Posted by Nicodemus [Nicodemus] on November 11, 1999 at 08:34:53 {mJnjjpluA6mL9KjZpLewbTrVtUivFs}:
I wish to commend the writer(s) of the two study articles we just considered in the WT, with respect to the question of what God requires of us.
Just a few quick comments:
In the first article, in paragraph 15, the comment was made that Jehovah's Law or requirements, in itself, was not oppressive, or unreasonable. However, the "extensions" and "clarifying rules" added by men were.
I suggest that all active Jehovah's Witnesses read that paragraph very carefully, and consider whether our organization has done similarly in our time.
To the extent that those in positions of influence can, and do, honestly face up to that question, and make appropriate corrections, this organization will be a better place.
In the second article, to be honest, I was expecting more of the same. Meetings meetings, meetings, Service, service, service. Study, study, study. Bad association, bad association, bad association. I think we all know the drill.
However, to my great surprise and joy, the article took a much different approach.
It started by stating categorically that Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law, with much supporting scriptural argumentation.
It pointed out the fact that the "law of the Christ" was not codified, with extensive lists of specific laws and penalties, as was the Mosaic Law. Obedience to this law is much more a test of what is in a person's heart, and of their conscience, than blind and unthinking obedience to an extensive set of rules.
It highlighted very clearly that the overriding substance or spirit of the law of the Christ is love. That Jesus featured this quality 28 times in his last recorded private meeting with his apostles. And that he backed it up with a tremendous display of love and humility, in the face of their complete failure to benefit from his previous lessons on this topic.
The article discussed the need to forgive others, even those who have hurt us. It frankly acknowledged just how difficult that can be in practice.
All in all, I was very impressed.
It is my sincere hope that we, as an organization, will be guided by such fine principles as we chart our future course.