wv... in reply

If one makes a consecration to spirit begettal after that opportunity has been taken away by the Lord.... well, hmmmmm.

Now, while I have no interest in trying to talk you out of what you're doing, nor am I as RR and others would say trying to steal your crown or throw water on your hopes... I contend that consecration is always in order as the Pastor stated... that the reward (and thus the way the consecration is accepted) is up to the Father, there is NO DIFFERENCE in consecration as given by a human being. You cannot offer yourself on the altar as a living human sacrifice for spiritual ends if that opportunity is closed. Pastor Russell coached all of the brethren as early as 1881 that the call was over and that although some would receive the opportunity to be replacements for those who would fall out DURING THE HARVEST, he intimated that none would actually know who was who except for the Lord Himself. He encouraged the brethren to "run as if" they were actually in the call while realizing that most never would be. This was over 100 years ago so just imagine where we are now.... yet the Pastor encouraged all who would come forward to continue to consecrate, which means OFFERING EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE TO THE LORD...we have no business in telling him where we expect to come in the Kingdom.

Bible Students in general over the last few decades have developed this new theory that any who consecrate for anything less than this spiritual reward are not really consecrated. Bobal has told me repeatedly (as RR has) that not only can I not be consecrated... I AM NOT EVEN A CHRISTIAN.

The TRUTH is however, that folks are supposed to simply consecrate to do the Father's will... Now while we may not agree as to what is currently the Father's will... lets not go to that place where we are assuming this or that person is less consecrated than ourselves.

Bro Jim is right... we settle this in the Kingdom.

respectfully

jonalfred