Posted by Friend [Friend] on October 28, 1999 at 07:59:26 {BrTq3yWfsYrRIg7iiOekOgnjR4Br/g}:
In Reply to: **Awake! 12/8/99 posted by Luis on October 28, 1999 at 07:23:49:
Luis
The apostles were inspired followers of Christ. But it is obvious that Luke 21:8 applies to those that have made warnings in God's name or in His Son's name that proved to be false. The Society's history speaks for itself regarding statements like, "The Time is at Hand!" that have proven false and disillusioning for many.
Without a doubt the Society has taught falsehoods relevant to Jesus’ answer for a sign. Does that mean that we are not witnessing Jesus’ answer for a sign? Those are two different issues. While the Society may have taught falsehoods that does not make their conclusion wrong about whether we are witnessing Jesus’ answer for a sign, it just means that their premises have been wrong. Wrong premises do not equate with wrong conclusions but rather unproven conclusions. If you believe that we today are witnessing Jesus’ answer for a sign then you cannot argue that he Society has been wrong about that belief.
Therefore, Luke 21:8 is a fitting text for those like the Society or any other self-appointed spokesman that have made or are making the claim, "The Time is at Hand."
Do you believe that Jesus followers would recognize Jesus’ answer for a sign? Do you believe they would make that belief known when they witnessed it? If so then your conclusion means that those faithful followers speaking of that which they see puts them in violation of Luke 21:8.
Jesus’ warning was against following Jesus impersonators, not against followers uttering what they think to be true to the best of their ability. I find nothing in Jesus’ answer for a sign that so muzzles Jesus’ followers.
Friend