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MODEL STUDY
MODEL STUDY
OF VITAL BIBLE QUESTIONS
COPYRIGHT, 1937
AND PUBLISHED B Y
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TOWER
B I B L E AND T R A C T S O C I E T Y
Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A.
Made in the United States of America
MODEL STUDY
QUESTIONS A N D ANSWERS
ON THE BOOKLET
U N C O V E R E D
Phonograph Lecture No. P-61-A "Exposed"
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kindness to show anyone .lie t r u t h concerning " p u r gatory". The Holy Scriptures give the true and satisfying comfort, because Jehovah God is the " G o d
of all comfort; who comforteth us i n all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are
i n any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God". See 2 Corinthians 1 : 3 , 4 ;
Romans 15: 4.
Q. F r o m what is i t that "the t r u t h shall make
you free"?John 8: 32. (Page 7 fi2)
A . Free from error and falsehoods and from the
religious traditions of imperfect men which are contrary to God's W o r d and commandments; and free
from the fear and mental suffering and material losses
which such deceptions cause the deceived ones; and
free from Satan's fraudulent and oppressive organization and from its sins.John 8 : 3 4 ; Romans 8: 2 ;
2 Timothy 2:25, 26; Romans 6:18, 22.
Q. Page 8, paragraph 1, says: " N o one needs to
have some person interpret the Bible for him, because
the Scriptures are not of private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20) " I n studying this booklet are we not having
its author, Judge Rutherford, interpret the Scriptures
for us privately and accepting his private interpretation ?
A . No. Judge Rutherford is not attempting any
private interpretation in this booklet, but he follows
the divine rule set forth at 1 Corinthians 2: 13 (Douay
Version): '' comparing spiritual things with s p i r i t u a l , ' '
and thus letting God be the interpreter by His own
Scriptures. Judge Rutherford shows where the wellknown facts fit the Scriptures or where the Scriptures
are fulfilled by the physical facts which God has caused
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Q. Does not the fact that "the Fathers of Christendom" taught the doctrine of " p u r g a t o r y " prove
that i t is true? (Page 12 fil)
A . N o ; for the same reason that what ' a l l the
scribes and Pharisees' taught was not therefore true,
but contrary to Scriptures. Besides, many of the early
Christian " f a t h e r s " d i d not teach the doctrine of
" p u r g a t o r y " . The Catholic Hierarchy excludes their
testimony. (See questions and answers on the subject
of tradition, already considered.)
Q. Does not 2 Thessalonians 2: 15 (Douay, 14)
and 3: 6 show that Paul received and handed on
"traditions"? (Page 13 ffl)
A . Paul refers to written and unwritten " t r a d i tions". Doubtless the unwritten ones were i n entire
harmony with those written, and of which we have
a record. Paul's responsibility toward the churches
made i t proper that he should issue certain instructions and that these should be observed. There is here
no reference to anything like " p u r g a t o r y " or other
teachings i n direct contradiction of the W o r d of God.
(Matthew 15:1-6) Paul's teaching was not received
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you that follow that which is just, and you that seek
the L o r d : look unto the ROCK whence you are hewn."
I n the Hebrew or original text of the Bible the
word tsur means rock, and is so translated i n Deuteronomy 8: 15; 32:13; 2 Kings 2 1 : 1 0 ; 1 Paralipomenon 11: 15; Isaiah 8: 14; 4 2 : 1 1 , of Douay Version. This same Hebrew word for rock, tsur, is applied
to Jehovah God at Deuteronomy 3 2 : 4 , 1 5 , 1 8 , 3 1 ;
'1 Kings 2 : 2 (1 Samuel 2: 2, Authorized
Version);
Psalm 6 1 : 2 , 3 (62:1,2, 1 . 7 . ) ; Isaiah 2 6 : 4 ; and
many other scriptures. This is clearly shown by the
Authorized Version translation, and particularly the
American Revised Version, as quoted by Judge Rutherford, and which renders the word tsur as " r o c k "
where i t applies to Jehovah God. The Hebrew word
"selah" means " r o c k " or a lofty crag or cliff, and
is applied also to Jehovah. See Psalms 17: 2, 3 (18: 2, 3,
A.It.V.) ; 30:4 (31: 3) ; 4 1 : 10 (42:9) ; 70: 3 ( 7 1 : 3 ) .
The symbolic thought of " r o c k " is 'strength', as of
a strong foundation.
Q. W i t h regard to Matthew 16:19, addressed to
Peter, the like words are addressed to Jesus' disciples, at Matthew 18:1,18, to wit, " V e r i l y I say
unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall
be bound i n heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed i n heaven." What does this
tend to show? (Page 23 ffl)
A . This, to wit, that there was no church supremacy intended for Peter i n what Jesus said to him at
Matthew 16:17-19, but that the other apostles shared
with h i m in the privilege of binding and loosing. (See
page 17 ffl, 2 of this booklet.) The verse just preceding,
to wit, Matthew 18: 17, shows that the entire Chris-
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which is joined to him i n devotion and which is symbolized i n Scripture by a pure woman, and from
which pure organization Jehovah God brings forth
his Seed, the woman's seed, the Christ. I t is this Seed
that is designated i n other Scriptures under the symbolism of a "stone" or " r o c k " . Compare Revelation
(or Apocalypse) 12:1-5.
Q. I n Daniel 2: 34, 35, what is the mountain out
of which there is cut the "stone", which symbolizes
God's kingdom, of which Christ Jesus is K i n g and
Head? (Page 24 ffl)
A . The mountain pictures the same as "the woma n " mentioned i n Genesis 3:15, to wit, God's universal organization, out of which he carves or brings forth
his chief organization or capital organization, " t h e
kingdom of heaven," of which Christ Jesus is the
chief one and his faithful followers are the members.
That capital organization is called Zion, i n the Scriptures, and is thus named after its mother organization,
the symbolic " m o u n t a i n " . The "stone", cut out of
the mountain, is, i n the original Hebrew text, the
same word (eben) as that occurring in Psalm 118 : 22,
which text Jesus applied to himself as the stone (Matthew 21: 42, 44), and as occurring i n Isaiah 8: 14 and
28: 16, which texts both the apostle Paul and the
apostle Peter apply unto Christ Jesus, the K i n g .
(Romans 9: 33; 1 Peter 2: 6-8) Also Zechariah 3: 9;
4:7. This "stone" also becomes a "great mountain",
symbolic of God's kingdom under Christ, and which
fills the whole earth with its control.
Phonograph Lecture No. P-68-H "Exposed"
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church is founded and built and rests. Is this Scripturally correct? (Page 28 ffl)
A . No. A l l scriptures pertaining to the subject
mention and allow for only the one Foundation,
Christ Jesus himself, whom Jehovah God has laid.
Christ Jesus the Son of man d i d not presume to lay
any other foundation. F i r s t Corinthians 3 : 1 1 states:
" F o r other foundation can no man lay than that is
laid, which is Jesus C h r i s t " ; and 1:11-13 and 3: 3-5
show that the apostle Paul was certainly not t r y i n g
to lay Peter also as a foundation, a secondary one
upon Christ Jesus. See also Psalm 118:22; Isaiah
2 8 : 1 6 ; Zechariah 3: 8, 9; 4: 7; Romans 9: 33; Ephesians 2: 20-22; 5: 23; 1 Peter 2: 6-8. The Revelation
(Apocalypse) 21:14 says that i n the foundations of
the New Jerusalem are written the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb; the name of Peter is not given
supreme, singular or exclusive mention above that
of the other apostles. Contrary to Peter's own statement at Acts 4:8-12, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy
claim that there is another name under heaven whereby men must be saved, besides Christ's name, to w i t ,
Peter's, as being another foundation. As further evidence against this see Colossians 2: 6-8 and 1 Timothy 2: 5.
Phonograph Lecture No. P-69-I "Exposed"
Q. Who is referred to as the Rock i n Peter's epistles as well as i n Paul's? (Page 28 ff2; page 29 ffl)
A . The L o r d Jesus Christ alone is designated the
Rock i n all cases where that term is specifically applied.1 Corinthians 1 0 : 4 ; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter
2:6-8.
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he did not mean that his disciples could ask for anything under the sun. He plainly stated the condition
upon which they might receive whatsoever they asked,
and that was, 'if my word abide i n you, and ye abide
i n me.'Matthew 2 1 : 2 2 ; John 14:13; 15:7.
Q. What is the Roman Hierarchy's claim regarding the keys and the power of the popes? (Page 34
P ; page 35 HI)
A . That the pope may admit or exclude from
heaven whomever he pleases, and that he may remit
the temporal punishment due to sins by means of i n dulgences.The Faith of Our Fathers, pages 100,101.
Phonograph Lecture No. P-71-K "Exposed"
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all nations (Matthew 2 4 : 1 4 ; Isaiah 6 2 : 1 0 ; Jeremiah 5 0 : 2 ; Psalms 19: 7; 51: 12,13) and give warning that the wicked world shall be destroyed (Psalm
2: 8, 9) but they themselves be not entangled again
i n the pollutions of the world.2 Peter 2: 20-22.
The church must always be separate from the
world and its politics, which are unclean.John
15: 19; Isaiah 52: 1 1 ; 2 Corinthians 6: 17.
Q. How can i t be claimed that the Jesuits of the
Roman Catholic Church rule Germany, when the pope
and H i t l e r have been fighting each other? (Page 40 fll)
A . The Devil's whole outfit is tottering to the fall
foretold by the Lord. (Isaiah 28:8,13,18,21,22;
Psalms 2:1-5; 9:17; Isaiah 8:9,10) The rulers of
Satan's great political and religious organization
rage and quarrel amongst themselves but are i n f u l l
agreement to destroy all who serve Jehovah. Jesuits
operate i n an underground way, even though their
Jesuit Society may be forbidden i n a country.
Phonograph Lecture No. P-73-M "Exposed"
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Q. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its supporters claim to be persecuted. How distinguish between the "persecution" of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy supporters and that of Jehovah's witnesses?
(Page 56 ffl)
A . Jesus said, "Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake . . . Blessed are ye when
they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak
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oners from the prison, and them that sit i n darkness
out of the prison house. "Isaiah 42: 7.
Q. I f a Catholic's refusal to listen to or read the
t r u t h is the result of his priest's instructions, does
that excuse him? (Page 61 ffl)
A . Although the priest would have the greater
responsibility, the individual following his lead would
not be without responsibility in the matter. God's
W o r d instructs the Christian to "prove all things;
hold fast that which is good". Ezekiel states that i f
a watchman fails to give the warning, he would be
held accountable, but the one who failed to hear (or
heed the warning i f given) would suffer also. I f a
blind man follows a blind leader, both leader and
follower come to grief. Exclusive confidence may
never be placed i n men. Leaders should be willing
to give credentials. Those that do not are properly
rejected.1 Thessalonians 5 : 2 1 ; Ezekiel 3 3 : 5 , 6 ;
Matthew 15:14; Jeremiah 17: 5; 1 Peter 3 : 1 5 ; Isaiah 9:16.
Q. What advantage comes to those who study the
t r u t h for themselves? (Page 61 ffl)
A . They have confidence that they are right, and
are delivered from fear. (Psalm 34: 22; Hebrews
13: 6) They may have the assurance of Jehovah's
protection i n the approaching day of his anger upon
the world.Zephaniah 2: 2, 3; Proverbs 14:15; 2 2 : 3 ;
27: 12.
QUESTIONS A N D ANSWERS
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P R O T E C T I O N
Phonograph Lecture No. P-79-A "Religion and Christianity"
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to provide safety and salvation (presumably to heaven) by other than Jehovah's provided way.Genesis
11: 1-4.
Q. D i d Jehovah's confusing the tongues of the
builders of Babel break up religion? (Page 12 fl2)
A . That was not Jehovah's purpose. B u t i t d i d
bring Jehovah's name and supremacy to the fore lest
men should forget his name and power, and i t showed
that he was against religion, and against one central
government on earth under one religious head and
which government would exercise a world-wide tyranny i n defiance of Jehovah God and against mankind's interests.
Q. How can God's confusing the tongues at Babel
be harmonized with 1 Corinthians 14:33, that God
is not the author of confusion? (Page 14 HI)
A . B y their course of action the builders of Babel
showed they were God's enemies, defying and bringing reproach upon his name. Hence Jehovah confused
them and blocked their selfish purpose, as a demonstration of his almighty power and for a vindication
of his name and for the good of obedient creatures.
However, Jehovah does not confuse those within his
organization, but blesses the faithful with peace, "as
in all [the] churches of the saints."1 Corinthians
14:33.
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Q. W h y d i d the Jewish clergy hate Jesus and persecute him? (Page 20 ffl)
A . The clergy hated Jesus and tried to k i l l him
because he told God's t r u t h and exposed their hypocrisy and deceit. They used " r e l i g i o n " as a cloak for
their greed, and Jesus tore away the disguise.Matthew 23:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 2 : 5 ; Isaiah 29: 13.
Q. W h y did Jesus say that the clergy were of
their father, the Devil? (Page 21 ff2)
A . He told them this because they were such i n
spirit, though according to the flesh, or naturally,
they were Abraham's seed. As Satan misrepresented
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A . The word 'Churchianity' resembles 'Christiani t y ' although i t means the vei*y opposite. Webster's
1935 New International Dictionary first uses this unscriptural word which has reference to the system of
church organizations that cover the earth today but
which are not "the church of the living God". (1 Timothy 3: 15) Churchianity is the result of a falling away
which began even while some of the apostles were still
alive (1 John 2 : 1 8 ) , men setting up their own teachers (2 Timothy 4: 3), not having the spirit of Christ
(Romans 8: 9), whose sacrifices were, and are, an
abomination to the Lord. (Isaiah 6 6 : 3 , 4 ) Who have
become entirely blind to the t r u t h (Isaiah 56: 10),
w i t h the result that "gross darkness" is upon the
people today.Isaiah 60: 2.
Q. I n the parable spoken by Jesus, do the words
" I am the vine; ye are the branches" (John 1 5 : 5 )
show that there would be amongst men many church
organizations which would be the means or channels
of salvation? (Page 29 ffl)
A . No, the branches are a picture of the individual members of the body of the one true church, the
head of which is Christ, and such branches are known
by their fruits. (Matthew 7 : 1 6 ) Every branch that
fails to bring forth good f r u i t suffers destruction.
John 15: 6; James 3:12.
Q. W h a t is man-made doctrine? and what is formalism? (Page 29 ffl)
A . " P u r g a t o r y " is one of the best examples of
man-made doctrine; invented by men and not based
on Bible. Formalism is applicable to all the routine
practices indulged i n throughout the so-called "Christian churches" i n particular. One example might be
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Q. What has been the Devil's method of contaminating sincere persons at all times? (Page 31 fir)
A . Religious leaders generally have said, " W e
are the only ones who can understand the Bible, and
i f you want to know anything about i t , ask us." I n
this way they have been able to mix i n some t r u t h
with their lies, thus blinding humble seekers after
truth and t u r n i n g them away from God. The same
applies regarding the Talmud i n the Jewish religion.
(2 Corinthians 11: 13-15) When, to prove God a liar,
Satan tempted Jesus by misapplying scripture, Jesus
adhered to the Scriptures, replying w i t h the words
" I t is written".Matthew 4:4-10.
Q. Is i t true the Catholic priests " w i t h h o l d the
Bible from the people"? (Page 31 fll)
A . I t is common knowledge that few Catholics
have a Bible, many have never even seen one, and
that the prayer books and catechisms are put forward
to take the place of the Bible. The Douay Bible endorsed by that organization is usually sold at a prohibitive price, discouraging the poor from obtaining
one. Catholics often, when asked " D o you have a
Bible?" say " Y e s " , and bring out a prayer book.
Colporteurs of the American Bible Society were ar-
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Q. Does the Bible speak of a "capital organizat i o n " of God? (Page 34 fll)
A . Not i n just those words; but that organization
may properly be called capital because i t is Jehovah's
organization that is highest and head over all other
parts of his universal organization. This is due to
the fact that Jehovah has exalted Jesus far above
all other creatures and unites with Jesus and under
Jesus 144,000 of his footstep followers who prove
faithful unto death. Jesus is Head or Chief over them.
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Q. Docs not the fact that the persecution of Jehovah's witnesses now is condoned and backed up by
courts of law prove that Jehovah's witnesses are not
really being persecuted for righteousness sake? (Page
49 P )
A . N o ; for also i n the ease of Jesus Christ and
the apostles and early disciples the religionists got
the courts to carry out their w i l l . The same is done
w i t h Jehovah's witnesses today. Jesus was given a
" t r i a l " , and so were several of the apostles, but these
trials were a farce and perjured witnesses gave testimony against those arrested. I n the case of Daniel
they could think of no charge that would "get h i m " ,
so they framed a law with the express object of making his arrest and execution "legal".John 18: 28-30;
Matthew 26:59-62; Acts 4:15-18; 5:27-42; Daniel
6: 4-13; Psalm 94:20.
Q. When Jesus said "the scribes and the Pharisees sit i n Moses' seat", did that mean that they had
been charged with the obligation of teaching the Jewish people? (Page 49 fl2)
A . Those of the scribes and Pharisees that were
Levites were under obligation to teach the people.
Apparently, however, many of them were not Levites,
but had assumed a position of leadership, and were
therefore i n an implied covenant to instruct the people. (Deuteronomy 33: 8-10) Jesus said, 'Whatsoever,
therefore, they bid you observe, observe and do; but
do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.'
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A . The term " C h r i s t i a n " or " C h r i s t i a n s " is
found but three times i n the Bible, and appears to
have been applied by nonbclievers to the followers
of Christ. I t dees not necessarily and strictly apply
merely to the members of the body of Christ, but to
all believers i n Christ who show their belief by consecration, faith and obedience, regardless of whether
they w i l l be i n heaven or on earth.Matthew 5: 6,
8,10,12.
I n this study of the booklet Protection the terms
" C h r i s t i a n " and " C h r i s t i a n i t y " are used i n contrast
to " r e l i g i o n i s t " and " r e l i g i o n " . Hence the term
" C h r i s t i a n " properly applies to anyone who is a
believer i n and sincere servant of God through Christ.