QUESTION FROM READER:
Can you clarify the 1914 generation teaching? I know this doctrine is changing over the years. What is WT current teaching regarding this generation?
REPLY:
First...here are two helpful links.
In actuality, asking clarification on 1914 generation, brings up two distinctly different subjects; "1914", and "generation".
In order to answer either one thoroughly, with clarity and accuracy; I will cover them separately. First, the "generation" doctrine.
The "official" explanation of "generation" has indeed changed over the years. All of them have one idea in common...that when Jesus said "This generation" (Matt.24:34), he was referring to the generation that began during the Lord's last days presence (1914). This basic premise is not correct, and is not what Jesus said nor indicated. Yet, let us look at what interpretations arose out of this premise of error...
At first it was taught that this generation, meant all those in Satan's world (the entire world population) during the "Lord's Day" (since 1914); and that those individuals alive to witness the beginning of the signs (wars, earthquakes, pestilence, etc., )would still be alive when this system ended.
This was changed to identify the generation as meaning a literal generation (a single step in a line of descent) of chosen ones. It was then concluded that anointed individuals who saw the beginning of Christ's modern-day presence and it's signs (anointed alive in 1914), would still be alive when that system ended.
Now that all those individuals are dead; the new doctrine claims that there are actually two overlapping "generations". Anyone anointed that are presently alive, are bona fide and obtain organizational validation, through chronological "association" with the ones present at the start of the modern day signs.
These younger ones apparently do not qualify as part of the anointed generation on their own, due to their heavenly Father choosing and anointing them; but only through the fact that they happened to be alive some of the time that the originals happened to be alive. These ideas of validation through association, or an overlapping of two special anointed groups; is not found in the scriptures, so I can not provide such backing.
Since Jesus was speaking to members of this anointed class at the time he gave this sermon, and he is quoted as saying "THIS generation" while speaking to them; he may have meant that the *entire anointed generation* would not pass away, "until ALL things occur"...
ALL the signs he gave, included what was to befall the Jewish system (of which his anointed first century disciples were indeed witnesses).
If by "generation", he meant all members of this spirit generated group; then his statement would be accurate.
For, the generation of anointed have seen all the things Jesus declared, take place...
Beginning with the fulfillment of the first century signs, up until the end of this system; they have not passed away as a collective group. They have indeed witnessed the past 2,000 years of unfolding history.
According to Jesus' promise, they will continue to witness it, until the very end (Matt.24:34,22).
The scriptures do not highlight the anointed present in 1914, as any different than those present at any other time. The only anointed, scripturally mentioned as having unique circumstances, are the ones present at the time of Christ's "arrival".
His "arrival" is not the same as his "presence". (Matt.24:30,46)(Matt.24:3; 28:20; 2Thess.2:1)
According to scripture, this arrival has not yet occurred (1Cor.11:26). If you would like more information about the difference between Jesus
"arrival" (Greek-elthone/elthee)
and "presence" (Greek-parousia),
or how this subject bears on the year 1914, please ask.
It is also of interest how the Bible describes the effect Jesus' "presence" and separate "arrival", each have upon this "generation".
I hope I have been thorough, and that you feel somewhat satisfied. Any aspect of this answer that you feel is missing, please just ask it of me, and I would be happy to expound further. Thank you for your question.
Regarding 1914; here is another question regarding that:
Question: Good day Sister Pearl, hope you have been well, welcome back. Can you please tell me if Jesus didn't start ruling in 1914 as per our doctrine what does the year point to and what does it all mean for witnesses? To be honest with you I am torn in half, I can barely let myself witness to other people because of the false doctrine we are being taught.Thank you once again
Reply:
Dearest Modise,
Please read the many scriptures. As always, therein lies the value of this answer.
In actuality, Jesus began to reign as king at God's right hand, when he returned to heaven (Matt.26:64; 28:18; Luke 22:69; Psalm 110:1-2; 1Cor.15:25; Acts 2:33;7:55,56).
Since he is in that position as his enemies are subdued, it is the same position Christ occupies during the Thousand Years (Ps.110:1; 1Cor.15:26; Rev.20:14,5a).
(Christ's initial action as King is as head over the body of anointed ones...God's house, the anointed Congregation. Eph.1:22; 5:23 Col.1:18; Acts.4:11).
He subdues his enemies of truth through those he is choosing and sealing to become members of heavenly Mt. Zion (Psalm 110:2; Rev.14:1). This war between agents of Truth and Lies, will climax in the battle of Armageddon (Rev.12:7,11; 16:13,14; 17:14; 19:11,14; 20:8; 11:3,7).
Although he had received his authority over heaven, earth, and even death and Hades upon his ascending (Col.2:10; Matt.28:18; Rev.1:18) he did not direct nor exercise authority toward Satan's judged world, the sea (John 16:11; Eph.2:2; Isa.57:20).
Besides having authority over the world, Satan also has authority (king) over death and Hades (the Abyss) (Heb.2:14; Rom.5:14,17; Rev.9:11; 1Pet.5:8). He received that power ("key") in the Garden of Eden, when he caused the first deaths ever known (John 8:44). He legally retains this power and authority, until God's legal basis is established at Judgment Day, ...to remove this power and authority from Satan (1Cor.15:26; Heb.2:14).
Jesus' ransom is the main step toward this goal (Heb.2:14; Rom.6:23). After paying for Adam's sin, he repurchased those who heed his voice, back from Satan's dominion (Col.1:13; Isa.49:24,25; Mark 3:27; Rev.20:1,2,3).
Jesus uses that authority, to give eternal life, to those whom he wishes (John 5:21; Rom.8:11; 1Cor.15:45).
Yet we know that despite the fact that the ransom is already paid, the human race is still dying and under enslavement to corruption (Rom.5:14,21). What is Jesus waiting for? In accord with God's perfect justice, the implementation of this Kingdom authority (under God's eternal Kingdom) (not only a "thousand years"), was to come at the appointed time for it (Eph.1:10)...when the last enemy Death is conquered (Rev.12:10-11), all sealed ones are taken into the "storehouse" (Matt.3:12;13:30) and the Kingdom's administration is completed (Rev.7:4; Rev.6:11).
Jesus will not rule the new heavens and earth, until his administration is chosen, sealed, and full (Rev.20:6). This was not accomplished upon Jesus' ascension, but would take time (Matt.13:30,31,32; 16:18) . During this period of time, Jesus would be present with those being chosen; and used by his Father to choose, train, teach, and seal; other qualified Kingdom heirs. (Matt.28:20; 1Pet.5:10; Eph.1:13; Acts 2:33; 2Pet.1:10; Phil.1:19). These spirit-educated "witnesses" of his, would be in the front line of Christ's ongoing battle (Gen.3:15; Isa.43:10; 1Pet.2:9; 1John2:27; Rev.12:7,11,17; 11:3; 17:14; 2Cor.10:3,4,5). Christ and these angels of his, battle against Satan's lies in the ongoing war that will finally end in the Victory of Truth, and the subjection of another one of Christ's enemies, Untruth. (Psalm 45:4; Rev.11:3)
Yet, his "return/arrival" to gather the last sealed anointed and resurrect all of these (1Thess.4:15,16,17; Matt.24:31) would follow an augmented "presence". This purposeful "presence" (Matt.28:20b) would be intensified during the "last days" leading up to his arrival (Matt.24:3). The purpose of this presence would be for the inspection of the final chosen ones (1Pet.2:12; Luke 12:43; Ps.17:3), offer them needed refinement (Mal.3:2-3; Rev.3:18), and to see which of these would repent, prove faithful, and which would prove wicked (Matt.24:45,48). Jesus' final determination and judgment concerning his individual Chosen slaves, would become manifest upon his "arrival" (Matt.24:46; Rom.8:19; Rev.11:11).
Jesus himself told us how to recognize this stealth inspection "as a thief in the night" (Matt.24:42,43,44). The Jewish system of worship was also inspected at the end of it, previous to the destruction of those found unfaithful (Luke 19:44; Matt.24:2) The same is to occur at the end of our present religious system (1Pet.4:17; 2Pet.3:11,14; Luke 21:36). Jesus compared and equated the conclusion of God's two Covenants, and the end of their religious systems. Not all will be found awake and faithful.
At Matt.24, starting in verse 3, Jesus gives the "signs" of the two impending conclusions of these two religious "systems", and how to recognize his end-time "presence" for inspection. He determines who was faithful to these covenants, and who is unfaithful; just prior to the execution of God's sentence.
This "presence" for inspection is not his "arrival", which follows his presence (Matt.25:31). We clearly see the spiritual signs of this end-time presence (Matt.24:8; John 16:20,21,22; Rev.12:1,2) as well as Satan's counterfeit signs (1John 5:19).
Jesus comes to stand up for his people, because of Satan's Great Tribulation that overwhelms them (Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8). (http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html)
The signs Jesus gave to aid us in recognizing this period, also have a spiritual fulfillment (Matt.13:10,11,12,13,34,35), which is of greater import.
At his obvious arrival though, his inspection is completed, all the candidates are sealed, and Christ's eternal kingdom power under God's Kingdom, thereafter arrives upon all the earth (Rev.11:17;22:12; Matt.6:10; Dan.7:21,22).
The scriptures compare the signs of Christ's presence for inspection, to a woman giving birth (1Thess.5:3; Isa.26:17; Matt.24:8; Rev.12:2). This development is not a striking snapshot moment; but it is an unfolding, gradual, intensifying process (Matt.24:8,6c). So too, the composite "sign" of Christ's end-time "presence" for inspection (of the final chosen ones), intensifies over time. This is due to Satan causing tribulation to these ones being inspected, in the hopes that he can break their integrity and buy time. Satan brings this persecution to bear against the "remaining ones of the woman's seed" (Rev.12:17), because he has been released from the Abyss.
This is followed by the short period of time left to Satan (Rev.11:8,9,11; 12:11,12,17; 20:3,7-8) to wage war on these "remaining ones".
As we know, a woman's labor ends with a delivery. This birth marks the completion of Christ's sealed administration (Eph.1:10; Rev.12:5; 2:26,27). All it's victor members are then, faithfully sealed (Rev.12:10,11).
Although Jesus began his power to gather the anointed Congregation and "ride" for the advancement of Truth as soon as he returned to heaven; his rule over the physical planet earth did not begin then, NOR HAS IT YET BEGUN. Satan is clearly still in control of the world (1John5:19).
This control will not be forcefully taken from him, until there exists the legal basis to do so (Rev.20:1,2; 12:10b) according to YHVH's perfect justice. This basis is established, the moment the last anointed one is sealed, and the full number of the administration is completed. When established, it's dominion does not begin immediately (Rev.12:5,6,13,14)... as was the case with the establishing of Christ's authority upon his ascension. There is a slight delay of a symbolic 3 1/2 days (Rev.11:9,11) before that authority is exercised.
Once this birth occurs, the Kingdom government has been made ready! (Rev.12:5;2:26,27) All those taken into it have proven their integrity through righteous acts and deeds (2Pet.3:11; Rev.19:8), and Satan can no longer find legal basis to accuse these ones of lacking qualification (Rev.12:10b; Job 2:4; Prov.27:11; Rev.12:11). He accuses these ones in an attempt to delay the transition of world dominance, from himself, to the Kingdom heirs (Rev.11:15). This strategy of Satan has been legally successful up until the number is completed. But once all anointed prove faithful, there is "no delay any longer" (Rev.10:6; Heb.10:37).
Yet those proving faithful to "death" (Rev.12:11; 11:7) do not merit this inheritance based upon their own work only (Romans 2:7; 1Cor.3:13; 15:58; John 6:27). For, it is an undeserved gift of kindness (Rom.6:23; 1Pet.3:7b) through the ransom, that finally grants these entrance into the ruling heavens as sinless incorruptible spirits (1Cor.15:53; Hebrews 12:23; 1:7; 2:16; Rev.12:11).
So to directly answer your question, ("if Jesus didn't start ruling in 1914 as per our doctrine what does the year point to and what does it all mean for witnesses?")...
The year 1914 points to the approximate time when the signs Jesus gave (as indications that his presence for inspection of the final invited ones, and the end of the "system" had arrived), began a physical fulfillment .
Yet, I do not believe that physical fulfillment to be the genuine one Jesus intended (see series pearl-anillustration.blogspot.com )
Those who are the last to prove faithful during this end-time period of testing, will complete the full number of Kingdom heirs.
The last of these Holy Ones are the those distinguished as the "great crowd", who "come out of the Great Tribulation" (Rev.7:14; 19:8). They are the sealed ones who passed the great test of integrity, designed by Satan to mislead these final ones (Rev.12:17; Luke 22:31). This is Satan's supreme, last ditch effort; in order to delay the transition of world power, from him (Rev.12:17; Matt.24:21,22).
The "sign" Jesus gave us, is much more important than a date. Jesus expects us to identify this "presence", not by a date, but by the signs he gave us (Matt.24:3,15).
When the purpose of this inspection is fulfilled, it is followed by his "arrival". That is when he will make clear to all creation, his choice of Sons (Rom.8:19). Judgement will have previously been passed on all the final anointed/chosen ones.
Those who have passed this final "Great Tribulation" (Satan's test of loyalty), have remained spiritually awake and aware of their inspection. They obey Christ's direction.
Those who have not passed, became dull and forgetful as to Christ's requirements. Those who have turned aside (and fallen asleep spiritually), will prefer power in this religious system of things, rather than the glorious one to come. (Luke 16:2,8; 1Cor.4:8; Rev.17:12; John 12:43). They will be preaching doctrine directed by men, rather than directed by the spirit of Truth. Unlike their exemplar Christ and his sealed ones, the unfaithful leaders will speak of their own originality (John 7:16-18). They will prefer the glory and power of this present religious system, to the humiliations of the Christ (1Cor.4:8; Mark 10:42,43; 1John2:15,16; John6:15; Matt.4:8,9; Luke 16:19-31; Rev.11:2,7-11; Mark 8:34-38).
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What does this mean for "witnesses"?
Take heed and take heart, that these signs of Christ's presence and the evident spiritual fulfillment of this final testing upon the anointed, both indicate that Christ's arrival is so very close (Luke 21:28).
All Christians need to remain awake(Luke 21:36).
How?
Keep close in mind the actual requirements of Christ...not the misleading doctrines of men (Matt.15:9). What are these requirements?
To the anointed, it means they must have their lamps in order...certain that what they are shining is from Christ alone (Matt.25:7,12).
They must be doing their best to shine their light, to reach as many as possible (Luke 12:35,36; Matt.5:14-16; 1Pet.2:12).
They must also go out to meet their bridegroom, by walking the same path he did as he neared the end of his life (1Pet.2:21; Romans 8:17; 1Pet.4:19; Heb.5:8).
For those not so chosen...these ones must also remember the Law of the Christ....Love. (Rom.13:10; Gal.6:2;5:14)
Jesus' sober warning to these is given at Matt.25:45,46. This Law of Love would need to be practiced by all sheep, toward Christ's proven brothers (Matt.7:20).
This necessity becomes increasingly difficult to discern, and hard to carry out in the last days; as these very brothers are the ones shamed and persecuted during this time, by the very ones ruling in God's house (Matt.24:12; 2Thess.2:1-12; John 16:2-4; Rev.11:7-10). Yet any unjust treatment inflicted upon these faithful, will be brought into account by Christ himself (Matt.25:31,32,40).
--------------------------addition #1--------------------------------
Scriptural proof of when Christ began to rule:
Psalm 110:1 reads: The utterance of Yhvh to my Lord is: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”
1Cor.15:25 reads:
For he must *rule as king* until [God] has put all enemies under his feet.
Therefore, it is simple logic, that while "sitting at God's right hand", Christ is ruling as King until all his enemies are subdued.
We know this occurred upon his return to heaven...
"Jesus said to him: “You yourself said [it]. Yet I say to YOU men, *From henceforth* YOU will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matt.26:64
Luke 22:69
and in speaking of Stephen...
"But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, and he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing *at God’s right hand*." Acts 7:55,56
He was seen at God's right hand (awaiting the complete demise of his enemies) in the first century (Acts.7:56).
He is ruling while awaiting his enemies' demise (1Cor.15:25).
His last enemy death, is not "brought to nothing", until the end of the Thousand Years....
"As the *last enemy* (to be subdued), death is to be brought to nothing." 1Cor.15:26
"And death and Ha´des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire" Rev.20:14 "
(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.)" Rev.20:5
When all his enemies are finally subdued, then he is done ruling....he gives all cleansed creation back to his Father, for the Father to rule...
"Next, the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power (his enemies subdued). For he must rule as king until [God] has put all enemies under his feet." 1Cor.15:24,25.
"But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone".
The WT teaches that while Christ is at God's right hand, he is awaiting his rulership.
The Bible teaches that while at God's right hand, Christ is ruling.
While he is ruling and subduing his enemies through Zion members (Ps.110:1-2), he is awaiting the fulfilled purpose of that rule....the complete removal of his enemies of Truth and Life.
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When these enemies are done being removed, he is done ruling. Then, the cleansed restored creation, is ruled by his Father.
------------------------addition #2-------------------------------
THIS SECTION IS NOT YET FINISHED......
This addition is in response to a comment left under this article. It reads:
Just read this post once again and could help but wonder what impact Revelations chapter 12:7-12 have on this subject because the 1914 doctrine and the war in heaven where Satan is hurled down to earth are directly linked as per the wt teaching, your views on the matter.
The verses in Rev.12 which you refer to, are these:
7 And war broke out in heaven: Mi´cha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled 8 but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. 9 So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! 11 And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. 12 On this account be glad, YOU heavens and YOU who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to YOU, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”
(It is good to remember that the Greek word "angel" means "messenger" in English.)
Just from these three scriptures, let us collect the traits of each side:
Evil force:
Lead by the Dragon, Original Serpent, Devil, Satan, and it's angels,
misleading entire inhabited earth, accuser of "brothers",
goes down to earth and sea, has great anger and a short period of time.
Good force:
Lead by Michael, victors who bring in the Kingdom authority of Christ,
Hurls down Satan and his angels
conquers by witnessing
courage in the face of death
verse 7 reads:
And war broke out in heaven: Mi´cha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled".
To begin to understand these two forces in opposition, we should reconsider Gen. 3:15...
"And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”
We were told of the conflicting interests of good and evil when the beginning of this war for dominance and power was fresh. This scripture helps us identify who the forces are, that fight this war. We see that this war in Rev.12, has a long history and purpose. This war culminates and finally ends, during the scene you have chosen.
There are many scriptural accounts of this war and it's battles.
Another one ( which describes each side) is found at Rev.9:7 (the evil seed of Satan) and Rev.9:15,16 (the witnesses of Jesus):
7 And the likenesses of the locusts resembled horses prepared for battle; and upon their heads [were] what seemed to be crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as men’s faces,
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
15 And the four angels were untied, who have been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, to kill a third of the men.16 And the number of the armies of cavalry was two myriads of myriads"
...now verse 11 is of utmost importance, because it tells us the exact kind of warfare that is taking place in this battle....what the weapons are, and who the soldiers are...
"they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death."
These "angels" (messengers) of "Michael" were able to conquer their enemies, through "the word of their witnessing", even when this work threatened their lives.
This tells us clearly, that this warfare and it's weapons, are not fleshly. It also tells us that these "angels" who war, are fleshly. Witnessing words in the face of death, come through humans.
What then are the weapons of Satan's angels? The Bible says, "misleading, accusing".
These as well as many other scriptures clearly show that this warfare is between Truth and Deception, the battle on earth is fought between the messengers of Truth and the messengers of Lies. The Liars fight by following the lead of Satan, with deception and accusations. The Witnesses of Jesus fight by following Christ, with Truth and courage.
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When we are told that this final battle results in Satan and his messengers as being cast down from "heaven", we must remember that heaven is not a literal physical place. Heaven is a state of power, authority, position, dominance, rulership, and superiority. The scriptures speak of different levels of "heaven"(), referring to these same meaning.
Therefore, when Satan and his angels/human messengers are cast down from heaven, we are being told that they are losing their rulership and dominance of the earth.
This is verified by verse 10:
“Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ".
The success of this conquering of Satan and his angels, is pointedly stated as being based upon the "witnessing" to truth by Michael and his angels.
Could mere humans defeat Satan's lies?
No. This is why we are also told that, "they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb".
This covering of the sins of these angel messengers, enables them to receive the Holy Spirit they depend upon, in order to be adequately equipped with the sword of Truth (Eph.6:17).
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