An Extraordinary Contradiction

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
Let the candid reader compare the following extracts. Surely " Pastor " Russell forgot on one page what he said on another: "The ransom for all 'given by' the man Christ Jesus ' does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man; but it does guarantee to every man another opportunity or trial for life everlasting (Vol. 1, page 150). "Let no one hastily suppose that there is in this view anything in conflict with the teaching of the Scriptures that faith toward God,1 repentance for sin, and reformation of character are indispensable for salvation " (Vol. 1, page 158).
There is certainly no need to come hastily to any such conclusion, though to that conclusion we have certainly arrived. Such views conflict most seriously and fundamentally with the Gospel of God.
"Pastor" Russell said everlasting life was not given, to any man during this present time.
Scripture says: " Verily, verily, I say unto you; he that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE " (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)). " He that believeth on the Son HATH EVERLASTING LIFE " (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)). " These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE " (1 John 5: 13).
I would rather believe God's truth than "Pastor" Russell's lie. Can it be possible that he hoped to delude any thoughtful person by such a perversion of the Gospel?