* 1910 "If the 6 volumes of 'Scripture Studies' are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes- 'The Bible' in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself...Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' ... after he has read them for 10 years-if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone...out experience shows that within 2 years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he has merely read the 'S.S.' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years." (Watchtower, Sept 15, 1910)
This clearly shows that they teach that reading the Bible alone leads to darkness, and even IGNORING the Bible altogether in exchange for SS materials, he would be in the light.*
1951 But if each of us were left to himself just because he has a copy of the Bible and were to direct his movements independently as he thought he understood the Word, what? It is likely, or possible, that there would be a great deal of confusion or working in competition among us. Hence, besides individually possessing God's Word, we need a theocratic organization. Yes, besides having God's spirit of illumination, a Christian needs Jehovah's theocratic organization in order to understand the Bible. (Watchtower; June 15, 1951; p. 375)
The God-given "spirit of Illumination" is insufficient for understanding the Bible, according to WTBTS.*
1957 "The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? … "God has not arranged for [His] Word to speak independently or to shine life-giving truths by itself. It is through his organization God provides this light." (Watchtower, May 1, 1957, pg. 274)*
1967 "The Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." (Watchtower, Oct 1, 1967, pg. 587)*
1965 "He does not impart his holy spirit and understanding and appreciation of his Word apart from his visible organization." (Watchtower, July 1, 1965, pg. 391)*
1981 "We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization.'" (Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p.19)
Clearly the WT teaches that God cannot and does not give understanding through Holy Spirit led Bible reading and Bible study alone.*
1981 They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago,... (Watchtower; Aug. 15, 1981; p. 29)
Bible reading alone will take one to apostate doctrine, according to the WT.* 1994 Channel to understanding the Bible... All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave. (Watchtower; Oct. 1, 1994; p. 8)
Isn't this sad, that people cannot read the Bible on it's own, but can only be understood through the 'lens' of WT 'glasses'
|
3 comments:
Hey Laurie,
This is Timothy.
Great blog here Sister, keep up the good work of faith.
I was just reading this here about how the JW's teach and are taught that the Bible cannot be understood aside from the "visble organization".
What this sounds like to me is the same thing that the Roman Catholic Church teaches. What the JW's might very well think they are doing here is to try and take the authority of Romanism away. That is a good thing if that is what their motive is, but their method is all wrong.
Many heretical groups do this with a motive against Rome for they realize that Romanism is heresy. But, unfortunately they end up doing the same thing as Romanism has done, i.e. they have then gone into heresy themselves.
The blatantcy of the JW's teaching the way they do against one being unable to understand God's Word is really disturbing. I mean the way they come right out and say what they say is so obviously Satan at work trying to keep people from the truth of God's Word, Stevie Wonder could see it, heh-heh.
But, unfortunately, so many people fall for this satanic ploy, it is no joke, it is the work of the enemy of our souls.
If people would just put their trust in Jesus Christ and God's Word alone they would then see the evil at work here in trying to keep people away from the truth of the Bible.
A Christian,
Timothy J. Bortner
Hey TJ. I hope you don't mind me calling you TJ. Well, with age comes wisdom in your case, and I know exactly what you are saying. Funny enough, my husband comes from a Roman background, and we often 'compared notes' along the way. The Roman church is right on the Triune nature of God, and so the JW's say it came in with Constantine. This is not so, as we know the Triune nature is taught from Genesis where the plurality of God shines forth in the "Let US make man in OUR image..", and we know it is in the Image of GOD we are created.
Roman doctrine though as you know has had it's own version of 'new light', and with doctrines like the assumption of Mary coming in as late as 1950, and Papal infalliability was declared in only 1870, fairly new doctrines.
I know you being former RC, you know all this no doubt.
Thanks for popping by for a gander at my blog dear brother and friend. Hava a blessed Christmas as you celebrate Isaiah 9:6 and Matthew 1:21.
Hey Laurie,
I have no problem whatsoever with you calling me "TJ" Sister.
Yea, like you say, the Romanists have some definitions correct, but their application is all wrong. They add so-called "new-revelation" as they please. Its like what Russel did with his date-setting of the Lord's return, all of which proved false. When Jesus failed to show up, Russel then got another "date-revelation", failed again, thereby proving Russel a false-prophet time and again.
Its like what I say about the Calvinists, they have some definitional correctness but they change the purpose of it. Its like defining the properties of gasoline correctly and then telling people you out fires out with it.
May God our Father bless you, Mike and little Isaiah in the Holy name of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit of Peace rests upon you this Christmas.
Abide in Christ,
Timothy
Post a Comment