Who are the Friends of Jehovah’s Witnesses who have created this website?
We are your brothers and sisters, the children of the original Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, founded and guided by Pastor Charles Taze Russell until his death in 1916. Afterward, Judge Rutherford took control of the Society, removed the editorial committee (designated in Pastor Russell’s Will) and cast out of Bethel those still loyal to the original teachings. Many left the Society as they saw the doctrines changing and the spirit of love changing to the spirit of fear. Many of those who left, or were disfellowshipped, formed the Associated Bible Students. We are set up just like the original Bible Students in the days of Pastor Russell. There is no governing body, except that Pastor Russell’s teachings remain a guiding influence among us. Each Bible Student Group elects their own elders and deacons, just as was the practice in the early church and in the early Truth movement in Pastor Russell’s day. We hold no ill will to the Society or the brethren who make it up. In the spirit of love, we extend the warm hand of greetings and fellowship.You can find more on the history of the Associated Bible Students here, here and here
Yes, I am. Beth Sarim is a mansion in San Diego, CA. It was built in 1929 and then willed to Abraham, Issac and Jacob, so they would have a place to stay on their return. Rutherford lived there until his death in 1945. Once he died and his false prophesies came to light, the watchtower organization quietly sold it. This is the same Rutherford that Jehovah Witnesses still believe his un-christian teachings. Must be more of “the light is getting brighter”.
Is anyone out there familiar with Beth Sarim?
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES believe in Almighty God, Jehovah, Creator of the heavens and the earth. The very existence of the intricately designed wonders in the universe surrounding us reasonably argues that a supremely intelligent and powerful Creator produced it all. Just as the works of men and women reflect their qualities, so do those of Jehovah God. The Bible tells us that “his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made.” Also, without voice or words, “the heavens are declaring the glory of God.”—Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1-4.
People do not mold clay pots or make television sets and computers without a purpose. The earth and its creations of plant and animal life are far more marvelous. The structure of the human body with its trillions of cells is beyond our understanding—even the brain with which we think is incomprehensibly wonderful! If men have a purpose in bringing forth their comparatively insignificant inventions, surely Jehovah God had a purpose in his awesome creations! Proverbs 16:4 says that he does: “Everything Jehovah has made for his purpose.”
Jehovah made the earth for a purpose, as he stated to the first human pair: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth . . . , have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) Because they became disobedient, this couple failed to fill the earth with righteous families who would lovingly care for the earth and its plants and animals. But their failure does not make Jehovah’s purpose fail. Thousands of years later, it was written: “God, the Former of the earth . . . , did not create it simply for nothing.” He “formed it even to be inhabited.” It is not to be destroyed, but “the earth endures for ever.” (Isaiah 45:18; Ecclesiastes 1:4, The New English Bible) Jehovah’s purpose for the earth will be realized: “My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do.”—Isaiah 46:10.
Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the earth will remain forever and that all people, living and dead, who will fit in with Jehovah’s purpose for a beautified, inhabited earth may live on it forever. All mankind inherited imperfection from Adam and Eve and, hence, are sinners. (Romans 5:12) The Bible tells us: “The wages sin pays is death.” “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (Romans 6:23; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Then how can they live again to share in the earthly blessings? Only through the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus, for he said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” “All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”—John 5:28, 29; 11:25; Matthew 20:28.
How will this come about? It is explained in “the good news of the kingdom,” which Jesus started to proclaim while on earth. (Matthew 4:17-23) But today Jehovah’s Witnesses are preaching the good news in a very special way.
WHAT JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES BELIEVE Belief Scriptural Reason
Bible is God’s Word and is truth 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; John 17:17
Bible is more reliable than tradition Matt. 15:3; Col. 2:8
God’s name is Jehovah Ps. 83:18; Isa. 26:4; 42:8, AS; Ex. 6:3
Christ is God’s Son and is inferior to Him Matt. 3:17; John 8:42; 14:28; 20:17; 1 Cor. 11:3; 15:28
Christ was first of God’s creations Col. 1:15; Rev. 3:14
Christ died on a stake, not a cross Gal. 3:13; Acts 5:30
Christ’s human life was paid as a ransom for obedient humans Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 Pet. 2:24
Christ’s one sacrifice was sufficient Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28
Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person 1 Pet. 3:18; Rom. 6:9; Rev. 1:17, 18
Christ’s presence is in spirit John 14:19; Matt. 24:3; 2 Cor. 5:16; Ps. 110:1, 2
We are now in the ‘time of the end’ Matt. 24:3-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Luke 17:26-30
Kingdom under Christ will rule earth in righteousness and peace Isa. 9:6, 7; 11:1-5; Dan. 7:13, 14; Matt. 6:10
Kingdom will bring ideal living conditions to earth Ps. 72:1-4; Rev. 7:9, 10, 13-17; 21:3, 4
Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated Eccl. 1:4; Isa. 45:18; Ps. 78:69
God will eliminate present system of things in the battle at Har-Magedon Rev. 16:14, 16; Zeph. 3:8; Dan. 2:44; Isa. 34:2; 55:10, 11
Wicked will be eternally destroyed Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:6-9
People God approves will receive everlasting life John 3:16; 10:27, 28; 17:3; Mark 10:29, 30
There is only one road to life Matt. 7:13, 14; Eph. 4:4, 5
Human death is due to Adam’s sin Rom. 5:12; 6:23
The human soul ceases to exist at death Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:10; Ps. 6:5; 146:4; John 11:11-14
Hell is mankind’s common grave Job 14:13, Dy; Rev. 20:13, 14, AV (margin)
Hope for dead is resurrection 1 Cor. 15:20-22; John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26
Adamic death will cease 1 Cor. 15:26, 54; Rev. 21:4; Isa. 25:8
Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ Luke 12:32; Rev. 14:1, 3; 1 Cor. 15:40-53; Rev. 5:9, 10
The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God 1 Pet. 1:23; John 3:3; Rev. 7:3, 4
New covenant is made with spiritual Israel Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:10-13
Christ’s congregation is built upon himself Eph. 2:20; Isa. 28:16; Matt. 21:42
Prayers are to be directed only to Jehovah through Christ John 14:6, 13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5
Images should not be used in worship Ex. 20:4, 5; Lev. 26:1; 1 Cor. 10:14; Ps. 115:4-8
Spiritism must be shunned Deut. 18:10-12; Gal. 5:19-21; Lev. 19:31
Satan is invisible ruler of world 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31
A Christian ought to have no part in interfaith movements 2 Cor. 6:14-17; 11:13-15; Gal. 5:9; Deut. 7:1-5
A Christian should keep separate from world Jas. 4:4; 1 John 2:15; John 15:19; 17:16
Obey human laws that do not conflict with God’s laws Matt. 22:20, 21; 1 Pet. 2:12; 4:15
Taking blood into body through mouth or veins violates God’s laws Gen. 9:3, 4; Lev. 17:14; Acts 15:28, 29
Bible’s laws on morals must be obeyed 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Heb. 13:4; 1 Tim. 3:2; Prov. 5:1-23
Sabbath observance was given only to Israel and ended with Mosaic Law Deut. 5:15; Ex. 31:13; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:9, 10; Col. 2:16, 17
A clergy class and special titles are improper Matt. 23:8-12; 20:25-27; Job 32:21, 22
Man did not evolve but was created Isa. 45:12; Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4
Christ set example that must be followed in serving God 1 Pet. 2:21; Heb. 10:7; John 4:34; 6:38
Baptism by complete immersion symbolizes dedication Mark 1:9, 10; John 3:23; Acts 19:4, 5
Christians gladly give public testimony to Scriptural truth Rom. 10:10; Heb. 13:15; Isa. 43:10-12
Hi Anonymous, thanks for visiting the site. Most persons visiting the site are witnesses or former witnesses and they are aware of witness doctrine and Bible Students are also and many doctrines are the same or similar. What is a Specific Point,where you see there is a different?
wow, just dicovered this site, looks REALLY interesting. I’m an Evangelical Christian and would love to discuss, participate and be involved here as time allows. Of course I ‘disgree’ on many issues with you guys, if you are happy for me to be involved, I’d love to.
JT – Welcome to our site. Anyone is welcome to visit here, however the site is primarily to encourage, help and support open minded Jehovah’s Witnesses and Ex-JWs. We will only allow some limited comments on topics like hell, trinity and immortality of the soul. The typical visitor to this site has already debated these issues over and over again going door to door and are coming here to investigate other issues. However, if we start hearing the reverse from our visitors, we will reconsider.
Hi Jaquie and friends
Jaquie I hope your trip to the Dr turned out all right and that you will soon be able to settle down with your trusty bible at hand. Peter I am glad that you enjoy my comments! Thanks for your reply I am looking into it.
On the above thread: if Jack above was refering to the pyramids and the cross and crown as symbols of the “occult” used by Br. Russell in Zions’ Watchtower your reply is that:
1) they are not symbols of the occult
2) they are things from the past that you have to put into the context of the massive “illumination” at the time
3) They are not what matters today
If the symbols he was refering to were the pyramids and the “cross and crown”, it seems like you do accept them nowadays along with the whole package of Russell’s teachings, or am I wrong here?
If so, which symbols were left behind after progressive learning and application, and were any of Russell’s ideas left with them?
Basically, it seems like you hold on to Br.Russell’s teachings as a foundation but are open to continuing learning. What is the difference between that and getting “new light” as called by JWs?
Its just a bit hard to go back to the early 1900’s Russell teachings after so much “light” that JWs have been teaching since then. Was most of that light not real light from the holy spirit, and so we all have to start all over again?
Or did the BS get new progressive learning and application in parallel and so they are not starting from scratch now? I guess that you may have new teachings of your own, or not?
It just feels a bit weird looking at this really old spiritual food….
Good night!
Your friend Mrs. Researcher
PS: Jaquie, the last comment I sent you before you went off travelling was a bit on the personal side, you don’t have to keep it as a posted comment, as its for you as a friend. it may be abit dangerous to put so much out and a little distracting from the original discussion topic.
Mrs. Researcher,
I think you would find the pdf of this book helpful called, Pastor Russell: Messenger of Millennial Hope.” This book deals with Bible Student history, our differences with JWs and nearly all of the Russell criticisms, including the cross and crown and great pyramid.
The cross and crown is a symbol that his been historically used by other Christian groups. Bible Student widely use and appreciate that symbol. It is based on Rev 2:10, “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”
Bible Students have no connection with the occult. C.T. Russell wrote what we call the vow which includes the following: “I vow to Thee that I will be on the alert to resist everything akin to Spiritism and Occultism, and, remembering that there are but the two masters, I shall resist these snares in all reasonable ways as being of the adversary.” This vow is often read at Bible Student conventions.
The light does shine brighter, but that does not mean that the Truth changes with time. It just becomes clearer. It is like waking up in the morning when it is still dark. As the sun slowly rises, the can at first make out a chair in front of you. As more light penetrates the room, the details of design and workmanship of the chair become clearer. At no time does the chair turn into a table. The JW Governing Body changes their mind and turns the chair into a table. Bible Students still see the same chair C.T. Russell described and with time it become more clear and beautiful than ever.
For the most part Bible Student believe what C.T. Russell wrote in the Studies in the Scriptures (six volumes, plus tabernacle shadows). However, I don’t know of any Bible Student that agrees with everything C.T. Russell said. When we disagree, we say so in our studies. However, I personally know of no better complete package of Truth than can be found in the Studies in the Scriptures series. Like I recommended to Rachael, I would highly recommend reading the Bible Student classic, “The Divine Plan of the Ages.” This book is really the foundation of what we believe.
Mrs. Researcher, you are correct. The Ask Jacqueline page is for personal experiences, comfort and support. You can pour your heart out, blog on a subject, help another one who needs a support system.
Thanks for mentioning it so others can see this unusual set-up. So doctrinal points are under the subject. But you can have another blog on Ask Jacqueline. I help ex-JW or persons that need the community support group. See you on that page. I will even tell you my personal experiences with the BS. Also Mrs. Fader will blog on that page.
Christian Love in Christ,
Jacqueline
If I may humbly step in here,
One thing those who allege that Russell’s use of symbols on his publications choose to ignore, if they even took the trouble to find out in the first place, was the time frame during which those symbols were used.
The world was at a time of wonderful and breathtaking discovery about the world of the ancient who preceded us. Whole libraries were unearthed during the nineteenth century and linguists were just starting to understand those languages and translate those contents. So there was an excitement in the air and it became common place to use symbols from ancient times with little or no understanding of just what they stood for.
Any use the Pastor made, and the use Rutherford certainly did, was made in that spirit instead of the spirit claimed by Russell’s detractors. I’m not defending Rutherford by including him other than concerning the current topic. However, I submit that the historical context, which I’ve outlined, must be taken into account and is the best way to understand the issue.
Dupin
Dupin,
I thank you so much for your imput. You sort of summed it up nicely. In a way I was thinking along the same line of thought. We do not reject medicine because they started out bloodletting instead of transfusing. I agree you have to first, lived in the time same period .Second determine if you would have behaved differently than Br. Russell and others. We wear a wedding ring, persons in the past might judge us for doing this because of the original origin.
I attended meetings in the upper room of the Masonic Temple as a little girl.
They let us attend free. I never performed any mason rituals, but being in the segregated south and poor, this was a nice warm place to have a meeting.
It was centrally located for all. When more was learned about the Masons we began to rent so as not to stumble anyone. This was in the fifties. Its doubtful Br. Russell and others knew what we knew in the fifties.
And God kept right on with his plan. It’s called progressive learning and application.Peace
Jacqueline
Hi Folks,
I don’t wish to be offensive, but my research alleges that the modern WTS can only be understood in the light of what C.T.Russell really represented. Other researchers have noted similarly. Says Congregator:-
“In view of these inescapable facts, more than likely the Watchtower’s use of those powerful occult symbols in the early days not only is evidence of their own influences, but the use of such no doubt also served as a signal to attract other Masons into the organization, and by those means the Watchtower Society has most assuredly been secretly infiltrated and no doubt subtly influenced…”
As an aid to the symbolically challenged, symbols are THE language of Secret Societies. They speak no other language. Mere words and grammar mean absolutely nothing except as an effective tool for deception of the rank and file membership, and outsiders (the profane and uninitiated).
http://www.congregator.net/topical/keepers-of-secrets.htm
Friend, Jack
Hello Jack,
Yes the articles written by the watchtower society on secrets and propaganda, were indeed very simple or complex so most witnesses just blinked over them. I also wondered if infiltration had occurred with the pushing forward of a governing body. I remember the new world order that was adopted. Some of us wrote and told them it sounded like Hitler. So, they backed off because this was to strong. But perhaps demonic infiltration might be a possibility, because in 2007, they stated “Could it be that we are getting insight from dead body member that are in heaven?” You can’t consult with the dead! The witch of End-or with Samuel was written to show what happens if you do (1Sam. 28:7,Lev. 19:31). The demons will have a direct invitation into the society and can mislead. They would not have the protection of Jehovah for seeking help from the dead.
No one has absolute truth all of us are trying to learn.
But sometimes we let bygones get in the way of Love, a most powerful bond of union. (Col.3:14). Kings 8:46-53, a prayer of Solomon brings to mind how even we today can sin in word or deed against Jehovah. Sometimes we do it by pushing ahead of Jesus, sometimes it is a mistake. But if Jehovah kept track of all our mistakes we are most to be pitied. We can fall back on Solomon’s prayer. Living in the past has stumbled some from moving on. I think I personally had some of that. Sometimes in order to move forward, you have to stop looking back, otherwise you might run into a wall which can stop your spiritual growth. That is what I had to do. If I can’t go back and change the past,I might as well learn from it. This is a website for healing, a place to express thoughts.
I have learned to not put so much thought into what men might have done in the past. Who knows maybe we would have thought the same way in certain times and circumstances. i.e. (Why would a doctor touch a dead body, then deliver a baby without washing his hands? If only they knew about germs then. Doctors were not malicious in doing that, they did the best they could, but mothers died like flies as a result of this practice.) If Jehovah overlooked some things in the past and kept focused on his plan and used these men anyway, who are we to play God?(:) Right Now what saith the scripture?Enjoyed reading your post and site.
In the Love of Christ,
Jacqueline
Jack – Thanks for posting on our site. C. T. Russell was the Founder of the Bible Students, not the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Click here for more information.
There has never been any connection to C. T. Russell (or Bible Students) with the Masons or any other secret society. Our group is defined by our openness. We are always straight forward and base our opinions on direct statements of scripture. We believe the Bible is our authority. It is the inspired word of God. We have no governing body or authority other than our Lord Jesus Christ himself. If you believe that C.T. Russell or the Bible Students use any occult symbols, please explain to us exactly what symbol you are referring to. I could not find such evidence in the link you provided. Did I miss something? Thank you for sincerely coming to us with your concern. We appreciate that you are giving us the opportunity to defend ourselves.
We think you will agree with us that the Bible tells us to love others and not to evil speak. So anytime an accusation is made, the evidence should be both solid and the situation so dangerous that our Christian brethren need to be warned. Otherwise, it is evil speaking.
James 4:11 – Brothers, do not slander one another. NIV
Eph 4:30-32 – Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. NKJV
Eph 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – NIV
We are made aware of your existence and would like to aks you would like to inform our readers of major articles you publish and to join the Biblestudents Webring
http://bijbelvorsers.webs.com/
Also of interest: http://bijbelstudenten.spaces.live.com
Wishing you lots of success
and inviting Dutch or Flemish readers to our pages:
http://bijbelvorsers.multiply.com/
& to http://bijbelonderzoekers.multiply.com/
It is nice to find you also giving a sign in the world that there are still other serious Bible Students who witness for Jehovah in this world, other than the Jehovah Witnesses of the Brooklyn Watchtower Association.
Wishing you good luck with your work and hoping to find you on the list of Bible Researchers or Bible students at http://bijbelvorsers.webs.com/
Hello Belgian Biblestudents,
Gary, Indiana class says welcome.
In Christ
Jacqueline
I send you the greetings from Belgium
Dear James Bond, we do not know if you did also some work as Sherlock Homes 🙂 but we do hope you are interested in the beliefs of non-Trinitarian Christians.
We would like to invite you to have a look at following pages:
http://bijbelvorsers.webs.com/
http://bijbelstudenten.spaces.live.com
http://bijbelvorsers.multiply.com/
& to http://bijbelonderzoekers.multiply.com/
In the love of Christ,
Bijbelvorsers
De Belgische Bijbelstudenten en Bijbelvorsers kunnen u wie weet heel wat bieden en zullen het vast en zeker fijn vinden als zij u als gast mogen verwelkomen.
Hello Jamesbond,
A bit late but am also from Belgium, the Bruges area, from where around are you… I believe I know you Belgian biblerearchers, are you that person from Leuven?