The Watchtower, January 1, 1934
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Published Semi-Monthly By
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY 117 Adams Street - Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A.
OFFICERS
J. F. Rutherford President W, E. Van Amburgh Secretary
"And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” - Isaiah 34:13.
THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
THAT JEHOVAH is the only true God, is from everlasting to everlasting, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Giver of life to his creatures; that the Logos was the beginning of his creation and his active agent in the creation of all things; that the Logos is now the Lord Jesus Christ in glory, clothed with all power in heaven and earth, and the Chief Executive Officer of Jehovah.
THAT GOD created the earth for man, created perfect man for the earth and placed him upon it; that man wilfully disobeyed God’s law and was sentenced to death; that by reason of Adam’s wrong act all men are born sinners and without the right to life.
THAT JESUS was made human, and the man Jesus suffered death in order to produce the ransom or redemptive price for all mankind; that God raised up Jesus divine and exalted him to heaven above every creature and above every name and clothed him with all power and authority.
THAT JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION is called Zion, and that Christ Jesus is the Chief Officer thereof and is the rightful King of the world; that the anointed and faithful followers of Christ Jesus are children of Zion, members of Jehovah’s organization, and are his witnesses whose duty and privilege it is to testify to the supremacy of Jehovah, declare Ids purposes toward mankind as expressed in the Bible, and to bear the fruits of the kingdom before all who will hear.
THAT THE WORLD has ended, and the Lord Jesus Christ has been placed by Jehovah upon his throne of authority, has ousted Satan from heaven and is proceeding to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.
THAT THE RELIEF and blessings of the peoples of earth can come only by and through Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ which has now begun; that the Lord’s next great act is the destruction of Satan’s organization and the establishment of righteousness in the earth, and that under the kingdom all those who will obey its righteous laws shall be restored and live on earth forever.
ITS MISSION
THIS journal is published for the purpose of enabling the people to know Jehovah God and his purposes as expressed in the Bible. It publishes Bible instruction specifically designed to aid Jehovah’s witnesses. It provides systematic Bible study for all its readers and supplies teachers to aid any person or company of persons engaged in sincere Bible study. It publishes suitable material for radio broadcasting and for other means of public instruction in. the Scriptures.
It adheres strictly to the Bible as authority for its utterances. It is entirely free and separate from all parties, sects or other worldly organizations. It is wholly and without reservation for the kingdom of Jehovah God under Christ his Beloved King. It is not dogmatic, but invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures. It does not indulge in controversy, and its columns are not open to personalities.
Yearly Subscription Price
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(Translations of this journal appear in several languages.)
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Act of March 3, 1879.
“DIVIDING THE PEOPLE"
The title of this new booklet focuses attention on the work which Jehovah God, by his Judge at the temple, Christ Jesus, is now doing in view of the great slaughter to occur at Armageddon. The cover illustration is very expressive of the title and gives compelling force thereto. This booklet contains the three lectures “The True God”, “The Mimic God,” and “Why Serve Jehovah”, delivered within recent mouths over both a coast-to-coast radio network and one along the Atlantic coast, and which deserve thoughtful study by all. Like all other booklets of the Society, it may be had for 5c.
“DIVIDING THE PEOPLE” TESTIMONY PERIOD
As suggested by the name, the period from January 20 to 28, inclusive, has been set aside to specialize on offering to the people the newest booklet, Dividing the People. During these nine days Jehovah’s witnesses as one man in Christ Jesus will be in action, and, whether privileged to distribute the above booklet in their respective languages or not, will be equally engaged in marking the foreheads of those hoping in the Lord’s name and thus be instruments of the Lord in his division work. All Watchtower readers, also all those foreshadowed by Jonadab, may participate. The importance of the campaign behooves that due preparation be begun without delay by companies and individuals alike.
YEAR BOOK
The Year Book for 1934 is now ready. The Society has had the grandest and most intense and effective service year of its history, and the annual report thereon as compiled by the president will be sure to delight all who have the kingdom interests at heart. Also, there is a pointed discussion of the 1934 year text, and a text and appropriate comment for each day of the year. The book is 50c a copy, mailed anywhere. Remittance to cover should accompany each order. Company members will place their orders with the local stockkeeper, that he may send in a group order. This will reduce shipping costs and also expedite filling of orders here.
THE 1934 CALENDAR
The Society’s calendar for 1934 will be a beautiful adornment and help in the homes of all interested in Jehovah’s purposes at this time. Not only is the year’s text set forth, but a magnificent picture expressive thereof, and also a special message from the president of the Society. The date pad indicates the periods of special world-wide witnessing arranged for the year. The Calendar may be had at 25c a copy; or, in lots of 5 or more, at 20c apiece. Members of companies may avail themselves of this latter rate by placing their orders with their stockkeeper.
Vol. LV January 1, 1934 № 1
HOPE
"In his name shall [the] nations hope.”–Matt. 12:21, Roth.
JEHOVAH caused his prophet to give utterance to the words of the above text. The words are therefore Jehovah’s giving expression to his purpose, and ‘having purposed it he will also do it’. The peoples of the nations of earth need to know that Jehovah is the only true and almighty God. He has made provision for them to know. Because Jehovah’s name has been defamed he has appointed Christ Jesus the vindicator of his great and holy name. Those who refuse to hear and give heed to God’s great vindicator shall be destroyed. Those who desire to know the will and name of Jehovah God shall learn, and then obeying him they shall live.
2 In the years next preceding this we have had emphasized the Scriptural truths that ‘they shall know that Jehovah is God’ and that the privilege of delivering the testimony of this great truth is given to Jehovah’s witnesses and for that reason these witnesses are the objects of Satan’s wrath. Jehovah’s witnesses having received his name, which he bestows upon them, have learned that his name is their high tower, and into it they run and are safe. They are not immune from persecution, but, remaining faithful to the name of Jehovah, they shall be delivered. The peoples of the nations are without hope in the world; therefore appropriate for this year is the text: “In his name shall [the] nations hope.” Having this text in mind during the year Jehovah’s witnesses will appreciate their duty and privilege in carrying such great truths to the people, even though by so doing they must endure many hardships. In this manner must they follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, their Head and Lord.
VINDICATOR
3 Jehovah God being the Creator of all things good, his name must stand for everything that is good, pure, holy, lovable and righteous. He having purposed to do a thing and having given his word as expressing that purpose, a failure to accomplish that purpose would prove that his name does not stand for everything that is good, holy, pure, righteous and all-powerful. The experience of Job discloses the question or issue raised as involving the name of Jehovah God, and the record there shows that his holy name must be completely vindicated. Satan declared before Jehovah that if God would afflict or permit affliction to come upon perfect man that man would curse God to his face, meaning necessarily that all men would in time become the enemies of God and turn against him and thus prove that no man would maintain his integrity toward God when put to the crucial test. Jehovah God accepted that challenge and permitted the test to proceed. (Job 2:4-6) Should Satan eventually prove the truth of his boastful challenge the name of Jehovah would stand for ever blemished. But if Satan fails in his boastful challenge the name of Jehovah God stands completely and for ever vindicated. Satan is doomed to complete failure. The victory is given to the Most High.
4 Adam, the first man created by the Lord God, was perfect in his organism, but he failed to maintain his integrity toward his Creator, which fact tended to prove Satan’s side of the question at issue. All of the human race descended from Adam; hence all were born in sin and, as sinners, they could have no standing before God. (Rom. 5:12) Then Jehovah made his Logos or Word a man, full of grace and truth, and caused him to dwell upon the earth amongst men. (John 1:14) Adam and Jesus were the only two perfect human creatures that have ever lived on the earth. Jesus was sent to the earth in the name of his Father, Jehovah God, which necessarily means that he was sent as the vindicator of Jehovah’s name, that is to say, to prove that the challenge made by Satan is false.
5 Jesus was a perfect man; which truth is often denied. “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman.” (Gal. 4:4) That the man Christ Jesus was perfect of necessity must be true, for several Scriptural reasons. Jesus was the direct creation of Jehovah, and “his work is perfect”. (Deut. 32:4) He was sent to be the ransomer, redeemer and savior of sinful man. (Matt. 1:25; John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:5,6) He must therefore be a price exactly corresponding to the man Adam at the time Adam was perfect and before Adam sinned. As man’s redeemer Jesus was foreshadowed by the paschal Iamb slain in Egypt, which lamb must be without blemish. (Ex. 12: 5) Man is not redeemed by an imperfect thing, but “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot’’. (1 Pet. 1:19) Nothing more and nothing less than a perfect man could be the ransomer or redeemer of the human race, because God would require only the life of a perfect man. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, a man perfect in every respect. –Heb. 2:7.
MADE PERFECT
6 If Jesus was perfect as a man, then why is it written of him in the Scriptures that ‘he was made perfect through suffering’? (Heb. 2:10; 5:9) That scripture could not mean that he was made perfect in his organism as a man by reason of suffering, because he was already perfect. Could it mean that he was made perfect as a spirit creature? It could not mean that; for the reason that he is Jehovah God’s creature and whatsoever God creates is perfect, and suffering could not make him more perfect. (Deut. 32:4) Does it mean that he was made perfect in character development? No; for the reason he was at all times a perfect character. Does it mean that by his sufferings he was made “perfect as a new creature’’? No; because as a new creature he was never at any time imperfect, and indeed could not be.
7 What, then, is meant by the scripture, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.’’ (Heb. 5:8, 9) Jehovah God sent his beloved Son to earth as the vindicator of his (Jehovah’s) name. The issue or question for determination was: Could a perfect man be subjected to all manner of afflictions and sufferings and maintain his integrity toward God? Satan said he could not. God’s word and name declared exactly the contrary. In order to prove the name of Jehovah, the perfect man Jesus must be subjected to the assaults and sufferings that Satan would inflict upon him. If he came through the fire of affliction unscathed and victorious, that would prove Satan a liar and Jehovah right. It was Satan who tempted Jesus at the beginning of his ministry and thereby attempted to bring about his self-destruction. Failing in that, then Satan caused Jesus to be persecuted in every conceivable manner. Truly “he was oppressed, and he was afflicted’’. God did not afflict his own dearly beloved Son; “yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him . . . [and] put him to grief.”–Isa. 53:7-10.
8 Why would it thus please Jehovah to have his Son put to grief? God permitted his Son to thus be bruised and afflicted because it was necessary in order to settle the question at issue raised by the boastful challenge of Satan. There never was a time that Jesus was disobedient to his Father, but he must suffer in order to learn obedience under suffering and thus prove that under suffering he would be obedient. Therefore in all of his sufferings Jesus learned obedience and steadfastly maintained his integrity toward Jehovah God. The final suffering came when Jesus knew that he was to die the ignominious death of a sinner. Jesus did not fear death, but because his Father’s name was involved he did fear that, dying like a sinner, he would thus defame his Father’s name, because the Devil would appear to triumph. For that reason Jesus in Gethsemane cried out: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) That time of suffering is the same referred to by the apostle who wrote: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.” (Heb. 5:7) The Scriptural proof is conclusive that Jehovah at that time gave Jesus assurance that his death as a sinner would not be a reproach to the name of Jehovah but that eventually Jehovah would use that very thing to the vindication of his name. “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:43) Thereafter Jesus exhibited no fear whatsoever, which shows that it was not death that he feared, but that his agony was because of the apparent triumph of Satan.
9 The meaning of the scripture above quoted concerning Jesus’ being made perfect by suffering manifestly is this: As the Son of God he was perfect, but as a Son who was at all times obedient to his Father he had not suffered and there was no occasion for him to suffer. He was made a perfect man, and now Jehovah would have him prove that a perfect man can be subjected to all manner of suffering and still maintain his integrity toward God, and, this being done, such would prove Satan to be a liar and would be a vindication of Jehovah’s name. Jesus must therefore go through all manner of suffering, and through it all he was obedient to his Father; hence ‘he learned obedience by the things which he suffered’. Whether he suffered or did not suffer he was always obedient; but if he had not suffered there would have been no proof that he would be obedient under suffering. His constant obedience under the most terrible suffering proved Satan’s boastful challenge absolutely false, and hence was the vindication of Jehovah. The word in this text above quoted, and which is rendered make perfect, is also rendered to complete, accomplish, finish, and fulfil. By remaining steadfast throughout his period of suffering Jesus did completely accomplish and fulfil his Father’s side of the question at issue, and this he did by being obedient to his Father under the severe test.
10 What was Jehovah’s purpose in thus having his beloved Son ‘made perfect through suffering’? The answer is, to prove that Satan is a liar, and that his challenge is without foundation, and that Jehovah God is right and always righteous, and that the one gaining the victory over Satan under the test would prove his qualification to be the redeemer of man and the leader of all obedient creation back to the Father, and the one whom Jehovah would use to destroy the Devil. Therefore says the apostle: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.’’ – Heb. 5: 9.
11 It was necessary for Jesus to be a human creature of flesh and blood like other men and, as a man meeting the terms of the question at issue, to prove his qualification to be the one whom Jehovah would use to destroy the Devil and all of his wicked organization. In support of this conclusion, it is written: "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” –Heb. 2:14, A.R.V.
12 Jesus by his triumph in this contest becomes the vindicator of Jehovah’s name and the executioner appointed by Jehovah to destroy the enemy. The resurrection of Jesus proved that Jesus had been faithful and true to Jehovah, had maintained his integrity as a man, and therefore as a perfect man he had fully and completely met the contest and vindicated his Father’s name. This proves Satan’s boastful challenge to be an empty thing. Jesus not only becomes the redeemer of mankind, but becomes the vindicator of his Father’s name and the leader and commander of all peoples, and all who live must obey him; and this is a further vindication of Jehovah’s name. Jehovah therefore commands that all creation shall bow before the name of Christ Jesus. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:9-11) The suffering of Jesus therefore had nothing whatsoever to do with making him perfect as a man, or perfect as a new creature divine, or perfect in character development, but by his suffering he did prove fully and completely that a perfect man can, under the most severe test and suffering, remain true, obedient and steadfastly devoted to Jehovah God. Only those who suffer in like manner, and who in like manner prove their integrity toward God, will be permitted to be associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. (2 Tim. 2:12) That the suffering of Christ and his true followers is a privilege enabling them to have a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name is further supported by the following texts: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” (1 Pet. 2:21) "Because to you it was graciously given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe into him, but also to suffer on his account.”–Phil. 1:29, Diag.
HIS NAME
13 Having proved his Father’s side of the great issue by reason of his faithfulness even unto the ignominious death, Jesus, when he was raised up out of death and ascended on high, was ready to proceed with the work of destroying the enemy, if such was the will of his Father. That was a part of the work he was commissioned to do. This is proved by the statement: "Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” (Ps. 110:1,2, A.R.V.; Heb. 10:12,13) Jesus must await Jehovah’s due time to destroy the enemy and his organization. During that period of waiting two important things would come to pass, to wit: (1) Jehovah would permit the Devil to remain and continue his efforts to prove his side of the question at issue and to practice all kinds of fraud, deceit and oppression, particularly by and through fraudulent religion ; and (2) Jehovah would take out from amongst imperfect men a company to be associated with Christ Jesus, who must prove their integrity to Jehovah and be made the associates of Jesus in Zion, and who must declare the name of Jehovah throughout the earth, and thus further prove Satan as a liar and a fraud: "But for this cause have I allowed thee to remain, in order to show thee my power; and in order that they may proclaim my name throughout all the earth.”–Ex. 9:16, Lees.
14 Jehovah puts his own name upon his beloved Son and commands that all creation must worship him. Why would he do that? It is the name of Jehovah that is involved, and now his beloved Son having been appointed to the office of vindicator and executioner, he bears the name of his Father. Jehovah honors him above any and all others. Jehovah puts his spirit upon his beloved Son, and the Father and Son are one, that is to say, in complete unity for the accomplishment of Jehovah’s purpose. The Father is Master, and Christ Jesus, his Son, is the servant, hence subject to Jehovah. "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles [nations].” (Isa. 42:1) "Christ” means the anointed One of Jehovah; which means that Jehovah has commissioned this mighty One to carry out his purposes and particularly the vindication of his name. Concerning his anointed One Jehovah says: "I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another [than Christ], neither my praise unto graven images.” (Isa. 42:8, A.R.V.) No creature aside from Jehovah’s anointed can ever have the honor of bearing his name. Images or organizations that parade in the name of God and of Christ are not permitted to share in that honor. Those who have this honor conferred upon them must prove their integrity to Jehovah God, and it is limited to Christ Jesus and the members of his body.
OTHERS
15 During the waiting period of 1800 years and more Jehovah has been gathering out from amongst human creatures those who have signified their desire to be the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. In that period of time millions of persons have professed to be followers of Christ Jesus, but the Devil has blinded most of them by his divers and numerous fraudulent methods. Most of those professed ones have understood that Jehovah was trying to get them into heaven so that the Devil could not get all the human race into hell. Such a conclusion is entirely foreign to Jehovah’s purpose. Many persons have heard the truth in recent years and responded thereto, but only a small number, comparatively speaking, have been chosen. Satan has turned millions of professed followers of Christ Jesus away from God, and God has at no time tried to prevent him from so doing. Those who worship God must do so in spirit, sincerity and truth.
16 What God has been doing during the waiting period is to ‘take out from the nations a people for his name’. (Acts 15:14) This people taken out and approved by Jehovah must bear his name. Since Jehovah confers this honor on none aside from his anointed, it follows that all thus taken out must follow the Lord Jesus not only for a time, but to the end, and that they must prove their integrity, must become members of God’s organization of which the anointed Christ Jesus is the Head, and must bear testimony to the name of Jehovah faithfully unto the end. To take men and women to heaven would be no honor to Jehovah’s name; but to select out from amongst fallen men 144,000 who would prove their integrity and unswerving devotion to Jehovah God even unto death is a vindication of his name, because such further proves the Devil’s boastful challenge is wickedly false. The anointed servant of the Most High is composed of Christ Jesus and 144,000 who are made the associates of Christ Jesus. All of these must through suffering learn obedience and prove their faithfulness unto God. They must all be brought to unity and made one in Christ, even as God and Christ Jesus are one. (John 17: 21) The 144,000 company must be brought into absolute unity and participate in the vindication of Jehovah’s name. (Eph. 4:11-14) Such unity means perfect and harmonious action as members of God’s organization to vindicate his name. This unity is accomplished when Christ Jesus comes to the temple, builds up Zion, and puts the entire organization into harmonious action under his direct supervision. The waiting period named in the Psalm ended in 1914, and then Jehovah sent forth his beloved Son to rule, and he comes to his temple and gathers the approved ones, because the time has arrived for the vindication of Jehovah’s great name. –Ps. 110:2.
THE NATIONS
17 In the year text the term “nations” means the peoples throughout the earth. (Matt. 12:21) Many millions of these profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, and yet most of them are without hope because they are ignorant of Jehovah’s purpose. After centuries of operation of a religious system called “organized Christianity” the peoples of “Christendom” are hopeless. Divers and numerous schemes formulated by men and man-made organizations have been placed before the people and which schemes have promised the people relief and blessings. The people have feared their men leaders and have trusted in them, and for that reason have been led into the snare of the enemy. They have failed to trust in God and in his Word. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (Prov. 29:25) Selfish men have made and promulgated these various schemes, and the invisible ruler, Satan the Devil, has overreached the men of the world and hence led the whole world into his snare. The nations of the earth are therefore under the domination of that wicked one, the Devil. (1 John 5:19) Only those who have trusted in the Lord and who faithfully serve him have escaped the snares of the wicked one. (Ps. 119:110; 2 Tim. 2:26) Satan by and through his various worldly agencies has blinded the people to the truth of God’s purpose. In times past the people had hope in the schemes of men, but now those schemes have all failed and the people are sad and distressed. (Prov. 13:12) No person can have a substantial hope who is without knowledge of God and his kingdom. The only hope for the nations of the earth is the name of Jehovah and his Christ, because it is the kingdom under Christ that will vindicate Jehovah’s name and bring relief to mankind.
18 The Watchtower has stated that the clergy of “organized Christianity” serve the Devil and do not serve Jehovah God. This statement has been vigorously challenged, the contention being that there are sincere ministers who preach and who are preaching the gospel as they believe it. The answer thereto is that sincerity in belief does not make one a servant of Jehovah God. Let it be conceded that there are sincere men in the ministry of so-called “organized Christianity”. It must also be conceded by those who defend them that such ministers preach doctrines that are selfish. Even those who preach that the salvation of man comes by and through the blood of Christ Jesus tell the people that Jehovah’s purpose is to save men and take them to heaven in order to prevent the Devil from getting all mankind. Such a conclusion not only is erroneous, but is extremely selfish and results from deception practiced upon men by Satan, and thus such men are made to serve the Devil, regardless of whether they are sincere or not. They are the servants of him whom they serve. (Rom. 6:16) The clergy of “organized Christianity” never tell the people that there will be but a small number to go to heaven, and that the most that are saved will find restitution blessings under the kingdom of God on earth. They never tell the people about the vindication of Jehovah’s name by and through his King, Christ Jesus, and that their hope rests in faithfulness to God and his kingdom. They do not tell the people these things, because they do not believe them. They tell the people, probably in all sincerity, that God sends afflictions upon them because of their indifference to their church obligations, which is not only erroneous, but a defamation of God’s holy name, and serves the Devil. The preaching of error, even though done in all sincerity, tends to turn the people away from Jehovah God and thus makes the preacher of such error a servant of Satan. In order for the people to have hope, they must know the truth.
THE LEADER
19 The greatest of all questions for determination is the vindication of Jehovah’s name. All other matters are subsidiary thereto. The salvation of the human race or any portion thereof will be a vindication of Jehovah’s name and prove his supremacy, but the salvation of the human race is not the important thing. Jehovah could wipe out the entire race and make a new one, and in so doing he would in no wise violate justice. On the other hand, by placing the truth before his creatures and giving life everlasting to those who willingly obey him, such is a vindication of his name and results beneficially to the creature that obeys. When the wicked are destroyed, and those who love God and are obedient are given life, such proves that Jehovah alone is the Supreme One and worthy of all worship and joyful service. That will settle for ever the question of supremacy, and then all creation will see that only the obedient ones are given life everlasting by the Most High. Thus is magnified the name of Jehovah’s anointed King, through whose name he brings vindication and the hope of life to the obedient ones of creatures.
20 Jehovah made Christ Jesus his servant or anointed one to vindicate his name. He appointed Jesus as leader of all who will ever get life. Therefore it is written by his prophet: “Incline your car, and come unto me; hear [obey], and your soul shall live; . . . Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” (Isa. 55: 3, 4) Those who faithfully and successfully follow the leader must have faith and confidence in the leader' and must obey his commandments. They must do as the leader does; and since Christ Jesus maintained his integrity toward Jehovah God, others who live must do likewise. He leads first those whom he associates with him in his kingdom, and afterwards all that get life everlasting.
21 Jehovah sent his beloved Son to earth to bear testimony to the truth, and everyone who maintains his integrity toward God must hear and obey the truth as declared by Christ Jesus. (John 18:37) Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus takes out from amongst men a people for his name. Now, as the great vindicator of Jehovah’s name, Christ Jesus commands these taken-out ones to ‘preach this gospel of the kingdom as a witness to the nations’. (Matt. 24:14) This means that they must obey this commandment in order to maintain their integrity towards Jehovah.
SHARING THE HONOR
22 Jehovah having taken out from amongst the nations a people for his name and having now brought them unto Zion and built them up into his organization, he bestows upon them as members of The Christ his own great name. This is the honor or glory which no others are permitted to have. “And the Gentiles [nations] shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” (Isa. 62:2) As Christ Jesus is the great witness of Jehovah, likewise all those who are brought into unity with him, and upon whom the new name is bestowed, must be witnesses to the name of God and Christ; hence Jehovah says to them: “Ye are my witnesses . . . that I am God,” that is to say, the Supreme One, and besides whom there is no other. (Isa. 43:10-12) Jehovah committed to Christ Jesus the testimony of his purpose to vindicate his name, and all those who are brought into unity with Christ have in turn committed to them the privilege, duty and obligation of bearing witness to that great name. (Rev. 12:17) Christ Jesus is therefore the great leader and great witness to all those who are now in Zion, and those who continue therein must be witnesses to the name of Jehovah God and to his kingdom.
SUPREMACY
23 The question of supremacy must now be for ever settled, because it is Jehovah’s due time to settle it. He has assembled Zion and made his taken-out people a part thereof, and to them he says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. . . . Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have [I not] declared it? ye are even my witnesses.” (Isa. 44:6-8) Jehovah’s anointed, therefore, must fully trust him and fearlessly declare his name. The time approaches now when Jehovah will give opportunity to the people to determine in whom they will trust and whom they will serve. Because he has made Christ Jesus his vindicator Jehovah now speaks to his great Servant and Witness, saying: “Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth; he that spread abroad the earth and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein; I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the [nations]; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.” (Isa. 42:5-7, A.R.V.) This scripture does not say that Christ Jesus is commissioned to take the people to heaven, but it does say that he is commissioned to open their blind eyes and inform them of the truth, that they may have an opportunity to choose whom they will serve. Those who believe upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Redeemer and the Vindicator of Jehovah’s name, have reason for a hope. They must then be obedient to Jehovah, the Supreme One. Every one who maintains his integrity toward God, to that extent, therefore, will prove Satan to be a liar and hence have a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name.
21 When Jesus had endured much suffering and thereby continued to be obedient unto his Father he was made the vindicator of his Father’s name. For that reason Jehovah made Christ Jesus his “right hand” and his “holy arm” to accomplish his purpose of proving his own great supremacy. It is Jehovah, therefore, who gains the victory over his enemies; but he gets this victory by and through his beloved Son as his instrument, and he makes his Son this instrument or vindicator because the Son was obedient under suffering. In harmony with this Jehovah caused to be written by his prophet: “O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things; his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his salvation; his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the [nations].” (Ps. 98:1,2) It is Jehovah who saves the obedient ones and gives them everlasting life, and this he does for his own great name’s sake. Their salvation is a vindication of his name, and this vindication operates beneficially to everyone who proves his integrity toward God.
DESIRE
25 All reasonably sane persons desire to have life and to dwell in peace and to enjoy the things which God has provided for them. No human creature can realize such desired blessings until he learns whence they come and what he must do to obtain them. Jehovah God sent his beloved Son to earth that man might believe in him and live and not perish. (John 3:16) That means that without knowledge and without belief mankind must perish. The life of the perfect man Jesus provided the redemptive price for man, but in order for man to reap the benefits thereof he must know Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and choose to be obedient to the righteous laws of his kingdom. “Where there is no vision [knowledge and understanding] , the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Prov. 29:18) Hence it is written: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jehovah has made provision for the people to learn, and he lays the privilege and obligation upon his witnesses to now declare to them that their hope is in his kingdom.
26 The crisis is here when the paramount question must be settled. Satan is exercising all his power in his efforts to win, but he is certain to lose. Satan would destroy all the people rather than see any of them serve God. Satan continues to oppress and increase the burdens of the people, and this drives them to desperation. (Rev. 12:12) The rulers in their efforts to pull the world out of the mire continue to lay greater burdens upon the people. There is absolutely nothing in this world upon which the people can hope; hence the nations are in despair.
27 Standing out boldly in contrast to the miserable condition of the world is Jehovah God’s gracious provision for obedient mankind. He has made Christ Jesus his vindicator and has placed the name of Christ above every name save that of his alone, and he calls upon the people to hear his great King and to learn the importance of his name. The remnant of the elect company yet on earth are made the witnesses of Jehovah, and they are commanded to point the people of good will to Jehovah’s kingdom and his great King. The name of Christ Jesus stands for the kingdom of Jehovah, which will vindicate Jehovah’s name, and “in his name shall [the] nations hope”, and there is no other name in which they can hope or whereby they can possibly be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jehovah’s witnesses must therefore point the people to this one and only and complete hope.
28 Is it to be expected that Jehovah’s witnesses can give testimony to the name of Jehovah God and his kingdom without being subjected to persecution and suffering? Certainly not! The Devil piled persecutions upon Jesus in an effort to prove his side of the question at issue and to prevent the giving of testimony by Jesus concerning God and his kingdom. Amidst great sufferings Jesus continued to the end to bear testimony to the truth and to maintain his integrity and to thus prove God to be true. Those who are associated with him, and particularly the remnant now on earth, must likewise suffer at the hands of Satan, because they are bearing the testimony of Christ Jesus the great King. At the same time they must maintain their integrity by learning obedience by and through the things which they must suffer. “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) But there is a real joy in tribulation when we know that the tribulation is heaped upon us because we are doing right in obedience to God’s commandments and if we continue faithful unto the end we shall prove our integrity and thus have a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name. That is the reason Jesus invites his faithful ones to ‘enter into the joy of thy Lord’, meaning the joy of participating in the vindication of his Father’s name. (Matt. 25:21) For the same reason the apostle wrote: “I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” (2 Cor. 7:4) As Jehovah’s witnesses go forth and with boldness declare the name of Jehovah God and his King and kingdom it is to be expected that persecutions and sufferings will be their lot. Those who willingly persecute Jehovah’s witnesses and oppose God’s kingdom are now marking themselves for the slaughter that shall come at the battle of the great day of God Almighty. They are putting on their garments of identification; and the people of good will must be told that their only hope is in the name of Jehovah God’s great vindicator and they must identify themselves as being on his side. In due time Jehovah will go forth to fight for his own people, and thus he will vindicate his witnesses who have faithfully maintained their integrity toward him in proclaiming his name and the name of his King.–Zech. 14:3.
29 The testimony now being given by Jehovah’s witnesses is not for the purpose of converting the world. The whole world lies in the wicked one, and all these walk on in darkness, except those persons who have a desire to escape from the wicked one and take refuge in the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Such must now be told the truth, that they may have hope in his name. The testimony must continue to be given until the organization of Satan is ‘‘wasted without inhabitant”. (Isa. 6:9-11) Truly this is a great and glorious time. It is a time of great distress amongst the nations and peoples of the earth, and a time of great opposition to the truth, and a time of great joy to those who are privileged to bear the name of Jehovah and his beloved Son and to tell the people what is their only hope. Those now devoted to Jehovah and his kingdom will not permit tribulation to discourage them. We should be in doubt about the understanding of the prophecies if there were not opposition to and persecution of Jehovah’s witnesses now. ‘‘Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Ps. 91: 9-11) ‘‘In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.”–Ps. 89:16.
30 From the Scriptures and the physical facts we know that we are right and if we continue faithful to the end we shall triumph in Christ and have a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name.
SUMMARY
31 Summing up the matter, it is seen that the name of Jehovah, the Most High, is involved; that in order to clear his name and prove to all creation that Satan is a liar, Jehovah God must put on earth a perfect man who can and will remain true and steadfastly faithful even under the most severe and crucial suffering; that Jehovah sent his beloved Son Jesus to earth, made him a perfect man, and permitted him to be subjected to great sufferings in order that by the things which he suffered Jesus could prove Jehovah’s side of the question at issue and that by his faithfulness under such sufferings Jesus could establish his qualification to be the savior and redeemer of man, the executioner of the Devil, and the vindicator of Jehovah’s great name. In the exercise of his loving- kindness and as further proof that Satan is a liar Jehovah God selects a company of 144,000 human creatures from amongst imperfect men, all of whom must suffer as Christ suffered, and likewise maintain their integrity unto God, and for so doing Jehovah graciously gives them a part with Christ Jesus in the vindication of his name. No one can obtain everlasting life except by Jehovah, and they must believe on the name of Christ Jesus, and obey him, in order to receive life, because Jehovah has made this provision. The peoples of the nations of the earth must be told to whom they can look for hope. Therefore God commands his witnesses to tell the people that in the name of Christ Jesus, the vindicator of Jehovah and the Savior of the world, they shall hope. Blessed is the privilege of those who have part in keeping these commandments of Jehovah and pointing the people to the King of kings.
QUESTIONS FOR STUDY
1. What is now the greatest need of the peoples of the nations? How has Jehovah provided to meet that need, and how will such provision affect those to whom it is offered?
2. What is the great privilege now set before Jehovah’s witnesses? Account for the treatment these have received, and that which they may yet expect.
3. Point out the importance of the fulfilment of Jehovah’s declared purposes.
4, 5. Account for the Logos’ having been here on the earth as a man.
6-9. How did Jesus ‘learn obedience by the things which he suffered’? What is meant by his being “made perfect’’ through suffering? Explain his agony in Gethsemane, and the angel’s “strengthening him’’.
10. What was Jehovah’s purpose in having his beloved Son ‘made perfect through suffering’?
11. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be a human creature, a man?
12. What is the outcome of that great contest, (a) in relation to Jehovah? (b) As to Jesus?
13. Why did not Jesus, upon ascending to his Father, immediately proceed to destroy the enemy? What was to take place in the meantime?
14. Why did Jehovah put his own name upon his beloved Son and command all creation to worship him?
15. What are the reasons why, with millions professing to be followers of Christ, during the waiting period of more than 1800 years, so few have been chosen?
7 16. Explain how and why Jehovah has ‘taken out from the nations a people for his name’. How and for what purpose have these been brought into unity?
17. Account for the fact that after centuries of operation of “Christianity’’ the peoples of “Christendom’’ are hopeless.
18. What are the facts to prove that the clergy of “organized Christianity”, even if sincere, are servants of Satan?
19. Of all questions for determination, what is the greatest? How will the method employed for the salvation of the human race contribute to the vindication of Jehovah’s name?
20, 21. To whom, how, and when, does Isaiah 55: 3, 4 have its application?
22. Wherein do the faithful remnant now share in the honor bestowed upon Christ Jesus?
23, 24. Apply Isaiah 44: 6-8 and 42: 5-7. How has Jehovah’s "right hand" and "holy arm" "gotten him the victory" ?
25-27. What is the natural and proper desire of mankind as human creatures with the earthly heritage? How only can such blessings be realized? What provision has Jehovah made for their coming to a knowledge of him and his purposes and for their entering into enjoyment of the blessings he has in store for the human family?
28. What may the remnant henceforth expect as they continue with boldness to deliver the testimony committed to them, and why? What are the purposes served in their being subjected to persecution and suffering? How, then, will they regard those things which they are permitted to bear?
29, 30. What is the purpose of the testimony now being given by Jehovah’s witnesses? How long will the testimony continue? Why should this time of distress upon the world and of persecution of these faithful witnesses be a time of great joy to the latter?
31. Briefly sum up the matter here presented. The correct understanding of these truths invites what response on the part of the faithful?
INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT
A RIGHTEOUS government on earth, administered for the general welfare of the people, has for centuries been the desire of honest persons. In obedience to the commandment of Jesus Christ his faithful followers for nineteen centuries have prayed for the coming of such a government that the will of God might be done on earth even as it is done in heaven. Centuries before the coming of Jesus to earth men who believed in and served Jehovah God looked forward with confidence to the time when there would be a righteous rule on the earth. Their hope was based upon the promise Jehovah made to Abraham, the father of the faithful, that he would in due time raise up a seed that would rule the world in righteousness and by and through which seed all the families and nations of the earth shall have an opportunity for lasting blessings.–Gen. 22:17,18.
Jehovah sent his beloved Son Jesus to earth to give testimony of and concerning the purpose of God and to redeem the human race. It was in the year (A.D.) 33 that Jesus Christ began his ministry, preaching to his hearers: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand”; meaning that Jesus himself was God’s anointed King and had begun his work amongst men according to the will of the Most High. Jesus gathered round him faithful men and taught them and used them as witnesses for Jehovah. He strongly impressed upon their minds the fact that he must die and be raised from the dead in order that mankind might have the opportunity to live, and that he must go away to heaven and receive from Jehovah the authority for his kingdom or rule of the world. He further informed his disciples that in God’s due time he, Jesus, would come again and receive unto himself those whom he found faithful and that then he would begin his reign as the world’s ruler.
Portions of the Bible were written by the faithful apostles of Jesus Christ, and this they did under the inspiration and direction of the holy spirit. That which, in the writings of the apostles, is emphasized above all things else is the fact that Christ Jesus the King shall come again and establish Jehovah God’s kingdom and carry out the purposes of the Most High, that the peoples of earth may be blessed. It was the apostle Paul who identified Christ Jesus as the seed of Abraham according to the promise which Jehovah made to Abraham long centuries ago. (Gal. 3:16-29) Thus the promises of Jehovah set forth in the Old
Testament are directly connected with the truths in the New Testament, and this proves that the Old Testament and the New Testament constitute the Word of God given to man for his direction in the course of righteousness and that it is the truth.
The apostles were informed that from the time of the resurrection of Christ Jesus and his ascension into heaven until his coming again to set up the kingdom or government would be a long period, during which men must wait. What was to be done in that long interval of waiting? The apostles and other men of mature mind met together at Jerusalem to consider this very matter. (Acts 15:6) They knew that God had dealt with the Jews as his chosen people and that because of unfaithfulness of the majority of that people God had removed his favor from them as a nation, but that his favor still continued toward the faithful individuals of that nation. They also saw that honest seekers for the truth who were not Jews were receiving God’s favor. Some of these faithful men at the convention above mentioned made known to their brethren that ‘God had wrought miracles among the Gentiles [nations]’ by giving them the truth. The Lord had especially directed Peter to take the gospel to Cornelius and other Gentiles. (Acts 10: 1-48) Thus they discerned that God was no respecter of persons but now opportunity should be given to non-Jews to become followers of Christ Jesus.
The apostles then considered the words of the prophecy of Jehovah, spoken by Amos, which disclosed Jehovah’s purpose to take out from the nations a people to be associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom and that in due time Christ Jesus would come again, receive these faithful ones to himself, and set up his righteous government, which government or kingdom was foreshadowed by the reign of King David. (Acts 15:14-18; Amos 9:11,12) The Lord therefore revealed to the apostles that the long period of time of waiting, from the exaltation of Christ Jesus to heaven to the time of his coming again, would be employed in teaching or preaching to the people of and concerning the Kingdom; and this the apostles proceeded to do. This preaching of the gospel has been for the purpose of bearing witness to Jehovah’s kingdom and for the taking out a people for his name. All those persons so selected from the world and who continue faithful to God and Christ Jesus must bear witness to the truth. (John 18:37) The apostles stressed the fast that the faithful followers of Christ Jesus would look with eagerness for the coming of the Lord again and that those who remained faithful and true to God would love the appearing of Christ Jesus, and that such would then receive their reward, to wit, the crown of life, that is, the highest element of life. That would mean that such faithful ones would be made a part of the Kingdom or righteous government.–2 Tim. 4: 7, 8; Rev. 20:4.
With these great truths ever before those who love and serve Jehovah God and Christ Jesus it can readily be seen that such faithful ones would eagerly look for the second coming of the Lord and his kingdom. It was about the year 1872 (A.D.) that a small company of earnest and faithful followers of Christ Jesus, while studying the Scriptures and comparing these with events coming to pass, saw evidence that the Lord was giving special attention to those on earth, and that the second coming of the Lord and his kingdom was imminent. This little company of faithful Christians continued to grow in numbers and in knowledge of the precious things which are found in the Word of God. Shortly thereafter they formed themselves into a Society for more systematic study and teaching of the Word of God. Living on earth and in a nation that has laws for the holding and control of property, both real and personal, and desiring that their organization should perpetuate its work and activity without depending upon the earthly existence of any particular person, this little company of faithful followers of Christ Jesus decided to form a corporation, which corporation should have the management and control of the property and holdings and direct the activities of those who would continue faithful to God and who were looking for his kingdom under Christ.
In the year 1884 these followers of Christ Jesus formed a corporation under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, which was then given the name Zion’s Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. The word “Zion” is one of the names which Jehovah God has given his capital organization and frequently appears in the Bible. The word “Zion” appearing in the corporate name had no reference to or connection with the Jewish organization which is called “Zionism”. Afterwards the name of the above-mentioned corporation was, by the law of the State of Pennsylvania and order of court, changed to that of Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society; and the faithful followers of Christ Jesus on earth have continued that name of their corporation to this day. At no time has any Jew been connected with or supported the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society.
Merely for convenience and to comply with the laws of the land, and to further the interest of its work, the Society organized the Peoples Pulpit Association, in 1909, under the membership corporation law of the State of New York. For the same reason the International Bible Students Association was organized, in 1914, under the laws of Great Britain. These three corporations are really one, and they are all directed by the same officers and have possession and control of the property of the Society. By the word “Society” is meant the united company of faithful men and women now on earth who are wholly devoted to God and his kingdom under Christ and who are, by His grace, carrying forward the work of the Lord in the earth. No one of these three corporations above named has any capital stock. They pay no dividends to any person, and no person receives any pecuniary profit therefrom. They are wholly and entirely devoted to carrying forward the work of the Society, which is the preaching or making known to the people the good news that Jehovah’s time is at hand for the establishment of his kingdom under Christ, and the truths kindred thereto.
These statements of fact are here made for the information of any and all honest persons who desire to know what is the purpose of the Society and the corporations that carry forward its work. Misinformed persons, who have been misled and deceived by the willful enemy of God and his kingdom, have been induced to believe that the Society and the corporations above mentioned are selfish, political organizations, operating in connection with other selfish, political organizations for the overthrow of present governments. Such wicked falsehoods proceed from the Devil, who at all times has opposed every one who serves Jehovah God.
In every country of the world where there is an anti-Jewish sentiment the malicious falsehood is circulated among the people that our Society and its corporations are financed by commercial Jews. That is also a malicious lie originating with Satan and carried forward by his earthly representatives. In countries where socialism and communism are threatened the enemies charge the Society and its supporters with being in league with socialists and communists for the overthrow of the government; which is also a malicious lie emanating from Satan and carried forward by his earthly representatives.
This Society and the three corporations named herein have at all times kept completely separate and apart from all political parties or affiliations. We have no part in the political affairs of this world, for the reason that our devotion is absolutely and completely to God and his kingdom under Christ, for which kingdom faithful men and women have been hoping and praying for the past nineteen hundred years. It would be foolish and contrary to God’s will for us to participate in or be associated with any political organization. Our Society and its corporations have never received one cent of financial support from Jews. From the very beginning of the Society until the present day its money to carry forward its work has come from contributions made by humble men and women who have a desire to make known the truth of and concerning Jehovah God’s provision for the blessings of the peoples of the earth. The work of the Society is done according to the will of Jehovah God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and he puts in the hearts of faithful men and women the desire to supply the money to carry forward his work. All the money and all the property of the earth belong to him, and he can see to it, and does see to it, that the money which is necessary is supplied for his purposes.
Those who love God, and who believe and rely upon his Word as set forth in the Bible, plainly sec and clearly understand that Satan the Devil is the arch enemy of God and the opposer of all true followers of Christ Jesus. It was Satan the Devil who at the very beginning of human history challenged Jehovah God to put on earth men who would remain faithful and true to God. Satan declared his ability to cause all men to curse God and turn away from him. That raised the issue, which Jehovah accepted, and he has permitted or suffered Satan to do all within his power to make proof of his wicked challenge, Jehovah biding his own due time to vindicate his great name and to completely destroy Satan and his wicked organization. The great time of climax has arrived, and hence the strenuous witness in the earth and the opposition thereto.
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