Truth Magazine

By Welton Weaver

According to the Jehovah’s Witnesses the number of the elect has been set by Divine decree at 144,000. “The church of Christ consists of Jesus Christ the head and the 144,000 members of his body.”(1) Only the 144,000 will go to heaven. “These are the only ones whom Jehovah God takes to heaven with the Son. All others who gain life in His new world will live in Paradise restored here on earth.”(2) This position is more fully developed in the following quotations:

Those who are called by God to share in such heavenly service are few in number. As Jesus said, they are a `little flock’. Years after his return to heaven, Jesus made known the exact number . . . `a hundred and forty-four thousand . . . who have been bought from the earth’ (Revelation 14:1, 3).(3)

However, the `little flock’ who go to heaven are not the only ones who receive salvation. As we have seen, they will have happy earthly subjects. Jesus referred to these as his `other sheep,’ of whom `a great crowd’ are even now serving God faithfully.– John 10:l6; Revelation 7:6, 15.(4)

This view of the 144,000 and their relationship to Jesus Christ and the rest of mankind may be diagramed as follows:

The purpose of this article is to show that Rev. 7:4 and 14:1-3 do not teach that only 144,000 will go to heaven, as the Witnesses claim. Other passages cited in the diagram, such as Rev. 5:9, 10 and 20:6, are not within the scope of this review. It should be noted in passing, however, that these passages are also grossly misused in their argument. The “first resurrection” of Rev. 20:6 is the resurrection of the cause for which the martyrs of Rev. 6:9, 10 have been slain. The reign of those mentioned in Rev. 5:9, 10 is a present reign upon the earth and has no reference whatever to a reign of the 144,000 from heaven over the rest of mankind. The “little flock” of Lk. 12:32 refers to the then small band of disciples of Jesus who were about to receive the kingdom of God (see Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:48, 49; Acts 1:4, 5; Acts 2:1-4). The “other sheep” of John 10:16 are the Gentiles, since the gospel was first preached to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 1:6; Rom. 1:16).

Without getting into a discussion of whether the 144,000 in both Rev. 7:4 and 14:1-3 refers to the same subjects,, we need to give some attention to the matter of where they are. Are they on earth or in heaven? The Witnesses claim that since 1918 all of the 144,000, except a very small remnant, have gone to heaven. They also say that the “great multitude, which no man could number” (Rev. 7:9) is a separate group and represents all the other saved people who will remain on earth. But a careful reading of the verses in chapter seven will show that the multitude is in heaven and is contrasted with the 144,000 who are yet on earth. The 144,000 represent God’s elect on earth. These are sealed for protection against the tribulation about to be brought against the earth (7:1, 2). Their sealing does not protect them against martyrdom, for they are to be martyred by the beast which is to rise out of the sea (11:7). It only protects them against the “hurt” about to be brought upon the earth. This “hurt” is held back until the sealing is completed (7:3), or until the church on earth has been fully prepared for the coming judgments against the earth.

In addition to the 144,000, John sees “a great multitude, which no man could number . . . standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (7:9). Two factors in particular suggest that this multitude is in heaven. First, these subjects are not sealed, indicating they have passed beyond the need of protection because they have already passed through the tribulation (7:14). The 144,000 yet face the tribulation and are sealed for protection against it. Second, the multitude is “arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands.” The white robes symbolize their righteousness, while the palm branches in their hands symbolize their victory. They now appear “before the throne and before the Lamb” with the angels, elders, and four living creatures (7:11, 13).

But we are told by the Witnesses that the multitude stands before the throne, and since the earth is God’s footstool the multitude is yet on earth. The fact that this multitude stands before the throne, however, does not in itself tell us whether it is on earth or in heaven. But other factors do strongly argue against the possibility of this multitude being on earth. For example, the angels, elders, and the four living creatures also appear “before the throne” (7:11). That the multitude is with them is made clear by the question asked by one of the elders: “These that are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and whence come they?” (7:13). The elder is told that they are the ones who came out of the great tribulation (7:14), and this is the reason given that they are now “before the throne of God” (7:15). Now notice that this multitude has come from somewhere to appear before the throne. They have come out of the great tribulation, but they have also come “before the throne.” That is where the angels, elders, and four living creatures are (7:11). There is nothing to suggest that the multitude who now stands before the throne is yet on earth, while the other members of the heavenly host who also appear “before the throne” are in heaven. In fact, all the evidence is contrary to such a view. If the multitude standing before the throne means the multitude is on earth, why does not the angels, elders, and living creatures before the throne mean that they too are on earth? We also see in Rev. 8:2 seven angels standing “before God.” In 8:3, a golden altar is “before the throne,” and the angel takes fire from it and pours it upon the earth. Are the seven angels, the golden altar, and the angel who takes fire from the altar on earth because they are all before God or the throne? The fact that the multitude is standing before the throne does not change the matter. The angels in 7:11 and 8:2 are also standing, but they are in heaven.

How are we to identify the multitude? Is it the same as the 144,000? Some think so. But whether it is or is not, if it is in heaven, as we maintain, the view that only 144,000 will go to heaven is definitely wrong. If it is the same as the 144,000, John says it cannot be numbered. If it is a separate group (as I believe), then there will be the 144,000 plus the great multitude in heaven. The 144,000 is not to be taken literally. The number simply suggests completeness. In Rev. 7:4, it represents all of God’s elect on earth, or spiritualized Israel (see Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1; Lk. 22:30; Matt. 19:28; Gal. 6:16 and Phil. 3:3). In particular, the number refers to those saints in John’s day yet facing martyrdom, who after death will join those saints already in heaven (the great multitude).

Endnotes

1. J. F. Rutherford, The Harp of God (Brooklyn, N. Y.: Peoples Pulpit Association. 1921), p. 279.

2. From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained (Brooklyn, N. Y.: International Bible Students Association, 1958), p. 153.

3. The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life (Brooklyn, N. Y.: Inter national Bible Students Association, 1968), p. 77.

4. Ibid.

Truth Magazine XIX: 26, pp. 410-412
May 8, 1975

By Marvin Noble

If you answer your door and are greeted by neighbors who claim to be Jehovah’s Witnesses, beware! John warns that many false prophets have gone out into the world, and that we must test them to know if they are from Jehovah (1 Jn. 4:1, 6). Your visitors might tell you that they are servants of Jehovah’s organization, and that He exercises theocratic rule over the Watchtower Society in which they serve. These bold statements need to be tested by history and by the Bible. I encourage you to examine their claims concerning the second coming of Jesus. Here are some early Watchtower assertions: “Thus we found the time of our Lord’s second advent clearly proven to be 1874-in October of that year” (Studies In The Scriptures, Vol. III, p. 127); “And, with the end of A. D. 1914, what God calls Babylon, and what men call Christendom, will have passed away” (Studies, Vol. III, p. 153); “The final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A. D. 1914” (Studies, Vol. II, p. 99). Of course history has shown these predictions to be false, and even the Society has repudiated the old dates of Christ’s presence and now says He came in 1914. Thus the Watchtower pronounces its own judgment-it was a false witness.

Consider the claims made for Charles Russell-the one who made those early predictions. In the seventh volume of Studies In The Scriptures, The Watchtower endorsed him as “the messenger of the Church of Laodicea sent of God to this generation” (p. 3) and pronounced its blessings upon the seventh volume (p. 7) in which Russell’s inspiration was described as follows: “In all his 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” (p. 387); “The Lord assumes an interest in and responsibility for the complete series of Studies In The Scriptures” (p. 295); “Jehovah says that none of the words spoken through His servant Pastor Russell, shall wait any longer for fulfillment, but the things shall come as spoken” (p. 431). Mr. Rutherford, long time a president of the Society, wrote: “Without a doubt Pastor Russell . . . was therefore that wise and faithful servant ministering to the household of faith meat in due season” (Harp of God, 657,000 edition, p. 239). The Watchtower now contradicts these claims (Then Is Finished The Mystery Of God, pp. 110, 111), but cannot do so without making itself a liar, and Rutherford a false witness.

The “Witnesses” have taught that when Jesus comes, the faithful on earth will begin to be restored to perfect health. Rutherford made such predictions in the Watchtower book, Millions Now Living Will Never Die. He said, “In 1925 Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible representatives of the new order of things on earth” (p. 88). He further wrote, “When the restoration begins (1925 according to Rutherford) a man of seventy years of age will gradually be restored to a condition of physical health and mental balance. The Lord will teach him how to eat, what to eat, and other habits of life; and above all, the truth, how to fix his mind upon holy things. And by the gradual process of restoration he will be lifted up by the great Mediator and restored to the days of his youth and live on the earth forever and never see death” (p. 100). Did such take place? Certainly not. Moreover, the Watchtower now says this is yet to be fulfilled. (See Life Everlasting, p. 395-400.) If Rutherford’s predictions were false, how could he be Jehovah’s witness?

The Bible teaches, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:22). Russell and Rutherford do not pass the test. Some of their predictions have failed. Therefore, they were false prophets. But this is a society which boasts of theocratic rule “from the top down.” Thus, if their leaders are in error, then the whole group becomes false witnesses-not Jehovah’s witnesses. Jesus’ words describe them well: “They be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matt. 15:14).

This year should present a great opportunity to teach many Watchtower believers; 1975 is their crucial year. The Society has put itself on record that by this autumn, the 1000 year reign of Christ shall begin. The book, Let God Be True, states: “And now the battle of Armageddon is near and Christ’s reign of 1,000 years will begin immediately after it, during which time redeemed mankind will be given the privilege of entering into God’s rest . . . It being the seventh day of a week, the weekly sabbath foreshadowed the last 1,000 years of God’s rest day of 7,000 years. That thousand years God has assigned to the Lord Jesus, to reign then without disturbance from the Devil’s organization in either heaven or earth” (pp. 178, 179). Life Everlasting gives the date: “According to this trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man’s creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975” (p. 29). “It would not be by mere chance or ‘accident but would be according to the loving purpose of Jehovah God for the reign of Jesus Christ, the `Lord of the sabbath;’ to run parallel with the seventh millennium of man’s existence” (p. 30). Their teachings demand that all earthly government be destroyed, all false religions be put down, and that the devil be bound before the millennium begins. (See God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing, pp. 185, 186.) “The visible part of the new world will be a disease-less ‘new earth’, for the curative power of the divine Physician will be turned toward mankind. Aches and pains will die out, ,as radiant health, unmarred by cancer, influenza, or even a toothache implants itself in every soul . . . ” (Let God Be True, pp. 267, 268).

“Jehovah’s Witnesses” should be made aware that Jesus has been reigning over his kingdom since Pentecost (Acts 2:30-36); that no man knows before hand the time of Christ’s coming (Matt. 24:36); that when He does come, everyone will know it (Rev. 1:7); and that “at His corning” it will be “the end when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God” (I Cor. 15: 23, 24). False witnesses testify that He returns to receive a kingdom, but the Bible testifies that He returns to deliver up the kingdom. Warn these people that they dare not have hopes of continuing on this earth. On “the day of the Lord” (when Christ comes, 2 Thes. 2:1) this earth shall be destroyed completely by fire (2 Pet. 3).

Try to help these neighbors to see that they are working for an organization that was founded upon deception, proved untrue by history, and is against the teachings of the Bible. Point out their folly when they waste their lives and jeopardize their souls by trusting their future to an organization with ‘such a history of blunders. Rescue them from the faith shattering experience of seeing 1975 pass without the fulfillment of their expectations. Help them to see that Jehovah has no connection with the Watchtower Association. When it fails, He has not failed; “He abideth faithful.”

Truth Magazine XIX: 26, pp. 409-410
May 8, 1975

By James S. Smelser

The Jehovah’s Witnesses, and all other Premillennialists, appeal to such prophecies as Isa. 65:17-25, and proclaim they have not yet been fulfilled. These passages are to be fulfilled after Christ returns to establish His kingdom on the earth, according to the Witnesses. Consider with me some rules to follow while interpreting prophecy.

Not all prophecy was revealed in the same manner (Heb. 1:1). God spoke by the prophets in divers portions (sundry times) which means “in many parts.” God’s scheme of redemption was revealed gradually and in fragments through the prophets. God also spoke in divers manners which means “in many ways or methods.” Some prophecy was literally revealed (Isa. 13:17-22). Some prophecy was set forth figuratively (Isa. 40:3-5). Some prophecy was presented by types and antitypes (Mal. 4:5, 6). Some prophecies were revealed by dreams and visions (Dan. 8:1). Sometimes the past tense was used as though the event had already occurred (Isa. 53). Sometimes the prophecy appeared in the present tense (Isa. 9:6). And sometimes the future tense of the verb was used (Dan. 2:44). Therefore, all prophecy cannot be interpreted alike.

The truths revealed through prophecy were said to be a mystery (Eph. 3:7-9). The angels of God in heaven could not interpret these prophecies (1 Pet. 1:12). The prophets themselves did not appreciate their full import (1 Pet. 1:10). The Jews and their leaders failed to understand the voice of the prophets (Acts 13:27). The disciples of Jesus were slow to understand the words of the prophets (Lk. 24:25-27). And even the apostles themselves failed to be able to interpret prophecy accurately (Lk. 24:44, 45). If all these could not understand and interpret prophecies, how is it that our modern day prognosticators of- the kingdom can understand these “unfulfilled” prophecies with crystal clarity? What advantage do these have today that enables them to understand “unfulfilled” Old Testament prophecies so easily? What makes matters worse, these premillennialists cannot agree among themselves as to the correct explanation of these prophecies, but each will offer his own explanation and assure you that he has the proper explanation.

Notice, Jesus said he would fulfill all prophecies concerning Himself (Lk. 18:31). Did not the prophecies of the kingdom concern Jesus, since He was to be its king? Later, Jesus said He had fulfilled all Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself (Lk. 24:24, 25). Peter said Jesus fulfilled all that was spoken by the mouth of the prophets, and all the prophets spoke of these days (Acts 3:17-24). He said the prophets spoke of these days, not some future kingdom. Paul said he preached what Moses and the prophets said should come to pass (Acts 26:22, 23). Paul never taught some future kingdom on earth. Finally, James said the prophets spoke of the things which occurred in his life time, not some future millennium (Acts 15:14-18). If the testimony of all these witnesses be true, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong in looking for some future fulfillment of the prophecies. All Old Testament prophecies have already realized their fulfillment.

In giving consideration to the proper manner in which to interpret Old Testament prophecies, one must accept the New Testament interpretation of those prophecies. Some read the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 and apply it to the 20th century. But when we read where Peter said “this is that” in Acts 2:17-21, we should accept his explanation of Joel 2:28-32. We need to accept the New Testament interpretation of Old Testament prophecy. We may think that a prophecy should be interpreted literally, but if the New Testament places a figurative explanation to the prophecy, so should we. Malachi said Elijah was to come (Mal. 3:1; 4:5, 6), and the Jews were expecting Elijah to literally come. But Jesus said John the baptist was Elijah (Matt. 11:9-15). The reverse is also true. If we believe a prophecy is to be interpreted figuratively, but the New Testament interprets it literally, we must accept the New Testament interpretation of any Old Testament prophecy as being the true explanation of that prophecy.

But what of the Old Testament prophecies that are not interpreted in the New Testament, such as Isa. 65:17-25? How are we to interpret these? Interpret such prophecies so as to allow them to harmonize with New Testament teaching, and not to contradict the New Testament. To say this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, contradicts all the New Testament scriptures which state that all Old Testament scriptures have been fulfilled. One may object and say that the wolf and the lamb do not feed together nor does the lion eat straw. And the peace which this text pictures is not being enjoyed today. Since all prophecy has already been fulfilled, and these things have not literally transpired, then this prophecy must be interpreted figuratively with a spiritual application rather than with a literal application as the Jehovah’s Witnesses are wont to do.

Therefore, (1) interpret all Old Testament prophecies as having been fulfilled. (2) Do not interpret all Old Testament prophecies in the same manner, since they came in divers portions and in divers manners. (3) Always accept the New Testament interpretation of any Old Testament prophecy as being the correct explanation thereof. (4) If the prophecy is not quoted or referred to in the New Testament, then interpret the prophecy in a manner which will allow it to harmonize with other Bible truths, rather than to come into conflict with them.

Truth Magazine XIX: 26, pp. 408-409
May 8, 1975

By Jady W Copeland

Sometime after Judge Rutherford’s death, the Jehovah’s Witnesses decided it was sinful to have blood transfusions, even if one could save a life. They are so confident that this is sin that they will die or allow their children to die rather than to submit to a blood transfusion. Some of them carry identification cards in their pocket or purse saying that they want blood transfusions under no circumstances. So we do not question their sincerity, only whether their belief in the matter is substantiated by the Scriptures.

But where do they get the idea that it is sinful to have blood transfusions, since the Bible nowhere mentions such a thing (pro or con) and since it was not discovered that blood circulated in the human veins until Dr. William Harvey, an English physician, discovered it about 1615 and the first transfusions on record do not appear until several years later? The way they reach this conclusion is to say that transfusions and eating blood are the same. “Jehovah’s Witnesses see no difference between being fed blood through the mouth or nose or intravenously” (Religions In America, Leo Rosten, Simon and Schuster, Inc., New York, 1963, p. 101). It is defined as “intravenous feeding, it is a feeding upon blood, An unscriptural practice” (“Make Sure of All Things,” Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc., Brooklyn, NY, p. 47). After erroneously concluding that transfusions and eating blood are the same, they twist the scriptures to “prove” it is always sinful to eat the blood of animals under any or all circumstances.

In arguing their case it is interesting to note the “reasons” given. They tell us the practice is dangerous but they do not refuse other medical treatment that is equally dangerous. The dangers involved in transfusions are relatively minor. But the argument that is most humorous (if it were not so serious) is the one which says that the recipient of blood may take on the character of the donor. Bro. Maurice Barnett quotes from Awake; a Jehovah’s Witness publication (July 8, 1969), which tells of Mr. Robert Khoury who became a thief because the donor of a pint of blood was a thief (the statement is quoted in Jehovah’s Witnesses, Vol. 1). I suppose a transfusion from a genius would improve a man’s thinking if that is the case.

One of the favorite passages used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses to prove their case is Gen. 9:4. Here the eating of blood is forbidden. This, of course, is before the law of Moses. However it was in connection with the sacrifice for sin. Then, and later under the law of Moses, the blood of animals sacrificed for sin was made sacred to the ones offering the sacrifice. Hence they were to refrain from eating it. Blood represented the life and thus, because of God’s command, became very sacred to them. Animal blood was shed because the life of the animal was given in place of the sinner. While the “type” lasted, they were forbidden to eat the blood of animals. But now that Jesus has shed His blood for sin, animal blood is no longer a symbol of the life of the one making the sacrifice. Thus, the sacredness of animal blood was removed and there is no reason to refrain from eating it.

Keep the above thought in mind as we now consider another favorite passage of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Lev. 17:11-12. Again the eating of blood is prohibited, but notice in verse 11 that it is stated, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the alter to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” The New American Standard translation says, “for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” In this verse, God told the Israelites why they were not to eat blood. But the law of sacrificing animal blood for sins is no longer binding, as we are saved by the blood of Christ. Thus the reason for considering the blood such a sacred thing has been removed. The blood of animals will not take away sins (Heb. 9:12-14).

Coming to the New Testament, we again come to a favorite passage of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Acts 15:2029. This is of course after the new covenant was effective; a brief look at the background of the statement is helpful here. The problem prompting this statement was one which involved the relationship between Jew and Gentile, a problem that had arisen after Cornelius was baptized (Acts 10:48). False teachers had come from Judea teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised in order to be saved (Acts 15: i ). Paul and Barnabas were dispatched to discuss the matter with the elders and apostles in Jerusalem. There Peter told them how God had shown him that the Gentiles should also have the gospel. The multitude then kept silent as Barnabas and Paul told of the great wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles. Then James spoke. He reminded them that what Peter had said was in harmony with the prophets of old. Now the time had come for the decision regarding what to tell the brethren at Antioch. These were Gentile Christians (vs. 23). As already noted, there had been misunderstandings from the beginning in the Jew-Gentile relationship. Notice that the four things here prohibited (pollutions of idols, fornication, things strangled and blood) were items of heathen worship with which the Gentiles were familiar. It did not bother them to eat in the temples of the idol worshiper. Paul told the Corinthians that whatever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no questions (1 Cor. 10:25). Thus it was obviously not wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols under some conditions. But sometimes it was wrong (1 Cor. 10:28). It was wrong if it caused a weak brother to eat meats in violation of his conscience (see also 1 Cor. 8:13).

Then why did James now tell them to abstain from pollutions of idols, . blood, etc.? The answer comes in verse 21. “For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Here is another reference to the Jew-Gentile relationship. Love and restraint must be practiced (1 Cor. 8:9; 10:32; Rom. 14:13-15). These four things were linked together on the basis of the Jew Gentile relationship, not because they were equal morally. These were especially objectionable to the Jews. Thus in the letter they were forbidden. So out of deference to the Jewish brethren and in an attempt to maintain the unity of brethren, they were to abstain from these things. See Acts 15:21.

But is it not wrong, to practice these things now under all conditions? What about fornication? Is it not wrong under all circumstances? Yes, many other passages tell us it is (1 Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:19, etc.). But in the passage before us it is connected with the heathen worship with which the Gentiles were familiar and no doubt refers to the practice of the heathen religious worship. Even fornication was an act of worship among the pagans. Lenski says, “It was a part of their idol worship” (Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, Lenski, p. 615). He then continued, “The wisdom of some of the Corinthian Christians argued that fornication was merely an external matter. The old pagan ideas about sexual impurities not being impurities kept clinging to the converts from paganism in some form or other. Hence this warning appears as the second on the list of Peter” (Ibid., p. 615).

Thus, it is the belief of this writer that the things prohibited here were not meant as restrictions under all circumstances and to all generations, but were stated in view of the strained Jew-Gentile relationship at that time. As already stated, we know eating meat sacrificed to idols was not sinful. So this would explain why sometimes it was wrong and sometimes it was not. Since these things were pagan religious practices, the Gentile Christians were to refrain out of love for their Jewish brethren who objected to them.

In conclusion we believe that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are wrong in their position on several counts. (1) They cannot show that eating blood (even if sinful now) and blood transfusions are the same. Blood transfusions save lives; they do not destroy life. (2) The scriptures they use show (even under Moses’ law) that the prohibition concerned animal blood, not human blood. (3) In misusing the Old Testament they fail to see that the blood was sacred; for this reason, they were to refrain from eating it. (4) And, finally, they misapply Acts 15, which does not make a blanket prohibition.

Truth Magazine XIX: 26, pp. 407-408
May 8, 1975