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For many decades the Watchtower taught that Jesus established the Faithful and Discreet Slave class in 33 A.D., to care spiritually for his people. This Slave was said to include all of the 144,000, and to have continued uninterrupted since Jesus death, and to continue until the time of his return. Since 1919, Jesus identified the slave as operating in its cleansed, awaken format as the Watchtower Society.' Over a period of more than 1,960 years, that work of education has continued, preparing a little flock made up of people from 'every tribe and tongue and people and nation' to serve with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom.' Yearbook 1996 p.3'In this regard, the book God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached stated: 'As to just how the 'faithful and discreet slave' class existed and served down through the centuries after the death of the apostles of the Master Jesus Christ, we do not have a distinct historical picture. Apparently one generation of the 'slave' class fed the next succeeding generation thereof.
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(2 Timothy 2:2)' Watchtower 1995 May 15 p.16'Jehovah's Witnesses believe that this parable pertains to the one true congregation of Jesus Christ's anointed followers. Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slavelike congregation has been feeding its members spiritually, doing so faithfully and discreetly. The one approved channel representing God's kingdom on earth in the 'time of the end.' ' Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 p.24'That 'slave,' according to Jesus' description, would be on hand when the Lord departed for heaven and would still be alive at the time of Christ's return. Such a description could not possibly fit an individual human. But it does fit Christ's faithful anointed congregation viewed as a whole.'
United in Worship of the Only True God p.119'We understand that this heavenly calling continued down through the centuries, though during the so-called Dark Ages, there may have been times when the number of anointed ones were very few.' Watchtower 1996 Aug 15 p. 31'Down through the years the slavelike congregation has been feeding its true members faithfully and discreetly.
From Pentecost, A.D. 33, up to this very present hour this has been lovingly and carefully performed. Regularly and progressively such a great crowd are receiving their spiritual food through the columns of the eighty-one-year-old instrument in the hands of the 'slave' class, The Watchtower, the religious magazine with the largest circulation in the world. Surely Jehovah and Jesus Christ have supplied no hasty, expedient form of leadership for the great crowd of true worshipers. Yes, beyond doubt the old but awake 'faithful and discreet slave' stands today as a wonder watchman to the peoples of the nations. Just as their Master, Jesus Christ, stood for the rise and fall of many in Israel in the first century of the Christian Era, so now before the whole world the anointed witnesses stand as a guide to survival for a minority of mankind but prove to be an occasion for stumbling into Armageddon destruction for the rest.-Luke 2:34.'
Watchtower 1960 Jul 15 p. 435Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God p.183Revelation 111'And a reed like a rod was given me as he said: “Get up and measure the temple sanctuary of God and the altar and those worshiping in it. 2 But as for the courtyard that is outside the temple sanctuary, cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty‐two months. 3 And I will cause my two witnesses to prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days dressed in sackcloth.” 7 And when they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will make war with them and conquer them and kill them. 8 And their corpses will be on the broad way of the great city which is in a spiritual sense called Sod′om and Egypt, where their Lord was also impaled. 9 And those of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their corpses for three and a half days, and they do not let their corpses be laid in a tomb.10 And those dwelling on the earth rejoice over them and enjoy themselves, and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those dwelling on the earth.
11 And after the three and a half days spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon those beholding them.' Faithful and Discreet SlaveThe parable of the faithful and discreet slave is used by the Watchtower Governing Body to justify that they have been appointed by God to lead his people, since 1919. This is used to justify that salvation depends on following them.Matthew 24:45-47 ' Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so.
Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.' Luke 12:42-44 'And the Lord said: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! I tell you truthfully, he will appoint him over all his belongings.'
This simple parable defines Jehovah's Witnesses. Jesus' question is fundamental to the existence and structure of the religion and is its foundation Scripture. From it extends the concept that in 1919 God chose the leaders of the Watchtower Society as his sole source of truth and henceforth justify why Jehovah's Witnesses need to submit unquestioningly to the Watchtower Governing Body, in order to have a relationship with God and for salvation.' That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end.
It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.' Watchtower 2013 Jul 15 p.20'“The faithful and discreet slave” was appointed over Jesus’ domestics in 1919. That slave is the small, composite group of anointed brothers serving at world headquarters during Christ’s presence who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food. When this group work together as the Governing Body, they act as “the faithful and discreet slave.”'We need to obey the faithful and discreet slave to have Jehovah’s approval.' Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.24 Simplified English Edition'Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?'
'A mature christian does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and 'the faithful and discreet slave.' Watchtower 2001 Aug 1 p.14'But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his 'faithful and discreet slave', made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives.
Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do.' Watchtower 1981 Dec 1 p.27'. Show respect for the “faithful and discreet slave” that He is using at the present time. Actually, your very life depends on following this course of action. Remember, too, it is only he that endures to the end that will be saved.'
Watchtower 1964 Jul 15 p.435'To act consistently with our baptism for life and into the Greater Noah we must submit to and cooperate with that slave and its legal instrument, the Watch Tower Society.' Watchtower 1959 Oct 1 p.583For many decades, the Slave included all 'anointed' Witnesses, but from 2009 the Governing Body began making statements to increase its own authority, as shown later. Finally, during the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Governing Body announced it had assumed the role of the Slave solely upon themselves.Watchtower 2013 Jul 15 p.26These grandiose claims have important implications.
Conviction that God reveals the Bible through the Watchtower Governing Body affects what Jehovah's Witnesses believe regarding doctrine, history and the future, and their actions relating to morals and family. Truth changes in line with changes of Watchtower interpretation. With such all-encompassing power, it does well to prove if God is using the Watchtower leadership.ProofIn Bible times, Jehovah made it simple to recognise those he had chosen to lead his people, through the use of miracles and gifts of the spirit. Watchtower leaders demonstrate none of these indicators.Identifying those used by JehovahBible TimesWatchtower Governing BodyMiraclesJehovah used miraculous works to identify those chosen to lead others.
For example:Noah- Gathering of the animalsMoses - Staff into a snakeApostles - Gifts of thespirit, such as faith healingNoneProphecyWhen Jehovah used a person to make future predictions, the prophecies were always correct. For example, Daniel's prophecy for the fall of Babylon and the line of world powers100% of Watchtower predictions have been false, such as that the end of the world would be in 1914, then 1925, then 1975. Furthermore, the generation teaching promoted prior to 1995 is about to be proven false, as the last survivors born prior to 1914 die out.ConsistencyBible is harmonious, with Bible writers presenting a message without contradiction.Watchtower doctrine has been in constant flux.
This cannot be explained as new light, as there have been numerous flip flops and contradictions, such as the generation teaching, organ transplants, and superior authorities.As the Watchtower is without clear and visible proof of God's backing, it resorts to unsubstantiated claims of guidance, devoid of any legitimate basis.' OVERWHELMING CREDENTIALSThe 'faithful and discreet slave' has abundant credentials. Following is a partial list of Scriptural and prophetic designations applying to or being represented in the remnant of Jesus Christ's anointed followers since the notable year 1919:'Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 p.27The 1981 article follows with a list of 80 'prophetic designations' that the reader is expected to believe foreshadow the modern day slave, including Bible accounts as diverse as 'Noah's wife', 'Angels sent to Lot' and the 'Gleaning left behind'. Can these accounts seriously be considered proof that the Watchtower leaders represent the Slave since 1919?The Governing Body also claims that because Jesus has appointed them, they must therefore be trustworthy.' There are many reasons to have complete trust in the slave class.
First and foremost, Jesus has appointed them over all his precious 'belongings.' This is a clear indication that he has complete trust in them.' Organized to Do Jehovah's Will (2005) p.18It is circular reasoning for the Slave to effectively say, 'We tell you that Jesus trusts us, so you can trust us.'
A further irony to this statement is that the Watchtower 2013 Jul 15 pp.22,25 now states the Faithful Slave have not been appointed over all Jesus belongings. In 1919, they were appointed over the domestics, but the appointment over all his belongings does not take place until after the Great Tribulation. The 'foremost' reason the Slave was demanding trust no longer exists.Another line of reasoning is that mature Christians will realise that the Watchtower organisation is guided by Jehovah, due to superiority of doctrine, displays of love and growth in membership.' Those mature in Christian growth have, through the Scriptures and the evident manifestation of Jehovah's favor on his faithful and discreet slave, come to appreciate that Jehovah deals with his people as an organization and that his spirit operates in conjunction with that organization.
(Matthew 24:45-47)' Watchtower 1958 May 1 p.285'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' Watchtower 1964 Jun 15 p.365Is self proclamation of being the Slave proof that this is so? Every religion believes they have Scriptural backing for their beliefs and can point to membership numbers as evidence of God's favour.The Governing Body do not display consistency of teachings, having been required to present ongoing changes to doctrine. They have a 100% failure rate for their prophecies or predictions for the timing of the world's end.
Neither are they able to perform miracles. There is no proof of their being God's spokesmen, or that they are being used by him.Who Really is the Slave? Watchtower turns a parable into a prophecyJesus provided a story about a faithful slave, with the intention to invoke good behaviour in his followers. He was not prophesying about a group of leaders 2000 years in the future.Under examination, it becomes clear this parable is a reference to the servant Joseph from Genesis, and would have been readily understood as such by those listening to Jesus.Genesis 39:4-6 'Joseph kept finding favor in his eyes, and he became his personal attendant. So he appointed him over his house, and he put him in charge of all that was his. From the time he appointed him over his house and in charge of all that was his, Jehovah kept blessing the house of the Egyptian because of Joseph, and Jehovah’s blessing came to be on all that he had in the house and in the field.
He eventually left everything that was his in Joseph’s care, and he gave no thought to anything except the food he was eating.' Joseph was servant to Potiphar and then Pharaoh. He is described through the Old and New Testaments as a faithful, discreet servant, appointed over all his Lord's belongs, and came to be in charge of supplying the rations of grain during Egypt's time of famine.
Servant - Genesis 39:17, 19; 41:12. Discreet and wise - Genesis 41:33,39 Psalm 105:21-22, 39 Acts 7:10. Appointed over all belongings - Genesis 39:4-5, Acts 7:10. Supplies grain at the appointed time - Genesis 41:53-57The parable in Luke 12:42-46 parallels in vocabulary and story line with the story of Joseph.
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Potiphar was absent, during which time Joseph faithfully avoided his wife's advances, until 'his master came to his house.' (Genesis 39:16) Likewise the slave of Luke 12:43 is blessed when found doing the right thing when the 'master on coming finds him doing so!' As such, the parable was intended as a positive example that all could benefit from.
In particular, it is aimed at congregational ministers, which is the common Christian understanding of this story.' Some state that the 'slave' refers to Christian ministers, or their office of oversight, with responsibility to care for the spiritual needs of the congregation. The 'master's' arrival is said to be either the second coming of Christ or the death of the individual minister. Thus it is held that the parable should motivate Christian ministers to care well for what is entrusted to them.' Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 p.24In Commentary on Matthew 24, Matthew Henry writes:'Concerning the good servant; he shows here what he is-a ruler of the household; what, being so, he should be-faithful and wise; and what, if he be so, he shall be eternally-blessed. Here are good instructions and encouragements to the ministers of Christ.First, We have here his place and office.
The church of Christ is his household.Secondly, His right discharge of this office. The good servant, if thus preferred, will be a good steward; for,1. He is faithful; stewards must be so, 1 Co. He that is trusted, must be trusty; and the greater the trust is, the more is expected from them. It is a great good thing that is committed to ministers (2 Tim. 1:14); and they must be faithful, as Moses was, Heb. Christ counts those ministers, and those only, that are faithful, 1 Tim.
A faithful minister of Jesus Christ is one that sincerely designs his master's honour, not his own; delivers the whole counsel of God, not his own fancies and conceits; follows Christ's institutions and adheres to them; regards the meanest, reproves the greatest, and doth not respect persons.' (9 July 2006) dead link. Also (14 May 2016)In line with this, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 says;'Let a man so appraise us as being subordinates of Christ and stewards of sacred secrets of God. Besides, in this case, what is looked for in stewards is for a man to be found faithful.'
'Who really is the faithful and discreet slave.?' This question is intended to evoke the positive moral example of Joseph in Jesus followers. It has been misused by Watchtower to establish its own authority. A parable to motivate those in authority to use their positions lovingly, has been taken to be a prophecy, and used as license for a small leadership to wield incontestable power.Watchtower DevelopmentNot only does Watchtower misapply this parable, it has done so inconsistently, using a range of preconceived notions to arrive at a variety of interpretations for who constitute the Faithful Slave, highlighted by numerous changes to this doctrine.Originally, Russell said the Slave was an illustration of the entire body of Christ, the little flock of 144,000 heavenly rulers.' 'Who then is that faithful and wise servant whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household,' to give them meat in due season? Is it not that 'little flock' of consecrated servants who are faithfully carrying out their consecration vows - the body of Christ - and is not the whole body individually and collectively, giving the meat in due season to the household of faith - the great company of believers?' Zion's Watch Tower 1881 Oct/Nov p.5Later, the slave was used to refer to a single person, Pastor Russell.
(This interpretation was originally suggested by Russell's wife in a letter dated 1895. See Zion's Watch Tower 1906 Jul 15 pp.215-216 for a reprint of the letter.) Russell was thought to have been appointed as the Slave to direct the domestics (Jesus true followers) immediately prior to the Second Coming.' In our examination of this text we seem to have treated the term 'that servant' as though the Spirit had erred in saying 'that servant' when it meant servants (plural), and we applied it to all true servants of God. The objection urged is that the Lord's words clearly mention and distinguish between his 'household' (his faithful people in general), the 'fellow-servants' (plural), and ' that servant' specially indicated as the Lord's agent in dispensing present truth as food to his 'fellow-servants' and the 'household.' Zion's Watch Tower 1896 Mar 1 pp.47,48'However much we might endeavor to apply this figure to the Lord's people collectively, the fact would still remain that the various items stated would not fit to a company of individuals.
For instance, in the 42nd verse, in the common version it is rendered, that faithful steward; the revised version, the faithful steward; as though a particular one were meant and the term not used indefinitely for a number. The 2012 teaching that only the Governing Body represents the Slave was described in 1981 as an apostate concept'Witnesses of Jehovah understand that the 'slave' is comprised of all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time during the 19 centuries since Pentecost. Accordingly, the 'domestics' are these followers of Christ as individuals.Some readers may feel that this is a rather sectarian view of matters. Or they may object to the idea that the 'slave' and the 'domestics' represent the same class, one as a composite body and the other as individuals.
The objectors may argue that not all of Christ's anointed disciples have a share in preparing the spiritual food, so that perhaps the 'slave' pictures only the leading ones, and the 'domestics' those they serve in the congregation.There is no point in trying to force an interpretation of the parable. Self-deception is of no benefit and is spiritually damaging. Therefore, we must look to the Scriptures for an understanding. In doing this, what do we find?. Thus we see a clear Scriptural basis for saying that all anointed followers of Christ Jesus make up God's 'servant,' with Jesus as its Master.' Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 pp.24-26One must wonder, if God truly appointed the Governing Body to dispense truth since 1919, why it took them 93 years to dispense the truth about this doctrine.
How can can anyone possibly believe Jesus is using these men to dispense truth, when they were actively teaching against the very doctrine about themselves they now claim is truth?Changes To The Slave Doctrine SummarisedConsequencesThe Watchtower claims the Slave has been given all authority.' The facts of modern history show that in the year 1919 Jesus revived these much afflicted disciples and gathered them together in a united body. Then he appointed them as his “slave” class “over all his belongings,” that is, over all his royal interests at the earth.' Watchtower 1971 Dec 15 p.750This is not what was intended by the Scriptures. The Bible states that the appointment over all the belongings is made after the master arrives.Matthew 24:46,47 'Happy is that slave if his master on arriving (erchomai) finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.' The master has not yet arrived, as the memorial is to cease on his arrival, and so the Slave has not been appointed over all the belongings.1 Corinthians 11:26 'For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives (erchomai).'
The leaders have prematurely seized control for themselves, and consolidated that control. The 2012 version of the doctrine leaves Christians uncared for between 33 CE and 1919 CE, and elevates the exclusivity and importance of Governing Body. This is in contrast to the parable, which indicates that at this time the elders are to be shepherds of the congregation.One would expect that the definition for one of Jehovah's Witnesses to be a person that worships Jehovah.
However, the defining concept to being a Jehovah's Witness is not worship of Jehovah, but rather following the 'faithful and discreet slave.' In a judicial committee, the foremost question is not whether a Witness believes the Bible or worships Jehovah, but whether they believe God is using the Watchtower Faithful and Discreet Slave in our day. If a person believes in the Bible and Jehovah, they will still be disfellowshipped as an apostate if they openly confess that the Watchtower leaders do not represent Jehovah's slave.The Governing Body has managed to deflect attention from Jesus by means of their doctrine that Jesus is mediator for the Slave class alone, and that salvation can only be achieved through association with the Slave.' He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members. 'Worldwide Security Under the 'Prince of Peace' (1986) pp.10-11'Jesus knew that he was going to purchase these anointed ones with his own blood, so he fittingly referred to them collectively as his slave.'
Watchtower 1993 May 1 p.16'To keep in relationship with 'our Savior, God,' the 'great crowd' needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites.' Watchtower 1979 Nov 15 p.27 Benefiting from 'One Mediator Between God and Men'Rather than draw people to Jesus, the Governing Body misapply the parable of the Faithful and Discreet Slave to direct attention to themselves, inserting their authority between Jesus and his followers.Watchtower 1971 Dec 15 page 749The Watchtower 2013 April 15 does not include Jesus at all in an image depicting the hierarchy of their Organisation Chart. This no longer references Jesus or the Anointed, nor separates the Governing Body from the Faithful Slave, but extends from Jehovah directly to the Governing Body, Branch Committees, Travelling Overseers, Elders, Congregations and finally Publishers.Watchtower 2013 Apr 15 page 29Unusually for a Christian religion, they have chosen this representation, which does not include Jesus at all, but has the Governing Body directly beneath Jehovah. The image draws on the Celestial Chariot of Ezekiel 1 as a basis for the heavenly part of the Organisation. There is no reason why they could not have used Daniel 7, which the same Watchtower also references, which has Jehovah's Throne on wheels, along with the Son of Man. They could then include Jesus as part of their organizational structure, as surely Jesus is the most important part of any Christian organization.The Governing Body use the Slave concept to say that without them the Bible is beyond understanding.' However, we cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings.
Without the assistance of “the faithful and discreet slave,” we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God’s Word nor know how to apply it.' Examining the Scriptures Daily 2012 Mar 4'All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the 'greatly diversified wisdom of God' can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave' Watchtower 1994 Oct 1 p.8'We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah's visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to 'the faithful and discreet slave.' (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us face the fact that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own. We would not have discovered the truth regarding Jehovah, his purposes and attributes, the meaning and importance of his name, the Kingdom, Jesus' ransom, the difference between God's organization and Satan's, nor why God has permitted wickedness.'
Watchtower 1990 Dec 1 p.19'Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind.'
Watchtower 1967 Oct 1 p.587The Bible has been provided for people to know God's requirements. Has the Watchtower enlightened people beyond the words of Jesus? Is it not more accurate to say that what the Watchtower has said beyond that contained in the Bible has regularly been wrong and later changed?
Core Concepts
1919 - How Derived
Directed by Holy Spirit
Faithful & Discreet Slave
Governing Body - First Century vs Today
Jehovah's Prophet
Light gets Brighter
Organization - Essential for Salvation?
Salvation only for Jehovah's Witnesses
Directed by Holy Spirit
Faithful & Discreet Slave
Governing Body - First Century vs Today
Jehovah's Prophet
Light gets Brighter
Organization - Essential for Salvation?
Salvation only for Jehovah's Witnesses
Quotes regarding 1900 year Slave - dropped in 2012
For many decades the Watchtower taught that Jesus established the Faithful and Discreet Slave class in 33 A.D., to care spiritually for his people. This Slave was said to include all of the 144,000, and to have continued uninterrupted since Jesus death, and to continue until the time of his return. Since 1919, Jesus identified the slave as operating in its cleansed, awaken format as the Watchtower Society.
'Over a period of more than 1,960 years, that work of education has continued, preparing a little flock made up of people from 'every tribe and tongue and people and nation' to serve with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom.' Yearbook 1996 p.3
'In this regard, the book God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached stated: 'As to just how the 'faithful and discreet slave' class existed and served down through the centuries after the death of the apostles of the Master Jesus Christ, we do not have a distinct historical picture. Apparently one generation of the 'slave' class fed the next succeeding generation thereof. (2 Timothy 2:2)' Watchtower 1995 May 15 p.16
'Jehovah's Witnesses believe that this parable pertains to the one true congregation of Jesus Christ's anointed followers. Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slavelike congregation has been feeding its members spiritually, doing so faithfully and discreetly. the one approved channel representing God's kingdom on earth in the 'time of the end.' Watchtower 1981 Mar 1 p.24
'That 'slave,' according to Jesus' description, would be on hand when the Lord departed for heaven and would still be alive at the time of Christ's return. Such a description could not possibly fit an individual human. But it does fit Christ's faithful anointed congregation viewed as a whole.' United in Worship of the Only True God p.119
'We understand that this heavenly calling continued down through the centuries, though during the so-called Dark Ages, there may have been times when the number of anointed ones were very few.' Watchtower 1996 Aug 15 p. 31
'Down through the years the slavelike congregation has been feeding its true members faithfully and discreetly. From Pentecost, A.D. 33, up to this very present hour this has been lovingly and carefully performed. Regularly and progressively such a great crowd are receiving their spiritual food through the columns of the eighty-one-year-old instrument in the hands of the 'slave' class, The Watchtower, the religious magazine with the largest circulation in the world. Surely Jehovah and Jesus Christ have supplied no hasty, expedient form of leadership for the great crowd of true worshipers. Yes, beyond doubt the old but awake 'faithful and discreet slave' stands today as a wonder watchman to the peoples of the nations. Just as their Master, Jesus Christ, stood for the rise and fall of many in Israel in the first century of the Christian Era, so now before the whole world the anointed witnesses stand as a guide to survival for a minority of mankind but prove to be an occasion for stumbling into Armageddon destruction for the rest.-Luke 2:34.' Watchtower 1960 Jul 15 p. 435
Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God p.183
Revelation 11
1'And a reed like a rod was given me as he said: “Get up and measure the temple [sanctuary] of God and the altar and those worshiping in it. 2 But as for the courtyard that is outside the temple [sanctuary], cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty‐two months. 3 And I will cause my two witnesses to prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days dressed in sackcloth.” … 7 And when they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will make war with them and conquer them and kill them. 8 And their corpses will be on the broad way of the great city which is in a spiritual sense called Sod′om and Egypt, where their Lord was also impaled. 9 And those of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their corpses for three and a half days, and they do not let their corpses be laid in a tomb.10 And those dwelling on the earth rejoice over them and enjoy themselves, and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those dwelling on the earth. 11 And after the three and a half days spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon those beholding them.'
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