Interesting what things you highlighted there Deeje. I was pointing out how the GB claims they are Christs "substitutes". You avoided that!
2Co 5:20-21 (ESVST) 20 Therefore,
we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Ambassador - (STRONG) g4243. πρεσβεύω presbeuō; from the base of 4245; to be a senior, i. e. (by implication)
act as a representative (figuratively, preacher):— be an ambassador.
*** w98 12/15 p. 18 par. 10 This Is the Day of Salvation! ***
10 Jehovah has committed the ministry of reconciliation to the anointed, so Paul could say: “We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us.
As substitutes for Christ we beg: ‘Become reconciled to God.’” (
2 Corinthians 5:20) In ancient times, ambassadors were dispatched mainly during periods of hostility to see if warfare could be averted. (
Luke 14:31, 32) Since the sinful world of mankind is alienated from God, he has sent his anointed ambassadors forth to inform people of his terms for reconciliation.
As substitutes for Christ, anointed ones beg: “Become reconciled to God.” This entreaty is a merciful urging to seek peace with God and accept the salvation he makes possible through Christ.
I totally agree that we are "ambassadors" of Christ, are acting in "behalf" of Christ. The GB is teaching that they are "substitutes" for Christ, not "representatives" of Christ. There is a difference. And if you read 2Cor 5:20, 21 you'll not find the word "anointed" anywhere, why do you add a word that is not there?
The last sentence in that paragraph says, "
As substitutes for Christ, anointed ones beg: “Become reconciled to God.” This entreaty is a merciful urging to seek peace with God and accept the salvation he makes possible through Christ." Isn't this what every JW does, not just the anointed?