The Watchtower Study, «Article 18», Week 8 to July 14, 2024, Let us trust in “the Judge of all the earth” and in his mercy, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, «Article 18», July 8-14, 2024, Let us trust in “the Judge of all the earth” and in his mercy, Answers.

“Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (GEN. 18:25).

1. What valuable lesson did Jehovah teach Abraham?

The conversation between Abraham and Jehovah through an angel was of great importance and taught Abraham a valuable lesson about Divine justice and mercy. 

Despite Abraham's great faith, he was baffled by the idea that Jehovah could destroy the righteous along with the wicked in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham's question reflects his concern for divine justice. Jehovah patiently and lovingly showed him that his judgment is always just and that he will never destroy the righteous along with the wicked. This leads us to keep in mind that God always acts with justice and mercy and that we can fully trust in his judgment.

2. Why are we sure that Jehovah's judgments are just and merciful?

In 1 Samuel chapter 16 verse 7, we see that Jehovah's judgments are just and merciful, because he has the unique ability to see into the hearts of people, this deep and perfect understanding of each person, allows him to make judgments that are truly just. and merciful.

The apostle Paul highlighted in Romans chapter 11 verse 33 that Jehovah's immense wisdom surpasses our human understanding. This Divine ability to fully understand the human heart ensures that his decisions are always correct and just.

3, 4. What might we ask ourselves? And what will we analyze in this article? (John 5:28, 29).

Based on the text we have just read, we may have questions similar to those that Abraham asked regarding Jehovah's justice and mercy. We could ask ourselves: Is there a possibility that some of the people that Jehovah destroyed will be resurrected, such as for example those of Sodom and Gomorrah? These types of questions reflect our concern and curiosity about how Jehovah will apply his justice in the future.

Furthermore, in this article we are going to review what was clarified some time ago about the way to understand what the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment are. First we will talk about what we do not know about Jehovah's way of judging, and then we will look at what we do know. Which will help us strengthen our faith in his justice and mercy.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW

5. What have our publications in the past said about the people who died in Sodom and Gomorrah?

In the past our publications stated that people destroyed by Jehovah because of their injustice, such as those in Sodom and Gomorrah, would not be resurrected. However, after much study and prayer the faithful and prudent slave has concluded that we cannot say that with certainty. 

6. What are some times when Jehovah destroyed people he considered unjust, and what cannot we say?

Jehovah has taken decisive actions against those whom he considered unjust, a clear example is the flood where all people died except Noah and his family, another case is the order given to the Israelites to wipe out the inhabitants of the seven nations that occupied the promised land. Furthermore, an angel of Jehovah destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night in defense of his people. 

These stories show the severity of divine judgment in situations of extreme corruption. However, it is important to note that the Bible does not provide enough details to conclude that these people were destroyed forever and will not have the opportunity to be resurrected.

7. What don't we know about the people who died in the Flood and the conquest of Canaan? (See the drawing).

Jehovah destroyed groups of people in the Flood and during the conquest of Canaan, we do not have specific information about how Jehovah viewed each individual in those groups, nor do we know if all of those people had the opportunity to learn about Jehovah and repent.

In 2 Peter chapter 2 verse 5, it is mentioned that Noah was a preacher of Righteousness, but it is not specified if Noah was able to preach to all the people while building the ark, nor do we know if all the evil people in Canaan had the opportunity to know Jehovah and change their behavior. These uncertainties remind us of the need to trust in Jehovah's perfect wisdom and justice.

ILLUSTRATION

Noah and his family work on the construction of the ark. In the distance you can see a town surrounded by the forest. Noah and his family building the ark. We do not know if in the meantime they organized a preaching campaign to warn each and every person on Earth that the Flood was coming. (See paragraph 7).

8. What don't we know about the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah?

There are several things about Sodom and Gomorrah that we do not know for sure, although we know that a righteous man named Lot lived in Sodom, it is not clear if Lot preached to all its inhabitants.

Although evil was evident in those cities, we do not have enough information to affirm that all their inhabitants had distinguished between good and evil. Therefore, we cannot say with certainty that Jehovah, being so merciful, has decided that none of those people will be resurrected. Although Jehovah made it clear to Abraham that there were not even 10 righteous people in that city and he acted justly in destroying them, we cannot assure that none of them will come to life in the resurrection of the unrighteous.

9. What don't we know about Solomon?

Solomon is an example of someone who went from being Righteous to being Unjust, he knew Jehovah well, received many blessings and was clear about how he should worship him. 

However, over time Solomon began to worship false gods, which provoked the wrath of Jehovah and brought suffering to the entire nation for centuries. Although the Bible mentions that when he died he rested with his ancestors. 

This does not necessarily mean that Solomon will be resurrected, some might interpret Romans chapter 6 verse 7, as a sign that Solomon could be resurrected. However, what we read in this text does not mean that all those who have died will automatically be resurrected.

WHAT WE DO KNOW

10. How does Jehovah feel about destroying the wicked? (Ezekiel 33:11; see also image).

In this text Jehovah reveals to us his feelings regarding the destruction of the wicked. These words reflect Jehovah’s deep desire for people to repent and follow him.

The apostle Peter also expresses a similar sentiment in 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 9, stating that Jehovah does not desire that any should be destroyed, but that all should come to repentance. 

This parallel between Ezekiel and Peter gives us a clear vision of Jehovah's character filled with mercy and patience, he does not destroy anyone without a justified reason and always looks for opportunities to show mercy.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother teaches the resurrected in Paradise. He points to a blackboard with a drawing of the huge image from Daniel chapter 2. In the resurrection of the unrighteous, very different people will have the opportunity to learn about Jehovah. (See paragraph 10).

11. Who will not be resurrected, and how do we know?

The Bible clearly identifies some people who will not be resurrected. In Mark chapter 14 verse 21, Jesus indicated that Judas Iscariot will not be resurrected, because Judas knew exactly what he was doing by betraying Jehovah and his son.

Furthermore, in Matthew chapter 23 verse 33, Jesus stated that some religious leaders who opposed him would have no possibility of resurrection. On the other hand, the apostle Paul also warned that apostates who do not repent will not be resurrected. He describes them as those who, after having received the knowledge of the truth, deliberately turn away. These individuals, by consciously rejecting Jehovah, have no hope of resurrection. 

12. What do we know about Jehovah's mercy? Mention some example.

Jehovah's mercy is a fundamental attribute of his character, as mentioned in 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 9. Jehovah wants everyone to repent and obtain eternal life, an example is the case of King David. Despite committing adultery and murder, David sincerely repented and Jehovah forgave him.

Another example is the King who did horrible things for much of his life. However, when he repented from the heart, Jehovah showed him mercy and forgave him. These examples demonstrate that Jehovah always looks for reasons to show mercy and forgive those who sincerely repent David and Manasseh will be resurrected because of their genuine repentance.

13. a) Why did Jehovah show mercy to the people of Nineveh?

Jehovah showed mercy to the inhabitants of Nineveh, because although he recognized their evil they sincerely repented of their sins. This shows that Jehovah is very merciful, much more merciful than Jonah, who was angry at the forgiveness granted to Nineveh. Jehovah had to remind Jonah that the inhabitants did not know the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

13. b) What did Jesus say later about the inhabitants of Nineveh?

Jesus highlighted Jehovah's mercy by using the example of the people of Nineveh in Matthew chapter 12 verse 41, Jesus said that the Ninevites would rise in judgment, this highlights that their sincere repentance and Jehovah's mercy gave them an opportunity for future life, thus Jesus reaffirmed that Jehovah is willing to forgive and show mercy to those who repent from the heart.

14. What opportunity will the Ninevites have during the “resurrection of judgment”?

Jesus mentioned in John chapter 5 verse 29, that the inhabitants of Nineveh would arise in a resurrection of judgment. This resurrection will occur during the thousand-year Reign of Jesus when there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 

The Ninevites, like other unrighteous people, will have the opportunity to be observed by Jehovah and Jesus to determine if they obey and apply what they learn during that time.

Isaiah chapter 65 verse 20 explains that if a Ninevite is resurrected but refuses to worship Jehovah his judgment will result in a death sentence. However, if he chooses to be faithful to Jehovah, his judgment will be favorable and he will have the possibility of living forever.

15. a) Why should we not say that no one from Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected? 

We should not say that no one from Sodom and Gomorrah will be resurrected, because Jesus indicated in Matthew chapter 10 verses 14 and 15, that the day of judgment will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than those who rejected him and his teachings. 

This suggests that some inhabitants of those cities could have a chance at resurrection. Jesus spoke of a resurrection of judgment for those who did evil things, including the possibility of some inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah being resurrected and having the opportunity to know Jehovah and Jesus.

15. b) How can we understand the words of Jude 7? (See the box “What did Judas mean?”)

The words of Jude 7 mention that Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the judicial punishment of eternal fire, this does not contradict what Jesus said, while Jesus suggested that some inhabitants could be resurrected, Jude was referring to the permanent destruction of the cities as a warning against immorality. .

Jeremiah also pointed out that Don and Babylon would be like Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed forever, without the possibility of being rebuilt. Therefore, although the cities were destroyed forever, this does not necessarily imply that all their inhabitants will not have the opportunity for resurrection.

16. What does Jehovah take into account when deciding who he will resurrect? (Jeremiah 17:10).

Jehovah takes people's hearts and innermost thoughts into account when deciding whom to resurrect.

Jehovah examines these things thoroughly and judges according to the conduct of each individual. This principle assures us that God does not make decisions. Therefore it is important to remember that we should not assume that a person will not be resurrected unless the Bible explicitly states it.

“THE JUDGE OF THE WHOLE EARTH” WILL ALWAYS “DO WHAT IS JUST”

17. What will happen to the people who have died?

Since the rebellion of Adam and Eve billions of people have died, emphasizing the reality that death is our enemy as mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 26, however, the Bible offers us hope regarding the destiny of the dead a select group of 144,000 faithful Christians will be resurrected with immortal life in heaven. 

Additionally, a large number of men and women who loved Jehovah will participate in the resurrection of the righteous and will live eternally on Earth and remain faithful during the 1000-year reign.

18, 19. a) Why can we trust the decisions that Jehovah will make about those who have died? (Isaiah 55:8, 9). 

We can fully trust that Jehovah’s decisions in judging people will always be just. 

As Abraham we know that the judge of the whole Earth is perfect, merciful and infinitely wise, Jehovah entrusted his son Jesus Christ with the responsibility of judging and has taught him how to do it as mentioned in John chapter 5 verse 22, both the father and the son They can see what is in the heart ensuring that in all cases they will do what is right.

18, 19. b) What will we see in the next article?

In the next article we will explore what we don't know and what we do know about how Jehovah and Jesus will judge people during the great tribulation.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

What don't we know about the resurrection of the unrighteous?

We do not know exactly who among those destroyed by Jehovah will be resurrected, since the Bible does not provide specific details about each person's eternal destiny. 

What do we know?

We know that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust during the millennial Reign of Christ, and that Jehovah will search the heart of each person to decide their destiny.

Why can we trust that Jehovah’s decisions will be just?

We can trust that Jehovah's decisions will be just because he is infinitely wise, merciful, and perfect in his judgments. He has charged Jesus who is also just and merciful with the responsibility of judging.