Watchtower False Prophecies

First, let it be known that Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be a “Prophet of God.” See The Watchtower, April 1, 1972 & see the definition of a false prophet in Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

A goose in penguin’s clothing …

1874 > “His [Christ Jesus’] presence beginning in 1874, … harvest work from 1878 forward … until the end of the gentile rule … therefore, the end of the world.” The Harp of God, p. 244

NOTE: There are several editions of most if not all of these publications, often with date and other changes made as time goes on. So, the page number in one edition may not match with other editions. Generally, we possess the edition first mentioned, but online are different editions and are noted.

1889 > “‘The battle of the great day of God Almighty’ (Rev. 16:14.), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of the earth’s present rulership, is already commenced.” The Time Is at Hand, 1902 Edition, p. 101 (first full paragraph; online is a different edition)

1914 > Full end of Gentile Times; Church to be taken home in a rapture; “So, the, Gentile rule … will end at the time appointed [1914]. The Time Is at Hand, Charles Taze Russell, 1902 Edition, pp. 76-78 (Quote online is found in the last paragraph of p. 78 and the discussion continues. Note especially the middle paragraph of p. 79; online is different edition)

1914 > “The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures.” Pastor Russell’s Sermons, p. 676 (SM676 in the linked PDF)

1917 > “Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and church members by the millions…” The Finished Mystery, 1918 Edition, p. 485, end of second full paragraph)

1918 > “Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection.” Millions Now Living Will Never Die, pp. 89-90 (end of p. 89 and over to p.90)

1922 > “The date of 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1919.” —The Watchtower, September, 1, 1922, p. 262

1935 > The time period from 1914 until Armageddon is the “great tribulation.” —The Watchtower, August 15, 1935, p. 246, 251

1941 > We are “in the remaining months before Armageddon” —The Watchtower, September 15, 1941, p. 288

1968 > “According to this trustworthy Bible chronology, 6,000 years from man’s creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of 1000 years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975.” —Life Everlasting, p. 29 (Adam and Eve were created in 4026 B.C. —The Watchtower, May 1, 1968, p. 271)

1968 > “Why are you looking forward to 1975?” —The Watchtower, August 15, 1968

1976 > “Armageddon will come after the time period corresponding with the time between Adam’s creation and Eve’s creation.” —The Watchtower, 7/76, p. 436

These are just a few of the false prophecies that the Organization has made,

but the question is:

HOW MANY FALSE PROPHECIES DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A FALSE PROPHET?

Our sources:

Many of the books we have in our library, many in several editions as they tend to change dates and information in subsequent editions.

Most of the links are from a site called Internet Archives. Their site has many scanned WTB&TS books, magazines, newspaper clippings, etc., as well as materials from precursor groups such as the Millerites.

The files are large (full books often). They do not have more recent materials so you will not find a link for every publication on this page. We will work to find more links to share.

JW-Wayback/Watchtower Wayback focuses on Watchtower publications.

World Cat is a site that makes available library books from around the U.S. and perhaps beyond, including Watchtower publications.