Jehovah's Witnesses Please answer this tough question?

Question

I don't like to put JW's on the spot. If it wasn't for your teachings I will be an Atheist. But you guys have helped me to know the real Bible God. Not some 3 headed monster who created a hell to put sinners there like other Christians belief. No wonder there are so many Athiest. JW's, I thank you for your teachings.

But sometimes things like this create doubt in my mind:

Please read: Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (King James Version)

20: But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21: How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22: When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

QUESTION: Didn't a JW's book say that the generation of 1914 will see the end?

Edge, If it wasn't for JW's I will be a strong atheist or agnostic. But i think atheist. Trinitarians or does who woship the God-head have the most ridiculous and ilogical beliefs. A loving God that permits Satan to live forever in Hell tormenting humans? Please.

Amanda Hug N Kiss, The book it titled "How you can live forever in paradise"

Answer 1

Rather simply, Jehovah's Witnesses had misunderstood Jesus' use of the term "this generation". Since they have never claimed to be infallible or inspired by God, Witnesses' bible understanding comes from research.

In a moment, consider for yourself whether you would likely have agreed with their earlier reasoning at the time and whether you agree that their current understanding is a conscientious readjustment based on evidence.


For the vast majority of their modern history, Jehovah's Witnesses have taught (and continue to teach) that "the last days" or "the conclusion of the system of things" began in 1914.
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_10.htm

(2 Timothy 3:1) In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here

(Matthew 24:3) Disciples approached [Jesus] privately, saying: "Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?"


The Scriptures also call this period the "[second] coming" of Jesus or the "[second] presence" of Jesus. The Scriptures continue to describe a list of signs given by Jesus that would indicate that this time had arrived.
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_09.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20051001/article_02.htm

Jehovah's Witnesses noticed something else particularly interesting in Jesus' discussion of these "last days" as recorded in the Gospels:
...(Matthew 24:34) Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.
...(Mark 13:30) Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen.
...(Luke 21:32) Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.

It seemed logical to suppose that Jesus was referring to the lifespans of the individuals who had seen the initiation of these signs in 1914, and this was the understanding of Jehovah's Witnesses for many years. More than a dozen books, and hundreds of magazine issues repeated this understanding.

However, Jesus had actually used the expression "this generation" more than a dozen times in the Gospels. Over the decades, bible scholars among Jehovah's Witnesses analyzed these other bible passages, and recognized something significant. Interestingly, none of Jesus' other usages was in reference to a lifespan! Instead, Jesus had elsewhere used the term "this generation" to refer simply to a group that was identified with a particular mindset (See Luke 11:29-33).

The November 1, 1995 issue of "The Watchtower" clarified this matter for Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses now understand Jesus' words to mean that the list of signs would continue without real improvement, and the mindset of most humans would remain unconcerned about the impending judgment of Armageddon.

(Matthew 24:37-39) For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of [Jesus] the Son of man will be.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm



Postscript:
Interestingly, however, even biblical Christians who enjoyed direct communication from heaven at times came to wrong conclusions; these wrong conclusions were even communicated "out among the brothers"!

For example, the apostle Peter enjoyed remarkable privileges in the early congregation, but it seems that he was the source of an incorrect teaching about the apostle John that was not formally corrected for some SIXTY YEARS, when John himself finally wrote his gospel about 98 C.E.

(John 21:21-23) Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, what will this man do [that is, the apostle John]?” Jesus said to him: “If it is my will for him to remain until I come, of what concern is that to you? You continue following me.” In consequence, this saying went out among the brothers, that [the apostle John] would not die. However, Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but: “If it is my will for him to remain until I come, of what concern is that to you?”

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20000622/
http://watchtower.org/e/19990715/article_02.htm

Answer 2

Not sure which book you are referring to. But Jehovah's Witnesses place no time on when the end will come. This is according to Jesus he states that you will not know the hour or day that he is coming. You must admit that the times have rapidly changed since the 1920's. There have been more and more wars and suffering. Just look around. Things aren't getting better, they are getting worse.

The 1914 date is tough to understand unless you've done a lot of research and digging. 1914 marked the time when Jesus was announced King in the Heavens. It marked a time when Jesus would choose the "true" religion based upon who it was at the time that was pronouncing his arrival. Jehovah's Witnesses were the only ones to pronouce Jesus arrival in 1914. Therefore Jesus chose them to do the preaching work to announce that we are in the last days and we must repent and turn around or else they will have no hope when armageddon arrives.

This is almost like the account of Jonah when God sent him to warn the people of Ninevah to change their ways or else he would destroy them. In the same way this is what Jehovah's Witnesses are doing. Warning you that if you do not change your ways, God will not put up with it for too long, he will eventually destroy the wicked and those that do not listen to him.

Answer 3

Hello Arihaz,
What a fine Q u asked.
No, its not so tough, well I don't think so, anyways.
My Christian friends, JR-0,Tik_of toq; papa,
Amanda ;~) & Achtung_Heuss;
Have covered it well.
So, I'd just like to add these comments:

That is is a fine thing for man to search for & attain accurate acknowledge regarding the Scriptures.
Is it doubt you are wanting?
I think not.
So make your mind over;
Is this the will of God?
Do you believe thing things will pass?
That they will occur?
Are these sayings true?
Look! around our world, itself...
what do you 'see'?
Keep searching, keep asking,
don't let anything or anyone keep YOU from Jehovah.
I when 1st started learning, had So many Q's I needed &
wanted answered.
Different from your line of reasoning, though.
I would read, study, search and if I came across something,
I didn't understand I would prepare Q's that I had regarding what I was studying. I needed answers.
And Got them. From the Bible. From the sister's of
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.


And also......
Hear Yea!, Hear Yea!
Make Way For Jehovah!
His day will not be late.

Answer 4

It is similar with our understanding of what Jesus said in his prophecy given on the Mount of Olives. The fulfillment of the different features of that prophecy proves that the end of this system is close. (Matthew 24:32, 33) Remember that according to Revelation 12:9, 10, with the establishment of God’s heavenly Kingdom in 1914, Satan was cast down to the vicinity of the earth. Revelation adds that Satan now has great anger. Why? Because he knows “he has a short period of time.”—Revelation 12:12.

It was thus appropriate that The Watchtower of November 1 carried the subheading “Keep on the Watch!” The following paragraph aptly said: “We do not need to know the exact timing of events. Rather, our focus must be on being watchful, cultivating strong faith, and keeping busy in Jehovah’s service—not on calculating a date.” Then it quoted Jesus’ words: “Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. But what I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:33, 37.

Answer 5

The Fundamental meaning of ('Prophet') is NOT that of prediction.

The English word `prophet' comes from the Greek `pro phe' tes.' `Pro phe' tes' literally means `a speaker out' [Gr. pro, `before' or `in front of,' and phe-mi, `to speak'], and thus describes a proclaimer, one who makes known messages attributed to a divine source. (Compare Titus 1:12.) Though the English word retains this same basic meaning, to many persons today it conveys only the restricted thought of a predicter of the future. But, as the foregoing information shows, the fundamental meaning of the word is not that of prediction.

On the highest level, "prophet" would indicate an inspired prophet of God who through God's inspiration actually speaks words God has put in his mouth.


But on a lower level of meaning for the word, it can simply be someone who goes forth and speaks the word of God as he understands it from inspired scripture.

IN THAT SENSE, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE NO (INSPIRED) PROPHETS TODAY.

For more, see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JWquestions-and_answers/message/986



Jehovah's Witnesses have never claimed to be infallible. The Bible shows that Jehovah enables his servants to understand his purpose in a progressive manner. (Prov. 4:18; John 16:12) Thus, the prophets who were divinely inspired to write portions of the Bible did not understand the meaning of everything that they wrote. (Dan. 12:8, 9; 1 Pet. 1:10-12) The apostles of Jesus Christ realized that there was much they did not understand in their time. (Acts 1:6, 7; 1 Cor. 13:9-12) The Bible shows that there would be a great increase in knowledge of the truth during "the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4) Increased knowledge often requires adjustments in one's thinking. Jehovah's Witnesses are willing humbly to make such adjustments.

Answer 6

Most people have that definition in mind – that is, the one at Deuteronomy 18:20-22. A closer examination of this scripture, however, shows that even false prophets can give signs that actually come true.

It is beneficial to understand the meaning of the term prophecy as well as the definition of a false prophet in order to assess such concerns.

Certainly to prophesy can mean to reveal future events but prophesying is by no means limited to such a narrow understanding. Prophecy is an inspired message; a revelation of the divine will and purpose of something to come, a moral teaching or an expression of a divine command or judgment. To illustrate, the account at Luke 22:63, 64 shows that Jesus' face was covered over so that he could not see. He then was struck and spit upon and the religious leaders commanded him to "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" Clearly, these ones were not asking Jesus to reveal future events; they were demanding that he, as the son of God, use divine revelation to identify who struck him even though his face was covered over. From this we can see that to prophesy does not necessarily mean to reveal future events.

What about this definition at Deuteronomy 18:20-22 which reads: "But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously." (NIV)

Now if this were the sole criterion by which to measure the trueness of a prophet, Nathan the prophet would have been put to death because according to the account at 1 Chronicles 17: 1-4, 15, Nathan plainly stated to King David something that God had NOT commanded him to say – something that did NOT come to pass. Indeed, Nathan was wrong. Did God put him to death? No, God directed Nathan return to David and correct matters.

Well then, can the sayings of a false prophet come true? Absolutely! And this brings us to the real focus of false prophesy in the eyes of God. Notice Deuteronomy 13:1-5: "If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, AND IF THE SIGN OR WONDER OF WHICH HE HAS SPOKEN TAKES PLACE, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he preached rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow." (NIV)

Did you notice? The sign given by a false prophet could come true. But notice also the focus of God: the false prophet is using the sign to tell others : "let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them. Yes, the false prophet is trying to lure away God's people to worship false gods. The fact that the sign came true was incidental.

Clearly, then, a false prophet is one who is trying to turn us aside from worshiping the true God. If they are attempting to subvert our faith and cause us to stop serving the true God, of necessity they must be the false prophets!

Are Jehovah's Witnesses false prophets? Some seem to believe so. Why? Some reference their keen interest in the year 1914 and its events. Interestingly, the first century apostles were keenly interested in this as well. They asked Jesus point blank when these things would occur and he provided them with a sign. And it is in the context of this composite sign which Jesus provided his disciples that we find Jesus' reference to "this generation." Jehovah's Witnesses also keenly watch for the outworking of this sign. Admittedly they have made errors. It should be noted, however, that some so-called predictions of the end (such as the strong assertion that Jehovah's Witnesses said the end would come in 1975) were never made. Still, this canard continues.

In truth, those who long for the deliverance Jesus promised are keenly interested in when these things will happen. This can lead to wrong expectations. But wrong expectations are not synonymous with false prophets. In the final analysis, a false prophet is one trying to subvert the true faith and turn worshipers away from the true God. Jehovah's Witnesses do not match the definition of false prophet as found in God word at both places in Deuteronomy.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 7

There is a creator but one that is outside of religion. You are in a cult and if you don't believe me do a search by ex jws. Once they weren't allowed to use any blood and so many of them died now they changed it that some can have blood.

Does this make sense to you that you can't question the teachings as it is by God yet they can change the teachings whenever they want? Doesn't that tell you it is made up by them and not God? Do you think God makes mistakes and therefore man needs to correct them every now and then?lol

Answer 8

Here is what I posted on another answer

____________
The word "Generation" is not talking about a certain amount of years, its talking about a work of certain events.

“THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:34)

As quoted from Jesus, he clearly stated that this Generation will no pass until these things occur. What is it?

In his book The Generation of 1914, professor of history Robert Wohl presents an unusual definition when he states: “A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits or its borders. It is not a zone of dates . . . It is more like a magnetic field at the center of which lies an experience or a series of experiences. . . . What is essential to the formation of a generational consciousness is some common frame of reference that provides a sense of rupture with the past . . . This frame of reference is always derived from great historical events like wars, revolutions, plagues, famines, and economic crises.”

As you can see, the term Generation doesn't have to do with dates ect, it has to do with certain events.

This will explain it more clearly:


"The Greek word rendered “generation” in the Bible has been defined as, “Those born at the same time . . . Associated with this is the meaning: the body of one’s contemporaries, an age.” (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology) “The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time generation, contemporaries.” (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament from Walter Bauer’s Fifth Edition, 1958) These definitions embrace both those born around the time of a historic event and all those alive at that time."

--==1914==--
from the year 606 B.C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as nearly as we are able to reckon……Many of us concluded that as far as we could see, October of this year [1914] would show……we are not a prophet; we merely believe that we have come to the place where the Gentile Times have ended"

--==1925==--
1920s was the first time the Jehovah's Witnesses actually found out about the paradise earth and who will be there to see it. Those who survive the great tribulation will never experience death because they will go straight into the new world order (as stated in Revelation Chapter 7) Thats why the title of this article was called "Millions today will never die".

Now we turn to the resurrection talked about.

"The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life: and the Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these ones will have the first favour.

As you can see, it says definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of these faithful men. They are basically saying they are not in Heaven, but there will be a resurrection of these faithful men on the paradise earth.

However, they did think this may be the day that this could take place, but look at what they had to state early in this publication:

"We INVITE the reader, therefore, TO EXAMINE EACH POINT CAREFULLY as here made, compare the argument with the Scriptures cited, and view the same in the light of present day events... Every man should be persuaded in his own mind and no man should permit himself to be deterred from examining a question based upon the Bible because a clergyman or any one else makes the unsupported assertion that it is dangerous or unworthy to consider"

--==1975==--
The Jehovah's Witnesses never said this "would" happen, they always stated that it "could".

‘" What about the year 1975? What is it going to mean, dear friends?’ asked Brother Franz. ‘Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah’s witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All things are possible with God. But we are not saying. And don’t any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975. But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out, no question about that.

Does this mean that the year 1975 will bring the battle of Armageddon? NO ONE CAN SAY WITH CERTAINTY WHAT ANY PARTICULAR YEAR WILL BEING Jesus said: "Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows." (Mark 13:32) Sufficient is it for God’s servants to know for a certainty that, for this system under Satan, time is running out rapidly. How foolish a person would be not to be awake and alert to the limited time remaining, to the earthshaking events soon to take place, and to the need to work out one’s salvation!

Theres many quotes taken out of context in this year and this website below proves that.


_______________________
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 (King James Version)

20: But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21: How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22: When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

http://users.picknowl.com.au/~hepburn/prophecy.htm#I1914
http://www.jehovah.to/exe/general/prophetic.htm
--==Response==--
We don't claim to be inspired by God himself, nor do we speak in his name. We do claim to be directed by him, but that is based on his divine word and doing the will of him, which is preaching the good news to all nations.

Answer 9

Don't become an atheist but flee from the JW's. They are a cult. They are not Christians and are not saved. Read the Bible for yourself. Preferably the King James Version but especially not the JW version. It is a man made Bible rewritten to support their man made beliefs.

Answer 10

yes, they had a book that said that, and i believed it for a long time. Until i saw that there's barely anyone still alive from that generation.