Bible Knowledge Blog

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - EFFECT ON OFFSPRING -Conclusion

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:11:44 +0000

However, it is one thing to make unintentional mistakes because of inherited sin, but entirely another matter deliberately to practice that one knows to be wrong. (1 John 5:16) If one is truly repent over mistakes, he can expect merciful forgiveness from God. (Proverbs 28:13) But he must be careful that, once he knows what is right, he does not deliberately choose to follow a course contrary to God's will. To do so would mean loss of God's favor and of life itself. - DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20; HEBREWS 10:26, 27.

Happily, Jehovah has made provision to save repentant ones from the bad effects of inherited sin and death. This grand relief will come through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Concerning this provision the Bible says: God has sent forth is only -begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him." (1 John4:9) So, in God's due time, under the Kingdom rule of his Son, inherited human perfection will gradually be taken away, and mankind will no longer feel the effects of Adam's sin. Why even the death we inherited from Adam will no longer have power over us! (Revelation21:3, 4) You can be the one to enjoy such blessings. How? By taking advantage of the provisions that Jehovah has made and proving your love for him, sincere love for him, by keeping his commandments. -ECCLESIASTES 12:133.

NOTE: Remember that Jehovah knows your heart, mind, soul and your very being. He sees everything. So, he will know if your heart is true and sincere towards him. Otherwise, you won't be blessed in that way.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Where Are the Dead?

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - EFFECT UPON OFFSPRING

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:06:29 +0000

But, since we today did not disobey that law in Eden, why is it that we also get sick and die? It is for this reason: All of Adam's offspring were born after this disobedience. This his offspring inherited sin and death from him. All men inherit imperfection, because all come from Adam and Eve. As the book of Job tells us: "Who can produce someone unclean? There is not one." (Job14:4) Also, at Romans 5:12 the Bible explains: "Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men." Just a perfect piece of machinery cannot be produced from an imperfect mold, so Adam and his imperfection could produce perfect children, free from sin. -PSALM 51:5 [50:7, Dy].

The effect of Adam and Eve's sin upon their offspring can be compared with what happened when people who ignore God's law and live immorally bring forth children. Such people may get diseased in the sex organs that God gave them to bring forth their children. The children of such "unclean" parents may be born physically or mentally damaged because of the sin their parents, So, too, our first parents became "unclean," imperfect and subject to sickness, and finally death. They could pass on their to their offspring only what themselves had: imperfection, with a future of sickness and death. That is why we all grow old and die, and we so easily do what is wrong.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - EFFECT UPON OFFSPRING - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE - Conclusion

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 06:40:20 +0000

By this lawless act they became guilty of sin, and so they brought up themselves the penalty of sin. (1 John 3:4) In considering the rightness of God's decision we should not make the mistake of judging the seriousness of what Adam and Eve did by the way many people view things in our time. Today disobedience to parents is common, often going unpunished. Stealing is also common, and many think that, if what is stolen is small, the theft does not matter much Rebellion and speaking against authority are likewise frequent today. But that does not make these things right! Much of the rotten fruitage we see today in the form of growing delinquency and crime is due to failure of parents and others in authority to correct matters at the start. - PROVERBS 13:24; ECCLESIASTES 8:11.

God was not going to encourage wrongdoing by a failure to enforce his own law. By their disobedience Adam and Eve showed a great lack of love for the One who had provided so wonderfully for them. They were guilty of stealing, because they took what their Creator said was not theirs. Still worse, the joined with God's enemy and, by their actions called God a liar. Jehovah owed it to himself and all his universal family to uphold the law. This, he did. As a result of their deliberate sin the lawless couple were driven out of Eden to die. - GENESIS 3:22-24.

The effect of sin upon them might be illustrated by happens to a piece of machinery what it used properly, according to the maker's instructions. The machine will develop weakness and, and in time, break down. Similarly, as result of ignoring the instructions of their Maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their minds and bodies began to break down, and finally ceased to function, in death. That is what disobedience and removal from God's favor meant for them. (Genesis3:16-19) After Adam had used up the tremendous vitality of his once-perfect body, he dies at the age of 930 years. This was within the symbolic "day" of one thousand years that had God had set. - GENESIS 5:5; 2 PETER 3:8.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - EFFECT UPON OFFSPRING

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:41:39 +0000

Why was the tree called "the tree of the knowledge of good and bad"? Because, as a result of God's command, it's fruit symbolized God's right to decide for his creatures what is "good" and what is "bad" for them. So, for the human pair to take of this fruit would mean that they were turning their backs on their heavenly Father and rejecting his divine guidance and perfect will. While simple, the test involved much. It involved man's dependence on his Creator and man's recognition of divine authority. Remember, too, that Jesus Christ applied to imperfect humans the rule that "the person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least in unrighteous also in much." (Luke 16:1) How much more did this apply to perfect creatures!

Why did Eve break God's law and eat of the fruit? The idea did not begin with her but was presented to her by a spirit creature using a lowly serpent through serpent through which to speak. That spirit creature, identified in the Bible as Satan the Devil, is therefore called "the original serpent." (Revelation 12:9) The invisible creature speaking through the serpent openly denied the truth of God's command that Eve quoted. He represented the tree's fruit as being unable to cause her to be like God, deciding for herself was "good" and what was "bad." Eve then began to view the fruit as very desirable and she disobeyed God by eating of it. Adam her husband, did not oppose her course but joined her in it. - GENESIS 3:1-6; JAMES 1:14, 15; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:3.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 08:12:07 +0000

When Jehovah created Adam and Eve, they became the earthly part of God's great family, which already included a great number of spirit creatures in the heavens, God was the Father of the human pair, since he had given them life. The gift of life, however, was conditional; that is, it would continue to be theirs only as long as they met the condition of loving obedience to their heavenly Father. Obedience to law is necessary to continue peace and good order, so they had to recognize God as their Supreme Ruler. Did they know this? Yes, because Jehovah placed upon thema test that emphasized the seriousness of obedience. He said to Adam: "From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree and life of knowledge of good and bad you must eat of it you will positively de." - GENESIS 2:16, 17.

The test of obedience was not a difficult one. They were not deprived of needed food, nor were they tested beyond their ability. However, their obedience would show that they appreciated that relationship with God. (1 John 5:3) Although some persons have the idea that the 'forbidden fruit' had to do with sex relations between man and woman, this was not the case. God himself had already told them to be "fruitful and become many and fill the earth." (Genesis 1:28) When God commanded them not eat the fruit pf a certain tree it merely meant that God singled out one of the many fruit trees of Eden and commanded the human pair not to eat of its fruit.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why We Grow Old and Die

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:23:02 +0000

Every normal person desires life with good health. We see relief from pain and suffering that disease brings and we long for some way to escape from the weakening effect old age has on our bodies. It hurts us, too, when we see those afflicted by these things. Because of this, many persons ask, "Was this part of God's original purpose? When God created man, was it his purpose that man should grow old, and become deaf or blind? Did he mean for man's skin to wrinkle with age, his heart to become diseased and his other organs to break down? Really, did God make man to die?"

No, Jehovah God did not create man for such a miserable future. The Bible tells us that Jehovah provided a lovely garden home for the first human pair. and he blessed them. Reviewing his creative work, God rightly declared it "very good." (Genesis 1:28, 31) This means that Adam and Eve were created perfect. without a defect in mind or body. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Proverbs 10:22) They had the prospect of living forever.

Interestingly, modern scientists know that the human body continually renews itself. And they say that under the right conditions, it is capable of living forever. A Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Linus Pauling, explained that man's body tissues replace themselves and theoretically, should continue to do so forever. Biochemist William Beck also observed: "I see no reason why death in the nature of things, need be inevitable." Yet, in spite of being so made, men continue to grow old and die. Why? God's Word the Bible gives us the satisfying answer.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - WORSHIPPING GOD "WITH "SPIRIT AND TRUTH"

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:26:57 +0000

At Exodus 20:4, 5, in one of the Ten Commandments, God himself says: "You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything . . . you shall not bow down to them or serve them." (The Catholic Jerusalem Bible) Some people regard a religious image as an "aid" to worshiping God because they can see and tough the image. But God inspired the apostle Paul to write: "We are walking by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) God is very frank about the matter. He tells us the use of images are a falsehood." (Isaiah 44:14-20; Psalm 115:4-8 [113L:4-8, second set of numbers, Dy Even though one may say that the honor given to a religious image is less than given to God, God himself says that he will not share any of his glory and praise with such images. - ISAIAH 42:8.

Lovingly, the apostle Joh warns us: "Guard yourselves from idols." (1 John 5:21) Why not look around your home and ask yourself whether you are doing this? (Deuteronomy 7:25) By bringing your life and way of worship into harmony with Jehovah's loving will you may gain his everlasting blessings. - 1 CORINTHIANS 10:14.

Continue to learn of Jehovah's majesty and his lovingly purposes, and you will grow in love for him. Never let a day go by without thanking him for the good things that you enjoy because of his loving-kindness. As you learn more about him, impress upon your heart the importance of loyalty to him as the great God of the universe. By loving obedience to him, you will put yourself in the way that leads to eternal life. - EPHESIANS 4:23, 24; PSALM 104:33-35 [103:33-35, Dy].

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why We Grow Old and Die

From the jw.org publications

The TruthThat Leads to Eternal Life - WORSHIPPING GOD "WITH SPIRIT AND TRUTH"

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 08:03:18 +0000

To love and respect a person, one needs to know him as he really is. To give God the exclusive devotion that he deserves, you need to study his Word and 'prove to yourself the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' (Romans 12:2) The important thing is not how humans want to worship God, but how God wants to be worshipped.

Religious ceremonies and "aids to devotion" may seem beautiful in the eyes of those who uses them, but how does God view them? Surely, you want to have God's approval. God's own Son tells us that "the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth." (John 4:23) Is the use of images for example, worship "with spirit and truth"? Does it please God?

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - WORSHIPPING GOD "WITH SPIRIT AND TRUTH"

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"? -Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:39:37 +0000

What about the statement at John 1:1 (AV), which refers to Jesus as "the Word," saying: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"? Does that not prove the "Trinity"? No. Notice, first of all, that only two persons are mentioned, not three. Also, in this same chapter, verse 2 says the Word was "in the beginning with God," and verse 18 says that no man hath seen God at any time," yet men have seen Jesus Christ. For these reasons, and in full harmony with the Greek text, some translations of verse 1 read: "The Word was with God, and the word was divine," or with "a god," that is, the Word was a powerful godlike one. (AT; NW) So that this portion of the Bible is in agreement with all the rest; it does not teach a "Trinity."

As for the "Holy Spirit," the so-called Person of the Trinity," we have already seen that it is, not a person, But God's active force. (Judges 14:6) John the Baptist said that Jesus would be baptized with holy spirit even as John had been baptizing with water. Water is not a person nor is a holy spirit a person. (Matthew 3:11) What John foretold was fulfilled when God caused his Son Christ Jesus to pour out holy spirit on the apostles and disciples during Pentecost 33 C.E., so" they all became filled with holy spirit." Were they filled with a person? No, but they were filled with God's active force. - ACTS 2:4, 33.

What, then, do the facts show as to the "Trinity"? Neither the word nor the idea is in God's Word, the Bible. The doctrine did not originate with God. But you will be interested to know that, according to the book Babylonian Life and History (by Sir E. A. Wallis Budge, 1925 edition, pp. 146, 147), in ancient Babylon, the pagans did believe in such a thing; (Note: But paganism is not Christianity) they worshiped more than one trinity of gods.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - WORSHIPPING"WITH SPIRIT AND TRUTH"

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life -IS GOD A "TRINITY"? - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:52:48 +0000

But did not Jesus say on one occasion, "I and the Father are one"? (John 10:30) Yes, he did. However, that statement does not even suggests a "Trinity," since he spoke of only two as being one, not three, Jesus was surely not contradicting the scriptures we have already read. What he meant by this expression he made clear later when he prayed regarding his followers that "they may be just as we are one." (John 17:22) Jesus and his Father are "one" in that Jesus is in full harmony with his Father. And he prayed that all his followers might likewise be in harmony with his Father, with Jesus and with one another.

Next time: The Truth That Lead to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"?- Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:13:37 +0000

When Jesus was on earth he certainly was not equal to his Father, for he said there were some things that neither he nor the angels knew. (Mark 13:32) Furthermore, he prayed to his Father for help when undergoing trial. (Luke 22:41, 42) Also, he himself said: "The Father is greater than I am." (John 14:28) Because of this, Jesus spoke of his Father as "my God" and as "the only true God." - JOHN 20:17; 17:3.

After Jesus' death, God raised him to life again and gave his glory greater than he had before. However, he was still not equal to his Father. How do we know? Because later the inspired Scriptures state that God is still "the head of the Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:3) The Bible also says that Jesus is to reign as God's appointed king until he has put all enemies under his feet, and that then shall "the Son also himself be subject under him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:28, AV) Clearly, even since his resurrection Jesus Christ is not equal to his Father.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"?

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life- IS God A "TRINITY"?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 07:44:14 +0000

Many religions of Christendom's teach that God is a "Trinity," although the word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible. The Word Council of Churches recently said that all religions are part of that Council should advocate the belief that there is "one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit," that is, three persons in one God. Those teaching this doctrine admit that it is "a mystery." The Athanasian Creed, of about the eighth of the Common Era, says that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) are all three of the same substance, all three are eternal (and hence had no beginning), and all three are almighty. So the creed reads that in the "Trinity none afore or after other; none is greater or less than another." Is that reasonable? More importantly, is it in agreement with the Bible?

This doctrine unknown to the Hebrew prophets and Christian apostles. The New Catholic Encyclopedia (1967 edition, Volume XIV, p. 306) admits that "the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not taught in the OT (Old Testament)." It also admits that the doctrine must be dated as from about three hundred and fifty years after the death of Jesus Christ. So the early Christians who were taught directly by Jesus Christ did not believe that God is a "Trinity."

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"? - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP ALONE -Conclusion

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:09:53 +0000

With Jehovah there are "wisdom and mightiness; he has counsel and understanding." (Job 12:13) Evidence of his wisdom is seen in all his creative works, in both heaven and earth. We may well, ask, then: "Why should anyone ever doubt God's wisdom?" The Bible shows that his requirements are for our good, with our everlasting welfare in view. It is true that there may be times when we, as humans having limited knowledge and experience, do not fully appreciate why a certain law stated by God is so important, or how it really works for our good. Yet our firm belief that God obviously knows far more than we do, that is experience is so much greater than ours. And that what he does is for our everlasting good will move us to obey him with a willing heart. - PSALM 19:7-11 (18:8-12, Dy]; MICAH 6:8.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - IS GOD A "TRINITY"?

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP HIM ALONE -Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 07:57:29 +0000

Are we really to fear God? Yes, but with a healthy fear of rebelling again his will, because his will is right. In even ordinary things do we not fear take risks that could cause injury or loss of life? How much more so should we fear to displease "Jehovah God, the Almighty." Yet we can be glad that he is the almighty, for "as regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him. (2 Chronicles 16:9; see also Isaiah 40:29-31) And we may be sure that Jehovah always uses his power with a right purpose and for the good of those loving what is right. For "God is love." - 1 JOHN 4:8.

Jehovah, therefore, is not an oppressive God. "All his ways are justice." (Deuteronomy 32:4) True, his is "a God exacting exclusive devotion," but he is "a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth. (Exodus 20:5; 34:6) "He himself well knows he formation of us, remembering that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14 [102:14, Dy] We can be happy indeed to have such a just compassionate God as our Supreme Judge, Lawgiver and King. - ISAIAH 33:22.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP HIM ALONE - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP HIM ALONE

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:08:10 +0000

How right, then, that our worship should go only to him! As we consider his creative works, we too can say: "You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11) He accomplished the creation, not with tools such as men use, but by means of his holy spirit, which is his invisible active force. (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30 [103:30, Dy] It is that same holy spirit by which he later caused the Bible to be written so that we might know his will and purpose for men on earth. - 2 PETER 1:21.

Since all things were created ''because of his will,' they all must serve God's purpose. Jehovah informed the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, of his purpose for them, and he held them accountable to act in harmony with it. Are we, too, accountable to God? Yes, because God is the Source of our life. This is true, not only because we have descended from that first human pair to whom God gave life, but also because our continued life each day depends on the sun, rain, air, and food from which Jehovah continues to let us benefit. (Psalm 36:9 [35:10, Dy]; Matthew 5:45) To what extent, then, do we live our lives in harmony with God's purpose for us? We ought to think seriously about this, because our opportunity for eternal life is at stake.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP HIM ALONE - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE WORSHIP HIM ALONE

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:26:38 +0000

What does the Bible itself tell us about God? It tells us that "God is Spirit." (John 4:24) A spirit is not composed of flesh and blood, nor other material substances that can be seen or felt by human senses. (1 Corinthians15:44, 50) So, human eyes have never seen God. (John 1:18) He is far superior to anything our eyes behold. The majesty of the mountains, the brilliance of the sun, and even the glory of the starry heavens are nothing as compared to him. -ISAIAH 40:25,26.

No wonder that in the heaven the song is sung: 'Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal?" (Revelation 15:3, 4) As the Creator of all things, Jehovah God, the King of eternity," existed before all others. He is "from everlasting to everlasting," meaning that is he had no beginning and will have an end. -1 TIMOTHY 1:17; PSALM 90:2, AV [89:2, Dy].

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD'S QUALITIES AND WHY WE WORSHIP HIM ALONE

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Who Is God?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:25:51 +0000

In Hebrew, the language in which the first thirty-nine books of the Bible (AV) were written, God's name is represented thousands of times by four Hebrew letters, YHWH. In ancient times the Hebrew language was written without vowels, the reader supplying the vowels as he read the words. So, the problem is that today, we have no way of knowing exactly which vowels the Hebrews used along with the consonants YHWH. Many scholars think the name was pronounced "Yahweh," but the form "Jehovah" has been in use for many centuries and is most likely known.

Because there is uncertainty as to the exact pronunciation of God's personal name, some clergymen say that you should not use it at all, but instead simply say "God" or "the Lord." However, they do not insist that you should not use the names, "Jesus" "Jeremiah." And yet these commonly used pronunciations are quite different from the Hebrew pronunciations "Yesh' and " and "Yirm iah'." The vital point is not what pronunciation you use for the Divine Name, whether "Yahweh," "Jehovah," or some other, as long as the pronunciation is common in your language. What is wrong is to fail to use that name. Why? Because those who do not use it could not be identified with the ones who God takes out to be "a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) We should not only know God's name but honor it and praise it before others as God's Son did when he was on earth. - MATTHEW 17:6, 26.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - GOD' QUALITIES AND WHY WE SHOULD WORSHIP HIM ALONE

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Who Is God?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:49:01 +0000

Man's need for God and his help has never been greater than now. Our lives depend upon knowing him. But, strangely enough, there is much confusion as to who he is, for today, as in the past, there are many gods worshiped in different lands. Yet, the Bible makes clear that there is only one TRUE God. - 1 CORINTHIANS 8:5, 6.

To distinguish himself from the many false god's, the true God has given himself a person name. This sets him apart from all others. "Is not 'God' his name?" some may ask. No, for "God" is merely a title, just as "President," "King" and "Judge" are titles. God's personal name is made known to us through his Word, the Bible, and that his name is JEHOVAH. In many translation of the Bible this name is found at Psalm 83:18, where we read (AV): That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, are the most high over all the earth." And in almost all translations the name is found at Revelation 19:1-6 as part of the expression "Alleluia" or "Hallelujah." This means "praise Jah" (a shortened form of Jehovah). The Catholic Encyclopedia (1910, Volume VIII, p.3290 says of the divine name: "Jehovah, the proper name of God in the Old Testament." However, The Jerusalem Bible, a recent Catholic translation, regularly uses the name Yahweh," as do a number of other translations. Why is that?

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Who Is God? - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Conclsusion

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:48:58 +0000

As you examine God's Word, you will learn that your love for God will put to the test. There may be individuals, perhaps even close friends or relatives, who will approve of your examining the Scriptures. (1 Peter 4:4; Matthew 10:36, 37) They may try to discourage you. They may do this in all sincerity, because they do not know the marvelous truth found in the Bible. Perhaps you can help them. In other cases the opposition may come from persons who no love for God. If this should occur, remember, having God's approval is far more important than having the approval of men. It is God, not man, who will give you eternal life if you love him above everyone and everything else. - MATTHEW 22:37-39.

Always look to God for his help and guidance. Keep on praying, as the psalmist: "O Jehovah, hear my prayer . . . Teach me to do your will, for you are my God." (Psalm 143:1, 10 [142:1, 10, Dy] If you sincerely want to know and practice the religion that he approves, he will answer your prayer. And he will bring you in association with those who really do "worship the Father with spirit and truth." - JOHN 4:23; see also MATTHEW 7:7, 8.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Who Is God?

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 07:54:16 +0000

Jesus said that you could recognize whether a man practices true religion by his "fruits," that is the things he does. (Matthew 7:20) In the same way we can recognize a religion by the kind of people it processes. True religion ought to produce better persons-better husbands and fathers, better wives and mothers. It should produce sons who are honest, who stand out among others because they do what is right. Is that not what you would expect of a religion that draws only one close to God? God looks for these things too, and they determine whether a religion is approved of God or not.

Certainly you do not want to be classed with those who are refused entry into the Kingdom of God because of failure to do God's will. It will be to your benefit, then, to get well acquainted with the Bible. The book you are now reading is designed to help you do that. Follow the course of those ancient Beroeans whom God's Word approves because they "received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." - ACTS 17:11.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 05:50:36 +0000

What, then, of the religions that take the name of Christ and profess to accept him as their Lord? Does their preaching in his name guarantee that they meet with God's approval? In view of the scriptures already considered, perhaps you have concluded that it does not. If so, then on this matter you agree with Jesus Christ, the one whom God has appointed as heavenly judge; because he warns us saying: "Not everyone saying to me 'Lord, lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name . . . ? And yet then I will confess to them:? I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness." - MATTHEW 7:21-23.

Knowledge of the Bible and of God's will will is essential for God's approval. But as Jesus said, it is the doing of that will that counts. One must have works that are consistent with that one has learned. (James 2:26) To please God, then, one's religion must be in full harmony with the Bible and be applied in every activity of life. - LUKE 6:46-49.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:35:39 +0000

We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in harmony with God's Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from an examination. It should be the sincere desire of every one of us to learn what God's will is for us, and hen do it. -JOHN 8:32.

The mere fact that church members may have the Bible or that it is occasionally read to them from the pulpit does not of itself prove that all the things that are taught are in the Bible; each and every person should. But we must also know what it says and believe it. If a really accepts the Bible as God's Word, it is going to use certain parts of it and reject other parts. "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight." (2 Timothy 3:16) Since this is so, the religion that is approved by God must agree in all its details with the Bible.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 06:55:05 +0000

Probably you find yourself readily agreeing with the fact that much religion is not approved by God. No doubt there are many things done in the name of religion that you do not approve. For example, if you look around in the churches and observe persons who live immoral lives but who make a pretense at being righteous, you know that something is wrong. (2 Timothy 3:4, 5) And when you read in the newspaper that some clergymen are publicly approving of sex relations between unmarried persons and that they are saying that homosexuality is all right under certain conditions, you are well aware that this is not what God says. You may remember that God destroyed the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. And why? Because they practiced such things! So you know that God is going to approve of a religion that tells people it is alright to act like that. -JUDE 7.

However, you have no doubt heard people say: "
It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you lead a clean moral life and deal kindly with your neighbors." But is that all there is to worshiping God in an acceptable way? These things are necessary, but God requires more. Doctrines are also involved. The Bible informs us that "the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth." (John 4:23) If our worship is to be acceptable to God, it must be firmly rooted in God's Word of truth. Jesus reproved those persons who claimed to serve God but who relied heavily on the tradition of men in preference to God's Word. He applied to them God's own Words from Isaiah 29:13, saying: "It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines. (Matthew15:9) Since we do not want our worship to be in vain, it is important for each one of us to examine his religion.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine You Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:14:32 +0000

We have good reason to think seriously about our standing with God. Why? Because the evidence proves that God will soon destroy the wicked and establish his righteous new system. So we need to ask: "Am I worshiping in the way that he approves?" It is not any man but God, who is the judge of what pleases him. To get God's viewpoint, we need to go to the Bible. There he plainly tells us the course to follow if we want to gain eternal life. (Proverbs 3:1. 2) If we take to heart what he says and apply it in our lives, it will result in marvelous blessings for us, both now and in the ages to come.

When we examine what the Bible says on this matter, what do we find? Does it teach that the hundreds of millions of persons who practice religion in so many different ways are all pleasing to God? Does it show that all religion is good? To enable us to know how he views the matter, God had this plain statement recorded in his Word: "Broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) How clearly those words answer our questions! They show that many people are not worshiping the true God (not the traditional god) in a way that pleases him. Only a few are on the road leading to life.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion - Continue

From the jw.org publications

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - THE TRUTH THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Mary) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:36:31 +0000

The coming world change will affect every person on the face of the earth, including you. If you love life and want to live, you should hasten to take in accurate knowledge of God, his purposes and his requirements. That is what God wants you to do, for it is his will that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) Accurate knowledge from God's Word of truth will enable honest-hearted persons to survive the end of the present wicked system. (Zephaniah 2:3) It will also reveal the way to eternal life in God's grand new system: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one you sent forth, Jesus Christ." - JOHN 17:3; see also JOHN 4:14.

How encouraging it is to know that soon will see the end of the world's troubles! How thrilling it is to know that we have the hope of shortly entering a new system where we can forever enjoy life to the full! This should give every one of us strong reasons for wanting to learn the truth from the Bible. By seeking this truth we begin to lay a find foundation for the future, in order [to] get a firm hold on the real life," "eternal life" in God's new system of things. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:19; AV.

Next time: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life - Why It is Wise to Examine Your Religion

From the jw.org publications