Chapter Seven - 2000–2025

CHAPTER SEVEN

2000–2025

THE WORLD ENTERS a new century.
The Watchtower does not change its message.

“The end is near.”
“This is the final part of the last days.”
“Jehovah’s day is at hand.”

A doctrinal shift occurs.

The magazine says, “Jesus appointed a faithful and discreet slave.”
“This slave dispenses food at the proper time.”
“The slave is the Governing Body.”

All teachings now flow through this group.

“They are Jehovah’s channel.”
“To obey them is to obey God.”
“Loyalty to Jehovah means loyalty to the slave.”

The generation problem remains.

Those who saw 1914 are nearly gone.

New light is printed.

“Generation means overlapping anointed ones.”
“If one anointed person lived at the same time as another, they overlap.”

The Watchtower writes, “We are deep in the time of the end.”
“We must stay awake.”
“Do not be misled by the delay.”

Preaching continues.
Baptisms continue.
Literature shifts from print to digital.

The message remains, “Only Jehovah’s Witnesses will survive Armageddon.”
“All others will be destroyed.”

Blood rules tighten.
Now there are blood fractions allowed, just some.

The Watchtower says, “This is a matter of conscience.”
“Consult the elders.”
“Loyalty requires careful decisions.”

Shunning is reinforced.

“Avoid those who are disfellowshipped.”
“No greetings. No association. Not even with family.”
“This discipline trains the sinner and protects the flock.”

2020: a global pandemic begins.

The Watchtower declares, “This is a sign of the end.”
“Plagues, wars, and lawlessness prove we are in the final hour.”

By 2025, the message is the same.

“Stay loyal. Stay busy. Stay in Jehovah’s organization.”
“The end is imminent.
The generation has not passed.
The promises remain.”

And the presses still roll.
New light is always possible.
The timeline has no end until Jehovah says so.