'NEW TRUTH':

Formerly reserved for elite "heavenly class"
"in union with Christ"
now applies to Jehovah's Witnesses in general

WITHOUT admitting that a doctrinal reversal is taking place, the June 1, 1998 Watchtower has begun applying to Jehovah's Witnesses in general, terminology previously reserved for the small elite who profess a heavenly hope as 'the anointed remnant' of 'the 144,000.'

For decades after "Judge" Rutherford in 1935 assigned the 'great multitude' of his followers an earthly hope, the privilege of being "in union with Christ" was clearly reserved for the 'heavenly class':

Those...with hope of being "joint heirs with Christ" of the heavenly Kingdom... this relationship is described as being "in union with Christ" or "in Christ"

—Insight on the Scriptures (1988) Vol. 1, pg. 439

To them exclusively it is written: "You have an anointing...remain in union with him." (1 John 2:20, 27, NW)

— New Heavens and a New Earth (1953), pg. 307

Millions of JWs learned to respond to such New Testament promises by saying

"That does not apply to me, for I am one of the 'other sheep' and not begotten of God's spirit."

— Life Everlasting-In Freedom of the Sons of God (1966), pg. 153

The February 15, 1986 Watchtower took a small step toward blurring the distinction when it said both classes "are 'in union' in that they show oneness in cooperation" but quickly added, "the ones of the anointed heavenly class enjoy that union now in a special way." (pg. 13) It explained that only they "are 'assigned as heirs' of the Kingdom in union with Jesus. ...Jesus encouraged them to remain in union with him... precious union with Christ Jesus..." (pg. 12) They are "born again" but "the 'other sheep' do not need any such rebirth..." (pg. 14)

Now, suddenly and without explanation, the June 1, 1998 Watchtower addresses its general JW readership with a major article (pages 9-14) titled 'GO ON WALKING IN UNION WITH CHRIST.'

It applies the expression to even the newest members: "Because they want to walk in union with Christ...in 1997 alone, over 375,000" got baptized as JWs. (pg. 10)

With much of the New Testament 'written exclusively' to a dwindling number of elderly 'anointed ones' who are fast dying off, the sect faces the prospect of being left with a Bible that "does not apply" to anyone alive! Is the new usage of "in union with Christ" evidence that the expected doctrinal revision has begun? Time will tell!

See order form for new booklet:
"NEW TRUTHS" of the '90s
a Decade of Doctrinal Changes for Jehovah's Witnesses