God's Channel
Complementary Categories
*** Watchtower 1919 April 1 p.6414 ***
…Is not the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society the one and only channel which the Lord has used in dispensing his truth continually since the beginning of the harvest period?
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower April 1, 1920, pp.99-104 ***
[Scans available: Page 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104]
Let Us Dwell in Peace
[...]
It seems there never has been a time so important to the saints that they should swell together in peace and unity. Loyalty is one of the divine requirements and loyalty to the Lord means to be loyal to the members of his body. Suspicion is an enemy. Suspicion leads to distrust; and distrust may lead to disloyalty. If the adversary can drive a wedge between the Lord's people, causing strife, then to that extent the adversary succeeds in the conflict. The journey of the church is nearing a conclusion. Timely is the admonition to 'look to ourselves, that we lose not those things which we hae wrought, but we receive a full reward'.--2 John 8.
[...]
THE CHANNEL
Some of the brethren have held that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is the channel used by the Lord for dispensing or transmitting the message of present truth to the household of faith. Others have taken exception to this statement and have insisted that the Society is assuming a position that is un-Scriptural and contrary to the divine arrangement. We think the difference of opinion has been due entirely to a misunderstanding. Hence we here consider the question with a hope of clarifying it.
[...]
In order to understand the divine arrangement and whether or not the Lord, in the harvest period, has had a channel or vehicle for transmitting his message to the church, let us first determine the following questions:
(1) Do we believe that Jesus Christ is present and has been for the past forty years, or more, directing the work of setting up his kingdom?
(2) Do we believe that the Lord chose as an earthly representative to serve the household of faith one wise and faithful servant whom he made ruler over the household, and that the person so chosen was Charles Taze Russell?
(3) Do we believe that the Lord directed Brother Russell during the time of his service in what he did with reference to carrying on his (the Lord's) work?
PURPOSE OF SOCIETY
We assume that every one in present truth, realizing that his knowledge of present truth came from the Lord through the ministration of his servant, will answer the foregoing questions in the affirmative; and answering them in the affirmative, we have a basis from which to consider the question as to whether or not the Society is the channel used by the Lord as above suggested.
No one in present truth for a moment doubts that Brother Russell filled the office of the "faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season". (Matthew 24:45) [...]
[...]
ORDER OF GOD
Order is a divine arrangement. (1 Corinthians 14:40) Do we believe that there is any work for the saints to do after the change of Brother Russell? To this question doubtless all the saints will answer in the affirmative. Then would it not logically follow that the Lord would carry on his work in an orderly manner? If he had ever constituted the Society a channel, servant, vehicle, or means of transmitting the truth, is there any reason, Scriptural or otherwise, to conclude that he has adopted and organized a separate or different channel; and if so, what is it? The mere fact that he would continue to use the Society as his channel would not mean that others not in harmony with the society have no truth. They may have much truth. The whole question is, Are all thos in the truth working together in harmony? We have no quarrel with any one who wants to seek truth through other channels. We would not refuse to treat one as a brother because he did not believe the Society is the Lord's channel. [...]
[...]
A small minority who love the Lord might hold a different view, but the majority would not feel disposed to elect its officers and servants from such, because there could not be harmonious action. If some did not care to work in Harmony with the Society thus constituted, that would be their privilege; yet that would not mean that there should be any ill feeling, nor that such should be disfellowshipped. If the Lord started a work through a duly constituted organization or society, and that work increase and upon it the Lord's blessing was made manifest, then it would seem that those who wanted to be in harmony with the Lord would wish to coöperate in his arrangement. If others see it in a different way, that is their privilege. There should be full liberty of conscience.
[...] He [Brother Russell] left a work to be done and it was the Lord's will that the Society do it; and if we are correct in this conclusion, then it would seem that the Lord has not authorized others, no matter how honest, to go aside and organize some other movement to carry on his work; and that those who oppose the work of the Society would not seem to be doing a work in harmony with the divinely given commission. We are not judging any one. Every one is privileged to take his own position. But we believe it in the interest of every one who loves the Lord and his cause to state the matter kindly, yet plainly.
[...] If the Society was the channel for the beginning of these publications, is there any evidence indicating that the Lord has since chosen another and different channel? If the Society is not the channel for the transmission of this message of truth to the people, then why has the Lord permitted it to have the exclusive control of the publications? This includes the Watch Tower, which has at all times been recognized as the official organ of the Society.
It is the conclusion, therefore, of the Editorial Committee--and in this the officers of the Society concur--that the Society is the Channel the Lord is using to carry on his work; that it has a divine commission, a work to perform, and which it is endeavoring, by the Lord's grace, to perform. If others have a different view, let them enjoy that view, but let us dwell together in peace. There is no occasion for controversy. We have no quarrel with any one who holds a different view.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1922 September 15 p.279 ***
[Scan available: Page 279]
TESTS AND TEMPTATIONS
[...]
THE TEST OF LOYALTY
One of the chief temptations to the church has been in respect to loyalty to God's arrangements for it. Since the days when in the providences of God our late beloved leader came into prominnce as the chief representative of the Lord's people and stood before them as "that servant" who had charge of his Master's goods, every indication of the Lord's providence has shown that God gave Brother Russell to the church to be as a mouthpiece for him; and those who claim to have learned the truth apart from Brother Russell and his writings have been manifested by the Lord as deceivers, ready to lead the flock of God in their way.
Since Brother Russell's death the evidence of God's favor upon the Society, which was organized by Brother Russell for the furtherance of the Lord's work, has been manifested as clearly as it was previously upon him. Satan has attempted by many attacks upon this fact to break it down; to cause the Lord's people to believe: (1) that Brother Russell was not the only channel by which the Lord would lead his people; and (2) that the Society in its organized capacity could not be a channel for the Lord. If Satan could accomplish his object, he had a great chance of leading a large number of the Lord's people aside from their path, and away from the work of the Lord, which he hates so much since it tells of his own dethronement and the overthrow of this kingdom.
Some have allowed themselves to be tempted astray on the plea of liberty. This is Satan's own cry. Without doubt he was the first who called out for liberty. He has always wanted to make out that God's laws are a restraint of the proper liberty of the subject. The law of love makes no appeal to him, nor does it to any who seek to break away from arrangements made by God. For thirty years this cry has been raised in the church. But those who have accepted the Lord's arrangements feel no bondage; they are the freest, happiest people on earth. Theirs is the liberty of the King's high-road. Those who leave the Lord's work on the plea of bondage, tie themselves up in their own ideas: they becom bound hand and foot, having neither work to do nor place wherein to labor.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1927 March 15 p.87 ***
[Scan available: Page 87]
THE ELISHA WORK
ENCOURAGEMENT
The complete light of the divine truth is shining upon the Perfect Stone laid in Zion. (Zechariah 3:9) From time to time flashes of light, reflected from the temple, are given to the anointed ones who are the temple class; and these are permitted to see and understand the precious promises that specifically apply to the church at this time. Among these promises are teh following: "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my sould shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garmetns of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."--Isaiah 61:10.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1930 August 1 p.239 ***
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RESOLUTION
DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:
At the business meeting of the Seattle ecclesia, held Monday evening, April 14, 1930, the following resolution was presented and unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the Seattle ecclesia assure our beloved president, Brother Rutherford. that they deplore the bitter attack made upon him at the question meeting held in Los Angeles, Calif., on February 23, and fully sympathize with him in all his efforts to serve Jehovah, our God and our King; and that we, in view of the strong assaults of the enemy at this time and the falling away of many who for years in the past have walked with us, do by letter assure him of our firm belief that The Watch Tower is the channel which Jehovah, our God, is using at this time to instruct the faithful remnant who are keeping the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and we, therefore, very thankfully accept the teachings of that journal and are earnestly endeavoring to carry on the Lord's work in full accord therewith.
And be it further resolved, That we assure Brother Rutherford we have full confidence in him as a loyal and diligent servant of our King, and an instrument used of Jehovah to dispense meat in due season to his household; and recognizing in our beloved brother one such as is spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 and Hebrews 13:17, wo esteem him very highly in love for his work's sake, and our prayers will still ascend that it may be the good pleasure of our God to keep and guide him to the end.
Resolved, That our class secretary forward a copy of this resolution to Brother Rutherford.
Your brother by his grace,
T. FORSYTH, Secretary.[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1930 September 1 p.263 ***
[Scan available: Page 263]
It is written that when the Lord comes to his temple for judgement he is accompanied by his holy angels. (Matt. 25:31) Without doubt he uses these holy angels to gather his faithful ones into the temple. "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet; and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matt. 24:31) It must be that these holy angels are clothed with power and authority from Christ Jesus to have special supervision over those on earth who are of the elect "servant" class. 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 angles to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from the approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do. (Matt. 13:41) It is the power and authority proceeding from Jehovah God by and through his Christ Jesus to accomplish this work; but the angels are there for this purpose, and it is not the demonstration of the parakletos or holy spirit. as a helper that directs men to do the separating work. If the holy spirit as a helper were directing the work, then there would be no good reason for employing the angels.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1931 June 1 p.160 ***
Jehovah God has made known to his anointed ones in advance what these scriptures mean.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1931 November 1 p.327 ***
[Scan available: Page 327]
Such opponents of The Watchtower show that they are confused and they are very wrong. Brother Russell did not claim the truth to be his. Jesus Christ taught that the truth is that of God's Word and that the truth does not belong to any man. There is no effort on the part of The Watchtower, nor is there any desire, to discredit Brother Russell. No good could be accomplished by such a course. The Watchtower recognizes the truth as belonging to Jehovah, and not to any creature. 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. Of a certainty no one can cite an instance in which The Watchtower during the past few years has attempted to laud or magnify any man's name; but at all times it has diligently sought to give honor to Jehovah's name.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1932 April 1 p.101 ***
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13 According to Rotherham the text says: "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 to only one specific message that the Lord gave or is giving or has given at any one time, but to the whole series or messages of truth which he gave and which hc 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. Jehovah gave the testimony to Jesus Christ to witness concerning his purposes, and now to the remnant is assigned the privilege of having a part in that testimony and of publishing the message of truth, making known that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom is at hand.--Rev. 12:17.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1933 May 15 pp.154-155 ***
[Scan available: Pages 154 & 155]
Surely Jehovah has an organization on earth, because everything with him is done orderly. For many years he has used the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. There is but one class of people that are doing his work on earth today, and these we call "the Society", acting under the direction of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society and putting forth the Watch Tower publications, and the expression of God's will concerning the peoples of earth. These are the only publications that are making known the kingdom. The time has come when the church is at unity, mentioned by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4 :11-14, and therefore every company of God's people on earth will work in exact harmony and have in mind that the chief object is not self-development or character development to fit one for a place in heaven, because such a thing is an impossible thing and not commanded by the Lord. On the contrary, the chief and paramount thing is the vindication of Jehovah's name and to obey his commandments by making proclamation of that which he has commanded.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1933 August 15 p.247-8 ***
[Scan available: Pages 247 & 248]
ENLIGHTENMENT
17 Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus 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. To all on the outside of the organization of Jehovah his is a secret organization. To Zechariah, meaning the remnant, the angel of the Lord speaks: "And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof; and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof." (Zech. 4:2, 3) In this vision the remnant is shown as receiving further or cumulative evidence of the organization of Jehovah and their own work in connection therewith. God's covenant people 'did slumber and sleep' for a time, as indicated by verse one. (Zech. 4:1; Matt. 25:l-5 ; Rev. 8:1) In 1919 they began to wake up, and some three years later were wide awake; and from that time forward those fully devoted to Jehovah have been able to "see afar off", while others have indulged in dreaming and have remained in darkness.--Rev. 3:18; 2 Pet. 1:9; Joel 2:28.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1933 September 15 p.276-7 ***
[Scan available: Pages 276 & 277]
5 Jehovah then gave his prophet a message to be delivered to these "old-time" weepers: "Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me." (Zech. 7:4) The giving of the word to Zechariah finds a parallel in the increased light that comes to the faithful after 1922. Note now with joy some of the wonderful things the Lord has brought to the temple class since that date. It has pleased the Lord to use The Watchtower as a means of conveying his message to his covenant people; and in the year 1923 the Lord began to bring the message of joy to his hungry ones and they learned for the first time the meaning of "The joy of Jehovah is your strength". (Neh. 8:10, A.R.V.) Then in February of the same year the Lord revealed to his people that the cup of wine at the Memorial pictures good cheer resulting from the coming of the King and the kingdom. (The Watchtower, 1923, page 56) Then came for the first time the correct understanding of the parables of the talents and of the pounds, which involve the joy of the Lord. (The Watchtower, 1923, pages 35, 71) Then the parable of the virgins, showing that the oil pictures joy and that the joy is in them because of God's favors. (The Watchtower, 1923, page 296) Since then Jehovah has continued to cause his lightnings to flash upon the temple, and the temple class has continued to rejoice and put forth increased zeal and energy in his service.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1933 November 1 p.296 ***
[Scan available: Page 296]
[...] All the true and faithful witnesses of Jehovah will avoid all such 'false teachers, diviners and dreamers' who seek their own satisfaction and who have no real interest in the kingdom and hence do not joyfully serve it.--Rom. 16:17,18.
21 Jehovah is against such and advises the faithful remnant to stay out of their way. (Ezek. 13:9) This the faithful must do in order to be cleansed and prepared for the Lord's work and in order that they may ultimately be of the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. No one can hc prepared for temple service by associating with those who oppose the work that the Lord is now doing in the earth. God excludes these self-important 'diviners and tellers of dreams' from his organization, and the faithful should avoid them: "Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations; for I will deliver my people out of your hand; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezek. 13:23) As surely as Jehovah has an organization on the earth, just so surely he is feeding the members of that organization by the hand of Christ Jesus. The facts prove that he uses the Watch Tower publications to bring these truths to the attention of his remnant. It is therefore to be expected that the 'diviners and dreamers' will be against those who publish the truth, and that these evil ones will ridicule the faithful; and the facts show that that is exactly what they are doing. The Lord declares that darkness and confusion shall be the portion of such as make his people to err and as oppose his work. "Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God." (Mic. 3:6, 7) These dreamers speak falsely and turn away from God's Word of truth. (Jer. 23:26-25, 32) Their efforts to comfort anyone arc wholly in vain, and hence they are not performing any part of the commission given to God's covenant people. Not having received the love of the truth, they go away from God's flock and make up a flock of their own. They have been relying upon a man as their teacher and shepherd, and since his death they have no leader and are in trouble, and now they lament and say : "There is no shepherd, and no more truth since he passed away."
[Emphasis Added]
*** VINDICATION, Volume 3 (book, 1932) p.250 ***
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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 there. "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house ; and the man stood by me." (43:6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the man stood by him. "The man " was the heavenly messenger, and this pictures 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 instruction which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instruction on to 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. The Lord from his holy temple speaks: "Hear, all ye people ; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple." (Mic. 1:2) The faithful remnant in 1922 began to hear and to respond: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not." --Isa. 6:8,9.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Yearbook 1939 p.85 ***
[This is a summary, not a quote]
[Angels hear the instructions and then pass it on to the remnant; they have been doing so since 1919.]
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1944 May 1 p.138-9 ***
[Scan available: Pages 138 & 139]
35 The Greater Moses has come and is at the temple for judgment. (Deut. 18:15-18; Acts 3:20-23) From Mount Zion he reflects the glory of Jehovah, just as Moses did on coming down from Mount Sinai. 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. (Job 33:23-28; Rev. 18:1; 10:1) Being gathered by him into the temple as consecrated and approved servants of God, the remnant behold the glory of its God: "and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory." (Ps. 29:9) These also see Jehovah's Messenger of the covenant there, Christ Jesus, in his Father's glory, and they must speak also of the glory of the Son upon his Kingdom throne. (Mal. 3:1-3; Isa. 6:1-11) It is the time, not for more religion, but for LIGHT! God commands the light to shine, and to shine not merely until it reaches his anointed remnant. It must rebound from them and flash upon others, men of good-will who are in darkness and in danger of destruction, the "other sheep". "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Cor. 4:6) The reason, then, for the intensive and increasing activity of Jehovah's witnesses is to obey the divine command and to let His light shine forth to others to His glory.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1952 April 15 p.253 Aids for Understanding Prophecy ***
19 When may prophecies be understood? The Lord said to Daniel, "O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4, AS) This indicates that the further fulfillments of the prophecies are sealed until the physical facts appear that begin to fulfill them. So the rule seems to be reasonable and certain that prophecies cannot be understood until they are in the course of fulfillment or until they have been fulfilled. 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 the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.
PROPHESYING TODAY
20 Since Joel 2:28, which has its complete fulfillment after 1919, foretells that God will pour out his spirit upon people of all kinds and "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions", in what sense then do Jehovah's witnesses prophesy today? Jehovah's people confess no powers of inspiration today. However, they do pray continually for more of God's holy spirit to understand the many prophecies already uttered and preserved for the final preaching work which Jehovah's witnesses are now undertaking. They know that the inspired infallible Scriptures of prophecy will be fulfilled toward them correctly. They diligently study the visions and dreams of God's faithful men of old. They can quote and copy the Scriptures of God's inspired men and can apply them according to the facts. They can observe how God interprets them by Christ Jesus through the events and facts that he causes to appear. They are then faithful in publishing and preaching the revealed prophecies to the utter ends of the earth. The twentieth-century preaching prophets of Jehovah are the ones who are running to and fro over the Bible to gain knowledge of the divine pronouncements which is on the increase.-Dan. 12:4.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1955 June 1 p.333 Part 11: Restoration of Theocratic Organization ***
Similarly today the power of appointment of all servants in congregations rightfully rests with the governing body of the "faithful and discreet slave" class, which is under the direct supervision of Christ Jesus at the temple.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1956 November 1 p.666 Turn to the New World Society ***
11 Who controls the organization, who directs it? Who is at the head? A man? A group of men? A clergy class? A pope? A hierarchy? A council? No, none of these. How is that possible? In any organization is it not necessary that there be a directing head or policy-making part that controls or guides the organization? Yes. Is the living God, Jehovah, the Director of the theocratic Christian organization? Yes!
12 Because of the vital fact that the law that governs the operation of the theocratic New World society is the Word of Jehovah God, and because of the fact that the heaven-enthroned Christ Jesus is Jehovah's Executive Officer carrying on his work in the earth, and because of the further fact that the spirit of God by Christ Jesus is operating through his Word and upon the hearts and minds of his dedicated servants, the New World society is theocratic, meaning "God-ruled."
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1957 May 1 p.284 Trust Your Proved, Faithful Brothers ***
RELYING ON JEHOVAH'S DIRECTIVE POWER
14 Showing respect for Jehovah's organization really resolves itself down to our attitude toward God's visible channel and the trust that we place in our proved, faithful brothers. If we have become thoroughly convinced that this is Jehovah's organization, that he is guiding and directing his people, then we shall not be unsettled by anything that happens.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1960 July 15 pp.438-9 Staying Awake with the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" ***
2 How is this divine will to be made known and brought to the attention of the worthy multitudes of men of good will toward Jehovah? Again the awake world-watchman, the "slave" class, must undertake another world educational campaign following their restoration as witnesses after 1919. Such a global work has now been under way for more than forty years and is reaching its fruitful culmination. The facts show that during this time and up to the present hour the "slave" class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth. Just as the early Christian congregation collectively served as the channel of communication from heaven to earth, so in our time. (Eph. 3:10) Abundant spiritual food and amazing details as to the doing of God's will have been flowing through this unique channel actually as a miraculous evidence of the operation of holy spirit. The present stature of the New World society of Jehovah's witnesses, numbering nearly a million ministers in 175 lands, gives eloquent testimony that it is not the product of human ingenuity. Rather, it is the product of holy spirit operating theocratically through a tested channel, influencing the lives of dedicated men and women in all walks of life.-Zech. 4:6.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1961 July 15 pp.431-2 Become Activated by the Spirit of Jehovah ***
6 From a study of God's Word one appreciates that Jehovah does not dispense his dynamic energy through just any organization that chooses to label itself religious. Neither does God deal with individuals independently of his own wifely organization, the "mother" of all those dedicated to God. (Gal. 4:26) He has always had His channel of communication on earth through which his spirit operates. Remember how Miriam and Aaron tried to bypass this channel and almost lost their lives as a result? Only after Jesus had been baptized by Jehovah's representative did he receive holy spirit and strength to enable him to do his powerful works. (Num. 12:1-16; Matt. 3:16; Acts 10:38) By and through this holy spirit Jesus aided those associated with him so they could understand the truth, and so they too could receive power to "cure sick people, raise up dead persons, make lepers clean, expel demons." Thus is emphasized the importance of association with Jehovah's organization.-Matt. 10:8; Luke 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:10.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1964 May 1 p.277-8 Building a Firm Foundation in Christ ***
8 God's Word is the basis of our faith. As we pore over its pages our mind is communing with God's. Our faith is established and strengthened. We are "always ready to make a defense" by offering "a reason for the hope" that we hold, and we are thereby equipped to teach others the way of life. (1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:2) Why, though, is such emphasis placed on "accurate" knowledge? Why should such care be exercised in our study of the columns of The Watchtower, and of our application of the Scripture texts to the material under consideration? It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people, and it requires careful study and attention to details in order to apply this information, to get a full understanding of the principles involved, and to assure ourselves of right thinking on these matters. It is in this way that we "are thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones" the fullness of our commission and of the preaching responsibility that Jehovah has placed on all Christians as footstep followers of his Son. Any other course would produce independent thinking and cause division. "Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." (1 Cor. 1:10) If all who are associated in the Christian organization have the mind of God and of Christ there will be unity and all will be built up in maturity of understanding.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1965 June 1 p.351 Questions from Readers ***
First of all, we must recognize what is meant when we say God's visible organization was made strictly or fully theocratic. The term "theocracy" means "God rule" or "rule by God."
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1965 June 1 p.352 Questions from Readers ***
This strengthening of theocratic controls continued over a period of twenty years, from 1918 to 1938, and corresponds to the twenty-year building program of Solomon, in which time he completed Jehovah's temple, his own house, the porch of judgment and the House of the Forest of Lebanon or the armory. In 1938 Jehovah revealed this correspondency to his servants and it was published in The Watchtower in a two-part article entitled "Organization." This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah's organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah's spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint. The concluding paragraph in this series stated: "Jehovah's theocratic government is now in full control of the people of God."
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1965 June 1 p.352 Questions from Readers ***
New features of the work have required new methods, which has meant revisions and changes from time to time in organization instructions, but it is all a part of the advancement of Jehovah's theocratically controlled organization under the immediate direction of Jehovah God himself. Therefore, these revisions and changes are themselves fully theocratic, so they do not alter in any way the fully theocratic structure of the organization.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1967 October 1 p.590 Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization ***
Jehovah poured out his spirit upon them and assigned them the responsibility of serving as his sole visible channel, through whom alone spiritual instruction was to come. Those who recognize Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, therefore, must recognize and accept this appointment of the "faithful and discreet slave" and be submissive to it.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1967 October 1 p.590 Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization ***
Since 1879 the Watch Tower magazine has been used by this collective group to dispense spiritual food regularly to those of this "little flock" of true Christians.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1969 January 15 pp.50-1 Are You Ready for the Responsibilities of a Baptized Witness? ***
14 His study as well as his association with Jehovah's people helps him to understand that Jehovah has, not only a heavenly, but also an earthly, visible organization of people doing his will. Jesus foretold that among his people there would be a "faithful and discreet slave" class who would be providing the spiritual food to God's family of devoted servants on earth, acting as his channel of communication and overseeing the carrying out of the Kingdom interests world wide. (Matt. 24:45-47)
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1971 December 15 p.749 Theocratic Organization with Which to Move Forward Now ***
[Organizational chart, shows Jehovah is in direct control of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, just above the Governing Body, in position normally held by corporate president.]
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1972 August 1 p.458 Loving Oversight of the Congregation of God ***
THEOCRATIC APPOINTMENT IN THE CONGREGATION
10 But who is at the head of this rapidly expanding congregation, you ask? Is it some brilliant, farsighted man, some human who is a master organizer? No, for the Christian congregation is operated theocratically, meaning that it recognizes the leadership only of Jehovah God as exercised through his Son and enthroned King, Jesus Christ. (Isa. 33:22; Heb. 12:2; Rev. 19:16) This is what makes the congregation theocratic in structure, adhering to God-rule. If an organization is to be fully theocratic, it must be directed and controlled altogether by God and by the forces he operates. It is vital, therefore, that each one recognize that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Christian congregation, as well as showing proper regard for those on earth who have been theocratically appointed to positions of oversight.-Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 11:3; Acts 14:23.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1972 August 1 p.460 Loving Oversight of the Congregation of God ***
18 Each week the principal Bible study aid published by Jehovah's witnesses, the Watchtower magazine, is studied by the congregation as a whole. This is done in the form of a question-and-answer discussion. For this meeting the entire congregation usually meets in one place. Through the columns of The Watchtower comes increased light on God's Word as Jehovah makes it known. Because of the vital nature of these discussions, the Watchtower study is the most important meeting for all of Jehovah's Christian witnesses and interested persons. Therefore, the Watchtower study conductor, who presides over this meeting, has an important responsibility. This study enables all to be united in the same line of thought.-1 Cor. 1:10.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1973 August 1 p.460 Cultivating Friendship with God ***
14 Yes, we should be deeply appreciative of all the fine spiritual food that "the faithful and discreet slave" class has been providing through The Watchtower, now for ninety-four years. [i.e. since 1879]
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1981 February 15 pp.17-19 Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? ***
Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?
[…]
A HUMAN CHANNEL
From such experiences it can be seen that Jehovah God caused the Bible to be written in such a way that one needs to come in touch with His human channel before one can fully and accurately understand it. True, we need the help of God's holy spirit, but its help also comes to us primarily by association with the channel Jehovah God sees fit to use.—1 Cor. 2:6-10.
Showing that God would have an organized congregation through which instruction would come, the Bible says: "He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ; in order that we should no longer be babes."—Eph. 4:11-14.
In the first century, such congregational arrangement was looked to for direction. This is noted, for example, when the question came up as to whether Gentile converts should be circumcised. On that occasion, did the apostle Paul say something like this: 'Look here, Jesus Christ appeared to me personally, he has caused me to see supernatural visions, he has given me the gift of prophecy and inspiration and has enabled me to perform mighty works; so let me tell you just what is what on this question of circumcision'? Not at all!
The apostle Paul and his companions went up to Jerusalem to consult the Christian congregation's governing body, made up of the apostles and older men. And the one who made known the verdict on circumcision was not the apostle Paul but James, Jesus' half brother, who, at the time, was evidently the presiding overseer of the Jerusalem congregation. After that, Paul, Silas and others delivered these decisions to the brothers.—Acts 15:1-35.
What about Paul's missionary travels? Did he act independently of Jehovah's assignment of him as an apostle to a certain group? No, but he obediently accepted his assignment, and this was later recognized by "pillars" of the governing body at Jerusalem, as Galatians 2:9 says: "When they came to know the undeserved kindness that was given me, James and Cephas and John, the ones who seemed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of sharing together, that we should go to the nations, but they to those who are circumcised."—Acts 9:15; 13:1-4; 22:17-21.
Later, when Paul came to Jerusalem for the last time, the Jews there had received misleading reports about him. So the "older men" in Jerusalem advised Paul what to do in an effort to put to rest these reports. And Paul readily accepted their direction.—Acts 21:17-36.
To help us to understand God's Word in these "last days," Jehovah God has lovingly provided a visible organization under Christ-the "faithful and discreet slave." The way Jehovah God has prospered the activities carried on under its direction can leave no doubt in the minds of dedicated Christians as to Jehovah God's approval being upon it.—Matt. 24:45-47.
A NOBLE-MINDED VIEW
How shall we view the spiritual food provided by this "faithful and discreet slave"? Should it be viewed critically—'Oh, well, it might be true but then again it might not be and so we have to scrutinize it very critically'? Some apparently have felt that way about it. To support their way of thinking they have quoted Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested persons at Beroea: "Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so."
But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the "faithful and discreet slave," with a view to finding fault? Not at all!
First of all, let us note the setting of the statement about the noble-minded Beroeans. Paul, accompanied by Silas, was on his second missionary tour. Due to persecution that arose, the brothers at Thessalonica sent them on to Beroea. In Beroea they met sincere Jews who had strong faith in God's Word. These were not Christians yet. They were simply interested persons who had to satisfy themselves that what Paul was telling them had the support of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Up to this time, these devout Jews in Beroea may never have heard of Jesus Christ. What Paul was telling them was entirely new. So those noble-minded Jews in Beroea searched the Scriptures daily to make certain that the references that Paul gave were really part of God's Word. And with what mental attitude did they pursue their studies? With a skeptical attitude, trying to prove Paul wrong? No, they were altogether unlike Paul's critics on Mars Hill, for we read that they heard Paul's testimony with "the greatest eagerness of mind."—Acts 17:11, 32.
These Beroeans listened with a readiness, yes, an eagerness, to believe. Thus not only were they open-minded, but they were wanting to have this "good news" proved true. In fact, for a person to acquire faith he must have "the will to believe." If he is determined not to believe, then no amount of evidence will convince him; for if a person looks for them he can always find excuses, plausible reasons for not accepting the accountability that belief will bring upon him. As the apostle Paul well said: "Faith is not a possession of all people." (2 Thess. 3:2) But the Beroeans had the will to believe. They considered what they heard with a receptive frame of mind. As a result, "many of them became believers, and so did not a few of the reputable Greek women and of the men."—Acts 17:12.
Jesus' disciples wrote many letters to Christian congregations, to persons who were already in "the way of the truth." (2 Pet. 2:2) But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about.
OUR VIEW OF THE "SLAVE"
We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his "slave" to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using. At the Brooklyn headquarters from which the Bible publications of Jehovah's Witnesses emanate there are more mature Christian elders, both of the "remnant" and of the "other sheep," than anywhere else upon earth.
True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18) However, this has resulted in a continual refining of the body of Bible-based truth to which Jehovah's Witnesses subscribe. Over the years, as adjustments have been made to that body of truth, it has become ever more wonderful and applicable to our lives in these "last days." Bible commentators of Christendom are not inspired either. Despite their claims to great knowledge, they have failed to highlight even basic Bible truths—such as the coming Paradise earth, the importance of God's name, and the condition of the dead.
Rather, the record that the "faithful and discreet slave" organization has made for the past more than 100 years forces us to the conclusion that Peter expressed when Jesus asked if his apostles also wanted to leave him, namely, "Whom shall we go away to?" (John 6:66-69) No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1981 December 1 p.27 The Path of the Righteous Does Keep Getting Brighter ***
Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit-anointed ones ... 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.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1983 February 15 p.12 You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth-But How? ***
A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization. … Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Revelation -- It's Grand Climax At Hand (book) 1988 pp.54 chap.10 Abhorring the "Deep Things of Satan" ***
22 Finally, Jesus declares: "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations." (Revelation 2:29) For the fourth time, Jesus here repeats this rousing refrain, and it will conclude all three messages yet to come. Do you have that responsive ear? Then keep listening intently as God, by his spirit, continues to provide counsel through his channel.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 2001 August 1 How to Make Your Advancement Manifest ***
8 First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He 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."
[Emphasis Added]
*** Our Kingdom Ministry September 2002 (For Britain) p. 8 ***
5 God's Appointed Channel: Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, "the faithful and discreet slave." That "slave" has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as "the proper time" for it to be dispensed. This spiritual food is available only through the theocratic organization. We should always look to God's appointed channel for reliable information, not to a network of Internet users. — Matt.24:45.
[Emphasis Added]