matthew 7:15, 24:23-25; 1 John 4:1) by appraising or scrutinizing them and their teachings (1Corinthians 4:1; Acts 17:11; Romans 3:4); to not put our trust in earthling man (Psalm 146:3, 4); and to obey Him (Jah) as ruler rather than men in ALL things and at ALL times, regardless of how insignificant it may seem (Acts 5:29; Luke 16:10). Most JW's can recite many of these verses in their sleep; yet they unwittingly disobey them by blindly and hypocritically clinging to the unscriptural teachings of their own religious leaders (the men of the Governing Body)while at the same time zealously exhorting others to do just the opposite (Romans 2:21-24; 12:9; Matthew 15:8). This interesting dichotomy is clearly due to highly-effective cognitive programming by the GB, not God's word which tells us that Jah is NOT partial (Acts 10:34a).
I will never forget one particular meeting where a well-respected elder of many years made the comment to all in the congregation that "whatever comes out of the mouth of the Governing Body should be considered as coming out of the mouth of Jehovah." That in a nut-shell truly sums it up, leaving no doubt as to the real identity of the so-called "spirit-anointed organization". These men are not inspired by God and even admit to this yet put themselves on equal footing with Him (2Thessalonians 2:4), even going so far as to enforce exclusive devotion to their so called “spirit-anointed organization”.
Why JW’s even possess bibles is beyond me; they are of no real use to them anymore than they are to the Mormons. As one individual stated recently, JW’s should change their official name to “Watchtowerites” as this would accurately describe who they really worship/serve.
Rom.1:25; Isa.46:5; Rev.13:15,8; 16:5,6,7
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment,
Pearl