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"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so." - Matthew 24:45-47
A 19 Century Old Class of Persons ?
According to the Watchtower of March 1, 1981 page 24, it states:
"Witnesses of Jehovah understand that the "slave" (of Matthew 24:45) is comprised of all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time during the 19 centuries since Pentecost. Accordingly, the domestics are these anointed followers of Christ as individuals." As individuals, or "domestics," these anointed or "born again" followers of Christ, are said to be represented and fed by the "slave," who represents them all as a collective body or group. The "belongings" then represent all of Christ's interests on earth, which supposedly include a non-anointed or non-"born again" earthly class of Christians, which are interpreted to be those of the "other sheep" in John 10:16 and the "great crowd" in Revelation 7:9. (1)
There is a parallel to this principle of an individual "slave" representing a group or collective body of persons at Isaiah 43:10-12, where the nation of Israel, a group, is spoken of as an individual "servant" or "slave." However, it is the Watchtower's application of this principle applied to Matthew 24:45, where the problems arises.
Today, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society interpret this so called "slave class" of Matthew 24:45, as a collective body composed of a remnant, the "little flock" of Luke 12:32, and the 144,000 of Revelation chapter 7, as separate small class of Christians living on earth, who are anointed or born again Jehovah's Witnesses, the remaining 5 million Jehovah's Witnesses being part of a non anointed, non spirit filled earthly class of Christians, interpreted to be those of the "great crowd" in Revelation 7:9 and the "other sheep" in John 10:16. In the 1996 yearly count of Jehovah's Witnesses, their annual count lists around 8,000 of Jehovah's Witnesses professing to be anointed, spirit filled Christians, while the other 5 million witnesses professing to be of the non anointed, non spirit filled earthly class of Christians. (Luke 12:32; Romans 8)
Speaking of the original founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Charles Taze Russell, former Circuit Overseer and Jehovah's Witness for over 33 years, Ron Frye states:
"It is abundantly clear that Russell did not believe that God had on earth at that time and '1800 year old faithful and discreet slave organization'-God's earthly channel of communication. He did not find it nor did it find him, he and his associates had no fellowship with any existing organization and were in fact disdainful of all other association. They stoutly repudiated the idea that there was on earth a visible, earthly organization existing from Pentecost onward that one would have to identify with in order to serve God."(2) But today in a complete 180 degree reversal, the the Watchtower Society states that this class of anointed Christians were doing a feeding work of spiritual food in an uninterrupted way since Pentecost 33 AD. Interpreting Jesus words of saying "Look I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things," The Watchtower January 15, 1975 states:
"Apparently one generation of the "slave" class fed the succeeding generation thereof, as well as continuing to feed themselves. We see, then that Jesus Christ himself called attention to this method of feeding his people not as isolated, independent individuals, but as a close-knit body of Christians having real love and care for one another."(3)
But, what does history show ? Is there any record of a close knit body doing a spiritual feeding work down through the centuries, finally feeding Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society? The society itself states that individuals , such as Wycliffe, Tyndale and splinter groups such as the Lolards, Waldenses and similar groups may have been part of the anointed class. The fact that these people and groups followed doctrines, such as the trinity, hellfire, immortality of the soul, seems to be glossed over by the society. There is no evidence of a unique channel of food being supplied by a class of anointed Christians to these people or groups. In fact, the main group that Jesus had instructed was the one that eventually turned to apostasy.
Now the question arises: Where are the links of this continuous feeding channel of spiritual food to the man Charles Taze Russell, the "faithful and wise servant" ? The society has stated that Russell "revived" true worship. Yet why would he have done that, if there was a continuous spiritual feeding program right down to Russell's day? Instead Russell went to various churches of what the Watchtower Society interprets to be "Babylon the Great" (the empire of false religion), to obtain his information and interpretations. Russell, independently acquired interpretations of the bible, not through some continuous feeding channel down through the centuries from Pentecost 33 AD.
Yet for some strange reason, the Watchtower claims, Jesus Christ supposedly rejected every Christian organization on the entire earth and solely appointed these men to be his one and only divine channel of communication, his "slave," to feed his spiritual food at the proper time. The Watchtower Society calls this a time of testing, where the above men supposedly passed the test, being appointed to the one and only faithful and discreet slave "class" on earth. Here were men who were entrusted with minas or talents, became unclean, and buried them instead of earning more. In Christ's illustration, the servant who did this was not rewarded but sent away for those actions, however in the Watchtower's interpretation of themselves, not only were they not sent away, but were rewarded the highest prize of the man who earned the most talents. (Matthew 24:13-23; Luke 19:11-27)
Who Represents This Class ?
What of the slave class today ? Who are they ?
Individuals - Not A Class
All To Be Slaves of One Another
"I Am A Free Man And Belong To No Man (No Religion, No Slave Class), But I Have Made Myself A Slave (Of Agape Love) To All"
- 1 Corinthians 9:19
The Gospel Teaches Not Only Freedom From The Mosaic Law, But Freedom From The Very Concept of Law Keeping, Replacing It With Faith And Love. Faith In The Christ And The Love of Our Fellow Man.
"A Christian man is a free lord over everything and subject to no one. A Christian man is an obedient servant in everything and subject to everyone"
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ and have fallen away from the grace. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" - Galatians 5:4-6
Who then is the "faithful and discreet slave" ? If it is a class or group of people, all tied in together, then what about Jesus s other illustrations of slaves ? Must they belong to some class of people or human organization ? Is there a "ten minas class" , a "five minas class," a "many strokes class," a "few strokes class" ? If so, then who are these ? The scriptures are clear that when we stand before the judgment seat of God and Christ we stand as individuals and as individuals answer for what we have done. Could not Jesus s illustration of the "faithful and discreet slave" apply to all Christians as individuals ? Could Jesus be saying, Who among you disciples will prove himself to be such a faithful and discreet steward ? The answers would depend on what each individual did, not on what he belonged to or was part of. (Romans 14:12)
Rather then a class of persons appointed as a "faithful and discreet slave," feeding others with bible literature, Apostle Peter words in 1 Peter chapter 4, verses 10 and 11, show how each individual Christian has a personal All Christians Are To Be "Faithful And Discreet Slaves"
"In proportion as each one (each individual) has received a gift, use it in ministering (feeding) to one another as fine stewards (faithful slaves) of Gods undeserved kindness expressed in various ways. If anyone (each individual) speaks, let him speak as it were the sacred pronouncements of God; of anyone ministers (feeds), let him minister (feed) as dependent on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:10, 11
stewardship, and feeds each other with upbuilding and encouragement.
"In proportion as each one (an individual) has received a gift, use it in ministering (feeding) to one another as fine stewards (faithful slaves) of Gods undeserved kindness expressed in various ways. If anyone (an individual) speaks, let him speak as it were the sacred pronouncements of God; of anyone ministers (feeds), let him minister (feed) as dependent on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11
Peter is clearly not talking of some conglomerate, highly structured "composite" steward or slave class, but instead is laying stress on each individual and their personal stewardship. He makes plain that each individual Christian has some gift that he or she can use to feed or minister to others, thus rendering service to fellow servants in God s household.
As Apostle Paul stated, "I have a stewardship entrusted to me" to feed others "declaring the good news" and to "impart some spiritual gift," providing an "interchange of encouragement" to all others both believers and nonbelievers. Apostle Peter was also appointed a stewardship, being instructed by Jesus to "Feed my sheep." For all overseers were considered to be God's "stewards" and to fulfill the qualifications of being such, acting both "faithful and discreet." This of course, did not just pertain to Paul and other elders or overseers, for all Christians were supplied a personal stewardship and responsibility to spiritually feed others with upbuilding and encouragement, as Paul stated above in 1 Peter Chapter 4 Verses 10 and 11. As Jesus stated in Matthew 20:27,
As Christ stated, no persons should be addressed as "Rabbi," or teacher, "for all are to be brothers." It would make sense that those who were called apostles, prophets, elders and servants did not pertain to an office or higher level of spirituality that contained a degree of authority. Rather these terms would be directed to the service of leadership that each one performed all Christians, providing a service as a slave or servant. Those who forfeited their freedom were subsequently reprimanded by Apostle Paul, to "stop becoming slaves of men for it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Jesus also stated that,
"Those with authority of the world and nations lord over their authority over others, this is not the way among you, but whoever wants to become great among you must be your slave, just as the son of man came not to wield authority but to be a slave to all and give his soul as a ransom in exchange for many." Matthew 20:25-27
Those "who were to take the lead" were to do so as guides and fellow slaves, not as authoritative positions as "masters over others faith" as the former Jewish system had. With this in mind it comes to show that anyone or any group that deviates from this teaching by infringing on the equal brotherhood and sisterhood is not in line with the spirit of true Christianity, falling under the term of "lawlessness." (Matt 23:7-10; 20:25-28; Galatians 5)
Paul states:
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:2
Man's Tendency To Evade Intimacy,
Reject Responsibility And Appoint A Mediator
Human beings seem to have a perpetual tendency to have somebody else talk to God for them. We are content to have the message second hand. One of Israel's fatal mistakes was their insistence upon having a human king rather than resting in the theocratic rule of God over them. We can detect a note of sadness in the word of the Lord, "They have rejected me from being king over them" (1 Samuel 8:7). the history of religion is the story of an almost desperate scramble to have a king, a mediator, a priest , a pastor, a go-between. In this way we do not need to go to God ourselves. Such an approach saves us from the need to change, for to be in the presence of God is to change. WE do not need to observe Western culture very closely to realize that is is captivated by the religion of the mediator.
That is why mediation is so threatening to us. It boldly calls us to enter into the living presence of God for our selves. It tells us that God is speaking in the continuous present and wants to address us. Jesus and the New Testament writers clearly state that this is not just for the religious professionals-the priests-but for everyone. All who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord are the universal priesthood of God and as such can enter the Holy of Holies and converse with the living God." (5b)
From An Invisible, Spiritual Brotherhood To A Visible, Human, Hierarchical Organization
FROM Original Simple Brotherhood TO An Institutionalized Religion With A Centralized Authority Structure
Even in Paul's day there were "superfine Apostles" infiltrating the Corinthian congregation "boasting with their flesh" of human authority diminishing the sole authoritative role of the Christ. Paul on the other hand did not "use fleshly weapons" of human authority but had his authority remain as the Christ. with the power of God's Holy Spirit. He recognized Christ as our only head, and only the Spirit of God that had the power to teach, and enter a man's heart, transforming him into a new creation, walking in obedience to Christ. Paul questioned those who used their human flesh as an authoritative role, acting as an spokesman for Christ, saying,
"Who makes you, my friend, so important? What do you possess that was not given you? If then you really received it all as a gift, why take the credit to yourself (as God's spokesman)" 1 Corinthians 10:4-5
What started out as a brotherhood of Christians eroded, over the first couple of centuries, into a hierarchical structure. With the persecution of outsiders, the stress and pressure caused many to move in the direction of unity of a visible human organization, replacing the invisible unity of faith and agape love as "royal priests" in a universal brotherhood. As this happened, the doors of opportunity were opened for many organizational spots of prominence to be filled and for those who "were to take the lead," the Bishops (Overseers), bringing them more authority and control for the unity of the human organization, eventually putting them on an equal divine authority as the Christ. Unity at all costs seemed like the best route to take, slowly replacing the sole authority of Christ and the true meaning of Christ, faith and agape love. (1 Corinthians 10:4-5)
To combat the persecution and strive for a human visible organizational unity, the early Christians in many ways reverted back to the Old Testament, with a priesthood of authority. The early Christian congregation went from an original simple brotherhood into an institutionalized religion with a centralized authority structure. Rather remaining in an internal and spiritual state of reliance on "love as the perfect bond of union," a change was made to a an external and fleshly organization of unification. (1 Cor 4:7) Respected nineteenth-century church historian Augustus Neander in his work General History of the Christian Religion and Church pages 194 to 204, points out the way in which the Christian church, in many respects did revert to Old Testament positions. In place of a universal priesthood of all believers, a separate priesthood gradually appeared, distinct from the main body of Christians and acting in a mediatorial way for it in its relation to God. Tertullian (c. 145-220 A.D.) even referred to the congregational overseer or bishop as the chief priest, as he also refers to those not among the overseers, elders or deacons as laymen. "On Baptism," Chapter XVII." On the effects of this, Neander comments,
"This title presupposes that men had begun already to compare the presbyters (elders) with the priests, the deacons or the spiritual class generally with the Levites . . . When the idea oft he universal Christian priesthood retired to the background, that of the priestly consecration which all Christians should make of their entire life, went along with it . . Christ had raised the entire earthly life to the dignity of a spiritual life . . the new notions respecting the dignity of the clerus (or appointed ones), led men to believe that what had been regarded as the free gift of the Spirit to all or to individual Christians must be confused in a particular office in the service of the Church . . . Now, the free working of the Spirit was to be confined to a formal , mechanical process." In response to the a centralization of each individual Christian congregation, with overseers exercising authority over each congregation, both individual freedom was lost and the door was opened for eventually an international centralization. In time these authoritative overseers would meet with one another forming what was called "synods." After time, these synods eventually formed a international centralization of the Christian congregations, all submitting to a central administrative governing body, a clear deviation."(6)
In response to the a centralization of each individual Christian congregation, with overseers exercising authority over each congregation, both individual freedom was lost and the door was opened for the eventual externalization of an international centralized visible organization. In time these authoritative overseers would meet with one another forming what was called "synods." After time, these synods eventually formed a international centralization of the Christian congregations, all submitting to a central administrative governing body, a clear deviation from the universal "royal priesthood" of believers.
The appeal unfortunately took the focus away from agape love and truth as the means to unity, directing it rather to submission to religious leaders, shackling individual Christians to the obedience of men, with the subsequent suppression of personal judgment.
Others Calls for loyalty and submission to a visible human organization, deviating from the true meaning of the Christ were also voiced by various early Christian writers. In the Clementine Homilies, from no later than the third century A.D., the following is said to an overseer:
"And your work is to order what things are proper, and that of the brethren is to submit, and not to disobey. Therefore submitting They shall be saved but disobeying they shall be punished by the Lord, because the president (the presiding overseer) is entrusted with the place of Christ. Wherefore, indeed, honor or contempt shown to the president is handed on to Christ, and from Christ to God. And this I have said, that these brethren may not be ignorant of the danger they incur by disobedience to you, because whoever disobeys your orders disobeys Christ, and he who disobeys Christ offends God." (7)
Ignatius, In his Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter VI, further goes on to state:,
"For we ought to receive every on whom the Master of the house sent to be over his household, as we would Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop (the sole overseer) even as we would up the Lord himself." (8)
Nearly 18 centuries later, this exact and same line of reasoning, loyalty to a human visible organization, deviating from the true meaning of the Christ, is repeated by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in the pages of the May 1, 1922 Watchtower,
"To abandon or repudiate the Lord's chosen instrument means to abandon or repudiate the Lord himself, upon the principle that who rejects the servant sent by the Master thereby rejects the Master. Then to repudiate him and his work is equivalent to a repudiation of the Lord, upon the principle heretofore announced."(9)
Again a call for a human leadership, replacing the universal, invisible "royal priesthood" and spiritual brotherhood is required, with the accusation of going against "the Lord," if obedience to certain men is not followed. At first this was directed to the writings of Pastor Russell as the sole divine channel or overseer to be obedient to, later replacing this single man's appointment of others to divine mediatorship to the visible "organization"of God, which somehow in the minds of Jehovah's Witnesses, excused the idea that they were serving mere men and not solely the Christ as individual slaves in a universal "royal priesthood" and brotherhood.
Under the Christian arrangement, "there is only one mediator between men and God, a man, Christ Jesus. This means that he is the only one that men have to go to in order to get to God. There are no other men or religious counsels, organizations or "slave classes" that men have to go through or join in order to get to God. And for this it can be said that "the head of every man is the Christ." He is the "only mediator." (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Cor 11:3)
If any religious group decides to teach that they are of a divine nature or of a divine appointment as God's appointed representative and "slave class" that men are required to go through to get to God, are they not diminishing Christ's role? If they teach that one must be a member of their "earthly organization" or "Jehovah's visible organization," are they not making themselves a mediator? If they require the acceptance of various doctrinal interpretations with various elaborate explanations and legal codes with the threat of expulsion for those who do not obey, that no doubt takes away both their freedom and reliance on the Christ, eliminating him as their sole mediator and replacing him with a visible religious central ruling body. For we are to "walk by faith and not by a 'visible organizational' sight." If Apostle Paul stated that "there is only one mediator, between God and men, a man Christ Jesus," then does that not exclude any others? Mirroring the laity and priesthood that developed only a few centuries after the Christ, diminishing and removing the true Christian brotherhood, the Watchtower Society takes on the role as mediator with the claim to be the "slave class" that men must to go through to get to God, taking in the many legal requirements. (2 Cor 5:7)
According to Christ, all Christian individuals are to be brothers and sisters and are servants of one another.
The Man of Lawlessness
More crucial in the application of the labeling a group of men as the "faithful and discreet slave class," and self appointing them as God's sole channel of communication to the entire earth of humanity, are Paul's words at 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.
"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[1] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Here Paul clearly states that any group that appoints themselves as God's representative or "slave class" and "sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god" is fulfilling the role of the "man of lawlessness." True, the Catholic church fulfilled this scripture many centuries ago with the Pope and the church acting as a mediator to get to Christ and God, but certainly the Watchtower Society is doing the same thing by claiming to be God's only appointed representative and "slave class" that men must go through them in order to get to God and Christ.
There can be no greater "lawlessness" than that of attempting to infringe upon, even usurp, the position and The Master aka Jesus Christ
Christ vs. Human Authority
." . . the sheep follow him (Christ) because they know his voice (of individual freedom). A stranger (Human Authority) they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."
authority of God. And that is what the evidence shows religious men have done, not only in past history but in the present as well.
Jesus comments about the "lawlessness" of human authority in John 10:4-5,
"The sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."
As the early Christian congregations elevated the elders and bishop (overseers) and put them above the universal brotherhood of Christ's deciples, individual freedom eroded. These bishops later met with fellow bishops and elders, which eventually opened the way for an international church with one human visible authority directing and setting the laws for all. In addition, this also opened the doors for many elevated positions in the church for men to fill, exercising prominence, control and authority. The universal church, the Catholic church was formed and subsequently continued through the Protestant reformation. To this day any religious organization that contains a center of human authority with group teachings, doctrines and creeds all represent both the "flesh" and "lawlessness," removing the sole head ship of the Christ.
Speaking of the early church dominion of authority violating the role of Christ and acting as a "man of lawlessness," Barnes Notes explain:
"Any claim of a dominion over conscience: or any arrangement to set aside the divine laws, and to render them inoperative, would correspond with what is implied in this description ( of the man of lawlessness). It cannot be supposed that any one would openly claim to be superior to God, but the sense must be that the enactment's and ordinances of the "man of sin" would pertain to the province in which God only can legislate, and that the ordinances made by him would be such as to render inoperative the divine laws, by appointing others in their place . . . This does not necessarily mean that he actually, in so many words, claimed to be God, but that he usurped the place of God and claimed the prerogatives of God."(10)
The early church then chose a scripture which they interpreted to apply to Apostle Peter as the "rock," that Jesus instructed to build on. They assigned the Pope, as the appointed successor of Apostle Peter on which Christ supposedly built his church on.
"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18
Many others interpret this scripture in 1 Cor 10:4 and other scriptures, to show that it is not Peter, but rather Jesus Christ, who is the "rock" and the only "foundation," the very foundation that Peter was to build on.
"For they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11
Jesus was the "rock that would trip them up" and the "stone that the builders rejected, who became the chief cornerstone." But regardless of whether Jesus or Peter is the rock, the brotherhood of Christians were to all be equal, fellow slaves, all serving each other unlike human authoritative organizations. With the interpretation of Peter being the "rock," the Catholic church would claim to have the unique appointment and controlling leadership of all those who follow Christ. (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 10:4; 3:11; 1 Pet 2:6-8; Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; Psalm 118:22; Romans 9:33; Eph 2:20)
Human Salvation Is Not Dependent On Organizational Membership, But On Faith and Agape Love
The "Slave Class"
"Jehovah's Visible Organization"
This is no different with the illustration Jesus gave of the "faithful and discreet slave." Here, in Matthew chapter 24, Jesus gave three separate parables all with the same message - keep spiritually awake and ready for his future coming. The "faithful slave" along with the "ten virgins" and the "slaves with the five talents, two talents and one talent" were all illustrations to emphasize the readiness that would be needed for Christ's second coming at judgment day. They were not literal prophecies, where meanings had to be made that simply were not there. To put modern day meanings, with character assignments of persons and groups are to "go beyond what is written" and put manmade teachings into scripture., which "make the word of God invalid." (1 Cor 4:6; Matt 15:6-9)
Here again, as with the claim of a certain man, the Pope, to be the appointed descendant of the "rock," interpreted to be Peter, a group of men take the claim of being the appointed "slave" in Jesus parable and therefore act as a mediator to get to God and Christ. With this claim, there is a central ruling body that determines organizational policies, interpretation of scriptures and a large degree of control over its members. Any meaning of scripture can change on a moments notice and it must be accepted as truth, for it is coming from the "Pope" or the "slave." However, the majority of modern day Catholicism is far removed from its original form, obeying every ruling and accepting every word and interpretation from the Pope as truth, but today many, but not all, are either following this religion due to birth, or by an honest study of scripture with their Catholic interpretation of being "the one universal - apostolic - church." Without supporting the Catholic organization, it can not be denied some of the greatest men and women of God came from that organization, despite it's many erroneous teachings and past subjection to a man man hierarchical control. Today, as the Catholic church of old, all of Jehovah's Witnesses are in complete subjection to all teachings, instructions and restrictions placed on them by their leaders, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and Central ruling authority of men called both the "Slave Class" and Governing Body, who appoint themselves as the so called "slave class." True, they do not call and label these men as their "leaders," but instead give them the title of the "slave class," with divine appointment, which makes them their "leaders" replacing the role of Christ. (Matt 23:10)
In 2 Thessalonians chapter two, Paul writes about an apostasy with the "man of lawlessness, who sits down in the temple of God and publicly shows himself to be a god." This "man of lawlessness" can refer to any group on earth that puts itself "above all" in the position of mediator ship, authority and control over others spirituality. Any group that "proclaims" to be the descendant of the "rock" Peter, the "faithful and discreet slave," the Christ, God or the only "chosen ones" with a special appointment from God above other followers of Christ, are to be regarded as deceiving persons, "from these stay away." The Watchtower Society is quick to interpret 2 Thessalonians as the entire realm of "Christendom" when ironically it is this organization that is acting with the role of mediatorship. This puts the organization in the "seat of God," with a divine role. This does not hold the individuals inside these many groups as "unrighteous," no it is the leaders who will be held accountable, for "each one of us will render an account himself to God." For there are many "righteous," "wheat like" persons throughout various organizations that have erroneous weed like teachings. Their endurance and "love of Christ surpasses all knowledge," whether erroneous or accurate. (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43; Luke 21:6)
In the first century, men who reached out to perform the service of leading the many house congregations, were certainly doing a fine work, as long as they served humbly with love, shepherding the flock with care and yet rebuking those who caused divisions. They were to perform a service, not obtain on "office" or position of authority. They were not to "lord over" their shepherding and become controlling, pushing their weight around, but rather serving others as fellow "slaves" in a humble work of agape love. For this they were to be shown a "double honor" and congregation members were to be "obedient to those taking the lead." Obedient to solely the direction of agape love and nothing more. This type of humble service and relative obedience from congregation members was far removed from the manmade claims and self appointments of men as divine channels of communication of God's word, subjecting others to their unique interpretations, rules, regulations, legal codes, severe punishments and the imputing of wrong motives with the casting of negative labels on those who disagree. (Heb 13:17; 1 Pet 5:1-4; Matt 20:27)
As Paul stated in the fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians,
"Do not go beyond the things written . . After all, what makes you so special? What did you have that you did not receive as a gift? And if in fact it was a gift, why do you boast as if it weren't." 1 Corinthians 4:6-8
God is the one who "makes us grow," not men.
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." 1 Corinthians 11:6
As Christians, "slaves" of Christ, we are All to be found faithful, discreet and trusting our only "head," the Christ, not men, religious counsels, governing bodies or slave classes. Certainly, any men who claim to have a special favor or divine appointment as channels of communication from God and Christ, are merely self appointed and are placing themselves in a position against Christ's role as sole mediator, and fulfilling the role as the "man of lawlessness." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Cor 4:6-8; 11:3, 6)
True Knowledge of Scriptures Only Revealed Through The Holy Spirit, Not Through A "Slave Class"
When Jesus Christ asked his disciple Peter, who he thought he was, Peter answered "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. In response Jesus said to him: Happy you are Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but my Father who is in the heavens did." Notice here, that is was no man, group of men or "slave class" that revealed this knowledge to Peter, rather it was the "Father" who supplied it. This is why Jesus, filled with Holy Spirit, prayed "I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated, yet revealed them to ordinary people." (Matt 16:17; 11:11; Luke 10:21)
Jesus did not speak of a "slave class" that would be sent to teach but said there would be "the helper," the "Holy Spirit," which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you.
"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him." 1 John 2:27
"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:14-26
The Holy Spirit that the father would send in Jesus name, would be necessary to understand the true knowledge of scriptures, the love of Christ and the faith needed in order to please God. After Pentecost 33 CE, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all of Jesus deciples, this became the "teacher" and "helper" that would teach and anoint each individual disciple of Christ. Apostle John stated,
"The anointing you received from the Father remains in you, so that you have no need for anyone to teach you. On the contrary, the anointing from him is teaching you." (Not men or "slave class"). 1 John 2:27; John 14:14-26
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14
"If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Romans 8:9 NIV
" Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Romans 8:9 KJV This completely rules out the teaching of Christians who are not part of the body of Christ, and not anointed with the Holy Spirit, having it dwell inside of them, as the Watchtower Society teaches. (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Cor 3:16)
True, many persons and religious organizations have studied the scriptures extensively, with elaborate explanations and detailed chronological interpretations, yet they miss the fact that in order to be a true Christian the Holy Spirit must dwell inside of the person, anointing them. One can not be a true follower of Christ and not be part of his body. As Apostle Paul brings out, there are only two ways persons can walk, according to the flesh or according to the spirit. The persons who walk according to the flesh mean enmity with God and death, where those who walk according to the "spirit" are in harmony with God. The point is, one cannot walk according to the spirit unless "it truly dwells in you," "resides in you" and is "in union with you." For anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ dwelling inside them, this one does not belong to him.
This completely rules out the teaching of Christians who are not part of the body of Christ, and not anointed with the Holy Spirit, having it dwell inside of them, as the Watchtower Society teaches. (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Cor 3:16)
Without this Holy Spirit dwelling inside of persons, there is only room for the academic knowledge of scripture and detailed explanation. But lacking is the true knowledge of Christ, the "love which is beyond understanding," or "surpasses knowledge," that gives us the reconciliation and intimacy with God, calling him our "father" or "abba" and reaching our "hearts." Only when persons can be "one," in "union" with Christ, can he or she be truly taught the meaning of God's love and mercy. No "slave class" or group of men can do that for any person, for each one must have the spirit individually "reside inside them," not by simply "hanging on to the skirt of a Jew, (interpreted as the "slave class") and saying God is with you people." (Zech 8:23; Eph 3:19; John 17:20-24; Col 3:16; Eph 2:10; Romans 2:28-20; Jer 31:31-33)
Whoever Does The Will of God (Shows Agape Love), This One Is My Brother , Sister and Mother" - Mark 3:35
"Everyone who loves has been born from God and gains the knowledge of God" - 1 John 4:7
As Jesus stated:
"Whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother, sister and mother," for all of Christ's deciples are his "brothers" Mark 3:32-35
As Slaves of Christ, We Can Have Complete Confidence In Our Salvation.
Jehovah has always been "a rock, perfect in his activity." As the "rock" that means he can always be relied on for salvation. His righteous decisions are unmovable, stable and completely dependable. But something more was needed of man, faith. This is exactly what Abraham did:
"He put faith in Jehovah ; and he proceeded to count it as righteousness." Hebrews 11
For this, Abraham was blessed and would become a father to a nation of people all blessed by God. Without this faith of Abraham, he could not have pleased God,
"For without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11
The point is:
"For he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." Hebrews 11
Footnotes:
1 Watchtower of March 1, 1981 - page 24
2 Ron Frye
3 The Watchtower January 15, 1975
4 Jehovah's Witnesses and The Divine Purpose - page 91
5 The Spirit of Disciplines - Dallas Willard
5a Celebration of Discipline - Richard J. Foster, - page 127
5b Ibid - page 24
5c The Orlando Sentinel, July 6, 2001 - Harry Browne
6 General History of the Christian Religion and Church - Augustus Neander
7 Clementine Homilie
8 In his Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter VI - Ignatius
9 The Watchtower May 1, 1922
10 Barnes Notes
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