Did the Watchtower prophesy 1975 for the end?

Did the Watchtower prophesy 1975 for the end?

Did Jehovah’s Witnesses teach people 1975 was the date for Armageddon?

The Watchtower claims to be a modern day prophet of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses have set false prophecies of 1914, 1918, 1925, and here 1975. Armageddon was predicted to happen before the end of 1975 by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Armageddon did not happen in 1975, therefore the Watchtower is a false prophet. Below are quotes the false prophecies of the Watchtower concerning the end times and Armageddon in 1975.

 

Awake!, October 8, 1968, p. 13-14

 

“THE fact that fifty-four years of the period called the ‘last days’ have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God…Even if we presume that youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of ‘this generation’ nearly 70 years old today. So the great majority of the generation to which Jesus was referring has already passed away in death. The remaining ones are approaching old age. And remember, Jesus said that the end of this wicked world would come before that generation passed away in death. This, of itself, tells us that the years left before the foretold end comes cannot be many. There is another way that helps confirm the fact that we are living in the final few years of this “time of the end.” (Dan. 12:9) The Bible shows that we are nearing the end of a full 6,000 years of human history. What significance does this have?…Revelation chapter 20, verse 6, shows that God’s heavenly kingdom will rule over the earth for one thousand years after the end of this system of things. That millennium will bring a sabbathlike res to the earth and all those then inhabiting it…How fitting it would be for God, following this pattern, to end man’s misery after six thousand years of human rule and follow it with His glorious Kingdom rule for a thousand years…How can it be determined when 6,000 years of human history will end? According to reliable Bible chronology, Adam and Eve were created in 4026 .C.E…This would leave only seven more years from the autumn of 1968 to complete 6,000 full years of human history. That seven-year period will evidently finish in the autumn of the year 1975.”

This was written in the year 1968 which in the first paragraph of this quote says ‘54′ years of the last days has been in progress, and went on to say there is only a few years left before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God! So according to what has been said God is going to destroy the corrupt system dominating the earth not many years from 1968! Continuing on it said that those who were of the 1914 generation would not completely die off. It said that most of that generation has died, and that some were still alive and would live to see this corrupt system destroyed and eventually see God’s heavenly kingdom on earth. Before the end of 1975 the 6,000 years of human history would end, and God’s glorious kingdom would be established and would rule for a 1,000 years. Jehovah’s Witnesses insist that the Watchtower or the Watchtower themselves insist that Armageddon was not predicted to have before 1975, but that people were lying about what they taught! Here is something that needs to be addressed here for those of you who read your Bible’s. Armageddon has to happen before the 1,000 year millennium of God’s kingdom being established on this earth. Reading Revelation 16:14 on to Revelation 19:21 you will notice that Armageddon takes place before the 1,000 year reign of Christ and God’s kingdom being set up on this earth. So without any hesitation Armageddon was predicted to happen before the end of 1975, because it had to happen before the 1,000 year reign of God’s kingdom on earth. The Watchtower even said this would happen because of reliable Bible chronology which they said that Adam and Eve were created in 4026 B.C.E. and from then to 1968 was 5,993 years, which only leave 7 more years to complete the full 6,000 years of human history and that God’s kingdom would then be established in the year of 1975. It is very clear that 1975 was predicted for the end of this world to happen by, and that in that year God would set up His kingdom.

 

Awake! October 8, 1968, p. 16-17

 

“It is very appropriate for God to bring an end to man’s rule…Those who submit to God’s requirements will be protected by him through the coming Armageddon destruction of this system of things…After the end of this system of things, then what? A new day will dawn for the human family. Armageddon survivors will begin to enjoy all the benefits of a righteous new order…WHEN God puts an end to this present system of things shortly, it will pave the way for his clean new order for earth. Armageddon will rid the earth of war, violence, crime and injustice. Divisive governments, religions, and economic systems will be gone forever.”

Knowing the end was to happen in 1975 the Watchtower here says that God is going to bring to an end man’s rule here on earth and only those who submit to God’s requirements will survive and be protected from the coming ARMAGEDDON destruction of this system of things! Armageddon is mentioned three times here and that is very important. The Watchtower here has clearly predicted Armageddon was going to take place and destroy this world’s system and would pave the way of God’s new order.

 

Awake! October 8, 1968, p. 26-27

 

“We sincerely hope that you are the one who will open-mindedly consider the facts, and that your faith in God’s justice and love and in the truth of his Word continues unaffected by the doubts and scoffing’s of a world that blindly rushes on in a disastrous course. (2 Cor. 4:4; Matt. 15:14) This system of things is picking up speed in its downward plunge. Will you stay with it and take the consequences, or will you listen to the counsel of God’s Word and abandon it? The time remaining for a decision is short. The opportunity is still before you, like the open door of the ark built by Noah before the flood, and like the open gates of Jerusalem when Rome’s armies temporarily withdrew. But that door of opportunity will soon close for all time. Prompt action is vital if you would be among the happy survivors of this present system destruction. What can you do and what will it require of you?…LIKE a train about to plunge into an abyss, this system of things is about to plunge into destruction. Time is fast running out for it! If you had the right opportunity to jump from a train that was heading for certain destruction, would you not do so? True, it might cost you a severe bruising; you might leave behind some of your possessions and the people on the train, but you would save your life. What will cost you to have the hope of living through the end of this wicked system of things? What will you have to pay to gain life in God’s new order?…Similarly, eternal life in God’s new order will be a gift…That is the key to eternal life, the doing of God’s will. All the conditions that must be met are included in that framework. So then, if you want to survive the end of this wicked world and be given the gift of eternal life in God’s new system, you need to do God’s will.”

The Watchtower says consider the facts, and be open-minded! It goes on to say what decision will you make, time is running short! Remember back on pages 13-14 the Watchtower said that God’s 1,000 year kingdom was going to be set up by 1975. So time is running short, in fact only 7 years to go so do not delay. It is vital to choose to jump off the train of this world’s system that is going to plunge and crash very soon, and be saved from the destruction to come, Armageddon! The way to save your life is by doing the will of God, and you will receive eternal life. By doing so you will escape the coming destruction and be given the gift of eternal life in God’s new order. There is no doubt the Watchtower was being clear on what they were teaching their members and what they wanted to tell the world concerning the end to come.

 

Awake! October 8, 1968, p. 28-29

 

“There is no substitute for this taking in of Bible knowledge. Your hope to gain eternal life depends upon it. ‘This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.’ (John 17:3) Yes, the only way to survive the end of this wicked world and to gain life in God’s new order is by doing God’s will…The end of this wicked system is approaching rapidly. It is much later than most people realize. Hence, there is no time to lose in working for survival…Those who refuse to listen to God will not survive the end of this system. The Great Judge of all mankind now causes his wisdom to cry out and give warning…Do you want to be ‘left over’ in the earth when this wicked system is annihilated soon at Armageddon? (Daniel 2:44) Then begin taking in knowledge of God right away. How? By a systematic study of the Bible with those who love God’s Word and who live by it. Write to Awake! Magazine and request such a Bible study in the privacy of your own home. A qualified minister, one of the Jehovah’s witnesses, will be sent to show the most practical and beneficial way of understanding your Bible…You have no time to lose in making friends with God, because time is rapidly running out for this wicked system of things. It is very close to plunging into the chasm of Armageddon. Therefore, take steps quickly to work for survival and for eternal life in God’s new order.”

To receive eternal life one must take in Bible knowledge, for your life depends on it. The only way to survive the end to come, Armageddon, is to start taking in knowledge of God right now. One must have a qualified minister of the Jehovah’s Witnesses come and teach them the Bible, so that they will be doing the will of God, thus becoming a Jehovah’s Witness is the only way to the truth, and by taking in Bible knowledge. Armageddon is mentioned twice here by the Watchtower concerning the destruction of this world to come to an end, and time is running out!

Kingdom Ministry, March 1968, p. 4

 

“Since we have dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we want to do his will to the fullest extent possible. Making some special effort to do more than the usual helps us live up to our dedication. In view of the short period of time left, we want to do this as often as circumstances permit. Just think, brothers, there are only about ninety months left before 6,000 years of man’s existence on earth is completed. Do you remember what we learned at the assemblies last summer? The majority of people living today will probably be alive when Armageddon breaks out, and there are no resurrection hopes for those who are destroyed then. So, now more than ever, it is vital not to ignore that spirit of wanting to do more.”

Time is running out, and there is only a short period of time left. The Watchtower clearly says that from the time of March, 1968 there is only about ninety month’s left to go before the 6,000 years of man’s existence is completed, which would bring us to 1975! And that the majority of the people who were living during this time would live to see Armageddon, and the destruction of world’s system. Once again it is clear that the Watchtower was teaching it’s members the end was going to happen in 1975, and that now more than ever they work harder with the short time left.

 

Kingdom Ministry, June 1969, p. 3

 

“Of course, there may be a tempting offer of higher education or of going into some field of work that promises material rewards. However, Jehovah God holds out to you young folks many marvelous privileges of service in his organization. Which will you decide to take up? In view of the short time left, a decision to pursue a career in this system of things is not only unwise but extremely dangerous. On the other hand, a decision to take advantage of what God offers through his organization opens up excellent opportunities for advancement as well as a rich, meaningful life that will never end…Many young brothers and sisters were offered scholarships or employment that promised fine pay. However, they turned them down and put spiritual interests first.”

The Watchtower is speaking to the younger adults concerning careers and having an education. The Watchtower encouraged them to decide to follow God or the world basically here, and that is was unwise and extremely dangerous to pursue a careers in this system of things with the short time left. In fact they said that when those who turned down employment or scholarships were putting spiritual interests first, thus meaning the Jehovah’s Witness Organization and living their lives to tell others about the coming destruction.

 

Kingdom Ministry, May 1974, p. 3

 

“By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before the present system ends. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers. Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end. 1 John 2:17. Circumstances such as poor health or responsibilities in connection with your family may limit what you can do in the field ministry. And yet, the pioneer ranks include many who have health limitations, as well as some persons with families. But these brothers and sisters are able to regulate their lives so that they can care for their responsibilities and still put in the 1,200 hours a year, an average of 100 hours a month in the field ministry, required of pioneers.”

The system of this world is coming to an end very soon. The Watchtower was instructing their members to spend more time and energy preaching during this final period of time. The Watchtower was praising those who were selling their homes and property to go and preach this the message of the Watchtower during the rest of the old system of things. The Watchtower again is clearly teaching that the end is going to happen, of which they have said it would happen before the end of 1975! An added note is that many say that in the Jehovah’s Witness Organization there is nothing that says people have to go door to door or preach a certain amount of hours. Well for those who are full time pioneers they are required to do this 100 hours a month, which would be at least 25 hours a week, wow.

 

The Watchtower, August 15, 1968, p. 494

 

“WHAT about all this talk concerning the year 1975? Lively discussions, some based on speculation, have burst into flame during recent months among serious students of the Bible. Their interest has been kindled by the belief that 1975 will mark the end of 6,000 years of human history since Adam’s creation. The nearness of such an important date indeed fires the imagination and presents unlimited possibilities for discussion. But wait! How do we know their calculations are correct? What basis is there for saying Adam was created nearly 5,993 years ago? Does the one Book that can be implicitly trusted for its truthful historical accuracy, namely, the Inspired Word of Jehovah, the Holy Bible, give support and credence to such a conclusion?“

Quite simply here the Watchtower is talking about the year 1975 and what is being said about it. It goes on to say how do we know their calculations are correct? In the following quote of that same magazine they give the evidence for what they believe.

 

The Watchtower, August 15, 1968, pp. 500-501

 

“One thing is absolutely certain, Bible chronology reinforced with fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that six thousand years of man’s existence will soon be up, yes, within this generation! (Matt. 24:34) This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that “concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36) To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. Make no mistake, it is sufficient that the Father himself knows both the “day and hour! Even if one cannot see beyond 1975, is this any reason to be less active? The apostles could not see even this far; they knew nothing about 1975. All they could see was a short time ahead in which to finish the work assigned to them. (1 Pet. 4:7) Hence, there was a ring of alarm and a cry of urgency in all their writings. (Acts 20:20; 2 Tim. 4:2) And rightly so. If they had delayed or dillydallied and had been complacent with the idea the end was some thousands of years off they would never have finished running the race set before them. No, they ran hard and they ran fast, and they won! It was a life or death matter with them.1 Cor. 9:24; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1.”

The Watchtower says ‘one thing is absolutely certain’, that is the 6,000 years of man’s existence will soon be up within this generation, and Bible chronology reinforces it! There is not time to waste, this world is coming to an end. If a person can not see beyond 1975 is there any reason to be less active, or in other words if you do not see it or accept it fully continue to do all that you can. Again it is clear the Watchtower was instructing their people that the end is coming in 1975, and that they are to continue on.

 

The Watchtower, October 15, 1969, pp. 621-622

 

“It will take more than all men together to put that greatest obstructor of peace out of power over mankind. This the heavenly Jesus Christ will do, for, according to the several names by which he was to be called, he is “The mighty God.” This he will do after first doing away with the visible peace obstructors here on earth. (Rev. 19:11 to 20:3) This requires him to be first a Warrior King, reigning in the midst of his earthly enemies, finally subduing them completely, just as foretold by King David in Psalm 110:1-6. He has had to do this because, since the end of the “times of the Gentiles” in the year 1914, the nations and empires of this world have refused to yield over peaceably their earthly kingship to him, even Christendom refusing to do so. (Luke 21:24; Ps. 2:1-6) Till this year, after more than half a century, the nations have refused to do so. What will this mean shortly for all mankind? This: the outbreak of the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at the world situation called HarMagedon or Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14, 16) That war will remove all human obstructors to peace. After this taking away of all human and demon obstructors of world peace there will come the reign of the Prince of Peace over all the earth. God’s fixed time for this is approaching, and along with it the peace of a thousand years. A thousand years equals a millennium. This reminds us of something said in the aforementioned inaugural speech of the American president on January 20, 1969. He remarked upon the approach of things of interest to Americans and to all Christendom. In the eighth paragraph of his speech the newly sworn-in president said: “Eight years from now America will celebrate its 200th anniversary as a nation. And within the lifetime of most people now living, mankind will celebrate that great new year which comes only once in a thousand years the beginning of the third millennium.” The president was referring to A.D. 2001.”

The Watchtower says that Jesus is coming soon to make war with this system. The 1,000 year millennium is coming of God’s heavenly rule, and Armageddon will destroy mankind. Armageddon is going to take place before the coming 1,000 year millennium reign of God’s kingdom here on earth. The Watchtower says God’s kingdom is closely approaching, once again showing the Watchtower taught and predicted that before the year of 1975 was completed, Armageddon was going to happen, and then the reign of God’s kingdom would then be established.

1975 New Info

Alan Feuerbacher

It’s interesting to note how Jehovah’s Witnesses today often minimize what the Watchtower Society said about 1975 in the years before that date. The Society published a number of cautionary notes warning JWs about being too specific about the date, but they also published a good deal of material encouraging people to look forward to the date.

Here are set forth some published statements that show how strongly some of the Society’s writers promoted the 1975 date. Some statements were definite that 1975 would bring Armageddon.

It all started with the release of the book Life Everlasting–In Freedom of the Sons of God in the summer of 1966. The chronological table it contained, which showed the end of 6,000 years of human history in 1975, along with explanatory comments that the date might very well see the beginning of Christ’s millennial rule, created a sense of urgency among Jehovah’s Witnesses that was reflected in subsequent Society publications, including and especially in Kingdom Ministry articles. For example, the October 1966 KM (for the U.S.) stated in the “Dear Publishers” letter (p. 1):

All of us who attended one of the “God’s Sons of Liberty” District Assemblies this past summer were given much to think about, weren’t we? The talks and the dramas made us feel the urgency of the times and the need of walking circumspectly before Jehovah.

This KM encouraged the placing of the special October 8, 1966 issue of Awake!, which considered the topic “Why Does God Permit Wickedness?” This issue contained the article “How Much Longer Will It Be?” in answer to the question “when will God bring an end to wickedness?” Under the subheading “6,000 Years Completed in 1975,” it reasoned that the millennium would be the last 1000 years of a 7000-year rest day of God. On pages 19-20 it said:

The Bible shows that when God began to shape the earth for human habitation, he worked for six “days,” or time periods. From the indications in God’s Word, each was apparently 7,000 years in length. Then Genesis 2:22 states, Jehovah “proceeded to rest on the seventh day from all his work that he had made.” This seventh day, God’s rest day, has progressed nearly 6,000 years, and there is still the 1,000-year reign of Christ to go before its end. (Rev. 20:3, 7) This seventh 1,000-year period of human existence could well be likened to a great sabbath day, pictured by the sabbath day God commanded ancient Israel to keep after working for six days. (Ex. 20:8-10; 2 Pet. 3: After six thousand years of toil and bondage to sin, sickness, death and Satan, mankind is due to enjoy a rest and is in dire need of a rest. (Heb. 4:1-11) Hence, the fact that we are nearing the end of the first 6,000 years of man’s existence is of great significance.

Does God’s rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. From the most reliable investigations of Bible chronology, harmonizing with many accepted dates of secular history, we find that Adam was created in the autumn of the year 4026 B.C.E. Sometime in that year Eve could well have been created, directly after which God’s rest day commenced. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man’s existence and also the first 6,000 years of God’s rest day come to an end? The year 1975. This is worthy of notice, particularly in view of the fact that the “last days” began in 1914, and that the physical facts of our day in fulfillment of prophecy mark this as the last generation of this wicked world. So we can expect the immediate future to be filled with thrilling events for those who rest their faith in God and his promises. It means that within relatively few years we will witness the fulfillment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the “time of the end.”

Continuing the theme of urgency, the December 1966 KM said (p. 4): “Never have we felt the nearness of Armageddon and the urgency of our work as we do now.”

The February 1967 KM contained an insert with the sub-article “Serving Jehovah in the Time Remaining” (pp. 4-5). It commented on the number of “vacation pioneers” and asked, “what motivated them to vacation pioneer?” The answer included these comments:

Many of them had in mind Jesus’ electrifying words: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” Our very generation is seeing the sign marking Jesus’ second presence. Truly, “the time left is reduced.” (Matt. 24:34; 1 Cor. 7:29) For this reason many of your brothers, young and old, appreciated the importance of serving God in the time remaining. Having Scriptural responsibilities that prevented them from sharing in the ministry as regular pioneers, missionaries or members of Bethel families, they demonstrated their appreciation of the shortness of the time remaining by vacation pioneering.

The lead article “All the More So” in the July 1967 KM (p. 1) said:

Are you glad that you have remained faithful until now? Certainly! … This being true, what should be our attitude toward meeting together in the days ahead as the end of the old system draws near and the outside pressures increase? The apostle Paul provides the answer in the verses that support our theme for the month of July. Read carefully Hebrews 10:23-25 and note Paul’s encouragement to meet together and build one another up and to do this all the more so as we “behold the day drawing near.” Obviously, then, we will need to give even more attention to supporting God’s house in the time ahead.

The lead article “The Finest Work on Earth” in the October 1967 KM (p. 1) continued the theme of preaching with a sense of urgency:

It is a real pleasure to have a part in the finest work done on earth today, the work Jehovah is asking us to do in these “last days,” isn’t it? All of us appreciate that there is little time left for this present system of things. In the remaining time it is our desire to share in the preaching work as fully as possible so as to help many more honest-hearted persons to escape from Babylon the Great.

The lead article “Help Wanted” in the December 1967 KM (p. 1) said:

“For what?” you may ask. To do the Kingdom preaching work. The remaining time is short, and, as Jesus put it, “the good news has to be preached first,” before the old system comes to its end. (Mark 13:10) True, there are more than 300,000 helpers in the field in this country, but we know you will agree that more are needed to get the job done thoroughly.

The March 1968 KM contained an insert titled “An Opportunity to Increase Your Happiness” (pp. 3-6) that encouraged “vacation pioneering” in April. It contained some statements that were electrifying to many of the friends:

Since we have dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we want to do his will to the fullest extent possible. Making some special effort to do more than the usual helps us live up to our dedication. In view of the short period of time left, we want to do this as often as circumstances permit. Just think, brothers, there are only about ninety months left before 6,000 years of man’s existence on earth is completed. Do you remember what we learned at the assemblies last summer? The majority of people living today will probably be alive when Armageddon breaks out, and there are no resurrection hopes for those who are destroyed then. So, now more than ever, it is vital not to ignore that spirit of wanting to do more.

It is obvious that the Society was now strongly encouraging the friends to believe that Christ would begin his millennial rule very soon, likely by about the beginning of October 1975. The “Dear Publishers” letter in the June 1968 KM continued this theme:

Yes, Jehovah has surely filled our mouths with song, and as we move on into June’s activities, expressing gratitude in a practical manner, we shall, in effect, be sharing in a victory procession–the joyful march toward mankind’s grand millennium of deliverance!

Among the strongest of encouragements about the urgency of 1975 was the article “Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?” in the August 15, 1968 Watchtower. Note that the question was not, “Are You Looking Forward…” but “Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?” This is a clear indication that the Society told JWs that they ought to have been looking forward to 1975. Many JWs fully took this signal to heart.

The Society published many other statements about what 1975 was likely to bring. Some cautioned JWs not to be dogmatic about the date, but some were themselves dogmatic. Following are some statements that more or less threw caution to the wind.

The October 8, 1968 Awake! was a special issue on the topic “Is It Later Than You Think?” It contained the article “What Will the 1970’s Bring?”, which on page 14, under the subtitle “When Do 6,000 Years End?”, said: “According to reliable Bible chronology Adam and Eve were created in 4026 B.C.E.” Note how this bolded statement is definite, in contrast to a similar bolded statement in the above-quoted paragraph from the October 8, 1966 Awake!. Nevertheless, the article went on to say some cautionary words: “Does this mean that the above evidence positively points to 1975 as the time for the complete end of this system of things? Since the Bible does not specifically state this, no man can say. However, of this we can be sure: The 1970’s will certainly see the most critical times mankind has yet known.” What message is the reader expected to get from these contradictory statements? Let the reader use discernment.

The May 1, 1968 Watchtower was quite definite about when Adam and Eve were created. Under the subtitle “The Seventh Day” (p. 271) the study question for paragraph 4 asked, “When were Adam and Eve created?” Paragraphs 4 through 6 answered and said:

… Thus, Adam’s naming of the animals and his realizing that he needed a counterpart would have occupied only a brief time after his creation. Since it was also Jehovah’s purpose for man to multiply and fill the earth, it is logical that he would create Eve soon after Adam, perhaps just a few weeks or months later in the same year, 4026 B.C.E. After her creation, God’s rest day, the seventh period, immediately followed.

Therefore, God’s seventh day and the time man has been on earth apparently run parallel. To calculate where man is in the stream of time relative to God’s seventh day of 7,000 years, we need to determine how long a time has elapsed from the year of Adam and Eve’s creation in 4026 B.C.E.

The seventh day of the Jewish week, the sabbath, would well picture the final 1,000-year reign of God’s kingdom under Christ when mankind would be uplifted from 6,000 years of sin and death. (Rev. 20:6) Hence, when Christians note from God’s timetable the approaching end of 6,000 years of human history, it fills them with anticipation. Particularly is this true because the great sign of the “last days” has been in the course of fulfillment since the beginning of the “time of the end” in 1914.

The 1969 edition of Aid to Bible Understanding (the equivalent of the Insight volumes) indicated that Adam and Eve were created in the same year. On page 333, under the subject “Chronology,” it said that the time from Adam’s creation to the birth of Seth was 130 years, and on page 538, under the subject “Eve,” it said that at the age of 130 Eve gave birth to Seth.

The 1969 booklet The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years was also definite about 1975. On pages 25-26 it said:

More recently earnest researchers of the Holy Bible have made a recheck of its chronology. According to their calculations the six millenniums of mankind’s life on earth would end in the mid-seventies. Thus the seventh millennium from man’s creation by Jehovah God would begin within less than ten years…

In order for the Lord Jesus Christ to be “Lord even of the sabbath day,” his thousand-year reign would have to be the seventh in a series of thousand-year periods or millenniums.

Note the language: for Jesus to be Lord of the sabbath, his Millennial reign would have to be (not “it might be”) the seventh in a series. This is a definite statement.

At the summer district conventions in 1968 the Society instituted a new six-month bible study program that was to be based on the new “Truth” book — The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life — a.k.a., “the blue bombshell”. This program was a direct result of acting on the belief that the times were particularly urgent. The September 1968 Kingdom Ministry (p. gave details of the new program in the article “A New Outlook on Bible Studies” in the “Presenting the Good News” section:

Free home Bible studies are a hallmark of Jehovah’s witnesses the world around. How helpful this work has been in aiding hundreds of thousands of persons to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth and to take their stand on Jehovah’s side! But now time is running short for this old system of things and we want to help as many sheeplike ones as we can to learn the truth and act on it while there is still time.

So we have a new approach to use in the Bible-study work. Yes, it is still free of charge. But, as suggested at the “Good News for All Nations” district assemblies this summer, we will seek to help as many people as possible through a six-month Bible-study program.

To accomplish this, endeavor to hold your studies each week. If an unavoidable situation arises and you personally have to miss a study, perhaps another publisher with whom the householder is acquainted can conduct the study that week. Progress is directly related to the regularity of the study. Have in mind helping them learn enough of the truth so that they can act on it within six months…

At all times keep before interested ones the importance of beginning to associate with Jehovah’s people at the meetings. If, at the end of six months of intensive study and conscientious efforts to get them to meetings, they are not yet associating with the congregation, then it may be best to use your time to study with someone else who really wants to learn the truth and make progress. Make it your goal to present the good news on Bible studies in such a way that interested ones will act within six months!

Many JWs were not happy about this new arrangement, because it was very hard to get Bible students under the best of circumstances. For those wanting to qualify to pioneer, it was especially difficult because one of the qualifications was holding several regular Bible studies, so pioneer-wannabes needed to hold on to every student they had. Prior to this time it was not unusual for a Bible student to continue for two to five years before making a decision.

During these years the Society constantly stressed the urgency of the times. The lead article “Making Known an Urgent Message” in the October 1968 KM plugged the above-quoted October 8 special Awake! on “Is It Later Than You Think?”:

A few weeks ago you heard a letter read to your congregation about the October 8 special issue of Awake! But by now you no doubt have your own copy, and you have seen for yourself what it contains. Isn’t it fine? How appropriate this material is for our magazine that bears the title “Awake!” With a powerful array of facts, persuasive argument and visual aids it drives home the point that we really are living in the “last days.” Kindly but firmly it emphasizes the fact that the time left is very short and that, if a person wants to serve God and survive into his righteous new system, he must take the necessary steps now.

The November 1968 KM again emphasized the urgency of the new bible study program, and made it clear that publishers were to discontinue studies that were unproductive after six months. This was a two-pronged method that got publishers to be more enthusiastic door-to-door preachers, and forced bible students to really think about what they were learning. The article “In the Short Time Remaining” in the “Presenting the Good News” section (p. gave suggestions on presenting the Truth book:

How often does your congregation cover its territory? Do you reach every home at least three times a year? Is it a thorough coverage each time, getting each not-at-home and speaking to different occupants in the house? In view of the shortness of the remaining time, it makes one stop and think, doesn’t it?

Also, after you have found interested persons and started home Bible studies with them, think how long it takes to teach them the truth, bring them along to dedication and baptism, train them in the field ministry and assist them to progress to maturity! Yes, we all do well to think seriously about having a good share now in the door-to-door work, not postponing it until some later time.–Mark 13:10.

There are other reasons for sharing fully in the door-to-door work. With the improved method of conducting home Bible studies, many students will be making a decision much sooner than has been done in the past. Some will show the necessary initiative and will act. They will progress toward maturity much faster and the study can be stopped sooner. Others will not act on the knowledge they take in and we will discontinue the study. Thus it will not be a matter of conducting a study for years as some have done in the past but there will be a concluding of studies and a need to start new studies. It will require regular and effective door-to-door work in order for these new studies to be started. It will be good to be conducting more than one study at a time so that we will be regular in this feature of the work and thus will always be teaching someone the truth if one of our studies is discontinued.

The Society published the pointed article “Have You Been Studying for Six Months?” in the May 15, 1969 Watchtower (pp. 309-12). It was aimed at new bible students and gave publishers information helpful to get their students to make a decision. Again the idea was that a decision was necessary because of the urgency of the times. The article said:

ARE you among the over one million persons who are at present being helped by Jehovah’s witnesses to learn what the Holy Bible teaches? If you are, likely you are using the Bible-study aid The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. Undoubtedly it has helped you to learn many wonderful things about God and his will for mankind.

Those of you who have been studying the Bible for about six months should by now be in position to decide whether you are going to follow through on what you have learned. Do you really want to become a dedicated and baptized worshiper of Jehovah God and do you want to share with others the life-giving truths from God’s Word? …

DECISION NOW IS VITAL
The urgency of the times in which we are living requires that we do all we can to bring our lives into harmony with God’s will. From what you have learned you know why this system of things is rapidly deteriorating before our eyes. You know the meaning of the unrest and increased violence in all the earth. All this shows that we have approached the very brink of the earth-cleansing destruction of which Jesus and the Bible writers prophesied!

This is the most serious time in human history, and you are living in this time of change. “The world is passing away,” the Bible says, but those who do ‘the will of God will remain forever.’ (1 John 2:17) Your studying the Bible is to equip you to learn that will of God so you can do it. Yes, there is a purpose behind this study; there is a future attached to it…

In view of the short time left in which to do their work, Jehovah’s witnesses do not continue to study the Bible with any who fail to respond to its urgent message within six months. The nearness of this system’s end compels them to use their time in the most effective way possible. So they feel obligated to spend their time calling on someone else who might respond by attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and by speaking to others about the Bible truths learned. Thus it may be that if you have not as yet responded by even becoming a regular attender at some of the congregation meetings, the one who is studying the Bible with you may cancel that study arrangement in order to give his time to someone else. This arrangement is not meant to be harsh, but the urgency of the times in which we live demands it. There are millions of persons who need spiritual help and God’s servants want to reach all they possibly can.

We, therefore, urge you to consider very carefully your position. You have embarked on a course of study that has opened up to you the magnificent opportunity of life forever in eternal happiness. (John 17:3) If you love God and appreciate his provision for eternal life, do not turn your back on it. Realize that God has shown great consideration for you by making it possible for someone to come to your home to help you learn His will and purposes. Respond to his divine love by deciding now to do his will, along with the entire association of those who are serving God “with spirit and truth.”–John 4:23, 24.

The May 1969 KM followed this up with the article “Have You Studied with Them for Six Months?” (p. 3). It instructed publishers who had been studying the Truth book with new ones for more than six months to evaluate how the student was doing. After considering a few negative specifics, it asked whether the student fit them and said:

If so, the fact that the book has not been completed is not a sound reason for spending more than six months with such a person who lacks appreciation. It might be better to go to chapter fourteen, if this has not yet been studied; study it together and then terminate the study if the householder is not taking any positive action to associate regularly with the congregation… Has the student begun to associate with the local congregation in a meaningful way? … Has the householder demonstrated that he is taking the truth to heart and has set his mind on serving Jehovah? How? If he formerly had images around the house, have these been removed? …If positive action is not being taken by the householder, it is likely that the study should not be continued… If you are planning to discontinue a particular study, it might be well to spend one or two study periods with the student having a heart-to-heart discussion about the things that have been learned and their significance and the urgency of the times, rather than going ahead with a regular study of additional material… there is an urgency about our work and we have a responsibility before God to use our time to aid persons who truly want to serve him… We appreciate the urgency of the work we are doing. When individuals show by their actions that they want to do Jehovah’s will, we will continue to aid them. Where substantial progress is not seen, then, rather than continuing the study, we do well to spend that time each week trying to find and help someone who is sincerely interested in doing something about the truth.

In the March 1969 KM insert (p. 6) the Society urged new ones to begin sharing in field service:

Remember that Jehovah’s organization in heaven and on earth backs up those who serve Jehovah by proclaiming the “good news.” (Rev. 14:6, 7) We recognize, as you do, that we are deep into the “time of the end.” There is little time left for this old system of things.

The sense of urgency was effective in getting some students to make a decision. The June 1, 1969 Watchtower (p. 347) said:

Even folks who studied the Bible with the Witnesses for years without acting on what they learned are now taking a decisive stand to serve Jehovah. One family in the southern United States who had studied with the Witnesses for three years had done very little about what they had learned. But when they were told about the new six-month Bible-study arrangement, they were visibly touched. Now for the first time a real sense of urgency struck them. They could not bear the thought of having all connections with Jehovah’s people severed. So they sent a letter of withdrawal to the Baptist church because they knew that they were not being taught the Bible’s truth there. They began attending all the Bible meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses and sharing with others the things they learned.

The lead article “Time Left Is Reduced” in the October 1969 KM again continued the sense of urgency (p. 1):

Time is passing by quickly, isn’t it? Just think, each passing day draws us one day closer to the end of this wicked system of things and one day closer to the time when the peace of a thousand years will begin.

The letter from the Brooklyn Branch Office, “Dear Kingdom Publishers”, in the December 1969 KM said (p. 1):

We are very thankful to Jehovah that he is giving such increases and gathering so many sheeplike persons in these “last days.” … We hope there will be a large number of new publishers joining with us in the service during December and on into 1970. Indeed, we have good reasons to hold our heads up high as we see our deliverance drawing near.

Ironically, the lead article “Faith Builders at Work” in the December 1969 KM said:

If ever there was a need for faith building it is now. It makes one sorry to see so many people, young and old, with no faith in God and no hope for the future. Expectations built up by the false promises of secular and religious leaders have been postponed so many times that the hearts of the people in general are sick. But as the apostle Paul explained, “faith is not a possession of all people.” It is, though, of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. We have confidence in the sure promises of the Word of God.–2 Thess. 3:2.

The 1970 Yearbook (p. 34) stressed the urgency of the times:

Jehovah’s witnesses feel the urgency of getting this work done under Jehovah God’s guidance. They feel the time is near at hand for the end of this wicked system of things.

The “Question Box” in the February 1970 KM (p. 4) asked the question, “How should we go about terminating unfruitful Bible studies?” and answered:

This is a question that we ought to consider if any of our present studies have been in progress for approximately six months. Are they coming to the congregation meetings as yet, and are they beginning to make their lives over in harmony with what they have learned from God’s Word? If so, we want to continue to help them. But, if not, it may be that we could accomplish more good with our time by using it to witness to others.

If you realize that you should terminate a particular study, discuss it with the householder in a kindly way. Let him know that you have counted it a privilege to share with him what the Bible says, but remind him that it is a six-month free study course that we offer. Now it is up to him to decide what he will do about what he has learned and to take the initiative to follow through.–Josh. 24:14, 15.

Emphasize the urgency of the times and explain that we want to give others the same opportunity to learn the truth and take their stand on Jehovah’s side.–Zeph. 2:3.

Explain to the householder that you will be available and that if he wants to get in touch with you you will be glad to help him spiritually. Encourage him to think seriously about the course he should take in order to please Jehovah and to pray about it. Urge him to come to the meetings, and let him know that if he really decides to serve Jehovah and regularly associates with the congregation, you will be glad to resume the study, using more advanced material to help him progress to maturity.

The March 1970 KM reported on how well publishers were doing in dropping unproductive bible students. The article “Become ‘Intensely Occupied with the Word’” in the “Presenting the Good News” section said (p. 4):

A little over a year ago we were introduced to the six-month home Bible-study program. We immediately grasped that this would be an additional effective method to help get the work done in the short time remaining.

Now reports from the field show that Bible studies are being discontinued as publishers realize that the student is not making progress. This is entirely proper. There is no reason to spend our time with those who obviously are not really interested in doing something about the truths they are learning. Some publishers still ask, “How can I know whether to discontinue the study when they appear to be interested and still are glad to have me come?” The answer is that we discontinue studies when it is apparent that there is not the appreciation for the truth that there should be. There might be interest in continuing to take in knowledge. But is there appreciation for the knowledge already taken in? Appreciation for Jehovah and the truth is demonstrated by deeds…

Apparently the matter is being taken seriously by the brothers, because circuit servant reports show that many publishers unhesitatingly discontinue studies when the time comes to do so.

In view of the above information from various Society publications — from The Watchtower, Awake!, Kingdom Ministry, Yearbooks and from various books and booklets that have not been quoted here — it does no good for any of Jehovah’s Witnesses to try to say that the Society never encouraged belief that 1975 would bring Armageddon. It is a documented fact that they did.

The Society itself candidly acknowledged some responsibility for the hopes raised by the 1975 expectation. The 1980 Yearbook, on pages 30-31, mentioned a talk given at the 1979 District Conventions, by the title of “Choosing the Best Way of Life.” The talk “acknowledged the Society’s responsibility for some of the disappointment a number felt regarding 1975.” What did this talk say?

The March 15, 1980 Watchtower article “Choosing the Best Way of Life” contains, on pages 17-18, a partial text of the talk. It said:

In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man’s existence, considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated.

In its issue of July 15, 1976, The Watchtower, commenting on the inadvisability of setting our sights on a certain date, stated: “If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises.” In saying “anyone,” The Watchtower included all disappointed ones of Jehovah’s Witnesses, hence including persons having to do with the publication of the information that contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date.

In this case the “wrong premises” were entirely given to the community of Jehovah’s Witnesses by the Society itself, in particular by “persons having to do with the publication of the information that contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged by the Watchtower Society not to be bothered by the various false predictions it has made. Over the years a number of excuses and minimizations have been published. Note what the above-mentioned 1980 Watchtower went on to say:

Nevertheless, there is no reason for us to be shaken in faith in God’s promises. Rather, as a consequence, we are all moved to make a closer examination of the Scriptures regarding this matter of a day of judgment. In doing so, we find that the important thing is not the date. What is important is our keeping ever in mind that there is such a day — and it is getting closer and it will require an accounting on the part of all of us. Peter said that Christians should rightly be “awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Pet. 3:12) It is not a certain date ahead; it is day-to-day living on the part of the Christian that is important. He must not live a single day without having in mind that he is under Jehovah’s loving care and direction and must submit himself thereto, keeping also in mind that he must account for his acts.

In conclusion I will again point out the irony in what the above-quoted December 1969 KM said:

Expectations built up by the false promises of secular and religious leaders have been postponed so many times that the hearts of the people in general are sick.

The October 8, 1968 Awake! (p. 23) also ironically spoke about the Society’s contention that the Bible indicates we are living in the last days. It emphasized that those who falsely predicted the end of the world were false prophets:

Still some persons may say: “How can you be sure? Maybe it is later than many people think. But maybe it is not as late as some persons claim. People have been mistaken about these prophecies before.”…. True, there have been those in times past who predicted an “end to the world,” even announcing a specific date…. Yet, nothing happened. The “end” did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? Missing was the full measure of evidence required in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Missing from such people were God’s truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them.

With regard to misrepresentations, and particularly those of the Bible, the 1974 book Is This Life All There Is? said (p. 46), without regard for the motives of the misrepresenter:

Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself “the God of truth” and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood. (Psalm 31:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21: And, really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?

http://corior.blogspot.com/2006/02/1975-new-info.html 

1975

What Happened in 1975?

“One thing is absolutely certain, Bible chronology reinforced with fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that six thousand years of man’s existence will soon be up, yes, within this generation! (Matt. 24:34) This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that “concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36) To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. Make no mistake, it is sufficient that the Father himself knows both the “day and hour”!” - The Watchtower, “Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?”, August 15, 1968