The Presence of the Son of Man
Jehovah’s Witnesses strongly believe that the Kingdom of Heaven was established by God in 1914. They tell that Jesus started to become king and can see now his invisible presence on earth and leading the work about the Kingdom of God. However, many religionists or religious sects strongly disapprove this truth. I, as a Bible study student with a JW, have studied this and have found out the truthfulness of this doctrine. In this essay, I will show you some proofs that I used on my personal study which I found useful in witnessing and which can be found in every Bible versions.
In Luke 17:22 it states that one of the days of the son of man will be wanted to see by the apostles of Jesus.
Luke 17:22 ‘Then he said to the disciples, “The time will come when you will wish you could see ONE OF THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN, but you will not see it.” – TEV
What would this indicate? We know that when a person lose or suffered from a pain because of problems he encountered there would come a time that he would surpass it and tell to himself and others “It’s my day finally” or “tomorrow will be my day again” or a friend can tell him “don’t worry your good day will come” or “don’t worry tomorrow you will have a good day again.” Thus a day could symbolize as a good happening for a person. These indicate that a day for a person is a day for his triumph or victory or regain in his life. Now in relating it to Jesus, he was once turned down by the Jews through insulting and killing him. The day of his death was really a painful one. Indeed, before he died he uttered to his Father “My God, My God, why did you abandon me?” (Matthew 27:46) But Jesus told to his apostles in Luke 17:22 that even his early apostles would have wanted to see one of the days of the son of man but they will never see it. He said it because that time is not yet to come on their time. Early Christians before have all died and he told them too not to be in those who are saying that the Christ has come. The days of the son of man literally refers on his starts of reigning as King, being the chosen and appointed one in leading the kingdom of God. Thus, most of the Christians before when Jesus told that words did not come to see his days beginning of the time he became King in heaven. Of course those who have heavenly hope will be resurrected on that time and will see the days of the son of man in heaven but not on the day he became King because resurrection for heavenly hope happens after Jesus had the authority in heaven and that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth. However, those who have earthly hope who died before will not be able to see that days of Jesus but they will be able to see the days of the reigning of Jesus in his millenial reign because they will be resurrected on earth. The presence of Jesus can be seen on earth now because the ministering or preaching of the word of God or the good news of the Kingdom of God are now growing and growing around the world. This proves the prophecy of Matthew 24:14 that the good news will be proclaimed throughout the world in the last days before the end of time comes. No religion in the world is as well organized and systematic as the Jehovah’s Witnesses are. Throughout the world the Kingdom halls are preaching the same biblical topics and subjects in different languages through their watchtower magazines. And the topics are really helpful in today’s life. The brothers and sisters can give their uplifting and encouraging comments which are very beneficial to the hearers or visitors. Elders and the ministerial servants of the congregations are not being paid even a single amount unlike other religions wherein their speakers must be paid off for them to preach to their churches. I can see now how JWs are really following the steps of early Christians – that while they’re preaching they are working for their own and their family. This Christian’s way example was stated by Paul. What a very nice biblical practice of true Christians! Anyway, the days of the son of man in verse 22 of chapter 17 of Luke doesn’t mean of days after Jesus had resurrected because his apostles have seen his resurrection and stay on earth for 40 days but this are the days of Jesus of having the power and authority over the earth and in heaven. Basically, the power and authority in heaven on earth were given to him when he was resurrected but he had fulfilled it more when he became king in heaven as appointed by God.
Luke 17:24 “As the lightning flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.” - TEV
This shows that Jesus will be revealed just like a lightning from the east and will be shining toward the west. His day has finally come. As Jesus became the King in heaven, the truth had started to be seen by many people in the world. From a certain place, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are spreading now all over the world – Matthew 24:14. Jesus started to have authority over the nations. He was the one promised in Revelation that will rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Revelation 12:5 Then she gave birth to a son, who will rule over all nations with an iron rod. But the child was snatched away and taken to God and his throne. – TEV
The proof of this text can be read in Psalms 2:9 in which Jesus was described the one that will break all the nations of the earth with an iron rod. Please read also Psalms 2: 6 – 8 that proves Jesus is the appointed king by God in heaven. There is no one in the world that would fit to that position that could rule the earth. Only Jesus fits to that position. If not Jesus who is he? No one could rule the entire earth. No human could have a position like that and has appointed by God. ONLY JESUS CAN FULFILL THAT! Therefore, Jesus became king in heaven as appointed by God before Armageddon comes because he will rule all over the nations with an iron rod and that he will destroy all the kingdoms on earth – Daniel 2:44. And his rulership will be fulfilled more in 1000 years of reigning of Jesus together with the 144,000. The proof can be seen in Revelation 2: 27-28 “To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority THAT I RECEIVED FROM MY FATHER: I will give them authority over the nations, to rule them with an iron rod and to break them to pieces like clay pots. I will also give them the morning star.” – TEV
Another proof against trinity doctrine! “Received FROM MY FATHER” – meaning there is a giver and a receiver. Two separate individuals at the same time! Can Jesus call himself his Father also and received the message from himself also? That’s not possible. The underlined words that refer to 144,000 simply show that as they became kings on heaven together with Jesus they will also rule over the earth in 1000 years or in millennial reign of Jesus (Revelation 14:1, 3; 5:9, 10)
Now where is the proof that would link that the kingdom of heaven was established in 1914?
Luke 17:26 – 28 “As it was in the time of Noah so shall it be in the DAYS of the Son of Man.” 27 Everybody kept on eating and drinking and men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat and the flood came and killed them all. It will be as it was in the time of Lot. Everybody kept on eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.” – TEV
This verse shows that the days of Jesus would be the same just like of the days of Noah. As what I have said, the days of Jesus mentioned here are the days when he became king in heaven as appointed by Jehovah until his appearance on the Great Day of Jehovah (in Armageddon) when he will be judging all the nations. This doesn’t mean as simple as eating, marrying and doing other things. When Noah warned the people they didn’t listen to him but continue doing their evil works until the judgment of God came upon the wicked people. The same would happen in the days of Jesus or on HIS PRESENCE. People keep ignoring the Great Day of Jehovah and the truth about the word of God – 2 Peter 3:3 – 4. Notice the word used “DAYS of the Son” and not “day of the Son”. This would indicate something which would tell that the invisible presence of Jesus cannot be seen only in one day or in the Great Day of Jehovah or simply in Armageddon but rather signifies more days of his presence on earth before the final day of his appearance (not literally to be seen) on the Great Day of Jehovah. See also Matthew 24:37 – 39. Why did the Watchtower know that Jehovah will make a kingdom in heaven before Armageddon comes and that will end all the kingdoms on earth? The proof is in Daniel 2:44 “At the time of those rulers the God of heaven will establish a kingdom that will never end. It will never be conquered, but will completely destroy all empires and then last forever.” Who are those rulers mentioned here? Verse 43 mentioned them as the empire. They are the toes that are partly clay and iron which means part of the empire will be strong and part of it weak. The toes in the feet are 10 which denotes as the totality of a group. Thus these toes denotes also all the political government with their own powers and will try to intermarriage but will not be able to make any more than iron can mix with clay. From these verses in the Bible we can conclude that the empire will be divided as what also mentioned in the Bible. Today, there are nations who are leading high against other nations – showing their full powers over some nations. There are also strong nations and weak nations today in this world. So what made the Watchtower say that these toes are divided political nations? If we are going to read their book about the explanation of Revelation, one part of that book mention about the number 10 which is in the Bible. We can see that the number ten symbolizes for the totality of nations on earth with its people. The proofs in the Bible about the number ten as the wholeness or totality of something are in the following:
Exodus 34:28 And he continued there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights. He ate no bread and he drank no water. And he proceeded to write upon the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Words. – NWT
Matthew 25:1 “Then the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” – NWT
In this verse Jesus figuratively showed that the kingdom of heaven will be like that. The totality of invited people to be invited for the kingdom of God was 10 women but the other half did not act properly so when the bridegroom came they are not yet prepared. That what would happen to the remaining invited ones for the salvation of God who acted not properly and not READY and the time of the Son of Man came and they were rejected too for their salvation. They are ten virgins indicating that they are morally clean however they are not prepared of the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus) and so they were not approved for salvation. This calls the true Christians to be aware of the time of Great Day of Jehovah. True Christians should prepare now on the coming day of God! Zephaniah 2:3 reminds everyone to seek for righteousness and so HE MAY SURVIVE in the wrath of Jehovah. This tells us to be aware and think of the GREAT DAY OF JEHOVAH.
Revelation 13: 1And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.” – NASB
Daniel 7:7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
No person in this world or no association in this world would have authority over every tribe, nation, language and race. It will be fulfilled on the coming days which would relate to all nations or tribes. It is therefore to conclude that it is none other than the political government of every nation which will bring great tribulation to the whole mankind. The leaders of every nation will act as one and will give their authority to the beast with ten horns (all political government of nations). Who is this? Of course the actions of every government will be approved by their leaders which may be affected by their institutions that they belong and these political government will act against all the false religions or the Great Babylon and it is on the Great Tribulation but it is said in the Bible that the days will be shortened because if not, no one will survive – Matthew 24:22. Thus the fulfillment of Armageddon will come shortly after the Great Tribulation and God will save his people.
Another verse is this Zechariah 8:23 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”‘” – NASB
23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. – KJV
“This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with YOU people, for we have heard [that] God is with YOU people.”’” – NWT
Of course no one can have knowledge of many languages totaling only for ten men who speak all the languages of nations. Thus, this example of the number “ten” symbolize for totality of the whole.
Now why JW say that 1914 was the year when Jesus became King in heaven. The chronological dates in the Bible show it is in 1914 because of the verse in Daniel 4:10-16. Another proof shows that 1914 was the year (based on seven years in Daniel 4:10-16) when the Kingdom of heaven was established. First, the Watchtower considered the text in Ezekiel 21:25-27.
25 ‘You profane and wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, whose time of punishment has reached its climax, 26 this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low. 27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.’ – TNIV
25And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,
26Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.
27I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. – KJV
Below is a quote from Watchtower’s site about the year 1914 in the Appendix of “What Does the Bible Really Teach?”.
DECADES in advance, Bible students proclaimed that there would be significant developments in 1914. What were these, and what evidence points to 1914 as such an important year?
As recorded at Luke 21:24, Jesus said: “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nations [“the times of the Gentiles,” King James Version] are fulfilled.” Jerusalem had been the capital city of the Jewish nation—the seat of rulership of the line of kings from the house of King David. (Psalm 48:1, 2) However, these kings were unique among national leaders. They sat on “Jehovah’s throne” as representatives of God himself. (1 Chronicles 29:23) Jerusalem was thus a symbol of Jehovah’s rulership.
How and when, though, did God’s rulership begin to be “trampled on by the nations”? This happened in 607 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians. “Jehovah’s throne” became vacant, and the line of kings who descended from David was interrupted. (2 Kings 25:1-26) Would this ‘trampling’ go on forever? No, for the prophecy of Ezekiel said regarding Jerusalem’s last king, Zedekiah: “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. . . . It will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” (Ezekiel 21:26, 27) The one who has “the legal right” to the Davidic crown is Christ Jesus. (Luke 1:32, 33) So the ‘trampling’ would end when Jesus became King.
When would that grand event occur? Jesus showed that the Gentiles would rule for a fixed period of time. The account in Daniel chapter 4 holds the key to knowing how long that period would last. It relates a prophetic dream experienced by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He saw an immense tree that was chopped down. Its stump could not grow because it was banded with iron and copper. An angel declared: “Let seven times pass over it.”—Daniel 4:10-16.
In the Bible, trees are sometimes used to represent rulership. (Ezekiel 17:22-24; 31:2-5) So the chopping down of the symbolic tree represents how God’s rulership, as expressed through the kings at Jerusalem, would be interrupted. However, the vision served notice that this ‘trampling of Jerusalem’ would be temporary—a period of “seven times.” How long a period is that?
Revelation 12:6, 14 indicates that three and a half times equal “a thousand two hundred and sixty days.” “Seven times” would therefore last twice as long, or 2,520 days. But the Gentile nations did not stop ‘trampling’ on God’s rulership a mere 2,520 days after Jerusalem’s fall. Evidently, then, this prophecy covers a much longer period of time. On the basis of Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6, which speak of “a day for a year,” the “seven times” would cover 2,520 years.
The 2,520 years began in October 607 B.C.E., when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians and the Davidic king was taken off his throne. The period ended in October 1914. At that time, “the appointed times of the nations” ended, and Jesus Christ was installed as God’s heavenly King.*—Psalm 2:1-6; Daniel 7:13, 14.
Just as Jesus predicted, his “presence” as heavenly King has been marked by dramatic world developments—war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences. (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:11) Such developments bear powerful testimony to the fact that 1914 indeed marked the birth of God’s heavenly Kingdom and the beginning of “the last days” of this present wicked system of things.—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
* From October 607 B.C.E. to October 1 B.C.E. is 606 years. Since there is no zero year, from October 1 B.C.E. to October 1914 C.E. is 1,914 years. By adding 606 years and 1,914 years, we get 2,520 years. For information on Jerusalem’s fall in 607 B.C.E., see the article “Chronology” in Insight on the Scriptures, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. – end of quote
For better viewing of this article please see this link (http://www.watchtower.org/e/bh/appendix_10.htm
What is the proof of becoming king of Jesus in heaven in 1914? We must consider again the text in Luke 17:22 which I have discussed above. So by this verse, we can definitely know that the presence “parousia” of Jesus and not “coming of Jesus” should have written in the Bible. In fact his presence is manifested in the events mention in Matthew 24:3 – 27. “His presence” should be the term to use and not “his coming” which may lead to the thinking of the day of Armageddon. We can see that in Luke 17:22 the days of the Son are just like Noah’s days meaning there is a great warning before the judgment come. His days started during the last days where people are busy with their lives and not paying attention about the word of God also Jesus presence can be seen in the beginning of the last days or the sign of the last days. And this proves in Matthew 24:33 wherein Jesus was described as already in the doors indicating that his presence is already here.
33 “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” – KJV
The doors represent each house. Jesus is knocking on every door to accept the truth brought by the JW. Jesus had started to organize the preaching of the word of God throughout the world – Matthew 24:14. Angels have participation also. In fact angels are sent by God to help and protect God’s people – Psalms 34:7. The manifestation that Jesus is already on the doors would mean that his presence on earth can now be seen while there are distresses that are happening to earth now. These are great wars, calamities, earthquakes, starvation, plague, famine. However, a good sign of the last days is the preaching of the word of God throughout the world. No religion fulfills the preaching of the kingdom of God throughout the world. Only the Jehovah’s Witnesses fulfill it in 236 lands and territories and continue to grow widely in the world. It says that when these things can be seen, Jesus is already at doors. Thus his invisible presence on earth can be seen now.
Another manifestation that Jesus became king in heaven is when Satan and his demons were thrown down to earth – Revelation 12:7 – 10.
10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. – NASB
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down. – TNIV
The said text in the Bible really proves that Jesus became King in heaven and had received authority from Jehovah. In fact verse 8 shows that Satan and his demons have no longer way to stay in heaven. The Kingdom of God in Heaven was set after Satan and his demons were cast out from heaven and thrown down to earth.
“but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven.” – NWT
There was no place for them in heaven and they were thrown down to earth. What happened during 1914 and after this year? The world became worst. There were great wars all over the world. Actually the World War I began in August 1914 and the world became worst starting from 1914 until today. If we are going to go back in the stand of the Watchtower about the kingdom of heaven in 1914, we can see that on this year wherein the mark of date falls on October 1914 really shows that the Kingdom of heaven was established on that year because Satan and his demons were already thrown down to earth which caused the earth to become worst. Indeed, Revelation 12:12 says, “And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”
That is true because after Armageddon, Satan and his demons will be imprisoned into a pit until 1000 years passed and then will be released again and try to deceive the mankind for their final test.
The following are translation from the book of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the explanation of Daniel’s Prophecy (tagalog version)
The Kingdom of Heaven under the appointed King (Jesus) was built during the time of the last kings or rulers mention in Daniel 2:44. The giant statue denotes the consecutive kingdoms on earth that will rule the earth. The first empire was under Nebuchadnezzar and being the king of Babylonian from 607 B.C. then followed by the next empire; Medo-Persian from 539 B.C. Then it followed by the third empire that ruled the earth – the Greece from 333 B.C. and the fourth empire – the Rome from 30 B.C. The iron legs of the statue don’t only portray the Roman Empire but also the political powers which had emerged from it – the Britain. Britain before was in Northwest part of the Roman Empire. But in 1763, this had become Britain Empire – ruling seven oceans. In 1776, its 13 colonies in America have expressed their freedom to establish the United States of America. After this year, Britain and U.S.A. have been together in times of war and peace. Therefore, the combination of Anglo-American came out as the seventh kingdom or the 7th world empire in the prophecy of the Bible. It can be found also in Revelation 17:10 (I have added this sentence). Like the Roman Empire, it proven strong as iron which uses iron-like authority. Therefore, the iron legs in the dreams included the Roman Empire and the world power of Anglo-American. The toes – partly iron and partly clay denotes the final form of rulership that will emerge at the end of this present world. This is the power of all kings of the world that represent the ten toes. New Kingdom in Heaven have established before Armageddon comes and that this kingdom will destroy all the kingdoms on earth on the Great day of Jehovah – Daniel 2:44 (See the underlined and highlighted word above on that verse.)
What a big proof to all! See also this verse that Jehovah chosen Jesus to be his king to judge all the nations.
Psalms 110:1, 5 – 6 (it shows in these verses that through Jesus, Jehovah will judge all the nations and defeat kings all over the earth.)
1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. – KJV
This is also in relation to Psalm 2:6 – 9
6 [Saying:] “I, even I, have installed my king
Upon Zion, my holy mountain.”
7 Let me refer to the decree of Jehovah;
He has said to me: “You are my son;
I, today, I have become your father.
8 Ask of me, that I may give nations as your inheritance
And the ends of the earth as your own possession.
9 You will break them with an iron scepter,
As though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces.”
Another proof that Jesus presence is now seen on earth is in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:23 which can be seen in Revelation 6: 9 – 11 and Revelation 20:6. In these verses we can see that resurrection for heavenly life started to happen already thus the presence of Jesus is happening already and not in the coming Armageddon.
A PUBLIC CALL:
Moreover, take note of the verse in Matthew 24:34 which states that “this generation” will not pass (not ceased) until all these things will occur. Thus, the word “this generation” indicates a time when the prophecies are started to happen. These events that said to be occurred have started in 1914 when viewed as the last days and the presence of Jesus (Read Matthew 24:3) In this verse, the words suggest of the presence of Jesus and the conclusion of the present system of things. Note that Luke 17:22 shows the days of the Son of Man and it was fulfilled when he became King in heaven (Daniel 2:44 and Revelation 12:10). Since Jesus became king in heaven in 1914 therefore his presence has started already. Thus, the word “this generation” is identified as to the ones (especially those who are anointed Christians today who have seen the beginning of the last days) who have come in the year 1914 particularly in the World War 1 who are still alive today and some of them (from that generation) will be able to see the GREAT TRIBULATION. Note in the verse that “this generation” will not pass until all things happen thus, the generation of those who are alive in 1914 will not all passed away but will see the Great Tribulation. Thus, when a person was 2 years old in 1914 and is still alive today , he or she is 98 by 2010! How many years remaining for him to be alive to see the GREAT TRIBULATION? Thus, we have a few time left! We have to prepare and act now! Salvation is really near! I do agree with the JW about this truth. The Tagalog edition of the book “Reasoning From the Scriptures” on pp. 342 – 343 under the title subject about Dates and 1914, they do explain that the last generation of 1914 will not pass away until the prophesied events happens all. The last is the Great Tribulation which follows Armageddon eventually.
Zepahaniah 3: 12 And I shall certainly let remain in the midst of you a people humble and lowly, and they will actually take refuge in the name of Jehovah.
Please see this link for additional information about 1914.
http://fromthesunrising.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/the-chronological-dates-in-the-bible/
http://stuffofinteresttojws.blogspot.com/2010/12/year-1914-turning-point.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JehovahsWitnesses-LibraryHistoryLinksNewsVideos+%28Jehovah%27s+Witnesses+-+Library%2C+History%2C+Links%2C+News+%26+Videos%29&utm_content=FaceBook
http://stuffofinteresttojws.blogspot.com/2010/12/question-from-fan-generation-and-1914.html?showComment=1292726167229#comment-c7461029988108494820
http://stuffofinteresttojws.blogspot.com/search/label/%22This%20Generation%22
http://stuffofinteresttojws.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-generation.html
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