Russell Quotes Concerning the Bible

Many pride themselves as believers in the Bible as being the inspired Word of God. At the same, most of these view the holy writings only through the eyes of human dogma, opinions of men set forth as essential doctrine for salvation. Athanasius, who promoted the false doctrine of the trinity, stated: "The sacred and inspired Scriptures are sufficient to declare truth." And yet at the same time, he proceeded to present a tremendous amount of human imagination, assumptions, opinions, etc., which he added to, and read into, the holy scriptures so as to make it appear that the Bible upheld his teachings. Sadly, trinitarians today do the same, evidently without realizing how much they have to imagine and assume beyond what is written and which they have to add to and read into the scriptures to make the scriptures appear to support the trinitarian dogma.

But we are not at this time concerned with discussing the trinity, but rather with the many false claims being made about Brother Russell, especially as related to the Bible.

Usually, the claims are associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses; indeed, it is often claimed that Russell was the  founder of the "cult" known as Jehovah's Witnesses, and many of the organizational teachings of the leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses are often attributed to Russell, when, in reality, he never have taught such things. In some major teachings, Russell actually taught the opposite (or nearly so) to what the JWs teach. Russell was not the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor was he the founder of any sect. Recognizing the term "cult" as generic in itself as applying to any form of worship, we can say that he only believed in the true cult that was founded by Jesus and the apostles. The work he did was in service to the only true church founded by Jesus and the apostles, whose members are enrolled in heaven, not by being members of various religious organizations created by man here on earth. In doing this, however, he did find that, since many of the doctrines that were later added by the apostate church leaders were not in the Bible, that the teachings of Jesus and the apostles were not in harmony with those doctrines. Some, believing that Bible does teach the doctrines of men, claim Russell was teaching contrary to the Bible since he did not teach such doctrines of men such as the trinity, the inherent immortality of the human soul, eternal conscious torment of all who do not accept Christ, etc. Such have looked a some quotes of Russell taken out of context, and claimed something we are sure Brother Russell never intended, that is, that he placed his own writings as being above the Bible.

At the same, one needs to distinguish between opinion and what the Bible actually states. Much Russell presented was opinion, although his opinions were based on the Bible. Russell did not consider his opinions and conclusions to be doctrine that should be forced on fellow believers. If anyone's opinions are thought to be some kind of standard for accepting fellow believers, such becomes sectarianism. 

Nevertheless, we present below some quotes from Russell pertaining to how he viewed the Bible, some of which also show how he viewed the Bible in relation to his own writings. We should note that many things that appeared in the Watch Tower may have not been actually written by Russell, but, being the editor, Russell was responsible for what was printed. There could be many more quotes added, and we may add more as God permits.

*********(We are working to arrange the comments in chornological order and add comments)

It is a great mistake to affirm that the Bible is the product of the Church; and those who make this claim do not know where to look for the Church. The Scriptures declare that Jesus Christ was the head and forerunner of  the Church; and if he was the forerunner it is plain that none of the members of the Church preceded him, and, therefore, that the Old Testament Scriptures -- which Paul says "were written aforetime (before Christ's advent) for our instruction that we through patience and the consolation of the Scriptures might possess the hope" (of the gospel -- Rom. 15:4) -- were not the product of the Church. And if, as we have shown, the writings of the Apostles were divinely inspired, then the New Testament Scriptures are not the product of the Church. But consecrated human agencies were used in both cases as God's honored instruments. The word of the Lord through the Apostles is not the product of the Church, but of divine revelation. And never since those inspired apostles fell asleep has the church been able to add one iota to the heavenly wisdom revealed through them; and to whatever extent she has wandered from their teachings, she has manifested her folly by vain philosophies which expose her ignorance and egotism. -- The Watch Tower, October 1, 1893, page 292.

"The Child Samuel", Watch Tower, October 15, 1895

As stated, the above would mean that if anything Russell himself presented should be found to not be fully in harmony with the Bible, that the Bible itself is the final arbiter, not his writings and statements. 

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 In The Watch Tower, December, 1902, page 377, we find the following statement:

The BIBLE is our text book, the DAWNS and TOWERS are our comments, explanations, etc., and our mail department enables us to point out and emphasize misunderstood parts of the instruction.

Here Brother Russell refers to the Bible as being the "text book". Evidently, he using this term to mean the book that forms the basis for study of who God is and what is plans are for mankind. In other words, the Bible is foundation for truth, whereas the DAWNs (later called Studies in the Scriptures) and the Watch Tower simply provide comments and explanations.  It may be that in practice, many of the Bible Students had begun to, in fact, look upon the Watch Tower publications as being "the authority", but that is not the way Brother Russell expressed it.

Never forget that the Bible is our Standard and that however God-given our helps may be they are "helps" and not substitutes for the Bible. -- "Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society's Report", Watch Tower, December 15, 1909.

This certainly shows that in 1909, Russell was not teaching that his own writings in any way should be thought to replace the Bible. He still believe that the Bible is standard for truth.

We will next examine some statements made by Brother Russell as found in his sermon, DIVINE OMNISCIENCE AND ALMIGHTY POWER, St. Paul Enterprise, December 11, 1917, as reprinted in Harvest Gleanings, Volume 3 (begins on page 140).

What Christendom needs today is a return to the Bible, an investigation of its teachings and, correspondingly, a rejection of all human creeds, which are admittedly more or less defective. Let us "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Let us accept the Bible as the only standard. Let us study it and understand it to the extent of our ability. Let us rejoice in every degree of harmony we all attain in the correct understanding o f it. Let us fellowship as Christians all who acknowledge its Divine authenticity and who, in harmony with its presentation, are trusting in Jesus as their redeemer; and who, in acceptance of His invitation, have forsaken all to be His footstep followers.

These are the real Christians, with whatever sect or party they may have become identified, through the supposition that they were doing the will of God. These alone are the saints; these alone are running in the race course; these alone have the opportunity of making their "calling and election sure." 

We could not find the actual date that this sermon was delivered, but it was probably sometime in 1916, or perhaps 1915. One should note that he was still declaring the Bible "as the only standard". He also notes that we should have fellowshp with all Christians who believe it the Bible's divine authencity and thus put their trust in Jesus as their savior, not matter sect or party they may be affiliated with. This is certainly a lot different from what the Jehovah's Witnesses teach. Indeed, having fellowship with any of others who do not accept the teachings of their leadership is highly discrcouraged, to say the least. 

Now that we are ready and fully equipped for Bible study, we are handicapped, trammeled by wrong doctrines which have become lodged and fastened in memory. Some of these came from the creeds, some of them from hymn books, some of them from preaching and some from tracts. As a result, we are filled with misunderstandings and inconsistencies which cause the Bible to appear to be self-contradictory. So much is this the case that it is counted a fashionable thing in our day for intelligent people to laugh at the Bible and to deny its Divine inspiration. But the Bible is consistent with itself, and is thoroughly opposed to the doctrines of the creeds. These facts, however, need to be thoroughly learned before we can have full confidence in the Bible and fully appreciate it. These blessings are the portion of the Lord's people more and more, especially during the last thirty-five years. -- The Watch Tower, December 1, 1913 , page 366.

In a word, the work of our Society is conducted on the belief that the Bible is Divinely inspired, and that we are now living in the wonderful Day, mentioned by the Prophets, when "the wise shall understand," when they shall receive "meat in due season" from God's wonderful Book. By the "wise" we mean, of course, those who are wise toward God, not the worldly-wise. -- The Watch Tower, October 15, 1916, page 308.

We as Bible students are coming more and more to appreciate the fact that the Divine Plan presented in the Bible is wonderful in its simplicity and its comprehensiveness. More and more we are coming to see that our error in the past has been that we studied not the Bible, but the creeds -- and correspondingly had darkness instead of light. -- The Watch Tower, August 15, 1914, page 264.

You cannot well say too much for the book, as one that will show in interesting style that the Bible is a self-interpreter and its teachings grandly harmonious, when viewed in the light of sanctified reason and common sense. You can surely say, too, that the book is not dry musty reading, but truly "meat in due season" to the truth-hungry; and (in the language of a sister) that the light, which this precious volume reflects, has made the Bible a new book, a treasure, a mine of wealth to many as well as to yourself. -- The Watch Tower, May 1887, page 1.

Chapters two and three [of the The Divine Plan of the Ages] I must tell you about; they are so helpful, especially if you have young friends inclined to be skeptical. The one gives evidences, aside from the Bible, that there is an all-wise Creator; the other thoroughly answers "higher criticism" and infidelity by the internal proofs that the Bible is inspired. These chapters alone are worth many times the cost of the entire set of books. As one reader has well said, "These helping hands to Bible study are worth more dollars than they cost in cents." -- The Watch Tower, August 15, 1904, page 246

Neither must you lean upon the DAWN (later called Studies in the Scriptures) and the TOWER as infallible teachers. If it was proper for the early Christians to prove what they received from the apostles, who were and who claimed to be inspired, how much more important it is that you fully satisfy yourself that these teachings keep closely within their outline instructions and those of our Lord;-- since their author claims no inspiration, but merely the guidance of the Lord, as one used of him in feeding his flock. -- The Watch Tower, June 1, 1893, page 168.

Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible, or on a par with the holy Scriptures. The most we claim or have ever claimed for our teachings is, that they are what we believe to be harmonious interpretations of the divine Word, in harmony with the spirit of the truth. And we still urge, as in the past, that each reader study the subjects we present in the light of the Scriptures, proving all things by the Scriptures, accepting what they see to be thus approved, and rejecting all else. It is to this end, to enable the student to trace the subject in the divinely inspired Record, that we so freely intersperse both quotations and citations of the Scriptures upon which to build. -- Watch Tower, December 15, 1896, page 305

We preach not ourself but Christ. We substantiate nothing except by his Word. We make no laws, formulate no creed, deprive no sheep of his full liberty in Christ; but merely on every question quote the Word of the Lord, through the apostles and prophets. We boast nothing, claim nothing of ourself. We are content to serve the Lord and his flock to the best of our ability--exacting no tithes, no "honor of men," no confession of authority, no compensation; hoping merely for the love of the Lord and of those who are his children and have his Spirit.

So far from forming or desiring to form a new sect, we ignore all sectarian systems and their claimed authority; we recognize only the "one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism" of the Scriptures and fellowship as a "brother" every person of decent morals who confesses faith in the "redemption through the blood of Christ," and especially all of this class who profess a full consecration to the Lord's will and service,-- whatever sect they may be in, or outside of all. -- The Watch Tower, January 15, 1904, page 20.

More directly regarding his Studies in the Scriptures, Russell wrote:

The six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are not intended to supplant the Bible. There are various methods to be pursued in the study of the Bible and these aids to Bible study are in such form that they, of themselves, contain the important elements of the Bible as well as the comments or elucidations of those Bible statements.... It is for each one to think for himself, however, and to guide his conduct in every way accordingly....

If these books are to be of any value to us it must be because we see in them loyalty to the Word of God, and as far as our judgment goes, see them to be in full harmony with the Word and not antagonistic to it. Therefore, in reading them the first time, and perhaps the second time, and before we would accept anything as being our own personal faith and conviction, we should say, “I will not take it because these studies say so; I wish to see what the Bible says.” And so we would study the Scriptures in the light of these SCRIPTURE STUDIES; we would prove every point, or disprove it, as the case might be. We would be satisfied with nothing less than a thorough investigation of the Bible from this standpoint....

If, at the same time, in any future reading, we should come to a place where something did not seem clear to us and we thought of some Scripture which seemed not as harmonious with it as we had previously thought, we would think it our duty to refer at once to the Scriptures, because the Scriptures are the standard, and in that reference to the Scripture it would be with a view to discerning whether or not we had been mistaken in our previous examinations....

This is not, therefore, putting the SCRIPTURE STUDIES as a substitute for the Bible, because so far as substituting for the Bible, the STUDIES, on the contrary, continually refer to the Bible; and if one has any doubt as to a reference or if one’s recollection should lapse in any degree, one should refresh his memory, and, in fact, should see that his every thought is in harmony with the Bible –not merely in accord with the SCRIPTURE STUDIES, but in accord with the Bible. -- The Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, pages 298, 299.

Everything Russell presented in the Watch Tower of 1910 is in full harmony with his earlier statements regarding the Bible and his writings. 

See also: Did Russell Claim His Writings to be Superior to the Bible?

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Updated: 2/20/2009; 3/13/2014; 10/12/2018; 12/31/2020.

Russell Acknowledges Jesus as "Channel"

I am giving below some quotes from Brother Russell that shows that he believed Jesus to be the channel between God and man.

It was quite proper that these disciples did not follow the course that some are inclined to follow today, viz., to seek to learn of the Master all that he would communicate, and then go forth and pose as wise ones amongst their friends, giving them the information they had received in driblets, and avoiding the mention of Jesus as the Father's channel of communication of the truth to them. -- "We Have Found Him! Eureka!", Watch Tower, February 1, 1900.

None have life in a legal sense except those who have obtained it from God through His provided channel Christ Jesus. -- "From Death to Life in Christ", Harvest Gleanings III.

All resolutions against sin and in favor of righteous thinking and living are commendable and helpful. But I recommend a comprehensive resolution; namely, to get right with God through His appointed Channel, the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the instructions of His Word, the Bible. -- "A New Epoch Starts", Harvest Gleanings III.

God purposed to allow sin to demonstrate for six thousand years its awful fruitage, and then to bring in a great Sabbath Day, the great Millennial Sabbath of a thousand years, and in that time to do a work for mankind which they cannot do for themselves. He is to do this work through Jesus, His appointed Channel. -- "New Creatures Perfect in Holiness", Harvest Gleanings III.

Only as the Heavenly Father shall grant His blessing may fruits to our labors be expected. It is written, "As many as the Lord your God shall call," and "No man can come unto Me except the Father who sent Me draw him." (Acts 2:39; John 6:44) Hence we see that our present appreciation of Divine goodness implies three gifts: (1) The Divine provision of eternal life, (2) Christ the Channel, and (3) the knowledge by which we are enabled to appreciate both the Gift and the Channel. -- "Christ Our Propitiation", Watch Tower, December, 1882.

The channel of all of God's Mercy is Christ Jesus, who declared, "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." Of Him also St. Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under Heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.)  -- "Hope for the Sodomites", Watch Tower, February 1, 1913.

If anyone finds more that could be placed here, please respond in the comments below.

Related:

Who Did Russell Believe to be the "Only Authority" of the Church?

What Did Russell Teach About "Organization" as Related to the Watch Tower Society?

The JW Organization, Armageddon, 1914, and Russell (moved)

Moved to:

https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/08/jw-arm.html

Russell and the Alleged Occult Connection

I have been asked to look at what Doug Shields presented regarding Charles Taze Russell and the occult. In doing so, we have decided to respond here.

Shields begins by talking about Sir Isaac Newton. Shields claims that Newton was "under the delusion that he was one of the few men given the ability to interpret the bible and related prophecy, specifically biblical chronology." No reference is given. Newton did write a lot about the Bible; we don't know, however, that he actually ever presented himself in the manner described by Shields. If he did, it would seem that he would have published his writings on the Bible so as to get the message out, but he never did.

Shields states that there is "a striking similarity" between Newton and Russell, so much so he says that certain people think that Russell studied Newton's writings and lifted Newton's ideas and presented them as his own. In reality, we highly doubt that Russell ever studied much of Newton's religious writings, most of which had not even been published. Russell mentions Newton a few times, so we are at least aware that Newton thought the disputed clause in 1 John 5:7 is spurious. On the other hand, Russell was more influenced by later writers which he wrote about, some of whom he actually studied with, such as Henry Dunn, George Storrs, Henry Grew, George Stetson, and Nelson Barbour.

Like many others, Shields presents Charles Taze Russell as being the "founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses". As we have shown many times, Russell did not believe in such an organization as the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, nor did he believe the Armageddon teachings of that organization. He was certainly not the founder of that which he preached against.

Shields asks his readers if they know that Newton was a member of the Rosicrucians. We know that many have claimed that he was a member of the Rosicrucians. He evidently did have friends who were members of the Rosicrucians that existed in his day; we cannot say that he either was or was not a member of the Rosicrucians. Newton certainly did not seem to agree with much that the Rosicrucians believe, such as the Rosicrucian trinity, who Jesus is, or the immortality and transmigration of the soul.

Some Rosicrucians claim that Newton was a Rosicrucian, but they also make the same claim that Plato, Jesus and many others were Rosicrucian. The claim that Newton was a member of Rosicrucian order of his day appears to be partly based on some of his writings that appear to be alchemist in nature. Additionally, it was stated that when he died, he left over 160 books in his library on alchemy. We present below a quote from a book presented by the Wikimedia Foundation entitled: Sir Isaac Newton - His Life and Inluence

Newton's ownership of these materials [books on alchemy] by no means denotes membership within the early Rosicrucian order. Furthermore, considering that his personal alchemical investigations were focused upon discovering materials which the Rosicrucians professed to already be in possession of long before he was born, would seem to exclude Newton from their membership. During his own life, Newton was openly accused of being a Rosicrucian, as were many members of The Royal Society. Though it is not know for sure if Isaac Newton was in fact a Rosicrucian, and he never publicly identified himself as one, from his writings it does appear that he may have shared many of their sentiments and beliefs.

The Sun of Righteousness Illustration

At any rate, Shields next states that "they [evidently referring to the Rosicrucians] put a lot of stock into Egyptian gods (check the winged globe on the cover of any copy of Studies In The Scriptures and you’ll be looking at an image of the sun god Ra)." Actually, if you look on the cover of Brother Russell's Studies in the Scriptures, you'll be looking at an illustration of the "sun of righteousness" as found in the Bible at Malachi 4:2. The sun of righteousness symbolism that Malachi presented is in contrast with the present sun of vanity and unrighteousness. (Genesis 3:18,19; Ecclesiastes 1:14; 3:16; Romans 8:20,21,22) Fritz Springmeier insinuates that the words of Yahweh recorded by Malachi 4:2 was influenced by Malachi's contact with pagans. Russell, however, certainly did not believe in any of the Egyptians gods.

We read concerning Egypt: "Yahweh has mixed a spirit of perverseness in the midst of her; and they have caused Egypt to go astray in every work of it, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit." (Isaiah 19:14) Thus, it is no wonder that Egypt would pervert God's symbolism for the purposes of idolatry. They did it with the sun, moon, stars, trees, and many of the animals that God created. Their perversion of God's work does not make God's work itself perverted.

Shields insinutates a connection between Russell and the Rosicrucians since some Rosicrucain authors quote Piazzi Smyth. Yes, Nelson Barbour made use of the Smyth's measurements of the Great Pyramid, and quoted from Smyth, and so did Charles Taze Russell. So far, the greatest thing objectionable we have found regarding the works of Piazzi Smyth was his belief in the Anglo-Israelite theory, a theory that Russell did not accept. At any rate, Shields presents how the Roscricucians quote Smyth and Shields evidently wants his readers to imagine dots connecting Russell with the Rosicrucians since he also quoted Smyth.

Shields then presents a picture of Piazzi Smyth's grave and a picture that he mistakenly purports to be "the gravestone of Charles Taze Russell." We have not found much concerning the pyramid constructed over Piazzi Smyth's grave; evidently, his wife had it constructed. Smyth was convinced that the Great Pyramid is the "witness" that God said he had put in Egypt. (Isaiah 19:19,20) We share this belief with Smyth, as the evidence is overwhelming that the Great Pyramid was indeed constructed under the direction of Yahweh.

The picture that Shields presents as the "gravestone of Charles Taze Russell" is actually a pyramid monument that Joseph Rutherford authorized to be constructed several years after Russell died. It was constructed to honor God's Witness in Egypt; it is not Russell's "gravestone". It was intended to be a memorial especially to various ones associated with the Watch Tower Society, and there are many blank spaces left for many names to be inscribed on that replica of God's witness in Egypt. Within just a few years, however, Rutherford did a total turnabout when he claimed that Satan had the Great Pyramid constructed in Egypt. The manner in which he did this, however, would have meant that Satan knew a lot about the Bible before the Bible was written. Nevertheless, due to Rutherford's change concerning the Great Pyramid, the spaces on the replica remained blank.

Except perhaps for the extravagant use of funds, however, we find nothing wrong about that replica of God's Witness in Egypt, nor do we find anything wrong with the pyramid that was built on Smyth's grave.

Shields states: "I can understand his mistakes in thinking the pyramid was a mystical symbol and communication from God. I get that!" By the way that this is worded, we highly doubt that Shields does "get" the meaning of God's witness in Egypt. So far we are not sure what Shields means by the pyramid as being "mystical symbol" as this would relate to Brother Russell's writings; as far as we have been able to determine, Russell never spoke of the Great Pyramid as a "mystical symbol" nor did he view the Great Pyramid as a means to gain any kind of special "communication with God" other than corroboration of the Bible.

Shields further states: "What I don’t get is the significance of having this by his grave! What possible reason would he have unless he thought (as well as the Watchtower leadership) that this would give him some advantage in the 'afterlife'." We do not know that Russell ever actually approved that this monument should be constructed. Rutherford and his associates indicated that Russell did approve of that monument. Regardless, its purpose is to honor God's witness in Egypt; it was not constructed to give Russell or anyone else "some advantage in the 'afterlife'. Nevertheless, the manner in which Shields makes his statements appear to be an attempt to leave the reader with the thought that Brother Russell was connected to some form of heathen occultism.

Shields wonders why Piazzi Smyth's and "Russell’s pyramid" are so similar, and he wonders why Russell was was so interested in Smyth's work. Our response is that both pyramids are replicas of the same witness in Egypt; why should they not be similar? It should be obvious as to why Russell was interested in Smyth's work, since they both shared similar views concerning God's witness in Egypt. Of course, Shields' purpose in asking these questions appear to be based on some kind of idea that, since the Rosicrucians have some teachings regarding the Great Pyramid, that anyone who believes that the Great Pyramid as God's witness in Egypt must have something with heathen occultism, etc., and his imagination is that there is a link between the Rosicrucians and Russell because both made references to the Great Pyramid.

Then Shields asks why would Newton have a similar pyramid over his grave? Isaac Newton also realized that the Great Pyramid is God's witness in Egypt, so why would it be strange for there to a pyramid over his grave? As far as I can tell, Newton's interest, like Russell's, in the Great Pyramid, was strictly Biblical and Scientific, and had nothing to do with practicing any heathen occultism.

Shields states: "The Rosicrucians as well as Piazzi, Newton and Russell all thought that the great pyramid was a key to understanding the hidden code of prophecy in certain books of the bible." I am not certain about the Rosicrucians; Russell never mentions any "hidden code" -- period. He does refer to the mysteries, secrets, of the Bible that are revealed only to the saints. He also refers to the "secrets" of the Great Pyramid, which may understood through the holy spirit in light of the Bible. As far as Newton and Smyth, we would have to see where they speak of any such "hidden code" in the Bible, and see what exactly is being referred to, if they indeed ever do mention any such hidden code. Shields' effort, however, is evidently to continue draw an imaginaray parallel between what the Rosicrucians taught and what Newton, Smyth and and Russell believed. We know Newton rejected many of the teachings of the Rosicrucians, and most definitely we know that Russell rejected the teachings of the Rosicrucians. Of course, the Rosicrucians claim to be Christian, thus there may some parallels between them and anyone else who professes to be Christian. Brother Russell, rather briefly in book, Thy Kingdom Come, demonstrated the following:

The Great Pyramid, however, proves to be a storehouse of important truth--scientific, historic and prophetic--and its testimony is found to be in perfect accord with the Bible, expressing the prominent features of its truths in beautiful and fitting symbols. It is by no means an addition to the written revelation: that revelation is complete and perfect, and needs no addition. But it is a strong corroborative witness to God's plan; and few students can carefully examine it, marking the harmony of its testimony with that of the written Word, without feeling impressed that its construction was planned and directed by the same divine wisdom, and that it is the pillar of witness referred to by the prophet in the above quotation. -- Thy Kingdom Come, pages 314,315.

An extensive demonstration of the testimony of God's Witness in Egypt was given by the Edgar brothers, John and Morton.

Russell did not view the Great Pyramid as "key" to understanding Bible prophecy; he did view the Great Pyramid to be corroborative of the Bible, including its prophecies.

Shields claims that Russell was an "avid student of Pyramidology." This may be misleading, since the word pyramidology, as it used today, often refers to things that Russell did not believe in. Russell never spoke of pyramidology, and probably would never have thought himself as a "pyramidologist." Nevertheless, the early usage of the word "pyramidology" simply refers to the study of the Great Pyramid as God's witness in Egypt. It has nothing at all to do with heathen occultism, practice of astrology, spiritism, pyramid power, etc.

Shields claims that Russell "sought to validate his predicted dates of the end times by using the Great Pyramid as a 'proof'." The Great Pyramid does indeed corroborate the time features that can be seen from the Bible, and that is what Russell presented. Nothing wrong with that. However, Russell never wrote anything about "end times". He did write about the time of the end, which he believed had begun in 1799.

Shields evidently finds fault with Russell's reference to the Great Pyramid as God's Stone Witness". Since it is made of stone, and since the evidence is overwhelming that it is God's witness in Egypt, as spoken of in the Bible, yes, it is God's Stone Witness in Egypt.

Shields cites the alleged the similarities "of belief, writings, as well as the references to Smyth’s work by both the Rosicrucians and Charles Taze Russell" and indication of a "hidden relationship" with the Rosicrucians. By this same, method, since Rosicrucians quote a lot from the Bible, and since all professed Christian churches quote a lot from the Bible, then, consistent with the reasoning given, anyone who professes Christianity must have some ties to the Rosicrucians, for certainly it could not be a coincidence that they would both quote from the same book. (We say this only to show that this method of reasoning is actually unreasonable.) In reality, the writings and teachings, especially of both Newton and Russell, show a great difference in belief from what the Rosicrucians teach.

Shields proclaims that The Watchtower certainly acts like a mystical order. In reference to The Watchtower of today, on this to some extent we agree. Russell's Watch Tower, however, never advocated -- and even spoke against -- such a hierarchy as now exists amonst the JWs. Russell did not believe in any body of men one earth who should serve as a "governing body", nor did he claim such authority for himself. Indeed, he disclaimed any such authority. He never said anything to the effect that one must accept his conclusions concerning chronology, time prophecies, or the great pyramid in order to be Christian, and certainly he never claimed that one had to become associated with the International Bible Students Association or else be eternally destroyed in Armageddon.

Shields again creates an imagined connection between a drawing presented as being a drawing of Rosicrucian temple and the cover of Russell's Watch Tower magazine. He seems think the tetragrammton is a "old" Hebrew word for "God". It is not; it is the eternal Holy Name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob never told anyone to change His eternal Holy Name to something else. -- Exodus 3:14,15; Deuteronomy 18:15-19.

Shields states that there is a winged globe around the Holy Name at the top of the Rosicrucian picture. This would not fit what Russell taught, for this would imply that Yahweh himself is "sun of rightoeusness". Russell did not believe such. Nevertheless, again, the Rosicrucians, professing to be Christian, may have some similarities with what any Christian group may present; such similarities do not mean that we should supply an imaginary connection between them.

Contrary to Shields' conclusion that what he has presented is "overwhelming evidence of a hidden collaboration", those who are truly familiar with what Russell taught, if they should read very much of the teachings of the Rosicrucians, would note, not an overwhelming agreement with them, but an overwhelming disagreement with them. In reality, all Shields provides for "evidence" is what is being imagined and assumed.

Was Russell Expecting History to End in 1914, 1918 or 1925? (moved0

Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/10/hist-end.html

Cross and Crown References

This page presents some links to the works of Charles Taze Russell which demonstrate his usage of the cross and crown symbolism. We have included excerpts for many of the links. To read the entire articles, click on the title of the articles provided. We do not necessarily agree with all of the conclusions presented.

The New Creature's Resurrection Begun

The cross represents our faith in the death of Christ and our desire to walk in His steps; the crown represents the reward of glory, honor and immortality; and the wreath around the cross and crown represents the Restitution blessings coming to the world of mankind.

The above statement is most succinct in revealing exactly what the cross and crown meant to Brother Russell. All of this is in harmony with the Bible, and very directly shows that this was used as an illustration of what appears in the Bible itself. -- Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:6-9; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Acts 3:21; Romans 3:20-22; 5:6,8,10; 1 Corinthians 15:3,21,22; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 2:8; 3:9; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10.

Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing Conditions

Cross-bearing is closely related to self-denial, and yet a distinction between them may be noted....  We exhort,... [that] they may learn the full meaning of self-consecration and immolation which our Lord's words signify: and that they be not content with the wearing of a cross as an ornament, but grasp fully and clearly the purport of the Master's words respecting the true cross-bearing, that in due time they may also attain to the crown-bearing promised as a reward to the faithful.

Brother Russell in the article linked to shows that he connects the cross with the Christian's bearing sufferings and reproach for Christ so that he may attain the crown, evidently referring to joint-heirship with Christ. Very few of those called will attain that prize.

Our point here is, however, that this usage of the cross and crown symbolism is simply Biblical; it symbolizes suffering with Christ if one wishes to receive the crown of joint-heirship with Christ. Such usage is not related to the Knights Templar and definitely offers no reason to imagine and assume that Russell's usage of the cross and crown has to mean that he was a member of an organization (Knights Templar) that teach almost the opposite doctrine from what Brother Russell presented. Many may not realize that in order to be a member of the Knights Templar, one has to accept the traditional trinitarian creeds. The message that Russell spent nearly his entire life preaching and defending is definitely not in harmony with those creeds.

Brother Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown illustration definitely has nothing at all to do with promoting heathen occultism, mysticism, spiritism, etc.

A Soldier of the Cross

Excerpt: WAS there ever a nobler soldier of the Cross than St. Paul – the Redeemer alone excepted? ... St. Paul, copying his Master, laid down his life for Jew and Gentile, bond and free, male and female, to assist in gathering the "elect" to be the Bride of Christ – that ultimately through the glorified King and his glorified Bride, all the families of the earth may receive the blessing which God waits to give to "all the families of the earth, through Abraham's Seed." – Galatian 3:29.

We should note that the Bible does not speak of being a soldier of the cross, but it does speak of being a soldier for Jesus.  -- 2 Timothy 2:3. 

Nevertheless, again, in this article, the use of the cross symbolism has nothing to do with heathenism, nor is the symbolism taken from the Freemasons or Knights Templar, but rather it is Biblical, being used as a symbol of service to God and Jesus. 

Christ Within (poem)

O WHAT, if we are Christ's,

Is earthly shame or loss?

Bright shall the crown of glory be

When we have borne the cross.

Brother Russell had this poem put in the book Poems of the Millennial Dawn, and it was also published in the pages of the Watch Tower. Evidently, he believed this to be a good use of the Biblical symbolism of the cross and crown. We do not know who wrote this poem, but it is obviously written only with the idea of bearing the suffering for Christ and finally receiving the reward of the crown, which is what the cross and crown symbolism represents.

The poem, however, shows the scriptural meaning behind that cross (bearing our cross) with the hope of obtaining the crown of glory. Again, this has nothing at all to do with the Knights Templar, except that they might have made use of similar Biblical symbolism. There usage of the Biblical cross and crown, however, offers no reason to imagine and assume that the usage of that symbolism by anyone else must mean usage of a "Knights Templar" symbol. It certainly doesn't offer reason to imagine and assume that such usage of a Biblical cross and crown means that we need to imagine and assume that anyone who makes use of such a Biblical illustration must be a member of the Knights Templar.

No Cross, No Crown (Poem)

Thou canst not hope to wear the Crown,

If thou refuse the Cross!"

The poem linked to above was written by Gertrude Woodcock Siebert.. Again, however, we find no hint in any of her poems that she used the cross and crown in any other setting than that of Biblical symbolism.

It should be obvious, however, that Brother Russell allowed this to be published in the Watch Tower, because he felt it expressed the Biblical usage of the cross and crown, not because of any similar usage by the Knights Templar.

St. Paul's Last Words

Excerpt: The crown mentioned, the Apostle had seen for many years with the eye of his faith as a part of the Lord's promise.... That crown had been his cause of rejoicing for many years, not because of pride or ambition, but because of love and benevolence. He would love to receive that crown because it would be the mark of Divine appreciation and love for him; and a mark of his faithfulness.

Again, in the article linked to, we find that the cross and symbolism is simply shown to be Biblical. Paul certainly provides an example of bearing one's cross in order to receive the crown of becoming joint-heirs with Christ. 

The New Creature's Resurrection Begun

Except: Some of us wear what is known as a Cross and Crown Pin. The cross represents our faith in the death of Christ and our desire to walk in His steps; the crown represents the reward of glory, honor and immortality; and the wreath around the cross and crown represents the Restitution blessings coming to the world of mankind.  -- Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 3, page 721.

Comments: These few words directly refer to the Biblical cross and crown symbolism, and Brother Russell gives a clear statement as to what this symbolism means, all of which is in harmony with the Bible. Nothing in it is referring to any Masonic rituals, the Knights Templar, nor any form of Satanism, heathenism, etc. 

The Refiner's Fire (Poem)

Excerpt: 

Ah, no! but He saw thro' the present cross

The bliss of eternal gain.

Indirectly, this poem also illustrates the Biblical usage of the cross and crown.

The Word Was Made Flesh  

When Crown is Ours

====================

The above is only a small sampling of articles and other material in Brother Russell's publications that in some way show Brother Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown.  Anyone truly familiar with the work of Brother Russell would know that it is simply nonsensical to think that Brother Russell made use of the Biblical cross and crown symbol because of any supposed ties with the Freemasons or the Knight Templar. From the above and many other statements in the publications of Brother Russell, it should be obvious that his usage of the cross and crown symbolism is strictly Biblical. We cannot produce all his references to the Biblical cross or crown, but the above is a small sample. Nevertheless, his usage of these Biblical symbols has nothing to do with any kind of heathen or spiritistic occultism; nor does such usage come from the Knights Templar, as many like to claim.

Other Research:

Links to our research: Cross and Crown

Ronald R. Day, Sr.

Did Russell Change the End of the Gentile Times to 1915?

 Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2024/03/gt-1915.html

Who Did Russell Actually Believe to Be the "Only Authority" in the Church? (moved)

Move to: https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/06/only-auth.html

Charles Taze Russell, Watch Tower Illustration and The Masons (moved)

Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/07/wt.html

Did Russell Use Astrology? (moved)

 Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/astrology.html

Russell's Alleged "Disappointment" Over 1878

 Moved to: https://reslight.boards.net/post/2319/thread

Charles Taze Russell Was Not a Prophet (moved)

 Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/not-prophet.html

Russell, the Freemasons and the Rosemont Cemetery (moved)

 Moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/02/cemetery.html

Is Russell Buried In or Under a Pyramid?

 This has been moved to:
https://ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/russell-buried.html

Masonic Symbols?

This is in response to a site which, although directed at the JWs, presents mostly misinformation concerning Russell (who was never associated with the JW organization). The page is filled with deceptive graphical displays with sentences designed to place in the mind of the reader negative thoughts concerning Russell. Practically every sentence on the page contains deceptive falsehoods.

For instance, whoever took the pictures of the Masonic Temple that was recently built next to the Rosemont Cemetery very evidently should have realized that there was no actual connection between the Masonic Temple and the Pyramid monument, so we can only assume that this kind of deception is deliberate, that is, that the alignment of the pyramid monument in the Rosemont Cemetery with the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Temple across the street is evidently done so as to make it appear that there is some kind of connection between the two. In reality, the Masons did not build that temple across the street from the cemetery because there was a pyramid monument on the WTS plot of the Rosemont Cemetery. However, the implication is that in some unexplained way, there is a connection between the Masons' Temple and the pyramid, and this unexplained imaginary connection is presented as “irrefutable proof that Jehovah's Witnesses are inseparably linked to Satanic Freemasonry.” This remark is made, of course, with the assumption that Russell was associated with the "Jehovah's Witnesses".

Another false connection is presented with the “cross and crown” emblem that is used on the pyramid. A picture of the “cross and crown” that appears on the Watch Tower is presented, and it is claimed that this is a picture of the Masonic cross. In reality, this emblem is not a “Masonic cross”, although the Knights Templar (who profess to be Christian) use a similar emblem. A picture is presented of a Masonic Meeting Hall, evidently used by the Knights Templar, which displays a “cross and crown”, but which is not exactly the same as the “cross and crown” that is shown in the Watch Tower.

Fritz Springmeier, simply based on his own assumptions, asserted as fact that the cross and crown symbol used by Russell was the "Knights Templar symbol" or "Knights Templar Logo".

However, it should be made known that Russell's usage of this symbol on the Watch Tower is being singled out, since churches of practically of every denomination have used similar imagery for centuries. So if the usage by the Watch Tower of this emblem means that the Watch Tower is Masonic, then so are these other religious groups Masonic, including Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Presbyterian, Church of England, and many others. The point is, however, that if Brother Russell’s usage of the “cross and crown” symbol is proof that Russell was a mason, then the same charge should be laid against practically every Christian denomination. Actually, while there is no “Masonic” cross, nor a “Masonic” cross and crown symbol, the Knights Templar did take a form of the cross and crown from the traditional church usage, but it is not the exact same form that appeared on the Watch Tower. One could term their usage to be a usage of the cross and crown as that of the “Knights Templar”, but this usage by the Knights Templar does not project upon the whole of the Freemasons, so that it could be called a “Masonic cross”. In other words, while the Knights Templar use this symbol, the Freemasons as a whole do not. Indeed, not all Freemasons claim to be Christian.

Regardless, the idea that Russell used a “Masonic cross” has to be imagined, assumed, and read into the usage, and then one has to further imagine, assume and read into the first assumption that these assumptions mean that Russell was a Mason, which he flatly denied, and which thousands of printed pages of his works attest that he was not. Surely, anyone who is truly familiar with Russell’s works can immediately recognize the falsity of the charge that he was a Mason, or that he had some kind of secret “Illuminati” goal that some have alleged, and evidently that he was openly sabotaging his real goals by his public religious ministry. The whole idea is preposterous, to say the least.

wt

The Watch Tower

It is claimed that the name Watch Tower is of the Masons, and therefore the symbology of The Watch Tower that Russell used is that of Masonic symbols.  The name of the magazine that Russell created, "The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence", is claimed to be taken from the Masons, and the drawing of a Watch Tower that appeared in the magazine is claimed to a Masonic drawing.

The symbol of a watch tower is used in the Bible; a watch tower is not of the Masons' organization, nor is a symbol of a watch tower. Indeed, one has call upon the spirit of human imagination to make it appear to be so. Some who claim that that it is Masonic go on to claim that the Masons have corrupted the Bible, because the Bible speaks of such.  See the King James at 2 Chronicles 20:24; Isaiah 21:5,8; 32:14; Jeremiah 6:27; Habakkuk 2:1.

Russell's usage, however, of the Watch Tower was to denote symbolically a "watchman" as seeing things from a tower; his usage of that symbol had nothing at all to do with the Mason's organization. (Isaiah 21:6,11,12) Every Christian should be such a watcher in spiritual Zion, not only of the times related to  prophecy, but also as related to other matters of the world that could influence the Christian. -- Matthew 25:31; Mark 13:19,33,35; Luke 21:8; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 5:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Revelation 3:3.

The title Brother Russell originally gave to the magazine, "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence," is in no wise whatsoever Masonic, but is based on the Bible itself. To those familiar with Russell's works, it may even seem to be ridiculous that anyone would think that name would be of significance to the Freemasons' organization. That name depicted a service to "spiritual Zion", the church, as a watcher, and promoted scriptural admonition for all Christians to be watchers. Russell, however, later changed the name to The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. This was done because some who were not familiar with the Christian usage had thought the word "Zion" meant that the magazine is was a Jewish magazine, or that is was promoting Judaism.)

The Watchtower of today, however, is not the same as the Watch Tower as Russell created; it has become the tool of the leadership of an organization that Russell never taught.
See: Russell, Authority and Organization

Winged Sun Disk

See:  "Sun of Righteousness Symbol"

Some similar false views presented on other sites (Please note that while we provide links to these sites, much of what appears on the pages linked is false assumptions presented as though fact, and which, of course, we certainly do not agree with):

One states:

"Charles Taze Russell was a 33rd degree Freemason & a member of the Knights Templar organization. Notice the Freemasonry Cross."

Another falsely presents pictures of Brother Russell's Watch Tower as "promoting masonic symbols."

Another site falsely states: "Russell was buried with a pyramid site marker or headstone if you will, with Masonic symbols engraved on it."

One on Printerest comments concerning a picture of Brother Russell's Watch Tower that is shows "Masonic symbols." Brother Russell, however, was never associated with the "Jehovah's Witnesses".

Another site falsely states: "Esta es la inscripción de la misma pirámide de arriba, donde está enterrado el fundador de los Testigos de Jehová, y el masón de lo oculto, Charles T. Russell." Translated via Google translate: "This is the inscription above the pyramid itself, which is buried the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the occult Mason, Charles T. Russell"

Another falsely presents Brother Russell as "having been involved in the occult (that is, things such as necromancy, pyramidology, Masonic symbols etc)."

Another falsely states concerning Brother Russell, "he was a Freemason, as the Cross & Crown image on the Watchtower bore out."

Above originally published May 1, 2009; updated and republished December 2, 2014.

Satan's Illuminatii Bloodline

Relative to Charles Taze Russell, we hear a lot of people talking about “Illuminati Bloodlines”; often this is associated with terms such as “Satanic bloodlines”,“Serpentine bloodlines”, “Luciferian bloodlines”, “Reptilian bloodlines.” The idea is being promoted that Charles Taze Russell was of such a bloodline.

It appears that what is being promoted is the idea that Satan has bloodlines of people who evidently cannot be saved, who are outside the realm of being saved through the blood of Jesus, although this thought is not actually presented in the accusations of those who tell us of such “bloodlines”. In the context, however, of how the “bloodlines” are presented, that is, as alleged to be proof of some kind of covert agenda to rule the world, such an application could only make sense if it would mean that those of such “bloodlines” cannot, by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, become sons of God. In other words, by the manner of presentation, their arguments related to such bloodlines only make sense if those of such bloodlines could not become a believer in Jesus through active faith.

There are those who evidently believe that some bloodlines existing today are of Cain, alleged to be the offspring of Satan. The theory is formulated beyond what is written by calling upon the spirit of human imagination so as to assume that when Eve was “beguiled”, that this means that the serpent had sexual relations with Eve, and that Cain was the offspring of such sexual relations. Thus, apparently, Brother Russell is supposed to be of a “serpentine” bloodline, one of the bloodlines planted by Satan to in a conspiracy to rule the world.

Such theories, however, are contrary to the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, the central doctrine that Russell spent most of his life defending. Fritz Springmeier gives credence to such bloodlines in his books, but the acceptance of the existence of any such bloodline means to contradict what is written in the Bible.

Most of these who make claims that Russell was of such a Satanic bloodline know very little about the true Satanic “Illuminati bloodline” as shown in the Bible. The whole basis of the “Illuminati bloodline”, of which Russell is supposed of, from what we have seen presented, appears to be the claim that there are people who belong to certain Luciferian bloodlines who evidently cannot be saved from those bloodlines, and that the people of these bloodlines have created a secret and elusive organization called the “Illuminati”, which organization plans to take over the world -- evidently some ‘old order” -- in order to rule as the “New World Order”.

There was an organization formed in 1776 by some freethinkers that was called the “Bavarian Illuminati” It is reported that this “secret society” was patterned after the Freemasons, and that much of its membership came from the Freemasons, and thus, in the minds of many, the “Illuminati” is closely associated with the Freemasons. Most of the history of the “Illuminati”, however, comes from what appears to generally be that of the various opinions of authors, and what is told depends on what the writer’s views might be of the Illuminati. It appears that the goal of the Illuminati, according to many who advance such an “Illuminati” conspiracy theory, may be to infiltrate various offices of the government in order to promote and try to impose a freethought type of philosophy upon all society.

In this regard, we do believe that the Bible reveals that there is a world conspiracy, backed by Satan, that has been in existence since the Garden of Eden. This began when Satan claimed that by eating of tree of the knowledge of good and bad, Eve would become “wise” as as the ELOHIM. -- Genesis 3:5,6.

Satan's efforts have been to keep as many as possible from being children of God, not only by means advancement of man’s knowledge of “sciences” with an accompaniment of all kinds of theories, often presented as fact, but also by means of spiritism, idolatry, demonic occultism, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. The true overall conspiracy has been around for a long time, and includes more, however, than just an illuminati secret organization. As to the Illuminati organization, some claim that it no longer exists, while others claim that it still exists. There is a large number of claims being made concerning the alleged present-day Illuminati, much of it regarding witchcraft, paganism, Satanic occult practices, etc. These claims would seem to be conflict with the goal of the Enlightenment that is attributed to the Illuminati, since all of these claims would call for faith in some sort of deity, rather than “rational” scientific reasoning and thought. At any rate, ritualistic Satanism, occultism, spiritism, witchcraft, and paganism have become in the minds of many closely associated with “the Illuminati”. Indeed, most Christians do not even realize how insidiously such things are being palmed off under the banner of being “Christian”.

Of course, anything that would discredit faith in God and Jesus would certainly be in service of Satan; atheism is in service of the devil, even though atheists claim that they do not believe in, nor that they worship, the devil. Likewise, witchcraft (crafty wisdom) is also of the devil, even though most of the believers in witchcraft claim that they do not believe in, nor worship, the devil. Witchcraft has influenced many professed Christian writers, so that, while they do not openly profess such, what they write about is actually witchcraft, or mimicks witchcraft and/or forms of heathen occultism, being used under the banner of being “Christian”.

Usually associated with the claims that there is an Illuminati organization are also claims that there are certain “bloodlines”, which are often referred as “Illuminati bloodlines”, “Satanic bloodlines”, “Luciferian bloodlines”, “serpentine bloodlines”, etc. These bloodlines are evidently being promoted as being so evil, so much the offspring of Satan, that no one that is of these bloodlines can possibly be saved through faith in the blood of Jesus. Although the proponents of this "bloodlines" theory often claim to be Christian, and, as best as we can determine, they do not come right out and state that the people of these bloodlines cannot be saved, many of their statements lead to that conclusion. Indeed, the very fact that there is a belief in such Satanic bloodlines would lead to that conclusion, else there would be no need to even think of such “bloodlines”, or to judge anyone as allegedly being of any such "bloodline".

Many who claim to be Christian do not realize that belief in such “bloodlines” actually would lead one to deny the basis of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus as taught in the Bible. It would promote serpentine “bloodlines” other than that which has come upon the whole world through the disobedience of Adam. What does the Bible say?

Let us examine the real conspiracy of a “new world order” as presented in the Bible.

Acts 17:26 World English

He [Jehovah] made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation. -- Acts 17:26.

Actually, the word “blood” does not appear in the Greek; but we do have the expression “ex henos”, which means “out of one male”, or “out of one man”. Who is the “one man” that Paul spoke concerning? Was Paul saying that sin entered the world through Cain? Obviously not; Paul wrote: “the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation”; “by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one”; “through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men”; and “through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners.” (Romans 5:12-19, New American Standard) Elsewhere, Paul wrote concerning this “one man”: “through one man sin entered into the world.” (Romans 5:12) and “in [by means of] Adam all die.” (1 Corinthians 15:21,22) and “death reigned from Adam” (Romans 5:14) Obviously, the one man who was given the command and who transgressed against the command was Adam (Genesis 2:16,17; 3:17-19), and all of us, absolutely every descendant of Adam, are of this cursed bloodline of Adam.

The method by which this “one man” was led into disobedience could be called a conspiracy, since it was the result of a conspiracy between the serpent and the woman, by which the woman was deceived into thinking that through disobedience, she would become wise. Paul wrote of this conspiracy in Romans 1:18-31. Therefore, the real “new world order” conspiracy began around 6,000 years ago. God had created the first man and woman, and had given them the “order” of obedience to their creator (Genesis 2:16,17); such obedience would call upon Adam and Eve to recognize who was their head, who was their creator, their benefactor, and to whom they should give supreme love. Such obedience would also have been to man’s benefit, for it would have kept man in line with righteousness, that which is right - just, straight, and it would have promoted peace and harmony on the earth. God did not put man on the earth in the crooked condition as he found today, but man was originally “good”, “upright” -- just. (Genesis 1:31; Ecclesiastes 7:9) As part of the original old order, man was given a dominion, a kingdom, in that all things were made subject to man, and man was given an “order” concerning that dominion. (Genesis 1:26,28; Psalm 8:4-8) The subjection of all things to man, however, does not mean that everything in the universe was subjected to man, but it pertains to all things upon the earth. Disobedience to the Creator would upset the order and harmony of God’s arrangement and had a distinct punishment, that is, not death. -- Genesis 1:17; Romans 6:23.

But something happened that interfered with that first order of man. The serpent, who is identified in Revelation 12:9 as the one who was later called Satan and Devil, promoted his crafty wisdom to entice Eve to disobey the Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14) Eve, rather than putting the thoughts of Satan out of her mind, entertained the thoughts, and actually believed what the serpent told her, that eating of the forbidden fruit would make her wise, and thus was fooled by Satan. (Romans 1:22) This could be indeed be considered an illuminati conspiracy plot conceived by Satan with the idea of promoting a “new world order”, with Satan as its prince. (John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2) Adam, rather than obeying his creator, obeyed his wife (Genesis 3:6,12), and thus joined her in this disobedience, and the first illuminati conspiracy had been formed, and Satan has continued to seek ways to promote his “new world order” on mankind ever since, deceiving the entire habitation of the earth with his lies. -- Revelation 12:9.

While the Creator of man allowed man to carry out his own devices, and the punishment of death was proclaimed upon man, Jehovah also gave a promise that gave hope of the restoration of man back to that which he had lost. God said: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) “The woman” here is not referring to Eve, but as Paul later wrote, a woman represents a covenant or promise. (Galatians 4:24,25) These matters were written in somewhat cryptic language so that they would remain hidden until the time came for them to be understood by the saints. (Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9) Eventually, these things will also be revealed to the whole world. -- Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14.

Genesis 3:15 refers to the seed of the serpent, which also indicates figuratively that the serpent has a woman covenant by which he produces a seed, offspring. The result of man’s original disobedience was that all of Adam’s descendants became of this condemned serpentine seed. This means that all of us are of this condemned Satanic bloodline through Adam, being so before we are even born into this world. This is the ONLY serpentine bloodline that exists to this day. The Bible says nothing about Satan creating any other serpentine bloodlines that, if one follows the logic, must mean that those of such bloodlines cannot be redeemed through the blood of Jesus. On the other hand, Paul tells us that all who are of the one serpentine bloodline through Adam are redeemed through the offering of Jesus.

If there are, however, other serpentine bloodlines than that of Adam, such would mean that all the nations of men did not come from one. (Acts 17:26) It would mean that all men were not condemned in Adam. (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22) It would mean that Jesus did not die for all men. In short, it would deny the purpose for which Jesus came in the flesh. -- 1 John 2:2; 4:2,3,9,14.

As a result of the first man’s disobedience, therefore, God subjected the whole creation of mankind to futility and a bondage of corruption, and a bondage to be of an unjust, crooked condition, under the present sun of vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:2,14; 2:11,17; 3:19; 4:7,16; 8:14; 11:8; 12:8; Romans 1:24-32;8:20-22) All of the descendants of Adam, which includes you and me, are all born into this world as being of the seed of the serpent, which could be called a Satanic bloodline. (Romans 5:12-17) Jesus was not of this seed because he was not born of Adamic stock, but his body of flesh was created separately from world. (Matthew 1:20; Hebrews 10:5) Only as having been justified by an active faith does anyone in this age become accounted as being of the seed of woman, and no longer as being of the seed of the serpent. -- Romans 4:2; 5:1; 8:1; Hebrews 11:4-40; .James 2:17-24.

No man could bring forth a new creation (Ecclesiastes 1:9) that would not be under the bondage of corruption common to all men condemned in Adam, for no man born under the condemnation of God could make himself straight, just, incorrupt.. Man, however, being proud and haughty, does not realize the bondage of corruption that he is under, and has indeed sought many ways to remedy his condition, all of which has and is still proving to end up in failure. Thus, one form of government after another form of government has endeavored to better man’s lot; none have brought the desired haven for which mankind has been seeking, but which haven God eventually provides through his own way. -- Psalm 107:30; Romans 8:21.

It is therefore, shown that man can be released from the condemned bloodline in which he has been born. How is such accomplished, and if man is made crooked so that he cannot be made straight, what would be the basis of making such straight? God could not be true to Himself (Psalm 119:37; Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 3:26), if He simply released people from that condemnation; if he did, then his “justice” -- his righteousness -- would not be upheld, and His “word” confirmed by his name could not be trusted. (Psalm 138:2) How could God remain just and yet bring man out of the unjust, crooked, condition, into which he had subjected man?

While man could not bring forth a new creation, God could. This he did when he sanctified and sent his son into the condemned world. (John 10:36; 1 John 4:9,10,14) Jesus was not born into the world under its present condemnation. God Himself prepared the body of Jesus (Hebrews 10:5), and Jesus was begotten by means of God’s holy spirit in the womb of a virgin. (Matthew 1:20-23) Thus, Jesus, being a new creation, was not of the world that is condemned through Adam (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22); he was not “of the world” (John 8:23), nor of the whole creation under bondage concerning which Paul wrote. (Romans 8:20-23) The flesh of Jesus was without having the condemnation of being made a sinner from his conception, but at the same time he came for the purpose of taking that condemnation upon himself. --- Isaiah 53:4,5; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24.

In this we see God’s wisdom in that he condemned all as sinners in one man; thus, to rectify matters, only one righteous, sinless, obedient man would be needed to satisfy justice (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22); by this means God remains just, while at the same time justifying the sinner. -- Romans 3:26.

Links to research related to Fritz Springmeier

Pastor Russell's Sermons:

A Helping Hand

For Bible Students

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