Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
In 1820 at 14 years of age, Joseph Smith received his first vision alone in the forest.
Commenting on this, The Watchtower states:
“It was in 1820 that Joseph Smith had his first vision. He claimed that while alone in the woods he saw a vision of two bright personages standing above him who told him not to join any church. These personages, it is claimed, were the heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Three years later he said he had another vision. This time a heavenly messenger who called himself Moroni told him of a hidden book written on golden plates. Following instructions from the messenger, he said he removed the plates from their hiding place after waiting four years. This golden book is supposed to be the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith claimed that he had another vision in 1829, at which time John the Baptist appeared to him as a heavenly messenger and conferred upon him and his associate, Oliver Cowdery, the priesthood of Aaron, after which they baptized one another secretly. This claim was made despite the fact that the Bible tells that the Aaronic priesthood was changed when Jesus Christ brought the Mosaic law to an end. This vision and a subsequent one of three apostles are believed to have given these two men authority to restore the church of Christ.—Heb. 7:11, 12, 18.
“…There can be no question about Mormon sincerity in their beliefs, but sincerity does not make their beliefs true. Truth is not established by personal conviction. Many persons since the days of the apostles have claimed to have had visions and to be prophets of God. The firm conviction of those who believed them did not make the teachings of these persons true. Usually these self-appointed prophets had to proclaim their own writings as holy scripture in order to find the support for their teachings that the Bible does not give. The best protection against such deceptions is to compare religious teachings with the Bible. Use it as the measuring rod of truth. Follow John’s advice: “Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.”—1 John 4:1. (The Watchtower April 1, 1962 pgs. 216-220)
Neither the Watchtower society, nor any of its leaders, has ever claimed to have received visions or heard voices from the spirit realm. On numerous occasions they have publicized in their literature that they do not claim to have received divine inspiration. Nevertheless they do claim that their organization is spirit directed. Try getting a satisfactory explanation from one of their members as to just what is the difference between the two expressions. However, that is beside the point. Whether one can articulate the distinction between being guided by, directed by or inspired by God, the warning given by the apostle John would still apply. It is important to test the claims to see whether or not they originate with God. How does one go about doing that? The Watchtower itself tells you: “The best protection against such deceptions is to compare religious teachings with the Bible.”
In an article appearing in the January 2020 study edition of the Watchtower, the following statement is made:
HOW DOES SOMEONE KNOW IF HE IS ANOINTED?
“But how does a person know that he or she has the heavenly calling? The answer is clearly seen in Paul’s words to those in Rome who were “called to be holy ones.” He told them: “You did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: ‘Abba, Father!’ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Rom. 1:7; 8:15, 16) So by means of his holy spirit, God makes it clear to anointed ones that they have this heavenly calling.—1 Thess. 2:12.
“Jehovah leaves no doubt whatsoever in the minds and hearts of those who receive his invitation to go to heaven. (Read 1 John 2:20, 27.) Of course, anointed Christians need to be taught by Jehovah through the congregation just like everyone else. But they do not need anyone to confirm that they are anointed. Jehovah has used the most powerful force in the universe, his holy spirit, to make it absolutely clear to them that they are anointed!”
Such an article is important for Jehovah’s Witnesses because only a small minority of them, about 20,000 according to the 2019 annual report, are considered to have been anointed by God to rule in heaven with Christ. The rest, over eight million, are taught that their hope is to live forever in paradise on earth. Thus the question has been asked of those claiming to be anointed by some of those of the earthly class, just how do they know they are going to heaven?
In the following video governing body member Anthony Morris comments on this situation at a recorded morning worship segment:
His comments appear to be drawn from statements in the previously mentioned Watchtower:
“When Christians are anointed by holy spirit, they are “born again,” or “born from above.” Jesus also indicated that it is impossible to explain exactly to someone who has not been anointed how it feels to be “born again,” or to be “born from the spirit.”—John 3:3-8; ftn. (The Watchtower January 2020 study edition)
However, is this not a claim to have received a personal revelation from God? Would that not be a claim to have been inspired? Why would it be so difficult for an anointed one to describe such a supernatural experience that gave them such unmistakable convincing evidence guaranteeing them of their calling? Why does Anthony Morris discourage a person from testing such a claim in harmony with 1 John 4:1? This is especially appropriate since the organization claims that God does not use his holy spirit today to inspire Christians.
I personally believe that the apostle John would not at all find it offensive if he were asked how he knew he was anointed. So, in keeping with his inspired recommendation, I invite you to join me in using the Bible to investigate the claim of those that feel they have a special anointing from God but do not have to prove it in the article When Does the Calling of the Children of God Cease?