The Watchtower — November 15, 1983

Would You Accept Life in a Paradise?

PARADISE! What does the word suggest to you? A reality or a dream? An earthly possibility or, as many professing Christians, Jews and Muslims believe, just a symbol of a blessed condition after death?

The fact is that Jesus Christ spoke of Paradise. To an evildoer impaled alongside him, he said: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) So it is vital for us to know the facts about Paradise.

Paradise, often associated with the Bible’s garden of Eden, is viewed by many people as being mythological rather than being related to a definite geographic location. What do you believe? Was there ever a portion of the earth in Asia Minor prepared specially for man’s initial habitation, as the Bible book of Genesis indicates?

Interestingly, the Bible’s account of the paradise garden of Eden does not start with a vague, “Once upon a time in a far-off land . . .” Rather, the Bible book in which we learn about Eden speaks of definite time periods and establishes the basis for a chronology and genealogy that can be traced through the length of the Bible. (Luke 3:23-38; see also the Bible encyclopedia Aid to Bible Understanding, pages 333-348.) The Bible also identifies a specific region “in Eden, toward the east,” and a river “issuing out of Eden” that became four rivers. Two of those are identified today as the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. This would perhaps place Eden in what is now the mountainous area north of the Mesopotamian plains, south of Lake Van in eastern Turkey.​—Genesis 2:7-17.

The Bible account shows that the first man, Adam, was placed in a garden or park setting and surrounded with all he needed to sustain life. There was an abundance of vegetation and “every tree desirable to one’s sight and good for food.” For such a variety of trees to exist, it was evidently no small garden or park.

Man Yearns for a Paradise

In modern times man has established gardens and parks in or near many major cities. Why? Because the city dweller often yearns to refresh his spirit by renewing his contact with nature. And what is sometimes our reaction when we walk into a beautiful park or garden, especially when the flowers and trees are in bloom? We exclaim, “What a paradise!” How much we would love to be able to live in such a paradise setting! Yes, it is a natural yearning that really stretches back to man’s origin in the paradise park of Eden.

That is the very hope that Jesus set before the dying evildoer by his side when he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Here Jesus was not promising a heavenly destiny to the evildoer or to his supposed immortal soul. He was offering him everlasting earthly life in a Paradise earth under his Kingdom rule. How do you react to that promise?​—Matthew 6:9, 10; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.

Would You Accept a 500-Year Bonus?

Interestingly, the magazine Psychology Today recently presented its readers with a somewhat related question: “If someone offered you a pill that would make it possible for you to live 500 years, would you take it?” Of course, nothing was said of having perfect health or of a Paradise state. But what were the reactions? More than 50 percent said they would take the pill. Many said they wanted “to achieve more, to do more, or to enjoy life more.” Another man stated with great simplicity, “I love life.” Some of the women explained that “life is exhilarating; there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it.” How do you feel about life? Do you love life? But what if you could have, not a 500-year bonus, but everlasting life in Paradise conditions and in perfect health? The Bible offers you that very prospect.​—John 17:3; Psalm 37:11, 29; Isaiah 33:24.

On the other hand, in the same poll, some were very vocal in their refusal of the bonus. Why? “Some believe that life is simply too boring.” Jehovah’s Witnesses sometimes meet a similar objection when they explain that God’s purpose is to give everlasting life to obedient mankind in Paradise conditions on earth. Some object, “What would we do living forever in a paradise? Life would have no contrasts, no challenges. It would be boring!”

Is that really so? Will everlasting life on a Paradise earth be boring? The following article will answer these questions.

Life in Paradise​—Will It Be Boring?

“THE two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.” Do you agree with that opinion of a 19th-century philosopher? Most people have been bored at times, but why?

Boredom is associated with “dullness, repetition, or tediousness,” “a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction.” It often results from work or activity that does not stimulate or satisfy. But it is also true that boredom is a subjective state. What is boring to one person may be fascinating to another.

Will Everlasting Life Be Boring?

In contrast with man’s present situation, all those who attain life in the promised Paradise will be in tune with their setting and its Maker. Why? Because they will receive an adequate education to prepare them for an interesting and fruitful life in a Paradise environment. How do we know that? Because the prophet Isaiah was inspired to write: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” Yes, knowledge of Jehovah, mankind’s supreme Benefactor, will be the key to real enjoyment of everlasting life on a Paradise earth.​—Isaiah 11:9.

All the earth in perfection will reflect the marvelous qualities of the Great Creator. Obedient mankind will have a deep love of God and therefore a desire to know and understand his ways and wisdom as epitomized on earth. Even today, imperfect men marvel as they study the wonders and complexity of nature. Yet even the greatest expert in any field is never satisfied​—he always wants to know more. And there is always more to know! Man’s intelligence and insatiable curiosity are such that everlasting life will always be interesting!​—1 John 4:7, 8.

An illustration of this, even under present imperfect conditions, is the attitude of 90-year-old Andrés Segovia, the world-famous classical guitarist. Does he find life boring? He still travels the world and gives concerts. Although he has seen world-weariness in others, “he is too ebullient, entirely too absorbed by his work to be weary.” He himself stated: “I read and study history, philosophy, art in all its disciplines and music.” Yes, there is still so much to learn. But think how much more there will be to learn in a perfect earthly Paradise! And with the joyous prospect of everlasting life restored, mankind will have time to do it.

The case of Andrés Segovia also illustrates another point​—man’s potential for knowledge. As psychologist Peter Russell wrote in The Brain Book: “Within our own heads lies one of the most complex systems in the known universe. . . . No human being has ever come anywhere near to using its full potential.” In a limited life span of maybe 70 or 80 years, the brain’s potential remains virtually untapped. As Russell says: “It is frequently stated that we use only 10 percent of our full mental potential. This, it now appears, is rather an overestimate. We probably do not use even 1 percent​—more likely 0.1 percent or less.” Imagine what the human brain will be capable of in Paradise without the pressures of sickness and aging!

A Thousand-Year Project

It has to be acknowledged that life for many today is boring simply because they are locked into a routine that allows for little variety or stimulus of the mind. But when the Bible speaks of everlasting life under God’s Kingdom rule by Christ, it is referring to a life-style that modern man has never known. First of all, this Kingdom government has, not a five-year schedule as some modern states have, but a thousand-year-long provision, just as a start! That purpose is expressed in various parts of the Bible and offers a fascinating prospect of varied activities, all of which will be upbuilding and creative.​—Revelation 20:1-7.

There will be so much to do and so much to learn, along with strong motivation for both, that “boredom” will be a forgotten word. For example, Jehovah has promised that he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) That means that the ruined earth will have to be cleaned up. Just think of the enormous task of restoring the earth to its former pristine beauty and purity​—clearing out slums and overbuilt areas; purifying the earth’s rivers and waters of pollution. Love for God and neighbor will motivate obedient men and women to participate joyfully in this great work.

A Program of Building, Planting and Educating

Logically a Paradise setting cannot include the housing abuses that exist today. Who really wants to live in cramped conditions in decaying buildings, shantytowns or even on the streets? Most would delight to have a home of their own and land to cultivate! That is God’s promise to those who show their loyalty to him now. The final result will be a Paradise earth inhabited by happy people, satisfied with a meaningful life, deriving joy from serving others.​—Acts 20:35.

God has guaranteed “new heavens and a new earth” that will mean a complete change of living conditions for millions of people. Isaiah prophesied: “And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. . . . For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full.”​—Isaiah 65:17-23; 2 Peter 3:13.

These promises had a minor fulfillment in the restoration of the Jews to their land in 537 B.C.E. They are having a far greater fulfillment in a spiritual way in this 20th century, and they give indications of what life will be like during the Millennial Rule of Christ’s Kingdom over the earth. Now when we analyze Isaiah’s words we immediately see that they imply meaningful activity, creative work. This building and planting program will last for a long time because housing will be needed not just for the Armageddon survivors but also for the billions who will return progressively during the resurrection. What endless possibilities there will be for architectural initiative and variety of design!​—Revelation 16:14-16; 21:3, 4.

Just think of what the resurrection itself implies. Your ancestors will be raised from the dead. Your genealogy will unfold before your very eyes! You will be able to trace your roots and origin, not from dry records, but by talking with your resurrected forebears. That certainly will not be boring!​—John 5:28, 29.

In addition, during the Thousand Year Rule of Christ’s Kingdom a worldwide educational program will be carried out to bring the resurrected ones up to date on the fulfillment of God’s purposes toward the earth and what they must do in order to merit life forever. Doubtless Jehovah will reveal new instructions suited to mankind’s changed circumstances. The people will then be judged by the laws and instructions in the “scrolls” opened during Christ’s Millennial Reign.​—Revelation 20:12.

Using the Brain’s Potential

Will life be boring, then, during the Thousand Year Rule and thereafter? Remember the brain’s marvelous potential and compare what you now know with what there is to know.

For example, how many animals, plants and insects can you name or describe from personal experience? Twenty? Fifty? A hundred? For some city dwellers, out of touch with nature, that can be a revealing challenge. Yet one biologist writes: “As many as 5 million different kinds of organisms share the biosphere [consisting of living creatures and their environment].” How many of those five million kinds of earth dwellers can you name? For example, how many different kinds of insects have you seen in your lifetime? There are more than 700,000 classified species! And what about the marvelous variety of birds with their diverse plumage, design and songs? How many can you recognize? Yet there are 8,600 living species of birds. Where would man be without trees? We rely on them for food, shade, timber and fuel. How long would it take you to get to know all the 20,000 different kinds of trees?

Yet these are only a few of the thousands of fascinating subjects that intrigue man. (Compare Job, chapters 38 and 39.) Their variety and depth present no problem for our brain capacity. In effect, we have a brain designed with an endless potential. Therefore, mankind, blessed with an active and inquiring mind, will have no room for boredom. What we need, however, is enough life to match the brain’s potential. And that is precisely God’s promise for obedient mankind​—endless life on a Paradise earth.​—John 17:3; Revelation 22:1, 2.

Eternity Not Boring

But yet another Paradise prospect presents itself​—getting to know the whole earth, little by little. There will be no national boundaries, no restrictions to travel. Gone will be the narrow nationalistic, racial and tribal mentalities. All will recognize that they belong to the one, united human family. What a joy it will be to travel and gradually get to know our millions of “brothers” and “sisters” dwelling in peace around the earth. That will be a source of endless joy​—not boredom!

Jehovah’s promises and purposes will be brought to complete fulfillment regarding this earth: “The meek ones will eat and be satisfied; those seeking him will praise Jehovah. May your hearts live forever. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn back to Jehovah. And all the families of the nations will bow down before you.” If you wish to be among those meek ones who will live forever, feel free to contact Jehovah’s Witnesses or the publishers of this magazine. Without cost your questions will be answered and you too may have the hope of everlasting life in a Paradise earth!​—Psalm 22:26, 27; Titus 1:2.

[Picture on page 6]

How many types of birds, animals, fish and plants do you know? In Paradise there will be time to learn about all of them

God’s Word Is Alive

Jesus Promises a Re-creation

“LOOK! We have left all things and followed you,” the apostle Peter is saying to Jesus. “What actually will there be for us?” Consider Christ’s remarkable reply: “Truly I say to you, In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones.”​—Matthew 19:27, 28.

So Jesus is here promising that Peter and the other apostles will rule with him as kings, sitting on thrones. But when? “In the re-creation,” Jesus says. What is this RE-CREATION? And when will it be realized?

The Bible account by Luke of this same occasion helps to identify “the re-creation.” It reads: “Peter said: ‘Look! We have left our own things and followed you.’ [Jesus] said to them: ‘Truly I say to you, There is no one who has left house or wife or brothers . . . who will not . . . in the coming system of things [receive] everlasting life.’”​—Luke 18:28-30.

So “the re-creation” is here identified with “the coming system of things.” When Christ sits down in heaven upon his glorious throne, along with those who will rule with him, there follows the re-creation of a righteous system of things. (2 Timothy 2:11, 12; Revelation 5:10; 14:1, 3) A consideration of the kind of start that God gave our first parents in Eden will give an idea of what the re-creation will be like.

Jehovah God created the first human pair, Adam and Eve, perfect and placed them in the garden of Eden. It was a paradise of pleasure. Jehovah originally purposed for humans to live forever on earth enjoying true peace and security, such as you see depicted here. Yet rebellion corrupted that original paradise, and, in time, resulted in the wicked system of things that now exists.

Will God’s purpose to have an earthly Paradise go unfulfilled? No, it will not! We have Christ’s own promise that the righteous system with which humankind began life on this earth will be re-created. There will be a restoration of Edenic conditions, and eventually these conditions will be extended earth wide. Thus the Creator will vindicate his original purpose to have an enduring righteous system of things. Surely we can rejoice in this Bible-based prospect!​—Psalm 37:29; Revelation 21:3, 4.

“He Is Making Wars to Cease”

“IT WAS August 8, 1942. Japanese forces had occupied some of the American Aleutian Islands with a view to attacking the U.S. west coast. I was assigned to a U.S. Navy air squadron that had to go in there and torpedo the Japanese ships.

“During the raid we were shot up and our radar was put out of commission. We had to head back to our base through thick fog along the seemingly endless chain of the Aleutians​—without our basic navigational aid, our radar system. We lost our bearings. We knew that to our left we had the islands and their mountains. But how far? Visibility was virtually nil. Suddenly the captain shouted, ‘We’re going to crash!’

“I knew nothing more until I regained consciousness. Our plane had hit a mountain and somehow I had been thrown clear of the wreckage. I could see that our plane was still burning. The tail section had broken off. If any were alive they would be in there.”

The above was related by Harley Miller, who survived. A photo of what was left of the plane appears on page 13. What happened to the other eight crew members? Harley recounts this in the next article. We urge you to read the account, not as a war story, but as the story of a man who finally found peace.

During his navy career Harley saw a lot of men die. They were only a fraction of the total death toll of World War II, but they were enough to make him see the utter futility of wars and to ask, Why?

Is Man Any Wiser?

During World War II, death reaped a harvest to the tune of some 55 million lives​—military and civilian. What anguish and misery were spread throughout the world! Millions of widows and orphans were left to fend for themselves. Thus the obvious question in 1945, when the war ended, was, Will wars ever cease?

The sad answer since 1945 is that man is no wiser. Nations continue to prepare for and engage in war and strife. At a recent conference on the fate of the earth, retired Admiral Gene La Rocque indicated that, according to the Pentagon, 270 wars have been fought since the end of World War II. He added that the United States and the Soviet Union alone have 20,000 nuclear weapons, and he warned: “If we continue along our present course, we will have a nuclear war.”

Yes, like wild beasts, governments continue to settle their differences by shedding blood, but usually not that of the political rulers. And when war is not actually fought, the nations hold to a tenuous peace based on mutual terror​—the theory of Mutual Assured Destruction. But why? Why does war seem to be inevitable in human history? Is there a solution?

Why Are There Wars?

Psychologists and anthropologists come up with a variety of theories to explain this phenomenon. Of course, their ideas are rooted in the theory of evolution and the concept that man is just a higher animal. Therefore, some say “aggression is indispensable to the survival of mankind.” Thus a spin-off of the evolution theory is the justification of war.

However, some other psychologists do not accept that war is just the result of an aggression instinct. They believe that war is an acquired characteristic, the result of frustrations in childhood. As a result, they advocate a more permissive childhood and a more permissive society. But since the Western world now has its permissive society, has that lessened the threat of war?

Robert Leckie, in his book Warfare, concluded: “War . . . is not explicable in biological terms. It seems to be rather a social, political and legal problem. . . . Society itself seems to be the root cause of war, and as long as great societies​—sovereign nation-states—​continue to possess great and unchecked power, war will remain inevitable.”​—Italics ours.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, in the context of the early Christian congregation, Jesus’ half brother James asked: “What causes conflicts and quarrels [literally, in the Greek, “wars and fights,” Kingdom Interlinear] among you? Do they not spring from the aggressiveness of your bodily desires? You want something which you cannot have . . . you are envious, and cannot attain your ambition.”​—James 4:1, 2, The New English Bible.

These words give a clue to the basic causes of war​—envy, ambition, greed. This situation has existed for some 6,000 years. (Genesis 4:2-10) How often wars have been fought over territory, possessions and resources! Pride, nationalism, loyalty and xenophobia, or fear of strangers and foreigners, are manipulated in order to mobilize the forces of war. However, there is a fundamental cause that goes deeper than these superficial ones.

A Fundamental Cause Ignored

Of course, in all their speculation there is one factor that nearly all the experts choose to ignore​—the invisible power that prefers to have man divided and at war. That power deliberately distracts mankind in endless ways​—whether through religion, politics or the pursuit of pleasure. That power is clearly identified in the Bible. For example: “We know we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Who is that “wicked one”? Jesus himself identified that one when he answered the Pharisees who were intent on his murder: “You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.”​—John 8:44.

Yes, the influence underlying man’s belligerence is the wicked spirit ruler, Satan the Devil. He and his demon followers, with their sadistic streak, are keeping mankind fully occupied in wars and preparation for war. While it is true that millions rise up and protest about nuclear weapons and demand a nuclear freeze, they show no allegiance to the only true solution​—the rule of God’s Kingdom by Christ. Thus Satan is successfully “misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Revelation 12:9) He has mankind on a wild-goose chase for peace​—seeking peace while they cling to the very elements that lead to war—​narrow-minded nationalistic interests.

How Will Peace Be Established?

Previously quoted Robert Leckie states: “Scientists of the social disciplines say that war is an outmoded function . . . and that the pugnacious instinct upon which it feeds can be controlled by education, law and ethics.” (Italics ours.) Unintentionally, this view of scientists coincides with the Bible’s solution to war, one based on “education, law and ethics.” The prophet Isaiah pointed to that route to peace some 2,700 years ago, saying: “And many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”​—Isaiah 2:3, 4.

What does that prophecy indicate? That people of many nations will have to recognize Jehovah’s law, rulership and sovereignty. They will have to accept a new education in peace. In humility they will have to say: “He will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” Yes, they will learn the ways, or “ethics,” of true Christian peace and walk in Jehovah’s paths as clearly outlined by the perfect example of his Son, Christ Jesus. The fact is that Jehovah’s Witnesses, as a world movement, have been fulfilling this prophecy for decades​—through two world wars and all the other conflicts that have afflicted mankind.

However, we have to face the fact that lasting peace for all mankind will never come by human efforts alone. Something much greater is needed​—not just an international government, as many have advocated—​but a supranational government, above all petty politics and nationalism. God’s heavenly government through Christ is just that. It is the only valid means for peace.​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

How will that peace be established? Since the nations will not voluntarily give up their national sovereignty, they will soon be obliged to do so. As the prophet Daniel foretold: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” (Daniel 2:44) Further, as stated at Revelation 20:1-3, the prime instigator of warfare, Satan the Devil, will be ‘abyssed,’ being put out of action “for a thousand years . . . that he might not mislead the nations anymore.”

The end of man’s selfish political kingdoms, or governments, will make way for the complete fulfillment of the hope-inspiring words of Psalm 46:8-10, namely: “Come, you people, behold the activities of Jehovah, how he has set astonishing events on the earth. He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire. ‘Give in, you people, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Yes, Jehovah’s sovereignty will be exalted in all the earth. That day is near.​—Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21.

Do you wish to share in seeing the end of all war? Then be assured that we stand at the threshold of the glorious time that David spoke of at Psalm 37:10, 11: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; . . . but the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”

I Will Learn War No More

SOUTH DAKOTA in the Midwestern United States is a farm state. Cattle graze its beautiful plains. The fields are abundant with spring wheat, barley, oats, corn and rye. Here, in the town of Aberdeen, I began my life on July 10, 1921​—a life that would take me through the extremes of war and peace, hatred and love.

My parents were hardworking German people who believed in religion and education. Thus I was baptized and raised in the Lutheran faith. By the spring of 1939 I had finished school. My parents had been divorced and my father had died. What route would I now choose in life?

I had a deep appreciation for the Bible and God so I applied to attend a Lutheran seminary to become a minister. In the meantime World War II broke out in Europe and, not having heard from the seminary, in July of 1940 I joined the U.S. Navy. Thus the die was cast for a career in war rather than peace.

After preliminary training, I chose to serve in the Navy Air Force. My first overseas assignment was at an air base at Olongapo, not too far from Manila, in the Philippines. The United States was not yet involved in the war, so our missions were mainly reconnaissance of the Japanese fleet in the Pacific.

The Japanese Attack

On December 7, 1941, I was doing weekend duty, which was a simple lone radio watch​—usually a time to relax. Suddenly the radio began to stammer out a startling message in Morse code: “Pearl Harbor being attacked by Japanese”! I leaped from the chair and ran for the alarm. I knew it would not be long before the Japanese would also attack the Philippines.

Sure enough, by morning light they were bombing us. Many of our planes were destroyed on the ground. Those that did make it into the sky bombed and torpedoed the Japanese warships. New crews replaced old ones as fast as the planes came in. I took my turns on these seemingly unending hazardous missions.

We fought a losing battle. The Japanese fighter planes swooped down on us with the ease of a hawk on a baby chick. Within a few days all our planes were destroyed, and out of 500 men on our base there were only about 50 left. We had to escape from the islands. So we commandeered a small French passenger liner, ran the Japanese blockade and escaped to the Dutch East Indies some 2,000 miles away.

We landed in Surabaja, in what is now called Indonesia. But the Japanese soon closed in on us, and we had to retreat to Port Darwin in Australia, where we thought we would be out of range for a while. The next thing we knew, Japanese carrier planes suddenly dropped out of nowhere and turned the harbor into a burning inferno. Some 20 ships were sunk. Ours, the Willie B. Preston, a destroyer converted to an airplane tender, was bombed and strafed with machine-gun fire until it was set ablaze. Somehow we were able to put the fires out and, under the cover of night, we limped out of the harbor and down the west coast of Australia to Fremantle.

That night the dead, many of whom were my close friends, were wrapped in canvas and weighted, and, after a few words that were of very little comfort, we let the bodies slip into the gray sea. The war had already taught me to hate the enemy. This dreadful slaughter made me feel even more bitter.

A New Battle Zone

After a 30-day leave our next assignment was the Aleutian Islands, which curl away to the southwest from Alaska. We had constant missions of searching out and destroying Japanese ships.

On August 8, 1942, at the battle of Attu we were shot up and our radar was put out of commission. Heading back to the base, we hit dense fog and lost our bearings. The last thing I remember was the captain’s shouting, “We’re going to crash!”

When I regained consciousness I could see our plane still burning. We had hit the side of a mountain and I had been thrown clear of the wreckage. The tail section had broken off on impact, and if anyone was alive it would be there. Every fiber in my body was racked with pain, but somehow I was able to crawl to the tail and there I found my closest friend still alive. He was in very critical condition. I managed to drag him from the burning wreck and then slipped into unconsciousness again.

It must have been the loud noise of the motors of the search planes swooping down over the wreckage that aroused me the next day. As the plane passed over us, I managed to wave a flight jacket and then drifted back into unconsciousness.

When I next awoke I was lying in a Navy hospital with my buddy in the bed beside me. He lived only a few days. That left me, the only survivor of a crew of nine. I had seen many men die before, but now my closest companions were all dead. I kept asking myself, ‘But why me? Why should I survive?’ At this point I ceased reading the Bible and reached my lowest spiritual ebb.

A “Harp” Changed My Life

From Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians I was taken by Navy hospital ship to Bremerton Navy Hospital in the state of Washington. My jaws, which had been broken in several places, had not been set right, so it was necessary to rebreak and reset them. I spent about six months recuperating from my multiple injuries.

Upon my release I visited my older sister in California. One day I saw her neighbor throwing away books that looked like new. One was called Prophecy. I asked if it was about the Bible. He said, “Yes, it is, and there are others too. You can have all of them.” That is how I also got The Harp of God and several other books published by the Watchtower Society.

It seemed as if my spiritual interest was rekindled. I wanted to understand the Bible better. I took the book Prophecy and read it from cover to cover but could not understand it. So I threw the books away except for The Harp of God, which I stuffed into my flight bag.

For some months I flew with a high-ranking Navy officer inspecting Navy bases on the U.S. west coast. This gave me much free time for the so-called pleasures of this life, but finally they left me feeling empty and restless. I volunteered to return to combat duty. My new squadron of fast medium bombers was sent to Saipan and Tinian in the Pacific. My assignment was to operate the radar bombing in the squadron’s lead plane. Each crew flew a combat mission every couple of days, which left plenty of leisure time at the base.

One day while going through my flight bag looking for a deck of cards, I pulled out the book The Harp of God. I started to read it. To my amazement I began to understand that “hell” is the grave, that man is a soul and not immortal and that there is no Scriptural support for the Trinity doctrine. This basic understanding staggered me.

I quickly got my Bible and started looking up all the scriptures that were cited. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was all so clear and simple. I was thrilled with what I was learning. But then after thinking it over I decided to go to the Protestant and Catholic chaplains and ask them to prove to me from the Bible that hell was not the grave.

A Chaplain’s Advice

Of course, they could not do so. One gave me advice that I recall to this day. He said: “Miller, you have a fantastic Navy record and are highly respected. Your future is secure in the Navy. You are one of the youngest chief petty officers ever appointed. Don’t make the terrible mistake of joining Jehovah’s Witnesses, who do not salute the flag or fight for their country.” These chaplains refused to answer any of my Bible questions, and their only response was to attack well-known Witnesses who were then dead.

Their remarks prejudiced me against Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, neither of them would open the Bible to refute my newfound beliefs. I thought, ‘Well, this is the truth. I must do what I can to help others understand it.’ The next day I started telling the other men what I had learned. They all thought it was quite a contrast from my former way of thinking.

Word of my preaching reached the commander, who called me into his office and said: “Miller, we have been through a lot together and in just a few days we will be going on one of our roughest duties, Iwo Jima! Now, what this preaching is all about is none of my business. But I am asking you to stop it until this mission is over.” This seemed a reasonable request, so I agreed.

The Battle for Iwo Jima

On all missions a briefing was held. In order to take Iwo Jima an estimate was made of how many would die. I grew cold as I heard the number. Casualties were no longer just figures on a piece of paper but human lives.

The Japanese tried hard to hold this vital island. They had buried themselves for protection in the coral rocks all along the shore, which made it almost impossible to pry them out. There was only one sure way​—fly in low and saturate the cliffs with deadly napalm bombs. When they hit, their liquid fire ran into the cracks and crevices, turning it into a burning inferno.

After some days we captured Iwo Jima and were finally able to land on the airfield. On getting out of the bomber, I saw death all around me. I walked back along the coral beach to see the results of the assault. The scene was ghastly beyond description​—carbonized bodies everywhere. It was devastating. I felt sick at heart.

The end result at Iwo Jima has been reported as 8,000 Americans dead and 26,000 injured. The Japanese lost 22,000 killed. All this for one 8-square-mile (20-sq-km) island!

In August 1945 the atom bombs were dropped on Japan. Within a week the Japanese surrendered, and the war was over.

First Contact With the Witnesses

Arriving back in the United States, I went to Portland, Oregon, to visit my family. They were bitterly opposed to my new beliefs. However, they knew Howard Meier, who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I immediately contacted him and challenged him on what the chaplains had told me about the Witnesses. He soon cleared up those slurs. So I started to attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall and share in the preaching activity.

As I studied the Bible’s principles on war and peace I realized I could no longer take part in military activities nor reconcile a military career with a truly Christian life. (Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 22:37-40) A decision had to be made as to what I would do, for soon I would have to report for duty.

At this time Howard Meier gave me some advice for which I will always be thankful. He said: “Spiritually you are still a babe. Rather than decide right now what is right for you, why not go back to your base, attend meetings at the nearby Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and as you grow in knowledge and understanding, petition Jehovah for his guidance and direction.”

I reported to the air base at Whidbey Island, Washington. I started at once to associate with the Anacortes Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Soon I was preaching from house to house and advertising the public talks on the streets. In a short time I was conducting from eight to ten Bible studies on the air base.

Calls started coming into the Navy base complaining about a chief petty officer walking down the streets advertising Bible talks. I was called in by the chaplain and told in no uncertain terms to ‘STOP this nonsense!’ Of course, I refused.

Arrest and Court Martial

While preaching on the street I was arrested by the Navy police. The charges? Disgracing the Navy uniform. This action resulted in a court martial that could have meant military prison and/​or dishonorable discharge. I declined the use of a Navy lawyer, as I felt I could best explain my position and my new beliefs based on the Bible.

I was brought before the Navy court-martial judges, and the charges were read. After considerable discussion and questioning of my beliefs, I was asked if I had any last words.

“Yes, I do,” I said. Pointing to the American flag, I asked, “Is that flag a symbol of mockery?”

“What the . . . do you mean by that, Miller?” snapped one of the commanders as he leaped out of his chair.

“Well, gentlemen, you have my entire Navy record before you. You know that I volunteered and fought for the things that that flag stands for far beyond my duty. I believed that it stands for freedom of worship, speech and religion. I saw my friends blown up before my eyes because they also fought for those freedoms. I saw thousands lying dead in the Philippines, Australia, New Guinea, Saipan, Tinian, the Aleutians and Iwo Jima. I have had over a hundred combat missions and many hazardous patrols. I have more medals and citations than virtually any man of the thousands on this base. Are you going to deny me the very things I fought for and what the flag stands for​—freedom of worship and freedom of speech?”

Total silence reigned over the entire courtroom as I sat down. The judges adjourned but soon returned with the statement that they could not make a decision on my case and it would be sent to Washington, D.C. Later the final decision came through from Washington, D.C. I was to complete my enlistment of three months and would be given duty compatible with my conscience. On July 14, 1946, I was given an honorable discharge. Now what would be the next step in my life?

From War to Peace

Under the veterans program, I had the opportunity to attend college or university to study for the career of my choice. I turned it down. Now that I had a knowledge of the truth and the Bible’s hope for everlasting peace on earth, I wanted to help others to get life. I wanted to replace the nightmare of war and killing with a life-giving work.​—Psalm 46:8, 9; Isaiah 9:6, 7.

I was baptized in August 1946 at the “Glad Nations” convention, Cleveland, Ohio. I returned to Anacortes and started in the full-time ministry. In 1947 I applied to serve at the Watchtower Society’s world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. I was accepted and I reported to Bethel on March 29, 1948. I worked in a variety of departments before being assigned to the Service Department. It was here that I had the privilege of working as secretary to Brother T. J. (Bud) Sullivan, who later served as a member of the Governing Body.

He was a fountain of wise counsel and experience and an example in treating others with kindness. I recall that when Bud was handling a difficult case, he would say: “If we are going to make a mistake, let’s make it on the side of mercy because Jehovah is a God of mercy.” ‘What a fine point,’ I thought!​—Psalm 116:5.

In 1953 N. H. Knorr, then president of the Watchtower Society, unexpectedly appointed me as the new overseer of the Service Department. This would mean having oversight of all the ministerial activities for the United States. With Jehovah’s help I fulfilled that responsibility for 22 years. Since 1975 it has been handled by a committee.

In March of 1952 a lovely young sister came to Bethel. She had been in full-time service since 1947. Her name was Brook Thornton. We fell in love and got married in May 1957. Brook has enriched my life and we have been extremely happy, working together at Bethel.

Peace Brings Changes

In 1969 I had an experience that affected me deeply. My wife and I were privileged to attend the international “Peace on Earth” convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Tokyo, Japan. I must admit that I had mixed feelings about visiting Japan. It is very difficult to erase the memories of war. Even though I had accepted the Bible’s teaching, I wondered how I would react in Japan.

Our few days in that country were a revelation to me! I found myself face to face with a kind, humble, peaceable people who now hated war even as I did. They, too, had changed during the years since 1945. I was deeply impressed.

Ill Health Strikes

In 1979 I had a stroke that left me partially blind and with heart problems. Then in 1981 I became crippled due to a ruptured disc. These setbacks, although hard to take, have taught me even more the importance of understanding other people’s problems and circumstances.

I am no longer able to do what I used to do. I have a shorter working day but still have the privilege of serving as a member of the Service Department Committee. I have seen the number of active publishers in the United States grow from some 66,000 in 1946 to over 640,000 in 1983. All of these, like myself, are working for peace under God’s Kingdom. To my great joy, one of those baptized in 1975 was my mother. Although 86, she is still preaching.

Now I yearn for the day, soon at hand, when Jehovah God will bring about his righteous New Order where wars, pain and death will never be again. The Bible states: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise [God’s own sure word], and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) It is my earnest desire to have a part in that “new earth” and to forget forever the horrors of the war in which I shared.

[Map on page 14]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

CANADA

ALASKA

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

Attu

BERING SEA

SIBERIA

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Harley Miller as chief petty officer, U.S. Navy, 1945

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In Japan I was deeply impressed by a kind, humble, peaceable people

Insight on the News

Cause of Crime

“America’s declining public concern with ‘character training’ over the past 60 years may have played a significant part in our recent high crime rates,” writes political science professor Reo M. Christenson in The Wall Street Journal.

The professor was there referring to suggestions offered by James Q. Wilson of Harvard University, who claims that the “exceptionally high and sustained levels of crime” in mid-19th century U.S. cities was curbed by a many-pronged effort to promote “character development.” Popular literature, public schools and churches at the time emphasized the value of moral restraint and self-discipline, he says.

Similarly, English scholar Christie Davies observes, according to the professor, that Britain’s high rates of crime in the mid-19th century diminished on account of the now much-maligned Victorian moral crusade, which stressed “honesty, industry, willingness, conscientiousness, punctuality, sobriety and a sense of responsibility.”

But “in more recent years,” continues Christenson, “cultural emphasis has focused upon self-expression, spontaneity, tolerance, individualism and personal freedom. . . . As for the public schools, they have sharply downgraded character training.” The result? “Crime rose steeply in the 1960s and has remained at alarming levels ever since,” he concludes.

It is of interest that the Bible puts emphasis squarely on discipline and restraint: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) But there are other factors contributing to the escalation of crime and delinquency in these critical times, as is clearly shown in scriptures such as 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Revelation 12:12.

Evidence for Creator

For more than 40 years now, German mathematician Maria Reiche has been roaming the desert plain about 280 miles (450 km) south of Lima, Peru, examining the famous Nazca Lines. These lines make up intricate geometric and animal drawings so large that they are recognizable only from the air. Some of the miles-long lines were drawn so precisely that they do not deviate for more than four yards per mile, or 0.2 percent.

Reiche and other scientists are trying to find evidence, not of how or by whom, but of why the lines were drawn. “I once doubted myself and thought I was looking for sense in something senseless,” she said. “But it can’t be senseless. There is too much work in it.”

The precision and grand design of the Nazca Lines bear testimony to the existence of intelligent designers, and scientific minds are trying to understand their purpose. What, then, about the far greater precision and grander design in the universe? Do they not logically testify to the existence of a superior intelligent Designer, a Creator God? Yes! In this, Christians come to the same conclusion as did the apostle Paul: “For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.”​—Romans 1:20.

Fleeting Glory

“For Russians, Brezhnev Is a Fading Memory,” says a recent headline in The New York Times, barely a year after his death. Brezhnev’s tomb is in Red Square, a granite bust sits on it, and streets, places and a city are named after him. “But where it matters​—in the hearts and minds of most Russians and their leaders—​he seems virtually a forgotten man,” says the news report. As for the leaders, the report says, “Mr. Andropov mentioned him once or twice on public occasions, usually in passing, and then, since the turn of the year, not at all.”

Appropriate is the Bible’s counsel: “Put no faith in princes, in any man, who has no power to save. He breathes his last breath, he returns to the dust; and in that same hour all his thinking ends.”​—Psalm 146:3, 4, The New English Bible.

Pay Attention to Prophecy

“We have the prophetic word made more sure; and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place.”​—2 PETER 1:19.

1. What startling disclosures did Jesus make, according to Matthew 16:21-28?

JESUS’ earthly ministry was drawing to its close. Near Caesarea Philippi, north of Galilee, this “Son of man” had informed his disciples of his approaching death and of his coming again in the glory of his Father. Then he told them: “Truly I say to you that there are some of those standing here that will not taste death at all until first they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:21-28) What could this mean?

2. (a) How were Jesus’ words fulfilled in a vision seen by Peter, James and John? (b) Of what glorious event was this prophetic?

² About six days later, Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a lofty mountain, probably Hermon of the Anti-Lebanon range. Here a remarkable thing happened! Jesus was transfigured before their eyes, taking on a dazzling appearance. In a vision, Moses and Elijah were seen conversing with him. Why Moses and Elijah? Well, Jesus is clearly identified in the Scriptures as “that Prophet” foreshadowed by Moses. And a work like that of Elijah is closely connected with God’s Kingdom in which Jesus reigns. (Acts 3:22, 23; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Malachi 4:5) It was appropriate, then, that they should be seen here with Jesus in this vision of his coming in the magnificence of his future Kingdom glory.​—Matthew 17:1-5.

3. What words of Jehovah emphasized the importance of the vision?

³ Appropriate it was, too, that Jehovah’s voice was heard from heaven, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” To this, God added the words: “Listen to him.”

4. (a) Why should that event impress us today? (b) To what “prophetic word” does 2 Peter 1:19 refer?

⁴ What impression did that awe-inspiring event leave with those apostles? How should it affect us today? Some 30 years later, Peter could still recall that spectacle in all its brilliance. “Consequently,” he said, “we have the prophetic word made more sure.” What “prophetic word”? Why, those prophecies, such as Daniel 7:13, 14, that were now confirmed by the transfiguration​—prophecies about the coming of the Son of man in the glory of Kingdom power!​—2 Peter 1:16-19; see also Isaiah 9:6, 7.

5. What important additions were made to that “word”?

⁵ By that time “the prophetic word” had come to include, too, prophecies given by Jesus Christ himself. Among these was his Kingdom prophecy on “the conclusion of the system of things,” which also envisaged “the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” at a time of unparalleled world distress. (Matthew 24:3-14, 30, 31) Later, “the prophetic word” would include the powerful Kingdom prophecies that the glorified Jesus Christ revealed to the aged apostle John, such as those recorded at Revelation 1:12-16; 5:5-10; 11:15-17 and Re 14:14, 15.

Pay Attention!

6. Why should the prophetic word have greater impact on us today?

⁶ If Peter and his companions were so moved by that prophetic vision, how much greater impact should it have on us today! Now that the Son of man has arrived in his glory, to sit down on his glorious Kingdom throne in the heavens, surely it is high time to “listen to him”! We indeed do well in paying attention to the prophetic word, “as to a lamp shining in a dark place,” allowing it to illuminate our hearts.​—2 Corinthians 4:6.

7. (a) How does Paul emphasize the importance of prophecy? (b) Why, especially, should we give heed to it today?

⁷ The apostle Paul also stressed the need to take the prophetic message into our hearts. He wrote the Hebrew Christians that God “long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to [their] forefathers by means of the prophets,” but ‘at the end of the days (of the Jewish system of things)’ he spoke to them by means of a Son. That prophetic word spoken by Jesus was of tremendous import. If heeded, it would lead on to salvation. “That is why,” said Paul, “it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us.” (Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1) Now, at “the conclusion of the [entire world] system of things,” we have all the more reason to listen to Jesus’ words.​—Matthew 24:3, 35; compare Isaiah 55:6-11.

8. How should the prophetic word stimulate us, and with what benefit?

⁸ Let it be emphasized that our paying attention to the prophetic word should not be just for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Far from it! That word should stimulate us to act on that knowledge, causing us to do God’s will, and especially now, “in the final part of the days.” (Isaiah 2:2, 3) Addressing Jehovah God, the psalmist says: “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.” That word enables us to continue walking in the light of truth and in precious intimacy with our God. It guards us from ever drifting back to Satan’s world. (Psalm 119:105; Job 29:3, 4) To gain enduring benefit from the prophetic word, we must cultivate a deep love for the Bible, taking its entire message down into our hearts. Thus we will be motivated always to do God’s will and to keep ourselves in his love.​—Mark 12:29-31; 1 John 4:16; Jude 20, 21.

Prophetic Patterns

9. (a) Why do we say that the Bible record is not dead history? (b) What day of vengeance is there pictured?

⁹ The Bible describes in great detail the waywardness of ancient Israel. And why? “For a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived.” This should instill in us godly fear, lest we ever develop “a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God.” (1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 3:12; Job 28:28) The Bible record is not dead history! It provides prophetic patterns and pronouncements that show that Jehovah God will again execute vengeance but on a far more extensive scale than in the days of apostate Israel. God’s punishment of that backsliding nation in 607 B.C.E., and again in 70 C.E., is pictorial of how, shortly, his burning anger will be poured out on Christendom in particular. We do well to heed that prophetic word!​—Jeremiah 7:28, 32-34; Matthew 24:3-22.

10, 11. (a) What comparison helps us to appreciate that these are indeed “the last days”? (b) How, especially, have Christendom’s sects fulfilled prophecy?

¹⁰ Indisputably, we have entered “the last days” of Satan’s system of world rulership. You have only to compare the world today with the apostle Paul’s words at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13 to appreciate that fact. And especially among the confused sects of Christendom’s religions do we find men “having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” They have no genuine message of salvation.​—Compare Matthew 7:21-23.

¹¹ The many sects in Christendom match well the description given by Jehovah’s prophet, when he said: “There are two bad things that my people have done: They have left even me [Jehovah God], the source of living water, in order to hew out for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that cannot contain the water.” (Jeremiah 2:13) How true it is that Christendom’s sects have abandoned the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and the righteous principles set out in his Word! They even hate to mention his name. Instead, they have hewed out “broken cisterns,” turning to the philosophies and theories of men and politicking with the world. In many lands their churches are dying for lack of support because the people find in them no refreshing waters of truth. In contrast, however, there is an abundance of spiritual refreshment to be found among those faithfully serving Jehovah.​—Isaiah 55:1, 2; 65:13, 14.

What World Leaders Say

12. Why is it futile to trust in human leaders for survival?

¹² The Bible is not alone in warning of world destruction. The present secretary-general of the United Nations has declared that for the first time in human history we are now “placed on the narrow edge between catastrophe and survival.” In a memorandum written as far back as 1958, former U.S. President Harry Truman said: “Now we are faced with total destruction. . . . That destruction is at hand unless the great leaders of the world prevent it.” But in the past 25 years, have the “great leaders” moved to prevent total destruction? Instead, they are now spending more than a million dollars a minute on the most devilish weapons of annihilation. It is concerning such “great leaders” that the psalmist wrote: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.”​—Psalm 146:3.

13, 14. (a) To what false hope have religious leaders pointed? (b) According to Isaiah, what is the real hope?

¹³ The tragic situation is something beyond the power of the nations to defuse. Even the United Nations, so called, has proved to be more of a forum for partisan quarreling than an agency for building peace and security. Popes Paul VI and John Paul II each made an appearance before the UN, amid great pomp. They declared that body to be mankind’s ‘last hope of concord and peace.’ But is it?

¹⁴ In his prophetic word Jehovah speaks of the real hope. He caused Isaiah to foretell the birth of a son who becomes “Prince of Peace.” This one is Christ Jesus, foreshadowed by King David of old. The prophecy goes on to say of Jesus: “To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6, 7) But how will Jehovah’s zeal bring about ‘peace without end’?

“The Kingdom of God Is Near”

15. How did Jesus emphasize the Kingdom hope?

¹⁵ One who is greater than David, Jesus Christ, prophesied concerning the total wars and resultant distresses of our 20th century. He foretold the terrible happenings, the anguish of nations, the fearful expectation of things coming upon the earth. Then he said: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near. . . . When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:10, 11, 25-31) The Kingdom of God! There is the solution to mankind’s problems. Down through the years, have we not been praying for that Kingdom to come? That is what Jesus instructed us to do, saying: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.’”​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

16. In what sense is the Kingdom of God “near”?

¹⁶ The prophetic word tells us that now “the kingdom of God is near.” But in what sense? God’s prophet Daniel explains. After describing the kingdoms, or governments, of mankind at “the time of the end,” he says: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.” (Daniel 12:4; 2:44) So the earth is not burned up by a nuclear holocaust that destroys all human life. Rather, God’s Kingdom sweeps wicked men and nations off the face of our globe, in preparation for a permanent earth-wide government on the shoulders of the “Prince of Peace.”​—Isaiah 9:6.

God’s Vengeance Executed

17. The cry “Peace and security!” will be the signal for what?

¹⁷ The prophecies of the Bible focus in on our day. They show us what lies immediately ahead. “For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) The prophetic word depicts mankind’s ‘last hope for peace,’ the UN, as a scarlet-colored wild beast. Oh, it may trump up some kind of shaky peace and share in the cry “Peace and security!”​—in harmony with its charter and in fulfillment of the prophecy at 1 Thessalonians 5:3. But then Jehovah will maneuver the militarized “horns” of the UN to devastate false religion, “Babylon the Great,” of which Christendom’s sects make up the most reprehensible part. Then, when those “horns” turn to do battle with the Lamb, Jesus Christ, by attacking the peace-loving witnesses of Jehovah, God’s sword of execution will descend on those nations and their armies, and “they will by no means escape.”​—Revelation 17:3-6, 12-17.

18. (a) According to the prophetic word, what will happen to those nations that attack God’s people? (b) How, finally, will God dispose of matters?

¹⁸ The nuclear armaments of the nations will provide them no protection during that “war of the great day of God the Almighty,” the battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14, 16) If those weapons of mass horror are used at all, they will assist only in the nations’ destroying one another. In the days of good King Jehoshaphat of Judah, enemy hordes advanced to attack God’s seemingly defenseless people. But Jehovah, through his prophet, told them: “Do not you be afraid or be terrified because of this large crowd; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Jehovah set an ambush for those enemies, so that “they went smiting one another,” until all of them were annihilated. (2 Chronicles 20:15-23; compare also Judges 7:22; Ezekiel 38:21-23; Zechariah 14:13.) The final outcome will be directed by God’s enthroned “King of kings” and his angelic forces, who will dispose of his enemies down to the last surviving straggler. Even Satan and his demons will be abyssed.​—Revelation 19:11-16, 21; 20:1-3.

19. (a) What lesson should we draw from Genesis 18:23-33? (b) Who only will be spared out of the “great tribulation”?

¹⁹ However, is it not a shocking thing for Jehovah to destroy this entire world system, with no part of it ever to be restored? Perhaps some feel as Abraham felt about Sodom and Gomorrah, that if only 50, or 45, or 30, or 20, or even 10 righteous persons could be found out there in the world, then “the Judge of all the earth” should not sweep it all away. (Genesis 18:23-33) But the prophetic word makes it plain that Satan’s world is unrighteous from top to bottom and that it will be completely wiped out! (Jeremiah 25:31-33; Zephaniah 3:8) The only flesh saved out of that “great tribulation” will be, as Jesus himself stated, the dedicated “flesh” of his chosen anointed ones and of their sheeplike companions. No others are counted righteous in Jehovah’s sight.​—Matthew 24:21, 22; 25:31-33, 46; John 10:16; Habakkuk 3:1, 2, 12, 13.

20. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, what must we be alert to do during these final days?

²⁰ The prophetic word of Jehovah keeps “panting on” toward its final fulfillment. We should “keep in expectation of it.” (Habakkuk 2:3) Therefore, let us, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, declare boldly “the day of vengeance on the part of our God” and be ‘outspoken’ like Jesus’ apostles in comforting mourning ones with the good news of salvation. (Isaiah 61:1, 2; Acts 4:8-13, 18-20) Let us be alert, also, in heeding Jesus’ words: “Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.”​—Luke 21:34-36.

How would you answer?

□ What lesson do we learn from 2 Peter 1:16-19 and related scriptures?

□ What benefits do we gain by ‘paying attention to the prophetic word’?

□ What is prophesied as being near, and why should we not be afraid?

□ As God’s “day of vengeance” approaches, what should we be doing?

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“The battle is not yours, but God’s”

Abound in Hope!

“May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.”​—ROMANS 15:13.

1, 2. (a) What reason did Paul give for ‘abounding in hope’? (b) How does Isaiah’s prophecy point forward to this hope?

ABOUND in hope? In a world so dark as this, where crime and immorality stalk the streets, where famine or near-famine has engulfed more than a billion persons, and where nuclear weapons are poised like a sword of Damocles over all humankind, what reason is there to “abound in hope”? Just before he expressed the above prayer, the apostle Paul stated a reason, quoting the prophet Isaiah in these words: “There will be one arising to rule nations; on him nations will rest their hope.”​—Romans 15:12.

² Paul was here quoting from Isaiah 11:1-10. This foretells those of nations who hope in Jesus, typified by King David, son of Jesse. In describing this One, the Gospel-writer Matthew also quoted Isaiah, in these words: “Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom my soul approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. . . . Indeed, in his name nations will hope.”​—Matthew 12:18-21; Isaiah 42:1, 4.

3, 4. (a) What “name” does Jesus now have, and why? (b) How are we to understand Revelation 19:10, 11?

³ Why should the nations hope in Jesus’ name? It is because of all that his name stands for. While he was here on earth as a man, Jesus made a “name” as a flawless integrity-keeper. Persecution, reproaches, tortures​—nothing could swerve him from loyally doing God’s will down to the death. “For this very reason,” explains the apostle Paul, “God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”​—Philippians 2:9-11.

⁴ Jesus’ name now stands for the high office to which Jehovah has exalted him as High Priest and King “at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” He is the One called “Faithful and True,” on whose coming the entire prophetic word focuses, “for the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.”​—Hebrews 8:1; Revelation 19:10, 11.

5. Why, especially today, should we “abound in hope”?

⁵ Why should we today “abound in hope”? It is because the prophetic word shows that this Jesus is about to undo all the harm that sinner Adam brought upon mankind. “For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were constituted sinners, likewise also through the obedience of the one person many will be constituted righteous.” (Romans 5:19) As God’s High Priest in the heavens, Jesus will apply the merit of his perfect human sacrifice in restoring all obedient mankind, including billions of the resurrected dead, to human perfection, with the prospect of living forever in happiness on a Paradise earth. Jesus will “rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.” Then, all humans will delight in perfection of life in that peaceful Paradise.​—1 Corinthians 15:25, 26; Psalm 72:3, 7; Isaiah 33:24.

Getting a Long-Range View

6. (a) How, only, can we get a long-range view of God’s purposes? (b) How may this benefit us?

⁶ Only through the Bible can we learn of the real purpose of life. Only God, through his Word, can explain where we came from, why we are here, and what the future holds for us. (Isaiah 46:9, 10; 2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible gives us a long-range view of the outworking of the purposes of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. It tells us how we can have an exhilarating part in doing his will, and that for all eternity ahead!​—Psalm 37:31, 34.

7. How has Jesus’ prophetic “sign” been fulfilled?

⁷ The prophetic “sign” that Jesus spoke of at the conclusion of his earthly ministry has now come to remarkable fulfillment. Jesus now sits on his glorious heavenly throne, judging the nations of earth and separating the people “just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” This is done according to the way they respond to the message of the Kingdom as proclaimed by Christ’s “brothers,” the anointed witnesses of Jehovah still serving God here on earth. (Matthew 24:3-14; 25:31-40, 46) But does this make Jesus equal to Jehovah God, or even superior to him?

8. (a) Why did Jehovah make Jesus his associate King? (b) How will Jesus show his subjection to the Father?

⁸ No, for “the head of the Christ is God,” who is always “the King of eternity” and Sovereign over all of his creation. (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:11) It was only when rebellion reared its ugly head in the Paradise of Eden that Jehovah declared he would raise up an associate King​—the “seed” of promise—”to break up the works of the Devil.” (Genesis 3:15; 1 John 3:8) However, after he has vindicated Jehovah’s name and sovereignty and raised mankind to perfection in the restored Paradise on earth, Christ “hands over the kingdom to his God and Father,” the Son also subjecting himself to God.​—1 Corinthians 15:24-28.

9. (a) How does Isaiah describe Jehovah’s majesty? (b) What do the Scriptures show to be the channel for salvation?

⁹ Speaking of “the Majestic One, Jehovah,” the prophet Isaiah acknowledges: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King; he himself will save us.” Salvation comes from Jehovah, through Christ Jesus, a truth that all persons seeking life must accept. (Isaiah 33:21, 22; 12:2; Acts 2:21; 4:12; Romans 10:13; Revelation 7:10) After speaking of Jehovah as the Majestic One over all, the prophet Isaiah goes on to show how he saves those who love him, and for what purpose.

Jehovah’s “Day of Vengeance”

10. What judgment is pronounced at Isaiah 34:1-4, and why?

¹⁰ The worldly nations have a shocking record of misrule, and they have rejected God’s righteous Kingdom by his Christ. Therefore the prophet Isaiah addresses them, saying: “Come up close, you nations, to hear; and you national groups, pay attention. Let the earth and that which fills it listen, the productive land and all its produce. For Jehovah has indignation against all the nations, and rage against all their army. He must devote them to destruction; he must give them to the slaughter. And their slain ones will be thrown out; and as for their carcasses, their stink will ascend; and the mountains must melt because of their blood. And all those of the army of the heavens must rot away. And the heavens [ineffectual human governments] must be rolled up, just like a book scroll; and their army will all shrivel away, just as the leafage shrivels off the vine and like a shriveled fig off the fig tree.”​—Isaiah 34:1-4.a

11. (a) At Isaiah 34:5-7, what does Jehovah declare concerning Edom? (b) What was Edom, and what is its modern counterpart?

¹¹ Strong words those! And awesome, too, is the judgment that Jehovah himself next pronounces against the people of Edom: “For in the heavens my sword will certainly be drenched. Look! Upon Edom it will descend, and upon the people devoted by me to destruction in justice.” (Isaiah 34:5-7) Edom, descended from Jacob’s brother Esau (surnamed Edom), was a longtime enemy of the nation of Israel, fathered by Jacob. And it has its modern-day counterpart. What is that? Well, who has taken the lead in reviling and persecuting the 20th-century spiritual Israel? Has it not been apostate Christendom, through its proud clergy class? Not only did the clergy of both sides give wholehearted support to the two world wars of our century but they added to their bloodguilt by causing worldly governments to ban and even to kill Jehovah’s Witnesses, who on earth represent the heavenly Jerusalem, or Zion.

12. (a) How does Jehovah bring retribution on “Edom”? (b) In what ways have Jehovah’s Witnesses separated from Christendom’s religions?

¹² God’s prophet therefore declares: “Jehovah has a day of vengeance, a year of retributions for the legal case over Zion.” (Isaiah 34:8) How does this affect the modern “Edom”? In a devastation, as the following verses at Isaiah 34:9-17 show. Indeed, in a spiritual way since the postwar year of 1919, Christendom’s religions have become a dead thing, a desolation, from the viewpoint of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. They are the dominant part of “Babylon the Great,” the bloodguilty world empire of false religion, which suffered a great fall spiritually following the first world war, being condemned by Jehovah. Jehovah’s Witnesses have separated from the spiritually defunct modern-day “Edom.” They have no part in its interfaith movements, its political agitating or its sectarian showmanship. Very soon this apostate system will be devastated in its entirety, as Jehovah’s “day of vengeance” comes in upon all the earth.​—Revelation 14:8; 18:2, 4, 24; 19:11-21.

Protection in “Paradise”

13. How does Isaiah describe the return from modern “Babylon”?

¹³ In beautiful poetic phrasing, Isaiah chapter 35 next describes the return of a remnant of spiritual Israel from captivity in “Babylon the Great,” climaxing it with these words: “The very ones redeemed by Jehovah will return and certainly come to Zion with a joyful cry; and rejoicing to time indefinite will be upon their head. To exultation and rejoicing they will attain, and grief and sighing must flee away.” Truly, this is a spiritual paradise, reminding us of the words of Isaiah 51:3: “Jehovah will certainly comfort Zion. He will for certain comfort all her devastated places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert plain like the garden [paradeison (paradise), Septuagint Version] of Jehovah.”

14. (a) What paradise did Paul describe? (b) How is this paradise depicted at Isaiah 35:1-7, and who may share therein?

¹⁴ Jehovah’s anointed people today have entered a spiritual paradise indeed! How well this is described in Isaiah 35:1-7! It is comparable to what the apostle Paul describes at 2 Corinthians 12:3, 4, referring apparently to his own experience: “Yes, I know such a man​—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, God knows—​that he was caught away into paradise and heard unutterable words which it is not lawful for a man to speak.” But it is lawful, today, to speak of the spiritual paradise that now exists among God’s anointed remnant, and in which a ‘great crowd out of all nations’ has also come to share! There thrives among them a delightfully prosperous organization, the global society of Jehovah’s Witnesses, united in the bond of love and in oneness of purpose and action. A spiritual paradise indeed!

15. (a) What does Psalm 91 indicate as to the spiritual paradise? (b) What question is raised with regard to the “great crowd,” and why?

¹⁵ As long as they continue to cultivate this spiritual paradise, Jehovah’s Witnesses will not be harmed by the weapons hurled at them by Satan. (Psalm 91:1-11) As to the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel, the grand restoration prophecies of Isaiah are now having a marvelous fulfillment. But the number of these anointed ones on earth has dwindled to fewer than 10,000​—less than 0.4 percent of all Witnesses. The vast majority of the 45,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses today do not have any anointed ones in their midst. So what of the millions of the “great crowd”? True, they share with the anointed remnant in the joys of the spiritual paradise. But do we not see their marvelous hope of a Paradise earth illustrated in those same prophecies?

The Earth Made Glorious

16. (a) Where and how must God’s purpose be vindicated? (b) How, only, may man qualify for life in a Paradise? (c) How has this again been made possible?

¹⁶ Remember, it was here on earth, in Eden, that Paradise was lost. Therefore, it is here that Jehovah’s purpose toward the earth and man must be vindicated. Earth must be made into a global Paradise for mankind, in line with Jehovah’s original purpose. (Genesis 1:27, 28) There was more to the Edenic Paradise than peace among man and the animals, and the garden’s parklike beauty. Man made in God’s image was morally clean, and had to remain so, in order to continue to be a part of God’s grand organization. He had to obey his Creator if he was to remain perfect, free from sickness, death and any inclination toward wrongdoing. In this Adam failed. So in order for the earthly Paradise to be restored, sinful man must be lifted up again to perfection, this being made possible through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.​—Romans 5:12, 18.

17. (a) How do the “great crowd” find entry into the spiritual paradise? (b) According to the Scriptures, how are they being prepared for eternal life​—where?

¹⁷ Today, the earth is far from being a paradise. Yet the “great crowd” of “other sheep” have come into a spiritual paradise. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) How? It is by dedicating their lives to Jehovah, conforming to his requirements and associating with the anointed remnant who have been brought into the spiritual paradise from 1919 onward. (Compare Ezekiel 38:8-16.) There they are being prepared and equipped for life in the earthly Paradise that will follow the tribulation at Armageddon. As far as this earth is concerned, Paradise restored to it will remain forever, to God’s glory. King David prophesied of it, saying: “But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” Yes, said Jesus, “happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”​—Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5.

18. How will “the glory of Jehovah” be seen in the earthly Paradise?

¹⁸ In that earthly Paradise, all humans (including the resurrected ones on earth) who obediently avail themselves of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice will enjoy blessings like those described by Isaiah and other prophets concerning spiritual Israel. Happily, Jesus’ promise to the sympathetic thief on the tree at Calvary will have its marvelous fulfillment. (Luke 23:43) “The glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God,” will be seen literally in the blossoming of wilderness and desert, and in the healing of blind, deaf, lame and dumb persons. As that peaceful Paradise comes to extend earth wide, why, “even the lion will eat straw just like the bull,” as no doubt it did in Eden and in the ark of Noah’s day. No one will “do any harm or cause any ruin” in Paradise.​—Genesis 1:29, 30; Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:1-7; 65:25.

19. (a) How does Isaiah 25:6-8 undergo a prior fulfillment? (b) How will this be fulfilled also toward those who are to live on earth?

¹⁹ The priority of the spiritual paradise over the literal as to time is indicated by Isaiah 25:6-8. This prophecy is fulfilled spiritually today in the spiritual paradise, where Jehovah’s people have been raised up to enjoy a rich “banquet.” (Compare Ezekiel 37:1-6.) Because of their believing, they are filled with joy and peace, and abound in hope of Kingdom blessings. (Romans 15:13) Isaiah prophesied: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” This has had remarkable fulfillment toward the anointed remnant, restored from “Babylon the Great,” before Armageddon. And Revelation 7:17 applies these same words to the blessed condition of the “great crowd” today. Further, Isaiah’s words are quoted in connection with the “new earth,” at Revelation 21:3, 4, where we read: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind . . . And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” In the “new earth” this marvelous promise will be fulfilled in the restored Paradise on the cleansed earth.

20. Why do all of God’s servants now have every reason to “abound in hope”?

²⁰ Surely, the anointed remnant, along with the “great crowd,” have every reason to “abound in hope” as glorious fulfillments of God’s prophetic word unfold before their eyes. Hope will not be disappointed, for all of Jehovah’s grand promises must at last become a reality. Let us, then, “have strong encouragement to lay hold on the hope set before us.”​—Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:18.

[Footnotes]

Do you remember?

□ Because of what with regard to Jesus’ name may we “abound in hope”?

□ How does Jesus’ exalted position relate to that of Jehovah?

□ What does Isaiah chapter 34 show as to Jehovah’s “day of vengeance”?

□ What do we learn from Isaiah chapter 35 and Isa 25:6-8 about “paradise”?

[Picture on page 27]

“Jehovah has a day of vengeance”

[Picture on page 29]

The spiritual paradise protects against the “pestilences” that now plague mankind

Gilead Missionaries​—Uniquely Different!

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES are different! This was repeatedly emphasized at the graduation ceremonies of the 75th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, held on Sunday, September 11. An audience of 2,023 listened attentively as each speaker urged the graduating missionaries to continue in their unique position as loyal representatives of Jehovah God.

In his introductory remarks, chairman Karl F. Klein made it clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses really are different. “Very few religious organizations in the United States send out missionaries the way Jesus said we should,” he stated. (Matthew 28:19, 20) And those few that send out missionaries, he said, usually have them concentrate on secular, economic and social issues, or they become political activists or medical missionaries. “The very few that do preach,” said Klein, “have nothing to say about the importance of Jehovah’s name or about the Kingdom good news.” “But there is no question that all of Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to preach the Kingdom of God,” he added, “and this is especially taught in Gilead missionary school.”

L. A. Swingle, another member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pointed out how beautiful the class was​—especially in a spiritual sense. “In our eyes and in Jehovah’s eyes,” Brother Swingle told the students, “you are a beautiful group of Witnesses, as you are completing your course here and accepting an assignment to go to the far corners of the earth.”

The students also received parting counsel from their instructors. Noting that Isaiah likened himself to a polished arrow at Isaiah 49:2, U. V. Glass reminded the students that they had been properly trained and prepared, and they could be a formidable weapon in the hands of the Warrior-King, Jesus Christ. Instructor J. Redford urged the class: “Live up to your good name​—Gilead graduate—​by giving a heap of witness in the countries to which you are being sent.”

Governing Body member C. W. Barber impressed the students with the need to take their assignments seriously. Speaker R. Wheelock pointed out the success that previous missionaries have had in following the example of Jesus Christ.

Likening the graduates to the ancient Gibeonites who were determined to serve Jehovah, L. K. Greenlees, also a member of the Governing Body, advised: ‘Resolve to be like those Gibeonites. Cherish your assignment and give it your most industrious care.’

The morning’s program was capped by the address of F. W. Franz, president of both the Watch Tower Society and Gilead School. Speaking on the subject “A Time to Shine,” he drew attention to the fact that the students had already been shining as pioneer ministers in the field of witnessing. “By means of their Gilead training,” he said, “they are better equipped, more so than ever before, to go forth and let their light shine and show how powerful an agency God is using in the form of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead.” As the students then received their diplomas there was hearty applause.

The afternoon program featured the students. After answering the questions in The Watchtower study, they presented a musical program with the theme “Sing Praises to Jehovah in All the Earth.” Outlining the history of the music used by Jehovah’s Witnesses in the past hundred years, it showed how they indeed have been different from the world​—even in the melodies and lyrics used.

The students’ enactment of a Bible-based drama concluded the program. Full of joy to be used by Jehovah in this special way, and with a prayer of thanks and petition for Jehovah’s blessing to be upon them, the 38 students departed​—eager to go to the 17 lands to which they are being sent.

It Won Him the Job

A young man who accepted some magazines published by the Watch Tower Society explained why he could not refuse them. “A few years ago I was in Florence, Italy, taking exams in a contest for a job,” he said. “The day before an exam I was told that we would have to do an essay on the problem of pollution.”

That evening, the man noted, his landlady gave him some magazines, including Awake! When he saw that Awake! featured the problem of pollution, he said: “My fatigue immediately vanished and I read those articles until I knew them by heart. The next day I went to take the exam and did my essay. The board of examiners, formed by high-ranking army officers and university lecturers analyzed it and then congratulated me for my knowledge in this field. Actually I had simply written down the facts obtained from the magazine​—thanks to Awake! I won the job.”

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