Presumptuous Claims
1. “No, the truths I present, as God's mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God's audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God's due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.
"The following history is given not merely because I have been urged to give a review of God's leadings in the path of light, but specially because I believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, that misapprehensions and prejudicial misstatements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see how hitherto the Lord has helped and guided." (July 15, 1906 Zion's Watch Tower, p. 230)
2. "Then I knew why the Lord had led me to it so slowly and cautiously. I needed a special preparation of heart for the full appreciation of all it contained, and I was all the more assured that it was not of my own wisdom; for if of my own why would it not have come at once?" (July 15, 1906 Zion's Watch Tower, p. 234)
3. "There exist, however, well established relationships among the dates of present-truth chronology. These internal connections of the dates impart a much greater strength than can be found in other [secular] chronologies. Some of them are of so remarkable a character as clearly to indicate that this chronology is not of man, but of God. Being of divine origin and divinely corroborated, present-truth chronology stands in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct.
“. . . the addition of more proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance into that of proven certainty. . . .
“In the chronology of present truth there are so many inter-relationships among the dates that it is not a mere string of dates, not a chain, but a cable of strands firmly knit together – a divinely unified system, with most of the dates having such remarkable relations with others as to stamp the system as not of human origin.”
“. . . Man invents man-made things, but discovers divinely-created principles. Present-truth chronology is not an invention; it is a discovery. . . .”
“It will be clearly shown that present-truth chronology displays indisputable evidence of divine foreknowledge of the principle dates, and that this is proof of divine origin, and that the system is not a human invention but a discovery of divine truth. . . .”
“These appointed times and seasons are in the power of Jehovah alone. They may not be ascertained, known or recognized, even after they have been fulfilled, without divine guidance and the unction of the holy spirit of God. . . .”
“Therefore it would be impossible for a natural man, or even a spirit being, be he an angel or a devil, to know in advance all the appointed times which the Father has kept secret from all except his begotten and anointed children. . . . Especially would it be beyond the bounds of possibility for the evil one to discern in advance the dates, ages, and marvelous connecting links of the true chronology; for these, when disclosed by God, are to be known first only by the true church, to whom God has given of his spirit. (Ephesians 3:10; Revelation 1:4) The demons occasionally may make shrewd guesses as to the events to come within a brief future; but it is extremely beyond their power to see such matters far in advance, except as distinctly revealed by God through the church. Astrologers sometimes make predictions as to coming events; but when these predictions prove to be correct, it is found that they have previously been discussed or published among the Lord’s people. . . .”
“If in a system of chronology there can be shown to have been a foreknowledge of coming events and seasons, it must be conceded to have been of divine origin. This can be shown to be true of present-truth chronology alone, which stamps it as of heavenly origin. . . .
“Parallelisms of this nature are proof of divine origin of present-truth chronology, because they show foreknowledge. . . .”
“Those that follow Jehovah’s chronology are manifestly his people; for, said Jesus, “The Spirit of truth . . . [sic] will guide you into all truth; he will shew you things to come”; and “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to shew unto his servants [sic] things which must shortly come to pass.”” (July 15, 1922, Watch Tower, pp. 217-219)
4. "In recent months the Lord has revealed to his people a clearer understanding of the Devil's organization, and of his purpose to wreck that wicked system that the people may have complete deliverance. This message he has been pleased to permit to appear in a book entitled DELIVERANCE. Has not God provided this instrument in the hands of the anointed class? Let those who so believe carefully study the message therein and be prepared to use it." (August 15, 1926 Watch Tower, p. 248)
5. "This book should bring peace to the troubled souls who read, because it contains a plain statement of the loving provision Jehovah God has made to give man everlasting life on earth, together with all blessings incident thereunto. The writer does not give his opinion. No human interpretation of scripture is advanced. The contents of the book are statements of the facts as they exist and the citation of the Scriptures in support thereof.” (Reconciliation, p. 6)
6. “The servant” is Jehovah’s special appointee, and in the mouth of his “servant” God puts his words, and to the “servant” class he gives special protection and directs them to do a certain work while he plants the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth. (Isa. 51:16) It would seem that there would be no necessity for the “servant” to have an advocate such as the holy spirit, because the “servant” is in direct communication with Jehovah and as Jehovah’s instrument, and Christ Jesus acts for the entire body. . . .
“As above stated, when the disciples were gathered at Jerusalem it was the holy spirit as their helper that moved them to take action in sending messengers to their brethren. (Acts 15:24-28) But it seems certain that when Jesus came to his temple and began his work of judgment he would direct his holy angels to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do. . .
“It was the holy spirit that operated upon the minds of men in the early church to take certain actions; but now the Lord Jesus himself has returned, is in his temple, and, acting by and through his holy angels, puts it into the mind and heart of the remnant class to take positive action and to do a certain work." (September 1, 1930 Watchtower, p. 263)
7. “If the rebellious ones, meaning the professed Christians of Christendom, and the “evil servant” class, the “man of sin”, had their way they would stop the work of God’s “faithful servant” and completely silence all who speak of the truth of and concerning the Devil’s organization. But as God said to Ezekiel, so now he says to the “faithful servant” whom Ezekiel foreshadowed: “But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them. And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover; for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shall say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God, He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear; for they are rebellious house.” - 3:25-27.
“The “servant” is not to tell his own message. Jehovah has made him his “faithful servant” the “watchman”, and only as the Lord God directs the “servant’ to speak he does speak, having thus always a “Thus saith the Lord” for every part of the message that is delivered.” (Vindication Vol. I, p. 45)
8. “There are some amongst us who still have difficulties in understanding many of the truths that God has given to his people since 1922, and it is with a desire to help such that this is published. . . .
"The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. God feeds his own people, and surely God uses those who love and serve him according to his own will. Those who oppose The Watchtower are not capable of discerning the truth that God is giving to the children of his organization, and this is the very strongest proof that such opposers are not of God's organization. . . .
“Who on earth understood prior to 1918 that Zion is God’s organization and gives birth to the kingdom and to her children? The fact that no one on earth did so understand prior to the Lord’s coming to his temple is proof that it was not God’s due time for them to understand. Who understood prior thereto about Satan’s organization, the battle in heaven, and the casting of Satan out of heaven? Manifestly no one could understand these things until the temple of God was open. (Rev. 11:19) Only those who by the grace of God have been taken into the temple do now understand. These do not understand by reason of knowledge or wisdom that comes to them from any man, but they are taught of God, who teaches them the truth by and through the Head of the temple class, Christ Jesus. Why then should those today who really believe they are servants of God hesitate for one moment in determining the question concerning who gives them the doctrine of truth? Jehovah God is the great Teacher of his children. To be sure, the publication of these truths is put forth by imperfect men, and for this reason they are not absolutely perfect in form; but they are put forth in such form as reflects God’s truth that he teaches his children.
“Those who are of the temple class have the spirit of God in the measure that came to Elisha, and they do the work which Elisha foreshadowed. Jehovah now gives his children a special revelation of his Word, because it is a time of stress and his children specially need this additional help. . . . To-day the children of Zion need no extraneous proof that the spiritual food and understanding of the prophecies they have come from God. They know that no man or men could provide such food. No man or men on earth attempt to lay claim that any of these truths proceed from man. . . . The context of this last scripture [Isaiah 42:9] definitely locates God’s anointed ones as the ones to whom he thus speaks.” (November 1, 1931 Watchtower, pp. 326-328)
9. "It was in the spring of 1918 that the Lord Jesus, as the representative of Jehovah, appeared at the temple, and from that time forward the glory of Jehovah has been here. 'And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.' (Ezek. 43:6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the man stood by him. 'The man' was the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. No doubt they first hear the instructions which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions on the remnant. The facts show that the angels of the Lord with Him at His temple have been thus rendering service unto the remnant since 1919." (Vindication Vol. III, p. 250)
10. "The Sovereign Lord giveth the word." Manifestly this is the reason why in verse eight it is stated: "The heavens also dropped [dripped showers of truth] at the presence of God" when at his holy temple. "The word," or "speech", is a comprehensive form applied not only to one specific message that the Lord gave or is giving or has given at any one time, but to the whole series of messages of truth which he gave and which he continues to give ever since the lightnings have been flashing from the temple and upon the record of his Word. The expression "the word", therefore, includes every revelation of truth down to and including the book Vindication and whatsoever shall be revealed and published, by the Lord's grace, as long as the remnant is on earth.” (April 1, 1932 Watchtower, p. 101)
11. “Faithful followers of Christ Jesus have at different times tried to get an understanding of the ‘voice of the signs’ given to Moses. In September 15, 1907 [sic], issue of The Watchtower the matter was considered, and some very interesting thoughts expressed. It was not then, however, God’s due time for this matter to be understood. Man has no power to interpret prophecy. The Lord makes it clear in his own due time, and he usually reveals the same to his people by having them perform something in fulfilment [sic] of the prophecy and then discloses to his faithful the meaning thereof. This is always a strengthener to their faith. All honor and credit for such understanding and explanation is due to and is gladly given to Jehovah God. This revelation he brings to his people through his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, the Head of his organization.” (April 1, 1933 Watchtower, p. 99)
12. "The fact that an angel repeatedly talked with Zechariah shows that God uses angels to teach His people now on earth. . . ."
“Preparation reviews recent history. Prior to 1922 God was a little angry with His covenant people, because of their disobedience and negligence; they were then a “curse” to the nations, but are now a blessing. . .
“The truths now being brought out in Preparation and Judge Rutherford’s other books, and in The Watchtower, give hope to the remnant, but they must obey the Greater Moses now setting before them life and death. They must do the things commanded, must declare the judgments written and must strengthen the weak hands, and all must share in the general service of the hour without distinctions.” (November 8, 1933 Golden Age, pp. 69-70)
13. “To feed or teach his people the Lord has used the Watch Tower publications, and of fact we have an abundance of proof. No man is given credit for the wonderful truths which the Lord has revealed to his people through the Watch Tower publications. It is certain that all who are of the temple class believe that the Lord is feeding his people through these publications; therefore when we come together, instead of listening to the views of some man, why not have a study of some of the wonderful things which Jehovah has brought to the attention of his people and taught them through his chosen means of teaching? Since the building up of Zion Jehovah has revealed the meaning of many of his prophecies. Some who are wise in their own conceits attempt even in this day to give their private interpretation of prophecy. But let us bear in mind that the Lord is the Teacher and he will reveal the true meaning of prophecy in his own appointed way.” (December 1, 1933 Watchtower, p. 363)
14. “For that reason it is now God’s due time for the prophecy of Zechariah to be understood by those who love and serve God.” (Preparation, p. 6)
15. “Zechariah inquired of the Lord the meaning of these men on horses, and the angel talking with him explained it to him: “Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these bee.” (1:9) This question is propounded for the benefit of those faithful ones of the remnant on earth, and the angel of the Lord brings to them the needed information in answer to their questions. (Rev. 1:1). This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah’s organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels.” (Preparation, pp. 27-28)
16. "Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it; and the Scriptures and the facts show that it is done. (Matt. 25:31; Jude 14, 15; Zech. 14:5) This conclusion is fully supported by the following words of Zechariah’s prophecy: “And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein.” (2:3,4) There the angel of the Lord is commanded to make haste and tell the message of comfort to the inquiring saints on the earth. Many will recall now that in the year 1919, when the faithful were disconsolate, the Lord gave his people an understanding of the Elijah and Elisha pictures (1 Ki. 19:13-21; Mal. 4:5,6) that had troubled them for a long while, and this brought them consolation. It was then that they learned that there was still much work to be done to the glory of the Lord, and this brought them great joy. Then later, at the convention of God’s people in 1922, the angel of the Lord ‘spoke’ to the “young man” class, that is, to say, those who were strong in the Lord, and brought information to them; and these faithful ones were then permitted to “see visions”, that is to say, to understand God’s Word, and those who showed an appreciation of God’s favor thus bestowed upon them have since continued to progress in the understanding of prophecy, all of which has brought them great consolation." (Preparation, pp. 36- 37)
17. "Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Jesus Christ and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones." (Preparation, p.64)
18. “The bowl in the top of the candlestick contained the oil which produces the light and symbolizes the anointing by the spirit of God; and then those who had received the anointing could be enlightened concerning the "deep things" not before that time discernible; as it is written: "But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit: for the spirit searcheth [revealeth] all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Cor. 2: 10) "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1 John 2: 27) The "SEVEN PIPES TO THE SEVEN LAMPS" is a symbol of the perfect channel of imparting the anointing and the enlightenment. The "SEVEN LAMPS" impart complete spiritual light. The candlestick in its entirety pictures the organization and witness work for the enlightenment of all who devote themselves to Jehovah and learn of his purpose and his kingdom. The vision of the golden candlestick is a prophecy to Jehovah's witnesses at the present time, and which is now being fulfilled to their joy in the Lord.” (Preparation, pp. 65-66; brackets in original.)
19. “Zechariah inquired of the Lord the meaning of these men on horses, and the angel talking with him explained it to him . . . This question is propounded for the benefit of those faithful ones of the remnant now on earth, and the angel of the Lord brings to them the needed information in answer to their questions. (Rev. 1:1) This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah’s organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels.” (August 1, 1933 Watchtower, p. 231)
20. “Some here will ask, How may I know what are the commandments concerning me, which the Lord has given, and which I must keep? The Word of God contains the information concerning his purpose toward his creatures. The coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple of God in 1918 fixes the time when God is pleased to make known his purposes to those who diligently seek him and serve him. The Lord has graciously provided for the publication of his message in the form of books, that the people may be informed of the truth. On the last pages of this book you will find a list of such publications, which will enable you to locate in the Bible the very texts about which you desire to know, and which answer your questions. Provide yourself with those publications, study the same, together with your Bible. Those books do not contain the opinion of any man. They merely enable you to locate the words of the Lord and find out the very things you desire to know; and doing this, you are obeying God’s commandments.” (Riches, pp. 353-354)
21. “During the past few years God has given to his people an understanding of the prophecies of The Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Habakkuk, and many other prophecies. He has given to them the true meaning and understanding of his covenants. Gift upon gift has been bestowed upon his anointed ones.” (February 15, 1936 Watchtower, p. 53)
22. “This great truth was never made plain to God’s people until it pleased the Lord to recently give them an understanding of the prophecy of Habakkuk.” (February 15, 1936 Watchtower, p. 56)
23. “If one does not believe The Watchtower is used by the Lord to transmit to his people the truth, then that one should not attempt to serve in God’s organization. If he does believe that the Lord uses The Watchtower to dispense his truth to his people, then in order to be faithful he will be diligent in carrying out the instructions of the organization and will give consideration to the subjects that are set forth in The Watchtower.” (March 1, 1936 Watchtower, p. 73)
24. “This foretells that Jehovah's prophecies cannot be interpreted by men, but interpretation is from Jehovah and he gives it in due time to those who love and serve him. Christ Jesus at the temple is Jehovah's great Servant and Interpreter, and by God's permission and direction he gives to the faithful ones an understanding of God's prophecies and his coming to the temple. Those who attempt to run ahead of the Lord and try to interpret prophecies to suit their own ideas never get the proper interpretation thereof.” (February 15, 1937 Watchtower, p. 52)
25. “It is Jehovah the Master who says to his ‘elect servant’: “Behold the former things are come to pass [meaning, some prophecies which I showed you have been fulfilled], and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9) When a prophecy is partially fulfilled and is in course of fulfillment Jehovah permits his covenant and anointed people to see the meaning thereof, and these in turn declare the meaning to others who might have an ear to hear. Some prophecies have been fulfilled, and some are in course of fulfillment; and, by rules laid down governing the fulfillment of these, by his grace and his spirit God makes known to his ‘elect servant’ some things that are to come to pass, and thus the “new things” he now declares to them “before they spring forth”.” (April 15, 1937 Watchtower, p. 124; Brackets in original)
26. “Shortly after 1918 Jehovah began to make known to his servant the meaning of some of his prophecies.” (November 1, 1937 Watchtower, p. 330)
27. “This is mentioned here as further evidence that the Lord uses his people to fulfill prophecies and afterwards advises them thereof by revealing the meaning of the prophecy.” (November 1, 1937 Watchtower, p. 335)
28. “God has revealed the meaning of these prophecies to his people in order that they may see their duty, obligation and privilege. . . .
“Since 1931 Jehovah witnesses have, in obedience to God's commandment, made a wide distribution of God's message to the people. There has been a wide distribution of such Biblical explanations as contained in the books Vindication, Preparation, Preservation, Jehovah, Riches, Choosing ("Separating the Nations"), Uncovered, Protection, and many others. In addition thereto the radio has been employed to proclaim the message throughout the earth, and also thousands of sound machines have been and are being used to proclaim God’s Word within the presence and hearing of the people.” (November 15, 1937 Watchtower, p. 349)
29. "The actual burning or destruction by fire is done by officers of Jehovah that are invisible to human eyes, that is, the cherubim, seraphim and angels; but it seems clear that the cherubim have charge over fire or that which destroys. These invisible ones Jehovah uses to put in the hands of his “faithful servant” class, that is, the man clothed with linen, the fiery message from his Word, or judgments written, and which is to be used as directed. The resolutions adopted by conventions of God's anointed people, booklets, magazines, and books published by them, contain the message of God's truth and are from the almighty God, Jehovah, and provided by him through Christ Jesus and his under officers. This shows the grand and glorious organization working in exact harmony, as indeed it must work. These instruments being provided by Jehovah, and placed in the hand of the remnant, the remnant or 'servant' class is commanded to use the same.
“The interpretation of prophecy, therefore is not from man, but is from Jehovah; and Jehovah causes events to come to pass in fulfillment of the prophecy in due time. It is His truth and not man's; and when men attempt to give the honor and glory for the message of truth to a man or men, such make fools of themselves. Jehovah provides the machinery, the printing presses, and all material for the purpose of preparing his fiery message that must be poured out or scattered upon “Christendom”, and this is done by his 'faithful servant' class." (May 1, 1938 Watchtower, p. 143)
30. “Cartons of [the book] Children that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened, and Judge Rutherford instructed the children to come and each get a copy thereof . . . Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon. What a gift! And to so many! The manner of releasing the book Children was an outright surprise to all, but the almighty hand of the All-wise One, Jehovah, was in it, and the maneuver was most blessed indeed.” (September 15, 1941 Watchtower, p. 288)
31. "It clearly appears that Jehovah by Christ Jesus is doing his work on earth among his people and hence is guiding his people in the right way according to his promise. (Prov. 3:5,6) Jehovah always performs his promises faithfully. To his covenant people Jehovah says: "I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand.'' (Isa. 51:16; Jer. 1:9) Thus the Lord declares he has entrusted his people with the privilege and obligation of telling his message: "Ye are my witnesses ... [sic] that I am God." (Isa. 43:10,12) Jehovah having thus favored his people, they must be true to him and speak his word to others: "He that hath my word, let him speak my Word faithfully." (Jer. 23:28) The Lord does not say to speak the words of Wisdom of man, nor to be influenced or guided by the word of man. Those who are convinced that The Watchtower is publishing the opinion or expression of a man should not waste time in looking at it at all, because a man's opinion proves nothing except when that opinion is based wholly upon the Word of God. Those who believe that God uses The Watchtower as a means of communicating to his people, or of calling their attention to his prophecies, should study The Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any man." (January 1, 1942 Watchtower, p.5)
32. ““He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth; his word runneth very swiftly.” (Ps. 147:15) Out from Zion goes forth God’s law to his remnant and their companions on earth, and likewise to them goes forth his word of doctrine from Jerusalem. (Mic. 4:2) His specific command to them is to declare his name throughout all the earth to publish the Kingdom gospel to all nations. He provides them with the understanding of his Word to that end. . . . During the past twenty years he has equipped them with his revealed Word in print in the form of books, booklets, magazines, tracts and leaflets, also with sound equipment on wheels and portable, such as phonograph, and with vehicles of transportation, and with radio transmitters and land wires for telephonic carriage of speeches, and with loudspeakers and public-address systems. By these means, and with a small band of lively, fearless Kingdom publishers permeated with zeal for Jehovah, God’s word has indeed run very swiftly and encircled the word since 1918. It continued to run. Hundreds of millions of pieces of literature have been distributed from house to house, in over eighty languages; 1941 was the greatest year, of the most tremendous distribution in a single year to date. Millions are reading. “LET THEM READ.” Hundreds of millions have heard and other millions yet hear by means of radio and by portable and mobile sound equipment.” (July 1, 1942 Watchtower, pp. 202-203)
33. “The Greater Jephthah, Christ Jesus, while yet on earth gave his word as to the disposal of the “other sheep” that Jehovah would give him. (John 10:16; Matt. 25:32-40,46) Also after his ascension to heaven, this mighty Warrior for the new world gave to the apostle John the Revelation concerning things to come, including the disposing of the “great multitude”. But all such was not understood until the time for the modern reproduction of the Jephthah drama. Particularly since the revealment of the Jonadab picture in 1932, and still more so since 1935, when the “great multitude” mystery was solved, Christ Jesus has caused the understanding of the prophetic dramas and pictures to be made clear and set forth in the Watch Tower publications. Those gathered in as “other sheep” read and study those things which have “proceeded out of the mouth” of the Greater Jephthah through his visible organization.” (December 15, 1942 Watchtower, p. 376)
34. "The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth . . . This is not giving any credit to the magazine's publishers, but is due to the great Author of the Bible with it truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies. He it is that makes possible the material that is published in the columns of this magazine and who gives promise that it shall continue to publish the advancing truths as long as it continues to exist for the service of the interests of his Theocratic Government." (April 15, 1943 Watchtower, p.127)
35. “This does not signify that the faithful remnant or society of Jehovah's anointed witnesses are an earthly tribunal of interpretation, delegated to interpret the Scriptures and its prophecies. No; Christ Jesus the King has not entrusted that office to them. THE SUPREME COURT STILL INTERPRETS, thank God; and Christ Jesus, the Court's official mouthpiece of interpretation, reserves to himself that office as Head of Jehovah's "faithful and wise servant" class. He merely uses the "servant" class to publish the interpretation after the Supreme Court by Christ Jesus reveals it. How does the Lord God make known the interpretation? By causing the facts to come to pass visibly which are in fulfillment of the prophecy or dark saying or misunderstood scripture. Thereafter “in due season” he calls such fulfillment or clarification of prophecy and scripture to the attention of his “faithful and wise servant” class. Thereby he makes them responsible to all members of the household of faith and to all persons of good will. This constitutes giving them the “meat in due season.” (July 1, 1943 Watchtower, p. 203)
36. “The Lord breaks down our organization instructions further and makes them more practicable by further instructing us through his “faithful and wise servant”. He says, ‘Let us assign the field, the world, to special pioneers, regular pioneers, and companies of Jehovah’s witnesses in an orderly way . . . He says the requirements for special pioneers shall be 175 hours and 50 back-calls per month, which should develop into a reasonable number of studies; and for regular pioneers 150 hours and as many back-calls and studies as can be properly developed during that time. And for company publishers he says, ‘Let us make a quota of 60 hours and 12 back-calls and at least one study a week for each publisher.’ These directions come to us from the Lord through his established agency directing what is required of us and for those who really love the Lord and are guided by his counsel, that is a reasonable service requirement. This expression of the Lord’s will should be the end of all controversy. It is for your good that these requirements are made; for thereby you are enabled to prove your integrity and magnify the Lord’s name. . . .
“The Lord through his “faithful and wise servant” now states to us, “Let us cover our territory for times in six months.” That becomes our organization instructions and has the same binding force on us that his statement to the Logos had when he said, “Let us make man in our image.” (July 1, 1943 Watchtower, 1943, p. 205)
37. “As the Lord God by Christ Jesus interprets his prophecies to his witnesses, they discern that Babylon has been dislodged from heavens and that the lofty religious organization of modern Moab has been rejected of him, its religion has been exposed as being demonism, and the city of “Christendom” is doomed to utter destruction at Armageddon. As Jehovah’s witnesses they take up his judgments as written beforehand against his enemies and declare them against these opposers of the newborn Nation, God’s kingdom with Christ Jesus in the throne.” (October 1, 1943 Watchtower, p. 293)
38. “In our day and since his coming to the temple of 1918 the same Lord and King, Christ Jesus, enlightens all those with seeing eyes and hearing ears as to the meaning of the prophecy. By him as the Interpreter at the temple, Jehovah God calls our attention to the physical facts at hand that fulfill the parable.” (November 1, 1943 Watchtower, p. 325)
39. “His remnant of faithful followers catch the glory light from the unfolding of the Holy Scriptures, which were written for our day and which Jehovah's appointed interpreter Christ Jesus explains to us.” (May 1, 1944 Watchtower, p. 138)
40. "Jehovah as the great interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in his due time, and speculation by men cannot bring to light the true meaning of prophecy before time. Jehovah has provided a channel, the faithful and discreet slave class, who are given spiritual food at the proper time, and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45 NW) Jehovah's witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as the superior authorities Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do God's people publish them." (April 15, 1952 Watchtower, p. 253)
41. “The fact that decides the answer to the question is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah’s witnesses have been and are God’s prophet to the nations? but, [sic] Who discerned the divine will for Christians in this time of the world’s end and offered themselves to do it? Who have undertaken God’s foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom has God actually used as his prophet?
“By the historical facts of the case Christendom is beaten back in defeat. Jehovah’s witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them. All the preaching and all the Bible educational work that they have done till now in 175 countries and islands of the sea they confess has been, not by help of a military army, nor by human power, but by God’s spirit, his invisible active force. (Zech. 4:6, AV) It has been because Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths. It has evidently been because he commissioned them to be over the nations and over the kingdoms. Happy are all those who have seen what the work of Jehovah God for now is and who have volunteered to do it.” (January 15, 1959 Watchtower, pp. 40-41)
42. "The holy spirit is the active force of the living God, which he sends out through his Son, Christ Jesus, and which operates toward Jehovah's people, enlightening and directing his theocratic organization on the earth today as it did in the days of the apostles." (April 1, 1959 Watchtower, p.219
43. "The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the society . . . So let the literature speak for itself. The scholarliness of it, the logical presentation of the Scriptures that it sets forth and its faithful adherence to the Bible are things that should impress the reader and that should convince him that this is the Bible truth. Worldly scholarship is not the thing to be required . . . With these things in mind, we encourage all who seek the Bible truth to see the prime necessity of the possession of the holy Spirit on the part of those who are responsible for the material that goes into the publications of our Society. The evidence of the holy spirit in the quality and content of the writings published by the Watchtower Society should be the thing that satisfies, that convinces, together with a comparison of these things with the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures." (October 1, 1959 Watchtower, p. 607-608)
44. "Yes, the “faithful and discreet slave” was awake to the coming of 1914. In 1942 the “faithful and discreet slave” guided by Jehovah’s unerring spirit made known that the democracies would win World War II and that there would be a United Nations organization set up. Such wakefulness was concerning events that unerringly took place three years later. At the 1958 Divine Will International Assembly amazing advance information in connection with Daniel’s prophecy was given about events to occur in the immediate future. Such evidence of spiritual foresight is recorded for us in the book “Your Will Be Done on Earth.” Once again the “faithful and discreet slave” has been tipped off ahead of time for the guidance of all lovers of God. Surely one’s present security depends on his staying awake with the “faithful and discreet slave.”” (July 15, 1960 Watchtower, p. 444)
45. "As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it. The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah's purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah's anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a "faithful and discreet slave" class that would be used to dispense God's progressive revelations in these last days." (June 15, 1964 Watchtower, p. 365)
46. "The holy spirit, which Jehovah prophesied that he would pour out in the last days, has not ceased to operate, for the remnant are still baptizing disciples of Christ in the name of that spirit. (Matthew 28:19,20; Joel 2:28,29; Acts 2:14-21) The announced purpose behind God's pouring out of his spirit upon all sorts of flesh was that the recipients thereof might prophesy. The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations for a witness in favor of God's kingdom. Logically, then, they must be the ones upon whom God's spirit has actually been poured out. That spirit is behind their worldwide preaching. Why argue about it?" (Holy Spirit: The Force Behind the Coming New Order!, p. 148)
47. "For nearly 60 years now the Jeremiah class have faithfully spoken Jehovah's Word." (September 1, 1979 Watchtower, p. 29)
48. "Prophecies open up to us as Jehovah's holy spirit sheds light upon them, and as they are fulfilled in world events or in the experiences of God's people." (December 1, 1981 Watchtower, p. 17)
49. "A 'prophet to the nations' is what Jehovah made him. (Jeremiah 1:5) Now today, if anything, there needs to be a 'prophet to the nations'. . . . Jehovah has considerately raised up his 'prophet to the nations.' Jehovah has done this during this 'time of the end,' since World War I ended. . . . the 'prophet' whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. . . . At this late date there is a mere remnant of this 'prophet' class yet on earth. (October 1, 1982 Watchtower, p. 26-27)
50. "The members of spiritual Israel were looking forward to an inheritance "reserved in the heavens" for them. (1 Peter 1:3-5) But before they actually received that reward, Jehovah had a work for them to do. Concerning this, he prophetically said: "I shall put my words in your mouth, and with the shadow of my hand I shall certainly cover you, in order to plant the heavens and lay the foundation of the earth and say to Zion, 'You are my people.'" (Isaiah 51:16) He put his "words," his message, into the mouth of his servants for them to proclaim earth wide. With confidence they began to make known that God has planted the "new heavens" that neither men nor demons can uproot them. (Survival Into a New Earth, p. 109)
51. "We will also increase our joy if we prayerfully and diligently study God's spirit-inspired Word and Christian publications prepared under the spirit's guidance." (March 15, 1992, Watchtower, pp.21-22
52. "You likely know that after 1919 the anointed remnant got busy in the preaching work in cooperation with the angels, who continued to use the symbolic dragnet to haul fish onto the beach, to separate the fine ones from the unsuitable ones." (June 15, 1992 Watchtower, p. 21)
53. "[A mature Christian] has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." (August 1, 2001 Watchtower, p.14)
54. “When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of the faithful and discreet slave at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:13) The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. (Acts 15:6) What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all." (July 15, 2010 Watchtower, pp. 22-23)
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