WHY MANKIND NEEDS A HELPER

Why a Helper Is Needed

Jesus came to the earth "to give his soul as a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28) A ransom is the price paid to buy back, or to bring about the release of, someone or something.  The verb form of the Hebrew word rendered "ransom" conveys the idea of covering, or atoning, for sins.  (Psalm 78:28), was used particularly to refer to the price paid to ransom prisoners of war or to release slaves.  To satisfy the demands of justice, one thing is given in exchange for another of corresponding value.

Mankind came into slavery because of the first man's rebellion against God. As shown in Genesis chapter 3, that perfect man-Adam-chose to pursue a course of disobedience to Jehovah God.  By doing so, he sold himself and his unborn descendants into slavery to sin and and death.  For himself and all his offspring, Adam thus forfeited the gift of perfect human life. -Romans 5:12, 18, 19; 7:14.

In ancient Israel, God arranged for animal sacrifices to atone for, or cover,the sins of the people.  (Leviticus 1:4; 14:20, 35) In effect, the life of the sacrificial animal was given in place of that of the sinner.  (Leviticus 17:11) Consequently,  "the day of atonement" could also be spoken of as the "day of the ransoms." -Leviticus 23:26-28.

Next time: Conclusion of Why a Helper Is Needed

Watchtower, 2000

WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Does that matter? For example, would the start of the third millennium mark the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ, referred to in the book of Revelation? No. The Bible nowhere indicates any link between the third millennium and the Thousand Year Reign of Christ.

Jesus warned his followers against speculating about dates. He told disciples: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction." (Acts 1:7) Earlier, Jesus revealed that even he did not then know when God would execute judgment on this wicked system, paving he way for Christ's Millennial Rule. He said: "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens n or the Son, but only the Father." -Matthew 24:36.

Is it reasonable to expect that Christ will return exactly 2,000 years from the date of his birth as a human? No, it is not. Jesus must have known the date of his own birth. And he certainly knew how to count 2,000 years from that date. Yet, he did not know the day and hour of his coming. Obviously, it would not be that simple to pinpoint the date of his return! The 'times and seasons' were in the Father's jurisdiction-the time-table his alone to know.

Furthermore, Jesus did not command his followers to wait for him a specific geographic location. He told them, not to gather together and wait, but to scatter to "the most distant part of the earth" and make disciples of people of all the nations. He has never rescinded that command. -Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Will Their Millennial Hopes Be Dashed?

Watchtower, 1999

"GLAD TIDINGS" FROM THE APOCALYPSE

"His Judgments Are True And Righteous"

Chapters 8to 19 are largely responsible for the reputation that the book Apocalypse, or Revelation has of being a book foretelling terrifying catastrophes. They contain hard-hitting judgment messages (symbolized by trumpet blasts, plagues and bowls of divine anger) directed against various elements of Satan's system of things. These judgments will be executed, first against false religion ("Babylon the Great"), then against the ungodly political systems, symbolized by wild beasts. -Revelation 13:1, 2; 17:5-7, 15, 16. These chapters portray the cleansing of the heavens, with Satan and his demons being cast down to the vicinity of the earth. This provides the only logical explanation for the unprecedented world distress since 1914. (Revelation 12:7-12) They also describe, in symbolic language, the destruction of Satan's wicked system of things on earth. (Revelation 19:19-21) Should honesthearted people be shocked by such dramatic events? No, for during the execution of God's judgments, a heavenly host cries out: "Praise Jah, you people! The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous." -Revelation 19:1, 2.

Jehovah will not bring in a righteous system of things without ridding the earth of those who are ruining it. (Revelation 11:17, 18: 19:11-16; 20:1, 2) However, no human or political state has the authority or the power to accomplish this. Only Jehovah and his appointed King and Judge, Christ Jesus, can do this in righteousness. - 2Thessalonians 1:6-9.

As the Apocalypse quite clearly shows, Jehovah purposes to bring an end to the present system . This fact should be a cause for rejoicing for men and women who "are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done." (Ezekiel 9:4) This should impress upon them the urgent need to heed the call made by the angel with the glad tidings, who declared: "Fear God . . . because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth." (Revelation 14:7) May such people worship and serve Jehovah alongside his Witnesses, "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." -Revelation 12:17.

Next time: The Glorious Millennial Reign

Watchtower, 1999