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IS THE GOVERNING BODY THE FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE?

Find more discussion about the Governing Body by clicking here:

Recently, the Governing Body has modified the definition of the Faithful and Discreet Slave to exclusively apply to themselves and to not include the thousands of other anointed.

In the past, Jehovah’s Witnesses have believed that The Faithful and Discreet Slave is the collective body of “anointed” Christians alive on earth and that they exercise teaching authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine and articles of faith.  This belief is based on an interpretation of Matthew 24:45-47.

Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus uses this group exclusively “to publish information on the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and to give timely direction on the application of Bible principles in daily life as the only means of communicating God’s messages to people.  Hence, it is referred to as God’s “prophet and “channel”.

Appointments to positions of responsibility and decisions on doctrines, activities and oversight of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide are made by the members of the Governing Body, who are said to serve as representatives of the “slave class”.  However no global network of anointed Witnesses exists to reveal new spiritual truths, and the remainder of the “slave class” are not consulted when making decisions.

Recently, some members of the anointed class wrote the Governing Body disagreeing with the way they were treating God’s household and questioning some of the teachings.  The Governing Body has permanently resolved this problem of dissent by cutting the other anointed out of the Faithful and Discreet Slave class, thereby completely consolidating their power and eliminating all opposition.

Do you believe the Faithful and Discreet Slave class of Matt 24:45-47 is:

* The Governing Body
* All “Anointed” JWs
* All “Anointed” Christians, even if not JWs
* C.T. Russell
* Not sure of the answer
* Other (Explain by posting a comment)

How would you apply the verses in Matt 24:45-47?

We would love to hear your thoughts.

————————————————————

UPDATE

“Reports are emerging of an announcement at the 128th Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania that the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses now considers itself to be the Faithful and Discreet Slave Class of Matthew 24:45 in its entirety.”

“Suspicions were raised in the minds of many thinking Witnesses after reading articles such as the Questions From Readers of the August 15th 2011 Watchtower, where it was admitted that the Governing Body has no actual communication with memorial partakers (the “anointed”) and even feels that some of these ones may be mentally imbalanced. (see w11 8/15 p. 22)”

Find the source of this information here:

I am not totally satisfied that this new change is well documented, so if anyone has additional concrete information or support, please share it with us.

 

227 comments to IS THE GOVERNING BODY THE FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE?

  • sherry

    I think Jehovah’s Witnesses have a faithful ad discreet group. But the Bible students only a man. Doent the group or man have to be living in the end times?

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Sherry – The Apostles are are guiding us through their writings today even though they died about 2,000 years ago.

      In Revelation 2 & 3 we have 7 Churches covering 7 consecutive periods of time during the Gospel Age (starting at Pentecost). Each Church period has an historical messenger for that period. Each messenger appears at the beginning of their period. After they die, God’s people of that Church period continue to benefit from their message until the next period and messenger begins.

      Because the Catholic Church destroyed so called Apostate records, it is difficult to identify every historical messenger with certainty. Here is a proposed list.

      1) Apostle Paul
      2) Apostle John
      3) Arius
      4) Waldo
      5) Wycliffe
      6) Luther
      7) Russell

      Find more info here. https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2010/07/14/the-seven-churches-of-revelation/

      Under this scenario, it is normal for the messenger to die and for the period and messenger to continue.

      We think Brother Russell was both the 7th Messenger and the Faithful Slave.

      What do you think? Are you satisfied with the Governing Body being the Faithful Slave? How does that square with the JWs having Presidents and the Governing Body only being developed in the 1970s I believe?

  • anonymous111

    Hi,

    I believe to attach 1 individual to the Faithful Discreet Slave role is a very slippery slope. It seems that most BSs I have met believe Russell fills this role. Also, I have noticed that a number of BSs go beyond essential doctrine and insist of belief in certain times/dates essential to be considered a Brother. Are most BSs like this?

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Hi anonymous111. What Bible Students have you met? What are their names? In what congregation?

      How do you explain the Faithful Slave yourself?

      You said, “I have noticed that a number of BSs go beyond essential doctrine and insist of belief in certain times/dates to be considered a Brother.”

      I have never met Bible Students like this? What did they say that made you feel they did not accept another believer in the Ransom as a brother? What do you consider to be the essentials?

      • anonymous111

        Hi.

        I do not wish to mention their names (they are very nice people and would not want to offend). I am not lying though. Perhaps you could tell me what the essentials to be considered a Brother to the BSs is?

        Much Love

        • Peter K. (admin)

          Anonymous111 – Thanks for your sincere response. I would have deleted their names for their privacy. I wanted to verify your story, but I will take your word for it that you are explaining what you felt from your meeting with them.

          The commonly understood essentials to accept one as a brother or sister in Christ are explained in a July 1913 Watchtower article (Reprint 5284 : page 231), entitled “Doctrines More or Less Important.” CLICK HERE FOR LINK

          Partly quoting, Brother Russell says, “We… have the same fundamentals [Atonement], and are permitted to have other privileges, truths, “meat in due season,” for our strengthening. These latter are not necessarily essential to our membership in the Body of Christ; otherwise our forefathers who did not have them would not have been members of Christ, and there would have been no Christ Body for centuries. The fundamental theory of the Atonement is as follows:…” Read article for more details.

          Keep in mind that even those who disagree with fundamental doctrines are to be treated by Bible Students with love and respect. If we are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), how much more any that claim to love our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

          Some make the mistake of finding us to be judgmental, misunderstanding that higher standards of doctrinal and prophetic understanding are expected from Elders, but that this is not what is required for acceptance and maintenance as fellow brothers in sisters in or out of the Bible Student movement. We are all at different stages of spiritual growth as New Creatures. If any Bible Students come across as too strict, my advice to them would be to lighten up. We should be strict with ourselves, but tolerant and patient with others.

          • Anonymous111

            Peter K.,

            Thank you for your response. That is an interesting quote from Mr. Russell. Let me clarify what I originally meant to communicate. I have noticed that a few Bible Students have made comments that seemed to imply that the main chronology and dates set by Mr. Russell were essential to being considered a Brother in Christ. However, from what you say, perhaps this is not the norm. Perhaps >I< need to lighten up and realize that my experience is not necessarily a correct representation. Also, I have not studied enough of the chronology and dates to even say they are incorrect. I just get a little squirmy from past life experiences is all. I apologize if my original comments were taken as judgemental. I was just trying to be brief and to the point and sometimes we can lose much in computer text. The BS I have met are extremely nice people with definite fruitages of the spirit.

            God bless.

            • Peter K. (admin)

              Anonymous111 – Good to hear from you again. Let’s assume that these Bible Students meant exactly what you thought they meant. (I hope there was a misunderstanding.) Sometimes we brothers and sisters in Christ should hold each other to account (in a loving way) for the statements we make. I would encourage you to provide them with the link to the article I provided. I am sure they are familiar with it. Then I would ask them to explain how their view squares with Brother Russell’s liberal criteria. Also ask them to provide you with any quotes from Brother Russell or scriptural evidence that would place such importance on the main chronology dates. I respect that you might not want to be confrontational. Personally, I have enough faults that I find it easy enough to focus on the good attributes of brethren, rather than areas where they may still need to grow a more Christlike attitude.

              Personally, I am enthusiastic about Chronology and Time Prophecy, quite prepared to defend the presentations from Volumes 2 and 3. However, this should not be a criteria for fully accepting one as a brother or sister in Christ. Nor should it create a wedge or conflict in Christian love and fellowship.

              Without getting into a long disucssion, I will present a verse that seems to place importance on time prophecy. Daniel 12 speaks of the time prophecies of 1290 days (years) and 1335 days (years).

              Daniel 12:9-12 (NKJV) “9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. 11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.”

              • Anonymous111

                Peter,

                Will do. Thanks for your comments. I was listening to a convention panel discussion that I believe you took part in (since you have the same first name and last initial and because you sound a lot like the Peter in the discussion). It was recorded in San Diego and was concerning unity and doctrine. I really appreciated the discussion. However, the sir that seemed to take a different stance on you regarding essentials very much disturbed me by some of the things he said. I know they are just his opinions. He seemed to be convinced that knowledge was more important than character and was relating the work that consecrated ones have to his past military service. Red flags went everywhere for me, since I have heard this in the cult I used to be a part of. Are there many BS like that gentleman? Thanks

                • Peter K. (admin)

                  Anonymous111,

                  Yes that was me in San Diego.

                  Among Bible Student, most will agree with Brother Russell’s generous spirit toward whom he would accept as a spirit begotten New Creature [anointed brother].

                  Brother Richard studies very deeply and in my younger years I learned some great things from him about God’s Covenants and the book of Hebrews.

                  Some brethren have a bigger expectation of what they feel the sprit begotten [annointed] should understand. However, even if this seems strict, they are generally happy to fellowship with any who want to meet with their congreation.

                  These differences of opinion can be very stimulating to get us thinking and evaluating rather than just blindly accepting what is said.

                  • Anonymous111

                    Peter,

                    Thanks again for the response. That was a great panel discussion!

                    Anyway, I will continue my studies. Thanks for the helpful responses.

  • Anonymous

    Howdy Humbleman;

    Lets start off with an agreement. We both have respect for brother Russell. And both of us study the Bible making us Bible students. But you may belong to a group of BS,s who only accept some of brother Russell’s teaching. For example, brother Russell used the name Jehovah, but I have found very zealous BS using Yahweh. So I am not sure what kind of Bible student you are.

    Vol I page 333,”which Jehovah introduces by the chastisements and lessons of this day of trouble,-Ezek.11:19;36:25,36; Jer. 31:29-34; Zeph. 3:9; Psa. 46:8-10.” page 317,”wheras the saints are turned(converted) already.” page 303,”Jehovah shall be king over the whole earth.”(Zech. 14:9.)

    Vol II page 162,”in the last, by burning all except the family of God in the symbolic fire-the great trouble of the Day of the Lord.” Zeph 3:8

    Vol III page 148, 149,”(the great time of trouble with which this age will end.-Zeph.3:8) page 302 we find Zech 14:5 with words used,Such is the ent situation: the great Judge has come.” “The plan of God is now made manifest.” This was in the 1800,s. Yet you apple that whole chapter to the 1000 years.—?

    Vol IV page 528,”It is the”Battle of that Great Day of God Almighty,” when he shall pour out the nations and assemble the kingdoms.” Rev.16:14; Zeph. 3:8; Isa. 13:4. How soon back then in the 1800,s did brother Russell think it would be? page 13,” Zeph. 3:8,9;”We have already shown that the time is at hand, and that the events of the day of Jehovah are even now crowding closely upon us. A few years more of necessity ripen the elements now working in that direction of the predicted trouble.” So it was very close to being fulfilled. page 269,270,”Zeph.3:8,9,”The gathering of the nations in these last days, in fulfillment of the above prophecy, is very notable.” page 654,”When God’s time shall have fully come.” Note verses Zech, 14:3-5 page 652,””Valley of Blessings,” close to Jehovah’s “feet,” when he sings first of the saints of the Gospel age and then of those blessed in the next age.” Here we see the elect before the 1000 years in the Valley. Then when all saints are in the heavens, the people will be in the valley. How do you read it? On 654 he speaks of a future time when the Gospel age shall have ceased and used Zech 14:5 before that. So I am having a hard time understanding how you mean the whole Chapter of Zech applies to the 1000 years only.

    With many more of your questions to answer, I will stop here. Do you believe from the Pastor’s teachings that he believed the whole chapter only applies to the beginning of the 1000 years?

    Henry

    • anonymous(2)

      there are others not belonging directly to the Governing Body who Jehova incites as his prophets, we are ALL considered his “2 Witnesses” symbolic of the transfiguration & known to be standing alongside the Christ. all anointed are God’s modern day prophets
      some have the gift of teaching, Evangelizing, others for writing New Chronicles of Judgment & Life>REV.12;12
      which will instruct those to inherit the earth; the resurrected; &
      insight as to how Jehova & the Christ are working to bring abt the conclusion of this system, making viewpoints thru holy spirit> & to prove he CONTINUES to be highly involved with humanity !
      it MUST primarily inculcate gracious endeavors of divine intimacy with Jehova, which ultimately leads
      to an eternal relationship with Him
      Genesis to Revelation theme (KINGDOM OF GOD)
      theme of ?? perhaps 🙂 (INTIMACY WITH JEHOVAH, the DIVINE BEING draws humanity to EVERLASTING life)

  • humbleman

    Hi Anonymous to answer your question i am a bible student who has great respect for brother russell but i am a follower of Jesus christ. just so i can understand where you are coming from please answer this question are the group in Zechariah 14 v 16 the same group as the great crowd from revelation 7 ? I believe Zechariah 14 encompasses the Great 1000 year day of Jehovah is wrath will continue until all unrepentant sinners are gone, but when reading Zechariah 14 v 12-16 it is talking about the battle of Armageddon the day of wrath the same as Zephaniah 3 v 6-8 . Israel’s and the nations restoration does not take place until the church is complete until after the day of wrath this is one reason i believe the jws to be in error because they claim the nations are beating there swords in to plowshares at this time but according to scripture its still future isaiah 2 v 4. What is your religious position are you a jw ? Take care bro humbleman

    • anonymous (2)

      I am one that believes that Jehova will the whole earth is under a curse at this time , & from Zech. ch. 5 > & I am also one who believes this curse will continue until the conclusion & destruction. I am one to hold faith that the wicked will not receive resurrection if destroyed at Armageddon according to Rev. 21:8, the second death meaning “forever destruction” & it would be MERCIFUL on Jehova’s part to NOT allow them a place in the kingdom ruled by Christ>
      in his pure justification,
      the ones who’s acts were cruel & merciless. murderers & rapists. >>how can the true church be complete until all those who have been asleep, arise & become taught ones under the new rulership of Christ?
      a FULL restoration of pure worship, even with those who voice different viewpoints (among true worshipers of the ONE true Jehova,& excluding pagan doctrine)
      should not be considered disunity among us, for Jehova gives ample insight , & because we are THINKING & ACTING upon his name!
      Philippians 4’7-9 will flow freely among those who envelope the divine intimacy with our ONE true God. I am no longer a JW. only that I must allow the Spirit of Jah direct my insight, as do we who love him 🙂

      • Jacqueline

        Hi anonymous, before I comment may I ask this question please. Regards the wicked that will not receive a resurrection if destroyed at Armageddon, What religion are they? Did they learn the total truth about God and if so from whom? Also will rapist, murderers etc get a resurrection if they died before Armageddon? If so why or how is it justified?. Is this scripture about Armageddon? I am asking just to see your thoughts then I will address it, I want to make sure I understand what you are saying. Peace Jacqueline.

        • Anonymous

          Good point Jacqueline, the Jw’s like to use the scripture that says..”fornicators, nor murderers….etc, will not inherit God’s kingdom…they make it seem as if merely getting in to the “new world’ IS inheriting Gods kingdom but they forget the previous class of people mentioned(murderers,fornicators….etc)will be there in the resurrection and that NO ONE inherits God’s kingdom UNTIL they pass the final test at the end of the 1,000 years!

          • Jacqueline

            I was waiting on a reply but in a few hours I will answer anonymous2 properly because this is a point of putting the scripture in the proper time period.The world that was, the world now or the world that is to come. That scriptureis is after armageddon and after Jesus separate the sheep from the goats. I will come back later with proper scriptural support. Need a larger keyboard.

        • anonymous(2)

          the term “gehenna”, as I learned is for those who are judged by God to not be in his memory among the resurrected ones. that would include any who die before Armageddon also. this is a VERY painful subject for me, my child suffered at the hands of an evil parent who tortured him mercilessly to even suggest we forgive is insulting to injury>
          I PRAY that man be severely dealt with by Jehova EVERY day. seeing that the satanic system let him walk away with NOT 1 day in jail
          I would rather not comment, nor debate abt this further > the pain & suffering still continue to plague us

          • Jacqueline

            So sorry to hear of your distressing circumstance. I too lost a daughter aged 26yr by a drunk driver. I will call you tomorrow. I didn’t know. Will you forgive me if I in some way added to your distress. I am so sorry if I hurt you. I just drove down treacherous I- 65 on snow and ice so I need to sleep on it to calm my nerves. I will call you tomorrow and may God bless you and keep you. In Christian and personal love, Jacqueline

      • Jacqueline

        Anonymous 2, This is a link to help you understand what happens at Armageddon. Also the the scripture you quoted (Rev. 21:8) is fulfilled at the end of man’s judgement. Please check the preceding verses to see Jehovah has all things restored back to him and he will tent with mankind. Rev. 21:1-5. Thank you Jacqueline

        • anonymous(2)

          please leave this subject alone . it is a deciding factor in what i base my faith. ( it CAN be a stumbling for me in this new faith)
          I WILL NOT bend. I HAVE TO HOPE that Jehova WILL execute ALL those who are unworthy in his memory for resurrection.

  • Anonymous

    Howdy Humbleman;

    14:8 might help you. “And it must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. In summer and winter it will occur.”

    Here we have the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea being brought to our discussion. The Mediterranean Sea pictures the great crowd of Armageddon survivors.—————–The Dead Sea pictures dead people who will be raised back to life. This is taking place during the 1000 year reign. Both of these groups will beableo drink by having the symbolic living waters, mentioned at Rev 22:1,2.

    Keep in mind that in the Devil’s system now, he has allowed people to ignore Him. That is Jehovah God. During the 1000 years will He tolerate that again? That answer is ,no, He will not. They will be removed.

    Note what Pastor Russell wrote in Vol IV page 655,”The reference to the rivers of living waters flowing from Jerusalem, during this Millennial Day of the reestablishment of Jehovah’s feet upon his footstool(Zech.14:8,9), reminds us of the corresponding testimony of Ezekiel(47:1-12) and of John’s Revelation(22:1,2) which, under this same sybol of living waters proceeding from the throne of the Millennial Kingdom, show us the restitution blessings under the sybols of”waters of life,” to which whosoever will may come and drink freely, and fruitful trees of everlasting life whose leaves will heal the repentant peoples of earth of all imperfections.” Last part on page 656.

    Repentant peoples, they are the ones who go to and bow down to the King,Jehovah of armies. Zech 14:16
    The warring an unrepentent peoples will be removed.

    Henry

    P.S. Are you a true follower of Pastor Russell’s teachings? Or a group who takes some of his teachings? Or you take none of his teachings? Just curious.

  • humbleman

    Hi Anonymous. im to to sure i understand your comment are you saying isaiah 66 v23 is being fulfilled now ? if so i disagree the establishment of the new heavens and earth will be after the battle of Armageddon, those in isaiah 66 v24 will be people of the nations who do not repent and do Gods will they will go to everlasting destruction Revelation 21 v 8 shows us in judgment day there will be two groups of people the sheep & the goats. but back to my original question are the people in Zechariah 14 v 16 the great crowd of revelation 7 ?

  • Anonymous

    Howdy Humbleman;

    Is 66:23,”And it will certainly occur that from new moon to new moon and from sabbath to sabbath all flesh will come in to bow down before me, Jehovah has said.”

    To help you understand, many of those people who now do that actually went against literal Jerusalem, and many actually went against heavenly Jerusalem.

    But many of them will decide not to anymore and will be a part of those fulfilling Is 66:23.

    But some will not, and as stated they will be removed.

  • humbleman

    what about verse 16 you missed that one out. this verse shows people who came against jerusalem who will survive the battle of Armageddon. surly this isn’t referring to dead people who survive a war ?

  • Anonymous

    Howdy Humbleman;

    Zechariah 14:17-19 shows all the resurrected and redeemed ones if they fail to adjust properly they will suffer punishment. The divine scourge will effect them. It will bring everlasting destruction. This will mean no share. Share of what? A life in Paradise. Those who had been oppossers of Jerusalem and died and were now resurrected would have to change. CTR taught that didn’t he?

    Henry

    • jacqueline

      Because they still own the name international bible students in London and outright they can bring it forward. I see them sending publishers out as once before using the name,. This will also pump blood into the preaching force because witnesses like hearing and doing something new. Their mindset is that the organization is on the move. They cannot ignore the Bible Students. Also this is a lawyer run corporation, affect their bottom line (money) by using their brand name and they will fight. These are not religious men, they copyright Bible literature. Legalistic indeed.

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