The Watchtower, March 15, 1975

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The Watchtower — March 15, 1975

Source: jw.org

Contents

Life Free from Injustice—Is It Just a Dream?

A Most Important Observance

Why So Many “Christian” Sects?

Jehovah’s Witnesses Gain Freedom of Worship in Portugal

Insight on the News

A Grand Spokesman—Who Is He?

“Working Night and Day” to Make Disciples

Walking Whole-souled in the Way of Life

A Man of Single Purpose

Any Proof of the Trinity in 1 John 5:7, 8?

Questions From Readers

Can You Talk With the Dead?

Life Free from Injustice—Is It Just a Dream?

WOULD it not be a far pleasanter earth to live in if all persons, and especially those with authority, were truly impartial and just? What hope is there in our day of seeing a world free from injustice? How could it come about?

From what we see around us, the prospects may not look bright. Consider a few examples of the things causing many to feel both outraged and helpless.

On the one hand, people see wealthy persons and high public officials commit crimes and often come away almost untouched. Perhaps they pay a small fine, a mere ‘slap on the wrist.’

For example, when a New York brokerage firm unlawfully funneled some $20,000,000 in stocks through secret Swiss bank accounts, the firm was fined $50,000. But it had received some $225,000 in illegal commissions. A senior partner of the firm perjured himself in grand jury investigations. He was fined $30,000 and given a one-year suspended sentence. He spent no time in jail.

One week later, an unemployed shipping clerk, married and the father of two children, was convicted for stealing a television set. He received a year’s sentence in jail—from the same judge. Because such things happen so often, the feeling of many among the public may be: “The bigger you are, the lighter you fall and the easier your treatment.”

In many lands, so-called “white-collar crimes” account for far greater losses than what is called “street crime.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that such “white-collar crimes” as bribery, kickbacks, consumer fraud and illegal competition, securities theft and fraud, all together cost some $42 billion a year. Yet those guilty of these crimes seldom receive severe punishment. And most of this hits the ordinary citizen heavily in the form of higher taxes, higher prices and higher insurance rates.

Tax laws may provide “loopholes” favoring the rich. In 1972 some 400 Americans with incomes of over $100,000 paid absolutely no federal taxes. Four of these had incomes of over $1,000,000.

So, prejudice and partiality because of station in life, wealth, race, color, nationality and language bring oppression and inequality to millions in many lands. To them, life free from injustice seems just a dream.

There is another side of the coin, however. At times those gaining authority will favor certain minorities only because they are minorities. The theory may prevail that “the ‘underdog’ is always right”—even when he is wrong. This is not justice either.

And what often happens when those who have been discriminated against in a land because of their race, color or nationality gain authority in that land? Do not they themselves often show prejudice and partiality toward those not of their kind? Thus injustice persists, flourishes.

This situation is not new. Nearly three thousand years ago the inspired Bible writer set down these words: “If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked [“surprised,” New English Bible] at the sight, for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.”—Eccl. 5:8, New American Standard Bible.

Yes, corruption among local officials often just reflects that among the higher officials over them. It is not surprising, then, that the average citizen on the bottom gets severely squeezed.

What, then, is needed? How can a life free from injustice ever become a reality for people everywhere, of all kinds?

HOW THE “DREAM” WILL BECOME A REALITY

Obviously, something has to change. Actually a change is needed in the entire system of things now operating on earth. How great a change? Is it enough just to reform the system in certain aspects, making personnel and administration changes, or changes in certain laws?

No, what is really needed is a replacement of the entire present system with a new system established on a new foundation. We have seen all kinds of reforms, personnel and administration changes, new legislation, in country after country. But, in spite of these, corruption keeps cropping up in high levels of government. And where sincere individuals try to promote justice, often they find their efforts blocked by selfish interests.

As the director of an institute of Georgetown University’s law center states, a “system of justice will work only if the public has confidence in its fairness. . . . the public must feel that the government and the social order deserve credence, respect and loyalty.” How can such a system come about?

Because Jehovah God loves justice, he has promised a totally new system for this earth under the direction of a heaven-based government. Of the one appointed as head of that government, Christ Jesus, it was prophesied that “upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down,” bringing wisdom, understanding, counsel, mightiness and knowledge, and “there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah.” What benefits will this bring to his subjects? The prophecy adds: “And he will not judge by any mere appearance to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to the thing heard by his ears. And with righteousness he must judge the lowly ones, and with uprightness he must give reproof in behalf of the meek ones.”—Isa. 11:2-4.

When on earth Christ Jesus showed these very qualities that will characterize his Kingdom rule over earth. Looking at the crowds that gathered to hear him speak, “he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd,” a large share of the blame for this resting with the hypocritical religious leaders of that day. (Matt. 9:36; compare Matthew 23:23, 24; Mark 12:38-40.) He taught his disciples to show love for all people, ‘giving freely even as they had received freely.’ (Matt. 5:43-48; 10:8) He proved his unselfish love by giving his life on behalf of all humankind.

The “spirit of Jehovah” that the Kingdom government will foster throughout the earth guarantees fairness and justice to all. Of God, the inspired apostle wrote: “For a certainty . . . God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.

Take heart, then, and take time to learn from God’s Word how you can gain life under the righteous rule of his Son when life free from injustice will be a reality.

[Picture on page 163]

“You must not be partial in judgment. You should hear the little one the same as the great one.”—Deut. 1:17.

“With justice you should judge your associate.”—Lev. 19:15.

A Most Important Observance

LAST year 4,550,457 persons attended a celebration of very great importance. It is an annual event, and we cordially invite you to be among those present this year.

This highly significant observance will be kept by the more than 34,500 congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses earth wide on March 27, 1975, after sundown. Generally, the place of assembly will be the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

WHAT IS THE OCCASION?

This very important observance will commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was the most significant man ever to live on earth, Jesus never asked anyone to celebrate his birthday. Rather, on the last night of his earthly life, Christ instructed his followers to commemorate his death. They were to do so “in remembrance” of him.—1 Cor. 11:23-25.

WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE?

Complying with Jesus’ words, Jehovah’s witnesses will commemorate Christ’s death sometime after 6:00 p.m., Standard Time, on Thursday, March 27, 1975. This will mark the start of Nisan 14, according to Bible-related reckoning. It was on Thursday evening, Nisan 14, in the year 33 of our Common Era, that Jesus Christ celebrated the annual Passover with his apostles. (Luke 22:7-15; Ex. 12:1-14) Then, after dismissing traitorous Judas Iscariot, Jesus instituted something entirely new. (John 13:21-30) Known as the “Lord’s Evening Meal,” it is often called the “Memorial” and is celebrated in remembrance of Jesus Christ. He died later on the very day that he instituted this important meal.

Jehovah’s witnesses will hold this yearly observance according to the pattern furnished by Jesus. With appropriate prayers, he gave his faithful apostles bread to eat and passed a cup of wine from which to drink. (Matt. 26:26-30) For mankind’s benefit, Jesus Christ gave his perfect body, represented by the bread, and poured out his blood, symbolized by the wine. Only those to whom Christ holds out the hope of being kings and priests with him in the heavenly kingdom partake of these Memorial emblems. (Luke 22:28-30; Rev. 20:6) But by attending, you will learn much more about these significant matters.

WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF ME?

As at all meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses, seats will be free. No collection plate will be passed and you will not be asked for a donation. Nor will you be required to participate in any religious ritual. Instead, you can merely be an observer and enjoy a spiritually rewarding Bible discourse of about an hour’s length.

WHY ATTEND?

Your presence at the Memorial this year will enable you to “consider closely” the part Jesus Christ plays in Jehovah God’s purposes. (Heb. 12:1-3) Through Jesus, God has made possible the solution of mankind’s greatest problem—alienation from the Creator due to sin and death inherited from the rebellious first man, Adam. (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12) Whereas Adam lost perfect life for us, Jesus “gave himself a corresponding ransom for all,” opening the way for the human race to regain such life. (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) Would not anyone truly appreciating the love Jesus thus showed want to attend the commemoration of his death?

This extremely important occasion will also deepen one’s love and appreciation for Jehovah God. He “loved the world [of mankind] so much that he gave his only-begotten Son [Jesus Christ], in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Are you not thankful to God for this marvelous provision? If so, we are confident that you will be on hand for the Lord’s Evening Meal this year.

Quite likely, you will have to put forth some effort to assemble with Jehovah’s witnesses on this very important occasion. However, they earnestly hope that your love for God and Christ will move you to be present when the death of Jesus Christ is memorialized. Act on this sincere invitation and you will reap rich spiritual rewards and blessings.

Why So Many “Christian” Sects?

YOU may have wondered why, since there is only one Bible, there are so many religious denominations claiming to follow it. Some persons try to answer the question by saying, ‘All roads lead to the same place.’

But this saying is not true in actual life. Not all roads lead to the same city, particularly if some are at right angles to others and some are one-way roads in the opposite direction.

To anyone who examines Christendom’s religions it is obvious that the ‘roads’ of the various sects are at right angles or running directly opposite to one another. In fact, the differences are often so great that fights, even major wars, have taken place as a result of disputes as to doctrine or practice. Certainly in fighting and killing one another they are not one flock, nor are they helping one another to salvation.

UNITY MAINTAINED IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY

However, the history of the first-century Christian congregation is not one of a variety of sects vying with one another for members or for domination. The apostles did not say that people could believe in any way they chose, taking the ‘road’ they made for themselves, or follow their own favorite prominent men, and still be God’s true congregation. Christians were to be in union with and at peace with God and his Son Jesus Christ, as well as with one another. (2 Cor. 13:11) The apostle Paul wrote correcting the wrong view, which had caused sectarianism to raise its head in the congregation at Corinth. He argued:

“Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought. For the disclosure was made to me about you, my brothers, by those of the house of Chloe, that dissensions exist among you. What I mean is this, that each one of you says: ‘I belong to Paul,’ ‘But I to Apollos,’ ‘But I to Cephas,’ ‘But I to Christ.’ The Christ exists divided. Paul was not impaled for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”—1 Cor. 1:10-13; compare Philippians 1:27.

What, then, happened to bring about the divisions of professed Christians into sects and denominations? Can we please God by allying ourselves with just any of them? Does the Bible help us to see how such sects began, and their destiny?

A REBELLION

The answer to these questions is found in the words of the apostles. It is obvious from the Scriptures that sectarianism was making an effort to come forth during the days of the apostles, but the strong spirituality of the apostles and their close adherence to the principles taught by Christ held down this divisive effort. The apostles kept the congregations strong and unified. Nevertheless, they repeatedly warned of a split to come, an apostasy. Paul, in writing to the Thessalonian congregation, brought this to their attention. That congregation had mistakenly had the idea that the “day of Jehovah”—the day for his destruction of this world’s system of things—was immediately at hand. They thought that they would be relieved of the persecutions they were then undergoing and would receive their heavenly reward very soon.

The apostle therefore wrote them: “Let no one seduce you in any manner, because [that “day of Jehovah”] will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.”—2 Thess. 2:3.

What is an “apostasy”? Is it a mere careless falling away or dropping off from Christian faith and practice? No. The word “apostasy” has a much stronger flavor. The Greek word used is defined as “a standing off from,” “a departing,” “a withdrawing.” Moffatt’s translation of the verb form at 1 Timothy 4:1 reads: “Certain people will rebel against the faith.”

And at 2 Thessalonians 2:3, above quoted, the apostle said (as translated in the Roman Catholic Jerusalem Bible) that the “day of Jehovah” “cannot happen until the Great Revolt has taken place and the Rebel, the Lost One, has appeared.” The Revised Standard Version reads: “For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first.” Moffatt and The New English Bible also use the term “rebellion” in this text.

REBELLION AGAINST WHOM?

Against whom was this rebellion directed? Against certain individuals in authority in the church? Of course, in the apostles’ days, their authority was questioned by individuals trying to bring about a rebellion. But the rebellion was actually against God. For it challenged, not only authority, but also doctrine, and additionally it tried to bring disunity and division in God’s congregation. When anyone takes an unfaithful course, challenging Jehovah’s word or arrangement, he is ranging himself up against God. The description of this rebellious development makes it plain that it is against Jehovah God.

Is the rebellious one, the “man of lawlessness,” a literal man? No, for no one man could have lived over the long period of time that is embraced within the fulfillment of this prophecy. Quite in line with this explanation is the rendering of An American Translation that uses the expression “the embodiment of disobedience . . . who is doomed to destruction.”

This rebellious “one” is not called “The Antichrist,” though he turns out to be an antichrist, in harmony with the apostle John’s description at 1 John 2:18, 22. He denies the authority of the Father, Jehovah God, and it follows that he therefore denies Christ, God’s Son and anointed king. So he is really anti-God, a lawless one toward God. He is called the “son of destruction,” which means that he is doomed to destruction, extinction. This will come upon him in the “day of Jehovah.” He is to be fully revealed before that “day.”—Compare John 17:12.

WITH WHOM APOSTASY BEGAN

Where would the apostasy begin? The apostle Paul revealed this when he spoke to the elders of Ephesus on his last trip to Jerusalem. He warned them: “I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.”—Acts 20:28-30.

Later, the apostle Peter wrote to Christians, calling to their attention that there “came to be false prophets among the people [the Jewish nation], as there will also be false teachers among you. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them . . . Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, with covetousness they will exploit you with counterfeit words.”—2 Pet. 2:1-3.

Paul also apprised his co-worker Timothy of the apostasy to come. He exhorted Timothy with strong words as to proper conduct in the congregation, the high qualifications for overseers, the need for strong exhortation, the correction of wrongdoers and maintaining of pure Bible teaching. Paul warned: “The inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons.”—1 Tim. 4:1.

Since “elders” or “overseers” were the ones to whom the apostle spoke, saying, “from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things,” it is clear that the apostasy would be started by professed religious leaders of the Christian congregation, those ordained or appointed to “shepherd” the congregation of God. They would be “false teachers,” working to “draw away the disciples after themselves,” (making Christ’s disciples their own), thereby creating “destructive sects.” These would be “oppressive wolves,” who would not “treat the flock with tenderness.”—Acts 20:29, 30.

MODERN-DAY RESULTS

We can observe the religious leaders of Christendom and ask: Who have done and are today doing these same things? Who have, by their religious teachings, disowned the heavenly “owner that bought them”? What religious leaders have been guilty of “loose conduct,” and have condoned it among their flocks, so that “the way of the truth” has come to be “spoken of abusively”? What religious leaders have coveted the things that the people of their congregation possessed and then have ‘exploited them with counterfeit words’?

The spiritual and moral condition of the people in the lands called “Christendom” is evidence that such has been the case among the sectarian religious leaders. And because of their greedy, haughty, materialistic attitude and actions, they have brought the hatred of peoples in “pagan” lands not only upon themselves and their flocks, but also upon God’s Word, the Bible. For this they must answer to God.

By observing these facts it is clear why there are so many religious sects in Christendom. For our own safety and well-being we need to know the truth about them. This truth as to the position of Christendom’s leaders in the sight of God is revealed in the apostle Paul’s description of the “man of lawlessness.” A consideration of this description will help us to see the danger of the philosophy that ‘all roads lead to the same place.’ It will enable us to identify the “man of lawlessness” and his destiny. To this end, succeeding issues of The Watchtower will discuss the apostle’s words at 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Gain Freedom of Worship in Portugal

DECEMBER 18, 1974, proved to be a milestone in the history of Jehovah’s witnesses in Portugal. On that day the Witnesses there gained legal recognition by registration of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This ended a struggle for freedom of worship that had gone on for nearly fifty years.

Interestingly, the recognition was granted during the very week that N. H. Knorr and F. W. Franz, the president and vice president of the Watch Tower Society, were to visit Portugal. Special meetings were, therefore, arranged for Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22.

CAPACITY CROWDS TURN OUT

The Saturday meeting was held in Pôrto, where a crowd of 7,586 packed out the Sports Pavilion. The site of Sunday’s meeting was the Estadio da Tapadinha, a football stadium in Lisbon with seating capacity for 22,000. The directors in charge of the stadium showed outstanding cooperation. They even rescheduled an afternoon football game to the morning so that Witnesses from distant congregations could make the trip and enjoy the program on Sunday afternoon.

When Brothers Knorr and Franz arrived, the stadium was already filled to capacity, with additional thousands still outside waiting to get in. Would insufficient seating capacity prevent them from getting in? Apparently stadium officials sensed the significance of the occasion. During Brother Franz’ discourse in Portuguese on Psalm 91, they gave an unprecedented order that allowed overflow crowds to enter the playing field. It was truly a moving sight!

When the attendance was finally tallied, 39,284 had come to the Lisbon gathering, making a total of 46,870 for these two special meetings. That is three times the number of Jehovah’s witnesses in Portugal. A sustained burst of applause followed the announcement that they would shortly be able to open up Kingdom Halls for congregation meetings.

But why did it take so long to gain legal recognition? A review of some history will prove interesting.

A CONSPIRACY TO SUPPRESS FREEDOM OF WORSHIP

Jehovah’s witnesses have been preaching the “good news” of God’s kingdom in Portugal since May of 1925. (Matt. 24:14) Their first public meeting was held that year in Lisbon’s Luís Camões High School gymnasium with 2,000 present to hear J. F. Rutherford speak on the subject “How to Live on the Earth Forever.”

Following this lecture, the Watch Tower Society opened an office on Rua Santa Justa, 95, in Lisbon. During the same year (1925) the Watch Tower magazine began to be published in that city. Other meetings were organized and conducted by George Young, a Canadian who had been sent to Portugal to organize the work. But things can change quickly; and they did so the following year.

In 1926 the Republican government was overthrown and “O Novo Estado” (The New State) began its rule. This was a strict conservative government backed by the Roman Catholic Church. The dominant figure in this regime was Dr. Oliveira Salazar.

Immediately pressure was brought to bear upon Jehovah’s witnesses. The Watch Tower came under government censorship and, just one year later, it was necessary to transfer its printing to Bern, Switzerland. In 1933 a new Constitution was adopted in Portugal and a strong dictatorial state emerged with absolute power over the people. In this same year all publication of literature by Jehovah’s witnesses in Portugal was suspended and the Society’s office was closed.

Thereafter repeated efforts were made to gain legal recognition. For example, on May 5, 1947, F. W. Franz visited Portugal along with the Watch Tower Society’s attorney. Besides delivering a talk on organizational matters to a group of about twenty persons, the visiting brothers consulted a Lisbon lawyer about the possibility of obtaining legal recognition for the work of Jehovah’s witnesses. But they were told flatly that the request would be denied, for the P.I.D.E. (secret police) worked arm in arm with the Catholic Church.

In spite of the governmental ban, Jehovah’s witnesses in Portugal continued to speak to their neighbors about the incoming of a new order of peace and righteousness under God’s Kingdom rule. (2 Pet. 3:13) By 1952 a peak of 53 Witnesses were active in Portugal. Once again lawyers were consulted about legal registration of a branch of the Watch Tower Society in Portugal. But after repeated interviews with government officials, the request was officially denied without any reason being given.

TERRORISM BREAKS OUT

Jehovah’s witnesses continued to meet in private homes for Bible discussion. By January 1961 there were more than 1,000 Witnesses in Portugal. In that year another effort was made legally to register the organization, this time using a local association. But the Catholic hierarchy had become furious at the rapid growth of Jehovah’s witnesses.

A wave of terrorism began in March 1961. Hundreds of Witnesses had their homes searched without warrant by P.I.D.E. agents. Their Bibles and Bible literature were confiscated; they were physically injured and thrown into prison. Many court cases resulted, one being appealed to the highest court of the land. The result? Witnesses of Jehovah, both men and women, were sentenced to prison for merely attending a Bible study in a private home. This terrorism kept up throughout the 1960’s. Then a ray of hope flickered. How so?

Dictator Salazar suffered a stroke and a new prime minister was nominated. When the new government proclaimed religious liberty on August 21, 1971, it appeared that some changes were in the offing. Jehovah’s witnesses gladly obtained the names of 500 brothers, which the law requires for classification as a “recognized religion” or “confession.” Additionally, they submitted extensive documentation regarding their beliefs and organization to the Justice Ministry on November 14, 1972. But, as the weeks and months slipped by, it became apparent that once again the request had been “shelved.”

A CHANGE AT LAST

When Salazar died back in 1970 many people expressed hope that Portugal would end its tyranny and oppressive rule. Some members of Parliament openly pleaded for freedom of expression for the country’s citizens. The younger generation, too, had become dissatisfied with the old regime. Then it happened: A military revolution, swiftly executed, took place on April 25, 1974. The 48-year-old dictatorship was overthrown in one day.

This brought with it welcome changes. For example, the military provisional government immediately announced the restoration of basic civil liberties in Portugal for the first time since 1926. On August 29, 1974, a law was passed granting the right for people to assemble freely without special permission.

How Jehovah’s witnesses rejoiced at this news! They held an assembly of several congregations in Lisbon’s University City Sports Pavilion with 1,211 attending. Seventeen similar conventions followed in quick succession, all in fine public places, with a grand total of 29,664 attending the public talk. And, as noted above, in December Portuguese Witnesses along with tens of thousands of interested persons turned out en masse for the two special meetings with traveling officials of the Watch Tower Society.

What a welcome change for Jehovah’s witnesses now to receive protection, instead of opposition from the police! When a rowdy man tried to disrupt a meeting recently, complaint was made to the police. How interesting to hear the chief of police respond: “Imagine! We received orders to persecute you people under the previous regime. Now we are going to protect you. I’m going to dispatch two policemen to be on guard at the Kingdom Hall for your next meeting.”

“YOUR GOD MUST REALLY BE DIFFERENT”

The Bible admonishes Christians: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that . . . they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God.” (1 Pet. 2:12) Is the conduct of Jehovah’s witnesses of that “fine” type?

A football fan who had been at the Lisbon stadium all day on Sunday, December 22, commented: “It’s amazing! During the morning football game, a crowd of only 5,000 people required a security force of 30 policemen to keep order. The police had to arrest one excited spectator who tried to attack the referee. But in the afternoon, with nearly 40,000 people, you don’t even see a policeman in the stadium! And there wasn’t a single disturbance!”

The wife of one of the caretakers who lives on the grounds remarked: “Why, just imagine, when they were cleaning up the stadium, they even took away the garbage I put here this morning in front of my door. Never have I seen people work together like this, without any problems or fuss.”

When a representative of Jehovah’s witnesses met with the board of directors to express appreciation for the use of the stadium, the president of the Club said: “Yesterday, this Club was dignified by the presence of your people. You have nothing to thank us for. You gave us a splendid lesson in civic conduct, cooperation and love.” Another director exclaimed: “All I can say is that for you people to act as you do, your God must really be different.”

Jehovah’s witnesses are bursting with enthusiasm over recent developments in Portugal. In November they had a peak of 14,220 active in sharing Bible truth with others. And they conduct more than 14,160 free Bible studies with people in their homes. The people of Portugal are obviously thirsting for knowledge of the Word of God. Jehovah’s witnesses are ready, anxious, and now legally able, to help them.

Insight on the News

Money and the Church

● Of Christ Jesus, the Bible says: “Though he was rich he became poor for your sakes.” (2 Cor. 8:9) How well do today’s churches follow his example?

Recently the Anglican Church of Perth, Australia, spent $6,000 to survey people’s attitudes toward the Church. The result? According to the “West Australian” newspaper, the survey showed that “the Church has become a monolithic, money-hungry, incomprehensible institution for the average Anglican in Perth.” This doubtless helps to explain why only 6 percent of Anglicans there are regular churchgoers.

In the United States, Boys Town, an institution in Nebraska for homeless and neglected boys and that is directed by Catholic Church officials, has received considerable publicity. In March 1972 reporters uncovered evidence showing that the institution had gained a net worth of $209 million. Yet every year 30 million letters went out requesting donations. In one year donations and investments brought in about $25 million, four times the town’s expenses. Under the heading, “Boys Town, America’s Wealthiest City?,” newspapers showed that the town had a net worth of $190,000 for every inhabitant. Church officials quickly announced plans to use some of the wealth for new institutions and also to stop money requests. But a year later the letters requesting funds were going out again.

Brazil’s Macumba

● Macumba is the general name given to a wide variety of rapidly spreading Afro-Brazilian cults. Brazil is the world’s most populous Catholic country. But, as a Rio de Janeiro dispatch says, “millions of Brazilians who are Catholics on paper actually are more active practitioners of African-based voodoo cults.” Many Brazilians attend Mass on Sunday and Macumba centers on week-nights; many give their children both Catholic and Macumba baptisms. These voodoo cults, in fact, merge Catholicism with their rites. Thus one goddess, lemanjá, is worshiped simultaneously as a native Indian spirit, an African saint and the Virgin Mary. Rites include magic and spiritism.

What is the Church’s view of this? Dominican friar Raimundo Cintra is quoted as saying: “We must not condemn the primitive religions but take lessons from them, adapt our religious language, ceremonies and liturgy to the needs of the people.” Nineteen Brazilian bishops in a Council at Pôrto Alegre approved a motion to introduce cult songs and incantations in the Catholic liturgy.

To fellow Christians, the inspired apostle Paul wrote: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . . what sharing does light have with darkness?” No, early Christians did not try to merge pagan practices with Christianity so as to gain or hold members. They knew that God wants pure worship rather than mere numbers.—2 Cor. 6:14-16.

Living for Today

● The world is in the grip of economic crisis. Yet, strangely enough, most exclusive clothing and jewelry shops in the U.S. say that business is better than ever. Dealers in luxury cars report growing sales and more customers buying high-priced optional equipment. Explaining this unusual situation, an industry spokesman says: “Inflation and bad economic conditions aren’t going to affect the average [luxury car] customer as much as other people.”

The vice-president of Cunard Lines puts it this way: “The economy, you know, begins to crumble at the bottom. The top is the last to be affected.” Steamship business reflects this. During January, four around-the-world luxury cruises, lasting from 79 to 94 days, sailed with solid bookings. Rooms and suites on the “Queen Elizabeth 2” ranged from $10,000 to $97,035. The ship carried 5 tons of lobster, 15 tons of filet mignon, 17,000 bottles of wine and champagne. Passengers were promised seven meals a day (including tea).

This free-spending by the wealthy in the face of severe, worldwide financial crisis doubtless reflects a desire to shut out, for a time at least, the hard reality of present conditions. As the Bible expresses it, many say, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.”—1 Cor. 15:32.

A Grand Spokesman—Who Is He?

A GRAND spokesman exists in the universe. He has tremendous power and authority. Your recognizing his position can lead to your enjoying an eternal future. Who is this spokesman?

The apostle John introduced him in the opening words of his Gospel. John called this one, who had become the man Jesus Christ, “the Word” (Greek, lógos). The apostle wrote: “In the beginning was the Word [ho lógos], and the Word was with God [tòn theón, accusative case of ho theòs], and the Word was God [theòs].”—John 1:1, Revised Standard Version.

Does this mean that the “Word” is the Almighty God, that he is the “second person” of Christendom’s Trinity? That is what millions of people believe. Is this what you have been taught? Do you know on what this belief is based?

Consider a comment made in the Encyclopædia Britannica (1974 edition, Micropædia, Vol. VI, p. 302): “The identification of Jesus with the logos, which is implicitly stated in various places in the New Testament but very specifically in the Fourth Gospel, was further developed in the early church but more on the basis of Greek philosophical ideas than on Old Testament motifs. [Italics ours]”

Notice that Greek philosophy provided a basis for ideas about the logos or “Word.” Might this not raise questions as to the correctness of common beliefs about Jesus Christ?—Col. 2:8.

Our getting to know the truth about the “Word” is not a matter of mere academic interest. It is something that has a bearing on our everlasting future. This is clear from Jesus’ words: “Eternal life means knowing you as the only true God, and knowing Jesus your messenger as Christ.” (John 17:3, An American Translation) Such knowing of God and Christ means knowing them as persons and enjoying a good relationship with them. Clearly, one who has a distorted view of Jesus’ identity and position in relation to his Father would know neither the Father nor the Son. With interest, then, we consider just what the Bible, not Greek philosophy, reveals about the identity of “the Word.”

IN WHAT SENSE GOD?

John 1:1 says that the “Word was with God.” That statement indicates that two persons are involved—the Word and God. In what sense, then, is the Word “God”? The answer to this question becomes clear when we consider the way the term “God” is used in the Bible.

Psalm 8:5 says: “You [Jehovah] also proceeded to make him [man] a little less than godlike ones.” In this case the expression “godlike ones” translates the Hebrew word ’elo·himʹ, which, depending upon the context, signifies “gods” or “God.” The ones here called “gods” are angels, because, when quoted at Hebrews 2:7, Psalm 8:5 reads: “You made him a little lower than angels.” The term “god” is even applied to men, as, for example, at Psalm 82:1-6, which refers to human judges who failed to execute justice as “gods.” Such references to angels and humans as “gods” pointed to their being (or their considering themselves to be) “mighty ones.” Also, angels were God’s representatives, and therefore humans spoke to them and of them as “God.”—Judg. 13:21, 22.

In view of such use of the word “God,” is the term not rightly applied to God’s firstborn Son? Surely, for this Son is indeed a “mighty one” as well as being God’s representative. (John 17:8) So when John 1:1 refers to Jesus as “God,” there really is no basis for concluding that he is the “second person” of a triune God. The text itself does not say anything like that. The word “God” in this application to the “Word” simply calls attention to that one’s divine nature, his being Godlike, a mighty one, during his prehuman existence. This is evident from the omission in the original Greek text of the definite article before “God” in the phrase “the Word was God.” As Greek scholar Westcott states: “It is necessarily without the article [the·ós not ho the·ós] inasmuch as it describes the nature of the Word and does not identify His Person.”—Quoted from page 116 of An Idiom Book of New Testament Greek, by Professor C. F. D. Moule, 1963 reprint.

THE FATHER IS CHRIST’S GOD

If the “Word” were indeed the “second person” of a triune God, should we not expect the Bible to say this in clear terms? If Jesus of the “New Testament” is Jehovah of the “Old Testament,” as many claim, should there not at least be one Biblical reference definitely saying that Jesus is Jehovah? Yet there is not one. In fact, Jesus himself recognized his Father as his God, saying to Mary Magdalene: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.”—John 20:17.

Thus the Father alone is THE God, the Supreme One, to whom all owe worship and to whom all, including the Son, are rightly subject. Our God is therefore the same One who is the God of Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul pointed out to fellow believers: “There is actually to us one God the Father, out of whom all things are, and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and we through him.” (1 Cor. 8:6) Does this not reveal a clear distinction between the Father and the Son as to their position, power and authority?

The Father and the Son are not equal, as Trinitarians claim. “The head of the Christ is God.” (1 Cor. 11:3) As Christians are the property of Christ, so Christ is God’s property. Wrote the inspired apostle Paul: “You belong to Christ; Christ, in turn, belongs to God.” (1 Cor. 3:23) Does this not perhaps refer to Christ only while a human on earth? Though himself a Trinitarian, theologian C. F. Kling makes this comment about the apostle’s words: “By belonging to Christ we indirectly belong to God . . . And so, on the one hand, we see our union to God to be mediated by Christ, and, on the other, that Christ is subordinated to the Father, as shown in 1 Co xi. 3. To consider this subordination however as belonging solely to His human nature, would not accord with a correct view of the whole subject. It is the whole Christ that is here spoken of, and that too not simply as in His state of humiliation, but also in His state of glory.”—A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, by J. P. Lange and translated by P. Schaff.

Actually, everything that the Son has he has received from the Father. Note Jesus’ own statements: “The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing. . . . For the Father judges no one at all, but he has committed all the judging to the Son . . . And he has given him authority to do judging, because Son of man he is.” (John 5:19-27) “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matt. 28:18) That includes kingly authority, as is evident from Daniel 7:13, 14, which reads: “With the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him.”

After accomplishing his millennial work as king toward humankind, Jesus Christ will ‘hand over the kingdom to his God and Father.’ As the Bible clearly states, he “will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.” (1 Cor. 15:24-28) Obviously, then, the Son owes everything to his Father and rightly acknowledges that fact. He is not his Father’s equal.

“IN THE BEGINNING”

Viewed from a language standpoint, the very fact that the “Word” is the “Son of God” indicates a beginning, as a son is always younger than his father. As for the Father, he has always existed. Of Him the inspired psalmist declared: “Before the mountains themselves were born, or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God.” (Ps. 90:2) Can this be said of the Son when that very designation indicates otherwise? If so, there should be some indication that “son” when used with reference to the “firstborn Son” does not really mean “son.” Is there proof for this? Or, to the contrary, are there Biblical statements that clearly point to a time when the Son did not exist?

At Revelation 3:14 the Son is called “the beginning of God’s creation” (Revised Standard Version), “the origin of God’s creation” (An American Translation) or “the beginning of the creation of God.” (Authorized Version) Many argue that this means that the Son was the Originator or Author of the creation. But that is not what the text says. Even some Trinitarians admit that such an explanation is wrong.

Says theologian Albert Barnes regarding the Greek word translated “beginning” or “origin”: “The word properly refers to the commencement of a thing, not its authorship, and denotes properly primacy in time, and primacy in rank, but not primacy in the sense of causing anything to exist. . . . The word is not, therefore, found in the sense of authorship, as denoting that one is the beginning of anything in the sense that he caused it to have an existence.”—Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament, p. 1569.

Thereafter this theologian acknowledges that Revelation 3:14 could properly mean that Christ was created, saying: “If it were demonstrated from other sources that Christ was, in fact, a created being, and the first that God had made, it cannot be denied that this language would appropriately express that fact.”

Being a Trinitarian, he does not accept that fact, insisting that other scriptures prove that Jesus is himself the Creator, uncreated, eternal. This theologian therefore interprets Revelation 3:14 to mean that Christ is ‘the beginning of God’s creation’ because of being the Prince or Head of creation. Let us, then, examine this view in the light of the texts on which he claims to rely. Is Jesus really the Creator?

According to the rendering of the Catholic Jerusalem Bible, John 1:1-3 says: “In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him.” Does this prove that “the Word” was the Creator? No. Why not? Because the creation was accomplished through him. The Word was therefore God’s instrument for accomplishing the creative works. The same thought is expressed at Colossians 1:15, 16: “He is the image of the unseen God and the first-born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and everything invisible, Thrones, Dominations, Sovereignties, Powers—all things were created through him and for him.”—Jerusalem Bible.

What is written at Hebrews 1:2 does not alter the picture. The Son is again presented as the instrument or agency used in creating. The Jerusalem Bible reads: “In our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is.”

Thus these passages in John, Colossians and Hebrews in reality show that the Son is not the Creator and not equal to his Father. Of course, as the context reveals, these passages were not recorded to establish that the Son had or did not have a beginning but to point to his important position in God’s purpose. Yet might they not provide indirect proof that the Son had a beginning? Since the Son received his position from his God and Father, there was obviously a time when he did not possess what he received. So, just as there was a time when the Son did not have what his Father gave him, could there not also have been a time when he did not exist and the Father was alone?

This is implied by the words of John 1:1, “in the beginning was the Word.” That is quite different from saying ‘the Word always existed.’ In itself the word “beginning” conveys the idea of a start somewhere in the past. Biblical examples illustrate this. Unlike the Word, whose existence is linked with the beginning, God is referred to as creating in the beginning. Genesis 1:1 says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Yet another beginning is mentioned at 1 John 3:8: “The Devil has been sinning from the beginning [that is, from the start of his rebellion against God].”

In view of such use of the word “beginning,” what can we rightly conclude about the expression “in the beginning was the Word”? This: It means that the Word was with his Father for a time before being used in accomplishing the creative works. After creation began, he served as his Father’s Spokesman or “Word” toward all intelligent creatures.

As Son and subordinate of his Father, the “Word” received life from the Father. Yet he occupies the unique position of being the only son produced directly by God. In all creation, the “Word” is indeed a grand Spokesman, having served as God’s instrument in producing those to whom he thus ministers.

Your acceptance of Jesus Christ, not as the “second person” of a triune God, but as God’s Son and Spokesman, involves your life. As the apostle John noted regarding what he recorded about Jesus’ signs: “These have been written down that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that, because of believing, you may have life.”—John 20:31.

“Working Night and Day” to Make Disciples

“Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us. . . . It was with working night and day . . . that we preached the good news of God to you.”—1 Thess. 2:8, 9.

1. (a) To what end does Jehovah’s organization work? (b) At what should God’s servants now busy themselves?

JEHOVAH’S organization works with a sense of urgency. There is a job to get done. In harmony with the prayer that Jehovah’s name be sanctified, devoted heavenly creatures “have no rest day and night as they say: ‘Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah God, the Almighty.’” (Rev. 4:8; Matt. 6:9) Likewise, throughout the earth in this “time of the end,” dedicated servants of God, although having human limitations, busy themselves in “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt!” How wonderful God’s promise of righteous “new heavens and a new earth” that will follow that fiery “day”!—2 Pet. 3:11-13; Dan. 12:1-4.

2. What is involved in service to God?

2 Service to God is not the daily humdrum of an ordinary secular job. It does not involve just a day shift or a night shift. It is a service that is motivated by intense desire to give of oneself “night and day” in obedience to Jesus’ commands to preach and to make disciples, out of Christian love. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19; John 13:34) This does not mean that a person should ignore his need for rest and refreshment, as that would in time deplete his strength and health. But he should be willing and eager to help others spiritually at every opportunity, whether “day” or “night.”

3. How did Paul and his companions regard the congregation at Thessalonica?

3 The apostle Paul and his companions did just that! They were moved by “tender affection” for interested ones. When they formed a new congregation at Thessalonica, it quickly experienced trials and persecutions. But because of their integrity under trial, these new Christians “became beloved” to those who had studied with them. Paul and his fellow servants of God had been moved to impart, not only “good news,” but also their “own souls” on behalf of the Thessalonians. While they were with the young congregation, they worked hard “night and day” to care for their own needs and, besides that, they spent much time in teaching the new disciples. In this way, they truly poured out their souls in night-and-day service to Jehovah.

4. What realistic attitude should we take toward our service today?

4 Is our concern for “sheeplike” ones in our own area that strong? We know we have divinely assigned work to do. But most of us work at secular jobs so as not to be a burden to others, or we care for our families, or we go to school. At other times we share in the field service. But how concerned are we about interested ones that we find as we preach? Do we truly have “tender affection” for them? We may devote quite a number of hours to the field service, and we rejoice to leave some books or magazines with kindly-disposed persons. We probably make some return visits. But sometimes a month or two may go by without returning to see how interested ones are faring. Are we really thinking in terms of lives? So that they may find the way to life, are we “well pleased to impart . . . not only the good news of God, but also our own souls”?

5. What can we learn from Paul’s pattern?

5 Paul set a splendid pattern in expending himself on behalf of his new brothers and other interested ones. At his final parting with the elders of the Ephesus congregation, he said: “Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I did not quit admonishing each one with tears. I have exhibited to you in all things that by thus laboring you must assist those who are weak, and must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” (Acts 20:31, 35) If we, like Paul, have genuine concern for the “sheep,” we will work heart and soul on ways to help them. We will endeavor to make return visits on them within a few days, if possible, or perhaps call them by phone to stimulate their interest. The Devil and his agents will try to destroy that interest, so we must be alert to help those “sheep.”—Luke 8:11, 12.

KEEPING BUSY “NIGHT AND DAY”

6, 7. (a) What expansion is taking place, and what challenge does this pose? (b) Why should we make calls and return visits in our territory?

6 Fresh interest is being found as we keep preaching the good news. Hence the volume of work is always expanding. New congregations are being formed and more Bibles, books and magazines are being distributed—a total of 313,229,157 publications during the 1974 service year. Additionally, 2,387,904 new subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake! were obtained. There is urgent need to revisit those who receive this literature.

7 Some householders may not even accept literature. But they may make appreciative comments on the zeal of Jehovah’s witnesses in calling so frequently at their homes. The concern of such people over the worsening corruption and unrighteousness in the earth opens the way to give them further help. More and more, righteously inclined persons are coming to appreciate that the selfish, heartless society of our day holds out absolutely no hope for the future. (Ps. 92:7) By repeated calls on such persons, we may convince them of a realistic hope. With that in view, “we are working hard and exerting ourselves, because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones.”—1 Tim. 4:10.

8. What may result from applying the counsel of Ecclesiastes 11:6?

8 Keeping busy “night and day,” we may find good response when we talk with workmates, neighbors or fellow students.

A congregation in a university city reports that recently six students have associated regularly in the meetings. One of these is now enjoying the regular pioneer service while attending university. Another student to whom this new Witness introduced the truth has returned to her hometown to take up the pioneer service, and still another that she taught has just been baptized.

There is fine counsel at Ecclesiastes 11:6: “In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing where this will have success, either here or there, or whether both of them will alike be good.” So by using every opportunity that comes along, “night and day,” to converse with others about the glorious hope contained in “this good news of the kingdom,” we will find here and there, and often in unexpected places, hearts responsive to the Kingdom message.

9. Why can we be confident of Jehovah’s blessing?

9 Jehovah ‘knows the hearts of all.’ If we will but preach and teach diligently, the message will take root in honest hearts, and Jehovah will keep “making it grow.” (Acts 1:24; 1 Cor. 3:6) We may meet with rebuffs and disappointments on the way, but we can look forward confidently to the fulfillment of Solomon’s words: “Send out your bread upon the surface of the waters, for in the course of many days you will find it again.”—Eccl. 11:1.

10. How may we work with a purpose?

10 Genuine concern should prompt all of Jehovah’s witnesses to follow through on interest found. When that is the case, they do not merely note the name of the person, and then put the record in a book bag, forgetting it. Rather, they are deeply concerned to give these new ones needed help. So they do as Proverbs 3:27 instructs: “Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it.” Yes, do it! By purposefully calling again, as soon as possible, to continue your Bible-based conversation with the interested person, you can ‘strike while the iron is hot,’ as it were, enlarging that interest before opposers have time or opportunity to quench it.

A Kingdom publisher made a return visit on an interested person just one hour after the initial call. In a little more than a week, three more return visits were made for answering Bible questions, and then a home Bible study was started.

11. What is the great need of the people, and how can the Christian help to fill that need?

11 Each year, many millions of publications, in more than a hundred and sixty languages, are left by Jehovah’s witnesses in the homes of interested persons world wide. But people need more than literature in their homes to be spared through the coming “great tribulation.” They need help in taking Bible truths into their minds and hearts. (Rom. 10:10-15; 12:1, 2) They need to receive the “mark” of the true Christian personality in their foreheads. (Ezek. 9:4; Eph. 4:24) It takes time to learn Bible principles and to put on this “new personality.” The Christian servant of God must continue to give loving, patient, understanding help, so that newly interested ones may really learn the requirements for everlasting life, and make their minds over to Christian living. Are you willing to give them that help? Having constantly in mind the urgency of the times, and that it is a matter of life and death, let us expend ourselves prayerfully in their behalf while there is time.—John 9:4; Phil. 1:9-11.

12, 13. (a) What adjustments did the apostles and others make in order to share in disciple-making? (b) How may we enjoy similar blessings today?

12 Someone may say, “I do not have the ability to conduct a home Bible study.” Or, “I just do not have the time to conduct a study with someone on a regular weekly basis.” True, some of us are new or inexperienced, or we have not had the best education. With others, the pressure of making a living in this modern society may seem to limit time for other things Still, can we not do the same as the apostles and other early disciples? Some of them had been occupied with fishing and other secular occupations. But they adjusted their way of life so that they could follow Jesus in learning how to preach and teach. They made time for it.—Mark 1:16-20.

13 Those apostles did not have great worldly education or knowledge. But they had God’s spirit, and they accepted the training that Jehovah provided. In a short time, their zealous preaching and teaching resulted in a remarkable increase to “about five thousand” believers in the city of Jerusalem. The opposing rulers could do nothing to stop it. “Now when they beheld the outspokenness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were men unlettered and ordinary, they got to wondering. And they began to recognize about them that they used to be with Jesus.”—Acts 4:4, 13; John 7:46.

14. (a) What is our big interest today, and why is it urgent? (b) Our belief in the prophecies should prompt us to do what?

14 Peter, John and the other disciples were interested in saving lives. That is our big interest, also, today. A doomed world stands on the brink of the “great tribulation”—“a time of distress such as has not been made to occur since there came to be a nation until that time.” But the remaining ones of spiritual Israel expect to escape, and there will be rejoicing, too, when “a great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues . . . come out of the great tribulation,” because of having exercised faith in the shed blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus, and by taking up the worship of Jehovah “day and night in his temple.” (Dan. 12:1; Rev. 7:9-15) Do you believe this? Then why not make the necessary adjustments in your life so that you may expend yourself to the full in calling on and revisiting honest-hearted people, and studying with them till they have set their feet firmly on the way to salvation? The urgency of the time demands this effort!—Rom. 13:11, 12.

15. In what ways may the discipling work be cultivated?

15 By all means, we should keep busy in aiding those who are genuinely interested in God’s Word. If for some reason we are unable to make a return visit soon, we should ask another Kingdom proclaimer to help out. Elders and ministerial servants in the congregation will also be glad to assist in arranging for all interested ones to have proper attention. To all who are sharing in the Kingdom work, perhaps assisting for the first time in distributing Kingdom News, the call goes out to progress into other aspects of the field service, making return visits and conducting studies. Like the young overseer Timothy, you, too, can make progress, in line with Paul’s admonition: “Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons. . . . Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”—1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

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The Watchtower, March 15, 1975