I would like to start by looking first at I Peter 1:24-25. It says the following in the New World Translation: For “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of grass; the grass becomes withered, and the flower falls off, but the saying of Jehovah endures forever.” Well, this is the “saying,” this which has been declared to YOU as good news.
Let’s take a few moments and examine these two verses. The author of this passage is attributed to Peter, who is identified in 1:1. However, this has disputed. Regardless, the context of the entire book is that it’s addressed to the early believers who are in Asia Minor (present day Turkey). They were enduring persecution. The simplistic meaning behind this passage is that things done or said by men is temporary, anything associated with God is eternal. This goes for the Word of God (the Bible), His attributes, to eternal security of salvation.
One would think that this organization’s material would have a longer life then what it actually does. This organization has claimed inspiration at times, hence the words of this organization should last forever. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. With that in mind, I’m going to bring forth some various statements by this organization through it’s history. This organization revises the text, slips it in, and doesn’t explain the reason why behind it at all. This can be a tedious task but it’s a fun one.
Studies in the Scriptures: Has the following quote:
Text version of Studies in the Scriptures, Volumes 1-7. Volumes 1-6 were written by Charles Taze Russell (1916 edition) and were originally entitled "Millennial Dawn." Earlier editions of volumes 1-6 contain significant differences. Predictions for the year 1914 were altered in the 1916 printing. Volume 7 is entitled "The Finished Mystery" and was written by G. Fisher and C. J. Woodworth (1918). These volumes were published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (now known as Jehovah's Witnesses). Text is in the public domain.
https://archive.org/details/StudiesInTheScripturesVolumes1-7
This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top seven inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”
Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898. p. 335, 336
So note it is only seven inches.
This south end wall of the “Grand Gallery” has a peculiarity also: it is not vertical, but leans northward-at the top 20 inches-and at its very top there is an opening or passageway connecting with the so-called “Construction Chambers” over the “King’s Chamber.”
Studies in the Scriptures 3-Thy Kingdom Come. 1898, 1911 ed. p. 335, 336
Somehow this monument that was during the time designed by Jehovah grew 13 inches somehow. It had to be Jehovah because Newton’s first law of motion (an object in motion/rest tends to stay that way).
Here's a video that depicts the quotes from above:
Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years AD. equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.
Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1904 ed. p. 342
Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years AD. equals 3457 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation — no, nor ever shall be afterward.
Studies in the Scriptures Volume III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1891, 1910 ed. p. 342
We call attention to a few slight changes which have been made in four pages of Vol. II. and six pages of Vol. III., "STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES." These are all trivial and do not alter the real sense and lesson, but conform to the facts as we have them today. The pages containing these corrections are as follows:
Vol. II., page 77, line 1, "will be the farthest limit," reads "will see the disintegration."
Vol. II., page 77, line 6, "will obtain full universal control," reads "will begin to assume control."
Vol. II., page 77, lines 16,17, "end of A.D. 1914," reads "end of the overthrow."
Vol. II., page 81, line 9, "can date only from A.D. 1914," reads "could not precede A.D. 1915."
Vol. II., page 170, line 16, "at that time they will all be overturned."*
*How long it will require to accomplish this overturning we are not informed, but have reason to believe the period will be short.
Vol. II., page 221, line 25, "full favor until A.D. 1914," reads "full favor until after 1915."
Vol. III., page 94, line 29, "in this end or harvest," reads "at the end of this harvest."
Vol. III., page 126, line 12, "at A.D. 1914," reads "after 1914."
Vol. III., page 133, line 21, "ere the harvest is fully ended."+
Vol. III., page 228, line 11, "some time before 1914," reads "very soon after 1914."
Vol. III., page 228, line 15, "just how long before," reads "just how long after."
Vol. III., page 362, line 11, "some time before," reads "some time near."
Vol. III., page 364, line 14, "must not only witness," reads "may not only witness.""
+The end of the harvest will probably include the burning of the tares.
The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. March 1, 1915 p. 5649
Take note that this Watch Tower spoke about changes.
We know nothing so good to give them as the six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, in our opinion they need no change nor alteration.
The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. November 1, 1915 Reprints p. 5794
Just eight months later, the Watch Tower didn’t need any change or alteration at all.
Just how long before 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished. With these two thought in mind, we can approximate the time of the deliverance.
Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908 p.228
Notice how the deliverance of saints was to take place within six years.
Just how long after 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished.
Studies in the Scriptures III-Thy Kingdom Come. 1908, 1915 ed. p.228
Contrasting this with the 1915 edition, the deliverance was to take place soon after.
Let’s look at the publication Watchtower Jesus would have inspected: The Finished Mystery.
Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.
The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 485
So what we have was in less than a year, Christendom as present day Jehovah’s Witnesses describe mainstream Christianity was to be destroyed.
Also, in the year 1918, when God begins to destroys the churches and the church members by millions it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity.
The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 485
Now from when the churches were to be destroyed, they were now only beginning to be destroyed. So what does that destruction look like now? Not saying that quantity is better than quality but today, mainstream Christianity is still far bigger in terms of size. Also, the organization is not undergoing the scrutiny that the organization is.
While the Temple is an architectural possibility, as shown in the accompanying illustration, (and may be erected at Jerusalem), it, in its various parts, surroundings, rites and worshippers, is a type and symbol of better ‘things to come', after the wars, revolutions and anarchy of the period from 1914 to 1925 have passed.
The Finished Mystery. 1917 p. 569
So here as I said recently, the organization has the affinity of dates. Let’s look a little bit more.
While the Temple is an architectural possibility, as shown in the accompanying illustration, (and may be erected at Jerusalem), it, in its various parts, surroundings, rites and worshippers, is a type and symbol of better ‘things to come', after the wars, revolutions and anarchy of the time of trouble have passed.
The Finished Mystery. 1917, 1926 ed. p. 569
So we go from having a date to an indefinite period.
Back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acherson declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence" And he warned: "I know enough of what is going on to assure you that, in fifteen years from today this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""
The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968. p.9
So from this quote, 1960 plus 15 years equals the year 1975. This is yet another time where the organization has a quote regarding 1975.
"Also, as reported back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, declared that our time is "a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence." Based on what he knew was then going on in the world, it was his conclusion that soon "this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.""
The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 1968, 1981 edition. p.9
So again, we have a case where we go from the organization having a definitive date to “soon.”
Let’s look a little more at the publication You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982 and the 1989 edition on page 179 you will see the following difference in paragraph 10:
In short, this is when the organization taught the resurrection of the Sodomites would occur in 1982 yet in 1989 they wouldn’t receive a resurrection.
I mentioned this recently, but it is pertinent for today.
He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12
Definite time given. The work still goes on.
He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our day.
(Bound volume and CD)
The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. January 1, 1989 p. 12
How long does “our day” last?
Here are some other publications that the organization has had one or more editions:
Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. 2001, 2012 printing.
The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s. 1989, 2006 printing.
Come Be My Follower. 2007, 2012 printing.
Draw Close to Jehovah. 2002, 2014 edition.
God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah. 2010. 2012 printing.
Harp of God. 1921, 1928 edition.
Keep Yourself in God’s Love. 2008, 2014 edition. 2015 printing.
Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969, 1985 edition.
Live With Jehovah’s Day in Mind. 2006, 2014 printing.
Make Sure of All Things. 1953, 1965 edition.
Qualified To Be Ministers. 1955, 1967 edition.
My Book of Bible Stories. 1978, 2004 editions.
Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! 1999, 2006 printing.
Pay Attention To Yourselves and To All The Flock. 1977, 1979, 1981, 1991 editions.
Reasoning From The Scriptures. 1985, 1989 edition.
Revelation! It’s Grand Climax At Hand. 1988. 2006 printing.
The following link has an indepth analysis: http://www.jwfacts.com/images/rev-bk-adjustment-comparison.pdf
Shepherd the Flock of God. 2010, 2012 online edition.
What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005. 2014 revision. Most likely has agreement with the revised version of the New World Translation.
Given the trend of having changes in later editions, what could possibly be contained within the various publications?
This is from the January 2015 Awake!
With this in mind, I started in the New World Translation, I would like to finish by looking back at some of the verses within the New World Translation itself.
John 17:3
This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.
New World Translation. 1984 edition.
This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
New World Translation. 2013 edition.
Colossians 1:16, 17
Because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all other things and by means of him all other things were made to exist,
New World Translation. 1950 p. 589
Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,
New World Translation. 1984 p. 1468
Because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all other things and by means of him all other things were made to exist,
New World Translation. 1984, 2006 printing p. 1469, 1470
Notice how the brackets were not originally used, then inserted in the 1984 edition. Today, the organization gives the appearance of the word “other” being included by again going to the old practice of removing the brackets yet again.
Hebrews 1:6
But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels worship him.”
New World Translation. 1950 p. 634 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1969 p. 964, 965
Within those pages, here is definitive proof that the organization was engaged in “creature worship” since the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society proclaims Jesus to be a created being.
Let’s contrast…
But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.”
New World Translation. 1984 p. 1490 and Kingdom Interlinear Translation. 1985 p. 948, 949
Obeisance is showing reverence but not full worship.
One significant passage that’s been removed is John 7:53-8:11. Prior editions of the New World Translation would at least state that this passage was not present in some of the oldest manuscripts of the Greek Scriptures/New Testament. However, they have been taken out completely.
With these changes in mind, it is quite obvious that the organization doesn’t fit with Malachi 3:6 which says the following, “For I am Jehovah; I have not changed.” The manuscripts that are the basis of all recognized translations have not changed (recognized being accepted and not attached to a particular group) yet the organization changes things in a short period of time. How about you place down the fallible reading material that changes on a whim and rely on the Word of God.