Armageddon and Paradise “Very Soon”
A partial list of statements in Jehovah’s Witnesses publications containing this prediction. (Emphasis added.)
1879-1890
That we are living “in the last days”—“The day of the Lord”— “the end” of the Gospel age, and consequently, in the dawn of the “new” age, are facts not only discernable by the close student of the Word, led by the spirit, but the outward signs recognizable by the world hear the same testimony…
Courage, then, my Christian brother or sister, seeking with weary step to run the narrow way… Keep your eye fixed on the prize. Soon — very soon — you may wear the Crown.
Zion’s Watch Tower, July 1879, pp. 3, 12.
The great time of trouble as a storm has been and continues gathering over Earth… The Prince of darkness now works in the hearts of the children of disobedience to the accomplishment of his own will -viz: in oppressing and opposing justice and truth to the affliction of mankind. The clouds are gathering and men’s hearts are beginning to fail for fear of the approaching storm – “for fear of those things that are coming on the Earth.” Soon it will break in all its fury.
Zion’s Watch Tower, November 1880, p. 153.
Soon, probably by, possibly before, the fall of 1881, we shall be changed – born of the spirit [of which we are now begotten] into the glorious likeness of our Head.
Zion’s Watch Tower, December 1880, p. 166.
If you think the prize too dear – not worth your little all, don’t exchange; but if you see it to be worth a million times what you are asked to give for it, sell “all that you have and purchase it.” If our understanding of the matter be correct, the opportunity for making this exchange which is so favorable to us, will end with this fall.
Those who do not exchange, will soon have reason to regret it, as they will find their all melting from their grasp during the time of trouble. Those who come knocking afterward, desiring admittance would apparently be glad then to give all for an opportunity to enter, but it will be too late “when once the Master… hath shut to the door.”
Zion’s Watch Tower, May 1881, p. 225.
The Time is at Hand
Title of Millennial Dawn (later Studies in the Scriptures) – Volume II – Tower Publishing Co., 1889.
1891-1900
The “furnace” of trouble for the tares is getting well heated, and soon shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.
Zion’s Watch Tower, March 1891, p. 1294 (Reprints).
But let the world love its own, while we remember that we are not of the world, but are sent forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, and that our safety and spiritual prosperity depend, not upon our own wisdom and sagacity, but depend entirely upon our diligent hearkening to, and patient following of, the voice of the good Shepherd, who will very soon highly exalt his little flock and crown them with an exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Zion’s Watch Tower, June 1, 1893, p. 1535 (Reprints).
Emperor William of Germany recently described the Czar of Russia as “a prince of peace like myself.” The true Prince of Peace will very soon conquer a peace that will last a thousand years, without ten millions of soldiers to maintain it. He will use the present “powers that be” in overthrowing and conquering each other, – shortly.
Zion’s Watch Tower, April 1894, p. 1636 (Reprints).
To our understanding of the Scriptures,we are already in the “harvest” time of this age. The great Chief-Reaper, the Lord Jesus, is now, through his messengers or servants, gathering the harvest of the Kingdom truths which he sowed 1800 years ago; and very soon the last of the ripe wheat will be gathered into the “garner” (the glorified state–the heavenly condition –“changed”) and then, very quickly, the sons of God will be manifested and their great work of blessing the world will begin.
Zion’s Watch Tower, March 1, 1898, p. 2277 (Reprints).
Very soon the last member of the body of Christ will have suffered with the Head for righteousness’ sake: then the entire work of sacrifice apportioned for this Gospel age, or Day of Atonement, will be ended, and the Millennial age of glory and blessing, ruling and uplifting, will begin; ushering in for the world of mankind the great blessing, the purchaseprice of which was finished at Calvary. Let each dear follower in the Master’s footsteps keep patiently and perseveringly on in the way of self-denial until his course shall be finished – until the Master shall say, It is enough; “Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou has been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Zion’s Watch Tower, May 1899, p. 2474 (Reprints).
1901-1910
All who are awake are beginning to recognize the harvest time – the “end of the age” – and to rejoice in the privilege of harvest work now under way. But all such have heard also “a consumption, even determined in the midst of the whole land.” (Isa. 28:22.) Louder peals the thunder and darker grow the clouds. A great storm is near at hand. Though one may not know exactly when it will break forth, it seems reasonable to suppose that it cannot be more than twelve or fourteen years yet future [that is 1905 or 1907].
Zion’s Watch Tower, July 1893, p. 194.
THE APPROACHING BATTLE
THE Bible forewarns us respecting the character of the great trouble-time everyone sees is approaching rapidly. It tells us it will be different from any trouble of the past. It points out that selfishness will be its basis and that the whole world will be involved – “every man’s hand against his neighbor.” (Zech. 8:10.) The spirit of the Evil One will possess the world and cause them to be and to act the reverse of those who possess the Spirit of Christ, whose delight it must be to “do good unto all men, especially to the household of faith.
Zion’s Watch Tower, October 15, 1907, p. 310.
1911-1920
According to our expectations the stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912.
Studies in the Scriptures VI – The New Creation, 1904, p. 579.
In this chapter we present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of Gentiles, i.e., the full end or their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that that date will be the farest limit of the rule of imperfect men.. That at that date the Kingdom of God, for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, ‘The Kingdom come,’ will have obtained full, universal control, and that it will then be ‘set up,’ or firmly established, in the earth.. Church taken home in a rapture .. It will prove that some time before the end of A.D. 1914 the last member of the divinely recognized Church of Christ, the ‘royal priesthood,’ ‘the body of Christ,’ will be glorified with the Head; because every member is to reign with Christ, being a joint-heir with him of the Kingdom, and it cannot be fully ‘set up’ without every member.
Studies in the Scriptures II – The Time Is At Hand, 1889, pp. 76,77
… the battle of the great day of God Almighty.. so great is our confidence in the Word of God and in the light of present truth shining upon it, that we could not have doubted its testimony whatever had been the appearances. The date of the close of that ‘battle’ is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874.
Zion’s Watch Tower, January 15, 1892, reprints p. 1355.
… the time of trouble or ‘day of wrath’ which .. will end October 1914.. (Zionist) Conventions .. meet year by year to put in practical shape the proposal for the reorganization of a Jewish state in Palestine. The buds will thrive, but will bear no perfect fruit before October 1914 – the full end of ‘Gentile Times’… Complete destruction of the ‘powers that be’ of ‘this present evil worlds – political, financial, ecclesiastical – about the close of the Time of the Gentiles; October A.D. 1914.
Studies in the Scriptures IV – Battle of Armageddon, 1897, p. 604, 622. When nothing happened in 1914, the text was amended (in Battle of Armageddon, 1915 edition, p. 604). “October 1914” became “about 1915”.
There is absolutely no ground for Bible students to question that the consummation of this Gospel age is now even at the door, and that it will end as the Scriptures foretell in a great time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. We see the participants in this great crisis banding themselves together .. The great crisis, the great clash, symbolically represented as a fire, that will consume the ecclesiastical heavens and the social earth, is very near.
Zion’s Watch Tower, May 1, 1914, p. 134.
The Battle of Armageddon, to which this war is leading, will be a great contest between right and wrong, and will signify the complete and everlasting overthrow of the wrong, and the permanent establishment of Messiah’s righteous kingdom for the blessing of the world.. Our sympathies are broad enough to cover all engaged in the dreadful strife, as our hope is broad enough and deep enough to include all in the great blessings which our Master and his Millennial kingdom are about to bring to the world.
Zion’s Watch Tower, April 1 1915, p. 101.
The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures (Rev 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world. We believe the present war cannot last much longer until revolutions shall break out.
Book Pastor Russell’s Sermons, 1917, p. 676.
Some interesting developments in connection with the setting up of the Kingdom may occur in 1920, six years after the great Time of Trouble began. It would not be strange if this were so, when we recall that after forty years wandering in the wilderness the Israelites came into possession of the land of Canaan after a further six years. As these matters are still future we can but wait to see. We anticipate that .. the ‘fire’ will come in the fall of 1920.
… Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. And the mountains were not found. Every kingdom of earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy. The three days in which Pharaoh’s host pursued the Israelites into the wilderness represent the three years from 1917 to 1920 at which time all of Pharaoh’s messengers will be swallowed up in the sea of anarchy… Not one vestage of it shall survive the ravenges of world-wide all embracing anarchy, in the fall of 1920.
Studies in the Scriptures VII – The Finished Mystery, 1917, pp. 178, 258.
1921-1930
The period must end in 1925. The type ending, the antitype must begin; and therefore 1925 is definitely fixed in the scriptures. Every thinking person can see that a great climax is at hand. The Scriptures clearly indicate that the climax is the fall of Satan’s empire and the full establishment of the Messianic kingdom. This climax being reached by 1925, and that marking the beginning of the fulfillment of the long promised blessings of life to the people, millions now living on earth will be living then and those who obey the righteous laws of the new arrangement will live forever. Therefore it can be confidently said at this time that millions now living will never die.
The Golden Age, Jan 4, 1922, p. 217.
We understand that the jubilee type began to count in 1575 B.C.; and the 3,500 year period embracing the type must end in 1925.. It follows, then, that the year 1925 will mark the beginning of the restoration of all things lost by Adam’s disobedience.
The Watch Tower, November 1, 1922, p. 346.
We are nearing the end. The last industrial features or struggle of the Battle of Armageddon will occur here in the United States soon. The shooting down of nearly seventy of what they call ”scab strike-breakers” in the State of Illinois is only a prelude to the universal anarchy that is coming.
The Golden Age. January 3, 1923 pp. 205, 206.
Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge.
The Watch Tower, April 1, 1923, p. 106.
After 1925 expect shortly Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.. No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seen strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us.
Book The Way To Paradise, 1924, pp. 224-226.
The great climax is at hand. The kings of earth now set themselves against his anointed Stone.
Book Light, Book 2, 1930, p. 327.
1931-1940
God’s kingdom has begun to operate. His day of vengeance is here and Armageddon is at hand and certain to fall upon Christendom and that within an early date. God’s judgment is upon Christendom and must shortly be executed.
Book Vindication, Vol 1, 1931, p. 147.
All the facts show that Armageddon is only a short time away, and that period much less than the length of a generation.
Booklet Health and Life, 1932, p. 24.
… the scriptural evidence and the physical facts strongly indicate that such witness work is now almost done; and when it is done the universal war will begin. Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it.. during the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm the powers that rule the nations of the earth will continue to make treaties and tell the people that by such means they will keep that world peace and bring about prosperity.
Booklet Universal War Near, 1935, pp. 3, 26, 27.
It is not for them to know just how soon the curse will fall, that is to say, just what hour or year Armageddon will take place. They certainly know that it cannot be far removed from the present day, because that work marked out for them, and which they are doing, immediately precedes Armageddon
The Watchtower, December 1, 1936, p. 365.
WHEN
Now the question is, When will this battle be fought? Jehovah decreed tha he would have his name declared in all the earth and then he would show the Devil His power and that He would manifest it in the battle of that great day of God Almighty… Revelation twelve tells of the ousting of Satan from heaven, and then explains why all this woe in the earth… The Bible, at Revelation 12:12, says that these woes come from the Devil; because the words of the great Prophet, Christ Jesus, are these: ‘Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and to the people; for the Devil is come down unto you, knowing that he hath but a short time.’ A short time for what? A short time to prepare for the great battle of God Almight, the battle of Armageddon, which is just ahead.
Booklet Armageddon – the greatest battle of all time – Who Will Survive?, 1937, pp. 32-34.
W. F. GARMON, of Texas, is on the warpath. He says he has $1,000 reward for anybody who will come forth with evidence that the denominational or salaried preacher who teaches that there is a soul, separate from the body, which does not die, but suffers in a burning hell of literal fire, is not one of the wickedest men living, making the Creator a liar and a fiend. He sent in $20, paying his Watchtower and Golden Age subscriptions ten years ahead.
He is sure, so he says, that Armageddon will be along before his subscription has expired, but he doesn’t care, anyway. Well, nobody will ever get his $1,000. He is betting on a dead-sure thing.
The Golden Age, June 16, 1937, p. 592.
If in obedience to the divine command the Jonadabs or great multitude will marry and rear children after Armageddon, would it not be Scripturally proper for them to begin doing so immediately before Armageddon? And should the Jonadabs now be encouraged to marry and rear children? No, is the answer, supported by the Scriptures… mark the words of Jesus, which definitely seem to discourage the bearing of children immediately before or during Armageddon -Matt. 24:19.. It would therefore appear that there is no reasonable or scriptural injunction to bring children into the world immediately before Armageddon, where we now are.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1938, pp. 323, 324.
Would it be scripturally proper for them to marry and begin to rear children? No, is the answer, which is supported by the scriptures .. It will be far better to be unhampered and without burdens, that they may do the Lord’s will now, as the Lord commands, and also be without hindrance during Armageddon.. Those… who now contemplate marriage, it would seem, would do better if they wait a few years, until the fiery storm of Armageddon is gone.
Booklet Face the Facts, 1938, pp. 46, 50. Advice repeated the next year in the Book Salvation, p. 325.
Advertisement for The Watch Tower: A new serial article is just starting, entitled ‘HIS WAR’, which shows how the two opposing armies are lining up for the final battle, referred to in the Bible as Armageddon.
Consolation, July 13, 1938, p. 31.
The abundance of Scriptural evidence, together with the physical facts that have come to pass showing the fulfillment of prophecy, conclusively proves that the time for the battle of the great day of God Almighty is very near and that in that battle all of God’s enemies shall be destroyed and the earth cleared of wickedness…
At San Diego, California, there is a small piece of land, on which, in the year 1929 there was built a house, which is called and known as Beth Sarim. The Hebrew words Beth Sarim mean ‘House of the Princes’; and the purpose of acquiring that property and building the house was that there are those on earth today who fully believe in God and Christ Jesus and in His Kingdom, and who believe that the faithful men of old will soon be resurrected by the Lord, be back on earth, and take charge of the visible affairs of earth. The title to Beth Sarim is vested in the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in trust, to be used by the president of the Society and his assistants for the present, and thereafter to be forever at the disposal of the aforementioned princes on the earth…
Likewise today, all the nations and peoples of earth are face to face with the greatest emergency. They are being warned as God commands, that the disaster of Armageddon is just ahead.
Book Salvation, 1939, pp. 310, 311, 361.
It is quite evident that the witness work is near an end in continental Europe, and this is further proof that Armageddon is near at hand…. One brother writes: ‘Jehovah knows that our company had not a sound-car. It is doubtful if we shall have it before Armageddon. For that reason he has blessed our company with more than usually strong rowers, and boats, and provided us with a territory very rich in lakes’.
Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses of 1940, pp.132, 192.
Christianity warns the people that within a short time Jehovah God, by Christ Jesus, will completely destroy all the governments and systems of this world, including the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Christianity never has to be on the defensive. Christ fights no defensive battles. He will lead in the great battle of Armageddon shortly, which will wipe out the enemy and completely vindicate Jehovah’s name.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1940, p. 28.
The year 1940 is certain to be the most important year yet because Armageddon is very near. It behooves all who love righteousness to put forth every effort to advertise The Theocracy while the privileges are still open.
The Informant, April 1940, p.1.
The prophecies of Almighty God, the fulfillment of which now clearly appears from the physical facts, show that the end of religion has come and with its end the complete downfall of Satan’s entire organization.
Book Religion, 1940, p. 336.
The Kingdom is here, the King is enthroned. Armageddon is just ahead. The glorious reign of Christ that shall bring blessings to the world will immediately follow. Therefore the great climax has been reached. Tribulation has fallen upon those who stand by the Lord.
The Messenger, September 1, 1940, p. 6.
The witness work for The Theocracy appears to be about done in most of the countries of ‘Christendom’.. Now the totalitarian rule has suppressed the Theocratic message, and it should be expected that when they quit fighting amongst themselves all the totalitarian rulers will turn their attention to the complete suppression of everything pertaining to the Theocratic Government. What, then, does it mean that the Theocratic Government is now suppressed in many nations? It means that the hour is rapidly approaching when the ‘sign’ of Armageddon will be clearly revealed and all who are on the side of Jehovah will see and appreciate it .. [we are] anxiously and watchfully waiting for the appearance of the sign for the battle (Armageddon) to begin.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1940, p. 265.
1941-1950
Whether it shall be the Lord’s will that another Yearbook be published before Armageddon, of course, no one can say. What the immediate future holds it would be unwise to try to predict. All the surrounding circumstances, however, indicate that the battle of Armageddon is near at hand, which means the end of wickedness in the earth and the full ushering in of righteousness…. The trying experiences of the year past, the persecution and reproach of God’s people by the enemy, and which persecution daily increases, testifies that we are near Armageddon and that soon we shall see a complete change. The present time is the day ’when the wicked spring up as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish’. Never at any time has there been such wickedness and lawlessness against Christians in America as today….Comfort and aid those of good-will. The day of deliverance is near!
Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses of 1941, pp. 246, 249.
Should men and women, both of whom are Jonadabs or ‘other sheep’ of the Lord, now marry before Armageddon and bring forth children? They may chose to do so, but the admonition or advice of the scriptures appears to be against it. The prophetic picture seems to set forth the correct rule, to wit: The three sons of Noah and their wives were in the ark and were saved from the flood. They did not have any children, however, until after the flood. They began to have children two years after the flood. (Genesis 11:10, 11) No children were taken into the ark and none were born in the ark, and hence none were brought out of the ark. Only eight persons went in and eight came out of the ark. (1 Peter 3:20; Genesis 8:18) That would appear to indicate that it would be proper that those who will form the ‘great multitude’ should wait until after Armageddon to bring children into the world…
Armageddon is surely near, and during that time the Lord will clean off the earth everything that offends and is disagreeable… Our hope is that within a few years our marriage may be consummated and, by the Lord’s grace, we shall have sweet children that will be an honor to the Lord. We can well defer our marriage until lasting peace comes to the earth. Now we must add nothing to our burdens, but be free and equipped to serve the Lord…Eunice, my decision is made. I shall shun politics, religion, and commerce, and I shall avoid the cities…Our present duty is plain. We must now be witnesses to the name of Jehovah.
Book Children, 1941, pp. 312, 313, 366, 367.
‘Cartons of ‘Children’ that had been deposited in The Arena were now opened. Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1941, p. 288.
Armageddon is very near.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1941, p. 325.
Demon Rule Ending .. Nowhere in the prophecy does it appear that the ‘king of the north’, that is, the ‘Axis powers’, shall be victorious in the present war between the two ‘kings’, nor does the prophecy indicate that ‘the king of the south’ will suffer defeat.. All nations composing ‘the king of the south’ become arbitrary and totalitarian.. All admit that regardless of the outcome of the present war the nations will never return to the former method of rule.. That battle of the great day of God Almighty will bring the demons’ rule to its final end. That battle is not to be fought between ‘the king of the north’ and the ‘king of the south’, because at that time all nations will be absorbed into the demon-controlled totalitarian rule. The great and final fight is the battle of Armageddon.. Thus the end for ever of Nazi-Fascist-Hierarchy rule will come, and that will mark the end for ever of demon rule. It is in the days of these dictatorial powers… that the God of heaven will bring into action his kingdom, THE THEOCRACY.
The Watchtower, December 15, 1941, pp. 372, 376, 377.
Now, with Armageddon immediately before us, it is a matter of life or destruction. Those who would be of the Lords other sheep that shall compose the great multitude of Armageddon survivors and live joyfully on earth forever must find the answer to a very personal question, and very important.
The Watchtower, April 1, 1942, p.139.
… the Greater Jephthah, Christ Jesus .. revealed that the divine mandate will be issued and go into force toward the ‘other sheep’ of the ‘great multitude’ AFTER the battle of Armageddon. Hence marriage now was no part of fulfilling the divine mandate and was inadvisable according to the Scriptures. This was in effect saying that the Lord’s ‘other sheep’ who shall form the ‘great multitude’ after Armageddon must now remain a ‘virgin’ company“
The Watch Tower, December 15, 1942, pp. 374, 375. [Further, marriages for JWs living in Bethel were banned for over half a century, until a Watchtower Society President decided to get married. Compare this with “The Spirit has explicitly said that there will be some who will desert the faith and choose to listen to deceitful spirits and doctrines that come from the devils .. they will say marriage is forbidden. -1 Timothy 4:1, 3.]
The New World Is At The Doors .. The time is short. Those who do not inform themselves and who do not now choose the new world which Higher Powers shall establish will never live to enter into blessings and glories…
The Lord Jesus has now come to the temple for judgment, and the remnant of the members of ‘his body’ yet on earth he has gathered into the temple condition of perfect unity with himself (Malachi 3:1-3), and hence those faithful men of old may be expected back from the dead any day now. The Scriptures give good reason to believe that it shall be shortly before Armageddon breaks. In this expectation the house at San Diego, California, which house has been much publicized with malicious intent by the religious enemy, was built, in 1930, and named ‘Beth Sarim,’ meaning ‘House of Princes.’ It is now held in trust for the occupancy of those princes on their return. The most recent facts show that the religionists of this doomed world are gnashing their teeth because of the testimony which that ‘House of Princes’ hears to the new world. To those religionists and their allies the return of those faithful men of old to rule with judgment over the people shall not bring any pleasure. But to the people whom the angels sang about, ‘men of good will,’ it shall be an occasion for unbounded jubilation, and they shall rally to the side of those princely representatives of the kingdom of heaven.
Book The New World, 1942, pp. 10, 104, 105.
The faithful acts of the men who were known as fathers in Israel are recounted in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Genesis 12:1-3; 28:13, 14; Acts 7:2-5… These men will be the visible representatives of the Theocracy, which is the government created and built up by the almighty God as his capital organization and which shall rule the world. Further proof that these princes will shortly take office upon earth as perfect men is found in the prophecy of Daniel. But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. (Daniel 12:13) Daniel’s lot is that of these princes. Proof is now submitted that we are now living at the end of the days, and we may expect to see Daniel and the other mentioned princes any day now!
Consolation, April 27, 1942, p. 13.
The final war will come as a most sudden and complete surprise… Nevertheless, the appearing of the ‘desolating abomination in the holy place’ is an unerring proof that the unknown day and hour of the beginning of the final war is dangerously near.
Book The Truth Shall Make You Free, 1943, p. 341.
It is better and wiser for those of the Lord’s ‘other sheep’ who hope to survive Armageddon and be given the divine mandate to fill the earth with a righteous offspring to defer matters until after the tribulation and destruction of Armageddon is past.
Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1943, Nov 7.
… the disaster of Armageddon, greater than that which befell Sodom and Gomorrah, is at the door.
Book ‘Let God Be True’, 1946, p. 194.
Be glad, you nations, with his people!
The Kingdom is at hand,
Of Armageddon’s desolation;
It’s nearer then they think!
Songs To Jehovah’s Praise, 1950, Song 4 (“Be Glad, You Nations, with His People!”), Verse Two.
The judgment of doom entered against antitypical Babylon, ‘the great whore with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication and who has made the inhabitants of the earth drunk on the wine of her fornication,’ will shortly be carried out. — Rev. 18:9, 10. From the foregoing it is clear that the Hebrew Scriptures are not mere ancient history, but contain types and shadows of things now coming to pass upon this twentieth-century generation.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1950, p. 324.
1951-1960
… we are entering the most serious and trialsome years of this “time of the end”. The final conflict of Armageddon draws near. So let us not forget that Jehovah God does not change any more than his Word changes.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1951, p. 179.
For our expecting this old world to end soon means we are looking for a new world to begin with the most wonderful opportunities for living. It is not a false, baseless optimism, but is based on God’s own Word.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1951, p. 547.
But now, by occurrence of every detail of the great sign Jesus gave, we know that we face the imminent end of the present world system.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1952, p. 709.
After almost six thousand years of human sorrow, suffering and death, at last permanent relief is near at hand and will be realized within this generation.
Book “New Heavens And A New Earth”, 1953, p. 7.
Timelily [Jehovah] rouses his faithful witnesses and alerts them to what is now due to take place. He opens their understanding as to who the real Gog is and reminds them that the assault by this powerful foe is soon to occur, this foe who comes from the far north.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1953, p. 598.
Terrible destructions are near and immediate action is required of all those who hear the message of true religion and who are for Jehovah and against idolatry.
The Watchtower, March 1, 1954, p. 151.
Soon now that invisible ruler of this world will be checkmated at Armageddon, when the King Christ Jesus hurls him into the abyss of deathlike inactivity.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1954, p. 498.
In the light of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy it is becoming clear that the war of Armageddon is nearing its breaking-out point.
Book You May survive Armageddon Into God’s New World, 1955. p. 331.
We see Jehovah acting according to this same rule of action today in this twentieth century, to fulfill his own warning prophecy… The peoples of this world now face Armageddon and are about to perish there in horrifying numbers.”
The Watchtower, February 1, 1956, p. 85.
THE URGENCY OF THESE FINAL YEARS
… First of all, never lose sight of the all-important fact that this is Jehovah’s message that he long ago purposed should be delivered against Gog of Magog in these closing years of Satan’s wicked rule. “Surely the Lord Jehovah will do nothing, except he reveal his secret unto his servants the prophets….
The Watchtower, August 1, 1956, pp. 472, 473.
When this work has been completed the battle of Armageddon will be fought, in which all the “goats” will be destroyed and Satan and his demons be cast into the abyss of deathlike inactivity. This cannot be very far off, for Jesus said that the generation that saw 1914 ‘will by no means pass away until all these things occur. ‘- Matt. 24:34, NW.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1956. p. 616.
For thousands of years Jehovah’s prophets and the saints of God have prayed for and looked forward to this very time in which we are now living… Now the Kingdom is here. The satanic wicked old world is about finished. Very shortly Jehovah God will annihilate the wicked foes, and then unrighteousness, sin and death will be no more.
The Watchtower, November 15, 1956. p. 698.
WHY do Jehovah’s witnesses say that Christ “returned” in the year 1914 and then began to rule as King? Because they have faith that it is so. Why do they teach that the universal war called Armageddon will take place within this present generation and will utterly wipe out this world’s present systems of religion, commercialism and politics, and that millions of people will survive that global catastrophe and live on forever on earth under ideal conditions? It is because they have faith that it will be so.
The Watchtower, Fev 1, 1957, p. 73.
The United Nations belongs to this old world, which is facing a disastrous end very soon.
The Watchtower, April 15, 1958, p. 237.
If any of the remnant now in attendance at the room for the wedding ceremonies fall out for failure to keep on the wedding garment, others will be brought in by the King to take their places. Seeing that we are now in the closing years of this present system of things, that process may be about completed.
The Watchtower, August 1, 1958, p. 464.
If you value your life and that of your family you will obtain this striking and stimulating book [‘Your Will Be Done on Earth’, 1958] and read it with your Bible. It contains absolute assurance that God’s will be done on earth in our generation.
Announcement in The Watchtower, October 15, 1958, p. 640.
Surely the good news that all these blessings are right at the door is cause for singing. Those who have the sure hope of these things are now publishing it far and wide in some 175 lands and territories, using printed publications in over 125 tongues… Let them not permit religious prejudice to close their ears to this beautiful song that Jehovah himself has begun to rule as King and that therefore these blessings are imminent.
The Watchtower, May 15, 1960, p. 312.
To make one’s religion the “social gospel” instead of the pure worship of the Bible brings futility and ruin. Soon now, at Armageddon, God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” The “social gospel” cannot reverse God’s decree nor save lives at Armageddon.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1960, p. 488.
1961-1970
But then it also speaks of a group of people preaching about the righteous kingdom of God, a war of God against all wickedness, followed by a paradise earth without death – all to be realized in the twentieth century…
That now-operating kingdom in heaven will, within the twentieth century, cleanse the entire earth of wickedness…
What day was Jesus speaking of? The beginning of World War III? No, Zephaniah 2:3 identifies it as “the day of Jehovah’s anger.” Revelation 16:16 calls it the “war of the great day of God the Almighty,” Armageddon. This war will come in the twentieth century. It will come right on schedule, as have the wars, food shortages, earthquakes and other events’ fore told. This generation will see its fulfillment.
Awake!, February 22, 1961, pp. 5, 7 and 8.
Shortly the clock of universal time will strike the hour, and the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” will break out, not by accident or by human miscalculation, but because God has had enough of mankind’s opposition and ignoring of him.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1963, p. 622.
Very soon Satan and all the human suffering he has been responsible for will be eliminated. It is the loving Creator who will provide this relief by ushering obedient mankind into a righteous new system of things.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1964, p. 390.
A “great crowd” of them [Jehovah’s Witnesses] will survive the coming battle of Armageddon…
However, it will not be so with the “goat” class of our twentieth-century generation. At the destruction of Babylon the Great and in the battle of Armageddon they will be executed with an everlasting punishment and will never be resurrected from the dead, for they will go into the “second death.”
The Watchtower, March 15, 1965, p. 177.
Yes, the present system of things is soon coming to its end!
The Watchtower, June 1, 1966, p. 328.
During World War I, God’s people expected it to lead directly into Armageddon, but Jehovah prevented such a climax at that time. We didn’t succumb to such an expectation during World War II.
Kingdom Ministry, January 1968, p. 5 [N. E.: This claim about World War II is false. Look at quotations for 1940 and 1941.]
By measuring and calculating time, we know we are living in the final years of this system of things.
The Watchtower, May 1, 1968, p. 274.
It is not reasonable to expect that present favorable conditions for preaching the good news will continue indefinitely. Besides, did not Jesus say that this generation will not pass away until all things are fulfilled? A generation, according to Psalm 90:10, is from seventy to eighty years. The generation that witnessed the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 does not have many more years left.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1968, p. 715
Because its program [1969 “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses], from beginning to end, will be the finest yet. It is filled with vital information that everyone needs to prepare for what lies ahead in the final years of this old system.
The Watchtower, June 15, 1969, p. 382.
“Peace on Earth” was the delightful theme of these assemblies. Readings, lectures, dramas, personal experiences, all combined to produce a wonderful program-one well calculated to equip conventioners for effective activity in the urgent times that are now with us.
… People in these islands are hearing the message, and they too are showing themselves willing to shoulder responsibilities for the urgent preaching work that must soon be accomplished.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1970, pp.121, 126.
Very soon the world empire of false religion, Babylon the Great, will come to its destructive end.
The Watchtower, June 1, 1970, p. 339.
1971-1980
Shortly, within our twentieth century, the “battle in the day of Jehovah” will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom.
Book “The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah” — How? (1971), p. 216.
As Christians we need this information to prepare for what lies ahead in the final years of this fast-deteriorating old system.
Awake!, June 8, 1971, p. 26.
[Jehovah’s Witnesses] trust that Jehovah God will soon bring a speedy end to all wickedness in his war of Armageddon.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1971, p. 490.
It is going to take place very quickly, for Jesus went on to say: “This generation [that experiences today’s situation] will by no means pass away until all things occur.”
The Watchtower, January 1, 1972, p. 3.
An examination of much evidence in the Holy Bible and Twentieth-Century World History on whether God’s Millennial Kingdom will begin its blessings within our own generation.
Book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached (1973), title page.
It is direct evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy showing that we are living in the closing years of this wicked system of things.
Awake!, November 8, 1973, p. 6.
And that prophetic Word of God shows clearly that we are living in the final years of this distressing system of things.
Awake!, November 22, 1973, p. 12.
… suddenly, there came an end to World War I. It did not lead on, as Bible students expected, into world revolution and anarchy or the battle of Armageddon. And the sincere worshippers of Jehovah who were in the new covenant with him through his Mediator Jesus Christ, found themselves still in the flesh on the earth.
Book Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand! (1975), p. 98.
We do not know the “day and hour” when the “great tribulation” will strike. But that does not change the fact that it is fast approaching. The general time period is clearly marked in God’s Word. The “generation” that Jesus foretold would see not only the events of the year 1914 but also the “great tribulation” is now well up in years. That adds a note of urgency to the situation and should move us to consider carefully whether we personally are really living in full recognition of the fact that God’s “day and hour” for judgment are at hand.
The Watchtower, May 1, 1975, pp. 278, 279.
Really, we should be delighted, because the “new heavens and a new earth” are almost upon us!
The Watchtower, December 15, 1975, p. 745.
Those verses from Isaiah’s prophecy point back to when Moses’ people were delivered from their enslavement to the ancient Egyptians. There, in the spring of the year 1513 B.C.E., God made an imperishable name for himself, a name of matchless beauty. But now, too, in our twentieth century, the time has come for this same God to make a ‘beautiful name for his own self.’ On a vastly grander scale he will perform a deliverance resembling what he performed at the Red Sea.
Book Holy Spirit—The Force Behind the Coming New Order! (1976), p. 65.
This same God, Jehovah, has made known his thoughts concerning all the nations now acting on this twentieth-century world stage, and what he has thought concerning them is what we of this generation are certain to see occur in our time… His almighty hand is now being stretched out for the execution of his judicial counsel, and not even all the nations combined can turn his hand back and ward off destruction.
Book Our Incoming World Government — God’s Kingdom (1977), pp. 32, 33.
For a certainty, all the conditions foretold in Bible prophecy are here. We are indeed very deep into the “last days” of this system of things and nearing the final part, the “great tribulation” with its Armageddon finish.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, p.16.
What happened to ancient Babylon is much more than just history. It is a remarkable prophetic parallel to what soon will befall the “great harlot” of our day.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, p. 17.
And if the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century, which is highly improbable in view of world trends and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, there would still be survivors of the World War I generation. However, the fact that their number is dwindling is one more indication that “the conclusion of the system of things” is moving fast toward its end.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, p. 31.
1981-1990
As Jehovah’s forward-moving organization approaches the final years of its preaching activity toward this world, there is no doubt that the scope of the work will grow.
The Watchtower, November 15, 1981, p. 21.
GRAND BLESSINGS ARE NEAR
…The very conditions in the world today show that we are now living at the time when the destruction of this entire system of things is due to happen. Yes, very soon now God will cleanse the earth of all who would ruin it.
… After drawing attention to the many things that have marked the period from 1914 onward, Jesus said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things [including the end of this system] occur.” (Matthew 24:34, 14) Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914. Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old. However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. So of this we can be certain: Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon.
Book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (1982), pp. 14, 15, 154.
Today we are being directed to preach “this good news of the kingdom” and we should be at it urgently. The world scene indicates that the nations are rapidly moving toward their end. Not much time remains to do this pressing work.
Our Kingdom Ministry, February 1982, p. 1.
By using the Bible’s timetable we can determine that now is the time for Christ’s invisible presence as King. Therefore, his coming to execute God’s judgment upon the wicked and his 1,000-year ‘day to judge the earth in righteousness’ are very near.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1982, p. 6.
God’s people are getting equipped and organized to give the greatest witness possible in these final years before Armageddon brings an end to this system of things.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1983, p. 30.
And Jesus has told us to rejoice at seeing the dark storm clouds of Armageddon gathering since that time. He has told us that the “generation” of 1914— the year that the sign began to be fulfilled —“will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:34) Some of that “generation” could survive until the end of the century. But there are many indications that “the end” is much closer than that!
The Watchtower, March 1, 1984, pp. 18, 19.
For the year 2000, I visualize a world transformed into a beautiful paradise! But I don’t think that either the present world or its rulers will live to see that day…. We are living in the last days of the system of things.
Awake!, November 8, 1986, pp. 7, 8.
If we follow the good example of Jehovah’s organization by using our time and resources in the best way possible to advance Kingdom interests and glorify Jehovah’s name, we can confidently expect to win the race for life and share in the marvelous blessings Jehovah has in store for his servants in the immediate future and throughout eternity!
Our Kingdom Ministry, February 1987, p. 3.
If you are one of that great crowd, your good condition of heart will make you “cry out joyfully,” no matter what you have to endure in the way of privations and pressures during the twilight years of Satan’s system.
Book Revelation — Its Grand Climax At Hand!, 1988, p. 127.
So how can anyone be sure that Jehovah’s Witnesses are right in announcing the imminent end of the present world system and the extension of God’s Kingdom rule over the earth?
Awake!, April 8, 1988, p. 3.
The apostle Paul was spearheading the Christian missionary activity. He was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.
The Watchtower, January 1, 1989, p. 12.
In view of its urgent message, all publishers will want to have a part in offering the Revelation Climax book from house to house. Take note of not-at-homes and call again. Elders should consider arranging additional meetings for field service.
Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1989, p. 1.
WE ARE DETERMINED to echo, in a loud voice and “to every nation and tribe and tongue and people,” the glad tidings that “a new heaven and a new earth” are at hand for the blessing of obedient mankind.
The Watchtower, April 15, 1989, p. 19.
When will this final shattering of “the image of the wild beast,” along with the system of human rule it reflects, occur? When will Jehovah end the human rule that challenges his sovereignty? The Bible gives no set date, but Bible prophecy and world events say: ‘Very soon.’
Awake! December 8, 1990, p. 24.
1991-2000
[‘Awake!‘ is] for the enlightenment of the entire family. It shows how to cope with today’s problems, It reports the news, tells about people in many lands, examines religion and science. But it does more. It probes beneath the surface and points to the real meaning behind current events, yet it always stays politically neutral and does not exalt one race above another. Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator’s promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away.”
Awake, February 22, 1991, p. 4.
Yes, in the very near future, Jehovah will act, ‘putting a stop to wars throughout the earth.’
Brochure Will There Ever Be a World Without War?, 1992, p. 31.
The “generation” that was alive in 1914 is fast dwindling. The end cannot be far off.
Book Jehovah’s Witnesses — Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, 1993, p. 716.
At last summer’s “Light Bearers” District Convention, a speaker asked: “Can you pioneer? Will you pioneer?” He noted that these questions are relevant because Armageddon is very near, and this makes the preaching work more urgent than ever before.
Our Kingdom Ministry, January 1993, p. 1.
Urgent to Follow the Light
Now, in the final years of this evil system, it is urgent to follow the light of the world.
The Watchtower, April 1, 1993, p. 18.
Bible prophecies indicate that Satan’s world has been in its last days for nearly 80 years now, since the pivotal year 1914. This world is nearing its end.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1994, p. 20.
By now, in this latter part of ‘the last days, the great majority of the 144,000 have died and received their heavenly reward.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1995, p. 15.
… the end of this system of things is imminent, and problems are more pressing than ever.
The Watchtower, July 15, 1996, p. 23.
To settle the issues Satan raised, God will soon bring an end to all wickedness.
Awake!, October 22, 1996, p.19.
Very soon now God will restore things to the way he meant them to be before his first human creations rebelled. His appointed time for man’s independent rule has nearly run out.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1997, p. 6.
And very soon, Jehovah will end poverty and oppression — in fact, all suffering.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1999, p. 5.
Today, there is greater urgency than ever before to move ahead with the preaching work. In many parts of the world, the fields are ripe for harvesting. Even in lands where a thorough witness has seemingly been given, thousands are being baptized each year. With the end of this system of things rapidly approaching, there is “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”
Our Kingdom Ministry, February 2000, p. 1.
2001-2010
When will the resurrection begin? According to the Bible, very soon. Bible prophecy indicates that in 1914 this world entered into its “last days.”… In what many call ‘the end of the world,’ God will very shortly remove wickedness and establish a new world under heavenly rulership… The result will be a paradise covering the whole earth and inhabited by those who have sincerely tried to serve God.
Tract Hellfire — Is It Part of Divine Justice?, 2001, pp. 5, 6.
Very shortly God will remove all wickedness and establish a new world under heavenly rulership… The result will be a paradise over the whole earth, inhabited by people who serve God.
The Watchtower, June 1, 2002, p. 8.
Their hope [Jehovah’s Witnesses] is, not in this system of things, but in God’s Kingdom, which will shortly lead to an earthly paradise.
The Watchtower, August 15, 2003, p.13.
Take comfort in knowing why such suffering takes place — and that it will not last long.
Awake!, March 22, 2004, p. 14.
Very soon now, God’s Kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus will destroy the wicked world and provide a great deliverance for the upright and the blameless.
The Watchtower, January 15, 2005, p. 27.
Very soon, Bible prophecy shows, God will bring this vicious, cruel system of things to an end.
The Watchtower, May 1, 2006, p. 12.
Angels will serve as God’s executional forces in the near future. Very soon now, Jesus will come “with his powerful angels in a flaming fire.”
The Watchtower, March 15, 2007, p. 25.
Very soon now, what Jesus called the “great tribulation” will occur…
Very soon God’s promised earthly Paradise will become a reality.
The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, pp. 15, 28.
Through him, at last, evil soon will be past;
This hope, like an anchor, is holding us fast.
Himnary Sing to Jehovah, 2009, refrain of song 129.
That Kingdom government is very shortly going to bring an end to Satan’s world and then supervise the doing of God’s will throughout the earth.
The Watchtower, March 15, 2009, p. 15.
2011-2020
Very soon now, he will begin bringing the earth back to the perfect state he originally purposed.
The Watchtower, July 1, 2011, p. 6.
Will the glorious Kingdom realities just ahead motivate you to focus your attention and efforts on doing God’s will?… Then it will be your privilege to enjoy peace and prosperity for a thousand years — and beyond!
The Watchtower, September 15, 2012, p. 12.
Very soon this world’s final “scene” will conclude, and the great tribulation will begin. “The time left is reduced.” (1 Cor. 7:29) How important it is, then, to adapt and to do so without delay, so that we can accomplish the most in the limited time left!
Our Kingdom Ministry, June 2013, p. 1.
Very soon, Jehovah will expose wicked people who refuse to repent or who secretly practice sin.
The Watchtower (Simplified Edition), July 15, 2014, p. 7.
Soon, very soon, each of us will face a similar situation. Jesus not only warned Christians about the destruction of Jerusalem but also used those first-century events to parallel what will occur when the “great tribulation” suddenly breaks out.
The Watchtower, July 15, 2015, p. 15.
… like the Christians in Paul’s day, none of us should lose sight of this key fact— soon we will face the most challenging test of our faith!… What will help us to prepare for the events that lie immediately ahead of us?
The Watchtower, January 2016 (Study Edition), p. 8.
Very soon the political powers of Satan’s world will form a coalition that is bent on the destruction of God’s people… Ezekiel’s prophecy describes these forces as covering the land like the clouds and coming up against us in a fury, riding on horses… At that critical moment during the great tribulation, the angelic soldiers of Jehovah of armies will come together to protect God’s people and destroy those who oppose his sovereignty.
The Watchtower, October 2017 (Study Edition), p. 28.
2021-2025
Soon, when God’s new heavenly government exercises authority over all mankind, the earth will become a happy place where people can live together in harmony and do good and satisfying work… Even now, millions worldwide are preparing for mankind’s new beginning so near at hand… Find out more about how you can survive the end of this world and live in the better world soon to come.
The Watchtower (Public), 2021, n. 2, pp. 13, 15.
Our loving heavenly Father is very patient with imperfect mankind… However, in order to accomplish his purpose, he will act to destroy the wicked very soon. How should this motivate us to listen to correction and to preach with urgency?… Very soon Jehovah’s patience with this world will end… we know that we are living at the end of “the last days.”
Our Christian Life and Ministry — Meeting Workbook — November 2022, pp. 10, 11.
A proclamation of “peace and security” will be made… Then the world’s political powers will turn on false religion and wipe it out… They will then attack God’s people… These events will lead directly to the final war of Armageddon… We can be certain that these events will shortly take place.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), August 2023, p. 13.
We are living deep in the last days,… We can be sure that if we keep enduring faithfully, Jehovah will reward us. That includes the wonderful promise that in time he will wipe out every tear of sorrow, betrayal, and despair from our eyes.
The Watchtower, December 2024 (Study Edition), p. 25.
Our understanding of Bible prophecy can move us to preach with zeal. We know that the time left for this system is short. We recognize that current events and the attitude of people today reflect what the Bible foretold would mark the last days… We are convinced that as the prophecy indicates, soon — very soon — God’s Kingdom will destroy human governments. All these prophecies reveal where we are in the stream of time and spur us on to preach with a sense of urgency.
The Watchtower, March 2025 (Study Edition), p. 16.
In the near future, Jesus will wage war against God’s enemies and destroy the wicked at Armageddon… He will resurrect the dead. He will make the whole earth a paradise.
The Watchtower, May 2025 (Study Edition), p. 24.
Featured Image: Representation of “Armageddon” – Photo-Drama of Creation (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society – 1914).
