Finished with "The Finished Mystery"

Well folks, having finished the studying of Russell's six volumes of Millennial Dawn (Studies in the Scriptures), I took on the daunting read of the 1917 book "The Finished Mystery." Actually I am only half done, as the first half covers Revelation, and the second half, Ezekiel. Here is my concise summation. The punchline of the Revelation section was worth the tortuous read. It was the first time the book made me laugh out loud. And again I laughed as I related it to my wife. Here we go:

The nature of this book calls into question the entire premise that Christ came for inspection during the years just leading up to 1919, and then approved the leaders of the Watchtower movement as "the faithful and discreet slave." This "appointment" premise is current "truth" as put forth by the organization.

What were these leaders "feeding" the "household of faith" during those few years after Russell's death? What would Jesus have seen if he was indeed inspecting? Well, there was the Watch Tower Magazine, and just one new book, the 1917 "The Finished Mystery." (And the previous 6 Volumes in print.)

What do we find in "The Finished Mystery"? Well, in my opinion, they managed to turn almost every verse in the Book of Revelation into unrecognizable gibberish.

We start out at Revelation 1:1 with the revelation that "his angel" is none other than C.T. Russell. (It goes downhill from here.)😖

Revelation 8:5 "and the angel took the censer" "the angel" = "THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY" and "the censer" = "The Seventh Volume of Studies in the Scriptures, Divinely provided."

Revelation 14:20 "the blood" "as high as the bridles of the horses" the depth of "1,600 stadia" was the distance from Scranton PA where the two writers of the Seventh Volume lived, to Brooklyn Bethel.

Revelation 18:1 "the earth was lighted up with his glory", This was all the new bright inventions of mankind, listed in alphabetical order: "adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminum, etc. etc."

Revelation 19:15 "the ANGER of Almighty God" (at Armageddon) "The Lord assumes an interest in, and responsibility for the complete series of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, the last one of which especially represents the winepress feature. (Rev. 14:18-20)"

Well, you get the idea. But the end of the discussion of the Book of Revelation, contains this ironic gem:

Revelation 22:18 "if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." = "His penalty will be, when he comes forth from the tomb in the Times of Restitution, that he will have to read the Seven Volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES, and get the matter straightened out in his own mind."

(And I thought Russell and company did not ascribe to eternal torment.)

 

[SusanB]

Hi Driven. It came up on one of the other threads that got locked. And is a sensitive topic on this forum. But I will say a few things.

1) I am still sorting it all out. I have to know what my last 40 years of association with the Watchtower movement has been. So, I am planning to read every major book. In order of history. I do believe that Jehovah and Jesus either directed, or allowed me to go in the JW direction, knowing it would not destroy my growth in relationship with them. But, that was only because my dedication actually preceded my Bible study with JW's by a few months. When I read the Gospels for the first time in my Catholic life, I heard Jesus' voice. And when I got baptized after 8 months of study with JW's, it was genuine to Jehovah in the name of Christ. I never dedicated my life to any man or organization. But, I did believe up till 2020 and the scamdemic and the genetic injections that it was "Jehovah's earthly organization."

2) This is the conundrum as I see it. The Watchtower movement is founded on a) Very solid basic teachings about the soul, death, God's purpose, the ransom, and denial of a Trinity. b) Entirely presumptuous and largely false prophetic interpretations. Bunk.

3) How do we reconcile that Jehovah, the God of truth, and Jesus who is "the truth," with tolerating such big lies? With making it his "earthly organization," when it was founded on so much untruth from the start? As I say, I'm still sorting it out.

4) But here are a few verses that have impacted me recently, in relation to my study of this early period so far: "He said: “Look out that you are not misled, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The due time is near.’ Do not go after them." (Luke 21:8) And Deuteronomy 18: "Then Jehovah said to me, ‘What they have said is good.18 I will raise up for them from the midst of their brothers a prophet like you, and I will put my words in his mouth, and he will speak to them all that I command him.19 Indeed, I will require an account from the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name.20 “‘If any prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name that I did not command him to speak or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die.21 However, you may say in your heart: “How will we know that Jehovah has not spoken the word?”22 When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word is not fulfilled or does not come true, then Jehovah did not speak that word. The prophet spoke it presumptuously. You should not fear him.’" And finally, God spoke from heaven confirming Moses words: "While he was still speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and look! a voice out of the cloud said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.”" (Matthew 17)

Again, I don't mean to offend anyone's understanding. I'm still honestly sorting this all out. I just have to hear the last 150 years from the horse's mouth, and compare it with the Bible. From the above, you may see where I am leaning. Jehovah can use and bless any individual and group he wishes to. But does that mean they can "self-appoint" themselves as God's own voice? As his "earthly organization" or "theocratic organization?" I'm truthfully not so sure about that. But, I have never been one to just knee-jerk throw the baby out with the dirty bathwater......but what does God's word say......again, I'm more thinking out loud, than debating anything. I'm open to anything that I might be missing that sheds more light on the matter. That's why this forum can be a good place much of the time.........

Thank you. Great explanation. I can see you are a truth seeker. I wish you much success.

 

[The God Pill]

I have always enjoyed reading the old stuff. In many ways, the older pubs are more spiritually rich than what is served up now. I think, as far as spiritual depth the WT sort of topped out in the 60s.

Agreed the publications in the second half of the 20th century were pretty solid. Certainly far better than the "pure worship" book.

 

[Joe MacTeeg]

I have always enjoyed reading the old stuff. In many ways, the older pubs are more spiritually rich than what is served up now. I think, as far as spiritual depth the WT sort of topped out in the 60s.

That is an excellent point. Russell's extensive writings on the ransom had a depth to it that deepened my appreciation. I was baptized in 1982, conducted the Watchtower Study for almost a decade, during the 1990's till early 2000's. I've read every issue of the magazines since 1982 as well. I see a steady dumbing-down during all these years. I used to justify it as that the organization was trying to publish material that was easily translated, and that also could be understood by all education levels. But the result is now that most JW's cannot use their Bible like most could years ago, and cannot engage in spiritual discussions of any real depth.

 

[The God Pill]

That is an excellent point. Russell's extensive writings on the ransom had a depth to it that deepened my appreciation. I was baptized in 1982, conducted the Watchtower Study for almost a decade, during the 1990's till early 2000's. I've read every issue of the magazines since 1982 as well. I see a steady dumbing-down during all these years. I used to justify it as that the organization was trying to publish material that was easily translated, and that also could be understood by all education levels. But the result is now that most JW's cannot use their Bible like most could years ago, and cannot engage in spiritual discussions of any real depth.

It's true there's been significant atrophy for decades that only accelerated as time passes that's one thing that irritates me a bit when we receive criticism from people in the world based on current year org, publications and ministers; because the rank and file of even fifteen years ago were a large army of competent preachers that knew there Bible like no other people on earth.

 

[Cristo]

Hi Driven. It came up on one of the other threads that got locked. And is a sensitive topic on this forum. But I will say a few things.

1) I am still sorting it all out. I have to know what my last 40 years of association with the Watchtower movement has been. So, I am planning to read every major book. In order of history. I do believe that Jehovah and Jesus either directed, or allowed me to go in the JW direction, knowing it would not destroy my growth in relationship with them. But, that was only because my dedication actually preceded my Bible study with JW's by a few months. When I read the Gospels for the first time in my Catholic life, I heard Jesus' voice. And when I got baptized after 8 months of study with JW's, it was genuine to Jehovah in the name of Christ. I never dedicated my life to any man or organization. But, I did believe up till 2020 and the scamdemic and the genetic injections that it was "Jehovah's earthly organization."

2) This is the conundrum as I see it. The Watchtower movement is founded on a) Very solid basic teachings about the soul, death, God's purpose, the ransom, and denial of a Trinity. b) Entirely presumptuous and largely false prophetic interpretations. Bunk.

3) How do we reconcile that Jehovah, the God of truth, and Jesus who is "the truth," with tolerating such big lies? With making it his "earthly organization," when it was founded on so much untruth from the start? As I say, I'm still sorting it out.

4) But here are a few verses that have impacted me recently, in relation to my study of this early period so far: "He said: “Look out that you are not misled, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The due time is near.’ Do not go after them." (Luke 21:8) And Deuteronomy 18: "Then Jehovah said to me, ‘What they have said is good.18 I will raise up for them from the midst of their brothers a prophet like you, and I will put my words in his mouth, and he will speak to them all that I command him.19 Indeed, I will require an account from the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name.20 “‘If any prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name that I did not command him to speak or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die.21 However, you may say in your heart: “How will we know that Jehovah has not spoken the word?”22 When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word is not fulfilled or does not come true, then Jehovah did not speak that word. The prophet spoke it presumptuously. You should not fear him.’" And finally, God spoke from heaven confirming Moses words: "While he was still speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and look! a voice out of the cloud said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.”" (Matthew 17)

Again, I don't mean to offend anyone's understanding. I'm still honestly sorting this all out. I just have to hear the last 150 years from the horse's mouth, and compare it with the Bible. From the above, you may see where I am leaning. Jehovah can use and bless any individual and group he wishes to. But does that mean they can "self-appoint" themselves as God's own voice? As his "earthly organization" or "theocratic organization?" I'm truthfully not so sure about that. But, I have never been one to just knee-jerk throw the baby out with the dirty bathwater......but what does God's word say......again, I'm more thinking out loud, than debating anything. I'm open to anything that I might be missing that sheds more light on the matter. That's why this forum can be a good place much of the time.........

Hi Joe, thanks for breaking it down like that. You drip sincerity and it is pleasant to read your thoughts like that. If somebody is offended by that they need to work on few things themselves before taking offense at your post.

This is how I feel about it. Not sure if will help you reconcile anything but never know I guess.

Jehovah is building a temple, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. Temples need foundations, and the truth from the scriptures establish the foundation on which this temple is built. As you said yourself, there were many truths that came though the WT, and these truths are being used to build that temple. I’m sure you know this temple is not a physical temple but a spiritual one, yet because 144,000 chosen ones will be part of that temple, with just a remnant in the end times, they must first have a foundation to stand on. Jehovah no doubt used the WT to give them that foundation through the teachings that we all know as truth such as the trinity, immortal soul, hellfire, sacred secret, the kingdom of God, etc, etc. Also, consider the witness work that has been accomplished throughout the world teaching of Jehovahs name, and his son Jesus Christ to millions and millions of people throughout the world. I don’t know if it was ‘Gods Organization’ to be honest as you suggest ’self appointed’, but it was obviously the channel he approved of to teach us all those truths, and was most certainly the tool he used to lay the foundation on which the chosen ones of God will build upon, when they are anointed with Holy Spirit. Jesus is the truth, and established that truth in which the chosen ones would hear and identify with when they heard it. Therefore Jehovah needed a tool that could accomplish a large amount of witnessing so that the chosen ones could hear that truth and respond. That was the WT. Gods tool to lay the foundation, and to help find the chosen ones that would ultimately respond to that truth.


The lies are merely a symptom of the wicked men who infiltrate into the ranks, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that are used by Satan to try and prevent those truths from being established or founded as truth, and to prevent the chosen ones from hearing the message of God. I’m sure Sata knew it was impossible to prevent, but he knows he is going to die, so anything to prolong his life he will do just to live one more day.

Anyways, thanks for your thoughts, appreciate them.

 

[Joe MacTeeg]

Hi Joe, thanks for breaking it down like that. You drip sincerity and it is pleasant to read your thoughts like that. If somebody is offended by that they need to work on few things themselves before taking offense at your post.

This is how I feel about it. Not sure if will help you reconcile anything but never know I guess.

Jehovah is building a temple, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. Temples need foundations, and the truth from the scriptures establish the foundation on which this temple is built. As you said yourself, there were many truths that came though the WT, and these truths are being used to build that temple. I’m sure you know this temple is not a physical temple but a spiritual one, yet because 144,000 chosen ones will be part of that temple, with just a remnant in the end times, they must first have a foundation to stand on. Jehovah no doubt used the WT to give them that foundation through the teachings that we all know as truth such as the trinity, immortal soul, hellfire, sacred secret, the kingdom of God, etc, etc. Also, consider the witness work that has been accomplished throughout the world teaching of Jehovahs name, and his son Jesus Christ to millions and millions of people throughout the world. I don’t know if it was ‘Gods Organization’ to be honest as you suggest ’self appointed’, but it was obviously the channel he approved of to teach us all those truths, and was most certainly the tool he used to lay the foundation on which the chosen ones of God will build upon, when they are anointed with Holy Spirit. Jesus is the truth, and established that truth in which the chosen ones would hear and identify with when they heard it. Therefore Jehovah needed a tool that could accomplish a large amount of witnessing so that the chosen ones could hear that truth and respond. That was the WT. Gods tool to lay the foundation, and to help find the chosen ones that would ultimately respond to that truth.


The lies are merely a symptom of the wicked men who infiltrate into the ranks, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that are used by Satan to try and prevent those truths from being established or founded as truth, and to prevent the chosen ones from hearing the message of God. I’m sure Sata knew it was impossible to prevent, but he knows he is going to die, so anything to prolong his life he will do just to live one more day.

Anyways, thanks for your thoughts, appreciate them.

Thanks Cristo, for taking the time to share those thoughts. I'll add them to my data as I continue to 'work out my salvation.'

The current situation is so sad now. This morning I watched the newly posted morning worship on 'buying truth and not selling it', delivered by Harold Corkern. I knew Harold when I was at Brooklyn Bethel in the 1980's. He gave the wedding talk for my roommate. I always really liked this sincere man. It is interesting that in the last third of the talk, or so, he discusses how the teachers had put the oral law ahead of God's Word and ahead of individual conscience toward God. (As today, they put quotes from the publications, and the GB ahead of God's Word.)

Is Harold one of those who may see that the GB did this with the mandating of genetic injections for Bethelites, and pushing them on the worldwide brotherhood? Or, is it wishful thinking on my part. He could just be blinded and equating "the truth" with obedience to the GB. That is the big mind-trick that Satan has played since day 1 with the Watchtower movement. Equating the leadership with Jehovah. The very mouth of God.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[יהוה_saves]

I read Rutherford's 1921 first edition: "The Harp of God - Millions Now Living Will Never Die." I read this a few months back before I started on Russell's Millennial Dawn Volumes. The reason I did was because David Splane recently referenced it as evidence of the "food" being provided "at the proper time." It was the first "study" book after the Dawn series by Russell. Of note, the first edition had the title as above, the later editions dropped the "Millions....." part. "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" was also a separate title, a briefer book he wrote in 1920. (And the title of discourses he gave.)

Actually, apart from some bizarre references to Nahum foretelling the automobile, I think, and Joel the steam locomotive, as well as the Job Leviathan thing.....the book was actually a pretty solid book on basic Bible doctrine in contrast with traditional basic teachings of Christendom. I actually like the book. While "The Finished Mystery" is a difficult and absurd read in many ways.

soldier on @Joe MacTeeg !!! 💚

 

[יהוה_saves]

the book was actually a pretty solid book on basic Bible doctrine in contrast with traditional basic teachings of Christendom.

all anyone had to do was simply sit down and read the bible. it’s all there.

Rutherford was credited with the understanding that the great crowd had the hope of living forever on earth (and more). yes these are solid biblical teachings.

 

[Joe MacTeeg]

all anyone had to do was simply sit down and read the bible. it’s all there.

Rutherford was credited with the understanding that the great crowd had the hope of living forever on earth (and more). yes these are solid biblical teachings.

It's also interesting that actually it was not Russell that "restored" the basic Bible truths about the soul, hellfire, the Millennium, etc. It was actually men associated with the Adventist movement, such as Miller, Storrs, etc. This was a direct result of the Reformation and the Bible becomming widely available. Russell read their writings and found them compelling. At the same time, he ended up swallowing their "gentile times", the invisible presence, etc.

That is why the original Watch Tower magazine had the expression "and Herald of Christ's Presence" on the cover. (presence starting in 1874) Later the expression was changed to "Announcing Jehovah's (established) Kingdom." (established in 1914)

The absolute core teaching of the Watchtower movement has been 'the now established presence of Christ and his Kingdom.' This is the lie they cannot abandon. That is why now in 2022 they still cling to it. To abandon it is to admit the movement has been teaching a huge lie for about 150 years now. Sobering.

And now, when Satan is actually making his final move in establishing a NWO beast system, the organization supports the beast, claiming it is Romans 13..........

 

[יהוה_saves]

It's also interesting that actually it was not Russell that "restored" the basic Bible truths about the soul, hellfire, the Millennium, etc. It was actually men associated with the Adventist movement, such as Miller, Storrs, etc. This was a direct result of the Reformation and the Bible becomming widely available. Russell read their writings and found them compelling. At the same time, he ended up swallowing their "gentile times", the invisible presence, etc.

That is why the original Watch Tower magazine had the expression "and Herald of Christ's Presence" on the cover. (presence starting in 1874) Later the expression was changed to "Announcing Jehovah's (established) Kingdom." (established in 1914)

The absolute core teaching of the Watchtower movement has been 'the now established presence of Christ and his Kingdom.' This is the lie they cannot abandon. That is why now in 2022 they still cling to it. To abandon it is to admit the movement has been teaching a huge lie for about 150 years now. Sobering.

And now, when Satan is actually making his final move in establishing a NWO beast system, the organization supports the beast, claiming it is Romans 13..........

you make a very important point about Miller and the other pre-Watchtower, Adventist movements. I had forgotten about Miller (the Big Disappointment) but he had many bible doctrines correct.

At what point do these men go haywire? Their doctrines are sound but their understanding of prophecy is completely off the mark. Until now wrt @Watchman.

Did you happen to notice in the back of the silver sword, on page B2 it says regarding Christ’s second coming (parousia) “about 1914”. the term “about” connotes, at least in my impression, that they’re beginning to equivocate about 1914. What are your thoughts on that?

 

[SusanB]

It's also interesting that actually it was not Russell that "restored" the basic Bible truths about the soul, hellfire, the Millennium, etc. It was actually men associated with the Adventist movement, such as Miller, Storrs, etc. This was a direct result of the Reformation and the Bible becomming widely available. Russell read their writings and found them compelling. At the same time, he ended up swallowing their "gentile times", the invisible presence, etc.

That is why the original Watch Tower magazine had the expression "and Herald of Christ's Presence" on the cover. (presence starting in 1874) Later the expression was changed to "Announcing Jehovah's (established) Kingdom." (established in 1914)

The absolute core teaching of the Watchtower movement has been 'the now established presence of Christ and his Kingdom.' This is the lie they cannot abandon. That is why now in 2022 they still cling to it. To abandon it is to admit the movement has been teaching a huge lie for about 150 years now. Sobering.

And now, when Satan is actually making his final move in establishing a NWO beast system, the organization supports the beast, claiming it is Romans 13..........

As Brother Robert King says, Jehovah has allowed the error because it will reveal who is following commands of men and who will take a stand for Jehovah and his Son based on what the bible actually says as well as the example of Jesus and the parallel circumstances.

 

[יהוה_saves]

As Brother Robert King says, Jehovah has allowed the error because it will reveal who is following commands of men and who will take a stand for Jehovah and his Son based on what the bible actually says as well as the example of Jesus and the parallel circumstances.

i recognized the commands of men had infiltrated Watchtower when the Gov Body went off the rails toward the U.N. /WHO/CDC/Fauci Ouchy/💉💉+💉=☠️ Covid protocol objective.

I just couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t do it. That was game over for me after 27 years. Looking back, there were plenty red flags- hindsight is 20/20.

 

[SusanB]

i recognized the commands of men had infiltrated Watchtower when the Gov Body went off the rails toward the U.N. /WHO/CDC/Fauci Ouchy/💉💉+💉=☠️ Covid protocol objective.

I just couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t do it. That was game over for me after 27 years. Looking back, there were plenty red flags- hindsight is 20/20.

I agree and I think your timing was right. There are some on this forum who saw the lies a long time ago, like Brother Robert King.

 

[יהוה_saves]

I agree and I think your timing was right. There are some on this forum who saw the lies a long time ago, like Brother Robert King.

i kept trying to pinpoint on a timeline when the Gov Body left the reservation. I want to say just prior to the 1975 fiasco or perhaps when it aligned Watchtower with the U.N. “KEPT”, mind you. i had to give it up, it’s just not important anymore. My cult recovery therapist always reminds me to stay in the present. (and future but no future-tripping) .

 

[SusanB]

i kept trying to pinpoint on a timeline when the Gov Body left the reservation. I want to say just prior to the 1975 fiasco or perhaps when it aligned Watchtower with the U.N. “KEPT”, mind you. i had to give it up, it’s just not important anymore. My cult recovery therapist always reminds me to stay in the present. (and future but no future-tripping) .

I know. Me too on the when it happened aspect. It does appear it was before I started studying in 1989. Honestly, if I had known, I would have run far, far away and probably still known nothing of Jehovah. Because I was very anti-religious hypocrisy and very wary of so-called religious types. I really fell for everything presented to me, like 1914, hook, line and sinker! But at least now, I have a working knowledge of the bible and it is true that now, no one can trick me because I know how to find the info in the bible. So, I guess we just fulfill our dedication the best way we can for now and show full faith in Jehovah and his Son.

 

[יהוה_saves]

I really fell for everything presented to me, like 1914, hook, line and sinker!

me too. I fell for it and i loved it. I treasured it. We all did.

When the change (new light) in the generation teaching came in 1995, i dismissed this new light, and held onto the original teaching i learned from the Live Forever Book, until it became impractical. I recall checking the partaker numbers with every release of the year book, anticipating a decline in partakers, and i remember the first time i saw an increase and how devastating it felt.

Because i was taught that the anointed would all be in heaven by the time Armageddon arrived.

The increase became so substantial that it required the Gov Body to address it and address it the Gov Body did: these new partakers were not to be believed- they had, perhaps undiagnosed, mental and/or emotional probelms. When does it just become a bridge too far?

Sigh.

 

[jay]

Well folks, having finished the studying of Russell's six volumes of Millennial Dawn (Studies in the Scriptures), I took on the daunting read of the 1917 book "The Finished Mystery." Actually I am only half done, as the first half covers Revelation, and the second half, Ezekiel. Here is my concise summation. The punchline of the Revelation section was worth the tortuous read. It was the first time the book made me laugh out loud. And again I laughed as I related it to my wife. Here we go:

The nature of this book calls into question the entire premise that Christ came for inspection during the years just leading up to 1919, and then approved the leaders of the Watchtower movement as "the faithful and discreet slave." This "appointment" premise is current "truth" as put forth by the organization.

What were these leaders "feeding" the "household of faith" during those few years after Russell's death? What would Jesus have seen if he was indeed inspecting? Well, there was the Watch Tower Magazine, and just one new book, the 1917 "The Finished Mystery." (And the previous 6 Volumes in print.)

What do we find in "The Finished Mystery"? Well, in my opinion, they managed to turn almost every verse in the Book of Revelation into unrecognizable gibberish.

We start out at Revelation 1:1 with the revelation that "his angel" is none other than C.T. Russell. (It goes downhill from here.)😖

Revelation 8:5 "and the angel took the censer" "the angel" = "THE WATCHTOWER SOCIETY" and "the censer" = "The Seventh Volume of Studies in the Scriptures, Divinely provided."

Revelation 14:20 "the blood" "as high as the bridles of the horses" the depth of "1,600 stadia" was the distance from Scranton PA where the two writers of the Seventh Volume lived, to Brooklyn Bethel.

Revelation 18:1 "the earth was lighted up with his glory", This was all the new bright inventions of mankind, listed in alphabetical order: "adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminum, etc. etc."

Revelation 19:15 "the ANGER of Almighty God" (at Armageddon) "The Lord assumes an interest in, and responsibility for the complete series of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, the last one of which especially represents the winepress feature. (Rev. 14:18-20)"

Well, you get the idea. But the end of the discussion of the Book of Revelation, contains this ironic gem:

Revelation 22:18 "if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." = "His penalty will be, when he comes forth from the tomb in the Times of Restitution, that he will have to read the Seven Volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES, and get the matter straightened out in his own mind."

(And I thought Russell and company did not ascribe to eternal torment.)

And then you will receive your very own pinky ring.

 

[SusanB]

And then you will receive your very own pinky ring.

Good one!

 

[יהוה_saves]

And then you will receive your very own pinky ring.

gawd. I know right. ugh. ):

 

[TravellinRox]

It's also interesting that actually it was not Russell that "restored" the basic Bible truths about the soul, hellfire, the Millennium, etc. It was actually men associated with the Adventist movement, such as Miller, Storrs, etc. This was a direct result of the Reformation and the Bible becomming widely available. Russell read their writings and found them compelling. At the same time, he ended up swallowing their "gentile times", the invisible presence, etc.

That is why the original Watch Tower magazine had the expression "and Herald of Christ's Presence" on the cover. (presence starting in 1874) Later the expression was changed to "Announcing Jehovah's (established) Kingdom." (established in 1914)

The absolute core teaching of the Watchtower movement has been 'the now established presence of Christ and his Kingdom.' This is the lie they cannot abandon. That is why now in 2022 they still cling to it. To abandon it is to admit the movement has been teaching a huge lie for about 150 years now. Sobering.

And now, when Satan is actually making his final move in establishing a NWO beast system, the organization supports the beast, claiming it is Romans 13..........

Not long after the GB had announced Rom 13 as the basis for submitting to the UN’s lead, I came across an article that was discussing how it was possible that so very little resistance from the people was raised in WWll to Hitler. The writer said that the church leaders had been instructed to use that exact passage in Rom 13 to persuade their parishioners to support Hitler. I was shocked!! Here, our GB, was taking a page right out of history to accomplish something very similar😱

We all know how the situation in WWll worked out! At this point, it seems to me, that that was just a small scale experiment …now it’s time to go big!😓