So it will be in the conclusion of the system

“The conclusion of the system of things” began in 1914. During the war that broke out that year, the few thousand anointed Christians, “the sons of the Kingdom,” were in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great. In 1919, Jehovah delivered them, making a clear distinction between them and “the weeds,” or imitation Christians. He gathered “the sons of the Kingdom” into an organized people, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Zion, Jehovah’s organization of spirit beings, brought forth her spirit-anointed sons and organized them into a nation. Just like the early Christians, the anointed “sons of the Kingdom” were to be witnesses of Jehovah. As such, they would stand out as different by their Christian conduct and by their preaching “this good news of the Kingdom . . . for a witness to all the nations.”

COMMENTARY

Let’s face the facts. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe a myth — the myth being that Jesus Christ began ruling the world in 1914 and that the conclusion began then.

Consider the various definitions of a myth: 1) A traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature.

2) Any invented story, idea, or concept.

3) An unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are routinely subjected to various statements such as in the daily text:

“The conclusion of the system of things” began in 1914. During the war that broke out that year, the few thousand anointed Christians, “the sons of the Kingdom,” were in spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great. In 1919, Jehovah delivered them, making a clear distinction between them and “the weeds,” or imitation Christians.”

As has been often pointed out, the Watchtower’s 1914 myth can be easily disproven. The question is: do Jehovah’s Witnesses prefer to believe false stories?

Take for example the statement regarding the sons of the Kingdom being delivered from spiritual captivity to Babylon the Great in 1919. In the God’s Kingdom Rules! publication Bethel claims that Charles Russell claimed it was imperative for Christians to request that their names be stricken from their respective church membership rosters, because doing so would demonstrate that they had heeded the command to “get out of her.”

So, if the International Bible Students had already gotten out of Babylon the Great prior to 1919 how was it possible for them to be in captivity in 1919? And, why was it necessary for God to miraculously deliver them if all that was required to “get out of her” was a clerical procedure of having their names stricken from church registries?

Not only that, the WT claims that since their release from spiritual bondage the religions of Babylon no longer have any power to restrain Jehovah’s Witnesses. But how can that be, since Jehovah’s Witnesses are under restraint in many countries —especially those dominated by Islam? But even in some so-called Christian nations, such as Russia, the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses is restricted and facing outright ban —no doubt due to clergy influence over the political rulers. It is simply not true that religious opposers do not successfully impose restraints.

But consider the most obvious aspect of the Watchtower’s Jesus-is-ruling myth —the notion that the wheat and the weeds were distinguished in 1919. According to Jesus the harvest is accomplished when the angels are dispatched to uproot the weeds from the field of wheat. The weeds are then cast into the furnace, which is where the weeping and gnashing of their teeth will be. In application Jesus explained that the angels actually remove all persons practicing lawlessness and all things that cause stumbling out from his Kingdom. His Kingdom is his congregation —also known as “the congregation of the firstborn.”

That means that after the harvest there should be found absolutely no causes for stumbling —none —since Jesus clearly stated that the angels will remove “all things that cause stumbling.” So, if anointed JW’s comprise the congregation of Christ in this present time —otherwise known as “his Kingdom” —why are there still numerous things that cause stumbling and people who practice lawlessness within the organization? Of course, no one at Bethel could possibly supply an intelligent answer to that question. And the atmosphere is such that no one dares ask such things.

Perhaps the most absurd facet of the myth is the suggestion that generations of common churchgoers have somehow already been thrown into the symbolic fiery furnace and experienced the bitter judgment of weeping and gnashing their teeth, knowing that they are outside the Kingdom. The myth of Santa Claus streaking across the night sky in a reindeer-driven sled is more plausible.

The irony is, the Watchtower’s invisible parousia myth is a massive stumbling block. That will become apparent when Christ actually returns and commences the harvest. Then, indeed, the myth-masters will find themselves thrown out. That is where the weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be. So it will be in the conclusion of the system of things.

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Given the fact that the end of all things has drawn close, I have decided to set up another website for the purpose of reaching a different audience. So, over the course of the next few weeks I will be temporarily suspending my writing here until the new site is launched.