The Watchtower, April 1, 1990
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The Watchtower April 1,1990 Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom
WHO WILL LEAD MANKIND TO PEACE?
The Watchtower
Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom
In This Issue
"A Peace Epidemic"? 3
Peace—What Are the Chances? 4
Who Will Lead Mankind to Peace? 7
"All Those in the Memorial Tombs" 10
God's Word Is Truth 11
"The Word of God Is Alive and Exerts Power" 16
Serving the Greatest Artist of All 21
Kingdom Proclaimers Report 23
Confidence During the Last Days 24
'I Mounted Up With Wings Like Eagles' 26
"That Woman Jezebel" 30
Questions From Readers 31
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"A PEACE EPIDEMIC." "Oh, What a Peaceful World." "Peace Is Busting Out All Over." These were among the newspaper headlines that have startled readers during the last year or two. Around the world, the change in the news from gloom and doom to optimism was astonishing. What was happening?
Remarkably, not long ago a number of major conflicts all came to an end or reduced in intensity within just a few months. In Africa, peace 'broke out' in Angola. In Central Asia, the Soviet Union pulled its
"A PEACE EPIDEMIC"?
forces out of Afghanistan. In Central America, fighting subsided between the Nicaraguan government and the Contra rebels. In Southeast Asia, the Vietnamese agreed to withdraw from Kampuchea. The "peace epidemic" even reached the Middle East when the bloodthirsty war between Iran and Iraq finally ground to a halt.
Perhaps even more noteworthy was the new atmosphere between the superpowers. After 40 years of cold war, it was difficult to believe the conciliatory gestures, the expressions about mutual interests, and the concrete moves toward peace between the Soviet Union and the United States. Moreover, according to The Economist, Europe has now marked the longest continuous period without war in all its recorded history. Truly, peace is in the news.
What does it mean? Are politicians on the brink of delivering "peace for our time"? Fifty-one years ago, these words were uttered by British prime minister Neville Chamberlain. They proved to be cruelly ironic when, a short time later, the second world war broke out. Are they now going to come true at long last?
D
ESPITE the newspaper headlines, the truth is, as most of us realize, that mankind is still a long way from real peace. The withdrawal of foreign armies from Afghanistan did not bring peace to that land. And there is still strife of one kind or another in the Philippines,
PEACE WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?
Sudan, Israel, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka, to name just a few.
Since most sane people prefer peace to war, why is peace so elusive? Politicians have tried in many ways over many centuries to bring peace, but their efforts have always failed. Why? Let us look at a few examples and see.
Peace Through Religion and Law
Some view the Roman Empire as a successful attempt at peacemaking.
Under it, a combination of established law, flexible administration, formidable legions, and well-designed roads for some centuries maintained an international stability known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) over large areas of Western Asia, Africa, and Europe. Eventually, though, the Roman Empire succumbed to internal corruption and invasions from outside, and the Roman Peace collapsed.
This illustrates a sad truth about human endeavors. After an initially hopeful start, they usually deteriorate. God himself said: "The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up," and this bad inclination usually wins out in the long run. (Genesis 8:21) Moreover, the prophet Jeremiah said: "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Humans are unpredictable. The good intentions of one person may be subverted by the jealousy or selfish ambitions of others. Or a ruler with high principles may himself become corrupt. In view of this, how can humans ever bring peace?
In the third century B.C.E., a remarkable peacemaking effort was reported from the subcontinent of India. There, a powerful ruler named Aśoka carved out a huge empire through warfare and blood-shed. Then, according to the record, he was converted to the principles of Buddhism. Renouncing warfare, he erected monuments around his domain inscribed with sayings to help his subjects live better lives.
And his empire was apparently peaceful and prosperous.
Is Asoka's way the one to peace? Unhappily, no. When the emperor died, his peace died with him, and his empire crumbled. This illustrates that even the efforts of a well-intentioned and capable ruler are eventually frustrated because he has to die. The writer of Ecclesiastes mentioned this problem when he wrote: "I . . .
However wise and highly principled a ruler may be, eventually he dies and often others less capable and less principled take over
hated all my hard work . . . that I would leave behind for the man who would come to be after me. And who is there knowing whether he will prove to be wise or foolish? Yet he will take control over all my hard work at which I worked hard and at which I showed wisdom under the sun. This too is vanity."—Ecclesiastes 2:18, 19.
Yes, man's mortality is an insuperable obstacle to his bringing lasting peace. The psalmist's counsel is surely wise in this regard: "Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. His spirit goes out,
Further Efforts at Peace
he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish." —Psalm 146:3, 4.
Other human efforts likewise illustrate why man fails in his endeavor to bring peace. For example, in the tenth century, a movement called the Peace of God was initiated in Europe. Designed to
protect church property, it developed into a kind of nonaggression pact that by the middle of the 12th century had spread to much of Europe.
Another concept is termed the "balance of power." Following this policy, a community of nations—such as Europe—discourages war by maintaining a more or less balanced distribution of power among states. If a strong nation menaces a
weaker one, another strong nation temporarily allies itself with the weak one to discourage the would-be aggressor. This policy guided European relations from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the outbreak of the first world war in 1914.
After that war, the League of Nations was established as a forum in which the nations could talk out their differences instead of fighting over them. The League ceased to function when the second world war broke out, but after the war, its spirit was revived in the United Nations, which still exists.
U.S. National Archives photo
However, all these efforts failed to bring real or lasting peace.
While the Peace of God movement was existing in Europe, Europeans fought Muslims in blood-thirsty Crusades. And while politicians were trying to preserve peace in Europe by
The biggest single obstacle to peace is Satan the Devil
the balance of power, they were waging war and building empires in lands outside Europe. The League of Nations was unable to prevent the second world war, and the United Nations did not prevent vicious massacres in Kampuchea or conflicts in places such as Korea, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Zaire.
Yes, up to now the politicians' best peacemaking efforts have failed. Rulers just do not know how to make lasting peace, hampered as they are by the mortality and human failings of themselves and others. Even if that were not the case, however, politicians still could not bring peace. Why not? Because of another obstacle that is truly formidable.
A Hidden Force Preventing Peace
The Bible speaks of this obstacle when it says: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) The wicked one is Satan the Devil, a superhuman spirit creature
far more powerful than we are. From the beginning, Satan has been involved in rebellion, lying, and murder. (Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44) His powerful, though hidden, influence on world affairs is vouchered for by other inspired commentators. Paul called him "the god of this system of things," "the ruler of the authority of the air." (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2) Jesus more than once called him "the ruler of this world."—John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11.
Since the world lies in Satan's power, there is no possibility at all that human politicians will bring lasting peace. Does that mean that peace will never come? Can anyone lead mankind to peace?
D
OES the fact that humans cannot bring peace mean that we will never see peace? No. Just as Satan, who is more powerful than we are, is the ultimate obstacle to peace on earth, so there is One even more powerful than Satan who will finally lead mankind to peace. The Bible, which tells about Satan, also tells of this One. It says: "The princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of
WHO WILL LEAD MANKIND TO PEACE?
Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, 7) Who is this Prince of Peace? None other than Jesus Christ, and he can bring peace because he is far more qualified than we are. In what ways?
More Than Human Qualifications
For one thing, Jesus is not mortal, subject to death. True, he lived as a man and died a sacrificial death. But then he was resurrected
to immortal heavenly life, and it is in this condition that he becomes the Prince of Peace. That is why a prophecy says: "There will be no end of his kingdom." (Luke 1:32, 33) Unlike the Oriental emperor Aśoka, Jesus will live unendingly to ensure that his good work is not ruined by inferior successors.
Moreover, Jesus is untainted by sin. His rulership is based on godly wisdom and right principles. The prophet Isaiah foretold: "Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah . . . He will not judge by any mere appearance to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to the thing heard by his ears. And with righteousness he must judge the lowly ones." (Isaiah 11:2-4) Unlike Europeans of an earlier age, Jesus will not preserve peace at home only to wage war in foreign lands. Under him, peace will be universal.
Further, Jesus has the power to bring peace. The prophecy says: "The spirit of Jehovah . . . , the spirit of counsel and of mightiness," is upon him. This spirit was behind the creation of the universe as well as all the powerful works of righteousness reported in the Bible. Even the great opposer, Satan, has no weapons that will successfully counter the force of God's spirit.
The Steps to Peace
How will Jesus lead mankind to peace? You may be surprised to know that he has already started. In the prophetic book of Revelation, Jesus is seen receiving from
Kingdom. (Revelation 11: 15) If we closely examine the Bible's prophecies and compare them with events in our century, we see that Jesus' enthronement as King took place in heaven back in 1914. (Matthew 24: 3-42) That was a major step in bringing peace to the earth.
If that is the case, though,
Only Jesus has the qualifications to lead mankind to peace
why did World War I break out in 1914? And why has our century seen worse wars than any other in history? Because the first act of the heavenly King was to banish Satan for all time from the heavens and cast him down to earth's vicinity. The result? The prophecy says: "Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger,
knowing he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:7-12) The great wars of our century are related to the anger of Satan. But notice: Satan's anger is for "a short period of time." The crisis will soon be over!
Before it is, though, the Prince of Peace makes further vital preparations for peace. To begin with, mankind has to know of God's
purpose to bring peace through Christ. Correspondingly, Jesus prophesied that in our time "this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations."
(Matthew 24:14) In fulfillment of this, the good news is being preached today by Jehovah's Witnesses in every corner of the globe.
Then, righthearted ones have to be educated in the ways of peace. The Bible promises: "All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant." (Isaiah 54:13) Millions of righthearted ones are receiving this education even now.
The Next Step
It is now almost time for another decisive step in the peace-making process. What is
that? One that many know by name but of which few know the real purpose. The Bible calls it "the war of the great day of God the Almighty," or Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14, 16) Many think of Armageddon as a nuclear war that will destroy civilization. On the contrary, it is a direct act by Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to accomplish things that are vital to peace.
First, Armageddon will remove all human obstacles to peace. The prophecy at Psalm 37:10 says: "Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be." Yes, Jesus will remove "the wicked one"—the warmakers, the criminals, the terrorists, as well as all those who refuse to accept the great Prince of Peace—from the earthly scene. They will have no further right to continue living on this planet.—Revelation 19:19-21.
Second, at Armageddon this prophecy of Daniel will be fulfilled: "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to
any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite." (Daniel 2:44) The national divisions that have so often led to war will be dissolved. Finally, there will be a world government under a ruler we can trust!
When will Armageddon come? The Bible does not say. But world events in fulfillment of prophecy indicate that it will be very soon. The Bible clearly foretells an event that will be an immediate precursor. The apostle Paul says: "Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon
Today, the good news of the Kingdom is being preached in every corner of the globe
them." (1 Thessalonians 5:3) Then, immediately after the sudden destruction that climaxes with Armageddon, the greatest obstacle to peace will be removed. Satan's "short period of time" will be over, and he will be put in a situation where he can no longer cause trouble here on earth. (Revelation 20:1-3) What a relief!
A World at Peace
Picture the situation at that time. The psalmist prophesied: "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11) These meek ones will continue to fulfill the beautiful prophecy of Isaiah: "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore." —Isaiah 2:4.
At last, for the first time since Eden, all living humans will enjoy the blessing of Jehovah God, and he will fulfill his promise: "Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them.
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."—Revelation 21:3, 4.
A Solid Hope
Who, then, will lead mankind to peace? Jesus Christ, the appointed Prince of Peace. Is this a practical hope for us today? Well, if the Bible's promises were not reliable, there
would be no real hope for peace. Men would continue to fight and kill one another with no end in sight. But the Bible is reliable, and God's Kingdom under Christ will bring peace. We encourage you to listen to the good news of the Kingdom that Jehovah's Witnesses bring to your home and see this for yourself. Then, when the time comes, may you be among the meek ones who will inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
The hope for peace discussed in this article is from the Bible. Today, when many no longer believe in the Bible, you may question whether this hope is practical. Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe that it is. They accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God, hence as completely trustworthy. In 1989 they published a book entitled The Bible —God's Word or Man's? presenting many proofs of this fact. Some of the information in that book is discussed in the following two articles, which we invite you to read.
More information about the Bible's promise of peace will appear in the article "World Peace—What Will It Really Mean?" that will be published in the April 15, 1990, issue of The Watchtower.
"All Those in the Memorial Tombs"
CAN you be sure that most of the dead will live again? Yes, since Jesus said: "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." (John 5:28, 29) Notice the expression "memorial tombs," which is unique to the New World Translation. It reminds us of the importance of God's memory in the resurrection.
Why is the usual rendering, "graves," not used? Because Jesus did not use the plural of the Greek word ta'phos, which means "grave" or "burial ground." Indeed, not all who ever died were buried in literal graves, or ta'phoi. Nevertheless, those whom God will bring back in the resurrection are in his memory. This is indicated by Jesus' use of the plural form of mne-mei'on, which is closely related to Greek words basically meaning "to remember." (Matthew 16:9; Mark 8:18) The Greek-English Lexicon by H. G. Liddell and R. Scott translates mne-mei'on as "memorial, remembrance, record of a person or thing, . . . tomb, . . . generally, monument."
Thus, the New World Translation differentiates between the words ta'phos and mne'mei'on. It is also worthy of note that many Bible translations similarly use two different expressions at Matthew 23:29 where both Greek terms appear. The Revised Standard Version renders them as follows: "You build the tombs [a form of ta'phos] of the prophets and adorn the monuments [a form of mne'mei'on] of the righteous."
The Creator of man does not forget the life patterns of thousands of millions of humans who have lived. (Psalm 139:16; 147:4; Matthew 10:30) In his due time, he will remember those in the "memorial tombs" and bring them back to life on a cleansed earth. How encouraged and comforted we are by knowing that God's perfect memory cannot fail!—Revelation 20:11-13.
GOD'S WORD IS TRUTH
"Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth."—JOHN 17:17.
"YOUR word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway." (Psalm 119:105) So said the Hebrew psalmist. Only a minority today have respect like that for God's Word. In this 20th century, God's Word exists in written form as the Holy Bible. It has been translated into more languages and distributed more widely than any other book in history. Yet, most refuse to accept it as a lamp for their feet. Even those who claim to be Christians prefer,
for the most part, to follow their own ideas rather than let the Bible light their roadway.—2 Timothy 3:5.
2 In sharp contrast, we who are Jehovah's Witnesses agree with the psalmist.
For us, the Bible is a God-given guide. We know that "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) Unlike many today, we do not want to experiment in matters of morality and conduct. We know what is right because the Bible tells us.
3 This has brought us great benefits. We have come to know Jehovah, and we have learned his magnificent purposes for the
earth and mankind, so we are confident that a bright future is possible for us and our families. We agree wholeheartedly with the psalmist who said: "How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern. Wiser than my enemies your commandment makes me, because to time indefinite it is mine."—Psalm 119: 97, 98.
Witnessing by Conduct
4 We have, therefore, every reason to agree with Jesus' words addressed to his Father: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) But recognizing this fact puts an obligation upon us. We must help others to realize that God's Word is the truth. In this way they too will be able to enjoy the blessings we experience. How can we help them in that way? For one thing, we must make every effort to apply Bible principles in our everyday lives. In that way, right-hearted ones will see that the Bible's way really is the best.
5 This was the gist of the apostle Peter's counsel to Christian women whose husbands were unbelievers. He said to them: "You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives." (1 Peter 3:1) It was also the principle behind his counsel to all Christians—men, women, and children—when he said: "Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection." —1 Peter 2:12; 3:16.
The Bible's Superior Wisdom
Further, Christians can help others to appreciate the Bible if they do as Peter also counsels: "Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep
respect." (1 Peter 3:15) Christian ministers should be able to defend the Bible and explain to others that it is God's Word. How can they do that?
7 One persuasive line of reasoning is found in the book of Proverbs. There we read: "My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom . . . , you will find the very knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment." (Proverbs 2: 1-6) God's own wisdom is found in the pages of the Bible. When a sincere person sees that profound wisdom, he cannot fail to realize that the Bible is more than merely the word of man.
8 Consider a few examples. Today, success in life is usually measured in financial terms. The more a person earns, the more successful he is thought to be. The Bible, however, warns against putting too much emphasis on material things. The apostle Paul wrote: "Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains."—1 Timothy 6:9, 10; compare Matthew 6:24.
9Experience has shown how appropriate this warning is. A clinical psychologist notes: "Becoming No. 1 and rich does not make you feel fulfilled, satisfied, authentically respected or loved." Yes, those who spend all their energies pursuing wealth often end up feeling bitter and frustrated.
The Scriptures, while acknowledging the value of money, point to something far more important: "Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners." —Ecclesiastes 7:12.
10 The Bible has many such precepts. Another one is: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." (Proverbs 13:20) This has also been proved true by experience. Peer pressure has led young people into drunkenness, drug abuse, and immorality. Any who mix with users of foul language eventually find themselves using similar disgusting speech. Many steal from their employers because 'everyone is doing it.' Truly, as the Bible also says: "Bad associations spoil useful habits." —1 Corinthians 15:33.
11 One of the most famous pieces of counsel in the Bible is the so-called Golden Rule: "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them." (Matthew 7:12) If mankind followed this rule, the world would clearly be a better place. But even if humans in general do not follow the rule, it is better for you individually to do so. Why? Because we were made to care for others and be concerned about them. (Acts 20:35) A psychological study conducted in the United States to find out how people reacted when they helped others reached this conclusion: "It appears, then, that caring about others is as much a part of human nature as caring about ourselves." —Matthew 22:39.
Why should we take heed of the Bible's counsel to watch our associations?
How did a psychological study show the wisdom of following the Golden Rule?
The Bible's Counsel—Uniquely Wise
12 Today, of course, there are many sources of counsel outside the Bible. Newspapers carry advice columns, and bookstores are full of self-help books. Additionally, there are psychologists, professional counselors, and others who offer advice in different fields. But the Bible is unique in at least three aspects. First, its counsel is always beneficial. It is never mere theory, and it never works to our harm. Anyone who follows the Bible's counsel has to agree with the psalmist when he said to God in prayer: "Your own reminders have proved very trustworthy." —Psalm 93:5.
13 Second, the Bible has stood the test of time. (1 Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8) Counsel from human sources is notoriously changeable, and what is in fashion one year is often criticized the next. However, although the Bible was completed almost 2,000 years ago, it still contains the wisest counsel available, and its words are universally applicable. They apply with equal effect whether we live in Africa, in Asia, in South or North America, in Europe, or in the isles of the sea.
14 Finally, the wide range of the Bible's counsel is unequalled. A Bible proverb says: "Jehovah himself gives wisdom," and no matter what problem or decision we face, there is wisdom in the Bible that helps us to solve it. (Proverbs 2:6) Children, teenagers, parents, old folks, employees, employers, in authority, all find that the wisdom in the Bible applies to them. (Proverbs 4:11) Even when we face situations that were unknown in the time of Jesus and his apostles, the Bible
In what way does the counsel of God's Word excel?
gives us counsel that works. For example, back in the first century, tobacco smoking was unknown in the Middle East. Today, it is widespread. Nevertheless, anyone who takes note of the Bible's counsel to avoid being "brought under authority [or controlled] by anything" and to keep clean from "every defilement of flesh and spirit" will avoid this habit, which is both addictive and destructive to health. —1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
For Our Long-Term Good
15 True, many say that the Bible is out-of-date and irrelevant in this 20th century. However, the reason likely is that the Bible does not say what they want to hear. Following Scriptural counsel works out for our long-term benefit, but it often takes patience, discipline, and self-denial —traits that are not popular in a world that encourages us to seek instant gratification.—Proverbs 1:1-3.
15 Take the matter of sexual morality. Scriptural standards are very strict. The only place for sexual intimacy is within marriage, and all such intimacy outside marriage is forbidden. We read: "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God's kingdom." (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Moreover, for Christians the Bible requires monogamy, one husband for one wife. (1 Timothy 3:2) And while there are extreme cases where divorce or separation might be allowed, the Bible says that in general the marriage bond is for life. Jesus himself said: "He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, 'For this reason a man
will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh' . . . So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart."
—Matthew 19:4-6, 9; 1 Corinthians 7: 12-16.
17 Today, these standards are widely ignored. Loose sexual practices are tolerated. Sexual relations between dating teenagers are viewed as normal. Living together without the benefit of marriage is accepted. Among married couples, illicit sexual affairs by either partner are not uncommon. And divorce is pandemic in this modern world. These relaxed standards, however, have not brought happiness. The bad results have proved that the Bible was right after all in insisting on strict moral standards.
18 Ladies' Home Journal said: "The emphasis upon sex that typified the sixties and seventies has brought not infinite human happiness but some serious human misery." The "serious human misery" here referred to includes that of children traumatized by their parents' divorce and that of adults suffering deep emotional pain. It also includes an increase in single-parent families and an epidemic of young single girls who have babies when they are hardly out of childhood themselves. Moreover, it embraces a pandemic of sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and AIDS.
19 In view of all of this, a professor of sociology noted: "Perhaps we are grown up enough to consider whether it would not serve us all better to promote premarital abstinence as a policy that is the most responsive to the needs of our citizens and their right to freedom: freedom from disease, freedom from unwanted pregnancy."
The Bible correctly states: "Happy is the able-bodied man that has put Jehovah as his trust and that has not turned his face to defiant people, nor to those falling away to lies." (Psalm 40:4) Those who trust the Bible's wisdom are not deceived by the lies of those defying the Bible and saying that a looser moral code brings happiness. The Bible's wise, if strict, standards are for the best.
Difficult Problems in Life
20 The wisdom of the Bible also helps us to handle the difficult problems we face in life. For example, in a number of lands, there are Christians living in severe, deep poverty. Yet they cope with their poverty and still find happiness. How? By following the inspired Word of God. They take seriously the comforting words of Psalm 55:22: "Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you." They rely on God for strength to endure. Then they apply Bible principles and avoid harmful, wasteful habits, such as smoking and drunkenness. They are industrious, as the Bible recommends, and thus often find that they can feed their families when lazy people or those who give in to despair fail. (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:26) Further, they heed the Bible's warning: "Do not be envious of those doing unrighteousness." (Psalm 37:1) They do not resort to gambling or to criminal activities, such as selling drugs. These things may offer a quick "solution" to their problems, but the long-term fruitage is bitter.
21 Does following the Bible really help
those who are very poor? Yes, as many, many experiences prove. One Christian widow in Asia writes: "Although I live near the poverty line, I am not resentful or bitter. Bible truth fills me with a positive outlook." She reports that a notable promise given by Jesus has been fulfilled in her case. Jesus said: "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) She testifies that by putting her service to God first in her life, she always receives, in one way or another, the material necessities of life. And her Christian service gives her dignity and a goal in life that makes her poverty endurable.
22 Truly, the depth of its wisdom shows that the Bible really is God's Word. No book produced solely by humans could cover so many different aspects of life and be so deeply discerning and so consistently right. But there is another fact about the Bible that demonstrates its divine origin. It has the power to change people for the better. We will discuss this in the next article.
Can You Explain?
In what way are Jehovah's Witnesses blessed by their acceptance of the Bible as God's Word?
As believers in God's Word, what obligation do we have, and how can our conduct help us to discharge this obligation?
What makes the Bible's wise counsel superior to mere human advice?
What are some examples that show the depth of the Bible's wisdom?
"THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND EXERTS POWER"
IN THE middle of the first century C.E., the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christian congregation in Rome. In it he highlighted the requirement that true Christians had to make changes. He said: "Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind
over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) What is it that transforms Jesus' followers, altering their very way of thinking? Basically, it is the power of God's Word, the Bible.
2Paul showed how deeply the Bible can influence us when he wrote: "The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Indeed, the extraordinary power of the Bible to work
Different Produc
such changes in people is a persuasive proof that it is more than merely the word of man.
3 The Greek word translated "be transformed" at Romans 12:2 comes from meta-mor-pho'o. It indicates a complete change, like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It is so complete that the Bible speaks of it as a change of personality. In another Bible verse, we read: "Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it." —Colossians 3:9, 10.
4 Writing to the congregation at Corinth, Paul showed the extent of the personality changes that took place in the first century. He said: "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom.
And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Yes, immoral and quarrelsome persons, thieves and drunkards, had been transformed into exemplary Christians.
Personality Changes Today
Similar personality changes are seen today. For example, a young boy in South America was orphaned at the age of nine. He grew up without parental guidance and developed severe personality problems. He relates: "By the time I was 18, I was completely addicted to drugs and had already spent time in prison for stealing to support the habit." His aunt, though, was one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and eventually she was able to help him.
6 The young man explains: "My aunt began to study the Bible with me, and after seven months I was able to break the drug habit." He also broke with his previous companions and found new friends among Jehovah's Witnesses. He goes on: "These new companions, along with my regular study of the Bible, enabled me to make progress and finally to dedicate my life to serve God." Yes, this former drug addict and thief is now an active, clean-living Christian. How was such a radical personality change effected? Through the power of the Bible.
Another example comes from southern Europe. There, a young man grew up with a difficult personality problem: a violent temper. He was constantly in fights. During one family argument, he even beat his father, knocking him to the ground! Eventually, though, he studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and took note of
God's command in the book of Romans: "Return evil for evil to no one. . . . If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath."—Romans 12:17-19.
8 Those words helped him to realize how bad his weakness was. A growing knowledge of the Bible refined his conscience, which helped him to subdue his quick temper. Once, after he had made some progress in his studies, a stranger shouted insults at him. The young man felt the familiar rage welling up inside. Then he felt something else: a sense of shame; and this stopped him from giving way to his anger. He had developed self-control, an important fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5: 22, 23) His personality was now different, thanks to the power of God's Word.
9 How, though, does the Bible produce such a powerful effect? Paul, at Colossians 3:10, said that our personalities are changed through accurate knowledge, which knowledge is found in the Bible. But how does knowledge change people?
The Role of Accurate Knowledge
10 First, the Bible identifies undesirable personality characteristics that have to be shed. These include such things as "lofty eyes, a false tongue, and hands that are shedding innocent blood, a heart fabricating hurtful schemes, feet that are in a hurry to run to badness, a false witness that launches forth lies, and anyone sending forth contentions among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19) Second, the Bible describes desirable traits that we should
11. (a) When we study the Bible, what do we learn about desirable and undesirable personality characteristics? (b) What is needed in addition to knowledge to effect a change in our personality?
The sad result of Solomon's unfaithfulness in his old age should motivate us to love righteousness and hate lawlessness
cultivate, including "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control."—Galatians 5:22, 23.
11 Such accurate knowledge helps a sincere person to examine himself and see which personality traits he needs to cultivate and which he must work to eliminate. (James 1:25) Nevertheless, that is only a beginning. In addition to knowledge, motivation is needed, something to move him so that
he wants to change. Here again, he needs accurate knowledge from the Bible.
Motivated to Be Good
12 Paul said that the desirable new personality is molded "according to the image of the One who created it." (Colossians 3:10) So the Christian personality must resemble God's own personality. (Ephesians 5:1) Through the Bible, God's personality is revealed to us. We see his dealings with mankind and observe his fine qualities, such as his love, kindness, goodness, mercy, and righteousness. Such knowledge moves a righthearted person to love God and to want to be the kind of person that God approves. (Matthew 22:37) As loving children, we want to please our heavenly Father, so we try to imitate his personality as much as we can in our weak, imperfect state.—Ephesians 5:1.
13 Our motivation is strengthened by
the knowledge the Bible gives as to where both good personality traits and bad ones lead. (Psalm 14:1-5; 15:1-5; 18:20, 24) We learn that David was blessed for his godly devotion and love of righteousness but that he suffered when he lost self-control. We see the sad outcome when Solomon's fine qualities were corrupted in his old age. The blessings that resulted from the uprightness of Josiah and Hezekiah are contrasted with the calamitous effects of Ahab's weakness and Manasseh's stubborn apostasy. (Galatians 6:7) Thus we learn to 'love righteousness and hate lawlessness.'—Hebrews 1:9; Psalm 45:7; 97:10.
14 This motivation is strengthened still more by an accurate knowledge of God's purposes. Such knowledge helps to change the very 'force actuating our minds,' the spirit that motivates our thoughts and actions. (Ephesians 4:23, 24) When we study the Bible, we learn that Jehovah will not forever tolerate wickedness.
Soon, he will destroy this unrighteous world and bring about 'new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness is to dwell.' (2 Peter 3:8-10, 13) Who will live in this new world? "The upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it." —Proverbs 2:21, 22.
15 If we truly believe this promise, our whole way of thinking will be affected. The apostle Peter, after prophesying the destruction of wickedness, says: "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." (2 Peter 3:11, 12) Our personalities should be molded by our strong desire to be among the upright who will be left over when the wicked are destroyed.
16 The book of Revelation promises upright ones that, after the end of this world, "[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." But then it warns that "the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and fornicators and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars" will be rejected. (Revelation 21:4, 8) How wise to avoid the undesirable qualities that God will refuse to allow in the new world!
Help From Outside
17 Nevertheless, humans are weak, and usually they need something in addition to information and motivation if they are to make changes. They need personal help, and the Bible shows us where we can find this help. For example, it says: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." (Proverbs 13:20) Similarly, if we associate with those who manifest the qualities we want to cultivate, we will be greatly helped to become more like them.-Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33.
18 In addition, Jehovah himself provides help in the form of holy spirit—the same spirit that he used to work miracles in earlier times. Indeed, the highly desirable qualities of "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control" are called "the fruitage of the spirit." (Galatians 5:22, 23) How do we gain the help of holy spirit? Since the Bible was inspired by holy spirit, when we read it or talk to others about it, we are exposing our mind and heart to the persuasive power of that spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16) Indeed, Jesus promised that when we speak to others about our hope, we may experience the direct action of that spirit.—Matthew 10:18-20.
19 In addition, the Bible commands: "Persevere in prayer." (Romans 12:12) By prayer we address Jehovah, praise him, thank him, and ask for his help. If we ask for help to overcome undesirable personality traits, such as a bad temper, stubbornness, impatience, or pride, God's spirit will back up any efforts we make in harmony with that prayer.—John 14:13, 14; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14.
What kind of help does the Bible counsel us to seek?
19. What do we need to do to expose our minds and hearts to God's spirit?
If we ask Jehovah for help, his spirit will reinforce any efforts we make to overcome bad traits
20 When Paul wrote: "Be transformed by making your mind over," he was writing to a congregation of baptized, anointed Christians. (Romans 1:7; 12:2) And in the original Greek, he used a form of the verb that implies continuing action. This suggests that the transformation worked on us by accurate knowledge from the Bible is progressive. We today—like Christians in Paul's day—are surrounded by a world full of corrupting influences. And we—like
them—are imperfect, prone to do wrong. (Genesis 8:21) Hence, we have to keep working at overcoming the old, selfish personality and putting on the new one, just as they did. The early Christians succeeded to such an extent that they stood out as totally different from the world around them. Christians today do the same.
A People "Taught by Jehovah"
21 Indeed, God's spirit today works not only on individuals but on a whole organization of Christians, who number into the millions. On this organization are fulfilled Isaiah's prophetic words: "And many peoples will certainly go and say: 'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.'" (Isaiah 2:3) Isaiah's further prophecy has also been fulfilled in their case: "All your
sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant." (Isaiah 54:13) Who are these ones who enjoy peace because of being taught by Jehovah?
22 Well, note this extract from a letter written to the New Haven Register, a North American newspaper: "Whether you have been aggravated or irred [angered], as I have, by their proselytizing, you have to admire their dedication, their wholesomeness, their outstanding example of human behavior and healthful living." Whom was the writer talking about? The same group that was discussed by the Herald of Buenos Aires, Argentina, when it said: "Jehovah's Witnesses have proven throughout the years to be hard-working, sober, thrifty and God-fearing citizens." Similarly, the Italian newspaper La Stampa said: "They do not dodge taxes or seek to evade inconvenient laws for their own profit. The moral ideals of love for neighbox, refusal of power, nonviolence and personal honesty .
. . enter into their 'daily' way of life."
23 Why do Jehovah's Witnesses as a group—like the early Christians—stand out as different? In many respects, they are the same as everyone else. They are born with similar human imperfections, and they have the same economic problems and basic needs. However, as a worldwide congregation, they allow God's Word to exert power in their lives. The resulting international brotherhood of genuine Christians is powerful evidence that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. —Psalm 133:1.
24 In these two articles, we have discussed just two lines of evidence to demonstrate that the Bible is God's Word, not man's. Whether they consider the unparalleled wisdom of the Bible or its power to change people—or the many other things that mark it as unique—sincere people
Why do Jehovah's Witnesses as an organization stand out as different?
What is our prayer in behalf of many more people?
can hardly fail to realize that it must be inspired by God. As Christians, we pray that many more will come to recognize this truth. Then they too will echo the psalmist's joyful words: "O see that I have loved your own orders. O Jehovah, according to your loving-kindness preserve me alive. The substance of your word is truth, and every righteous judicial decision of yours is to time indefinite."—Psalm 119: 159, 160.
Do You Remember?
What effect does the Bible have on true Christians?
How does accurate knowledge help to transform us?
How does the Bible help motivate us to cultivate good qualities and overcome bad ones?
What help is available in developing godly qualities?
What evidence that the Bible is inspired is seen among Jehovah's people?
SERVING THE GREATEST ARTIST OF ALL
AS A young girl seven years of age, I began asking myself: 'Why will I have to die? Is it possible to avoid death?' I had been told that God takes away good people because he wants them with him in heaven. I still remember one of my classmates exclaiming: "It's better to be a bad person because the good die first!"
I loved drawing, so I began to study art. At school, I had no opportunity to consider religious matters, nor time to take an interest in them. In fact, I used to tell my friends that to be religious, one needed a low level of intelligence.
When I completed my art studies, I was given the post of art teacher in high school.
I loved my work and was also interested in Italian and foreign literature, chamber and symphonic music, and opera. The only thing religious I studied in that period was the iconographic subjects of painters of various epochs. Then I learned what being at the center of attention was all about, what exhibiting one's own works felt like, what it meant to be highly esteemed, praised, and admired as an artist.
At that time, the art world meant a great deal to me, since it was there that I found the reason for the greater part of my existence. But the questions I had posed when I was seven were still present in my mind. I relentlessly searched for something deeper, something I could not as yet explain. I was an avid reader and asked philosophers for explanations. At all costs, I wanted a definite answer to my doubts.
I still had this confusion when I got married. After the birth of my daughter, my search for the truth became more intense. I tried to find it by painting, writing poetry, listening to music, reading books. Whenever I went to a concert and listened to the opening bars of the overture, my mind automatically went to God, to the Supreme Being I didn't know, and I thanked him. During that period, I would often praise God for the beautiful things I admired—my sleeping baby, the colors of a landscape. "What a shame," I used to exclaim, "that art, which could have so many beautiful things as its subject, should be used so much to describe death instead of life!" Some of the most splendid pieces of poetry and theatrical works are either hymns to pessimism or tragedies; some of the finest masterpieces of painting exalt death rather than life and its beauty. Why?
These contrasting sentiments greatly disheartened me, and I gradually began moving toward apathy. It was at that point that Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door. As I listened to them, it seemed as if they were talking to me in a new language. God's promise to make the earth a paradise sounded like sweet music to my ears. I began to read the Bible. There I finally found the answers to the questions I had not stopped asking since I was seven years old. God does not want man to die but intends to bless his faithful servants by giving them everlasting life on earth!
That was 1973. The following year I made a dedication to Jehovah and was baptized. It wasn't easy to replace my impulsive and sentimental character with the spirit of true brotherly love, my self-centeredness with selflessness, and personal comfort with the spirit of sacrifice! I had to disown myself. Jehovah's Witnesses have greatly helped, as have the meetings held in the Kingdom Hall.
The Great Artist has cleared up my doubts and perplexities. How grateful I am to him! That is why, since September 1984, I have taken up the regular pioneer service, spending 90 hours each month in preaching the good news of God's Kingdom.
Serving the Great Artist and Creator, Jehovah, with my family is truly satisfying. We anxiously await the time when he will paint the most vivid picture ever; when he finally removes the old, wicked system that sullies and envelops this earth. Death will be no more, and art will then be exclusively devoted to life. Then, only beauty will be depicted, for by means of God's righteous new system, misery and pain will have been eliminated forever.—Contributed.
Kingdom Proclaimers Report
Accepting the Good News in Belgium
"WHO has seen things like these?" says the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in Belgium. (Compare Isaiah 66:8.) This beautiful country reports a peak of 24,464 publishers for the 1989 service year. There was also a 4-percent increase in the average number of those sharing in the preaching activity each month.
□ The good news proclaimed by Jehovah's Witnesses was acknowledged by a Catholic priest who at a Sunday Mass said to his parishioners: "If Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door, open it wide to them. They have the truth!" This is exactly what one lady did. When the Witnesses came, she opened her door wide and accepted the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? Later she asked for the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. A Bible study was started with her, but her husband did not join in. So a brother phoned him and asked
if he would like to live with his wife in a better world? As a result, he joined the study. The couple were living together without being legally married, but they legalized their union and soon got baptized.
□ The truth transformed the life of a young girl. When not yet 14 years old, she was left on her own. She met a young boy and lived with him in the punk world, taking drugs and showing a spirit of violence. Then the boy lost his life in a motor accident. This left the girl with a serious nervous breakdown, and she considered suicide. Where can I find a solution to my problems? she wondered. She met a person practicing spiritism who made her believe that she could contact her deceased companion. They experimented with hypnotism and extrasensory perception. Not finding in this the expected comfort, she again fell into deep depression. For several months she isolated herself totally. Then one of Jehovah's Witnesses met her and endeavored to help her spiritually. For a while this was done by letter, and in time things straightened out after much effort and courage on her part. Now she was freed from demonic influence, from the tobacco habit, and from deep feelings of guilt. As time progressed, more Bible knowledge and Jehovah's spirit greatly helped her. Also, the meetings strengthened her, as she earnestly prepared for them. Now she is baptized and has the pioneer spirit. She is already conducting several Bible studies,
one of them with her mother, who is now attending some meetings. Truly, Jehovah has helped her!
Those taking advantage of opportunities in school enjoy fine success in spreading the good news. One young sister in school in Belgium was assigned to give a speech on a subject of her choice. She decided to talk about Jehovah's Witnesses and their beliefs, basing her material on the brochure Jehovah's Witnesses in the 20th Century. Her professor was impressed. After she presented her talk to the class, the students were allowed to ask questions. Several classmates afterward asked what they had to do in order to live in God's Paradise mentioned in her talk. Many, including the professor, asked for copies of the different brochures the sister had. Other classes requested brochures and more information, and a professor of religion examined the brochures and recommended them to his class.
The courageous action of our young sister was blessed. Twenty-three brochures were distributed to two professors and many students; one student, having heard about the talk, requested the material to explain the work of Jehovah's Witnesses in her class.
Many are accepting the good news in Belgium. They accept God's Word, "not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers." —1 Thesalonians 2:13.
Jesus' Life and Ministry
Confidence During the Last Days
ASTUESDAY, Nisan 11, draws to a close, Jesus is with his apostles on the Mount of Olives. They have recently left the temple area, which they can see below, and Jesus has been discussing with them the sign of his presence in Kingdom power and of the end of the system of things.
Continuing his comments, Jesus warns them about chasing after false Christs. Attempts will be made, he says, "to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones." But, like farsighted eagles, these chosen ones will gather to where the true spiritual food is to be found, namely, with the true Christ at his invisible presence. They will not be misled and be gathered together to a false Christ.
False Christs can make only a visible appearance. In contrast, Jesus' presence will be invisible. It will occur during a frightful time in human history, as Jesus says: "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light." Yes, this will be the blackest period of mankind's existence. It will be as if the sun had been darkened during the daytime, and as if the moon did not give its light by night.
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