Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on November 16, 1999 at 14:52:01 {pRztWiaeukMSSTtTA17sslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: *Post-Armageddon Concerns posted by AF on November 16, 1999 at 05:06:36:
Well, AF (hi).
I hope you're very concerned about what goes on with the boogieman because you can't just dismiss this based upon "what is crooked cannot be made straight."
I hasn't to point out that the Bible has prophesied that this organization, though planted with wheat would produce weeds along with the wheat because of Satan's planting of seeds of weeds within this organization. Because of not wanting to loose any already associated with this organization, Jehovah allowed the "wheat and weeds to grow together until the harvest" when a separation work would be done.
The separation work is done when the Messiah arrives. But the fact that there were prophesied weeds in this "temple" organization proves it would appear "crooked" and 2 Thess. 2:4 even prophesied the leadership of "THE temple of THE God" would apostatize and make itself a god by lording over the other anointed ones. Clearly a reference to the current GB's situation.
Bottom line, though, you can't make the GB into the "evil slave" body until you first have a "temple class" in which they must be a part. That means, even with the imperfections, false teachings, etc., this still would be considered "God's organization", the one that preaches the "good news" worldwide before the Messiah comes.
So BIBLICALLY, being "crooked" is not a simple disqualifier for being "God's organization." In fact, case in point is the nation of Israel. They were "God's chosen people" (and still are on some levels) and they got into all kinds of trouble all the time. So having a flawless record doesn't automatically disqualify one from being God's chosen people.
On the positive side of the fence, however, they clearly have advanced Biblical understanding compared to the Trinity-philic, Christmas and Easter celebrating pagano-Christians of Christendom. They do understand who Jesus is. They understand he is God's son and not God himself. So they are set apart even with their imperfections. Also, they celebrate Memorial once a year which is a key issue and one which is not generally the case in Christendom.
There has to be a "temple class" during the last days to fulfill everything about "spiritual Israel" and the witnesses are that organization, even though their leadership does end up becoming apostate and kicked out of office when the Messiah comes. The false teachings are part of the "weed" influence present in the organization before it really even began to grow, right at the beginning.
Cheers,
Bibleman