Sunday, May 24th - You will leave behind a name that my chosen ones will use as a curse

[Watchman]

Put on the new personality.—Eph. 4:24.

Isaiah chapter 65 contains Jehovah’s description of what it would be like for those who would dwell in the spiritual paradise. The initial fulfillment of this prophecy was back in 537 B.C.E. At that time, repentant Jews were released from captivity in Babylon and they returned to their homeland. Jehovah blessed his people and helped them to make the devastated city of Jerusalem beautiful again and to restore its temple as the center of true worship in Israel. (Isa. 51:11; Zech. 8:3) A second fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy began in 1919 C.E. when Jehovah’s modern-day worshippers were set free from captivity to Babylon the Great. Then the spiritual paradise started to take shape throughout the earth. Zealous Kingdom proclaimers formed many congregations and produced spiritual fruitage. Men and women who once exhibited violent, animalistic tendencies “put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will.” w24.04 20-21 ¶3-4

The Bible Students were not released from spiritual captivity in 1919. C.T. Russell had already vigorously promoted the basic truth that would distinguish the International Bible Students movement from the mainline churches. It was only years after 1919 that Fred Franz began contriving the myth that true Christians had been released from Babylon in 1919. More recently, less intelligent would-be Bible-explainers ditched Franz's more believable explanation that the Bible Students went into captivity during WW1 and claimed that Christians went into exile in spiritual Babylon when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the pagan Roman Empire. It is beyond their comprehension that exile in Babylon awaits them. That will be in the aftermath of the collapse of the Anglo-American system, when the scarlet-colored beast arises from the abyss, from a death-like state, with the harlot of Babylon mounted upon it.

As for spiritual paradise, Jehovah's Witnesses have no understanding of what it means. Spiritual paradise is the complete and absolute absence of wicked people. That means no liars, no fornicators, no pedophiles, no hypocrites, no pretenders, no vaccine peddlers, no PIMO's. Such a condition does not exist and never has, except in the Watchtower's mythological theocracy. For such a blessed paradise to exist will require the intervention of Christ's angels. Jesus explained how it will come about: "Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."

Now consider the 65th chapter of Isaiah cited in the daily text. "Look! My servants will shout joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, but you will cry out because of the pain of heart and you will wail because of a broken spirit." (vs 14) In both the illustration of the wheat and weeds and the judgment of the slave who had been appointed to feed the master's domestics with food at the proper time, but who will prove to be a wicked hypocrite, Jesus said they would weep and gnash their teeth. Why? Because of the realization that they have been adversely judged by Christ, abandoned, and locked out of the spiritual paradise that will come into existence when Christ reveals himself to the chosen.

Next, "You will leave behind a name that my chosen ones will use as a curse, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will put each of you to death, but his own servants he will call by another name; so that anyone who seeks a blessing for himself in the earth will be blessed by the God of truth..." (Vs 15,16a)

There's that phrase: "my chosen ones." The chosen ones do not exist presently. They will be chosen when Christ comes like a thief in the night, when some will be taken along, and others abandoned. Those who will be abandoned will ultimately be put to death. And not just Adamic death. They will be sentenced to the second death, permanent death. The name that will be left behind is the Watchtower and all that has been attached to it, including the fraud of a spiritual paradise having come into existence in 1919. Those who will worship the God of truth will then have abandoned the Watchtower's Satan-inspired operation of error. It will become a curse. Those who will then be called by another name will be the chosen ones who will shine as brightly as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. And no, contrary to the lie promulgated by the soon-to-be-cursed Watchtower, their shining in their Father's Kingdom will not take place in heaven. They will shine as brightly as the sun as a result of experiencing the manifestation of Christ. And those who will seek a blessing for themselves in the earth will have to recognize the sons of God when they are revealed.

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses in spiritual paradise?

Tuesday, February 7I will glorify the place for my feet.—Isa. 60:13.The expression “spiritual paradise” has become a part of our theocratic vocabulary. It describes our unique, spiritually rich environment, or condition, which allows us to enjoy peace with God and

e-watchman.com

The spiritual paradise to come

Sunday, November 12The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool.—Isa. 66:1.Besides referring to the earth, the term “footstool” is also employed figuratively in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the ancient temple used by the Israelites. Located on the

e-watchman.com

Animalistic men in spiritual paradise?

This post is part two of a review of the Watchtower’s article on spiritual paradise. (Click here for part one) Spiritual paradise once really existed, at least for a short while. It existed in the literal paradise

e-watchman.com

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

They will be sentenced to the second death, permanent death. The name that will be left behind is the Watchtower and all that has been attached to it, including the fraud of a spiritual paradise having come into existence in 1919.

Thoughts from 3rd articles above on what spiritual paradise is/is not:**

*Point #1: "Since these animalistic men devoid of spirituality are appointed elders." "And they feast together with unsuspecting Christians, lurking like rocks below the water. Of these, Jude wrote: “These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality."

So, when an individual is disfellowshipped/removed for asking questions and speaking Bible truths.......who are the real apostates? Jehovah Knows.
We were disfellowshipped on the grounds of "causing divisions and promoting a sect"; however, in actuality, all we did was speak truth and, solidly supported it from the scriptures. But, it didn't matter. The judicial committee, appeal committee as well as the Branch, each of them, demonstrated that their "ears were closed".

(Jeremiah 6:10) . . .To whom should I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Look! Their ears are closed, so that they are unable to pay attention. Look! The word of Jehovah has become something they scorn; They find no pleasure in it.


*Point #2: "In the spiritually blessed condition under the reign of Christ there will be no one causing harm or ruin to others. That certainly doesn’t apply to Jehovah’s Witnesses, does it? After all, disfellowshipping someone after they harm another does not undo the harm they have done, does it?"

We had never given this scripture the attention it deserved. The G.B. has convinced most JW's that a spiritual paradise exists within the bounds of the organization. We believed it for decades and that reveals how little personal though we, as well as many other JW's, give to the integrity of our beliefs.

Disfellowshipping someone after they "harm another" isn't a paradise.
And, somehow, I don't believe that a young victim of repeated sexual assaults throughout their childhood would agree that they were living in a spiritual paradise.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Thoughts from 3rd articles above on what spiritual paradise is/is not:**

*** "Since these animalistic men devoid of spirituality are appointed elders." "And they feast together with unsuspecting Christians, lurking like rocks below the water. Of these, Jude wrote: “These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality."

So, when an individual is disfellowshipped/removed for asking questions and speaking Bible truths.......who are the real apostates? Jehovah Knows.
We were disfellowshipped on the grounds of "causing divisions and promoting a sect"; however, in actuality all we did was speak truth and supported it from the scriptures.
However, regarding the judicial committee, appeal committee as well as the Branch all demonstrated that their ears were closed.

(Jeremiah 6:10) . . .To whom should I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Look! Their ears are closed, so that they are unable to pay attention. Look! The word of Jehovah has become something they scorn; They find no pleasure in it.


*** "In the spiritually blessed condition under the reign of Christ there will be no one causing harm or ruin to others. That certainly doesn’t apply to Jehovah’s Witnesses, does it? After all, disfellowshipping someone after they harm another does not undo the harm they have done, does it?"

We had never given this scripture the attention it deserved. The G.B. has convinced most JW's that a spiritual paradise exists within the bounds of the organization. We believed it for decades and that reveals how little personal though most JW's give to their beliefs.

Disfellowshipping someone after they "harm another" isn't a paradise.
And, somehow, I don't believe that a young victim of repeated sexual assaults throughout their childhood would agree that they were living in a spiritual paradise.

“Causing divisions” is a good thing when distinguishing what is true and what is not! It’s not really possible to divide people on issues of truth but watchtower applies this to its own teachings with the assumption that it’s true because they have assumed they are “Jehovah’s channel”.

Watchtower’s claim of a spiritual paradise is defeated on so many counts that it’s difficult to innumerate them all. Obtaining justice for those harmed is certainly not on their list of priorities. Being a Jehovah’s Witness was certainly life changing for me and my family and paradise it certainly was not. Neither was it ever fulfilling.

The claim of a spiritual paradise is simply untrue, not to mention unrealistic. How could such a claim ever be fulfilled prior to the kingdom by imperfect men? Only through ignorance I suppose. Certainly not through a bunch of miscreants in fine suits and pinky rings.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

t’s true because they have assumed they are “Jehovah’s channel”.

Barnaby, they are 'Jehovah's Channel", they are the 'Faithful & Discreet Slave' as @Nomex says,........"Just ask them"!!!
(We plagiarized but Nomex isn't here to do anything about it. And, it such a great and appropriate response.)

You're right, Barnaby, no doubt, some of it may be out of ignorance but, as you know, it's unlikely all of it is.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Barnaby, they are 'Jehovah's Channel", they are the 'Faithful & Discreet Slave' as @Nomex says,........"Just ask them"!!!
(We plagiarized but Nomex isn't here to do anything about it. And, it such a great and appropriate response.)

You're right, Barnaby, no doubt, some of it may be out of ignorance but, as you know, it's unlikely all of it is.

I stand corrected!

 

[PJ54]

Disfellowshipping someone after they "harm another" isn't a paradise.

How could such a claim ever be fulfilled prior to the kingdom by imperfect men?

The whole point of disfellowshipping/excommunicating/revocation is because the congregation isn't a paradise. The apostles understood this and were the ones who had that implemented. The intruders they had to deal with was evidence of that, and even told their own students to be ready to stand up to such ones for the safety of the flock. When you think about it, spiritual paradise only existed in physical paradise (i.e. Eden). We never had truly experienced true paradise when you think about it. Therefore IMHO, it would have to be something beyond our expectations & understanding since it really is alien to humanity.

P.S. I just wanted to add that when it does come, no doubt the very fabric of reality will be changed to its original format/spec/code/etc. I genuinely believe that existence itself is a hollow husk of what it's supposed to be.

 

[MickHewitt]

"You will leave behind a name that my chosen ones will use as a curse,

The coming chosen ones will rightfully use W/T's name as a curse: That prophesy points to the imminent future; But here is a scripture prophetic to our moment in time that describes trying to persuade our spell bound siblings to accept the truth in the 'Jehovah has become King' book:

"Look at it you scorners, be amazed and perish for I am doing a work in your days a work that you will never believe even if anyone relates it to you in detail" Acts 13:41

 

[Watchman]

So, when an individual is disfellowshipped/removed for asking questions and speaking Bible truths.......who are the real apostates? Jehovah Knows.
We were disfellowshipped on the grounds of "causing divisions and promoting a sect"; however, in actuality, all we did was speak truth and, solidly supported it from the scriptures. But, it didn't matter. The judicial committee, appeal committee as well as the Branch, each of them, demonstrated that their "ears were closed".

It has to be that way. If the elders had agreed with you and supported you, they would have been condemned for causing divisions. It is interesting, ultimately, you know who creates divisions? None other than Jesus Christ: "Do you think I came to give peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." Luke 12:51

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

"Do you think I came to give peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division."

Thanks, great scripture for all of us "alleged" apostates.
As you may remember, we used that very scripture in reasoning with the committee's we faced but, not surprisingly, it didn't make a bit of difference to them. Totally unable or unwilling to use their "power of reason".

"Except from our letter to C.O. and appeal committee:
"Isn’t it ironic that we are being charged with causing divisions when, in actuality, the governing body should be the ones facing that very charge - not us. They headed down that slippery slope years ago with their secret alliance with the United Nations as an NGO. It has now culminated, in possibly, the most divisive maneuver in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses – involving themselves in medical direction by advocating the dangerous mRNA (covid) vaccine.

Really, it is difficult to understand their actions, isn’t it, because the daily text for Monday, May 13, 2024 said “We can likewise build others up and maintain peace if we refrain from making issues over matters of personal preference.” w22.08 22 ¶7

Too bad they didn’t follow their own admonition!

Jesus stated “…Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division. . .” Matthew 10:34, 35.

So, was that a sin for Jesus? If not, why not? Because Jesus was speaking truth. Ironically, Jesus’ standing up for truth is what caused the division. Truth divides those who love truth from those who cling to un-truth. Therefore, if speaking truth causes division, is it a sin? We don’t think so and, apparently, Jesus didn’t think so either!"
(End of quote from letter to elders.)

Paradoxically, in some cases, the ones judging other as apostates will turn out to be the "bona-fide" apostates.

 

[Melinda Riling]

Thanks, great scripture for all of us "alleged" apostates.
As you probably remember, we used that very scripture in reasoning with the committee's we faced and, what a surprise, it didn't make a bit of difference to them. Totally unable or unwilling to use their "power of reason".

"Except from our letter to C.O. and appeal committee:
"Isn’t it ironic that we are being charged with causing divisions when, in actuality, the governing body should be the ones facing that very charge - not us. They headed down that slippery slope years ago with their secret alliance with the United Nations as an NGO. It has now culminated, in possibly, the most divisive maneuver in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses – involving themselves in medical direction by advocating the dangerous mRNA (covid) vaccine.

Really, it is difficult to understand their actions, isn’t it, because the daily text for Monday, May 13, 2024 said “We can likewise build others up and maintain peace if we refrain from making issues over matters of personal preference.” w22.08 22 ¶7

Too bad they didn’t follow their own admonition!

Jesus stated “…Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division. . .” Matthew 10:34, 35.

So, was that a sin for Jesus? If not, why not? Because Jesus was speaking truth. Ironically, Jesus’ standing up for truth is what caused the division. Truth divides those who love truth from those who cling to un-truth. Therefore, if speaking truth causes division, is it a sin? We don’t think so and, apparently, Jesus didn’t think so either!"
(End of quote from letter to elders.)

Paradoxically, in many cases the ones judging other as apostates will turn out to be the "bona-fide" apostates.

Watchtower has taken away the gift of free will that Jehovah gave to humans. Free will is a wonderful gift. Jehovah did not want robots who were programmed to worship him. We worship Jehovah out of love based on knowledge with our power of reasoning. The answers the elders give for their decision sounds robotic. Their answers are not their own and are not from their power of reasoning but are from WT programming. In reality WT dis guards truth for obedience and unity without questions. Just like what society will be like under the 8th King.

 

[Watchman]

Thanks, great scripture for all of us "alleged" apostates.
As you may remember, we used that very scripture in reasoning with the committee's we faced but, not surprisingly, it didn't make a bit of difference to them. Totally unable or unwilling to use their "power of reason".

"Except from our letter to C.O. and appeal committee:
"Isn’t it ironic that we are being charged with causing divisions when, in actuality, the governing body should be the ones facing that very charge - not us. They headed down that slippery slope years ago with their secret alliance with the United Nations as an NGO. It has now culminated, in possibly, the most divisive maneuver in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses – involving themselves in medical direction by advocating the dangerous mRNA (covid) vaccine.

Really, it is difficult to understand their actions, isn’t it, because the daily text for Monday, May 13, 2024 said “We can likewise build others up and maintain peace if we refrain from making issues over matters of personal preference.” w22.08 22 ¶7

Too bad they didn’t follow their own admonition!

Jesus stated “…Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division. . .” Matthew 10:34, 35.

So, was that a sin for Jesus? If not, why not? Because Jesus was speaking truth. Ironically, Jesus’ standing up for truth is what caused the division. Truth divides those who love truth from those who cling to un-truth. Therefore, if speaking truth causes division, is it a sin? We don’t think so and, apparently, Jesus didn’t think so either!"
(End of quote from letter to elders.)

Paradoxically, in some cases, the ones judging other as apostates will turn out to be the "bona-fide" apostates.

Isn't it interesting that Paul did not mention "causing divisions" as grounds for disfellowshipping? It is not listed among the numerous sins for which the person is removed. Paul said, "Keep your eye on the one causing divisions and avoid them." So, the premise under which we were disfellowshipped is not supported by scripture.

 

[a believer]

Isn't it interesting that Paul did not mention "causing divisions" as grounds for disfellowshipping? It is not listed among the numerous sins for which the person is removed. Paul said, "Keep your eye on the one causing divisions and avoid them." So, the premise under which we were disfellowshipped is not supported by scripture.

 

[Watchman]

I don't get that whole mic drop thing. Mics are very delicate, and dropping one can cause irreparable damage to the delicate coil.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

Isn't it interesting that Paul did not mention "causing divisions" as grounds for disfellowshipping? It is not listed among the numerous sins for which the person is removed. Paul said, "Keep your eye on the one causing divisions and avoid them." So, the premise under which we were disfellowshipped is not supported by scripture.

Agree 100%. So many man made rules and the sad part is that most JW's view the rules and regulations as coming from Jehovah himself.

In retrospect, it's sometimes difficult to understand how they have been able to pull off the "delusion" for so long and we include ourselves in that group. However, for some time, both Phyllis and I had been alarmed by their hypocrisy and pharisaical teachings. They condemn the Pharisees for their excessive interpretation of the scriptures even claiming that the reason for their rules is that they must have thought that Jehovah had not given enough information so they needed to fill in the gaps by means of more rules and regulations. (w12 5/15 pg. 30)

The GB routinely go beyond what is written and openly advocates their right to provide new instructions now and in the future......instructions that may seem strange, impractical, or illogical. So, are they really any different than the Pharisees? Apparently, they feel much the same way as the Pharisees in that they, too, must feel that Jehovah fell short in providing the necessary instructions so they must fill in the gaps with more rules.

It's interesting that Jesus obeyed God’s Law, but not the "Pharisaical" rules of the leaders of his day.


(Jeremiah 6:15) . . ." Do they feel ashamed of the detestable things they have done? They feel no shame at all! They do not even know how to feel humiliated! So they will fall among the fallen. When I bring punishment on them they will stumble,” says Jehovah."

 

[SollaSollew]

The whole point of disfellowshipping/excommunicating/revocation is because the congregation isn't a paradise.

Excellent reasoning, the simplicity of the statement would cause cognitive dissonance for the majority of our brothers and sisters unfortnately.

 

[4JahandChrist]

Recent events have seen me thrust into a situation whereby I have a Bible Student who is nominally Catholic requesting to attend the meetings on Zoom. So the last month I have been hooking up to the meeting with the Student on Zoom whilst simultaneously talking on the phone. (The great irony here is I have been blocked from Zoom and the only way I got back on was through the Worldy person requesting the codes...which the Brothers gladly gave them. Talk about Fack to Bront !!!!)

The meeting last night was banging on about the "Spiritual Paradise" and how JWs have so much love that the World does not have. It gave examples of JWs visiting the sick in hospital and how only we as a group of people have such wonderful support.

The Student was completely bewildered by it. They asked where the Apostles used the term "Spiritual Paradise" and of course the Apostles didn't use that term so we are immediately faced with a 1st Corinthians 4:6 situation that can't be defended.

The Student was also quite rightly critical of the claim that only JWs would have such support if sick in hospital. They said it was an arrogant, presumptuous thing to say and that they know of people in different groups that actively seek to help the sick in their fellowships.

When being placed in a situation where you are sharing the meeting with a non believer it really makes some of the claims the Brothers make about being in Spiritual Paradise quite farcical and I have to be on my toes trying to correct the damage the Brothers are making by lacquering the Organization with such copious amounts of Whitewash.

Fortunately the Student is quite reasonable and isn't letting the hypocrisy stumble them. I do some Bible Reading with them every week and it really has kept me on my toes trying to the teach Truth whilst negating the Brother's manic need to throw their hat in the ring and trumpet about how much better they are than Christendom and the World.

Without realizing it every time the Brothers bang on about being in "Spiritual Paradise" they are collectively sounding like the Pharisee praying on the street corner......

Amplified Bible

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood [ostentatiously] and began praying to himself [in a self-righteous way, saying]: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men—swindlers, unjust (dishonest), adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

 

[Ana]

Los acontecimientos recientes me han puesto en una situación en la que un estudiante de teología, nominalmente católico, solicita asistir a las reuniones por Zoom. Así que el último mes he estado conectándome a la reunión con el estudiante por Zoom mientras hablaba por teléfono simultáneamente. (La gran ironía es que me bloquearon el acceso a Zoom y la única forma en que pude volver a entrar fue gracias a que una persona sin escrúpulos solicitó los códigos... que los hermanos le dieron con gusto. ¡Menuda vergüenza!).

En la reunión de anoche se habló mucho del "Paraíso Espiritual" y de cómo los Testigos de Jehová tienen un amor inmenso que el mundo no posee. Se dieron ejemplos de Testigos de Jehová visitando a los enfermos en el hospital y de cómo solo nosotros, como grupo, contamos con un apoyo tan maravilloso.

El estudiante quedó completamente desconcertado. Preguntó dónde habían usado los apóstoles el término "paraíso espiritual" y, por supuesto, los apóstoles no usaron ese término, así que nos encontramos inmediatamente ante una situación similar a la de 1 Corintios 4:6, que no se puede defender.

El estudiante también criticó, con toda razón, la afirmación de que solo los Testigos de Jehová recibirían tal apoyo en caso de enfermedad hospitalaria. Afirmó que era una declaración arrogante y presuntuosa, y que conocía a personas de otros grupos que se esfuerzan por ayudar a los enfermos en sus congregaciones.

Cuando te encuentras en una situación en la que compartes la reunión con un no creyente, algunas de las afirmaciones que hacen los Hermanos sobre estar en el Paraíso Espiritual resultan bastante ridículas, y tengo que estar muy atento para intentar corregir el daño que están causando al encubrir a la Organización con tal cantidad de hipocresía.

Afortunadamente, el estudiante es bastante razonable y no se deja engañar por la hipocresía. Leo la Biblia con él cada semana y eso me mantiene alerta, tratando de enseñar la Verdad a la vez que contrarresto la necesidad compulsiva del hermano de alardear y presumir de lo superiores que son a la cristiandad y al mundo.

Sin darse cuenta, cada vez que los Hermanos hablan sin parar de estar en el "Paraíso Espiritual", en conjunto suenan como el fariseo rezando en la esquina de la calle...

Biblia Amplificada

Lucas 18:11

El fariseo se puso de pie [ostentosamente] y comenzó a orar para sí mismo [de manera hipócrita, diciendo]: «Dios, te doy gracias porque no soy como los demás hombres: estafadores, injustos (deshonestos), adúlteros, ni siquiera como este publicano.

Entiendo tu posición. Mi marido cambiaba de cara como un camaleón cada vez que asistiamos, hace ya unos cuantos años, a las reuniones. Le pasaba lo mismo que a tu estudiante.
Era desconcertante ver al rebaño repetir expresiones inventadas. Y es que una vez que ves la luz, apenas se distingue brillo alguno en la oscuridad.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Agree 100%. So many man made rules and the sad part is that most JW's view the rules and regulations as coming from Jehovah himself.

In retrospect, it's sometimes difficult to understand how they have been able to pull off the "delusion" for so long and we include ourselves in that group. However, for some time, both Phyllis and I had been alarmed by their hypocrisy and pharisaical teachings. They condemn the Pharisees for their excessive interpretation of the scriptures even claiming that the reason for their rules is that they must have thought that Jehovah had not given enough information so they needed to fill in the gaps by means of more rules and regulations. (w12 5/15 pg. 30)

The GB routinely go beyond what is written and openly advocates their right to provide new instructions now and in the future......instructions that may seem strange, impractical, or illogical. So, are they really any different than the Pharisees? Apparently, they feel much the same way as the Pharisees in that they, too, must feel that Jehovah fell short in providing the necessary instructions so they must fill in the gaps with more rules.

It's interesting that Jesus obeyed God’s Law, but not the "Pharisaical" rules of the leaders of his day.


(Jeremiah 6:15) . . ." Do they feel ashamed of the detestable things they have done? They feel no shame at all! They do not even know how to feel humiliated! So they will fall among the fallen. When I bring punishment on them they will stumble,” says Jehovah."

“In retrospect, it's sometimes difficult to understand how they have been able to pull off the "delusion" for so long and we include ourselves in that group.”

I have felt the same way about it myself. They took everything from me too. It leaves one in a state of shock and hollowed out spiritually.

In retrospect is must be that way for prophesy to be fulfilled. There must be those left hungry for the truth, deceived and all the more so that the Truth becomes all the more recognisable for its purity. The apostate course that watchtower has taken magnifies the revelation of the Truth like nothing else can. We who have left get to see that all the more clearly. The indecisive are torn both ways, and those in Christendom or wandering will have to waken themselves up all the more.

What makes our position “different” is knowledge of the facts. The scriptures point to people being drawn from all walks of life and so that would include us for our part and those that remain in watchtower will come to see that too.

I feel it has something to do with the vindication of the name. It must be complete in all walks of life of those searching for Jehovah. It’s not just us - though watchtower has us believe it is. In that regard, we are witnesses to their deceit as well. It seems to be a a very tangible ‘privilege’ for us to go through this experience and to have seen the deceit at its height, and yet chosen truth in its stead. So this may be why the delusion has been just as Jehovah said it would be, for it magnifies and gives witness to the contrast between truth and its imposter. The greater that illustration becomes - and it will, the more glory is given to the revelation of the Truth and Jehovah’s vindication. It’s rather an honour to have been at the front so to speak. I can’t say I’m correct, but for me it gives a sense of direction in it all. There came a point whereby I could not ‘carry the can’ of watchtower any longer so I constructed my own reasoning upon it, made myself a good cup of tea and carried on.