It's all in one's approach.

Zathrus · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 6:29 pm Post subject: It's all in one's approach.

The Jehovah's Witnesses are an apocalyptic group. That is, they focus heavily on the end of this world or system. Anyone who's invited them to come in and give their presentation when they come knocking on your door knows they immediately begin talking about the coming of God's kingdom, the future restoration of a paradise on Earth, and the future destruction of the wicked.

I think this is where many religious groups make their mistake.

We have many Christian and quasi-Christian religious groups around today who began because of, and whose whole body of beliefs is based on, some interpretation of Bible prophecy. So it is their understanding of prophecy that forms the basis for their understanding of salvation, and all other doctrinal matters.

Can you see the mistake there? Shouldn't we first understand salvation, and use that as a foundation for understanding something like prophecy? Isn't the cross the foundation of our faith, not a future judgement or a restored paradise or a date on which Jesus is or was expected to return? These apocalyptic groups have the cart before the horse.

If we first make sure we have a sound, Biblical soteriology, it'll go a long way toward a sound, Biblical eschatology.

MoJo · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 7:27 pm Post subject:

sound reasoning, methinks, Zathrus. Very Happy

Samuel · Not So Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 7

As you may know, I'm a Witness. But I have to say, I agreed with your comments...right up until you used the word 'soteriology'...then I didn't know whether I agreed or not. Laughing

That is the foundation I am attempting to build now.

Samuel · Not So Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 7

Of course, I already knew that “soteriology”:

comes from two Greek terms, namely, so„ter meaning “savior” or “deliverer” and logos meaning “word,” “matter,” or “thing.” In Christian systematic theology it is used to refer to the study of the biblical doctrine of salvation. It often includes such topics as the nature and extent of the atonement as well as the entire process of salvation, conceived as an eternal, divine plan designed to rescue lost and erring sinners and bring them back into eternal fellowship with God. Many regard it as the primary theme in Scripture with the glory of God as its goal.

I didn't have to look it up on the net or anything. Wink

RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 6840 Location: USA

Good post Zathrus! I agree 1000% as anyone reading my whining in the 'end times' forum could attest.

Preach on Brother!

Zathrus · Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:02 pm Post subject:

franksinatra · Big Hamster Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 93

Zathrus · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:29 pm Post subject: Could it be... Satan??

frank,
Perhaps, but I've discovered some very significant truths about what the Bible speaks of when it refers to Satan by looking at him in light of God's plan of salvation.

BTW, frank, good to have you back. How've you been?

TBax · King of the Jungle Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 1937

The Witnesses come knocking on your door out of love and to fulfill what Jesus said:Matt 24:14 And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.

That Kingdom coming means destruction for the wicked,and those who take no note of what is happening around them and why.Matt 24;37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; 39 and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

Jehovah's Witnesses message focuses on that Kingdom,the same one Jesus preached about(Luke 4:43 But he said to them: “Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.)
We are now living in the "last days" according to the sign Jesus gave at Matt 24.It would be irresponsible not to warn people when we know why these things are happening.
The "mistake" comes in not recognising the times we are living in,for if we take no note we will die like those in Noah's day.