"Crossing Euphrates"

BABYLON THE GREAT -- WHAT IS IT?

Part 1.

What Would You Do...?

What would you do if after many years of association with a religious organization, you suddenly discovered the religious organization had taken a course that you knew, was sure to cause great reproach and shame upon God's Holy Name...what would you do? What would you do after much bible research and study on the matter that the religion that you associated with and was a part of for many years, was becoming more and more corrupt, conniving and conspiring, to steal veneration and worship from God and direct it to themselves -- what would you do? Yes, what would you do if you felt that suddenly, the wicked constraints of that old evil entity the book of Revelation speaks of, that old "whore" Babylon, were becoming more and more visible to you within that particular religious organization...yes, and you were beginning to feel like you were trapped in Babylon The Great -- what would you do? Would you make the necessary effort to "Get out of HER," obeying the command at Revelation 18:4? Would you show the necessary devotion to God, that you would make every effort to escape this form of organized wickedness, and thus would not have to suffer part of her plagues that God is surely to deliver those oppose him by supporting Babylon The Great?

What a most provocative and stimulating situation! And yet, regrettably so, this situation is NOT hypothetical or speculative at all. No but, countless questioning Jehovah's Witnesses are now beginning to face such a situation themselves...such a reality.

In fact, such a situation now begins to explore the true depth of concern felt by those who have become recently cognizant of real problems within the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization under the direction of the Watchtower Society. And their subsequent reactions to it reveal much, to God and mankind. This situation reveals it.

We can say this because as you know, the average Jehovah's Witness believes "Babylon the Great" is the world empire of false religion, OUTSIDE Jehovah's Witnesses Organization. To them, the JW Organization is perfect, run by imperfect men. So they would not even give your question any consideration at all. They are safely hidden away from the clutches of old wicked "babylon the great." Yes, they escaped Babylon, when they left the churches and religious institutions of our world. The ones the WTS have demonized within their publications for so long. So the "brothers" are safe.

But among those few Jehovah's Witnesses, who are aware of serious problems within the JW Organization, when asked this question, you could possibly get three (3) different responses to your question.

You will quickly notice, when someone begins to ask the above type of questions, that the more enlightened Jehovah Witness will struggle with these type of questions. It makes them uneasy. And as they continue to learn more and more about the true inner workings of the organization, its methods and teachings and how practices and teachings have been passed down from the past, their origin and so on, this always gives rise and cause for more concern.

Especially is this true, when one begins to discover the clandestine, undercover things done by the WTS in the past like the 10-year NGO UN problem and how it was discovered by the press. Also, when such ones find out about the revealed disingenuous attitudes of leadership over serious issues as regards things like child abuse and pedophilia with their ranks, and methods taken to protect the offender rather than the victims as a worldwide policy, this gives reason for pause among thinking Jehovah's Witnesses.

Based upon the above, it would be difficult for a thinking Jehovah's Witness to answer your question. Because,

(1) if they say Babylon the Great represents the world empire of false religion, excluding themselves, then we need to discuss the 10-year NGO Liason with the United Nations Organization that the Governing Body was caught "red-handed" in. The June 1st, 1991 Watchtower article revealed the Catholic Church as having 24 NGO Organizations which gave support to the UN, and went on to show this showed the Catholic Church was guilty of SPIRITUAL FORNICATION before God & Christ. -- See June 1, 1991 Watchtower magazine page 17, par. 10, 11

Again, the Catholic Church has been much criticized within the WTS' publications for Priest involvement in pedophilia. It has been shown in the publications for many years that "true religion" would not have such unsavory "activities" prevalent among their membership. Especially not among Jehovah's Witnesses who today, exist within a "spiritual paradise", as the WTS teaches. And we know, this viewpoint persisted for many years among Jehovah's Witnesses.

But now, with the more recent allegations and reports of widespread pedophilia among the JWs, major news reports like CBS News with Dan Rather, NBC Dateline, CNN with Connie Chung, BBC news program, and others around the world, live interviews with abused victims of pedophilia on the aire and how their "cases" was handled by the WTS and Company, can we truthfully say, Jehovah's Witnesses are a genuine "spiritual paradise," shining as a light beckon in a bedarkened world? Or is the JW Organization, as some claim, an unrevealed, undiscovered "pedophile paradise" and refuge for repeat criminal offenders, who are all too often shown to be spiritual "elders" supposedly shepherding and caring for the defenseless flock -- which?

(2) In answer to your question, if an enlightened Jehovah's Witness would say they believe they and the JW Organization are perhaps a part of Babylon the Great, then the obvious question would be, "why are you staying?" Especially since the JW Organization has long advocated anyone who finds himself in "Babylon", after learning of this tragic news, immediately needs to leave the "wicked" organization and even write a formal letter of dissassociation from such an organization. Many of us, as JWs even taught this to our bible studies in the field ministry, that God requires this. Have we as JWs suddenly forgotten this, since the "shoe is on the other foot" now, and we are the ones that possibly need to do the "escaping" from "organized" wickedness?

(3) But, the most common and preferred answer to the opening questions of our discussion sadly, that one would receive when you ask it, would be this: "we don't know...we don't have any idea". Which should be followed up with the next response, "What are you doing about it, to find out what Babylon The Great actually is today?"

And in most instances, what do we find, when we get to that point? Don't we find the average Jehovah's Witness, becomes JUST LIKE THE BAPTIST or CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY that he studied with who when asked that question, somehow became openly LETHARGIC. Yes, for some strange reason, the bible study now becomes unattentive, for some reason, when we posed that particular question to them. When in the past, we posed that particular question to religionist of the world and people in general in the world, when we were the real teachers on the matter, we got to see the most vivid example of APATHY, that we had ever seen before, we thought. Isn't that how we personally felt, when we asked that question to those persons that we thought were unbeknowst to themselves, trapped in wicked Babylon The Great? Isn't that the way it was?

"Boy oh boy," we said to ourselves, we just couldn't UNDERSTAND these "stupid" people. We said, "what do they think they are doing...hanging around wicked Babylon the Great...don't they know they are going to be destroyed if they don't get moving....my, my, I just can't understand these worldly people...I tell you...they are just not decisive individuals... I just don't know..."

So, in the end...we pronounced them "Wicked!", because of no decisive action on their parts. That was our judgment!

No, those wicked worldly people simply did nothing about their supposedly dangerous situation, of being trapped in Babylon The Great. And it seemed they didn't even care to us, we thought. They didn't even WANT to know, in total indifference, as regards what could be done about it, or whether they were actually IN Babylon the Great, for God's sake, we thought.

But, now what do we see, among Jehovah's Witnesses, when exposed to a little "taste" of their own wickedness? Wickedness of their leadership...what do we see? When one asks Jehovah's Witnesses whether he might, just might be in "Babylon the Great," what is the reaction we get? Do we not see the same identical attitude of worldly religionists from long standing JWs, who formerly maintained these aforementioned "judgmental" attitudes toward other religionists of the world, over their many, many decades of service.

But amazingly now, after they find out about the "wickedness" of the WTS and elder associates, and they can not explain it away, suddenly we Jehovah's Witnesses receive "NEW LIGHT" on this matter of figuring out exactly WHO is "Babylon the Great". A new method must now be employed, yes proposed, to approach this most delicate, most sensitive issue...this question of whether we, as JWs, are actually in "Babylon The Great." Yes, it seems they don't even want to know any more about the subject. No, and they certainly don't want to do anything, take any action, actually. And it seems nobody among JWs is "digging" deep, anywhere, to find out the true answer, either, to this most important question.

Yes, in most cases, the informed JWs does not even want to find out more, as to the true identity of Babylon The Great, so as to escape it and retain God's Eternal Favor. They take this attitude, because, if they found out something undesirable as to a conclusion on the matter, why that might mean they would have real responsibility before God and Christ, to take some drastic action upon their parts. And heaven forbid they do that...it might result in some unfavorable result toward themselves...like persecution, and a lack of "peace" within their household and personal lives. It may disrupt their family lives, even. And surely, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ would not want that, would they?

No, the "new light" dictates Jehovah's Witnesses respond, that the real answer to the above question is just: "WAIT ON JEHOVAH..." Ever hear of that expression before?

Yes, we need to "wait on Jehovah," when it comes to these kind of questions. We need to "wait on Jehovah", just as the Baptists or other religionists used to say to us when we were propounding the same hard, probing questions to them in field service. "Well you know, we need to wait on the LORD...when it comes to me leaving my church and all...cause that's a big decision!", they used to tell us. Yes, the same old cliche' ... the same old tired line.

Only difference is that, we today, we as Jehovah' s Witnesses are saying it...before man, before Jehovah and Jesus, and of course, before Satan the Devil!

And somehow, we think this GRAND HYPOCRISY upon our parts, as Jehovah's Witnesses, this new attitude that we have conveniently adopted, somehow will escape the notice of our Exemplar, Jesus Christ who is examining our conduct ever so closely? If we feel that way...I think we are sadly mistaken indeed. {8K

Actually, we today, just as we said of the Baptists, Catholics and other religionists of the world who tried to squirm and weasel their way out of the question when we had our "foot on their necks," aren't we really parroting the same old "party line" ("wait on Jehovah) and thereby "deceiving ourselves with false reasoning", trying to convince ourselves and others to believe such a foolish thing? In responding in this manner described above, we need to ask ourselves: Do we really "Know Jehovah"? Do we think we will "get away" with such false reasoning? Do we? -- James 1:22; Hebrews 8:11

The Jehovah's Witnesses, the informed one, does this I believe, for in this way, this requires no uncomfortable, painful family splitting, or unwanted persecution brought upon themselves. But this is of course, at complete variance with Jesus' admonition to us when he showed it would be absolutely impossible to avoid, trial and persecution, when one becomes his disciple or follower. Jesus clearly said, everyone who follows him, must "pick up his own torture stake," and continually "follow him", whereever that path of righteousness leads. That's what we as "christians," agreed to, in our personal dedication.

When it comes to family ties vs ones true relationship with Jehovah, being a footstep follower of Jesus, here is what he said:

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own soul, he cannot be my disciple." -- Luke 14:26

How did Jesus say he felt about "family ties", when it comes to our worship, and their being friction or interference? Jesus said, your worship to Jehovah should transcend ALL BARRIERS, all family ties...your connection to God should be greater. God's Word is clear!

"Whoever is not carrying his torture stake and coming after me cannot be my disciple." -- Luke 14:27

Persecution, family breakups, are all a part being a "christian", actually. But, when that question you pose above is asked, we seem all to often, to forget that fact. And yet, this point is anchored solidly within the Holy Scriptures. It becomes just as Jesus said:

"Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man's enemies will be persons of his own household. He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. He that finds his soul will lose it, and he that loses his soul for my sake will find it." -- Matthew 10:34-39

Families, yes, are sometimes divided, and "peace" and goodwill are lost sometimes, for the sake of righteousness, and truth Jesus said. Thats because Jehovah is "looking for such like ones" to worship Him. Those who are willing to give it all up, suffer in behalf of truth, and serve Him, in "truth." (John 4:23) So Jesus said that is why he came...namely to bring "division," to bring a "sword" or warfare within the family circle, because the Truth must be shown to be more important to us, than family ties. Just like we remember, real "truth" should have divided Adam off from Eve...it should have, but we know it didn't. They stayed together, to promote wickedness and show a united front in opposition against Jehovah God's right to decide for them what was "good or bad." Instead, they willingly gave open support for Satan's rulership, by obeying him.

So, the above opening questions, then reveal a lot about the true character of Jehovah's Witneses as a people. It shows whether Jehovah's Witnesses themselves, now that they have preached to the world about "Babylon The Great," and all, will they themselves show decisive action. Yes, will Jehovah's Witnesses, "Practice what they Preach," as they say. Your question reveals, whether they will, more importantly, TAKE DECISIVE ACTION on their parts, about this question of Babylon The Great, action that is consistent with what they preached and taught publicly to others of the world. The world of mankind, will be "witness" to this fact, too.

Sadly, in most instances we find, Jehovah's Witnesses conveniently become more "philosophical" about the whole affair. It now becomes an "academic" discussion, rather than an urgent matter which demands real action on their parts. They are no longer really concerned as to whether they themselves could be potentially trapped within wicked "Babylon the Great." So your question becomes meaningless to them, in essence...just as the original question became to members of the religions of the world when JWs posed it to them, before this great awakening of the wickedness of the WTS & Company.

But Jesus promised:

"For there is nothing hidden that will not become manifest, neither anything carefully concealed that will never become known and never come into the open." -- Luke 8:17

We, as Jehovah's Witnesses are now dealing with that realization today. And how we handle it, says a lot to Jehovah, Jesus and Satan, who are certainly watching.

Some of God's Name People, Jehovah's Witnesses, even teach that this discussion of whether one is in Babylon the Great or not, is no longer an urgent matter to Jehovah and Jesus anymore, since all can see the JW Organization is floundering (like the churches of the world), without a "rudder" to steer the "ship" [Organization] anymore. They reason, that since no religion of our times, really measures up, it is probably NOT necessary to really know exactly, who "Babylon the Great" is anyway. They say, "Let's just focus on love...love for all our brothers, and let Jesus handle the real problems... about who Babylon the Great really is."

Others say, perhaps, we can "reform" the organization, when the "old heads die off" at Bethel, many, many years from now. Which of course, in both cases mentioned above, again requires NO ACTION upon their parts. How convenient.

Or, some say, "why don't we just quit telling people in field service that our brand of religion is any better than theirs... Let's just console the poor souls and read them a comforting scripture or two about the future, but don't invite them necessarily to the meetings. Afterall, we don't have anything better to offer them at the kingdom halls, it seems."

Actually, as we can see, our opening questions and our response to such questions, actually reveals the true depth of our devotion and the righteousness of our personal claims to worship Jehovah our God in "spirit and truth", as Jehovah's Witnesses. (John 4:24) Yes, after preaching for over a century to the churches, various religions and peoples of the world, plainly telling them to "get out of Babylon the Great", just how do you think we look NOW in the eyes of Jehovah and Jesus Christ, and even Satan the Devil too, when real, sinister corruption and wickedness has been "revealed" to be "in our own midst", among ourselves as an organization, and we give such a response as described above? Yes, conniving wickedness of such magnitude that God Himself, would turn away from us, as an organized people. (See Deuteronomy 23:14; John 8:29.) Just how do you think we look, after preaching for over 125 years about "getting out of Babylon the Great," yes, for that long? How do we look, we must ask? -- 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18

To be sure, Satan is doing everything in his power to "conquer" us all, just like a "roaring lion" would do when seeking prey. Therefore the only thing that can truly save us from such a fate, is the pursuit of Divine Truth, real truth from Almighty God. We must seek for it, as for gold and for silver, search for it as we would for "hidden treasure," the bible tells us. We must seek to understand God's Word, by constantly "knocking" for more understanding. -- Proverbs 2:3-6; 4:5-7; Matthew 7:7,8

So, no doubt the primary way one can fully "conquer" Satan, is by searching out spiritual "truths", Divine Truths that formerly may have been long "hidden" from mankind in general, since the time of Jesus. Things Jesus called in many of his parables, the "Sacred Secrets of the Kingdom." -- Matthew 13:11; Romans 16:25-27

As many of Jehovah's Witnesses are beginning to find out, these Divine Truths we speak of, are actually teachings and "understandings" that apparently Jehovah and Jesus have "long hidden" not only from the world of mankind in general, but even from the WTS and company too. Yes, with the passage of time, time has shown, the WTS still DOES NOT understand today these Sacred Truths, and bible prophecy.

But even so, that does not mean the true understanding of these spiritual "truths" can not be had by all who "call upon the Lord out of a clean heart," as "Israel" today. (2 Timothy 2:22) To be sure, all Jehovah's Witnesses of our time, who truly wish to know and are willing to search for these Divine Truths, can indeed find them and "conquer" Satan.

To be sure, we can "conquer Satan" and really learn "Divine Truths"...if we really search for it, like for "gold or silver"...keep on knocking...keep on seeking for it. -- Proverbs 2:3-6; 4:5-7; Matthew 7:7,8

End of Part 1.

6th Angel

***This article was contributed by YORWW Bible Academy found at the LivingWatersForum.com website.***

This is so true! That is why I have chosen to get out.

Dee-

This was a very powerful article, Babylon The Great -- What Is It?

The information found here - that WTBTS is "Babylon The Great", and actually being able to scripturally identify who Babylon The Great is, is a major accomplishment, great spiritual progress, because...

It is actually a "sacred secret"!

Read here the words of Jesus to his disciples:

(Matthew 13:11) 11 In reply he said: “To YOU it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted.

The Bible is filled with many "mysteries", or "sacred secrets". The Greek word is "mysterion". This Greek word has been translated "mystery" or "sacred secret" according to the NWT. It carries the meaning of a "religious secret". This point has been noted for us in the footnote of the large print New World Translation Reference Bible, published by the Watch Tower Society. There are a number of other "religious secrets" or "mysteries", in Greek, mysterions.

(Revelation 17:5,7) 5 And upon her forehead was written a name, a mystery: “Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.” 7 And so the angel said to me: “Why is it you wondered? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the wild beast that is carrying her and that has the seven heads and the ten horns:


Here is a list of some other "religious secrets", discussed in detail in the document or book we call "THE REPORT".

1) "Babylon the Great" - Identity and Fall (Revelation 17:5,7)
2) "Man of Lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2:3,7)
3) The Modern Day "Servant" (Isaiah 49:1-7)
4) The "Kingdom of God" (Mark 4:11)
5) The "Good News as declared by God to his prophets" (Revelation 10:7)
6) The "Faithful Steward" and "Body of Attendants" (Luke 12:42)
7) Modern Day "Israel" and God's Discipline upon them (Micah 4:6,7)

If you can understand who Babylon The Great is, then apparently, Dave, to YOU it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom! That's wonderful!!! Keep reading!

Agape,
Littleleslie

Oh, BTW we have an excellent article written that gives you some helpful guidelines in writing your letter of disassociation from the JW Organization, when you are ready to do so. Here is the link:

New Jerusalem Sets A Lofty Standard For God's Name People

...hope this helps.

agape,

Littleleslie