Bible Students
Who Are the Bible Students?
“We are living in the time of trouble. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Nothing is
immune to the influence of God’s plans and power. The only group or establishment that will survive
this shaking is the Church. Which Church you ask? Why, only the one true Church,THE Church,
the “Israel of God” (Gal 6:16).
There is but the ONE true church, as there is but the one true head of that church, for “There is
one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one
faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.”
Eph 4:4-6
This isn’t a reference to the building down the street. It isn’t a reference to any denomination- -
Catholics, Protestants or any other group. The Church is a spiritual organization. Their membership
is written in God’s book of life, not on the membership rolls of any earthly congregation. It is
composed of individuals who have accepted Jesus as their savior, and have fully consecrated their
all to doing His will. The Church uses the authority of the scriptures as a guide to daily living and
sacrifice.”
But once again, who are the Bible Students? Do they believe that they compose this ONE
true Church?
When we consecrated ourselves to the Lord surrendering our wills, for his, we were joined to the
body of Christ, which is his church, the ONE true church, there was no decision made by the
individual as to whether or not he would become a member of this church, if the consecration was
excepted by the Lord then the individual was made a member of his body, and thus a member of
his church, THE Church.
One does not have to become a Bible Student to be joined to this church, all that is required is a full
consecration to the Lord and to his will, membership is then up to the Father, "For no man takes
this honor unto himself save he who is called by God." (Heb 5:4)
Thus it is that we have no need to be joined to any of the various earthly, i.e. man-made
organizations, (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, and etc.) to be joined to the ONE true church for our
membership in this church is in heaven, we have already joined a church, the one true church.
“But ye are come (that is you are approaching, as a perspective member) unto mount Zion (The
Kingdom of God, the spiritual phase of the Kingdom), and unto the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem (The New Jerusalem, the glorified Church, see Rev 21:9,10), and to an
innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly (or convention of the called-out
ones) and (of the) church of the firstborn (s), plural in the original Greek text), The Bride of
Christ or Little Flock and the Great Company, all begotten of the holy Spirit during the Gospel Age),
which are (that is, whose names are) written in heaven (In the Lamb's book of life, enrolled in
heaven, having come into divine favor and recognized as a spiritual class, fruit-bearing branches in
the true Vine, living stones in the Temple of God, imbued with the holy Spirit; active members in the
Spirit-begotten Body of Christ. Not found on an earthly roll of membership, that because it is not
an earthly organization, but a heavenly one)." Heb 12:22-23
“…Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
“Bible Students are nationwide, even international, however, we do not constitute a formal
denomination of any kind, and there is no central headquarters. The various classes, or ecclesia’s
as they are often referred, are independent, though allied one to another through a common faith.
Our leaders, elders and deacons, are elected from the congregation. (They serve willingly, without
any monetary compensation.) All are welcome to attend and study with us.”
The term Bible Students was widely recognized at the turn of the century. It is thought by some
that after the death of Pastor Charles T. Russell in 1916, the Bible Students became Jehovah’s
Witnesses. THIS IS INCORRECT.
Bible Students are still the same today, and they are NOT Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Pastor Russell was not the founder of the sect called Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was never known as
one, and he never used the name. The Jehovah’s Witnesses did not even come into existence until
the early 1930’s, years after Pastor Russell died.
The Bible Student movement started in the 1800’s, emerging when the age of enlightenment
challenged Christianity. At that time, many intelligent individuals set out to prove that the Bible was
unintelligent and untrustworthy. Many Christians reacted by clinging blindly to their creeds. Bible
study classes formed spontaneously to challenge intelligent unbelief and unintelligent belief. Charles
Russell became the pastor of one of these Bible study classes, and was soon recognized as a
leading Bible expositor. His sermons appeared in over 3,000 newspapers weekly, here and overseas.
Pastor Russell advocated the sound method of harmonizing all the Bible texts on a given
subject before accepting any teaching as scriptural. He never claimed to originate new truths,
but to have discovered Bible truths that were lost, or changed from the beliefs of the early church.
In 1879, Pastor Russell formed the Zion’s Watch Tower, later known as the Watch Tower Bible and
Tract Society. This Society was merely an organ of evangelism and a stimulus to Bible Study. It was
never the central authority of the Bible Students, whose organization was, and is to this day,
congregational in character.
J. F. Rutherford gained control of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society shortly after Pastor
Russell’s death in 1916. He moved rapidly to centralize authority over all Bible Student
congregations. Vital changes were made in basic doctrines, incompatible with the studied
conclusions of most Bible Students. In 1917, the Bible Students began separating from this
authoritarian arrangement, and soon there were many independent and autonomous congregations
cooperating together in a world- wide fellowship. Understand there is no connection between
these Bible Students and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the two are incompatible one with
another regardless of whether or not they share some basic fundamental teachings (as do
the majority of the professing churches). To us what the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach is
nothing more than “another Gospel,” (Gal 1:6) not the faith once delivered to the saints,
the only true and acceptable faith.” (Millennial Morning, Page 138)
Bible Students acknowledge the Bible as God’s book. This acknowledgment is not in parts or
proportions, but the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Bible Students believe God is the
author of the Bible as well as its preserver even though human authors have been used. “Thus
speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto
thee in a book.” (Jer 30:2)
Bible Students go beyond the clergy, the priests, the scholars, the philosophers or the
archaeologists by consecrating their lives in the study of the Bible from cover to cover to determine
the truths from God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16; Isa 26:
9)
Bible Students seek harmony and consistency of the scriptural testimony within the Bible itself as
well as with established facts from science, history, archaeology, religion and culture. (The
Scriptures taking precedence, however not without applying good common sense, i.e. sound
reasoning, unlike the approach taken by many professing Christians who ascribe to many
unreasonable things, their faith being based upon credulity rather than truth) “He Himself entered
the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.” (Acts 18:19)
Bible Students live in the Bible with its sayings, precepts and principles. These expressions and
principles become guidelines for transforming themselves from human to spiritual. To the Bible
students, the Bible is more than a book. It is an existence, a residence or a habitat. They live in it as
if in a hidden civilization waiting the time for the establishment of the Lord's kingdom. “Be not
conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2)
Bible Students are a peculiar people - not in dress, nor language, nor rituals. They are peculiar in
lifestyle, leisure time, priorities, character and preferred activities. They believe they are being
transformed from human to spiritual nature. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people.” (1 Pet 2:9)
Bible Students do not own nor encourage church connected buildings, chapels or fancy facilities.
Services and studies conducted by Bible students are often held in rented facilities or in private
homes.
Bible Students hold on a frequent schedule, conferences, conventions, symposiums, fellowship and
other discussion get-togethers. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” (Heb
10:25)
Bible Students attend and participate on a weekly, and often bi-weekly basis, Bible studies with
others on agreed-upon topics, themes and issues to further their understanding of the Bible. A
warm welcome is extended to anyone to join a Bible discussion group. “Study to show thyself
approved unto God ... rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)
Bible Students do not charge or assess for payment of services rendered for the spiritual benefit of
its members. Expenses generated by sponsored activities are defrayed by the sponsoring group.
Donations always seem to be sufficient to meet commitments. No collections are taken. Visitors
have no obligations. Those who are elders, ministers, leaders, directors or deacons do not
practice a paid ministry. All work done by those individuals are free to all they serve. “... freely ye
have received, freely give.” (Matt 10:8)
Bible Students are active in sponsoring public witness activities for giving or sharing the
understanding of truth acquired from the Bible (i.e. through various media, radio, TV, books,
tracts, and of course the Internet). “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill
cannot be hid.” (Matt 5:14)
Bible Students encourage all who seek to know God’s truth to be reconciled to him through
consecration and dedication in the doing of His will. Their mission is to help others to see what is
the fellowship of the mystery in Christ not yet known nor properly understood by the majority of
professing Christians still under the yoke of Orthodoxy. “This mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:27)
Bible Students do not automatically subscribe to or support Orthodoxy’s traditions, creeds,
opinions, assumptions, interpretations and/or beliefs. Their view is that all which is sacred must be
supported by or be in the Bible. There must be a “Thus Saith the Lord” for every truth
espoused.” (“Ten Bad Mistakes about God”, Page 285)
“We are living in the time of trouble. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. Nothing is
immune to the influence of God’s plans and power. The only group or establishment that will survive
this shaking is the Church. Which Church you ask? Why, only the one true Church,THE Church,
the “Israel of God” (Gal 6:16).
There is but the ONE true church, as there is but the one true head of that church, for “There is
one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one
faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.”
Eph 4:4-6
This isn’t a reference to the building down the street. It isn’t a reference to any denomination- -
Catholics, Protestants or any other group. The Church is a spiritual organization. Their membership
is written in God’s book of life, not on the membership rolls of any earthly congregation. It is
composed of individuals who have accepted Jesus as their savior, and have fully consecrated their
all to doing His will. The Church uses the authority of the scriptures as a guide to daily living and
sacrifice.”
But once again, who are the Bible Students? Do they believe that they compose this ONE
true Church?
When we consecrated ourselves to the Lord surrendering our wills, for his, we were joined to the
body of Christ, which is his church, the ONE true church, there was no decision made by the
individual as to whether or not he would become a member of this church, if the consecration was
excepted by the Lord then the individual was made a member of his body, and thus a member of
his church, THE Church.
One does not have to become a Bible Student to be joined to this church, all that is required is a full
consecration to the Lord and to his will, membership is then up to the Father, "For no man takes
this honor unto himself save he who is called by God." (Heb 5:4)
Thus it is that we have no need to be joined to any of the various earthly, i.e. man-made
organizations, (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, and etc.) to be joined to the ONE true church for our
membership in this church is in heaven, we have already joined a church, the one true church.
“But ye are come (that is you are approaching, as a perspective member) unto mount Zion (The
Kingdom of God, the spiritual phase of the Kingdom), and unto the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem (The New Jerusalem, the glorified Church, see Rev 21:9,10), and to an
innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly (or convention of the called-out
ones) and (of the) church of the firstborn (s), plural in the original Greek text), The Bride of
Christ or Little Flock and the Great Company, all begotten of the holy Spirit during the Gospel Age),
which are (that is, whose names are) written in heaven (In the Lamb's book of life, enrolled in
heaven, having come into divine favor and recognized as a spiritual class, fruit-bearing branches in
the true Vine, living stones in the Temple of God, imbued with the holy Spirit; active members in the
Spirit-begotten Body of Christ. Not found on an earthly roll of membership, that because it is not
an earthly organization, but a heavenly one)." Heb 12:22-23
“…Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
“Bible Students are nationwide, even international, however, we do not constitute a formal
denomination of any kind, and there is no central headquarters. The various classes, or ecclesia’s
as they are often referred, are independent, though allied one to another through a common faith.
Our leaders, elders and deacons, are elected from the congregation. (They serve willingly, without
any monetary compensation.) All are welcome to attend and study with us.”
The term Bible Students was widely recognized at the turn of the century. It is thought by some
that after the death of Pastor Charles T. Russell in 1916, the Bible Students became Jehovah’s
Witnesses. THIS IS INCORRECT.
Bible Students are still the same today, and they are NOT Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Pastor Russell was not the founder of the sect called Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was never known as
one, and he never used the name. The Jehovah’s Witnesses did not even come into existence until
the early 1930’s, years after Pastor Russell died.
The Bible Student movement started in the 1800’s, emerging when the age of enlightenment
challenged Christianity. At that time, many intelligent individuals set out to prove that the Bible was
unintelligent and untrustworthy. Many Christians reacted by clinging blindly to their creeds. Bible
study classes formed spontaneously to challenge intelligent unbelief and unintelligent belief. Charles
Russell became the pastor of one of these Bible study classes, and was soon recognized as a
leading Bible expositor. His sermons appeared in over 3,000 newspapers weekly, here and overseas.
Pastor Russell advocated the sound method of harmonizing all the Bible texts on a given
subject before accepting any teaching as scriptural. He never claimed to originate new truths,
but to have discovered Bible truths that were lost, or changed from the beliefs of the early church.
In 1879, Pastor Russell formed the Zion’s Watch Tower, later known as the Watch Tower Bible and
Tract Society. This Society was merely an organ of evangelism and a stimulus to Bible Study. It was
never the central authority of the Bible Students, whose organization was, and is to this day,
congregational in character.
J. F. Rutherford gained control of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society shortly after Pastor
Russell’s death in 1916. He moved rapidly to centralize authority over all Bible Student
congregations. Vital changes were made in basic doctrines, incompatible with the studied
conclusions of most Bible Students. In 1917, the Bible Students began separating from this
authoritarian arrangement, and soon there were many independent and autonomous congregations
cooperating together in a world- wide fellowship. Understand there is no connection between
these Bible Students and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the two are incompatible one with
another regardless of whether or not they share some basic fundamental teachings (as do
the majority of the professing churches). To us what the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach is
nothing more than “another Gospel,” (Gal 1:6) not the faith once delivered to the saints,
the only true and acceptable faith.” (Millennial Morning, Page 138)
Bible Students acknowledge the Bible as God’s book. This acknowledgment is not in parts or
proportions, but the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Bible Students believe God is the
author of the Bible as well as its preserver even though human authors have been used. “Thus
speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto
thee in a book.” (Jer 30:2)
Bible Students go beyond the clergy, the priests, the scholars, the philosophers or the
archaeologists by consecrating their lives in the study of the Bible from cover to cover to determine
the truths from God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16; Isa 26:
9)
Bible Students seek harmony and consistency of the scriptural testimony within the Bible itself as
well as with established facts from science, history, archaeology, religion and culture. (The
Scriptures taking precedence, however not without applying good common sense, i.e. sound
reasoning, unlike the approach taken by many professing Christians who ascribe to many
unreasonable things, their faith being based upon credulity rather than truth) “He Himself entered
the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.” (Acts 18:19)
Bible Students live in the Bible with its sayings, precepts and principles. These expressions and
principles become guidelines for transforming themselves from human to spiritual. To the Bible
students, the Bible is more than a book. It is an existence, a residence or a habitat. They live in it as
if in a hidden civilization waiting the time for the establishment of the Lord's kingdom. “Be not
conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2)
Bible Students are a peculiar people - not in dress, nor language, nor rituals. They are peculiar in
lifestyle, leisure time, priorities, character and preferred activities. They believe they are being
transformed from human to spiritual nature. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people.” (1 Pet 2:9)
Bible Students do not own nor encourage church connected buildings, chapels or fancy facilities.
Services and studies conducted by Bible students are often held in rented facilities or in private
homes.
Bible Students hold on a frequent schedule, conferences, conventions, symposiums, fellowship and
other discussion get-togethers. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” (Heb
10:25)
Bible Students attend and participate on a weekly, and often bi-weekly basis, Bible studies with
others on agreed-upon topics, themes and issues to further their understanding of the Bible. A
warm welcome is extended to anyone to join a Bible discussion group. “Study to show thyself
approved unto God ... rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)
Bible Students do not charge or assess for payment of services rendered for the spiritual benefit of
its members. Expenses generated by sponsored activities are defrayed by the sponsoring group.
Donations always seem to be sufficient to meet commitments. No collections are taken. Visitors
have no obligations. Those who are elders, ministers, leaders, directors or deacons do not
practice a paid ministry. All work done by those individuals are free to all they serve. “... freely ye
have received, freely give.” (Matt 10:8)
Bible Students are active in sponsoring public witness activities for giving or sharing the
understanding of truth acquired from the Bible (i.e. through various media, radio, TV, books,
tracts, and of course the Internet). “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill
cannot be hid.” (Matt 5:14)
Bible Students encourage all who seek to know God’s truth to be reconciled to him through
consecration and dedication in the doing of His will. Their mission is to help others to see what is
the fellowship of the mystery in Christ not yet known nor properly understood by the majority of
professing Christians still under the yoke of Orthodoxy. “This mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:27)
Bible Students do not automatically subscribe to or support Orthodoxy’s traditions, creeds,
opinions, assumptions, interpretations and/or beliefs. Their view is that all which is sacred must be
supported by or be in the Bible. There must be a “Thus Saith the Lord” for every truth
espoused.” (“Ten Bad Mistakes about God”, Page 285)
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