The Watchtower, December 1, 1953
Download: PDF — The Watchtower, December 1, 1953
"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12
The WATCHTOWER
Announcing
JEHOVAH'S
KINGDOM
DECEMBER 1, 1953
Semimonthly
"BECOME RECONCILED TO GOD"
LIFE THROUGH ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE
COMMENTS ON NEW WORLD
SOCIETY ASSEMBLY
COMMERCIALIZING
THE WORD OF GOD
CLERICAL WISHFUL THINKING
©WTB&TS
"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12 THE PURPOSE OF "THE WATCHTOWER"
Literal towers in Bible times were elevated vantage points from which watchmen could observe happenings, warn of danger, or announce good news. Our magazine figuratively occupies such a vantage point, for it is founded on the very pinnacle of wisdom, God's Word. That elevates it above racial, national and political propagandas and prejudices, frees it from selfish bias. It is not bound by any traditional creed, but its message advances as the light on God's purposes and works increases.—Habakkuk 2:1-3.
It sees things Scripturally. When it observes this generation afflicted with greed, delinquency, hypocrisy, atheism, war, famine, pestilence, perplexity and fear, and persecution of unpopular minorities, it does not parrot the old fable about history repeating itself. Informed by Bible prophecy, it sees in these things the sign of the world's time of the end. But with bright hope it also sees opening up for us just beyond these woes the portals of a new world.
Thus viewed, "The Watchtower" stands as a watchman atop a tower, alert to what is going on, awake to note signs of danger, faithful to point out the way of escape. It announces Jehovah's kingdom established by Christ's enthronement in heaven, feeds his kingdom joint-heirs with spiritual food, cheers men of good will with glorious prospects of eternal life in a paradise earth, comforts us with the resurrection promise for the dead.
It is not dogmatic, but has a confident ring in its voice, because it is based on God's Word. It does not privately interpret prophecy, but calls attention to physical facts, sets them alongside prophecy, and you see for yourself how well the two match, how accurately Jehovah interprets his own prophecy. In the interests of our salvation, it keeps sharp and faithful focus on Bible truth, and views religious news generally.
'Be watchful in these perilous times,' God admonishes. So keep on the watch by regularly reading "The Watchtower".
PUBLISHED BY THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
117 Adams Street
Brooklyn 1, N. Y., U. S. A.
N. H. KNORR, President
GRANT SUITER, Secretary
"They will all be taught by Jehovah."—John 6:45, NW; Isaiah 54:13
CONTENTS
Clerical Wishful Thinking
Commercializing the Word of God
Life Through Accurate Knowledge
“A Saint Displayed”
Comments on New World Society Assembly
The Gold Coast Comments
Worshiping Jehovah in Holiness
“Become Reconciled to God”
Questions from Readers
Announcements
Check Your Memory
Abbreviations used in "The Watchtower" for the following Bible versions
AS - American Standard Version LXX - The Septuagint Version
AT - An American Translation Mo - James Moffatt's version
Da - J. N. Darby's version NW - New World Translation
Dy - Catholic Douay version Ro - J. B. Rotherham's version
ED - The Emphatic Diaglott RS - Revised Standard Version
Le - Isaac Leeser's version Yg - Robert Young's version
Unless otherwise indicated, the Bible used is the King James Version
Five cents a copy
<tr><th colspan="2">Semimonthly
Monthly
Afrikaans
Indonesian
Arabic
Portuguese
Cebu-Visayan
Italian
Cibemba
Russian
Danish
Japanese
Cinyanja
Siamese
English
Norwegian
Cishona
Silozi
Finnish
Pangasinan
Greek
Slovak
French
Slovenian
Ibo
Twl
German
Spanish
Kanaarese
Ukrainian
Hiligaynon-Visayan
Swedish
Korean
Urdu
Hollandish
Tagalog
Malayalam
Yoruba
Ilocano
Zulu
Polish
Entered as second-class matter at Brooklyn, N. Y., Act of March 3, 1879. Printed in U. S. A.
CLERICAL WISHFUL THINKING
AMONG the foibles of human nature is that of wishful thinking. Thus the man always in debt likes to think of the time when he will be rolling in wealth, and the lass with plain features, of the time when all the world will admire her beauty. This human vanity is not altogether lacking among the foremost clerics of our day. How so?
Well, proud of being the bitterest foes of communism are the Roman Catholic clergy of the United States, foremost of whom is Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Writing in The American Weekly, August 9,1953 he told of "The way to convert a Communist." Briefly his points were: do not argue; do not discuss conditions in Russia; do not hate the Communist.
Mr. Sheen is very proud of his success in converting a few Communists, but what is the record of the rest of his church?
The National [U.S.] Catholic Almanac for 1953 shows Italy as being 99.7 per cent Catholic, and according to the New York Times, May 21, 1953, "Italy has the largest Communist party in the world outside the Soviet bloc" and "would have a Communist regime but for"'—the help of her multitude of Catholic bishops such as Fulton J. Sheen?—no, but for the billions of dollars that the United States has poured into Italy.
But perhaps the Catholic bishops in Italy are not as astute,not such clever showmen as is Mr. Sheen.Can it be that they have
not heard of Sheen's marvelous method? Or could it be that they have tried it out but found it wanting?
But in spite of the fact that the Catholic Church is gradually receding before the Communist threat in Italy, Mr. Sheen wishfully assures us: "Inevitably the day will come when the teachings of Christ and Peter will again prevail in Russia. Russia will return to the faith. And after this conversion what will Russia's role be? I am convinced that Russia then will become an apostle to the rest of the world."
But Mr. Sheen! When did the teachings of Christ ever prevail in Russia? Has that nation ever recognized Christ as her head? Russia will return to the faith. What faith? The Greek Orthodox faith which is now practiced there? The Roman Catholic faith which has so signally failed to stem Communism in Italy? Or the faith of Christ and his apostles?
And how will all this come about, Mr. Sheen? Really, it is not at all clear from your article, for you go on to say: "Russia has fire. Communism has that. The great shame of the world is that we have the truth but not zeal. The Communists have zeal but no truth. Communism is like a fire that is spreading itself over the world and that fire is already in their hearts. Our Western world lacks fire. We lack it obviously. Where is the fire of patriotism? The fire of men who are kindling the sparks of love in other men? We of the Western world are rather cold and dull and apathetic."
And why does not the Western world have any fire? Why is it cold and dull and apathetic? Because it has the truth? No, nor in spite of its having the truth, because the West does not have the truth. The eternal truth is found in God's Word and the wise men of the Western world have rejected it. (Jer. 8:9) They lack fire because they do not have the truth and they have a suspicion that that is the case.
Another correction, Mr. Sheen. Communist Russia does not have fire either. If it did it would not need the Iron Curtain; it would not need to resort to blood purges. If it had fire it could grant its people freedom of worship, of speech, of assembly and of press. Why do stark fear and terror stalk throughout each Communist land? Because its people have fire? No, but because the Communist hierarchy on top knows that it cannot trust its people, it knows that the great majority have no sympathy with the totalitarian rule over them.
Oh yes, a few intellectuals and misguided liberals in Western lands may have zeal for communism because of their lack of knowledge or want of logic, and so blindly prescribe communism's lethal totalitarian potion for democracy's ills; a witch doctor's concoction to a patient deathly sick; ready to jump from the frying pan into the fire; failing to note that man's only hope and remedy is not democracy, not communism, but the kingdom of God for which all Christians have been praying for nineteen centuries.—Matt. 6:10.
Communism thrives on misery, on the ignorance and poverty of the people. That is why it won out in Russia and China, why it poses such a threat in Italy and is growing in India. Communism thrives where people are so miserable that they
will barter their freedom of mind and spirit for a full stomach.
When a people have the truth they do have zeal. Jeremiah had the truth and he could not keep still. (Jer. 20:9) He had to speak. So did Elihu, Job's real comforter. (Job 32:18-20) The apostles had the truth They likewise could not keep still even though threatened with imprisonment Said they: "We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard."—Acts 4:19, 20, NW.
The shame of the Western world lies not primarily in its inability to speak out eloquently but in the situation that gives no inducement for eloquent speaking forth. How can its people get eloquent? What do they have to be eloquent about? The musty religious traditions and the blood-red history of the Dark Ages? The political corruption of the five and four per centers?
But there is a people that do have fire, that have eloquence, confidence and freeness of speech, and that is because they have the truth. They know the Bible is God's Word and they stand foursquarely and consistently upon it and follow its principles. It is the New World society, whose recent convention at Yankee Stadium caused the world to sit up and take notice. But with all their fire they do not presume to prophesy the conversion of communism: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?"—Jer. 13:23, RS.
No, Christ Jesus did not send out his followers to convert the world, including communism, but to bear witness, to bring comfort to men of good will, and to honor his Father's name even as he had done. (Matt. 5:3; 11:28-30; 24:14; John 17:4; 18:37) In God's due time he will make an end to communism and all other ideologies that fail to take cognizance of the rule of his anointed Son, Christ Jesus. (Ps. 2:12) And that is not wishful thinking!
Commercializing THE WORD OF GOD
WE ARE not peddlers of the word of God as many men are," declared an apostle of Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 2:17, NW) Thus it was that even in the days of the apostles there were "many men" who claimed to preach the Word of God, but in reality they were only clever salesmen, doing good business for themselves. The interest they had in the Word of God was not for the good of their hearers but for their own profit, their own aggrandizement. If the Word of God had already been commercialized at that early date, then how much more likely it would be commercialized today, when the world so worshipfully adores the god Mammon. A candid look at Christendom, therefore, should prove to be eye-opening.
A not uncommon practice in churches today is that of tithing. This is the taxing of church members one tenth of their earnings, and it is a practice used by the Mormons, Adventists and others. The preachers repeatedly harp on tithing and the parishioners are firmly led to believe that it would be Scripturally wrong for them to give less than a tenth of their income to
that the Word of God is being commercialized? Is not
tithing approved by the Bible? Under the Law of Moses, yes! But we do not find Jesus recommending tithing to his
followers. His disciples were sent out to preach the gospel free, not to demand tithes. (Matt. 10:8,9) True, Christ upheld tithing while the Jewish Law was in effect, but tithing came to an end when the Law was abolished by God through Christ Jesus. (Eph.2:15;Col.2:13,14) The Bible is definitely clear that the early Christians had no system of tithing; all giving was on a voluntary basis. (1 Cor. 16:1,2;2 Cor.9:1-5) Hence, insistence on tithing,a practice no longer Scripturally required,is peddling the Word of God and making dishonest gain by means of it!
Another feature common to Christendom's churches is the ever-present collection plate. Pew-sitters know with what persistent zeal it is passed, then repassed under some new name such as "penny collection," "foreign work," "pastor's anniversary" or "pastor's salary." If collections are not adequate in the eyes of church officials there is often an eloquent plea for more "offerings." Such a system, subtly playing upon the "fear of men" and man's
desire for prestige, embarrasses the parishioners into giving. Hardly an example of cheerful giving!-2 Cor. 9:7.
But since the passing of collection plates may not always fill church moneybags, an expedient has been resorted to that is really clever—coin envelopes.
A year's supply of the colorful envelopes is distributed to church members at the beginning of the year. The coin envelopes are often dated and require the name of the giver. This system utilizes embarrassment not only to stimulate regular giving but also to increase the amount of the "offerings." This cunning moneymaking method is often made more alluring. A firm that deals in selling coin envelopes to churches, called Parish Service Company, some time ago sent out a circular to pastors of various churches. It is interesting to note what the circular says:
"If your church needs money, read what others say about this time-proven and tested plan . . . The coin slots in our Lenten Folders are 'Dated,' too! No haphazard giving on the part of your members. The 'Date' of each slot tells them at a glance whether they are generous or derelict. Every year the copy and art work are completely changed. . . Fragrance has been added to Lenten Self-Denial Folders this year [because] scientific tests have proven that fragrance has a profound effect on the subconscious mind. It should help to 'sell' the idea of generous giving. So if your church wants to share in the large profits so easily obtained . . . " This appealing to the "subconscious mind" to induce worshipers to give, does it not indicate a greater concern for money on the part of the "preachers" than for the Word of God? Can we conceive of Jesus or the apostles passing out perfumed coin envelopes to stimulate "subconscious" giving? How different are Christendom's churches from the apostle who said: "It was with working night and day, so as not to put an expensive burden upon any one of you, that we preached the good news of God to you"!—1 Thess. 2:9, NW.
BAZAARS AND CARNIVALS
But the call to fill church money chests never ends with coin envelopes. For the profit-making efforts appear under the guise of church socials and bazaars. Parishioners contribute heavily of their material goods to support the bazaars. The superbazaars may go on for weeks, and booths will vend about everything from cake to hardware. Contests and fortune-telling booths are also often used at bazaars to attract the people. How different from Jesus, who provided meals for the 5,000 and 4,000, not to fleece them, but to teach them freely the truth from God's Word!
Roman Catholic churches frequently put on what are called "carnivals," which are really grandiose bazaars. For example, there was the "St. Christina's Carnival" in Chicago. Colorful church leaflets advertised the fact that there would be home-cooked meals and "games." The main attractions had nothing to do with the Bible: The giving away of ten dollars every hour on the hour; also a chance to win a new car, provided a "donation" was made for each ticket. To encourage attendance at the carnival rain or shine, it was announced that "your automobile will be blessed both Sundays." And in a special letter the "Father" admonished parishioners: "Talk up this carnival everywhere." Talk up Bible truths? Never! But talk up profit-making carnivals, oh, yes!
CHURCH GAMBLING
Every observing person knows that the Catholic Church has a remarkable fondness for the marvelous money-raising method called "bingo." Some priests are so religiously devoted to bingo parties that the "games" go on whether legal or illegal. If illegal the priests may apply political pressure as a "Father" from St. Mary's of Redford Roman Catholic church in Detroit, Michigan, did.
This "Father" told the mayor that the church was going to operate roulette wheels, chuck-a-luck, bingo and other games of chance regardless, adding: "We have a lot of voters in our parish and there is an election coming." Detroit News, March 20, 1941.
When it comes to lottery tickets and raffles, all kinds of churches jump on the gambling band wagon. Protestant churches particularly delight in the lucrative idea of raffling off an automobile. Frequently seen is a shiny new automobile with the familiar gaudy sign on top, inviting pedestrians to "donate" a dollar to some church and thus become eligible to win the car. Many localities now outlaw gambling, though churches are often exempt. At Indianapolis in April, 1953, an agent for a $10,000 lottery sponsored by the parent-teacher club of St. Rita's Roman Catholic church was arrested when police, impounding his car for nonpayment of traffic fines, found in it 1,871 books of lottery tickets. He was charged with violation of the antigambling law, but when the case came to court it was ruled that churches were exempt from the law. Indiana's law, prohibiting gambling in saloons and night clubs but allowing it in churches, prompted a few Lutheran ministers of Fort Wayne to remark that it was a "double standard of morals with the churches definitely on the lower level."
A Roman Catholic parish in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England, found something better than bingo-a football pool and racing tip sheet combined. The leaflet listed England's top football games on one side and a likely winner at one of the nation's race tracks on the other. Parishioners were invited to receive the tips regularly by making a down payment of a shilling, and a shilling a week thereafter. So Christendom's churches have used the Bible as a rallying cry for their bingo parties, lotteries and other gambling games. How like the money-changers whom Jesus drove from the temple, saying: "My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a cave of robbers"'! (Matt. 21:13, NW) But, then, the commercializers of the Word of God are not interested in doing as Paul said: "We have renounced the underhanded things of which to be ashamed, not walking in craftiness neither adulterating the word of God."—2 Cor. 4:2, NW.
WEDDING OF RELIGION AND COMMERCE
Churches today are openly linking themselves with commerce. A striking example of this in the United States is the "church stamp plan." According to this scheme, a store will issue one church stamp for every dollar purchase. The customers, receiving their stamps, paste them on a "church stamp chart." When the chart is filled with one hundred stamps it is to be given to "the church of your choice." The church then exchanges the chart for one dollar in cash. The stamps are never of any real value to the public, the instructions saying: "The only right which you acquire in said stamps is to present them to your church treasurer so that he can present them to us for cash." Churches in turn do a good deed for commerce by directing parishioners to trade with the stores that handle church stamps. The connection with commerce is obvious; and as far as the church member is concerned he is hardly an example of a "cheerful giver," for he can do nothing else with the stamps than give them to a church!
At times the wedding of commerce and organized religion more closely resembles the wedding of piety and jewelry. Devout churchgoers fall victim to the religious gadgeteer who sells every conceivable type of charm, relic and gadget. There are St. Christopher money clips, St. Anthony key chains, miraculous medal bracelets, images of saints, rosaries, "rosary clickers," etc.—tons of religious knickknacks peddled under the guise of Christianity.
Is this not commercializing the Word of God? The condemnation comes from their own mouths. Reported the New York Times of April 11, 1953: "Deploring the commercialization of images of the church, Sister Mary Jeanne, editor of The Catholic Art Quarterly, declared today that the sale of religious pictures and statues has become a 'racket.'" The Times then quotes her exact words: "Priests and sisters, to whom the laity naturally look for guidance, are often even more deeply corrupted for the simple reason that they open their hearts even more generously to the available images. . . One thing that can be produced cheaply and sold easily is the so-called religious ware for the pious, for the uncritical and devout believer. It is still a good racket today." Agreed! It is still a seductive scheme that flourishes in Christendom. Whose fault is it, then, that the devout are hoodwinked and inveigled into buying tons of religious trinkets? The clergy themselves! The ones responsible for leading the laity! The ones who are "even more deeply corrupted"'! The clergy could enlighten the people as to the unscripturalness of images, the futility of rosaries, miraculous medals, shrines, candles, etc., but a profitable business would thereby vanish.—Matt. 6:7, 8; Acts 17:29.
PURGATORY AND BEGGING
One of the star profit makers for the Catholic Church is the purgatory doctrine. According to this teaching the dead are not dead but are suffering torment. Parishioners are taught that the suffering ones cannot help themselves but a priest on earth can; hence, relatives of the dead ones are induced to pay priests vast sums of money to say masses for the suffering
soul. The more masses said, the better—at least for the profit-seeking church. People of means are urged to leave several thousand dollars to provide for masses to be said perpetually for them after they die. Here is a flagrant example of commercializing and peddling the Word of God, for the masses do no good for the living or the dead. The people get nothing for their money, because purgatory is not taught by the Bible nor is the word "purgatory" even mentioned by God's Word. Above all, God could never be bought with money; he is not a receiver of bribes! —Eccl. 9:10; Acts 8:20.
And what shall we think of the numberless other profit-making schemes carried on by Christendom's churches? Do the athletic contests, the bowling alleys in church basements, the annual outings and church picnics, spring rallies and winter rallies, "Lord's auctions" and church dances really advance the Word of God? Did early Christians use Christianity as a cloak for downright begging? Yet today how often nuns and cleric-garbed persons sit in hotel lobbies, railroad stations and on public thoroughfares with outstretched pot to collect the coins! Can this be true Christianity, this sitting with pots, collecting coins? Hardly! Jesus did nothing of the sort. The truth is that Christendom's "saintly" beggars differ little from the tramps and drunken loafers that sit upon the sidewalk. They both give nothing, take all!
Our look at Christendom, which claims to speak for God, shows that she has made a profitable business out of the Word of God. Her money will not save her at Armageddon, nor her profession of Christianity: "Master, Master, did we not prophesy in your name?' . . . And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you at all. Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness."
(Matt. 7:22, 23, NW) But there is a group of Christians today that do not peddle the Word of God. They are Jehovah's witnesses, who, in 1952, devoted over 68,000,000 hours to freely preaching the pure Word of God. Their work is carried on by the Scriptural method: "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his
heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7, NW) Jehovah's witnesses will keep on proclaiming the judgments of Jehovah, and when the smoke of Armageddon clears it will reveal a new world free of traffickers in the Word of God.—Zech. 14:21, AS; 2 Pet. 3:13.
Life Through Accurate Knowledge
SCHOOLS of today purpose to encourage and broaden the student's interest in the political, social, economic and scientific problems of our times. They endeavor to develop in the pupil the ability to discuss public questions intelligently and openmindedly. And, too, an effort is made to enable students to acquire greater knowledge, to understand skills and attitudes, which will prepare them for active citizenship. Briefly, schools are organized to guide students to maturity and to broaden both the skill and intellect of mature men and women, on whom the nation counts for industrial and political leadership.
In contrast with the above, the school of accurate knowledge is neither political nor worldly in any sense, nor is its knowledge based on any worldly textbook.
Rather, it finds its basis in the divine Textbook, the Bible. Its objectives are different. Instead of being political in nature it urges its students not to be "fashioned after this system of things," but to be transformed by making their minds over, that they might prove to themselves "the good and acceptable and complete will of God." (Rom. 12:2, NW) In fact, it instructs its pupils not to be friends of the world; it cautions that those who are make themselves God's enemies. (Jas. 4:4) It teaches that this world's wisdom is "foolishness," animalistic, demonic. (1 Cor. 1:20; Jas. 3:15, NW) It disagrees with present material trends in that it lays greater stress on mankind's spiritual needs, stating that "not by bread alone does man live but by every expression of Jehovah's mouth does man live." (Deut. 8:3, NW) Its primary objectives are: to train students to become ministers of God, aid them to know who the Almighty is, what his purposes are, how they may appreciate his supremacy, believe his Word, exercise faith in his promises, and to aid them to live lives befitting the New World society.
In addition thereto, the acquiring of accurate knowledge embraces the student's learning of the one whom Jehovah has sent forth, namely his Son Jesus Christ. This means more than memorizing a few Bible verses. It means to learn why it was necessary for him to come to earth, suffer as a man and die an ignominious death.
It means to understand and appreciate the value of his death, what it means to us, why it was necessary for him to become a high priest and king, and how he accomplished all of this.
It embraces the importance of man's understanding his personal position and purpose in life, his relationship to his Creator, and what is required of him as a worshiper of God. It accents love of God and love of neighbor as the greatest commandments in life.—Matt. 22:37-40.
Those acquiring accurate knowledge from the divine Textbook have found it all-sufficient, because "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17, NW) It has enabled the conscientious student to order his steps aright, according to new-world standards. The Word of Jehovah can do this because, in the words of the psalmist: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: the ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: in keeping them there is great reward." (Ps. 19:7-11, AS) Those following this law have been rewarded with the "peace of God that excels all thought." All who have been enrolled in this school of accurate knowledge and who live faithfully by its principles will be rewarded with life everlasting
in God's new world of righteousness.—Phil. 4:7, NW; Mark 10:30.
OLD WORLD CHOOSES BROKEN CISTERNS
Present world educators have either minimized or totally ignored mankind's spiritual needs. They have turned away from the Bible as a Textbook of knowledge and, in accord with their own desires, have accumulated "teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled." (2 Tim. 4:3, NW) They have chosen science, evolution and false religion to point them to the way of life. Their students they have taught to trust in political powers, military might and man-made organizations. As a result the whole world is without faith in God, its peoples have become godless and delinquent.—Amos 8:11; Rom. 1:18-32; 2 Tim. 3:1-7.
Political leaders are perplexed. They grope in darkness and do not know the way out. (Job 5:12-14) Jehovah gives the reason, saying: "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." (Jer. 2:13) Old-world educators have no place for God, he is not in all their thoughts. They glory in their own conceits. All their boasts, however, of a better world have not materialized. They have been empty promises, broken cisterns without water. The few achievements in recent years in science and medicine are not to be compared with the more devastating problems that have arisen as a result of some of these so-called advances: the possibility of germ warfare, chemical and psychological warfare, the horrors of guided missiles and atomic bombs, to name a few. And still remaining with the old world are its centuries-old woes of sickness, sorrow, disease, oppression, corruption, poverty, crime, wars and death.
These her wise men have not solved nor are they anywhere near solving them The "mature" men and women to whom the nations look for industrial and political leadership are without a remedy.
Unlike the students of the old world, those who have turned to the divine Textbook have found a remedy. They have anchored their hope in Jehovah as "an everlasting rock." (Isa. 26:4, AS) They have heeded God's Word and have turned their backs on this old dying world and fixed their hope in the new world wherein righteousness is to dwell. (2 Pet. 3:13) No longer are they living in idolatry, as they once did. Now with the help of God's Word they are clothing themselves with a new personality, which, through accurate knowledge, is being renewed according to the image of the One who created it. These take to heart the words of Paul, who said: "Deaden, therefore, your body members which are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. . . . In those very things you, too, once walked when you used to live in them. But now really put them all away from you, wrath, anger, injuriousness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. Do not be lying to one another. Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality which through accurate knowledge is being renewed." (Col. 3:5-11, NW) With renewed minds and a new hope, these are making new lives for themselves. The Word of God has become a force within their lives for good. It can do this, because "the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical. Moreover, the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under
peaceful conditions for those who are making peace."—Jas. 3:17, 18, NW.
Those who have thus ordered their lives are planning to survive the destruction of this old world in the battle of Armageddon and be carried over into the new world, there to enjoy the blessings of Kingdom rule. (Zeph. 2:2,3) The knowledge that these are acquiring now is equipping them for this very purpose. It strengthens them in their integrity. It makes them to stand up under demon attacks. It gives them faith, hope and courage. It makes them to know that they are right in the course that they have taken.
Following Armageddon "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea." (Hab. 2:14, AS) "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith Jehovah." (Isa. 65:25, AS) Accurate knowledge will do away with selfishness and greed. People will learn to love God and their fellow man. Neighbor love will eliminate oppression, poverty and wars.
People will be genuinely happy. They will enjoy prosperity and peace. They will desire to live to the glory of their Maker. "And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Isa. 54:13, AS) The old world views this as a wishful dream, because they are without faith in God. They lack accurate knowledge. "There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land." "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."—Hos. 4:1, 6.
The greatest era of learning is before you. Behold it with all diligence and rejoice! Receive of divine wisdom now through the divine Textbook, the Bible. It will make you a better and happier student today and in the years to come bless you with everlasting life.—John 17:3.
"A Saint Displayed"
Life, January 13, 1953, in a picture story under the above heading told of the display of the remains of Francis Xavier, at the tiny Portuguese colony of Goa in India. Xavier died in December, 1552, and was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint seventy years later, in 1622. At this recent display of his body, marking the four hundredth anniversary of his death, thousands of pilgrims, mostly from India, came to venerate him and kiss his feet. It is claimed that the body is in a remarkable state of preservation, and to still further preserve it it is to be hermetically sealed in a huge glass-windowed silver sarcophagus.
Not all of Xavier's body rests in this silver coffin. Life tells that the right arm was severed in 1614 and dismembered; the forearm being taken to Rome, to a specially built altar, and the rest of it being sent to the Far East. In a comment on a picture of a pilgrim bending over to kiss Xavier's foot, we are told that the priest held the foot "to prevent repetition of incident of 1554 when Isabel de Carone bit off little toe on right foot. She finally returned part of toe. It is kept in a small silver reliquary [that is, in a little silver receptacle of its own]. But rest of toe is still in possession of Doña Isabel's family in Portugal." Thus we have part of Xavier's well-preserved remains in Goa, India, part in Rome, part in Portugal and part in the Far East; and everywhere venerated.
Why this veneration of Xavier's remains? Because he has been designated one of the "saints," who, in the strict Roman Catholic sense of the word, are "those who have received the official approval of the Church for public veneration, this approval being given because of the holy and virtuous lives which these persons lived on earth, and the attestation of God by certified miracles obtained through their intercession."—Catholic Almanac.
And why was Xavier designated a "saint"? Because he was, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, 'the greatest missionary since the apostles, displayed great zeal, performed wonderful miracles and brought a very great number of souls to the Catholic Church.'
Do we find any precedent in the Scriptures for such veneration of the remains of any human creature, regardless of what his works may have been? As far as God's law to the Israelites was concerned, a dead body was unclean and whoever touched it was unclean. (Num. 9:10) Their greatest prophet was Moses, but, so far from authorizing the Israelites to venerate his body, God himself disposed of it, thereby precluding their venerating it even if they had desired to do so. Deut. 34:6; Jude 9.
Certainly the early Christian congregation had its faithful workers, performers of miracles and martyrs, such as Stephen and the apostle James, but do we have as much as even a hint that their remains were venerated? Not going into a discussion as to the validity of the miracles attributed to Francis Xavier, there can be no doubt that Paul did even greater missionary work and performed more miracles, yet there is no record of his body's being venerated. We cannot escape it, veneration directed to the creature, whether dead or alive, and regardless of how good he may have been, detracts from proper worship to Jehovah God and therefore is to be condemned. "Even those who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and venerated and rendered sacred service to the creation rather than the One who created, who is blessed forever. Amen."—Rom. 1:25, NW.
And I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs. . . They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth.—Rev. 16:13, 14, NW. New World Society Assembly
NOT everyone was pleased that Jehovah's witnesses got together in such numbers in Yankee Stadium last July,
Comments on
New World Society Assembly
NOT everyone was pleased that Je-
hovah's witnesses got together in
such numbers in Yankee Stadium last July,
but whether they liked it or not, almost everyone agreed that something of importance had happened. Newspaper editorial comments from widely separated places provide this sampling:
"The eight-day world assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses brought to New York City area nearly 150,000 members of this durable sect—men, women and their families from all over the world who live their faith vividly. . . . Their methods of evangelism are forthright and to some are exasperating, yet the same driving missionary zeal which marks all their efforts
nesses, and sees 82,861 of them—a bigger crowd than ever turned out for a baseball game—with 48,000 more assembled across the Hudson hearing the proceedings by loud-speaker. Such an impact is memorable, inescapable, tremendous, and we remind some other populations that this is America, this is democracy, this is freedom of worship and assembly—our Constitution illustrated and our common heritage bulwarked."The Columbian,Vancouver, Washington, July 24.
In a different vein was the report from Allentown, Pennsylvania:
reaches forth into the tiniest, darkest corners of the globe.
"The Witnesses probably have borne more abuse and had more opposition than any other religious group since the fatal stoning of Stephen in the time of Christ. Yet time after time, the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts have upheld them in their Constitutional rights to believe what they will, to worship as they wish, and to seek converts in their own ways even if these ways annoy others.
"A minority sect? Surely—and yet
"It took only a few hours, perhaps only a few minutes for Allentonians and others along the course of Route 22 during yesterday to see a cross-section of the American people. In the persons of Jehovah's Witnesses who passed through this city on their way home from the world conference in New York last week that cross-section was provided.
"All sorts and conditions of men, women and children riding in all sorts of motor cars and with attached trailers hurried through this city en route home to every
America tries to lean over backward to protect minorities. Aloof and difficult to integrate into what we like to call our co-operative society? Doubtless-yet the Christians of ancient Antioch also were firm of purpose, wary of losing their integrity by adjustments.
"One looks at New York's Yankee Stadium on the first day's rally of the Wit-
State except those of New England. There were whites and blacks and, apparently, American Indians and peoples of oriental background, of both yellow and brown races. For the most part they were family groups, quietly happy in the possession of a religion that engrosses them and to which they have dedicated their lives.
"There was no attempt to travel in cara-
vans but they formed a caravan which must be stretching at this very moment over more than half a dozen states due west and southwest of us.
"Wherever they go they proudly and joyfully advertise their cause but in the quiet, orderly fashion to which they have become disciplined. They are a splendid people who are growing in numbers and influence. And wherever they go they are welcome. By their behavior they create such goodly opinion that they are urged to return. And that does not go for all conventions and gatherings."—The Morning Call, Allentown, Pennsylvania, July 28.
Over near Trailer City this editorial was published under the heading "Religion Shows Great Strength":
"Many times the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses have involved members with the forces of temporal law. Members have been arrested and jailed for governing their lives according to their beliefs rather than according to the laws which have been set up by men for men. Some of the Witnesses are intolerant of the beliefs of other religions.
"Looking back upon the long history of man, however, we must remember that there have been many times when the men of God have been arrested and jailed, and today we regard the arresting officers and the jailers as the true criminals.
"Jehovah's Witnesses are sincere in their beliefs. They live their religion. We think the coming convention in New York is a tremendously dramatic demonstration of the impact which the religious life has upon these tens of thousands of people, and we are proud that Middlesex county is to have some part in assuring the success of the convention."—New Brunswick (New Jersey) Home News, July 17.
Just after the assembly started, another New Jersey paper had this to say:
"Members of the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) are ardent believers in the Bible as 'God's word of truth.' In their zeal and fervor members of the sect at times have come into conflict with constituted authority. Their dynamism strikes admiration, however. Their devotion points an answer to the oft-expressed question of whether religion has failed mankind. Of course it hasn't, but mankind seems often to have failed to find the ideals of true religion." Paterson (New Jersey) Morning Call, July 20.
In Parkersburg, West Virginia, a twocolumn-wide editorial headed "Yankee Stadium Filled by 'Witnesses' " said:
"Epic dramatic spectacles, whether in the realm of sports, religion, or politics, or just in the movies, are dear to the American heart and for that reason the filling of Yankee Stadium by a throng of 82,861 Jehovah's Witnesses, with a total of over 100,000 for the convention finale, is impressive. . . The spectacle was recorded with a full-column story and large picture in the New York Times and was extensively chronicled also in the New York Herald-Tribune. When it is realized, however, that Jehovah's Witnesses claim a world-wide membership of only 466,265 Witnesses, with but 132,797 in the whole United States, the magnitude of the Yankee Stadium feat becomes apparent.
"As was noted in the Herald-Tribune, they take their name from Isaiah 43-12, 'Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and I am God.' The Witnesses, objecting to the 'World's Wars,' believe that God will soon destroy all the evil of earth in a universal war—Armageddon—according to Milton G. Henschel, a director of the Society.
"When any religious meeting gets bigger than a huge sports throng in any country, it is certainly worth chronicling, and it is for that reason we take due notice of the Witnesses' achievement.
Is there a possible pattern for those of other faiths in the way of arranging large, impressive religious dramas? . . Certainly a revival of religion is not amiss in America-a pointing out and dramatizing of the brotherhood of man, under the fatherhood of
do so. That is the difference. That is where the assembly was outstanding. It is the loss of the zeal of true Christianity among the religions of so-called "Christendom" today that makes those who still practice it seem unusual and worthy of note.
Not everyone liked the assembly. Not all the editorials got the attendance figures right or spelled "Jehovah's witnesses" cor-
God. . . For that reason the Witnesses, regardless of one's attitude toward their specific beliefs, may well have set a valuable example."—The Parkersburg (West Virginia) News, July 25.
Well the Witnesses might have set an example, but the example was not just in the size of the meeting. It was in Christian brotherhood, in zeal for God and desire to serve him. Jehovah's witnesses would like for others to take up such action, but past experience has indicated that only a few individuals, not whole organizations, will
rectly. But whether they liked it or not, they recognized that something of importance had occurred, and they corroborated the statement made by the Watch Tower's president before the assembly: "True faith in God is not declining." It continues to grow. As thousands more recognize the difference between its strength and zeal and the apathy of the old world's religions, they forsake the old ones and come to unity with it. Then they likewise grow in strength and zeal. By joining with them, you can do so too.
THE GOLD COAST COMMENTS
Readers of this journal who recall that the Watch Tower's president was recently refused permission to enter Africa's Gold Coast to speak to the approximately 5,000 Jehovah's witnesses and others in that land (Watch tower, March 15, 1953) will be interested in the following editorial that was published in The Spectator Daily of Accra, Gold Coast, August 22:
"America was staggered, almost stupefied, by the success which attended the assembly
bly. News was presented without bias. The papers were full of pictures of the proceedings, not from the 'news to sell' point of view, but from the view that the Witnesses' gathering was the climax of a religious assembly of Christian nobility.
"This fact should set the Gold Coast people the Gold Coast government in fact-thinking seriously. It should be crestfallen about its deplorable unfriendly attitude toward Jehovah's Witnesses. Unless the Americans, to say nothing of the other parts of the world
during July. Never in religious history of the country had so many people gathered together from so many countries as happened on this occasion. In fact, as the convention chairman remarked at the opening session, it was 'the greatest Christian gathering in history.'
"An interesting feature of the assembly was the wide publicity given to it by the American and world press. From the august New York Times' to the lowly village paper, each had its glowing comment on the assemare sheer hypocrites, and they are not, their enthusiasm over the message and work of Jehovah's Witnesses should make our leaders here ashamed of their antagonistic policy.
"Let us look at the manner in which the Gold Coast Government treated N. H. Knorr when he wanted to address the public in Accra! . . . For the mean treatment meted out to him, the Gold Coast should pray for forgiveness, and take pains to see that it never again happens."
WORSHIPING JEHOVAH IN HOLINESS
ASCRIBE unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him; worship Jehovah in the beauty of holiness." (1 Chron. 16:29, AS, margin) * It was most fitting that King David should thus exultingly call out at the time the ark of the covenant was brought from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Zion. But today, in view of all the momentous events that have occurred since 1914 in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, it is even more fitting that Jehovah's people worship him in holiness. Malachi, chapter 3; Matthew, chapter 24; Revelation, chapters 11 and 12.
The vast majority of those professing to believe in the God of the Bible have no desire to worship Jehovah in holiness. Instead of considering his name as holy and making it known to others, their religious leaders are doing all they possibly can to hide it; letting people think that Jehovah is just another master, ruler or nobleman; yes, degrading it by removing it altogether, as they have done in their new Revised Standard Version.
But they cannot destroy the name of the only true God of the universe, Jehovah, from among men. Why not? Because Jehovah's witnesses are still alive, and they will be busier and more energetic than ever before in making known that name, in calling upon all peoples to join them in worshiping Jehovah in holiness.
While the great majority of the peoples turn a deaf ear to the call to worship Jehovah in holiness, there are some sheeplike persons who are listening and who are joining the praisers of Jehovah in everincreasing numbers. As foretold, 'the meek among the nations are turning to the worship of Jehovah'; 'a great crowd are
ascribing salvation to him and to his Son.' Ps. 22:26, 27; John 10:16; Rev. 7:9 NW.
That his worship in holiness might be carried on efficiently and in unity Jehovah has formed a visible organization on earth, even as he has an invisible organization in the heavens for the carrying out of his purposes. Those of mankind coming to that organization do not make a change in geographical location, but rather become united by reason of their knowledge of Jehovah and their activity in worshiping him. Everyone has his position in this organization, and regardless of what this may be they all work together in joy and gladness, interested only in worshiping Jehovah in holiness, in holy array.—Ps. 29:2, AS.
Some, although learning of Jehovah and his purposes only because of others who are worshiping Jehovah in holiness, fail to see their privilege of doing likewise. Like nine of the ten lepers that Jesus cured, they do not see their privilege of giving glory to God for what he has done for them as the Samaritan back there did. (Luke 17:17, 18) Perhaps you are one of these who feel they cannot worship Jehovah in holiness as do others. But we may not think we cannot do it, for we can if we have faith, and we will gain faith if we study and take in knowledge. Abraham and Sarah were able to do the seemingly impossible because of their faith, and so will you if you avail yourself of the help Jehovah provides.—Rom. 4:20-22; Phil. 4:13,NW.
Will you, during the month of December, show your appreciation for what Jehovah's truth has done for you by joining with a half million other praisers in worshiping Jehovah in holiness?
"BECOME RECONCILED TO GOD" But all things are from God who reconciled us to himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation."
2 Cor. 5:18, NW.
EHOVAH God declares, "I, Jehovah, change not." The knowledge of this fact gives great comfort to men of good will throughout the world today as they consider the wonderful purposes of God, which were foreshadowed as far back in human history as the garden of Eden. There Adam stood in a favored position before his Creator, with the prospect of a happy life on earth before him. Certainly the world of mankind today is far from that original position within God's favor, and most persons think it only an idle dream that humankind will ever again have the prospect of peaceful and joyous life stretching before them as Adam did. Nor with the passing of the centuries have the majority of the human family again come close to God. World conditions show that the nations merely worship him with their lips and not with their hearts. The peoples generally do not reflect a love of God nor of their neighbor; instead, crime and delinquency are continually on the increase and the threat of war never abates.
2 Therefore the words Paul wrote to the Corinthians now ring out even more clearly and with greater urgency than at the time they were written: "Become reconciled to God." Yet it is a surprising fact that many persons see no need for a reconciliation with God. They feel that they are already saved and can do no wrong in his sight. But they overlook the warning Jesus gave to those who piously took this attitude, at the same time letting the world
know how "good" they were. He spoke of the Pharisee who went into the temple to pray, saying: "O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector." Jesus' words of favor were not with this Pharisee, but with the humble tax collector. He was not even willing to raise his eyes toward heaven, but earnestly entreated God, saying: "O God, be gracious to me a sinner." The tax collector showed by his humble attitude before God that he was conscious of his spiritual needs and he prayed that he might be reconciled to God. He was not demanding something from God, but asked for mercy and help. Nor did he enter the temple with the smug, complacent attitude of the Pharisee, which is reflected by many people today. They say, "I have my church and lead a good life." They are sure that God will look after them and pave the way for their salvation—the very point of view of the Pharisee. He declared that he was not like most men: he led a good life and paid his tithes regularly to the church. Still meekness and humility were lacking, and these are essential qualities for all of mankind who hold dear the Scriptural promises that they may some day be reconciled to God and blessed by him.—Luke 18:9-14, NW.
Some who do not realize their need for reconciliation take the imperious attitude, "If there is a God, he should do something to correct world conditions." Unless they see a display of God's power with better conditions for themselves and their families, they will do nothing on behalf of God.
They lack faith and do not put forth the effort to find the pathway that leads to life. Although they may spend years learning how to earn a living, they do not consider it of importance to study the guide God has given us for life. So in their indifference they say, "Let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die." They feel that God should prove to them that he is going to do something for them, and until that time comes they have no use for him.
4 In view of such widespread lack of faith and even indifference toward God you may well ask, Will mankind ever be reconciled to God? Will the blessing of unity between the Creator and the created ever become a reality? By what means? Will all men be reconciled to God? The Scriptures definitely establish that Jehovah God has provided a way whereby mankind will be restored to divine favor. It is true that from the time of Adam's disobedience and rebellion in Eden men have been under the condemnation of God and his sentence of death. Paul explained this to the Romans by saying, "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." (Rom. 5:12, NW) The disobedience of Adam brought a breach to the harmonious relationship between men and God. No longer was Adam permitted to remain in his beautiful paradise home. No longer did he have the prospect of everlasting life before him, nor could he pass it on to his children. Rather, he was now sentenced to toil in hard labor week after week in order to provide the necessities for himself and his growing family.
5 Since imperfection and the condemnation of death were passed on by Adam to
all his sons, the outlook seemed bleak that men could ever be restored to God's favor. Centuries after the rebellion the psalmist David wrote, "There is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Ps. 14:3, AS) Certainly man was in no position to restore himself to favor and life; in effect, to lift himself up by his own bootstraps. Instead, during the centuries of history, while man has done that which was right in his own eyes, the course he has chosen has been one of sorrow and death with the pillaging and ruining of the earth. Rather than living under God's blessing and enjoying the service of enlarging the boundaries of the original paradise home, men have followed the road of unhappiness and misery. Therefore we ask, How could the blessings of life with God's favor and a paradise condition on the earth be restored? How could such a reconciliation with God come about?
PROVISION FOR RECONCILIATION FOREKNOWN
The arrangement for reconciliation has been known to God from the beginning and has been recorded in the pages of the Bible for the comfort and hope of men of faith. In Isaiah 45:21, 22 (AS) Jehovah reassures us that his purposes will never fail: "Who hath showed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I, Jehovah? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else." From the start of human history Jehovah has held out the assurance that those who serve him will not do so in vain. His purposes shall be accomplished and the earth shall be restored as a happy home for his servants.—Isa. 45:18.
7 Through his prophet Isaiah Jehovah showed the futility of all efforts of men to do the work God has assigned to himself.
Mankind is likened to clay in the hands of a master craftsman, a potter, and Jehovah shows that the clay cannot fight against the one molding it or in any way change the pattern or arrangements of its fashioner. "Woe to him who strives with his Maker—a pot with the Potter! Does the clay ask its potter, "What are you making?" or a man's work say to him, "You have no hands!"?' . . . Thus says the LORD [Jehovah], the Holy One of Israel, who formed it: 'Will you question me concerning my children, or give me orders regarding the work of my hands? I made the earth, and created man upon it; my hands stretched out the heavens, and all their host I marshaled; I have roused one in righteousness, and all his ways will I level; he shall build my city, and shall set my exiles free, not for price or reward,' says the Lord of hosts." (Isa. 45:9-13, AT) Jehovah here pointed forward to the one whom he would appoint in righteousness to reconcile those who have the love for God in their hearts. Once more the point is clearly emphasized that it is only through God's arrangement that reconciliation for mankind and the blessings of God's favor with life can be enjoyed.
8 From the very beginning Jehovah pointed forward to Jesus' sacrifice of his human life as the turning point that would restore the favorable relationship between God and men. "He was foreknown before the world's foundation, but he was made manifest at the end of the times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, the one who raised him up from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Pet. 1:20, 21, NW) After their disobedience in the garden of Eden Jehovah clothed
Adam and Eve with the skins of animals. Thereafter the Bible record tells us that the animal sacrifice of Abel was accepted by God, for such a sacrifice properly prefigured the arrangement of Jehovah that without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin.—Heb. 9:22.
The passover lamb that was sacrificed by each household of Israelites just prior to their flight out of Egypt also typified and foreshadowed the sacrifice that Jesus was to make. In ancient Egypt under the passover arrangement the blood of the lamb was sprinkled on the lintel and sideposts of the door of each home, and those who showed faith in the directions of Jehovah in this regard had his blessing with life for their first-born. In that way the sacrifice of the passover lamb cast light on the arrangement of God that was to come to fruition hundreds of years later, paving the way to reconciliation and everlasting life. (Ex. 12:21) For that reason Paul wrote: "For, indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed." (1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:19, NW) John the Baptist also bore record of this when Jesus appeared before him in the wilderness. As Jesus approached, John said, "See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!" —John 1:29, NW.
10 The law covenant that Jehovah made with the nation of Israel likewise offered a preview of the reconciliation that would come about by the sacrifice of Christ. It was the law, as recorded at Deuteronomy 19:21, that provided a life should go for a life. This was a clear statement of Jehovah's righteous requirement. Just as Adam through disobedience had forfeited any right to an everlasting, perfect human life, so it was only Christ Jesus as his human equal before God who could balance the scales of justice in God's sight. The inability of sinful man to meet God's requirements is clearly shown in Psalm 49:7-9 (AT) : "But no man can at all ransom himself, or give a price for himself to God; since the ransom of his person forever and ever is too costly, that he should continue to live forever, without seeing the Pit."
…