The Watchtower, March 15, 1974

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The Watchtower — March 15, 1974

Source: jw.org

Contents

Bible Timetables Pinpoint Our Day

Insight on the News

Is It Gluttony?

What Protection for God’s People?

When Worship Centered Around an Earthly Temple

A Personal Gift from Jehovah

Whatever Else You Are Doing—Preach!

District Assemblies in the British Isles for 1974

Consider What Jehovah Has Done for You

Questions From Readers

Ancient Vision With Modern Meaning

Bible Timetables Pinpoint Our Day

THE Supreme One of the universe, Jehovah God, does all things at the right time, at a time that results in the greatest good possible for his loyal servants. His time for action, however, may not be specifically known beforehand to anyone but himself.

Speaking of the day for the execution of divine vengeance, Jesus Christ, when a man on earth, said: “Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32) But do his words mean that God’s servants on earth have no way to determine at what point they are living on the stream of time?

This could not be the case, as Jehovah is not a God who leaves his people in the dark. The inspired prophet Amos declared: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) On numerous occasions God made known in advance the precise time for certain events to occur. Abraham’s descendants knew that they were to experience liberation after four hundred years of affliction. (Gen. 15:13-16) Messiah was to appear sixty-nine weeks of years “from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem.” (Dan. 9:25) In view of such prophecies involving specific time periods, might our day be similarly marked?

A long-range prophecy of Jesus Christ indicates that this is indeed the case. After foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, Jesus Christ said: “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled. . . . And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”—Luke 21:24-27.

Thus the close of the “appointed times of the nations” was to be followed by the unexpected revelation of Jesus Christ. He will then make manifest his power and glory in a stupendous act against all opposers of his kingly authority. This is evident from Jesus’ later admonition: “Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.”—Luke 21:36.

Is there any way to determine the start of the period that culminates in Christ Jesus’ destruction of all enemy elements? Yes, other scriptures enable us to do so.

In the apostle Matthew’s account (Mt chapter 24) of Jesus’ prophecy about the overthrow of Jerusalem, we find references to the Bible book of Daniel. Can we find in that book information to establish the length of the “appointed times of the nations”? The evidence is that we can.

A PROPHETIC DREAM

In the fourth chapter of the book of Daniel there is a record of a divine revelation given in a dream to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The whole purpose of this dream and its fulfillment was that “people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind.”—Dan. 4:17.

Accordingly, what befell Nebuchadnezzar in fulfillment of his dream was evidently prophetic of something that pointed to God’s bestowing rulership on the “lowliest one of mankind.” We know that, in God’s due time, he did select Jesus Christ to receive such rulership. Jesus proved himself to be “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” Also, those who refused to exercise faith in him held Jesus in low esteem.—Matt. 11:29; Isa. 53:3.

But how did what befell Nebuchadnezzar point to the time when the “lowliest one of mankind,” Jesus Christ, would receive rulership over the world of mankind?

SEVEN PROPHETIC TIMES

Like the tree that he saw in his dream, Nebuchadnezzar was cut down from his position as world ruler for “seven times,” or seven years. As the years of prophetic time were reckoned as consisting of twelve months of thirty days each, those “seven times,” or seven years, amounted to 2,520 days.a During that period Nebuchadnezzar was deprived of his sanity and, like a beast, ate grass. At the end of this time he regained his sanity and his throne. It was then as if the tree seen in his dream had begun to sprout, the restraining bands having been removed.—Dan. 4:20-37.

Since Nebuchadnezzar occupied the position of world ruler by God’s permission, his being deprived of that position must have been symbolic of something relating to the exercise of divine sovereignty. The same aspect of matters is involved in Jesus Christ’s reference to ‘Jerusalem’s being trampled on.’ How so? In that Jerusalem was at one time the capital of a theocratic government, the city from which kings of the royal line of David ruled. These kings were said to sit on “Jehovah’s throne.” (1 Chron. 29:23) Hence, with its destruction and the exile of its monarch in 607 B.C.E.,b Jerusalem as representing God’s sovereignty began to be trampled on.

Does this mean that the end of the symbolic “seven times” would see the restoration of a theocratic kingdom in the city of Jerusalem, with a descendant of King David on the throne? No. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians no king of the Davidic line ever again ruled as king at Jerusalem. The permanent heir of King David, Jesus Christ, indicated that his kingdom would instead be heavenly, saying: “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:17) He did not expect to rule from earthly Jerusalem but revealed that this city would cease to have any special recognition from Jehovah God.—See Matthew 23:37, 38.

This being the case, the end of the “appointed times of the nations” was to witness Jesus Christ’s receiving royal authority over the world of mankind, not as a king on an earthly throne in the city of Jerusalem, but as a heavenly king.

When was this to be? At the end of the “seven times” of 2,520 prophetic days from the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. It was not until more than six centuries after that initial destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus Christ appeared on the earthly scene as King-Designate. Therefore, the prophetic 2,520 days must actually cover a period of many centuries. The Bible itself provides the key for determining their exact length, saying: “A day for a year.” (Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6) This means that the 2,520 prophetic days ended 2,520 actual years from the desolation of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. When would this be?

From October 607 B.C.E. to October of 1 B.C.E. is 606 full years; from October of 1 B.C.E. to October of 1 C.E. is one year; and from October of 1 C.E. to October 1914 C.E. is 1,913 years. Adding these figures (606 + 1 + 1,913), we get 2,520 years. So the “seven times” ended in October 1914 C.E., and it was then that, though invisible to human eyes, Jesus Christ received rulership over the world of mankind.

START OF THE “LAST DAYS”

Furthermore, in 1914 C.E. the world entered its “last days,” an unprecedented time of anguish of nations before the destruction of the entire ungodly system of things. Describing what conditions would be like even among professed Christians, the Bible says:

“Know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.”—2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Have you not seen these very things? And historians are in general agreement that 1914, the year in which World War I broke out, was a great turning point in history. Observed Professor D. F. Fleming of Vanderbilt University:

“More and more historians look back upon World War I as the great turning point of modern history, the catastrophic collapse which opened the way for others, perhaps the final one.”

Truly, from 1914 onward conditions have become more critical earth wide. We are well along in the “last days,” and the destruction of all wickedness at the hands of Christ Jesus is very near.

Are you taking positive steps to prove that you are on the side of the King Jesus Christ? That is what Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are striving to do in more than 200 lands. They would be glad to conduct a free home Bible study with you regularly so that you might learn God’s requirements for surviving the “last days” and gaining life under his righteous kingdom by Christ.

[Footnotes]

Confirmation for this is found in other parts of the Bible. Revelation 11:2, 3 shows that a period of “forty-two months” is “a thousand two hundred and sixty days.” This means that one month is thirty days long (1,260 ÷ 42). Also, Revelation 12:6, 14 reveals that 1,260 days amounts to “a time and times and half a time” (three and a half times), or “three years and a half” (New English Bible). Hence, “seven times,” or seven years, would equal 2 × 1,260 days, or 2,520 days.

Regarding the reliability of this date for Jerusalem’s destruction, see Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 339, 348.

[Graph on page 163]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

SEVEN PROPHETIC TIMES

2520 YEARS

1 YEAR

606 YEARS 1913 YEARS

607 B.C.E. 1 B.C.E. 1 C.E. 1914 C.E.

End of This System

Within One Generation

Insight on the News

Interest in the Occult

● A strong wave of interest in the occult is sweeping over much of the world. Books, TV shows and movies about occult practices have soared in popularity. To see one such film that shows priests exorcising, or casting out, a demon, people have lined up for hours in rain and sleet. Once inside, there are reports of fainting, nausea, vomiting, even heart attack. But the crowds keep coming.

Interestingly, Catholic priests say that they have had an unusual number of pleas for help from those who, after seeing the film, claim they are demon possessed. Is it possible?

The Bible gives documented cases of demon possession. The first step toward that condition is often an undue curiosity about the occult. In the actual case on which the movie is said to be based, a child became demon possessed after its relatives used a Ouija board.

Viewing such practices, not as fascinating entertainment, but as “detestable,” as God does, is definitely a protection.—Deut. 18:12.

The Religion Business

● Business is business even when it operates behind a religious front. The U.S. Catholic Church has suffered a 50-percent drop in seminary enrollment since 1967. Obviously, that does not reflect good business. So, now they are sending “recruitment directors” to the American Management Association for business training.

But the Bible says that priests of God are ‘called out of darkness’ to do God’s work. (1 Pet. 2:9) If these truly were His priests, would not God back them up? Would they need to turn to the darkness of the world to learn how to do God’s work? As to how they feel about trusting God, the New York “Post” noted that a priest associated with the program said: “A few years ago we would trust in God and hope that the budget would somehow be properly managed. Well, that just doesn’t work.”

In contrast, Jesus Christ assured his followers that if they would ‘seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness,’ the necessary material things would be provided. (Matt. 6:25-33) If the clergy feel that God is not looking after them, might it be because they are too occupied with their own business, and failing to do God’s work?

Clergy in Politics

● Finding clergymen in politics is becoming commonplace. They are often seen in New York’s City Hall and are consulted by city councilmen. “Priests, rabbis and ministers mingle easily in the political clubhouses,” reports the York “Times.” And a priest appointed by his bishop to organize Catholic voters says: “I don’t have a hobby of politics. It is my job.”

Current reports from Brazil, Korea, Spain, Ireland and the Philippines reveal clergy involvement in politics there too. Why politics? Why not stick to religion? A politically prominent New York clergyman answers: “Politics is the only base on which people respect a clergyman today.” Why is that?

Well, how can they be respected from a religious viewpoint? They have publicly discredited the Bible. And their political meddling proves that they really do not believe in God’s kingdom, his government. But they have a reputation for interest in politics. They are like the Jewish clergy of the first century who said: “We have no king but Caesar.”—John 19:15.

Forced Transfusions

● Recently, an Oregon court tried to force a pregnant mother, one of Jehovah’s witnesses, to take a blood transfusion. Essentially the court claimed that the parents should not attempt to ‘impose religious faith’ on an unborn child.

On hearing about this, one bewildered woman wrote to the Seattle “Times.” While not agreeing with the Witnesses as regards blood transfusions, she said: “On January 22, 1973, the highest court in this land handed down a decision that this same child could be murdered if its mother chose to have an abortion. Unbelievable!”

It is, indeed, a warped viewpoint that takes the position that snuffing out a life is ethical, but caring for that life according to Godly principles is contrary to the interests of society.

The Witness mother, incidentally, did not have the transfusion. She went to another state and delivered a healthy baby without blood.

Is It Gluttony?

OUR Creator, Jehovah God, wants us to enjoy food and drink. The inspired writer of the Bible book of Ecclesiastes observed: “With a man there is nothing better than that he should eat and indeed drink and cause his soul to see good because of his hard work. This . . . is from the hand of the true God.”—Eccl. 2:24.

Since food and drink are really God’s gifts to man, they should be used in harmony with his will. Just as Jehovah God does not want anyone to lose his dignity through excessive drinking, he does not want anyone to overindulge in food and thereby harm himself. Were it not for the natural cycles that Jehovah God had put in operation for sustaining life, we would have no food. Hence, we show proper appreciation for this by eating in moderation. On the other hand, the person who greedily gives way to grossly excessive indulgence in food whenever he has the opportunity is an unappreciative glutton.

The Mosaic law illustrates just how serious this is. In the case of a rebellious son who overindulged in food and drink, the law prescribed the death penalty. (Deut. 21:19-21) In the Christian Greek Scriptures too, gluttony is clearly shown to be something to avoid. While a Cretan poet had mentioned the commonness of gluttony among his people, the apostle Paul advised Titus that men appointed to be Christian overseers should not be lacking in self-control.—Titus 1:7, 8, 12.

There are factors that make gluttony or overeating a serious offense. In the case of one who gluttonously overeats, his desire for food has gotten out of control. He greedily consumes it without consideration for the fact that he has no right to misuse God’s gifts. Hence, by disobediently overindulging in food and making a glutton of himself, he fails to show love for Jehovah God. Why so? Because, as the Bible says: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments.”—1 John 5:3.

Then, too, overeating is conducive to mental and physical laziness. Particularly the person who becomes fat through overeating tends to lie around a lot and engages in little physical exertion. The Bible proverb well sums up what is often the result: “A glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with mere rags.”—Prov. 23:21.

Overeating can also lead to physical harm. Regarding overweight or obesity, the Illustrated Medical and Health Encyclopedia notes:

“[It] has long been recognized as a contributory factor in many diseases, especially among the aged and aging. Fat people have been generally found to be more susceptible to heart disturbances, certain types of cancer, and diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder and kidneys. Accretion of fat around the liver, heart, or other internal organs may interfere directly with their proper function. The mortality rate in surgery is higher and in general the life span is shorter. Obese persons are prone to diabetes.”

But one should not conclude that all overweight persons are gluttons. There may be glandular malfunctions and hereditary factors that are responsible for overweight, although self-control in eating may be displayed regularly. Even what a person eats can make a difference. Notes the publication Overfed but Undernourished:

“It is an unfortunate fact that the best foods for the person who must watch his weight are the most expensive ones, while the least expensive foods are usually high in calories and low in protein, vitamins and minerals. There are a great many people . . . who just cannot afford a diet of meats, vegetables and fruits on which they might maintain a high level of health and also a normal weight. So they make the inexpensive and starchy foods their chief source of the necessary calories and not only become overweight, but also eventually develop conditions brought on by the dietary deficiencies.”

It may also be that certain habits cause a defect in the body mechanism that determines whether enough food has been taken into the system. At times people who stop smoking find that they start putting on excessive weight. Presenting one explanation for this, Dr. Roger J. Williams, in his book Nutrition Against Disease, states: “It is possible that continued smoking over the years has mildly poisoned the whole balanced mechanism. Gold thioglucose selectively poisons the braking mechanism when it is administered to animals, and when it is withdrawn, the braking mechanism is impaired.”

His recommendation for those who stop smoking is for them “to watch carefully the quality of the food that they eat over long periods of time and to avoid empty or naked calories [such as sugar] as much as possible.” Concluding on a positive note, Dr. Williams writes: “It is probable that eating good food, over a period of time, can repair the damaged mechanism.”

Thus it becomes clear that whether a person is gluttonous or not cannot be determined simply by his outward appearance. A number of factors may cause weight problems. Also, there are people who seem to enjoy much better health when they weigh a little more than what might be usual for others of similar body build. And it can be remembered that what is viewed as ideal as to one’s weight or shape varies considerably from place to place. Among some peoples, being quite slender is thought attractive and sound healthwise, whereas other nationalities and peoples view being plump as a mark of beauty or good health.—Compare Psalm 92:14.

Actually, whether a person is thin or fat, his attitude toward food has much to do with whether he is being gluttonous. Is food the big thing in his life? If in the presence of others, does he selfishly ignore their needs and take far more than his share? Is he grossly overweight but exercises no restraint at all as to food, habitually gorging himself? Does he feel uncomfortable, perhaps even getting sick, because of having eaten too much? If this is the case as a matter of course, the individual has a definite problem. He needs to learn self-control.

In areas of this nature, the Christian does well to examine his inclinations. He is under divine command to do all things, including eating, for God’s glory. (1 Cor. 10:31) Manifestly the person who gorges himself whenever given the opportunity is not bringing glory to God. He impairs his mental and physical powers. Owing to his lack of self-control, others come to look upon him with disdain, and he brings reproach upon Jehovah God. That is why one who persists in making a glutton of himself has no place in the congregation of God’s people. Greediness, with which gluttony is definitely associated, is one of the works of the fallen flesh. Concerning those engaging in such works the inspired apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians: “Those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—Gal. 5:21.

So the Christian has good reason to work hard in being a good example in moderation. His relationship to God is involved.

What Protection for God’s People?

JEHOVAH God can protect his people. That goes without question, in view of the many times he has done so in the past. But it may serve his purpose at times to allow them to die in faithfulness to him. Recognizing that fact, three Hebrew exiles, faced with the threat of death in a fiery furnace, said to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon: “If it is to be, our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.”—Dan. 3:17, 18.

Why is it that Jehovah God protects some of his servants while permitting others to suffer and even to die? Will it be different when the “great tribulation” begins upon this ungodly system of things? Will each person having an approved standing before Jehovah be preserved, miraculously if necessary?

GOD’S DEALINGS ARE PURPOSEFUL

Whenever Jehovah God does something, it is purposeful. So it is not without good reason that Jehovah has permitted his servants to undergo bitter persecution and some even to suffer a violent death. That reason involves an issue of universal importance. Satan the Devil, in effect, claimed that none of God’s intelligent creatures served him out of love but that all were prompted by selfish considerations. He further maintained that when such selfish considerations were removed, they would quit being God’s loyal servants. With reference to Job, Satan said to God: “Skin in behalf of skin, and everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul. For a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch as far as his bone and his flesh and see whether he will not curse you to your very face.”—Job 2:4, 5.

Time was needed to settle the issue that Satan had raised. And Jehovah God gave Satan time to try to prove his claim and also permitted him to bring pressure upon all intelligent creatures. Hence, in the course of history, there has been no kind of trial or suffering that some of God’s servants have not undergone. Often Jehovah has allowed the testing to go as far as death. Appreciating the rightness of God’s side of the issue, many have been willing to die for it. They have considered it a privilege to share in the vindication of God’s name and thereby prove the Devil’s claim to be false. The apostle Paul, who loyally served God as a disciple of Jesus Christ, said: “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”—Acts 21:13.

At no time, however, has the adversary been permitted to wipe out all of God’s people. Attempts to annihilate God’s ancient people, Israel, were frustrated. When Pharaoh of Egypt tried to destroy the Israelites as a nation by having all the male babies killed, he failed. (Ex. 1:15-21) Similarly, when Haman in the time of the Medo-Persian Empire succeeded in getting a royal decree passed for the annihilation of all the Jews, divine intervention brought his scheme to nothingness.—Esther 6:1–9:22.

Besides preserving his people as a whole, Jehovah God has on occasion protected his servants as individuals. One example of this is the spectacular deliverance of the aforementioned three Hebrew exiles from a fiery furnace. (Dan. 3:24-27) The test of their integrity had gone far enough in their case to prove their devotion in the face of death. And their faithfulness provided a good opportunity for Jehovah God to demonstrate his saving power. That saving power had, in fact, been called into question, for King Nebuchadnezzar had said to the three men: “Who is that god that can rescue you out of my hands?” (Dan. 3:15) So by saving them, Jehovah made a great name for himself, forcing Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge: “There does not exist another god that is able to deliver like this one.”—Dan. 3:29.

Thus Jehovah’s dealings in the past reveal that he can protect his people collectively and individually. But should we expect deliverances for every last one of his servants in connection with the “great tribulation” to come upon the present wicked system?

WHAT THE “GREAT TRIBULATION” INVOLVES

In order to answer this question, we must know what the “great tribulation” includes. The apostle Paul, when writing to Christians at Thessalonica, referred to God’s executional judgment upon the ungodly as a tribulation. We read:

“This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.”—2 Thess. 1:6-8.

Not just individuals and groups but also earth-wide organizations have brought tribulation upon God’s devoted people. The book of Revelation mentions the “wild beast” (symbolizing Satan’s visible political system of world rulership) and “Babylon the Great” (the world empire of false religion) as being among the vicious persecutors. Regarding the wicked acts of “Babylon the Great,” we are told: “The woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.” (Rev. 17:6) And of the tribulation caused by the “wild beast,” we read: “It opened its mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name and his residence, even those residing in heaven. And there was granted it to wage war with the holy ones and conquer them, and authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.”—Rev. 13:6, 7.

The first of these organizations to go down in destruction is “Babylon the Great.” It therefore logically follows that the “great tribulation” begins as soon as she comes under the attack that leads to her total annihilation.

HATERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE SURVIVE FOR A TIME

The instrumentalities for bringing this about are political systems and their rulers. (Rev. 17:16, 17) These have no more love for God’s people than they do for the false religious systems that they will destroy. Already before the destruction of “Babylon the Great” these political systems are building up a record of aggressive acts against Jehovah’s servants. Their taking action against “Babylon the Great” does not change their antireligious attitude. This is evident from the fact that the Bible depicts them as being aligned against the King Jesus Christ.—Rev. 19:11-16, 19.

Then, too, some who survive the destruction of “Babylon the Great” regret the material loss they suffer from her destruction, for they are shown lamenting her. (Rev. 18:9-23) These persons profited from “Babylon the Great” and approved her shedding of righteous blood. They have only hatred for God’s people and, not wanting to allow any religion at all to survive, will they not seek to vent their murderous anger against God’s devoted servants? Like Gog of the land of Magog they will resent the spiritual prosperity of Jehovah’s worshipers.—Ezek. 38:1-18.

We can be certain that the surviving business dealers with “Babylon the Great” and also the elements that directly brought about her destruction will not want to submit to Christ’s rulership. As humans they cannot directly fight against Jesus Christ and his angelic forces. But they can oppose Christ by attacking his disciples on earth. This is in harmony with the principles enunciated by Jesus: “To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” “To the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.”—Matt. 25:40, 45.

In view of the past record of Satan and the ungodly systems under his control, can we imagine that the enemies of the King Jesus Christ will restrain themselves in coming against his loyal subjects on earth? Surely not! We can expect an all-out attack, one that could result in the death of some of God’s servants. The Bible book of Ezekiel does, in fact, foretell such an attack under the guidance of the symbolic “Gog,” Satan the Devil:

“You [Gog] will certainly come from your place, from the remotest parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great congregation, even a numerous military force. And you will be bound to come up against my people.”—Ezek. 38:15, 16.

Should some of God’s people die at the time of this attack, however, they would not experience lasting loss. They would die, not with any feeling of having lost divine favor, but with full confidence that God will restore them to life in his new order because of their faithfulness to him. That attack against God’s people, though, is not going to run to the utmost limit. It will be stopped by force. Jehovah’s word, through Ezekiel, continues:

“‘I will call forth against him throughout all my mountainous region a sword,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘Against his own brother the sword of each one will come to be. And I will bring myself into judgment with him, with pestilence and with blood; and a flooding downpour and hailstones, fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon him and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him.’”—Ezek. 38:21, 22.

Since the natural elements will be employed against the attackers, vital public services will be disrupted. This will bring physical hardships on everyone, including God’s servants. Because of disease or other physical limitations, the strain of the situation may be too much for some to bear and hence some of God’s people may die. At the same time we know that Jehovah God can strengthen his people and shield them despite their limitations. But, as to the extent to which he may see fit to do so, we must wait and see. However, Jehovah does not directly smite his faithful worshipers.

Nevertheless, though the exact time period involved is unknown to us, the distressing circumstances will not be prolonged. This is illustrated by what befell ancient Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The tribulation experienced by the inhabitants of that besieged city was “cut short,” coming to its termination in less than six months.—Matt. 24:21, 22.

SURVIVAL THROUGH DIVINE PROTECTION

When the “great tribulation” destroys this ungodly system there will definitely be survivors. In fact, the Bible refers to a “great crowd” who “come out of” or survive this “great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:9, 14) Jehovah God will not allow the haters of his people to vent their rage to the point of exterminating them. By means of his Son and the angelic forces, he will come to the defense of his people, rescuing them from annihilation. They being his “loyal ones,” their death as a people would be too “precious,” too costly, in his eyes. (Ps. 116:15) They will also be shielded from the execution of divine judgment. Neither Jesus Christ nor his angelic forces will make a mistake. None of God’s servants will be swept away along with the wicked.

Former executions of God’s judgment verify this. Noah and his family survived the deluge that destroyed the ungodly. Lot and his daughters, by availing themselves of the opportunity to escape in harmony with divine direction, did not perish with the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Furthermore, the psalmist, likely Moses, acknowledged Jehovah as his refuge and stronghold. Confident in God’s ability to protect his people as a body, he wrote:

“I will say to Jehovah: ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I will trust.’ For he himself will deliver you from the trap of the birdcatcher, from the pestilence causing adversities. With his pinions he will block approach to you, and under his wings you will take refuge. His trueness will be a large shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of anything dreadful by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in the gloom, nor of the destruction that despoils at midday. A thousand will fall at your very side and ten thousand at your right hand; to you it will not come near. Only with your eyes will you look on and see the retribution itself of the wicked ones.”—Ps. 91:2-8.

Truly, then, we need not fear the coming of the “great tribulation.” We can have every confidence in divine protection. Even if some do die at the hands of the enemy, their death would serve for the vindication of God’s holy name. Is your love for God of such a quality that, faced with death, you would count it a privilege to prove your loyalty to him no matter what the cost? Such a firm stand would glorify Jehovah and it would prove false Satan’s claim that your service to God is based on selfish considerations.

One thing we definitely know: Jehovah God will never allow his loyal servants to be effaced from the earth. And not a single one of them will perish at the hands of Jesus Christ or his executional forces. “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off.” (2 Pet. 2:9) He also knows how to reward in a manner that is beyond their fondest expectations those who prove their loyalty to him. May we be found among those on his side when the “great tribulation” breaks loose upon this wicked world under the control of Satan the Devil.

When Worship Centered Around an Earthly Temple

THERE are thousands of temples and cathedrals throughout the world. Many of them are glorious in architecture and very ornate, often being decorated with gold and precious jewels.

Have these temples brought the people of earth closer together in true, unified worship, with love toward one another? No; rather, they have put up almost insurmountable barriers. We may find a god in such temples or an image before which devotees kneel, but can we find the true God, that all may worship him “with spirit and truth,” in unity and love for one another? The psalmist said: “All the gods of the peoples are valueless gods,” and the apostle Paul stated: “The things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God.”—John 4:24; Ps. 96:5; 1 Cor. 10:20.

But at one time there did exist on earth a temple that represented the worship of the true God. It did not have an image of its God in it, for this God is the Creator, and of him it is written: “To whom can you people liken God, and what likeness can you put alongside him?” (Isa. 40:18, 25) In fact, this God prohibited his worshipers from making anything to represent him. It would be impossible to do so, for, as his representative Moses declared to Israel: “You did not see any form on the day of Jehovah’s speaking to you in Horeb out of the middle of the fire.” For them to make for themselves a “carved image, the form of any symbol,” would be to “act ruinously.” (Deut. 4:15, 16) Furthermore, at the time of inaugurating the temple to this God, its builder said: “Will God truly dwell upon the earth? Look! the heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, themselves cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built!”—1 Ki. 8:27.

This was the temple of Jehovah, completed by King Solomon in Jerusalem in 1027 B.C.E., and destroyed by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. After the Israelites’ return to restore pure worship in 537 B.C.E., a temple was rebuilt on the same site. This structure, in turn, was rebuilt and enlarged by Herod the Great. But, in effect and for all practical purposes, over the years there was but one temple, having the same function and intent.

THE TABERNACLE A PATTERN OF HEAVENLY THINGS

Prior even to King Solomon’s temple, Moses had erected a tabernacle (sometimes spoken of as a “temple”) in the wilderness at God’s command and according to the pattern God gave him. (1 Sam. 1:9; 3:3; Ex. 25:40; 39:43) It was the simplest of all the temple structures that Jehovah approved, yet it provided all the essential things. The temple buildings that succeeded it were merely enlargements and elaborations and were permanent structures, whereas the tabernacle was movable.

Why would this tabernacle, built nearly 3,500 years ago in the wilderness of Sinai, be important to us? Because a large portion of a book or letter of the Christian Greek Scriptures is written about it. That, tabernacle’s primary purpose was a prophetic one. The writer of that letter points this out when he says that the priests serving at that tabernacle and the later temples were “rendering sacred service in a typical representation and a shadow of the heavenly things; just as Moses, when about to make the tent [tabernacle] in completion, was given the divine command: For says he [God]: ‘See that you make all things after their pattern that was shown to you in the mountain.’”—Heb. 8:5.

Everyone who is a Christian wants to know as much as possible about heavenly things, at least those things that pertain directly to our living in a way that is pleasing to Jehovah. Man cannot fully understand or grasp a thing unless he has seen or experienced it, or has something to which he can compare it. For example, a man in a primitive land who has never seen a modern skyscraper, when told that some of them are forty stories high, may ask, ‘Is it as tall as that tree?’ If you tell him, ‘Oh, it’s four times as high as that,’ he begins to grasp what you mean, and can see the building’s height in his mind’s eye. So God has kindly given us a physical, earthly pattern that gives us some idea of heavenly things, particularly the principles and requirements of true worship.

Therefore, it is profitable for us to consider the tabernacle’s structure and the things carried on in it, because that was God’s purpose in having it built. Then we can more clearly see what he expects of us in worship today. As the Son of God himself told a Samaritan woman: “The hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him.”—John 4:23.

This tabernacle or “temple” was the center of true worship for the nation of Israel. In fact, the tabernacle was the very center of the Israelite camp of between two and three million people. The Levites, caretakers of the structure, tented around it at a reasonable distance, then, farther out, the twelve tribes, three on each of the four sides. The location of the tabernacle was easily discernible because there was a cloud above the Most Holy compartment. This cloud appeared as fire by night, and hence was visible to all, wherever they tented. When the people thought of worship, they thought of the tabernacle, for here was where all sacrifices were made and where the priests rendered their services. Even questions of national importance were answered here by God through the high priest by means of the sacred lots, the Urim and the Thummim.

The tabernacle, as were the more permanent structures that replaced it, was a “sanctuary,” that is, a sacred place. God did not personally dwell in this tabernacle, and he never had an image of himself there. He dwelt there only by spirit. This was indicated by a miraculous light over the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy compartment. But let us consider the entire structure in detail.

THE TABERNACLE STRUCTURE

The ground set apart for the tabernacle area was one hundred cubits (about 146 feet) long and fifty cubits (about 73 feet) wide. This area was called the “courtyard.” On this border a fence of linen material was erected, five cubits (about 7 1/4 feet) high, supported by copper pillars or posts. In the middle of the front (east) end of the area was a gate composed of a beautifully colored woven screen twenty cubits (about 29 feet) long.—Ex. 27:9-19.

As one entered the gateway one would first see the copper altar of burnt offering, on which the sacrifices of various kinds were placed. (Ex. 27:1-8) Behind this was the copper basin containing water for the priests to wash themselves. (Ex. 30:17-21) Then, halfway back in the courtyard, was the tabernacle itself. This building or rectangular tentlike structure was thirty cubits (about 44 feet) long, ten cubits (about 14 1/2 feet) wide and ten cubits high. It was made of forty-eight gold-overlaid panel frames, each having two side posts and three crosspieces, at the top, bottom and middle. At the entrance were five pillars overlaid with gold, and between the Holy, or larger compartment, and the Most Holy were four gold-overlaid pillars. All the panel frames and the pillars were set on solid-silver pedestals, with the exception of the five front pillars, which had copper pedestals.—Ex. 26:15-33, 37.

Covering the tabernacle were curtains of fine linen, embroidered in beautiful colors with figures of cherubs. From inside the tabernacle these would be visible through the openings in the panel frames. Over the linen covering was a fine, soft curtain of goat’s hair, and over that two other protective curtains, one of ram skins dyed red and an outer covering of sealskins, these providing a roof.—Ex. 26:1-14.

The screen in front was of linen beautifully embroidered, but not with cherubs. (Ex. 26:36) The curtain between the Holy and the Most Holy compartments was embroidered with cherubs.—Ex. 26:31-33.

The innermost room, the Most Holy, was a perfect cube ten cubits in each dimension. The front or eastern compartment, the Holy (or Holy Place), was twice as long. Inside the Holy, on the north side, was the gold-overlaid table for showbread, on which were twelve loaves of bread, one for each tribe, also some frankincense. (Lev. 24:5-7) On the south side was the solid-gold lampstand (not a candlestick). In front of the curtain to the Most Holy was the altar of incense, overlaid with gold.—Ex. 25:23-36; 26:35; 30:1-6.

In the Most Holy stood the Ark of the Covenant, gold overlaid with a solid-gold “mercy seat” or “propitiatory cover,” atop which were two golden cherubs. Above the cover and between the cherubs was a miraculous cloud of light, indicating that God was with his people in the temple, not personally, but by spirit. His holy spirit was active there in providing this light.—Ex. 25:10-22; Lev. 16:2.

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

To this tabernacle the people brought their sacrifices throughout the year. But the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar was the outstanding day of the year. It was the Day of Atonement. (Lev. 16:29-31; 23:27) On this day the gateway to the courtyard was opened so that the people could see what went on in the courtyard, but none of the people not assigned to temple service could enter. The tabernacle screen behind the five entrance posts was always in place, so that no one except the priests who ministered inside the tabernacle ever saw what was in there. However, while the atonement proceedings were carried out, only the high priest entered the tabernacle at all. (Lev. 16:17) At no time did anyone enter the Most Holy except the high priest, who entered that compartment only on this one day of the year.—Heb. 9:7.

On the Day of Atonement the primary sacrifices, besides the necessary burnt offerings, were a young bull, a perfect specimen, and a goat, called the ‘goat for Jehovah.’ Another goat was brought in also, over which the sins of the people were confessed by the high priest, and the goat was led into the wilderness, to die there.—Lev. 16:3-10.

The bull was stood by the north side of the altar of burnt offering and then slaughtered. (Compare Leviticus 1:11.) The high priest went first into the Most Holy with a portable censer or incense burner with coals taken off the altar. (Lev. 16:12, 13) After burning the incense in the Most Holy he again entered, this time with some of the bull’s blood, which he sprinkled on the ground in front of and toward the Ark of the Covenant with its propitiatory cover or mercy seat. This blood was an appeal to the mercy of God for propitiation or covering of the sins of the high priest and “his house,” which included all the tribe of Levi.—Lev. 16:11, 14.

The third entry into the Most Holy was with blood of the ‘goat for Jehovah,’ which was sprinkled before the Ark for the sins of the people. Some of the blood of the bull and the goat was put on the altar of burnt offering and on its horns. The fat of the animals was burned on the altar, and the carcasses were taken outside the camp and burned, skin and all.—Lev. 16:25, 27.

By this means the people received the satisfaction of knowing that they were doing what God commanded, what pleased him, and that their sins were rolled back or held off for another year. The apostle Paul remarks about the Law’s sacrificial arrangement: “The blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who have been defiled sanctifies to the extent of cleanness of the flesh.”—Heb. 9:13.

But the Israelites had to observe the Day of Atonement each year, and between times had to make specific sacrifices for certain personal sins. As the apostle went on to say: “How much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works that we may render sacred service to the living God?”—Heb. 9:14.

The Law, with its tabernacle and temple, only had “a shadow of the good things to come, but not the very substance of the things,” because “the reality belongs to the Christ.”—Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:17.

The Hebrews never had the idea enter their minds that someday they would have a High Priest who would actually give his own human life as a sacrifice and who would enter, not into the Most Holy of the earthly tabernacle or temple, but into heaven itself, in the very presence of God in his great spiritual temple. That spiritual temple and how it serves as the center of true worship today will be the subject for the next article of this series in The Watchtower.—Heb. 9:24.

“Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah—in the heavens is his throne. His own eyes behold, his own beaming eyes examine the sons of men. Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. He will rain down upon the wicked ones traps, fire and sulphur and a scorching wind, as the portion of their cup. For Jehovah is righteous; he does love righteous acts. The upright are the ones that will behold his face.”—Ps. 11:4-7

[Diagram on page 173]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

GROUND PLAN OF THE TENT OF MEETING

MOST HOLY

Curtain

Ark of the Covenant

THE HOLY

Table for Showbread

Screen

Altar of Incense

Lampstand

COURTYARD

Basin

Altar of Burnt Offering

Gate

A Personal Gift from Jehovah

“Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the celestial lights.”—Jas. 1:17

1. How do many people view the matter of following Bible principles?

YOU have probably heard people say: “It just doesn’t pay to be good or to follow Bible principles.” To support this claim they may say: “Well, just look around you. Who has the most of this world’s possessions? Is it those who are Christians following Bible principles or those who do what is right in their own eyes? Who, in general, can afford the largest homes and have the biggest bank accounts, the highest priced cars and other expensive material goods? Is it the honest, upright, hardworking Christian who lives by Bible principles, or is it the dishonest, deceiving, lying person, whether in the field of politics, commerce or religion?” They may even go to the extent of saying that the Bible supports this theory and turn to the words of Jesus when he said that God “makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matt. 5:45) They may say this shows that God is no respecter of persons, whether good or bad. So what is the reason for being good, upright and honest? Why strive to live by Bible principles?

2. What personal gift has God given to his people, and how valuable is it?

2 It would be wrong to conclude that God is blessing the wicked in the way that he is blessing those who are righteously inclined. Never let anyone mislead you into thinking that you have less or will have less just because of following the Word of God. A real Christian is more blessed and he is far richer than all others. It is true that you may not have as many acres of land, as much money, as fine a car, or as big a home, yet Christians have a gift that God has reserved for his people and “hidden” from others. All the power and wealth of this wicked system of things cannot get this gift that God has reserved for his people. The absolute power of a dictator cannot get it. The influence of a king or president cannot get it. All the gold and silver of the rich cannot buy it. This gift that God has given to his people is far more valuable than gold and silver. What is it? It is an accurate knowledge of God’s Word and purpose!—Eccl. 2:26; Matt. 11:25; Prov. 8:10, 11.

3. In what way is the knowledge of Jehovah superior to secular education?

3 A certain knowledge of life and of our surroundings is essential in order to live from day to day. Some will spend many years acquiring knowledge that they expect will help to make their lives more enjoyable and beneficial. Others delve into knowledge that they hope will give them better health and longer life, which are common desires of all mankind. Compare the benefits of this information with what a knowledge of the true God will do. “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) To live forever—what a benefit from possessing this personal gift of God, accurate knowledge of him and his Son. Is there any amount of secular education that can gain for its owner everlasting life? No wonder Solomon said: “If you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God.” (Prov. 2:4, 5) Men will spend much time, exert much effort and endure hardship to find precious natural resources. Should one not more highly esteem knowledge of God?

4. How does a Christian benefit from the Bible’s hope and promises?

4 Just think what it would mean for you to know for a certainty that you could live forever right here on earth under paradise conditions. To know that the time definitely is coming, and soon, when man will live in security, when nationalistic and racial barriers will be dissolved and when the ecological cycles of this earth will be in proper balance truly brings peace of mind. How unlike the people of our day who do not have this accurate knowledge of God and of whom the Bible says: “Men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” (Luke 21:26) In contrast, how calm and confident are those who have availed themselves of God’s personal gift. It is as written by the prophet Malachi: “And you people will again certainly see the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.”—Mal. 3:18.

5. (a) Can the knowledge of the truth be inherited? (b) How may Bible truth affect our family ties, and how should we view this?

5 This gift of knowledge is not automatically passed on from one generation to another, from a father to a son or from a mother to a daughter, as are physical characteristics. It is even possible that some members of a family, whether it be father or mother, son or daughter, may receive of this personal gift from Jehovah and others may not. Those without the gift of accurate knowledge may even become our enemies, though of the same family. It is with this in mind that Jesus said: “Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.” (Matt. 10:34-37) Does a person who is perhaps disowned by his family become a loser in this case? No, for in addition to gaining the divine gift of knowledge itself, one also gains spiritual “brothers and sisters and mothers and children” a hundredfold. (Mark 10:29, 30) The joy we can have in serving Jehovah in association with these spiritual relatives far outweighs any loss.

ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE

6. (a) What is Jehovah’s will for mankind? (b) How does one “come to an accurate knowledge of truth”?

6 Many people have read the Bible and have some knowledge of their Creator. However, it is of interest to note that God’s will is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) One must realize that more than a hazy outline of knowledge is necessary. This was one of the problems had by the Jewish people of the apostle Paul’s day. He referred to them as “having the framework of the knowledge and of the truth.” (Rom. 2:20) If a person building a house stopped after completing the framework, his effort would be of little value. The house must be complete to serve its intended purpose. If a person limits himself to studying only certain “favorite” portions of the Bible, his knowledge will only be a “framework” of limited value. One must appreciate that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial” if one is to “come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”—2 Tim. 3:16.

7. Is sincerity sufficient to please God? Explain.

7 Actually, an incomplete picture of God’s Word can be dangerous. Without the full picture we could easily be misled into thinking that we are serving God while doing something diametrically opposed to his will. Jesus warned his followers concerning such ones: “In fact, the hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God.” (John 16:2) They may have been sincere in their killing Christ’s followers, but they were wrong. Paul tells us what their problem was: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge.” (Rom. 10:2) Those who think they are zealously serving God must ‘keep testing whether they are in the faith, keep proving what they themselves are.’—2 Cor. 13:5.

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IMPORTANT

8. (a) What is the foundation for true knowledge? (b) What does it mean to fear Jehovah?

8 Since a knowledge of the true God is so beneficial and readily available, why is it that so few of mankind have it? Often the reason is that they have the wrong attitude toward Jehovah and his Word. For example, one thing that is essential was stated by Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived: “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7) This does not mean that one would fear God in the way one would fear an enemy who was trying to do one harm. Rather, out of respect for God and in appreciation of all he has done and will do, one would never want to disappoint him or incur his displeasure. The same wise one quoted above later said: “The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad.” (Prov. 8:13) So, for one truthfully to say that one has this Godly fear, one must back it up by demonstrating a hatred for what is bad. One may have to make some real changes in one’s life to conform to the standard of righteousness that God has established. Proper fear, reverence and awe of Jehovah lay the foundation for knowledge of the true God and his universe.

9. What facts must we recognize about Christ Jesus?

9 Something else is necessary in gaining the gift of accurate knowledge of God, and that is the proper estimation of the Son of God, Christ Jesus. In addition to being the ransomer of all mankind, he has an executive position in the universe that is surpassed only by that of his Father, Jehovah God. In accord with the facts he was able to say: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matt. 28:18) Into his hands has been committed all judgment. The resurrection takes place at his direction and he has the power to heal all mankind from sin’s death-dealing effect. Really, all the harm done by Satan’s rebellion in the garden of Eden is to be remedied through Jesus Christ. No wonder the apostle Paul said concerning Jesus: “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” (Col. 2:3) His position in God’s purpose must be recognized if we are going to gain God’s gift of knowledge.—Matt. 20:28; John 5:22-27; 6:39, 40; Heb. 7:23-25; 1 John 3:8.

10. Why do some not grasp the truth when reading the Scriptures, and what frame of mind should we have?

10 One could not read the Bible with preconceived ideas and hope to gain what Jehovah wants us to understand from it. If one has allowed oneself to be influenced by the pagan teaching of the immortality of the human soul one may read right over the statement, “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die,” and never even get the point. (Ezek. 18:4, 20) One may go right on believing that the soul cannot die. Yet this same person may twist words or phrases elsewhere in the Bible in an effort to support his belief. How different are those with open minds, for they let what they learn from God’s Word mold their thinking and way of life! They feel as the psalmist: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths.”—Ps. 25:4; 2 Cor. 4:4.

11. How can a wrong motive affect our studying of the Word of God?

11 In addition to having an open mind one must have the proper motive in studying God’s Word. Certain Jews of Jesus’ day were quite studious and yet Jesus said to them: “You are searching the Scriptures, because you think that by means of them you will have everlasting life.” There is nothing wrong with desiring everlasting life. It is a proper hope, but if the gaining of it is our sole motive in “searching the Scriptures,” then we are not going to gain the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. Just after his above statement Jesus pointed to the proper motivation that those Jewish people lacked: “I well know that you do not have the love of God in you.” (John 5:39, 42) We must love God in order to receive this personal gift of accurate knowledge.

12. (a) What did Jesus mean when he said to “become as young children”? (b) In our gaining knowledge, what danger should be avoided?

12 Something else that is essential to receiving this priceless gift from God is referred to in the psalm: “He will cause the meek ones to walk in his judicial decision, and he will teach the meek ones his way.” (Ps. 25:9) So, a person who is proud and haughty cannot expect to get this knowledge until he changes his attitude. We need to “become as young children,” with open, teachable minds and hearts, to understand God’s Word. (Matt. 18:3) This helps us to appreciate why many men who have made an analytical study of the Bible still may not understand such basic things as God’s purpose for this earth. They may know the original Bible languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, but often they have let their knowledge ‘puff them up.’ It is as Jesus said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes.” (Matt. 11:25) The proper viewpoint in regard to any knowledge we may have is expressed by Paul under inspiration: “If anyone thinks he has acquired knowledge of something, he does not yet know it just as he ought to know it.” (1 Cor. 8:2) Humility and reliance on God’s help through his spirit are essential to gaining accurate knowledge of the Bible.—1 Cor. 8:1; Jas. 1:5.

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The Watchtower, March 15, 1974