in this instance the apostle mentioned fornication, making the powerful point that a fornicator has no “inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God.” So, there are times when it is not at all sinful to mention or discuss fornication.

Paul was urging the Ephesians to watch their conduct, speech and thoughts. They were to become imitators of God, who is perfect, clean and upright in every way. Certainly, then, fornication was not to be a subject of regular conversation among them. They should not pruriently describe immoral acts and discuss fornication for the purpose of deriving sensual pleasure in some manner from such discussion.

However, if one took the position that it is always a sin to consider anything about fornication, he would have to delete from his reading material certain portions of the Bible. This would not please God, for there should be no such personal editing of the Scriptures. (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5, 6; Rev. 22:18, 19) Yes; the Bible itself frankly discusses fornication a number of times and condemns those who practice it. For example, the Scriptures state: “Flee from fornication.” “For this is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication.” “But as for the . . . fornicators . . . their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This means the second death.” (1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Thess. 4:3; Rev. 21:8) Some may think it indelicate to discuss the Scriptural view of fornication. Others may actually oppose ‘letter-of-the-law’ adherence to portions of the Bible, while themselves personally violating what is said at Ephesians 5:3. But Christians know that Scriptural warnings against fornication are a safeguard to individuals who are inclined toward righteousness.

Hence, in its publications the Watch Tower Society at times publishes Biblically-based information regarding fornication. For instance, in Awake! of May 8, 1966, there appears an article entitled “Does Your Minister Approve of Fornication?” While it discloses the startling fact that many clergymen do approve of fornication, this article proves from the Holy Scriptures that Almighty God does not.

Is it important to realize that Jehovah God condemns fornication and is it imperative to shun it personally? Indeed it is, for the apostle Paul candidly wrote under divine inspiration: “What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Cor. 6:9, 10.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Jehovah’s witnesses know that the things that God says in his Word are true, and by their ministry they endeavor to aid others to have that same conviction. (Rom. 3:4) For that reason, during December they will be calling at the homes of persons everywhere to talk to them about the Bible, and, to aid in a study of God’s Word, they will offer them the modern-English New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the 416-page book Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God, with two booklets, for only $1.50.

1967 YEARBOOK AND CALENDAR

Freedom has taken on a new meaning due to the “God’s Sons of Liberty” District Assemblies this past summer. Likewise, interest in the preaching of the liberating effects of God’s kingdom has been stimulated on a worldwide scale. Therefore, the 1967 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses gains new importance as it brings you an informative and heartwarming report of this modern-day example of preaching as Jesus did it. Get your copy for only 50c. A beautifully illustrated calendar for 1967 will also bring you pleasure throughout the coming year. It is only 25c. Send today.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

January 15: No Healing Till Houses Are Without Man. Page 745. Songs to Be Used: 114, 109.

January 22: Have You Said: “Here I Am! Send Me”? Page 752. Songs to Be Used: 108, 107.