Part 1
Today, because of the internet and other modern means of communication, yes, more and more Jehovah's Witnesses are beginning to find out that many of their teachings are not rooted in Holy Scripture as they once thought. In fact, many of Jehovah's Witnesses today, are even finding out that some of their most prized and admired teachings, are actually false teachings or false doctrines that when examined, are merely "commandments of men," that have been wickedly perpetrated upon themselves by the Watchtower Society -- something Jesus specifically condemned as a part of one's worship to Jehovah. (Mark 7:6-9) And albeit, yes, the teaching of 1914 has proven itself to be one of those teachings, an "artfully contrived false story" that first century Christians were specifically warned against participating in. Yes, we remember Peter, under inspiration, gave this clear directive to first century Christians,
"No, it was not by following ARTFULLY CONTRIVED FALSE STORIES that we acquainted you with the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having become eyewitnesses of his magnificence." -- 2 Peter 1:16
Some of us may remember this fact: Particularly after the year of 1995 with the release of the October 15th and November 1st Watchtower magazines respectively, and after digesting the contents of these magazines, many Jehovah's Witnesses for the first time, began to discern the unthinkable, yes, that the teaching of 1914 was a complete gimmick, a farce, a giant ruse or falsehood taught to the international brotherhood of Jehovah's Witnesses for many years now. Yes, after that particular year, the fall of 1995. Therefore, after reading those articles, these diligent Jehovah's Witnesses began to search, begin to investigate, to re-examine their beliefs, like the ancient "Beroeans" of the first century, and like Paul recommended for the Christians of Corinth during his day...to always "test" and see if one is still "in the faith." (Acts 17:11; 2 Corinthians 13:5) Therefore, after searching, re-examining their beliefs and finally learning that this teaching was completely wrong, and without genuine biblical substantiation or foundation, many of these sincere Jehovah's Witnesses were mortified, horrified, and became speechless for a time. But later, these ones began to speak out, speak out boldly in fact, against this false teaching, and were regrettably, disfellowshipped by the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. To be sure, many of these brave souls are among us today, as avid members of Jehovah's Witnesses Discussion Boards the world over.
Still others from among their number, other informed Jehovah's Witnesses, begin to secretly advocate or push for a change, within the JW Organization. Many of these are in High Positions within the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization, but they are "secret" disciples of change. Still, these ones want to see this particular false teaching of 1914 and other associated "teachings" fully removed from the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. They want the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses to discard all such teachings, in an effort of reform for the nation. The formation of this group of Jehovah's Witnesses, became known as secret "reformers" among Jehovah's Witnesses. Secret "advocates" of change. Even today, many of these ones have became "secret" reformers for change, like "Nicodemus" and "Joseph of Arimathea" of Jesus' day. This "secret" group of Jehovah's Witnesses "reformers," became especially apparent, after the fall of 1995. -- John 3:1, 2; John 19:38, 39
However, with this particular viewpoint, comes a special problem. And it is this: while advocating change or reform, secretly from within the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization, what most "reform-minded" Jehovah's Witnesses today do not fully appreciate or understand about the possible discarding of the teaching of 1914, and all such teachings, would be the unseen but yet, serious implications associated with the actual discarding of the teaching of 1914. Yes what it would mean for their religion or faith, to discard it, because we say the teaching is false, when finally examined. They do not truly appreciate, the hidden "albatross" effect, that is forever, draped around the Watchtower Society and all Jehovah's Witnesses' neck, for all eternity...this great "millstone" of a teaching that if anyone attempts to rid himself of, will be doomed to utter self-destruction. Here is why.
You see, what most do not realize about this situation facing all Jehovah's Witnesses inevitably, is that to the Watchtower Society, the teaching of 1914, actually represents the revealing of a "Sacred Secret" from God Himself. And since they have taught this for close to 150 years (Since 1877), then understandably that means, the doctrine or teaching cannot be discarded quite so easily. Again, this is because one simple fact...this teaching is viewed as a "Sacred Secret" From God, and as such, thus becomes "evidence" from the Watchtower Society they indeed possess "sacred secrets" from God. Thus, it becomes the kind of teachings just like those teachings that first century Christians were given. And that's what will make it so hard, yes next to impossible, for Jehovah's Witnesses to ever, get rid of such a teaching.
We remember, it was the "Sacred Secrets" themselves, provided by the Holy Spirit, these unique understandings of scripture that differentiated them from those servants of God, first century "Israel," who were still under the Mosaic Law as those who only were given the "framework of the knowledge of the Truth," but nothing more. But first century Christians were given, yes, the "Sacred Secrets of the Kingdom," the true understanding of such. -- Romans 2:18-20; Matthew 13:11
Actually, when we look back, it is this unique viewpoint espoused by the Watchtower Society of the doctrine and teaching of 1914 wherein they show, this very teaching itself actually, sets them apart from all other religions of their time. For example the Watchtower magazine of May 1, 1981 on page 17 said the following of the teaching of 1914 and the preaching of the "good news" as foretold by Jesus to come within our day:
"Let the honest-hearted person compare the kind of preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom done by the religious systems of Christendom during all the centuries with that done by Jehovah's Witnesses since the end of World War I in 1918. They are not one and the same kind. That of Jehovah's Witnesses is really "gospel," or "good news," as of God's heavenly kingdom that was established by the enthronement of his Son Jesus Christ at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914."
After reading such a statement, there can be no question but that Jehovah's Witnesses' unique use of the all-important date of 1914 to distinguish themselves, is shown to be a cornerstone teaching, a "touchstone" teaching by which all other religions of this world ARE JUDGED, favorably or unfavorably! Yes, the teaching of 1914 is just that important to the Watchtower Society.
Highlighting that fact, the Watchtower Society has even gone so far as to say that Jehovah's Witnesses have been given a "sacred secret" from God, in this very teaching of 1914. And as we know, it was to the first century Christians ONLY, that God gave "sacred secrets" themselves. Jehovah did not give such to the nation of Israel, under the Mosaic Law that did not follow Jesus. Let's notice this fact in the 1975 Watchtower magazine page 96 paragraph 1, which says:
"We today are living in the time when 'that which is complete' is due to arrive. The physical facts in fulfillment of Bible prophecy confirm that Jesus Christ received kingly authority over the world of mankind in 1914 C.E. With that event the "sacred secret" or "mystery" of God was brought to a finish, in the sense that this even removed the mysterious aspect about this kingdom. From that time onward God's people have been experiencing a continued increase in spiritual knowledge and in understanding prophecy. This is in harmony with Daniel 12:4 ... Accordingly, "that which is complete" refers to the full understanding of God's purpose as revealed in the Bible. This being a time for such increased understanding of God's Word and the fulfillment of its prophecies, that 'which is complete' must be at hand."
Clearly above, we see the Watchtower Society regards the teaching of 1914, to be a "sacred secret," a great "mystery" of God, where the "mysterious aspect" about that hidden event, has been brought to a "finish," as mentioned in Revelation 10:7. And of course, it was "brought to a finish," by none other than the WTS themselves. In other words, understanding the great importance of the year of 1914 itself, is proof the Watchtower Society have been given the "true knowledge" or true understanding of the book of Revelation, as evidenced by this teaching or doctrine of 1914 itself. (Daniel 12:4) And in so doing, it proves that the Jehovah's Witnesses are actually a people that are most blessed with Heavenly Understanding of God's Sacred Secrets, and are truly God's "Anointed" nation of people, who are "called out of darkness" into God's "wonderful light," of our times. Yes, it proves that Jehovah's Witnesses currently are the actual MODERN-DAY EQUIVALENT of first century Christians, who were God's "anointed" nation of the first century. Again, the only people so blessed as to be granted the high privilege to come into possession of God's "Sacred Secrets," and the sacred understanding thereof. -- Matthew 13:11; 1 Peter 2:9
But think, if the teaching of 1914 is incorrect, just as many of Jehovah's Witnesses are beginning to say, then doesn't that mean then that Jehovah's Witnesses are actually wrong about one of supposedly a God-Given Sacred Secret -- A most pivotal, powerful Sacred Secret Teaching? And if the teaching of 1914 is wrong, doesn't that mean that Jehovah's Witnesses have not been given "Sacred Secrets" or Divine Understanding, like first century Christians?
True we know, Jehovah's Witnesses have a basic understanding of scripture, as they know the trinity is a false teaching, that "hell" is the common grave, and the wicked are not tormented endlessly in a "hellfire". Yes, they also know that the earth, will one day become a paradise, a lasting home for all obedient mankind. But again, these teachings are not necessarily sacred secrets in themselves, in that these are simply Basic Truths, and are part of the "framework of the knowledge of the truth," that Paul spoke about. (Romans 2:20) They are part of the Basic Truths, that have been known for many years, which were passed down by many previous "Christian" groups of years gone by, such as the Annabaptists, the Arians, the Abigensenians, the Waldenses, the Lollards, and so on. (For more information on Jehovah's Witnesses possessing a "framework" of Basic Truth which constitutes them as Mystery "Israel" of Bible prophecy, see the link below.)
See Link: Forty (40) Basic Truths Taught Exclusively By Jehovah's Witnesses
As mentioned above, these beliefs taught by the Watchtower Society are actually basic teachings of truth, that have been known for many years now. Therefore, these teachings in themselves, could not differentiate the Jehovah's Witnesses as being any different from any other religion of our times, actually. However, the teaching of 1914, does indeed differentiate Jehovah's Witnesses from all other religions. And that is because, it is claimed to be a "sacred secret" from God. And with that teaching, comes so many other teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, such as the teachings that says the Faithful and Discreet Slave gets his "appointment" over all of God's "belongings" in 1919. -- Matthew 24:45-47
Therefore, if the teaching of 1914 is wrong, and Jehovah's Witnesses have held this date out to the world of mankind as being the Cornerstone Teaching from Jehovah God Himself, for close to 150 years (Since 1874), then doesn't this prove Jehovah's Witnesses DO NOT have an understanding of "sacred secrets" from God? And doesn't this prove that Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT like first century Christians, who were anointed. This would mean that Jehovah's Witnesses do not possess any of the "anointed" among them. Because the truly "anointed" of God are always blessed with the understanding of God's "Sacred Secrets," something Jehovah's Witnesses do not have. Also, neither would the truly "anointed" among God's People, preach and teach an false doctrine -- an "artfully contrived false story," as Peter referred to, for over 120 years, without knowing that they were "grieving the spirit," as an "anointed" nation...when they taught it to others. -- Ephesians 4:30; 2 Peter 1:16
Therefore, if we have come to know the teaching of 1914 is not correct, then it behooves us all to also be aware of the fact that an "anointed" people of Jehovah, would not have taught such a doctrine for so many years incorrectly. The Holy Spirit would not lead God's "anointed" nation of people into something that is later proven to be a "lie." The Holy Spirit would not move the truly "anointed" to "practice sin" in this manner. No, Jehovah wouldn't let the "anointed" nation of Jehovah's Witnesses "practice" so serious a transgression, over so many years. -- Romans 8:14; 1 John 2:20, 27; 1 John 3:9
Therefore, if the teaching of 1914 is wrong, then Jehovah's Witnesses then as a nation, have not, as of yet, received a true "anointing" from God. And this is because they only have a basic understanding of truth, a basic understanding of matters, just as the first century nation of Israel did, before Jesus came. This is the level we find Jehovah's Witnesses to be on at this time. They are God's Name People, that presently exist with a primitive state of basic knowledge about God, and thus have not been "anointed" as a nation at this time. This "anointing" comes at a future time for them. -- Romans 2:18-20; Joel 2:28, 29
End of Part 1
(Please note: More detail information on the future millennial reign of peace upon earth will be considered in the 90-Day Online Bible Study Course at LivingWatersForum.com)
***This article was contributed by YORWW Bible Academy***
Click to read: THE TEACHING OF 1914 ...
"SACRED SECRET" OR FALSE DOCTRINE -- WHICH?
Part 2
