PURE WORSHIP WILL NOT BE CORRUPTED - Conclusion

 The time period when the apostle died. Should we be surprised that the second-century Christian congregation became corrupted? Not at ll. Jesus foretold that a great apostasy would take place. (Matthew 7:21-23; 13:24-30, 36-43) The apostles Paul, Peter, and John had all confirmed that Jesus' prophecy was already beginning to be fulfilled in the first century C.E. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:18) In the second-century C.E, the Christian congregation became corrupted. Apostate Christianity arose and became a prominent part of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. Again, inspired prophecy was being fulfilled.

"The times of restoration of all things." Our time differs from the time of ancient Israel and from the time of the great apostasy that set in during the second century C.E. What is our time period called? We might refer to it as "the last days" of this wicked system of things. (2 Timothy 3:1) But the Bible shows that a greater and longer era began at the same time. It will continue until the Messianic Kingdom has restored all mankind to perfection and has transformed the earth into a paradise. This era is called "the times of restoration of all things." (Acts 3:21) This period began in 1914. What was then restored? Well, Jesus was enthroned as King in heaven. So Jehovah once again has a ruler to represent him, an heir of faithful King David. However, that kingship is not all that Jehovah restored. Soon after that, pure worship began to be restored at last! (Isaiah2:2-4; Ezekiel 11:17-20) Will it be corrupted again.

Read Isaiah 54:17. Think about that prophecy: "No weapon formed against you will have any success"! Those inspired world are being fulfilled today. The following comforting words also apply to our time: "All your sons will be taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will abundant. You will be firmly established in righteousness. . . . You will fear nothing and have no cause for terror, for it will not come near you." (Isaiah 54:13, 14) "Even the god of this system of things," Satan himself, is powerless to stop the educational work that Jehovah's people are carrying out. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Pure worship has been restored, and it will never be corrupted again. It is here to stay, for all eternity. No weapon formed against you will succeed!

Next time: WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

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