Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on October 24, 1999 at 11:03:15 {f8eW6hUOe2MRXA6xmpscslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: **Question to GB Member posted by Antique on October 24, 1999 at 08:42:55:
Hello Antique,
How are you?
I don't have a doctrinal web page with this on it.
As far as leaving the organization, you don't have to. LEAVING at this stage from the "temple organization" which is that of the witnesses, has to be per the concept of going down that "narrow and cramped road", which means you must, no matter who you associate with, still have that personal relationship with god. No religion should be a mediator for you. So basically, people who leave establish their own personal relationship with Jehovah and vigorously study the scriptures themselves.
Understand first and foremost though, the concept of the wheat-weed organization, which is the scenario of the witness organization, and that is this. The REASON it was allowed to remain was because sheep had already begun to associate with this organization. So Jehovah allowed it to serve it's purpose throughout the "covenant period" which ended in 1996. They witnesses did fulfill preaching the "good news" world wide in fulfillment of prophecy.
That being the case, you don't have to leave if you don't want to. As long as you know and understand the end is near and that the current GB have been disfellowshipped and therefore what they say must be checked closely scripture, you can stay in if its convenient for you and just wait to get "rescued."
Your position would be one who is "sighing and crying in Jerusalem because of all the bad things happening in her" who would then get "marked" for salvation while within this organization.
Also you should understand that everyone will not be able to achieve the advanced truth. Basically, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the older brother represents the first anointed ones in the witness organization, who though not going in to accept the Messiah when he arrives, the younger brother, still is not rejected Jehovah. But that older brother refuses to go in. So there is an arrangement for the "older brother class" to still be part of the kingdom without actually joining in on the private banquet of those in direct association with the Messiah.
So for the witness organization, there are really two groups. A private group of secret anointed ones who are the JIOR and a public group who are not part of the JIOR. So if you find yourself in the public group, that's okay. The Father still comes out and assures them that they have not been abandoned.
But that also means that you're not actively worshipping the "Faithful Slave" God and that you take a personal interest in truth, and face the "tribulation" of understanding that the current GB has been cut off from spiritual light.
But the time left is truly reduced so it won't be long, perhaps before a major change in the organization takes place. What you want to do is not lose your faith in the Bible or Jehovah when the Society finally is tossed into the lake of fire.
So my advice is just to be cool, stay awake, and watch the events that are happening. The primary anointed ones gathering with the Messiah, however, are gathered in total secrecy and you can't cross over directly.
This is represented by the "chasm" mentioned between Lazarus and the Rich Man. There would be some who want to go from one place to the other, but they can't.
So there is no "direct" open place for you to go, other than into your personal place of private spirituality which is where all Christians need to be anyway. Your "religion" shouldn't be a mediator for you. It should be a place where you share association with others of like faith.
Now some can't stand the hypocrisy, especially the doctrinally oriented ones. Others who have families in the truth and need the structure just remain in and are waiting for the next phase. And it would seem you have already "left" the organization spiritually, so you're doing quite well already. If the organization falls and fades you still have your faith on Jehovah, which is the whole point. And if there is another arrangement that becomes apparent for the witnesses, then you'll be ready to accept that based upon those choices Biblically.
But if you have any further questions, just ask here at H20 and then everybody can benefit.
Take care.
Cheers,
Bibleman