Here is an adapted version of the video (8.6). The information is expanded about the activities of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
We learned from the previous video (8.5) that the man of lawlessness in Jehovah’s temple represented the class of leaders of Jehovah’s people, and it was not formed in a single day: all of the leaders began with an effort to please Jehovah, but over time they slid back into apostasy and Jehovah’s people became spoiled (Jer.12:10). The same can be said for the worship of Jehovah that was restored in the 20th and 21st century.
The leadership did not become lawless immediately, not at the beginning of the restoration of Jehovah’s worship, but in the fullness of its formation, when the worship of God became «the seven lampstands». That is to say, when the temple of Jehovah began to have two spiritual «courtyards» (the anointed and people with earthly hope) and spread throughout the globe (which we can observe today in 2018, Mic.4:1,2; Mt.24:14; Re.1:20; 11:1,2).
Also, just as the salient characteristics of the man of lawlessness were manifested in the leaders of Jehovah’s people of antiquity before the first coming of Christ (that’s when Christ was sent with the admonishment, Mt.16:21; 23:37) — similar to modern times — the traits of the man of lawlessness will be revealed before the second coming of Christ (which is why Christ will admonish him by means of the last two prophets, Mt.23; Mr.chapter 7; 2Th.1:7,8; 2:3-6,8).
Since the man of lawlessness disguises himself as a righteous leader, and even fulfills Jehovah’s commandments in many ways, it is not easy to recognize him. Unlike Jesus, we are unable to see the hearts and motivation of the leaders of God’s people today (Mt.23:28; 9:4). However, using the «portrait» of the man of lawlessness, which was described by Jesus Christ in the 1st century, we can define whether or not his characteristics fit the modern leaders of Jehovah’s people.
In general, the «collective man of lawlessness» — the leaders of Jehovah’s people — was characterized by Christ as an adulterous and wicked generation who will not escape punishment (Mt.12: 38,39; 23:36; 24:34). This means that the man of lawlessness is «cheating on» God (violating His principles) and, for the sake of his own self-interest, «plays a double game» (sly — hypocritical, cunning for his own gain, Lu.12:1).
Jesus described the nature of man of lawlessness in different characteristics when referring to the leaders of the 1st century. Let’s consider this with reference to the modern leaders of Jehovah’s people (the Governing Body). We understand that it is wrong to believe every word (Pr.14:15), so in the description of this video we will give references to the sources where we ourselves have learned about the facts of the Governing Body’s iniquities, which are listed below.
The characteristics of the man of lawlessness from the words of Jesus Christ are:
1 : THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS CORRECTLY TEACHERS THE BASICS OF JEHOVAH’S WORSHIP, BUT HE HIMSELF IS NOT RIGHTNESS IN EVERYTHING (Mt.23:1-3).
Is this applicable to the Governing Body? Yes: the Governing Body correctly teaches the basics of Jehovah’s Worship and about a righteous way of life. But in their affairs, the GB allows for indulgences, violating Jehovah’s principles (reminder: the links to the sources are in the video’s description).
For example, the Governing Body distorts the Word of Jehovah (see the details below; see also section “Appeal to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society” ) allows the acceptance of income derived from investments in companies that ruin the Earth (shale gas miners), produce GMO products and equipment for blood transfusions, the defense and tobacco companies (Henrietta M. Riley Trust for the Watchtower Society; see the article on our website about investments, there are details taken from the official website of the US Securities Commission). Also, the Governing Body invests in risky hedge funds (Cayman Islands), which is similar to a gambling (Also, the GB invests in risky hedge funds (Cayman Islands), which is similar to a gambling (see the website section review of events of December 29, 2015, all links were taken from the official sites of the US Securities Commission).
Also, the Governing Body (GB) hides the movements of donations from the people, even though reporting them is the right thing to do (protects against dishonesty, Jn.3:20; Heb.13: 18). In the Old Testament, for example, the principle of accountability for the receiving and spending the donations is shown: it would be wrong to take more than what is required for the Kingdom’s interests or use the donations for the wrong purpose (Ex.38: 24-31; 36:1-6; Nem.13:7-9).
Since May 2014, under the plausible pretext of alleviating the burden of Jehovah’s people (the abolition of the loan system for the construction of the Kingdom Halls), the GB introduced a lifelong monthly «tax» on construction, which does not seem to be in line with the voluntary motivations to donate (regardless of whether the loan was paid off for the construction of the Kingdom Hall or not. Both must pay; those who pay the loan, and those who have already paid it off. This letter of the Governing Body was read on May 5, 2014, during the meetings).
Also, the GB, being a non-profit organization, participates in the construction business: real estate in the GB is built at a low cost (in a preferential tax regime — plus the free labor from Jehovah’s Witnesses’ volunteers, construction program — since 1985). But when the Governing Body sells it (which has become more frequent, as Kingdom Halls are now built in the style of malls since it is easier to sell), then the GB sells at a market price with a considerable profit (they adopted a worldly attitude: buy low, sell high).
Note: All the material on real estate sales was taken from English-language resources, with a description of detailed projects or halls offered for sale. All of them were available at the time of writing our material. See the news on our website from 09/26/2013; see Bethel for sale in Madrid ; Kingdom Hall for sale in Britain ; Kingdom Hall for sale in the USA ; about new projects for the malls , reduction of Bethels and the sale of closed ones (28 branches have been closed since 2010, see the JW Yearbooks after 2009 — compare the number of branches before and after; also see the review of events from 11/04/2015 ; see also here and here . JW New Zealand headquarters are sold to a false religion (Elim Church ).
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Also, the Governing Body, covering the topic of the courts in the Russian Federation, distorted the essence of the Ministry of Justice’s accusation — in its favor, which is unacceptable for those striving for righteousness: the GB complains about the deceitfulness of the charges, although their publications are actually «filled» with statements and comparisons that exalt the Watchtower Society over other religions (see video 3.6 ).
All of these do not seem to be the work of God.
Furthermore, characteristic 2: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS IS A BLIND SHEPHERD (Mt.23:24).
The blind leader, in a spiritual sense, leads Jehovah’s people in a wrong direction — he teaches not according to God’s Word, but according to his own commandments. He leads not to Christ, but to himself. Therefore, both blind leaders and all people trained by them come neither to Jehovah nor to Christ, but fall into the «pit» of punishment (they cannot be approved by Jehovah, Mt. 15:14).
Blind leaders cease to distinguish the Word of God from the word of man, therefore they lead the people according to a distorted guide (according to their own commandments) and believers are formed incorrectly, becoming opportunists because they fear the rulers more than Jehovah. In the end, their priority is not in God’s interests, but in personal well-being (Mr.7:6-13; Joh.12:42,43; 9:22).
Blind leaders protect their authority and position, and they get rid of anyone who notices something wrong with their actions (2Ch.36:14-16). In the 1st century they rejected Christ, declaring him a blasphemer (as they had previously rejected other prophets, Mt.16:21; 23:31,32). So they stirred up all the people to go against him (Mt.27:20), and in the end, all those who rejected Christ fell into the «pit» of God’s punishment (70 AD).
Is spiritual blindness applicable to the Governing Body? Yes. The Governing Body also distorts the Word of God and teaches according to their commandments (They created a false «light» about themselves being the «faithful and discreet slave», and absolute obedience to the leadership; regarding the second coming of Christ — in 1914 and before Armageddon, regarding two overlapping groups of «this generation», regarding the ten virgins, which, will not fall asleep before the second coming of Christ, etc., watchtower 15.06.10, p.5, July 15, 2013 and March 15, 2015). Also, the guidance of the GB is not always similar to the guidance of Jehovah. For example:
Events in the Russian Federation show that the Letter-Writing Campaign to the Russian authorities (with names and addresses) did not bring any benefit (it only facilitated the search for brothers and sisters to arrest them). Ignoring the decision of the Russia Federation court to ban the local religious organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the city of Orel in 2016 caused the arrest of brother D. Christensen. Denial of managerial involvement of Management Center in pos. Solnechnoe, St. Petersburg (even though there is involvement) also does not seem to be the work of those who see Jehovah’s light (see video 3.6).
All of this suggests that the GB ceased to see and understand the Word of God. Also, much like the chiefs in the 1st century, the GB fights with everyone who sees something wrong with the Watchtower Society (Mt. 23:34, Jehovah’s Witnesses also fear more rulers than Jehovah, Jn.12:42). As a result, the GB will also reject the two last prophets of Jehovah and will set all of Jehovah’s people against them (Mt.27:20; Re.11:8-10, see video 1.7).
Characteristic 3: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS BINDS UP HEAVY LOADS AND PUTS THEM ON THE SHOLDERS OF MEN, BUT HE HIMSELF IS NOT WILLING TO BUDGE THEM WITH HIS FINGER (Mt. 23:3,4).
And what about the GB? For example, from all Jehovah’s Witnesses, the GB expects a rejection of everything related to gambling, blood, tobacco products, military themes, and materialism (it is necessary to live modestly, and whoever has refused ice cream or a cow in favor of donations for the organization, this one did very good; from the stimulating video congresses).
But the GB itself is not against adventurous investments into hedge funds and companies for defense, the tobacco industry, etc. Also, members of the Governing Body do not refuse materialism and luxury. Instead, they rent 5-star hotels, fly business class, and wear Rolexes ($15-25,000) and gold (gold rings and pins for ties with precious stones. Watch JW broadcasting for 02.2015, Brother Samuel Herd; M. Sanderson, after arriving for the trial in the Russian Federation, stayed in 5 star Marriott hotel, watch the video, starting from the second minute (The information like this is quick to be removed)).
The GB improves personal comfort in Warwick (with costly novelties), although none of them work themselves, as the apostle Paul advised and did, so as to not burden his fellow believers (Ac.18:3; 20:33,34; 1.Th.4:11, Paul was more engaged with the Kingdom’s work than the members of the GB. 1.Cor.11:22-28). The GB also instructed Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia to preach door-to-door, although they themselves do not want to go to the Russian Federation and show how it is possible in the face of prohibition.
The GB is not against fleeing from Russia spiritually mature (in the eyes of the Governing Body) brothers- «shepherds». Wealthy elders leave their «flocks» (the poor do not have the opportunity to leave the Russian Federation), and they leave the poor «shepherds» and «spiritually immature» (in the eyes of the Governing Body, which is the rest of the Jehovah’s Witnesses) to suffer for Christ. How does Jehovah view this?
Woe to the worthless shepherd, who leaves the flock! (Zech. 11:17).
Also compare Acts 8:1: the leadership of the congregation remained in the place of persecution.
Characteristic 4: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS PUTS HIMSELF ON DISPLEY AND LIKES SPESIAL HONORS IN THE CONGREGATION (Mt.6:5; Mr.12:38,39).
The members of the Governing Body have also decided to put themselves on display (they appeared on television). Is this beneficial to the work of God? No. Members of the Governing Body only glorified themselves and became a visible idol for Jehovah’s people (which Jehovah does not approve of, Mt.6:2-4). Members of the GB love the applause: this is noticeable in the pauses during their talks.
Characteristic 5: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS APPEARS OUTWARDLY RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, BUT INSIDE HE IS FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS (the leaders of the 1st century lived double standards, Mt.23:3,4;28).
How about the GB? The GB also acts according to double standards. They appear to be righteous people (the faithful servants of Jehovah) and require careful compliance from the people with all of Jehovah’s requirements, but they allow indulgences for themselves (see above regarding investment and the love of luxury).
Also, wanting to preserve their reputation the «faithful and discreet slave», instead of honestly confessing their erroneous prophecies, for example, about the end of this system of things, in 1975 the GB slyly passed the blame onto ordinary Jehovah’s Witnesses. They released a film stating that it WAS NOT the «faithful slave» that was teaching wrong, but Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves who created the date of the end («Like, what can we do, they are ignorant in the Law,» Joh. 7:49, watch video 3.5).
Also, the GB tells all Jehovah’s Witnesses that the GB as the faithful slave is the only representative of Jehovah on Earth (God’s channel). But before the Royal Commission of Australia (08.2015), D. Jackson said that it would seem to be quite presumptuous to say that they are the only spokesperson that God is using. Jehovah’s Witnesses only believe that there would be a slave, a group of people who would have the responsibility to care for the spiritual food. And we (the GB) view ourselves as trying to fulfill that role (video of the trial; Exhibits ; watch this fragment of statement about arrogance.).
Characteristic 6 : THE «LEAVEN» OF THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS IS VERY DANGEROUS.
On the one hand, leaders work hard to find people for God and for the Kingdom’s interests, and on the other hand, they spoil the found people (Jer.12:10; Mt.16:6; 23:15).
What does the GB do? They also work to draw people to Jehovah. But, attracting them to Bible study, they subdue them to their publications, leading them away from the Word of Jehovah (watch video 2.13).
Characteristic 7: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS STRAINS OUT A GNAT BUT SWALLOWS A CAMEL(Mt.23:24).
How about the GB? For example, the GB pays much attention to the selection of pictures for watchtower magazines, for the replacement of songs, for the cleaning schedule in Kingdom Halls, gives instructions for the use of rags, etc. But for Bible study and care for the poor, the GB neglects them (they prohibit the creation of a fund for helping fellow believers, compare Joh.13:29; Ga.2:10).
Characteristic 8: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS PUTS THE AUTHORITY OF HIS OWN WORD ABOVE THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD OF JEHOVAH(Mt.23:16,17).
How about the GB? If Jehovah’s Witnesses have a question regarding the teachings of the GB, the criterion of correct understanding must be the words from the publications of the GB rather than the Bible. Also, the criterion for evaluating a word of other anointed ones (except the anointed of the GB) is not the Bible, but the attitude of the GB towards them, regarding the principle: «Have any of the rulers believed in him?» (Joh.7:48).
Also, take into account the recent ban for all Jehovah’s Witnesses to post the publications of the Watchtower Society on a personal website or on social media (Watchtower 15.04.2018, Questions from readers). This shows that the GB is more respectful to his own word than Jehovah is to His. God, for example, permits using the information of His Word — the Bible — as His servants deem fit (God trusts His servants more than the GB trusts theirs).
Characteristic 9: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS CONSIDERS EVERYONE, EXCEPT HIMSELF, IGNORANT IN THE WORD OF GOD(Joh.7:49).
What about the GB? All of today’s Jehovah’s Witnesses are deprived of the freedom to express their opinion, independently think, ponder over Scriptures, or analyze the teachings of the GB. All are obliged to follow the GB blindly and unconditionally and take any of their words as the truth of Jehovah. Compare Ac.17:11; 1Co.11:19.
Characteristic 10: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS MANIPULATES THE WORD OF GOD AS HE WANTS TO (Mr.7:9-12).
How about the GB? For example, the new light about the GB being the faithful and discreet slave, or about Christ coming two times (in 1914 and before Armageddon), or about the two groups of «this generation», about virgins of the GB that will not fall asleep before the return of Christ, etc. These are political doctrines that have nothing to do with the study of the Bible.
These teachings only support the policy of the Society; for example, their status the «faithful and discreet slave» appointed by Jehovah, and the legend that a) the GB cannot incorrectly teach (the virgins will not fall asleep), and b) the anointed make up the GB (when the generation of the anointed of 1914 died, it was necessary to introduce a new doctrine about the two overlapping groups of the anointed, otherwise the question would have been raised: How is it that the anointed make up the GB? Video 3.9 ).
Also, when the members of the GB encourage money contributions for the construction, they draw attention only to what is beneficial to them (to the Old Testament scriptures when everyone cheerfully contributed to the Temple). But in doing so, they do not explain that, for example, Warwick is not a Temple and they never show the scriptures that state Moses gave a full report on the income and expenditures of the donations (Ex.38:24-31). This, too, is the manipulation of the Word of God.
Characteristic 11: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS CREATES HIS OWN COMMANDMENTS AND HONORS THEM MORE THAN THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD(Mr.7:1-3,18,19).
What about the GB? The society issues a lot of instructions and sacredly honors its word and traditions. For example, it is necessary to study only the publications of the GB (this implies Bible study), use only the New World Translation Bible, to be called only Jehovah’s Witnesses, and to have meetings that should be held in strict accordance with the regulations of the GB (even in the conditions of a ban in the Russian Federation), etc.
Failure to comply with these traditions is equivalent to distrusting Jehovah (if you do not agree, that means you do not trust the faithful slave, which is equivalent to distrusting Jehovah).
Characteristic 12: THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS GLORIFIES ONLY THE REACH(blessed by God, as it was believed in the 1st century) AND NEGLECTS POOR. (Jas.2:2-4).
Jesus Christ was the only one who commended the widow’s offering (Mr.12:41,42; Joh.5:44; Joh.7:49). How does the GB act?
The GB in their publications and speeches praises only those who give «a lot of silver» — regular pioneers (RP). The GB neglects those «who put in two mites» – the ordinary publishers (all the benefits are only for the RP). Although, for example, 10 hours of preaching for a single mom or a disabled brother can, in the eyes of Jehovah, be more valuable than 70 hours of preaching for a RP, who does not have any problems («who puts in out of abundance»).
And finally, there is characteristic 13: IF THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS NEEDS TO GET RID OF SOMEONE, HE HOLDS COURT WITH A FALSE WITNESS AND MAKES THE DECISION EVEN BEFORE THE TRIAL EVEN BIGINS (Mt.12:14; 26:59,60).
How about the GB? The GB developed a similar approach to those who do not agree with some of their teachings (we experienced on ourselves). The decision to disfellowship is made in advance, the arguments are not listened to, and the committee is merely a formality that involves false witnesses (if there’s no other way towards disfellowship).
We have showed that the «portrait» of the man of lawlessness of the 1st century corresponds to the modern GB in some deeds. However, the man of lawlessness distorts not only the deeds, but the principles of governing Jehovah’s people. We will learn this in the following video, if God wills.
Note : We are not responsible If any links to English-language resources are currently unavailable. All of them were available at the time of writing our material, many of them were screenshot. It is clear that such material is quick to be “cleaned up”. It is disadvantageous to those who wish to hide the facts of their unrighteous acts.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, «Box of answers».