What is "God's Arrangement"/"Spiritual House"?

[Witness]

To follow, are three quotes from the Watchtower concerning the “spiritual temple”:

Watchtower 15/7/1 pp. 3-8: “What is the center of true worship today? It is not a building like the temple. It is a spiritual temple, and it glorifies Jehovah more than any building ever could. What is the spiritual temple? It is GOD’S ARRANGEMENT that allows humans to become his friends and to worship him. This arrangement is only possible because of Jesus’ ransom. This arrangement began in the year 29 when Jesus was baptized and anointed as High Priest of Jehovah’s spiritual temple. —Hebrews 9:11, 12.  

What sort of arrangement is the Watchtower referring to?

Today, before the anointed on earth begin serving as priests with Jesus in heaven, they faithfully serve Jehovah IN THE EARTHLY PART OF THE SPIRITUAL TEMPLE. Millions of “other sheep” loyally assist them. (John 10:16) Both groups unitedly worship Jehovah. However, we should ask ourselves a personal question, ‘Am I fully supporting JEHOVAH’S ARRANGEMENT for true worship?’

What exactly is meant by the “earthly part of the spiritual temple?” 

Watchtower 17/10 pp. 21-26:  “As well as being King and High Priest, Jesus was assigned to “build the temple of Jehovah.” (Read Zechariah 6:13.) In 1919, he did this building work by setting God’s people free from the influence of false religion, Babylon the Great. Jesus restored the congregation and appointed a “faithful and discreet slave.” This group of anointed brothers directs the important work that is being done here in the earthly part of the GREAT SPIRITUAL TEMPLE. (Matthew 24:45)

Again, there is no exact definition of just what is the “great spiritual temple”, only suggestive references that one surmises as comprised of all members of the organization.  It appears to be the organizational arrangement. Isn’t this what you conclude, JWs? However, the Watchtower’s leaders have circumvented the identity of the true Temple with vague definitions leading you to believe that the Temple of God must be the organization; subsequently, you are seduced into thinking it can only be, Mount Zion.    

Solomon proclaimed that the temple he would build for God, would be “a great spiritual temple”; and it was for a fact, a magnificent physical achievement.  He exclaimed, “And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.  But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?” 2 Chron 2:5,6 (9); 2 Chron 6:2  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chron+2%3A9%3B+6%3A2&version=NKJV

Still, “the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house”, even though God’s words to David reveal to us a greater temple that was to come – the anointed Body of Christ.  2 Chron 7:1,2,12; 5:13; John 2:19-22; 1 Chron 14:11; 1 Chron 17:9-14

Something greater than Solomon is here, and it isn’t the Watchtower leaders and their earthly organization.  Matt 12:42

“HE – Jesus Christ -  shall build Me a HOUSE, and I will establish his throne forever.” 1 Chron 17:12 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chron+7%3A1%2C2%2C12%3B+5%3A13%3B+John+2%3A19-22%3B+1+Chron+14%3A11%3B+1+Chron+17%3A9-14%3BMatt+12%3A42&version=NKJV

Consider the quote from Watchtower’s “Insight” Book, pp. 513,514: 

“Peter quoted and applied to Jesus Christ this prophecy (Isa 28:16) regarding the “foundation cornerstone” on which individual anointed Christians are built up as “living stones,” TO BECOME A SPIRITUAL HOUSE OR TEMPLE . (1Pe 2:4-6)

This is true.  God’s Temple is built with the “living stones” of His anointed priesthood and a “chosen race” and possession, with Jesus Christ as its cornerstone.  1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Isa 43:10

Why would the Watchtower not explain this ‘great spiritual Temple’ of God as the holy priesthood?  Why skirt around the Temple’s true identity, that each one of these “stones” is the dwelling place of God’s spirit? 1 Cor 3:16,17 If they were transparent about its true definition, what would be the result?  The eyes of JWs would be focused on God’s true Temple that the Lord is building using these “living stones”.  It would be a natural thing to seek out the anointed ones in their assigned roles of working as one anointed Body in teaching God’s laws. Under a faithful House “steward”, the administrating of spiritual food would be gathered from the entire Body for the benefit of all.  Mal 2:7; Isa 2:3; John 13:20; Eph 4:4,5,11-13; Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:12-36; 1 Cor 12:28;9:12; Matt.24:46,48,49; Luke12:37,45,47    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+28%3A16%3B1+Pet+2%3A4-6%3B1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%2C10%3B+Isa+43%3A10%3B1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3BMal+2%3A7%3B+Isa+2%3A3%3B+John+13%3A20%3B+Eph+4%3A4%2C5%2C11-13%3B+Rom+12%3A4-8%3B+1+Cor+12%3A12-36%3B+1+Cor+12%3A28%3B9%3A12%3B+Matt.24%3A46%2C48%2C49%3B+Luke12%3A37%2C45%2C47&version=NKJV

Although scripture supports this, it isn’t the case among the members of the organization, is it! Truthfully, it could never come to fruition since Watchtower’s foundation is not in Christ who is Truth, but built on the shifting sands of failed and false doctrine.  John 14:6; 15:16; Matt 7:24-27      https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6%3BJohn+15%3A16%3B+Matt+7%3A24-27&version=NKJV

I have used these quotes several times from Watchtower’s study article,  “We Want to Go With You”  (2016).  They vividly expose the GB/spiritual Harlot and her Beast/ “man of lawlessness” “trampling” God’s Temple.  2 Thess 2:3,4; Matt 24:15; Dan 8:13;11:31; Rev 11:2;13:1,7,11,12  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thess+2%3A3%2C4%3B+Matt+24%3A15%3B+Dan+8%3A13%3B11%3A31%3B+Rev+11%3A2%3B13%3A1%2C7%2C11%2C12&version=NKJV

“Do those of the other sheep need to know the names of all those who are anointed today? The short answer is no.”

“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. “

“In addition, anointed Christians do not view themselves as being part of an elite club. They do not seek out others who claim to have the same calling, hoping to bond with them or endeavoring to form private groups for Bible study. Gal. 1:15-17  Such efforts would cause divisions within the congregation and work against the holy spirit, which promotes peace and unity.    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal+1%3A15-17&version=NKJV

Side point:  Gal 1:15-17 is disregarded when Watchtower tries to prove the existence of a “governing body” in the first century. They also sidetrack several scriptures (see above) by that same writer of Galatians, admonishing the anointed Body to be joined as one with no divisions; building up and exhorting each member as equally important, which is not practiced by the Watchtower. Instead, the Body of Christ has lost its scriptural meaning and is taught to include all members in the organization.  

The above demeaning quotes and sarcastic claims about God’s Chosen “stones” accomplish the opposite of what the article boldly pronounces, “We Want to Go with You”.  Are you inspired as a JW to “go” with these people, or is it mandated that you ignore them with doubts that they may not be anointed? The organization uses a frequent tactic by beginning an article’s lead with a scriptural valid truth, then proceeds to fill the mind with excuses and coverup for their own unscriptural actions.

On the other hand, do you harbor any doubts about the governing body’s self-imposed anointed position as a “faithful slave”?  Most likely, no; unless you are waking up to their hypocrisy.

To those physical Gentiles that merged with physical Israel to become the anointed spiritual “Israel”, Paul said:

 ^“So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. ¹² At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 

“So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.”  Eph 2:11-13,19-22

The Watchtower is not assisting and supporting the “building” of this Temple; rather, its motive is to bring it to a halt by teaching JWs to NEGLECT God’s Temple; to disregard the anointed priesthood.  For instead, it inspires you to build and support the Watchtower organization – a counterfeit, idolatrous “Zion”.   Exod 20:4,5; Rom 1:21,22,25  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exod+20%3A4%2C5%3B+Rom+1%3A21%2C22%2C25++&version=NKJV

As the result of the “handwriting on the wall”, Babylon and its ruler, fell to the Persian conqueror Cyrus the Great, on the very night the words were written by God.  Cyrus’ clever maneuver of diverting the waters of the Euphrates took the city by surprised. Dan.5:5,6,22-31

When King Cyrus defeated Babylon, he decreed that the Jews return home and rebuild the temple according to the measurements he had set out for them.   Ezra 1:1,2  This was a fulfillment spoken by the prophet Isaiah 200 years before its occurrence.  Isa 44:26-28; 45:1  A small remnant of Jews began making their way back to Jerusalem, full of fervor and determination to rebuild the temple.   Ezra 1:1-4 ; 4:3 ; 5:13-17 ; 6:3-5https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Dan.5%3A5%2C6%2C22-31%3BEzra+1%3A1-4+%3B+4%3A3+%3B+5%3A13-17+%3B+6%3A3-5+&version=NKJV

Within two years after the altar of sacrifice was set up, the foundation work commenced and was finished.  Other nations observed this activity; nations who had further established their claim in the land while the Jews were in Babylon for seventy years.  They began opposing the building, particularly the Samaritans, a mixed race of both Israel and foreign nations who attested to worshipping God, but cherished their idols as well.  Through bribery, deceitful intentions and intimidation, they succeeded in bringing any further construction of God’s Temple to a complete halt for a time believed to be fifteen or sixteen years.  Ezra 4:1-5 Faced with such resistance, the people turned their attention away from God’s House, and settled into the routine of everyday living, which included intermingling with pagans and their idols; the very thing that brought about their captivity in Babylon. They had turned on their own brotherhood, selling their children and relatives as slaves. Neh 5:6-9 This negligence toward God and pure worship came with a price. The result was physical famine for men women, children and animals.  Ezra 4:24; Haggai 1:10,11;2:17-19; Neh 5:1-3  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+4%3A1-5%3B+Neh+5%3A6-9%3BEzra+4%3A24%3B+Haggai+1%3A10%2C11%3B2%3A17-19%3B+Neh+5%3A1-3++&version=NKJV

In the April 2018 JW Broadcast, it was stated:

“It’s good to remember the people during the days of Haggai.  When the Jews lost their focus and started neglecting Jehovah’s temple, they lost his blessing and protection spiritually.  And what was the result?” 

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 1:3-6

For almost a hundred years after leaving Babylon, the Jews faced opposition and famine until the temple and wall were restored.  Nehemiah 1:3 The prophets Ezra, Nehemiah and Haggai were instrumental in their assigned capacity to motivate the people to turn back to God and complete the work.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Neh+1%3A3&version=NKJV

The Wt. speaker continues, “of course, our focus is not material prosperity, because whether we have an abundance of material things or not, if we fail to receive Jehovah’s blessing our spirituality is jeopardized.”

Today’s Temple of God is not built with hands, but by the Father and the Son. John 2:19-21;Acts 7:48  The organization deceitfully hides this fact, and its members suffer spiritual famine.  Why? 

·       Because God’s spiritual dwelling and House of prayer where His laws are found on the hearts of His priests, is not utilized.  Instead, “worship”, loyalty, devotion and dedication is given to an idol – the organization, on a par with worshipping God.  (Neh 8:1-3); Isa 56:7; Heb 10:16,17;  Deut 6:6-8; Rev 13:11,14,16,17;17:1,2,6; 18:4-8  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A19-21%3BActs+7%3A48%3B+Neh+8%3A1-3%3B+Isa+56%3A7%3B+Heb+10%3A16%2C17%3B++Deut+6%3A6-8%3B+Rev+13%3A11%2C14%2C16%2C17%3B17%3A1%2C2%2C6%3B+18%3A4-8++&version=NKJV

·       The GB authorizes the “killing”/disfellowshipping of “fellow servants” for refusing their paltry spiritual food, as well as for speaking Truth.  Matt 24:48-51; John 16:2; 1 John 3:10-12; Gen 4:8,11,12; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Rev 11:3,7-10  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A48-51%3B+John+16%3A2%3B+1+John+3%3A10-12%3B+Gen+4%3A8%2C11%2C12%3B+2+Pet+2%3A1-3%3B+Rev+11%3A3%2C7-10++&version=NKJV

 

·       Famine also exists because its leaders have left their covenant with Christ to accept and teach “fruit” from another “tree”. (Gen 3:17,18) Amos 8:11,12; Isa 65:13; Matt 7:15-19; John 15:4,5; Rev 16:13    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+3%3A17%2C18%3B+Amos+8%3A11%2C12%3B+Isa+65%3A13%3B+Matt+7%3A15-19%3B+John+15%3A4%2C5%3B+Rev+16%3A13+&version=NKJV

 

·       Spiritual famine permeates the organization, since another spirit is bestowed on the Wild Beast and the Harlot, who have it in their heart to oppose the completion of God’s Temple. Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:1-4,9-12; Rev 13:1,6,7,11,15  God’s priesthood has allowed the modern day “Samaritans” – leaders of spiritual “Israel” and “Gentiles”/”man of lawlessness” to persuade them with similar tactics as happened in Ezra, Nehemiah and Haggai’s day – confusion, bribery, threats and lies to keep these “stones” from their restoration into God’s Temple.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A15%3B+2+Thess+2%3A1-4%2C9-12%3B+Rev+13%3A1%2C6%2C7%2C11%2C15&version=NKJV 

Ezra 4:1,2: “When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, ² they approached Zerubbabel and the family heads and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we also worship your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time King Esar-haddon of Assyria brought us here.” 

JWs, your memorial song, “A Special Possession” seems innocent enough; an apparent loving recognition of the spirit anointed ones, which really only scrapes the surface of their identity or and the work they must perform for God, Christ and for YOU.  For the rest of the year, this “special possession” is pushed in a corner and silenced; and expected to obey a Wicked Slave and its “Gentile” rulership, NOT their High Priest, Jesus Christ.  This is no different than the enemies’ comment to Israel in Ezra 4:1,2 – hypocritical and deceitful.  Isa 30:8-11   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+30%3A8-11&version=NKJV

The prophets sent by God encouraged Israel to complete the Temple and the wall, by bringing God’s laws back to remembrance, inciting them to repent of pagan influence and to give exclusive devotion to the Almighty One.

The end time opposition against completing God’s Temple today is two-fold.  Not only are the anointed and all JWs caught up in deception and the complacency that God’s “great spiritual house” is growing through the representation of the organization, God’s people and companions are still held captive in “Babylon”.  1 Thess 5:3; Jer 8:11; Luke 21:24; Rev 13:4-8,10; Col 2:8;2 Tim 2:25,26  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thess+5%3A3%3B+Jer+8%3A11%3B+Luke+21%3A24%3B+Rev+13%3A4-8%2C10%3B+Col+2%3A8%3B2+Tim+2%3A25%2C26&version=NKJV

Today, “Elijah” has come to restore all things. Ezek 22:30; Isa 63:5; Matt 17:10,11;13:41; Mal 3:1-3; Ps 66:10-12;Haggai 2:6; Heb 12: 25-27;Dan 12:10,3,4; Rev 11:3; Zech 4:14,5-7; Isa 30:18-26    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezek+22%3A30%3B+Isa+63%3A5%3B+Matt+17%3A10%2C11%3B13%3A41%3B+Mal+3%3A1-3%3B+Ps+66%3A10-12%3BHaggai+2%3A6%3B+Heb+12%3A+25-27%3BDan+12%3A10%2C3%2C4%3B+Rev+11%3A3%3B+Zech+4%3A14%2C5-7%3B+Isa+30%3A18-26++++&version=NKJV

Pearl Doxsey:

“Who is identified as the faithful who offer the bread sourced in heaven?
"They" who provide food, sustain the "woman" (Rev.12:6; 11:3) during the end-time famine, 
and are symbolized by "two witnesses" (Moses and Elijah -Matt.17:3; John8:17).
["Women" = covenants -Gal.4:24,26 (Rev.12:1,2,5,6; 2:26,27)]

The source of their light/oil/bread, is no mystery (Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:6,11,12,14; John15:5).

When these offer what they are given, they will provide "the proper food at the proper time",

during a famine which forbids such provisions (Rev.6:6; 13:17; 6:9).

Just as prophesied....the wayward nation of Chosen Ones will have a remnant that will repent of their idolatry to the "Image" of the Wild Beast (Rev.2:5,16,22,23; 3:1,2,3,4,15,16,17,18,19,20; Isa.10:22; Joel2:32; Zech.13:9; Rev.12:4; 7:9-10,13-14). Those prophets among them will be "caused to prophesy" (Rev.11:3), providing the proper food at the proper time during this famine (Dan.12:1,3-4,7-12; 9:25-26; Phil.2:15), and thereby, strengthen their mother covenant (who was in danger of being swept away by Satanic lies (Rev.12:15; 16:13; 2Pet.3:17;Luke17:26,27; Dan.9:26; Eph.4:14).”

 “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  John 7:37-39

“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?”  1 Cor 6:19

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar.  Ezek 47:1

Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.

When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other.

 Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.”Ezek 47:5,7,12

 “And he showed me a pureriver of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the NATIONS.”  Rev 22:1,2

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’ Rev 2:7

“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the gloryof God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. ²⁴ And the NATIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE SAVED shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth (“144,000” anointed priests – Rev 14:1;5:9,10) bring their glory and honor INTO it.”  Rev 21:22-24

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+14%3A1%3B5%3A9%2C10&version=NKJV

 

Pearl Doxsey has related articles on her blog:

“A Hidden Famine, A Hidden Feast”

“Anointed Flock, The Truth”

“Is There a Faithful Slave?”

“The Two Witnesses – Elijah and Moses”

“Two Trees – Past and Present”

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