xjwsforChrist

CRIMINY SAID

Much ado about the WTS's obsession with predicting when Armageddon would get here, all based on the current assumption of 1914 being the beginning of the last days. Putting all that mumbo jumbo aside for a moment...

Are we not supposed to be able to identify the last days?

Yes, every generation for the last several hundred years has applied the end time prophesies to their own time period. Yes, the bible says: “It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons." Yes, we have all seen first hand the kind of wreckage associated with trying to pinpoint dates and times and seasons.

Nevertheless, those prophesies are in the bible. Why would a description of the last days be provided followed by statements like, "... your deliverance is getting near" and "keep on the watch", if not for us to identify the time in which we are living?
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I could'a been a bug.

NAMBO SAID

I would say we are not supposed to know the times in advance, but we are supposed to know and be able to identify the times when they are here.


Maybe there is good reason for this.
Say the JWs had been right about 1914 and the tribulations came in 1975, the whole world would have considered the JWs to be the correct religion and therefor everyone would perish as they would all be refusing to do what it says you must in John Chapter 6.

When the times are here, you must be able to see them else you will be caught in the deception that will lead most of the world to destruction and end up getting the Mark of the Beast or something because you didnt realize what it was.


9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:

for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;

AGUEST SAID

No one (including Christ), except the Father, "knows the day, time, hour," dear CrimBug (peace to you!). If Christ knew, he would make it known/have made it known to those he constitutes as his "friends," right? So, in response to your question:



My understanding from my Lord is that it is for one reason: to help us STAY AWAKE. If one is on the LOOKOUT, then one is less likely to fall asleep... and then have his master arrive "like a thief" (who sneaks up, quietly, unannounced and thus, undetected)... and be found "naked" (and thus, in shame) when that arrival takes place!

Christ KNEW our tendency to fall asleep, in the flesh, yes (his disciples literally did so on the night they came to arrest him) but MUCH more so IN THE SPIRIT! Why? Because we are yet fleshly, for the most part, and so count more on SIGHT than faith! Which is why religions have been able to mislead and wreak their havoc among us: the spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak and, even more the two are often at enmity. We get "tired", "discouraged," "bored", etc., physically... which can lead to our SPIRIT becoming fatigued... by its following the desires of the VESSEL.

He knew, then, that the exhortations and admonishments alone to stay awake wouldn't be enough: he had to give us something to look FOR... as we contemplated that which we look forward TO. And he was right, as it is the anticipation, intrigue... and fear of being found "asleep" and caught "naked" as a result... that keeps most of man LOOKING (for his return).

Love, though, should be the reason... and not our desire not to be embarrassed. Hence, those who serve with a date in mind... or in anticipation of an event or reward... versus doing so because of their love for the one they're serving... and those HE loves... often fall asleep, if not away... after awhile.

I hope this helps, dear one, and, again, peace to you!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

SA