In the first instance, the emphasis is placed on the individual being a sinner in need of salvation from Jehovah God. Next, the individual acknowledges Jesus' role in this salvation as ransomer of mankind. Secondly, the individual responds to the thought that he has dedicated his life to Jehovah God. The individual understands that God's will is revealed through His Word under the direction of Holy Spirit and therefore have the final say in the person's life, always. This is what the individual agrees to before Jehovah, forevermore. Did you make such an agreement? The questions are certainly proper and serve to remind all of us of our grave responsibility to be completely loyal to him!
Written By:
Donald C. Burney
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The following information has been taken from The "Report" Book Volume I pages 149-152 and 158-167. |
Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines a "loyal" person as being one who is:
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At this point, we want to make a distinction, between "testing" individuals and "tempting" them. No, Jehovah does not "tempt" man toward sin. Neither does Jehovah ‘try men with evil things.' He will not place a wicked or evil thing right in front of a man in order to "try" him or "tempt" him toward sin. No, but this is the type of ploy that Satan often uses. (James 1:13, 14) However, even in these cases, Jehovah will allow the person to be "tried" by the evil thing, in order to see if he will, when tempted, remain "loyal." An excellent way to understand the differences in the two situations is this: Jehovah planted the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad" in the middle of the Garden and told man not to eat from it. But Satan took it further. He suggested to Eve that she should eat from it since breaking God's Law would, in the end, prove beneficial to herself and her family. Yes, he went so far as to make the idea attractive to her. He told her how her `eyes were bound to become opened and she would be just like Jehovah, knowing Good and Bad.' What an awful thing to do! Nevertheless, do we see the difference? Yes, Jehovah would not do such a thing. That would be "tempting" the person with the evil thing. |
However, a "test" can really be a good thing. For example: What wise instructor or school teacher do we know that does not, from time to time, give "exams," " or "tests," if you will, to see how his or her students are really faring in class. Indeed, most teachers even give unexpected "pop quizzes" from time to time, to see if the students are really paying attention in the classroom. Yes, by way of these examinations, oral or written, the teacher can see if the students are really progressing, or learning in the class. In this way, he/she can monitor their progress systematically throughout the school year. Therefore, we can see that a "test" is not a bad thing, in itself. No, but in fact, it is a very good thing. It is something that is needed. |
Yes, if the `blind lead the blind,' then "both" will fall into the pit. There is no escaping it. If the Watchtower Society is leading the Jehovah's Witnesses in a wrong path, then `both will fall into the pit.' Remember, leadership always affects the followers, for good or bad. Take for example Adam and Eve. Certainly, their example has had disastrous effects upon us, their offspring, even though we had nothing to do with their original sin in the Garden of Eden. And how about the ten unfaithful spies who were sent to spy out the promise land. Did not their `bad report' and faithless example have a detrimental effect upon the whole nation? Yes, their example and counsel caused the whole nation to wander in the wilderness for 40 years! - Numbers 13:25 thru 14:39 |
Then, take the example of David and Bathsheba. Again, not only did David suffer because of his adulterous affair with the death of the offspring of this union, but his whole family suffered with constant turmoil and disunity with rebellions from Absalom, Adonijah, and the raping of his daughter, Tamar. Clearly, others are affected by the actions of their respective leaders, whether in the family arrangement or on a national level. - 2 Samuel chapter 11; 2 Samuel chapter 15; 1 Kings chapter 1; 2 Samuel 13. |
What can we do to draw closer to the Organization?" |
Did they say: "Our official view?" Shouldn't it be what God's official view or what the Bible's official viewpoint is on these important matters? Can we not see from these and numerous other examples that the Watchtower Society has set itself up as an ICON of worship? They are taking the credit, even worship, that should go ONLY to Jehovah God. (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 42:8) And the Jehovah's Witnesses are, unwittingly, giving this adulation to this ICON of worship! |
Now compare these questions with the new ones propounded to baptismal candidates since the year of 1985. The new questions are as follows: have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will? baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization? (See Watchtower June 1, 1985 pg. 30 par. 3, 4) |
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