The 'Anointed'

[The Librarian]

Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is a free gift from God attained by being part of "God's organization" and putting faith in Jesus' ransom sacrifice. They do not believe in predestination or eternal security. They believe in different forms of resurrection for two groups of Christians. One group, the anointed, go to heaven while the other group, "the other sheep" or "the great crowd" will live forever on earth. 

Basis

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that salvation is possible only through Christ’s ransom sacrifice[1] and that individuals cannot be saved until they repent of their sins and call on the name of Jehovah.[2] Salvation is described as a free gift from God, but is said to be unattainable without good works that are prompted by faith. The works prove faith is genuine.[3][4] Preaching is said to be one of the works necessary for salvation, both of themselves and those to whom they preach.[5] They believe that people can be "saved" by identifying God's organization and serving God as a part of it.[6]
The Witnesses reject the doctrine of universal salvation,[7] as well as that of predestination or fate. They believe that all intelligent creatures are endowed with free will. They regard salvation to be a result of a person's own decisions, not of fate.[8] They also reject the concept of "once saved, always saved" (or "eternal security"), instead believing that one must remain faithful until the end to be saved.[9]
Regarding whether non-Witnesses will be "saved", they believe that Jesus has the responsibility of judging such ones, and that no human can judge for themselves who will be saved. Based on their interpretation of Acts 24:15, they believe there will be a resurrection of righteous and unrighteous people. They believe that non-Witnesses alive now may attain salvation if they "begin to serve God".[10][11] 

 

The 'anointed'

Based on their understanding of scriptures such as Revelation 14:1-4, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God. They, with Jesus, will also perform priestly duties that will bring faithful mankind to perfect health and 'everlasting life'.[12]They believe that most of those are already in heaven, and that the "remnant" at Revelation 12:17 (KJV) refers to those remaining alive on earth who will be immediately resurrected to heaven when they die. The Witnesses understand Jesus’ words at John 3:3—"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"—to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven.[13] They teach that the New Testament, which they refer to as the Christian Greek Scriptures, is primarily directed to the 144,000, and by extension, to those associated with them.[14] They believe that the terms "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), "little flock" (Luke 12:32), "New Jerusalem," and "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:2,9) in the New Testament also refer to the same group of "anointed" Christians.[15][16][17]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that being 'anointed' involves a personal revelation by God's spirit which "gives positive assurance of adoption" to the individual alone.[18] Members who claim to be anointed are not given special treatment by other congregation members.[19] However, only those in the anointed class partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or Memorial.

Were all the anointed resurrected to heavenly life in 1918?

Jesus Christ is their mediator

"CONGREGATION OF GOD" Also called:
144,000
Anointed
Body of Christ
Bride of Christ
Chosen Ones
Elect
Holy Nation
Israel of God
Kingdom Class
Members of the Household of God
Little Flock
New Creation
New Nation
Royal House
Royal Priesthood
Sanctuary Class
Sons of Levi
Spirit Begotten
Spiritual Israel
Spiritual Sons
Rebekah Class
Elisha Class
Elijah Class 
New Jerusalem
Little Flock 
Lamb's Wife 

The 'other sheep' and the 'great crowd'

Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 was intended to indicate that the majority of his followers were not part of the 144,000 and would have an earthly, rather than heavenly, hope.[20][21] In the resurrection, those who died faithful to God are included in the 'other sheep' and will receive the "resurrection of the righteous" ("just" KJV) mentioned in Acts 24:15.[22] Those who died without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the ... unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). They will be given an opportunity to gain God's favor and join Jesus' 'other sheep' and live forever in an earthly paradise.[23][24] Individuals unfavorably judged by God are not resurrected, and are said to be in Gehenna, which they consider to be a metaphor for eternal destruction.[25] Those of the 'other sheep' who are alive today, some of whom survive through Armageddon without needing a resurrection, are referred to as the 'great crowd'.[26][27]
Jesus is not the mediator for the other sheep.

Remnant

The word ‘remnant’ is used to indicate the living members of the 144,000.
List of title variants given to the living ‘anointed ones’ in the book: Revelation. Its Grand Climax At Hand! (1988)
Anointed Christians.
God’s zealous slaves on earth.
Remnant of the 144,000 integrity keepers.
Those of the little flock that have been begotten by God’s spirit. His congregation of anointed ones.
Anointed remnant.
Anointed conquerors.
Genuine anointed Christians.
Anointed brothers.
Anointed over-comers.
Remnant of the completed bride of 144,000.
Remnant of the 24 elders enthroned and crowned like kings.
God’s anointed people.
Remnant of the 144,000 under-priests.
Remaining ones of the son’s of spiritual Israel.
Remnant of a kingdom of priests - to rule as kings over the earth.
Chosen anointed ones.
World-wide congregation of anointed Christians that in time would number 144,000. The remaining ones of the 144,000.
The anointed heirs to the heavenly kingdom.
Remnant of the sealed 144,000 still remaining in the flesh.
The kingdom class.
The holy ones on earth.
Remnant on earth of the 144,000 anointed ones.
The remaining holy ones.
The anointed witnesses on earth.
Remnant of the woman’s seed.
Remnant of the anointed ones.
The remaining ones of the woman’s seed.
The remaining ones of the seed of God’s woman.
The remaining ones of the 144,000 anointed ones.
The remaining ones of the 144,000 fellow heirs of the heavenly kingdom.
The loyal ones.
The remaining ones of the chosen heirs of God’s kingdom.
A new creation, serving God with heavenly life in view.
Those from the 144,000 who live on earth during the last days.
Congregation of anointed Christians on earth.
Jesus’ brothers, the remaining ones of the woman’s seed.
Anointed followers still on earth.
Remnant of the 144,000 of spiritual Israel.
Remnant of the 144,000 of the bride class.
Remaining ones on earth of the 144,000.
Anointed ones who survive on earth.
Anointed ones of the heavenly bride.
Remnant of the anointed bridal company.
Remnant of the 144,000 followers here on earth.
Remnant of the 144,000 royal brides.
Anointed remnant of the 144,000.
Anointed remnant of the spiritually adopted sons of God.
Remnant of Jesus’ 144,000 under-priests.
Remnant of the 144,000 members of the Lamb’s wife.
Remnant of the anointed Christians still alive on earth today.
Anointed fellow slaves.
Anointed bride class.

See also:
How Does One Know if They Are of the Anointed Or Called to Heavenly Life?
How is it that Anointed Christians judge angels?
"Appointed" = "Anointed"?
If Disfellowshipped and then reinstated, are they still "Anointed" by Jehovah?
Are the Kings and prophets of old have the same heavenly hope as the anointed of today? They were anointed by Jehovah directly.
Did the first million or so professed "Anointed Christians" really just end up in Gehenna?

Albert Schroeder's 1968 talk regarding the Spiritual Temple and the Anointed

Is it true that some of the 144 000 are already in heaven?

References

1. The Watchtower 6/1/00 p. 11 par. 6 Keep Your “Hope of Salvation” Bright!
2. The Watchtower, March 15, 1989, p. 31 Call on Jehovah’s Name and Get Away Safe! “The Way of Salvation”
3. "James Urges Clean and Active Worship,", The Watchtower 3/1/83 p. 13, "Faith that does not prompt us to do good works is not genuine and will not result in our salvation."
4. "Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples", Our Kingdom Ministry, January 1979, p. 2.
5. The Watchtower, May 15, 2006 pp. 28-29 par. 12
6. The Watchtower 2/15/83 p. 12 You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How?
7. The Watchtower 4/15/60 p. 229 Does the Bible Teach What You Believe?
8. Awake! 5/07 p. 13 Is Your Life Predestined?
9. You Can Endure to the End The Watchtower October 1, 1999, p. 17.
10. Do You Feel That You Are the Only People Who Will Be Saved?.
11. "Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe That They Are the Only Ones Who Will Be Saved?". The Watchtower: 28. 1 November 2008.
12. Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand! chap. 29 p. 200 par. 8 "Singing the Triumphal New Song "
13. The Watchtower 11/1/96 p. 10 Look to Jehovah for Comfort: “One of the main operations of God’s spirit upon first-century Christians was to anoint them as adopted spiritual sons of God and brothers of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22) This is reserved for only 144,000 disciples of Christ. (Revelation 14:1, 3)”
14. Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace” chap. 13 p. 110 par. 10 The “Prince of Peace” Turns to Those Outside the New Covenant
15. Survivors Out of All the Nations, ©1984 Watch Tower, page 65
16. "Congregation of God", Watchtower Publications Index 1930–1985, "CONGREGATION OF GOD (Also called 144,000; Anointed; Body of Christ; Bride of Christ; Chosen Ones; Elect; Holy Nation; Israel of God; Kingdom Class; Little Flock; New Creation; New Nation; Royal House; Royal Priesthood; Sanctuary Class; Sons of Levi; Spirit Begotten; Spiritual Israel; Spiritual Sons)"
17. Chryssides, George D (2008). Historical Dictionary Of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press. pp. 3, 122,. ISBN 9780810860742.
18. “United In Worship Of The Only True God” chap. 14 pp. 112-113 ‘I Make a Covenant With You for a Kingdom’: “Spiritual Sons—How Do They Know? ... God’s spirit gives positive assurance of adoption as spiritual sons to baptized Christians who have received the heavenly calling.
19. The Watchtower 5/1/07 p. 31: “They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation”
20. The Watchtower 2/1/98 p. 20 par. 7 The Other Sheep and the New Covenant
21. "Awake" 1/8/95 p. 27 Who Go to Heaven?
22. The Watchtower 2/15/95 p. 11 par. 12 'There Will Be a Resurrection of the Righteous: “Men and women of old who exercised strong faith in Jehovah and his promises and remained faithful to the death were declared righteous by Jehovah on the basis of their faith, and they will without doubt share in the ‘resurrection of the righteous.’
23. The Watchtower 6/15/06 p. 6 A Sure Guide to Happiness: “Acts 24:15 ... “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” So even “the unrighteous,” many individuals who did not know and serve Jehovah, will get a future opportunity to gain God’s favor.”
24. You Can Believe in a Paradise Earth The Watchtower November 15, 2003, p. 4.
25. The Watchtower 3/15/06 p. 6 The Only Remedy!: “Some committed sins for which there is no forgiveness. They are not in Hades (mankind’s common grave) but in Gehenna, a symbolic place of eternal destruction. (Matthew 23:33)
26. The Watchtower 4/15/95 p. 31 Questions From Readers: “In summary, we might remember “other sheep” as the broader term, encompassing all of God’s servants having the hope of living forever on earth. It includes the more limited category of sheeplike ones today who are being gathered as a “great crowd” with the hope of living right through the impending great tribulation”.
27. Ankerberg, John (2003). Fast Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses. Harvest House Publisher. pp. 51–53. ISBN 9780736910811.

 

[Queen Esther]

WOW.... Danke  for  your  always  SO  detailed  and  exact  explanations  about  Bible-words,  themes,  or  special  questions  to  that !  Its  like  a  treasure  &  a  big  help  for  me. THANK  YOU  ;-)

[Ann O'Maly]

There are some weaknesses with the 'two destinies' idea, however.

If all true Christians in the 1st century were 'anointed,' what changed?

Regarding the weaknesses that center on Rev. 7 ...

1. Rev. 7's numbers 12 x 12,000 are understood to be symbolic, but it is insisted that the total number 144,000 is literal. This is inconsistent.

2. When Rev. 7 is read more closely, the 144k group are on earth; otherwise, why are the four angels told to hold back the destructive winds until the 144k are sealed? Cp. Rev. 9:4.

3. When Rev. 7 is read more closely, the envisioned 'great crowd' is seen in the same heavenly location as the four living creatures, angels and 24 elders. On what contextual basis can we argue that the 'great crowd' is in a different location to the four living creatures, angels and 24 elders?

One viable interpretation is that the 144,000 and 'great crowd' is the same group seen from a different perspective. John hears a schematic number (7:4) but sees the reality (7:9). Cp. Rev 5:5, 6 (John hears a description of Jesus but sees Jesus' appearance).

[The Librarian]

Quote

Modestly, anointed ones acknowledge that they do not necessarily have more holy spirit than those with an earthly hope. They do not claim to have special knowledge or revelations; neither do they try to prove that they are in some way superior. They would also never suggest to others that these too have been anointed and should start partaking;  

 

[The Librarian]

Quote

In no way, then, would they use their anointing as a “calling card” to introduce themselves to others. For the most part, they would not even mention this personal experience to others, so as to avoid drawing attention to themselves; neither would they want to boast about their future reward.

 

[The Librarian]

Quote

 How can we show appropriate respect for those whom Jehovah chooses to anoint? We would not ask them personal questions about their anointing. We should not assume that the parents, spouse, or other relatives of one of the anointed would also be anointed. We should also resist the urge to quiz spouses of anointed ones about how they feel knowing that they will live without their mate in the future earthly Paradise.

 

[The Librarian]

Quote

The number of partakers includes those who mistakenly think that they are anointed. Some who at one point started to partake of the emblems later stopped. Others may have mental or emotional problems that lead them to believe that they will rule with Christ in heaven.

 

[The Librarian]

Quote

Jehovah began choosing anointed ones after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it seems that all in the first-century Christian congregation were anointed.

 

[The Librarian]

An picture of an Anointed brother drinking the wine:

 

[Queen Esther]

DANKE....

[Evacuated]

On 2/27/2016 at 18:46, Ann O'Maly said:

If all true Christians in the 1st century were 'anointed,' what changed?

Where? When? What?

On 2/27/2016 at 18:46, Ann O'Maly said:

1. Rev. 7's numbers 12 x 12,000 are understood to be symbolic, but it is insisted that the total number 144,000 is literal. This is inconsistent.

There are other literal elements of this chapter: God; the Lamb (although this is a symbolic reference).

On 2/27/2016 at 18:46, Ann O'Maly said:

2. When Rev. 7 is read more closely, the 144k group are on earth; otherwise, why are the four angels told to hold back the destructive winds until the 144k are sealed? Cp. Rev. 9:4.

Agreed. They are "bought from the earth" Rev.14:3, so must have originated there.

 

On 2/27/2016 at 18:46, Ann O'Maly said:

3. When Rev. 7 is read more closely, the envisioned 'great crowd' is seen in the same heavenly location as the four living creatures, angels and 24 elders. On what contextual basis can we argue that the 'great crowd' is in a different location to the four living creatures, angels and 24 elders?

Not convinced they have to be in the same location as God. Being before God's throne does not require this literally. Standing before God or Christ can denote having their approval regardless of location (Comp Lu. 21:36; Ps.5:5,7).

Jehovah can stand by his servants without literally coming to the earth. Ps.109:31.

On 2/27/2016 at 18:46, Ann O'Maly said:

On what contextual basis can we argue that the 'great crowd' is in a different location to the four living creatures, angels and 24 elders?

At least on the basis that there are no tears in heaven at the time portrayed in this chapter. Rev 7:17.

 

 

 

 

[Witness]

"Modestly, anointed ones acknowledge that they do not necessarily have more holy spirit than those with an earthly hope."

No one is superior as all become children of God in God’s Kingdom.  Yet, those chosen as priests and kings to serve in God’s Temple have a specific job to do. True faithful anointed ones are blessed with the outpouring of Holy Spirit to teach truth; if and only if, they remain part of the vine, one with Christ and one in the Body of Christ.  Their sole purpose is to serve God and Christ in righteousness and administer to the people the true fruit of the vine, true knowledge that Holy Spirit gives them.

You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to Me as priests; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.”  Exod 40:15

But let no one come into the house of the Lord except the priests and those of the Levites who serve. They may go in, for they are holy; but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord. 2 Chron 23:6

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.  Mal 2:7

If proven faithful, Chosen ones are blessed with knowledge to impart to the people; again, if they remain in union with their Head, Jesus Christ.

They do not claim to have special knowledge or revelations; neither do they try to prove that they are in some way superior.

 Any honor shown is according to the justice of God, given to those who were without honor in man’s eyes, in order that there should be no superiority, imbalance, or division within the Body. 1 Cor 12:24-26; Matt 20:26,27; 1 Cor 4:7; Rom 12:3,6; 1 Pet 4:10; Matt 20:16; 23:12 
If God chooses the most despised to be shown an equalizing amount of mercy, of what concern is that to anyone? 1 Cor 1:26-30; Matt 20:13-15  All anointed are undeserving worthless slaves, who perform their assigned place within the Body of Christ, and not out of superiority. Rom 4:4; Luke 17:10; 1 Cor 4:7; Luke 12:48

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:  for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Cor 12:4-11

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light 1 Pet 2:9

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Cor 2:13

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.  1 John 2:20

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  John 14:26

 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,  while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  2 Cor 9:12-15

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”  Mal 2:7

It is a requirement that all anointed minister to the people in the knowledge they receive from the outpouring of their anointing.  If they remain anonymous, ambiguous, concealed, mysterious, unknown; their true calling to serve God and Christ goes unheeded.

"In no way, then, would they use their anointing as a “calling card” to introduce themselves to others. For the most part, they would not even mention this personal experience to others, so as to avoid drawing attention to themselves; neither would they want to boast about their future reward."

Of course not.  Anyone with humility would not boast in such a way. And yet, these Chosen ones are not only Temple priests, but ARE symbolically, the spiritual Temple:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Cor 6:19,20

 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,  in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.  Eph 2:19,22

 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  Matt 10:40

 How can one receive such anointed ones if they are to remain silent?  As Mal 2:7 brings out, the people must seek knowledge from the lips of such faithful ones.  

 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”  Matt 10:42

 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’  And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  Matt 25:44-46

 

Jesus’ anointing:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed  Luke 4:18

Faithful anointed ones follow in Christ’s footsteps as one in Christ:

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Cor 1:21,22

Chosen ones also must proclaim liberty to the captives and the oppressed as ambassadors of Christ.

 "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God"  2 Cor 5:20

This can only be accomplished when the Body is one in Christ.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  John 15:5

 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. John 17:10

Can Jesus be glorified through his faithful anointed ones if they remain undisclosed?

Because of the suggested state of the anointed ones to remain camouflaged among all the people; God’s Temple lies in ruins.  It appears it was not the case when the early apostles began building this Temple in Christ.  They were well known among all believers:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours 1 Cor 1:2

We should ask, why is it different today?  Could this be considered a defilement of God’s Temple?

 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.  1 Cor 3:16,17

We realize that in the end times this Temple MUST be restored.  What are God’s people waiting for?

 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.”’”

³ Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, ⁴ “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” ⁵ Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!

⁶ “You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages,
Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”  Haggai 1:2-6

Is it man’s call to decide when the anointed ones come together under their Master, Christ? Is it man’s decision to keep Christ’s brothers silent when it is their duty to glorify their Master and God through teaching truth, that each individual anointed one should know?   It appears to me that the Chosen ones should prayerfully consider their circumstances and listen to Christ’s teachings to come together as a complete Body for the benefit of all.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.  Haggai 1:7-9

 ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?   Haggai 2:3