WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON?

Transcription

1 WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON? Today we are considering a topic that for many people is very frightening. WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON? This morning, as we contemplate the fate of billions, many Christians will be thinking about of Jesus' birth and be preparing to celebrate Christmas next week. In Luke 2 we read how Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger. Luke 2 (NWT) 8 There were also in that same country shepherds living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks. 9 And suddenly Jehovah's angel stood by them, and Jehovah's glory gleamed around them, and they became very fearful. 10 But the angel said to them: "Have no fear, for, look! I am declaring to YOU good news of a great joy that all the people will have, 11 because there was born to YOU today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in David's city. 12 And this is a sign for YOU: YOU will find an infant bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: 14 "Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill." In this wonderful scene, an angel told the Shepherds "I am declaring to YOU good news of a great joy that ALL the people will have," The angel lists no exceptions to this promise. It was good news for ALL people. Then a multitude of angels sang, "... upon earth peace among men of goodwill." Where is the good news of great joy for ALL people? Where is the peace on earth promised? 1

2 Humanity continues to suffer and die without any apparent hope or relief. Worldwide troubles seem only to be getting worse. Romans 8:22 (NWT) says, "For we know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now. The Bible promises relief for mankind. Rom 8:19 (NKJV) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Humanities groaning and suffering will not continue forever. Soon now... not long after the heavenly body of Christ is complete, ALL creation will be delivered from bondage, when Jesus and his body anointed members, "the sons of God" are revealed to mankind. Again notice that the Apostle Paul does not list exceptions. He does not say just a few or even most, but that the ALL creation groans and that the creation itself will be delivered. This must therefore mean there is hope that even the wicked will have an opportunity to repent, make amends and be delivered from the bondage of corruption in the future Paradise Earth. In John 12:32 (NKJV), Jesus says, And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL peoples to Myself." Once again, we are shown that ALL men will have a future opportunity. Once again, no exceptions are indicated. At this time we Bible Students would like to express our love and appreciation for the sincerity and zeal of many of the Jehovah s Witnesses we have met and discussed scriptures with. The views presented in this discussion today will be very much in agreement with what was taught by the early Watchtower, in the days of Brother Russell. We hope you will share our thrill and excitement in God s Plan which is wonderful beyond man s imagination. 2

3 Proverbs 4:18 (NASV) But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Yes the Truth gets clearer every day, but it never changes. The original Truths of the early Watchtower were correct. On some of these views, todays Jehovah s Witnesses have been returning to the original light, like in the case of the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. More on that later. JEHOVAH S WITNESS VIEW ON WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON WHO WILL SURVIVE ARMAGEDDON? What is the view of the Jehovah s Witnesses Organization? Watchtower Sept 1, 1989 page "Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil." Watchtower 2007 Dec. 15 p.14 "But Jehovah's servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things." If correct, then the angel's promise of great joy for ALL people is of little encouragement, since billions of mankind would never benefit from that promise. Bible Students agree and hope that many of the living Jehovah s Witnesses will survive Armageddon. However, we also find scriptural evidence that many others will survive Armageddon as well. We will get to those scriptures in a little while. More quotes: 3

4 You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth p.255` - "Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one. There was just one ark that survived the Flood, not a number of boats. And there will be only one organization- God's visible organization - that will survive the fast-approaching "great tribulation... You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life." Watchtower 2006 May 15 p.22 "Are You Prepared for Survival?" Paragraph 8 - "During the final period of the 'ancient world' that perished in the Flood, Noah was a faithful 'preacher of righteousness.' (2 Peter 2:5) In these last days of the present system of things, Jehovah's people are making known God's righteous standards and are declaring good news about the possibility of surviving into the new world. (2 Peter 3:9-13) Just as Noah and his Godfearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah's universal organization." NOAH S ARK ANALOGY Only Noah and his family survived the flood and every other human being on the planet was destroyed in the flood. So many believe that only those in the security of the Ark, the Jehovah s Witness Organization, will be saved from the devastation of Armageddon and every other human being on the planet will be eternally destroyed. Even though we can see the logic in this analogy, it goes beyond what the scriptures are actually saying. First, there is no direct scripture in the Bible that says that those who died in the flood were eternally destroyed, with no hope of a future resurrection. Second, there is no direct scripture in the Bible that says that those who die in Armageddon are destroyed eternally and have not hope of a future resurrection. Such conclusions cannot be substantiated any scripture and 4

5 carry the analogy beyond what is actually explained by Peter. As a matter of fact, as we will soon see, the Bible reveals that there will be many survivors of Armageddon. When we talk to Trinitarians, we argue that there is no scripture in the Bible that even mentions the word Trinity, let alone tells us that the One God is manifest in Three Persons. Turnabout is fair play. We need to be able to substantiate our beliefs with direct scriptures, just as we demand the same of Trinitarians. Otherwise, in whom are we placing our faith? If our faith is in Jehovah, then our faith must be substantiated by the clear statements of scripture. Let s read the passage regarding the flood in 2 Peter 3. 2 Pet 3:6-8 (NWT) 6 and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men. 8 However, let this one fact not be escaping YOUR notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. Are these verses completed in Armageddon? Peter speaks about the destruction of the heavens, earth and also ungodly men. He describes this day of judgment, as being a 1,000 years long. 2 Pet 3:8 (NWT) one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years So in other words, it will take the full 1,000 years to accomplish both the destruction of the present heavens and earth, then after that, the destruction of ungodly people. This extends far beyond Armageddon. 1Cor 15:24-25 (NWT) - 24 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. 25 For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. 5

6 Notice that the process of bringing to nothing all authority and power must extend at least to the end of the 1,000 years, at which point Jesus turns over the kingdom to Jehovah. So Armageddon does NOT bring a complete end to all those in opposition to Jehovah s Laws. Rev 22:14, 15 (NWT) 14 Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.' So during the 1,000 years, as the New Jerusalem is growing and filling the earth, like the stone in Daniel 2, there will be wicked people, outside the New Jerusalem. Acts 3:22-23 (NWT) - 22 In fact, Moses said, Jehovah God will raise up for YOU from among YOUR brothers a prophet like me. YOU must listen to him according to all the things he speaks to YOU. 23 Indeed, any soul that does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people. So the destruction of the ungodly that Peter talked about, takes place during the 1,000 years. At that time, those who do not obey Jesus, the great Mediator, will be destroyed from among the people. The Little Season that follows will be a mop up operation so to speak, to destroy the wicked that pretended to go along with the New Kingdom arrangement during the 1,000 years. 1 Tim 2:6 (NKJV) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, Heb 2:9 (NWT) we behold Jesus that he might taste death for every [man]. 6

7 Again we are told that Jesus gave Himself a ransom for ALL, that he tasted death for every man. No exceptions are listed. This would include the ungodly that Peter spoke of, that will have an opportunity on Paradise Earth to repent, obey and follow righteousness, or else to be eternally destroyed. Notice how Peter s earlier statement agrees with this. 1 Pet 2:12 (NWT) Maintain your conduct fine among the nations [Gentiles], that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for [his] inspection. NAS & Rotherham - glorify God in the day of visitation. The Nations or Gentiles who speak evil against God s people, will later glorify God; but not in this lifetime. Peter was looking forward to the time of Paradise Earth, calling it the day of inspections or visitation, when the persecutors of Jehovah s people will look back with regret, remembering their Christian example set by Jehovah s servants. PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE Are those who today reject the clear message of the Truth without excuse and should they be eternally destroyed? Matt 24:14 (NWT) "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Since the Bible teaches that the Gospel is to be preached in the entire world, are those who reject the message without excuse and potential candidates for eternal destruction? Along this same line, we read in 7

8 Romans 1 (NKJV) 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Does this passage mean that those who do not accept the Truth are "without excuse" and will therefore experience eternal destruction? Search as we might, we will find nothing in Matt 24 or the book of Romans that says that those who reject the Truth will be eternally destroyed. Think about it. What would you do if your child disobeyed you after you had clearly warned them not to stick their hand in the cookie jar? They are without excuse, aren't they? You warned them in advance. Will you then kill your child for disobeying? Of course not. Likewise, there is nothing in these passages that would lead one to believe that Apostle Paul was talking about eternal destruction of those rejecting the Truth in their lifetime. WRATH ON THOSE DO OBEY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS However, consequences are spoken about in Romans 1:20 "they are without excuse" are explained in Romans 2:8-9 (NKJV) "to those who are self seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil" Do these verses prove that unbelievers will experience eternal destruction with no hope of a future trial? 8

9 No. It does not say that. However, we must admit that the indignation, wrath, tribulation and anguish do not sound very promising for those who practice evil. What exactly are these consequences described? In the book of Romans, Paul explains at least three different examples or ways in which those practicing evil receive God s wrath. For example #1, let's look at chapter one again. Here the consequences are physical and mental in this current life. Rom 1:26, 27 (Amplified) "For this reason God gave them over {and} abandoned them to vile affections {and} degrading passions... suffering in their own bodies {and} personalities the inevitable consequences {and} penalty of their wrong doing {and} going astray, which was their fitting retribution." Notice how it says,... suffering in their own bodies {and} personalities. So, the consequences or retribution for their evil actions is the damage done to their physical bodies and mental health. Example # 2 is in Romans 13 which speaks of another aspect of wrath, from earthly laws and governments: Rom 13 (NASV) 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. So here the consequences of evil and experiencing God's wrath are from earthly governments and law enforcement. Example #3 is the passage commonly referred to make the case for eternal destruction. The wrath spoken of in chapter two however, seems to be referring to consequences during the 1,000 year day of judgment. 9

10 Rom 2:5 (NKJV) But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Even if the wrath spoken of in Romans 2 were speaking of storing up consequences for themselves in the future earthly kingdom, this would only proves that they will have a future resurrection in order to experience stripes, disciplines and chastening as necessary to bring them to true repentance and obedience. Nothing is mentioned about eternal destruction However, we can also look at this passage another way. Remember that in the Old Testament, Jehovah warned the Israelites of consequences that would come on them if they were disobedient. Matt 23:35, 36 (NWT) 35 that there may come upon YOU all the righteous blood spilled on earth 36 Truly I say to YOU, All these things will come upon this generation. Notice that wrath was stored up over the centuries for the Generation of Israel that rejected Jesus. Just so, we can say that the generation at the time of Armageddon would experience the wrath spoken of in Romans. However, again we point out that there is nothing to indicate that God s wrath is eternal destruction in any of the three examples in Romans. 2 Peter 3:9 (ASV) The Lord is longsuffering not wishing that any should perish In the future Paradise Earth, Jehovah will be patient with the wicked, giving them an opportunity to learn righteousness and become obedient. Isa 29:18, 24 (NWT) 18 And in that day the deaf ones will certainly hear the words of the book, and out of the gloom and out of the darkness even the eyes of the blind ones will see. 24 And those who are erring in their 10

11 spirit will actually get to know understanding, and even those who are grumbling will learn instruction." Isa 26:9 (NWT) when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn. So, yes, there will be punishments as necessary, but it will be for the future sins committed during the 1,000 years, not those of the previous (Adamic) age. However, the wicked will find it far more difficult to learn, repent and progress than others. FLAMING FIRE TAKING VENGENCE Finally now we come to a Bible passage that actually does talk about "everlasting" destruction. Does it prove that those who reject the Gospel message now may have no hope of future life? Does it apply to an everlasting destruction for those who die in Armageddon. Let's read... 2 Thes 1 (NWT) - 6 This takes into account that it is righteous on God's part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for YOU, 7 but, to YOU who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10 at the time he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder in connection with all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among YOU. 11

12 This passage DOES speak about "everlasting destruction." The Jehovah s Witnesses Organization applies this to the Armageddon destruction and they see no future hope for those destroyed. Yet we find a problem with this view is found in verse 6. again. Let's read it 2 Thes 1:6 (NWT) This takes into account that it is righteous on God's part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for YOU, How can God repay tribulation to those who made tribulation for the brethren in Thessalonica? They must first be resurrected from the dead; otherwise there would be no way for them to receive tribulation. Therefore this is not referring to second death. Rather, this tribulation is the necessary disciplining and chastening to bring about repentance and reform. Notice it is those in verse 8 who do not obey that in verse 9 receive the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction. When? Verse 10 says that it will happen in that Day." It is during the 1,000 year Judgment Day that the disobedient wicked will be eternally destroyed. Remember again how Acts 3:23 (NWT) says, Indeed, any soul that does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people. So after Armageddon, for the balance of the 1,000 years, those who resist the peaceable kingdom and refuse to obey will be eternally destroyed at that time. The next passage we will look at indicates that during these 1,000 years, when the New Heavens and Earth are being set up, that the wicked will be given up to 100 years to reform before being destroyed. Isaiah 65 (Amplified) 17 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth 12

13 20 the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner who dies when only a hundred years old shall be thought only a child, cut off because he is accursed. Those who are children in spiritual development, who do not progress in righteousness and who willfully oppose Jehovah s kingdom, will be given no more than 100 years before they are permanently cut off in the second death. 1 Tim 2:4 (NWT) tells us that God who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Pet 3:9 (NWT) Jehovah is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. Knowing that Jehovah s justice is tempered with love and patience, we can have confidence that Jehovah will give every person and complete, patient and generous opportunity to repent and obey. So during the peaceable kingdom, those who are not progressing up the highway of holiness to perfection of character will be permitted up to 100 years. Yet if they continue to disobey, willfully sin and remain merely children in their spiritual growth, they will then be eternally destroyed. SHEEP AND GOATS Prior to 1998, the JW Organization held the view that the Matt 25 parable of the Sheep and Goats applied to their witnessing work from 1914 to Armageddon. From about 1998 to 2003, they transitioned to the view that this parable applies to the 1,000 years. Yes we welcome them back to the old light. 13

14 In this parable of Sheep and Goats, we find more evidence that the flaming fire destruction of 2 Thes 1 does not apply only to Armageddon, but beyond, is found in Matt 25 in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. There are at least three striking similarities between these two passage that illustrate they are covering the same time period. 1) Jesus comes with his holy messengers (2 Thes 1:7; Matt 25:31) 2) FIRE is associated with the destruction (2 Thes 1:8; Matt 25:41) 3) The destruction is EVERLASTING (2 Thes 1:9; Matt 25:41, 46) Let s look more closely at each of these 3 examples. EXAMPLE #1: 2 Thes 1:7 (NWT) the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels Matt 25:31 (NWT) When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him EXAMPLE # 2: 2 Thes 1:8 (NWT) in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not obey Matt 25:41 (NWT) "Be on YOUR way from me, YOU who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire EXAMPLE # 3: 2 Thes 1:9 (NWT) These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction Matt 25:41, 46 (NWT) "these will depart into everlasting cutting-off 1) Jesus comes with his holy messengers (2 Thes 1:7; Matt 25:31) 2) FIRE is associated with the destruction (2 Thes 1:8; Matt 25:41) 3) The destruction is EVERLASTING (2 Thes 1:9; Matt 25:41, 46) 14

15 We see that the Parable of the Sheep and Goats is covering the same time period as Jesus coming in flaming fire taking vengeance. Consequently, if the parable of the Sheep and Goats parable applies to the 1,000 years, then so must the flaming fire destruction of 2 Thes 1:6-10, not just to Armageddon. Other verses in the Bible promise a future hope for the unbelieving world. Even the wicked will be resurrected from the dead. Some will become sheep and others goats. 1 John 2:2 He is an atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Weymouth Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the whole world too. No exceptions are given. 1 Tim 4:10 God is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. NKJV God is not only the savior of believers, but also of all men. No exceptions are given. John 1:29 John said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! NKJV No exceptions are given. So the Bible holds out a future hope of life for all people, even the worst sinners. 15

16 EVEN THE WICKED WILL BE RESURRECTED. Specific scriptures in the Bible shows that even the wicked will be resurrected and have a future trial or judgment period during the 1,000 year judgment day. John 5: (NWT) 28 Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which ALL those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. The verse says that ALL in the memorial tombs will come forth. Does this mean that everyone will be resurrected, even the wicked? In verse 29 it includes those who practiced vile things, being resurrected to judgment. But the NWT places the word memorial in front of the word tomb. The JW Organization takes the expression, Memorial Tomb to mean that ONLY those in Jehovah s memory will be brought back. In other words, they believe that Jehovah has identified many so wicked, that they are not in Jehovah s memory and will not come back in the resurrection. These would include all people destroyed by Jehovah in the flood and all people they believe he will destroy in Armageddon, among many others. The word memorial tomb comes from Strongs #3419 and in the KJV it is translated grave, sepulchre, and tomb. It appears 38 times in the New Testament and is simply the common word used to describe the grave or tomb where a person is buried. We get no hint from any of these verses that Strong s #3419 has a special meaning that Jehovah is only keeping in memory those who he plans to raise from the dead. Let s look at just one example of Strongs#3419. Describing the Pharisees, in Luke 11:44 (Philips), Jesus says, "Alas for you, for you are like unmarked graves--men walk over your corruption without ever knowing it is there." 16

17 Jesus here compares the Pharisees to unmarked graves. Certainly, we get no special sense here that Strong s #3419 has the meaning of those kept in Jehovah s memory to be resurrected. The view that Strong s # 3419 refers only to those whom Jehovah keeps in his memory cannot be substantiated by any of the 38 usages of this word in the New Testament. What we do know for sure is that John 5:29 does say those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. Sounds like the wicked are coming back for a trial during the 1,000 year judgment period. Look at it this way, if one of the most wicked villains in the world had been adopted as a baby by you, maybe you could have directed him along a righteous path. Is it fair he never got that chance? Well he will get a chance. One of the greatest examples of wickedness in the Bible was the people of Sodom. Does Jude 7 prove that these wicked ones were eternally destroyed? Jude 7 (NWT) So too Sod'om and Go-mor'rah and the cities about them, after they in the same manner as the foregoing ones had committed fornication excessively and gone out after flesh for unnatural use, are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire. Jude 7 does not prove that these people were eternally destroyed? Notice how it says, are placed before us as a warning example. So Sodom and these cities are simply an illustration or warning example of everlasting destruction. Other scriptures show that the people of Sodom were not eternally destroyed. Matt 11:24 (NWT) 24 Consequently I say to YOU people, It will be more endurable for the land of Sod'om on Judgment Day than for you." 17

18 The only way for it to be more endurable for Sodom on Judgment Day is if they are resurrected. Otherwise this verse makes no sense. Ezek 16:55 (NWT) Sod'om and her dependent towns, will return to their former state Even the wicked people of Sodom will be restored to life in the kingdom for a period of judgment. Phil 2:10, 11 (NW) 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, 11 and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord It has been said that this can t really include everyone, because some of the wicked will not receive a resurrection in order to bow down. Yet this verse includes every knee of those under the ground. Yes this includes everyone who is dead. The future promise to the Church of Sardis is Rev 3: 9 (NWT) Look! I will give those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews, and yet they are not but are lying-look! I will make them come and do obeisance before your feet and make them know I have loved you. Those of the synagogue of Satan who are not really spiritual Jews, but rather Apostates who will be resurrected in the kingdom and will bow before the resurrected bride of Christ on Paradise Earth. We find the same concept in. Isa 60:14 (NWT) "And to you the sons of those afflicting you must go, bowing down; and all those treating you disrespectfully must bend down at the very soles of your feet, and they will have to call you the city of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 18

19 SURVIVERS OF ARMAGEDDON In Ezek 38 & 39, the JW Organization applies these verses about Israel to either Nominal Christendom, if it says something bad, or the anointed Spiritual Israel, if it says something good. It s just like when the translators translate Sheol as hell for bad people and grave for good people. Ezek 38 talks about the end times when Gog and Magog and all the nations with them come against Israel to battle. Ezek 38 (NWT) 16 And you will be bound to come up against my people Israel, like clouds to cover the land. In the final part of the days it will occur, and I shall certainly bring you against my land, for the purpose that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself in you before their eyes, O Gog. 23 And I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.' This is talking about nations that survive Armageddon. It is NOT saying that after Jehovah makes himself known in the eyes of many nations, that He then destroys them. Notice how Ezek 39:7 continues along the same vein. Ez 39:(NWT) 7 And my holy name I shall make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I shall no more let my holy name be profaned; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.' 23 And the nations will have to know that it was because of their error that they, the house of Israel, went into exile, on account of the fact that they behaved unfaithfully toward me, so that I concealed my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they kept falling, all of them, by the sword. 19

20 Is this talking about spiritual Israel? The JW Organization? Will the nations believe the JW Organization behaved unfaithfully toward Jehovah? This is talking about natural Israel, isn t it? Jehovah gave natural Israel into the hand of their adversaries. It says that at this time the nations will know that Jehovah had sent Israel captive and brought them back to their land. These nations are survivors of Armageddon. Ez 39:28, 29 (NWT) 28 And they will have to know that I am Jehovah their God, when I send them in exile to the nations and actually bring them together upon their soil, so that I shall leave none of them remaining there any longer. 29 And I shall no longer conceal my face from them, because I will pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel,' is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah." It was natural Israel that was in exile among the nation, and Jehovah will pour out his spirit on them. Now I know JWs believe when Jesus said to the Jews your house is left unto you desolate that that is all she wrote. That that marked the end of Israel as a nation. Yet how do you explain, that against what you believe to be Jehovah s will, that somehow the Jews have thwarted Jehovah s purpose by returning to the Land? If Jehovah destroyed the nation forever, how do we explain that the nation has been restored? But you say it is a secular nation, without faith in Jehovah, so that doesn t count. But Zech 12 tells us that the Jews come back to the land first. Afterward, they repent, acknowledge Jesus and receive the holy spirit. Zech 12: 3, 6, 9, 10 (NWT) 3 I shall make Jerusalem a burdensome stone to all the peoples 6 In that day they must devour on the right hand and on the left all the peoples round about; and Jerusalem must yet be inhabited in her own place, in Jerusalem. 9 And it must occur in that day that I shall seek to annihilate all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem. 10 "And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of 20

21 Jerusalem the spirit of favor and entreaties, and they will certainly look to the One whom they pierced through, and they will certainly wail over Him as in the wailing over an only son Verse 3 - So we see that since they became a nation in 1948, that Israel has been a burdensome stone to all the nations of the world. Verse 6 fulfilled in 1967 when the Jews captured the complete city of Jerusalem. Verses 9 & 10 After Jehovah defeats their enemies, the Jews mourn for having pierced Jesus through and they receive the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 14 also shows there are survivors of Armageddon. Zech 14 (NWT) 2 And I shall certainly gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war; and the city will actually be captured 3 "And Jehovah will certainly go forth and war against those nations 4 And his feet will actually stand in that day upon the mountain of the olive trees, which is in front of Jerusalem... 5 And Jehovah my God will certainly come, all the holy ones being with him 8 And it must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem Notice how it says, all the holy ones being with him. This is the same as all the holy angels or messengers that Jesus comes with at his return. In Jude 14 they are called saint, because this is actually the 144,000. So this is the same time as when he comes in Flaming Fire taking vengeance. Zech 14 (NWT) 9 And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. "And it must occur that, as regards everyone who is left remaining out of all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem, they must also go up from year to year to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, and to celebrate the festival of the booths. 17 And it must occur that, as regards anyone that does not come up out of the families of the earth to Jerusalem to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, even upon them no pouring rain will occur. 21

22 everyone who is remaining of the nations So there are surviving nations after Armageddon. Whoever does not come up to worship will get no rain Probably both literal and symbolic of the kingdom blessings. What else do we know will happen to these nations that survive Armageddon? Micah 4:1-3 (NWT) 1 And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. 2 And many nations will certainly go and say: "Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 3 And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. Rev 15:4 - all nations shall come and worship before You.." NKJV Ps 138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD NKJV Ps 72:11,17 all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him NKJV Rev 11:15 - "kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord He shall reign forever Rev 21:23-24 the nations shall walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings bring their glory into it. Dan 7:14, 27 ALL peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him His kingdom is everlasting 22