Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses

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See also: Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses

The eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. They believe that Jesus Christ has been ruling in heaven as king since 1914 (a date they believe was prophesied in Scripture), and that after that time a period of cleansing occurred, resulting in the selection of Jehovah's Witnesses by God to be his people in the year 1919.[1] They also believe the destruction of those who do not recognize God's Kingdom will shortly take place at Armageddon, which will be followed by a new, peaceful earthly society of willing subjects of that kingdom.

Contents

[edit] Current beliefs

Jehovah's Witnesses teach the imminence of end of this current world society, or "system of things" by God's judgment, leading to deliverance for the saved. This judgment will begin with false religion, which they identify as the “harlot,” Babylon the Great[2][3], referred to in the Book of Revelation. They apply this designation to all other religions. Jehovah's Witnesses are told not to put their expectations to one given date, and that various events will lead up to the end of this "system of things" these events culminate in Armageddon. Armageddon is understood to include the destruction of all earthly governments by God. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth[4][5]

After Armageddon, based on scriptures such as John 5:28, 29[6], they believe people in the graves will gradually be resurrected to a ‘day of judgment’.[7] lasting until the end of the thousand years. [8] This judgement will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds.[9] At the end of the thousand years a final test will take place when Satan is brought back to mislead perfect mankind.[10] The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race. [11]

[edit] Presence of Christ Jesus

Jehovah's Witnesses currently believe that Christ Jesus returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king, in October 1914. They say the beginning of Christ's heavenly rule would seem worse initially for mankind because it starts with the casting out of Satan from heaven to the earth, which according to Revelation 12, would bring a brief period of 'woe' to mankind.[12] But this woe will be reversed when Christ finally comes to destroy Satan's earthly organization, throwing Satan into the abyss and establish God's Kingdom rule over the earth in which Jesus reigns as God's appointed king.[13] They believe the Greek word parousia (usually translated as "coming") is more accurately understood as "presence," perceived only by a series of 'signs.' Thus this Second Coming would be an invisible presence.

They base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on their interpretation of biblical chronology.[14] [15] They believe this to be reinforced by world events since 1914, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence for all to see. [16][17] [18] An example of this sign is said to be the world wars which they say fulfills Christ's statement in answer to a request for a sign. [19] They believe that their preaching is part of that sign. To support this they point to Matthew 24:14, which says "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come." (MKJV) [20][21] [22]

Their interpretation of Bible chronology is hinged on the year 607 BCE for the date of Jerusalem's destruction and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. Witness sources posit Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians to 607 BCE. (Non-Witness sources date Jerusalem's destruction to 587/586 BCE, some twenty years later.) [23][24]

They teach that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years. They associate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations," a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. David had been promised that his offspring would sit on God's throne forever. David’s line was interrupted when the Babylonians removed Israel’s last king. For 2520 years, gentiles ruled Israel. This gentile domination of God's people ended when Jesus, David’s permanent heir, began ruling on God’s throne in heaven in October of 1914.[25]

After the war of Armageddon, Jesus will rule as Earth's king for 1000 years after which he hands all authority back to Jehovah.[26] [27]

[edit] Sign of Last Days

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that since October of 1914, humanity has been living in a period of intense increased trouble known as "the last days." (Revelation 11:15-18) War, disease, famine, earthquakes, lack of love, the progressive degeneration of morality worldwide, and the preaching work done by Jehovah's Witnesses are said to mark these "last days" (Matt. 24, Luke 21:7-13, 2 Timothy 3:1-5). [3] Various calamities in the modern world are used to demonstrate these beliefs, such as the fighting of World War I in August 1914, the outbreak of Spanish flu in May 1918, the onset of World War II in 1939, and more recently, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

[edit] Judgment of Religion and Selection of True Followers

Jehovah's Witnesses believe 1918 to be the time when Christ Jesus judged all world religions claiming to be Christian.[28] They teach that after a period of 18 months, among all groups and religions claiming to represent Christ,[29] there was found only one group that met God's approval. Jehovah's Witnesses claim the "Bible Students" (who later became known as "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931) are that one unique group.[30] Furthermore, they say that the religions of the world in general are corrupt and condemned in the Bible. They believe the world's religious system is referred to in the Bible (in Revelation 17: 3-6) as "Babylon The Great," and the "harlot,"[31][32] which the Witnesses identify as "the world empire of false religion." [33] [34] The Witnesses believe that the world's religions in general have misrepresented God, and filled the world with hatred.[35] During the final great tribulation, all the world's religions, except the 'true' one, will be destroyed by the governments under the UN (United Nations).[36] [37] They feel that the UN has reason to hate the 'Harlot', but that God himself will motivate the UN to destroy religion.[38]

[edit] History of eschatology

History of Eschatological Doctrine
Last Days Begin Christ's Return Christ as King Resurrection of 144,000 Judgment of Religion Great Tribulation
1879–1920 1799 1874 1878 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920
1920–1925 1925
1925–1927 1914 1878 1878 within a generation of 1914
1927–1930 1918
1930–1933 1919
1933–1966 1914
1966–1975 1975
1975–1995 within a generation of 1914
1995-2007 imminent
2008 indeterminate

Throughout its history, the eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses has undergone clarifications, mostly surrounding the dates 1874, 1914, 1918, and 1925. On one hand, they assured readers the interpretations were based on Scripture and were therefore reliable.[39] However, they have also candidly admitted that their interpretations have at times been in error,[40] and that there was no claim to infallibility with regard to their interpretations[41], and they have never claimed to originate prophecies.[42][43] More recently The Watchtower stated, “The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) ”[44] Thus portions of their eschatology and its accompanying chronology have been discarded.

Currently they teach that modern events correspond to Biblical prophecies, however, they do not predict a specific year for Armageddon to occur (1 Thesessalonians 5:1-5; Matthew 24:36, 42). The Witnesses still rely on their understanding of Bible chronology for establishing the significance of the year 1914.

[edit] Early Expectations 1871-1881

The Second Adventists affiliated with Nelson H. Barbour expected a visible and dramatic return of Christ in 1873,[45] and later in 1874.[46] They agreed with other Adventist groups that the "time of the end" (also called the "last days") had started in 1799.[47] Soon after the 1874 disappointment, Barbour's group decided Christ had returned to the earth in 1874, but invisibly. Writing in his journal The Herald of the Morning in 1875, Barbour outlined his eschatological views and connected the years 1874, 1878, 1881, and 1914. The "harvest" was to run from 1874 to the Spring of 1878, concluding with "the translation of the living saints into the air." 1881 would mark when the Jews would be restored to Palestine and the time from 1881 until 1914 would see the set-up of the Kingdom of God on earth:

Herald of the Morning published by Nelson H. Barbour and Charles Taze Russell in 1878
Herald of the Morning published by Nelson H. Barbour and Charles Taze Russell in 1878
“ I believe the earth [or cosmos] abideth forever; but that the ages, [aionies] are continually passing. That we are now in the end of the gospel age, and the commencing of the age of, or 'times of restitution of all things.' That this transition period is called 'the time of harvest' and that it began in the autumn of 1874, and will end in the spring of 1878; measuring three and a half years. And that the events of this time of harvest, are first the resurrection of the dead in Christ; second, the binding of the tares in bundles; third and last, the translation of the living saints and gathering of them together with the risen ones to the Lord in the air.

I believe that though the gospel dispensation will end in 1878, the Jews will not be restored to Palestine, until 1881; and that the 'times of the Gentiles,' viz. their seven prophetic, times, of 2520, or twice 1260 years, which began where God gave all, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, 606 B.C.; do not end until A.D. 1914; or 40 years from this.

I believe that during this 40 years, just begun the 'time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation;' will be fulfilled. And in the mean time, the kingdom of God will be set up, 'break in pieces, and consume all these [Gentile] kingdoms,' 'and the stone become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth,' and usher in glory of the millennial age.[48]

 ”

Charles Taze Russell entered fellowship with Barbour in 1876 and Russell accepted Barbour's eschatological understanding.[49][50]1n 1877, Barbour and Russell jointly issued the book The Three Worlds which reiterated Barbour's earlier teachings.[51]It proclaimed Christ's invisible return in 1874,[52] the resurrection of the saints in 1875,[53] and predicted the end of the "harvest" and a rapture of the saints to heaven for 1878,[54] and the final end of "the day of wrath" in 1914.[55] 1874 was considered the end of 6,000 years of human history and the beginning of judgment by Christ.[56]

Shortly after the 1878 disappointment, Russell said they "felt somewhat disappointed; yet we did not for a moment feel cast down." The 1878 date had been based on a three and a half year parallel time period from the Fall of 1874 to the Spring of 1878 which was viewed as the "Harvest." Russell explained that they now realized there would be an additional three and a half period "making the harvest seven years long."[57]Successive issues of The Herald of the Morning identified the Fall of 1881 as the end of the "Harvest" and the likely time for the translation of the Church to heaven.[58]A theological disagreement over the nature of the Atonement prompted Russell to break fellowship with Barbour and begin publishing Zion's Watch Tower in July, 1879.[59] Initially, the Watch Tower held to the 1881 date as the probable time for the Church's translation,[60]but by May, 1881 the expectations were only that the opportunity to be part of the Bride of Christ would end about October 2, 1881.[61]

[edit] "The Time Is At Hand" 1881-1918

Barbour's basic eschatology was retained by Russell after they parted company with some minor refinements. Basing his interpretations on a concept of parallel "dispensations," Russell taught that while Jesus was invisibly present here on earth he was also made its King in 1878. Rejected by God in 1878 was the "nominal Church" (considered to be "Babylon the Great").[62]Russell also taught that in 1878 Christ resurrected all the "dead in Christ" as spirit beings to be with him here on the earth awaiting a future glorification to heaven. (As each of the remainder of the 144,000 would die after 1878, Christ would resurrect them as spirit beings to join those already resurrected.) Together with Christ here on earth, these invisible resurrected spirit beings were said to be engaged in directing a harvest work (running from 1874-1914) gathering the remainder of those with the heavenly calling.[63]Russell later moderated his view about the significance of 1881, stating that the "door" for the gathering of the Bride of Christ "stands ajar."[64]

The culmination of Armageddon would occur in 1914 preceded by the gathering of all the saints (both resurrected and living) to heaven. Based on measurements from the Great Pyramid of Gizeh, this 'passing beyond the vail' or rapture was expected "before the close of A.D. 1910."[65]Russell enumerated seven expectations for 1914 in The Time is at Hand:

In 1889, Charles Taze Russell published his interpretation of eschatology and chronology based on the idea of parallel "dispensations".
In 1889, Charles Taze Russell published his interpretation of eschatology and chronology based on the idea of parallel "dispensations".
“ In this chapter we will present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of the Gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men...

Firstly, That at that date the Kingdom of God, for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, 'Thy Kingdom come,' will obtain full, universal control, and that it will then be 'set up,' or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions.

Secondly, It will prove that he whose right it is thus to take the domination will then be present as earth’s new Ruler...

Thirdly, It will prove that some time before the end of A.D. 1914 the last member of the divinely recognized Church of Christ, the 'royal priesthood,' 'the body of Christ,' will be glorified with the Head...

Fourthly, It will prove that from that time forward Jerusalem shall no longer be trodden down by the Gentiles...

Fifthly, it will prove that by that date, or sooner, Israel’s blindness will begin to be turned away...

Sixthly, It will prove that the great 'time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation,' will reach its culmination in a world-wide reign of anarchy...

Seventhly, It will prove that before that date [emphasis in original] God’s Kingdom, organized in power, will be in the earth and then smite and crush the Gentile image (Dan. 2:34) - and fully consume the power of these kings.[66]

 ”

At first the hopes for 1914 were stretched to "near the end of A.D. 1915."[67]A few months before his death in October 1916, Russell wrote: "We believe that the dates have proven to be quite right. We believe that Gentile Times have ended...The Lord did not say that the Church would all be glorified by 1914. We merely inferred it, and, evidently, erred."[68]Writing in the September 1, 1916 Watch Tower, Russell felt the war in Europe was the beginning of Armageddon: "Our eyes of understanding should discern clearly the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty now in progress." No longer willing to speculate as to the end of the "Harvest Work" (the gathering of the last of the 144,000), he did point to the destruction of the "nominal Church" as being due in April 1918.[69]

Following Russell's lead, the book The Finished Mystery[70]emphasized events for 1918. The destruction of the churches of Christendom was expected in 1918: "Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity.'" (Page 485) "The people who are the strength of Christendom shall be cut off in the brief but terribly eventful period beginning in 1918 A.D. A third part are 'burned with fire in the midst of the city.' Fire symbolizes destruction. . . .After 1918 the people supporting churchianity will cease to be its supporters, be destroyed as adherents, by the spiritual pestilence of errors abroad, and by the famine of the Word of God among them." (Pages 398, 399)[71]The Spring of 1918 was also proposed for the glorification of the Church: "Our proposition is that the glorification of the Little Flock in the Spring of 1918 A.D. will be half way (three and one-half years each way) between the close of the Gentile Times and the close of the Heavenly Way, A.D. 1921." (Page 64) Page 177 suggests the very day of this "deliverance" as possibly being Passover day of 1918. The Finished Mystery also predicted the destruction of governments in the year 1920: "And the mountains were not found. Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. And the mountains were not found. Every kingdom of earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy."[72]

[edit] "Millions Now Living Will Never Die!" 1918-1925

The predictions for 1920 were discarded even before that year arrived in favor of a new chronology. In 1918-1919, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, second president of the Watchtower Society, began a world-wide lecture series entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." Its basic message was a re-interpretation of the significance of the year 1914 (now seen as the beginning of the "great tribulation") and new predictions for the year 1925. Expected by 1925 was the resurrection of the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Issac and Jacob and other Old Testament personages (referred to as "princes") and the beginnings of a new world where death would cease and the dead would be resurrected to an earthly paradise.[73]

A booklet form of the lecture was given wide distribution.[74]Under the subheading "Earthly Rulers," pages 89-90 explained:

The "Millions" booklet written by Judge Rutherford in 1920
The "Millions" booklet written by Judge Rutherford in 1920
“ As we have heretofore stated, the great jubilee cycle is due to begin in 1925. At that time the earthly phase of the kingdom shall be recognized. The Apostle Paul in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews names a long list of faithful men who died before the crucifixion of the Lord and before the beginning of the selection of the church. These can never be a part of the heavenly class; they had no heavenly hopes; but God has in store something good for them. They are to be resurrected as perfect men and constitute the princes or rulers in the earth, according to his promise. (Psalm 45:16; Isaiah 32:1; Matthew 8:11) Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection."[75] ”

With the return of these "princes" a new order would begin. This would mean that millions of people alive at that time would be able to live forever:

“ Based upon the argument heretofore set forth, then, that the old order of things, the old world, is ending and is therefore passing away, and that the new order is coming in, and that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then, based upon the promises set forth in the divine Word, we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die.[76] ”

Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom explains that Jehovah's Witnesses then "understood that people then living—-mankind in general-—had the opportunity to survive right into the time of restitution and that they would then be educated in Jehovah’s requirements for life. If obedient, they would gradually attain to human perfection. If rebellious, they would, in time, be destroyed forever."[77]Newspaper ads for the "Millions" lecture localized the claim: "It will be conclusively proved...that thousands now living in Marion and vicinity will never die." "It will be conclusively proven...that thousands now living in this city will never die."[78]

The chronology for 1925 was viewed as stronger than the chronology for 1914[79] and was emphasized strongly in the children's book The Way to Paradise.[80]The 1921 book The Harp of God: Proof Conclusive That Millions Now Living Will Never Die predicted that "maimed and disfigured" victims of World War I would be among the "first to receive restoration blessings."[81]

While claiming that 1925 would be among the dates "stamped with God's approval", the Watch Tower was careful to say "that all that some expect to see in 1925 may not transpire that year" and could be "a means of testing and sifting."[82]Disappointment over 1925 is explained by the Proclaimers history book as "testing and sifting from within."[83]

The impact of the disappointment can be seen in statistics from the period. Prior to 1925 the numbers attending the yearly Memorial steadily increased. In 1919 17,961 attended. In 1922 it had increased to 32,661. 1923 saw 42,000 and in 1924 there were 62,696 in attendance. A peak of 90,434 was reached in 1925. The first decrease was recorded in 1926--89,278.[84] However, by 1928 it had decreased to 17,380.[85]As late as 1931 it was claimed 1925 was a year "fixed in the Scriptures."[86]By 1936, the idea that millions of the general populace would survive Armageddon to be educated in a new world was rejected: "There is no promise that anyone will survive the battle of the great day of God Almighty except those who are in the organization of Jehovah under Christ, and who remain faithful and true to the Lord."[87]

[edit] Great Pyramid of Giza 1876-1928

John Edgar measuring the portal between the Subterranean Chamber and the Descending Corridor in the Great Pyramid of Egypt in 1909
John Edgar measuring the portal between the Subterranean Chamber and the Descending Corridor in the Great Pyramid of Egypt in 1909

Influenced by the Pyramidology theories of John Taylor and Charles Piazzi Smyth, both Nelson Barbour and Charles Russell taught that the Great Pyramid of Giza contained prophetic measurements in "pyramid inches" that pointed to both 1874 and 1914. Russell viewed the Great Pyramid as "God's Stone Witness and Prophet."[88]Smyth reviewed Russell’s manuscript on the Great Pyramid before publication and Russell credits him and Scottish writer Robert Menzies for the view “that the Great Pyramid is Jehovah's ‘Witness,’ and that it is as important a witness to divine truth as to natural science.” [89] Prophetic dates derived from the measurements inside the Great Pyramid were seen as complementary to biblical interpretations. Russell included the Great Pyramid as part of his ground-breaking Magic Lantern and cinema production [[The Photo Drama of Creation]] in 1914, suggesting that the Great Pyramid was built by the Old Testament king-priest Melchizedek.[90]Following Russell's wishes, a 7 foot high replica of a pyramid was erected at his gravesite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its capstone "patterned after the capstone of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, symbolic of the Christ."[91][92]

Russell’s interpretations of the Great Pyramid were supported by the writings of John and Morton Edgar who were prominent members of his movement.[93][94]Russell had first published that the date 1874 was derived from a measurement of 3416 pyramid inches[95] which measurement was revised in the 1910 edition to 3457 inches to point to 1915.[96]The Edgars’ explained the revision in measurement and change in date to errors made by Smyth.[97]

In the early 1920s, the significance of the Pyramid predictions for 1914 were re-interpreted to mean that "the old evil order began to pass away in 1914.".[98]A 1924 issue of Golden Age referred to the Great Pyramid as "the Scientific Bible" and added that measurements on the Grand Gallery inside the Great Pyramid confirmed the dates 1874, 1914 and 1925.[99]The idea that the Great Pyramid contained a prophetic blueprint of biblical chronology was rejected in 1928 with the Great Pyramid being seen as built "under the direction of Satan the Devil."[100]

[edit] "Armageddon Immediately Before Us" 1925-1966

From 1925-1933, the Watchtower Society radically changed their beliefs after the failure of these eschatological expectations.[101] In 1925, the Watch Tower explained a major change that Christ had been enthroned as King in heaven in the year 1914 instead of 1878.[102]1874 was retained as the time of Christ's invisible return until the early 1930s.[103]But, Christ's Second Advent was now explained not as a return to the earth but as a "turning of attention" to the earth with Christ remaining in heaven.[104]By 1933, it was clearly taught that Christ had returned invisibly in 1914 and the "last days" had also begun then.[105]A 1927 Watch Tower had transferred the 1878 resurrection date to 1918.[106]However, it was now held these were raised as spirit creatures to heavenly life to be with Christ there.[107]The judgment on Babylon changed from 1878 to 1919 with the publication of the book Light in 1930.[108]These are the current teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding 1914, 1918 and 1919. Witnesses no longer consider the dates 1799, 1874, 1878, and 1881 to have any eschatological significance. The idea that the "great tribulation" had begun in 1914 and was "cut short" in 1918 to be resumed at Armageddon was dropped in 1969.[109]

Beth Sarim ("House of the Princes") was built in San Diego, California in 1930 for soon to be resurrected Old Testament "princes." Watchtower President Judge Rutherford used it as a winter home.
Beth Sarim ("House of the Princes") was built in San Diego, California in 1930 for soon to be resurrected Old Testament "princes." Watchtower President Judge Rutherford used it as a winter home.

In 1930, Joseph Rutherford (the second Watch Tower president) took residence of a "Spanish mansion"[110] in California which he called Beth Sarim, meaning, "House of the Princes". It was held in trust for the ancient biblical "princes" who were expected to be resurrected immediately prior to Armageddon.[111]Rutherford spent the winter months at Beth Sarim and died there in January, 1942. In 1948 the mansion was sold.[112] In 1950, the belief that these Old Testament "princes" would be resurrected before Armageddon was abandoned.[113]

In the mid 1930s and early 1940s, emphasis was placed on the urgent nearness of Armageddon, said to be "months" away. "Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it. . . during the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm"[114]After the outbreak of World War II, similar wording was used in a 1941 Watchtower describing the use of a new publication: "for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon"[115]This was emphasized in the next year: "Now, with Armageddon immediately before us, it is a matter of life or destruction"[116]

Singleness and childlessness was encouraged for the new converts ("the Jonadabs" or "great multitude") because it was "immediately before Armageddon": "If in obedience to the divine command the Jonadabs or great multitude will marry and rear children after Armageddon, would it not be Scripturally proper for them to begin doing so immediately before Armageddon? and should the Jonadabs now be encouraged to marry and rear children? No, is the answer, supported by the Scriptures."[117] For example, young Witnesses were counselled: "It is better and wiser for those of the Lord's 'other sheep' who hope to survive Armageddon and be given the divine mandate to fill the earth with a righteous offspring to defer matters until after the tribulation and destruction of Armageddon is past."[118]This view prevailed up until about 1950.[119]

[edit] "Looking Forward to 1975" 1966-1975

Convention badge from Circuit Assembly, circa 1970
Convention badge from Circuit Assembly, circa 1970

During the 1960s and early 1970s, many Witnesses were stimulated by articles in their literature[120]and further encouraged by speakers at their assemblies to believe that Armageddon and Christ's thousand-year millennial reign could begin by 1975. Strong statements for 1975 appeared, only sometimes accompanied with cautionary remarks. The booklet The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years, also delivered as the keynote address to major assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world, [121] stated enthusiastically in 1969 about that promised reign (which would begin at "God's fixed time"):

“ But for Godfearing students of the Holy Bible containing both the ancient Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Greek Scriptures, there is a more important millennium that compels their attention. That is the seventh millennium! No, not the seventh millennium measured from A.D. 1, but the seventh millennium of man's existence here on earth, the seventh millennium measured from God's creation of perfect man and woman in the garden of Eden. This is usually measured according to the Anno Mundi rule or 'In the Year of the World' calendar, the world of mankind being here meant. Does this fact have any bearing on the approach of the peace of a thousand years or of a millennium? Very apparently Yes! ... More recently earnest researchers of the Holy Bible have made a recheck of its chronology. According to their calculations the six millenniums of mankind's life on earth would end in the mid-seventies. Thus the seventh millennium from man's creation by Jehovah God would begin within less than ten years.

Apart from the global change that present-day world conditions indicate is fast getting near, the arrival of the seventh millennium of man's existence on earth suggests a gladsome change for war-stricken humankind ... In order for the Lord Jesus Christ to be "Lord even of the sabbath day," his thousand-year reign would have to be the seventh in a series of thousand-year periods or millenniums. (Matthew 12:8, AV) Thus it would be a sabbatic reign ... Would not, then, the end of six millenniums of mankind's laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil be the fitting time for Jehovah God to usher in a Sabbath millennium for all his human creatures? Yes, indeed! And his King Jesus Christ will be Lord of that Sabbath.

 ”

That this was intended as pivotal information for Jehovah's Witnesses was relayed by the Society at the booklet's beginning: "Undisturbed peace with health, happiness and freedom from fear is on the divine program for humankind on earth. Reliable evidences indicate that it will begin within this generation! We do not want to keep this gladsome information to ourselves, and so in this booklet we pass it on to you."

[122]A Watchtower article asked: "Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?":

“ Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will begin by then? Possibly, but we wait to see how closely the seventh thousand-year period of man's existence coincides with the sabbathlike thousand-year reign of Christ. If these two periods run parallel with each other as to the calendar year, it will not be by mere chance or accident but will be according to Jehovah's loving and timely purposes.[123] ”

Strong statements regarding 1975 were made in some public lectures.[124]Caution was shown by some, however, especially as the time approached. For example, a lecture[125] by then Vice-President Fred Franz in early 1975 pin-pointed after sundown on September 5, 1975 as the end of 6,000 years and saying all the prophecies "could happen" by then, while admitting that looked improbable[126]Various news articles noted this emphasis on 1975. A 1969 Time article observed:

“ The Witnesses have what they believe is Scriptural proof that the end is coming. For one thing, their interpretation of Biblical chronology reveals that Adam and Eve were created in the autumn of 4026 B.C., or 5,994 years ago. Linking 6,000 years to the six days of God's creation, they believe it fitting that there be a sabbath-like rest thereafter, beginning in 1975—though Witnesses cautiously avoid a flat prediction linked to that year.[127] ”

Although Witnesses had always been encouraged to increase their preaching work, and to avoid overdulging in secular life goals or careers, reaction to this counsel was especially strong prior to 1975. Some Witnesses gave up high paying jobs, college, scholarships,[128] and some sold their houses because they felt the end was extremely close. A 1974 Kingdom Ministry commented on this trend: "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end.-1 John 2:17."[129][130] In 1979, in a lecture entitled "Choosing the Best Way of Life", the Watchtower Society acknowledged responsibility for some of the disappointment around 1975.[131] In 1980, in an article based upon that talk, the following statement appeared:

“ In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man's existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated.

In its issue of July 15, 1976, The Watchtower, commenting on the inadvisability of setting our sights on a certain date, stated: "If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises." In saying "anyone," The Watchtower included all disappointed ones of Jehovah's Witnesses, hence including persons having to do with the publication of the information that contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date.[132]

 ”

Baptism statistics compared with the number of those reporting preaching for 1976-1980 showed that many became inactive during that period.[133]

See also 1975: 'THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR GOD TO ACT'

[edit] "Live With Jehovah's Day in Mind" 1976-2008

In 1995 changes regarding their interpretation of the statement "this generation" made by Jesus[134] were published. During the previous four decades, Jehovah's Witnesses had taught that the generation which saw the events of 1914 would not die before Armageddon came, but were described as those who would "still be alive to see the end of this wicked system"[135]or "those who are living at the given period".[136]

The Watch Tower Society taught that a "generation" can be a literal term encompassing about 70 to 80 years in length.[137]They also understood that the term “generation” can mean, “a class of persons,... characterized by certain qualities or conditions”, although this definition was not used to apply to Jesus’ words.[138] The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses taught that "before the 1914 generation completely dies out, God's judgment must be executed"[139] and "We also know that the 1914 generation is well into the evening of its existence, thus allowing only little time for this prophecy yet to be fulfilled. But we also know—for this we have Jesus' own promise—that "this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen."[140]

As the generation of 1914 dwindled in numbers, the Governing Body used this for many decades as evidence that the end was "very near and immediately impending." Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz describes how privately the Governing Body discussed alternate interpretations. One suggestion made by Albert Schroeder, Karl Klein and Grant Suiter proposed moving the beginning of the "generation" to the year 1957, to coincide with the year Sputnik was launched. The proposal, however, was not ratified by the rest of the Governing Body.[141] The generation of 1914 doctrine was finally discarded when the youngest had reached 80 years of age. In 1995, a new interpretation of "this generation" was then published in The Watchtower. Rather than a literal lifespan of 70-80 years as previously taught, the understanding of Jesus' term "generation" was changed to “a class of persons,... characterized by certain qualities or conditions” and thus an unspecified amount of time.[142] This class of persons are described as "the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ's presence but fail to mend their ways."[143] However, Jehovah's Witnesses still believe that Armageddon is imminent. That same article continued, "Does our more precise viewpoint on 'this generation' mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all!"

The Watch Tower Society correspondingly changed the wording in the stated purpose of Awake! magazine from "the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away" to "the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world that is about to replace the present, wicked lawless system of things."

Jehovah's Witnesses continue to encourage study of the Bible over post-secondary secular education.[144]Instead, Witness youths were encouraged to devote themselves in full-time ministry. This policy was moderated in 1992[145]but a 2005 Watchtower again discouraged college education.[146]Since then, Witness leaders have lectured against pursuing college or university education due to the nearness of Armageddon.[147]

[edit] Controversy

There are controversial issues in the history of the eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses.

[edit] Fall of Jerusalem

The date 1914 is based on the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 607 BC. Non-Witness scholars do not support 607 BC for the event; most scholars date the destruction to within a year of 587 BC, twenty years later. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that periods of seventy years mentioned in the books of Jeremiah and Daniel refer to the Jewish exile.

In The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return by Carl O. Jonsson, a former Witness himself,[148] he presents 18 lines of evidence to support the traditional view of neo-Babylonian chronology. He accuses the Watchtower of deliberately misquoting sources in an effort to bolster their position.

In Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian Chronology Compared with the Chronology of the Bible, Volume 1: Persian Chronology and the Length of the Babylonian Exile of the Jews Rolf Furuli presents a very detailed study of 607 BC and supports the conclusion that Witnesses publish.[149]. It should be noted that Furuli is himself a Jehovah's Witness.

Witnesses believe that the year 607 BC is critical in two other prophetic interpretations. First, the destruction of Jerusalem for a seventy year time span.[150] Second, the arrival of Christ in kingly power coincides with the 2,520 year period from October 607 BC to October 1914 AD.[151]

[edit] 2,520 year "Gentile Times"

Nelson Barbour and Charles Russell proposed that a prophetic period of "seven times" equalling 2,520 years stretched from 606 B.C. to 1914 A.D. (606 B.C. was later changed in Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology to 607 B.C. when they realised there was no year 0[152].) The idea of a 2,520 year period, based upon a secondary interpretation of the "seven times" in Nebuchadnezzar's tree dream in Daniel chapter 4, had been proposed earlier by various commentators with varying terminal dates.[153]The argumentation in support for the 2,520 year interpretation is delineated in the Witnesses' Bible encylopediaInsight on the Scriptures.[154]The "seven times" are interpreted as 7 years of 360 days each, totalling 2,520 days. The 2,520 days become 2,520 years using the day-year principle. A secondary interpretation is given to the tree that is chopped down and Nebuchadnezzar's reported madness. Bible commentator John Peter Lange rejected the "day year principle."[155]

[edit] Encouraging Irresponsibility

As 1975 approached comments were made that it would not be wise to think in terms of a very long future in the "present system of things". Thus people were advised to forego practical considerations in lieu of serving Watchtower interests.

“ "If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the 'last days' in 1914, Jesus foretold: 'This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way towards its finish, if not actually gone! This is why parents who base their lives on God's prophetic Word find it much more practical to direct their young ones into trades that do not require such long periods of additional schooling ... True, those who do not understand where we are in the stream of time from God's viewpoint will call this impractical. But which is really practical: preparing yourself for a position in this world that soon will pass away? or working toward surviving this system's end and enjoying eternal life in God's righteous new order?" - Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15 ”
“ "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." - Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 ”

After 1975 came and went, comments were made that perhaps this was unwise.

“ "It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for ... But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that, when the "day" comes, it will not change the principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises." - Watchtower 1976 July 15 p.441 ”

[edit] References

  1. ^ “Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand” –1988 | chap. 6 p. 32 “Unlocking a Sacred Secret” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “Early in 1918 the Kingdom activity of Jehovah’s people met with great opposition. It was a time of testing earth wide, and fearful ones were sifted out. In May 1918 Christendom’s clergy instigated the imprisonment of officials of the Watch Tower Society, but nine months later these were released. Later, the false charges against them were dropped. From 1919 the organization of God’s people, tried and refined, moved zealously forward to proclaim Jehovah’s Kingdom by Christ Jesus as the hope for mankind.—Malachi 3:1-3.”
  2. ^ “Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand” –1988 | 235-236 pars. 2-3 “Judging the Infamous Harlot” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  3. ^ “Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand” –1988 | chap. 30 pp. 205-206 par. 2 “Babylon the Great Has Fallen!” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “2 It was at Babylon, more than 4,000 years ago, that Jehovah confused the tongues of the would-be builders of the Tower of Babel. The different language groups were scattered to the ends of the earth, taking with them the apostate beliefs and practices that are the basis of most religions to this day. (Genesis 11:1-9) Babylon the Great is the religious part of Satan’s organization. (Compare John 8:43-47.) Her most prominent segment today is apostate Christendom, which emerged as a powerful, lawless organization in the fourth century after Christ, with creeds and formalisms derived, not from the Bible, but largely from Babylonish religion.—2 Thessalonians 2:3-12.”
  4. ^ Watchtower 9/1/59 pp. 530-531 par. 15 | “By way of example of points easily overlooked, perhaps you often talk about the Kingdom as being established on earth. Have you forgotten the point made on page 138 of “Let God Be True” that says, “It is manifest that the kingdom is not earthly, but heavenly”? So the Kingdom will never be established on earth as though it were an earthly arrangement, although it will extend its rule and bring blessings to men of faith on earth.—John 18:36.”
  5. ^ Armageddon—A Happy Beginning- Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
  6. ^ Joh 5:28 "Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves shall hear His voice, Joh 5:29 and shall come forth, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have practiced evil to the resurrection of condemnation"
  7. ^ The Watchtower | 12/1577 p. 743 How Dependent Are We on Jesus Christ? |“During this reign the human race is in the hands of Jesus Christ, and he judges them as to life—their attaining of perfection—or as to death—their meriting death because of failure to avail themselves of the provisions for life. The apostle Paul says that “he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing.” (1 Cor. 15:25, 26)”|
  8. ^ Watchtower 5/15 2006 p 6|“God’s Purpose for the Earth—Soon to Be Fulfilled” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “During his Thousand Year Reign, Jesus will apply the benefits of his ransom sacrifice to every obedient human. In time, all sin will thus be removed, and mankind will be lifted to human perfection. (1 John 2:2; Revelation 21:1-4) With the effects of Adam’s sin completely gone, perfect humans will meet God’s standards physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually. They will thus “come to life” in the fullest sense when they reach sinless perfection. (Revelation 20:5) How this and the Paradise earth will glorify Jehovah!”.
  9. ^ “Insight on the Scriptures” -2 p. 788 Resurrection | “This could not mean the record of their past lives nor a set of rules that judges them on the basis of their past lives. For since “the wages sin pays is death,” these by their death have received the wages of their sin in the past. “
  10. ^ Watchtower 5/1/05 p. 20 par. 13 17 © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “The Resurrection Hope—What Does It Mean for You?” | “13 When Satan is released from the abyss for the final test, he will try to mislead humans once again. According to Revelation 20:7-9, all the ‘misled nations,’ or groups of people, who fall under Satan’s wicked influence will meet their judgment of destruction” |
  11. ^ The Watchtower | 8/15/06 p. 31 Questions From Readers | “Those who pass the final test will differ from Adam in one crucial sense. They will have been fully tested. We can be confident of the thoroughness of the final test because Jehovah knows how to examine people inside and out. We can rest assured that the final test will eliminate any who would misuse their freedom of choice. Thus, although it is possible for those who pass the final test to rebel against God and hence be destroyed, it is very unlikely that such a thing will occur.”|
  12. ^ Watchtower 2/1 1996 . p6 | “Good News Ahead!” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “There is, however, a reason why bad news has escalated in this 20th century. This reason is spelled out clearly in the Bible, which foretold that mankind in the 20th century would enter a unique period of time known as “the last days” or “the time of the end.” (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 12:4) Bible prophecy and Biblical chronology identify this “end period,” which began in 1914.” ...The last days were to begin with an event that would automatically cause bad news on earth to escalate. What was that? It was the casting down from heaven of Satan the Devil and his demon hosts. You may read this vivid description of the unavoidable increase of bad news at Revelation 12:9, 12: “Down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. . . . ‘Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.’” So in whatever time yet remains until the last days come to their conclusion, we can expect bad news to continue and even to increase in its amount and intensity.
  13. ^ Watchtower 10/1 p. 16 par. 7 “The Messiah’s Presence and His Rule!” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “7 Undoubtedly, the pa·rou·si´a is not literally visible to human eyes. If it were, why would Jesus spend so much time, as we shall see, giving his followers a sign to help them to discern this presence? However, when Christ comes to destroy Satan’s world system, the fact of his presence will be overwhelmingly manifest to all. It is then that “every eye will see him.” Even Jesus’ opponents will be able to discern, to their dismay, that Christ’s reign is real.—See Matthew 24:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 1:5, 6. | ”
  14. ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God Pp. 278-284
  15. ^ “Reasoning From the Scriptures” p. 95 - p. 96 | ”Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses say that God’s Kingdom was established in 1914?”.
  16. ^ The Truth That Leads to Everlasting Life Chap 10 pg 86 par. 8
  17. ^ “You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth” 1989 | chap. 18 p. 150 par. 5 | ““The End of the World” Is at Hand!”” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | "Never in history had there been such a terrible war. It was total war. World War I was much greater than all the major wars fought during the 2,400 years before 1914. ”
  18. ^ “True Peace and Security- How Can You Find It?” 1986| 73 chap. 7 pp. 81-84 par. 19 | “When Will the Foretold World Destruction Come? | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | "You may recall, also, that notable food shortages, pestilences, earthquakes or times of lawlessness have been reported by historians as taking place before 1914. Yet, at no other time in history have all these things come on one generation in such overwhelming measure.
  19. ^ Matthew 24:3 ... And what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world?".(MKJV)
  20. ^ Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.
  21. ^ Watchtower 10/15 2000 . p11 par. 7 | “God’s Kingdom—Earth’s New Rulership” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “7 Surely God’s Kingdom is the very best news for all who love what is right. That is why, as part of the sign that we now live in “the last days” of this wicked system, Jesus foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:14) That prophecy is being fulfilled now, as about six million Jehovah’s Witnesses in 234 lands devote more than a billion hours a year telling others about God’s Kingdom. Appropriately, each of their places of worship for some 90,000 congregations worldwide is called a Kingdom Hall. There, people come to learn of the incoming new government.”
  22. ^ Awake 10/22 1993 . p. 11 | “When the New World Will Come” | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “There can be no question about it. The sign in all its parts is being fulfilled, including Jesus’ key prediction: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come,” yes, the end of this world. (Matthew 24:14) It will come, Jesus said, when the good news of God’s Kingdom has been preached worldwide. And that preaching is now being done on the foretold scale by Jehovah’s Witnesses!”
  23. ^ “Let Your Kingdom Come” 1981 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | p. 188 Appendix to Chapter 14
  24. ^ “Let Your Kingdom Come” © 1981 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | pp. 186-189 Appendix to Chapter 14
  25. ^ ”What Does The Bible Really Teach?” p. 217 par. 3 - p. 218 par. 1 1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy | “The 2,520 years began in October 607 B.C.E., when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians and the Davidic king was taken off his throne. The period ended in October 1914. At that time, “the appointed times of the nations” ended, and Jesus Christ was installed as God’s heavenly King.—Psalm 2:1-6; Daniel 7:13, 14.”
  26. ^ Watchtower w04 1/15 p. 16 par. 7 Jehovah Is Great in Loyal Love” © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “7 Since 1914, there has been added reason to speak about Jehovah’s kingship. In that year, God established the heavenly Messianic Kingdom with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, as King. Jehovah thus fulfilled his promise that David’s kingship would be firmly established to time indefinite.—2 Samuel 7:12, 13; Luke 1:32, 33.” |
  27. ^ “Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!” - 2006 © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania |pp. 94,95 “Unraveling the Mystery of the Great Tree”
  28. ^ “Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!” –1988 | chap. 11 p. 56 par. 6 Is Your Name in the Book of Life?| . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “As “messenger of the covenant,” Jesus came to inspect and judge those who claimed to be his followers. (1 Peter 4:17)”
  29. ^ “Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!” –1988 | chap. 36 pp. 259-260 par. 5 “The Great City Devastated” | “… but in 1918 the Lord Jehovah and his “messenger of the [Abrahamic] covenant,” Jesus Christ, began judgment with “the house of God,” those professing to be Christians.” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
  30. ^ "When Christ inspected’ the faithful and discreet slave’ in 1918, he found those anointed ones on earth to be faithful in providing spiritual ‘food at the proper time.’ Hence, Jesus was pleased thereafter to appoint them ‘over all his belongings.’ January 15, 2008 Watchtower, p. 24.
  31. ^ “What Does The Bible Really Teach?” 2005 © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | p. 220 par. 1 Identifying “Babylon the Great” | “An empire can be political, commercial, or religious. The woman named Babylon the Great is not a political empire because God’s Word states that “the kings of the earth,” or the political elements of this world, “committed fornication” with her. Her fornication refers to the alliances she has made with the rulers of this earth and explains why she is called “the great harlot.”—Revelation 17:1, 2; James 4:4.” |
  32. ^ Watchtower 9/1/79 p. 27 par. 18 “The Royal “Shepherd” of Bible Prophecy” © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “18 Ever since Christendom was founded in the days of Constantine the Great, Pontifex Maximus of the Roman Empire, the Catholic clergy and, later, the Protestant clergy have been guilty of spiritual adultery. How so? In being friends of this world and taking part in its politics and military ventures.—Jas. 4:4.” |
  33. ^ Watchtower 5/1/89 p. 5 Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “On a world scale, traditional religion is still the cause of so much hatred and bloodshed that many thinking people have turned away from all religion, whether Western or Oriental. Yes, the symbolic waters on which Babylon the Great sits, the peoples under her control, are drying up. Babylon the Great is being judged, and her execution is near.—Revelation 16:12; 17:1, 15.” |
  34. ^ Watchtower 4/15 /89 p. 4 par. 2 The Infamous Harlot—Her Fall © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “Down to our time, the mysteries of ancient Babylon are reflected in the beliefs and practices of the world’s religions. (Revelation 17:7) The Hebrew name for the city, Babel, means “Confusion,” a fitting label for today’s hodgepodge of false religion!” |
  35. ^ Watchtower 4/15 /89 p. 20 Babylon the Great Indicted Fall © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “Revelation denounces Babylon’s fornication with “the kings of the earth,” its political rulers. The harlot is pictured as sitting “on many waters,” meaning “peoples and crowds and nations and tongues.” (Revelation 17:1, 2, 15) By having a cozy relationship with the political rulers, false religion over the centuries has overtly or covertly used its influence in suppressing and exploiting the common people… False religion worldwide continues to engender hatred as conflicts rage between Jew and Muslim, Hindu and Sikh, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu, Buddhist and Hindu. Yes, false religion continues to contribute to the bloodbath “of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.”—Revelation 18:24.” |
  36. ^ “Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!” –1988 | chap. 35 p. 256 par. 17 “Executing Babylon the Great” | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “It is not the nations alone, as represented by the ten horns, that destroy the great harlot, but “the wild beast,” meaning the UN itself, joins them in this rampage. It will give its sanction to the destruction of false religion.” |
  37. ^ Watchtower 5/1/97 pp. 17-18 par. 17 “No Peace for the False Messengers!” © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “17 Shortly, “crazed” members of the UN will be maneuvered by Jehovah to turn on false religion, as described at Revelation 17:16: “These will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire.” This will mark the start of the great tribulation” |
  38. ^ Watchtower 5/1 /93 p. 24 par. 13 “Deliverance at the Revelation of Jesus Christ” © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | “. Revelation 17:15-18 graphically describes God’s “thought”—to maneuver “ten horns,” powerful forces from within the multinational UN “wild beast,” to dispose of her. “And the ten horns that you saw, and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought.” |
  39. ^ Millennial Dawn (later retitled Studies in the Scriptures), Volume 2, The Time is at Hand! p. 99: "In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth..." The Watchtower, July 15, 1894, p. 1677: "We see no reason for changing the figures — nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God’s dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble."
  40. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) p.631-632
  41. ^ “We do not even aver that there is no mistake in our interpretation of prophesy and our calculations of chronology. We have merely laid these before you, leaving it for each to exercise his own faith or doubt in respect to them." Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence January 1908 “Views From the Watchtower”
  42. ^ “We have not the gift of prophecy.” The Watchtower January 1883, p. 425
  43. ^ “Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible.” The Watchtower December 15, 1896, p. 306
  44. ^ The Watchtower February 15, 1981, p. 19
  45. ^ Evidences for the Coming of the Lord in 1873: or the Midnight Cry, N.H. Barbour (1871). Available online at: http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/history/barbour%20midnight%20cry.htm
  46. ^ The Midnight Cry and Herald of the Morning, March 1874. See Section under "Our Faith."
  47. ^ Present Truth, Or Meat in Due Season by Jonas Wendell, pp. 34-35
  48. ^ (September 1875) "Our Faith". The Herald of the Morning: 52. 
  49. ^ "The writer, among many others now interested, was sound asleep, in profound ignorance of the cry, etc., until 1876, when being awakened he trimmed his lamp (for it is still very early in the morning.) It showed him clearly that the Bridegroom had come and that he is living "in the days of the Son of Man." C.T. Russell (April 1880). "From and To The Wedding". Zion's Watch Tower: 2. 
  50. ^ Russell explained how he accepted the idea of an invisible return of Christ from N.H. Barbour in "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings" in the July 15, 1906 Watch Tower, Reprints page 3822.
  51. ^ The Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World by N.H. Barbour and C.T. Russell (1877). Text available online at: http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/history/3worlds.pdf Scan of book in PDF format
  52. ^ The Three Worlds, p. 175
  53. ^ The Three Worlds, pp. 104-108
  54. ^ See pages 68, 89-93, 124, 125-126, 143 of The Three Worlds.
  55. ^ The year 1914 was seen as the final end of the "day of wrath": "...the 'times of the Gentiles,' reach from B.C. 606 to A.D. 1914, or forty years beyond 1874. And the time of trouble, conquest of the nations, and events connected with the day of wrath, have only ample time, during the balance of this forty years, for their fulfillment." The Three Worlds, p. 189.
  56. ^ In 1935, the idea that the 6,000 years ran out in 1874 was moved forward 100 years. (March 27, 1935) "The Second Hand in the Timepiece of God". The Golden Age: 412-413. .
  57. ^ C.T. Russell (July 1878). "The Prospect". The Herald of the Morning: 11-12. .
  58. ^ "...showing that we are now in the last half of the 'harvest' of the gospel age; and that it will terminate in A.D. 1881." (August 1878) "Bible Theology". The Herald of the Morning: 22. . "Hence, the 'real rising again of Israel' can not begin until the autumn of 1881, at which date, the presumption is, that the gospel church will be taken away to meet the Lord." (October 1878) "Harmony of the Scriptures". The Herald of the Morning: 52. . "And from that time, or the autumn of 1881, the 91st Ps[alm]: 'He shall give his angels charge over thee,' etc., will begin to have its fulfillment. From that time onward, we believe no one of the company of the overcomers need die, even though they reach that point tottering, as it were on the verge of the grave." (January 1879) "Book of Revelation: Coming Time of Trouble". The Herald of the Morning: 6. .
  59. ^ In 1880, shortly after the separation with Russell, Barbour rejected the idea of an invisible presence of Christ and began teaching that Christ would return visibly in 1881. See July & August 1880 issues of Herald of the Morning "He is teaching that after 1881, Christ will appear in the flesh secretly, to be seen only by himself and those who believe exactly as he believes. This teaching not only leads to unscriptural expectations, but seems to open the minds of those who receive it to a perilous snare of the devil, which snare is referred to in the "Three Worlds," a book written by this very brother, in 1876..." July 1880 Watch Tower, p. 2
  60. ^ "Soon, probably by, probably before, the fall of 1881, we shall be changed--born of the spirit [of which we are now begotten] into the glorious likeness of our Head." (December 1880) "The Restored Dominion". Zion's Watch Tower: 7.  "We will now present what we adduce from the types and prophetic points as seeming to indicate the translation of the saints and closing of the door to the high calling in 1881." (January 1881) ""How Long, O Lord?"". Zion's Watch Tower: 4.  "And now we come nearer to the time when OUR CHANGE SEEMS DUE(We know not the day or hour, but expect it during 1881, possibly near the autumn where the parallels show the favor to Zion complete and due to end, the door to the marriage to shut, and the high calling to be the bride of Christ, to cease.)" (February 1881) ""Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"". Zion's Watch Tower: 5.  However, the book Day Dawn (1880), by Russell's associate J.H. Paton, when arguing against Barbour's views about 1881 denied translation would take place in 1881. Paton said they were expecting translation "long before 1914." (1880) Day Dawn, 274-275. 
  61. ^ "The WATCH TOWER never claimed that the body of Christ will be changed to spiritual beings during this year. There is such a change due sometime. We have not attempted to say when, but have repeatedly said that it could not take place before the fall of 1881...We have no desire to dogmatize nor to keep any one out, but we believe (and therefore speak) that the favor which ends this fall, is that of entering the Bride company. We believe the door of favor is now open and any who consecrate all and give up all, can come in to the wedding and become members of the Bride, but that with this year the company will be reckoned complete and the door to that high calling (not the door of mercy) closed forever...As to when our change is due we can only say: To our understanding it will be due at any time after October 2nd, 1881, but we know of no scriptural evidence as to what time we will be changed from natural to spiritual, from mortal to immortal." (May 1881) ""The Year 1881"". Zion's Watch Tower: 5.  (October 1881) ""And the Door Was Shut"". Zion's Watch Tower: 3-4.  See also The Time is At Hand!, p. 235
  62. ^ "This spuing out, or casting off, of the nominal church as an organization in 1878, we then understood, and still proclaim, to be the date of the commencement of Babylon's fall..."—Zion's Watch Tower, April 1883. Reprints pp. 474-5
  63. ^ Detailed in Thy Kingdom Come (1890), Volume 3 of Millennial Dawn, later retitled Studies in the Scriptures, p. 305-308.
  64. ^ "Our understanding is that the open or general 'call' of this age to kingdom honors ceased in October, 1881....we make a distinction between the end of the 'call' and the closing of the 'door'; and believe that the door into the kingdom class is not yet closed; that it stands ajar for a time..." (June 15, 1911) "Questions of Interest: The Gradual End of Gospel Favor". Watch Tower: 190. 
  65. ^ "...this date, 1910, indicated by the pyramid...we may accept as correct the testimony of the great pyramid, that the last members of the body or bride’ of Christ will have been tested and accepted and will have passed beyond the vail before the close of A.D. 1910." Thy Kingdom Come, p. 365 "According to our expectations the stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912 — culminating with the end of the 'Times of the Gentiles,' October, 1914." The New Creation, p.579 (Later editions may read differently)
  66. ^ The Time is at Hand, pages 76-78. Post 1914 editions read differently--1917 edition.
  67. ^ "In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth, that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. Then the prayer of the church, ever since her Lord took his departure, - 'Thy kingdom come' - will be answered; and under that wise and just administration, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord"— The Time is at Hand, 1915 ed., p. 99 (Later editions have 1914 instead of 1915)
  68. ^ (April 15, 1916) "Watchtower": 126-127. 
  69. ^ September 1, 1916 Watch Tower, pages 264-265
  70. ^ The Finished Mystery from Google Book Search. Published in 1917 by the Watchtower Society. It was considered to be volume 7 of Studies in the Scriptures. PDF version of The Finished Mystery. Later editions read differently.
  71. ^ See also the chart on page 594 and 595: "Entire destruction of nominal Christendom, accomplished in 40 years after being cast off...A.D. 1918."
  72. ^ The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p. 258. (This date is changed in later editions.)
  73. ^ M. James Penton (1985). Apocalypse Delayed. University of Toronto Press, 57-58. 
  74. ^ In its first year of publication 3.3 million copies were distributed and it was translated into 31 languages. (December 15, 1921) "The Watch Tower": 379. 
  75. ^ J.F. Rutherford (1920). Millions Now Living Will Never Die!. International Bible Students Association, 89-90. Page 89 from Google Book Version
  76. ^ Ibid., p. 97
  77. ^ (1993) Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watchtower, 163. 
  78. ^ The Marion Star, Marion, Ohio, April 9, 1921. The Bridgeport Telegram, Bridgeport, Connecticut, December 4, 1920. Scans available at News Clippings from the "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" Campaign (1919-1925)
  79. ^ "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914." — September 1 1922 Watch Tower, p. 262. "We have no doubt whatever in regard to the chronology relating to the dates of 1874, 1914, 1918, and 1925...There can be no more question about 1925 than there was about 1914."-May 15, 1922 Watch Tower, p. 147, 150.
  80. ^ The Way to Paradise, published 1924, pp. 215-254. The book was announced in the January 1, 1924 Watch Tower and was written by W.E. Van Amburgh, a member of the Watch Tower magazine's editorial committee, with an introduction by J.F. Rutherford.
  81. ^ "During the World War millions were maimed and disfigured in various ways, and many deprived of one or both arms or legs. Because the Lord is now present, putting his kingdom into operation, it is to be expected that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to receive the restoration blessings. As they come to a knowledge of the fact that the Lord is giving these blessings, and render themselves in obedience to his righteous rule, they will be thus blessed. Happy will be their portion when they begin to be restored. Joyful will be their friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being ministered unto them." J.F. Rutherford (1921). The Harp of God: Proof Conclusive That Millions Now Living Will Never Die. International Bible Students Association, 332.  (Paragraph 563) This book was re-issued in 1928 simply as The Harp of God.
  82. ^ Speaking of 1925, the Watch Tower said: "Noting the date marked so prominately, it is very easy for the finite mind to conclude that all the work to be done must center about it, and thus many are inclined to anticipate more than has been really foretold. Thus it was in 1844, in 1874, in 1878 as well as in 1914 and 1918. Looking back we can now easily see that those dates were clearly indicated in Scripture and doubtless intended by the Lord to encourage his people, as they did, as well as to be a means of testing and sifting when all that some expected did not come to pass. That all that some expect to see in 1925 may not transpire that year will not alter the date one whit more than in the other cases."--May 15, 1922 Watch Tower, p. 150. The dates 1844, 1874, 1878, and 1925 are no longer viewed by Jehovah's Witnesses as indicated by biblical chronology. 1914 and 1918 have been retained, however.
  83. ^ "Following 1925, meeting attendance dropped dramatically in some congregations in France and Switzerland." Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watchtower, 633.  However, page 78 of Proclaimers states: "The year 1925 came and went. Some abandoned their hope. But the vast majority of the Bible Students remained faithful."
  84. ^ (1958) Your Will Be Done on Earth. Watchtower, 337.  Statistics were also published each year in the Watch Tower up until 1926.
  85. ^ (1959) Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose. Watchtower, 313.  There are no published statistics from 1929-1934. In 1935, Memorial attendance had increased again to 63,146. (August 15, 1996) "Watchtower": 31.  See also Timothy White (1967). A People For His Name. Vantage, 238-239.  1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watchtower, 61-62. 
  86. ^ "There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah’s faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date, but to rely (and they do rely) upon the Word of God as to the events that must come to pass." J.F. Rutherford (1931). Vindication, Book One. Watchtower, 338-339.  Witnesses no longer consider 1925 to be a year of prophetic significance. Governing Body member Karl Klein wrote that Rutherford admitted his mistake about 1925 to the headquarter's staff: "Regarding his misguided statements as to what we could expect in 1925, he once confessed to us at Bethel, 'I made an ass of myself.' (October 1, 1984) "Watchtower": 24. 
  87. ^ J.F. Rutherford (1936). Riches. Watchtower, 353. 
  88. ^ (January 1876) "Herald of the Morning".  C.T.Russell (1891). Thy Kingdom Come, 309-376. 
  89. ^ Russell (1891). Thy Kingdom Come. . Ibid., p. 320. Joseph Seiss’ book A Miracle in Stone was also influential for Russell.
  90. ^ Photo Drama of Creation, p. 25. Video of Russell discussing the Great Pyramid
  91. ^ Program of the 1921 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. The program explains: "The Pyramid monument erected at the grave of Brother Russell was sketched by Brother J.A. Bohnet and approved by Brother Russell several years ago. It was his desire that such a monument be erected on this lot and he set about to procure the materials before his death. After Brother Russell's death, Brother Rutherford, learning that Brother Russell had ordered the erection of this monument asked Brother Bohnet to proceed at once to get the material and let the contract for its construction and erection." See also pp. 6-7 of the 1919 Bible Student Convention Souvenir Booklet.
  92. ^ Pictures of the pyramid at Russell's gravesite can be viewed at [1].
  93. ^ John Romer (2007). The Great Pyramid: Ancient Egypt Revisited. Cambridge University Press, 55. 
  94. ^ The Edgars’ 2 volume work Great Pyramid Passages and Chambers was advertised and sold in the Watch Tower (August 1, 1910 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 4658; October 15, 1913 Watch Tower, page 306, Reprints p. 5336). Research by the Edgars on the Great Pyramid was published in the November 15, 1904 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 3459, the June 15, 1905 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 3574 and the June 1, 1910 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 4621. John Edgar was named to be on the editorial committee for the Watch Tower magazine in the December 1, 1916 Watch Tower, (Reprints p. 5999), but had died before Russell. Research by Morton Edgar was published in the August 15, 1923 Watch Tower, pp. 253-254, the December 31, 1924 Golden Age, pp. 209-211 and on pp. 163, 355, 357 of the 1923 Watch Tower. Morton Edgar explained the spiritual meaning of the Great Pyramid in "God's Plan of Salvation in the Great Pyramid," a lecture which was published in the 1911 Bible Students Convention Report
  95. ^ Thy Kingdom Come (1904 edition — Millennial Dawn, vol 3) p.342
  96. ^ Thy Kingdom Come (copyright 1891) (1910 edition -- Studies In The Scriptures, vol. 3) p.342
  97. ^ In Volume 2 of Great Pyramid Passages and Chambers (1913) they said: “Professor C. Piazzi Smyth very properly says, `no two human measures ever agree exactly.'” (Ibid p.1) According to the Edgars, Professor Smyth (who Russell got his information from) had not personally measured this passage since it was blocked. However is was roughly measured in 1837 by Col Howard Vyse. However, The Edgars personally measured “the length of this passage seven times” and ended up with seven different measurements, though within a few inches. (Ibid p.8 ) In answering a question about different measurements of the pyramid The Watchtower stated, “that Prof. Smyth's interest centered in the upper chambers of the Pyramid,.... Much less care and precision [were] manifested in his dealings with all other parts.” (The Watchtower November 1904 p. 326 “The Great Pyramid Measurements”)
  98. ^ "For many years students of the Word believed that the foretold destruction of "Babylon the Great" would begin in 1914- 1915 AD., the date marked by the upper terminal of the Grand Gallery. Nor have their expectations been disappointed; for although the "Great Time of Trouble " covers a longer period than was thought possible, this trouble which is to end Christendom is manifestly now in progress; and it began precisely at the date expected. Beginning with 1914 A.D. in the great World War in which most of the mightiest 'Christian' nations were actively engaged, Christendom, called in the Scriptures Babylon the Great, received a blow from which it can never recover. The old evil order began to pass away in 1914 A.D." Edgar (1924). Great Pyramid Passages Volume II, 72.  See also Edgar (1924). The Great Pyramid: Its Symbolism, Science and Prophecy, 119. .
  99. ^ (December 31, 1924) "Golden Age": 207, 222.  Morton Edgar, on page 151 of the 1924 edition of the second volume of Great Pyramid Passages, refers to Judge Rutherford's booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die as a "wonderful message of life."
  100. ^ The last favorable reference to the Great Pyramid in Watchtower publications can be found in the April 15, 1928 Watchtower, p. 125. Pyramidology was first rejected in the November 15, 1928 Watchtower: "It is more reasonable to conclude that the great pyramid of Gizeh, as well as the other pyramids thereabout, also the sphinx, were built by the rulers of Egypt and under the direction of Satan the Devil...The Devil, by the use of the descendants of Ham, set up Egypt, or the land of Ham, as the first great world power. Then Satan put his knowledge in dead stone, which may be called Satan’s Bible, and not God’s stone witness. In erecting the pyramid, of course, Satan would put in it some truth, because that is his method of practising fraud and deceit." (November 15, 1928 Watch Tower, p. 344)
  101. ^ Thomas Daniels. Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses 3-37.
  102. ^ "A real milestone was reached, therefore, in 1925, when The Watch Tower of March 1 featured the article "Birth of the Nation."...The article set forth evidence that the Messianic Kingdom had been born—established—in 1914, that Christ had then begun to rule on his heavenly throne, and that thereafter Satan had been hurled from heaven down to the vicinity of the earth."Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pp. 138-9. The article "Birth of a Nation" can be read on pp. 67-74 of the March 1, 1925 Watchtower.
  103. ^ The Harp of God (both the 1921 and 1927 editions) affirmed on page 231 that "the Lord’s second presence dates from 1874." The March 1 1922 Watch Tower and pages 65-66 of the book Prophecy (published in 1928) reiterated this position. However, by 1930 some vagueness can be seen. For example, the October 15 1930 Watch Tower, page 308 says the "second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ dates from about A.D. 1875." The November 1 1932 Watch Tower, page 325 is even less precise, stating that from "approximately 1875 forward" Christ was preparing the way.
  104. ^ "Presence—Literal or Symbolic?" in A People For His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation, by Timothy White, pp. 223-224.
  105. ^ "The year 1914, therefore, marks the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of glory."—December 1 1933 Watch Tower, p. 362
  106. ^ "In June, 1927, The Watch Tower published the proof from the Scriptures that those who thus died faithful were asleep in death until the coming of the Lord to his temple in 1918." Light, Book One, (1930), p. 78.
  107. ^ Light, Book One, p. 333
  108. ^ Light, Book One, p. 318-319.
  109. ^ September 1 1969 Watchtower, p. 521.
  110. ^ See March 31 1930 Time magazine, p. 60. Scan of article. Pictures and a rationale for its use were published by the Watchtower Society in the July 25, 1931 Messenger
  111. ^ The title deed to Beth Sarim was published in the March 19, 1930 Golden Age, pages 496-497Interview with Rutherford about Beth Sarim, from the San Diego Sun newspaper, March 1930. http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/89a.htm
  112. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watchtower, 76, 89. 
  113. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose (1959), p. 252
  114. ^ Universal War Near (1935), J.F. Rutherford
  115. ^ The Watchtower 15 September 1941 p. 288
  116. ^ The Watchtower April 1942 p.139
  117. ^ November 1 1938 Watchtower, p. 323. Similarly J.F. Rutherford (1938). Face The Facts. Watchtower, 46. : "There are now on earth Jonadabs devoted to the Lord and who doubtless will prove faithful. Would it be Scripturally proper for them to now marry and to begin to rear children? No, is the answer, which is supported by the Scriptures."
  118. ^ 1943 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, Daily Texts and Comments for November 7. The fictional sweethearts of Children, John and Eunice, defer marriage "until lasting peace comes to the earth" while hoping "that within a few years our marriage may be consummated." J.F. Rutherford (1941). Children. Watchtower, 366-367. 
  119. ^ "Since the carrying out of the command to 'be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth' waits until after Armageddon, does that mean that those who now marry and rear children are violating God’s laws? No, for the Scriptures show that 'marriage is honourable in all'--Hebrews 13:4." (October 15, 1950) "Watchtower": 382.  Compare Barbara Grizzuti Harrison (1978). Visions of Glory. Simon & Schuster, 74-77.  M. James Penton (1985). Apocalypse Delayed. University of Toronto Press, 265-266. 
  120. ^ See, for example, (October 8 1968) "Is it Later Than You Think?". 'Awake!': 13-16.  and (October 8 1966) "How Much Longer Will It Be?". 'Awake!': 17–20. .
  121. ^ The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years
  122. ^ Penton. Apocalypse Delayed, 95. 
  123. ^ (August 15, 1968) "Watchtower": 494-501. 
  124. ^ Public Address by District Overseer Charles Sunutko in Spring 1967 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mp3 of Lecture by Sinutko
  125. ^ Sound clip of lecture "What is the Significance of 1975?" by Governing Body Member Fred Franz. http://www.freeminds.org/media/fredfranz75an.html. Mp3 of complete lecture
  126. ^ Crisis of Conscience, Raymond Franz p. 249. Scan available at http://web.archive.org/web/20031209184316/http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/9.pdf
  127. ^ Time magazine archive "Witnessing the End", July 18, 1969 Time Scan of article. See also The Arizona Republic August 24, 1969 and the July 11, 1977 Time
  128. ^ Scanned text discouraging higher education from Awake! 22 May 1969, p.15 http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/AW5-22-69p15.htm
  129. ^ Scanned text from the Watch Tower Society's Kingdom Ministry monthly publication, article "How Are You Using Your Life?", May 1974, p.3. http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM5-1974p3.htm
  130. ^ List of quoted Watch Tower 1975 articles, unaltered with date references, publication, and page numbers etc, with some critical commentary. http://www.freeminds.org/history/all1975.htm
  131. ^ 1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 30
  132. ^ Choosing the Best Way of Life The Watchtower March 15 1980, p. 17.
  133. ^ The January 30, 1982 Los Angeles Times ("Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth" by John Dart, p. B4) cited statistics showing a net increase of publishers worldwide from 1971–1981 of 737,241, while baptisms totaled 1.71 million for the same period.
  134. ^ Matthew 24:34
  135. ^ You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth, published 1982, rev. 1989, p154
  136. ^ "He shows the beginning of this time and how the troubles increase, and mentions some of the sorrows to fall on the world, during the time of trouble. The length of time is indicated by him when he said, 'Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matt. 24:34, NW) The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a 'generation' in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period. So it was on 'this generation' that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble." "Vision of the 'Time of the End'", The Watchtower, July 1, 1951, p. 404
  137. ^ Watchtower 1 December 1968 p.715 'A generation, according to Psalm 90:10, is from seventy to eighty years. The generation that witnessed the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 does not have many more years left; 'Watchtower 15 December 1967 p.751 'the expression "this generation" was used by Jesus to mark a very limited period of time, the life-span of members of a generation of people living during the time that certain epoch-making events occurred. According to Psalm 90:10, that life-span could be of seventy years or even of eighty years.'
  138. ^ Insight of the Scriptures Vol 1 p. 917 Generation
  139. ^ Watchtower 1 May 1985 p.4
  140. ^ Watchtower 1 May 1985 p.7; Watchtower 15 February 1986 pp.5-6; Watchtower 1 October 1988 p.7; Watchtower 1 May 1992 pp.6-7
  141. ^ Crisis of Conscience, Raymond Franz p. 262. Scan available at http://web.archive.org/web/20031210004130/users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/10.pdf accessed January 27, 2006.
  142. ^ "Saved From a 'Wicked Generation'", The Watchtower (November 1) 1995, pp. 10-15.
  143. ^ "A Time To Keep Awake", The Watchtower (November 1)1995 p. 19 par. 12, and p. 20 par. 15.
  144. ^ “Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them ‘brainwash’ you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. The world has very little time left! Any ‘future’ this world offers is no future!"--The Watchtower, March 15 1969, p. 171.
  145. ^ "If Christian parents responsibly decide to provide their children with further education after high school, that is their prerogative."--November 1 1992 Watchtower, pp. 19-20.
  146. ^ See article, "Parents--What Future Do You Want For Your Children?" in the October 1 2005 Watchtower.
  147. ^ Lecture by Governing Body member, Gerrit Losch at Monza, Italy in 2005, which can be viewed at [2]. Higher education was also discouraged at the 2007 "Follow the Christ" District Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses as part of the lecture "The Superiority of Being Taught By Jehovah." MP3 of Lecture
  148. ^ The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return by Carl O. Jonsson. A detailed discussion of the cornerstone belief that the Gentile Times began with the fall of Jerusalem in 607 B.C. Jonsson considers the origin of this belief and examines several lines of evidence in an attempt to refute the starting date of 607 B.C. and the methodology for deriving it. ISBN 0-914675-06-0 Publisher: Commentary Press (July, 1998, Fourth edition 2004)
  149. ^ Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian Chronology Compared with the Chronology of the Bible, Volume 1: Persian Chronology and the Length of the Babylonian Exile of the Jews (2003) ISBN 82-994633-3-5
  150. ^ Jeremiah 29:10;25:11,12 Daniel 9:2
  151. ^ Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy! chap. 6 par. 25-29
  152. ^ The Watchtower, 1 May, 1952, page 271 par. 21
  153. ^ William Miller had proposed a 2,520 year period from 677 BC to 1843 AD as can be seen in his original lecture chart.
    Other commentators:
    Joshua Spalding (1808). The Divine Theory, 419-420. 
    J.A. Brown (1823). The Even-Tide, 130-152. 
    Joseph Baylee (1871). The Times of the Gentiles, 37. 
    Henry Grattan Guinness (1878). The Approaching End of the Age, 439. 
    David Campbell (1840). Illustrations of Prophecy, 220. 
  154. ^ Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, pp. 132-134
  155. ^ "No clear instance can be adduced of the use of a 'day' in Scriptural prophecy for an exact year, where the typical character of the time is not immediately expressed as being limited to that particular case, much less is there any intimation that such a rule is to apply to prophecy in general. To admit such a principle in Biblical interpretation is to abandon all precision in the use of language." Commentary on Daniel, p. 87

[edit] Bibliography

Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton, professor emeritus in the Department of History at the University of Lethbridge and former Jehovah's Witness ISBN 978-0802079732

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