possible solution to their problem or reason for wanting to marry? Before marriage the love between two persons may seem sufficiently strong, but is it strong enough to endure the added obstacles such a marriage brings with it? If two persons of different races decide to take such a step, no one should criticize them. The really important factors, it may not be forgotten, are those plainly stated in the Scriptures.

● Why did Jesus insert the parenthetical statement “let the reader use discernment,” as recorded at Matthew 24:15? Should we not use discernment whenever considering the application of prophecy?—R. B., U.S.A.

True, discernment should at all times be used when considering the Word of God, but there is apparently a special need to be alert as to the application of the portion of Daniel’s prophecy referred to in Matthew 24:15. “Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place, (let the reader use discernment).”

The Jews applied Daniel 11:31, to which Jesus was here making reference, to the pollution of the temple by Antiochus IV (Epíphanes) in the year 168 B.C. Since this application, which is still commonly accepted, was incorrect, Jesus apparently added the word of caution so that we would not fall into the same error. Far from being fulfilled back there, Daniel’s prophecy regarding the “disgusting thing that causes desolation” is having fulfillment in our day as part of the great sign proving Christ’s second presence. As pointed out time and again in the Watch Tower publications, it is the Devil’s substitute for God’s kingdom, at present the United Nations, for which reason it is disgusting in God’s sight, and it causes desolation in that all those that put their trust in it instead of in God’s kingdom will be desolated, destroyed, at Armageddon.

● At 1 Corinthians 11:29 we read: “For he that eats and drinks eats and drinks judgment against himself if he does not discern the body.” Is this body spoken of here still Christ’s human body, mentioned in the context, or is it the body of 144,000 spirit sons?

Yes, the body that is here referred to and that is to be discerned if one does not want to eat condemnation to himself is still the literal body of the Lord Jesus Christ, the same as in the preceding verses of this chapter. It is not the spiritual body of Christ composed of 144,000 members. What the apostle Paul is here emphasizing is the need for the participants to appreciate the value of Christ’s sacrifice in their behalf and not to be so dull in their sensibilities as to partake of the emblematic bread without regard to its symbolizing the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ and thus eating this emblem in a way that is unworthy of the sacrifice of Christ and that does indignity to it.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Christians are instructed to be ‘assembling still more as the day nears.’ (Heb. 10:25) Not only will we continue to do so, but we will encourage others to see the importance of assembling with Jehovah’s people. To that end, we will offer to the people during July the fine book “Your Will Be Done on Earth” and another helpful Bible-study book, with two booklets, on a contribution of $1.

IS YOUR FUTURE HOPEFUL?

What will be the outcome of the present struggle for world control? What security measures are the most practical for the crisis that is certain to come, and what prospects for the future will the survivors have? What part can you have in these history-making events? Obtain and read the two fascinating and revealing books “Your Will Be Done on Earth” and You May Survive Armageddon into God’s New World. Both give you the Bible’s answers to these questions. Send $1 and receive free the booklets Healing of the Nations Has Drawn Near and “This Good News of the Kingdom.”

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

August 21: The Awake “Faithful and Discreet Slave.” Page 432.

August 28: Staying Awake with the “Faithful and Discreet Slave.” Page 438.