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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Question #50

Heb 11:16, in speaking about some of the faithful people of the Old Testament (Abel, Noah, Abraham, etc.) says, "But now they are reaching out for a better [place], that is, one belonging to heaven..." and,"... their God for he has made a city ready for them." The footnote on the word "city" refers to HEAVENLY Jerusalem of Heb 12:22 and Rev 21:2. How can this be since according to the teachings of the Watchtower Society, the only people who will go to heaven are the 144,000 spirit anointed who have been chosen from people who lived after Christ died?

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The preceding verses says that the pre-Christian men and women of faith died and did not receive the fulfillment of the promise. They are, however, in line to receive the blessings of the kingdom, in that sense, it is as though they are reaching out. Revelation 21:2, which the questioner even cites here, clearly reveals that the holy city of God, which is the heavenly kingdom of Christ and the 144,000 chosen ones, is going to symbolically come down from heaven to the earth - meaning, that God's kingdom is going to extent its power over all aspects of life on earth. So, Abraham was awaiting for God's kingdom to rule the earth.

Sadly, it is a case of the questioner being untaught and painfully ignorant of the basic concepts, symbolic language and subtle nuances of the Bible. I am sure Jehovah's Witnesses in your locale would be happy to assist with a free home Bible study. Of course, the Scriptures make reference to those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life in the first century, which means, conversely, there are those who are not rightly disposed to accept salvation on God's terms.

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