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I read this comment on another forum,

“Jehovah has set up the WTS to both guide us and test us.”

and would be interested in your thoughts.

If this IS the prevailing view amongst JWs, it might explain much of the “acceptance” they display.

Or,

Has it indeed been a test to all of us? :confused:

Measurer. :hibye:

Hi, Measurer,

Of course, the only way that statement could have even the possibility of being true, is if one first accepts the paradigm that Watchtower Religion has ever had any significance in the Grand Purpose of God, in the first place.

Personally, since I consider that it has done, -- on balance, -- far more harm than good over the entire course of its existence, ... I don't think so. That is only my opinion, of course. :coffeeread:

Much LOVE to YOU, Measurer! :thumbup: iso...

So...did I pass?

Interesting thought...one that has crossed my mind before. Of course, the mind that it crossed is the same one that accepted the watchtower in a time of spiritual desperation - and has twinges of guilt feelings attached to the old person that I once was.

Life is a lot more complicated in that "old world" where everything has to have a reason that is fully understood. When I'm lucid, receptive, and not focusing on all the obstacles to the holy spirit...everything really is good. I can be blessed or tested...I can make right decisions or wrong ones...but if I leave things in God's capable hands, it's truly all good.

The watchtower was wonderful, of course...and it still is. It's like a marriage that breaks up: you take away what you want to take away. It is partially responsible for where I am today; so how can I complain?


gus

:wave: Hello my dear Scottish brother Measurer - I echo Iso's comment - we must reject wrong-doing and wrong-thinking, no matter where it comes from. To say that the evil presense in the wtbts today is a test from God is just SO wrong... and it begins with a false premise, so it's wrong all along the way, concluding with - WRONG!

The following scriptures from the first chapter of James shows the distinct truth - we are all tested by 'troubles', and 'temptations' which are thrown at us from 'the world' - NOT from God. Our faith is constantly being tested by the unbelievers of world and our own defective desires. It seems unreal to me that any JW would think the wtbts is being used by God for 'testing purposes'. When I was active these scriptures were zealously used at the door to pointedly(and quite arrogantly:readthis:) 'correct' the thinking of people who would say that God was testing them through some type of burdensome life-trials.

If anything - the WTS and it's doctrines is a test of truthfulness in itself - and when compared to God's Word it's found badly wanting - so it failed that test!

I can't agree that the wtbts is or was 'wonderful'. But I do know lots of JWs and XJws who are... It was one step in my adventurous Christian walk; one step left behind to erode in the sands of time. But it was one neccessary step none-the-less, that got me to this joyful point in time where "When I'm lucid, receptive, and not focusing on all the obstacles to the holy spirit...everything really is good." ;)

1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad.

Greetings!

Faith and Endurance
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.[italics mine:D]

Lots of love from your sis, Willa :peace:

~A loving:heartbeat:heart is the truest wisdom.~Charles Dickens

Measurer,

I would agree with that statement - though would say that the WTS has no exclusivity in that regard over other corrupt churches.

Look at the seven congregations of Revelation. Each had a unique set of circumstances but Jesus' words were the same to the members of his body in each - overcome or conquer.

The WTS prevents a good opportunity for the true members of the body of Christ to overcome. It can be a fierce fire that can either destroy or refine.

All things in life, bad and good, and not just the WTS cooperate in bringing for the sons of God. Without corruption in Judiasm there would be no cross without the cross there would be no salvation.

I like what Paul says:

And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory.