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A 19 Century Old Class of Persons ?According to the Watchtower of March 1, 1981 page 24, it states:
There is a parallel to this principle of an individual "slave" representing a group or collective body of persons at Isaiah 43:10-12, where the nation of Israel, a group, is spoken of as an individual "servant" or "slave." However, it is the Watchtower's application of this principle applied to Matthew 24:45, where the problems arises. Today, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society interpret this so called "slave class" of Matthew 24:45, as a collective body composed of a remnant, the "little flock" of Luke 12:32, and the 144,000 of Revelation chapter 7, as separate small class of Christians living on earth, who are anointed or born again Jehovah's Witnesses, the remaining 5 million Jehovah's Witnesses being part of a non anointed, non spirit filled earthly class of Christians, interpreted to be those of the "great crowd" in Revelation 7:9 and the "other sheep" in John 10:16. In the 1996 yearly count of Jehovah's Witnesses, their annual count lists around 8,000 of Jehovah's Witnesses professing to be anointed, spirit filled Christians, while the other 5 million witnesses professing to be of the non anointed, non spirit filled earthly class of Christians. (Luke 12:32; Romans 8) Speaking of the original founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Charles Taze Russell, former Circuit Overseer and Jehovah's Witness for over 33 years, Ron Frye states:
But, what does history show ? Is there any record of a close knit body doing a spiritual feeding work down through the centuries, finally feeding Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? The society itself states that individuals , such as Wycliffe, Tyndale and splinter groups such as the Lolards, Waldenses and similar groups may have been part of the anointed class. The fact that these people and groups followed doctrines, such as the trinity, hellfire, immortality of the soul, seems to be glossed over by the society. There is no evidence of a unique channel of food being supplied by a class of anointed Christians to these people or groups. In fact, the main group that Jesus had instructed was the one that eventually turned to apostasy. Now the question arises: Where are the links of this continuous feeding channel of spiritual food to the man Charles Taze Russell, the "faithful and wise servant" ? The society has stated that Russell "revived" true worship. Yet why would he have done that, if there was a continuous spiritual feeding program right down to Russell's day? Instead Russell went to various churches of what the Watchtower Society interprets to be "Babylon the Great" (the empire of false religion), to obtain his information and interpretations. Russell, independently acquired interpretations of the bible, not through some continuous feeding channel down through the centuries from Pentecost 33 AD. Faithful and Discreet Or Unclean ?According to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Jesus Christ selected this small group of bible students in the 1914-1918 period as the "faithful and discreet slave." Yet they admittedly acknowledge that the bible students were in an unclean state. The publication Jehovah's Witnesses and The Divine Purpose on page 91, in speaking of the uncleanness of the bible students, lists the following:
Supposedly it was for these reasons, that they were brought into captivity by what they interpret to be "Babylon the Great." Yet, after their release in 1919, they kept many of these teachings for more years to come. They also were insisting that 1925 was the end of Satan's system and that anyone who did not follow this "faithful and discreet slave" on this teaching was "going against God and Christ." One has to just read the 7th volume of the "Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery" to see the manmade teachings of the spiritual food at that time period - the same period that Christ Jesus supposedly rejected all of Christendom and appointed the Watchtower Society as the "faithful and discreet slave," the sole channel God was using on earth to spread his message. Yet for some strange reason, despite being in an supposed "unclean state," as the Watchtower claims, Jesus Christ supposedly rejected every Christian organization on the entire earth and solely appointed these men to be his one and only divine channel of communication, his "slave," to feed his spiritual food at the proper time. The Watchtower Society calls this a time of testing, where the above men supposedly passed the test, being appointed to the one and only faithful and discreet slave "class" on earth. Here were men who were entrusted with minas or talents, became unclean, and buried them instead of earning more. In Christ's illustration, the servant who did this was not rewarded but sent away for those actions, however in the Watchtower's interpretation of themselves, not only were they not sent away, but were rewarded the highest prize of the man who earned the most talents. (Matthew 24:13-23; Luke 19:11-27) Who Represents This Class ?What of the slave class today ? Who are they ? The men on the Governing Body, who are making the decisions of what is proper and improper for a Christian today, are composed of men, who have never had full time employment outside of the Watchtower Society. They do not really know what it is like to have to deal with mortgages, utility expenses, rent, car insurance, health insurance, medical bills, taxes, intolerant employers who demand perfection & etc. They do not have to cook their own meals, clean their own apartments and wash their own clothes, for other bethelites perform these functions. Only one member on the governing body has ever had children and yet he remained a full time servant of the Watchtower Society, never facing the responsibilities and pressures of the secular world. This is not meant as a condemnatory remark, but certainly this type of life can be considered living in an "ivory tower" or "bubble," so to speak and raises the question: Since they have a lack of experience in many of the pressures and realities of daily living in the real "world," how can they accurately "sympathize," have true balance, understanding and empathy, making the final decisions for millions of people who are working and supporting families under these pressures? (Hebrews 4:15) The Governing Body claims to represent the anointed on earth. Do they ? According to Raymond Franz, a 40 year full time servant, who sat on the governing body in good standing for 9 years, the majority of the information obtained by the Governing Body is from letters and inquiries of non-anointed Branch Overseers, District Overseers, Circuit Overseers, and other prominent brothers, who are also full time servants, living in an "ivory tower" or "bubble" like atmosphere, having their living arrangements and expenses supplied by others, not enduring the same pressures as the average working man. The imput from these individuals is considered of greater significance then the "anointed" Christians, who are supposedly make up the "faithful and discreet slave class." Apparently there are no inquires of the 8,000 or so anointed brothers and sisters worldwide or at Bethel Headquarters, in Brooklyn New York, to what their thoughts are. They are never interviewed on weighty matters and never invited to the secretive governing body sessions. The anointed living at Bethel, as well as worldwide are as much in the dark as any 19 year old boy in the Bethel headquarters family. Yet they are supposedly part of the "faithful and discreet slave" class to which the Master has entrusted all his goods. How can this fit the description of the Governing Body being the spokesman for all the anointed on earth ? The food is actually being supplied by those who are higher up the organizational ladder, a non-anointed class of servants, who are considered to be more spiritual than others. This is because like any other human visible organization and commercial enterprise, numbers, figures and increases represent growth and prosperity, while decreases and decline in numbers represent either stagnation or the doom for the business. Even the many letters, sent in to Bethel, from anointed Elders, those who are supposedly from the "slave class," are not considered as important as the letters from those non anointed brothers, who are higher up on the organizational ladder. Individuals - Not A ClassAll To Be Slaves of One Another
Rather then a class of persons appointed as a "faithful and discreet slave," feeding others with bible literature, Apostle Peter words in 1 Peter chapter 4, verses 10 and 11, show how each individual Christian has a personal
"In proportion as each one (an individual) has received a gift, use it in ministering (feeding) to one another as fine stewards (faithful slaves) of Gods undeserved kindness expressed in various ways. If anyone (an individual) speaks, let him speak as it were the sacred pronouncements of God; of anyone ministers (feeds), let him minister (feed) as dependent on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11 Peter is clearly not talking of some conglomerate, highly structured "composite" steward or slave class, but instead is laying stress on each individual and their personal stewardship. He makes plain that each individual Christian has some gift that he or she can use to feed or minister to others, thus rendering service to fellow servants in God s household. As Apostle Paul stated, "I have a stewardship entrusted to me" to feed others "declaring the good news" and to "impart some spiritual gift," providing an "interchange of encouragement" to all others both believers and nonbelievers. Apostle Peter was also appointed a stewardship, being instructed by Jesus to "Feed my sheep." For all overseers were considered to be God's "stewards" and to fulfill the qualifications of being such, acting both "faithful and discreet." This of course, did not just pertain to Paul and other elders or overseers, for all Christians were supplied a personal stewardship and responsibility to spiritually feed others with upbuilding and encouragement, as Paul stated above in 1 Peter Chapter 4 Verses 10 and 11. As Jesus stated in Matthew 20:27,
(Col 3:24; 1 Cor 9:16-17, Romans 1:11-12, Cor 4:1, Titus 1:7, Eph 3:2, Col 1:25, John 21:15-18)
Those "who were to take the lead" were to do so as guides and fellow slaves, not as authoritative positions as "masters over others faith" as the former Jewish system had. With this in mind it comes to show that anyone or any group that deviates from this teaching by infringing on the equal brotherhood is not in line with the spirit of true Christianity, falling under the term of "lawlessness." (Matt 23:7-10; 20:25-28; Galatians 5) In the letter to the Hebrews we read:
In 1 Peter those older ones in The Way are told to take the oversight of the flock of God, not by being forced to do so and "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." They younger are then told to submit themselves to this gentle oversight by the elders, and all are caught up together as a community of mutual servants in mutual submission.
Paul also states:
Richard J. Foster explains:
As Jesus washed the feet of His Apostles, explaining that the "greatest one is being the servant," He had shown that the Spiritual authority in us, as His followers, is an authority not found in a position or a title, but in a towel.
There are many times we feel very close to God and the desire to think of him all day long, to breath the air he gives us and serve him whole heartedly. However, this is usually not the way in most cases, as Richard J. Foster brings out:
This freedom of self to rely directly on God, is frightening for many. It requires both self-examination and responsibility. Responsibility to accept the outcome of our decisions with no one lean back on, no one to blame for our failure to be transformed into peaceful, compassionate persons in imitation of Christ, while we look the other way at our self-examination. Thirty year investment advisor and Libertarian Party candidate for United States Presidency, Harry Browne describes freedom as this:
Even in Paul's day there were "superfine Apostles" infiltrating the Corinthian congregation "boasting with their flesh" of human authority diminishing the sole authoritative role of the Christ. Paul on the other hand did not "use fleshly weapons" of human authority but had his authority remain as the Christ. with the power of God's Holy Spirit. He recognized Christ as our only head, and only the Spirit of God that had the power to teach, and enter a man's heart, transforming him into a new creation, walking in obedience to Christ. Paul questioned those who used their human flesh as an authoritative role, acting as an spokesman for Christ, saying,
What started out as a brotherhood of Christians eroded, over the first couple of centuries, into a hierarchical structure. With the persecution of outsiders, the stress and pressure caused many to move in the direction of unity of a visible human organization, replacing the invisible unity of faith and agape love as "royal priests" in a universal brotherhood. As this happened, the doors of opportunity were opened for many organizational spots of prominence to be filled and for those who "were to take the lead," the Bishops (Overseers), bringing them more authority and control for the unity of the human organization, eventually putting them on an equal divine authority as the Christ. Unity at all costs seemed like the best route to take, slowly replacing the sole authority of Christ and the true meaning of Christ, faith and agape love. (1 Corinthians 10:4-5) To combat the persecution and strive for a human visible organizational unity, the early Christians in many ways reverted back to the Old Testament, with a priesthood of authority. The early Christian congregation went from an original simple brotherhood into an institutionalized religion with a centralized authority structure. Rather remaining in an internal and spiritual state of reliance on "love as the perfect bond of union," a change was made to a an external and fleshly organization of unification. (1 Cor 4:7) Respected nineteenth-century church historian Augustus Neander in his work General History of the Christian Religion and Church pages 194 to 204, points out the way in which the Christian church, in many respects did revert to Old Testament positions. In place of a universal priesthood of all believers, a separate priesthood gradually appeared, distinct from the main body of Christians and acting in a mediatorial way for it in its relation to God. Tertullian (c. 145-220 A.D.) even referred to the congregational overseer or bishop as the chief priest, as he also refers to those not among the overseers, elders or deacons as laymen. "On Baptism," Chapter XVII." On the effects of this, Neander comments,
In response to the a centralization of each individual Christian congregation, with overseers exercising authority over each congregation, both individual freedom was lost and the door was opened for the eventual externalization of an international centralized visible organization. In time these authoritative overseers would meet with one another forming what was called "synods." After time, these synods eventually formed a international centralization of the Christian congregations, all submitting to a central administrative governing body, a clear deviation from the universal "royal priesthood" of believers. Speaking of the centralization process in order to bring a visible human organizational unity over the invisible brotherhood with Christ as sole high priest, including the removal of individual Christian freedom, early writings of Ignatius show him as urging the overseers,
The appeal unfortunately took the focus away from agape love and truth as the means to unity, directing it rather to submission to religious leaders, shackling individual Christians to the obedience of men, with the subsequent suppression of personal judgment. Others Calls for loyalty and submission to a visible human organization, deviating from the true meaning of the Christ were also voiced by various early Christian writers. In the Clementine Homilies, from no later than the third century A.D., the following is said to an overseer:
Ignatius, In his Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter VI, further goes on to state:,
Nearly 18 centuries later, this exact and same line of reasoning, loyalty to a human visible organization, deviating from the true meaning of the Christ, is repeated by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in the pages of the May 1, 1922 Watchtower,
Again a call for a human leadership, replacing the universal, invisible "royal priesthood" and spiritual brotherhood is required, with the accusation of going against "the Lord," if obedience to certain men is not followed. At first this was directed to the writings of Pastor Russell as the sole divine channel or overseer to be obedient to, later replacing this single man's appointment of others to divine mediatorship to the visible "organization"of God, which somehow in the minds of Jehovah's Witnesses, excused the idea that they were serving mere men and not solely the Christ as individual slaves in a universal "royal priesthood" and brotherhood.
Under the Christian arrangement, "there is only one mediator between men and God, a man, Christ Jesus. This means that he is the only one that men have to go to in order to get to God. There are no other men or religious counsels, organizations or "slave classes" that men have to go through or join in order to get to God. And for this it can be said that "the head of every man is the Christ." He is the "only mediator." (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Cor 11:3) If any religious group decides to teach that they are of a divine nature or of a divine appointment as God's appointed representative and "slave class" that men are required to go through to get to God, are they not diminishing Christ's role? If they teach that one must be a member of their "earthly organization" or "Jehovah's visible organization," are they not making themselves a mediator? If they require the acceptance of various doctrinal interpretations with various elaborate explanations and legal codes with the threat of expulsion for those who do not obey, that no doubt takes away both their freedom and reliance on the Christ, eliminating him as their sole mediator and replacing him with a visible religious central ruling body. For we are to "walk by faith and not by a 'visible organizational' sight." If Apostle Paul stated that "there is only one mediator, between God and men, a man Christ Jesus," then does that not exclude any others? Mirroring the laity and priesthood that developed only a few centuries after the Christ, diminishing and removing the true Christian brotherhood, the Watchtower Society takes on the role as mediator with the claim to be the "slave class" that men must to go through to get to God, taking in the many legal requirements. (2 Cor 5:7) According to Christ, all men are to be brothers and are servants of one another. For this he said at the last supper that they would be rewarded to rule with him in the kingdom. Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that all of Christ's brothers "will rule as kings" in his kingdom and Apostle Peter went further to state that all of Christ's brothers and servants were to be part of a "royal priesthood, a special possession, a Holy nation" with only one high priest, the Christ. No longer would a priesthood be need as a mediator, for they were a universal priesthood of brothers and needed only the Christ. It stands to reason that any human authority, priesthood or laity that would come in between this relationship would diminish both their role as a brotherhood of royal priests and that of their only one mediator, the Christ. (2 Tim 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Rev)
The Man of Lawlessness More crucial in the application of the labeling a group of men as the "faithful and discreet slave class," and self appointing them as God's sole channel of communication to the entire earth of humanity, are Paul's words at 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.
Here Paul clearly states that any group that appoints themselves as God's representative or "slave class" and "sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god" is fulfilling the role of the "man of lawlessness." True, the Catholic church fulfilled this scripture many centuries ago with the Pope and the church acting as a mediator to get to Christ and God, but certainly the Watchtower Society is doing the same thing by claiming to be God's only appointed representative and "slave class" that men must go through them in order to get to God and Christ. There can be no greater "lawlessness" than that of attempting to infringe upon,
even usurp, the position and
The Master
The Christ
Human Authority
." . . the sheep follow him (Christ) because they know his voice (of individual freedom). A stranger (Human Authority) they will
by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."
Jesus comments about the "lawlessness" of human authority in John 10:4-5,
As the early Christian congregations elevated the elders and bishop (overseers) and put them above the universal brotherhood of Christ's deciples, individual freedom eroded. These bishops later met with fellow bishops and elders, which eventually opened the way for an international church with one human visible authority directing and setting the laws for all. In addition, this also opened the doors for many elevated positions in the church for men to fill, exercising prominence, control and authority. The universal church, the Catholic church was formed and subsequently continued through the Protestant reformation. To this day any religious organization that contains a center of human authority with group teachings, doctrines and creeds all represent both the "flesh" and "lawlessness," removing the sole head ship of the Christ. Speaking of the early church dominion of authority violating the role of Christ and acting as a "man of lawlessness," Barnes Notes explain:
The early church then chose a scripture which they interpreted to apply to Apostle Peter as the "rock," that Jesus instructed to build on. They assigned the Pope, as the appointed successor of Apostle Peter on which Christ supposedly built his church on.
Many others interpret this scripture in 1 Cor 10:4 and other scriptures, to show that it is not Peter, but rather Jesus Christ, who is the "rock" and the only "foundation," the very foundation that Peter was to build on.
Jesus was the "rock that would trip them up" and the "stone that the builders rejected, who became the chief cornerstone." But regardless of whether Jesus or Peter is the rock, the brotherhood of Christians were to all be equal, fellow slaves, all serving each other unlike human authoritative organizations. With the interpretation of Peter being the "rock," the Catholic church would claim to have the unique appointment and controlling leadership of all those who follow Christ. (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 10:4; 3:11; 1 Pet 2:6-8; Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; Psalm 118:22; Romans 9:33; Eph 2:20)
Here again, as with the claim of a certain man, the Pope, to be the appointed descendant of the "rock," interpreted to be Peter, a group of men take the claim of being the appointed "slave" in Jesus parable and therefore act as a mediator to get to God and Christ. With this claim, there is a central ruling body that determines organizational policies, interpretation of scriptures and a large degree of control over its members. Any meaning of scripture can change on a moments notice and it must be accepted as truth, for it is coming from the "Pope" or the "slave." However, the majority of modern day Catholicism is far removed from its original form, obeying every ruling and accepting every word and interpretation from the Pope as truth, but today many, but not all, are either following this religion due to birth, or by an honest study of scripture with their Catholic interpretation of being "the one universal - apostolic - church." Without supporting the Catholic organization, it can not be denied some of the greatest men and women of God came from that organization, despite it's many erroneous teachings and past subjection to a man man hierarchical control. Today, as the Catholic church of old, all of Jehovah's Witnesses are in complete subjection to all teachings, instructions and restrictions placed on them by their leaders, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and Central ruling authority of men called both the "Slave Class" and Governing Body, who appoint themselves as the so called "slave class." True, they do not call and label these men as their "leaders," but instead give them the title of the "slave class," with divine appointment, which makes them their "leaders" replacing the role of Christ. (Matt 23:10) In 2 Thessalonians chapter two, Paul writes about an apostasy with the "man of lawlessness, who sits down in the temple of God and publicly shows himself to be a god." This "man of lawlessness" can refer to any group on earth that puts itself "above all" in the position of mediator ship, authority and control over others spirituality. Any group that "proclaims" to be the descendant of the "rock" Peter, the "faithful and discreet slave," the Christ, God or the only "chosen ones" with a special appointment from God above other followers of Christ, are to be regarded as deceiving persons, "from these stay away." The Watchtower Society is quick to interpret 2 Thessalonians as the entire realm of "Christendom" when ironically it is this organization that is acting with the role of mediatorship. This puts the organization in the "seat of God," with a divine role. This does not hold the individuals inside these many groups as "unrighteous," no it is the leaders who will be held accountable, for "each one of us will render an account himself to God." For there are many "righteous," "wheat like" persons throughout various organizations that have erroneous weed like teachings. Their endurance and "love of Christ surpasses all knowledge," whether erroneous or accurate. (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43; Luke 21:6) In the first century, men who reached out to perform the service of leading the many house congregations, were certainly doing a fine work, as long as they served humbly with love, shepherding the flock with care and yet rebuking those who caused divisions. They were to perform a service, not obtain on "office" or position of authority. They were not to "lord over" their shepherding and become controlling, pushing their weight around, but rather serving others as fellow "slaves" in a humble work of agape love. For this they were to be shown a "double honor" and congregation members were to be "obedient to those taking the lead." Obedient to solely the direction of agape love and nothing more. This type of humble service and relative obedience from congregation members was far removed from the manmade claims and self appointments of men as divine channels of communication of God's word, subjecting others to their unique interpretations, rules, regulations, legal codes, severe punishments and the imputing of wrong motives with the casting of negative labels on those who disagree. (Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-4; Matt 20:27) As Paul stated in the fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians,
God is the one who "makes us grow," not men.
As Christians, "slaves" of Christ, we are All to be found faithful, discreet and trusting our only "head," the Christ, not men, religious counsels, governing bodies or slave classes. Certainly, any men who claim to have a special favor or divine appointment as channels of communication from God and Christ, are merely self appointed and are placing themselves in a position against Christ's role as sole mediator, and fulfilling the role as the "man of lawlessness." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Cor 4:6-8; 11:3, 6)
True Knowledge of Scriptures Only Revealed Through
Jesus did not speak of a "slave class" that would be sent to teach but said there would be "the helper," the "Holy Spirit," which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.
The Holy Spirit that the father would send in Jesus name, would be necessary to understand the true knowledge of scriptures, the love of Christ and the faith needed in order to please God. After Pentecost 33 CE, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus deciples, this became the "teacher" and "helper" that would teach and anoint each individual disciple of Christ. Apostle John stated,
This completely rules out the teaching of Christians who are not part of the body of Christ, and not anointed with the Holy Spirit, having it dwell inside of them, as the Watchtower Society teaches. (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Cor 3:16) Without this Holy Spirit dwelling inside of persons, there is only room for the academic knowledge of scripture and detailed explanation. But lacking is the true knowledge of Christ, the "love which is beyond understanding," or "surpasses knowledge," that gives us the reconciliation and intimacy with God, calling him our "father" or "abba" and reaching our "hearts." Only when persons can be "one," in "union" with Christ, can he or she be truly taught the meaning of God's love and mercy. No "slave class" or group of men can do that for any person, for each one must have the spirit individually "reside inside them," not by simply "hanging on to the skirt of a Jew, (interpreted as the "slave class") and saying God is with you people." (Zech 8:23; Eph 3:19; John 17:20-24; Col 3:16; Eph 2:10; Romans 2:28-20; Jer 31:31-33)
These will be the one who will rule with him in the kingdom, having the spirit dwell inside them. And since all of Christ's deciples are his brothers, this rules out there being only a small group of followers of Christ who are anointed with the Holy Spirit as the "slave class" with a divine appointment as communicator of God's word. Rather the "little flock" he instructed at the time of his ministry, were only twelve apostles and could thus be called the "little flock," nothing more and nothing less. To put a meaning into this expression is "go beyond what is written," putting manmade teachings into scripture, which "make the word of God invalid." (Mark 3:32-35; Luke 12:23; 1 Cor 4:6; Matt 15:6-8)
Becoming one of God's children, one of His son's and one of Christ's brothers requires 4 basic steps. Knowing. Reckoning or giving an accounting of where we stand with Christ, Presenting ourselves to God and Walking in the Spirit. As we follow the third step, we present ourselves to God as living sacrifices to him. Our whole life belongs to God. We died with Christ when He died and were resurrected with Christ when He was. Our old self, the old man, died and we were "born again" as "new creatures" in Christ. We have dedicated our bodies to God. We are no longer alive to ourselves but belong to God. As former Chinese missionary, Watchman Nee states:
Jehovah has always been "a rock, perfect in his activity." As the "rock" that means he can always be relied on for salvation. His righteous decisions are unmovable, stable and completely dependable. But something more was needed of man, faith. This is exactly what Abraham did:
For this, Abraham was blessed and would become a father to a nation of people all blessed by God. Without this faith of Abraham, he could not have pleased God,
The point is:
On the other hand, when praying, if one only hopes and somewhat doubts that God will help him, then
(Gen 15:6; 22:15-18; Heb 11:8, 6; James 1:6-8) To quote Zephaniah 2:3 and state that "probably" or "perhaps" you may be saved in the day of God's anger, is to mislead and deceive persons the true meaning of faith, putting persons dependent on men, the "slave class," instead of our only "head," Jesus Christ, for salvation.
For faith can not be a matter of doubt and uncertainty, rather
If one reads the context of Zephaniah, it can be seen that this was a call to repentance for the judgment that was to fall upon the sinful Jerusalem. They had sinned grossly and now Jehovah was going to punish them for this. So now he tells sinful Jerusalem to "seek righteousness, seek meekness and probably or perhaps you may survive and be concealed in the day of his burning anger" against Jerusalem. To quote this scripture and apply it to those putting faith in the "rock," the " foundation stone," Jesus Christ, is to misapply scripture and prevent persons from gaining true faith in Christ, which is having complete confidence and intimacy with him. Instead persons, as part of a non-anointed class of Christians, are forever dependent on the "anointed" "slave class," the supposed remnant and only true "brothers" of Christ. (Heb 11:1) This does not mean that the faith of a spirit anointed Christian can be over confident. For everyone can sin and fall away, as Apostle Paul warned,
So over confidence and sinning results in loosing the Holy Spirit that dwells inside us, however a lack of faith and confidence in Christ "being the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him, makes it impossible for us to please God." Only with the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us can we truly obtain this faith, strength and confident assurance that pleases God and be counted as righteous. (1 Cor 10:12; Heb:10:26,27; 6:4-6; Heb 11:6) With Jesus Christ as our "rock" and "chief cornerstone" for salvation, we must exercise "faith" in him and in order to please him. To do this we need the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, which gives us the "strength" and the "power beyond what is normal" must "dwell inside us." It is only then that we can pray, having the "faith" and confidence that he will answer our prayers, not doubting at all. It is only then, that we can gain the true knowledge of the scriptures and intimate relationship with Christ, knowing his love, "which is beyond all knowledge." For no man or "slave class" can teach us this and transform our personality from within ourselves except the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us. Only the Holy Spirit can transform our minds into a "new creation according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty." This Holy Spirit, "residing in us" is what makes us "put on the new personality" and "become a full grown man to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ," "until we attain to the oneness in the faith and in knowing the Son of God." (Eph 4:20-24; Gal:15-16; Phil 4:12; 2 Cor 4:7; Eph 3:19; Romans 9:33)
The Scripture In Context When reading Matthew 24:45-51, as always, the context must be read as well. If one reads the previous 6 verses, it can be clearly seen that this appointment of a "faithful slave" will occur at the end of the system of things, and not before, in the year 1918 or any other time period. Verse 36 tells of "no one knowing the day or the hour."
This statement is very direct and would strongly imply of no year, month, day, time and hour of Christ's coming at the end of this system, not in a time period before. To put a "day and an hour" of Christ's second coming, whether invisible or visible, would be in violation of these words. Then in Verses 37-38:
"Just as the days of Noah were, so the royal
visit or presence of the son of man will be." And in the days of Verses 40-41:
Verses 40-41 again relate to the end of the system of things and not before, speaking of the final day of judgment, where "two men will be in the field, and one will be taken away," two woman at the grinding mill and one will be taken away." Again this would apply to the second coming of Christ when his judgment would "take one away," while another would remain. Verse 43:
Verse 43 then tells us to "keep awake" at all times, up until the day of Christ's second coming, which is only at the end of the system and not before, with an invisible presence, likening this to an unexpected thief coming in the night. A thief in the night comes unexpected, with no prior signs to look for and prepare for, but instead we have to "keep awake with our faith and love till the very moment the "thief" comes upon us. Verses 45-51:
This brings us up to verses 45-51, with a parable of asking "who really is the faithful and discreet slave?" Clearly this parable applies to the second coming of Christ at the end of the system of things as we know it and not some invisible presence or secret rapture happening some time before. At that time of judgment, all faithful and discreet Christians will be appointed to enter in the "kingdom of the heavens" with their master, Christ Jesus. To claim that this appointment occurs in 1918 or anytime before the end of this system of things, is to take this scripture completely out of context.
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"A
Christian man is a free lord over everything and subject to no one. A Christian man is an obedient servant in everything
and subject to everyone"
Noah, the flood came, arriving suddenly, bringing sudden destruction and
an end to that system of things. There was no invisible presence prior to the flood, but the parousia came
all at once, destroying the "heavens and earth" of Noah's day. Likewise, this is compared with Christ's
second coming and arrival at the end of this system of things and not any other time period or invisible
presence before as in the year 1914.