Here are some examples from the past of their views on understanding scripture relative to the wts organisation.
"Bible classes and and Bible studies are all to no purpose until the Lord, in due time , sent them the 'Bible keys' through the society" wt10/01/1909 p4482
"If the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are practically the bible topically arranged, with Bible proof texts given we might not improperly name the volumes- the Bible in an arranged form. That is to say ,they are not merely comments on the Bible , but they are practically the Bible itself...." wt9/15/1910p4685.
"A person would go into darkness after two years of reading the Bible alone; would be in the light reading the studies in the scriptures alone" wt9/15/1910.p4685
Now some more recent statements.
"Heavy research is not necessary.The Watchtower has done it for you.The most beneficial study you can do is to read the Watchtower or Awake! or a new book by the organisation." wt6/01/67 p338
"The Bible is a sealed book except to the organisation"Wt7/01/73p402
"Jehovah caused the Bible to be written in such a way that you need his human channel to understand it"WT 2/15/1981p.17
"Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that god is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible study we do."WT 12/01/81p 27.
"An individual must have The Watchtower to understand the Bible" 1983 yearbook p.21
"Our coming to know "the truth"- the entire body of Christian teachings that HAS BECOME PART OF THE BIBLE - and adhering to it are essential for our salvation." 15/12/2009 p.28,study edition.
And this is link is on the official web page of JW's right now.
(click on the link below)
Mennonites Search for Bible Truth
Johann told his wife and children: “You must always read The Watchtower. It will help you to understand the Bible.”
These statements are not merely the views of the wts , but are rather enforced doctrine that if any JW was to disagree with would mean his removal from the congregation.
The import of these quotes is that the Bible is basically a book for the organisation's Governing Body to interpret. No individual can operate outside of these parameters.
A fair question to ask would be; how did God-fearing Christians manage to please God and attain salvation before the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society appeared in the late 19th century?
Is it really likely that no one was able to understand the Bible properly until C.T. Russell explained it to them through his books? As all of his books are now spiritually defunct,how could his views be the only way to salvation?If you believed his teachings nowadays you would be disfellowshipped.
What about the two billion professed Christians around the world today? Can all of these people who have 'just' the Bible be living in a spiritual vacuum, without any hope for salvation?
I think the most pertinent scriptures that come to mind are John 14;26 "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you."
and John 15;26 "When the helper arrives that I will send you from the Father, the spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, that one will bear witness about me"
Far from a publishing corporation or even an individual or group, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit , a helper and teacher would instruct people and witness about him.
