Bible Students / Jehovah's Witness Comparison

I thought I would share the following

DOCTRINAL COMPARISON CHART
BIBLE STUDENTS

RANSOM:
Featured doctrine of the ransom for all, with the entire human race to receive the benefits. Salvation not limited to present life nor are unbelievers limited to faith in the ransom NOW to be resurrected.

RESTITUTION:
Doctrine of restitution of all things, the theme song of the Bible, the hope of the entire world. All will come forth in the resurrection in order to receive full knowledge and opportunity. All final judgment for world reserved for Millennial Judgment Day.

PURPOSE OF WITNESSING:
Activity in Lord's service based solely on love, not fear. Second death not highlighted. Purpose of spreading gospel is the calling out from the world of the members of the heavenly class, not a dividing work to result in life or death to the hearer.

REWARDS:
Two salvations - a heavenly for the faithful followers of Jesus who during the Gospel Age are persecuted for his sake; and an earthly for the remainder of mankind who do not come into harmony with God until the Millennial Age. Life in heaven is the only calling of the present. The Great multitude is in heavenly temple.

CHURCH ORGANIZATION:
Elders and deacons elected by the brethren of the individual Ecclesias to positions of service. The Lord's will expressed by his people. Individual responsibility to prove all doctrines and practices from the Bible.

KINGDOM RULE:
Kingdom rule not to be set up in the earth until the entire heavenly class is glorified. Will be manifest to all by resurrection of ancient worthies, who will assume control.

TIME FEATURES:
The Divine purpose has many prophetic time features. The Biblical accounts of chronology are precise and flawless. It is an accurate assist to the watchers that they might know. These clearly establish seven millennia that are related to the prophetic record.

PRESENCE:
Christ's second advent. One of the unique harvest features of present truth is the invisible presence of Christ. This relates to Jesus' own words as well as many prophecies. Those activities during the harvest or ending time are in his charge. Failure to discern this feature puts one in the position creating a kingdom now.



ISRAEL:
In God's program, the Jew is special. Whoever blesses Israel, God will bless. They are still His people. The Bible is filled with many Israeli promises. Bible truth points to holy Israel and Ancients as dispensers of Gods blessings to Gentiles.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

RANSOM:
Ransom restricted to exclude Adam and many others by introducing idea of various judgment periods in which many are judged now and will not come forth in the resurrection.

RESTITUTION:
Restitution minimized to such an extent that earth needs to be populated by Armageddon survivors. Of the many presently alive, only those who now serve Jehovah faithfully will come forth in the resurrection. Work of the future judgment day minimized.

PURPOSE OF WITNESSING:
Fear of second death stressed for those who do not strictly obey "the society" and fear of Armageddon for those who hear the message now and do not respond. Salvation gained only by being part of the New World society.

REWARDS:
Newly interested ones must suffer for righteousness' sake but are not eligible for the heavenly calling. Life on earth promised as reward for present faithfulness. "Other sheep" class now being gathered. From 1935 onward, the Great Company is a special class now being selected for the earth

CHURCH ORGANIZATION:
Servants appointed by headquarters in Brooklyn, accepted as from Jehovah. "Theocraic rule" introduced. Doctrines and practices taught by "the society" must be accepted without question from the Governing body

KINGDOM RULE:
"The society" regarded as Jehovah's organization, ruling with Kingdom authority now even though remnant of the heavenly class is still in the flesh.

TIME FEATURES:
The Society has had many failed expectations among which are 1925 and 1975. More recently the 70 years desolation has been questioned relative to 1914. There is little confidence in chronology anymore as there is no date.

PRESENCE:
Relative to the lack of definition of any form of chronology is a lack of confidence in the invisible return of Christ. They had once inaccurately believed the return of Christ to be 1914 prior to establishing his kingdom in the earth (Deliverance, 1925). It is an enigma for which they have no answers and leads to the nominal "coming again."

ISRAEL:
Jehovah's Witnesses having believed in fleshly Israel until 1931, have ever since wrongfully misappropriated to themselves, God's promises to His chosen people, fleshly Israel. To the contrary, St. Paul makes this crystal clear in Romans 11.
 

JTK

Well-known member
thanks for enlightening me RR144
i have heard that the bible students were a group who moved away from the CT Russell Group but i did not know what the differences were on their biblical standpoints, notably the bible students also believed in the invisible presence.
that comparison chart is interesting and it makes me wonder how those differences came about and how that then led to the seperation.
however it seems clear that Jehovah supported the WTO doctrines as evidenced by their ministry works for over a century
 

Ireneo

Well-known member
I'm just researching the following
The organization, seeing that some participated less and less in the commemoration, identified the great crowd in 1935
But why did some not participate?
Where did that teaching come from?
I'm trying to trace that
I want to know the origin of that idea
If you know please add it to the box
 
R

RR144

Guest
thanks for enlightening me RR144
i have heard that the bible students were a group who moved away from the CT Russell Group but i did not know what the differences were on their biblical standpoints, notably the bible students also believed in the invisible presence.
You're welcome. Keep in mind that the Watch Tower Society under Russell was just a publishing house. They did NOT dictate to the various Ecclesias (Congregations) what they should and shouldn't do or believe. Each Congregations was independent of each other. They cooperated with the Society in its ministry. The Bible Students elected their own officers (elders, deacons, sec'y, treasurer, etc.) Some Bible Students published their own literature. After C.T. Russell died, Rutherford purged out his followers by changing just about every single belief that Russell held. You mentioned the Presence, but did you know that what Russell and the Bible Students believed is far different from what the Society teaches today. Bible Students and JW's may use the same terminology, but too often they mean different things.
that comparison chart is interesting and it makes me wonder how those differences came about and how that then led to the seperation.
Various Bible Students left for various reasons, just like JW's who leave. But in those days as I stated, congregations was independent of the Society, so they could agree or disagree. When Rutherford began changing things, it wasn't just individuals who left, but whole congregations separated from the Society and functioned independently. As early 12 1918 new Bible Student publishers were formed to continue the work separate from the Society. The Stand Fast Bible Students, the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement, the Pastoral Bible Institute, etc. not just within the USA, but across the world.
however it seems clear that Jehovah supported the WTO doctrines as evidenced by their ministry works for over a century
That's like saying Jehovah's supported the Catholic Church because they've been around for 2,000 years.

RR
 
R

RR144

Guest
I'm just researching the following
The organization, seeing that some participated less and less in the commemoration, identified the great crowd in 1935
But why did some not participate?
Where did that teaching come from?
I'm trying to trace that
I want to know the origin of that idea
If you know please add it to the box
In those early years, emphasis was put on ones consecration to the Lord and developing that Christ-like character. That was the most important thing. However, when Rutherford took over, he put emphasis in field service, selling his books. Every year he would published a new book and each book contradicted the previous one. The Society was able to gain control of those congregations that were willing to give up their freedom. So the Society became the Vatican and Rutherford their Pope. As the years went by it is estimated that 75% of the original Bible Students separated from the Society, this can be seen from the Yearbook statistics . New converts came in, many who knew nothing or very little about Russell. Congregations were meeting together trying to keep up with the new light Rutherford was providing. In time their spirituality dwindled. So by 1935 when the Society introduced that the Great Crowd was an earthly class and NOT a heavenly class as taught for 50 years. The majority were estatic because they didn't feel spiritual enough to be a part of the heavenly class, and of course they didn't, they spent all their time do non essentials, instead of studying the Scriptures, and building a Christ-like character.

RR
 

JTK

Well-known member
That's like saying Jehovah's supported the Catholic Church because they've been around for 2,000 years.

RR
well possibly but the difference could be that the WTO has encouraged individuals to read scripture rather than to pray by rote and ask forgiveness of sins from a clergy class and believe in unfathomable doctrines.
having been brought up as a catholic and then in my thirties discovering JWs biblical understanding of the bible was like being freed from a room with no windows that i thought was the only place that existed to being able to see the earth from space
but i do take your point that by itself length time of existance is no proof of the approval of Jehovah
 

Paz

Well-known member
I thought I would share the following

DOCTRINAL COMPARISON CHART
BIBLE STUDENTS

RANSOM:
Featured doctrine of the ransom for all, with the entire human race to receive the benefits. Salvation not limited to present life nor are unbelievers limited to faith in the ransom NOW to be resurrected.

RESTITUTION:
Doctrine of restitution of all things, the theme song of the Bible, the hope of the entire world. All will come forth in the resurrection in order to receive full knowledge and opportunity. All final judgment for world reserved for Millennial Judgment Day.

PURPOSE OF WITNESSING:
Activity in Lord's service based solely on love, not fear. Second death not highlighted. Purpose of spreading gospel is the calling out from the world of the members of the heavenly class, not a dividing work to result in life or death to the hearer.

REWARDS:
Two salvations - a heavenly for the faithful followers of Jesus who during the Gospel Age are persecuted for his sake; and an earthly for the remainder of mankind who do not come into harmony with God until the Millennial Age. Life in heaven is the only calling of the present. The Great multitude is in heavenly temple.

CHURCH ORGANIZATION:
Elders and deacons elected by the brethren of the individual Ecclesias to positions of service. The Lord's will expressed by his people. Individual responsibility to prove all doctrines and practices from the Bible.

KINGDOM RULE:
Kingdom rule not to be set up in the earth until the entire heavenly class is glorified. Will be manifest to all by resurrection of ancient worthies, who will assume control.

TIME FEATURES:
The Divine purpose has many prophetic time features. The Biblical accounts of chronology are precise and flawless. It is an accurate assist to the watchers that they might know. These clearly establish seven millennia that are related to the prophetic record.

PRESENCE:
Christ's second advent. One of the unique harvest features of present truth is the invisible presence of Christ. This relates to Jesus' own words as well as many prophecies. Those activities during the harvest or ending time are in his charge. Failure to discern this feature puts one in the position creating a kingdom now.



ISRAEL:
In God's program, the Jew is special. Whoever blesses Israel, God will bless. They are still His people. The Bible is filled with many Israeli promises. Bible truth points to holy Israel and Ancients as dispensers of Gods blessings to Gentiles.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

RANSOM:
Ransom restricted to exclude Adam and many others by introducing idea of various judgment periods in which many are judged now and will not come forth in the resurrection.

RESTITUTION:
Restitution minimized to such an extent that earth needs to be populated by Armageddon survivors. Of the many presently alive, only those who now serve Jehovah faithfully will come forth in the resurrection. Work of the future judgment day minimized.

PURPOSE OF WITNESSING:
Fear of second death stressed for those who do not strictly obey "the society" and fear of Armageddon for those who hear the message now and do not respond. Salvation gained only by being part of the New World society.

REWARDS:
Newly interested ones must suffer for righteousness' sake but are not eligible for the heavenly calling. Life on earth promised as reward for present faithfulness. "Other sheep" class now being gathered. From 1935 onward, the Great Company is a special class now being selected for the earth

CHURCH ORGANIZATION:
Servants appointed by headquarters in Brooklyn, accepted as from Jehovah. "Theocraic rule" introduced. Doctrines and practices taught by "the society" must be accepted without question from the Governing body

KINGDOM RULE:
"The society" regarded as Jehovah's organization, ruling with Kingdom authority now even though remnant of the heavenly class is still in the flesh.

TIME FEATURES:
The Society has had many failed expectations among which are 1925 and 1975. More recently the 70 years desolation has been questioned relative to 1914. There is little confidence in chronology anymore as there is no date.

PRESENCE:
Relative to the lack of definition of any form of chronology is a lack of confidence in the invisible return of Christ. They had once inaccurately believed the return of Christ to be 1914 prior to establishing his kingdom in the earth (Deliverance, 1925). It is an enigma for which they have no answers and leads to the nominal "coming again."

ISRAEL:
Jehovah's Witnesses having believed in fleshly Israel until 1931, have ever since wrongfully misappropriated to themselves, God's promises to His chosen people, fleshly Israel. To the contrary, St. Paul makes this crystal clear in Romans 11.
This is interesting, many bible students were international bible students but a numbers of separations occurred mainly in the 1920’s due to many not liking Rutherford’s different style of Presidency. Many rely on the writings of pastor Russell who was a kinder mannered President of wt. They still have congregations and assemblies but in much smaller number than JWs.
 

Paz

Well-known member
Hi All in my searches I come across an interesting web site that discusses the lost 10 tribes of Israel when they were dispersed in about 740bce by the Assyrian empire. http://factsaboutIsrael.uk
This provides an interesting timeline and reminds me of Jonah when Jehovah delivered him to his preaching assignment via the ‘big fish’ partially up the river leading to Nineveh. When he arrived to this evil people with his condemnatary message of destruction in 40 days. He rather enjoyed this message especially as the days came down to 7 days ‘repent or die’. To his shock and surprise the evil Assyrian king, the eventual destroyers of the 10 tribe kingdom. He repents and orders his citzens to put on sackcloth and beseech Jehovah for forgiveness of which he does. Jonah the most successful preacher in history saves a great city of over 120,000 people in just 40days. Compare that to our puny efforts to preach the good news. What lesson does it teach us? What about whole cities, or regions repenting on mass at Armageddon, this shows it’s possible. What do you think?
 

KingdomLeast

Well-known member
thanks for enlightening me RR144
i have heard that the bible students were a group who moved away from the CT Russell Group but i did not know what the differences were on their biblical standpoints, notably the bible students also believed in the invisible presence.
Not all the Bible Student groups believe in the presence. In fact how the Society interprets today the PRESENCE is NOT what Russell taught.

There are some groups who broke away in 1909, that eventually rejected the Presence for a Coming. These groups tend to have a growth from the ranks of former JW's.

One group, The DAWN, despite publishing a journal called The Dawn a Herald of Christ's Presence, also reject Russell's interpretation of the Presence.
that comparison chart is interesting and it makes me wonder how those differences came about and how that then led to the seperation.
however it seems clear that Jehovah supported the WTO doctrines as evidenced by their ministry works for over a century
Hmmm ... since the Bible Students and even those who influenced Russell (Advent Christians) are still active today, the same can be said of them. Or are you speaking of numbers? Remember, the Church is but a "Little Flock".
 

KingdomLeast

Well-known member
well possibly but the difference could be that the WTO has encouraged individuals to read scripture rather than to pray by rote and ask forgiveness of sins from a clergy class and believe in unfathomable doctrines.
Yes, to read the scriptures through the Society's "rose colored" publications. I can recall early on in my JW years preparing for the Sunday meeting, reading a scripture cited and not being able to interpret it as the Society did in the paragraph. But since I was conditioned to see it their way, that's what I did. Until the Lord enlightened me to the facts.

having been brought up as a catholic and then in my thirties discovering JWs biblical understanding of the bible was like being freed from a room with no windows that i thought was the only place that existed to being able to see the earth from space
but i do take your point that by itself length time of existance is no proof of the approval of Jehovah
So you were symbolically "freed from a room with no windows" to a literal building (Kingdom Hall) with no windows. LOL
 
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