Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished MysteryRussell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Religion
Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished Mystery
Russell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Bible -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Jehovah's witnesses -- Controversial literature
8:3. And another angel.—Not the “voice of the Lord,” mentioned in the
preceding chapter, but the corporate body—the WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT
SOCIETY, which Pastor Russell formed to finish his work. This verse shows
that, though Pastor Russell has passed beyond the veil, he is still
managing every feature of the Harvest work. “THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND
TRACT SOCIETY is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the
time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as His channel
through which to make known the Glad Tidings.”‐Z. ’17‐22; Rev. 14:18;
19:17.
Came and stood.—Waited before the Lord, after the Pastor’s death, ready to
do the Master’s will.
At the altar.—The Brazen Altar, the place of sacrifice. (Ex. 38:1‐7; Lev.
16:12, 13.) The fire for the sacrifice at the Golden Altar was obtained
here and then carried to the Golden Altar where the incense was crumbled
in it.
Having a golden censer.—Censers, or fire‐pans, were of two forms, with
handles and without. In this case the kind with the handle, used only on
the Day of Atonement, is the one referred to. The incense was burnt while
the high priest held the censer in his hand. Thus, in this prophecy, the
great antitypical High Priest identifies Himself with the work of the
Society, and places in its care—holds in His hand—the fire‐pans, the
things that lead us to the place where we sacrifice ourselves. Thus seen,
the censer represents teachings, understandings of the Word; for it is our
understanding of the Word which leads us to offer up all we have in the
Lord’s service.—Num. 16:6, 7.
And there was given unto him much incense.—The heart’s best endeavors of
the faithful fellow‐members of the Body.
That he should offer it.—To Jehovah, through the Son.—Rev. 5:8.
With the prayers of all saints.—The Society is the only entity in the
world answering to this description. It alone has offered on its behalf
the prayers of all the saints, in harmony with the clause of the Vow which
reads, “Daily will I remember at the Throne of heavenly grace the general
interests of the Harvest work—the dear co‐laborers at the Brooklyn
Tabernacle and Bethel, and everywhere.”
Upon the golden altar [which was] before the Throne.—The offerings take
place “before the Throne,” on this side the veil.—Rev. 1:4; 5:6; Ex.
30:1‐10.
8:4. And the smoke.—The fragrant, sweet perfume.
Of the incense.—Life’s dearest ties, sacrificed in the Master’s cause.
Which came with the prayers of the saints.—In harmony with the Vow of
faithfulness.—Psa. 141:2; Luke 1:10; Acts 10:4.
Ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.—“An odor of a sweet smell,
a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”—Phil. 4:18.
8:5. And the angel.—THE WATCH TOWER SOCIETY through its proper
representatives.
Took the censer.—The Seventh Volume of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Divinely
provided.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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