The Organization has made the same bold claim of inspiration from the year it was founded in 1881AD to the present. Every leader of the Organization has claimed inspiration from the beginning. Yet every leader what they taught has been rejected for the first 50 years of the Organization. This leads us to ask whether the current leaders today will in 50 more years be viewed as "heretical" as they currently view Charles Taze Russell their founder? How can we trust their current claim of inspiration if they reject their predecessors claims of inspiration for the first 50 years of the Organization's existence? JW's deny that the Organization and the Watchtower ever claimed to be inspired. Yet they claim to be God's "Spirit-led prophet". Such it double-talk. Read for yourself and you will see that they use every other term to denote inspiration except the word "inspired".
"If the Society told me that this book is black instead of green, I would say, `Y'know, I could have sworn that it was green, but if the Society says it's black, then it's black!' (spoken by Bart Thomson, WTS District Overseer, by Raymond Franz in Crisis of Conscience, p. 296.)
1881 "If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from god must be like its author. a new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. new light never extinguishes older light, but adds to it. If you were lighting up a building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every time you lighted another, but would add one light to another and they would be in harmony and thus give increase of light. So is it with the light of truth; the true increase is by adding to, not by substituting one for another." (Watchtower Feb. 1, 1881, Reprints p. 188)
1889 In this volume we offer a chain of testimony on the subject of God's appointed times and seasons, each link of which we consider Scripturally strong...It is beyond the breadth and depth of human thought and therefore cannot be of human origin. (Studies In The Scriptures, 1889, vol. 2, p. 15)
1893 There is no organization to-day clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind...though we are well aware that many of them in theory claim that they ought to be permitted to do so. (Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1893, p. 266)
1895 Beware of "organization." It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others' consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's Word today. (Watchtower Sept. 15, 1895, p. 216)
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)
1911 "Rather we should seek for dependent Bible study, rather than for independent Bible study." (Watchtower, Sept 15, 1911, pg. 4885)
1916 "It is here interesting to note that Jesus said, 'Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing' Verily, I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods.' Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell's writings believe that he filled the office of 'that faithful and wise servant,' and that his great work was giving to the household of faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation." (Watchtower. December 1. 1916. p. 356-386)
1917 'The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as his channel through which to make known the glad tidings...'" The Watchtower, 1917, p 22
1917 "Following the election Brother Rutherford, addressing the meeting, said in part:...'The Watchtower Bible And Tract Society is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as His channel through which to make known the Glad Tidings'." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1917, p. 22, quoted in, The Finished Mystery, Studies in the Scriptures, VII, p. 144).
1917 "In all his (Russell's) warnings he claimed no originality. He said that he could never have written his books himself. It all came from God, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 7, p. 387.)
1922 "This chronology is not of man, but of God. Being of divine origin and divinely corroborated, present-truth chronology stands in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct...." (Watchtower, July 15, 1922)
1923 "We believe that all who are now rejoicing in present truth will concede that Brother Russell faithfully filled the office of special servant of the Lord; and that he was made ruler over all the Lord's goods....Often when asked by others, Who is that faithful and wise servant? - Brother Russell would reply: 'Some say I am; while others say the Society is.' Both statements were true; for Brother Russell was in fact the Society in a most absolute sense, in this, that he directed the policy and course of the Society without regard to any other person on earth." (Watchtower, May l, 1923, p. 63)
1927 "From time to time to time flashes of light, reflected from the temple class: and these are permitted to see and understand the precious promises that specifically apply to the church at this time. (Watchtower, March 15, 1927 p. 87)
1928 "The writer does not give his opinion. No human interpretation of scripture is advanced." (Reconciliation, 1928, p. 6)
1930 "The Watchtower is the channel which Jehovah, our God, is using at this time to in the faithful remnant who are keeping the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Watchtower, August 1, 1930 p. 239)
1930 But it seems certain that when Jesus came to his temple and began his work of judgment he would direct his holy angels to take the necessary action to cause the separation of the disapproved from approved ones, and would use his angels to bear messages to them to direct the approved ones as to what to do. (Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1930 p. 203)
1930 [since 1879 the Watchtower] "has been the means of communicating truth to those who love the Lord. All those who love God supremely believe that The Watchtower was started and has been maintained by his power and grace." (Light, J. F. Rutherford, 1930, p. 12)
1931 Jehovah God has made Know to his anointed ones in advance what these scriptures mean. (Watchtower, June 1, 1931 p. 160)
1931 The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of any of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in the Watchtower. (Watchtower, Nov. 1 1931 p. 327)
1931 "Today the children of Zion need no extraneous proof that the spiritual food and understanding of the prophecies they have comes from God. They know that no man or men could provide such food. No man or men on earth attempt to lay claim that lay of these truths proceed from man. (Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1931, p. 328)
1931 "It was in the spring of 1918 that the Lord Jesus, as the representative of Jehovah, appeared at the temple, and from that time forward the glory of Jehovah has been here. 'And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.' (Ezek. 43:6) When Ezekiel heard the Lord speaking to him the man stood by him. 'The man' was the heavenly messengers or angels of the Lord now used by the Lord in behalf of the remnant. These angels are invisible to human eyes and are there to carry out the orders of the Lord. no doubt they first hear the instructions which the Lord issues to his remnant and then these invisible messengers pass such instructions on the remnant. The facts show that the angels of the Lord with Him at His temple have been thus rendering service unto the remnant since 1919." (Vindication, Vol. III, p. 250, 1931)
1932 To the whole series or messages of truth which he gave and which he continues to gives ever since the lighting have been flashing from the temple and upon the record of his word. The expression "the word", therefore includes every revelation of truth down to and including the book Vindication and whatsoever shall be revealed and published, by the Lord's grace , as long as the remnant is on earth. (Watchtower, April 1, 1932 p. 101)
1932 "Until you have read Judge Rutherford's explanation of these questions, and of hundreds of others which in the east have been just as puzzling you simply cannot understand the Bible." (Liberty 1932)
1933 The Lord makes clear in his due time. And he usually reveals the same to his people by having the performing something in fulfillment of the prophecy and then discloses then discloses to his faithful the meaning thereof. (Watchtower, April 1, 1933 p. 99)
1933 Surly Jehovah has an organization on earth, because everything with him is done orderly. For many years many years he has used the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. There is but one class of people that are doing his work on earth today and these we call "the Society", acting under the direction of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society and putting forth the Watchtower publications. (Watchtower, May 15, 1933 p. 154-155)
1933 Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings peace and consolation to them. Watchtower 1933 p. 276 It has pleased the Lord to use The Watchtower as a means of conveying his message to his covenant people. (Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1933 p. 247)
1933 As surely as Jehovah has an organization on the earth, just so surely he is feeding the members of that organization by the hand of Christ Jesus. The facts prove that he uses the Watchtower publications to bring these truths to attention of his remnant. Watchtower Nov. 1, 1933 p. 296)
1933 The scriptures answer that such are gathered to the temple for the purpose of bearing testimony. They are made the witnesses of Jehovah and to them is committed the testimony of Jesus Christ. They are brought into the temple and instructed, that they may know what to say as such witnesses. The instruction the Lord now gives to his people. (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1933 p. 327)
1933 The Lord has used the Watchtower publications, and of fact we have an abundance of proof. No man is given credit for the wonderful truths which the Lord has revealed to his people through the Watchtower publications. (Watchtower, Dec. 1, 1933 p. 363)
1933 "This is proof that the interpretation of prophecy does not proceed from man, but that the Lord Jesus, the chief one in Jehovah's organization, sends the necessary information to his people by and through his holy angels." (Preparation; 1933; p. 28)
1933 Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it; and the Scriptures and the facts show that it is done. (Preparation; 1933; p. 36-37)
1933 Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. the remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones. (Preparation; 1933; p. 64)
1933 Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose. (Preparation; 1933; p. 67)
1936 "... there is but one place of safety, and that is to be in and to abide in the organization of Jehovah God." (Riches; 1936; p. 101)
1936 As long, then, as the anointed members of the royal priesthood, meaning the anointed remnant, live on the earth and continue to preach "this gospel of the kingdom", the Jonadab company must keep in company and in harmony with Jehovah's anointed and aid them in their work; otherwise the great Avenger will overtake them. (Riches, 1936; p. 128)
1936 Those of good will called "Jonadabs" must now inform themselves of the truth, and this can be done only by the study of the scriptures and the printed literature that helps to understand the prophecies now in fulfillment. (Riches; 1936; p. 167)
1936 "The Lord has graciously provided for the publication of his message in the form of books, that the people many be informed of the truth....those books do not contain the opinion of any man." (Riches, 1936, p. 384, 385)
1937 This foretells that Jehovah's prophecies cannot be interpreted by men, but interpretation if from Jehovah...Christ Jesus at the temple is Jehovah's great Servant and Interpreter, and by God's permission and direction he gives to the faithful ones an understanding of God's prophecies and his coming to the temple. Those who attempt to run ahead of the Lord and try to interpret prophecies to suit their own ideas never get the proper interpretation thereof . (Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1937 p. 52)
1937 Jehovah permits his covenant and anointed people to see the meaning thereof, and these in turn declare the meaning to others who might have an ear to hear. (Watchtower, April 15, 1937 p. 124)
1937 Shortly after 1918 Jehovah began to make known to his servant the meaning of some of his prophecies . (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1937 p. 330)
1937 The faithful will not be deceived by any such sophistry. God has revealed the meaning of these prophecies to his people... Since 1931 Jehovah witnesses have, in obedience to God's commandment, made a wide distribution of God's message to the people. There has been a wide distribution of such Biblical explanations as contained in the books Vindication, Preparation, Preservation, Jehovah, Riches, Choosing ("Separating the Nations"), Uncovered, Protection, and many others. (Watchtower, Nov. 15, 1937 p. 349)
1937 "The Watchtower is issued twice each month and brings to its readers the current report which the Lord, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, manifests in the unfolding of his prophecies to those who are devoted to him....the Watchtower being the means the Lord is pleased to use to transmit his message of truth to the people, it is a real comfort to the remnant and the other sheep of the Lord to have this given to the regularly twice each month." (1937 Yearbook, p. 82)
1938 "The resolutions adopted by conventions of God's anointed people, booklets, magazines, and books published by them, contain the message of God's truth and are from the almighty God, Jehovah, and provided by him through Christ Jesus and his under officers. This shows the grand and glorious organization working in exact harmony, as indeed it must work. These instruments being provided by Jehovah, and placed in the hand of the remnant, the remnant or 'servant' class is commanded to use the same. … the interpretation of prophecy, therefore is not from man, but is from Jehovah; and Jehovah causes events to come to pass in fulfillment of the prophecy in due time. It is His truth and not man's; and when men attempt to give the honor and glory for the message of truth to a man or men, such make fools of themselves. Jehovah provides the machinery, the printing presses, and all material for the purpose of preparing his fiery message that must be poured out or scattered upon 'Christendom', and this is done by his 'faithful servant' class." (Watchtower May 1, 1938 p 143)
1938 Lord Jesus Christ directs all things concerning his church, because he is in full command and fulfills completely the places or offices occupied by the apostle Paul and others; and that the instructions given by Paul to Timothy and Titus are also applicable to the "last days," where we are now are; and that the "faithful and wise servant" occupies a place similar to that fulfilled by Timothy and Titus and that the servant now acts under the direction and command and supervision of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Watchtower, June 1, 1938 p. 164)
1938 The Lord Jesus Christ as the head of Jehovah's organization Zion has a visible part of his organization on the earth, which represents the Lord and acts under the direct supervision of the Lord Jesus Christ... "The Society" acts by through its duty constituted servants; recognizing the great fact that God hath set the members in the body as it pleaseth him(1Cor.12:18), which he does by and through his Chief Officer, Christ Jesus. It must be conceded by all who love the Lord that the Lord has perfected and directs his own organization. (Watchtower, June 1, 1938 p. 169-170)
1938 "Jehovah's word is not of private human interpretation. He is his own interpreter. He causes light to be shed one Scripture text by others elsewhere in the Bible bearing on the same subject. He also brings to pass the fulfillment of Bible prophecies by definite events and then he calls the attention of his witnesses to such fulfillments in clarification of prophecy. he has appointed Christ Jesus the head of his visible organization and his associate interpreter for the organization, an interpreter, one among a thousand. (Job 33:23) So Jehovah's visible organization under Christ is a channel for bringing the divine interpretation of his word to his devoted people." (Watchtower, June 1, 1938, p. 169)
1939 We acknowledge as the visible organization of Jehovah on earth the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, and recognize the Society as the Channel or instrument through which Jehovah and Christ Jesus give instruction and meat in due season to the household of faith. (Watchtower, April 15, 1939 p. 125)
1939 "It should be expected that the Lord would have a means of communicating to his people on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The Watchtower is used for that purpose." (1939 Yearbook Of Jehovah's Witnesses, P 85)
1940 Court's Question to Franz: "Who subsequently became the Editor of the magazine, the main editor of the 'Watch Tower' magazine?" Franz's Answer: "Jehovah God." (Fred W. Franz on the witness stand under oath, New York King's County Clerks' Court Record, 1940, vol. II, p 795)
1941 "Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon. (Watchtower, Sept. 15,1941 p. 28)
1942 "Those who are convinced that The Watchtower is publishing the opinion or expression of a man should not waste time in looking at it at all, because a mans opinion proves nothing except when that opinion is based wholly upon the Word of God. Those who believe that god uses the watchtower as a means of communicating to his people, or of calling their attention to his prophecies, should study the Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any man." (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1942, p. 5)
1942 Christ Jesus has caused the understanding of the prophetic dramas and pictures to be clear and set forth in the Watchtower publications. (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1942 p. 376)
1943 "The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth, and is conceded this rank by all that have been faithful readers thereof during its more than sixty years of publications.... This is not giving any credit to the magazines publishers, but is due to the great author of the Bible with its truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies. He it is that makes possible the material that is published in the columns of this magazine and who give promise that it shall continue to publish the advancing truths as long as it continues to exist for the service of the interests of his Theocratic Government. (Watchtower, April 15, 1943, p. 127)
1943 "In Genesis 1:26 Jehovah issued a 'call to action' to his Son, the Logos, and such other agencies as were required for the creation of man, in these words: `And God said, Let US make man in our image, after our likeness.' This is all there was to it. Jehovah expressed his will. That expressed will became `organization instructions' to the Logos.... The Lord through his `faithful and wise servant' now states to us, `Let us cover our territory four times in six months.' That becomes our organization instructions and has the same binding force on us that his statement to the Logos had when he said, `Let us make man in our image.' It is our duty to accept this additional instruction and obey it." (Watchtower, July 1, 1943 pp. 204-206)
1943 "The claim of any individual or religious organization to be the interpreter of Gods sacred Word is false and misleading. No creature or organization on earth can truly presume to sit as the supreme tribunal of interpretation of the holy bible...Jehovah God is therefore the only Supreme Court of Interpretation of His inspired Word. … This does not signify that the faithful remnant or society of Jehovah's anointed witnesses are an earthly tribunal of interpretation, delegated to interpret the Scriptures and its prophecies. No; Christ Jesus the King has not entrusted that office to them. The supreme court still interprets, thank God; and Christ Jesus, the Courts official mouthpiece of interpretation, reserves to himself that office as Head of Jehovah's faithful and wise servant class. He merely uses the servant class to publish the interpretation after the supreme court by Christ Jesus reveals it. How does the Lord God make known the interpretation? By causing the facts to come to pass visibly which are in fulfillment of the prophecy or dark saying or misunderstood scripture. Thereafter in due season he calls such fulfillment or clarification of prophecy and scripture to the attention of his faithful and wise servant class. Thereby he makes them responsible to make known the meaning of such scriptures to all members of the household of faith and to all person of goodwill. This constitutes giving them the meat in due season. (Watchtower, July 1, 1943, p. 202-203)
1943 The Lord by Christ Jesus interprets his prophecies to his witnesses. (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1943 p. 293)
1944 His remnant of faithful followers catch the glory light from the unfolding of the Holy Scriptures, which were written for our day and which Jehovah's appointed interpreter Christ Jesus explains to us. (Watchtower, May 1, 1944 p. 138)
1955 Similarly today the power of appointment of all servants in congregations rightfully rests with the governing body of the "faith and discreet slave" class, which is under the direct supervision of Christ Jesus at the temple. (Watchtower, June 1, 1955 p. 333)
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)
1952 "After being nourished to our present spiritual strength and maturity, do we suddenly become smarter than our former provider and forsake the enlightening guidance of the organization that mothers us? 'Forsake not the law of thy mother' (Prov. 6:20-23)." (Watchtower, February 1, 1952, p. 80)
1952 "We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us, without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the fancy of our mental taste...We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave's provision of spiritual food. Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord's visible organization and not be so foolish as to put against Jehovah's channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings." (Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pp. 79-80)
1952 "Jehovah as the great interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in his due time, and speculation by men cannot bring to light the true meaning of prophecy before time. Jehovah has provided a channel, the faithful and discreet slave class, who are given spiritual food at the proper time, and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45 NW) Jehovah's witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. but as fast as the superior authorities Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations through their provided channel that fast do God's people publish them" (Watchtower, April 15, 1952, p. 253)
1952 "Being limited by the laws of the worldly nation in which we live and also by the laws of God through Jesus Christ, we can take action against apostates only to a certain extent, that is, consistent with both sets of laws. The law of the land and God's law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates (suppressives), even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship." (Watchtower, Nov 15, 1952 p703)
1952 "The agency which the Master uses to distribute or dispense his truth is called his 'faithful and discreet slave'. Matthew 24:45-47 says: 'Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.' (NW) This clearly shows that the Master would use one organization, and not a multitude of diverse and conflicting sects, to distribute his message. The 'faithful and discreet slave' is a company following the example of their Leader. That 'slave' is the remnant of Christ's spiritual brothers. God's prophet identifies these spiritual Israelites, saying: 'Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen.' Isaiah 43:10, AS; Yg. From and after A.D. 1918 this 'slave' class has proclaimed God's message to Christendom which still feeds on the religious traditions of men. The truth so proclaimed does a dividing work, as foretold, the ones accepting the truth being taken to the place of security, and the others abandoned. Those who have been favored to comprehend what is taking place, and who have taken their stand for Jehovah's Theocracy, have unspeakable joy now. The light of his truth is not confined to a small place; or one corner of the globe. Its proclamation is world-wide. In the thirty three years from 1919 to 1952 inclusive Jehovah's witnesses distributed more than half a billion bound books and booklets, hundreds of millions of magazines, tracts and leaflets, and delivered hundreds of millions of oral testimonies, in over 90 languages. Only by God's spirit and power could this witness have been given in the face of world-wide opposition and persecution; and the witness still continues and increases." (Let God Be True, 1952 editions pages 199-201.)
1953 To respond to this invitation to inquire of Jehovah the Creator, we must go to his written revelation, the Holy Bible, and study it with the help of his theocratic organization. (New Heavens And A New Earth; 1953; p. 18)
1954 "In view of its unbreakable connection with the Christian Theocratic organization, the Bible is organization-minded and it cannot be fully understood without our having the Theocratic organization in mind...All the sheep in God's flock must be organization-minded, like the Bible." (Watchtower, September 1954, p.528)
1954 "They are passed to the Holy Spirit who invisibly communicates with Jehovah's Witnesses and the publicity department" (F. W. Franz, Vice-President of the Watchtower Society, Scottish Daily Express, Nov. 24, 1954)
1955 "If we have love for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, 'believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower brings out." (Qualified to be Ministers, 1955, pg. 156)
1955 The goats as well as the sheep work out their destiny by the way in which they treat the remnant of the King's brothers, the remnant of the 144,000 spiritual Israelites. The reason why one's treatment of the remnant determines one's destiny is that the remnant have been anointed with Jehovah's spirit in these last days and are in line for a place on the heavenly throne with the King. Mistreatment of the remnant brings the greatest punishment, for it is an overt assault against the kingdom. (You may survive Armageddon Into God's New World, 1955; p. 190)
1956 "Who controls the organization, who directs it? Who is at the head? A man? A group of men? A clergy class? A pope? A hierarchy? A council? No, none of these. How is that possible? In any organization is it not necessary that there be a directing head or policy-making part that controls or guides the organization? Yes. Is the living God, Jehovah, the Director of the theocratic Christian organization? Yes!" (Watchtower, November 1, 1956, p. 666)
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? Because they do not also have the teaching or law of the mother, which is light. Jehovah God has provided His holy written word for all mankind and it contains all the information that is needed for men in taking a course leading to life. But God has not arranged for that word to speak independently, or to shine forth life giving truths by itself. His word says, "Light is sown for the righteous" (Psalm 97:11). It is through his organization that God provides this light that the prophet says is the teaching or law of the mother. If we walk in the light of truth, we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our father, but his organization as our mother." … "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)
1957 Let us now unmistakably identify Jehovah's channel of communication for our day, that we may continue in his favor. ... It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God, because it is his provision. (Watchtower; June 15, 1957; p. 370)
1959 "Some insisted on living in the past, in the time of Pastor Russell, when the brothers in general had viewed him as the sole channel of Scriptural enlightenment. It was the published and accepted thought down till 1927 that he was 'that servant' of Matthew 24:45." (Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, 1959, page 95)
1959 "Whom has God actually used as his prophet?.... Jehovah's witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show that God has been pleased to use them.... Jehovah thrust out his hand of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths." (Watchtower, January 15, 1959, p. 40-41)
1959 "Whom Has God Actually Used As His Prophet? … Jeremiah prophesied forty years in the time of the end of the kingdom of Judah. So who will prophesy with his message in this time of the end of the nations of this world? … Back there, about forty years ago, that was the question. today we may ask, How was the question answered? There are facts to show. We should not appeal to religious pride or boasting or self-made claims. We should appeal to the facts. Let facts speak for themselves. Consult the factual record of Christendom's religious systems, Catholic and Protestant, not to speak of Jewry. More than that, examine also what those religious systems are doing today. Then consult the record of the one religious organization that all Christendom's religious organizations and Jewry strenuously opposed during world War I and have opposed since Everybody knows that this opposed organization of Christians is Jehovah's witnesses. Consult the newspaper reports or magazine articles, the police and judicial court records, yes, consult the homes of the millions of people who have been visited by these witnesses of Jehovah, apart from their own annual reports and the Yearbooks of Jehovah's witnesses. Ask all these what the witnesses have been doing since 1919 till this very hour. The combined answer will be that they have been preaching by all the means and channels of publicity. They have specialized on preaching just one thing, and that is, God's kingdom of good news. This they have preached, as Jesus commanded, 'for the purpose of a witness to all the nations,' including the nations behind the Iron Curtain. The fact that decides the answer to the question is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah's witnesses have been and are God's prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine will for Christians in this time of the world's end and offered themselves to do it? Who have undertaken God's foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? " (Watchtower, January 15, 1959 p. 40-41)
1959 "The literature published by the Watch Tower Society is published in the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Regardless of who may write certain articles, they are checked carefully by members of the governing body before they are published; so they are properly viewed as coming from the society" … "So let the literature speak for itself. The scholarliness of it, the logical presentation of the Scriptures that it sets forth and its faithful adherence to the Bible are things that should impress the reader and that should convince him that this is the Bible truth. Worldly scholarship is not the thing to be required...With these things in mind, we encourage all who seek the Bible truth to see the prime necessity of the possession of the holy Spirit on the part of those who are responsible for the material that goes into the publications of our Society. The evidence of the holy spirit in the quality and content of the writings published by the Watchtower Society should be the thing that satisfies, that convinces, together with a comparison of these things with the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures." (Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1959, p. 607-608)
1960 "The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, identifies itself as God's 'sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth' in these last days" … "The facts show that during this time and up to the present hour the 'slave' class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth. Just as the early Christians congregation collectively served as the channel of communication from heaven to earth, so in our time. (Eph. 3:10) Abundant spiritual food and amazing details as to the doing of God's will have been flowing through this unique channel actually as a miraculous evidence of the operation of holy spirit. The present stature of the new World society of Jehovah's witnesses, numbering nearly a million ministers in 175 lands, gives eloquent testimony that it is not the product of human ingenuity. Rather, it is the product of holy spirit operating theocratically through a tested channel, influencing the lives of dedicated men and women in all walks of life." (Watchtower, July 15, 1960, page 439)
1961 Since the Master Jesus Christ had appointed this "slave" class to be "over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time," the famine-relief spiritual food could come only though this one "channel," this appointed "slave" class, the Elijah class. (Let Your Name Be Sanctified; 1961; p. 302)
1964 "As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it. The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah's purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah's anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a "faithful and discreet slave" class that would be used to dispense God's progressive revelations in these last days." (Watchtower, June 15, 1964, p. 365)
1964 "The brother went down to get the mail before breakfast, and when we had breakfast he said, 'Brother Riemer, I got a new Watchtower this morning, and do you know the first thing that Ma and I do when we get that Tower? We kneel down before we take the wrapper off and ask Jehovah to make us worthy to see what the message is that Jehovah has for us. Now, before we take the wrapper off, will you kneel down and pray with us?' How different that elective elder was from this humble couple who appreciated Jehovah's organization" (Watchtower, Sept. 15, 1964, p 574)
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)
1967 "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect." (Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591)
1967 "We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his word and channel of communication." (Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591)
1967 "...the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." (Watchtower, Nov 1, 1967, p587)
1967 "The Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." (Watchtower, Oct 1, 1967, pg. 587)
1969 The influence and spirit of this world is to get ahead, to make a name for oneself. Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! (Watchtower, March 1969, p171)
1972 "What Is Required Of God's Messenger? … Therefore, when it came time for the name of Jehovah and his purposes to be declared to the people, along with God's warning that Christendom is in her 'time of the end,' who qualified to be commissioned? Who was willing to undertake this monumental task as Jehovah's 'servant'? Was there anyone to whom Jehovah's heavenly 'chariot' could roll up and whom it could confront? More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to bestow the commission to speak as a 'prophet' in his name, as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.?" (Watchtower, March 15, 1972 p. 189)
1972 "They Shall Know That A Prophet Was Among Them" "A third way of coming to know Jehovah God is through his representatives. In ancient times he sent prophets as his special messengers. While these men foretold things to come, they also served the people by telling them of God's will for them at that time, often also warning them of dangers and calamities. People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or understood. so, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? … Identifying The 'Prophet'. These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? The clergy of the so-called 'Christian' nations hold themselves before the people as being the ones commissioned to speak for God. But as pointed out in the previous issue of this magazine, they have failed God and failed as proclaimers of his kingdom by approving a man-made political organization, the League of Nations (now the United Nations), as the 'political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth'. However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the clergy, go without being warned that the League was a counterfeit substitute for the real kingdom of God. He had a 'prophet' to warn them. This 'prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women. it was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as international bible students. today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses." (Watchtower April 1, 1972 p. 197)
1972 "And I began to see, and look! there was a hand thrust out to me, and, look! in it there was the roll of a book. and he gradually spread it out before me, and it was written upon in front on the back; and there were written in it dirges and moaning and wailing.' Ezek. 2:8-10. … No space on the scroll being wasted, it being written upon both sides, it was a full message, containing a great deal of gloomy messages of calamity, back there to Jewry, and today to Christendom. Why so? Because in both instances Jehovah's professed people were so rebellious and set in their ungodly way that Jehovah had to pronounce judgment upon them. The scroll was doubtless delivered to Ezekiel by the hand of one of the cherubs in the vision. This would indicate that Jehovah's Witnesses today make their declaration of the good news of the kingdom under angelic direction and support. (Rev. 14:6; Matt. 25:31;32) and since no word or work of Jehovah can fail, for he is god almighty, the nations will see the fulfillment of what these witnesses say as directed from heaven. … Yes, the time must come shortly that the nations will have to know that really a 'prophet' of Jehovah was among them. Actually now more than a million and a half persons are helping that collective or composite 'prophet' in his preaching work and well over that number of others are studying the Bible with the 'prophet' group and it's companions" (Watchtower April 1, 1972 p. 200)
1972 "That they [Jehovah's Witness] must adhere absolutely to the decisions and scriptural understandings of the Society because God has given it this authority over his people." (Watchtower, May 1, 1972, p. 272)
1973 "Consider too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone in all the earth is directed by God's holy spirit or active force." (Watchtower, July 1, 1973, page 402)
1973 Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. (Watchtower; July 1, 1973; p. 402)
1973 "Direction by God's spirit enables Jehovah's servants to have divine light in a world of spiritual darkness. (2 Cor. 4:4) For instance, long ago they understood that 1914 C.E. would mark the end of the Gentile times or 'appointed times of the nations,' during which the Gentile nations were allowed uninterrupted rulership of the earth. (Luke 21:24) This 2,520 year period began with the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by Babylonians in the late seventh century B.C.E.. For example, Zion's Watchtower of march 1880 had declared; 'the times of the gentiles' extend to 1914, and the heavenly kingdom will not have full sway till then.' only God by his Holy Spirit could have revealed this to those early bible students, so far in advance." (Watchtower, July 1, 1973 p. 402)
1976 "The holy spirit, which Jehovah prophesied that he would pour out in the last days, has not ceased to operate, for the remnant are still baptizing disciples of Christ in the name of that spirit.... The announced purpose behind God's pouring out of his spirit upon all sorts of flesh was that the recipients thereof might prophesy. The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations for a witness in favor of God's kingdom. Logically, then, they must be the ones upon whom God's spirit has actually been poured out. That spirit is behind their worldwide preaching. Why argue about it?" (Holy Spirit-The Force Behind the Coming New Order!, 1976, p. 148)
1976 "We must take seriously what his Word says and what his organization reveals to us.... Would not a failure to respond to direction from God through his organization really indicate a rejection of divine rulership?" (Watchtower, February 15, 1976, p. 214)
1979 "This separating work has indeed been carried forward under angelic direction. (Matt. 25:31, 32) And in conjunction with it there has been angelic aid in declaring the "good news," for how often it has happened that a sincere person has prayed to God for help, only to find one of Jehovah's Witnesses standing at his door! And how often has a Witness been guided by some unusual circumstance to call at a home where spiritual aid is needed the most! Being aware of the support of the myriads of heavenly angels, may we never let up in searching out worthy persons by zealous house-to-house preaching." … "The angels of heaven have guided a far different missionary service in recent years. Starting in the year 1943, Jehovah's Witnesses have been operating the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead (originally located at South Lansing, New York, U.S.A.) for the express purpose of training missionaries for the world field." (Watchtower; July 15, 1979; p. 15,18)
1979 "For nearly 60 years now the Jeremiah class have faithfully spoken Jehovah's Word." (Watchtower of September 1, 1979, p. 29)
1980 "If you have a tendency towards 'apostasy', get a hobby and keep yourself busy to keep your mind off of it. Stay away from deep Bible study to determine meanings of the scriptures." (JW Leader Karl Klein, Address to WT, April, 30, 1980)
1980 "We serve not only Jehovah God but we are under our 'mother' (the organization). Our 'mother' has the right to make rules and regulations for us... This book, entitled Branch Organization Procedure, contains 28 subjects; and its sub-sections involve regulations and administration. In it there are 1,177 policies and regulations...this is an improved, fine-tuned organization, and we are expected to follow its policies. If there are some who feel that they cannot subject themselves to the rules and regulations now in operation, such ones ought to be leaving and not be involved here in the further progressive work. Some have fallen away from the organization, not from the Bible, saying there is no need for coming under law...This great program of organization procedure is gathering the things of heaven and earth." (JW Leader Albert Schroeder, May 29, 1980)
1980 "When we talk about law, we talk about organization. With all our hearts we need to search after that law. Jehovah doesn't give individuals interpretation (of the scriptures). We need a guide, and that is the 'faithful and discreet slave'. We should not be getting together in a clique to discuss views contrary to the 'faithful and Discreet slave'. We must recognize the source of our instruction. We must be like an ass, be humble, and stay in the manger; and we won't get any poison." (Governing Body member, Lloyd Barry, May 29, 1980, addressing the elders of the Bethel family)
1980 'A Watchtower enables a person to look far into the distance and announce to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds'. (this statement featured on the cover each issue of the Watchtower in late 1970s through 1980's)
1983 "Jesus Christ identified a first requirement when he said in prayer to his Father: 'This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you... Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey God's laws, yes, to conform one's life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible...A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization...To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it...The fourth requirement is connected with loyalty. God requires that prospective subjects of his kingdom support his government by loyally advocating his kingdom rule to others..." (four requirements for salvation as taught by the Watchtower magazine of Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12. One of them deals with the Watchtower organization.)
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)
1981 "Jehovah's Witnesses believe that this parable pertains to the one true congregation of Jesus Christ's anointed followers. Beginning with Pentecost, 33 C.E., and continuing through the 19 centuries since then, this slave-like congregation has been feeding its members spiritually, doing to faithfully and discreetly. (Watchtower, March 1, 1981, p24)
1981 "Prophecies open up to us as Jehovah's holy spirit sheds light upon them, and as they are fulfilled in world events or in the experiences of God's people." (Watchtower, December 1, 1981 p. 17)
1981 No matter where we may live on earth, God's Word continues to serve as a light to our path and a lamp to our roadway as to our conduct and beliefs. (Ps. 119:105) But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do. (Watchtower; Dec. 1, 1981; p. 27)
1982 "A 'prophet to the nations' is what Jehovah made him. (Jeremiah 1:5) Now today, if anything, there needs to be a 'prophet to the nations'.... Jehovah has considerately raised up his 'prophet to the nations.' Jehovah has done this during this 'time of the end,' since World War I ended.... the 'prophet' whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class.... At this late date there is a mere remnant of this 'prophet' class yet on earth.... One thing is now certain: if the "prophet" class, the Jeremiah class, is facing Har-Magedon" (Watchtower, October 1, 1982, p. 26-27)
1983 "Avoid independent thinking...questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 22)
1983 "Fight against independent thinking." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 27 )
1983 To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it. (Watchtower; Feb. 15, 1983; p. 12)
1984 "Faith in Jehovah, faith in those whom he is using as spokesmen, yes, faith in his organization! As we 'go out' to Jehovah's service today, how important it is that we exercise such faith!" (Watchtower July 1, 1984 p17)
1984 "The members of spiritual Israel were looking forward to an inheritance "reserved in the heavens" for them. (1 Peter 1:3-5) But before they actually received that reward, Jehovah had a work for them to do. Concerning this, he prophetically said: "I shall put my words in your mouth, and with the shadow of my hand I shall certainly cover you, in order to plant the heavens and lay the foundation of the earth and say to Zion, 'You are my people.'" (Isaiah 51:16) He put his "words," his message, into the mouth of his servants for them to proclaim earth wide. With confidence they began to make known that God has planted the "new heavens" that neither men nor demons can uproot them. The way in which Jehovah has dealt with the representatives of heavenly Zion has clearly identified them as his people. In contrast with the spiritually and morally desolate condition of the world, the "land" occupied by spiritual Israel, their field of activity, has become a place where spiritual values and activities thrive. It is a spiritual paradise! (Survival Into a New Earth, 1984, p. 109)
1984 Jehovah does not force us to go in a certain way. He will not lead us against our will. But is we turn to his Word for guidance, pray to him for strength and stay close to his organization, he will direct our steps. (Survival Into a New Earth; 1984; p. 181)
1989 Christian elders govern by using their "abilities to direct" (Greek ky-ber-ne` seis) in providing leadership and guidance in local congregations. (1 Corinthians 12:28) But the apostles and other elders in Jerusalem served as a body to give guidance and counsel to all the congregations. (Acts 15:1,2,27-29) Today, therefore, a governing body of elders provides spiritual oversight for Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide. (Watchtower; December 15, 1989; p. 21)
1990 Confident of the loyalty of his faithful creatures, Jehovah delegates authority. So does his Son. From among his anointed followers, "the faithful and discreet slave," he has chosen a few to serve as a visible governing body. (Matthew 24:45) In the first century, this group was composed of the apostles and several older men in Jerusalem. (Watchtower; Jan. 15, 1990; p. 26)
1990 We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah's visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us face the fact that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own. (Watchtower; Dec. 1, 1990; p. 19)
1992 "You likely know that after 1919 the anointed remnant got busy in the preaching work in cooperation with the angels, who continued to use the symbolic dragnet to haul fish onto the beach, to separate the fine ones from the unsuitable ones." (Watchtower; June 15, 1992; p. 21)
1992 So let us have faith that Jehovah will help us to view our trials properly and endure them. Scriptures may be brought to our attention by fellow believers or during Bible study. Events maneuvered through God's providence may help us to see what we should do. Angels may share in directing us, or we may receive guidance by holy spirit. (Watchtower; July 15, 1992; p. 21)
1992 "If one thing has been most important to me, it has been the matter of keeping close to Jehovah's visible organization. My early experience taught me how unsound it is to rely on human reasoning. Once my mind had been resolved on that point, I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah's favor and blessing?" there is nowhere else to go for divine favor and life eternal. (Watchtower; Nov. 15, 1992; p. 21)
1993 "We have not the gift of prophecy. … The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in it's utterances, nor is it dogmatic." (March 22, 1993 Awake!, footnote)
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)
2000 Where will Jw's be when the last of the 7,000 members of the "faithful and discreet slave" class are dead? Who will lead their organization in the year 2025? Faithful Christians, we have come to the final judgement. Not of the world, for that is in God's unrevealed time frame. No the judgement is upon Jw's and their prophecies. If the year 2000 roles in and passes uneventfully, then final judgement upon this group of sincere followers of men will be rendered!
