Bridge of Reason

  ‘Jehovah’s forgiveness is always based on his complete knowledge of a situation.’ In the June 2022 Watchtower Study Edition, study article 24 talks about God as the greatest forgiver. Unpacking what this means they write at one point: 'Unlike human judges, Jehovah always has a perfect grasp of all the facts of any case that comes before him. (Gen. 18:20, 21; Ps. 90:8) He is not limited by what humans see or hear. He completely understands how a person’s actions are influenced by his genetic makeup, upbringing, and environment as well as by his emotional and mental condition. Jehovah also reads the heart. He fully perceives the motivations, intentions, and desires of each person. Nothing can be hidden from Jehovah. (Heb. 4:13) Thus, Jehovah’s forgiveness is always based on his complete knowledge of a situation.' Is this true? Does God judge according to extenuating circumstances? Is 'I couldn't help myself' a fair defence before the judge of all mankind, as ...

  1. Where Are You? When we think about communion with God we too often think of some religious practices. We go to church to commune with God, we see the sacraments of baptism and communion, the formal act of worship, as giving us access to God. Even in our private devotions we adopt a certain posture and attitude towards God, we tend to get religious. Hands together softly so, Little eyes shut tight. Father just before we go Hear our prayers tonight. We are all your children here, This is what we pray, Keep us when the dark is near and through every day. Even as we believe we may ‘boldly approach the throne of grace’ (Heb.4:16) yet we are, like our first parents, aware of our sinfulness (Gen.3:10). As did Adam, we hide from God, even as we hear his voice seeking us out, ‘Where are you?’ (Gen.3:9) Before the Fall we see a very different picture. Here we witness how it was in the beginning, with God expecting to enjoy open communion with Adam, the communion of the garden. ...