The Watchtower, May 15, 1925
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Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking to the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticsm) shall be shaken. . . When ye see these things begin to come to pass, then know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Loo*. up, hit up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matt 24:33; Mark 13.29; Luke 21:25-3L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
•JllxltS Journal is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now bein< A presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3 : 1115 ; 2 Peter 1: 5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which . . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3: 5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the -will of God in Christy as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; tor we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our leaders to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made t® facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:’20-22* Genesis 28 :14 ; Galatians 3 : 29. *
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time”.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1: 9 ; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3 :2 ; John 17:24; Romans 8 : 17 ; 2 Peter 1: 4.
Tnat the present'mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace; to be God’s witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24 • 14 ; Revelation 1: 6 ; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3 :19-23 ; Isaiah 35.
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Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford. W. E. Van Amburgh, J. Hemery, R 11. Barber, C. E. Stewart. Terms to the Lord’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of oni age or other iniiimity or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied liee if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies.________
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GET READY NOW
When the record for 1925 is written, it should show the greatest year in the harvest field. The week of August 23rd is specially set aside for drive week. Every one who is consecrated should prepare now to devote that week to getting the books into the hands of the people. The office and factory will be closed that week to give the Bethel family an opportunity to participate in the drive. The classes everywhere should now begin to organize for the work. Get your territory and your books ready.
RADIO PROGRAMS
Broadcasting the tiiuh lias pi.oen so satisfactory up to date that we suggest to the friends, wherever it is possible, to arrange for a good receiving set with a loud speaker and invite their neighbors in Io listen ro the program of the nearest station broadcasting the trulli. We give here the time of the stations of which we are informed, and as others are added, broadcasting the truth, we will publish their schedules.
WB Bit, New York City (official address, 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.), 272.6 meters. Sunday morning, 10: 00 to 11: 30; Sunday evening, 9 : 00 to 10:30; Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, 8: 00 to 9: 00; Eastern Standard Time.
WORD, Batavia, Ill., (Official address, Webster Hotel, Chicago, HL), 275 meters. Sunday morning, 9: 15 to 11: 00; Sunday evening, 6: 45 to 8: 00; Monday evening, 7: 00 to 8: 00; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, 8:00 to 9:30; Wednesday and Saturday evenings, 8: 00 to 9:00; Central Standard Time.
W G I, Medford Hillside, Mass., 161 meters. Sunday evenings, 8: 30 to 9: 30; Thursday evenings, 8: 00 to 9: 00; Eastern Standard Time. Lectures and musical programs under auspices of Boston Ecclesia.
KFKB, Milford, Kansas, 286 meters. Sunday evenings, 8 : 30 to 9: 30; Central Standard Time. Lectures and musical programs under auspices of Abilene Ecclesia.
KNX, Los Angeles, Calif., Sunday evening, 7: 00 to 8: 00; Pacific Standard Time. Programs under auspices of Los Angeles Ecclesia.
C H U C, Saskatoon, Sask., Canada, 330 meters. Sunday evenings, 7 : 30 to 9: 00; Monday and Wednesday evenings, 8:00 to 9: 30, Mountain Standard Time. Lectures and musical programs under auspices of Saskatoon Ecclesia.
K H J, Los Angeles, Calif., Sunday evenings, 7: 30 to 8:15; Pacific Standard Time. Programs under auspices of Los Angeles Ecclesia.
AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLVI May 15, 1925 No. 10
MESSENGERS OF THE LORD
"The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity/'—Matthew IS: Jfl.
THE Christian should have no difficulty in understanding that God has an organization, and that everything is done orderly and in order; that his organization is holy, and that all the approved ones must be holy at the time of approval. It follows, then, that all who should become disloyal to the Lord would in time be separated from his organization. Continued loyalty would be necessary for continued membership in his organization.
2 Loyalty means to do whatsoever God’s law requires, and to do it in his appointed way. Disloyalty would mean to insist on pursuing a course of action according to one’s own selfish conclusions, and not in harmony with the way pointed out by the Lord.
3 God has not laid upon man the responsibility of deciding from his own personal process of reasoning what is the proper course of action; but he has laid upon him the responsibility of ascertaining from the Word of God what is the proper course of action, and then of following that appointed way.
4 To follow God’s appointed way means to be loyal to him. In proof of this note the scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thin? own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”—Proverbs 3: 5, 6.
6 The word iniquity used in Matthew 13:41 means lawlessness; that is to say, pursuing a course of action contrary to the appointed way of the Lord and therefore disloyal to the Lord. Headiness leads to lawlessness. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Pride always leads to disloyalty.
6 Herein our purpose is to discuss this subject from these viewpoints, to wit: That God has an organization • who compose that organization, and how used; the disposition of those who are approved; the disposition of those who are disapproved of the Lord; that the test is now on to determine who is loyal and who is lawless; and that those who stand the test have great honor conferred upon them.
7 The members of the Church while on earth are in training in the Lord’s school. Jehovah is not trying to get any one to heaven merely to save him. God is training his creatures for positions of trust and honor. He has promised to reward the faithful ones with the high position of joint-heirship with his beloved Son; and that these shall see Jehovah’s face. Obedience, loyalty and fidelity are the tests. Only the approved shall finally be selected for the positions of honor and trust.
3 When we observe that a creature has been commissioned to do certain things, and that his course of action brings the approval of the Lord, we may be sure that such creature has performed his duty in a lawful and proper manner. By observation we may learn a lesson from his course of action, and be warranted in following a similar course. The many instances and examples recorded in the Bible are there to serve as a guide for the Church while in training.
8 If the Christian can appreciate that God has an organization to carry out his plan, and that the anointed Christian is a commissioned officer in that organization to do certain things, and that such will be rewarded in proportion to faithfulness, then he can have a better appreciation of why he should deport himself in harmony with the expressed will of God. He can better appreciate the fact that the new creation is called for a purpose, and that the purpose for which it is called is to show forth the praises of the great and loving Creator. Seeing these things, he will realize that the various experiences coming to him as a Christian and because of his faithfulness are for the very purpose of training him for a higher and more honorable position than he now occupies.
GOD’S ORGANIZATION
10 The Scriptures declare: “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” (Acts 15: 18) The beginning of his creation was the Logos, who thereafter became the active agent of Jehovah in the creation of all things that were created. (John 1: 1-3) It seems to be clearly settled by the Scriptures that there was a time when Lucifer was a part of God’s organization. He was in Eden, the garden of God. Concerning him Jehovah’s prophet wrote: “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast
upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou vast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”—Ezekiel 28: 14,15.
11 Lucifer was commissioned to do certain work in God’s organization; but instead of being obedient he became lawless. Doubtless he was one of the morning stars mentioned in the prophecy of Job. (Job 38:7) In the organization of Jehovah there are cherubim and seraphim.—Genesis 3 : 24; Isaiah 6 : 2.
12 Adam, when a perfect creature in Eden, was a part of God’s organization; and to him was committed certain work to do. (Genesis 1: 28) When Israel was organized into a nation and God made a covenant with them through Moses as mediator, that nation became a part of God’s organization, authorized to do certain things. (Exodus 19: 6, 7) Israel’s course of training foreshadowed the training of the new creation.
13 The highest position in God’s organization he evidently left vacant until he had put certain tests upon his creatures. The Logos met all these tests, and of him it is written: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”—Psalm 45: 7 ; Hebrews 1: 9.
ALL MESSENGERS
14 The Church, which is the Body of Christ, is of God’s organization, ordained and organized for a purpose. (Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:9,10) Jesus the Head and his body members constitute the new creation. In the fulness of time every creature who receives the final approval of Jehovah must come under the jurisdiction of Christ Jesus, as it is written: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”—Ephesians 1:10; Philippians 2: 8, 9.
15 All holy angels are a part of God’s organization.
10 The word angel, as used in the Scriptures, means messenger. Whatsoever means the Lord would use to carry out his purpose, it might be properly said that such is an angel of the Lord. An angel may be, therefore, either animate or inanimate; an angel may be either a spirit or a human being. All messengers or angels used by Jehovah may properly be said to be, for the time being at least, a part of his organization. When the Lord used one of his prophets to carry a message to his people, such prophet was then for the time being an angel of the Lord.—Haggai 1:13.
17 The priests of Israel were designated as angels or messengers of the Lord, at whose lips the people should hear and learn the law. (Malachi 2:7) The great Pyramid of Egypt, standing as a silent and inanimate witness of the Lord, is a messenger; and its testimony speaks with great eloquence concerning the divine plan. (Isaiah 19:19,1^*1 Tohn the Baptist was a messenger of the Lord, therefore an angel sent to perform certain duties.
GREATEST ANGEL
18 It was Jesus who said: “He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) The greatest and most honorable messenger of Jehovah, the special angel of God, was the Logos, Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. Early in his ministry he said: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” “I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.” (John 4: 34; 7: 29) He was sent on a special mission from the Father to open the way to life and immortality.—John 10: 10; 2 Tim. 1:11.
19 It seems quite clear from the Scriptures that long prior to his human existence Jesus, then the Logos, was sent as a special messenger of Jehovah to communicate with Abraham and Moses. (Genesis 22:11,12; Exodus 3: 2, 5, 8) At the head of God’s organization, possessing all power and authority, and carrying out the divine plan, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Messenger and the Angel of Jehovah. lie is the most highly exalted, far above powers and principalities; and he is referred to by the prophet as the Messenger of the covenant.—Mal. 3 : 1.
20 Looking down to the time of the inauguration of the New Covenant, which shall result in blessing mankind with life and happiness, the Lord Jesus Christ is referred to by Job as a messenger or angel. “If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness; then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth.” (Job 33: 23-25) Here the exalted Lord and King is spoken of as the Interpreter, who points out to man the way to uprightness. He is gracious to man, delivers him from going down into the tomb, and restores him to perfection of body and mind.
21 The Scriptures show that God’s law delivered to Israel was presented by the angels to the mediator. (Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2) These, of course, were spirit beings and members of God’s organization.
22 By way of comparison and to show how much greater is the Lord Jesus than others as a messenger and angel of Jehovah, the apostle Paul devotes much of his epistle to the Hebrews. The gist of his argument is that Jesus has been appointed heir of all things, and that this inheritance which he has obtained is much more excellent in every way than was that which was appointed to the angels. He is the only one who is the express image of Jehovah. Further, Paul’s argument is that when God shall a second time bring the First Begotten into the world, it will be an occasion for all the angels of Jehovah to worship him; that because of his special zeal for righteousness, Jehovah has anointed him above all others of his realm. The Apostle then proceeds to show that as a man Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, in order that he might redeem mankind. As a perfect man he was crowned with glory and honor.—Hebrews 2 : 9, 10.
23 Angels of the spiritual realm are above the human nature. They do not have the limitations of movement that bind the human race. While to the angelic hosts the old world was subjected, the new order of things will be completely under the subjection of the Lord Jesus, the chiefest of all.
THE CHURCH
21 The Church was organized by the Lord. God himself has set the members in the body, as the Apostle states: “Now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. . . . And God hath set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12: 18, 28) This is conclusive proof that the anointed ones of the Lord are a part of his organization and therefore of Zion.
25 It pleased the Lord in making provision for the Church to have seven special messengers, or angels, used by him to deliver messages to the Church. Ue did not foreordain the men who filled these places; but he did foreordain the official positions, to be occupied by some one. In due time the Lord placed in these respective positions men who were wholly devoted to him.
20 The angel of the Ephesus period of the Church was St. Paul. He was a special messenger of the Lord sent to the nations. The Scriptures abundantly testify of his zeal, patience, godliness, truthfulness, and suffering for righteousness’ sake.
27 The messenger or angel of the Smyrna epoch was St. John. He served as a convict on the Isle of Patmos, because of his devotion to the Lord. Doubtless the Lord rewarded him because of his willingness to suffer for righteousness’ sake and gave to him a special vision for the benefit of the Church as a whole.
28 The angel of the Pergamos epoch of the Church was Arius. Few of his sayings have been preserved; yet those who today are enjoying present truth hold to the principles for which Arius contended; and these are living witnesses that his martyrdom was not in vain, and that he was faithful as a representative of the Lord.
2, 9 The messenger for the Thyatira epoch was Peter Waldo. He gave a faithful witness to the truth, emerging from the long night of Papal darkness. Christians owe to Waldo the first translation of the Bible into a modern language.
30 The angel of the Church of the Sardis epoch was John Wycliffe. It was he who first translated the Bible into the English, which was really the foundation for the Reformation movement later springing up in Bohemia under the leadership of Huss.
31 The Philadelphia epoch of the Church was served by Martin Luther. It was he whom the Lord used to launch the great Reformation.
32 The angel of the seventh, or Laodicean epoch, of the Church, was Charles T. Russell. Wholly devoted to the Lord and his cause, he was despised and persecuted by the ecclesiastics of his time even as did their prototypes persecute our Lord. The Lord used him to lead the work of restoring to the Church the great fundamental truths that had so long been hidden. He brought clearly to light the doctrine of the ransom sacrifice and the Church’s part in the sin-offering. Undoubtedly this same angel, or seventh messenger to the Church, filled the office foreshadowed by the prophet Ezekiel, as represented in the man clothed in linen with a writer’s inkhorn by his side.—Ezekiel 9:1-11.
THE FEET MEMBERS
33 The Christ, Head and Body, constitute the Messenger of Jehovah in carrying out his purposes. The prophet of God in a vision beheld the feet of Christ engaged in the blessed work of delivering the message concerning the kingdom of God. The Prophet in ecstatic joy exclaimed: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that pub-lisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7) Thus he indicated that the official position in relation to announcing the kingdom must be filled by an organized body of Christians composing the feet members of the Christ. This body of Christians may be easily identified by the physical facts.
34 Is there a body of people on earth thus engaged exclusively in declaring the message of the Messianic kingdom? There is such a body of Christians. This body of Christians may well be said to be those forming the “Society”, or association of Bible Students, because working in harmony together in the specific work which the Lord has indicated must be done at this time. We seem to be warranted in the conclusion that this organized movement of Christians, for the advertisement of the King and his kingdom and for the declaring of the day of God’s vengeance and for the comforting of those who mourn, is the one referred to in Revelation 8: 3-5. Those who are thus wholly devoted to the Lord’s cause are sacrificing all their earthly hopes and prospects, represented in the altar. The scripture reads: “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.”
35 These are daily presenting their respective petitions before the divine throne for the aid of one another. These for some time have literally hurled the message of truth amongst the peoples and nations of the earth. Concerning this same faithful class of Christians, without reference to individuals, the Lord says: “The reapers are the angels”; and during the harvest period they have been engaged in the reaping work, as foreshadowed in the parable of the harvest.—Matthew 13: 39.
36 This seems to be the same class mentioned by our Lord when he said: “The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels.” (Matthew 16 : 27) We seem to be warranted also in the conclusion that the Church this side the vail as a whole is the angel “standing in the sun” (Revelation 19:17) and shining forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, just as the Master declared would be a portion of their work. (Matthew 13:43) This point is mentioned here merely to show that the Church this side the vail is spoken of as an angel.
ELDERS ARE ANGELS
37 The apostles were angels of the Lord, because they fulfilled the missions upon which they were sent by the Lord. They delivered his message. Every anointed one in the Church who engages in proclaiming the message of the Lord’s kingdom, and who is prompted by loving devotion to the Lord so to do, is to that extent an angel of the Lord. Speaking to the elders of Ephesus and likewise to other elders, the apostle Paul said: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the holy spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with the blood of his own.” (Acts 20:28) Likewise St. Peter wrote to those elders designated to serve the Church, saying, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”—1 Peter 5:1-3.
38 Elders are selected in the Church according to the Lord’s appointed way, and are therefore a part of the Lord’s organization; and in proportion as any elder speaks as the oracle of God he is to that extent a mouthpiece of the Lord and an angel of the Lord, as indicated in the Scriptures. It is of and concerning elders that St. Paul speaks when he says: “Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”—Col. 2:18.
83 Again, the elders are referred to by the Apostle as angels in the text where he says: “For this cause ought the woman [in the congregation] to have a covering on her head, because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10, margin) This is true because the woman is a type of the Church, and the elders are angels, or messengers, of the Lord, representing the Lord.
40 These things are mentioned here that each one who has an opportunity for service may recognize and appreciate the fact that he is a part of the Lord's organization and should deport himself accordingly.
DISPOSITION OF THE DISAPPROVED
41 The fact that a creature is once a part of God’s organization does not mean that he is always in that organization. Without doubt Lucifer was at one time of God’s organization, clothed with great honor and authority. He was not satisfied with what he had received, but meditated a greater exaltation of himself. Of him it is written: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne aboxe the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13,14) For this reason he fell, was disapproved of God, and ceased to be a part of God's organization. That which caused his disapproval of God was his disloyalty, or lawlessness. He refused to be governed by God’s law. That which seemed to mark the beginning of his disloyalty was pride or admiration of himself, as it is written: “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. . . . Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities [lawlessness], by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee; and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, in the sight of all them that behold thee.”—Ezekiel 28:15,17,18.
42 It is a fixed rule of Jehovah that pride and ambition lead to destruction. (Proverbs 16:18) Pride really means to think more highly of oneself than one ought to think. This is a manifestation of selfishness. It is a failure to think soberly. (Romans 12: 3) Selfishness is the very opposite of love; and unless any one is prompted by love for the Lord’s service, he could not have the Lord’s approval.
43 To be honored of the Lord by being made his angel, or messenger, should cause one of proper heart condition to be meek and lowly of heart and to have great reverence for God. One having pride of heart does not properly reverence Jehovah. (Proverbs 8:13) To be impressed with one’s own beauty and greatness leads to disaster. “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”— Psalm 10: 3, 4.
44 To be placed in a position of honor and trust, and then willingly to depart therefrom and disregard God’s law, likewise leads to disaster. This seems to have been the difficulty with the angels who kept not their first estate. (Jude 6) A refusal to submit to God’s law or to be governed by his rule of action is the result of selfishness and pride; and such God pushes away from him. ‘‘God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) These things are recorded in the Bible for the special benefit of the Church, the new creation, which is in the course of training for higher positions than any others in God’s organization, because they are to be associated with Christ Jesus. Seeing that which leads to disapproval should enable the members of the new creation this side the vail to avoid the pitfalls.
DISPOSITION OF THE APPROVED
45 The disobedience of the law, or rule of action, that will bring the disapproval of God among spirit beings will likewise bring his disapproval of visible or human angels. Likewise, obedience to the law of God that merits his approval applies to both invisible and visible angels. The disposition manifested by those angels who received the approval of God furnishes a criterion by which members of the Church may be profitably and properly guided. For one to seek his own glory and honor could not be pleasing to the heavenly Father. When Jesus was on earth he did not seek to glorify himself, but always sought to honor and glorify his Father. It was he who declared: “Every one that exalt-eth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”—Luke 18:14.
46 God’s holy angels do not seem to desire to be conspicuous, nor to have their own names heralded with applause. A helpful lesson on this point is that furnished by the angel who appeared to Manoah. Manoah wished to know the name of this angel, saying, “What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass, we may do thee honor? And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?” (Judges 13:17,18) This angel was satisfied to honor the Lord; and so each member of the Church should be satisfied to honor the Lord with whatever he has, regardless of whether his own name is known or not. When men would have done honor to angels that appeared unto them, the reply was given: “If thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto Jehovah.”—Judges 13:16-19; 6 :11-22.
47 The lesson we learn from this is that each one who is pleasing to the Lord should keep himself in the background and should always honor Jehovah and Jesus.
48 Humility is plainly an essential thing in one who will be pleasing to the Lord. Humility really means to be submissive to God’s will. His will concerning the Church is expressed in his Word. Humility therefore means to obey God’s law. It is plainly stated that none are crowned except those who strive lawfully. (2 Timothy 2:5) It is written concerning the servant of the Lord, which servant doubtless is the Lord Jesus: “Who is blind, but my servant ? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant?” (Isaiah 42:19) Evidently this means that such servant is blind to his own advantages and ambitions or selfish prospects, is wholly devoted to the Lord’s cause, and refuses to see or participate in anything else. Hen as messengers, angels or servants of the Lord, are sent forth into the earth to be God’s witnesses, to give testimony concerning his plan, and particularly with reference to the fact that Jehovah is God, that Jesus is the King, and that the kingdom of heaven is here. (Isaiah 40: 9-11) Such are members of God’s organization.
40 It is declared of him who is approved of the Lord that he must keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27) Furthermore, the same writer says: “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4) The word world in this text means the devil’s organization, of which he is the god or invisible ruler. The approved of the Lord can therefore make no compromise with the world, nor participate in any of its affairs. All who go contrary to these Scriptural admonitions not only receive the disapproval of the Lord, but persisting therein would lose their place in the organization of Jehovah.
GATHERING OUT THE LAWLESS
60 The Scriptural proof hereinbefore submitted shows that there was rebellion in God’s organization long centuries ago, that Lucifer became lawless, and that God expelled him from that organization. Other angels violated God’s law, kept not their first estate, became rebellious; and of them it is declared that they shall be destroyed. These fixed rules of Jehovah, then, plainly teach that those who are lawless, therefore iniquitous, the Lord will expel from his organization.
51 God’s organization in the Scriptures is designated as Zion. It is the dwelling place of Jehovah. (Psalm 9 : 11) The term Jerusalem is also applied to God’s organization. Speaking concerning the Church, of which Isaac was a type, the apostle Paul says: “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” (Galatians 4:26) It is said concerning the Church that she is born in Zion. (Psalm 87:5; 134: 3) A period of nearly nineteen hundred years is employed by Jehovah in the selection and development of the kingdom class. These are of Zion and therefore sometimes called Zion. The final work of gathering these together is designated in the Scriptures as a harvest period. At the very end of that harvest period the Lord calls our attention to the fact that there will be a separating work taking place. He says that the harvest is the end of the age, and that the reapers are the angels; and then concerning the separating work he adds: “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity. ... So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.”—Matthew 13: 41, 49.
52 The class gathered out here cannot refer to nominal Christendom. Christendom as a system is cast away. Her members are made up largely of those who never really were Christians. They were never in the kingdom class. It will be noted that Jesus in this statement says that his angels or messengers shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, plainly meaning those who have at one time been a part of God’s organization.
63 As angels at other times have been disapproved and expelled from the organization of the Lord, so it may be expected that such would be done at the end of the harvest period; and the Lord plainly says that it shall be done. His words indicate two divisions of the gathercd-out class; some who offend, and others who are iniquitous or lawless.
54 An offender within the meaning of this text is one who entraps, entices to sin, or ensnares another, cither in conduct or in apostacy from the truth.
35 The lawless are those who willingly go contrary to God’s law, either in conduct or in service in his name. The one who offends is always a lawless one; but a lawless one may not always be an offender of some one else. For instance, one who sees that the King is present and that his kingdom is being set up, and who knows of the command of the Lord to announce his kingdom, but who fails or refuses to do so, and who utterly ignores the interests of the kingdom, would properly be classed as a lawless one. For one to be law-abiding or to act lawfully he must put forth an honest endeavor to do what the Lord commands.
66 In a previous issue of The Watch Tower it has been shown that individual members of the Lord’s organization are the ones who put on the wedding garment; and that this is done by honestly, zealously and lovingly striving to do what the Lord has commanded shall be done, and to do it joyfully; that one vdio sees and appreciates the opportunity of serving the Lord joyfully, but who turns away from that and follows his own selfish course, may be said to be one who puts off the wedding garment. The parable uttered by our Lord shows that such a one is gathered out of his kingdom; and the scripture under consideration shows that such a one, being iniquitous or lawless, would be gathered out from his kingdom.
57 Furthermore, it is noticed that the offenders are gathered out. We should expect the adversary at this time to make all trouble possible amongst the classes. Let each one take warning, therefore. Knowing that this is a time of great testing, and that only those who are tested and come through the fire will be approved, each one should be careful to see that he is not a provoker of trouble amongst the Lord’s anointed.
58 It may be generally set down as a rule where trouble exists in an ecclesia that it is due to selfishness on the part of some one. Selfishness is another form of pride; and pride always shows a wrong condition of heart and leads to disapproval of the Lord. The servants of the Lord, his messengers, ire plainly told at this time that they must dwell together in peace and follow holiness if they expect to see the Lord. (Hebrews 12: 14) Let each one, then, remember the course pursued by the angels that were approved of Jehovah; namely, to keep himself in the background, not to seek self-honor or exaltation, but to seek always to honor the Lord and to glorify his name.
59 The scripture under consideration with reference to gathering out the offenders and lawless plainly refers to the very closing work of the harvest period. It is manifest that we are in that period now; and this may explain why there is trouble among the brethren in various places. It is certainly an opportune time for each one to examine himself and to put away all evil-surmising and evil-speaking, to refrain from scandalizing his brethren, to put away selfishness, and to let brotherly love guide his course among the brethren, and to devote himself wholly and unselfishly to the Lord’s cause.
co It will be observed by reference again to the words of our Master that he sends forth his angels to gather out of his kingdom all that offend and them that do iniquity. It is the Lord who is really doing the gathering out; but he is using his messengers or angels to carry out this work. .He may be using some of the invisible angels and also some visible ones. Whatever agency the Lord is using, each consecrated child of the Lord should look well to himself that he is not amongst the offenders nor amongst those who are lawless.
61 The Scriptures show that the holy angels are appointed for the purpose of serving, and that they serve joyfully. These invisible angels are sent forth as ministers to minister unto them who shall be the heirs of salvation. (Hebrews 1:14) The angel of the Lord encamps round about those who reverence Jehovah, and delivers them. (Psalm 34: 7) These are surely not looking after their self-interests, but the interests of others which the Lord has committed into their care.
02 Again it is written of them: “And all the angels stood round about the throne, . . . and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God.” (Revelation 7:11) Thus they show their eagerness to serve as wrell as to worship. To worship and not to serve is as futile as to serve and not to worship. It is the duty and privilege of every Christian to worship the Lord and to serve him joyfully.
63 The angels of heaven would gladly preach the gospel if it were God’s will that they should do so; but the Lord has committed this great privilege to men. Christians, then, should appreciate this privilege and show their appreciation by joyful service and worship and praise of the Lord.
64 If each one of the consecrated, then, will have in mind the interests of the kingdom committed into his hands, which necessarily mean the interests of his brethren, he will diligently strive to avoid offense; and he will also eagerly strive to serve the Lord according to his appointed way.
GREATLY HONORED
66 The saints now recognizing the presence of the Lord, that he has come to his temple and is examining those who are of his organization, are occupying positions of great honor. The angels in times past were privileged to announce the birth of our Lord; but the members of the Church on earth now are more highly honored because they are privileged to announce the second presence of the Lord as King of kings, as the Ruler and Blesser of mankind.
66 They are further honored with the prospect of being associated with the Lord in his kingdom for the uplift and blessing of mankind. They have the great honor of being promised participation in the kingdom, that they may sit with him on his throne, judging the peoples of the earth. All those of the Lord’s saints, who are acting lawfully at this time; who are joyfully participating in the proclamation of the message of his kingdom; who are walking humbly before God, giving honor to the Lord and praise to his name; who are being prompted wholly by unselfish devotion to the Lord and his cause; and who are looking after the interests of the brethren as fellow saints—all such are more highly honored than any other creatures in times past. These are they described by the Psalmist who have now entered into the glory of the Lord this side the vail, and to whom he says: “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds [of ease]. Let the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two edged sword in their hand.” Thus the Prophet identifies the class that is walking lawfully with the Lord, and those who continue therein to the end shall be of his kingdom.
07 The great shaking that is now on will shake out everything that can be shaken. Hence it behooves each one to mark well the trials as they come and, instead of being stumbled or shaken, to profit by these trials and to remember that these things are due to come, as the Apostle states: “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:27) Then as an admonition and warning to the saints he adds: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
68 To be serving the Lord lawfully now means to carry out the judgment mentioned in the Scriptures, and particularly referred to by the Prophet, to bind the kings with chains and the nobles with fetters of iron, to execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all the saints. (Psalm 149:8,9) This means that all who are of the overcoming class, and who will be of the kingdom, will joyfully submit to the Lord’s law and be diligent to obey the same. Among the precious promises given to such is: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”—Revelation 3 : 21.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
What should a Christian recognize without difficulty? Has God laid upon man the responsibility of deciding from his own reasoning alone what is the proper course of action? What does it mean to be loyal to God? IT 1-4.
What may “iniquity” mean? What leads to lawlessness? What Is the purpose of our present study? T 5, 6.
Do Christians undergo a training? Who are those that experience special training? What is the purpose of it? If 7, 9.
Was Lucifer ever a part of God’s organization ? Who are some others who are members of Gods organization? Are all the places of honor in God's realm now occupied? T10-15.
What is the meaning of “angel”? Are angels always animate? V16,17.
Who is God’s greatest angel? What are some of his angelic missions to the earth? V 18, 19.
Is Jesus yet to be an angel in a very special sense? Where do we find the greatness of Jesus emphasized? U 20-23.
Who organized the Church and .gave to each member his allotted place? What special ones are there besides the apostles? V 24-32.
Will the announcing of the kingdom be done by an organized body? Where in the Bible is this referred to? V33-36.
What scriptures can you cite to prove that you yourself have seen angels? '[37-40-
Will a person remain in God’s organization regardless of his conduct? What caused Lucifer’s downfall? K41.
What are destructive characteristics? What things lead to disaster? 1[ 42-44.
Does God’s law operate the same upon every plane of being? What are some of the noble examples of the approved? 45-47.
What does “humility” mean? In what way should the servant of the Lord be blind? Is it possible for those who continue in the Lord’s approval to compromise with the world? H 48, 49.
What becomes of the lawless? Where does God dwell? Is there a separating work to be accomplished at the end of the “harvest” period? In the last separating work, is the nominal Christian involved? 1[50-52.
How many divisions are there of the “gathered out” class? In what two ways may the offender fall away? What is the difference between the offender and the lawless? If 53-55.
How is the wedding garment donned? How is the wedding robe taken off? What is the lesson to us? If 56, 57.
What is the chief cause of trouble in the classes? What is the safe procedure? 58.
At what time should we expect the gathering out process to obtain? Who does the gathering out? How does he do it? T59, 60.
What encouragement is there for the Church at this time? What will the saints who have the interests of the kingdom at heart be doing? V 61-64. "
What special honors have the saints at this time? May we look for the sifting now going on to shake out all the shakable ones? What is the promise of the overcomer? H 65-68.
PERFECT TRUST
‘Where’s the day we’ll call dreary, ‘Where's the test of faith that's greater
While his favor shines so bright? Than the measure of his grace?
Where’s the time in which we’ll weary Where's the loss of goods more precious
Of his loving words of light? Than what’s given in its place?
‘Where’s the stone on which we'ed stumble
While we trust to him our hand ?
Where’s the fear to make us tremble
When his words the winds command?’
THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH
---June 14—Acts 11: 19-30---
ANTIOCH A LARGE AND PROSPEROUS CITY—BARNABAS BRINGS PAUL TO ANTIOCH—JESUS’ DISCIPLES CALLED CHRISTIANS—CHRISTIAN SPIRIT MANIFESTS ITSELF.
"The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”—Acts 11: 26.
AFTER relating how the Gentiles, represented by Cornelius and his soldier servants, received the holy spirit, Luke says that Peter was taken to account by the church in Jerusalem because he had eaten with Gentiles. (Acts 11: 3) It was not easy even for the believers of Jerusalem to open their minds to the grace of God. In this case they even closed their minds to the fact that the Gentiles had been blessed by God himself, inasmuch as the holy spirit had been given to them. They preferred to discuss the irregularity of Peter’s conduct.
2 The same narrow spirit afflicts many today. There have been, and are, many good persons who have looked with disfavor upon the ministry of present truth, even though they have seen its power in bringing many to a knowledge of God; this because it does not conform to their ideas. But there are some even amongst those who have become disciples in the truth who are like those brethren in Jerusalem.
3 These are they who are sticklers for orthodoxy, who limit themselves to truth known up to a certain year, and who will not look at the blessings of God now so manifest upon his people as they go forward, following the light; they prefer to be bound by their own ideas. No doubt these men in Jerusalem were more inclined to blame Peter for leading six brethren astray than to feel thankful that the men had been witnesses of the widening grace of God. The inquiry, however, resulted in good; for all discerned that God had granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life.—Acts 11: 18.
4 Luke now shifts the scene of ministry to Antioch in Syria. He says that some of those who had fled from Jerusalem because of the severe persecution which began on the death of Stephen, settled in Antioch. No doubt many returned to the countries from which they had gone to Jerusalem. Some went to Phenicia and to Cyprus, and some went still further away; but wherever they went they preached the gospel.
6 At that time Antioch was one of the most populous and prosperous cities of the eastern world. It ranked as the third city of the Roman empire, Rome and Alexandria alone taking precedence. Though nearly twenty miles from the sea it was a seaport; for its river, the Orentcs, was navigable. It is said to have a delightful climate (it still exists as a small town) ; and being situated in noble scenery it was a resort of the rich.
6 Antioch had a mixed population, variously estimated from 500,000 to 1,000,000 in numbers, of Jews, Syrians, Romans and Greeks. Being a commercial as well as a lesidential city, with so varied a people it was an excel-
lent center from which the message of truth could be carried abroad to all the peoples of the Roman world.
7 The brethren who settled in Antioch immediately began to preach to the Grecians. These Greek-speaking Jews were, in Jerusalem, amongst the most orthodox; and like Saul they were bitter opponents of the truth. But in Antioch a freer spirit prevailed, and many believed and turned to the Lord. Luke says that the hand of the Lord was with the disciples (Acts 11:21), an expression which cannot be taken as meaning merely that the blessing of God was upon the faithful service rendered to him. It is more than that. It means that God had some special interest in the work and was helping it along; for Antioch was to be the Gentile center of truth as Jerusalem was its center for the Jews.
8 Tidings of these things came to the church in Jerusalem and to the apostles; and the church (for the church would bear the cost) sent Barnabas to Antioch. What he saw when he arrived made him glad; for the grace of God was manifest, and “he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: and much people were added unto the Lord.” (Acts 11: 24) The work grew; and it became evident to Barnabas, who was a wise and good man, that a teacher was needed.
0 Exhortation is good, and cannot be dispensed with. But instruction is as necessary. Teaching, doctrine, may be compared to the bony structure of the human body, while exhortation may be compared to the nerve force; and to carry the suggestion further the graces of the spirit may be compared to the flesh which covers the bones and gives grace to the figure. No church can exist on exhortation alone; neither can one exist on doctrine alone; and certainly neither individual nor ecclesia can live on that idea which is sometimes called “developing the graces of the spirit”.
10 Barnabas might have sent to Jerusalem for such help as seemed necessary; but he had had experience of the narrowness which existed there, and probably he doubted the wisdom of bringing even any of the apostles themselves to this free Gentile city, so different from Jerusalem, to which they were accustomed. He thought of Paul and, evidently led of the Lord, went to Tarsus in Cilicia to seek him. Barnabas found him, the account thus indicating that he had not known particularly where Paul was. Paul had been busy during the six to nine years since he had left Jerusalem so hurriedly, and Barnabas found him by making inquiries as to who believed in Jesus Christ. Paul had left trail marks by which he could be found. (Galatians 1:21) Barnabas apparently had no difficulty in bringing Paul back to Antioch.
11 In no record we have of this great and good man
Barnabas is he seen to better advantage than in this matter. Had he been a small-minded man, or in any way self-seeking, he would certainly not have made any endeavor to get Panl to Antioch. He himself was a man of considerable qualification. He must have been an acceptable speaker, and his earnestness and apparent sincerity must always have carried force; but he knew that Paul was better equipped than himself. Barnabas was certainly the foremost man in the church at Antioch, not only because of his ability, but because he was the apostle that the church at Jerusalem sent down to help the brethren in Antioch, and had been so acknowledged, as was seen in the Lord’s blessing on his labor.
12 But Paul was a teacher; and Barnabas had both sense and grace sufficient to realize that the church needed something more than exhortation, something more than he could supply. He therefore left his work in Antioch that he might come back with large blessings for it; and by this the Lord surely made that great man still greater. No man can lose by seeking the Lord’s interests and the good of the Lord’s people, even though for a time it might appear as if in the providence of God such a one might be lessened in himself.
13 Paul and Barnabas spent a year in Antioch, assembling themselves with the church and teaching the brethren. (Acts 11: 26) The brethren became known in the city, and it was there the name of Christian was given the disciples. Probably given partly in derision, it was an apt name, and the one which in the providence of God has remained to designate those who, separated from the world, are the true followers of Jesus. The New Testament puts its own stamp upon the name. Peter says: “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”—1 Peter 4: 16.
14 The year in Antioch was probably one of the happiest, and to him the most profitable, in Paul’s life. The care of the churches was not yet upon him, and he was all the time gaining knowledge of church life and fellowship. He gained strength and knowledge, and the church in Antioch had similar gain. Both he and it were being prepared for the Lord’s purposes.
15 While Paul and Barnabas were ministering to the church in Antioch, there arrived some prophets from Jerusalem, men who had the ability to expound the Word of the Lord. One of these, named Agabus, showed by the spirit that a great dearth was about to come throughout all the world. It came in the days of Claudius. History records several dearths about that time, and there is considerable difference of opinion as to the exact year. We incline to the suggestion that the year A.II. 41 is indicated.
13 This message stirred the brethren at Antioch, and every man according to his ability determined to send relief to their brethren in Judea. They sent tl.-fi r gifts to the elders at Jerusalem by Barnabas and Paul. There can be little doubt that this account of the gift is related to show- both that the church in Antioch was imbued with the spirit of Christ, and that they were at-one with their brethren in Jerusalem. Apparently the famine did not affect them so badly as those in Jerusalem, probably because Antioch was a rich commercial city not so dependent upon agricultural conditions as the smaller city of Jerusalem and the district of Judea would be, .nd because there were brethren in Antioch who wee better situated financially than their brethren in Jerusalem.
17 To carry- the gift was a pleasurable duty to both these good men. Barnabas was a great heart, large in stature of both body and spirit. He was a comforter, as his name implies. Paul’s after-life showed that he also had a material care for the churches: To give and to help support the poorer brethren was ever present with him. He would labor longer hours that he might have something to give (Acts 20: 34, 35) ; and in his travels he collected for the poor in Jerusalem. (Acts 24: 17; 1 Corinthians 16:1) But there can be little question that his association with large-hearted Barnabas in that year at Antioch had much to do with Paul’s growth in this grace.
18 It is to be noted that neither of these very earnest and active men made any endeavor to convert Antioch to belief in Jesus. They were not led of the spirit to such a work. They knew that the disciples of Jesus were to be a people apart, and they sought the ears of those ready to listen. It was here that the disciples were first known as Christians. (Acts 11: 26) The record is not merely a note of the fact; it is the evidence that the people of Antioch knew of these believers in Christ. The purpose of God was being accomplished. As in Jerusalem where the followers of Jesus were a people apart, so it was in Antioch. The faithful disciples of Jesus were God’s witnesses to the truth as revealed in Jesus.
QUESTIONS FOR BEREAN STUDY
Did Peter have to answer to the church at Jerusalem for his conduct among the Gentiles? Why was this? 111.
Does the same narrow spirit afflict any today? In such cases, what is the difficulty? H 2. 3.
After the scattering at the martyrdom of Stephen, where did many of the Jews go? What kind of city was Antioch ? II4-6.
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