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False Prophecies |
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The
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society claims to be God's sole channel of
communication today (WT 7-15-60, p.439; WT 12-1-81, p.27). They believe that
Jehovah commissioned them as His sole representative in 1919 and that only by
serving God as a part of this organization can one ever hope to receive
everlasting life (Vindication, Vol. 3, p.250; WT 2-15-83, p.12). This is a very
bold claim that should not be taken lightly. If, in fact, God is using the
Watchtower as His channel, we would do well to heed to their publications as
truth. If God is not using them we should not only flee from them, but also warn
others of their counterfeit religion.
So, how
can we test this group to see if it really is the one true religion? One
excellent way is to review their own writings and publications. Let's just
concentrate on one topic right now. Since they have claimed to be Jehovah's
prophet (WT 4-1-72, p.197), have they ever predicted
anything that failed to come to pass? Let's review the record!
1888 The Time Is At Hand, (1911
ed.), p.101
"....the setting up of the Kingdom of God is
already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise
of power in A.D. 1878, and that the "battle of the great day of God
Almighty" (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete
overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced."
1894 Zion's Watch Tower, 7-15,
p.226
"We see no reason for changing the
figures-nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's
dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the
beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble. We see no reason for
changing from our opinion...."
1917 The Finished Mystery,
p.485 "Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys
the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any
that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of
the downfall of 'Christianity'."
1920 Millions Now Living Will
Never Die, p.89-90 "Therefore we may confidently expect that
1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of
old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the
condition of human perfection."
1924 The Watchtower, 7-15, p.211 "The year 1925 is a year definitely and
clearly marked in the Scriptures, even more clearly than that of 1914...."
1925 The Watchtower, 1-1, p.3 "The year 1925 is here. With great
expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently
expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly
glory during the year. This may be accomplished. It may not be."
1925 The Watchtower, 9-1,
p.262 "It is to be expected that Satan will try to
inject into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an
end of the work...."
1931 Vindication, p.338-339 "There was a measure of disappointment on the
part of Jehovah's faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918 and
1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that
these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to
quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a
certain date...."
1941 The Watchtower, 9-15,
p.288 "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."
1942 Consolation, 5-27, p.13 "Further proof that these princes will
shortly take office upon earth as perfect men is found in the prophecy of
Daniel....Proof is now submitted that we are living at the "end of the
days", and we may expect to see Daniel and the other mentioned princes any
day now."
1969 Kingdom Ministry, June,
p.3 "In view of the short time left, a decision
to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely
dangerous....Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarships or
employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put
spiritual interests first." 1974 Kingdom Ministry, May, p.3 "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."
Are
there any questions? The Watchtower organization has incriminated themselves
over and over again. There can be no doubt that they are not a true prophet of
God, but a false one. The bible gives no slack to false prophets. Deuteronomy
18:20-22 commands that when a prophet claims to speak a word in the name of the
Lord, and the thing spoken does not happen or come to pass, that prophet shall
die. Even according to the Watchtower's own standards, they are false prophets.
Consider the following:
The Watchtower, 5-15-30, p.154 asks, "How are we to know
whether one is a true or a false prophet?....If he is a true prophet, his
message will come to pass exactly as prophesied. If he is a false prophet, his
prophecy will fail to come to pass." Awake, 10-8-68, p.23 says, "True, there have been those in times past who have predicted an "end to the world," even announcing a specific date....The "end" did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing?....Missing from such people were God's truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them"
Talk
about the pot calling the kettle black! Obviously, we should not heed to the
Watchtower's publications as God's truth, but flee from them. Remember Jesus's
words: "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's
clothing". (Matthew 7:15) We would do well not only to flee from the
Watchtower organization, but also to witness to and pray for those honest,
God-fearing men and women held in bondage by this false religious system. May
they find peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Ro. 5:1). Tower To Truth |
