The Watchtower, May 1, 1981

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The Watchtower — May 1, 1981

Source: jw.org

Contents

Page Two

Can This Book Help You to Succeed?

Make a Success of Your Life Now

Spain ‘Hears About Jehovah and His Glory’

Insight on the News

Which Organization—Jehovah’s or Satan’s?

If God Has an Organization, What Is It?

The Visible Part of God’s Organization

Are You Showing Concern?

A Wise Proverb

Questions From Readers

It Will Make You Think

Page Two

Page Two

OUR COVER: Many books have been written throughout history, but the Bible is unique among them. It can help you to make a true success of your life. See pages 3-8

Can This Book Help You to Succeed?

Can This Book Help You to Succeed?

NO ONE on earth can be sure how many books have been produced throughout human history. Indeed, a wise man once said: “To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.” (Eccl. 12:12) How true!

Yet there is one book that is unlike all others. In common renditions, it has 66 individual books. Its chapters number 1,189. And, in many translations, it contains 31,102 verses.

If you were to read and meditate on just one of these verses a day, it would take you over 85 years to complete this book. That exceeds normal life expectancy today. In fact, the very book we have in mind says of humans: “In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; for it must quickly pass by, and away we fly.”​—Ps. 90:10.

This book is the Bible. And proper study of it would require more than a normal human lifetime.

HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, once said: “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.” Truly, the Bible is held in high esteem by millions. For example, author Henry van Dyke stated:

“Born in the East and clothed in Oriental form and imagery, the Bible walks the ways of all the world with familiar feet and enters land after land to find its own everywhere. It has learned to speak in hundreds of languages to the heart of man. Children listen to its stories with wonder and delight, and wise men ponder them as parables of life. The wicked and the proud tremble at its warnings, but to the wounded and penitent it has a mother’s voice. It has woven itself into our dearest dreams; so that Love, Friendship, Sympathy, Devotion, Memory, Hope, put on the beautiful garments of its treasured speech. No man is poor or desolate who has this treasure for his own.”

Because of their religious views, some persons may be moved to make glowing statements about the Bible. Saying something good about it may seem to be ‘the right thing to do.’ Many, however, apparently have been very serious about pursuing knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. For instance, John Quincy Adams said: “I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.”

What would happen if you were to read through the Bible once each year? Suppose you did this not hurriedly but allowing time for meditation. Would there be an improvement in the quality of your life? You would be entitled to think so if British statesman W. E. Gladstone was right. He said: “The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors.”

In essence, then, you have a right to ask: Would increased Bible knowledge really benefit me? Can I expect this book, customarily associated with Christianity, to help me to succeed in life?

Make a Success of Your Life Now

Make a Success of Your Life Now

‘CHRISTIANITY? No, that’s too restrictive for me. I want to be free! I want to have fun!’ Have you ever heard people speak like this? Whether they say it or not, many seem to view Christianity in this way.

Yet is the life of one who rejects Christian standards truly free? The fact is, this world is not really a “fun” place at all. Half of it is desperately poor, with all the attendant ills of starvation, child exploitation and political rebellion. The wealthier part has problems, too. Spreading drug addiction, increasing crime and unrest, chronic child abuse and a surprising number of teenage suicides are just some indications that people the world over are living under pressures that many of them just cannot handle.

Actually, is Christianity really so restrictive? Does the following of Christian principles mean that we have to give up all pleasure and happiness? Not really. The apostle Paul said: “Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) Yes, godly devotion, or the pursuing of genuine Christianity, helps us even now to live lives that are satisfying and full of purpose.

How is this? Well, consider just some of the advantages enjoyed by Christians that are not available to those who reject Christian standards.

COUNSEL AND ADVICE

True, counsel is not always welcome. Yet a glance at the advice columns in the newspapers will show that many people are desperately seeking counsel. Moreover, thousands of psychologists, marriage counselors and the like make a career out of giving advice to their troubled clients.

On the other hand, some who desperately need help often do not realize this. Recently, for example, a young man tried a potent drug known as “Angel Dust.” While under its influence, he thought that his body had been invaded by rats. He drank rat poison and died. When that young man decided to experiment with the drug, he was, unknown to himself, making a life-or-death decision. If someone had given him sensible advice at that time​—and if he had accepted it—​he might still be alive.

It is ironic that many teenagers will seek advice and spend much time deciding what course of study they will follow or what career they will choose. However, on such matters as what kind of friends to have, whether to use drugs or how to view sexual morality, they will make decisions very casually. Yet, as experience shows, such decisions can make the difference between health and sickness, life and death.

As a help to recognize when advice is needed, and to assist in making decisions that will make “life now” more successful, the Christian has access to an unsurpassed source of counsel​—the Bible. Some consider it out of date, but where else can we get such reliable advice? Human counselors propose all kinds of theories and ideas, some of which eventually prove to be positively harmful. But the Bible has stood the test of time. “Many are the plans in the heart of a man, but the counsel of Jehovah is what will stand.”​—Prov. 19:21.

The Bible’s counsel never works harm to the person following it. To illustrate: The Scriptures counsel readers to “flee from fornication.” (1 Cor. 6:18) Hence, there was no faithful Christian following Bible counsel among the two million Americans who contracted gonorrhea last year through immorality. Similarly, no one who follows Bible principles would pollute his body with tobacco, and, hence, risk suffering unnecessary heart ailments or cancer. Nor would he be among the large number who die each year because of driving automobiles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.​—2 Cor. 7:1.

Counsel in the Bible may be contrary to our inclinations. Perhaps we sometimes wish it would say something different, so that we could be more like the people around us. But a faithful Christian knows that, in the long run, doing what is advised in the Bible will be the best thing for him.

Those who have experienced the “freedom” of the world are often only too glad to give it up. One man was a chain smoker, as well as a heavy drinker, and was addicted to gambling at cockfights. Additionally, he greatly enjoyed sexually suggestive dancing. In time, he came in contact with a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although he was indulging to the full in the “freedom” that this world offers, he said it was a relief to change and mold his life anew according to the counsel in the Bible. The so-called restricted life of a Christian was much more satisfying. Many others have had similar experiences.​—Rom. 12:2.

The Bible says: “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, in order that you may become wise in your future.” (Prov. 19:20) A wise Christian never loses sight of his enviable privilege of having access to God’s own counsel.

RELIABLE ASSOCIATION

Josephine was popular at school. She was bright, good at sports and a member of school organizations. For special events, she was usually the one chosen to represent the school.

Then this girl had the opportunity to study the Bible. Because she started to mold her life by Scriptural principles, her former friends began to shun her. This did not disturb her, however, because she had found friends of a different kind. As she said: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are true friends, because when you need it, they are always ready to help you.” True, her life had been seemingly happy before she became a practicing Christian. But she said: “Even though I was thoroughly spoiled by everyone in those days, I did not feel the happiness that I feel now.”

These expressions highlight another advantage enjoyed by true Christians: reliable and good association. As the Biblical psalmist said: “How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”​—Ps. 133:1.

Doubtless, some outside the Christian congregation have pleasant personalities. But association with them will never build up our desire to serve God. It may, however, cause problems. One youth, explaining why he used drugs, spoke of the intense pressure to do so from his friends. He said: “Everybody gets high. If you don’t, you’re [an outsider].” For such people, peer pressure is a big problem. Often they do things they really do not want to do, rather than face ridicule because of being different. The observation of the apostle Paul was accurate: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.”​—1 Cor. 15:33.

On the other hand, genuine Christians never wrongly try to influence their neighbors. Jesus told his disciples: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) They are aware that “love does not work evil to one’s neighbor.” (Rom. 13:10) Hence, association with faithful Christians is always beneficial.

“He that is walking with wise persons will become wise,” says the Biblical proverb. However, “he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) “Wise persons” can be found within the Christian congregation. Association with these loyal witnesses of Jehovah God will help to make our “life now” more successful.

PEACE OF MIND

In the Middle Ages, people built castles for security, or for peace of mind. Today, individuals try to build big bank accounts or get an advanced education, hoping these will supply the same thing.

This does not work, though. It is true that billions of poor people suffer insecurity because of their poverty. Yet wealthy people do not seem to have peace of mind either. One evidence of this was called “The Doomsday Boom,” in a recent report appearing in Newsweek magazine. This refers to a flourishing industry in America that caters to people who are preparing for disasters that they are sure will come. The report states: “Some are braced for man-made disasters​—depression, deadly pollution, urban riots—​while others have dug in against such natural catastrophes as drought or flood.” Of course, for every one that makes this kind of active preparation, many, many more have an uneasy feeling that something bad is going to happen. It is just as Jesus prophesied for our day: “Men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” (Luke 21:26) Such fear robs a person of peace of mind.

No, in these days of inflation and international uncertainties, money gives very dubious security. Another thing that can rob us of peace of mind is emotional insecurity. This is what results in such things as broken homes and the tragedy of teenage suicide. When investigating suicide​—listed as the third most prevalent cause of death among teenagers—​investigators found that a recurrent cause was a terrible loneliness. It was as if they were saying: “I want to die, because nobody loves me.”

Do Christians have to suffer such insecurities and emotional turmoil? No. They serve a God who cares for them, and this gives them peace of mind.

Jehovah God watches over his people even in a physical way. Jesus advised us: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” Christians who are materially poor can testify to the fact that this is not an empty promise. God really does care for his servants.​—Matt. 6:31-33.

Again, do Christians feel the need to make elaborate preparations for some possible future catastrophe? No. They know that a big change is coming soon, but they also know why it is coming, and they realize that Jehovah has promised protection for those who serve him. (Ps. 27:5; Isa. 26:20) Jesus, speaking of the difficult times we live in, said: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”​—Luke 21:28.

Even when a Christian suffers emotional problems, perhaps because of the death of a loved one or for some other reason, he is not left without help. He associates with fellow Christians who will ‘speak consolingly to the depressed souls and will support the weak.’ Moreover, the God he serves is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he [Jehovah] saves.” Hence, a faithful Christian need never feel the aching loneliness that drives so many to suicide.​—1 Thess. 5:14; Ps. 34:18.

NO PROBLEMS?

Does this mean that a true Christian’s life is easy and without problems? Of course not. Today, life is not easy for anyone on earth. All have problems. Yet these very problems, taken in the right way, can be a source of encouragement to the Christian. For example, he has to face up to things like inflation, pollution and sickness, just like everyone else. But such problems give the Christian a chance to apply Bible counsel and see that it really works. Indeed, problems teach him to rely on God’s wisdom rather than his own.​—Ps. 119:105.

Similarly, a Christian witness of Jehovah has to fight the sinful tendencies of his flesh and avoid the enticements to wrongdoing in this world. (1 John 2:15-17) Doing so, he stands out as different from his worldly associates and may have to endure ridicule. But this can help him to grow spiritually. He can learn to ‘carry on as a man,’ instead of childishly following the crowd. (1 Cor. 16:13) He may even have to face persecution because of his refusal to compromise on what he knows is right. But this is not harmful, for it builds up his faith and teaches him to trust fully in Jehovah God. Thus persecution that God permits is a part of the training for a successful and happy life.​—1 Pet. 1:6, 7; 5:6-11.

A genuine Christian makes sacrifices. He sacrifices time and effort that could be spent in relaxation, using much of that time helping others to learn about God’s purposes. A follower of Christ may even sacrifice financially in order to serve his Creator more fully, or to avoid compromising. To a sincere Christian, however, such sacrifices are a source of joy. Jesus himself said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” The serving of our neighbor, and particularly the serving of God, satisfies the deepest instincts in humans. It is what God created us to do. On the other hand, a life devoted solely to pleasure or selfish pursuits ultimately is frustrating, “a striving after wind.”​—Acts 20:35; Eccl. 12:13; 2:3-11.

Certainly, then, the benefits that a Christian witness of Jehovah enjoys are many and real. They far outweigh any sacrifices he may have to make. Truly, serving God “holds promise of the life now.” And do not forget, it also holds promise of the life “which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) How unwise to give up such advantages for the dubious and very temporary benefits of the so-called freedom that this world offers!

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Seeking sound advice

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Upbuilding association and doing things for others

Spain ‘Hears About Jehovah and His Glory’

Spain ‘Hears About Jehovah and His Glory’

THE popular image of Spain is that of sunny Andalusia in the south, with raven-haired, dark-eyed señoritas dancing to flamenco music of guitars and chattering castanets. But Spain is a country of fascinating contrasts. For example, the rugged north has its green fields, mountains and rocky coasts. There the hardy, robust folk earn their living from the soil, the coal mines, the sea, or from the industries of the Basque country. And, interestingly, instead of the guitar, in the north you are more likely to hear drums and bagpipes.

Of course, the common denominator for all of Spain is the Roman Catholic religion. But now things are changing and the Church is losing its grip on millions of Spaniards.

A new constitution was accepted by popular vote in December 1978. Among other things, this has severed the official ties between the State and the Catholic Church. Article 16.3 succinctly states: “No [religious] confession will have state character.” This constitution guarantees religious liberty for all.

CONTINUED INCREASE IN CATHOLIC STRONGHOLD

Against this background, what progress are Jehovah’s Witnesses making in Spain? Well, it certainly is encouraging to compare the 1975 peak of 31,948 proclaimers of the “good news” with the peak of 43,276 in 1980, an increase of over 11,000 in just five years. Also, whereas in 1975 there were 534 Witness congregations in Spain, Andorra and the Canary Islands, there are now 784.

The zeal of Jehovah’s people continues to impress many persons. For instance, one Protestant writer acknowledged (in Página abierta):

“Many people are surprised to know that there are so many hundreds or thousands of . . . [Witnesses] in their city. I would say that it is not surprising, but rather logical. Only a year ago they visited all the cities, from house to house, selling their famous book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. . . .

“The followers that this sect has now are only the logical fruit of the sowing they have done.”

He then said of his fellow believers: “It is about time that we lost our spiritual shortsightedness, and instead of just having our Bibles tucked under our arm we should receive the vision of going out with a briefcase full of Gospels . . . since we cannot expect the Lord to bless with an abundant harvest a sowing of the seed that we have not carried out.”

CHRISTIAN NEUTRALITY MAINTAINED

Due to its 40-year alliance with the Franco regime, the Catholic Church has lost prestige and credibility in Spain. Some of the younger priests are trying to break away from the traditional image, and so the clergy are divided over political issues.

In contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses are keeping themselves unspotted from political involvement. (John 15:19; Jas. 1:27) Witnesses have been called to serve at polling booths and have respectfully declined because of their Bible-trained conscience. Some have been subjected to threats, and a Witness in Logroño spent three days in police custody because she refused to serve at a voting center.

As to the question of military service, draftees who are Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to be sent home until further notice. So at this time none of Jehovah’s Witnesses are in prison for refusing to take up military service.

WITNESSING IN SCHOOLS

Some parents are taking the initiative to establish contact with school directors and teachers, and this has resulted in a fine witness, as well as in expressions of appreciation for Watch Tower publications.

In one case, an 11-year-old Witness girl from the Andalusian province of Cádiz took along to school the book Your Youth​—Getting the Best out of It and placed nine copies with her classmates. A teacher looked the book over and exclaimed: “What a pity that the Catholic Church doesn’t publish such a good book for the young people!”

Another teacher checked the book’s contents and then told the young sister that she could get up in front of the class and speak about a Bible subject. She took her book and read the chapter “How Do You View Discipline?” and then commented on it. As a result, she started a Bible study with a girl in her class, and this girl and her mother later attended the Memorial.

A DISILLUSIONED CATHOLIC FINDS THE TRUTH

Another interesting experience is that involving Gloria, who was born in Logroño and raised in a Catholic family. She entered a cloister convent at the age of 19, starting her novitiate at Orense in 1952. After eight years in Catholic missionary service as a teacher in Venezuela, her father died and she returned to Spain to care for her mother. Nevertheless, Gloria continued to be a practicing Catholic, getting up every morning at 6 to attend early Mass. Twelve years later her mother died and Gloria moved to Barcelona. Meanwhile, her religious practice had begun to waver. Why? Because of the bad example set by some of the priests with whom she had contact, especially one considered “very holy and wise” but who had made an immoral proposition to her! So she eventually quit going to church.

Then in 1975 a traveling overseer of Jehovah’s Witnesses called at her home and she listened. She explains:

“We were talking about subjects that had always bothered me because they did not seem to be either just or reasonable​—hellfire, purgatory, the veneration of Mary, and so forth. He invited me to attend a meeting at the Kingdom Hall and I went . . . I came away very impressed. Everything that was said there was in agreement with the Bible, and that pleased me. I continued to attend the meetings, using the opportunity to observe the Witnesses. After two months I requested a Bible study. I was sure. Finally I had found the truth!”

DISCOS AND DRUGS ARE NOT THE ANSWER

In Spain today, there is a proliferation of discos and “pubs” where the temptations exist for immorality and drug-taking. Yet some are glad to break away from such practices and take up Jehovah’s worship.

One such example is Julián, from Torrenueva, Ciudad Real. Back in 1971 he was drawn into the hippie world and began frequenting a disco in the Barcelona red-light district. This led to experiments with different drugs, culminating in “trips” with LSD. Julián even had a replica of the head of his “idol,” a popular male singer, embroidered on the back of his jacket. It cost him 12,000 pesetas ($174, U.S.) and a month of living on bread, water and bacon fat to pay the bill.

However, as time passed, Julián realized that he had not found either true friendship or satisfaction in life. Thus, in April 1974, he decided he would visit a Catholic priest. At the same time, he was making arrangements to begin living with his girl friend. But that week an argument broke out among his workmates about whether Mary was really a virgin when she conceived Jesus. The majority, although being Catholics, did not accept Mary’s virginity, except for one man who spoke up. Julián talked to him afterward and learned that he was studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. So Julián started to do so.

Needless to say, he did not go to see the priest that weekend and he did not begin living with his girlfriend. After two weeks of Bible study, Julián destroyed his hippie gear, including his expensive jacket. Why? “I had to get rid of my past ties in order to get a new start.”

Shortly afterward, Julián moved to the Pyrenean principality of Andorra to get away from his former associates. He got baptized as a dedicated witness of Jehovah in October 1974, and later started serving as a regular pioneer. In June 1978, he was called to serve at the Barcelona Bethel, where the Watch Tower Society’s branch office is located in Spain.

“HAVING PLENTY TO DO IN THE WORK OF THE LORD”

With much work yet to be done, expansion is being planned. The Bethel family in Spain now consists of over 50 members. However, there is no room for expansion in the Watch Tower Society’s facilities in Barcelona. So last spring there was located, on the outskirts of Madrid, a fine building complex that can be reconstructed to provide an excellent headquarters facility for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spain. But would the Spanish brothers be able to provide what was needed to purchase the building? The response truly has been overwhelming. It has been particularly moving to see sisters donating their precious rings, brooches and other jewelry.​—Compare Exodus 35:20-24.

Yes, there is still “plenty to do in the work of the Lord” in Spain, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are alive to this privilege. (1 Cor. 15:58) The message of truth is unifying people of many regions and origins​—Catalonians, Andalusians, Galicians, Asturians, Castilians, Gypsies and Basques—​to name just a few. Spaniards are receiving a report about Jehovah’s kingdom, and many are telling others of his glory.​—Isa. 66:19.

Insight on the News

Insight on the News

“Seers Are Consistently Wrong”

● Millions of persons follow the predictions of psychics or “seers.” However, Jack Mabley, writing for the Chicago “Tribune,” states: “If you take them seriously, and would buy a stock or sell silver on their say-so, my suggestion is to do the opposite of what they say. The seers are consistently wrong.” Noting 62 of their predictions for 1980 published by a newspaper, Mabley said: “Not one of those 62 predictions was on the mark.”

For example, a California psychic predicted that in 1980 “interest rates will decline as the economy improves.” The opposite happened. Seven psychics predicted that Ted Kennedy would be elected president. He did not even win his party’s nomination. Jeanne Dixon predicted regarding the then president Jimmy Carter: “An attempt on his life, related to a church, will be made in the fall.” She also predicted that scandals would cost him several close, high-ranking officials. None of those predictions came true.

Not human predictions, but the inspired prophecies of God are what come true with unerring accuracy. (Isa. 46:9-11; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21) Hence, God’s Word condemns false foretellers of events.​—Deut. 18:10-12.

“Sexual Revolution” Backfiring

● In recent decades the “sexual revolution” has promoted the abandonment of morality in the name of “freedom.” An example cited by “Maclean’s” magazine of Canada is Sweden, where “prostitution is legal, as is pornography. Abortion is free on demand, courses on sexuality begin with seven-year-olds and contraceptives are given away in numerous youth clinics.” However, after examining the results, the publication reports: “Swedes themselves are confronting a welter of social problems caused partly by the libidinous years: the accounting is not pleasant.”

Swedish sociologist Rita Liljestrom comments: “Sexuality was seen as the key to a different political society. But now there seems to be a new debate: the feeling that we gained a lot but that we lost, too.” She denounced the sexual revolution “as a pseudoliberation that has left men and women even more alienated than before.” Others who formerly had a permissive attitude now find that sex often has become degraded and animalistic, instead of an expression of deep love between married persons who care for each other. Also, they condemn pornography and prostitution, as they feel it has increased rape and has depersonalized sex. Well documented also is the increase that sexual permissiveness has brought in venereal disease, unwanted pregnancies, abortions and broken marriages due to infidelity.​—Heb. 13:4.

Priest Commends Witnesses

● Writing in the Catholic “Herald Citizen” of Madison, Wisconsin priest Andrew Breines said after two of Jehovah’s Witnesses called at his rectory: “I’ve always been impressed by the zeal of [Jehovah’s Witnesses]. No matter how recent their admission to the society, they immediately begin making house calls to spread the ‘Good News.’” The clergyman noted that they “were putting God’s work ahead of their own interests and convenience. God held the first place in their lives.” He asked: “I wonder how many of us [Catholics] . . . can match their tireless zeal for evangelization. They go from house to house because they have accepted God’s call not only for their own salvation but also to share the ‘Good News’ with others.”

Learning that one of the two visiting Witnesses formerly was Catholic and the other was Lutheran, the priest asked them why they had become Jehovah’s Witnesses. “They answered that it was coming to know ‘the truth.’ By that they meant coming to know Jesus Christ personally through faith and the prayerful reading of the Bible.” Then the priest commented: “After my callers left, I couldn’t help wondering if we, in the major religious denominations, don’t often substitute . . . sacraments and programs for doing God’s work of evangelization.” But there can be no true substitute for evangelizing, as this was part of Jesus’ command to those who would be his followers.​—Matt. 10:7, 11-13; 24:14; 28:19, 20; Acts 20:20.

Which Organization—Jehovah’s or Satan’s?

Which Organization​—Jehovah’s or Satan’s?

“Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.”​—Josh. 24:15.

1, 2. (a) Today the choice is between what two things, and how urgent is the need to decide about it? (b) Nineteen centuries ago, whose decision on the matter was of universal consequence, and what choice was made by that one?

TODAY the choice is between the two biggest organizations in existence. Historically, this is nothing new, but today the need for making the right choice is more urgent than ever before. Two thousand years ago a historical person, whose decision on the question would carry the greatest consequences for all the universe, was faced with the need to make such a choice.

2 Two witnesses to this fact, two searchers for the historical facts, namely, Matthew Levi, a former tax collector, and Luke, a physician, give us the testimony establishing the truth of it. The historical person upon whom the eyes of the whole universe were then focused was Jesus Christ of the Middle East. Matthew Levi tells us that Satan the Devil “showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him: ‘All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.’” Jesus did not dispute Satan’s claim to the organized world, but he unhesitatingly rejected Satan’s offer. (Matt. 4:8-10) Jesus refused to desert the organization to which he already belonged and make himself a part of Satan’s organization.

3. In the Revelation to the apostle John, how was Satan the Devil pictured, and of what was his organization composed?

3 A personal associate of Jesus Christ, namely, the former fisherman John, the son of Zebedee, wrote what is now listed as the last book of the Bible. In that book the adversary, Satan the Devil, is pictured as a creature whose makeup John could never have organized in his own mind. So under divine inspiration John pictures him as “a great fiery-colored dragon, with seven heads and ten horns and upon its heads seven diadems.” (Rev. 1:1, 9, 10; 12:3) That oddly organized creature is called “the great dragon . . . the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan.” As the outcome of a war​—think of it—​in the invisible heavens, or spirit realm, the symbolic dragon “was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.” (Rev. 12:7-9) Those demonic angels who fought on Satan’s side make up his spirit organization.

4. (a) What does the “wild beast” that emerges from the sea, as described in Revelation, chapter 13, picture? (b) What is the attitude of the world of mankind toward that “beast,” and where and how will their minds be disabused?

4 Satan the Devil also has a visible human part to his organization. Do we belong to it or side with it? In Revelation, chapter 13, it is pictured as a wild beast emerging from the sea. What course does the world of mankind take toward this symbolic creature? Listen: “And the dragon gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority. . . . and all the earth followed the wild beast with admiration. And they worshiped the dragon because it gave the authority to the wild beast, and they worshiped the wild beast with the words: ‘Who is like the wild beast, and who can do battle with it?’” (Rev. 13:2-4) Those worshipers of the visible earthly part of Satan’s organization will have their minds disabused, for, according to Revelation 19:11-21, the glorified Jesus Christ with his organized angelic armies will do battle with the “wild beast” at Har–Magedon and destroy it.​—Rev. 16:14-16.

5. Till that war at Har–Magedon, what system of things keeps on existing?

5 Till then, what the apostle Paul speaks of at Ephesians 2:2 keeps existing, “the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience.” Also, at 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul says that “the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.” For what purpose? “That the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”

6. (a) According to Ephesians 6:11-18, what kind of warfare are Christians obliged to wage? (b) Does this mean that there is no visible part of Satan’s organization with which to contend?

6 Paul exposes the Devil’s invisible organization in Ephesians 6:12, where we read: “We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” Paul is not here saying that there is no visible earthly part to Satan’s organization. He is merely reminding us that we as Christians are not fighting a violent combat against the visible human elements of Satan’s organization in order to overthrow it. Jesus Christ, when in the flesh on the earth, did not try to overthrow Satan’s organization, and neither should his followers try to do so, for in such an effort they would waste their time and would fail. They need to carry on a spiritual war in order not to be made a part of Satan’s organization, and for this they need to take to themselves the armor and weapons that Paul describes in Ephesians 6:11-18.

7. (a) The fact that Satan has an organization argues what with respect to God, and why? (b) How was this illustrated in Jesus’ parable about the field that was oversown by the planter’s adversary?

7 There is no denying that Satan has a mighty organization with invisible and visible parts. Satan the Devil is a mimic for the purpose of deception, and the fact that he has an organization argues, in effect, that his chief opponent, Jehovah God, also has an organization. So Satan the imitator has deceived multitudes of people into thinking that they are accepting, adopting and joining the right and proper thing. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Just call to mind Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares, or darnel, as an illustration of this. The early appearance of the tares, or darnel, was so much like that of the wheat that there was danger at that early stage of growth that, instead of the Devil-sown tare, or darnel, plantlets, the wheat plantlets might be uprooted. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) Jesus explained that the tares, darnel, or weeds, pictured “the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil.”

8. According to John’s first letter and Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, what would those symbolic weeds picture?

8 In the harvest now taking place during the ‘conclusion of a system of things,’ the symbolic weeds make up the foretold antichrist. In his first letter, written near the end of the first century, the apostle John writes, saying: “Just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists . . . This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:18, 22) This agrees with what the apostle Paul wrote about 50 years earlier concerning the day of Jehovah. He said: “It will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.” Of course, Paul was not referring to a literal man, for he went on to say: “True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work; . . . But the lawless one’s presence is according to the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved.”​—2 Thess. 2:3, 7-10.

9. (a) How does “the mystery of this lawlessness” rank as a work of Satan? (b) How does Christendom rate as a part of Babylon the Great?

9 From those words it is evident that the antichrist, the apostate man of lawlessness, “the mystery of this lawlessness,” is Satan’s masterpiece in the form of an organization. It is an imitation of organized Christianity and so an opposer of it. As a replacement of true organized Christianity, it finds its expression in present-day Christendom, this name meaning the realm of Christianity. That is certainly a deceptive name, for Christendom is really the most powerful part of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, under the emperorship of Satan the Devil.

10. In the light of the words of John and Paul, what really is Christendom today, and what does each member organization of it claim to be?

10 In the light of what the apostles Paul and John said, Christendom is a departure from the true, original congregation of Jesus Christ, really an apostasy from it, yes, a rebellion against it. Unlike the first-century Christian congregation, Christendom today embraces more than a thousand religious sectarian organizations, each and every one of which claims to be Christian, the exponent of Bible Christianity.

ITS NAME?

11. Almost a century ago, by what name did the publishers of the Watch Tower magazine choose to be called?

11 With reference to those divided religious organizations that make up Christendom, the issue of the Watch Tower magazine for February of 1884 (almost a century ago) said the following under the heading “Our Name”:

“New readers in all parts of the country are constantly inquiring: By what name do you call yourselves? Are you ‘Primitive Baptists’? Are you ‘Missionary Baptists’? Are you ‘Universalists’? Are you ‘Adventists’? Are you ‘Primitive Methodists’? etc., etc. We have several times tried to make clear our position, and now endeavor in a few words again to do so.

“We belong to NO earthly organization; hence, if you should name the entire list of sects, we should answer, No, to each and to all. We adhere only to the heavenly organization​—‘whose names are written in heaven.’ (Heb. 12:23; Luke 10:20.) All the saints now living, or that have lived during this age, belonged to OUR CHURCH ORGANIZATION: such are all ONE Church, and there is NO OTHER recognized by the Lord. Hence any earthly organization which in the least interferes with this union of saints is contrary to the teachings of Scripture and opposed to the Lord’s will​—‘that they may be ONE.’ (John 17:11.)”

12. Indicating that the consecrated, baptized members of the Christian congregation are part of God’s organization, what did the Watch Tower issue of March 1883 say?

12 Indicating that the consecrated, baptized members of the true spirit-begotten church, or congregation, are united with the invisible heavenly part of God’s organization, the Watch Tower issue of March of 1883, page 6, said the following:

“But, though it is impossible for the natural man to see our organization, because he cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God, we trust that you can see that the true Church is most effectually organized, and in the best possible working order. . . .

“Recognizing this organization, which is of the Spirit, and desiring no assimilation whatever with the worldly, who cannot see or understand it, we are quite willing to bear the reproach of a peculiar people. . . .

“We have unbounded faith in our Captain; and this perfect organization, invisible to the world, marches on to certain and glorious victory.”

13. (a) In 1904 the Watch Tower Society published what book, and on what scriptures was its title based? (b) What was the title of Study V of the book, and, regarding this, what did it say, in part?

13 In the year 1904 the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society published the book entitled “The New Creation.” The title of this publication was based on the following Bible texts: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17, Authorized Version) “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Gal. 6:15, AV) Study V of Volume 6 of Studies in the Scriptures, page 195, opens up with saying: “As the New Creation will not reach its perfection or completion until the First Resurrection, so its organization will be completed only then. The temple figure illustrates this: as living stones we are now called, or invited to places in the glorious temple, and, as the Apostle explains (1 Pet. 2:5), we come to Jesus, who, as the Father’s representative, shapes, chisels, fits and polishes us for places in the glorious Temple of the future​—the meeting-place between God and the world.” Appropriately, the title of that Study or Chapter V is “The Organization of the New Creation.”

14. (a) How did the experiences during World War I affect those who had come out of Babylon the Great and had associated themselves with the Watch Tower Society? (b) What expression related to this discussion came to the fore?

14 The foregoing illustrates how persons who had come out of Babylon the Great and had associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society viewed matters before World War I erupted in 1914. After their tough experiences during that world conflict, the loyal members of God’s “new creation” found themselves more at odds with Babylon the Great than ever before. Their spiritual insight toward many Bible prophecies that were due to be fulfilled since 1914 was sharpened. A postwar convention of many hundreds of them was held at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., September 1-8, 1919, and they began to discern the features of God’s work that yet lay ahead of them. The expression “God’s organization” came to the fore!

15. (a) At the second Cedar Point convention, the feature talk of “The Day” dealt with what prophecy in particular? (b) In that talk, what two organizing operations were set in contrast?

15 In September of 1922 a second convention was held at Cedar Point, Ohio. On Friday, September 8, which was programmed as “The Day,” J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, delivered his historic address based on Matthew 4:17 (AV), “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He dwelt at length on the prophecy of Isaiah, chapter 6, in its up-to-date application. His pointed words regarding the enemy organization deserve republication:

“Jehovah, the great ruler of the universe, in whom all domination rightfully lies, planned the redemption and deliverance of the human race and organized the nation of Israel to foreshadow such. With that nation he organized the true religion, commanding that they should worship him as the only true God. Satan, the opposer, the mimic God, organized amongst the people round about Israel the false religion, and caused them to worship him and other devils. The power exercised by Jehovah upon his people is the holy spirit. The tie that binds Satan to his followers is the evil spirit. Because of yielding to his machinations Israel was overreached by him. God pronounced a decree against the nation, and enforced that decree in 606 B.C.; and there Satan became the god of this world. He is also called the prince of the power of the air, thus indicating his organization visible and invisible. . . .

“The financial princes and the mighty rulers of earth assembled in Paris for a peace conference, and the clergy of nominal Christendom joined with them; and the result was the bringing forth of the League of Nations, the devil’s final substitute for the kingdom of Messiah. Nominal Christendom now not only was allied with big business and big politics, but boasted of the fact; and the nominal church (now a part of the devil’s organization, with no authority to act in the priestly office) came forward to offer incense. . . .

“ . . . But will the ecclesiastic leaders and their flock supporting the devil’s organization hear? The Lord’s prophet answers: ‘Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. . . .’”

16. With what appeal did the speaker climax his talk on the theme of God’s kingdom by Christ?

16 In harmony with his theme text on God’s kingdom by Christ, J. F. Rutherford climaxed his stirring talk by saying:

“Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.”​—The Watch Tower, November 1, 1922, pages 331-337.

17. Because of the fine “field organization” since 1922, what has resulted despite the population growth since then, and to what have Jehovah’s Witnesses thus borne testimony?

17 In its issue of December 15, 1922, under the subheading “Field Organization,” The Watch Tower said in its annual report: “The efficiency with which the witness must be given of necessity depends largely upon the organized efforts made in the field.” (Page 389) Since that early postwar year (1922) the world population has been increased by two thousand million inhabitants of the earth. The advertisers of Jehovah’s appointed King and his Messianic kingdom have also increased. In the light of the efficient witness that these have given till now, Jehovah’s dedicated, baptized witnesses have borne inerasable testimony as to where they stand on the supreme issue of the day, “Which organization, Jehovah’s or Satan’s?”

[Picture on page 13]

The glorified Jesus Christ, with his organized angelic armies, will destroy the “wild beast” at Har–Magedon

If God Has an Organization, What Is It?

If God Has an Organization, What Is It?

1. What is the attitude of some today toward the expression “God’s organization,” and why?

STRANGELY, in this highly intelligent age, many have given way to doubt as to whether God has an organization. Some hesitate, yes, now fear to use the expression “God’s organization,” because they have noted that their translation of the Bible does not use the word “organization” in connection with God or at all.

2. (a) In view of Romans 13:1, 2, can it be argued that the governments of Christendom are God’s visible organization? (b) What questions arise as to Jehovah’s Witnesses who, since 1922, have been organized to fulfill Matthew 24:14?

2 Certainly no reasonable person will argue that the highly organized governments of today, even those of Christendom, are God’s organization or even a part of it. No one could prove it even by appealing to the words of the apostle Paul at Romans 13:1, 2: “There is no authority, save by God, And they that are in being have by God been arranged,​—So that he who rangeth himself against the authority Against the arrangement of God opposeth himself.” (Rotherham) At the same time, particularly since the year 1922, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been efficiently organized for fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus, at Matthew 24:14: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” So where does that put them with relation to God, Jehovah of armies? Are they merely a man-made organization that God can use, if he chooses, or are they the visible earthly part of God’s organization? Let facts speak!

3, 4. (a) How does the message as proclaimed by Christendom during the past centuries compare with the “gospel” proclaimed by Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1914? (b) How only could this have been accomplished under persecution and opposition, and what does Revelation 14:6, 7 indicate?

3 Let the honest-hearted person compare the kind of preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom done by the religious systems of Christendom during all the centuries with that done by Jehovah’s Witnesses since the end of World War I in 1918. They are not one and the same kind. That of Jehovah’s Witnesses is really “gospel,” or “good news,” as of God’s heavenly kingdom that was established by the enthronement of his Son Jesus Christ at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914. (Luke 21:24) The worldwide witness given to this effect under the barrage of international persecution and opposition could have been given only by means of God’s all-conquering spirit. It was accomplished neither by the spirit of man nor by that of Satan the Devil. It was done with the help of God’s holy angels, as is indicated in Revelation 14:6, 7:

4 “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, saying in a loud voice: ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.’”

5. (a) Which organizer is now to be feared in this time of decision? (b) Into what heavenly meeting did the enemy organizer intrude, according to Job, chapters 1 and 2?

5 Thus the One to be feared now in this time for individual decision is the Creator, the Universal Organizer. In the book of Job we are given a glimpse into his heavenly family of angelic sons. The organizer of the worldly system of things since the deluge of Noah’s day, Satan the Devil, was once a member of that family. At Job 1:6, 7 he is pictured as an intruder into family affairs, for there we read: “Now it came to be the day when the sons of the true God entered to take their station before Jehovah, and even Satan proceeded to enter right among them. Then Jehovah said to Satan: ‘Where do you come from?’ At that Satan answered Jehovah and said: ‘From roving about in the earth and from walking about in it.’” At Job 2:1, 2 a similar picture is painted of a later meeting of the sons of the true God in the invisible heavens.

6. (a) What does such a meeting of the heavenly “sons of the true God,” presided over by Jehovah God, indicate? (b) How were those “sons of the true God” encouraged by the example furnished to them by Job?

6 What do those two gatherings of the sons of Jehovah God indicate, and what would it be proper for those making up that family group to be called? What appropriate word or words come to mind? We leave it for the reader to say. Those meetings were formal ones, with the true God rightfully presiding. Satan’s being admitted to those meetings does not mean that he was still viewed as one of “the sons of the true God” and was still part of God’s heavenly household. His very designation “Satan” indicates he was not, for the name means “Opposer.” So he had no good purpose in moving about in the earth as a spirit invisible to men. He was opposed to any man who tried to keep his integrity toward the true God. With divine permission he made that righteous, God-fearing man named Job of the land of Uz the victim of his attacks. But he failed in his dastardly purpose to bring the universal sovereignty of Jehovah God into contempt before men on earth as well as angels in heaven. Job’s faithful example proved to be a great encouragement to Jehovah’s heavenly family of angelic sons.

7. Out of what family did the disobedience of Adam and Eve put them, and how many creatures from the spirit realm took up guard duty?

7 Satan may have thought that he would win out as he did in the case of the first man on earth, Adam the son of God. Toward the end of the sixth creative day, when as yet there was no man or human creature on earth, God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” God was not here using the editorial “we,” as if talking to himself. He was addressing at least another person whom he wanted to bring into the creative act. (Gen. 1:26) No open-minded person will deny that this called for heavenly cooperation. Unhappily the first human creatures, Adam and Eve, went over onto the side of the unseen spirit person behind the visible serpent, making it call God a liar. Their disobedience to God put them out of God’s universal family of children, and they were expelled from the garden of Eden. Then God “posted at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubs and the flaming blade of a sword that was turning itself continually to guard the way to the tree of life” inside the garden. (Gen. 3:24) There were at least two cherubs, and they were members of God’s heavenly household who had been authorized to materialize and appear to humankind.

8. So did it then become evident that there were others in God’s household, and what does Job 38:6, 7 show about this?

8 Thus it becomes evident that at that early stage in human existence there were already others in God’s heavenly household. That was why, when Jehovah God was asking questions with regard to the foundation of the earth, he said: “Into what have its socket pedestals been sunk down, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause?”​—Job 38:6, 7.

9. What orders of heavenly creatures are mentioned in the Psalms, in Isaiah 6:2, and in Daniel’s prophecy?

9 Psalms 80:1 and Ps 99:1 say that Jehovah is “sitting upon the cherubs.” This description is likely borrowed from the case of the sacred ark of the covenant that was located in the Most Holy of the temple at Jerusalem. Upon that ark there were two golden cherubs with wings stretched out toward one another, and, centered above, there appeared the so-called Shekinah light that represented the presence of Jehovah God at his temple. In a miraculous vision of the interior of the temple the prophet Isaiah saw Jehovah on his throne and attended by spirit creatures called seraphs. (Isa. chap. 6) Besides seraphs and cherubs, there are the angels in general, such as are spoken of in the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Not to be overlooked or omitted, there is the heavenly creature named Michael. He is said to be “one of the foremost princes” and “the prince of you people,” that is, Daniel’s people. (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1) Fittingly, Jude 9 calls him “Michael the archangel.”

10. In the vision described in Daniel 7:1-10, why would order have to be maintained at the Court session?

10 With regard to a vision of special heavenly grandeur, the prophet Daniel says: “I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing was white just like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a burning fire. There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened.” (Dan. 7:9, 10) At that divine Court, order had to obtain, especially with 10,000 x 10,000 ministering to the Judge.

11. In line with the foregoing, what does Psalm 103:19-21 say, and Jehovah is called what from 1 Samuel 1:3 onward?

11 In line with this it is stated at Psalm 103:19-21: “Jehovah himself has firmly established his throne in the very heavens; and over everything his own kingship has held domination. Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word, by listening to the voice of his word. Bless Jehovah, all you armies of his, you ministers of his, doing his will.” Quite appropriately, from the writing of 1 Samuel 1:3 onward, the Universal Sovereign was called “Jehovah of armies.”​—Jas. 5:4, New World Translation.

12. The fact that there are those having titles or designations, yes, “armies” among God’s heavenly personnel, shows that what exists in heaven?

12 So now, in the light of all the foregoing Scripture references, what do we find spelled out for us by the fact that God’s heavenly personnel includes an archangel, princes, cherubs, seraphs, angels, armies, all these ranks and orders or levels of being and “armies” acting in perfect harmony with full subjection to the Ancient of Days, Jehovah God? It spells out, it calls for, an organizing of all those in God’s heavenly personnel. It constitutes all such heavenly personnel God’s organization. It means that God has an organization, the Hebrew word for which is his·ta·druthʹ and the Greek word for which is or·ganʹo·sis.

THE “WOMAN” IN HEAVEN

13. (a) When Adam and Eve sinned, how did this affect God’s organization? (b) What did God then say seemingly to the serpent, but not understandable by it?

13 When Adam and Eve sinned against God, it affected His universal organization, of which they were the earthly visible part. They ceased to be members of the family of which he is the heavenly Father, the Creator. They went over to the side of the unseen spirit creature who was behind the lying serpent. Certainly the literal serpent did not understand what God meant when he said seemingly to it: “Because you have done this thing, you are the cursed one out of all the domestic animals and out of all the wild beasts of the field. Upon your belly you will go and dust is what you will eat all the days of your life. And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”​—Gen. 3:14, 15.

14. Why must a literal application of God’s words to the serpent be out of order, and what kind of serpent and woman must be meant?

14 Taken literally, those words would mean what? That there was to be a deadly hatred between the literal serpent and the literal woman. Also, that the seed or offspring of Eve would be the relentless enemy of the descendants of that serpent; and that serpent was to live on until the seed of the woman Eve arrived. Then that “seed” would be bruised in the literal heel by the serpent, and, in turn, the wounded “seed” would bruise the serpent in the head, evidently putting it to death. But of how much comfort or of how much benefit would that be to all mankind? Really, such a literal explanation does not make sense. It leads to so many difficulties that any mentally balanced Bible student is obliged to admit that God’s words at Genesis 3:14, 15 must have a symbolic meaning. So the serpent that asked Eve the catch question must symbolize something greater, and also the “woman” mentioned in this connection must be a symbolic “woman.”

15. Why do we not have to guess at the identity of the symbolic serpent, and its being “the original serpent” makes it how old by now?

15 Well, now, do we need to guess at the identity of the symbolic serpent? No! The Bible itself speaks for us. At Revelation 12:9 it speaks of that mystery serpent as “the great dragon,” “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan.” He was originally the symbolic serpent, and by 96 C.E., about when the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, Satan the Devil as a symbolic serpent was more than 4,100 years old. By now, when the Revelation vision is about to be fulfilled, that “original serpent” is around 6,000 years old, which is longer than any literal serpent has ever lived. John 8:44 says that “he is a liar and the father of [the lie].”

…