Russell Acknowledges Jesus as "Channel"

We are giving below some quotes from Charles Taze Russell that show that he believed Jesus to be the channel between God and man. One should note that Russell was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, and he did not preach that one had to come to an organization headed by men here on earth to be saved from the second death in Armageddon.

It was quite proper that these disciples did not follow the course that some are inclined to follow today, viz., to seek to learn of the Master all that he would communicate, and then go forth and pose as wise ones amongst their friends, giving them the information they had received in driblets, and avoiding the mention of Jesus as the Father's channel of communication of the truth to them. -- "We Have Found Him! Eureka!", Watch Tower, February 1, 1900.

In context, Russell spoke of "Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life – the channel of approach to God", obviously referring to John 14:6. Russell also stated: "It would be well if all of the Lord's dear followers would ... learn not to attempt to take the Master's place, but to bring all true Israelites direct to him, as the Teacher." And yet, many who were associated with Russell did this very thing. Many, in effect, were indeed preaching Brother Russell, even claiming Russell was a prophet (which Russell himself denied). Later, it was claimed that the Watch Tower Society itself is God's channel of communication. All of this, however, was contrary to what Russell himself actually taught.

None have life in a legal sense except those who have obtained it from God through His provided channel Christ Jesus. -- "From Death to Life in Christ", Harvest Gleanings III.

Again, we should note that Russell did not preach that one had to come to an organization headed by men here on earth for salvation. His teaching was not the same as those, after Russell died, usurped authority and who began to demand that all had to agree with the Watch Tower, or possible go into the second death. After Russell died, the WTS leadership rejected Russell's scriptural discernment concerning the "second death", and presented a "new light" that allowed them to, in effect, use the "second death" as a whip or thrashing rod to beat fellow servants into subjection. -- Luke 12:45.

All resolutions against sin and in favor of righteous thinking and living are commendable and helpful. But I recommend a comprehensive resolution; namely, to get right with God through His appointed Channel, the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the instructions of His Word, the Bible. -- "A New Epoch Starts", Harvest Gleanings III.

Again, Brother Russell points to Christ as God's appointed channel. Russell did not point to himself, the to the Bible Students, or to any organization headed by mean here on earth, as being the channel that God is using for salvation.

Concerning salvation of mankind, "which they cannot do for themselves", Russell stated that God...

is to do this work through Jesus, His appointed Channel. -- "New Creatures Perfect in Holiness", Harvest Gleanings III.

Russell preached nothing about saving as many as possible of the world from the second death in Armageddon by coming to an organization claiming to be "God's channel" upon earth. Yes, Russell did believe that "Jesus and the Church shall be a Priesthood to bless and instruct the world, over whom they will reign as Kings." However, this is not pertaining to the present age, in which Satan is still blinding the minds of the people. Russell goes on to show that this takes place in what he called the "millennial age", that is, during the thousand year when Satan is abyssed so that he is not able to deceive the nations (heathen). -- Revelation 20:3. ******

We see that our present appreciation of Divine goodness implies three gifts: (1) The Divine provision of eternal life, (2) Christ the Channel, and (3) the knowledge by which we are enabled to appreciate both the Gift and the Channel. -- "God's Unspeakable Gift", Harvest Gleanings II.

Again, Russell did not add an organization governed by men on earth as a channel to receive life, or to receive this knowledge. 

The channel of all of God's Mercy is Christ Jesus, who declared, "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." Of Him also St. Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under Heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.)  -- "Hope for the Sodomites", Watch Tower, February 1, 1913.

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Related:

Who Did Russell Believe to be the "Only Authority" of the Church?

What Did Russell Teach About "Organization" as Related to the Watch Tower Society?