The Legal Foundations of the New World

“God, when he purposed to demonstrate more abundantly . . . the unchangeableness of his counsel, stepped in with an oath.”—Heb. 6:17, NW.

1. Was Paul justified in writing to his own countrymen?

WHAT was the compelling reason for Paul, “an apostle to the nations,” that is, non-Jewish people (Rom. 11:13, NW), to pen a letter to the Hebrew Christian congregation of Palestine? Not that Paul was in any sense stepping out of bounds in writing to his own countrymen. Time and again he expressed his great love and concern for them, and he knew they were included in that commission spoken by the Lord Jesus to Ananias: “This man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel.” (Acts 9:15, NW) But, to quote his words to the Galatians, Paul appreciated that “I had entrusted to me the good news for those who are uncircumcised, just as Peter [in contrast] had it for those who are circumcised.” (Gal. 2:7, NW) There must, therefore, have been a special reason for Paul’s writing that very interesting and informative letter to the Hebrews, though he himself says it was “in few words.”—Heb. 13:22, NW.

2. What was the special reason for Paul’s writing to the Hebrews?

² We believe that compelling reason that arose in Paul’s mind in his day has arisen again in our day. Make no mistake! Do not conclude from the title chosen for this article that it will be a legal discussion of certain abstract truths, studied only in an objective manner. Instead, like Paul, we put this matter before our readers because “we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, in order that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”—Heb. 6:11, 12, NW.

3, 4. (a) Based on what argument does the apostle make his appeal? (b) In what way may we expect this to help us in this day?

³ In support of this, the apostle then proceeds to unfold an argument which forms the main basis for our study. He reminds us of God’s promise made to Abraham, and which was given under oath. A similar procedure is adopted by men in order to provide a legal guarantee, thus bringing an end to any possible dispute. The only difference is that, whereas “men swear by the one greater,” God “swore by himself,” “since he could not swear by anyone greater.” So in this way God gave overwhelming proof of the unchangeableness of his expressed purpose, by adding his oath to his promise, thus making his word doubly trustworthy and true. To what end? That we “may have strong encouragement,” thus providing a powerful antidote to any inclination to become sluggish.—Heb. 6:13-18, NW.

⁴ We believe, then, that in our study of this part of God’s Word there is good material for providing real, practical help to the many thousands of our newly interested readers, as well as affording profitable study for all of Jehovah’s witnesses and, above all, for their encouragement to press on in God’s sacred service.

5. Under the title of this article, what three questions are raised?

⁵ Since the legal aspect is involved, we wish to profit by the method frequently adopted by lawyers when scrutinizing, say, the wording of an act of parliament, or some governmental decree. They will first localize the particular portion that has a bearing on the case in question, then they will proceed to closely examine that part, phrase by phrase, word by word. Pursuing this method, we propose asking ourselves the following three questions: (1) What is the new world? (2) What are its foundations? and (3) How are the foundations made legal?

THE NEW WORLD

6. How is the Greek word kosmos properly defined, and what is implied by the expression “the new world”?

⁶ There are four different Greek words translated “world” in the King James Version, but the one we are specially interested in at the moment is the Greek word kosmos, which is uniformly translated “world” in the New World Translation. This word carries the thought of an orderly arrangement, or order of things, and does not refer to the literal earth in any one instance. The expression, “the new world,” logically implies the existence of an old world. Additionally, there is the presumption that the new world replaces the former one, which becomes obsolete and vanishes away. This argument is sound and has Scriptural precedent when Paul takes up the discussion of the new covenant.—See Hebrews 8:13, NW.

7. How and where does Peter show the Scriptural use of the word “world”?

⁷ At 2 Peter, chapter three, the apostle shows very clearly that in the Bible usage of the word “world” it is made up of a symbolic heavens and earth. The heavens symbolize the invisible ruling part of the arrangement, whereas the earth symbolizes the visible part, that which we see about us. The apostle speaks of a heavens and an earth that came to an end at the time of the Flood, though neither the literal heavens nor the literal earth ceased to exist then. He then says that “the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.” After giving further detail as to how the present world order will completely vanish away, Peter finally tells of the new world, when he writes: “But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Pet. 3:7, 13, NW) This beautifully and closely ties in with the promise and grand description of a new heavens and a new earth as foretold in Isaiah’s prophecy, and enlarged on in glowing terms in the last book of the Bible. (Isa. 65:17-25, AS; Rev. 21:1-4, NW) But what are the foundations of this new world?

NEW WORLD FOUNDATIONS

8. By what means is the rulership of the new world exercised, and how does this contrast with the old world and the teachings of Christendom?

⁸ The new world is not without rulership. This rulership is exercised by means of a kingdom. The word “kingdom” means a state or dominion the head of which is a king. The new world is ruled over by the King Christ Jesus, who operates through a single kingdom embracing both heaven and earth. This is in contrast with the old world, which, while it has but the one invisible over-all ruler, Satan the Devil, who is “the god of this system of things,” yet on earth, in the visible part of his domain, we find many kings and kingdoms existing at the same time down to this day. (2 Cor. 4:4, NW) This is one of the major causes for greed, jealousy, suspicion, strife and war. Christendom in general teaches that God’s kingdom will eventually come about by a gradual conversion of the present world and its peoples, a process of evolution, so to speak, until the time comes when all are ready to accept Christ as King. But this is wholly unscriptural, as well as becoming increasingly remote, judging by the general trend of world conditions, and we here mention one or two leading scriptures that throw light on this point.

9. How does Daniel’s prophecy throw light on this point, and confirmed by what word of Jesus?

⁹ In his night-visions, Daniel saw “one like unto a son of man,” who, at the hands of the “ancient of days [Jehovah],” was given “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom” that would never pass away or be destroyed. (Dan. 7:13, 14, AS) Referring to this same time, and showing what happens when God’s anointed King takes up his power, the same prophecy records: “And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it [God’s kingdom] shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms [of the present world], and it [God’s kingdom] shall stand for ever.” (Dan. 2:44, AS; see also Psalm 2:7-9.) That Jesus himself appreciated the true position to be exactly in harmony with the foregoing is shown by his emphatic statement when Pilate questioned him concerning his kingship. Said Jesus: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36, NW) And this certainly cannot be construed to mean that Christ’s kingdom would be solely a heavenly one, for Jesus taught his followers to pray to God in these words: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will come to pass, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:10, NW) If you wish for a final confirmation of the same prophetic pattern, telling of the change-over of sovereignty and its results, we refer you to the scripture at Revelation 11:15-18, NW.

10. (a) How did God use fleshly Israel? (b) What prophecy was given concerning their rulership, and who is identified as Zion’s “sure foundation”?

¹⁰ From the scriptures already mentioned we would be quite justified in saying that it is evident that the foundations of the new world inhere in Christ Jesus as the promised “Prince of Peace,” upon whose shoulder the government of the new world rests. (Isa. 9:6, 7, AS) But we have a more direct word than that. Israel of old was not without rulership, and God used that people to make a prophetic pattern of things better and greater to come. In fact, that is the basis of Paul’s arguments throughout his letter to the Hebrews, where he speaks of God’s law to Israel as “a shadow of the good things to come.” (Heb. 10:1, NW) Well, the rulership of that typical theocracy was exercised through a kingdom that had as its center the capital city of Jerusalem, the governing part of which was called Zion, where the throne was situated. Concerning Zion, God caused this prophecy to be recorded: “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of sure foundation.” (Isa. 28:16, AS) Beyond any dispute, Jesus Christ is the foundation cornerstone. The apostle Peter makes direct application of the above prophecy to our Lord, and ties it in with another prophecy of similar language, which he quotes as follows: “The identical stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”—1 Pet. 2:6, 7, NW; Ps. 118:22; see also Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11.

11, 12. What question does this lead up to, involving what particular term?

¹¹ While from the viewpoint of the scriptures just mentioned there is but one single foundation, here a structural foundation, yet other scriptures speak of structural “foundations” in the plural. Still other scriptures mention “foundation” in another connection. But, before looking into this, we want to consider the next question as to how the foundations of the new world are made legal, bearing in mind the feature already stressed, that the new world and its foundations are not just a remodeling of the old, but are a brand-new system of things.

FOUNDATIONS MADE LEGAL

¹² What do we mean by legal foundations, and what is meant by a “legal guarantee,” as mentioned at Hebrews 6:16 (NW)? As an aid, we here draw your attention to the root meaning and derivation of certain words.

13, 14. How are these words correctly defined; (a) legal, (b) law, and (c) rule?

¹³ Legal means that which is in conformity with, or permitted by, law; therefore lawful. Law means, primarily, a rule of action or a rule of conduct. Note that both these English words, also their equivalents in other languages, are derived from the root word to lay. Hence a law is that which is laid down, set, or fixed.

¹⁴ Rule means a line of conduct, a regular practice, an established custom. Note the thought of unbroken continuity in each of these expressions.

15. In what way do these words reveal the fundamental needs of fallen man?

¹⁵ Do we not see in each of these words a similarity of thought, or idea, that goes to the very depths of human nature in its crying needs, and reaching back to the very beginning of human history? Ever since man broke away from the safe course of perfect and loyal obedience to his Creator man has realized his desperate need of those things on which he can place absolute reliance, things of stability and permanence, now so sadly lacking. Yes, he felt his need for that which would provide a security, or a surety, in harmony with law and backed up by law. In other words, there arose the demand for a legal guarantee in man’s dealings with his fellows.

16. What is meant by swearing an oath, and with what end in view?

¹⁶ In no aspect of human affairs has this need been more felt than with regard to man’s word. A person might have made a promise, but of what use was it if there was no certainty of its fulfillment, especially if weighty matters were involved? Hence, when the occasion demanded it, in connection with any important declaration, undertaking or promise, the custom arose from the earliest days of patriarchal society of swearing an oath. This was done by invoking, or appealing, to a name or object that, by mutual recognition of all parties, was of higher authority than merely human authority. Naturally enough, the highest possible authority was appealed to, that is to say, God himself, or his Word, the Bible. Thus, to swear an oath means to affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. And if, in the society or nation where this is done, such an oath carries with it a binding legal obligation, with sanctions or penalties attached on proof’s being given that the oath has been violated, then there is the strongest possible “legal guarantee.” This means, as far as humanly possible, as Paul says, “the end of every dispute.”—Heb. 6:16, NW.

17. On what are the new world’s foundations primarily based, and how does Peter stress the importance of God’s given word?

¹⁷ With this human illustration in mind we are the better prepared to appreciate how the foundations of the new world are made legal. Why does Christ Jesus become the King of the new world? Because he is proved beyond all doubt to be the foretold Seed referred to in that foundation promise made to Abraham, and partly quoted by Paul at Hebrews 6:14, and which promise concludes with the words: “And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves.” (Gen. 22:18, NW) Yes, because it has a “legal guarantee” in God’s oath, it is God’s word of promise that is the primary and essential legal foundation of the new world and which constitutes Christ Jesus its rightful King. In support of this, note how Peter closely connects God’s word with each of the three worlds in the passage we have already mentioned. The arrangement of the earth during the first world was decreed “by the word of God.” Next, “by the same word” the fate of the present evil world is determined. Finally, we eagerly await the righteous new world “according to his promise.” (2 Pet. 3:5, 7, 13, NW) It is impossible to overestimate the importance and finality of God’s spoken word.

18. On whose behalf and in what way has God strengthened his word of promise?

¹⁸ As far as God himself is concerned, and perhaps, too, as far as his loyal and perfect creatures in heaven are concerned, there is not the slightest need for God to add to, or strengthen, his word of promise. But, if we may use the expression, God, when making that promise to Abraham, went to the trouble of ‘stepping in with an oath,’ as is indicated by the expression, “Assuredly in blessing I will bless you.” (Heb. 6:14, NW; see also Genesis 22:16.) That sworn oath makes the promise a solemn declaration of binding force, a legal guarantee, which cannot be broken. Hence, with the oath added to the promise, we have that exceedingly strong combination that makes up the “two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie.”—Heb. 6:18, NW.

19. (a) The operation of the new world is for what primary purpose? (b) Is it Scriptural to speak of new world “foundations,” in the plural?

¹⁹ Yes, God’s oath-bound promise constitutes the legal foundation of the new world, because the operation of the new world under the administration of the King, Christ Jesus, the promised Seed, is for the very purpose of completely fulfilling that Abrahamic covenant for the blessing of all the families of the earth. (Gen. 17:2) In passing, that word “covenant” is interesting in its meaning, which is closely related to the other words already discussed, for it has the root meaning of a solemn and binding agreement of legal validity between two parties. However, the question we now wish to examine is concerning the propriety of using the word “foundations,” in the plural, in connection with “legal.” There are at least four or five strong reasons for doing so. Straightway, however, let us note that the Government of the new world has structural foundations. Paul, in his same letter to the Hebrews, tells us that Abraham himself “was awaiting the city having real foundations.” (Heb. 11:10, NW) Now let us look into these good reasons, taking each in turn.

20. What other “stones” are added to the “foundation cornerstone”?

²⁰ The first reason lies in the fact that God’s oath to Abraham is a legal foundation of the new world. Now, though the prophecies speak of only one foundation cornerstone in a structural way, yet in the fulfillment of these prophecies it is specifically stated that other stones are added. These other stones are proved to be in line with the same requirements as laid down for the chief cornerstone, and are found worthy of being joined thereto in the closest possible association, like stones that fit so well that you cannot insert the blade of a penknife in between. Writing to the Christian believers, who have the “living hope” of sharing with Christ in the incorruptible heavenly inheritance, Peter writes: “Coming to him [Christ] as to a living stone, . . . you yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood.” So the associated foundations are apostolic: “The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (1 Pet. 2:4, 5; Rev. 21:14, 19, NW; see also Ephesians 2:20-22.) This is parallel to Paul’s argument that, though the original promise to Abraham spoke of only one seed, “‘And to your seed,’ who is Christ,” he then shows that all who are “baptized into Christ” and are in union with him “are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.” (Gal. 3:16, 26-29, NW) These structural foundations were ‘legally guaranteed’ by God’s oath in support of his promise to Abraham.

21. Besides being Abraham’s Seed, what other oathbound promise does Jesus fulfill?

²¹ The second reason is that Christ, besides fulfilling the oath-bound promise made to Abraham, also fulfills another oath-bound promise. This time it is regarding the office of high priest. Note that this comes as the climax to Paul’s argument in the latter part of Hebrews, chapter 6, which we have been discussing, where he finally explains about a “forerunner” that has already entered ‘beyond the curtain,’ that is, into heaven itself, on our behalf, even “Jesus, who has become a high priest after the likeness of Melchizedek forever.” (Heb. 6:19, 20, NW) Then, in Hebrews, chapter 7, Paul continues at some length to show how great this Melchizedek was, even greater than Abraham who gave tithes to him, and certainly greater than Abraham’s descendant, Levi, including, too, the Levitical priesthood. Finally, Paul discloses the secret of the even greater superiority of Jesus, when he says that Jehovah appointed Jesus to be high priest by “the word of the sworn oath,” in fulfillment of Psalm 110:4 (AS), which reads: “Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 7:20, 21, 28, NW) This “sworn oath” is another legal foundation of the new world, in addition to God’s oath to Abraham.

22. Why did God provide for a new covenant, and how is it one of the new world’s legal foundations?

²² Did you notice that Paul said that by Jesus’ becoming a high priest by reason of the sworn oath, it really meant that Jesus was “the one given in pledge [guarantee, security] of a better covenant”? (Heb. 7:22, NW) That “better covenant” is the new covenant, and this fact brings us to the third reason in our list. Is it one of the legal foundations of the new world? Indeed it is, as the apostle goes on to clearly prove in Hebrews, chapters 8 and 9. He shows that the new covenant succeeds where the former one made with the fleshly house of Israel failed. Quoting from Jeremiah 31:31-34, where the terms of the new covenant are set forth, Paul explains that God found fault with both the former (Law) covenant and the people under it, as evidenced in the fact that God said of them: “They did not continue in my covenant, so that I stopped caring for them.” (Heb. 8:9, NW) The former covenant proved inadequate to provide the real remedy and failed to produce a people for Jehovah’s name. In contrast, the new covenant is altogether superior, as Paul shows in detail in the two chapters mentioned (Hebrews 8 and 9), and makes the point that Jesus is “the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises.” (Heb. 8:6, NW) The new covenant really does produce a people who sincerely delight to do God’s will because his law is written ‘in their minds and upon their hearts.’ It produces a people whose consciences are cleansed through Christ’s shed blood, the adequate remedy, thus enabling them to “render sacred service to the living God” and ultimately gain “the everlasting inheritance” and, with Christ, form part of the new world’s government.—Heb. 9:14, 15, NW.

23. In tracing the promised seed, what further oathbound promise is revealed?

²³ What is the fourth reason? When God made promise to Abraham, he first said nothing about either a king or a kingdom, but did so later. (Gen. 12:1-3; 17:15, 16) So, in tracing the promised seed down the line from father Abraham, we come to David, who was made king of Israel, the typical theocracy, by Jehovah’s own choosing and appointment. With David God made a solemn covenant, to which he added his oath-bound promise, expressed in these words: “I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant: thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations.” (Ps. 89:3, 4, AS) That David’s kingly seed is Christ Jesus is proved by Peter in his inspired speech to the men of Israel on the day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the holy spirit, when he said: “Because he [David] was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his offspring upon his throne, he saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ.” (Acts 2:30, 31, NW; see also Luke 1:32, 33, NW.) Surely, then, we have here another legal foundation of the new world, made legally secure by God’s oathbound promise.

24. (a) What is the relationship between the ransom and God’s purpose? (b) How is the ransom seen to be one of the new world’s legal foundations?

²⁴ Perhaps some of our readers have been expecting to see Christ’s ransom sacrifice mentioned first, or at least earlier, in our list of reasons. But, no, we have purposely left it till the last. Why? Because God’s purpose, meaning that which he has determined and set before himself as an object to be attained, is more important than the necessary means incidental thereto. We are not minimizing the importance of the ransom as an indispensable means and provision for the attainment of the end in view, and we remember that God’s oathbound promise was given after Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, picturing Jehovah’s sacrifice of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. (Gen. 22:1-18; John 3:16) Moreover, it is freely admitted that not one of the foregoing aspects of God’s purpose, covered by the four reasons just discussed, could be successfully carried out unless and until the disability resting upon the entire human family is first removed. By “disability” we mean the legal incapacity, or disqualification, of man with regard to his standing before his Creator, due to inherited sin and crippling imperfection, leading to the grave. But, “just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned,” so also through a man, “a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all,” God has graciously provided a “propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s.” Therefore we gladly and gratefully acknowledge this essential part of the new world’s foundations, legally provided in strict conformity with God’s fundamental law of equity. We thank God for “the Lamb who was slaughtered from the world’s foundation.”—Rom. 5:12; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 John 2:2; Rev. 13:8, NW.

25. A review of the new world’s strong foundations leads us to what question and conclusion?

²⁵ Thus, in this brief review, we have in a few words endeavored to build up before our mental vision a comprehensive survey of the mighty foundations of the new world, immovable and secure. Viewing these foundations, so well buttressed, we are moved to ask ourselves, repeating the expression already used, Why did God go to all that trouble of making one oathbound promise after another? It is evident that in Paul’s mind these legal foundations, when rightly appreciated, should act as a spur to our maintaining industriousness down to the end, and to put a stop effectually to any tendency to sluggishness. A consideration of this theme will be taken up in our next article, for now is the day when we need all the encouragement we can get, also to heed the warning divinely given.

Stability and Permanence

“Wherefore, seeing that we are to receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.”—Heb. 12:28, NW.

1. How, and in whom, has God provided a sure foundation for hope?

ALL right-minded persons love that which is trustworthy and true. Our previous study has shown us that we can have an abiding and unbroken confidence in the unchangeable God and in his Son, ‘Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today, and forever.’ (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8, NW) This satisfies our heartfelt longing in this uncertain world for something stable and permanent on which we can build a sure hope that will be “as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm.” (Heb. 6:19, NW) That hope, according to God’s purpose, and from whatever angle we view it, as just discussed, is centered in Christ. He is the “foundation cornerstone” in the glorious heavenly organization, Zion, precious in God’s sight and precious in the eyes of every true believer, “and he that rests his faith on it will by no means come to disappointment.” As Paul puts it: “For no matter how many God’s promises are, they have become Yes by means of him [Christ Jesus].”—1 Pet. 2:6, 7; 2 Cor. 1:20, NW.

2. In what way does the “foundation cornerstone” serve as an encouragement, but what warning must also be heeded?

² The above-quoted words of Peter are intended, as he says, to serve as an encouragement to stir you to “declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” At the same time, let us heed the warning given, for the apostle shows in the same connection that some stumble over that identical stone. Why do they stumble? Note well the answer. “These are stumbling because they are unbelievingly disobedient to the word.” (1 Pet. 2:8, 9, NW) As previously expressed (¶ 17), we cannot overestimate the importance of God’s spoken word, later recorded and embodied in the Scriptures, the written Word. That Word can be for our richest blessing and encouragement, an impregnable foundation on which to build a strong faith and a true hope, coupled with the joys of industrious, sacred service; or, ‘having tasted the right word of God and powers of the coming system of things,’ we can allow ourselves to become sluggish in faith and action, leading inevitably to a shrinking back and a falling away, first becoming unbelieving, then disobedient to the gospel message, stumbling over the very things we once accepted with such joy and enthusiasm. We trust we can conclude as did Paul: “Now we are not the kind that shrink back to destruction, but the kind that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.”—Heb. 6:5; 10:38, 39, NW.

3. How does prophecy reveal the purpose served by the “tried stone” respecting judgment, and at what particular time?

³ What makes these things so much more important and urgent, in all their aspects, is the fact that we are living in the day of judgment, “the last days” of this wicked system of things, and “the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God.” (2 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 4:17, NW) As shown by the context of Isaiah 28:16, the very purpose for which the foundation cornerstone is laid in Zion is that searching judgment may be forthwith effected, based upon the measurements and angles of that “tried stone.” Note what immediately follows: “And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place.” (Isa. 28:17, AS) That spells doom for the foundations of the old world, its institutions and builders, including its god, Satan, the Devil. A miniature fulfillment of the laying of the “tried stone” occurred at the first advent, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and offered himself as king, three and a half years after his anointing with God’s spirit at Jordan. Similarly with the laying of this same stone in completion at the second advent. At the termination of the “times of the Gentiles,” in 1914 (A.D.), Christ was authorized to commence operations as king and priest, in fulfillment of Psalm 110:2-4, and three and a half years later, in 1918, he offered himself as king to all professing to be his people. (For a full discussion of Isaiah 28, see our issue of October 1, 1951.)

4. What related reference did Paul make, and what is shown thereby?

⁴ Another interesting and pointed reference is the apostle Paul’s statement: “For all that, the solid foundation of God stays standing, having this seal, ‘Jehovah knows those who belong to him,’ and, ‘Let everyone mentioning the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.’” (2 Tim. 2:19, NW) This shows, too, that when God institutes his searching judgments it makes manifest where each individual stands. In fact, the circumstance that caused the apostle to make that comment arose out of his mentioning two men by name who had “deviated from the truth,” and who had to be exposed for what they really were. (2 Tim. 2:16-18, NW) And this same lesson is made still more pointed when we look back at the reference and context of Numbers 16:5, from which Paul made the former of the two above-mentioned quotations. Does it not drive home to us how important and urgent it is to get both the encouragement and the warning from that earlier statement of the apostle: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright”? (2 Tim. 2:15, NW) Observe, please, we not only must carefully listen to and believe God’s Word, but must learn how to handle it aright in ministering it and preaching it to others with sanctified hands and hearts.

5. How do the two quotations at 2 Timothy 2:19 serve as a “seal”?

⁵ Perhaps you wonder how the two quotations at 2 Timothy 2:19 serve as a “seal” to the “solid foundation of God.” The fact is, no people can deceive Jehovah, however much they may deceive others, or even themselves. As we have seen, the capital organization of God is named Zion, the heavenly organization of which Christ Jesus is the cornerstone, who was tried and tested to the utmost. The same testing and disciplining is applied, without an exception, to all others who become sons of God, as Paul shows. (Heb. 12:4-11, NW) However far Satan has been allowed to go, even to attempting to becloud the whole issue by ‘oversowing weeds in among the wheat,’ yet when the appointed time comes, as, indeed, it has come, for God’s judgment to start, then it is made abundantly clear that “Jehovah knows those who belong to him” down to the last one. (Matt. 13:25, NW) There is not the slightest possibility, therefore, of anyone’s finding a place in Zion, settled upon its foundation Jesus Christ, or enjoying the freedom of the city, unless he has in deed and in truth ‘renounced unrighteousness,’ and proved that he has dedicated himself to God, delighting to do his will because his law is within his heart. Hence the fulfillment of the above-mentioned two quotations absolutely confirms, or ratifies (seals), the grand basic truth that the legal and “solid foundation of God stays standing.”

OLD WORLD’S ILLEGAL FOUNDATIONS

6. By noting what contrast can we gain a keener appreciation of the new world?

⁶ Since, by nature, we gain a keener realization of things by reason of contrast, as, for example, the lovely warm days of spring after the dark, cold days of winter, so likewise we believe we can heighten our appreciation of the legal foundations of the new world by taking a brief look at the illegal foundations of the old world. Yes, let us go to the root of the matter as disclosed in God’s Word; never mind if many of Christendom’s clergy do say it is all a myth, or just an allegory. And we shall again endeavor to profit by following the lawyers’ method and shall say there are two questions before us. One is a question of fact, the other is a question of law. What are the facts in this case?

7. Where and how are Satan’s original position and deflection described?

⁷ Ezekiel’s prophecy tells us that the one, later identified as Satan, “the god of this system of things,” was originally created perfect and held a responsible position of guardianship over the earthly creation. It says: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; . . . Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth.” Then it says: “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (2 Cor. 4:4, NW; Ezek. 28:13-15) Next, Isaiah’s prophecy tells us the form this expression of iniquity took in Satan’s (Lucifer’s) mind and heart thousands of years later when Babylon became the third world power: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: . . . I will be like [match, Ro] the Most High.” (Isa. 14:13, 14) Those are the initial facts. Now what is the legal aspect?

8. The word “iniquity” conveys what meaning? and what contrast is seen respecting this as between Satan and Jesus?

⁸ That word “iniquity” at Ezekiel 28:15 is most significant. It carries the thought of perversity, willfully turning away from what is right, also the thought of wickedness, that is, what is contrary to moral or divine law. Opposite to Satan stands Jesus, of whom it was foretold: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness.” But Paul’s quotation of this reads: “You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.” (Ps. 45:7; Heb. 1:9, NW. See also Diaglott and Rotherham.) God’s expressed law, or rule of action, is that all creatures should render wholehearted obedience in a spirit of loyal devotion to him as their beneficent Creator, as always exemplified by God’s only-begotten Son, later named Jesus when born at Bethlehem. (Prov. 8:22, 30) But, in sharpest contrast, Satan exercised his perfect free will, one of the most treasured possessions of every intelligent creature, and, instead of being a faithful and law-abiding officer in God’s arrangement, loyally playing his part in keeping that first righteous world headed in the right direction in rendering all worship and obedience to Jehovah, he now took the opposite and illegal course. In pursuing that proud, rebellious and defiant course, he sought to turn man’s worship and service to himself, and he became the instigator of everything that is lawless. He became wholly untrustworthy and wholly untrue to his sacred trust.

9. How did Satan place a similar temptation before Eve and her husband, and with what result?

⁹ Now let us see how Satan placed the same temptation before the first perfect human pair, noting both the facts and the law. The record at Genesis 3 tells how, first Eve, then Adam, used their perfect freedom of choice and deliberately entertained as an enticing morsel the idea of being independent of subjection to Jehovah and his laws. They wanted the right to live their own life their own way, and to be their own lawmakers. God laid down one simple commandment that would test man’s obedience. They were not to eat of the fruit of a certain tree. They had variety in abundance all around them and there was not the slightest need to approach that tree. They were also plainly told the penalty for disobedience, namely, death, the complete cutting-off from life (not preservation of life in eternal torment, mark you). When Satan approached Eve, using the serpent as a mouthpiece, note that the very first thing he did was to question the veracity of God’s spoken word. Paraphrasing, Satan said to Eve, ‘Has God said you shall surely die if you disobey? God has not told you the truth. You will not surely die, for God knows, though he has not told you, that in the day you eat the forbidden fruit your eyes will be opened and you yourselves shall be as God, and you will know good and evil, that is, be able to decide for yourselves what is right and what is wrong.’ (Gen. 3:1-5) And were their eyes opened? Yes, but not to what they expected. Their eyes became opened to the awful realization of their sense of guilt. They were acutely conscious that they dare not face their Creator in their undone and naked condition. Of their own free will they took a chance on striking out on the same illegal course of disobedience and proud independence, similar to Satan, and with the same result of being found guilty of lawlessness and worthy of death.

10. How does this review throw light on the present world situation and spirit?

¹⁰ Does not this review of the root trouble throw a flood of light on the present world situation and prevailing spirit? Do we not find the nations earth-wide insisting more than ever on their independent sovereign rights? And is it not true, and often remarked on, that among the people generally there is today more rank selfishness than even a generation back? Is not the favorite excuse for refusing to pay attention to the Bible message for today often expressed in such words as these: ‘I do not need any of that Bible literature. I am all right. I do not go to church very often, but I believe in living a decent life, and never doing any harm to anyone. That is my religion, and I do not see how I can be expected to do any more’? Yes, the same independent spirit as the human family’s first parents, the right to live your own life your own way without interference from anybody. Surely there is ample evidence that the whole make-up of the “present wicked system of things” is out of harmony with God, in spite of its professions, and that its foundations are illegal and altogether out of course, and therefore headed for destruction. Just as Jesus said, this world can be “likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house and it caved in, and its collapse was great.” In summary, the matter is very forcefully expressed for us in the following prophecy: “The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.”—Gal. 1:4; Matt. 7:26, 27, NW; Isa. 24:5, 6, AS.

DISCREET KINGDOM BUILDERS

11. Why is this day of trouble a grand and happy one for God’s devoted people?

¹¹ As we turn away from that dark picture, how deeply impressed we are with the undeserved kindness of our God freely shown toward us. The very signs that cause men to “become faint out of fear” as they see such prophecies as just mentioned nearing fulfillment, these same signs cause us to rejoice, as Jesus said: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near. . . . when you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:26-31, NW) It is indeed a grand and happy day for those whose eyes are opened to the truth and who see their privilege of taking those steps that enable them to share with God’s devoted people in sacred Kingdom service under the direction of his organization, Zion. To such not only is given the joy of believing and understanding God’s spoken and written Word, but, as Jehovah’s witnesses, they are authorized to speak and publish his words, as beautifully expressed in that assuring promise: “And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.” (Isa. 51:16, AS) Such promise becomes our legal inheritance.

12. Following what theme, to what climax does Paul reach in his letter to the Hebrews?

¹² As Paul comes to the climax of his long letter to the Hebrews, he, too, takes up the theme of the Kingdom established. “You have approached a mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem,” he writes. Then, once again he warns, stressing God’s all-important spoken word: “See that you do not implore him not to speak.” In fact, God’s spoken word is the apostle’s recurrent theme throughout his letter, from the opening words onward. Finally, we come to his most encouraging word, yet not without warning, when he writes: “Seeing that we are to receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.” And that is not only for the encouragement of those who have the heavenly hope, for all the sheep who are placed today by the King, Christ Jesus, “on his right” hand are invited to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the world’s foundation.”—Heb. 12:22, 25, 28; Matt. 25:34, NW.

13. As we build on the one foundation, what must we be careful to avoid?

¹³ Let each one of us see to it that he builds industriously and discreetly on the Kingdom’s “foundation cornerstone.” (1 Cor. 3:11-13, NW) On the one hand, do not run ahead of Jehovah and his organization and decide for yourself how to render acceptable, sacred service, for you will be in danger of acting ultra vires, as the lawyers say, that is, overstepping your legal rights. On the other hand, do not become sluggish and irregular in your Kingdom service. You will never build anything worth while that way, for “by slothfulness the roof sinketh in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaketh.” No, ‘do not loiter at your business, but be aglow with the spirit.’—Eccl. 10:18, AS; Rom. 12:11, NW.

14. What is the most important word that we can give to Jehovah?

¹⁴ In conclusion, we ask you to consider this point of view. Jehovah has pledged his all-important word of promise. As you continue to learn more of the truth through a study of his Word, are you not moved to a keener appreciation of the amazing extent of his provision made for our benefit? Has that not led you to respond to his invitation, “My son, give me thy heart”? (Prov. 23:26, AS) It is your privilege to respond by pledging your word of promise in making a vow of dedication. As far as you, personally, are concerned, that is the most important word you can give. Keep it! Honor it! Live up to it!

15. On our part, what is indispensable to receiving God’s blessing?

¹⁵ Do not make an excuse by saying you have no hope of being part of the seed of Abraham, with the prospect of sharing with Christ in the heavenly throne. Do you not greatly desire to enjoy God’s blessing? Well, you will not receive any blessing at all, either as part of Abraham’s seed or as part of “all the families of the ground,” unless you manifest the same kind of faith and willing obedience in a spirit of true devotion and worship as did Abraham. Do not allow yourself to be deluded, or frightened off, by the Devil, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. But take your stand against him, solid in the faith.”—Gen. 12:3, NW; 1 Pet. 5:8, 9, NW.

16, 17. What final appeal is made, and what grand encouragement is given us to respond thereto?

¹⁶ We therefore make the strongest possible appeal to you to be like father Abraham and manifest the right kind of industriousness down to the end, while you have the full assurance of hope of inheriting those blessings flowing from the city that has real, solid, legal foundations. Those blessings are beckoning to you now. Listen!

¹⁷ “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! the tent of God is with humankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more. The former things have passed away.’ And the one seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ Also he says: ‘Write, because these words are trustworthy and true.’”—Rev. 21:1-5, NW.