Was Charles Taze Russell a Pyramid Occultist? From his 77 chapters of his Studies in the Scriptures of six volumes—Charles Russell devoted only one chapter to “The Corroborative Testimony of God’s Stone Witness” (Vol. 3, Study X)
Occultism—as generally called in Christian circles—refers to demonic influence including spiritism and witchcraft. Charles Russell, in fact, constantly admonished his readers to have nothing to do with occultism. In once such warning, he concluded: “We urge all of the Lord’s people to restrain their curiosity and rely on the Lord’s Word and have no dealings whatever with any of these occult systems.” (Zion’s Watch Tower, April 15, 1909, p.123) Russell’s study of the Great Pyramid in connection with the Bible had nothing to do with such occultism. He saw the Great Pyramid as a “witness” confirming what was already revealed in the Scriptures.
A Witness for “That Day”
Isaiah19:19-20: “In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD [Jehovah] in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD [Jehovah] of hosts in the land of Egypt…”
How can something be “in the midst of the land,” and at the same time be “at the border thereof”? It seems impossible—yet the Great Pyramid of Egypt fulfills this strange prophecy of Isaiah. The Chief Hydrographer of the United States Coast Survey, noticed in 1868 that the Nile delta is pie-shaped. Plotting this sector on a map, he found that the Great Pyramid is its exact center. This remarkable feature led him to exclaim, “That monument stands in a more important physical situation than any other building erected by man!” It is at the border of Upper and Lower Egypt—and it is at the border of the second-shaped Nile Delta. Yet it is in the midst of Egypt at the Delta’s exact mathematical center.
Thus all the other pyramids of Egypt were copies—without any upper passageways or chambers and without the same phenomenal factors. The other pyramids were tombs. No mummy was ever found in the Great Pyramid. The Great Pyramid was a monumental witness to the Jehovah’s great Plan of salvation and life for all mankind.
The Great Pyramid Witness was specifically created for a Witness to Jehovah “in that Day”—the Kingdom! Why? For naturally minded people, the Great Pyramid offers a tangible evidence for comprehending God’s Plan and understanding that it has been long been in place. As the oldest of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” it is acknowledged for its architectural precision, its unique location on the globe and even its scientific and amazing astronomical features. These amazing factors will also compel mankind to accept Jehovah’s Plan as corroborated in stone.
Let’s see how Russell found God’s Plan in the Bible, then found that same plan corroborated in the Great Pyramid. Then you can decide for yourself whether this is a reasonable proposition to consider.
God’s Plan in the Bible
Before Charles Russell even considered the passageways and chambers of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, he saw Jehovah’s complete and wonderful Plan in the Scriptures. Based on the Bible, he understood and taught that mankind was on a wide and slippery downward course on the “road to destruction”—death (Matthew 7:13; 1 Corinthians 15:22).
Yes, some hope was first offered to the Jewish people that if they could live up to God’s Law, they would get life. But it was too difficult a possibility (Romans 3:20). Only Jesus could keep—and fulfill—the Law of Moses. But his death and astonishing resurrection opened a way to life. Although the way opened was very narrow, it had high and lofty promises of divine nature. (Hebrews 10:20; 2 Peter 1:4).
In 1882 Charles Russell also had published his first book on the Tabernacle’s graphical significance (Exodus 26) “of good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1) for Christians. In it he described how one is called out of the world (Camp), then as a believer drawing closer to Jehovah (Court) is invited to offer himself in consecration to live a holy life (Holy). But first one must bend low (First Veil) surrendering his/her will before entering this holy walk (Hebrews 9:2; 10:20). Then one more time the faithful Christian must bend low (Second Veil) in actual death before entering into the actual presence of Jehovah (Most Holy) to see His glory (Ark) (Hebrews 9:3-6)
Finally, in God’s Plan of the Ages, the Scriptures showed these faithful “priests and kings” will bless all mankind who will have the opportunity for life on the Paradise of Earth! In other words, in God’s Plan there is both a heavenly salvation—and an earthly salvation for eternity!
The Bible in Stone
When the amazing Great Pyramid of Egypt was brought to his attention, Charles Russell saw the same basic outline of God’s whole Plan in its Passageways and Chambers! Entering by the main entrance is a descending passageway that leads eventually to the Pit. All mankind is on this downward path leading to death. However, there is a first Ascending Passage. But it is actually blocked with an immovable 50-ton plug! This upward Passage represents the promise of life given to all Jews who would keep the Law (Deuteronomy 8:1). Yet the Law of Moses, like the 50-ton plug, blocked progress to life since no one could perfectly obey it. But beyond this 50-ton plug, the upward passage led to another intersection from beneath—a well shaft—which did lead to life (Galatians 3:24).
This well shaft, however, stemming off the Descending passageway before it reaches the Pit is what is called “The Well.” It symbolizes Christ, whose death as a ransom sacrifice will provide a way of escape for all—even those in the “Pit” of death. It seems to have burst open at the juncture of the Grand Gallery passage—which is a lofty 28 feet high but only six feet wide representing the Narrow Way to life during the Christian Age (Matthew 7:14).
But then, there is another passageway at the juncture of the opening of the Well. Only this one is horizontal and cramped to walk but finally leads to the Queen’s Chamber—below the King’s Chamber. Thus, after mankind’s walk through the centuries of sin and death will only reach perfection and life in Christ’s Kingdom on Earth. Then, “there will be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying nor any pain” (Revelation 21:4).
Contributed by Rebecca Gray
More Information on the Great Pyramid
You find more detailed information about Russell and the Great Pyramid at these links below:
Here is a chart examining the Isaiah 19 prophecy: Isa 19_19-20
Russell and the Great Pyramid – by ResLight
Pastor Russell’s Chapter on the Great Pyramid
Herald Magazine Issue on the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid: Ancient Wonder Modern Mystery
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