Chapter Four - 1925–1945

CHAPTER FOUR

1925–1945

1925 PASSES.
NO resurrection.
No princes.

The Watchtower adjusts.

“We walked by faith, not by sight.”
“The great test continues.”
“God is refining His people.”

A new leader rises.
Joseph Rutherford.
He now directs the Watchtower.

In 1931, a new name is announced:

“Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

The magazine explains, “We are witnesses for Jehovah.”
“God’s name must be known.”

The message sharpens.

“All other religions belong to Satan.”
“The Watchtower is God’s only channel.”
“Loyalty to the organization means loyalty to God.”

New commands follow.

“Preach from house to house.”
“Distribute the Watchtower publications.”
“Warn the nations of Armageddon.”

The Watchtower says, “The end is imminent.”
“Religion will be destroyed.”
“Then the governments will fall.”
“Only Jehovah’s Kingdom will remain.”

As war erupts again in 1939, the Watchtower declares, “This war leads to Armageddon.”
“The battle of Armageddon is near.”
“The new world is close.”

Beth Sarim remains empty.
Rutherford lives there.
The Watchtower explains, “The princes will come in Jehovah’s time.”

Faithful Witnesses continue preaching.
Door to door.
Street corners.
Publications in hand.

The warning never stops.

“This world is finished.”
“Only those in Jehovah’s organization will survive.”

The year is now 1945.
Rutherford is dead.
The war ends.
The world stands.

The Watchtower prepares for the next call.
More preaching.
More publications.
More light.