Your Word Is Truth

Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Many people have “inherited” their religious beliefs and have never seriously examined them in the light of reason. Yet, is it a sign of disrespect to examine what you believe so as to ‘prove to yourself’ that your thinking is in harmony with God’s Word? (Romans 12:2) The Bible shows us that it is important to Jesus for his disciples to worship God in harmony with truth. In conversation with a Samaritan woman he said that the hour is coming when the true worshipers would worship with spirit and truth. (John 4:23) While on earth, he had the reputation of one who taught the way of God in truth. (Matt. 22:16) Jesus said of himself: “I am the way, and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Before Pilate he further said: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37) However, he likened his ministry to planting a field with wheat in which an enemy came later and over-sowed with weeds. (Matt 13:24-30; 37-43) This was a warning that false teachers would come in the future. (Matt. 7:15-23; 24:4,5) The sayings of truth that were shared by Jesus and his first century disciples would be infiltrated with error and deception. (2 Tim. 4:1-4; Titus 1:10-16)

Hence would it not be wise for each Christian to test all religious teachings to see whether they adhere to the standard of truth found in God’s word the Bible? Is there any valid reason why this should not apply to a periodic examination of one’s own beliefs? If you do that, would you not be in a better position, even when your beliefs are challenged, to “make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you?” (1 Peter 3:15) Doing so as a workman approved to God, “having nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright”. (2 Tim. 2:15)

On the other hand if scriptural support for a certain doctrine taught by your own religion is lacking, then loyalty to God and love for truth should move you to discard it. .” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10)

In the Awake magazine June 8, 2001 there is an article entitled:  Are All Religions Different Roads Leading to God? On page 27 under the subheading: “Search for the True God” it states:

 “Some people have inherited their religion, while others just go along with the majority in the community. For many, religion is simply a matter of when and where they were born. However, should you leave your choice of religion to chance or let others make this decision for you?

Your choice of religion should be an informed one based on a careful examination of the Scriptures. In the first century, certain educated people did more than simply accept the Apostle Paul’s words at face value. They ‘carefully examined the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.’ (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) Why not do the same yourself?

The Bible describes the God of the universe as looking for people to worship him with truth. As recorded at John 4:23, 24, Jesus explained: “Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.” Only “worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father” is acceptable to him. (James 1:27) God has blessed the search of millions to find the narrow road that leads to life. He will not give eternal life to the indifferent but rather to those who put forth a real effort to find the narrow way he has set out and then follow it.—Malachi 3:18.”

The July 1, 2013 Watchtower gives this advice:

“Suppose you need to have surgery for a life-threatening illness. You would want to have the utmost confidence in the surgeon, since your life will be in his hands. Would it not be prudent to review his record of experience?

Similarly, it is wise to examine religion carefully. If you belong to a religious organization, you are, in effect, putting your spiritual life in its hands. This includes your prospects for salvation. (The Watchtower July 1, 2013 pg. 3)

This encouragement of course is aimed at the person studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and meant for them to examine what they have been taught in the religion they are presently involved with. Yet when that one becomes a baptized witness such study is discouraged. This question appeared in a September 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry:

Question Box

▪ Does “the faithful and discreet slave” endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?—Matt. 24:45, 47.

No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.

Throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah’s organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” and remain “stabilized in the faith.” (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, “the faithful and discreet slave” does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.—Matt. 24:45-47.

It is commendable for individuals to want to use their thinking ability in support of the good news. However, no personal pursuit should detract from what Jesus Christ is accomplishing through his congregation on earth today. In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as “genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith.” (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to “shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile.”—Titus 3:9.

For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation. These provide abundant material for Bible study and meditation, whereby we can be “filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as [we] go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God.”—Col. 1:9, 10.[1]

Does this not amount to a double standard? It is well known that Jesus ministry of bearing witness to the truth brought him into direct conflict with the Jewish religious leaders of his day. Despite their confidence in having God’s approval, Jesus condemned them because of their deviation from God’s word of truth and placing more importance on their religious traditions. (Matt. 15:7-9) Jesus prophesied that the same condition would develop within the Christian arrangement. (Matt. 7:15-23) In his illustration of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus said that the two would be virtually indistinguishable until he sends, not men, not a restored Christian congregation serving as his sole channel of communication on earth, but his angels to make a separation. (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43) Hence, in keeping with his words we must conclude that all of what is called Christendom today is considered his field under cultivation. The one true religion is Christianity. His kingdom, out of which he, upon returning will collect out of it all things that cause stumbling and any people who practice lawlessness. (Matt. 7:22,23; 13:41) The sincere Christian should take care to guard his association with those within it. (2 Tim. 2:20-26) His leader is one, the Christ. (Matt. 23:10) His guide in life should be God’s inspired word of truth. (2 Cor. 10:5; 2 Tim. 3:13-17)

I believe there are people in every religion who value truth above loyalty to a particular church or religious organization. These are the ones which Jehovah through Christ is seeking. (John 4:23; 6:44) However, if they have been trained in a system of religious belief and doctrine from birth they are mentally conditioned by well-meaning parents to accept what they have been taught to be the truth. This can occur whether or not that system is of any number of Christian religions, Judaism, non Christian religions or atheism. But to be drawn out by God, they must allow love for truth to override their fear. Fear of losing family and friends as they embark on a course which might put them at odds with their established religious or non-religious community. Fear of being persecuted by that same community that once called them friend. Since I am a firm believer in the God of the Bible and of Jesus Christ, what follows will be presented from that perspective.

For over 40 years I have spent many hours preaching what I considered was the truth as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet recently I have come to the realization that while Witnesses believe they have the truth and value the truth above all else, they are no different from other people within many of the other organized religions that sincerely believe they have the truth. Since the goal of religion is to provide one with a personal relationship with God, each person needs to determine for himself if his choice of religion or in the case of parental training, the religion of his birth serves to guide him successfully to that goal or is a diversion leading him away from God. Organized religion seeks to interpret God’s written word and establish laws which are then handed down from whatever particular ecclesiastical hierarchy to the people that are viewed as sheep in their protective care. There is no problem with this, provided the established laws adhere strictly to and do not go beyond God’s written word. (1 Cor. 4:6) This simply must be the case unless the religious hierarchy is able to provide proof of divine revelation apart from the Bible. If in the end, each person must render an account for himself to God, how would God view the person that left others to do the thinking and interpreting for him? (Ro. 14:12) If one chose to follow his religious leaders in a course that he believed was contrary to God’s word could he expect God to pardon him because, after all he was simply following orders? Would not a person’s willingness to submit to the authority of men over that of the Christ mean that he does not hold truth in high regard? (Luke 9:26) God’s word is truth, but history is filled with accounts of men that have followed the word of men over that of God and have brought great tragedy on the world. (Matt. 15:3-6; John 17:17) Look at how true Christians, those who love truth, have been and are being persecuted. Men such as William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, Michael Servetus and others. Usually, the persecution does not come from political elements but from religious ones, leaders who feel their authority is being challenged.

The Watchtower society understands this when it comes to obeying secular authorities:

“If the authority demands something that offends a trained Christian conscience, it is going beyond its God-given limit. Jesus indicated this when he said: “Pay back . . . Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:21) When Caesar demands what belongs to God, we must acknowledge that God has the prior claim.

¹¹ Is this position subversive or treacherous? Not at all. It is, in fact, an extension of a principle recognized by most civilized nations. In the 15th century, a certain Peter von Hagenbach was put on trial for initiating a reign of terror in the area of Europe over which he had authority. His defense, that he was merely following the orders of his lord, the Duke of Burgundy, was rejected. The claim that a person committing atrocities is not accountable if he is following the orders of a superior authority has been made a number of times since then—most notably by the Nazi war criminals before the International Tribunal at Nuremberg. The claim has usually been rejected. The International Tribunal said in its judgment: “Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience imposed by the individual state.” (The Watchtower November 1, 1990 pg. 25 pars. 10-11)

However, does not the same apply to religious authority?

I don’t deny that many Christians are humble. I’ve known many humble Jehovah’s Witnesses. But humility is only a good thing when it is linked to a love of truth. Otherwise, that same humility can be a liability. The following video is a disturbing example of this:

This was the concluding talk of the 144th Gilead graduation program. It was given by Samuel Herd and was entitled: “Humbly Humble”. It is extremely difficult for me to understand how the person in his experience that was willing to risk his life while not being able to explain the reason why could be held up as an example to imitate.

A humble person sets aside his own will and submits to the will of God. (Luke 22:42) But if what he perceives as the will of God is in reality the will of men, then his humility can be manipulated and bring him grave harm. Rather than leading him closer to God it can in fact accomplish the very opposite, leading him farther and farther away from God. If my religious leader, for example, tells me that my brother, because of disagreeing with some interpretation of scripture is an apostate and must be avoided, should I, for that reason only, humbly submit to his direction? (Acts 21:21) What if my brother shows me from God’s word a valid scriptural basis for his beliefs? (Acts 17:2-4) Will my love of truth cause me to at least examine what he is saying at the risk of being at odds with my religious leaders, or will I put obedience to men above obedience to God and his word? What is the recommended course of the founder of Christianity? Love of truth or submission to the will of men? (Matt. 10:32-38)

Yet those in authority might say: We have the knowledge, insight and necessary credentials that place us in position to interpret for you God’s will. What gives you the ability or the right to contradict us? (John 9:34) Is not contradicting God’s appointed ones equal to contradicting God? (Nu. 16:28-30) If such authority was, as in the case of Moses, divinely constituted, accompanied by miraculous backing by God, it would indeed be wrong and against God’s will to disobey. But before getting off on a wrong foot with this analogy, it is important to note that Moses served as God’s prophet. Hence anyone desiring to apply this analogy to themselves would be claiming to be a prophet of God. In actuality, Moses was a type not of an earthly governing body but of Christ. (Deut. 18:15-19; Heb. 1:1,2)  We are directly told by God himself that his Son has his approval and that we are to listen to him. (Matt. 17:5; John 5:23) But without such evidence of inspiration or divine backing, how is one to know whether one is being obedient to men or to God? The rest of Deuteronomy chapter 18 goes on to outline how to deal with a prophet that speaks presumptuously. (vss 20-22) Without proper foundation on God’s word cannot the counter question rightfully be raised: Who put you in position to speak for God? Moses himself was challenged in this way. At first, did he not take matters into his own hands? (Ex. 2:11-14) Yet afterward, God was the one who responded and furnished the proof of who was placed with his authority. (Ex. 4:1-5) The tactic of falsely claiming divine authority is in reality not new. It has occurred down through the centuries and is nothing short of bullying. The Pharisees used this tactic to put pressure on all those that would listen to Jesus. (Matt. 23:2; John 9:1-34)

Jesus said: “Men will expel you from the synagogue. In fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he has offered a sacred service to God.” (John 16:2)

It is a point of fact that the Jews persecuted and killed not only Jesus but many of his disciples because they regarded them as apostates.  Even newly converted Jewish Christians who were zealous for keeping the Mosaic law had difficulty with the apostle Paul’s ministry. (Acts 21:21) The reason this is possible, that men can think they are serving God while killing Jesus’ disciples or regarding them as apostates against God, is that these men have humbly submitted their will and conscience to the rule of other men who say they are acting on God’s behalf. This occurred throughout history within Christendom with the various inquisitions and executions. Are Jehovah’s Witnesses different in this respect? Many, loyal to the organization, would say yes. Granted, there are no approved executions taking place within the congregations today. However, what if, in discussion with a fellow witness you were to raise a question such as:

“What would you do if you found you could not prove a key doctrine from the Bible?”

“What if, after researching it in the publications, you found no Bible verses that actually teach it? What if you approached one of the elders and they couldn’t explain it? What if you wrote to the Watchtower society but did not receive an answer? What would you do? Would you continue to teach it?”

What would you expect a Christian who truly loves the truth to say at that point? On the other hand, what would one who loves the organization and all it represents over the truth of God’s word say at that point? Have you heard fellow witnesses make some of the following statements or perhaps even used them yourself: “We have to trust the Faithful Slave”, or “We should just wait on Jehovah”, or “Where else can we go?”

What would a witness say to a Catholic who used such statements in defense of his religion? Would he not try and gently reason with such a person? Why? Obviously, because Jehovah’s Witnesses have the truth and Catholics do not. But how does one know that his religion is the truth? Is it not by proving it from the scriptures? (Acts 17:11,12) Yet what if your conscience would not allow you to believe or teach something for which you could find no scriptural support? What if you felt you could not withhold this from your family and friends? What then? Would you not be asked to keep quiet or face disciplinary action?

Is this not the case in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses? There certainly will be no public stoning or burning at the stake, as it has been over the centuries in Judaism or Christendom. But through the practice of disfellowshiping,  a person’s reputation would be destroyed. Family and friends wishing to remain within the organization would be obligated to treat him as dead.

But Jesus told us that if we love a lie and practice it and if we lack the courage needed to follow the path of truth, then we will be found outside with the murderers, fornicators and the dogs. (Re 22:15; Re 21:8)

So what is the conscientious Christian to do? It is obvious the course to follow is not an easy or glorious one. But is this not the very course our Lord called us to follow? (Matt. 16:24-27)

---

[1] See the September 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry p. 3 Question Box; the Watchtower June 1, 1985 p. 20 par. 17;