A Statement from Morton Edgar Regarding Rutherford's "Organization."

Morton Edgar, a prominent writer amongst the Bible Students even in the days of Russell, wrote the following in the latter 1920s, in response to Rutherford's new "organization" doctrine. Edgar's statement reflected the sentiments of many Bible Students living at that time, as they were appalled at what Rutherford was doing with the Watch Tower Society that had been formed for different purposes.

The word “organisation” does not occur in the Bible, and its use is apt to mislead. The Scriptural word is “kingdom”; and our Lord distinctly said that “the kingdom of God cometh not with observation”—with outward show—Luke 17:20. Therefore there is no “visible organisation of God on earth,” as is claimed by some to their undoing.

We interrupt here to note that this is what Brother Russell had taught throughout the years of his ministry, right on up to to his death in 1916. The idea that there is no "visible organisation of God on earth" did not originate with  Brother Edgar. It is what Brother Russell had stated many times. For instance, Russell stated: "There is no organization today clothed with authority." (Watch Tower, October 1, 1893, page 1573)  A year later, he stated, "A visible organization is out of harmony with God’s divine plan." (Watch Tower, December 1, 1894, page 1743) That he was still holding to this view in 1915 can be seen from his statement, "There would be nothing to come out of, as an organization, if one is an International Bible Student." (The Watch Tower, July 15, 1915, pages 218, 219) And just before his death, in 1916, Russell stated concerning the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of his day: "Let it be borne in mind that the Society exercises no authority, makes no criticism, but merely gives advice; and that in the interest of the Lord’s Cause and the Lord’s people." (The Watch Tower, August 15, 1916, page 248) Russell consistently refused to accept any special authority over fellow believers. For more related to this, see our links to research related to Brother Russell, Authority and Organization

Brother Edgar continued:

How often Brother Russell warned us against this very thing, and how foolish we shall be if we do not heed his warning. We shall indeed be foolish if we claim that “only through our system or organisation will the heavenly Father accept praise and service”; for this would make it appear necessary for every spirit-begotten child of God to “bow the knee” to the few who have constituted themselves heads of the organisation. The apostle shows that it is only the carnal, fleshly mind that is deceived by such unscriptural claims—1 Cor. 3:1-6, 18-23....

I for one entirely repudiate this talk of “God’s visible organization on earth” during this Gospel Age. It is dangerous talk, and gives rise to all kinds of persecutions and ungodly claims, as anyone who has consecrated reasoning powers can see.... If there was one thing that our dear Brother Russell warned us against, more strongly than any other, it was this very thing. Brother Russell never made any such claim for the “Society” when he was here in the flesh and amongst us, for he knew better. But Judge Rutherford, apparently, does not know enough to keep himself clear of it. In the very first chapter of the first volume of “Studies,” Brother Russell speaks of this “false idea that the nominal church, in its present condition, is the sole agency” for the recovery of the world from sin. -- Published in "Gleanings From Glasgow"

As many have pointed out, as sectarian leadership power increases in the hands of imperfect men, the persecuted become the persecutors of others who disagree with them. The apostle Paul warned against such in 1 Corinthians 4:8. When imperfect men claim or are attributed such power, a carnal sectarian spirit of rulership takes over (1 Corinthians 3:1-4), and the words of love that Jesus proclaimed (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27,35) are either forgotten or twisted to fit the sectarian claims. Outward love may be claimed by those within a certain sectarian fellowship, but Jesus stated, "If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?" -- Matthew 5:46,47.

Our concluding thoughts: While God is allowing sectarian divisions at the present time, as well as persecutions of each other between such sects. the time will come when all of God's people will serve Jehovah "shoulder to shoulder." (Zephaniah 3:9) While many sects claim this as being fulfilled in their own particular group, this, we believe, will not have its fulfillment until after Satan has been abyssed so that he no longer will be allowed to deceive the people. (Revelation 20:3) Then, not only will the various sects among Christians fade away, so will all religions of man cease to exist, as all people of all nations learn the ways of Jehovah. (Isaiah 2:2-4)  Jesus will not allow any of the sectarian denominational divisions (heresies) to continue into the age to come. 

Some Related Links
What Did C. T. Russell Teach About “Organization” As Related to the Watch Tower?
Who Did Russell Actually Believe to Be the “only authority” of the Church?