The Watchtower — March 1, 1954

The Sensible View of Money

HOW often we hear someone call money “the root of all evil.” This gives the wrong impression, conceals a treacherous snare and obscures a sign of the last days. Why? Because money is not the root of all evil. There is nothing evil intrinsic in the circulating medium called “money.” What the root of all evil really is can be found in the words of Christ’s apostle: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (1 Tim. 6:9, 10, NW) Here, then, is this evil-inspiring root—the love of money! What happens to those who fall victim to the love of money?

The love of money is a snare whether money be obtained honestly or dishonestly. We might compare this snare to a trap or pit dug in the ground that is filled with sharp stakes, the whole snare slightly covered over. So when a man, or any animal, steps upon it, he tumbles in. Such a snare is that into which “those who are determined to be rich” must necessarily fall. The way to avoid tumbling into a snare like this is to have a sober-minded view of money by heeding the advice given in God’s written Word, the Bible. That book gives graphic evidence that the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.

Take, for example, the case of Achan. Just before Jericho fell the Israelites were warned not to take to themselves any of the spoils; all gold and silver was to go into the treasure of Jehovah’s house. But when Achan found some silver and a gold bar, his love of money gave him other ideas. He took the money and hid it in his tent. Israel suffered a defeat before the city of Ai because of Achan’s disobedience. When his sin was discovered, Achan, together with all his family, was stoned to death. Achan’s love of money led to disobedience, and his disobedience to death.—Joshua, chapters six and seven.

Another who allowed his love of money to lead to disloyalty, and disloyalty to disaster, was Elisha’s servant Gehazi. Elisha, through Jehovah’s power, had just cured Naaman of leprosy. When offered gifts, the prophet refused to accept them. But Gehazi, running after Naaman and falsely using the name of Elisha, asked for silver and garments. Gehazi’s disloyalty, however, was detected. Said Elisha: “‘Was I not present in spirit when the man turned from his chariot to meet you?’ . . . ‘Is it a time to accept money? . . . The leprosy of Naaman shall fasten upon you and upon your descendants forever.’” (2 Ki. 5:26, 27, AT) The desire for selfish gain turned Gehazi into a liar and a deceiver and ‘stabbed him all over with many pains.’

The name “Judas” has become a synonym for traitor. But what started Judas on this traitorous course? Greed. He loved money. He loved money so much that he turned into a thief long before he betrayed Jesus. When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive perfumed oil, Judas denounced it as extravagance, for he wanted the oil to be sold for money. Why? “Not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money-box and used to carry off the monies put in it.” Whatever were Judas’ reasons for betraying Jesus, the love of money was predominant. To the chief priests he asked: “What will you give me to betray him to you?” They agreed on thirty silver pieces. The rest is well known. Judas, after the betrayal, cast down the silver and hanged himself. What did this love of money do to Judas? It turned him into a thief, a betrayer and, in a sense, a murderer; for he well knew that the priests wanted Jesus killed. Not money itself, but the love for money, led Judas ‘astray from the faith’ and plunged him into such destruction that Jesus said: “It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”—John 12:6; Matt. 26:15; Mark 14:21, NW.

Many are the reasons why money is loved. Often it is the desire for power and prestige. Simon of Samaria loved money in this sense, for he lusted for power so that he might exploit others and exalt himself. When he saw Peter and John imparting the gift of holy spirit, he asked: “‘Give me also this authority, that anyone upon whom I lay my hands may receive holy spirit.’ But Peter said to him: ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought through money to get possession of the free gift of God.’” (Acts 8:18-20, NW) Today “simony” is the practice of buying or selling church positions.

Indeed, today the love of money has pervaded organized religion. Christendom’s churches commercialize the Word of God, placing emphasis, not on Bible truths, but on collections, bazaars, bingo and on other methods to raise money. No one needs to be told of the love of money that actuates commerce. And the love for selfish gain, power and prestige in politics is all known only too well. Even marriage has been corrupted by the universal love of money. It was the same in Jesus’ day. Of ancient Rome Lord’s Beacon Lights of History says: “Money was the first object in all matrimonial alliances.” So it is with many today.

The Scriptures give us warning of the ever-present danger of loving money. But is not money essential? Yes, but the true Christian realizes that, beyond a certain amount needed to provide the needs of life, money has no power to bestow happiness or life. Real happiness and real life come from laying up treasure in heaven by showing love for God and not love for money. Jehovah, the true God, is rich, for all the gold and the silver of the earth are his. Still the Christian can use the money of this unrighteous world to make friends with God. For Jesus advised: “Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling-places.” (Luke 16:9, NW) Jehovah and Christ are these true Friends who can preserve life when money utterly fails. Only those who have used their life, time and material wealth to honor Jehovah and Christ will have true Friends at Armageddon.

Part of the sign of the last days is the abundance of “lovers of money.” (2 Tim. 3:2, NW) This, together with all the other features of the last-days sign now flash before our eyes. How vital, then, that we be sober-minded regarding the use of money, that we avoid the snare that could plunge us into destruction at Armageddon. Millions of people will die rich at Armageddon. No profit this! So make money your servant. Use it to honor God and to show love for neighbors by bringing them the good news of God’s kingdom. Jehovah and Christ will then be your everlasting Friends. They will not forget your loving service. For the King Christ will welcome you to the “everlasting dwelling-places” of the new world: “Come, you who have my Father’s blessing, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the world’s foundation.”—Matt. 25:34, NW.

The Meaning of John’s Baptism

“BIGGEST Mass Baptism of Modern Times.” Thus read the headlines of the Associated Press dispatch that reported on the immersion of 4,640 witnesses of Jehovah at the Riverside Cascade Pool on July 22, 1953, in connection with their international New World Society Assembly held at Yankee Stadium, New York city.

Reporting on a similar baptism, held two years before at London’s Lido Beach as part of the international Clean Worship Assembly, under the heading “Galilee Comes to the Lido,” the London Daily Herald told of 1,123 witnesses’ being immersed. Among other things its reporter was impressed by the “frightening earnestness” of the witnesses who had come to the Lido to be baptized, and, after commenting on the baptism of the men, went on to say: “Then came the women. Some women were old, many middle-aged and many young. And some of the swim-suits were as attractive as their wearers. But don’t doubt the sincerity of these people, disagree with them as you may. One crippled man with a walking stick was helped down and immersed. There was a grey-haired great-grandmother of 76, [and] an 86-year-older—a thin little wispy-haired woman.”

They manifested a “frightening earnestness,” says the reporter for the London Daily Herald; and “don’t doubt the sincerity of these people.” Yes, Jehovah’s witnesses take baptism seriously. Can it be that they take it too seriously? The reporter for another London newspaper, the Sunday Chronicle, seemed to think so, for he just could not understand why Jehovah’s witnesses insisted on total immersion, and spoke of it as a “trivial detail of a ceremony” that had become “an idée fixe in a multitude of fanatical minds.”

True, most religious organizations practice baptism of infants and that by sprinkling. Thus the New York Herald Tribune, on November 8, 1953, published a picture of a chaplain at the Bellevue Hospital, baptizing an incubator baby through the portholes of its incubator.

What is the truth about baptism? What do the Scriptures have to say about it? Is total immersion a mere “trivial detail”? Who may or should be baptized and when and how?

In view of the fact that many religions teach that John the Baptist set the formal pattern for baptism of Christians, let us first consider why John preached and what his baptism meant.

JOHN’S COMMISSION

The angel Gabriel, who appeared to the priest Zechariah as he was performing his priestly duties and informed him that he and his wife Elizabeth, although childless until now, would have a son in their old age, gave specific instructions as to the rearing of this son, whose name was to be John, and foretold the work he would do: “He must drink no wine and strong drink at all, and he will be filled with holy spirit right from his mother’s womb, and many of the sons of Israel will he turn back to Jehovah their God. Also he will go before him with Elijah’s spirit and power, to turn back the hearts of fathers to children and the disobedient ones to the practical wisdom of righteous ones, to get ready for Jehovah a prepared people.”—Luke 1:15-17, NW.

In due time the promised son was born and “the young child went on growing and getting strong in spirit, and he continued in the deserts until” the spring of A.D. 29, when he began his public ministry with the electrifying announcement, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”—Luke 1:80; Matt. 3:2, NW.

Why was it necessary for John the Baptist to serve as a messenger to prepare the way before Jehovah’s coming in the person of Jesus Christ? Did not the nation of Israel have the law of Moses, the very purpose of which was to serve as a tutor to lead them to Christ, by protecting them from pagan worship, by impressing upon them their need of a ransomer to take away their sins, and by making prophetic patterns of the work their Messiah was to do?—Gal. 3:24; Deut. 7:16; Heb. 10:1.

True indeed, but the Israelites had not been faithfully adhering to that law or Jehovah would not have let them go into captivity to Babylon. And even that chastisement had only a temporary salutary effect upon them as a people, for after the deaths of Ezra, Nehemiah and Malachi, and particularly with the rise of Greece to the position of the fifth world power, their worship became a formalistic, nationalistic Judaism that, while holding to the external features of the Law, became contaminated with pagan Grecian philosophy and more and more steeped in oral traditions that made God’s Word of no effect.

The religious leaders became very self-righteous, exalted themselves instead of Jehovah’s name and Word and viewed with contempt the common people, most lowly of whom were the tax collectors and harlots. A preparatory work was certainly sadly needed if they were to be ready to recognize and accept their Messiah when he arrived!

In preaching the much-needed message of repentance John the Baptist spared no one. Not only did he instruct the tax collectors not to overcharge or extort, a common practice in those days, and tell the military not to harass or falsely accuse anybody and to be content with their provisions, etc., but he even publicly, and repeatedly at that, rebuked the king, Herod Antipas, for his adulterous marriage to Herodias, telling him: “It is not lawful for you to be having the wife of your brother.” And especially did he lash out against the religious leaders of his day, in language similar to that which Jesus was later to use against them: “You offspring of vipers, who has shown you how to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruits that befit repentance. And do not start saying within yourselves, ‘As a father we have Abraham.’ . . . Indeed, the ax is already in position at the root of the trees; every tree, therefore, not producing fine fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire.”—Mark 6:18; Luke 3:7-14, NW.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JOHN’S BAPTISM

With his preaching John also baptized. Why? Did it in either a literal or figurative way take away the sins of the Israelites who were baptized? This is the thought of Christendom in general, as most religions teach that baptism is for the purpose of washing away the sin inherited from Adam. The Scriptures, however, do not support any such conclusion.

In the first place let it be noted that John was sent only to the nation of Israel, to prepare them for their Messiah. (Acts 13:24) Further note that John’s baptism was separate and distinct from that which was performed in the name of Jesus, or Paul would not have rebaptized certain disciples at Ephesus in the name of Christ Jesus but would have been content with their having been baptized with John’s baptism. (Acts 19:1-6) The purpose of John’s preaching being to bring about a change of heart, a repentance so as to prepare the Israelites for their Messiah, those who did thus repent and confess their sins were baptized by John in public acknowledgment of that fact. The repentance brought about the “remission of sins,” the baptism itself was because of their repentance, or conditioned on it, a token or a picture of it, the repentance.

Particularly do the modern versions of the Christian Greek Scriptures make this clear. According to them John the Baptist stated, as recorded by Matthew at Mt 3:11, “I, on the one hand, baptize you with water because of your repentance.” (NW) “I am baptizing you in water in token of your repentance.” (AT) “I am baptizing you in water to picture your repentance.” (C. B. Williams) According to modern versions Luke tells, at Lu 3:3, that John the Baptist came or went all over “preaching baptism of those repenting for forgiveness of sins” (NW); “preaching a baptism conditioned on repentance” (Williams); “announcing a baptism whereby men repented, to have their sins forgiven.”—Knox.

The same meaning is apparent from the way these render Paul’s words to the Ephesians regarding John’s baptism as recorded at Acts 19:4: “John baptized with the baptism of those repenting [mar., baptism of repentance].” (NW) “John’s baptism was a baptism in token of repentance.” (AT) “John baptized with a baptism that was an expression of repentance.” (Williams) Clearly the foregoing indicate that it was the sinner’s act of repentance, not God’s act of forgiveness, that was pictured by the baptism.

That this was the understanding of the early Christians appears from a footnote in Williams’ translation in explanation of rendering Acts 2:38 as follows: “You must repent—and, as an expression of it, let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ—that you may have your sins forgiven.” The footnote states that the explanatory phrase, “as an expression of it,” is “implied from context and usage in the early church.”

Since John baptized with the “baptism of repentance,” he could not understand why Jesus came to him to be baptized: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” Jesus did not take time to explain, but simply said: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.”—Matt. 3:13-15, NW.

Why did Jesus insist on being baptized although having no sins to repent of? What meaning do the Scriptures attach to his baptism? For answers to these and similar questions regarding baptism we refer the reader to the following article.

The Meaning of Baptism Today

WE HAVE noted that John’s baptism was only for Jews. We have also seen that it was part of his preparatory work to make ready the Jews for their Messiah. Further we have seen that it was a picture, not of what God did in forgiving their sins, but of what they themselves did in that they repented, and that it was separate and distinct from the baptism performed in the name of Christ Jesus.

What is the meaning of baptism today? Since it is performed in obedience to Jesus’ command, it is reasonable to conclude that it would also be in imitation of the example he set. That being so, the meaning of his baptism would also be the meaning of baptism for his followers today. And what was that meaning? It was a symbol or picture, performed publicly, showing that he had dedicated himself to the doing of his Father’s will as that will was revealed to him in his Father’s Word.

This is apparent from Psalm 40:7, 8, which Paul at Hebrews 10:5, 7 applies to Jesus Christ: “Hence when he comes into the world he says: ‘“You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me.” Then I said, “Look! I am come (in the roll of the book it is written about me) to do your will, O God.”’”

Paul applies this prophecy to the time when Jesus came into the world. When was that? At the time of his birth in a manger in Bethlehem? Hardly, for as an infant he could not express any determination to do Jehovah’s will. Then was it at the age of twelve? Well, all we know about Jesus’ activities from the time he was twelve years old until he became thirty is that he learned the carpenter trade. Clearly, doing God’s will involved more than merely being a carpenter. Jesus came to earth to bear witness to the truth, to maintain integrity under pressure and so vindicate his Father’s name, and to give his life a ransom for many. (John 18:37; Heb. 5:8; Matt. 20:28) That being so, would Jesus say, ‘Look! I am come to do your will,’ and then wait eighteen years before commencing to do that will?

In keeping with God’s law for the Levitical temple service, Jesus, at the age of thirty, shortly after he had been baptized, commenced to preach. (Num. 4:2, 3; Luke 3:23) So we cannot conclude other than that he came into the world to do God’s will at the time of his baptism and therefore it was a symbol or picture of his dedication. At the same time it was a public confession of that fact. The baptism he commanded as part of the work of making disciples of all nations would therefore likewise picture dedication to do God’s will.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

THE PROPER SYMBOL

How should baptism be performed? By aspersion (sprinkling) or effusion (pouring) or by immersion? The form most frequently used throughout Christendom is that of sprinkling. Those using this form generally agree that immersion was used in apostolic times but defend sprinkling on the grounds of convenience.

To refer to sprinkling as a baptism is to use a misnomer, for the original Greek word báptisma means a dipping under water, an immersion. Thus we read in Greek literature that the cork, floating on the top of the water, was not baptized, but the net, being submerged, was; also that the bulrushes by the sea were baptized only when the high tide covered them.

It is not surprising, therefore, to note that extremely literal translations of the Bible, such as those by Rotherham and Wilson, use the various inflections of “to dip” or “to immerse.” Because baptism means an immersion, Paul likens the passing of the nation of Israel through the Red Sea, with water on each side of them and with the cloud above them, to a baptism. And so Peter speaks of following Noah into the ark before the flood came as a baptism. Incidentally, on each of these occasions two baptisms took place: a baptism to salvation for Jehovah’s servants, and a baptism to destruction for Jehovah’s enemies, namely, Pharaoh and his hosts by the Red Sea, and the wicked world of Noah’s day by the Deluge.—1 Cor. 10:1-3; 1 Pet. 3:20, NW.

A further Scriptural illustration showing the correct meaning of baptism relates to the Syrian general Naaman, who was a leper. Concerning his baptism we read, according to the Septuagint version: “So Naaman went down and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the word of Elisaie, and his flesh returned to him as the flesh of a little child and he was cleansed” of his leprosy. (2 Ki. 5:14) The Greek word here rendered “dipped himself” is the past tense of baptízein, and means “baptized himself.” The only other reference to baptízein in the Septuagint, as far as the canonical books are concerned, is at Isaiah 21:4, where we read that “transgression overwhelms me” (where a footnote indicates that a literal rendering would be “transgression baptizes me”), although the root word báptein occurs many times.

The argument is advanced that sprinkling is merely a matter of convenience. But would it not also have been convenient for John and Jesus to resort to sprinkling? Certainly; but they did not let that enter into their consideration. Rather, they went out of their way, and caused the multitudes that wanted to hear them to go out of their way, so that they would be where there was sufficient water, even as we read at John 3:23 (NW) that they were “baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was a great quantity of water there.”

The case for immersion is made conclusive when we recollect that baptism is not a symbol of the washing away of sins but of the dedication of oneself to do God’s will. Fittingly immersion pictures what has taken place, the being dipped under the water illustrating one’s burial or death to one’s own will, and the being raised up again illustrating one’s being made alive to do the will of Jehovah God. Yes, the example of the apostolic Christian congregation, the meaning of the words themselves, the manner in which these words are used by Scripture writers and the fitness of the symbol all combine to prove immersion to be the proper form of baptism.

What about infant baptism or pedo-baptism? In view of the foregoing it should not surprise us that not once do we read of any infants’ being baptized, much less a command to that effect. What negligence on the part of Jesus and his apostles not to warn parents of the eternal misery that would await their children if they died before being baptized, as some teach, if such were actually the case! The very silence of the Scriptures in this respect is strong circumstantial evidence that infants were neither baptized nor considered as fit subjects for baptism. Baptism was for those who repented and accepted the truth heartily. Infants can do neither.—Acts 2:41, NW.

BAPTISM TODAY

Repeatedly the Scriptures speak of those who were baptized in apostolic times as receiving the holy spirit; Cornelius and his household received the holy spirit even before baptism. (Acts 2:38; 19:5, 6; 10:44-48) God’s will for those who then dedicated themselves to him was that they should become spiritual sons, and these were said to be “baptized into Christ’s body.”—Gal. 3:27; 1 John 3:2, NW.

However, this baptism was limited to comparatively few, only a “little flock” of 144,000. These have the hope of sharing heavenly glory with Christ as his bride or body and reigning with him a thousand years. (Luke 12:32; Rev. 7:2-4; 14:1, 3; 20:5, 6; 21:2, NW) For all such baptism is also a picture of being immersed into Christ’s spiritual body, and that they are to be buried with him in the likeness of his death. (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 2 Tim. 2:11, NW) Bible prophecy and its fulfillment indicate that this number has been about completed and that only a “remnant” of these yet remain on the earth. This remnant have for some time been faithfully fulfilling their commission to bear witness to Jehovah’s name and to comfort those that mourn with the good news of the Kingdom.—Isa. 43:10-12; 61:1-3; Matt. 24:14.

As a result of this preaching work a class of Christians has manifested itself whom Jesus termed “other sheep” and whom the apostle John described as a “great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.” These John saw “standing before the throne and before the Lamb,” as distinguished from the “little flock” who will share the throne with Christ Jesus.—John 10:16; Rev. 7:9; 3:21, NW.

Manifesting faith in Jehovah God and recognizing Christ Jesus as their Savior and Ransomer, these also dedicate themselves to the doing of God’s will so that they also may gain his approval and everlasting life, not in the heavens, but right here on earth; for the Bible shows that this earth will abide forever and that one day it will become a glorious place with God’s will being done on it even as it is in heaven.—Eccl. 1:4; Isa. 60:13; Matt. 6:9, 10.

In accordance with Jesus’ instructions recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20 (NW) these are baptized in the name of the Father, meaning that they recognize the office and authority of Jehovah God as their Father and appreciate their relationship to him. They are also baptized in the name of the Son in that they recognize the office and authority of Christ Jesus as God’s Son, what he did for them, and their obligation to obey him and follow his example. And they are baptized in the name of the holy spirit in that they are cognizant of the function and purpose of God’s holy spirit or active force, without which they could not fulfill their dedication vows.

AN ORDINATION CEREMONY?

The Associated Press dispatches reporting on the 1953 mass baptism of Jehovah’s witnesses in connection with their international assembly stated that Jehovah’s witnesses considered their baptism as an ordination ceremony and that each baptized witness was an ordained minister. Upon what grounds do they base their position?

In the first place, it, the baptism, being performed at God’s command, is recognized by him as authoritative. It represents their agreement to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, who certainly was the minister of Jehovah God. This ordination is further recognized as authoritative by the instrument God is using at the present time to give an effective and harmonious witness to his name and kingdom, namely, the Watch Tower Society. And on November 30, 1953, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that this baptism of immersion by Jehovah’s witnesses is a valid ceremony of ordination within the meaning of the law for Jehovah’s witnesses. Incidentally, the 1954 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses shows that 50,665 ministers were thus ordained during 1953.

But is it not necessary to go to a theological seminary to be qualified as a minister? If it were, then neither Jesus nor his apostles, with the exception of Paul, could have been recognized as ministers. In fact, some asked regarding Jesus: “How does this man have a knowledge of letters, when he has not studied at the schools?” And the educated class at the time wondered at the boldness of Peter and John, for they noticed that Peter and John were unlettered and ordinary men. But that did not keep them from preaching the good news. And not only they, but all the early Christians preached. (John 7:15; Acts 4:13; 8:4, NW) One can become adequately equipped to preach by studying at home evenings and week ends, and by attending the various Bible classes arranged for under the direction of the Watch Tower Society.

It follows, then, that a diploma from a theological seminary is likewise not a ministerial prerequisite. The very best proof that one could have that he is a minister is the same to which Paul pointed as his letters of recommendation, namely, individuals who, due to one’s efforts, have dedicated themselves to Jehovah God.—2 Cor. 3:1-3, NW.

Once having dedicated ourselves to God and symbolized it by water baptism, we may never let that fact slip out of our consciousness, for it is better not to have vowed than to vow and then not to pay our vows. (Eccl. 5:5) Jesus was ever conscious of having agreed to do God’s will and he spoke of God’s will as a cup he was drinking and a baptism with which he was being baptized and had yet to be baptized with. (Matt. 20:22, 23; Luke 12:50, NW) Only by keeping integrity to God and by associating with God’s people, the New World society, may we hope to survive the destruction of this wicked world in the coming battle of Armageddon and enter into the new world of righteousness even as Noah and his family entered a new world after the flood.—Matt. 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 3:7, 13; Rev. 16:14, 16.

To sum up: we have seen that John’s baptism was a picture of repentance; that Christian baptism in water is a picture of dedication to do God’s will; that only complete immersion is water baptism, that only it fittingly pictures dedication and that it serves both as a public confession of one’s dedication and as an ordination ceremony; that neither a theological seminary training nor a diploma is a prerequisite to being a minister of Jehovah God, and that by keeping integrity we can hope to survive the destruction of this wicked system of things to enter into the new world of righteousness as members of the New World society.

“Old Men and Children” Praise Jehovah

MANY centuries ago the psalmist commanded: “Both young men and virgins; old men and children: let them praise the name of Jehovah.” (Ps. 148:12, 13, AS) That this command is being obeyed in our day, and that in all parts of the earth, was apparent from the reports given at the New World Society Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in July, 1953, at Yankee Stadium, New York city. Among such reports were the following:

In a certain village in France three young girls, aged 11, 15 and 17, learn the truth from Jehovah’s witnesses and attend the meetings. Their parents try to discourage them by destroying the Society’s Bible-study aids, so the girls continue their studies in the cow shed. Soon Lucienne, the youngest, starts talking to her friends about God’s kingdom, and so when the village priest teaches them the catechism these children reply, “But Monsieur le curé, Lucienne says that isn’t written in the Bible.” This happens week after week until the priest, one day in exasperation, warns all his parishioners against little Lucienne. But Lucienne keeps on talking and finally the priest goes to her mother and says: “Madam, you should stop your children from talking to others! If they insist on learning the Bible, let them keep it to themselves. I am warning you!” But what does mother reply? “Have you ever been able to stop a girl from talking?” Of course, nothing could stop them from bubbling over with the good things they had learned, and at the next assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses all three girls were baptized.

Among those who recently have begun to praise Jehovah in Guatemala is an eighty-six-year-old former Protestant clergyman. He is a regular and punctual attendant at the congregational meetings although it means traveling several miles on horseback. As he goes about telling others about Jehovah’s goodness he never fails to observe: “Imagine! All these years I thought I was going to heaven and now I find out that I am going to live on earth!” He is happy at the prospect.

And among the children praising Jehovah in Guatemala is a twelve-year-old boy. His mother had obtained the Watchtower Bible-study aid “This Means Everlasting Life”; and from the beginning this boy evinced real interest and begged others to read the book to him, as he was blind. In spite of his handicap he engages regularly in the field ministry, placing Bible literature with his neighbors and making return visits.

In a lonely, faraway place at the highest point of the Apennine Mountains in Central Italy, an eighty-four-year-old lone witness for Jehovah began to preach the good news of the Kingdom. With a cane in each hand to support his frail, bent body, and a pack of Bible literature on his back, he visits the people scattered along the rugged mountain trails. Beginning before six o’clock in the morning, he returns before noon to escape the hot sun. Many a fall he has experienced while climbing the perilous trails. So effective has been his work that the Catholic Church sent in two young missionary monks to counteract his work. They followed him through the mountain trails seeking to frighten the people from listening to his message and urging those who had obtained literature to bring it to town to have it burned. Despite this opposition, in six months a congregation was formed. A year later thirty persons were baptized; all as the result of this eighty-four-year-old witness’ overcoming tremendous obstacles.

In Nicaragua a five-year-old girl accompanies her mother in the field ministry and goes from door to door by herself giving the witness and placing magazines with the householders. Once when visiting her superstitious aged grandmother she explained to her who Jehovah is and why the images she had, which could not see, hear or speak, were worthless.

In Finland, a girl of nine years became active in the field ministry and not only attended the congregational meetings regularly but prepared her lesson in advance and gave good answers to the questions propounded. Expressing her desire to symbolize her dedication to Jehovah by water immersion, her mother remarked that they were not fully prepared to take such a step. The little girl replied: “Of course, you cannot come, mother, because you don’t understand; but, let me go; I know the truth.” So she went and was immersed.

Repairers and Restorers of True Religion

“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”—Isa. 58:12, AS.

1. What is true religion and false religion?

TRUE religion is the genuine worship of Jehovah. False religion embraces everything against the worship of Jehovah. The word “religion” in its simplest and most common form means “a form or system of worship.” Therefore the word itself does not mean “truth.” We speak of pagan religion as well as Christian religion, so that any form or system of worship, regardless of the motive or object, is properly called a religion. Regardless of the existence of many thousands of different religions there is only one true religion, and it is the worship of the Most High God, whose name is Jehovah. This true religion has now been restored to the people.

2. What attempts have been made against true religion, and why have they failed?

² True religion is eternal, and can never be destroyed. Throughout the many centuries enemies have tried to throw it down and destroy it, but their works of evil have proved futile. There have been times when true religion has been almost completely hidden from view. It has been slandered and men have made it a treasonable offense to practice it. Indeed, during the nearly 6,000 years of man’s existence on this earth there have been many occasions when true religion hardly survived the terrific onslaughts made against it. But though sometimes almost in ruin, yet Jehovah has always raised up faithful men to champion its cause and fight for its existence, regardless of personal loss and even the danger of death. These men repaired the breaches and restored the paths, so that people might again worship Jehovah God in spirit and in truth. In just such a critical time we are living today.

3. In what way did pure religion exist in Eden, and why did it not continue?

³ Pure religion existed in Eden before Adam’s disobedience, because at that time there was the worship of but one God, Jehovah. Great blessings attended man while in that pure state, he being assigned very pleasurable services in connection with the lower creation, over which it was God’s purpose to grant him dominion. There were peace and quietness and nothing to mar the serenity of that garden of delight. Man needed no mediator with God, for Jehovah spoke to man in the end of the day, probably in the evening time. But this state of paradise did not last long, for Adam forsook true religion and embraced the false. A willful act of disobedience lost these blessings, and the happy, blissful relationship he enjoyed could be repaired and bestowed on his offspring only by one possessing the power and authority to do so. Mankind lost these wonderful blessings and life itself, and so far have they traveled from true religion that multitudes do not even know what it is. Such ignorant ones conclude that their idol-worshiping religion is the right one, entirely disregarding the terrible fruitage it has produced and how far it has destroyed any resemblance between Creator and creatures.

4. Briefly state what happens when true religion is lost.

⁴ Man’s being made in the “image of God” involves pure worship of Jehovah. He must operate on the same principles and rules of action as his Creator. When man ceases worshiping Jehovah, then immediately his recognition of responsibility toward God departs. He loses understanding and goes headlong into foolishness and spiritual insanity, for thereafter he goes in search of wood, stone or metal, fashions it into an image, paints on it a face, and then bows before it. Some creatures satisfy themselves by worshiping other creations, animate or inanimate. False religion breeds ignorance, fear, superstition, hatred, fanaticism and insanity. True religion produces goodness, joy, peace, love and life. The hope and salvation of mankind lie in the restoration of true religion.

5. Who is the creator of false religion, and what was his scheme in making the breach between God and man?

⁵ The creator of false religion is Satan, for he deliberately caused the rebellion of man in Eden to make a breach between God and man, and in this he was successful. Then Satan began to organize mankind into his way of worship. He has always done his utmost to prevent humankind from obtaining knowledge of Jehovah. To accomplish this he caused men to commence worshiping the creation of God, instead of the Creator, and so over the centuries men have made religion of everything, from the sun to creeping things on the earth. Earth-wide confusion has resulted. Paul writes: “If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Cor. 4:3, 4, NW) The time will come when Satan will not be able to deceive mankind with false religion, for it is foretold of Jesus: “And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations any more until the thousand years were ended.”—Rev. 20:2, 3, NW.

6. Explain the condition in Noah’s and Paul’s days, and how does this result from false religion?

⁶ The corrupt conditions resulting to mankind when true religion is lost are forcefully demonstrated by the terrible state into which the people of Noah’s day fell: “So God saw the earth and, look! it was ruined, because all flesh had ruined its way on the earth. After that God said to Noah: ‘The end of all flesh has come before me, because the earth is full of violence as a result of them, and here I am bringing them to ruin together with the earth.’” (Gen. 6:12, 13, NW) Again 2,000 years later conditions were the same, for Paul states: “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings . . . Although asserting they were wise, they became foolish and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed creatures and creeping things. . . . And just as they did not approve of holding God in accurate knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting, filled as they were with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, injuriousness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malicious disposition, being whisperers, backbiters, haters of God.” (Rom. 1:21-31, NW) Paul also declared that the same evil conditions would exist in the last days of this evil system of things.—2 Tim. 3:1-7.

7. What is necessary now for the saving of many people, and is such a work going on today?

⁷ These above-quoted scriptures clearly describe the desolation, the fallen-down condition and the low estate of humanity. It is absolutely necessary now for a mighty reparation and restoration work to be brought about so that some of the world’s dying population may be redeemed and saved from complete disaster. Such a world-wide reconstruction work has been in progress, and today hundreds of thousands of humans have thereby gained great benefits. Not that such persons have found a new religion, but rather they have been guided into the old paths again, having been led back to the religion of the apostles and of the faithful men of old like Noah, Abraham and others. The good resulting to those who have been restored to the faithful service of Jehovah has been immeasurable. They have come to learn that Jehovah is the Most High God, and the love of God kindled in their hearts and lives has produced obedience to the doing of his will. True religion has developed in these sincere and honest-hearted ones reverence, honor, gratitude, hope and godly fear. It has bound them securely to the Almighty, moving them to willingly surrender all to Jehovah.

8. Can we limit the blessings from true religion, and why do you so answer?

⁸ It involves the personal relationship, for it involves the decision of the creature to subject himself to the Creator. Such an act is virtuous, for it means that one is continually prompted to render to God the worship and reverence that are his by right. Then it is that those who are true worshipers find loving communion with the Creator and come to know and honor him as their own Supreme Lord, love him as a Father, finding in his family and in his sacred service complete rest, happiness and peace. So all-embracing are the blessings of true religion that they cannot be limited, for hope is born and the prospects of entering into everlasting life become part of one’s life, and more so as one learns to believe and trust in the promises of Jehovah and Christ Jesus our Lord.

9. How does true religion give hope, and with what results?

⁹ Hope produced by true religion transforms the life. It nullifies the disappointments, trials and sufferings of the present existence under this evil system of things, whereas the absence of hope numbs the mind and heart. Hope of life for all time can be given to us only from Jehovah God through His Son. “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3, NW) “Let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have gained our approach by faith into this undeserved kindness in which we now stand, and let us exult, based on hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but let us exult while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit which was given us.” (Rom. 5:1-5, NW) This is the true religion.

10. What are the identifying marks of those having true religion?

¹⁰ Some may ask, How can you be sure it is the true religion? The answer is that everything pertaining to it must speak to the honor and praise of Jehovah. It must enlarge the heart and the mind toward Him. There must be a desire and a hope created to see his name exalted above every other name in the universe. Yes, to see his name JEHOVAH shining brilliantly, gleaming gloriously, prominently displaying its grandeur and majesty to the gaze of all creation. These are some of the marks of true religion. It is not formalism, not ritual, not a social function. No, it is not something to try to show oneself respectable, but a living, all-consuming zeal to worship Jehovah with spirit and truth. There must be a holding to the Creator and it must bind us in bonds that cannot be broken. Paul was a true worshiper, and he said, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Rom. 8:38, 39, NW.

THE NAME OF JEHOVAH AND TRUE RELIGION

11. Explain the manner in which Satan called into question the veracity of God’s word, and what resulted?

¹¹ The substitution by Satan of false religion for true worship has brought great reproach upon Jehovah’s name. In Eden, Satan called into question the veracity of God’s word, his workmanship and the honor of his name, yes, and even his good purposes toward the human pair. It is recorded: “Now the serpent proved to be the most cautious of all the wild beasts of the field that Jehovah God had made. So it began to say to the woman: ‘Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?’ At this the woman said to the serpent: ‘Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat. But as for eating of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, God has said, “You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it for fear you may die.”’ At this the serpent said to the woman: ‘You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.’” (Gen. 3:1-5, NW) These few words disclose much. Satan questioned the propriety of Jehovah’s commands. The enormity of this crime can be understood only when we consider the nearly 6,000 years of sinning, wickedness, sickness, sorrow, suffering and death inflicted on the human race. How despicably selfish and rebellious to the extreme to even cast a doubt upon the word of the Creator! Those sinister words “Is it really so that God said”—partly interrogative and partly simulated astonishment—were designed to arouse suspicion and distrust of the Creator. Yes, the depths of Satan’s wickedness are hereby revealed. His rebellion against divine law and order is demonstrated by his defaming the name of the Most High. Here it was that Jehovah’s name was first profaned and defamed. Satan’s plan of action was to cut the binding tie between the human pair and Jehovah, to make a breach that would be impossible to repair and restore to its original soundness.

12. What does the scripture mean, “At that time a start was made of calling on the name of Jehovah”?

¹² It was in the third century of human history, during the lifetime of Enosh, son of Seth, that man began to openly profane the name of Jehovah. It is written: “At that time a start was made of calling on the name of Jehovah.” (Gen. 4:26, NW) Men were not repentant and seeking in humility to serve Jehovah. Hebrew scholars have contended that this text should read “began profanely,” or “then profanation began.” It is a fact that the same Hebrew verb is translated “profane” in the King James Version at Leviticus 21:6, but there the verb is in a different conjugation, formation or species. This time, however, was the time for external idolatry. In this connection note these pertinent comments: “In the days of Enos the sons of Adam erred with great error, and the counsel of the wise men of that age became brutish, and Enos himself was (one) of them that erred; and their error was this: they said, Forasmuch as God hath created these stars and spheres to govern the world, and set them on high, and imparted honour unto them, and they are ministers that minister before him; it is meet that men should laud, and glorify, and give them honour. . . . they began to build temples unto the stars, and to offer sacrifice unto them . . . that they might in their evil opinion obtain favour of the Creator; and this was the root of idolatry, &c. . . . So, in process of time, the glorious and fearful name (of God) was forgotten out of the mouth of all living, and out of their knowledge, and they acknowledged him not.” (Quoted from Treatise on Idolatry, by Maimonides) This shows the Jewish viewpoint on Genesis 4:26 as to the subtle scheme of Satan.

13. How did Nimrod defy Jehovah and work for false religion?

¹³ Nimrod the rebellious one despised the worshipers of Jehovah, for without doubt Noah and Shem had preached to mankind the commandments of Jehovah including the prohibition against the wanton shedding of blood. Nimrod defied Jehovah, and made himself a ruler over the people. “He displayed himself a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah. That is why there is a saying, ‘Just like Nimrod a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah.’” (Gen. 10:9, NW) The Jerusalem Targum says: “He was a mighty hunter [or, mighty in prey] and in sin before God for he was a hunter of the children of men in their languages, and he said unto them, ‘Depart from the religion of Shem and cleave to the institutes of Nimrod.’” His purpose was to destroy true religion. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel. (Gen. 10:10) When the great tower and city of Babel were being built it displeased Jehovah. The record states: “After that Jehovah said: ‘Look! They are one people and there is one language for them all, and this is what they start to do. . . . ’ Accordingly Jehovah scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth, and they gradually left off building the city.” (Gen. 11:5-8, NW) This city and tower were built to blot out the name of Jehovah, and in defiance make a name for themselves.

14, 15. (a) Pharaoh’s defiance of Jehovah resulted in what praise to Jehovah? (b) Explain the threatened breach in Moses’ day and in Elijah’s.

¹⁴ In the days of Moses, Pharaoh defied Jehovah, exalting himself before the world as the greater. Jehovah destroyed the power of this mighty world ruler, threw down his idols, and established himself as the Most High. To Pharaoh God’s warning was: “But, in fact, for this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.” (Ex. 9:16, NW) Throughout the life of Moses and his successor Joshua it became necessary to squarely place before the people the choice of adhering to true religion or falling away from divine favor by adopting false religion. The people of Israel were time and again saved from destruction. On one occasion Moses pleaded with Jehovah to save them for His own name’s sake; God heard, and that breach was healed. “Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.”—Ps. 106:23, AS.

¹⁵ Another serious breach was healed in Elijah’s day. This was due to Jehovah’s abhorrence of King Ahab’s apostasy to pagan religion. Jezebel, his queen, was the queen-daughter of an ex-priest of Astarte and Baal from Sidon in the Phoenician country, where lived the descendants of Canaan. Ahab should not have married this infidel hater of pure religion. She organized her own priesthood, of whom it is recorded that 450 were provided for at her table, which, of course, meant at the country’s expense. Some years before Samuel had abolished the false religion, but Jezebel reimported it. The time had arrived for decision to be made by the people of Israel as to whom they were going to serve, Jehovah or Baal.

16. State what happened in this contest between true and false religion.

¹⁶ True religion at this time was in a broken-down condition. However, Elijah was used by Jehovah to build up that which was broken down and restore true religion, for he exalted the name of Jehovah. King Ahab accused Elijah of troubling Israel, but the prophet’s fearless reply was: “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim.” Elijah commanded Israel to gather to Mount Carmel, and also the 450 false priests of Baal. Then Elijah said: “How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” Now followed the contest, as described at 1 Kings 18:17-40 (AS). Note the helplessness and hopelessness of the Baal as the fanatics cried out and performed disgusting acts of licentiousness according to their pagan rites, hoping to appease their god. Read the account and try to imagine all the excitement, the mad frenzy. Then, as no answer came, their religious rites growing more senseless and shameless (for the worship of Baal was one of great obscenity), these insane devil worshipers began to knife themselves, and blood flowed freely. All day long this went on until they were exhausted. What an exhibition of demonic religion to those standing by who should have been worshiping Jehovah in holy array!

17. How did Elijah’s attitude contrast with that of Baal’s prophets?

¹⁷ Now observe Elijah. Calmly, reverently, without undue display of emotionalism, he offers prayer, with dignity and solemnity, in contrast with the lewd madness of the false prophets: “O Jehovah, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Jehovah, hear me, that this people may know that thou, Jehovah, art God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.” How clearly such a prayer can be understood, and how it reveals the deep love Elijah had for Jehovah and for Israel, for he was pouring out his heart to Jehovah in this prayer! He had strong faith, and he did not want the curse of Jehovah to fall upon these people. So he prayed that this people’s heart would be turned back to the safe old paths and that they would forsake the selfish, passion-arousing, devastating false religion of Baal.

18, 19. (a) How did Elijah repair and restore true religion? (b) Show how Jehovah answered prayer, and the result. (c) Why did Jehovah bring a breach in the days of Jeremiah?

¹⁸ Elijah honored and exalted Jehovah, refusing to use Baal’s altar, but rather himself repaired the altar of Jehovah that had fallen to the ground through disuse and disdain. Taking the twelve stones, he rebuilt the altar. In advance Elijah had announced what would come to pass, and his faith was complete. He was championing the name of Jehovah and restoring true religion to Israel, repairing that which was broken down of the true worship. Probably his prayer took only a few minutes, but immediately afterward the answer came from Jehovah. Beholding this instantaneous fire from heaven consuming the sacrifice, the onlookers could no longer be in doubt as to who was God. “And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Jehovah, he is God; Jehovah, he is God. And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.”—1 Ki. 18:39, 40, AS.

¹⁹ It was a day of triumph for Elijah, as he was used to repair the breach and restore true religion, and to exalt the name of Jehovah. He had risked his life in protest against all this profanity, this God-dishonoring and bestial false religion, but Elijah was jealous for Jehovah. Jehovah himself is a jealous God, and therefore could brook no rival. Elijah’s conception of the Most High God was so lofty that it absolutely precluded all other gods and objects of worship. This contest on Carmel is one of the finest ever recorded. However, that decision did not end the contest forever, because the invisible Satan soon got busy again breaking down the work Elijah had built up and taking from Israel the true religion. Later there came a breach lasting for seventy years, during which time Jerusalem and the cities of Judah lay in ruins. Jeremiah had warned Israel over and over again concerning her false religion, and one of his messages was: “O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence? . . . But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear Jehovah our God, that giveth rain. . . . A wonderful and horrible thing is come to pass in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?”—Jer. 5:21-31, AS.

20. Why did false religionists cry “Peace!” and why was Jehovah displeased?

²⁰ Jehovah said: “Every one [of them] is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” Jehovah’s wrath was bound to come and no pacifying by false prophets could stop it. These false religionists were acting treasonably before Jehovah by counteracting and countermanding the commands of Jehovah the Most High, the true king of Israel. They were seeking to undermine the loyal obedience of the faithful ambassador of Jehovah. “Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.” And again: “Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous wound.” This breach was so wide that it took God’s people into captivity for over seventy years. They had to learn that there was only one way of worshiping and that was the right way. “Shall a man make unto himself gods, which yet are no gods? Therefore, behold, I will cause them to know, this once will I cause them to know my hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is Jehovah.”—Jer. 6:13-19; 14:17; 16:20, 21, AS.

21. How had Isaiah foretold that this great breach was to come?

²¹ The prophet Isaiah, many years before Jeremiah’s day, had warned Israel of the coming breach with Jehovah, but they refused to listen. “For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of Jehovah; that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits, get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and rely thereon; therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall.”—Isa. 30:9-14, AS.

22. What was the reason for the false religionists’ pushing the name of Jehovah from them?

²² Israel did not want the truth and the pure religion. They pleaded with and induced the prophets to tell them only “smooth things.” The hard-hitting truth was too much for their guilty, fearful minds. They wanted assurance by their own prophets that these judgments from Jehovah would not come. They were demanding that Isaiah desist from even mentioning the name of Jehovah. They said: “Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Their defiance of their Creator was complete. So hardened were they that they tried to bite the hand that fed them. They turned in angry hatred on the mother that brought them forth. What a terrible plight they were in, once again so forcefully showing how insane and brutal people get through false religion! They wanted to push the name of Jehovah from their memory. ‘We don’t want it!’ they said. But the faithful prophet would not even consider desisting from speaking in the name of Jehovah. Never will the faithful servant hesitate to preach the name and to declare the message from Jehovah, and never will true worshipers be found guilty of hiding the name Jehovah under such general titles as “Lord” or “God” to make his Word more acceptable to people in different parts of the world. Those who hide it are ashamed of it and afraid of the judgments proceeding from it.

23, 24. When one goes in forbidden paths what results? When did Jehovah cause Amos’ prophecy to be fulfilled?

²³ Through Jeremiah the following message was given: “For my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to false gods; and they have been made to stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths, in a way not cast up.” (Jer. 18:15, AS) Forsaking Jehovah automatically meant leaving the ancient path. Israel departed from the infinitely glorious Jehovah for worthless, senseless, dumb idols, so causing its people to stumble. Unlawfully they trespassed on forbidden, unknown paths. They were then at the mercy of the enticers, and certainly they got into lots of trouble for leaving the King’s highway. They despised the warning from Jehovah and could not stand even to hear the fearful name Jehovah. No, they could not stand before his infinite holiness.

²⁴ Following the seventy years’ desolation undeserved kindness was exercised toward Israel, and they were brought back to their own land and to the pure worship of Jehovah. They then rebuilt the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel, and then later the walls were built and a great reconstruction program was carried on in all the land. The prophet Amos had prophesied these things when he wrote: “In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old; . . . And I will bring back the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them.” (Amos 9:11-15, AS) Not only did this prophecy have a literal fulfillment, but it was destined for further fulfillment on a grander and larger scale. The next article will discuss further fulfillment of this prophecy.

Restoration of True Religion Today

1. Why do we know that the prophecy at Amos 9:11-15 began its fulfillment in the days of the apostles?

THE prophecy recorded at Amos 9:11-15 began to be fulfilled by the work of Christ Jesus and his apostles at the first presence. We know this is so because this prophecy was quoted by James at a special meeting held in Jerusalem at the time there was so much discussion concerning the circumcision of Gentiles who turned to the true religion. Peter first testified that “God made the choice among you that through my mouth people of the nations should hear the word of the good news and believe; . . . And he made no distinction at all between us and them, but purified their hearts by faith.” Barnabas and Paul related the many signs and wonders that God did through them among the nations. After they quit speaking James answered, saying, “Brothers, hear me. Symeon [Peter] has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, ‘After these things I shall return and rebuild the royal palace of David that has fallen down, and I shall rebuild its ruins and erect it again, in order that those who remain of the men may earnestly seek Jehovah, together with people of all the nations, people who are called by my name, says Jehovah, who is doing these things which he has known from of old.’”—Acts 15:7-18, NW.

2, 3. Explain why Jehovah’s purpose to build up the Royal Palace did not fail.

² No great building program to erect a palace of stone was commenced at that time, but what did happen was that the promised restoration of the royal line of Judah became a fact, even though but a few at that time received the King and the nation as a whole was cast off because of unbelief. Jesus said: “Look! your house is abandoned to you. For I say to you, You will by no means see me from henceforth until you say, ‘Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name!’” (Matt. 23:38, 39, NW) As a nation they never did so. However, Jehovah’s purpose did not fail, for he turned to the nations to call from them the required number for the Royal Palace. Though Jehovah had a perpetual breach with the natural house of Israel, yet the breach was healed toward those who make up the spiritual royal house by Jesus Christ, the great healer of the breach and restorer of true religion.

³ Jesus Christ was the “foundation stone” of Zion. He was the Kingdom Heir and the sanctuary’s “foundation cornerstone.” He said to the Jews: “Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” “Therefore the Jews said: ‘This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was talking about the temple of his body.” (John 2:18-21, NW) It is also recorded: “Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6, NW) The temple of the Jews was therefore abandoned as a sanctuary for the true worship of Jehovah. True worship could thereafter be offered only in and through Christ Jesus. Hence Christianity became the only true religion.

4. How did Jesus become the “Repairer of the breach” and “Restorer of the paths”?

⁴ Jesus Christ restored the “old paths” to his disciples, so they could exercise the same faith as Abraham and other faithful ones. Preparatory to this work, John the Baptist had ministered to turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, to prepare a people for Jehovah and to prepare the way before him. This was an “Elijah” work, calling the people to repentance lest Jehovah smite the earth with a curse. As a nation they refused to repent and were smitten with a curse from which they never recovered. Only a small remnant remained loyal and faithful, but not in sufficient numbers to make up the heavenly Royal House, which was predestined to be composed of 144,000 members. But because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus and Jehovah’s undeserved kindness the invitation went out to the nations of the world to take out of them a people to make up the Royal Palace. Satan’s scheme to prevent true religion’s being restored was defeated, and the break he attempted through his agents failed. At this time, then, Christ Jesus was “The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in,” because he repaired and restored true religion by maintaining integrity and holding faithfully to his Father’s purpose, and honoring and exalting the name of Jehovah, thereby furnishing the perfect example for those who would follow in his steps.

TRUE RELIGION RESTORED TODAY

5, 6. When only could the “wheat” and “weeds” be separated, and why? and how has this work been done in these last days?

⁵ Seventy years ago sincere worshipers of Jehovah were to be found scattered and bewildered in the numerous false religious systems of this world, for in those days there was no one organization to which they could assemble. Both “wheat” and “weeds” were growing together, and no one had been authorized to gather the “wheat.” Not until the Lord of the harvest gave the command could that be done. Corresponding to the events of the first advent, there is first an “Elijah” work performed, like the work of John the Baptist, to warn the people, trying to bring them to repentance. Such a work was prosecuted in a particular way from 1878 to 1918, though similar work still continues with greater intensity, and is known as the “Elisha” work, and this goes on until Armageddon, when Jehovah “smites the earth with a curse.”

⁶ The illustration of the “wheat” and “weeds” indicates that some servants wanted to separate before it was time. “They said to him: ‘Do you want us, then, to go out and collect them?’ He said: ‘No; that by no chance, while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. . . . The harvest is a consummation of a system of things.’” The end of this old system of things has been manifest since 1914, and therefore not until after that time could the great separation work take place, dividing the “wheat” from the “weeds,” actually the “sons of the kingdom” from the “sons of the wicked one.” Jesus in this connection prophesied: “And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet-sound and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.”—Matt. 13:28-30, 39; 24:31, NW.

7. What outstanding truth has accompanied the restoration of true religion?

⁷ Though the truths of the Bible were being restored during that “Elijah” work of God’s people, the actual name Jehovah was not freely used in the assemblies and the field ministry of his servants. About thirty years ago the gathered people realized the great importance attaching to this holy name, and set about learning more about it. In 1926 The Watchtower for January 1 carried the leading article “Who Will Honor Jehovah?” and since that time the name has become more vital and meaningful to his children. Then in 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, the name was embraced by thousands of faithful Christians and they have since become known as “Jehovah’s witnesses.” Since that time this people has become world-renowned for belief in, integrity toward, suffering, loyalty and love for this name. In every trial they have honored Jehovah’s name until today hundreds of thousands of people are trusting in it, and at the same time it has become a fearful name to God’s enemies. The lifting high of this name has brought great reproach and suffering, but also has brought joy and pleasure in abundance. Jehovah honors those who honor Him.

8. How have the false religionists acted toward Jehovah’s name and true religion?

⁸ During the forty years preceding 1914, and the nearly forty years since, every effort has been made to cause false religionists to repent and turn to Jehovah. In insolence they say, “Who are you? Get away from us! We do not want you to preach to us and neither do we want to hear the name of Jehovah in our ears!” In their arrogance and profanity these stiff-necked so-called Christians despise both the name of Jehovah and those who are upholding that name. Yes, they have even gone so far as eradicating it from the record of the Holy Word. They do not want to see it or to allow others to know about it. Surely they are trying to blot the name out of existence forever. This is a terrible and a dishonoring attitude they have adopted, and it goes to prove whose servants they are. Certainly they are not true religionists, for in effect they are saying: “Desist from setting before us the Holy One of Israel.”—Isa. 30:11, Ro.

9. Must people today decide for Jehovah or for Satan, and why?

⁹ The time is close at hand for Jehovah to punish these Name-destroyers. Terrible destructions are near and immediate action is required of all those who hear the message of true religion and who are for Jehovah and against idolatry. False prophets tell the people these things will not come to pass, and not to be afraid of Armageddon. They say: “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace. Yes, they may speak smooth things, but all such lies and whitewashing will not alter the truth. The people must choose whom they will serve, Jehovah or Satan. Jehovah’s name has been exalted among his gathered people, and in his organization he is worshiped. The truths taught by Christ Jesus and the apostles have been restored. The promises made by Jehovah through his faithful servants who lived before Christ are believed in by these faithful ones today.

ROYAL PALACE REBUILT AND BLESSING TO OTHERS

10. Explain how an irreparable breach has come between Jehovah and professed Christians.

¹⁰ Those of Christendom profess to be the ones called to heavenly glory, but the vast majority are unfaithful and are a rebellious people. They have repudiated the word of God and are ashamed of his name Jehovah, and despise his Name-people. They are judged unworthy of any further recognition. For more than thirty years they have been cast off from any Jehovah-given favors. The breach with them is irreparable, and from among the millions of professing Christians just a few have been found faithful and have been ushered into the privileges of sacred service. Jehovah turns his favor to the others and thousands are invited to fill up the places until the completed number is brought together. Satan has tried to make a breach with even the “remaining ones,” by means of fear, persecution and working through insincere ones, but he has utterly failed; for though a small breach did come in 1917 to 1919 this was healed and by 1922 the break was completely repaired.

11. Why cannot Satan and false religion ever again break down true religion?

¹¹ The Lord Jesus Christ returned as the King of God’s new world, appearing in his glory. It is the time for the greatest building program the world has ever known, for the Royal House in the heavens is to be built up and the foundations are to be set for a reign of a thousand years. Never again will it be possible for false religion to take over, for the faithful slaves of Jehovah will be the ones to take care of the new world’s affairs. It is written: “Thou wilt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; for it is time to have pity upon her, yea, the set time is come. . . . So the nations shall fear the name of Jehovah, and all the kings of the earth thy glory: for Jehovah hath built up Zion; he hath appeared in his glory. He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute, and hath not despised their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come.” (Ps. 102:13-18, AS) Since 1918 the heavenly Zion has been built up and only a few remaining ones of that Royal House are now on earth. The great Builder, Christ Jesus, exercises his great power and raises from the grave those who have died in union with him and these are taken into their heavenly inheritance, being built up into the permanent Royal House of Jehovah.—John 6:53, 54.

12, 13. (a) Who are these people, and from where do they come? (b) Why is it reasonable to conclude that Jehovah does not call two classes at the same time?

¹² The Royal House is the sanctuary for all nations. All other buildings are representing some false religion. Such treasure their literal buildings, traditions, rituals, forms of worship and antiquity, but at the same time hate the name of Jehovah and Jehovah’s people. Such will never gain salvation, but all lovers of Jehovah’s name will. Now that the Royal House has been rebuilt, it is very obvious that Jehovah is now assembling from all nations another class besides the “elect” remnant of the Royal House, namely, the other sheep of his Right Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He does not call humans to two classes at the same time, and then let them choose what they would like to do. No, Jehovah is not the author of confusion. The invitation to one class closes down and to another opens out.

¹³ There is nothing strange about it, for the same kind of dealings were had by Jehovah in the days of Christ Jesus, when Jesus commenced preaching, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then it was that John the Baptist said: “He that has the bride is the bridegroom. However, the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of joy on account of the voice of the bridegroom. This, indeed, has been fulfilled as my joy. That one must go on increasing, but I must go on decreasing.”—John 3:29, 30, NW.

14. How does the scripture at Revelation 7:4-14 support this?

¹⁴ So it is in these last days: the general invitation to be of the Christ has concluded and another class appears, and this time a mighty crowd. It is written: “And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, . . . After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, . . . And he said to me: ‘These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” (Rev. 7:4-14, NW) Note the words “After these things, I saw,” which clearly mean that after the “elect” have been gathered together then another class appears.

15. “Standing before the throne” is what? and when was this class first publicly identified?

¹⁵ All this takes place because the Royal Palace has been built up and true religion has been restored, making it possible for the great crowd to worship. The invitation to be one of those “standing before the throne” is no casual matter. It is actually the greatest honor and privilege that could possibly come to any creature of earth today. Until the year 1935 Jehovah’s people did not know the identity of the “great multitude.” But in 1935 it was published world-wide that Jehovah was calling to this class; the gates were wide open. The event marking this vital revelation was at a convention of Jehovah’s people in Washington, D.C. Jehovah had something in store for these favored ones, for The Watchtower for May 1, 1935, stated: “It is hoped that many of the remnant and Jonadabs [other sheep] may find it convenient to attend this convention. Heretofore not many Jonadabs have had the privilege of attending a convention, and the convention at Washington may be a real comfort and benefit to them.” (Page 130) How little they realized, as the thousands made their way to Washington, that Jehovah was going to reveal this great truth of now taking out of the nations a people having an earthly hope! At this convention the chief message pertained to “the great multitude,” explaining in thorough detail the scriptures at Revelation 7:9, 13. The Watchtower in its issues for August 1 and 15, 1935, clearly identified this class. For the first time it was made clear that those many good-will persons associating with the anointed were not an undefined conglomeration of people, but were called for a purpose and with a clearly defined place in the visible organization.

16. What makes it possible for both these classes to worship and serve together harmoniously?

¹⁶ Since this identification each one in the theocratic organization has known whether he is one of the few “remaining ones” called to the heavenly Royal House or one of those called to the earthly position before the throne. True religion holds both classes in their proper place, both having the hope of life in God’s new world. Since 1935 one class has been decreasing in numbers on earth, while the other class has been increasing until today there are hundreds of thousands of the “great crowd” rejoicing in the hope of life on earth, while the others now number but some thousands. To Zion these increasing thousands flock home like doves returning to the dovecotes. “Thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be carried in the arms. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?”—Isa. 60:4, 8, AS.

17. Explain why these thousands come to God’s organization.

¹⁷ The prophet speaks of ships bringing them. “Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.” (Isa. 60:9, AS) Jehovah is the goal and all the returning ones are placing themselves at the service of Jehovah, from whom they expect every good thing. The prophecy indicates a fleet coming in bringing the sons from faraway places. How far away? Well, from the “ends of the earth.” Certainly a long way from the professing Christians, who are indulging in God-dishonoring worship. It is the time for these hundreds of thousands to come, and they are coming. Today people are not called by the good news of reconciliation to be of the heavenly city, but are called to an earthly inheritance. This is made possible because of the restoration of true religion and the rebuilding of the Royal Palace.

WHY SO FAVORED?

18. Does the fact that this earthly class are being gathered now lessen the importance of their work?

¹⁸ True religion shall be restored completely and forever. The name of Jehovah is of primary importance, for it constitutes the very core of true religion, and his works are bound up in his name. He purposes to have his name known in all parts of the earth and has created this people now for just such a work. Jehovah purposes to have people on earth after Armageddon, settled in different parts of the world. This nation now being gathered forms the nucleus of the post-Armageddon society. They will be the vanguard of the earthly subjects of the Kingdom marching up on the way of righteousness during the 1,000 years. Those of this great crowd who are so favored should keep in mind that though this gathering together of the other sheep is the last act on the timetable of scheduled events before Armageddon, it is by no means a last-minute thought. Last acts are very often of greatest importance, often constituting a grand finale. Such favored ones must completely forsake false religion and cling to the true in order to maintain their favored position in God’s organization.

19. How do we know from physical facts that Jehovah must have a great work for this earthly class to do?

¹⁹ Another reason for calling this people out is that he has a great work now for them to do before Armageddon. Actually there is a work for them to do that could not possibly be performed by the anointed remnant alone, though it must be that Jehovah directs their activities through the faithful anointed. Yet the fact remains that the world-wide work is largely being accomplished by the “great crowd,” which today number approximately 500,000, whereas the anointed company has decreased to about 20,000. Therefore Jehovah has called this great crowd into his service because he requires them to do the work he had purposed for them in conjunction with the anointed. Jehovah expressed his purpose thousands of years ago to have this mighty work done in the earth today, and he brings forth the people to do it.

20. State another reason for Jehovah’s now showing his favor to those who are to be blessed on earth.

²⁰ Another reason for Jehovah’s favor to this “great crowd” is that they are righteously inclined and detest the abominations of false religion. They are not in harmony with profanity, scorners, despisers of that which is good. They are vexed with the wickedness of this world. Jehovah hears “the groaning of the prisoners.” Like Lot of old, they are “greatly distressed by the indulgence of the law-defying people in loose conduct—for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds—Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial.” (2 Pet. 2:7-9, NW) Jehovah does deliver these, but they must adhere strictly to true religion and never depart from it. “For, ‘he that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is injurious and his lips from speaking deceitfully, but let him turn away from what is injurious and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For Jehovah’s eyes are upon the righteous.’”—1 Pet. 3:10-12, NW.

21. What is the stated reward for kindness shown to “the King’s brothers”?

²¹ Still another reason for Jehovah’s favor to these blessed ones is that they were good to the brothers of his Son, Christ Jesus. It is written: “‘For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat, I got thirsty and you gave me something to drink. . . . ’ Then the king [Jesus] will say to those on his right: ‘Come, you who have my Father’s blessing, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the world’s foundation.’” (Matt. 25:34-36, NW) It is Jehovah’s purpose to call these favored ones in these last days because they have a special work to do now and are also being prepared for service ahead during the 1,000-year reign.

22, 23. Explain how the widow of Zarephath foreshadowed this class.

²² A shining example is provided for us in the record of the poor widow of Zarephath, in the district of Zidon. Elijah had been dwelling in the wilderness and was then directed to Zidon. This was the home town of the wicked Jezebel and was a district infested with demon religion. Yet here was where Jehovah led his steps. The widow and her son were on their last meal and when Elijah came he asked for water. She left her occupation and attended to him. She explained to this stranger how this was her last meal, and yet Elijah made his request that she bake for him and give him his first. He said, “Fear not; go and do as thou hast said; . . . For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that Jehovah sendeth rain upon the earth.” (1 Ki. 17:8-16, AS) The widow believed and had strong confidence in the word of Elijah. What a rich treasure she was in that God-dishonoring, non-Israelitish city!

²³ Jehovah sent him to this widow. “Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain thee.” (1 Ki. 17:9, AS) She gave him water, for he was thirsty, gave him food because he was hungry, even though her last; but how greatly she was blessed! She had increase of oil and meal, and it multiplied in its use. Also her son was restored from the dead. For just one meal, she gained all this and came into recognition of the Most High God. So with the Lord’s other sheep. Their kindnesses to the brothers of the Lord Jesus, though small, are known. “He that receives a prophet because he is a prophet will get a prophet’s reward, . . . And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I tell you truly, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:41, 42, NW) What great blessing flows to those who are lovers of Jehovah’s people! True religion is the source of such love.

ENLARGING THE DWELLING

24, 25. How is the New World society now being enlarged and increased in fruitage?

²⁴ The bounds of the New World society have to be extended. Everything must be strengthened and conformed to Jehovah’s righteous requirements. The organization must be able to bear the weight and pressure resulting from increased numbers. It must be fortified against possible errors and corruption by those who have just left false religion. Those coming in cannot bring with them false teachings, wrong ideas and actions. No, these must be left outside like a discarded, filthy, smelly garment. They are provided with clean garments of identification. No one must hinder these returning captives. Do not be opposed to widening the provisions for their reception and putting them to work. Let these sons from afar be accommodated. There are many more yet to come, and they are going to be in God’s service for a long time—at least a thousand years. So the restored remnant now welcome them to the only “quiet habitation.” “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tent that shall not be removed, the stakes whereof shall never be plucked up, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there Jehovah will be with us in majesty.” (Isa. 33:20, 21, AS) It will be a tent of perpetuity, never removed by enemy power. Cities will be built up and the desert is to bloom. The cities are the congregations of the righteous, established to the praise of Jehovah. The desert places are those barren conditions requiring the preaching of the truth to water them, so that growth may be had. Much water is required, and the barren places are getting it, and behold the marvelous increase! Think of some countries where missionaries and others have been working during the past decade which at one time were devoid of true religion, and now see the flourishing cities (congregations), deserts blooming like the rose, vines producing fruits of righteousness, trees planted and growing upright.

²⁵ True religion has been restored, and its great work of fruitfulness is going on. Strangers cannot lose their way. “But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; and on his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water.” (Ps. 1:2, 3, AS) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” (Prov. 11:30, AS) “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” (Isa. 61:4, AS) What a wonderful work is being performed by the anointed remnant and the “great crowd” today, and this is only the beginning of the reconstruction program, for the New World building work is to go on for a thousand years!

26. Who share today in the work of the great ‘Repairer of the breach and Restorer of the paths,’ and how?

²⁶ The Lord Jesus has used his faithful anointed ones to heal the great breach and, through many years of fighting and suffering, to restore the pure true religion, which magnifies his Father’s holy name. The highway is now free and clear to travel on, for all those escaping Babylon the Great. Therefore, “thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” It is the knowledge of Jehovah and of our Lord Jesus Christ that produces true religion, and it praises and magnifies them, causing complete, willing, joyful obedience to the doing of God’s will in faith. Those so doing will have hope, and hope of life will bind us tightly to Jehovah and his Son. Therefore share in true religion and help all others to do the same, for their everlasting good, and for the honor of the name of Jehovah.

If, now, I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!—1 Cor. 9:16, NW.

Taking Teaching From Jehovah

THE Bible reveals Jehovah, the exclusive God, as the Maker or Creator of all things, as the Husband of his organization Zion and as the Father of all living creatures. It also presents him to us as the great Teacher of the children of his organization: “And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”—Isa. 54:13, AS.a

No one ever counseled Jehovah or gave him knowledge, for he himself is the original source of all wisdom and knowledge. As Elihu well asked, “Who is a teacher like him?” (Job 36:22, RS; Rom. 11:33-35) Certainly no one! Exclusive education belongs to him; he has all the qualities of the best teacher: he possesses all knowledge; he has the interest of his pupils at heart; he is extremely patient; truly his ability to teach is second to none.

He placed in the lower animals their innate or instinctive wisdom; he taught Adam what to do and what not to do. He revealed his will at the time of the rebellion; he taught Enoch, Noah and Abraham. For some 1,500 years he made known his will to his people Israel by means of prophets and the Levitical priesthood from Moses down to the coming of Christ.

With the arrival of his Son Christ Jesus, Jehovah stepped up his teaching activity; for Christ Jesus, the very first of his pupils as well as the most willing and most skillful, was, above all else, a teacher; a fact recognized even by his religious opponents the clergy, for they repeatedly addressed him as “Teacher.” (Mark 12:19, 32; Luke 7:40, NW) And he not only taught others the truth regarding his Father’s name and purposes, but he also trained them to serve as teachers and commissioned them to ‘go and make disciples, that is, learners and followers, of people of all nations, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.’—John 17:6; Mark 3:14; Matt. 28:19, 20, NW.

While on earth Jesus quoted Isaiah’s prophecy about Jehovah as teaching the children of his organization and applied it to the teaching work God was doing then and there. (John 6:45) However, from the context of that prophecy as well as from related scriptures, it appears that Isaiah’s words have an even more pertinent application to the present time, when Zion has brought forth her children and when the birth of God’s nation has taken place. (Isa. 54:1-17; 66:7-9) By what means does Jehovah teach today? By means of his Word, his spirit and his organization.

So, if we would be taking teaching from Jehovah we must, first of all, qualify as his children by dedicating ourselves to the doing of his will. We must study his Word, which is the chief means by which he teaches us, doing so in meekness and proper fear. (Ps. 25:12, 14) We must have the help of his holy spirit or active force, which comes to us through prayer, study of his Word, association with his people, and by applying God’s Word to our daily lives.

And, finally, we must recognize his organization or earthly instrument, which he uses to throw light upon his Word. And what is that instrument? The group, organization, association or society that is devoted to upholding God’s Word and name, bringing forth the fruitage of “every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” And let us not forget the purpose of our taking teaching from Jehovah: to bring honor to his name and comfort to men of good will.

[Footnotes]

Questions From Readers

● On page 360 of the book “New Heavens and a New Earth” it states concerning those gaining new-world life on earth: “God will not need to transport them to other planets for any reason or to people heaven with them. . . . He will forever retain them on earth as expert gardeners to maintain it as a glorious paradise to His praise.” Is it not presumptuous to limit Jehovah’s human creatures to earth? Is it not a speculative limitation, in view of the fact that 1 Corinthians 2:9 states that man cannot conceive the things Jehovah has in store for the righteous? Could not Jesus’ words at John 14:2 about going to prepare a place for his followers include the preparation of other planets for habitation? Of course, Jehovah does not need human creatures to populate the other planets, as he does not need us for anything; but he could use us for such a purpose. Finally, does not Isaiah 9:7 about there being no end to the increase of his government show an unending expansion of its realm?—E. M., United States.

Fleshly man’s sphere of activity seems to be limited to the earth by Jehovah’s expressed purpose. Such limitation is shown by Genesis 1:28, where a mandate was given to fill the earth, not the universe. Isaiah 45:18 states that Jehovah made the earth to be inhabited, and he will have that purpose accomplished; but he does not make such a statement concerning the other planets. Nor will he people heaven with earthly men, since that environment is unsuited for human existence and flesh-and-blood creatures cannot reside there. (1 Cor. 15:50) Rather than its being presumptuous or speculative to view man as remaining within the boundaries assigned by Jehovah’s expressed purpose, it seems that the presumption and speculation enters when human creatures arrogate to themselves a greater role in universal affairs than has been assigned to them. We should not alter his purpose for us to fill the earth to one of filling the solar system.

To say that man will be retained on earth as gardeners to maintain it as an earthly paradise is not establishing a speculative limitation to what Jehovah has in store for us, since that is the work assigned to man by Jehovah, as stated at Genesis 2:15. But to say that 1 Corinthians 2:9 allows room for believing that men from earth will be transported to other planets to populate them is not only speculative but erroneous application of the text. Paul was there showing that he did not preach the wisdom of this system of things, but God’s hidden wisdom of the sacred secret concerning Christ the King and spiritual Israel in a heavenly kingdom. This wisdom was not understood by the rulers of the world, and as applying to such blinded rulers Paul in 1Co 2 verse 9 quotes Isaiah 64:4, but he goes on to show that Christians having Jehovah’s spirit are not blind to what Jehovah has prepared for them but do perceive the Kingdom blessing in store for the body-members of Christ. The text is not discussing the blessings in store for dwellers on a paradise earth, and should not be erroneously applied to them. First Corinthians 2:6-10 (NW) makes all this clear:

“Now we speak wisdom among those who are adults, but not the wisdom of this system of things nor that of the rulers of this system of things who are to come to nothing. But we speak God’s wisdom in a sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the systems of things for our glory. This wisdom not one of the rulers of this system of things came to know, for if they had known it they would not have impaled the glorious Lord. But just as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither have there been conceived in the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him.’ For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.”

At least as far as the planets of our solar system are concerned, there are apparently none capable of supporting human life, aside from the earth. The other planets are not equipped with the air and water and food sources necessary to sustain human life, and to say that Jehovah will make them fit for human habitation in the future is sheer speculation. And it is twisting Scripture to say that Jesus went away to prepare these planets for habitation, using as proof his words at John 14:2. Jesus was speaking to his disciples who would be spirit-begotten and reign with him in heavenly glory. He was going to prepare a place for them, and there he and these body-members of his would dwell together forever as spirit creatures. To twist this to mean another planet with fleshly creatures is gross error. Jesus was not saying he was going to prepare a planet for him and his body-members to live on as fleshly men, at John 14:1-3 (NW): “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith in God, exercise faith also in me. In the house of my Father there are many abodes. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going my way to prepare a place for you. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be.” How can we with logic take words Jesus spoke concerning things of the spirit and arbitrarily apply them to fleshly matters? Just because he went to prepare a place for the church class certainly does not argue that he also went to make other planetary abodes for men of earth.

The publishers of “New Heavens and a New Earth” are well aware that some have speculated about creatures from earth as being taken to other planets to populate them, and the way some of these speculators talk it exalts their importance and makes it sound as though Jehovah needs men of the earth to complete his work of creation relative to other planets, and it is with such presumptuousness in view that the book said Jehovah does not need them. The expression about not needing them is designedly used to refute these unvoiced assumptions of God’s need of human couples on the part of those voicing such private interpretations. To preach that Jehovah’s purpose is to populate the other planets with couples from earth does make such couples necessary for his purpose. If it were his purpose to do it in that way, then he would be in need of such couples; otherwise he would have to do it in a way other than what he had purposed. If he did not use them his purpose to do it in that way would fail. So for these reasons the book had grounds for brushing aside this assumed need of Jehovah for human couples.

No unending expansion of the government’s realm is indicated by Isaiah 9:7, which states (AS): “Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.” This is no argument for an endless process of peopling other planets throughout space. This refers to the promise given to David concerning his kingship, and its application is to the earth. Never was David promised that his kingdom would expand beyond the earth into the universe. What Isaiah 9:7 means is that his realm will not end short of embracing the entire earth. There will be no end to its extent on the earth; that is, there will be no boundaries on earth that will limit its earthly domain. It shall cover the entire globe, regardless of where one may travel upon the surface of the earth. No boundaries will mark the end of its earthly domain, and Isaiah is foretelling this, indicating that it will spread and increase until it reaches without end around the entire earthly sphere. In this paradisaic earth there will be no end of peace, either.

Whether there are other planets like the earth in other parts of the universe or not, and, if so, whether any of them are inhabited by some kind of life or not, or whether any of them ever will be so inhabited in the future or not, we cannot say because the Bible does not say. To concern ourselves with such questions is idle speculation, and we could never arrive at any definite answer. We can say, however, that there are no Scriptural grounds for contending that any future populating of other planets will be done by transporting couples from earth. The earth and the people on it are not that important. If Jehovah wanted flesh-and-blood creatures on other planets he could easily make them from the dust of those planets, and not need to miraculously transport earthly couples through light-years of space. It is well for us not to exalt ourselves to such a spectacular role in universal affairs, but concentrate on the earthly duties given us by our Creator. Remember what Jesus said: “Everyone that exalts himself will be humiliated, but he that humbles himself will be exalted.”—Luke 18:14; 14:7-11, NW.

Announcements

TAKING TEACHING FROM JEHOVAH

A great number of books and magazines are published on every subject under the sun and much can be learned from many of them. However, to have real understanding of the issues that are vital and to comprehend present-day world events and their meaning requires one to be a student of the Bible. There alone can God’s mind on matters be ascertained, for Jesus said: “‘And they will all be taught by Jehovah.’ Everyone that has heard the Father’s teaching and has learned comes to me.” (John 6:45, NW; Isa. 54:13, AS) Having learned the purposes of God by study of the Bible with the help of the Watchtower magazine, Jehovah’s witnesses will encourage all whom they meet during March to take teaching from Jehovah by studying The Watchtower with their Bible. A year’s subscription is only $1, and three booklets dealing with timely subjects will be given free with each new subscription.

OBSERVE THE LORD’S EVENING MEAL

It is the privilege of all who are of good will toward God and all who “seek after Him” to attend the Lord’s evening meal, commemorating the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus. All persons of good will are invited to be present when Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the world assemble on Saturday evening, April 17, after 6 p.m., Standard Time, to observe the Memorial. A dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah will preside over this special yearly meeting, one of the anointed if available and capable. The meeting will be opened with song and prayer. A discourse will set forth the significance of the occasion. At the appropriate time the emblems, unleavened bread and red wine, will be served after Jehovah’s blessing has been asked in connection with each. Those of the anointed present will partake of the emblems. Service announcements for Sunday, April 18, will be made and all present will be invited and encouraged to join in the activities. Song and prayer will conclude the meeting.

“NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH”

Written around the divine promise of “the new heavens and the new earth” (Isa. 66:22, AS; 2 Pet. 3:13) the book with the above title presents in glowing terms the heartening prospect of a world of righteousness. It gives sure evidence of the close-at-hand end of the present wicked system of things, visible and invisible, and the blessings that will be enjoyed by those who now gather for survival in accord with God’s instructions. This 384-page book will be sent postpaid on a 50c contribution.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of April 4: Repairers and Restorers of True Religion.

Week of April 11: Restoration of True Religion Today.

Check Your Memory

After reading this issue of “The Watchtower,” do you remember—

✔ Why money is not the root of all evil? P. 131, ¶1.

✔ How to avoid money’s snare? P. 131, ¶2.

✔ What was the significance of John’s baptism? P. 135, ¶2.

✔ Why Jesus was baptized? P. 136, ¶6.

✔ Why baptism must be by immersion? P. 137, ¶6.

✔ Whether infants should be baptized? P. 137, ¶7.

✔ How baptism is an ordination ceremony? P. 139, ¶1.

✔ How a French mother answered the priest who demanded that she stop her daughter from telling others of the Bible? P. 140, ¶2.

✔ What identifies true religion? P. 143, ¶10.

✔ Why some in ancient Israel wanted to hide the name of Jehovah? P. 148, ¶22.

✔ What replaced the Jewish temple as the sanctuary for true worship? P. 149, ¶3.

✔ What vital choice must be made today? P. 151, ¶9.

✔ What great honor is now before godly men? P. 153, ¶15.

✔ Why the present Christian gathering work is vital? P. 154, ¶18.

✔ What amazing restoration of true religion is under way? P. 155, ¶24.

✔ What one must do to be taught by Jehovah? P. 157, ¶6.

✔ Whether scriptures indicate humans will populate other planets? P. 158, ¶2.