The Watchtower, November 1, 1974

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The Watchtower — November 1, 1974

Source: jw.org

Contents

What Basis Is There for Hope?

The Pacific Islands Hear the “Good News”

How Would You Treat an Ambassador?

What Is More Important to You?

Insight on the News

Survival and Life by Harmonizing with God’s Purpose

A Prophetic Drama That Foreshadowed Survival

Missionaries Urged to ‘Work Together with God’

Questions From Readers

Can the Dead Help in Time of Need?

What Basis Is There for Hope?

THERE was a hardworking man in his sixties. He had grown up in New Jersey, led a very active life, had never been sick, but suddenly he began to feel ill. He tried to ignore the feeling, but it would not go away. And no wonder; for a diagnosis revealed that he had cancer. He tried various remedies and spent a number of weeks at a famed cancer clinic. He returned seemingly cured, a new man, as it were. But not for long. Slowly his health began to slip again and soon it was apparent that nothing would help. Yet through it all he had a cheerful disposition. Why? Because he had a basis for hope.

Also, there was a Canadian couple who started out in their married life very much in love with each other. But then he got a job playing in a hotel orchestra and over a radio network, which kept him late every night, while she worked during the daytime. Now they started to drift apart. Soon it seemed that a divorce was the only solution. But then something came into their lives that drew them together in heart and mind. What was that? A basis for hope.

Typical also was the lot of a certain hippie in Virginia. He became completely disillusioned because of the way selfish men were running the world. As a result, he let his ideals slip away from him. But when he found that that did not make him happy he looked elsewhere. Eventually he, as so many others like him, found a basis for hope that brought him happiness.

A BASIS FOR HOPE

True, there are many who speak disparagingly of hope. But whether one’s hope proves valuable or disappointing all depends upon what that hope is based on. No one who sincerely desires to do what is right needs to be without hope. Why can that be said? Because of the fact that Jehovah God, the Creator of all things, a God who is loving, wise and almighty, does indeed exist.—Rom. 1:20.

Surely reason tells us that this marvelous universe with its beauty, symmetry, order and infinite variety, did not come into existence by itself, by accident. Thus Sir Isaac Newton, whom many historians of science classify as “the greatest scientific mind the world has ever seen,” wrote in a letter to a friend that in his greatest work, the Principia, he had made it a point to highlight proofs that God did indeed exist, and that he was glad to see that these proofs had their effect on people.

In that famed document he had written: “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. . . . This Being governs all things . . . as Lord over all . . . The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect.”

Some, however, may argue, ‘Not so. Look at all the misery and wickedness on the earth.’ But the existence of such conditions does not soundly argue against God’s existence nor against putting faith in Him. Why not? Because his Word, the Holy Bible, satisfactorily explains God’s reasons for permitting wickedness to continue so long. In brief, God has permitted these conditions for two basic reasons. One, because of a challenge made by the Devil impugning God’s rulership, boasting that he could turn all creatures away from God. God knew that some would keep integrity in spite of all that Satan could do. And two, to let imperfect man demonstrate his utter inability to bring peace, prosperity and happiness apart from God.

And let it be noted that there are many and powerfully compelling reasons for accepting the Bible as the inspired Word of God, even as there are for having faith in the existence of God. Foremost is the fulfillment of so many of its prophecies throughout the centuries; the marvelous harmony of its many writings though written over a period of more than fifteen centuries and by men often living many, many miles apart; the candor of its writers, as well as its support by secular history and archaeology.a

BIBLE-BASED HOPE BENEFITS NOW

Hope in Jehovah God and in his Word is fittingly likened to an anchor. Even as an anchor can give a ship stability in a raging storm, so the anchor of a Bible-based hope can give us stability amid life’s storms. It is also likened to a helmet that can protect one’s mind from disturbing doubts.—1 Thess. 5:8; Heb. 6:19.

That is why that man from New Jersey could continue cheerful though his life was ebbing away as a result of cancer. He had the hope of a resurrection and believed that God rewards those who serve him faithfully.—2 Tim. 4:8; Heb. 11:6.

The value of the resurrection hope is also seen from the experience of a Hindu woman living in the territory of Durban, South Africa. She was steeped in Hindu traditions and customs and was intensely devoted to her husband. When he suddenly died of a heart attack, she felt so disconsolate that she could not eat. In fact, she was determined to commit suicide by starving herself to death and even wrote a letter to God asking him to forgive her for taking her own life. But after a fast of forty days she began to eat again. Why? Because Christian witnesses of Jehovah, who believe in the resurrection, were able to comfort her with the hope that someday she would see her beloved husband again.—Acts 17:31; 24:15; John 5:28, 29.

And how did Bible-based hope mend the marriage of that Canadian couple that had broken up? By bringing them a better understanding of what God’s requirements are and giving them a mutual goal for which to strive.—Matt. 6:33; 19:3-6.

The same was true of the youth who was attracted to the hippie way of life because the world had nothing to offer and he saw no real hope for the future. While in Vietnam as an American soldier he got in touch with Christian missionaries, Jehovah’s witnesses, who helped him to see the certainty of the promises of God and gave him a basis for hope—a hope that will soon be realized. How can we be certain that the time is near?

GOD’S TIMETABLE POINTS TO NOW

God’s Word assures us: “For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens.” (Eccl. 3:1) Thus Jehovah God permitted the wickedness and violence of the pre-Flood world for just so long, and then sent the Deluge that wiped the earth clean of all wicked and violent men. (Gen. 6:3-12; 7:11-24) Similarly, in his due time God brought the wretchedly enslaved Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and settled them in Canaan, in a land flowing with milk and honey.—Ex. 1:8-14; 2:23-25; Josh. 21:45.

And what about the present ‘difficult times hard to deal with’? The Bible says: “When the wicked ones sprout as the vegetation and all the practicers of what is hurtful blossom forth”—which they certainly are doing now—“it is that they may be annihilated forever.” Then, with the destruction of wickedness, God’s due time will have come for his ‘will to be done on earth as in heaven.’ “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ps. 92:7; Matt. 6:10; Rev. 21:4.

But why can we be so certain that these promises will be fulfilled? Because the Bible tells us that we have ‘a basis for hope because God, who cannot lie, has made these promises.’ (Titus 1:2) Yes, ever so many prophecies recorded in the Bible have been fulfilled, such as the years when the land of Judah would be desolate, seventy years; the exact year when the Messiah would come; where he would be born; what he would do; how he would die and be raised from the dead.—Jer. 29:10; Isa. 53:1-12; Dan. 9:2, 24-27; Mic. 5:2; Ps. 16:10.

That this very generation can hope to see God’s promises regarding the future of this earth fulfilled is confirmed by what this present generation has seen in fulfillment of the prophecies of Jesus and his apostles. (See Matthew, chapters 24 and 25; Mark, chapter 13, and Luke, chapter 21.) In connection with what we today have witnessed, Jesus declared: “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.”—Matt. 24:34.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HOPE

Do you want a strong, spirit-sustaining hope? Then you must put forth earnest and sincere efforts to acquire it. It is as a well-known American sociologist once wryly observed: “Leaders who preach a message of hope are never very welcome, for they require . . . effort, activity, fidelity, commitment.” Of course, he had reference to leaders who put forth human-based hopes; still, the same principle applies to hope based on God’s Word.

First in importance is to acquaint yourself with the Book of Hope, the Holy Bible, and with its reasons for your having hope. Endeavor to read a portion of that Book every day. Knowledge is essential if there is to be faith, and faith is what makes hope possible.

Of course, merely reading the Bible will not give you faith; you must understand what you are reading. The Bible itself makes this point in the account of an Ethiopian official who was reading the prophecy of Isaiah, chapter 53, but confessed he did not understand to whom the prophecy was referring. It took the evangelizer Philip to explain that the prophecy was referring to Jesus Christ.—Acts 8:27-38.

Who can help you to understand the Bible? Obviously, it would need to be Christians who really believe the Bible to be the Word of God. From the foregoing you can see that this magazine is published—and distributed—by those who have faith in the Bible as God’s Word. Moreover, these, the Christian witnesses of Jehovah, sincerely endeavor to live by what they preach, further recommending them to you as sincere students and teachers of Bible truths.

In fact, this is being recognized by more and more persons who are not Witnesses. The New York Amsterdam News, of August 10, 1974, on its editorial page, had a large drawing of an upright Bible with a witness of Jehovah standing on it, peering with a telescope into the future. The drawing was captioned “Keeping the Faith.” In its editorial the newspaper stated: “This is a religious group which has, over the years, unswervingly held to its beliefs by precept and example and rigidly practices what it preaches in a world where such things are rare. . . . Such Keepers of the Faith are good for our city and good for our sinful nation because of the example they set amid the scandals, murders and moral breakdowns of our times. Welcome to New York, Jehovah’s Witnesses!”

These Christian witnesses of Jehovah are fully equipped to help you strengthen your faith in God and the Bible so that you can have a bright and strong hope regarding the future. Not only do they publish Bibles and Bible study aids but they are ready to help you to understand the Bible by conducting a weekly Bible study in your own home absolutely free of charge. Moreover, they also welcome you to their Kingdom Halls. There they have five one-hour gatherings each week where Bible teachings and principles are expounded and inculcated.

No question about it—because Jehovah God the Creator exists, because he has fine qualities and has interest in his earthly creatures and because his Word the Bible is true—there is abundant reason for you to hope. But to make that hope your own, you must work at it.

[Footnotes]

For details, see Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

The Pacific Islands Hear the “Good News”

“GET away from it all! Come to the Sunny South Pacific Islands” are slogans on travel posters around the world. And, indeed, ‘away from much of it’ are the nine colorful South Pacific island groups where Christian preaching activity is supervised by the Fiji branch of the Watch Tower Society.

The warm island climate and fertile, productive lands are reflected in the easygoing people. Life is still very casual. Time and other factors that govern in countries where people lead more regulated lives are not so important to many people here. It seems that they live for the sheer joy of living, and they are usually very hospitable and friendly. Among them are many of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses.

Serving the 1,200,000 people scattered over hundreds of lovely islands, there are fifteen times as many proclaimers of the “good news” about God’s kingdom as there were just twenty years ago. Would you like to come on a brief tour with us to meet some of them? It will mean some traveling.

Beginning east of Australia, these nine island groups stretch eastward across more than 3,000 miles of the South Pacific and reach north as far as the Equator. Tahiti is our first stop.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Tahiti is the largest and most developed of the 130 islands in French Polynesia. Reaching the 80,000 people in all these islands with the “good news” is a real challenge, but more than 200 of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are eagerly meeting that challenge.

Very warm and humid air, fragrant with the perfume of the Tiara flower, greets us as we arrive on Tahiti island. But the kisses and flower leis from the many local Witnesses who come to meet us are what make us truly feel at home and welcome. Our guide, Jacques Inaudi, who came from France to work among these friendly people, is a traveling circuit overseer of Jehovah’s witnesses.

We travel by bus to reach the nearby Puunauia Congregation. At the end of a small valley, a large Kingdom Hall that can hold 400 persons awaits us. Our Christian brothers swarm all around, wanting to shake hands and embrace us. Noise outside signals the arrival of a busload who appreciate the meetings here so much that they regularly travel ninety miles to attend! After the meeting, the congregation prepares to visit the homes of local people to tell them about God’s promises. Brother Inaudi describes a typical visit:

“We usually begin at about 8:30 a.m. The people live in modest homes with either thatched or corrugated iron roofs. As we approach the house, we are surrounded by the usual pack of dogs. In response to our knock, a man appears with no shirt on, followed by his wife and several children. On learning that we are Jehovah’s witnesses, the man asks to be excused for a few moments and goes back into the house, returning with a shirt on. Tahitians are very respectful of the Bible and do not wish to discuss spiritual matters if they feel they are neglectfully dressed.”

An example of how the Bible’s truth develops appreciation for God among these humble people is a mother of six on the island of Raïatéa. Christian meetings are held on the other side of the island and the only bus comes along the main road at any time between one and three a.m.! So, at one o’clock in the morning the family come down out of the valley where they live, walk for about fifteen minutes and cross two rivers before reaching the road. Then they cover themselves and try to sleep while waiting for the bus. Would you put forth that much effort to attend Christian meetings to build up your knowledge of God and his purposes?

Before we take our leave of him, we ask Brother Inaudi about how he travels between the islands. “Well, on the five islands that I serve,” he answers, “I have traveled in everything from modern turboprop airplanes to small outrigger canoes. Some of the islands we are now reaching out to from Tahiti are hundreds of miles away. So, to save time, we travel by small airplanes. It is costly, but it is the only way we have of reaching these people with the good news quickly.”

Flying westward over about 1,500 miles of blue Pacific, we come to the lush, tropical Samoas.

THE SAMOAS

Unlike French Polynesia with its many islands, Western Samoa has just two of any real size, with a total population of about 147,000. Because of the hot climate, people usually wear only a wrap-around piece of material tied at the waist, and their houses have no walls. In place of walls, plaited coconut-leaf blinds are lowered when they desire privacy at night and other times.

Paul Evans, a missionary from the United States who came with his wife to the Samoas in 1955, tells us about calling at these open homes in his Christian ministry. He says:

“It is easy to see who is at home in the village as one approaches. Before we enter a home Samoan custom requires that we remove our shoes so that the pandanus mats that cover the floor are not soiled. The householder then offers a ‘word’ of greeting, sometimes taking several minutes. The visitor replies, wishing that all is well in the home and returning the good wishes stated in the householder’s opening remarks. It is only when this formal greeting is over that the visitor is able to go ahead with his message.”

In one case a Samoan woman who appreciated this message could not be permitted to share in spreading it to others because she was not legally married to the man with whom she was living. With loving concern, Paul Evans and his wife concentrated on helping the man of the house, pointing out to him what the Bible says about marriage and clean living habits in order for his worship to be acceptable to God. Soon he legalized their marriage and quit his heavy drinking, smoking and other unchristian practices. In 1974 he and his wife were baptized, symbolizing their dedication to do God’s will.

Just a few miles across the water, on the more westernized islands of American Samoa, about 70 proclaimers of the “good news” work among the 28,000 inhabitants, and up to 130 persons associate at the local Kingdom Hall.

FRENCH MELANESIA

Our next stop takes us another 1,500 miles to the westernmost group of islands under the Fiji branch, French Melanesia. About 125,000 people live on the large island of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands off its coasts.

“The preaching of the good news started in this area of the Pacific in the middle 1950’s,” says Jacques Chichemanian, who has long been associated with the work. “Because it can get very warm in this country, we try to do all our traveling early in the morning. After the first day’s work, we set up camp beside a small river in a fine shady spot. There are eleven of us from three families and we are going to be preaching in this area for a whole week.”

One day this group spoke informally to a mechanic who replaced a broken windscreen on one of their cars. They explained to him the reason for their being in such an isolated area, and were pleasantly surprised when he said: “This interests me a great deal. Come in!” He took the Witnesses into his modest home and invited his family to join in the conversation. After the Witnesses finished their explanation, he told them:

“I am one of the chiefs of my tribe. Recently our priest brought us together and said that we should go and work for him without pay so that he could make some money to repair the church. So I stood up and asked him, ‘Why is it that the contractor who is a Catholic is being paid 800,000 CFP [over $10,000] to construct the church and repair it, while we who are also Catholics must work without wages? Are there two Gods, one for the contractor and the other for us? We refuse to help you out!’” So the mechanic said, “I believe that my religion is not the true one, and I am looking for the true one.”

“Needless to say,” Brother Chichemanian continued, “that night we went back to camp tired but happy that we had made the effort to come to this isolated area.”

On nearby Lifou Island, after a whole week of advertising a slide showing on the subject “A Close Look at the Churches,” there appeared to be no newly interested persons at all in attendance at starting time. But, surprise! Out of the shadows and from behind trees, people started appearing in groups. It seems that they had been watching one another to see who would make the first move to go into the hall. The final count was 117 in attendance, and many had to be turned away for lack of space!

NEW HEBRIDES

Flying north from New Caledonia with a French “Bon Voyage” still ringing in our ears, we soon arrive at Port Vila, in the New Hebrides island group. About 85,000 people live primarily on the twelve larger islands in this group. English, French and many native dialects are spoken here; in fact, it is not uncommon to find tribes within a few miles of each other on the same island speaking a different language!

Allan Taylor, an Australian Witness, tells us that recently they made an effort to reach some of the closer islands in their area. Fifteen of the Witnesses made a twelve-day trip to five islands off the coast of their main island. Although it cost them $400 to hire the boat, and they had quite a rough passage at times, they were able to get the Kingdom message to many people who would not have otherwise heard.

On the island of Pele, a native Hebridean schoolteacher, on learning that they were Jehovah’s witnesses, answered: “Oh, is that true? I, too, am one of Jehovah’s witnesses. A man brought me the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. I read the whole book and knew it was the truth, so I started applying it in my life. I thank Jehovah for putting you on my trail.”

So the “good news” of the Kingdom is reaching out into the most remote places. Helping in this expansion has been the fine effort by Witnesses who have sold their homes and moved to serve where there is a greater need for proclaimers of the good news. In a similar way the message is reaching the coral atolls of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands to the north, as well as the other island territories supervised by the Watch Tower Society’s Fiji branch. Before leaving the South Pacific, come with us on a visit to the hub of this activity, Fiji itself.

FIJI

Fiji’s multiracial population of over a half million saw the start of this movement of truth into the far reaches of the South Pacific. Since 1947 the Kingdom work has spread to twenty congregations located on six of the surrounding 105 inhabited islands, with as many as 524 sharing in preaching the “good news.”

Donald Clare, who currently supervises the activity in all these islands, reflects: “It has been my joy to see the work develop from the days when we had only 35 proclaimers of the good news in Suva, Fiji’s capital, and when it was only being done in Fiji, to the point where it has now expanded to nine territories and has grown to the fine number of 1,214 preachers having an active share. With Jehovah’s help we have overcome the problems of distance, isolation, and so many language barriers. As a result, just as Jesus commanded, the good news is being preached in these remote islands of the South Pacific.”

How Would You Treat an Ambassador?

IN RECENT times we often hear of attacks on embassies and even the kidnapping or assassination of an ambassador because the people are displeased with that country or its policies. But in times past when there was relative peace between the nations, ambassadors were generally treated well.

However, there is an instance in ancient times where the royal “messengers” or envoys of a peaceful nation were treated shamefully. King David of Israel had made a friendly gesture by sending official representatives to King Hanun of Ammon. But Hanun showed gross disrespect for David by subjecting the envoys to great indignities. This treacherous act provoked a war that resulted in the near wiping out of the Ammonite nation.—1 Chron. 19:1–20:3.

Centuries later, a more flagrant instance was the treatment of Jehovah God’s Son, whom Jehovah sent as an act of loving-kindness to the Jewish nation. (John 8:18, 19, 49) Their leaders cruelly mistreated him and finally had him killed. This resulted in God’s casting off the Jewish nation as his chosen people and the destruction of their city Jerusalem with its temple, in 70 C.E., at the hands of the Roman armies.

But the treatment that they gave Jesus Christ was not enough for the opposing Jews. Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, they also shamefully mistreated those whom Christ sent as ambassadors, his anointed disciples, killing many of them. (2 Cor. 5:20) Though the people were incited to participate in these atrocities, the Jewish religious leaders were primarily to blame, because they deliberately kept the people in ignorance of God. Jesus told them: “You took away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not go in, and those going in you hindered!” (Luke 11:52) These leaders were selfishly afraid of losing their position of power. They said among themselves: “If we let [Jesus] alone this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”—John 11:48.

WHY CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS HAVE BEEN HATED

It was not personal hatred that caused opposers among the Jews to persecute the first-century ambassadors of Christ. It was because these ambassadors declared and explained the kingdom of God to the people. They pointed out to the Jews, who thought that kingdom would be a Jewish earthly kingdom, that it is a heavenly government, that it will destroy all human governments and will bring in a “new earth,” a righteous human society. They showed that God’s requirement for life for individuals is that they make over their personalities according to God’s principles as set forth in the Bible. They must demonstrate love for their fellowman without distinction or prejudice. This exposed the selfish religious leaders and made them hate the Kingdom ambassadors.—2 Pet. 3:7, 12, 13; Eph. 4:22-24.

Today, anointed ambassadors of the kingdom of God would necessarily be proclaiming the same truths. It is good news to honest-hearted people, but incurs the enmity of many religious leaders. Due to propaganda against these ambassadors, many people are caused either to oppose or to pay no attention to the proclamation being made. In many cases the ambassadors of the Kingdom are insulted, persecuted or shown inhospitality.

However, if you knew that a person was actually an ambassador or an envoy of the kingdom of God, how would you treat him? Would you do things for him in something more than a mere humanitarian spirit? Would you not accord him special respect and attention, listening carefully to what he had to say? Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink on the ground that you belong to Christ, I truly tell you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41) Contrastingly, he said that some would do bad to his disciples on account of his name.—Matt. 24:9; John 15:20, 21.

HOW GOATLIKE ONES MANIFEST THEMSELVES

In the preceding issue of this magazine we discussed Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, focusing on the “sheep” and the reward of everlasting life given to them because of their good, hospitable treatment of Christ’s ambassadors. Who, then, are the “goats,” what reward do they receive, and why?—Matt. 25:31-46.

The “goats,” Jesus shows, are those people of “all the nations” who, different from the hospitable, loving “sheep,” give no favorable reception or aid to Christ’s ambassadors. They are shown in the parable to be called by Jesus “cursed” ones. They reply to Jesus’ condemnation because of the inhospitable attitude by saying: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?”—Matt. 25:44.

Yes, they call him “Lord,” but it is in a hypocritical way if by this they mean that he is their Lord. Because, if they really loved him, they would love the truths about him and would want to see his kingdom come. (Matt. 6:10) Their excuse is of no value, for their actions belie their claim. A person does not have to see another one directly in person in order to decide whether to help him or to refuse him help. The question is, How does the individual treat a visible representative of Christ who has clearly shown that he truly represents Christ?

This is the point that Jesus makes in the parable, when the king answers the self-excusing “goats” at his left hand of disfavor: “Truly I say to you, To the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.”—Matt. 25:45.

It does not matter how unimportant one of Christ’s spirit-begotten, anointed “brothers” may be. As a matter of fact, none of Christ’s “brothers” are prominent in the political field or in the religious field of Christendom, for Christ’s true “brothers,” his ambassadors, are no part of this world just as Christ himself has never been a part of this world. (1 Cor. 1:26-31; John 15:19; 17:14, 16) The “goats” do not have to persecute these ambassadors, although some of them have kidnapped, imprisoned and killed these servants of Christ. Withholding help or hospitality to them, ignoring them, refusing to give any support to their work of proclaiming the Kingdom message, the “goats” make an intelligent decision on the issue. Actually they take a stand, in their hearts, against God’s Messianic kingdom, which the ambassadors proclaim, and therefore a stand against Christ, as revealed by their attitude and actions.—Compare Matthew 7:21-23.

REWARD TO THE “GOATS”

What, therefore, is the reward of these “goats”? Christ tells them: “Be on your way from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.”—Matt. 25:41.

What is the “fire prepared for the Devil and his angels”? Is this everlasting conscious torment in a firelike element in the invisible realm? Someone may say, Surely it must be, for Revelation 20:10 says: “And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet already were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

However, if a person gives closer consideration to this statement in Revelation he can see that it is in figurative or symbolic language. How? Well, the “wild beast” and the “false prophet” are hurled into the “lake of fire.” These are obviously not a literal beast and a single man, but are representative of organizations. (Rev. 17:8-14) Furthermore, the Bible itself goes on to explain: “And death and Hades were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:14) Death and Hades (mankind’s common grave) are abstract things, further showing that the “lake of fire” is symbolic. It represents absolute annihilation, permanent destruction, “the second death,” a death from which there is no recovery.

Moreover, Christ says that the “goats” will depart into everlasting “cutting-off.” (Matt. 25:46) The Greek word here used means, literally, “pruning.” The “goats,” by suffering everlasting death, “the second death,” are cut off from life in any realm everlastingly.

A DECISION WE ALL FACE

There is no question that Christ has ambassadors on earth today. The decision set before us to make is, Who are these ambassadors? Who are bringing us the good news of the Kingdom, telling us of its nearness and the blessings it will bring to the earth after destroying wickedness? And each of us can ask, What am I doing to promote knowledge of God? Do I myself serve as a representative of Christ by my words and righteous course of action? If not, then we must identify who is doing so. We must extend hospitality to them just as we would to the ambassadors of a highly respected king. We cannot ‘limp’ on two opinions.—1 Ki. 18:21.

You would welcome such an ambassador into your home. You would be highly concerned about the message he brought from his king or government. You would treat him with respect. The ambassadors of Christ have no ordinary message. It is news from the Creator of the universe and his King, Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is vital to consider what the ambassadors have to say, because it is more than a matter of respect. It reflects your attitude toward God and Christ, and therefore means life or death to you.

Hundreds of thousands of persons in this present time have treated these ambassadors with kindness, not primarily by giving them material help, but by standing alongside these ambassadors when they are mistreated by their enemies. (2 Cor. 1:6, 7; Phil. 4:14; Heb. 10:33) More than this, they have joined with the ambassadors in order to help them to get the good news proclaimed world wide. (Zech. 8:23) In doing so, these sheeplike ones have become envoys, companions of the ambassadors of the King, Jesus Christ. (Ps. 45:14, 15) Have you identified the true ambassadors and their companion envoys, and do you treat them with respect, knowing that to the extent that you do it to one of the least of Christ’s brothers, and to their loving sheeplike companions, you do it to Christ?

What Is More Important to You?

IS A handful of grain of more value to you than a handful of diamonds? Is a closet full of clothes more to be desired than a closet full of gold? The circumstances you are in have a bearing on what is more important.

If you were isolated in some remote part of the earth and without food, the grain would mean more to you than diamonds. Or, if you were marooned on a freezing mountaintop, you would spurn the gold for warm clothes.

The Creator has richly endowed this earth for man’s enjoyment. Surely it brings pleasure to have certain material things in rich supply. But is there something else that is even more important, more valuable, now?

HONEST ANALYSIS WISE

Many persons have been examining this question seriously. As Christians, their answer may be, “The gaining of material possessions is not the big thing in my life.” But are such persons really living in harmony with what they say?

That is what a well-to-do couple in Kirchberg, Germany, asked about themselves last year. As they were seated in their comfortable home considering their material prosperity, they began talking about the present critical times, and about their service to God. They reflected on the ministry of Jesus Christ discussed extensively in the recent Watchtower article “Get a Firm Hold on the Real Life.” The result?

The man reports: “We made two columns on a piece of paper. In the one we noted what our expenses would be if we lived more modestly. In the other, what I would have to earn in order to meet these reduced expenses. We found that we could actually manage with only half the money I was making!”

So they gave up their comfortable home, and found a small apartment. The man adjusted his employment, working only five hours a day instead of eight or nine. Now both he and his wife devote much more of their time sharing with others the good news of God’s kingdom, which they believe will soon replace this entire system of things with a righteous rule.—Matt. 6:9, 10; Dan. 2:44.

It is not an easy thing to make adjustments in one’s lifestyle in order to serve God more fully. But those who do so often realize a joyful contentment and clean conscience that no amount of material possessions can bring. This has been the experience of a thirty-four-year-old Witness in Dortmund, Germany. As a fireman, his work schedule was such that for six consecutive weeks he was unable to attend any of the congregational meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses; then for six weeks he was free to attend.

This circumstance bothered him. Eventually, toward the end of 1973, an article entitled “How Will You React to Pressure?” appeared in The Watchtower. It said:

“Keep in mind that the Devil claims you are more interested in your own economic security than in God’s worship, and that if the going gets rough you will abandon Jehovah. He made that claim in connection with God’s servant Job. But, in spite of being deprived of family, friends and possessions, Job refused to bend to such a pressure tactic. . . . Will your reaction to economic pressure be the same as Job’s? If so you can be assured of a comparable reward.”

The fireman pondered over this. He had a wife and child to support, but knew that the family could manage on less materially. So he quit his secure position and obtained other employment at lower pay. He explains:

“I rejoice that I made this decision and am able to attend all the meetings with my family. As an elder, I can now do so much more in the congregation to serve my brothers. I am convinced that Jehovah blesses all of his servants when they put true worship ahead of personal interests.”

NEW ONES MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

It is not only persons with years of Christian experience that are making such adjustments to serve Jehovah God. A young couple in Hemmoor, Germany, came to a knowledge of God’s purposes in 1971. But they had a farm for which to care, and this interfered with attending congregational meetings. The man explains what they finally did:

“We continually took the matter to Jehovah in prayer, and decided to sell our farm. However, there was no purchaser. But, since we wanted to stick to our decision, we turned the farm over to my brother without receiving any money for it.

“We haven’t regretted it. True, we don’t have fresh eggs, milk and fowl, but at the convention of Jehovah’s witnesses in Düsseldorf in 1973 we were baptized. We have had encouraging experiences that show how Jehovah can assist one. Therefore we look to the future with confidence.”

In another instance, a karate expert from Korea married a German girl who, in 1971, became one of Jehovah’s witnesses. The husband, however, was so wrapped up in his athletic career that he was not interested in Bible study. But in 1973 it became clear to him that something in his life was not right. He realized that due to his activities he had completely isolated himself, making it impossible to enjoy family life. He began seriously to consider his situation.

“I suggested to my wife,” he reports, “that she arrange for someone to study the Bible with me. Today I am convinced that the Bible is inspired of God and I believe that I have found the truth.”

He gave up his athletic career and accepted work as a mechanic at 1,000 DM ($400) less a month than he was making before. Yet he says: “I am much happier now being able to serve Jehovah along with my wife and daughter.”

PROVING WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT

It is easy to say that one feels that God’s service is more important, but how one lives is indicative of what really holds priority in one’s life. Thus a young man from Ilvesheim, Germany, had a desire to be a full-time Kingdom preacher, but he also enjoyed a high-paying job. In discussing plans with his prospective wife, he discovered that she had a similar desire to preach full time. So they both applied for this service, which they wanted to begin on January 1, 1971, shortly after their marriage.

Two weeks before they were to begin their special service, the young man was called in by his boss who, with a smile, said that he surely was not serious about quitting. After being assured that he was, the boss expressed confidence he would change his mind upon hearing that he would be receiving a pay increase of 700 DM ($280) a month and a bonus of 6,000 DM ($2,400)! The young man said he would discuss the matter with his wife.

“We prayerfully considered the situation,” the young man explained, “and decided that our desire to be full-time preachers would never materialize if we put it off. So we decided to place everything in Jehovah’s hands. I quit my job on January 1, 1971, and we have since enjoyed many spiritual blessings.”

But what if one has spent a lifetime achieving a prestigious position in this system? Are even persons like this proving that the full-time preaching work is more important to them?

In 1945, after eight years in German military service, a man returned from a prisoner-of-war camp to begin life anew. He had two small children, and two more were born shortly thereafter. He plunged into a study of law, and after several years reached his goal when he was appointed as a judge.

Years later, in 1958, his family came in contact with Jehovah’s witnesses. His oldest daughters dedicated their lives to serve Jehovah and symbolized this by water baptism. Then, in 1961, the judge agreed to have eight delegates to the international assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses in Hamburg stay in their home.

“We attended the sessions,” the judge reports, “and from that time on we attended all the meetings in the local congregation. In October my wife and I started in the house-to-house preaching activity, and the following January we were baptized.”

In time the children grew up. “We now had no Biblical reason that would hinder us from serving Jehovah in the full-time preaching work,” the judge noted. “So we applied for that service and were accepted. I gave up my judgeship without receiving any settlement or pension, after many years of service and having long before reached the maximum wage scale.

“Those of our relatives and friends who are not Jehovah’s witnesses, as well as business associates, thought I was crazy. They could not understand how anyone could give up such a position that late in life. But in reality it was a reasonable and objective decision. For if the Bible is the infallible Word of God—and there is no reason to doubt that it is—then we are living in the last part of the time of the end of this wicked system of things. So in the remaining time one should have faith to the preserving alive of the soul, and with everything we have and are we should serve Jehovah.—Heb. 10:38, 39.

“It was in the spring of 1969, as grandma and grandpa, that we went into the full-time preaching work. After one year I was asked to serve as a traveling representative of the Watch Tower Society, and I still serve in this capacity. I am convinced that there is no activity that is more important today than to preach the lifesaving message of God’s kingdom.”

Is that how you feel? Is this the time to be overly concerned with money or other material possessions? Bible prophecy indicates that such things will not preserve us during the coming day of divine wrath. (Prov. 11:4; Zeph. 1:18) But what truly is important is proving our love for Jehovah by sharing whole-souled now in the work that he has given us to do. Our very life is dependent upon our doing so.

Insight on the News

‘Helpless’ Feeling Earth Wide

● The world faces a “crisis of extraordinary dimensions,” according to Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim of the United Nations.

In his annual report to the General Assembly, released in early September, the secretary-general said that an “almost universal sense of apprehension” about the course of world events now combines with feelings of “helplessness and fatalism which I find deeply disturbing.” He spoke of threatening circumstances that “could create almost unimaginable dangers for the survival of our civilization and the human race.” In concluding, he warned:

“Many great civilizations in history have collapsed at the very height of their achievement because they were unable to analyze their basic problems, to change direction and to adjust to the new situations which faced them . . . Today the civilization which is facing such a challenge is not just one small part of mankind—it is mankind as a whole.

Without doubt, these conditions correspond with the Bible’s forecast of conditions due to prevail at the conclusion of an unrighteous system of things and preceding the entrance of a righteous new order of God’s making, namely: “On the earth anguish of nations, not knowing the way out . . . while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” “In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.”—Luke 21:25, 26; 2 Tim. 3:1.

Who Bears the Real Blame?

● Nearly two out of every three persons on earth today lives in a nonchristian land. Why do “Christian” religions often have little appeal in these areas? Two items appearing in the September 16 issue of the New York “Times” shed light on this.

One involves mainland China, which, with its 800 million inhabitants, holds almost one fifth of the earth’s population. Recently an international theological conference was held in Belgium to discuss the inability of Christendom’s religions to send missionaries into China. According to the “Times” report, the view that early missionaries in China had been “too closely identified with Western imperialist interests” was stressed. One conference statement said:

“It is unfortunate that Christianity being the official religion of the West was made to justify in various ways imperialism, feudalism, colonialism and bourgeois capitalism.”

The other item comes from Saudi Arabia, religious center for 530 million Moslems. Mohammed Salahuddin, editor of the newspaper “Al Medina,” in commenting on the growing modernization of wealthy Arab lands, said:

“We know what Western society is like, and we are frightened. We see the breakdown of the family and the widespread sexual immorality, and we know that this is no way to live.”

In his day, the apostle Paul said of hypocritical persons claiming to serve God: “For ‘the name of God is being blasphemed on account of you people among the nations.’” (Rom. 2:24) Similarly in modern times, Christendom’s religions have proved hypocritical, abandoning genuine Bible principles in exchange for political gain, condoning sexual immorality, and so they have hindered rather than helped people in nonchristian lands as regards appreciating the Bible’s true message.

Mormons and Racism

● The first Mormon temple east of the Rocky Mountains was recently completed on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., which has a predominantly black population. So, at a news conference, Mormon president Spencer W. Kimball was questioned on the Mormon practice of excluding blacks from full and equal privileges in their religion. The seventy-nine-year-old leader passed the question on to the Church’s chief public relations adviser for reply. His reply? “We have met here at this sacred place primarily to discuss the temple.” Thus the question of racial discrimination was evaded. In refreshing contrast, the Bible plainly says that “God is not partial” and ‘makes no distinction at all’ among those sincerely seeking him.—Acts 10:34, 35; 15:7-9.

Survival and Life by Harmonizing with God’s Purpose

“He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not by reason of our works, but by reason of his own purpose and undeserved kindness.”—2 Tim. 1:9.

1. What is now inviting mankind, and how has purpose been given to the lives of those responding to it?

AT FIRST it seems too good to be true, but a grand future arranged by someone fully competent is now invitingly calling mankind. In spite of the din and clamor of all sorts of propaganda, many sharp-eared persons have heard this calling and have responded favorably to it. They are the happier for it. Now they have a worthwhile calling in life. It gives them purpose in life. Yes, real reason for living on and surviving to see bright hope come true. No longer does life seem humdrum, aimless, leading nowhere but to a “dead end.” They live for the approaching righteous new system of things.

2. What kind of calling is this, and why does acceptance of it not lead to disappointment?

2 Many persons think that they have a calling to this or to that. But not so with this calling. It is not just some strong inward impulse driving one to a particular course of action. It is not a mere strong religious impulse accompanied by the conviction of having divine influence connected with it, such as the impulse to take up the ministry of some religion. It is not just an inward urge that one does not know how to describe and that one person has and the others do not have. Instead of being an undefinable, often sentimental thing, this present-day calling or invitation comes in definite terms, and a person knows that it is open for him to accept. It is not the beckoning of a possible future that holds out a golden opportunity. No, but it comes from a person of authority and responsibility. So what one is called to is not imaginary but fully guaranteed. Our responding favorably to this wonderful calling will lead to no disappointment.

3. An invitation is usually an expression of what, and how is this true of the one who extends the present-day calling?

3 What makes this calling or invitation so special? Well, in most cases an invitation is an act of generosity, of goodwill. It has a good purpose behind it. This is the case with the particular invitation that so many persons having fine appreciation of things are gratefully accepting today. The largehearted person whose invitation they have accepted is the One who long ago planted a paradise on earth for mankind to enjoy forever. This was at the beginning of man’s existence on earth. Was that not a well-meaning thing for that One to do? It was just the thing to be expected of that One, for he is no one else but God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He was the One who brought man into being on this earth, with all needed things faultlessly prepared for man. Not only was this an act of undeserved kindness on God’s part to man, but God had a purpose in mind. It was a good purpose.

4, 5. How did Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, show how purpose and undeserved kindness combine together in a calling by God?

4 How purpose and undeserved kindness combine in God’s operations for an excellent end is called to our attention by a news-bringer of good things during the first century of our Common Era. This was Paul, the writer of a couple of letters to his close friend and fellow worker Timothy, these letters of Paul being preserved for us on the later pages of the Sacred Bible. His second letter was written to Timothy shortly after the Roman Empire under Caesar Nero had begun its persecution against Christians. So Paul was a prisoner in Rome for the sake of true Christianity. But he had no fault to find with God for this situation, nor with the Founder of true Christianity, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Unashamed of his imprisonment, Paul wrote:

5 “Therefore do not become ashamed of the witness about our Lord, neither of me a prisoner for his sake, but take your part in suffering evil for the good news according to the power of God. He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not by reason of our works, but by reason of his own purpose and undeserved kindness.”—2 Tim. 1:8, 9.

6, 7. Was the calling of Paul in the form of a strong inward impulse to take a certain course of action or duty, or how?

6 In those words the apostle Paul admits that his being called with a holy calling was not by reason of meritorious works on his own part, but was by reason of the “purpose and undeserved kindness” on the part of God. The same was true in the case of Timothy. The calling in the cases of Paul and Timothy was not in the form of some strong inner impulse toward their particular course of action or duty. Paul was directly called by means of the resurrected Jesus Christ, who appeared to Paul while on the road to Damascus of Syria and who told Paul that in Damascus he would be informed as to what he should do. After Paul got baptized as a Christian at Damascus, he promptly began to do the things that he was called and told to do. (Acts 9:1-30; 22:1-16) So, when testifying before King Herod Agrippa in a Roman court session in Caesarea, Paul said:

7 “Wherefore, King Agrippa, I did not become disobedient to the heavenly sight, but both to those in Damascus first and to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Judea, and to the nations I went bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.”—Acts 26:12-20.

8. What part did the apostle Paul have in connection with the calling of Timothy?

8 In Timothy’s case, also, it was not a calling or inviting of him in the form of a mere inward urge accompanied by the conviction of divine influence. There was nothing sentimental about it, but Timothy heard the apostle Paul preach to the congregation in Lystra and he accepted the Kingdom message and got baptized as a Christian. (Acts 14:6-23) The apostle Paul confirmed the Christian calling of Timothy by laying his hands upon him and imparting a spiritual gift to him. Consequently, in his last letter to Timothy, he said to him: “For this very cause I remind you to stir up like a fire the gift of God which is in you through the laying of my hands upon you.” (2 Tim. 1:6) Because of responding to the call as a baptized Christian, the way was opened for Timothy to become a trusted close associate of the apostle Paul in his missionary work. By receiving God’s spirit with its manifestation, both Paul and Timothy knew that they had been called by God by reason of God’s purpose and undeserved kindness.

9, 10. (a) What did Paul’s knowing that he had a calling put into his life? (b) Hence, on what did Paul keep his eyes fixed, like a contestant in what games?

9 A person’s knowing definitely that he has a calling or invitation puts purpose in his life. Paul called attention to this fact when, in the course of his second letter, he said to Timothy: “You have closely followed my teaching, my course of life, my purpose, my faith, my long-suffering, my love, my endurance.” (2 Tim. 3:10) Because Paul had a purpose he endured with long-suffering and stuck to a certain course of life. He kept his eye on his God-given purpose. He had an “eye goal” or “eye target,” as the Japanese and Korean words for “purpose” mean. (Japanese, moku teki; Korean, mok jok) He likened himself to a contestant in a footrace with his eyes undeviatingly fixed on the goal where the prize was to be conferred upon the winner. So he wrote these words about himself:

10 “I am pursuing to see if I may also lay hold on that for which I have also been laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on it; but there is one thing about it: Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus.”—Phil. 3:12-14.

11. (a) So, with what did Paul harmonize his life course? (b) What value did Paul place upon the prize set before him?

11 According to those words of the apostle Paul, God was the One who did the calling by means of Christ Jesus, and this calling was for a purpose. In appreciation of this undeserved kindness on God’s part toward him, Paul harmonized his life course with God’s purpose. Paul saw clearly which way to go, for God had set a goal before him. If he successfully reached that goal, he would receive a prize at God’s hands. Paul did not disdain that prize, for to do so would mean for him to spurn God’s undeserved kindness. It was a marvelous prize, and it represented an extraordinary generosity, largeheartedness, on God’s part. It was in fact the highest, the greatest, prize that God could give creatures, namely, joint heirship with the glorified Son of God, Jesus Christ, in his heavenly kingdom. (Phil. 3:7-11; 2:9-11) No wonder that Paul considered as a lot of refuse all earthly advantages that meant selfish gain for him! He kept his eyes fixed on the prize.

GOD’S PURPOSE WITH WHICH TO HARMONIZE NOW

12, 13. (a) During the past nineteen centuries, with what have men like Paul been harmonizing their life course? (b) Recently, what have hundreds of thousands been making their goal according to God’s purpose?

12 For the past nineteen centuries men like the apostle Paul and Timothy have been harmonizing their lives with God’s call to a heavenly hope, to a share with the highly exalted Jesus Christ in a heavenly kingdom that will shower down blessings upon mankind. They have followed Paul’s exhortation and encouragement, “to the end that you should go on walking worthily of God who is calling you to his kingdom and glory.”—1 Thess. 2:11, 12.

13 However, God has not only a purpose with regard to that Kingdom class but also a purpose with regard to mankind who will live in happiness under that heavenly kingdom. Is it not good to know that God has not left mankind in general out of his purposes? That which God has set before mankind, and to which he is now calling special attention, is something grand for mankind to attain to under the kingdom of God’s dear Son Jesus Christ. It has become a goal that hundreds of thousands of appreciative persons are now striving to reach, with God’s help. To them it is like a prize that beckons them onward, a gracious thing that invites them to come and partake.

14. (a) How is the hospitable tone of this invitation expressed in Revelation 22:17? (b) What is the life for mankind that this invitation has in view?

14 The hospitable tone of the invitation is expressed in the inspired words found in Revelation 22:17: “And the spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” The life here meant is not the distasteful sort of life that we are obliged to live at present due to world conditions and to our natural inheritance by birth. It is a life on earth that no human governments till now have been able to give to mankind, but that only God’s kingdom by means of his Son Jesus Christ will be able to impart to mankind as its subjects. It is the life that God the Creator purposed for earth’s inhabitants to have when he put the first man and woman on earth amid the glories and beauties of that paradise called the Garden of Eden.

15, 16. (a) Why did the earthly Paradise prove to be a temporary home for Adam and Eve? (b) In stating his purpose for them, did God say anything about a heavenly home for them, or what?

15 When the loving Creator produced the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden, he did not mean for that Paradise to be just a temporary home for them, or a little “love nest” for them to be alone in for a while without having children around. The reason why that Paradise on earth turned out to be a temporary home for them was that they stopped harmonizing their course of action with God’s loving purpose.

16 God’s purpose had never been that of taking them to heaven after a period of testing and proving here on earth. They did not need heaven to become perfectly happy and satisfied. Nor did God need them up there in heaven with him for him to be perfectly happy and contented. Hence, when God stated his purpose for them, he said nothing about a heavenly home but did say: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”—Gen. 1:28.

17. (a) How much time did God assign for this privilege of service to be accomplished? (b) Earth’s conditions at the end of six thousand years of human history are due to what cause?

17 According to the Holy Bible, God assigned a period of seven thousand years for this privilege of service to be accomplished. Today we are just about six thousand years along in human history, and this earth is no global paradise. The earth has now a population of almost four thousand million inhabitants, but the untold number of graveyards around the globe testify that the vast majority of those who have descended from Adam and Eve have died and that all mankind today is also under the condemnation of death. The birds of the heavens, the land animals and the fish of the sea have been held in subjection to mankind till now, but their numbers have been dangerously reduced, in some cases near to the point of extinction. The ground under our feet has been polluted, not merely by the waste products of cities and industrialized communities, but, most seriously of all, by the spilling of blood through murders on a private scale and on a mass scale in wars, religious, racial, commercial and political. Why all this? Evidently because mankind has not acted harmoniously with God’s purpose.

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The Watchtower, November 1, 1974