📘 Deliverance (1926) – Rutherford’s Follow-Up to The Harp of God
🔹 Title:
Deliverance
🔹 Author:
Joseph F. Rutherford
🔹 Publication Year:
1926
🔹 Purpose of the Book:
Published as a continuation of Rutherford’s bold doctrinal messaging, Deliverance was written to affirm the role of Christ as humanity’s deliverer, stress the urgency of Armageddon, and encourage Jehovah’s people to remain separate from the world. It expanded upon the idea of the “faithful and discreet slave,” the return of the ancient worthies, and divine intervention through angels and Christ’s Kingdom. The tone was increasingly militant and organizationally centralized, marking a clear departure from the more academic style of the Russell era.
🆓 Public Domain Use
Deliverance, published in 1926 by Joseph F. Rutherford, is in the public domain under U.S. law. As it was published before 1929 and no copyright renewals were filed, this book may be freely copied, shared, reproduced, or reformatted without permission or payment of royalties.
1926_Deliverance❗ Doctrinal Issues & Revisions
| 🔍 Topic | 📖 What Rutherford Taught (1926) | ⚠️ Later Concern or Change |
|---|---|---|
| Angelic Deliverance | Angels are actively guiding the remnant and assisting in proclaiming truth. | Emphasis on direct angelic involvement was later downplayed in JW teachings. |
| Ancient Worthies Return | Faithful men like Abraham would soon return to live visibly on Earth. | This event never occurred, echoing the failed 1925 expectations. |
| Armageddon Urgency | Declared Armageddon was imminent, closely linked to post-WWI events. | Nearly a century has passed without fulfillment, leading to doctrinal reshaping. |
| Faithful and Wise Servant | Reinforced the idea that Rutherford himself represented Christ’s appointed servant. | Later replaced by the Governing Body collective authority model. |
| Anti-Clergy Rhetoric | Described Christendom’s clergy as Satan’s agents opposing God’s Kingdom. | Still taught, but critics note the rhetoric became increasingly militant and divisive. |
Final Thoughts
Dear brothers and sisters, Deliverance was meant to comfort and strengthen Jehovah’s people during difficult times. Brother Rutherford’s bold approach aimed to assure us that Jehovah was actively guiding His people and that deliverance was near. Though many of its prophetic expectations did not come to pass, we reflect on these writings not to judge harshly, but to keep seeking the pure truth found in God’s Word. May our faith continue to rest in Jehovah, not in men or publications, as we press on in our search for clarity and spiritual integrity.