Assurance For Former Jehovah's Witnesses
So, here you are out of the Watchtower Society. My experience was that I was a little confused, and not sure if God did love me. I had no concept of Him other than what I had learned as a Jehovah's Witness. I began reading the Bible, just the Bible. I was soon put at ease by the comfort and assurance God now showed me, from His very word. Let me share some of these.
John 3:16 This is a very commonly used text: "For God so loved the world (that's us folks) that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." It is quite clear that acceptance of and belief in Jesus Christ means everlasting life -exactly. It does not say here that this is limited to just those who call God Jehovah and follow the Watchtower Society. It says there "who so ever" meaning --anyone-- who comes to Christ, belieiving in and accepting Him will recieve this everlasting life. I was amazed at how simple this all is, not frought with manmade demands and policies and stipulations. I believed in Jesus for sure, and I wanted Him in my life. It is so wonderful.
Hebrews 13:5 The Watchtower Society makes it quite clear that they deem anyone leaving them to now become spiritually lost, devoid of Gods' love, and doomed to eternal damnation. Hmmm... I was excited to fully realize just what He says in the text here: "For He has said "never will I leave you or forsake you". NEVER will we be without God's love, despite what our former following stipulated.
Psalms 46:10 There are lengthy texts of scripture, but often just a few words is all it takes to make a point: "Be still, and know that I am God". I found it difficult to not be overly worried about my new spot in life, anxious and fearful. God says "be still"; how peaceful that is. Just 'be still': be still of worry, anxiety, struggles and such as God declares here that He is indeed God. How could we possibly be uncared for whith God at the reins of our life?
Jeremiah 29:11 I wondered about where I would go from that point on, when I left the Watchtower Society. What would become of me? The prophet Jeremiah assures us with God's words again: "For I know that thoughts I think towards you (remember, this is God) saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil..." Think about God thinking about you... He is ever present and always watching out for us now that we have Him in our lives. He promises to take care of us and God never renigs on a promise. Yahoo!
Roamns 8:28; 31 If we consider anyone of history that had a more profound life changing experience with the Lord, we must look at the Apostle Paul. He experienced both sides of life the lost and the saved. He writes: And we know that all things work together for the good of them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose". You may ask yourself "Am I called by God?" Well, we're all called, but only some answer that call and fulfill and follow its leading... if you are such a one than yes you are called, and be assured that even though you will face some potholes and roadbumps in your after-Watchtower life, God assures you that in the end things will all work out for you accordingly. Just love Him. Paul continues in verse 31: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Now there's a poser. Think about that for a moment. The most greatest power in the universe of all time and future yet, is on your side. Looking at that, there is nothing of this world that will steal us away form God unless we let it. Run, enemies, run!
Romans 8:33 Others may ridicule you, as you walk the new walk with Christ in your life. Former associates from Watchtower claim we are now apostate, evil, lost, haughty, axe grinders. Well, let them say what they want. God knows us and as Paul writes: "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect. It is God who justifies". That takes the wind out of the sails of our accusers now doesn't it?
Ephesians 6:6,7 I can say I literally bounced when I came to the full realization of this text. No more did I have to answer to man made requirements to prove I was in good spiritual standing. As Paul counsels here, I knew that I could, and you can also, serve God: "Not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as servants of the Christ; doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men." YES, Yes, Yes! No more montly time slips to fill in, no more reports of field activity to be sent to the Watchtower world headquarters. You and I now serve Christ, as paul says, directly! Oh, what a feeling!