Hi Watchman. Was Jephthah's daughter killed and sacrificed by her father as a burnt offering or what was the vow meant to attain?

It is true that Jehovah's witnesses believe that the debt of all sin is death, however they do not believe in eternal torment in Hades. Why is this the belief, even though when the bible tells the story of the Rich man and Lazarus it notes that "...the rich man died and was buried? 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, he existing in torments..." Luke 16: 22,23. Is this not proof that the wicked are eternally tormented after death?

Yes, the Bible's teaching is very clear in that regard. It teaches that humans die because of Adam's sin. Romans 6:23 says: "For the wages sin pays is death." The story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates something entirely different then what you have been taught. Jesus was actually giving an illustration to show how Jehovah was going to turn the tables on the Jews. Verse 14 shows that the rich man in the parable pictured the Jewish Pharisees. They had the favored position and treated the common man with contempt, as if they were dogs. Lazarus represents the spiritually needy people that depended on the Pharisees for a few scraps of spiritual nourishment. The death of the rich man occurred on the day of Pentecost when the anointing exalted the lowly Jewish underclass to the position of sons of God, pictured in the illustration as being in the bosom position of Abraham. The torture of the rich man was fulfilled in the Pharisees when they were tormented by the stinging message of the apostles that indicted them as murderers of Jehovah's messiah.

(Although Jehovah's Witnesses have taught for over 100 years that hell is not a fiery place of torment, but is simply the grave of mankind, others now have come to appreciate our teaching on that matter.) Here is a link to a site that may help you reason on this further:

Hell--The Meaning of Sheol and Hades

IF the Bible's message is clear, and furnishes us completely, why do we need study aids?

Actually, the Scriptures do speak of the good news being preached during the tribulation. At Matthew 24:29 Jesus used the expression, "Immediately after the tribulation in those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven." What tribulation was Jesus talking about that would be immediately followed by the collapse of the symbolic heavens?

According to Revelation, such apocalyptic phenomenas takes place with the opening of the 6th seal, which immediately follows the opening of the other seals that unleash war, pestilence, famine, and so forth. So, evidently the tribulation Jesus was referring to commences when "nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom." Afterwards, the governmental heavens come crashing down.

Presently we imagine that nation has already risen against nation, starting in 1914. So, that leaves us in a greatly disadvantaged position at the moment to anticipate how the future may yet unfold.

The first question is: "Do you believe that 144,000 is a literal number, considering the fact that most of Revelation is symbolic?" The second is: "what is your understanding of Genesis 3:15?"

Yes, there are many reasons to believe that the 144,000 is literal. The Watchtower has published quite a bit on that subject, but here are a few more lines of reasoning:

First, Jesus himself referred to a definite number whom his Father had given him. At John 17:2, Jesus said in prayer: "According as you have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole number whom you have given him, he may give them everlasting life." Jesus' reference to "the whole number," while not specifying the actual number, indicates that Jesus was aware that there would be a specific number of disciples he would be given as associate kings.

Furthermore, Paul made reference to a specific number. At Romans 11:25-26a, he wrote: "For I do not want you, brothers, to be ignorant of this sacred secret, in order for you not to be discreet in your own eyes: that a dulling of the sensibilities has happened in part to Israel until the full number of people of the nations has come in, and in this manner all Israel will be saved."

The full number indicates that there is a specific number that must be filled, does it not? Of course, when Paul says "all Israel will be saved," he was not referring to fleshly Israel, but rather the Israel of God that he made mention of at Galatians 6:16. And that is really the key to understanding the 144,000, because in Revelation it refers to 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel composing the full number of 144,000. Christendom's blind clerics say that that refers to literal Israel. That's because they have no conception of what the Israel of God actually is. It is lost on them that Jesus Christ instituted a spiritual nation that replaced physical Israel. Jesus even referred to his congregation as a nation at Matthew 21:43. In fact, that is why Jesus picked 12 apostles, because they replaced the 12 sons of Israel that became fathers of the 12 tribes. That is why the letter of James opens with the Christian salutation: "To the twelve tribes that are scattered about: Greetings!" It would be a complete repudiation of everything the apostles taught if we were to imagine that James was addressing the twelve tribes of fleshly Israel. So, that proves that the 12,000 from the 12 tribes are actually a symbolic representation of the complete organization of anointed spiritual Israelites.

Elsewhere in Scripture, the anointed are likened to a spiritual temple that Jehovah inhabits by spirit. So, that's why in the 21st chapter of Revelation the completed temple is described as having 12 foundation stones with the names of the 12 apostles inscribed on them. The 17th verse goes on to give the dimensions of the symbolic temple, saying: "Also, he measured its wall, one-hundred and forty-four cubits, according to a man's measure, at the same time an angel's." Peter referred to anointed Christians as "living stones" that were built upon Christ the cornerstone and the apostolic foundation. The fact that the wall measured 144 cubits seems to suggest that the number of 144,000 living building blocks is a literal number. Too, the fact that the measurement is "a man's measure," as well as an angel's, would be in keeping with the universality of Jehovah's kingdom, in that the 144,000 have shared both human and spirit natures.

As for your question on Genesis 3:15, the seed of God's woman is the basis for the entire sacred secret of God. The seed is composed of Christ and the 144,000. (See Galatians 3:29) That's why Paul wrote to the Romans, at Roman 16:20, saying that God was going to crush Satan, the serpent, under their feet.

I was studying to become a Jehovah's Witness, but I left feeling discouraged. I felt no one could give me a straight answer to my questions. I was friends with two boys, one who is DF and the other was studying but wasn't following the "rules," I guess you could say. I fell in love with the one who is still studying and that is the reason I started studying in the first place. What I want to know is why were we told that we weren't allowed to date until after we were both baptized? You can't help whom you love. I am still in love with this guy but our chance at happiness was ruined because of this organization. No one could ever show me a scripture that says we were doing something that was wrong in Jehovah's eyes. I believe it was more of the elder's personal beliefs rather than how Jehovah views it. Help, I need answers!

The elders in the congregation don't really have any authority over those who are not part of the congregation.

The Bible's command to "marry only in the Lord" obviously only applies to those who are actually in the Lord, meaning being dedicated believers. As it stands, neither you nor the boy you mentioned are Jehovah's Witnesses at this point, so I really don't see what the issue is. But, if you want Jehovah's view, God wants you to be happy. He certainly doesn't want to deprive you of happiness. Reasonably, the elders don't either.

The problem is that you are confusing two different things entirely. You started studying with Jehovah's Witnesses because of your romantic interest in a person that also was studying. So, the question you ought to ask yourself is: Am I being fair to Jehovah? Really, are you being fair to yourself? Shouldn't your interest in gaining the knowledge of God be motivated by spiritual interest rather than romantic interests? You might want to take a couple of steps back and try and analyze your own motivations and not allow your unfettered heart to lead the way.

Facing obstacles to being with someone you honestly love can seem both unfair and insurmountable, but perhaps during the time you were studying you read the account of Jacob, who was very much in love with Rachel, yet there seemed that unreasonable "rules" were continuously being put into place to keep him from the woman he loved so dearly.

Genesis 28:1-9 begins to relate the account you might want to consider as you reflect on your current situation. The account resumes at Genesis 29:1 through verse 30.

Most notable is that in spite of the unexpected, unreasonable "rules" that were imposed on Jacob, those literal years passed by "like some few days because of his love for" Rachel. How encouraging to us that his love surpassed his disappointment, and even the trickery that he had been subjected to by Rachel's father!

If others are seemingly putting obstacles between you and the boy you are interested in, it may be a good time to reflect on not only how determined you are to be able to share your love with the boy, but also to meditate on how Jehovah will bless both your efforts and the boy's by your drawing close to Him in spite of these momentary surprises and obstacles--by looking to Jehovah as the one who will give you the strength and integrity to overcome the inconveniences you're currently facing. Jehovah will be a necessary part of any relationship you build in order to be successful in the face of any challenges you'll face now or in the future.

Are there any links between freemasons and Jehovah Witnesses?

That's a good question. At first, Jehovah's Witnesses might be inclined to dismiss such a notion outrightly. For a fact, the "conspiracy factory" is busy, nonstop, cranking out all manner of misleading pulp based on half-truth and assertion. No doubt your question arises due to the fact that the conspirophiles point to the Masonic-like symbols that used to be associated with the Watchtower and the fact that Russell was fascinated with Egyptian pyramidoloy. Yet, such things, in themselves, are relatively innocuous, given that the Watchtower itself abandoned such quasi-occult symbols years ago. There is no evidence that Russell himself was ever a Mason. But, such things have served to develop into what Paul termed, "wicked suspicions."

So, what is the truth? The truth is, that the Scriptures indicate that Jehovah's spiritual organization is infiltrated with enemy agents who, as Paul wrote, sneak in to spy on our freedom. (See essay on The Watchtower as an NGO and Who is the King of the North?)

It stands to reason that if the Watchtower is the voice of Jehovah's spiritual Israel at this time, then it would be inconceivable that Satan would not make every effort to inject his agents into the upper levels of the organization. Presently, Satan's primary tool of control in the world is his political apparatus connected with the Anglo-American dual world power. Unquestionably, the Anglo side of things has had a long history of using, and being used, by Freemasonry.

Given the insidious nature of Satan and his demonic secret societies, it seems unwise to assume that they have not exerted at least some influence over the Watchtower. But due to the extremely secretive nature of masonry, it is difficult to put your finger on exactly how extensively the empire's tentacles have reached into the world's various institutions and the Watchtower Society. And, apparently even some of the sources that supposedly reveal the "secrets" of the Freemasonry conspiracy are, themselves, actually misinformation outlets for the very conspirators they claim to expose. But, we know enough about the history of the machinations of British Empire to say with confidence that they have sought to infiltrate and control all religious denominations and are also the fountainhead for many of the satanic cults in existence today.

Given that Freemasonry intends to bring about an imperial New World Order, with Jehovah's blessing as a prelude to Armageddon, and in view of the considerable progress towards that very end, we might naturally suspect that Satan's Masonic initiates would inevitably be attracted to the Watchtower's dynamic message of God's new order so as to effect some sort of control over us---to the extent that Jehovah allows.

The Watchtower's NGO caper reflects just such an evil influence. Most worrisome is that such rascality may merely be the proverbial tip of the iceberg. But, just what mischief they have yet to work remains to be seen. No doubt such saboteurs will remain deeply ensconced in the organization until such time as Christ exposes them and forces them out. Unfortunately, though, apparently by then they will have done considerable damage to us; which, is why the Psalms speaks for Jehovah's true ones, saying:

"May those be ashamed and humiliated who are hunting for my soul. May those be turned back and be abashed who are scheming calamity for me. May they become chaff before the wind, and let Jehovah's angel be pushing them along. Let their way become slippery places, and let Jehovah's angel be pursuing them. For without cause they have hid for me their netted pit. Without cause they have dug it for my soul."

Here are a couple of links to online resources that discuss the British Empire's propensity to bring down the United States and control religions to further their ambitions to bring about an imperial New World Order.

The Aquarian Conspiracy

The British Empire and Freemasonry

Overview of A-albionic Research

My question is simply this: What evidence can you point to demonstrating that there are in fact "anointed ones" among the Organization of JW's? How can I, or anyone else, know if they are genuinely anointed in the special way that they claim to be?

For one thing, there is no such thing as a failed Bible prophecy. Jehovah's Word is true even though every man is a liar. Isn't that what Paul said? So, whatever childish and erroneous interpretations the Watchtower may have advanced, or even yet embraces, do not hinder Jehovah's Word from coming true. If you recall, the apostles had some pretty embarrassing notions about what Christ was and wasn't supposed to do--none of which disqualified them from serving as the very foundations of Christianity.

Once Christ arrives like a thief in the night and actually initiates the tribulation, will it really matter what the Watchtower may have thought about 1914, 1925, 1975, or any other date you can think of? Once we are plunged into the maelstrom, the only thing that will matter is whether we have faith in the saving power of the Lord Jehovah. Do you believe that?

E-watchman has pointed to numerous prophecies that have foretold the exact situation that Jehovah's Witnesses are in presently. It has also described how Jehovah intends to rectify matters. So, rather than allowing ourselves to stumble over those things you mentioned, wouldn't it be wiser to actually put faith in Jehovah's Word and wait in expectation for the unveiling of Christ?

Born again Fundamentalists believe that Jesus is God, and Jesus told the woman at the well that "God is a spirit." So, ask that fellow how it is that Jesus is God--the spirit, and God--the man. How is that supposed to work? Or since Jesus is only 33% of the Trinitarian "godhead" conglomerate, perhaps 66% is spirit while the other third is flesh. His answer, if not informative, should certainly be amusing.

But, to answer your question: The reason Jesus is referred to as a man, even after his resurrection in the spirit, is because the offices and prophecies that Christ fulfills in heaven were made possible by his life course as a human. In other words, what Jesus did as a man has everlasting value, even though Christ is no longer a man.

For example: In order for Jesus to inherit the Davidic kingdom, it was necessary that Jesus actually be born in David's bloodline. So, even at the time that Jesus is actually given the kingdom of the world while in heaven, he is referred to as the Son of man, not because he actually is a man at that time, but because he is the King by virtue of his having once been a Hebrew descendant of David, and ultimately of Adam's genealogy too.

Paul established the legality of Christ's kingdom when he explained how Jesus fulfilled the role of Adam. The man, Adam, was assigned dominion over the earth, yet because of his sin no imperfect offspring of his was qualified to exert the exercise of that righteous dominion; it thus became necessary for a substitute man to take up the role of Adam. Hence, the last Adam, or second man, as Paul called Jesus.

That's what Hebrews 2:7-9 is talking about where it says: "What is man that you keep him in mind, or the son of man that you take care of him? You made him a little lower than angels; with glory and honor you crowned him, and appointed him over the works of your hands. All things you subjected under his feet…Now, though, we do not yet see all things in subjection to him; but we behold Jesus, who has been made a little lower than angels, crowned with glory and honor for having suffered death…"

Notice, please, how Paul draws attention to what Christ did as a man, speaking of him in the present tense as being both lower than the angels and also crowned with glory. Obviously, after Jesus returned to heaven he was no longer lower than the angels. Why, at Hebrews 1:6, Jehovah commands all his angels to do obeisance to Christ! So, how is it that we still "behold Jesus who has been made a little lower than angels"? We behold him as such by our faith in the everlasting value of Jesus' sacrifice in our behalf.

Another line of reasoning that shows the absurdity of the fundamentalist's assertions, is what we read at Philippians 2:6-8, where we are told that "although he was existing in God's form," Christ nevertheless, "emptied himself and took a slave's form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man..." So, now, if Christ was in God's form, and the Scriptures plainly say that God is a spirit, what form was Christ before he became a man? Obviously, he was a spirit too. And the fact that he became fashioned as a man indicates that that was a new and unique circumstance for the glorious Only-begotten Son of Jehovah God.

But, the Scripture goes on to say that as a reward for Christ's humility and obedience, that "God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him a name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend..." Now, if Christ was exalted to a superior position, doesn't that mean that Jesus is no longer flesh and blood---no longer in the form of a slave---a man? And if even the angels in heaven are to bend their knee to Christ, doesn't that mean that he is even more glorious and powerful than they? Surely it does. And since Jehovah's angels are not human, they are described in terms we can understand. That's why the scripture says that the angels are flames of fire. Clearly, any creature whose nature is described as flames of fire is not of this earth. Neither is their Lord, the glorified Christ. But, again, the reason for every knee bending to the glorious Lord Jesus Christ, is because of what he subjected himself to as a man.

As an example of the sort of spiritual blindness of one well-known Bible teacher and so-called evangelist in this regard, recently Pat Robertson was giving his commentary on Revelation, where Christ is depicted riding on a white horse charging into battle. And Mr. Robertson came to the conclusion that there were literal stallions in heaven. We might then logically wonder what is going to become of those streets gilded in gold? So, if such fleshly-thinking men imagine that they are going to be cleaning up horse manure in heaven, it is no wonder that they cannot envision Christ Jesus as anything but a flesh and blood man.

Does the neutrality of Jehovah Witness's prevent any involvement in the supporting of various movements that are geared towards the changing of government actions? Specifically the anti-war movements.

If the bible supposedly gives the true history of the world since the beginning, why doesn't it mention Dinosaurs? What is the society's view of the dinosaurs? Does the GB take the view that fossils are there to test our faith, or do they have another explanation? Also do you know what the society's view of UFO's / extra terrestrial life?

The Bible does mention dinosaurs. Genesis 1:21 refers to "the great sea monsters" that Jehovah produced on the 5th creative day. An alternative rendering for "sea monsters" is great reptiles. That is exactly what dinosaurs were--great reptiles. Apparently, Jehovah created the giant reptiles to serve the ecology by converting massive amounts of verdant plant material into compost and topsoil. At some point, though, Jehovah's purpose concerning the great reptiles was concluded. Whether the dinosaurs were destroyed by some great extinction event before the deluge, or whether by the great deluge itself, certainly the fossil record bears much evidence of a global cataclysm that drastically changed the earth and caused the great reptilian monsters to suddenly vanish.

As far as UFOs are concerned, I can't recall that the Watchtower has written much on that topic. But, I am certain that they view UFO's as originating with the demons.

I have had a burning question bothering me for a while. I have recently started to read the V.C Andrews series. These books have really interested me. My mother has told me you are what you eat. I know the truth. I study with the Witnesses. I have been for 4 years. My question is if you don't believe in what you watch or read and it don't bother your conscience, is it okay to read and watch what you want to as long as it don't bother you? My bible teachers watch things they shouldn't according to the bible. It isn't like I'm watching a pornographic movie or anything I just wondered is it okay? I don't read or watch any thing that has to do with sex! Please answer my question A.S.A.P!

In the Dec.29 thru Jan.4 Q&A section, you said that those who are anointed do not need to be taught. I have recently been studying with Jehovah's Witnesses and have learned a lot from them. My husband never had any religious upbringing. When we were dating 16 years ago I used to take him to church with me. It was a Baptist church. He hated going because he said he didn't believe in going to heaven was for everyone. He didn't believe in a God of love sending anyone to hell and he believed in Earth being where man would spend eternity. There were other things he seemed to know that I just learned when I met the Witnesses. I was taught in the traditional beliefs of false religion and used to laugh at him when he said these things. He also didn't believe in the "Trinity". When I started studying with the Witnesses and saw the truth, I asked him how he knew the truth without any religious education and he said it was just Logical Reasoning. My husband is a kind, gentle, and meek type of person. My question is: Is it just logical for a person to know the truth without any religious education of any kind? The only time he even read the Bible was when his mother died in 1982, until we met the Witnesses.

You may have misunderstood the verse. 1 John 2:27 says: "And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him."

Notice that the teaching is in connection with the anointing. John wasn't telling Christians that they didn't need to be taught, just that they didn't need to be taught specifically about their anointing. After all, the apostles wrote numerous letters to the congregations for the express purpose of teaching and instructing Christ's disciples. However, the anointing takes place directly from Jehovah. No human agency is involved. And that anointing teaches all things in the sense that it leads anointed Christians unfailingly to their ultimate destination of being with Jehovah and Christ, and knowing all things, provided that each one stays in union with the guiding spirit and the congregation.