822.htm

822.

THEOCRATIC APPOINTMENTS TODAY.

THEOCRACY:	A government or state governed by God directly through a sacerdotal class.
SACERDOTAL:	Of priests or priesthood.

CAN ANY MAN SERVE AS A PRIEST OF GOD TODAY?
Paul in his letter to Titus referred to him as "a genuine child according to a faith shared in common". (Titus 1:4). The word 'genuine' means: Of the original stock, pure bred, really proceeding from its reputed source* or author.

Further, Paul said: "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might correct the things that were defective and might make appointments of older men in city after city, as I gave you orders". (Titus 1:5). As workers were few, why did Paul (Christ's apostle to the nations) direct Titus to make appointments of "older men" in city after city according to orders Paul gave, for such men be appointed as God's stewards? Titus must in some way have been different from others in Crete. To be appointed for such a work indicates he had something of the Source.* And as the work was of a spiritual nature, it could only proceed from Jehovah who is the Source,* through The Christ our mediator. To be able to do this work, appointing and reproving in city after city, meant that Paul knew Titus had something that would remain with him which qualified him for this work. So why didn't Paul direct Titus to do this work by:

(1)	Appointing from a base, as is the case of the sect of JWs today (from one of the cities)?
(2)	Appointing unsealed men to the position of 'elder' by proxy in response to letters received from men also not sealed with the Spirit of God? (2 Cor 3:1).

The answer is that because Holy Spirit is from God, directing, guiding and bearing witness through The Christ, it cannot be directed or sent by men through a letter! Nor did Titus need to send his recommendations to a governing body for their consideration. Consequently, only anointed men can be considered for appointment to the position of congregation elder, and their appointment can only be facilitated by those who are also anointed with a portion of Holy Spirit. It is only by this means that the Holy Spirit of God bears witness with their spirits to confirm that the man selected for appointment is spiritually qualified by God, that he is free from accusation, and is to be employed as God's steward. (Titus 1:7-9. Rom 8:33). This Spirit sanctifies them to become stewards over other "seers" of God (other anointed ones). Knowledge of God's Word is not the only requirement of underpriests of God. They must also know how to administer the Word of God correctly.

CONSIDERATIONS.
Do the scriptures indicate that the twelve apostles or a governing body at any time needed to be assembled to make appointments? No. Were Paul and Barnabas the only ones used to make appointments? No. Is there need at any time for letters of recommendation from men? No. Did Holy Spirit have to bear witness with their spirits to confirm that the man selected for appointment was spiritually qualified by God? Yes. Were men recommended by others for a position of congregation elder? No. Only as a replacement for Judas Iscariot did the anointed men assembled put forward two candidates and leave the decision to Almighty God as to who would "take the place of this ministry and apostleship". (Acts 1:15-26). Thereafter, selection was by Holy Spirit of God through anointed men.

If the foregoing instructions from the Word of God were adhered to today, would it be possible to knowingly or mistakenly appoint a man to the position of elder who had a serious mental disorder and was not "sound in mind", as in the case of Mr. R. F. of Cwmbran congregation who was a diagnosed schizophrenic? Certainly not! (Titus 1:8). Nor has Jehovah made provision for those taking "hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew" to be appointed to teach or discipline anointed sons of God. For to do so would be to claim equality with God. (1 John 2:27. Zech 8:23).

(Cont. on Page 823).

19/8/77.