If you ask that question in a Kingdom Hall the most widely accepted answer is no. But that would be incorrect.
In the "Divine Purpose" book page 26 it quotes from the booklet "Food for Thinking Christians" let's see what it said in 1881. "For the majority of mankind who will receive life here on earth, the booklet points out: The balance of our race now thronging the broad road to death are to be restored because their guilt and sin are atoned for and will be remitted. As through the disobedience of one man all were placed upon the broad road and swallowed up of death, so, through the obedience of one (Christ), all will be forgiven and brought back to life. But when brought back to "their former estate"-the perfection of the original-they will not have life in the same sense that the Divine family will have it. Theirs will not be life in themselves but supplied life. The restored race will, no doubt, live eternally. God will supply the means of continuing their life as long as they are obedient, and that, we are told, will be forever." Then on page 139 of the "Divine Purpose" book we read. "It had been known and taught from the beginning of Pastor Russell's ministry that, in addition to those who would inherit heavenly life as joint heirs with Christ, mankind in general would be restored to perfect life on earth." I will add more to this post later, but Russell knew there were "Other Sheep" he thought they were a second class, but that they would live on a paradise Earth forever in perfect health. He had the basic understanding, the details were future yet.
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AuthorI enjoy history, research and study. Archives
December 2024
CategoriesBook written by me
Books Written by Friends
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